CHIPS September 21, 2017

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Spanish Brass performs for Center Stage

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Luther welcomes new faculty

Tennis courts dedicated before alumni meet

COLLEGE

LUTHER “Let the chips fall where they may.”

VOLUME 140, NO. 2 • EST. 1884

SEPTEMBER 21, 2017

College responds to pending DACA elimination

Luther sees record number of international students

ANTHONY RAMÓN PÉREZ SOTO STAFF WRITER & ANA LÓPEZ NEWS EDITOR President Paula Carlson released a statement regarding President Trump’s move to end the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) on Sept. 5. The College also signed three letters by the American Council on Education addressed to Trump as well a held and informational meeting for students potentially affected by DACA’s removal.

In the statement, Carlson highlighted Luther’s commitment to its students.

“We are committed to being a global learning community that welcomes, supports and celebrates people of all faiths and backgrounds,” Carlson said.

The statement mentioned that Luther students protected under DACA will continue to have financial aid provided by the institution. The college will also look for resources to help students stay enrolled and complete their education.

As a part of the college’s reaction, Carlson joined efforts with over 500 colleges in write to Trump and other legislators to defend DACA recipients.

“We are working with national and state officials to pass legislation as soon as possible to permanently protect those individuals,” Carlson said.

DACA | PAGE 4

Yukesh Mikchan (‘21) holds a conversation during the 2017 International Student Welcome Dinner.

Jorge Contreras (‘20) | Chips

JORGE CONTRERAS STAFF WRITER Going against a national trend in international students’ enrollment, Luther’s incoming class of international students is a record high for the college.

Fifty-two new international students enrolled this fall. Luther College now has 161 international students from 73 different countries on F-1 student visas. Firstyears and transfer students this year account for 32 percent of the total number of international students.

International Student coordinator of the Diversity Center Amy Webber commented on the impact of this increase for the Luther community.

“A more diverse group of students brings a wider scope of perspectives to the classroom and campus life,”

Webber said. “Students from small towns or even insulated neighborhoods in cities don’t often have the chance to interact with someone unlike themselves. The possibilities for expanded worldviews among both groups can only be positive in the long run.”

Executive Director for Global Learning and International Admissions Jon Lund discussed the impact of the increased number of international applicants.

“We had the largest applicant pool ever, over 600 international applicants, which allowed us to have a bigger pool of students from which to draw,” Lund said. “We have tried to diversify the pool of applicants and the countries from which they come over the years. Sometimes this takes time and sometimes a bit of luck.”

INTERNATIONAL | PAGE 4

Interfaith in Action travels to conference FORREST STEWART STAFF WRITER Members of the student organization Interfaith in Action travelled to Chicago in August to attend the Interfaith Youth Core (IFYC), a conference centered around interfaith cooperation.

IFYC brought together both students and educators from all over the country interested in interfaith issues. According to the IFYC web page, the purpose of the conference is for attendees “to learn, train, share, and get inspired to bring the movement for interfaith cooperation back to their campuses and communities.”

Interfaith in Action President Rebecka Green (‘19), Vice President Ashalul Aden (‘20), Volunteer Coordinator Claire Eichhorn (‘19), Research Assistant Elizabeth Wiebke (‘19), Group Member Becca Buse (‘19), and College Pastor Mike Blair all attended the conference in August. “[We went to the conference] to help get [Interfaith in Action] started and get more of a framework for how we wanted the group to work,” Eichhorn said. “We also wanted to learn what we can do on our campus to make the work more successful.”

Green also shared the general goals of Interfaith in Action for this year. “[Our goals are] to teach interfaith literacy, support interfaith dialogue, and inform the public on what interfaith is,” Green said.

The group aims to expand its membership and be an active force in the Decorah community.

“We’re hoping to do a lot of service projects, bring people together and to participate in service in the area and at Luther,” Eichhorn said.

Members of Interfaith in Action discuss during their first meeting .

Forrest Stewart (‘19) | Chips

INTERFAITH | PAGE 4

NEWS

PAGE 2 SEPTEMBER 21, 2017

NEWS EDITORS: KATRINA MEYER & ANA LÓPEZ

Luther listed as "Cool School"

Luther community takes action in wake of Hurricane Irma OLIVIA ENQUIST STAFF WRITER

President Carlson speaks at the dedication of the solar panel fields April 2016.

MARTIN DONOVAN STAFF WRITER S ierra Magazine ranked Luther College 116 on their "Cool Schools" list for sustainable college campuses.

In the U.S., Luther also ranked the highest among private colleges in Iowa and was one of the few Evangelical Lutheran Church of America schools on the list.

Sierra Club collaborated with the Association for the Advancement of Sustainability in Higher Education (AASHE) to compile data from over 200 schools in order to create their ranking system. According to their website, Sierra Club gathered data from a program developed by AASHE called the Sustainability Tracking, Assessment, and Rating System (STARS), which acted as the foundation for understanding sustainability on college campuses.

Sierra Magazine uses STARS to create their ranking by pulling data from 61 questions that they viewed as relevant for their list. Schools received points for their STARS rating based on a broad spectrum of criteria such as renewable energy sources, transportation, and decreasing the use of fossil fuel.

Assistant Director for the Center for Sustainable Communities Maren Beard views the Cool Schools ranking as way to advance Luther’s sustainability efforts. She also thinks it serves as a valuable comparison with other schools.

“I think there is a healthy competition with schools in higher education because we all want to be doing really well,” Beard said. “It’s a cool platform to compare each other and to also compare ourselves from

previous years.”

According to Assistant Director for the Center for Sustainable Communities Emily Neal, the Cool Schools ranking is a positive reflection of Luther’s efforts.

“It’s a great celebration of what we are doing well," Neal said. "I think it’s an honor and I think Luther is a leader in sustainability work. We are a leader in innovation and in ways in which we embed and integrate sustainability into all aspects of the college.”

Projects such as the installation of the wind turbine and investments in solar panels have contributed to Luther’s sustainability efforts by decreasing the school's carbon emissions. However, the Center for Sustainable Communities is still looking to further their environmental work by continuing to decrease Luther’s greenhouse gas emissions.

“We just had a big study done on our heating ventilation and cooling systems to see what we could do over the next 10 to 15 years because natural gas and heating are really big parts of our carbon footprint,” Beard said. “We have already reduced our carbon footprint by 53 percent from its peak in 2003 and 2004, and our goal is to get to 70 percent reduction by 2020 and carbon neutrality by 2030.”

Sierra Magazine’s Cool Schools ranking does not only take quantifiable data into account, but also looks at colleges’ investments in academic courses that pertain to sustainability.

“We are doing really well with regards to the curriculum. A high percentage of our courses relate

Will Heller (‘16) | Photo Bureau to sustainability,” Beard said. “81 percent of all academic departments [at Luther] do research that relates to sustainability.”

While faculty and staff have contributed to Luther’s sustainability efforts, Beard attributed much of Luther’s progress to students’ ideas and actions.

“Most initiatives that you have seen or heard stemmed from student ideas,” Beard said. “The sustainability house is a student proposal. Edible landscapes were built because students wanted them. Baker Village is geothermal because students really pushed hard.”

According to Beard, Luther’s Cool Schools ranking could have been higher. However, Luther’s STARS assessment did not include innovation, which resulted in Luther receiving 0 out of 40 points in that category.

“I realized that there is one category called innovation and we had four innovation items we could have added to our STARS report, but I didn’t do it because I thought they would be duplicates,” Beard said. “I think we could have been higher in the ranking if we had done that.”

Professor of Religion and Chair for the Energy and Climate Program for the Center for Sustainable Communities Jim Martin-Schramm says that the center’s work goes beyond environmentalism.

“When most people think of the Center for Sustainable Communities they’re just thinking about it through an environmental lens,” MartinSchramm said. “The center is looking at it through the lens of social justice, economic prosperity, and environmental integrity.”

Hurricane Irma hit South Atlantic states starting Sept.

10. The hurricane, which was originally forcasted to hit areas of Florida and the Caribbean, made an unexpected turn, causing major damage and unexpected flooding.

With many Luther students impacted by the natural disaster, student groups on campus are discussing ways to raise money to help those who were affected.

Yassine Ouazzani ('19) described the impact that the hurricane had on his family’s home in Tampa, Fla., and the unforeseen consequences for stores in the area while people were trying to prepare for the storm.

“I’m from Tampa and the storm went right through my home town, but by the time it hit us the storm had gotten pretty weak,” Ouazzani said. “The most we experienced in my area were a few floods as well as some tree damage around the city and surrounding areas. The chaos before the hurricane hit was pretty crazy. I heard stations kept running out of gas and that gas prices skyrocketed. Grocery stores had to ration water out to people because everyone kept running out of water and other essentials before the storm."

President of Luther College Habitat for Humanity Morgan King ('19) described how her family and home were impacted by the hurricane hitting an area that was not originally forecasted to receive damage.

“The hurricane hit Florida and surprisingly turned inland, which put my home in Georgia in the line of the tropical storm,” King said. “Luckily, we had heavy rain and 70 mph winds instead of worse."

King said that Habitat for Humanity will fundraise to help Irma victims.

“We will be discussing donations for Habitat communities affected by the hurricane,” King said.

“Our Habitat pancake breakfast that we are having this Saturday Sept. 23 at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church will also be an opportunity for us to raise money for the communities affected by the hurricane.”

Along with Habitat for Humanity, Luther College Ministries began fundraising for victims of Irma.

Student Congregation Vice President Alex Aakre ('19) said that there is a scheduled Caf Fast, a fundraiser where students can give up a meal swipe to donate the proceeds to the relief efforts. “[The fast] is going to assist with the damage done

by Hurricanes Harvey and Irma,” Aakre said. “A lot of people will donate to Hurricane Harvey so we’re going to designate it to where the Evangelical Lutheran Church of America (ELCA) believes the money will do the most good. The money will probably go to Irma, since people may tend to donate less to that.”

One function of the ELCA is to perform outreach. The proceeds of the Caf Fast will be donated to the Lutheran Disaster Response focused on hurricane relief.

“The ELCA is a good organization because 100 percent of what you donate goes back to help the cause,” Aakre said. “It’s a great organization if you want to donate personally. The people that work there have salaries that are set aside from those funds, or are volunteers, so all the money goes towards relief.”

The Caf fast will take place on Friday, Sept. 29.

The Student Congregation will be collecting swipe donations outside the Caf leading up to Sept. 29.

NEWS

PAGE 3

NEWS EDITORS: KATRINA MEYER & ANA LÓPEZ

SEPTEMBER 21, 2017

Film crew chronicles Chris Norton's story in upcoming documentary

WEATHER THURSDAY Thunderstorms

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80/60 For the film, Luther lent the film crew the uniforms which Norton's team would have worn.

Photo Courtesy of "7 Yards: The Chris Norton Story" Facebook page

NATALIE NELSON STAFF WRITER A film crew visited Luther to collect footage for a documentary about Luther alum Chris Norton ('14) on Sept. 10.

The film crew, Fotolanthropy, is a non-profit that chooses one inspiring story to document each year. This year, Fotolanthropy is telling the story of Norton's journey from paralysis to motivational speaker.

Norton, who is CEO of Norton Motivation, a motivational speaker, and co-author of the book "The Power of Faith When Tragedy Strikes, played football at Luther until an accident resulted in his paralysis.

The focus of the film will be on motivation and not on the injury itself, according to Head Football Coach Aaron Hafner.

“These same accidents happen every day in car accidents or other athletic

injuries,” Hafner said. “That’s not what this story is about. It’s about hope and inspiration and I think our kids have really grasped that. This could happen to anybody, and the key is how you’re going to react to that accident.”

The film, titled "7 Yards," will cover Norton’s injury, rehabilitation, and his seven-yard walk down the aisle at his wedding on April 21, 2018.

“I hope that it gives people empowerment that they can overcome any challenges or adversity,” Norton said. “We all struggle with something.

We all have our challenges. If we stay the course and choose to keep moving forward with our lives, beautiful things can happen.”

Assistant Football Coach Del Ciucci ('14) was Norton’s roommate for three years following the injury. Ciucci explained why he finds Norton's story so inspirational.

“Norton had a three percent chance

The film crew shooting footage in the locker room.

Photo courtesy of "7 Yards: The Chris Norton Story" Facebook page

of ever moving anything below his neck post-injury and he moved his foot two weeks later,” Ciucci said. “He walked across the stage for graduation. It’s pretty incredible.”

Ciucci thinks that the recovery was in large part due to Norton’s character.

“He wouldn’t be where he is today if he wasn’t the way he is," Ciucci said. "He works harder than probably anybody I know, so that’s what makes him such an inspirational person.”

Norton said that he does not have negative feelings about football, nor does he view his injury as a tragedy.

“I would consider it to be a defining moment of my life, not a tragedy,” Norton said. “I don’t think God puts people through bad events, but I think He will help you create a purpose from it. What I considered to be my worst nightmare was to be paralyzed and I’ve learned that you can get through it. All those different pieces have shaped who I am and my purpose.”

Norton expressed his appreciation for everyone who was involved with the film’s production.

“Luther College, Aaron Hafner, and the football team have been so easy to work with,” Norton said. “Three hundred audience members were out in the sun for three hours to be extras in the film. Luther College lent the uniforms from when I was playing. So many groups and so many people have really sacrificed for the film to make it as real as possible.”

The trailer will be released on Oct. 16 to start fundraising in order to finish production of the film, which will likely come out during the fall of 2018.

Donations and more information can currently be found at the film’s website: http://www.nortonmotivation.com/.

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NEWS

PAGE 4

SEPTEMBER 21, 2017

Life Outside Luther U.S.Defense secretary hints on military options against North Korea U.S. Defense Secretary Jim Mattis hinted at the possibility of taking military action against North Korea.

The exact details of this action are still to be determined. According to the U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations Nikki Haley, the UN Security council has not been able to determine measures to contain North Korea's nuclear program.

Hurricane Maria Hits the island of Dominica Hurricane Maria hits the Puerto Rican island of Dominica. The storm has gained the strength of a category five storm. If Maria keeps gaining strength, this would make Maria the most powerful hurricane to hit Puerto Rico in 85 years.

U.S. Senate passes $700 billion defense policy bill Backing President Trump's initiative for a bigger and stronger military, the chamber passed a $700 billion version of the defense policy bill. The bill provides about $60 billion to fund conflicts in Afghanistan, Iraq, Syria, etc. The bill includes a pay raise of 2.1% to the military among other things.

Former Trump Campaign Chairman wiretapped under court orders After a secret court order, authorities wiretapped former Trump campaign chairman Paul Manafort.

The wiretapping happened before and after the 2016 election. Manafort is being investigated as a part of the case for Russian interference in the election.

Bangladesh Prime Minister claims she doesn't expect support from President Trump on refugees fleeing Myanmar.

The Prime Minister of Bangladesh Sheikh Hasina Wazed faces difficulties as the Rohingya population in Myanmar is victim of terrorism.

The Rohingya are regarded as illegal immigrants from Bangladesh by many Buddhists in Myanmar. Hasina Wazed explained that she is not expecting help from the President Trump although she did call for more international involvement in the region.

Taken from: reuters.com

POLICE BLOTTER Sept. 16 On Sept.16 Luther College Security reported an odor of marijuana in a residence hall. Officers located the origin of the odor and charged a subject with Possession of a Controlled Substance (marijuana), First Offense and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia.

The information in the log comes from the Decorah police department activity bulletin.

All those accused of violating the law are innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

NEWS EDITORS: KATRINA MEYER & ANA LÓPEZ INTERNATIONAL | PAGE 1 Webber and Lund explained that embracing diversity has been an important goal for the admissions department.

“I’m always delighted to welcome so many new students from around the globe,” Webber said. “Increasing Luther’s diversity has long been a goal and the new class represents a wide diversity of backgrounds. I hope students and faculty alike will take the time to listen to their stories.”

Luther College hosts an annual welcome dinner for international students at Peace Dining. At this year’s event, Interim Dean for Institutional Equity and Inclusion Lisa Scott welcomed the new international first-years. After, the students introduced themselves and shared some of their background information. Alonso Zevallos (‘21), a Mexican-Costa Rican student, attended the dinner and shared his experience as an incoming international student.

“Being an international student at Luther is probably one of the most fulfilling experiences that I could have ever asked for,” Zevallos said. “Both my colleagues and my professors are actively engaged in trying to learn about my culture whilst aiding me to adapt proficiently to the new environment”.

Lund and Webber continued to note the importance of this year’s admissions, identifying some potential challenges to the increase in this incoming class.

“Applications have increased from

about 200 applicants seven years ago to over 600 today. Luther’s reputation abroad continues to grow, which is gratifying”. Lund said.

Webber added that there are challenges that come with an increase in international students, “Challenges may appear when resources aren’t sufficient to help support those interactions or cultural adjustment,” Webber said. “More students require more resources. The Diversity Center works hard to provide equity and access to opportunities and support, but the adage is true that it takes the whole campus to support diversity work”.

Lund also commented on these challenges.

“The downside is if we try to grow too quickly without the appropriate support systems in place on campus,” Lund said. “That is not our situation since the overall increase is still rather modest, and we are well prepared to support students who attend Luther.”

Despite all the changes in immigration policies that are occurring in the U.S. Zevallos feels accepted and safe at Luther College.

“I feel like Luther has effectively shielded itself from those issues,” Zevallos said. “I believe Luther to be a very good place for international students because we are more in number than other places. This allows for a very good construction of what international students can offer to a place like Luther whilst having a significant impact on the community. I am glad to be in a place that is very welcoming.”

Noor Bibi ('21) and Assistant Professor of Social Work Susan Schmidt greet each other at the 2017 Diversity Center Welcome Dinner.

Photo Courtesy of Hasan Muhammad INTERFAITH | PAGE 1 Each year on the anniversary of the 9/11 attacks, there is an interfaith-themed chapel talk. Inspired by their time at the IFYC conference, Green and Aden spoke at chapel on Sept. 11 regarding the importance of interfaith work.

Green and Aden explained that their chapel address was the first in a series of interfaith storytelling talks. The talks will feature members from the Luther community and their experiences with interfaith. There will be four sessions this semester on Oct. 9, Oct. 25, Nov. 15, and Dec 8.

“We put a lot of what we learned at the conference into the chapel talk,” said Green, “but we also each had our different perspectives on how we wanted to communicate our message.”

Green was pleased with how the talk went and believed that it resonated with the community. However, Green noted that discussions of interfaith topics at Luther do not always come about easily or naturally. Despite the challenges of cultivating meaningful interfaith dialogue in a religiously homogenous community, the members of Interfaith in Action are eager to start bringing together diverse voices for discussion, service, and learning.

Eichhorn said that one of the group's challenges is the definition of interfaith.

“Some people don't understand what interfaith is,” Eichhorn said.

“It can sound like something in which you have to be a super religious

DACA | PAGE 1 “We are working with national and state officials to pass legislation as soon as possible to permanently protect those individuals,” Carlson said.

Luther College signed a letter by the American Council on Education addressed to President Trump on March 16. The letter urges Trump to allow the “Dreamers” to continue contributing to the United States. The letter states: “These bright and talented young people are working, serving [...] or studying at colleges and universities. Because they now have permits they are making contributions to our society and our economy.”

The letter closes with a request: “On behalf of these college leaders, we urge you to continue your promise to support Dreamers and preserve DACA while seeking a permanent solution, and allow these productive and highachieving individuals to continue to work, study and contribute to our great country.”

In order to inform Luther students who might be potentially affected by the removal of DACA, Immigration Attorney and Director of Immigration and Refugee Services for the Catholic Charities Yer L. Vang held an informative session on Sept. 14.

Vang explained different procedures that DACA recipients must follow now that their legal status will be inevitably altered by Trump’s decision.

Vang commented on the role of higher education institutions in responding to this change in policy, “I do not see it as a challenge, but rather as an opportunity for institutions of higher education who want to be leaders in talking about what is fair and right in promoting education to students regardless of their legal migratory status,” Vang said.

Vang finished the session by encouraging students to get involved.

“If you are a friend, an ally; this is a great opportunity to get involved. Use this momentum to really do some strong advocacy,” Vang said.

A Luther student who was protected by DACA and wishes to remain anonymous, shared their frustrations and fears after the notice of the change in policy, “I fear that I will lose everything: my family and what I have built over the years, not being able to continue my education, and leaving everything behind to go to a place I am not familiar with or know anyone,” the student said. “We are here to improve our lives and those lives around us. We are just like you except without papers and that does not make us any less human. We are here to stay!”

In the statement, President Carlson encouraged students who may be affected by the policy change to contact Director of Diversity Center Wintlett Taylor-Browne for more information and resources.

person to participate and that’s not the case at all: it’s about bringing your full identity. If you don’t identify with any tradition, that’s fine.

You’re still an important part of interfaith work.”

The group members held planning meetings last year and are now holding hour long weekly meetings on Sundays in Center for Faith and Life room 205 starting at 7 p.m. They encourage anyone who is curious about interfaith topics to attend.

Members of Interfaith in Action Elizabeth Wiebke (‘19), Rebecka Green ('19) and Claire Eichhorn ('19) during their planning meeting.

Jorge Contreras (‘19) | Chips

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

PAGE 5

A&E EDITOR: LILY KIME

SEPTEMBER 21, 2017

Spanish Brass brings bold style to Center Stage Series CARA KEITH STAFF WRITER Spanish Brass enlivened the stage as the first performance in the 2017-18 Center Stage Series in the Center for Faith and Life (CFL) on Sept. 16. The quintet also taught a masterclass to Luther’s Noble Brass on Sept. 15.

Spanish Brass formed in 1989 and has since performed hundreds of concerts around the world and released 21 recordings.

The award-winning ensemble took first prize in the prestigious Narbonne International Brass Quintet Competition in 1996 and received the I Bankia Music Talent Award in Spain for the most influential music artists in 2017.

The five members who perform in Spanish Brass are Carlos Benetó and Juanjo Serna on trumpet, Manuel Pérez on French horn, Inda Bonet on trombone, and Sergio Finca on tuba.

According to Director of Campus Programming Paul Atkins, the quintet came to Luther when Spanish Brass’s American agent was contacted by the former Director of Campus Programming Yvonne Kuhlman to perform on campus as a part of their current U.S. tour. Kuhlman booked the quintet in the fall of 2016. The Performing Arts Committee (PAC) is the organization that sponsors the Center Stage Series and works with Atkins to bring these programs to campus.

According to PAC President Melissa Kirby (‘19), PAC was looking to bring diverse musical groups to campus.

Before the show, Benetó expressed his enthusiasm for the opportunity to perform in the CFL in front of Luther students

Spanish Brass performed in the Center for Faith and Life with their usual combination of bold music and distinctive humor.

Photo Courtesy of spanishbrass.com and members of the Decorah community.

“I checked out the concert hall and the community, and I felt excited to be in this large hall, which is beautiful and the sound is amazing,” Benetó said. “I’m for sure going to enjoy playing here.”

Spanish Brass’s performance style incorporates different genres of music into their show, including baroque, flamenco, and jazz.

“We try to make the show

easy,” Benetó said. “We explain the music, and we tell some jokes. We try to make people comfortable while sitting down during a two hour-long show and just make it fun.”

Throughout the performance, Spanish Brass spent time connecting with the audience and giving background information on each piece.

Attendee Rachel Bartleman (‘17) enjoyed hearing the different styles of music from Spanish brass.

Spanish Brass member Carlos Benetó instructs Michael Winkler (‘19) on quintet strategies during a masterclass.

Cara Keith (‘21) | Chips

“I found that the Spanish Brass was very unique in regards to a quintet ensemble,” Bartleman said. “They had switching parts and had quite a variety in regards to music. It wasn’t the same old classical quintets that you hear at college.”

The day before the performance, Spanish Brass directed a masterclass for Luther students that play brass instruments. When musical groups are invited to campus as a part of the Center Stage Series, they are asked to teach masterclasses for students at Luther College.

Kirby is familiar with these masterclasses and how they help students by giving them another perspective and new strategies for their own performances.

“A lot of our groups who come in love to work with students, especially out-of-the-country groups,” Kirby said. “It’s really beneficial for our bands and orchestras to hear Spanish Brass’s input, especially since they’ve been playing music for longer than we’ve been alive.”

The Noble Brass quintet, consisting of Michael Winkler (‘19) and Madison Ihde (‘19) on trumpet, Elyse Grothaus (‘19) on French horn, Elliot Douma (‘19) on trombone, and Gavin Schaeferle (‘19) on tuba, worked with Spanish Brass for an hour on the piece “Frost Fire” by Eric

Ewazen.

As Spanish Brass listened to Luther’s quintet, they occasionally stopped the musicians and offered feedback on their interpretation of the piece. According to Douma, they focused on helping the Noble Brass quintet work with each other more effectively. “[Spanish Brass’s] focus during the masterclass was on a brass quintet as its own instrument,” Douma said. “Rather than a collection of five musicians, your goal is to play as one cohesive unit that is playing with the same style.”

After both the masterclass and performance, Douma said he was able to reconize some of the strategies that they taught, such as the quintet’s ability to communicate in a performance and how that helps to maximize the sounds made during their performance. Benetó strives to teach students these techniques.

“The main message I would give to the young players is the way that we should feel the chamber music,” Benetó said.

“There are a lot of techniques that we can help to improve their skills.”

By the end of the master class, the students learned a variety of skills and techniques to apply to their next performance.

Spanish Brass will perform next in California and Texas.

FEATURES

PAGE 6 SEPTEMBER 21, 2017

FEATURES EDITOR: SHASA SARTIN

Alums welcomed back as faculty Mark Potvin (‘01) in music department

Andy Meyer (‘04) in Nordic studies department EMMA BUSCH STAFF WRITER

Mark Potvin graduated in 2001 and sang for both the ensembles he now conducts.

Photo Courtesy of Mark Potvin (‘01)

KARL NYCKLEMOE STAFF WRITER To current Norsemen and Cathedral choir participants: could you see yourselves directing the very ensembles you sing in today? Visiting Instructor of Music Mark Potvin (‘01) did just that. Potvin has assumed the role as the new conductor for Norsemen and Cathedral choir. Potvin, himself a former member of Norsemen and Cathedral, is excited to enter this new role.

“As an alum, conducting Norsemen and Cathedral has been an indescribable joy,” Potvin said. “Singing with these two ensembles as a Luther student shaped who I am as a teacher and musician more than virtually any other musical experience I had.”

The job opened last year due to Director of Choral Activities Andrew Last’s (‘97) appointment as Nordic Choir conductor.

Assistant Professor of Music Jennaya Robison (‘96) stepped into the role as conductor of Collegiate Chorale while maintaining her leadership of Aurora Choir.

After graduating Luther Potvin conducted at Princeton High School, gained his Master’s Degree at St. Cloud State University, and is now pursuing a doctorate in musical education at Boston University. Upon hearing that a position in the music department had opened, three things led Potvin back to the Oneota valley: the sense of vocation, the desire to train musicians and future music teachers, and his love of Luther College.

“I have a pretty strong pull in my heart to help pre-service music teachers find their center as artists and pedagogs,” Potvin said.

His passion for music and teaching future musicians and educators is also well-recieved by students. Cathedral Choir member Sanna Berdahl (‘20) shared the positive impact he is already bringing.

“He’s so passionate and excited,” Berdahl

said. “Even in our first rehearsals he was getting down into finessing the pieces and making sure we really knew what we were doing, and immediately getting into the emotion of the song.”

Placing emphasis on the emotion of a piece is a part of Potvin’s vision for the upcoming academic year. For Potvin, music is more than just notes off the page. It allows performers and listeners alike to explore their individuality.

“I hope to empower students to identify [their] sense of identity,” Potvin said. “I hope to explore who we are in our multidimensional state as human beings with our hearts, minds, spirits, and voice.”

Along with aiding personal development, Potvin hopes to solidify a particular group identity for each of the choirs. For Norsemen, his first tangible goal is to increase the number of singers in each section by the second semester.

He also hopes to foster a sense of community among his students, which he experienced during his time as a student in Norsemen. “[On] my very first day of Norsemen at Luther, I felt invigorated as a musician, inspired as an artist, and connected to a community,” Potvin said. “It caused me to recall people I met in Norsemen that, 20 years later, are my closest friends.”

This idea of community is reflected in Potvin’s positive and enthusiastic attitude that he brings to every rehearsal. Norsemen member Colton Ironside (‘21) has felt the positivity from Potvin.

“Potvin is very good at negating any negative feeling,” Ironside said. “Any time something goes wrong he instantly picks it up and helps us learn from it.”

Potvin’s positivity is not all that his students notice. His passion for music stands out as well.

“He deeply cares about music,” Berdahl said. “Not just singing the notes correctly, but the power of the music.”

One’s bachelor’s degree does not always decide one’s professional life post-Luther.

Visiting Professor of Scandinavian Studies Andy Meyer (‘04) is an example of this. He joined the Nordic studies department for the 2017-18 school year following Visiting Instructor Kari Grønningsæter’s departure from Luther at the end of spring semester.

While at Luther, Meyer was a member of Sigma Tau Delta and Nordic Choir and served as the ensemble’s president during his senior year. Meyer graduated magna cum laude from Luther with a degree in English and a minor in music, but always had a passion for the Norwegian language.

“I took three semesters of Norwegian [at Luther] and it’s in my background, too,” Meyer said. “My great-grandfather immigrated from Lillehammer in 1906 to a little town in Wisconsin, which is where my mom and her family grew up. My grandpa spoke Norwegian as a child. I always wanted to learn it since it is in my family. After Luther, even though I wasn’t a minor or a major in Scandinavian Studies, [Norwegian] was still part of my life.”

While obtaining his master’s degree at the University of Washington, Meyer received a scholarship to study at the International Summer School at the University of Oslo in 2005.

“That [experience] sort of set me on the path a little bit,” Meyer said. “I had friends and family in Norway so I could keep in touch and just barely keep my Norwegian alive.”

Meyer’s interest in the Norwegian language continued to grow after receiving the Rovang Scholar in American Studies fellowship through the Fulbright Foundation in 2015-16. After returning to the U.S. and his job teaching at an independent preparatory school in Seattle, Meyer began to reconsider his career path.

“I traveled all over the country and visited high schools talking about American history, literature, and culture,” Meyer said. “At that point, my Norwegian really clicked in. When I came back to my job in Seattle as a teacher, after a year of readjusting and not being sure I wanted to be in that career path, I got in touch with [Assistant Professor of Scandinavian Studies Maren

Johnson] through a couple of connections.

[The Nordic Studies department] needed a replacement, so we had some conversations and I decided to apply.”

According to Johnson, Meyer stood out from other candidates because of his passion for the Norwegian language and unconventional career path. She believes he can inspire Luther students and be an asset to the Nordic Studies department.

“He adds an incredible wealth of knowledge of Norway [and] modern Norwegian culture,” Johnson said. “What he shows to students is the multitude of pathways that knowing Norwegian can take you. He started his language learning here at Luther, and that kept coming around in his life.”

Nordic studies major Linnea Kephart (‘19) believes she has already gained a lot from Meyer’s example and finds his career approach inspiring.

“I think he brings a lot of excitement to class and a genuine love for all things Nordic,” Kephart said. “We definitely lost a wonderful human being and role model this year since Kari Grønningsæter had to return to Norway, but [Meyer] has done a fantastic job embodying her spirit.”

Kephart went on to explain the importance of his presence among Nordic Studies students.

“I think his personality makes his students hopeful,” Kephart said. “To see someone like us, a graduate from Luther, find his place in life, follow his dreams, and succeed in an area where not many people venture is incredible.”

Meyer says that his experience as a Rovang Fulbright Scholar influenced his desire to engage with students in a way that nurtures their global curiosity. While in Norway, he visited 61 high schools and saw a level of interest in national and personal concerns he would like to see replicated during his time at Luther.

“Seeing Norwegian students engage in questions of career and self-development was really moving,” Meyer said. “Especially to see the ways that they think about the role of the government or the state in their lives versus the way Americans do, and the curiosity they have for American culture was pretty fascinating.

[I came] back wanting so badly to encourage young people to develop their curiosity about other cultures.”

Visiting Assistant Professor of Scandanavian Studies Andrew Meyer (‘04) in Trondheim, Norway during a ski tour.

Photo Courtesy of Andrew Meyer (‘04)

FEATURES

PAGE 7

FEATURES EDITOR: SHASA SARTIN

SEPTEMBER 21, 2017

“The little basement that rocks” The KWLC music library is home to hundreds of records.

GRACE ONSRUD STAFF WRITER KWLC is “the little basement that rocks since 1926.” As Luther College’s radio station, it is a platform where students and faculty alike can host their own radio show to share the music they are excited about and host talk shows. Lessons learned in the basement of the Dahl Centennial Union have taken people as far as NPR. Once students make the commitment to hosting a one hour show once a week, they learn the basics of using equipment.

This includes the computer system, the microphones and the button that takes students on or off-air, among other tools.

Most radio shows at Luther have a theme, such as a certain genre of music, as well as a name of the host’s choosing. Hosting a radio show is a volunteer job in the office; however, paid work study positions do exist and are often held by previous student show hosts.

Director of Social Media and Promotions Nam Nguyen (‘18) said that he is happy to help students learn how to lead their own show.

“I want to reach out to people who want to do it but are afraid

because it is sort of public speaking,” Nguyen said. “I hesitated my entire first year and didn’t do it because I was scared and insecure with my speaking ability but when you start doing it there are a lot of people there to help you.”

Nguyen’s job involves managing KWLC’s website and designing posters for anyone who wants to promote their show. His posters can be seen on social media as well as on the TV screens around the Union. Another part of his job is to promote the artists that send them CDs by working them into the programs. They receive about 40 new CDs per week.

Program Director Hunter Prueger (‘18), schedules the radio shows and trains new DJs. He hopes to start a 24-hour streaming system so people could listen to KWLC at any time of day. He hopes that this will lead to KWLC being played more often around campus in places like Marty’s and the Caf. “I know at other schools, they’ll play their college station around campus and we don’t do that at all here,” Prueger said. “I’d like to see that happen.”

Prueger became interested in college radio because of a station in his hometown that was easily accessible.

Shasa Sartin (‘19) | Chips

A collage makes up an entire wall in the KWLC office.

“The only radio station that I would listen to in high school was Iowa State’s college radio station, KURE,” Prueger said. “That’s how I got into a lot of the music I’m into now.”

KWLC has a number of alums who currently work professionally in radio. Michael Danforth (‘95) used to be the Music Director at KWLC and he is now the executive producer of “Wait Wait Don’t Tell

KWLC Program Director Hunter Prueger (‘18) pulls a CD from the KWLC music library.

Shasa Sartin (‘19) | Chips

Me,” a radio show on NPR. He said that his experience at KWLC gave him skills that have helped him in his career. As the Music Director, he spent time calling representatives of record labels and promotional companies.

He says that the phone skills he learned were invaluable, and he became more comfortable with the technology involved in radio work.

“I feel really lucky that I was able to work there and that I was able to find a job doing that kind of work,” Danforth said.

Lindsay Kimball (‘05) is another Luther graduate that holds a career in radio after leaving KWLC. She is the Assistant Program Director at The Current, a Twin Cities radio station. Her job includes being onair, working with bands that come in for recording, and coordinating different departments of the radio station.

Kimball was drawn to KWLC because of her love of new music.

During her junior year, she and her friends at KWLC created the web stream students now use so people can listen to KWLC online.

They also did music reviews in the form of zines, small-scale

Shasa Sartin (‘19) | Chips magazines, that they placed around campus for people to read.

The Current launched during her senior year, and she got an internship there after graduating.

She never left The Current and has worked there for twelve years.

“It helped to have the on-air experience at KWLC so that I could do on-air when I got to the Current,” Kimball said. “I learned a lot more jumping from college radio to a public radio station, but [KWLC] gave me the foundation I needed to move quickly.”

Both past and present KWLC employees stressed that working at the station is a great opportunity for anyone interested in music.

“It’s a resource for students to learn how to broadcast, learn how to put together a radio show, and learn public speaking,” Kimball said. “It has so many benefits and it’s such a cool resource that Luther has. I think it’s part of what makes Luther special.”

KWLC will host Rock the Commons, a fall semester version of the spring semester KWLC Block Party, in Bentdahl Commons on Oct 21. Listen on 1240 AM and streaming online at kwlc.luther.edu.

PAGE 8

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

SEPTEMBER 21, 2017

A&E EDITOR: LILY KIME

World-class musicians present a mix of Japanese and French music

Kyoko Kaise first began playing piano at age five and now plays around the world.

Photo Courtesy of Kyoko Kaise’s Facebook Page

GILLIAN KLEIN STAFF WRITER The music recital year began with a world-class performance from violinist Hirono Sugimoto Borter and pianist Kyoko Kaise. Luther’s own Assistant Professor of Music Phillip Borter was featured on cello.

The performance took place on Friday, Sept. 15 in Jeson-Noble Hall of Music.

All three performers have extensive history with music and have toured the globe.

Hirono Sugimoto Borter has appeared as a soloist with varying professional chamber orchestras. During her career as a musician, Hirono Sugimoto Borter has traveled to seven countries across

three continents to perform. Hirono Sugimoto Borter played her most recent performance with DuoB, the ensemble she has performed in with her husband since 2009. DuoB has most recently earned recognition with their participation in the 2017 IBLA Foundation Grand Prize Festival. After her recent recognition, Hirono Sugimoto Borter planned to perform at Luther. According to Hirono Sugimoto Borter, her DuoB performance on campus last fall with Phillip Borter made her more familiar with local venues.

Kaise studied at the Tokyo College of Music and received her postgraduate degree in piano performance in 2008.

Upon the completion of her postgraduate degree, Kaise moved to Berlin to continue

Kyoko Kaise, Hirono Sugimoto Borter, and Philip Borter performed music with Japanese and French influence.

Photo Courtesy of Hirono Sugimotos Borter’s Facebook page

Hirono Sugimoto Borter and Philip Borter have toured together as DuoB since January of 2009.

Photo Courtesy of Phillip Borter’s Facebook page her studies at the Berlin University of Fine Arts. Kaise received her diploma degree from the University in 2011 and her Artist Diploma in 2015. Kaise is now an ambassador for the town of Izunkokuni alongside her commitment as a jury member for national music competitions in Japan.

Phillip Borter collaborated with Hirono Sugimoto Borter and Kaise to round out the piano trio during the second half of the performance after the first half featured Hirono Sugimoto Borter and Kyoko Kaise as a duet. Phillip Borter began his music career with Break of Reality, a cello ensemble that toured the country performing at festivals, colleges, high schools, and art centers. Phillip Borter completed his Doctoral of Musical Arts degree from the Eastman School of Music. Borter has been working at Luther College as the cello professor since the fall of 2016. The Borter family invited Kaise to perform this concert with them.

The opening piece selected for the program was “Sonata for Violin and Piano” written by French composer Claude Debussy. That piece was followed by “Distance de Fee,” a piece written in 1951

by Japanese composer Toru Takemitsu.

The first half of the recital closed with “Haru no Umi” composed by Michio Myagi, a piece originally written for koto and shakuhachi, two traditional Japanese instruments.

The second half of the recital consisted of “Trio for Piano, Violin, and Cello” in A minor by Maurice Ravel, a French

composer. The purposeful incoporation of music inspired by both Japanese and French culture made the performance a remarkable experience, according to Kaise.

“Every little thing affects how the music flows and determines how the music floats through the air,” Kaise said.

The trio piece was the focus of the concert, bringing together all three performers and using the unique sounds that each of their instruments offer.

“We picked a trio inspired by a French piece whereas the other two pieces fit the Japanese influence with a bit of French influence,” Hirono Sugimoto Borter said.

The performers also selected pieces that reflected their abilities, and, according to Phillip Borter, all of the pieces were chosen with the audience in mind.

“We were most looking forward to the reaction of the audience, especially with the Japanese piece,” Phillip Borter said, “The trio piece was just absolutely gorgeous, not a piece one plays everyday.”

The three perfromers advised young musicians studying at Luther to take advantage of the musical opportunities that are offered.

“It’s worthwhile for students to take opportunities to perform and connect while studying here,” Phillip Borter said.

“The relationships you build here are what sustain you as you grow in your music career.”

The trio is already making plans to reunite and perform for the Luther community again in the future.

OPINION

PAGE 9

MANAGING EDITOR: ELIZABETH BONIN

STAFF Editor-in-Chief Jacob Warehime Managing Editor Elizabeth Bonin News Editors Katrina Meyer Ana López Features Editor Shasa Sartin A&E Editor Lily Kime Sports Editor Ben Selcke Staff Writers Karl Nycklemoe Natalie Nelson Gillian Klein Emma Busch Grace Onsrud Olivia Enquist Jonathan Kuehner Anothony Ramón Jorge Contreras Peréz Soto Part-time Writers Forrest Stewart Kristen Wuerl Martel DenHartog Elizabeth Hand Head Copy Editor Elyse Grothaus Copy Editors Jackie Cychosz Lyndsay Monsen Ad Representative Marissa Carius Web Content Manager James Miller Social Media Director Elyse Grothaus Distribution Manager Lyndsay Monsen Faculty Adviser David Faldet

SEPTEMBER 21, 2017

TO THE EDITOR

Rod Blum failing to represent constituents In Congressman Rod Blum’s (R-IA) recent newsletter on Sept. 1, he said, “I learn so much from meeting with people across Eastern Iowa, and I look forward to continuing to travel the district in 2017 to listen to Iowans from all walks of life so I can represent you to the best of my ability.”

I simply do not understand how Blum can honestly make this claim. Some of my fellow Luther students and I, as well as members of the greater Decorah community, have been trying to schedule a public meeting with Blum since at least early last year. Every time we make a request to meet with him, we are either ignored or stonewalled.

Last semester, I contacted his office to try to get him to come to Decorah to hear from Luther students. I received a response telling me that he will be returning to Decorah during the summer recess. But that did not help the vast majority of Luther students who were away from campus during the summer.

We also submitted multiple requests this month for him to speak to us on Sept. 19, when he was already in Decorah for a fundraiser, and again, he ignored us.

Blum seems to pick and choose with whom he meets, since he freely meets with conservative groups such as the Winneshiek County Republicans, but shelters himself from meeting with people and groups that do not share his same political views.

For a while, Blum’s Cedar Rapids office was locked, and

LUTHER COLLEGE

CHIPS Chips is a student publication of Luther College in Decorah, Iowa. The paper is designed, composed, edited, and managed entirely by Luther students. It is published weekly during the academic year, excluding the month of January.

Fax: 563-387-2072 Email: chipsedt@luther.edu Advertising: chipsads@luther.edu Website: lutherchips.com Facebook: facebook.com/LutherChips Twitter: @LutherChips Instagram: @luthercollegechips

Signed, Alex Sekora (‘19)

EDITORIAL

Listen to learn, not to attack

SUBMISSIONS Submissions for letters to the editor should be submitted to chipsedt@luther.edu with “Letter to the Editor” as a subject line. Letters to the Editor are subject to editing without changing the meaning of the letter.

Authors will not be notified of changes prior to publishing.

Letters must be signed, 400-700 words and submitted before Sunday at 5:00 p.m. the week before publication.

Publication of all letters is at the discretion of the editor.

Chips will not accept submitted articles or campus announcements.

Opinions expressed in columns and letters are those of the authors(s) and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of Chips or organizations with which the author(s) are associated.

his staffers only opened the doors for people who were pre-approved. Letters could be slipped through a crack in the door and there was a clipboard on the door to provide your contact information and any comments or questions you had for Blum. To not even let people in to talk to your staffers is a pretty low move.

The United States is a constitutional republic.

The people elect representatives to speak for them in Washington, D.C. But how can our representative possibly say Blum represents all voters if he does not speak with all voters?

Luckily, we have an election coming up. In 2018, Blum’s seat is up for re-election, and we have the opportunity to vote him out of office. There are several great candidates that are running to replace him, including State Representative Abby Finkenauer, former Senator Tom Harkin, staffer Thomas Heckroth, engineer Courtney Rowe, and veteran George Ramsey. All four of these candidates have been actively traveling around our Congressional district in an effort to listen to voters, the opposite of what Blum has been doing.

I urge you to look into these four candidates because they could surely do a better job than Congressman Rod Blum.

ELIZABETH BONIN MANAGING EDITOR

I am really bad at having opinions.

As the Managing Editor of Chips, this is a bit of an ironic situation.

When tense conversations pop up, I am usually the one who sits quietly and listens. I hesitate to give my own opinion in fear of verbal attack or further disagreement.

I have noticed that when discussing various issues, some people tend to see their point of view and their point of view only. Instead of actively listening to the other person, they only listen to find a strategy to refute the other opinion.

Unfortunately, I think we have all seen disagreements that turn into full-

blown fighting matches. Though you do not have to respect the opinion of the other person, you do have to respect them as a human being. Or at least pretend to.

Personal attacks are a low way to try and prove a point. We should critique and challenge each other’s beliefs, not physical looks or personalities. Though we may have differing opinions, we are all people working for the betterment of our community.

How can we learn if we are only listening to one side? I want to encourage people to truly listen to another person’s opinion. Try to listen to them with an open mind. Even if you disagree, at least take the time to understand from where they might be coming. A disagreement can then become an opportunity for dialogue.

We can ask each other tough questions that challenge the other point of view.

This has the opportunity to strengthen our beliefs or possibly rethink them.

This is how we can all learn from each other.

What frustrates me the most is that the one person who should be the leading example of unity is instead the worst example. President Trump frequently and publicly insults any individual opposing him, particularly the Democratic Party as a whole. I

understand that while on the campaign trail, a political candidate explain why his or her way is better than the opponents’. But once Trump won the presidency, he should have then concentrated on bringing the country together. Instead, he is advocating for a greater division between the parties than there already is.

With a great division, how can we as the American people accomplish anything if we are not willing to listen and learn from one another? We have become so focused on arguing and winning that we have forgotten how to work together for the public good.

In addition, some feel that they cannot express their opinion in fear of verbal attack from others. That is not to say that all dialogue is acceptable. Those that are calling for racist action are not (looking at you, white supremacists).

I am also in no way saying I am the perfect example of having an open mind to all ideas. There are definitely times when I can only see my point of view (don’t get me started on the Luther peanut butter debate).

Now it seems like I’ve been rambling for a while here. Point is, if we focus on listening and welcoming all thoughts, we will have a greater variety of opinions and number of people willing to work for the good of all.

OPINION

PAGE 10 SEPTEMBER 21, 2017

MANAGING EDITOR: ELIZABETH BONIN

EDITORIAL

A call to protect dignity and recognize humanity

ANA LÓPEZ NEWS EDITOR I was outside of an establishment speaking Spanish, my mother tongue, when someone said, “We’re in America, speak English!” My tongue stopped and my throat tightened. My heartbeat increased and my jaw shifted to the side and pressed against my teeth. I felt hatred from that person, but what was even worse was that I was hating back.

Since that incident, I have wrestled with the question of how to deal with the

traffic of hate that seems to be an essential part of my life as a Latina living in the United States. I attended a lecture during the Nobel Peace Prize Forum that gave me an idea of how to deal with hate without hating back, and perhaps even a tool to prevent hateful speech.

In his lecture titled “Conflict Tr a n s f o r m a t i o n and the Moral I m a g i n a t i o n ,” American Professor of International Peacebuilding at the University of Notre Dame John Paul Lederach talked about examples of leadership that have fostered relationships to solve conflict. Lederach touched on something that seemed relevant to the current rhetoric involving Latina immigrants in the U.S., especially minors protected under Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA): a call to protect dignity.

Lederach emphasized how dehumanizing the “other” is a crucial part in the cycle of creating conflict. Stripping the “other” from their dignity makes it easier to hate and harm them. I see this at play in rhetoric that is used nationally as well as on our campus.

People talk about the lives of Latina immigrants in numbers. They use statistics to reduce their existence to thousands of dollars that have been “wasted.”

People refer to the lives of many families using numbers and faceless generalizations. Institutions all around the country use the number of diverse students to sell an image of inclusive communities.

Despite their efforts, I still wake up every day and think of the color of my skin when I wash my face in the morning.

“Let’s have the social courage to talk to one another outside of our comfortable bubbles.”

-Ana López

The Norse Poll

“I feel like we’re doing a good job of including students as they come to Luther. We have groups on the floor, and you get to meet people so you have friends when you start your classes.”

-Allie Pujol (‘21)

“I think Luther should go beyond the recruiting of the Midwest to get a bigger scope, whether it’s rural east coast or urban west coast.”

-Kailee Keyser (‘18)

I train my tongue to hide my accent and gain credibility. I sit in my classrooms hyper-aware that there are people who think that I do not deserve to occupy that space.

As a Latina international student, I stand in solidarity with DACA students and urge the Luther community to gather the social courage to protect the dignity of those who are reduced to numbers. There are different ways to protect dignity. One is awareness about the ways in which language plays a role in dehumanizing others. Lederach also explained that a way to protect such dignity is by creating relationships, by talking, and by making “weird friendships.” This is where Latinos and other minorities can take part too.

Let’s have the social courage to talk to one another outside of our comfortable bubbles. Let’s have the social courage to ask for safe spaces to interact and understand the humanity in others. And for those of us who have witnessed these instances, let’s have the social courage to speak up and recognize humanity. Let’s have the social courage to protect dignity.

How can we increase inclusivity at Luther?

“The first thing we need to do is define inclusivity so people know what we’re talking about, whether that’s race, gender, or religion. We can’t just work on inclusivity on a broad scope. We need to define the problem so we can pinpoint what we’re trying to fix. The way to do that is to start dialogue, talk to people, and listen rather than just talking to respond. We need to understand other people’s perspectives.”

-Katie Hendrikson (’18)

SPORTS

PAGE 11

SEPTEMBER 21, 2017

SPORTS EDITOR: BEN SELCKE

Conference play starts at Dubuque for Luther volleyball MARTEL DENHARTOG STAFF WRITER Women’s volleyball played their first Iowa Conference game of the season against University of Dubuque on Sept.

13. This was the team’s first chance to showcase their hard work and preparation prior to the start of the season.

Luther beat the University of Wisconsin at Whitewater, who is currently ranked 11 in the nation.

“Our schedule is really tough this year,” Head Coach Danielle Kohut said. “We can’t pick and choose our conference opponents, but we can choose who we play on the weekends. I wanted to make our schedule a little bit tougher, so that we are a better team in the Iowa Conference.”

After the UW-Whitewater game, which was a turning point for the Luther team, Kohut said her players learned what it takes to beat a good team. Chemistry between the players on and off the court aided in the successful game.

“They all want the same things,” Kohut said. “They just love playing hard for each other.”

Before going into Wednesday’s game, team captain Nicki Ellingson (‘18) echoed her coach’s sentiments. “[Playing} Whitewater this past weekend was a big push for us,” Ellingson said.

Ellingson added that they have to carry that energy onto the University of Dubuque game and the rest of the season.

After five sets, Dubuque remained undefeated, ending the match in a 3-2 score. The Dubuque Spartans won the first set 25-21 and the Norse came back in the next two sets, posting 25-20 and

The volleyball team meets with Head Coach Danielle Kohut prior to the game.

25-22 set victories. In the fourth set, Dubuque evened out the match posting 25-15 and won 15-9 in the deciding set.

Several players totaled double-digit kills in the match. Sophomore Karissa Kime (‘20) led the team with 14 kills. Kime explained how the team will continue to progress after the loss.

“We obviously know our weaknesses now,” Kime said. “We also know the next time we face Dubuque or a similar team how to handle them better.”

Anna Larson (‘19) and Emma Veum

(‘19) followed Kime in kills tallied, both with 11 and Sam Schroeder (‘21) with 10.

Sam Sixta (‘20) had 43 assists, and Larson led the defensive efforts with 22 digs.

Morgan Towne (‘20) recorded nine kills with no errors.

“Towne played amazing,” Kime said “But it was really hard to get her the ball because our passing was a little off.”

Coach Kohut is excited about opportunities for junior varsity women to play in the near future and is optimistic about their chances on the court.

Photo Courtesy of Danielle Kohut “It’s kind of fun that we get to play JV,” Kohut said. “The girls that are playing on that second team are going to be something special either this year or next year.”

Kohut has seen her entire team make progress the past three weeks. On Friday, Sept. 15, the team bounced back from their loss with a win over the number 21 nationally ranked team, University of Wisconsin at La Crosse. As the season continues, she is hopeful they will maintain their momentum.

Norse of the Week BEN SELCKE SPORTS EDITOR

Anna Larson (‘19) jumps prior to hitting the volleyball.

Photo Courtesy of Photo Bureau

Volleyball player Anna Larson (‘19) was named Iowa Intercollegiate Athletic’s conference female player of the week last week. The IIAC credits her performance versus nationally ranked University of Wisconsin at Whitewater for being chosen as offensive player of the week. Larson was also named most outstanding player at the UW-Whitewater Invitational.

Larson, a team captain, is in her third year playing for Luther.

How do you feel about your recent award?

Larson: I definitely didn’t get that award just because of my talent. In volleyball, you need your whole team for success to happen, so the success of one player means the whole team is successful.

What position do you play?

I play outside, so I play six rotations.

That means I’m a hitter, but I also play in the back row too so I block, hit, pass, dig;

everything but setting.

What are some personal or team goals you have for the season?

Our big team goal is to win the IIAC because we definitely have the potential.

We’re ranked number two in the conference. Wartburg is number one, but last year we beat them. We would like to beat them again at home this year. In terms of personal goals, I would just like to be consistent with my playing.

How do you prepare for volleyball games?

I’m always goofy before games. I always wear the same shoelaces, I have four pairs of volleyball shoes, but I always use the same shoelaces in game. I also always have a doughnut before I play.

Is there anything you have added to your training this year?

An important thing for our team this year is our weightlifting. So that really helped me perform to my potential.

What’s your favorite sports brand?

Lululemon, does that count? It’s cute and it’s comfortable.

SPORTS

PAGE 12

SPORTS EDITOR: BEN SELCKE

SEPTEMBER 21, 2017

Alumni Meet held on new courts following dedication

Weekly Standings Football Buena Vista Coe Dubuque Wartburg Luther Central Loras Simpson Nebraska Wes.

IIAC 1-0 1-0 1-0 1-0 0-0 0-1 0-1 0-1 0-1

Recent Scores

Overall 2-0 3-0 3-0 2-0 1-1 1-2 1-2 1-2 0-3

September 9 vs. St. Olaf College W 44-22

Upcoming Schedule

September 23 vs. University of Dubuque

Women’s Soccer

Anders Jensen (‘18) and Jackie Cychosz (‘18) speak at the dedication ceramony .

JONATHON KUEHNER STAFF WRITER Current Luther tennis players and alums came together for the annual Alumni Meet on Saturday, Sept. 16. In addition to the meet, spectators and athletes participated in a dedication of the new tennis courts.

Present at the the dedication were players, coaches, alums, campus officials, community members, and spectators. College Pastor Mike Blair offered a word of prayer, followed by scripture readings from tennis players Jackie Cychosz (‘18) and Anders Jensen (‘18) and a few words from President Paula Carlson and Director of Intercollegiate Athletics Renae Hartl. Luther College Trumpet Studio, directed by Assistant Director of Music John Cord, started and ended the dedication with fanfare music.

The ceremony concluded with a moment of silence for Bjorn Norderhaug who passed away last year and played on the Men’s Tennis team during his time at Luther.

An anonymous donation of just over one million dollars, made the new tennis courts possible.

“We’re grateful to the couple who has donated this money,” Kris Pressler (‘88) said. “The fact that they don’t even want to be recognized says an awful lot and they need to know that we’re going to enjoy these courts for a long time.”

Because the tennis courts are located outside, they are subject to changes in temperature and, much like roads, begin to crack after years of freezing and thawing. The new courts, however, are made to resist this cracking, creating a better playing surface and saving money in the future.

For former coach Susan Oertel (‘72), this is the third set of outdoor courts she has seen at Luther.

Women’s tennis coach from 1975 to 2006, Oertel was present when the Men’s Alumni Meet began in late 70s. The Women’s Meet began later, and has traditionally been held later in the year, but this year both meets were held on the same day in order to celebrate the new courts.

The day began with rounds of men’s and women’s doubles, each match pitting current students against former players. As the day progressed, the format became more casual and play broke into a variety of men’s, women’s, and mixed matches.

The Alumni Meet is a social event and a celebration of the program.

“From my perspective of having gone to twenty-eight [Alumni Meets] over the years, we would have about seven alumni show up when I first started coming,” attendee Chris Hubbs (‘89) said. “Then you look at what we have here today. The event keeps growing because people just love seeing each other.”

Current students also have the opportunity to meet and socialize

Annie Goodroad (‘19) | Photo Bureau with former players.

Beyond the social aspects of the meet, the current players stand to benefit from participating, according to former coach and professor Emeritus of Management Richard Leake.

“It’s something that’s helpful not just for the alumni to reconnect with each other, but for the current player sto connect with alums. That helps them maybe with job connections down the road,” Leake said. “It’s also been one of the things that helps the varsity get ready for their fall matches.”

Leake was a coach at Luther alongside Oertel when the Alumni Meets began.

One alum found herself not only watching former teammates, but also her daughter, Britta Pressler (‘19), who is currently playing on the team at Luther.

“It’s just really fun to see that energy continued,” Pressler said. “She also has made lifetime friends just like we all did. She comes out here to play her heart out with her teammates and give the best job that they can. It’s a great setting, it’s what you want for your family members, too.”

Leake was hopeful about the future of tennis at Luther and the tradition the team and the meet has established.

“We’re looking for new people to carry on the tradition as well,” Leake said. “We’re looking for good students and talented tennis players who want to carry on the tradition.”

Coe Central Wartburg Loras Luther Dubuque Buena Vista Nebraska Wes. Simpson

IIAC 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0

Overall 7-0-1 6-1 5-1 4-1-1 3-3 2-3-1 2-4-1 2-4-1 2-4

Recent Scores

September 16 vs. Wheaton College L 0-1

Upcoming Schedule

September 23 vs. Nebraska Wesleyan University

Men’s Soccer Central Simpson Wartburg Loras Dubuque Nebraska Wes. Luther Buena Vista Coe

IIAC 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0

Overall 5-0 6-0 3-1-1 4-2 4-2-1 5-3 3-3 3-5 2-4

Recent Scores

September 16 vs. Wheaton College L 0-2

Upcoming Schedule

September 23 vs. Nebraska Wesleyan University

Women’s Tennis Luther Wartburg Central Coe Loras Dubuque Simpson Nebraska Wes. Buena Vista

IIAC 4-0 3-0 2-1 2-1 3-2 3-2 0-3 0-4 0-4

Overall 4-1 5-1 4-1 3-3 6-2 7-3 2-3 0-4 0-6

Recent Scores

September 17 vs. Coe College W 6-3

Upcoming Schedule

September 22 ITA Midwest Regional

Volleyball Dubuque Coe Central Wartburg Nebraska Wes. Buena Vista Luther Simpson Loras

IIAC 1-0 1-0 1-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-1 0-1 0-1

Overall 12-0 7-5 6-6 7-2 6-3 6-6 7-3 3-5 4-7

Recent Scores

September 15 vs. UW-La Cross W 3-1

Upcoming Schedule

September 22 NACC/IIAC Crossover Tournament