Class of 1970 - A Summer Weekend in Decorah

Friday, June 3 to Sunday, June 5, 2022

Join your classmates for a "Summer Weekend in Decorah" while celebrating your 50-year (+ two years) reunion!

If you haven't been back to Decorah in June, you are in for a treat! The Luther campus is alive with colorful flowers, the grass is impossibly green, and Decorah is bursting with shopping, restaurants, and outdoor activities. And, if it's been a while since you've been to campus, take a campus tour with a student admissions guide and see all that's changed over the past 50+ years.

Please note: pre-registration for the reunion events is now closed. We expect to be able to accommodate walk-in registrations at the door for each event.

Friday, June 3

Legacy Field
Luther Bookshop Hours:  8:15 a.m. to 4:45 p.m.

Opening Reception and Reunion Registration (2:00 to 5:00 p.m.)
4:00 p.m. Welcome remarks by Provost Lynda Szymanski
2:30 and 4:30 p.m. Campus tours with student admissions guides

Oneota Marketplace/Terrace, Dahl Centennial Union
Start the weekend off with a reception on the Union Terrace, overlooking the Oneota Valley and Legacy Field at Carlson Stadium (have you seen the blue football field yet?). And, be sure to stop at the Luther Bookshop to restock your Luther gear before reconnecting with classmates while enjoying beer, wine, and sparkling water/sodas, along with some appetizers to tide you over until you head out for dinner in Decorah. And, if you'd like to see the campus and visit with a couple of current students, campus tours will be offered on the half hour throughout the event. This informal gathering has become a favorite of 50-year reunions over the years - it's a great chance to simply visit and catch up!

Pulpit Rock Brewing
Destination Decorah: the Class of 1970 hits the town
We think you'll be amazed at all Decorah has to offer and we hope you'll take advantage of the restaurants, ice cream and pizza joints, coffee shops, and sports bars both downtown and in the surrounding area, many owned by Luther grads, offering a wide variety of cuisines from all over. And, if you want to imbibe in something local, we have that, too!  We recommend reservations at most places - call ahead to check for sure!

Saturday, June 4

Trout Run Trail
Luther Bookshop (special hours): 4:00 to 5:30 p.m.

Morning - free to explore more of the Decorah area
Sometimes, there's nothing better than spending a lazy Saturday morning, watching the [Decorah] world go by through the window of a coffee shop.

Unless, you are set for adventure! If you packed your hiking shoes or bicycles (you can also rent bicycles!), you can hit the trails early and still make your lunch engagement! With miles and miles of trails over the rolling hills as well as up into the bluffs, you can really get lost in this part of the Driftless Region. We also recommend visiting two of our favorite parks: Dunning's Spring and Phelps Park!

Bentdahl Commons
Reunion Registration (9:00 to 11:30 a.m.)
Main Lounge, Dahl Centennial Union
Registration materials will be available and the Luther Bookshop will be open and ready to assist you as you find your newest Luther gear! This is also a great time to explore campus and to take in the landscaping and newest buildings on your own. Luther alumni and development staff will also be available to visit if you have questions or just want a college update!

Reunion Reception (11:00 a.m.) and Luncheon (noon)
Peace Dining Room, Dahl Centennial Union
A highlight of the reception (aside from the requisite punch to be served) is the Creative Showcase held in Hammarskjold Lounge. Take some time to see your classmates' artwork, woodworking, written works, photography, and much much more. A liberal arts education at its finest on display! And, the views of the Oneota Valley from Peace Dining Room are famous and you may want to make sure you get a seat facing the windows!

Program for the luncheon will feature recognition of your classmates who have served Luther and have been honored by Luther, including faculty and staff members, Distinguished Service Award recipients, inductees into the Athletic Hall of Fame, and many others. We will also take a few moments to remember your classmates who have passed on. The luncheon will close with a [hopefully] rousing rendition of the Luther Fight Song (words will be provided, of course!).

Impact Coffee
Afternoon - free time
This is prime-time to go shopping in Decorah! With nearly every storefront full, downtown Decorah is bursting with retailers, offering nearly everything you might need to check some things off your holiday shopping list (no, it's not too early). Clothing stores, gift shops, arts and crafts suppliers, candle shops, a food co-op, bookstores, and much more! And, you might learn a bit about Decorah's heritage by stopping in at the Vesterheim Museum (they also have a new outdoor area that is lovely). All of this is definitely worth spending an hour or two on before you get ready for your evening with classmates.

Union Fall
Reunion Reception (5:30 p.m.) and Dinner (6:30 p.m.)
Peace Dining Room, Dahl Centennial Union
During the reception, you'll have another chance to view your classmates' creative works before heading to your tables for dinner. A cash bar will be open the whole night and this evening is all about having fun remembering your Luther days! Your reunion committee is hard at work on entertainment plans, including a trivia and a slideshow of photos of YOU while you were students! We'll also feature a viewing of Bill and Carolyn Kobler's commissioned piece for Nordic Choir, The Gift to Sing, and will close the evening with a favorite of all Luther grads, To Luther.

Sunday, June 5, 2022

CFL Summer
Class of 1970 Worship Service (9:00 a.m.)

Recital Hall - Center for Faith and Life
We are collaborating with Campus Pastor, Melissa Bills, to plan a worship service that calls to mind what Luther has meant to you and your faith journey in word and music. We are currently seeking volunteers to help with this. If you'd like to be involved, please email Mariah Smith at [email protected].

 


Many thanks to Class of 1970 Reunion Committee for all their hard work over the past few years!
Diane Alshouse
Bob and Karen (Strum) Bear
Mark and Vicki (Mohlis) Donhowe
Dianne (Rahn) Frantz
Glen Johnson
Bill and Carolyn (Peterson) Kobler
Chick and Chris (Lindgren) Lane
Lyle and Sue (Johnston) Luzum
Rick and Polly (Blakely) May
Rolfe Nervig
Louise (Spielman) Stromberg
John Wahlquist