Tuesday
March 11, 2008
Published for faculty and staff by the Luther College Public Information office • Copy deadline: Friday, 3 p.m. • Word limit: 75 • Phone: (563) 387-1865 • E-mail: tuesday@luther.edu
Note: All campus telephone numbers are in the 563 area code, all campus e-mail addresses end in @luther.edu • ©2008
ANNOUNCEMENTS
March staff meetings
At this month’s staff meeting, President Torgerson will provide a context for the strategic plan discussions each department has been asked to conduct, with a look at some of the challenges and opportunities Luther faces. Staff (and faculty who missed the February faculty meeting) are strongly encouraged to attend one of two sessions: Wednesday, March 12 at 2 p.m. or Thursday, March 13 at 9 a.m., in Peace Dining Room.
Staff Excellence Awards
Staff and faculty are invited to nominate an exempt or non-exempt staff person for this year’s Staff Excellence Awards. Nominations are due May 1 in the Human Resources Office. The winners will be announced at Luther College Staff Day, Monday, Aug. 11. Information about the award and the specific criteria for the process at http://hr.luther.edu under “Staff Excellence Awards.”
COLLEGE OPERATIONS
2007 Flex Spending information
Flexible Spending Account dollars deducted from employee paychecks during 2007 may be used for eligible expenses through March 15, 2008. Claims for these dollars must be submitted to Midwest Group Benefits by March 31, 2008.
Blood screening reminder
Blood screenings are March 20 and 25, April 3, 8 and 10 from 7-9 a.m. at the Health Service. Cost is $35. PSA screening for males, $40. Faculty/staff get reimbursed for screenings.
Mail pick up requires ID
A reminder to the Luther community: when picking up packages at the Union Mail Center, an ID must be shown and logbook signed before the package will be handed out. This includes all students, faculty and staff.
HR website updated directory
The Human Resources website (http://hr.luther.edu) has a link titled “Spring 2008 Directory Additions/ Corrections.” The update lists additions and corrections to the 2007-08 Faculty and Staff Directory. The online directory https://www.luther.edu/directory is updated every other day. Report any changes to HR, 387-1134.
Publications office moving
The Publications office is moving from Campus House to new quarters on the second floor of Dahl Centennial Union on Tuesday, March 11. There may be some disruption of phone service during the move; e-mail may be the preferred method of communication with office personnel Tuesday. An open house will be held at a future date.
Book Shop book signing, books available
The Luther Book Shop has copies of “Acting Religious” by Victoria Rue and “Liberal Fascism” by Jonah Goldberg for sale. Both authors will be speaking on campus this week – Goldberg Tuesday, March 11 in CRH at 7 p.m. and Rue Thursday, March 13 at 8 p.m. in CRH. Books will be available for purchase and a book signing by the authors will follow their lectures.
Call for student/faculty research projects
The Iowa College Foundation seeks proposals for student/faculty research projects for the 2008-09 academic year. Student participants must be juniors or seniors in the fall 2008. Applications require dual authorship by the student or student team, and a sponsoring faculty member. Funds may be used to support all expenses of a credible research project except faculty stipends. Maximum award is $2,000. Luther is eligible to submit up to four proposals. Internal deadline for proposals is March 17. Forms are available in the Dean’s Office, Union 262.
Active Minds
Counseling Services is interested in starting a student group on campus called Active Minds. Active Minds is a national organization that aims to develop groups of students on campuses around the country to raise awareness of mental health issues among students. Those interested in joining this group or who want more information can come to an informational meeting Tuesday, March 11, 7 p.m., Mott Room in the Union.
Photo policy
Photo Bureau offers photography services for all campus groups, offices and individuals. Campus photos can be taken at no charge to the group. To request a photographer at an event or to take a group shot, e-mail requests to <shocju01> at least 48 hours in advance.
EVENTS
Chapel this week
Tuesday, March 11: Student-led Chapel, CRH
Wednesday, March 12: Hymn Sing, Cathedral Choir
Thursday, March 13: Winston Persaud, SOV visitor from Wartburg Seminary, Norsemen/Pike Kor
Come for Shadow Block Break, 9:50-10:20 a.m., in the CFL lobby for coffee, juice, treats and conversation.
Friday, March 14: Victoria Rue, San Jose State University, Cantorei
Monday, March 17: Phillip Freeman, St. Patrick’s Day
Goldberg lecture ‘Liberal Fascism’
Journalist Jonah Goldberg will present a Luther Guest Lecture Tuesday, March 11, 7 p.m. in the CRH. The program is open to the public with no charge for admission. A reception and book signing will follow.
The lecture, titled “Liberal Fascism,” will present information from Goldberg’s latest book, “Liberal Fascism: The Secret History of the American Left from Mussolini to the Politics of Meaning.” The lecture is sponsored by the Center for Ethics and Public Life. More at: http://tinyurl.com/2f7tu4
Vocation visitor Persaud to visit campus
Winston Persaud, professor of systematic theology at Wartburg Theological Seminary in Dubuque, Iowa will be on campus March 13-16 as a vocation visitor. He will speak in Daily Chapel at 10:30 a.m. in CFL Thursday, March 13 and meet with DIAKONOS students at 6 p.m. He will present the annual Ecumenical Lecture Sunday, March 16, 7 p.m. in Olin 102, reception to follow. More at: http://tinyurl.com/3xecec
Hester faculty recital March 13
Carol Hester, Luther College music faculty, will perform a flute recital Thursday, March 13, at 7 p.m. in the Noble Recital Hall of the Jenson-Noble Music Hall. The program is open to the public with no charge for admission. More at: http://tinyurl.com/3dwdyp
Music in the Shape of a Pear series
Two March events will bring the sounds of contemporary music to the Jensen-Noble Hall of Music. A colloquium with guest composer Forrest Pierce will be held Tuesday, March 11 at 9:40 a.m. in the Jenson-Noble Hall of Music, Room 123. A concert of new music featuring the New Music Ensemble of the University of Kansas will be Tuesday, March 11 at 7 p.m. in the Noble Recital Hall in the Jenson-Noble Hall of Music. More at: http://tinyurl.com/2ks8vu
The World Beloved: A Bluegrass Mass
VocalEssence, the voice-and-instrument ensemble that has won international recognition for daring and innovative exploration of music, will join with bluegrass and gospel band Monroe Crossing and Luther Nordic Choir, Collegiate Chorale and Cathedral Choir to present “The World Beloved: A Bluegrass Mass” Friday, March 14, 7:30 p.m., CFL. Tickets are $23 for adults and $21 for students and senior citizens. To order tickets on-line, go to web site http://programming.luther.edu and click Center Stage Series. More at: http://tinyurl.com/2w78fn
Rue lecture March 13
Victoria Rue, professor of women’s and comparative religious studies at San Jose State University, will speak Thursday, March 13, 8 p.m. in the CRH. The program is open to the public with no charge for admission.
The lecture, titled “The Church of the Not Yet --- Right Now!” will focus on the movement for women’s ordination in the Catholic Church. She will discuss the movement’s history, challenges, implications and future.
More at: http://tinyurl.com/2o2u7m
Faculty workshop
Victoria Rue, Women’s History Month lecturer, will conduct “Theatre as Pedagogy in Your Classroom” Saturday, March 15, 8:30 a.m.-noon, lunch following, in CFA 219. The workshop introduces teachers to the use of theatre as a pedagogical tool in the classroom.
Rue will accept 20-25 faculty for this workshop. Contact Chelle Meyer <meyerche> if interested. Sponsored by Women and Gender Studies Department, Dean’s Office and Diversity Center.
Student recitals March 15
Joshua Leinen ’08 will perform a tuba recital Saturday, March 15 at 7 p.m., with works by Persichetti, Robert Sibbing, Richard Strauss and Ralph Vaughan Williams.
Charles Moe ’08 will perform a tenor recital Saturday, March 15 at 8:30 p.m., with works by Grieg, Handel, Jules Massenet and Ralph Vaughan Williams.
Recitals are held in the Noble Recital Hall, with receptions following. More at: http://tinyurl.com/366twb
Calhoun viola recital March 15
Peter Calhoun, adjunct professor of music at Luther College, will present a viola recital Saturday, March 15, at 4 p.m. in the Noble Recital Hall in Jenson-Noble Music Hall on the campus of Luther College. The program is open to the public with no charge for admission. More at: http://tinyurl.com/2j7un6
Rife classics lecture March 15
Joseph Rife, assistant professor of classics at Macalester, will present “Life and Death at a Roman Port in Greece” Saturday, March 15, 7 p.m. in Olin 102. The program is open to the public with no charge for admission.
Rife’s presentation focuses on aspects of life in ancient Rome and Greece revealed to Rife during his excavations at the cemetery of Kenchreai at Corinth. More at: http://tinyurl.com/2mmdl7
Third annual ‘Empty Bowls’ project
Luther and Decorah communities will join together in an effort to fight hunger for their third annual Empty Bowls project Sunday, March 16, 11 a.m.-3 p.m., in the CFA.
Part of a nationwide project, Empty Bowls combines the talents of potters with the generosity of donors in the community to raise awareness and funds to address the issue of hunger. Local artists volunteer to create ceramic bowls, and serve a simple meal of soup and bread. More at: http://tinyurl.com/2p7b64
Symphony Orchestra concert March 16
The Luther College Symphony Orchestra will present a spring concert Sunday, March 16 at 4 p.m. in the CFL Main Hall. Under the direction of Daniel Baldwin, Luther professor of music, the orchestra will perform “Polovtsian Dances” by Alexander Borodin, Concerto for Violin and Orchestra, second movement by Samuel Barber and Unfinished Symphony No. 8 in B minor by Franz Schubert. More at: http://tinyurl.com/34zxak
Palm Sunday service March 16
Palm Sunday service will be held Sunday, March 16, 10:30 a.m. Worship begins with a gathering in front of the CFL for a procession into the Main Hall to begin observance of Holy Week as the community participates in a dramatic reading of the passion story.
Vocation Lecture March 16
Winston Persaud, professor of systematic theology at Wartburg Theological Seminary in Dubuque, will present a Luther Vocation Lecture Sunday, March 16, 7 p.m. in Olin 102. A reception will follow the lecture.
Persaud’s lecture, “Confessional Theology: Intra-Christian and Inter-Religious in a Religiously and Culturally Diverse Post-Modern World,” is part of Persaud’s March 13-18 vocation visit. The lecture is open to the public with no charge for admission. More at: http://tinyurl.com/3xecec
Luther College Woman’s Club
The Luther College Woman’s Club will meet Tuesday, March 18, 1:45 p.m. in Peace Dining Room to hear Jim Martin-Schramm speak about “Sustainability Initiatives at Luther College.” All Decorah area women are invited.
‘Mis-managing excellence’
Paul Glastris, editor in chief of The Washington Monthly magazine, will present a Luther College Ethics and Public Life lecture Tuesday, March 18, 8 p.m., CFL.
Glastris’ Lecture, “Mis-managing Excellence: Why everything you thought you knew about ‘America’s Best Colleges’ is wrong,” is the second of a two-part lecture series titled “America’s Colleges: Education for the Common Good.” More at: http://tinyurl.com/2mrfz7
NAA luncheon March 19
Norse Athletic Association will be have a Spring sports luncheon in Peace noon, Wednesday, March 19. The cost for lunch is $5. All spring sport coaches will speak on their respective seasons. To attend, RSVP to Mark Franzen at 387-1588 or <franma03>.
Faculty horn recital March 19
Stacie Mickens will present a faculty horn recital Wednesday, March 19 at 7 p.m. in the Noble Recital Hall. She will perform works by Josef Rheinberger, Alec Wilder, Arnold Cooke and David Gillingham. She will be accompanied by Du Huang. The recital will feature Karen Kanakis, soprano, and Grant Harville, tuba.
CSS: ‘Little Women’ April 5
CSS presents “Little Women,” an adaptation of Louisa May Alcott’s classic book. The musical, held Saturday, April 5 at 7:30 p.m. in the CFL, shares the story of the four March sisters growing up in Civil War America.
“Little Women” explores the conflict between the two main focal points in a young woman’s life: family and self. Tickets, on sale Thursday, March 13, are $25 for adults, $22 for students/seniors. More at: http://tinyurl.com/287ayr
COMMUNITY
Position opening
Visiting assistant professor of English: Position begins August 2008. Ph.D. preferred, with MA or ABD employed at instructor rank. Successful candidate should have good qualifications in teaching and writing, especially developmental writing, experience in teaching literature, and readiness to serve in the large interdisciplinary faculty of the college’s first-year common course. Review of applications begins April 1 and continues until the position is filled. Send letter of application, curriculum vitae, authorized transcripts of undergraduate and graduate work, letters of recommendation from those familiar with the candidate’s teaching potential to David Faldet, Luther College, 700 College Dr., Decorah, Iowa 52101. EOE.
Welcome new staff
Welcome Lisa Chensvold. Lisa has been a temporary employee at Luther. She is now part of the Marty’s C-Store staff, with telephone extension 387-1444.
Sympathy
To Kay Schmitt and Joan Beckman and family, Kay’s father-in-law and Joan’s father, Roman Schmitt, age 85, of Fort Atkinson, Iowa, died March 5, at the Barthell Eastern Star Home in Decorah, following a long illness. Funeral services were held March 10.
ARTICLES, CREATIONS, HONORS
William Kuhlman, emeritus music, was the featured performer on the Wednesday midweek Lenten series at First Presbyterian Church in Rochester, Feb. 27.
Kuhlman was a featured performer at Clapp Hall at the University of Iowa, along with other colleagues from around the country in an organ recital honoring Delbert Disselhorst on March 1. Disselhorst retired from UI after 40 years of service as professor of organ.
Jim Martin-Schramm gave two workshop presentations on “Greening Our Congregations” at the 27th annual Rural Ministry Conference at Wartburg Seminary in Dubuque March 3.
Ryan Gjerde, LIS, presented “You were poked by the OPAC—Facebook Applications in libraries” at the 2008 ILA/ACRL Spring Conference, Davenport, March 3. John Goodin and Germano Streese also attended.
David Kamm recently attended the College Art Association’s annual conference in Dallas, where he gave a presentation as part of a panel addressing the nature of “Generation M.” His paper, “What about Creativity?” explored some of the social and cultural factors that have influenced the way today’s students think about creativity.
Loren Toussaint was featured in an article in the LA Times Dec. 31, 2007. The article, “You’re not sorry? That’s OK,” quoted Toussaint and his 2001 national survey, published in the Journal of Adult Development. Only 52 percent of Americans said they had forgiven others for hurtful acts. The survey found that those 45 and older that forgave others were more likely to report having better overall mental and physical health than those who did not.
Toussaint was also quoted in a recent issue of Men’s Health, “Resenting someone makes you feel like you have control, but the ironic thing is that you’re really giving it away to them,” says Loren Toussaint. Toussaint’s research shows unforgiving people are twice as likely to have a heart attack than those who move on. Soothe your seething. “It sounds ridiculous, but wishing them well gives you back the control and defeats the bitterness and resentment,” Toussaint says. “It’ll evict them from your head.”
Freeman releases ‘Patrick’ DVD
Shoor and begorrah! Before you celebrate St. Patrick’s Day March 15, be sure to see the new “Patrick” DVD that reveals facts and dispels the fantasies about Ireland’s patron saint.
Philip Freeman appears in and served as a resource specialist for “Patrick.” The docudrama is narrated by Academy Award nominated actor Liam Neeson and stars acclaimed actor Gabriel Byrne as the voice of St. Patrick. It features historical and cultural information segments with Freeman, Oxford University historian David R. Howlett, and Frank McCourt, Irish-American author best known for his book “Angela’s Ashes.”
College Ministries beyond campus
In January Amy Larson hosted a lunch in St. Anthony Park, Minn. for 30 alumni currently attending Luther Seminary. The Luther campus pastors hosted 58 area clergy for an Epiphany Dinner.
Mike Blair served as chaplain at the annual LECNA president’s meeting in San Antonio, Feb. 16-18. Mike and David Vasquez also preached at large confirmation events at Lord of Life Lutheran in Maple Grove, Minn. and Mt. Calvary Lutheran in Excelsior, Minn.
SPORTS RESULTS/SCHEDULE
Baseball split a double-header with UW-Oshkosh, 5-7, in eight innings and 9-5. The games were played March 8 in the Metrodome.
Men’s tennis lost to UW-Whitewater March 7, 4-5.
Wrestling placed sixth at the NCAA Division III National Championships, March 7-8. Four wrestlers were named all-Americans, Zach Bartlett, 133, seventh, Travis Grawin, 141, fourth, Yonny Quist, 149, eighth, Alec Bonander, 197, fifth.
Softball defeated St. Olaf March 10, 8-0 and 9-0.
Home events this week:
Women’s tennis hosts Concordia-Moorhead
March 16, 9 a.m.
MISCELLANEOUS
Passport photo session
Anyone needing passport photos is invited to the session Tuesday, March 11, 2:30-5 p.m. in Mott. Cost is $10 for six photos. Questions? Call 387-1055.
Session on grief
Sister Janet Mallak, Franciscan Spirituality Center, La Crosse, will facilitate a session for faculty and staff touched by the deaths of three Luther students last year, Monday, March 31, 10 a.m.-noon. This is an opportunity to reflect on the experience and importance of self-care. Call Pam Torresdal, 387-1375 or e-mail <counseling> with questions or to sign up to participate. Register by 5 p.m., Tuesday, March 18. Session counts as work hours.
OFF CAMPUS EVENTS
Watch “Stardust” film March 13
Decorah Public Library and the Alfheim Fantasy Book Group will host a free public screening of the movie “Stardust” Thursday, March 13, 7-9:15 p.m. All ages are welcome to attend. Young children must be accompanied by an adult.
Decorah Contra Dance March 15
A Decorah Contra Dance with Western Home String Band and Beau Farmer will be held Saturday, March 15 at the Community Building, Winneshiek County Fairgrounds in Decorah. Cost is $5 per person. No partner or experience necessary. New dancers, please come at 7:30 to learn the basics; dance starts at 8 p.m.
A Family Dance will be held Saturday, April 19, 4-6 p.m., Fairgrounds and on Saturday, May 3, Contratopia with David Kircher will be held at Highlandville School.
Women, Faith, and Finance Event
Luther is hosting the fourth annual Women, Faith, and Finance event at the Hotel Winneshiek Friday, April 4. Women of all ages are invited to come and learn more about financial management, retirement and estate planning, and charitable giving. Cost is $25. Bring a friend and each save $5. First 100 women to register will receive a women’s philanthropy guide. To register, go to http://www.luther.edu/giving/faith-finance/index.html or e-mail <lovellje> for more information.
After school programs
Free after school programs for ages 8-14 continue at Decorah Public Library, Mondays and Thursdays in March, 3:30-5 p.m., with a special session Thursday, March 20, starting at 1:30. Pre-registration is requested.
“Faith in a Seed—Starting Seeds for Plants to Grow in the Library” will be Thursday, March 13.
“Seven Moves to Get and Keep You Strong,” where participants will learn five exercise moves, a yoga posture and more, will be held Monday, March 17.
UNCLASSIFIED ADS
For rent: 2008-09 seniors, looking for off campus housing? Three-bedroom, two-bath house close to campus. No smoking. If interested, please leave voicemail at (612) 824-6392.
Available to work: Luther student looking for weekend work. Will babysit, clean house and look after pets. Have full schedule, but am available Friday-Sunday evenings. Will need to be driven from dorm to the place of work. If interested call Andrea, (319) 541-5033.
Wanted: Printing press (roller type). Contact Randi Berg, 382-1763 or randi@spencerberg.com.
House watcher/sitter available: Recently retired professional desires an exchange opportunity in the Decorah community by house watching and/or sitting. I frequent the Decorah area to provide support for my mother-in-law and to trout fish. Telephone 382-5044 for further discussion.
Position announcement: Vesterheim Norwegian-American Museum invites applications for the position of Vesterheim Fellow. The Fellow will work in the Resource Development department at Vesterheim. Spring 2008 graduates are encouraged to apply. Application requirements and detailed information about the position available from the Career Center. Review of applications begins April 11 and continues until the position is filled.
EDITORIAL COMMENT
Wellness tip of the week
Improve your mood without food: Did you know that the simple act of smiling can make you feel happier? Smiling when you’re feeling down seems like one way to “fake it until you make it.”
You can change your mood by changing your thought. If you’re angry or sad, switch to a thought that makes you feel happy or calm. Get your mind off your problems and onto something positive. Try it next time you’re tempted to improve your mood with food…and you might not need that cookie after all. Whole article at: http://www.sparkpeople.com.
And finally…
St. Patrick’s day moved to March 15
Saint Patrick’s Day is an annual feast day that celebrates Saint Patrick (circa 385–461), one of the patron saints of Ireland, and is generally celebrated on March 17.
It became a feast day in the Roman Catholic Church, and is a holy day of obligation for Roman Catholics in Ireland. The date of the holiday is occasionally moved by church authorities when March 17 falls during Holy Week; this last happened in 1940 when St. Patrick’s Day was observed on April 3 in order to avoid it coinciding with Palm Sunday, and happens again this year.
The liturgical norms require the feast day to be moved to the earliest available date after Easter, which would be April 1. But church officials said the Vatican approved the March 15 date in order to minimize conflict with the scheduled civic events.
May the Irish hills caress you.
May her lakes and rivers bless you.
May the luck of the Irish enfold you.
May the blessings of Saint Patrick behold you.
-Irish Blessing