Luther College held the 2022 Commencement ceremony at 9 a.m. Sunday, May 22, in Carlson Stadium.
President Jenifer K. Ward greeted the graduates and the in-person audience. She then read a message from Keith Plessy and Phoebe Ferguson, who were to deliver the commencement address but could not attend due to illness. Their biggest piece of advice to the graduates read “Don’t be afraid to flip the script. At some point in life each of us with be faced with an opportunity to turn VERSUS into AND or THEM into US…You have within you the capacity to make a difference and to help make this world a better place.”
At the ceremony, Godson Sowah ’08 received the Luther College Young Alumni Award. The award recognizes the outstanding achievement of Luther alumni who have graduated in the last 15 years.
Nora Nyi Myint ’22 was awarded the Luther College Elizabeth A. and Paul G. Jenson Medal. That award is presented each year to an outstanding senior, selected by the graduating class, who best demonstrates the ideals of the college through service to students and the college community.
A total of 413 students participated in Commencement. Of that number, 183 graduates received Latin honors, seven were fourth-generation Luther graduates, and more than 100 were first-generation college students.
The graduates represented 32 different countries.
To view Luther's 2022 Commencement, visit luther.edu/commencement/.
Congratulations to the following graduates:
United States:
Alaska, California, Colorado, Georgia, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Montana, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Virginia, Wisconsin
International:
Afghanistan, Armenia, Bangladesh, Belarus, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Brazil, Burundi, Canada, China, East Timor, Ethiopia, El Salvador, Eswatini, Ghana, Haiti, India, Ireland, Laos, Lebanon, Lesotho, Myanmar, Namibia, Nepal, Panama, Paraguay, Spain, Tajikistan, Uganda, Vietnam, Western Sahara, Yemen
Alaska
Palmer
Parker Kizer, Accounting
California
Anaheim
Tan Le, Computer Science
Murrieta
Hayden Glynn, Nursing
Colorado
Aurora
Esther Choo, Nursing, magna cum laude
Mara Wood, Global Health
Colorado Springs
Bryce Cox, Accounting
Parker
Ian Clear, Management
Steamboat Springs
Robert Reece, English, magna cum laude
Georgia
Woodstock
Skyler Shuman, Computer Science
Idaho
Twin Falls
Kayla Davis, Classics, magna cum laude
Illinois
Algonquin
Adam Burdzy, Chemistry, cum laude
Atkinson
Shane Holmstrom, Data Science
Aurora
Shelby Cassidy, Nursing
Stephanie Viayra, Art
Chicago
Lucero Estrada, Management
Joselin Gonzalez, Management
Elisa Herrera, Health Promotion
Karla Lechuga Villa, Elementary Education
Tamara Rojas Luna, Management
Yashica Zuniga, Psychology
Columbia
Sienna Haubein, Music Education
East Dubuque
Alison Schneider, Social Work
East Dundee
Brynn Guth, Psychology, cum laude
Erie
Hannah Schanze, Nursing, cum laude
Galena
Michael Lorento, Economics
Geneseo
Madison Miller, Music Education, summa cum laude
Glen Ellyn
Erin Villmow, Music Education
Hoffman Estates
Molly Holcomb, Management
Jacksonville
Nora Homolka, Nursing
LaGrange
Madeline Wilkins, Music Education
Libertyville
Alexander Dikelsky, Computer Science, Mathematics, magna cum laude
Lukas Plunkett, Management
Moline
William Van Vooren, History, magna cum laude
Morrison
Allison Houldson, Music, summa cum laude
Normal
Elizabeth Burton, Music Education, magna cum laude
Oak Park
Destini Miller, Management
Port Byron
Kirsten Melaas-Swanson, Anthropology, French, summa cum laude
Saint Charles
Naomi Kreiner, Sociology, History
South Jacksonville
Camille Blanford, Music Education, magna cum laude
St. Charles
Alexander Laskowski, Music
Sterling
Charles Lehman, Mathematics/Statistics
Urbana
Natalie Brown, Elementary Education
Indiana
Carmel
Elijah Rotto, Management
Iowa
Adel
Silvia Angel, Psychology
Nicholas Dufoe
Algona
Alison Merrill, Religion, Management
Altoona
Emily Martinson, Biology
Gabrielle Sonntag, French, Psychology
Ames
Alison McHenry, Nursing
Lauren Taylor, French, magna cum laude
Isak Werner Anderson, Environmental Studies
Anamosa
Sophia Wilt, Art, cum laude
Aredale
Ashley Harms, Music
Bettendorf
Bailey Connors, Music Education, summa cum laude
Emily Kidwell, Social Work
Elizabeth Lindmark, Social Work
Burlington
Thea Good, Nursing, magna cum laude
Calmar
Madisen Ondrashek, Elementary Education, cum laude
Cedar Falls
Caleb Burjes, Biology, magna cum laude
Sarah Hoehns, Biology, magna cum laude
Emily Lehman, Spanish, Communication Studies, summa cum laude
Clare Rolinger, Theatre, English, magna cum laude
Samuel Schillinger, Philosophy, Identity Studies, magna cum laude
Cedar Rapids
Kate Andreasen, Political Science, Social Work, summa cum laude
Shelby Cook, Identity Studies, cum laude
Isabelle Dalton, Elementary Education
Megan Grimm, Accounting, summa cum laude
Kennedy Wilson, Nursing
Center Point
Madison Kurt, Elementary Education
Clinton
Kristen Flathers, Communication Studies
Columbus Junction
Grace Rotter, Dance Therapy
Cresco
Haley Newman, Nordic Studies, Biology
Davenport
Brittney Witt, English
Dakota Wright, Exercise Science
Decorah
Madeleine Davis, Social Work
Isabel De la Cruz Hexom, Social Work, cum laude
Sierra Duncan, Communication Studies
Rye Hawley-Bourcier, English
Meron Kahsay, Data Science
Andrew Kozelka, Sociology
Harley McCabe, Chemistry, cum laude
Keshawn McCain, Dance
Isaiah Mitchell, Visual Communication, Management, cum laude
Jake Muhlbauer, Accounting, summa cum laude
Jarod Phillips, Neuroscience, summa cum laude
Rylea Ranum, Psychology, Neuroscience, magna cum laude
Andrea Sullivan, Elementary Education
Abigail Toussaint, Music Education, magna cum laude
Abby Trewin, Music, Accounting, magna cum laude
Denver
Colin Beck, Accounting, Management, cum laude
Des Moines
Emma Hildebrandt, Nursing
Jerry Jones, Political Science, Philosophy, English, cum laude
Sophia Rodriguez, French
Dubuque
Trina Biver, Anthropology
Theresa Easley, Economics, Environmental Studies
Brianna Fry, Nursing, cum laude
Katherine Gorton, English, magna cum laude
Grace Herber, Social Work, magna cum laude
Heather Hostager, Nursing, magna cum laude
Madeline Perreard, Psychology
Elkader
Lauryn Swigart, Art, cum laude
Epworth
Chloe Baumgartner, Elementary Education, cum laude
Grimes
Emily Frett, Chemistry, magna cum laude
Jayson Peitzman, Music Education
Independence
Cyrus Butters, Management
Indianola
Elizabeth Lester, Allied Health Sciences
Madison Wedmore, Nursing, cum laude
Iowa City
Katharine Dunn, Nursing
Ethan Goers, Political Science, cum laude
Elizabeth Heimer-Lang, English, summa cum laude
Julia Lassner, Biology
Quenton Max, Accounting, Data Science, summa cum laude
Amelia Morrow, Political Science, magna cum laude
Lindsey Parrott, Biology, magna cum laude
Jacob Sharafuddin, Biology, summa cum laude
Emilia Thedens, Mathematics/Statistics, cum laude
Anna Ziniel, Nursing, summa cum laude
Johnston
Hailey Abbey, Political Science, History, summa cum laude
Madison Gregurek, Political Science, Biology
Peyton McClure, Biology, Anthropology, magna cum laude
Carsten Thompson
Waleed Yual, Chemistry
Kalona
Kaitlin Poock, Social Work, magna cum laude
Kensett
Anna Dietrich, Communication Studies
Keokuk
Gerald Glenn, Exercise Science
Lake Mills
Lily Thompson, Mathematics
Lansing
Kendra Cooper, Allied Health Sciences, Exercise Science
Le Mars
Sarah Benton, Psychology, Allied Health Sciences, magna cum laude
Maquoketa
Camryn Berg, Theatre, Biology, cum laude
Marion
William Angstman, Management, cum laude
Hoffman Chan, Chemistry, cum laude
Kirsten Loynachan, Music, Accounting, summa cum laude
Mason City
Natalia Cadena, Psychology
Monticello
Ryan Manternach, Data Science
Mount Vernon
Kristen Elliott, Allied Health Sciences, cum laude
Preston Shultz, Elementary Education
Katherine Bellamy, Nursing
Muscatine
Morgan Hogenson, Elementary Education
Newton
Preston Sherwood, Chemistry, cum laude
North Liberty
Stone Grell, Accounting, Management
Cassandra Kaminsky, Political Science
Jayden Kies, History
Osage
Claire Sullivan, Nursing, summa cum laude
Readlyn
Kyla Billington, Music
Remsen
Jenna Gengler, Communication Studies, Management, cum laude
Sheffield
Sarah Retz, Nursing
Solon
Faye Duster, Environmental Studies, magna cum laude
Jill Richards, Biology, magna cum laude
Spirit Lake
Kylie Holdorf, Biology, magna cum laude
Storm Lake
Shannon Schultz, Biology
Story City
Megan Stevenson, Visual Communication
Urbandale
Alex Thompson, Communication Studies, summa cum laude
Vinton
Brittany Grendler, Communication Studies
Waterloo
Taryn Ray, Neuroscience
Waukee
Sonja Barrett, Nursing
Benjamin Meyer, Chemistry, summa cum laude
Waukon
Katelyn Leiran, Biology, cum laude
Waverly
Ashley Schultz, Religion, History, magna cum laude
Samantha Snyder, Nursing, magna cum laude
Burke Wallace, Communication Studies
West Des Moines
Greta Carlson, Psychology
Kelsey Hubble, Nursing, cum laude
Danielle Nichols, Elementary Education
West Union
Zoey Frey, Nursing
Williamsburg
Jurgen Dovre, English
Kansas
Lawrence
Lindsey Fry, Theatre, Visual Communication
Michigan
Decatur
Logan Kennedy, Health Promotion
Minnesota
Alden
Benjamin Jahnke, Music
Alexandria
Nathaniel Eck, Philosophy, Music
Apple Valley
Kira Dobberman, English, Environmental Studies, magna cum laude
Hope Gilbertson, Communication Studies, cum laude
Arden Hills
Marikka Coltvet, Nursing
Austin
Hannah Alberts, Psychology
Samuel Bailey, Accounting
Isaac Christopherson, Biology, summa cum laude
Jordan Harmon, Management
Ochain Okey, Biology
Matias Parada, Visual Communication, magna cum laude
Belle Plaine
Hunter Meyer, Visual Communication, magna cum laude
Bloomington
Madison Chesky, Nordic Studies, Psychology
Philip Royer, Theatre
Sydnee Schreier, Nursing
Burnsville
Kyle Brusco, Political Science, Philosophy, summa cum laude
Cannon Falls
Tessa Barnes, Nursing, cum laude
Abigail Collins, Nursing
Grace Hall, Neuroscience
Chanhassen
Sydney Thompson, Nursing
Chaska
Joseph Jersak, Management
Chatfield
Hunter Hobbs, Biology, magna cum laude
Clearwater
Sarah Damhof, International Studies, Political Science, magna cum laude
Coon Rapids
Ian Wreisner, English
Corcoran
Heidi Trandahl, Visual Communication
Cottage Grove
Fancy Mua, Sociology, Political Science
Duluth
Frost Bowen-Bailey, Music, Accounting, summa cum laude
Olivia Helland, Environmental Studies, Nordic Studies
Eagan
Eleanor Schrantz, Nursing, summa cum laude
Anna Tahnk, Social Work, Sociology, summa cum laude
East Bethel
Logan Olson, Environmental Studies, summa cum laude
Laura Voltz, Nursing
Eden Prairie
Asher Smith, Communication Studies
Kaija Welter, Communication Studies
Edina
Emily Dyrdahl, Psychology, cum laude
Ian Klein, History, German, cum laude
Eli Leupold, Communication Studies, cum laude
Natalie Richards, Art, cum laude
Eyota
Valorie Ziemer, Music Education, cum laude
Faribault
Amanda Johnson, Art
Geneva
Nikita Peterson, Nursing
Hastings
Eric Bacon, English, magna cum laude
Hayfield
Kyal Heydt, Physical Education
Henderson
Gabrielle Malecha, Elementary Education
Chastity Swenson, Elementary Education
Houston
Ethan Papenfuss, Music Education, magna cum laude
Hugo
Katherine McKeown, Communication Studies
Inver Grove Heights
Kelly Fiedler, Elementary Education, magna cum laude
Kenyon
Lauren Berg, Economics
Layla Sjolander, Elementary Education, magna cum laude
La Crescent
Weston Riley, History
Lakeland
Anthony Hamer, German, Environmental Studies
Lakeville
Kinsey Greenlee, Communication Studies
Griffin Pleschourt,
ManagementJenna Uphoff, Psychology, cum laude
Lanesboro
Matthew Eversole, Visual Communication
Alleigh Meyer, Allied Health Sciences, Nursing
Lindstrom
Naomi Weiss, Communication Studies
Lino Lakes
Charles Sylvester, Environmental Studies, magna cum laude
Mankato
Rachel Clennon, Social Work, Political Science, cum laude
Kaitlyn Frutiger, Allied Health Sciences
Maya Mukamuri, Sociology
Maple Grove
Kyra Kjeldahl, Global Health, magna cum laude
Mendota Heights
Emilie Gitter, Biology, summa cum laude
Minneapolis
Mercedes Cruz, Political Science, magna cum laude
Hailee Gilliand, Biology, magna cum laude
Anna Hasper, Visual Communication
Anna Jenewein, Management
Owen Johnson, Physics, summa cum laude
Kell Knutsen, Nordic Studies, Psychology
Grace Meyers, Visual Communication
Sophia Nall, English, Theatre, magna cum laude
Anna Northenscold, English, French, cum laude
Maxwell Pardo, Psychology
Annie Thoma, English, Theatre
Kathryn Waller, Visual Communication, magna cum laude
Minnetonka
Jane Bremer, German, English, magna cum laude
Minnetrista
Anna Worden, English, Psychology
Morristown
Maclean Braun, Music
Nerstrand
Olivia Schmidt, History, English, magna cum laude
Northfield
Jacob Gonnerman, History
Jessica Labenski, Biology, Religion, magna cum laude
Brooke Stanga, Biology, cum laude
Owatonna
Elena Dant, Music, magna cum laude
Park Rapids
Matthew Benson, Biology, summa cum laude
Pine Island
Katilynn Swanson, Sociology, summa cum laude
Plymouth
Ingrid Christopherson, Psychology, magna cum laude
Elena Fackler, Theatre
Molly Jaeger, Nursing, cum laude
Princeton
Elena Palashewski, Social Work, Theatre
Red Wing
Calvin Harper, Environmental Studies, magna cum laude
Rochester
Abigail Gapinski, Elementary Education
Elizabeth King, Psychology
Noel Krotzer, Biology
Abbe Lacey, English
Josie LaVoi, English
Zachary Olson, Health Promotion
Alex Smith, Management, Psychology, cum laude
Siri St. Louis, French, magna cum laude
Kenova Withers, Anthropology, cum laude
Rosemount
Collin Chalmers, Economics, Data Science
Nathan Putman, Accounting, cum laude
Roseville
Gibson Swalley, Music
Rushford
Anna Kjos, Nursing, summa cum laude
Saint Charles
Abigail Miller, Biology
Cami Sternberg, Elementary Education
Saint James
Landon Hoppe, Political Science, cum laude
Saint Michael
Nathan Loch, Art
Nora Weigle, Social Work
Brent Zastrow, History
Saint Paul
William Benjamin, Chemistry, cum laude
Annika Hedges, Art, cum laude
David Herrick, Political Science
Alexandra Hire, Social Work, cum laude
Mary McTeague, Environmental Studies, English, magna cum laude
Kimberlyn Perez-Salazar, Nursing
Meghan Rice, Chemistry, Mathematics, cum laude
Leif Saveraid, Environmental Studies, magna cum laude
Parker Swenson, History
Emilia Syers, Nursing
Catherine Vitt, Art History, summa cum laude
Saint Peter
Greta Anderson, Psychology, summa cum laude
Alexis Orth, Biology, Chemistry, magna cum laude
Savage
Greta Brua, Elementary Education
Scandia
Laura Bailey, Computer Science
Shoreview
Ella Sneltjes, Communication Studies, magna cum laude
Spring Valley
Audrey Farlinger, Elementary Education, cum laude
Stewartville
Emily Rinken, Nursing, magna cum laude
Nathan Sikkink, Music Education, cum laude
Stillwater
Carolyn Wrightsman, Nursing, magna cum laude
Waconia
Grace Edsill, Nursing
Annah Fritz, Political Science, Biology
Winona
Caleb Glodowski, Elementary Education
Sarah Halverson, Athletic Training, magna cum laude
Haley Hoffmann, Accounting, magna cum laude
Woodbury
Leah Marxhausen, Music, Communication Studies
Tessa Sand, Nursing, magna cum laude
Wyoming
Natalie Danzl, Biology, cum laude
Zimmerman
Lindsey Briggs, Theatre
Zumbrota
Dalton Ludington, Physics
Missouri
Kansas City
Frederick Farrand, Mathematics, magna cum laude
Montana
Kalispell
John Desmul, Management, Music
North Dakota
Grand Forks
Shauna Stoltman, Nursing, cum laude
Ohio
Beavercreek
Cody Hocker, History
Bryce Neuse, Management
South Dakota
Canton
Samantha Feucht, Social Work
Sioux Falls
Abigail Falconer, Music Education
Ethan Moore, Nursing, cum laude
Benjamin Wentzel, Psychology
Isaac Woods, Allied Health Sciences, cum laude
Tennessee
Pleasant View
Mitchell Camper, Environmental Studies
Texas
College Station
Aimee Hodges, Elementary Education
Houston
Dominique Stringer, Anthropology, summa cum laude
Utah
Cedar Hills
Christopher Robinson, Management
Virginia
Lynchburg
Jordan Pennix, Psychology
Stafford
Christion Pinkney, Sociology
Wisconsin
Alma
Juhl Kuhlemeier Sarao, English, cum laude
Appleton
Katherine Fetting, Biology, summa cum laude
Eau Claire
Hannah Messer, Global Health
Cassidy Miller, Biology
Laurel Studt, Psychology, summa cum laude
Ferryville
Lane Buchner, Neuroscience, cum laude
Fon du Lac
Hailey Becker, Health Promotion, cum laude
Franklin
Emily Versnik, Accounting, Management
Glenwood City
Jacob Nadeau, Accounting
Hazel Green
Derek Leibfried, Accounting
Hudson
Jacey Echo, Nordic Studies, magna cum laude
Zachary Yanta, Exercise Science
Janesville
Jack Jorgensen, Music Education, summa cum laude
La Crosse
Annika Dome, English, German, Nordic Studies
Nina Kudimova, Biology, cum laude
Isaac List, Computer Science, Nordic Studies, magna cum laude
Lodi
Hunter Bowman, Music
Madison
Elizabeth Roby, Social Work, summa cum laude
Rose Torti, Anthropology
Manitowoc
Rebekah Nteso, Accounting, cum laude
Middleton
Iris Ohlrogge, International Studies, Spanish, Global Health, magna cum laude
Milwaukee
Paul Priester, Environmental Studies
Monona
Gabriel McKelvey, Philosophy
Monroe
Stephanie Kolden, Social Work
Mukwonago
David Burgad, Allied Health Sciences, Exercise Science
New Lisbon
Hannah Slater, Health and Dance Performance
New Richmond
James Nysse, English
Onalaska
William Moses, Accounting
Oregon
Michaela Bieno, English
Osceola
Ryan Rogers, Environmental Studies, Nordic Studies, magna cum laude
Prairie du Chien
Owen Feye, Psychology
Carter Wittrig, English, Visual Communication, cum laude
Racine
Erin Keller, Visual Communication
Retreat
Isabella Audetat, Economics
Rice Lake
Paul Adams, Theatre
Laura Elmquist, Music Education
Emily Fell, Visual Communication, Art, cum laude
Sheboygan
Andrew Engberg, Political Science
South Range
Mollie Middleton, Psychology, Political Science, cum laude
Tomahawk
Allison Meinheit, Elementary Education, summa cum laude
Viroqua
Evergreen Wildingway, Theatre, magna cum laude
Waumandee
Kaleb Krzyszton, Music Education
Wilton
Tyler Brandau, Management, Political Science
International
Afghanistan
Panjsher
Ahmad Danesh Rassa, Visual Communication
Armenia
Vanadzor
Ani Sargsyan, Art, summa cum laude
Yerevan
Arpine Hovhannisyan, Management, cum laude
Bangladesh
Dinajpur
C M Nafi, Data Science, cum laude
Belarus
Minsk
Darya Davidouskaya, Communication Studies
Bosnia-Herzegovina
Mostar
Edis Pajic, Nordic Studies, Psychology
Brazil
Joinville, Santa Catarina
Brendha Klaus, Communication Studies
Burundi
Bujumbura
Alain Nishimwe, Physics
Canada
Edmonton, Alberta
Anneke Knauss, Neuroscience, cum laude
China
Beijing
Qian Yang, Computer Science, cum laude
East Timor
Jorania Ferreira Alves, Economics, Data Science, cum laude
Ruivaldo Freitas Viana, Economics, cum laude
Ethiopia
Aksum
Yordanos Alemu Kiros, Data Science
El Salvador
Antiguo Cuscatlan
Sofia Martinez Cruz, International Studies
San Salvador
Jorge Contreras Osegueda, Computer Science
Juan Quintanilla Cervantes, Chemistry
Eswatini
Malkerns
Siyabonga Mabuza, Management, Data Science, magna cum laude
Nhlangano
Sitsandziwe Simelane, Neuroscience, cum laude
Ghana
Accra
Ursula Damtse, French, International Studies
Alice Odame, International Studies, Economics, cum laude
Haiti
Cite Soleil
Marc-Arthur Shapiro, French
India
Bangalore
Sebastine Swamynathan, Accounting
Bihar
Sneha Verma, Data Science, Economics, summa cum laude
Phaltan
Sharayu Phanse, Computer Science
Ireland
Ardee, County Louth
Ben Phipps, Accounting
Laos
Vientiane
Dalavanh Phongsavath, Computer Science, Mathematics, cum laude
Lebanon
Tripoli
Marwa Bahij, Chemistry
Lesotho
Maseru
Nyathi Motlojoa, Management
Myanmar
Yangon
San Thu Min, Visual Communication, cum laude
Nyi Myint Nora, International Studies, Women and Gender Studies, summa cum laude
Namibia
Otjiwarongo
Kelao Neumbo, Biology, Global Health
Ruacana
Kovenda Mbuale, Data Science
Nepal
Kathmandu
Rajiv Chaudhary, Data Science
Nepal
Juni Deshar, Accounting
Nuwakot
Anita Tamang, Global Health
Panama
Aguadulce
Melany Nicole Ruiz Torres, Management
Paraguay
Pilar Neembucu
Juan Palacios Rodas, Computer Science, magna cum laude
Spain
Madrid
Marcos Vila Valdivieso, Management
Tajikistan
Tajikistan
Firdavs Atabaev, Computer Science
Uganda
Kampala
Joshua Lutaakome, Biology
Vietnam
Can Tho
Quang Lam, Computer Science, magna cum laude
Hanoi
Duc Chu, Biology, Nursing, summa cum laude
Thi Bang Linh Do, East Asian Studies, Visual Communication,
My Hieu Kien Huynh, Music, Psychology, summa cum laude
Anh Nguyen, Psychology, magna cum laude
Western Sahara
Auserd
Rabab Mohamed Nafe, Data Science
Yemen
Hungary
Ahmed Abdrabu Hamid, Biology, magna cum laude
Source: https://www.luther.edu/headlines/?story_id=974199