NE Iowa News

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}