Archives for October 2018

Mark you calendars and come celebrate Reformation Day (Wednesday, October 31) at the Rare Book Room open house from 10am-2pm on the third floor of Gullixson Hall! See the rare books on display in the coolest room on campus, and afterward enjoy hot apple cider and cookies outside the archives office.

We hope to see you there!

As many of you know, the Luther Seminary board of directors met this past weekend. Much of their conversation centered around plans for the campus of the future, and included some action regarding housing.

In particular, the board reaffirmed the important role student housing plays in meeting Luther’s curricular commitments and fulfilling our mission and vision.

While real estate transactions involve a lot of moving parts, and there are some details we can’t yet know, there are plenty of things that have come into focus thanks to the work of the housing sprint team that met this summer and the board this weekend. President Steinke has created a video update on the housing strategy. Please click the video image below to view it!



Some key points from the video are summarized below:

Immediate Plan

• No change in housing during at least this academic year.
• Establish a centralized housing office.
• Review all bids for campus sales. All finalists have already taken housing seriously and have included solutions in their proposals.

Transition Plan

While the specifics will depend on the real estate deal that is signed, we are committed to timing development of the buildings so that we retain usage of adequate on- or near-campus housing for residential students and swing space for faculty, staff, and classes during the transition period.

Long-Term Plan

• Repurpose Bockman Hall for housing through a partnership with a third-party developer.
• Retain the houses along Branston and Grantham Streets for student housing.
• Explore partnerships with properties near campus for families in particular.
• Explore partnerships with churches for intentional living communities.
• Explore establishing a need-based scholarship fund for housing/living expenses.

Next Steps

• Interim Dean of Students Sarah Luedtke-Jones has been tasked with working on the establishment of the housing office, including defining responsibilities and scope of work for the office.
• Consult with a specialist in student housing to help refine strategy.

There is such a thing as free lunch! Join your colleagues and the Center for Stewardship Leaders for a discussion of chapters 8 and 9 of “Your New Money Mindset.” We’ll meet right after chapel in Dining Room C.

Get discussion helps below.

If you need a copy of the book, you can get one from outside of Prof. Copeland’s office, BH109.

Ever thought of visiting several continents, tasting several international cuisines, learning and speaking at least 3 different languages all in one day?

Here is an opportunity for you.

Community Life has put together this fun event that will make all these aspirations of yours a reality. All you have to do is to show up on October 28, in OCC at 4pm. Food from different cultures will be provided!

The Graduate Preaching Fellowship of an overseas experience for one year is available to a 2018 graduating M.Div. senior who intends to enter the parish ministry.  The application is now available, and all materials must be submitted to Dr. Lewis by January 31st. 

See the documents below for more information.

Tuesday, October 23, 6:00-7:10 pm in Bockman Hall room 116 join us for a guest lecture. Dr. Specker is the Medical Director of the Substance Use Disorder Treatment Programs. Her clinical and research interests focus on the comorbidity of eating and substance use disorders, other co-occurring psychiatric and substance use disorders, special populations in substance abuse and health care professionals with addictive disorders.

This open lecture is part of the pastoral care class: “Ministry with Persons with Mental Illness and Their Families.” All interested persons welcome.