Archives for August 12, 2024

The west entrance of Olson Campus Center began undergoing significant construction work on August 12, work that will continue through most of October. Major repairs will be made to parts of the steel frame and footing as well as to masonry and water diversion systems to restore the building’s structural integrity. Areas affected include the ramps, sidewalks, and exterior walls on the northwest side of the building as well as interior areas of the chapel and lobby. During this construction project, all west entrances into OCC will be closed, and at certain times the chapel and lobby will also be closed. We worked with RSI—an architectural engineering firm specializing in building exterior protection—to develop a project plan and are now working with G5 Construction to implement it.

Schedule

The project began Monday, August 12, with G5 workers moving equipment into the chapel and lobby, installing temporary enclosures in exterior and interior spaces, and preparing other aspects of the project. Later this week and by Monday, August 19 at the latest, significant construction work will be underway, including work that is at times noisy and could produce some dust. The project is planned to be completed within 10 weeks, with an anticipated end date of Friday, October 18, 2024.

Impacts

• Olson Campus Center will remain open during construction. We do not anticipate anyone with an OCC office to have to move out nor to have to close portions of the facility for the entire duration of the project.
• Some construction noise is expected, and on noisier days, we might elect to relocate chapel worship services and other events planned for the north end of OCC. The noisier masonry and concrete removal work is scheduled to occur between Monday, August 12 and Friday, September 6. Consider working from home, as you are able, on noisier days. See my weekly updates for more specific information on this.
• Dust will be controlled by enclosures and daily cleaning. Industry-standard safety measures are in place to protect workers operating where dust is being generated. Dust making its way outside these enclosures should be relatively minor.
• Work could begin as early at 7 a.m. each day (according to Saint Paul ordinances) and will conclude most days by 3:30 p.m.
• No disruptions to power and other utilities in OCC are anticipated. No changes to the accessibility and function of the south end of OCC (dining areas, patio, lower level) are anticipated.
• Construction work will continue during Fall RFS (September 14–20). We will work together as a community to stay flexible and to communicate clearly about changes to schedules and locations. It is possible that chapel worship services and other events scheduled to take place in OCC will be relocated.
• Parking on and around campus will remain the same, generally speaking, with the caveat that our construction partners will also be traveling to and parking on or near campus.

Safety. G5 will place signs, barricades, and enclosures near and around all areas that are restricted. Only trained construction workers and others with safety training will be permitted access to these areas. Follow all signs and restrictions. Do not enter restricted areas. If you have questions about signage or which areas are restricted, contact me. Please also refrain from going near construction equipment that might temporarily be set outside a restricted area, as well as temporary restroom facilities that are placed on campus and any personal items belonging to construction workers.

Communication. Direct any and all questions about this project, at any time of the day or week, to me: Rob Verke, rverke001@luthersem.edu, 651.641.3208. A job superintendent will be on site at some point every day during the project, along with 10-20 construction workers. Please do not ask the superintendent or any other G5 workers about the project, but do send any questions or concerns you have to me. I will be meeting regularly with our G5 partners and will provide weekly updates to the campus community, including whether we anticipate the upcoming week to be a noisier one in the OCC.

Thanks for your support of this important project on our beautiful campus,
Rob Verke
Director of Operations
Luther Seminary

In this devotion, Andrew Bernard Hinderlie ’92 M.Div., prays that we can be kind to the point of being foolish, sharing God’s love freely with all. Read today’s God Pause.

Dr. Steve Thomason has been appointed Dean of the Chapel of Luther Seminary, effective September 1, 2024. In this new position, Steve will combine his faculty role as associate professor of spiritual formation with spiritual leadership in campus ministry for the Luther Seminary community. He will also continue to create content for Faith+Lead. Steve said, “I’m so excited to serve the people of Luther Seminary and help cultivate our spiritual community. I can’t wait to see what God has in store for us.”

Combining roles is not new to Steve, as the “fusion of art and theology” is a central part of his biography. Steve describes himself as an “art pastor” who thinks and learns visually. He illustrates the Bible, Christian theology, and his own sermons. Steve, an ELCA pastor, brings dynamic experience to this new calling. He has served as pastor of an evangelical mega church in Las Vegas, a house church ministry, and two Lutheran congregations in Minnesota. Steve’s art infuses his preaching, teaching, and spirituality in many ways. At Luther Seminary, Steve convenes the “mindful sketching” group and has led worship creatively in chapel.

Steve is excited to welcome all people to Luther Seminary’s worship and campus ministry, especially those who have been traditionally marginalized or excluded from church and ministry. Steve will work closely with students, staff, and faculty to provide meaningful worship experiences and ongoing pastoral care across the community.

The Academic Affairs office is happy to announce that Dr. Ken Reynhout, Director of Institutional Research and Assessment, has agreed to serve as Acting Associate Dean of Academic Affairs for two calendar years, starting January 1, 2025. This is a new temporary position designed to partner with the Dean of Academic Affairs, Terri Elton, and the Dean of the Faculty, Rolf Jacobson, as each of them take a full calendar-year sabbatical. The Acting Associate Dean of Academic Affairs will oversee the academic affairs staff and student integrity matters and will work closely with the registrar on course planning but will not oversee faculty or join the ELT. Ken will continue to provide strategic leadership for Institutional Research and Assessment in collaboration with Trina Smith and Colleen Clish.