It’s that time of year again: while Luther students are cramming for exams, they’re still attempting to cram in all of the year’s final social activities. With so much to do and so many things to remember, how can students maintain their GPAs and their sanity?

In addition to adding Greek letters and Latin designations to their resumes, students participate in honors activities at Luther College for a variety of reasons and in many ways.

When Luther began to experience distress and controversy in the 1960s, one man stepped in to positively alter the course of the college. Former President Elwin Farwell transformed Luther throughout his 19 years as president and was recognized by the college with “Farwell Fest,” a 90th birthday celebration May 1.

Zeta Tau Psi’s President Thomas Ingram (‘09) is starting a scholarship that will be funded from money collected right here on campus. The scholarship money will go toward helping multiple students purchase their books for the semester, starting next spring.

Eighteen-year-old Mallory Heinzeroth has made her first year at Luther a busy one. When not studying for her business management, communication studies and Spanish majors, she’s playing on the women’s rugby team, singing in the Aurora choir or acting as a SAC Cinema co-chair — all while balancing work study hours in the Admissions Office and Catering Services.

Hiding out in every corner of the library, Luther seniors diligently worked to finish their senior papers earlier this week. Since 1946, this all-college requirement has served as a chance for seniors to delve further into topics within their major and accomplish this last task before graduation.

STATS:

Name: Lindi Makohoniuk
Majors: Art, Africana Studies
Hometown: Des Moines, IA

So, what do you do on and off campus?
Chi Theta Rho, Believing and Achieving, Luther Artist Collective, Luther Review, Beautiful Mess, employed at Goodwill

What’s your favorite thing about Luther?

If you thought your days of sharpened number two pencils, hermetically-sealed test packets and hours spent in an ACT examination room were over, think again. Many post-graduate programs require additional exams, including the GRE, MCAT and LSAT.

GRE: Graduate Record Examination

In this time of economic crisis, the Entrepreneurship Club at Luther College continues its support of students who create their own jobs by starting their own businesses.

STATS:

Name: Gabrielle McNally
Major: Art, Theatre/Dance and Music minors
Hometown: Luana, IA

Instead of spending class time in the weight room or on the courts to fulfill credits, Luther’s Adaptive Physical Education course provides students with a rewarding opportunity to give their time to children with special needs.

Many Luther students are familiar with the name Jerry Johnson from the signature at the end of mass emails regarding campus-wide issues such as moving cars for snow removal or emergency test messages. However, students know little else about him and what exactly he does at Luther. Who is the mysterious man behind the emails?

As summer quickly approaches, some students are securing their summer job positions with Luther through work study or research grants. Students are able to choose from a wide array of positions that serve as enjoyable learning experiences and allow students to explore the campus and the surrounding Decorah area in a different way.

STATS:

Name: Laura Thompson
Major: English with writing emphasis, Classical Studies minor
Hometown: Plainfield, IA

What’s been your favorite class?
Classical Mythology with Philip Freeman

What’s your favorite thing about Luther?
“The professors and how they take a real and dedicated interest in each of us.”