Luther College to hold its opening convocation Thursday

Luther College will hold its Opening Convocation at 9:40 a.m. Thursday in the Center for Faith and Life Main Hall.

The ceremony will celebrate the beginning of the academic year and will welcome the class of 2015 and new transfer students.  The event is open to the public with no charge for admission.

Tracy Kidder, a Pulitzer Prize winning author, journalist and essayist, will present the 2011 convocation lecture.   Kidder's lecture is the major lecture for the first year interdisciplinary core course, Paideia, where students will have the opportunity to engage in reflection, dialogue and scholarship throughout the academic year.  Kidder will speak about his latest book, "Strength in What Remains," the chosen summer reading for the 2011 incoming first-year class. 

Convocation includes the installation of the Dennis M. Jones Distinguished Professorship, granted to Luther professor of English Mark Muggli and the Bert M. and Mildred O. Dahl Chair in Economics, granted to Luther assistant professor of economics Steve Holland.