Luther College receives the Governor's Environmental Excellence Award

(Left to right) Iowa DNR Secretary and Luther alumnus Chuck Gipp, Lieutenant Governor Kim Reynolds, Kris and Kathy Gregersen and Governor Terry Branstad. (Click on image for larger photo)

Luther College has received its Governor's Environmental Excellence Award at ceremonies in Des Moines.

Luther College alumni Kris and Kathy Gregersen--the co-presidents of the Luther Alumni Council--accepted the award from Governor Terry Branstad on behalf of Luther President Rick Torgerson, who had asked them to represent Luther at the awards ceremony.

The Governor's Iowa Environmental Excellence Awards are the premier environmental honors in Iowa, recognizing leadership and innovation in the protection of Iowa's natural resources.

The prestigious Environmental Excellence Award honors organizations with comprehensive environmental ethics and commitment, while special project awards recognize specific environmental improvements.

Luther was recognized for "Special Recognition in Energy Efficiency/ Renewable Energy" for the college's work in the field of solar energy.  The Luther College Solar project, the largest single solar energy production facility in Iowa, went on line in August 2012 and was dedicated in October 2012.