Curtis Reiso awarded Pioneer Memorial Award by Luther

1954 Luther College graduate Curtis Reiso has been given the Pioneer Memorial Award for his financial gifts to Luther College.

Reiso spent more than 40 years working at the college, retiring in 1995. In addition to the work he did as manager of Luther's musical organizations, where he coordinated 86 concert tours, Reiso spent time in the admissions and development offices, as well as the college's career center.  While serving as associate director of development, he oversaw all alumni activities, including homecoming and Alumni Council, and he raised funds for projects such as the Field House, Valders Hall of Science, Preus Library, and the Center for Faith Life.

In addition to his consistent gifts to the Annual Fund, various capital projects, and the Reiso Endowment Fund—established to support career development and professional growth of administrative and support staff at Luther College--Reiso has demonstrated his commitment to the college through numerous planned gifts.  In 2008 he funded a gift annuity of $420,000 to enhance the Reiso staff development fund, and, in 2013, Curt gifted farmland valued at $1,193,900, with $500,000 committed outright toward Luther's aquatic center and $693,900 designated for a second gift annuity that will fund an endowment supporting Jenson-Noble Hall of Music.