Bring on the jello mold with marshmallows!

Luther College Interim President Dr. David Tiede's term in office runs through the end of June.  But with Luther graduation just a few days away, the Luther community is gathering Wednesday to hold a potluck meal to thank Tiede for his year at Luther.

Dr. Tiede was appointed Interim President after Dr. Mark Hagerott withdrew his name from consideration as Luther's next president.  That caused the Luther Board of Regents to restart the presidential search process and to appoint Dr. Tiede as Interim President.

Tiede calmed the waters at Luther by approaching people on campus and saying "Let's talk."  Ironically, he talked a great deal about the "disruptors" that threatened the future of higher education, but urged people on campus to use his time as Interim President to get ready for the challenges ahead.  Besides, he would joke, "If you don't like what I am saying, don't worry--I'm going away in a year."

Tiede tells decorahnews.com his discussions with faculty members were "very impressive" and showed that all parties involved were not afraid of asking where higher education was heading.  He learned that the people he talked with cared deeply about the future of Luther, so he set about trying to figure out what it was that prompted such involvement.

Tiede says he learned of the importance of connecting faith with learning, as is done at Luther.  He says Luther students exhibit "a clear sense of care for the neighbor in the world."  Educating students at Luther is all about changing lives, says Tiede.

As his year at Luther is drawing to an end, Tiede says he is getting ready to "resume my life."  He and his wife Muffy will head back to the Twin Cities in July.  But first there is Wednesday's "Classic Lutheran Church Potluck," where people are being reminded not only to bring a dish to pass, but that "dishes should be labeled and picked up after the lunch."  It's an appropriate Lutheran send-off for someone who has spent the past year learning the value of a Lutheran-based college.