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.”

Any advice for new students?
“Take advantage of every opportunity that Luther presents you with — every group that interests you, every class outside your major that sounds like you might enjoy it — you’ll never have opportunities like these again.”

What are your plans for after Luther?
“Take a semester or two off to find a job and get settled, and then start on my master’s.”

Any great Luther stories to share?
“One day during Shakespeare, Professor Muggli took our entire class into the men’s bathroom in Main to show us the wasp nest that had been found above the ceiling tiles. We took other trips in Shakespeare that semester, but none like the visit to the wasps.”

STATS:

Name: Julian Stanke
Major: Spanish, Secondary Education minor
Hometown: New Brighton, MN

So, what do you do on campus?
PALS, Social Science student worker, APO

What’s been your favorite class?
Personal Fitness and Wellness Jterm trip to Norway and Costa Rica (2009)

What’s your favorite thing about Luther?
“The people I have had the privilege of getting to know over the past four years. I have been able to learn a lot from all of them and they have made this part of life such a great experience.”

If you could do college all over again, what would you do differently?
“I wouldn’t. If I didn’t I wouldn’t have learned the lessons I have, nor be the person I am today. But if there was one thing I could change, I would have added on another major, maybe sociology or anthropology.”

Any advice for new students?
“1: Study abroad. Anywhere. Don’t be afraid to step outside your comfort zone. You will learn a lot about yourself and the world around you. 2: Do it all. As cliche as it sounds, the time DOES fly by. 3: Don’t get caught up on the little things. 4: Just have a blast with the time you have here.”

Any fears about graduating?
“I have a severe case of Peter Pan syndrome, so I am not sure I will ever be able to actually grow up. And I guess I’m sort of bummed out I won’t be able to use the ‘I was young and stupid’ excuse as much anymore.”

Any great Luther stories to share?
“All the times we may or may not have climbed to the top of the CFL roof late at night, to just sit, relax and take it all in.”

STATS:

Name: Jill Sundby
Major: Anthropology, Museum Studies and Classical Studies minors
Hometown: Louisville, CO

So, what do you do on and off campus?
Anthropology lab, vice president of International Culture Club, member of XOP, babysitting

What’s been your favorite class?
Anthropology Theory or World Archaeology, both with Colin Betts

What’s your favorite thing about Luther?
“From the southfacing windows in the CFA, if you don’t look too hard, the hills and pine trees almost make it seem like you’re in the mountains. And basically the whole building: Sunnyside, the pottery studio, the gorgeous Studio 1...”

If you could do college all over again, what would you do differently?
“I’m not sure I’d do anything differently. I like how things are now and if I changed anything I would be a different person today.”

Any advice for new students?
“Senioritis will hit hard no matter how dedicated a student you are. Try to get all the hard, uninteresting classes out of the way early!”

Any fears about graduating?
“What if I trip on my way to get my diploma?”

What are your plans for after Luther?
“Moving up to Fairbanks, Alaska and will hopefully be going to grad school for archaeology at the University of Alaska-Fairbanks.”

Any great Luther stories to share?
“Of course! But if I told you, you’d have no reason to ask me yourself!”