Update as of 11/16/23, 4:11 p.m.: Dean Ashley Benson is actively looking for a replacement for Jenna Mockler-Gjerde, as announced at the Student Senate meeting on November 16.
As of November 2, the Student Activities Council (SAC) has lost its Director, Jenna Mockler-Gjerde (‘06). Mockler-Gjerde’s exit from Luther College has forced SAC into a period of uncertainty.
Mockler-Gjerde turned in her notice on Wednesday, October 11, and her last day as Director of Student Activities was Thursday, November 2. She had been involved with the Student Activities Council since her time as a student at Luther. She worked as the Assistant Director of Student Activities before stepping into the role of Director in 2020 and has always been passionate about the program. She feels engagement is integral to the student experience, which is why she wanted to fulfill the role of Director of Student Activities at Luther.
“I think students being engaged in their community is so critical to the college experience. I love that our office helps facilitate opportunities for students to get involved, meet new people, learn new skills and hopefully make life-long connections,” Mockler-Gjerde said. “I was very involved in SAC when I was a student at Luther and I found my experience and all the connections I made because of SAC were life-changing. Also, the previous director, Trish Neubauer, was a very important mentor to me. I had always said I would love to be in her seat someday and hopefully have a similar impact on the lives of students!”
Olivia Helland (‘21) began as the new Assistant of Student Activities in August and was shocked to hear about Mockler-Gjerde’s decision to leave.
“For a split second, my initial reaction to Jenna’s decision was ‘NO! You can’t leave! I have only been here for three months, what am I going to do without you?!’ But truly I am so happy for Jenna and her upcoming career opportunities,” Helland said. “I know [her decision] was not taken lightly.”
The decision to leave Luther College was not easy for Mockler-Gjerde. She cares deeply about the Student Activities Council, but her family was her main reason for leaving.
“This was an extremely difficult decision for me to make and it was not made without some heartache,” Mockler-Gjerde said. “There are several reasons for my leaving but the most important is that I need to be more present for my three boys at home.”
To round out her experience as Director of Student Activities, Mockler-Gjerde reflected on her time at Luther and working in the SAC office.
“I always love planning the concerts since live music is a huge passion of mine,” Mockler-Gjerde said. “I loved working with SAC to bring back the Flamingo Ball dance for homecoming this year. I had dreamed of doing that ever since I stepped in this role and I’m so happy I was here to see it happen! One of my other favorite events over the last couple of years has been the Silent Disco held outside on Bentdahl Commons! It’s very rewarding to see students laughing, having fun and creating memories.”
Mockler-Gjerde will begin her new job as the Director of the Oneota Valley Literary Foundation and manager at Dragonfly Books on November 13 with the hope that she can continue working with Luther students.
“I’m excited to have this opportunity to make a difference in the Decorah community,” Mockler-Gjerde said. “And be surrounded by books! I also hope I can find ways to continue to work with Luther students in my new role.”
Students and staff in the Student Activities Council have continued to work despite the announcement of Mockler-Gjerde’s departure. As of right now, there is uncertainty surrounding the future of SAC and its leadership. For now, Helland is unofficially stepping up — but there is no concrete answer about what is coming next. SAC President Quinn Lohse (‘25) is unsure about the future.
“We have several under-contract events coming up and no official director,” Lohse said. “Jenna was the backbone of SAC, her absence is leaving a massive void and we have been given no indication of how it will be filled.”
Many SAC students and staff, like SAC Homecoming Co-Chair Rachel Jorgensen (‘26), have expressed that they will miss Mockler-Gjerde in the future. Jorgenson has worked closely with Mockler-Gjerde over the past year and reflected on spending time with someone she sees as a mentor.
“In my time here, Jenna has helped me put my feet on the ground and establish myself as a productive member of the Luther community,” Jorgensen said.” She has shaped my first year and a half here and I am saddened that she won’t be a part of what remains. I’m proud of her and all she will achieve, but ultimately unsure of what is next.”
