Luther College receives “listening posts” grant from Thrivent Financial for Lutherans
Luther College recently received a $19,500 grant from the Thrivent Financial for Lutherans Foundation. The grant enables the college to conduct a series of focus groups, called “listening posts,” in cities throughout the United States to gather firsthand feedback from key constituents regarding Luther’s recent comprehensive campaign and future efforts to strengthen a culture of philanthropy.
Representatives of Thrivent Financial for Lutherans Foundation present a check to Luther College President Richard L. Torgerson as part of a grant for the college to strengthen its philanthropic efforts. Photo provided by Luther College
“Luther is proud to be among the small percentage of organizations that formally evaluate our campaign efforts,” said Keith Christensen, vice president for development. “As we conclude the Sesquicentennial Fund and prepare for the upcoming presidential transition, the listening posts funded by the Thrivent grant will provide an excellent opportunity to glean firsthand feedback from alumni, parents, and friends around the country. Thanks to Thrivent’s generous grant support, Luther can both assess our past efforts and position the college for the future.”
The proposed listening posts will be held in conjunction with a series of stewardship events that celebrate the campaign’s success and honor the Torgerson presidency.
“We are delighted to assist Luther College through this grant,” said Tim Schwan, vice president of the foundation. “We trust that this support will strengthen Luther’s outreach to those it serves.”
The grant is part of the foundation’s Lutheran Grant Program. This program is designed to assist Lutheran organizations and those they serve in achieving economic security and sustainability. In 2011, the program distributed more than $2 million through 44 separate grants.
An ELCA-affiliated college, Luther is a Phi Beta Kappa institution acclaimed as one of the outstanding liberal arts colleges in the Midwest. Home to 2,473 undergraduates from 38 states and 47 countries, Luther offers students of all backgrounds a dynamic and supportive academic community rooted in a strong liberal arts tradition. As affirmed in the college’s mission statement, a Luther education connects faith with learning, freedom with responsibility, and life’s work with service.
Tags: Keith Christensen, Luther College, philanthropy, Richard L. Torgerson, Sesquicentennial Fund, Thrivent Financial for Lutherans Foundation, Tim Schwan
