Brian Solberg Selected for 2025 "Excellence in Collaboration" Award

Stay informed, stay empowered: invest in the journalism that invests in you. DECORAH — On Monday, Decorah-area chamber business members and community leadership gathered at Luther College for the 34th annual January Luncheon in the Peace Dining Room. More than 150 were in attendance to hear this year's program, which included words of gratitude from Luther College President Jenifer Ward, a keynote address by President-Elect Brad Chamberlain, and the announcement of the "Excellence in Collaboration" award recipient, Brian Solberg. Solberg, who serves Luther College as Assistant Professor of Health and Exercise Science, was praised for his lifetime of facilitating connections between campus and community, with notable mention for his more than 18 years and 3,000 hours of service with Nordic Fest. Solberg attended the luncheon event with his mother, Carrie Solberg, and expressed appreciation for the recognition: "I grew up in this town and on campus, and, for me, they have always existed together. When I'm in town, I'm representing Luther. [And] when I'm on campus, I'm connecting students, faculty and staff to town. It just makes sense to help people meet each other, to help people feel happy about being here. It happens on a very real level for me: [as] daily acts of relationship building." The Excellence in Collaboration Award was presented to Brian Solberg by City of Decorah Mayor Lorraine Borowski and Luther College's Chief Equity and Inclusion Officer & Assistant to the President for Community Engagement Dr. Robert Clay. Borowski shared about Brian's professional and personal contributions, which included the variety of ways that he has strengthened both Luther College and Decorah. "Brian is a true witness to the wide range of valued partnerships that are essential for the growth and beauty of Decorah," said Borowski. The mayor's sentiment was echoed by Dr. Clay, who added, "Brian represents a true intersection of campus and community, showing us how one person can foster collaboration that leads to a stronger, more connected place." This is the second year of the Excellence in Collaboration Award, which is presented at the January Luncheon to "an individual or team that demonstrates successful cooperation, collaboration, or innovation to positively impact the quality of life for Luther College campus and the community of Decorah. The recipient may have worked on a specific project, event, effort, or initiative that ultimately benefits campus life, community vibrancy, health and wellness, open communication, or the local economy." The review committee includes representation from both community and campus. The nomination form for the 2026 award will be made available in the fall on the Decorah Area Chamber of Commerce website. Unlock a world of knowledge! Sign up for free DecorahNews.com newsletters and receive local news, local events and everything that is happening in and around Decorah.