New Program to Assist Luther College Students Facing Unexpected Expenses

DECORAH, Iowa — Luther College President Brad Chamberlain announced a $500,000 commitment today to establish the Norse Microgrant Fund to assist students facing immediate and unexpected expenses that threaten to cut their college education short. "One of the core values of Luther College is community, and thanks to Orville and Kathleen Johnson, we will have an important resource to help students persist and succeed. The creation of a microgrant program will support the financial needs of our students and ensure that they remain a vibrant part of the Luther College community," Chamberlain said. Longtime supporters of the college, the Johnsons remember many times when they personally assisted a Luther student facing a financial barrier. In one case, two students were sharing a textbook because they couldn't afford to purchase their own textbook. Without hesitation, Orv and Kathy Johnson purchased an additional textbook so that each student had their own. "It is so important for students to be able to continue their education without interruption and graduate with their classmates as planned," the couple said. "We know our gift will make a positive impact for students in need." Unexpected financial expenses, such as an emergency medical procedure, last-minute travel costs due to the death of a loved one, or a laptop that refuses to work, greatly impact a student's ability to focus on coursework and academic responsibilities. These unforeseen circumstances may be the difference between receiving a diploma and deciding to step away from college, said Chloe Rozga, Luther College Student Senate president and senior majoring in communication studies and law and values. "Funding an education is already such a stressful task for many people, and when unexpected circumstances arise, it can throw a student's access to their education off-kilter," Rozga said. "The Norse Microgrant Fund works to ensure that a Luther education remains accessible in these circumstances. The fund will truly transform many students' experiences for the better." One part of the Norse Microgrant Fund will provide financial support up to $500 for unexpected costs. These funds may be used for medical, dental or vision expenses, emergency travel expenses, textbooks or other course materials. The funds cannot be used for tuition and fees, taxes, co-curricular activities, cell phone purchases or plans, Luther parking fees or direct family support. The other part will underwrite the creation and maintenance of a pool of laptop computers available for semester-long checkout to support students without technology access and for short-term loaner devices when personal laptops fail. The Norse Microgrant Fund applications will be available starting in fall 2025. Students are limited to one microgrant per academic year, up to $500. While Orv and Kathy Johnson are not Luther alumni, the couple has a deep connection to the Norse community and in 2009 the couple was recognized with the Spirit of Luther Award. They were honored for their sponsorship of several international students, mostly from Africa, who could not otherwise afford a college education at Luther. Their son Kent Johnson '83 and his wife Lee Johnson '85 and two grandchildren (Sarah Haley '15 and Lars Johnson '16) earned bachelor's degrees from Luther. Orv Johnson served on the Board of Regents from 1990 to 2003 and was chair of the board from 2000 to 2002. He also served as the chair of the search committee when Richard Torgerson was named president of Luther College in 1999. Kathy and Orv reside in Stillwater, Minnesota, and have been members of Our Savior's Lutheran Church for nearly 60 years. "In working with Orv and Kathy Johnson, I have been struck by how they exemplify generosity in so many aspects of their life," said Mary Duvall, vice president for advancement at Luther. "Their gift is structured in such a way that will provide stable funding for 10 years and will also have immediate impact for current students. Orv and Kathy have our deepest gratitude."