Madelyn Kaasa Receives Luther College's Jenson Medal

Stay informed, stay empowered: invest in the journalism that invests in you. DECORAH — Luther College graduating senior Madelyn Kaasa received the college's Elizabeth A. and Paul G. Jenson Medal for the class of 2025. The announcement was made during the Commencement Ceremony on Sunday, May 25. "I feel honored that my classmates picked me," Kaasa said. "I've gotten to meet so many awesome people while here. I just loved Luther and the Luther community. The Jenson Medal is really special and I feel really loved." Luther's Elizabeth A. and Paul G. Jenson Medal is presented each year to an outstanding senior, selected by the graduating class, who best demonstrates the ideals of the college through service to students and the college community. Established through an endowment gift from Luther alumni Paul, class of 1948 and Elizabeth (Dybdal) Jenson, class of 1949, of Vassalboro, Maine, the Jenson Medal supports Luther College's mission of service. Reneé T. Watson, interim dean of student engagement, had the honor of notifying Kaasa that she would receive the 2025 Jenson Medal at Commencement. "The Jenson Medal holds special significance as it honors students who lead with heart — those who are fully engaged, support others and leave a lasting impact. As is tradition, this year's honoree, Maddie Kaasa, was nominated by her peers and endorsed by faculty — a powerful reflection of the relationships she has built and the respect she has earned across campus," Watson said. "This recognition highlights Maddie's enduring contributions to the Luther community and exemplifies the very best of what we hope—and believe—our students have become." Fifth-generation Norse Kaasa enrolled at Luther intending to study visual communication because she was the editor of her high school yearbook in Delaware, Ohio. But before the end of her fall semester, Kaasa changed her mind. She decided to follow in her mother's footsteps and pursue a career in teaching. She is the daughter of Melissa Miller and Brad Kaasa. Kaasa graduated magna cum laude with a double major in elementary education and Nordic Studies. She has a heart for children with behavior and learning disabilities and plans to earn a special education endorsement. With a passion for making connections and the skills for building community, Kaasa served as president of PALS, a mentoring program that pairs elementary students from local schools with Luther students. Kaasa joined a student-led effort to reactivate the Alpha Beta Psi (ABY) sorority and grow membership. This year, the sorority grew from 16 to 54 women. Kaasa served as vice president of the sorority during her senior year. She was the organizational team lead for the Student Senate, treasurer of Norse Against Sexual Assault (NASA) and treasurer for Luther Disability Alliance. She is also a member of the Student Philanthropy Council. "Student organizations are one of my favorite things about Luther," she said. "It's how I have fun here at Luther." Kaasa attributed her involvement with student organizations to the encouragement she received from her friends. Her roommate and best friend, Chloe Rozga '25, was the president of Luther's Senate Senate this academic year. "If it wasn't for my friendship with Chloe, I wouldn't have gotten involved with student organizations," Kaasa said. "We both want Luther to have these fun spaces for students. We want NASA to flourish. We want to make the Student Senate into something awesome. Our friendship has been really special and I cannot imagine what my Luther College experience would have been like without her." Elliott Johnson, assistant professor of education at Luther, was Kaasa's advisor. "We are so proud of Maddie Kaasa and all her achievements during her time at Luther College. Her work in her education courses developed her educational philosophy that growth happens most through inclusive and engaging environments. Her work with Student Senate, PALS, and the sorority, ABY, allowed her to share her gifts and philosophy with her peers," Johnson said. "She will be a fantastic future educator." Kaasa's next step is to complete her student teaching in Oslo, Norway. "It's the perfect combination of my majors. I'm going to be in a first grade classroom in an international school," she said. Become a part of the exclusive circle! Subscribe to the newsletter for free and gain access to special offers, bonus content and insider perks.