Luther College's Chapter of Phi Beta Kappa Inducts 23 Students

Decorah Vikings win, City Council votes, New Referenda on the ballot — we're the one telling Decorah's story. Donate now. DECORAH — Luther College's Phi Beta Kappa chapter welcomed 23 students into membership during its annual induction ceremony Saturday, May 23. Luther College is one of a select group of private liberal arts colleges in the United States with a Phi Beta Kappa chapter. The Eta of Iowa Chapter at Luther College was established in 1983. Members are selected based on broad academic interests, scholarly achievement and good character. The 2026 inductees include: Seniors Nastya Cicala, Chisinau, Moldova; William Coffey, La Crosse, Wisconsin; Neil Grube, Minneapolis, Minnesota; Elizabeth Husemann, Fairfax, Iowa; Enrique Lopez Barriga, Madrid, Spain; Simon McDonald, Northfield, Minnesota; Edie Meehan, Northfield, Minnesota; Kathryn Merten, Ellensburg, Washington; Mari Annika Mineck, Urbandale, Iowa; Enzo Mitidieri, Campinas, Brazil; Lindsey Moseley, Roseville, Minnesota; Bret Muhlbauer, Carroll, Iowa; Anh Nguyen, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam; Abigail Ostermann, Kimberly, Wisconsin; Mara Pankow, Decorah, Iowa; Lillian Spade, Eagan, Minnesota; Anna Tauscher, Rochester, Minnesota; Amanda Jean Teske, De Pere, Wisconsin; Kieran Ulbee, St. Anthony Village, Minnesota; Jenna Woodsmall, Johnston, Iowa. Juniors Micah Anderson, Elko New Market, Minnesota; Hannah Batterson, Cedar Falls, Iowa; Julianne Lundvall, Ames, Iowa. Luther College Provost Pam Bacon delivered the Ruth A. Davis Memorial Lecture at the ceremony May 23. Bacon earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in psychology from Carleton College, where she was inducted into Phi Beta Kappa's Beta Chapter of Minnesota. She was appointed provost and professor of psychology at Luther College in 2025. Phi Beta Kappa is the nation's oldest and most prestigious undergraduate honors society. Founded in 1776, it recognizes excellence in the liberal arts and sciences. Its golden key is widely recognized as a symbol of academic achievement. Discover what's happening near you! The free DecorahNews.com newsletter brings updates, inspiring stories, and practical tips right to your inbox.