Luther announces Technology for Remote Learning campaign and two celebrations on Sept. 19
Rev. Dr. Kristine Lund, principal-dean of Martin Luther University College, today announces the beginning of the school’s $150,000 fundraising campaign to pay for technology upgrades that will enable faculty to simultaneously teach students attending a class in person and from distances.
“While we have been providing online learning for many years, the global pandemic has accelerated our need to improve access for students who are not able to attend classes in person,” Lund said. “In our constant effort to provide a quality learning experience for students, we simply need specialized equipment.”
Upgrades to classrooms include:
- Speakers and microphones installed in ceilings to enable clear conversations between students who are in class and those who are attending remotely.
- Cameras focusing on the instructor so remote learners can see faculty clearly.
- Document camera enabling remote learners to clearly see documents being presented during classes.
Similar technology will be installed in Keffer Memorial Chapel. The space will also be outfitted with acoustic panels to reduce echoes that make it difficult for participants to hear clearly.
Technology upgrades will also enable Luther's community to participate — from a distance — in lectures, worship, workshops and other public events.
“We have always encouraged community members to join us for campus events,” Lund added. “This technology upgrade will allow us to create more interactive experiences for people who are not able to attend for various reasons.”
The cost of upgrading three classrooms is roughly $75,000. And because of the acoustic challenges presented by the chapel’s hard surfaces and high ceiling, it will cost an estimated $75,000 to upgrade the chapel.
To support Luther's effort to further open the school to the wider community, please visit the donor page.
Heather Main, chairperson of the school’s Board of Governors, thanks all of Luther's supporters and invites them to a campus donor-appreciation event during the afternoon of Sunday, September 19.
“I’m so grateful to everyone who has supported Luther over the years whether they have responded to special appeals, annual giving, or the successful Reform Capital Campaign that has come to an end,” Main said. “We are hoping that pandemic safety protocols in the fall will allow us to gather at Luther and celebrate.
“I would also like to invite everyone to the principal-dean commissioning service we are planning to hold later that day.”
The commissioning service, on the theme “Breaking Barriers, Nurturing Networks,” is scheduled for 7 p.m. at Trillium Lutheran Church, 22 Willow St., in Waterloo.
Further details for both events are being confirmed, and are to be posted to this web page in late August.
For event details and to RSVP for the Day of Gratitude and Community, visit bit.ly/LutherGratitude
For event details and to RSVP for the commissioning service, visit bit.ly/LutherCommissioning
Media inquiries
Mirko Petricevic, mpetricevic@luther.wlu.ca
Director of Communications and Public Affairs