Three Decorah students were among the graduates celebrated by Luther College during its spring 2026 commencement, joining a class recognized for academic achievement, international representation and service to the college community.

Andrew Bradley Chamberlain graduated with majors in Law and Values and Nordic Studies and received cum laude honors. Elizabeth Clement earned a degree in Social Work and also graduated cum laude. Dylan Joseph Muhlbauer completed majors in Accounting and Management and received magna cum laude honors.

Luther College announced the graduates on Aug. 7, following the commencement ceremony held Sunday, May 24. The college said graduates were honored during the ceremony as they began the next stage of their lives.

Decorah graduates and their honors

  • Andrew Bradley Chamberlain — Law and Values and Nordic Studies, cum laude.
  • Elizabeth Clement — Social Work, cum laude.
  • Dylan Joseph Muhlbauer — Accounting and Management, magna cum laude.

The three Decorah graduates were part of a spring class in which 110 students earned Latin honors across a range of majors. Luther reported that 22% of the graduating class completed double majors.

A class with local and international connections

The college said approximately 20% of the spring graduates were first-generation college students. International students made up 17% of the class, while transfer students accounted for 6%.

The graduate list included students from communities across Iowa, the United States and other countries. Alongside the three students listed from Decorah, the announcement identified graduates from nearby Iowa communities including Cresco, Spillville, New Albin and Iowa City.

Luther’s announcement described the graduates as new alumni and congratulated them as they moved into the next chapter of their lives. It also listed each participating graduate’s major, academic honors and hometown.

Commencement awards and address

During commencement, Gideon Armah-Amissah received the Luther College Elizabeth A. and Paul G. Jenson Medal. The award is presented annually 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.

David Hecht, a 2011 Luther graduate and conservation social scientist and environmental anthropologist, received the Young Alumni Award and delivered the commencement address. Luther said the award recognizes outstanding achievement by alumni who graduated within the previous 15 years.

The college also directed readers to a video featuring highlights from the 2026 commencement and related coverage of the spring Dean’s List.