Three students from Decorah were among the graduates celebrated by Luther College after its spring 2026 commencement, with all three receiving Latin honors for their academic work.

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

Luther College announced the graduates Aug. 7, following the commencement ceremony held Sunday, May 24. The college said the ceremony honored graduates 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 graduating class with Iowa and international ties

Luther 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. In addition to the Decorah graduates, the announcement identified graduates from nearby Iowa communities including Cresco, Spillville, New Albin and Iowa City. Luther’s announcement listed each participating graduate’s hometown, major and academic honors.

Commencement awards and address

Gideon Armah-Amissah received the Luther College Elizabeth A. and Paul G. Jenson Medal during commencement. Luther described the award as an annual honor for an outstanding senior selected by the graduating class who best demonstrates the college’s ideals through service to students and the college community.

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

Luther also directed readers to a video featuring highlights from the 2026 commencement, along with related coverage of the spring Dean’s List.