Three students from Decorah were among Luther College’s spring 2026 graduates, and all three received Latin honors for academic achievement. Dylan Joseph Muhlbauer earned the highest distinction among the group, graduating magna cum laude. Andrew Bradley Chamberlain and Elizabeth Clement each graduated cum laude.

Luther College announced the graduate list Aug. 7 after its spring commencement ceremony on 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: Chamberlain completed majors in Law and Values and Nordic Studies and graduated cum laude.
  • Elizabeth Clement: Clement earned a degree in Social Work and graduated cum laude.
  • Dylan Joseph Muhlbauer: Muhlbauer completed majors in Accounting and Management and graduated 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 also reported that 22% of the graduating class completed double majors.

A graduating class with Iowa and international ties

Luther’s spring class included graduates from communities across Iowa, the United States and other countries. In addition to Decorah, the college’s announcement identified graduates from nearby Iowa communities including Cresco, Spillville, New Albin and Iowa City.

Approximately 20% of the spring graduates were first-generation college students, according to Luther. International students represented 17% of the class, while transfer students made up 6%.

The college’s announcement listed each participating graduate’s hometown, major and academic honors. Luther also directed readers to a video featuring highlights from the 2026 commencement, along with related coverage of the spring Dean’s List.

Commencement awards and address

Gideon Armah-Amissah received the Luther College Elizabeth A. and Paul G. Jenson Medal during commencement. Luther described the annual award as an 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.