Luther College Anderson and Steinberg named Peace Scholars

DECORAH, IA (04/23/2013)(readMedia)-- Luther College junior Cate Anderson will be joined by sophomore Maggie Steinberg as Peace Scholars for the 2013-14 academic year. The pair will spend seven weeks this summer studying peace and conflict resolution in Lillehammer and Oslo, Norway.

Anderson is the daughter of Jon and Robyn Anderson of New Ulm, Minnesota. Anderson was a 2010 graduate of New Ulm High School. She is currently working toward a history and French major with an English writing minor.

Luther is one of six colleges founded by Norwegian-American immigrants in the 19th century, that sponsors the annual summer Peace Scholars program in Norway. The program is designed to deepen students' understanding of the central issues and theories regarding conflict, war and peace. Through an application and interview process, students from Augsburg, Augustana (Sioux Falls), Concordia (Moorhead), Luther, Pacific Lutheran and St. Olaf College are selected as Peace Scholars.

Anderson applied for the program in search for an opportunity to study in a country known for peace making and reconciliation. She has always been drawn to solving neighbor-to-neighbor conflict during her time at Luther. Her opportunity with Peace Scholars will be a way to continue her passion for learning the reasons behind conflict. She explains, "This summer in Norway will be a great way to continue that focus, but to transition towards learning about resolution of conflict." When Anderson found out she was selected, she skyped with her parents to celebrate.

Anderson and Steinberg will participate in the program from June 17- Aug. 2. During their stay in Norway, they will be required to blog regularly about their studies and experiences. When the students return to the States, they are asked to play a leadership role in peace activities and promote the 2014 Nobel Peace Prize Forum.