Bryan and Joanne Hillis’s dedication to Luther College epitomize the definition of Distinguished Service.

After graduating from the Luther College university campus in 1978 as the first student in Religious Studies, Bryan returned as a professor in 1989. He was appointed Dean in 1995, a role he served until 2005. He became President in 2010, a role he served until 2020. Bryan’s vocation always went beyond the job title, no matter which one he held.

Bryan served with unwavering energy and leadership. His service as President was the foundation of many initiatives that transformed the College—the largest fundraising campaign in Luther’s history; the College’s 100th anniversary; revising the Luther College Act to ensure that the College is governed by the people who care for it the most; the establishment of the first program to study the nonprofit sector in the province; the founding of the Community Bursary, serving disadvantaged students—there are too many to mention.

His service extended to the wider network of the ELCA (Evangelical Lutheran Churches of America) Colleges & Universities as a co-author of Rooted and Open. This guiding document provides a modern definition of a Lutheran education and illustrates how our society is better because of it. This document anchors the purpose and mission of Luther College to this day.

Dr. Joanne Hillis graduated with a B.Sc and M.D. from the University of Saskatchewan and radiology fellowship at the University of Toronto. Joanne joined the Radiology Associates of Regina, where she eventually became the managing partner. Joanne also taught as an Assistant Professor for the U of S at the Regina General Hospital Medical Imaging department. In 1992, Joanne founded the Breast Assessment Center in Regina, streamlining patient care and diagnostic imaging for breast cancer patients. 

Joanne is a force in the Regina cultural community, serving as President of the Regina Music Festival Association, member of the Regina Musical Club, and past Board Member of the Regina Symphony. Joanne played a vital role in maintaining Luther’s standards of excellence and traditions, in addition to being a pillar of support to a busy President. She was an essential part of many musicals at the High School, lending her talents sewing thousands of costumes. She was also the creator of the 100th Anniversary quilt that adorns the Student Commons.

Bryan and Joanne were regular participants in all the events of the Luther community. Their presence demonstrated the kind of caring support they feel for this community. Over the last several decades, Bryan and Joanne have cultivated deep relationships with thousands of students, alumni, and donors worldwide. Of course, they are parents to four alumni daughters: Amy, Karla, Erin, and Laura. The Hillis family are truly ambassadors for Luther College.

Together, the Hillis family has demonstrated remarkable generosity, donating substantial resources, time, and effort to ensure Luther College remains a place of excellence and community.