Founding Principles
As a university professor, Martin Luther valued education. While the Lutheran church always insisted on the education of its clergy, Luther felt that education was important for all people. It was his hope that through education, each person would be able to serve God more fully in all aspects of life. Lutheran settlers around Melville, Saskatchewan were inspired by Luther’s principles for education. Existing schools in Saskatchewan were few and far between and did not adequately prepare students for university. The Lutheran Church also needed educated ministers and teachers in Western Canada. These needs motivated the settlers to set up a Christian school.
Luther College has been a significant part of Saskatchewan history since the first Board meeting in Earl Grey, Saskatchewan in 1910.
Through the Years
1913
Luther Academy is founded in Melville to offer higher education, especially to young men interested in Luther Seminary.
1914
Pastor Henry Schmidt is appointed President.
1918
Music is an essential component of school life including a Brass Band and Glee Club.
1926
Luther Academy moves to Regina, at the current location on 1500 Royal Street. The name is changed to Luther College and Dr. Rex Schneider is President/Principal from 1926 – 1964
1927
Hockey is Luther’s first organized sport, called the Luther Huskies
1927
University of Saskatchewan recognizes Luther as a junior college and accepts its university-level classes for credit.
1930s
The Great Depression means most junior colleges and private high schools close – Luther is one of the few survivors
1937
The girls dormitory, Federation Hall, is constructed, along with the President’s House.
1939-1945
During the war, over 300 Luther students and alumni are in the military service; sixteen do not return home
Post 1945
Enrollment sharply increases post-war, Luther College hits an enrollment of 226.
1951
A gym is added to the campus to accommodate more students and more activities.
1953
Athletic director John Chomay holds a basketball tournament to show off the new gym. This was the first Luther Invitational Tournament – L.I.T.
1963
Enrollment reaches 360 students with 15 full-time faculty.
1964
Luther College invited to federate with the Regina campus of the University of Saskatchewan and fundraising begins to build a university campus
1970
The Broadway musical tradition begins with Oliver!
1974
The roles of Principal and President are separated. Morris Anderson continues as President and Rudy Selzer is appointed Principal at the High School.
1974
The Luther College logo is adopted in gold & black for the High School and blue for the University. “Quality Education in a Christian Context” evolves as the school’s motto/mission statement.
1983
Dr. Henry Taube, an alumnus from the Class of 1933 receives the Nobel Prize in Chemistry.
1984
The International Baccalaureate program is offered, providing an enriched curriculum option.
1989
The new classroom wing is built, including library, art studio, computer lab, and elevator.
1994
Capital costs are no longer covered by the national church. A fundraising campaign, the Black & Gold Challenge begins.
1997
Luther College develops its first website
1998
Senior girls volleyball tournament is established
1999
Enrollment is at 429
2012
The A Time To Build fundraising campaign is launched, with a goal to raise $17M for new buildings and renovations to heritage spaces.
2012
Student enrolment is 76% Canadian, 19% International and 5% identify as Indigenous.
2013
Luther College celebrates its 100th anniversary with “A Century of Faithfulness” festivities
2014
The new $17M addition and renovation is completed, including a new Semple gym, Student Commons, classrooms, and renewed Merlis Belsher Heritage Center
2015
Luther Parent Association forms to create community and raise funds
2016
L.I.T. is inducted into the Regina Sports Hall of Fame
2018
Luther College’s new Act receives Royal Assent in the Saskatchewan Legislature
2020
With the global pandemic, Luther shifts to remote teaching and operations.
Presidents & Principals
Presidents
1913 – 1926 Pastor Henry Schmidt
1926 – 1964 Dr. Rex Schneider (President & Principal)
1964 – 1986 Dr. Morris Anderson (President & Principal: 1964-1974; President Only: 1974-1986)
1986 – 1991 Dr. Don Lee
1991 – 1994 Dr. Don King
1994 – 2005 Rev. Dr. Richard Hordern
2005 – 2010 Dr. Bruce Perlson
2010 – 2020 Dr. Bryan Hillis
2020 – 2024 The Rev. Dr. Marc Jerry
2024 – 2025 Dr. Murray Knuttila
2025 – Present Dr. Tom Phenix
Principals
1926 – 1964 Dr. Rex Schneider
1964 – 1974 Dr. Morris Anderson
1974 – 1980 Rudie Selzer
1980 – 1991 Dr. Don King
1991 – 1994 Rev. Allan Christiansen
1994 – 1995 Bert McNair
1996 – 2007 Berbel (Guenzel) Knoll
2007 – 2023 Dr. Mark T. L. Anderson (Head of School/Principal)
2023 – Present Nora Marpole