As Luther College approaches 100 years on Royal Street in 2026, it seems only fitting that the contributions of Rex and Elsa Schneider be recognized posthumously. Without them, there would be no Luther College in Regina as we know it today.

When Luther Academy of Melville relocated to Regina, the first Principal/President was Dr. Rex Schneider who led Luther College from 1926 to 1964. It was Dr. Schneider’s high standards that established Luther’s strong reputation. Under his direction, the College grew even during the difficult years of the Depression followed by World War II.

Rex was foundational to many facets of Luther culture. Still today we carry on his model of a supportive community combined with a strong academic program. He was the first to call an athletic team “the Lions”; he established a Sunday worship service that became Christ Lutheran Church; he was the first to hire former Luther alumni as teachers. Rex knew the students by name, as well as their parents and pastors. He started each school year by greeting the new students at the door as they entered. He was considered a kind man with good advice thanks to his psychology background.

Miss Elsa Mees was a math and music teacher and one of the first female faculty members. In the early days, she also organized the girl’s dorm activities and took the Boys’ Glee Club on annual tours around Saskatchewan. When Christ Lutheran Church was founded in 1930, many Luther students became the church choir. She also coached the first girls’ sports activity–the 1929 softball team. Elsa was also responsible for producing the first musical in 1929-30 staged at the new Darke Hall of Regina College.

In 1931, Rex Schneider and Elsa Mees were married. Mrs. Schneider continued after their marriage to be active in the music program although not officially on staff. For over 30 years, she hosted an annual tea for graduating students; organized a full program for pastors’ wives each summer during Lutheran conventions; and she prepared the menus for the dining room at the school as she was trusted to keep to a tight budget.

Rex and Elsa worked hard to connect Luther with the Regina community, and they were well respected outside of the Lutheran circles, particularly with well-educated professionals who wanted to give their children a high-quality education. Schneider once commented that a major reason Luther survived the Great Depression was the large number of non­Lutheran students.

The Schneider’s service and influence went beyond just Luther College. Rex also served as the first President of Canadian Lutheran World Relief. This also meant more European students made their way to Luther College after the war. Elsa was also the first president of the Lutheran Women’s Missionary Federation. She lobbied for funds to construct the girls’ dorms and secured a donation of $75,000; in today’s equivalent it would be over $1.5M. For their foundational service and visionary leadership, we recognize Rex and Elsa Schneider with the 2025 Distinguished Service Award.