Medalist Christine Magnuson will help dedicate the new pool Oct. 4, swim in alumni meet Oct. 5
DECORAH, Iowa - Christine Magnuson, world champion swimmer and Olympic medalist, will travel to the Luther College campus for the dedication and official opening of the college's Aquatic Center at 5 p.m. Friday, Oct. 4.
In addition to the ceremony, Magnuson will be on hand during the college's homecoming weekend, speaking to the swimming and diving teams, interacting with students and swimming in Luther's alumni meet at 11:30 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 5.
The dedication and alumni meet are open to the public with no charge for admission.
Magnuson is a two-time Olympic medalist, winning silver medals at the 2008 Olympic games in the 100-meter fly and 400-meter medley relay. She qualified for the 2013 FINA World Championships with a win in the 50-meter fly, and won gold as a member of the 400-meter medley relay team at the 2011 FINA World Championships. Hosted by the International Swimming Federation, these competitions are the world championship for aquatic sports.
In her collegiate career at the University of Tennessee, Magnuson earned 23 All-America honors and was named the 2008 SEC Women's Swimmer of the Year, posting eight school records.
The David E.G. and Patricia Miller Natatorium is the centerpiece of the Luther Aquatic Center and was featured in the August 2013 edition of the Chronicle of Higher Education. "It's a great boost to know that the pool was built using LEED design standards. Sustainability is extremely important to Luther College, so the additional investment in energy efficiency will pay off in reduced operating costs over the life of the pool," said Lance Huber, Luther head swimming and diving coach.
The 17,700-square-foot facility features an eight-lane, 25-yard competition pool, a 13-foot-deep diving well with one- and three-meter springboards, state-of-the-art timing equipment, a large LED scoreboard and seating for 280 spectators.
The pool uses Myrtha technology with a panelized, stainless steel structure, PVC waterproofing and ceramic tile finishes.
The Aquatic Center pool also includes a new shallow area for swimming lessons, adaptive physical education classes and water aerobics.
A national liberal arts college with an enrollment of 2,500, Luther offers an academic curriculum that leads to the bachelor of arts degree in 60 majors and preprofessional programs. For more information about Luther visit the college's website: www.luther.edu.
