Berbel Knoll (2023)

Few in the Luther College High School community have made such a unique impact as Berbel Knoll. She served over three decades, including as the Dean of Women in the 1970’s and eventually Principal in the 1990’s and 2000’s.

Berbel (Miss Guenzel at the time) was hired in 1975 as a half-time teacher and full-time Dean to over 60 dorm girls. Berbel excelled at being “mom” because her compassion helped them feel like Luther was truly their home.

She became a full-time teacher of German and English in 1980. Berbel will always be a critical part of the Luther story as the school’s first female vice-principal in 1992, as well as its first female principal in 1995.

Berbel was equally committed to school life beyond the classroom. She coordinated student exchanges with schools in Germany. She was a dedicated member of various committees, including those for the LIT 50th anniversary and the Luther College 100th anniversary. She served as a soccer coach and as a volunteer for musical, helping with costumes and behind-the-scenes logistics.

Her quiet yet resolute leadership, calm disposition, organizational skills, patience (just ask her how many unfortunate pronunciations of her name she has endured), fair-mindedness, and unfailing common sense made her an ideal administrator. Berbel also has a wonderful sense of humor. She once dressed as Elvis Presley for Halloween and sat amongst the students without being recognized. Education was a vocational calling for her, a living out of her abiding faith. She credits her longevity to her “love of teaching and complete appreciation for the culture.”

Berbel’s legacy will be at least partly rooted in her very first role as Dean, for she generously established The Guenzel Knoll Dormitory Scholarship awarded annually to an exemplary dorm student. Although she retired in 2007, Berbel remains a strong Luther advocate and familiar face around campus, attending alumni gatherings, baccalaureate services, and Luther community events throughout the year.

Berbel and her husband, Alvin, are also long-time donors to Luther College scholarships, programs, and capital campaigns.

Luther College is proud to honour Berbel Knoll with the 2023 Distinguished Service Award.