Nornes Lectureship in Neuroscience
This lectureship was created through generous gifts from the Dr. Howard ’53 and Sonia ’58 Nornes and LaVern ’54 and Lois ’56 Nornes families for the benefit of Cobbers and the broader community. The event features speakers at the forefront of their fields and engages students, faculty, staff, alumni, and professionals in the community on topics of broad importance and interest. The event is free and open to the public.
Dr. Howard Nornes majored in Biology from Concordia College and earned a PhD Neuroscience from Purdue University. He conducted postdoctoral research at the University of Lund, Sweden, and the Max Planck Institute, Göttingen, Germany. He is professor emeritus of Neuroscience at Colorado State University with particular interest in neuroplasticity of the adult brain. His major research activity was the development and regeneration of the nervous system, work that promotes healing and recovery of the function of the spinal cord and brain. Through the years, he has been involved in community programs to promote peace and social justice.
Following their Concordia education, LaVern and Lois began a lifetime of service to education, church and community. LaVern was a high school biology teacher, a driver’s education instructor, and a high school hockey coach. Lois, a retired public school music teacher, was also director of music and senior choir director at their church, Transfiguration Lutheran. LaVern and Lois share a passion for advancing the impact of neuroscience research and discovery.