Rochester, Minnesota is currently in the early phases of an economic development initiative of a scale unique in the state’s history.  Using a combination of private and public funds, $5.6 billion are being invested in this community over the next two decades – with an expectation of 30,000 new jobs across a variety of sectors.  The city’s downtown is being transformed to support this growth, which includes private businesses, an expansion of Mayo Clinic, and creation of the Destination Medical Center (DMC).  This level of infrastructure and economic development is rare, and Luther College’s close proximity, existing Rochester-based programs (Nursing), and substantial population of engaged and supportive alumni presents a unique and valuable opportunity for a new program whose central focus is experiential and applied learning. The broad and deep perspectives offered by a liberal arts education will be of high value in an environment experiencing the opportunities and challenges associated with rapid change. Luther’s inaugural Rochester Semester in the Spring of 2020 resulted in amazing opportunities for both students and their host organizations. Plans continue for the Spring 2021 cohort and for both semesters in the 2021-22 academic year.