Advance - Fall 2009 by Trinity Lutheran College

Advance Volume 66, Issue 1 • Fall 2009

A Strong Beginning to Our 66th Year “I actually made it!” Guadalupe Martinez (photo at left) is a first-year student who sometimes finds it hard to believe she’s at Trinity. Growing up in Mexico and living apart from her family for several years before moving to Tacoma, WA, she is the first in her family to attend college. Lupe is one of 48 new students enrolled this fall, a 64% increase over last year’s entering class and marking a strong start to Trinity’s 66th academic year. Story continued on page 3

In This Issue:

Dean’s Message (pg. 2) | Living-Learning Community (pg. 4) | Alumni Class Notes (pg. 10)

Dean’s Message

An Exciting Time to be Trinity: Bursting with Life By Dr. Jeff Mallinson Autumn is a time when nature starts to wind down in anticipation for the winter months. Meanwhile, college campuses burst forth with life. This year’s increased student body and new Living-Learning Community model of education has made this even more thrilling. I get crammed into elevators with smiling students, still arguing about a classroom topic; I walk by some classrooms with every seat filled; and I sit around lunch tables with faculty who are on the edge of their chairs, brainstorming about possibilities for the future. In the wake of a tough economic year for the nation and the college, and despite the challenges that remain: this is an exhilarating time to be a member of Trinity’s community. This must be what it felt like for those energetic souls who started the LBI movement in the first place. Like them, we see the challenges of our time, but are driven forward relentlessly by a calling to an astonishing future. This future, we believe, is one that will produce students who change their world.

We academic types thrive on lively thinking and conversation. Perhaps this is why so many of us are enjoying our hard work this year: we are taking part in a host of compelling conversations. Employees meet together for lunch for the “Listening Post,” a time to share burdens (and victories) with peers. Students work together to craft community covenant standards, drawing from their ethical and biblical education. Most importantly, students are watching our faculty and staff live out a commitment to lifelong learning. The whole Trinity community has pulled together to make this a thrilling place for cooperative discovery. There is life in this place, indeed.

Like the new look? By utilizing advances in printing technology and moving from four to three issues per year, the cost of creating this colorful publication is roughly the same as our previous look. Enjoy!

For information about academic programs, to apply to the college, or to refer a student Contact the Office of Admissions 425.249.4800, 1.800.843.5659, or admissions@tlc.edu For details about alumni events, opportunities to remain connected, or to update alumni information Contact Beth Elness-Hanson, Director of Alumni Relations 425.249.4768, 1.800.843.5659, or alumni@tlc.edu 2802 Wetmore Ave. Everett, WA 98201 425.249.4800 1.800.843.5659 www.tlc.edu The Advance is a publication for alumni, donors, and friends of Trinity Lutheran College.

To make a gift, provide support, submit a prayer request, or to update your mailing address Contact Lance Georgeson, Associate Director of Development 425.249.4752, 1.800.843.5659, or lance.georgeson@tlc.edu For general information, to learn about upcoming events, or to contact college staff Contact the Information Desk 425.249.4800, 1.800.843.5659, or info@tlc.edu

Campus News

Trinity Welcomes John Reed as Executive Director J

ohn Reed joined Trinity’s staff as Executive Director on September 9. His chief responsibilities will be to implement a coordinated marketing strategy, give direction to student recruitment efforts, and provide leadership for daily operations. “We are delighted that John Reed will join our staff and continue the positive momentum we’ve experienced since adding new academic programs and moving to Everett,” said Dr. Jeff Mallinson, Academic Dean. Reed has worked with Trinity as a marketing and student recruitment consultant for the past two years through Noel Levitz, an enrollment management consulting firm. As a consultant, he has supported a number of colleges in increasing student enrollment and developing innovative strategies that bring together a college’s admissions, academic affairs, student development, and fundraising efforts. Reed’s Strong Beginning continued from page 1 After attending a local community college, Lupe decided on Trinity because of its uniqueness and the small size that allows students to get to know one another. She is interested in studying either psychology or social work, but is also drawn to Trinity’s emphasis on the Bible. She attended a Roman Catholic church growing up, but faith wasn’t necessarily central to her life. In taking the Faith & Discipleship course (required of all students in the Trinity Core), Lupe has enjoyed digging deeper into the Bible and learning about her faith. “I have a much better picture of the Gospel,” she says. Total student enrollment for fall term is 112, the first time the college has seen triple digits in several years. Pamela Renn, Director of Enrollment Management, attributes this year’s enrollment increase to a number of factors, including significant scholarship support and diversifying recruitment efforts among potential students that may not know about Trinity. For example, several students have come to Trinity through

3 previous college administration experience includes serving as Director of Enrollment Management at Whitworth College (now University), Spokane, WA, and Vice President of Enrollment Management at Linfield College, McMinnville, OR. “Trinity has already benefited from John’s expertise over the John Reed past two years,” said Pamela Renn, Director of Enrollment Management. “His joining our staff will continue to build on the foundation our team has laid and will increase Trinity’s reputation as an intimate, biblically-centered college that students will want to call home.” While Reed will provide leadership for current operations, the search for a new college president continues. The vacancy was created in June with the retirement of Dr. John Stamm who served 10 years as president. The Board of Directors has set July 1, 2010, as the goal for having a new president in place. the Achievers Scholarship Program, a College Success Foundation initiative to increase college enrollment rates, especially students from low-income families. Three students have also enrolled through the “Yellow Ribbon Program,” a federally-funded college grant program for military veterans. An additional factor impacting enrollment may be the cost of attending college. While Trinity remains among the lowest-priced private colleges in the state, the board of directors chose not to raise tuition rates for the 2009-2010 academic year. “We recognize the growing cost of higher education,” says Thomas Ramsey, Vice President of Finance, “and do not want to further burden students’ families in coming up with ways to cover rising tuition costs in a tight economic climate.” The strong beginning to a new year has already fueled excitement for future incoming classes: “Our recruitment plan continues to have energy as we look forward to welcoming others into our campus community,” Renn said. Article by Mark Jackson; cover photo by Don Woodward.

4 In Brief Trinity at the Everett Aquasox Trinity students, employees, and alumni took in an Everett Aquasox baseball game on Sept. 1. The Touring Ensemble sang the national anthem and the college mascot, the Trinity Eagle, threw the first pitch. “Every student should read this book!” The college library is establishing a new Trinity Classics section. The collection will include books identified by alumni and former students as those “every Trinity student should read.” Alumni are invited to purchase a book, noting in a couple of sentences how it has been especially meaningful and helpful for them and their spiritual life. As students read book selections, they will add their own stories of discoveries or personal impact. For more information or to contribute a book, contact Marlin Olson, Director of Library & Information Resources, at 425.249.4715 or marlin.olson@tlc.edu. Trinity launches new model, restructures staff On July 1, Trinity implemented a new educational model that changes the way the college operates and educates students. (See article, pg. 6). The decision was endorsed by the Board of Directors, who directed the administration to restructure services and staffing patterns in order to minimize a budgetary shortfall in the 2009-10 academic year. The conversion eliminated four full-time administrative positions and several faculty positions were reduced from full-time status. In addition, many faculty members have assumed key administrative support functions in addition to their teaching duties, such as in student services, alumni relations, communications, and fundraising.

Campus News

Dean’s Circle Students Wrestle with Values, Ethics, Faith New scholarship program draws top-notch students

new competitive scholarship program has brought eight bright scholars to Trinity. Nominated by pastors and nonprofit leaders, Dean’s Circle students were selected for their leadership potential and a willingness to foster and enhance opportunities for academic creativity at the college. Dean’s Circle students are free to pursue any of Trinity’s academic programs. Among other activities, students meet weekly with Dr. Jeff Mallinson, Academic Dean, to discuss selected readings about ethical

principles. Just weeks into fall semester, students are already enjoying the stimulating conversation. “Our conversations provide us with a freedom to question,” says student Angela Bronson. “It challenges us to think beyond the norm and gives us the opportunity to put our thoughts together, to figure out the principles for which we stand.” Students receive an $11,400-peryear award and commit to either working with a faculty member on a college-wide project as an apprentice or create a new club or

Dr. Mallinson with several Dean’s Circle students. From left: Sydney Ruddock, Kelsey Lawyer, Dr. Mallinson, Lance Green, Trent Ault, and Sarah Young.

Campus News

5 Events Calendar Get the Lead Out – A Community Conversation about Art Tuesday, Nov. 24, 6:30-8:30 p.m. Everett artist and business owner Stan Price will present a community arts lecture on exploring new ways of “doing” art and share his perspective on the vibrant arts community emerging in Everett. Information about Everett’s new Visual Arts Education Center and other community art projects will also be shared. Sponsored by Trinity Lutheran College in partnership with Covenant Art Glass and the Arts Council of Snohomish County. For more information, contact Jeff Mallinson at 425.249.4766 or jeff.mallinson@tlc.edu.

venture for the campus community. Dean’s Circle member Kelsey Lawyer was the student editor for this year’s Advent Devotional. Three students are creating an annual journal, The Agora, that will print exceptional student essays, art, photography, and fiction. The publication’s recent announcement is having a positive effect on campus. “Some students are already thinking about the written assignments that they might submit,” says student Lance Green, “and it is helping them focus on putting their best effort into a paper or two.” Upcoming events include going to a movie as a group, followed by a discussion of the film’s themes from an ethical perspective. These activities, says student Travis Sinks, “is to enhance faith and enrich the mind.” Nominations are now open for the Dean’s Circle fall 2010 cohort. Nominees should be students with a commitment to creative, academic leadership. For details on submitting nominations, visit www.tlc.edu/admissions/financialaid_deanscircle.html.

Fair Trade and Faith (Community Conversations Series) Thursday, Dec. 3, 7 p.m. Trinity Lutheran College is hosting a global gifts market for the community. Learn about global trade and do some holiday shopping. Held in cooperation with the college’s Business, Leadership & Management Department. For more information, contact Stacy Kitahata at 425.249.4726 or stacy.kitahata@tlc.edu. “Savior of the Nations, Come” Advent Festival Concerts Dec. 4, 5, and 6 The Trinity Lutheran College Choir and Touring Ensemble present the annual Advent Festival Concerts on the theme “Savior of the Nations, Come.” Under the direction of Dr. Rachel Root, Professor & Chair of Music & Worship, inspiring music and reflective readings come together to celebrate Christ’s coming into the world. See back cover for dates, times, and locations. See page 10 for information about the alumni dinner preceding the Dec. 5 concert. For more information, call 1.800.843.5659. Movie Night with the Dean (Community Conversations Series) Thursday, Jan. 14, 7 p.m. Join the us for a free show and fabulous discussion as we wrestle with the post-modern question. Popcorn provided. For more information, contact Stacy Kitahata at 425.249.4726 or stacy.kitahata@tlc.edu. Save the Date: 2010 Lavik Series to feature Barbara Rossing The Rev. Dr. Barbara Rossing will be the featured presenter of the 2010 Lavik Series, held April 16-17 on Trinity’s campus. The annual lecture series highlights a current topic related to global evangelism. Rossing, author of The Rapture Exposed, will speak on the theme “Revelation, Hope, & Global Warming: Sharing the Gospel in the 21st Century.” Plan to attend.

Academic Programs

The Living-Learning Community… The new approach to a Trinity education

lanting tulip bulbs in a garden. Managing the college bookstore. Visiting early learning centers. Creating the Advent Devotional for Trinity’s alumni, donors, and friends. Designing a covenant to guide student conduct and discipline. These are only a few examples of Trinity’s new educational model, referred to as the “Living-Learning Community.”

A classroom without walls This approach to learning assumes that every square foot of the campus is a learning laboratory – including classrooms, faculty and staff offices, common areas, and student apartments. The greater Everett area also serves as a classroom through service learning and community engagement opportunities. Learning in this way doesn’t leave the traditional classroom setting behind – there are still lectures, discussion groups, and presentations led by professors. But student learning is not confined to classroom walls or limited to an instructor’s knowledge on the subject.

Living-Learning Community examples Students are introduced to God’s Creation (as part of the Creation & New Creation course required of all students in the Trinity Core) through planting tulip bulbs and harvesting vegetables from Professor Houglum’s garden, kayaking Puget Sound with Professor Ellingson, admiring the beauty of

Deception Pass with Professor Fekkes, or stargazing with Professor Jackson. Omobola Oyebola serves as the student manager of the college bookstore, working closely with Stuart Webber, Professor & Chair of Business, Leadership, & Management, to apply her learning in accounting, marketing, and management.

Students in the Diversity in Early Learning course visit Above: Omobola Oyebola (center), stude Seattle-area early learning & Chair of Business, Leadership, & Man centers to learning about shop two blocks from campus. On a Frid services available to special Rev. Mark Samuelson (center), pastor at needs children and how centers address cultural differences. This year’s Advent Devotional, written by a variety of students, faculty, staff, alumni, and friends of the college, was compiled with the assistance of a student editor, Kelsey Lawyer, a first-year Dean’s Circle student. All students had the opportunity during Orientation to participate in designing a student covenant to guide community living, through conversations led

Academic Programs

ent manager of the campus bookstore, works with assistant manager Lindsay Campbell on the bookstore cash register with help from Stuart Webber, Professor nagement. Below: Students and faculty often gather for meaningful conversations at places away from campus, such as Zippy’s (pictured here), a popular coffee day morning, students Lance Greene and Leanne Elliott plan a Sunday evening worship service with leaders from Our Savior’s Lutheran Church, including the t Our Savior’s and Trinity’s volunteer campus chaplain.

by Dr. Betsi Little, Dean of Students and Professor & Chair of Psychology, and Dr. Jeff Mallinson, Academic Dean and Professor of Biblical Studies. The covenant, signed by students, is framed and displayed in a public place as a reminder of the mutual agreements made about what it means to live in Christian community.

perfect opportunity to take college learning off-campus, to include the unique urban context, outdoor environmental learning opportunities, and recreation. Downtown Everett offers a rich context in which service learning can take place and the community and its residents become co-learners and co-teachers in the educational process.

A great way to learn

Article by Mark Jackson; photos and graphics by Anne Reinisch and Jeff Mallinson.

In a letter to students announcing the changes in June, Mallinson wrote, “In this model, we will integrate faith, learning, and service not only throughout the curriculum, but also throughout the campus, and out into Everett.” Mallinson sees a holistic faith-learning-living approach as providing a wellrounded education of the entire person that can take place in a classroom, in the outdoors, over lunch, in interpersonal student conflicts, and during community worship. Trinity’s location in the greater Seattle area provides a

You can refer a student! Do you know students who would thrive in a living-learning environment? Refer them and they will receive a $1500 scholarship toward their first semester’s tuition. For more information, call the Office of Admissions at 1.800.843.5659 or visit www.tlc.edu/referral.

8 Dr. David Schulz, Professor & Chair of Applied Communications and Director of the Integrated Studies program, recently published his first coauthored book, The Rhetoric of Agitation and Control (Waveland Press, 2010). Over 90 colleges will use the 190-page book as a text for political science, sociology, and speech communications courses emphasizing social movements or public advocacy. Susan Houglum, Professor & Chair of Early Childhood Education, attended a summer conference on early learning and nature schools in Crieff, Scotland. The conference introduced a preschool education model in which children spend most of the day in the outdoors. Houglum’s insights will continue to shape the Children and Nature course, which she taught for the first time in spring 2009. Dr. Rachel Root, Professor & Chair of Music & Worship, participated in Musica, a continuing education conference held this summer at Chartres Cathedral, Chartres, France. Root presented a paper to the conference on music and mysticism. Stacy Kitahata, Professor & Chair of Intercultural Studies, will have an article about “bold women” published in the January 2010 edition of Lutheran Woman Today. She also recently served as a resource person for a missiology conference sponsored by the Evangelical

Faculty Highlights Lutheran Church in America at Luther Seminary that sought to articulate the understanding of accompaniment as a model for global mission. Beth ElnessHanson, Professor & Chair of Biblical Studies and Director of Alumni Relations, led the mission team from Saint Andrew’s Lutheran Church, Bellevue, WA, to Tanzania in July. In addition to speaking at schools and churches, she distributed high protein cereal powder and milk to mothers with malnourished children as part of a famine relief project funded by her home congregation, Cross of Christ Lutheran Church, also in Bellevue. Norma Aamodt-Nelson, Affiliate Faculty in Music & Worship, serves as an acquisitions editor for Augsburg Fortress Publishers, continuing to develop resources for church musicians related to Evangelical Lutheran Worship, a new worship resource. Dr. Harvey Stalwick, Professor & Chair of Social Work and Director of the Center for Community Engagement and Service Learning, has continued a consultation role with the Snohomish County Human Rights Commission, including preparation of a case study for classroom use featuring community attitudes, civic leadership resistance, and the dedication of regional human rights activists.

Mark Jackson, Professor & Chair of Children, Youth & Family Studies and Associate Dean for Administration, recently completed a Master of Nonprofit Management from Regis University in Denver. The Rev. Dr. David Ellingson, Professor of Children, Youth & Family Studies, served as project coordinator for a new DVD intended to train youth ministry leaders in creating meaningful service projects and mission trips. The videos were produced by Trinity’s grant-funded Service And Learning Leadership Team (SALLT) Project, which also recently launched a research project to study the impact of service and mission on the lives of young people. Stuart Webber, Professor & Chair of Business, Leadership & Management, continues work on a Ph.D. through the Copenhagen Business School, recently completing courses in strategic management research and international accounting. Jack Brenchley (’83) joined Trinity this fall as an affiliate faculty member in both the Applied Communications and Business, Leadership, & Management programs. He works for Adobe Systems on the InDesign/InCopy development team and continues a lifelong interest on intersections between business, technology, education, and faith.

Supporting the Mission

Taking Stock of What’s Important Mel and Dorothy Lofgren By Lance Georgeson By the time most people reach retirement they have had enough life experience to have sorted through their priorities. Throughout all the joys and challenges of their lives they usually wind up at a place where they can firmly say where they wish to put their time and effort. Mel and Dorothy Lofgren met in a small church in Michigan when he was on seminary internship. Shortly after their marriage they left on a steamer to serve in the mission field in Tanganyika. While Mel undertook the important task of training native lay people to assume leadership positions, Dorothy was busy writing Sunday Mel and Dorothy Lofgren School curricula and raising their giving. Mel and Dorothy say, “We want to have the four children. Their commitment there was an asjoy of seeing how our giving can help these students tounding 28 years. now, rather than after we’re gone.” The Lofgrens were then called to serve for eight If there was ever a couple who took the Great Comyears in Malaysia, followed by an additional four mission to heart it’s Mel and Dorothy Lofgren. These in Singapore. These years of overseas mission work two have not only served as missionaries abroad, saw their great gift for teaching and education, and but continue to minister and touch lives for Christ their commiteven in their golden years, and even on the campus ment to social “We want to have the joy of a college in Everett, Washington. They continue to concerns. Both “empower leaders for Christ-centered leadership” of seeing how our giving Mel and Dorothrough their prayers and generous gifts of stock to can help these students thy came from help the students of Trinity Lutheran College. an Augustana now, rather than after Synod backwe’re gone.” ground, with its own particular emphasis on the primacy of Scripture and the call to mission and ministry, and this has shown clearly in You can support Trinity’s mission by their commitment and efforts. transferring stock, too. To learn about the easy process for doing so, contact Karl Since their return to the United States, the Lofgrens Leggett in the Development Department, have thoughtfully supported Trinity’s mission 425.249.4759 or karl.leggett@tlc.edu. through periodic transfers of stock. Trinity, with its biblically-centered curricula, has always impressed them, and their sense of stewardship reflects a joy of

Make a gift of stock

Alumni Connections

Alumni News Alumni Facebook Fan Page We have established an official Trinity/LBI Alumni Fan Page, with links to other Trinity-related pages. In Facebook, search for “Trinity Lutheran College/LBI Alumni.” Alumni Events Saturday, Dec. 5. Advent Festival Alumni Dinner & Concert at Bethlehem Lutheran Church, Marysville, WA. Join college alumni at 5:30 p.m. for a festive dinner prior to the Advent Festival concert. Cost is $15 per person; RSVP required. Special rates are available at the Holiday Inn in Everett for long-distance travelers. Visit www.tlc.edu/ alumni for more information. June 18-19, 2010. Trinity/LBIS All Class Reunion at Trinity Lutheran College, Everett. Registration opens in early 2010. July 24-30, 2010. Trinity Week at Mount Carmel, Alexandria, MN, with Dr. Jeff Mallinson. Register at www.mountcarmelministries.com. Oct. 1-3, 2010. LBI All School Reunion at Mount Carmel, Alexandria, MN. January 2011. Holy Land Study Tour led by Rev. Lowell Stime. Free Alumni Audit Courses We invite alumni and former students to take two FREE courses per year on an audit basis. This is a great way to get to know new faculty, see the Everett campus, grow deeper in faith, and reconnect with our Christ-centered community. Some restrictions apply. For more information, contact Chuck Nelson, Registrar, at 425.249.4775, 1.800.843.5659, or registrar@tlc.edu.

LBI alumni gathered in Minnesota, August 2009. (Submitted photo)

Old Yearbooks, Community Worship, and Lowell Stime Reflections on a recent alumni gathering By Becky (Fox) Stocker (‘87) A small but spirited group of alumni gathered in early August at Eagle Bluff Environmental Learning Center, near Lanesboro, MN. People traveled from Minnesota, Wisconsin, South Dakota, Pennsylvania, Washington – even as far as Bangladesh! Most were Lutheran Bible Institute (LBI) students in the mid-1980s and early ’90s, though one couple were students at LBI Minneapolis in the 1940s. A good portion of the weekend, of course, was spent reminiscing. The college had recently discovered “The New LBI Video” from 1985, which prompted much laughter and many exclamations of “Oh, there’s (insert name here)!” Yearbooks also brought back lots of memories and gave us a chance to remember dear friends. We were blessed to have Pastor Lowell and Dianne Stime with us. Pastor Stime (former dean of Trinity/LBI) led us in Bible study

and worship on Sunday morning, where I found myself flooded with thankfulness for the privilege of being one of his students. During the retreat he shared some of his watercolor paintings and how the color wheel might reflect the Triune God. Our Bible study centered on 2 Kings, Elisha’s ministry, and Elisha’s foreshadowing of Jesus Christ. Worshipping together and sharing communion on Sunday morning was a sweet culmination to a fantastic weekend. Another highlight was meeting Dr. Jeff Mallinson, Trinity’s new academic dean. We appreciated getting an update on the school, seeing firsthand his energy, and the chance to ask questions and voice concerns about the college. By the end of the weekend, I was sad to say goodbye. The warmth and camaraderie we shared this summer was a continuation of what began in those years at LBI.

Alumni Connections Class Notes

Year noted is graduation date or last year attended. State abbreviation indicates current residence.

1960s Ray & Rebecca (Myhren) Wold (’62 & ’63, CA) celebrated 43 years of marriage. Rebecca retired after 40+ years in nursing and Ron, retired after 30 years in the Navy, now works with a nonprofit serving special needs adults.

1970s Gloria Johnson (’75, MN) is applying for an M.A. in organizational leadership. She worked in long-term care facilities for 15 years and cared for her mother who had dementia.  Carol (Elings) Mielke (’75, MT) teaches first grade in Conrad and was diagnosed with ovarian cancer, carrying on “with Jesus at my side.” She has four children and is expecting her first grandchild in December.  Lucretia (Rausch) Snider (‘75, KS) resides with her husband, Ray, on their fourth-generation family farm. They look forward to becoming grandparents in February.  Elinor (Schriebman) Hite (’76, TX) retired from medical transcription and is pursuing her interest in nature photography.  Elenn’ Elness (’77, MI) left Pakistan after 18 years of service as a physician at Tank Christian Hospital and married Dr. Steve Parrish of Livonia, where she continues work as a physician.  Wendell Hendershott (’77, OR) and his wife, Netsie Griffith, were called as co-pastors to Grace Lutheran Church, Corvallis, OR.  Joni Carter Hinkhouse (’78, WA) works for a lawyer in Mount Vernon. She has two children, Michael (23) and Lexi (20).

1980s Arden Barden (former faculty, ’87-’90, MT) serves five congrega-

11 tions where childhood days were spent. The Central Hi-Line Lutheran Ministries area covers 2,500 square miles!  Cynthia (Hinrichs) Kessler (’85, Germany) revitalized her relationship with Trinity through the Internet and a summer visit to the Everett campus with her husband and two children.  Carol (Maakestad) Anderson (’85, Boneo, Indonesia) is homeschooling her three children, Ingrid, Joshua, and Ethan, while her ophthalmologist husband, Steve, develops the Global Eye Mission.  Lynda Olson (’86, WI) is program supervisor at Lutheran Social Services, Eau Claire, where God has richly blessed her life and gives her daily opportunities to see God’s healing power in the lives of those battling alcohol and drug addictions.  Rebecca (Fox) Stocker (’89, MN) works as a special education paraprofessional in the Lanesboro Public Schools. She has three children: Abigail (18), Samantha (15), and Greyson (12).

1990s Anna Rundall (van Tricht) SimonOrr (’90, CA) has remarried, and her husband has adopted four of her five children. They adopted a boy, and hope to adopt a girl, with Down syndrome. She is training to become a domestic violence crisis counselor.  Karine Ruth (Dennehy) Smith (’93, WA) celebrated 15 years of marriage in June.  Mirdza (Pavasars) Hayden (’94, CA) is a stay-at-home mom, homeschooling her children.  Sky and Jennifer (Gorvin) Christensen (‘96 & ‘98, WA) announce the birth of a daughter, Ava Grace, on June 15. She joins brothers Andy (5) and Eli (3).  Troy Troftgruben (’99, ND), pastor at Calvary Lutheran Church, Grand Forks, recently completed a Ph.D. from Princeton Theological Seminary.

2000s Ethyl Mae Nelson (’00, ND), an ELCA associate in ministry, accepted a call to serve as pastor to the Noonan Parish, returning to North Dakota, where she lived as a child.  Brian & Natalie Julin-McCleary (‘02 & former staff, ’01-’04, MN) returned to St. Paul so Brian can complete his M.Div. at Luther Seminary after serving as an intern pastor in Robstown, TX. Their children are Toby (5) and Sophie (2).  Justin Snider (’03, WA) began his seventh year as Director of Youth Ministries at Gloria Dei Lutheran Church, Olympia.  Joel Nye (’04, MN), soon to be consecrated as an ELCA diaconal minister, accepted a call to serve three congregations of the newly-formed Plymouth Ministries.  Lynne Snyder (’05, WA) works in a special education classroom in the Auburn School District.  Nathaniel & Tricia (Pomeroy) Christman (‘06 & ‘03, MN) announce the birth of a son, Zachary Tony, born August 26.

In Memoriam Dianne Marie Leitz Peters (’77), Sept. 3, 1955—July 3, 2009, of Mica, WA. A church organist for over 30 years, she loved sewing, quilting, and making wonderful meals. She leaves behind her husband, Gary, a son, John, and many friends and relatives.  Michael J. Anderson (’93), Jan. 30, 1968—Sept. 5, 2009, of Seattle, passed away following a long illness. Son of Gerald and Betty (VanWieringen) Anderson, he was interested in aviation, photography, model railroading, and volunteered with Operation Nightwatch in Seattle.  Robert Morland (friend of Trinity) Aug. 10, 1927—Sept. 3, 2009, of Newberg, OR, leaves behind his wife of 52 years, Marlys, three children (Mark, Tim, and Julie), and three grandchildren. He served in the Army from 1945 to 1947 then worked 33 years for the USDA Soil Conservation Service.

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Advance

Fall 2009