Bethany Magazine - January 2015

january

2015

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from the

president

BY DA N B R U SS • PR E SI D ENT, B E TH A N Y LU TH ER A N CO LLEG E

Bethany is an experience worth sharing with others “The Bethany Experience.” This is a favorite topic of conversation among alumni during my visits and it typically unleashes a flood of positive memories and emotions. For readers unfamiliar with this “experience,” I can tell you that it is actually a bit difficult to explain. It encompasses the broad range of experiences and activities in which students participate, wrapped in the caring environment that is Bethany. People mention conversations with faculty, the closeness with friends, and even messages from chapel talks they can still remember. These are all woven together with the faith we hold so dearly and are what makes Bethany distinctive.

A few months back, the staff that puts this publication together conducted a survey regarding readers’ thoughts about the quality and content of the Bethany Report magazine. A clear message from our readers was the desire for more stories about the people that make up Bethany Lutheran College. This isn’t surprising since the stories about our students, faculty, and alumni tell the collective story that reflects the “Bethany Experience.” And that is precisely what you’ll find in this inaugural issue of the newly named and redesigned Bethany Magazine.

Those of us who are on campus every day are privileged to enjoy these special experiences regularly and even begin to take them for granted. With the new look and focus for this magazine, we’ll be making a more deliberate effort to share more stories about the great things that happen on campus and how they impact alumni and those around them as they pursue their careers and dreams.

While the mission of the College is rooted in the Gospel of Jesus Christ, the heart of the institution is very much the people who’ve attended, worked, and supported this College. They are the energetic students, dedicated and motivated faculty, and supportive alumni and friends who make Bethany a special place to learn.

I invite you to share your Bethany stories with us and with those around you—family, friends, and acquaintances. These stories are valuable to our efforts to bring new students to the BLC campus. Direct, personal word of mouth can have a tremendous impact in drawing the next generation of students to campus to benefit from the “Bethany Experience.” Thank you for your support.

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editor, writer | Lance Schwartz designer, photographer | David Norris designer, proofreader | Andrew Rustad contributing writers | Jake Krier Shawn Loging Rev. Don Moldstad

Amanda Quist

Joe Tischler Please direct all correspondence, letters, news, corrections, and comments to: Bethany Lutheran College Bethany Magazine 700 Luther Drive Mankato, MN 56001-6163 Email: editor@blc.edu Phone: 507.344.7000 | 800.944.3066 ISSUE: 131 The Bethany Magazine is published three times yearly by the Bethany Lutheran College Office of Institutional Communication and distributed free of charge to the college’s students, faculty, staff, alumni, and friends.

All contents © COPYRIGHT 2015 Bethany Lutheran College. Articles, images or photographs may not be reproduced without written permission.

Mission: Bethany Lutheran College, owned and

operated by the Evangelical Lutheran Synod, is a private, residential, liberal arts college committed to the teachings of the Bible as set forth in the Lutheran Confessions.

Bethany provides studies culminating in a bachelor of arts degree. The college serves Lutherans and others by offering a challenging, student-centered approach to education that fosters spiritual development, intellectual and creative growth, self-understanding, and responsible citizenship. In keeping with its heritage, Bethany aspires to produce students with a clear understanding of Christian vocation, which encourages students to make the most of their God-given talents.

On the cover: Bethany freshman and Marine Corps veteran Joshua Jablon. Read his story on page 8. Photo by Marcus Ruiz.

B E TH A N Y Magazine

Chapel history throughout the years Things change over the course of time. At Bethany, buildings have been constructed, majors added, and opportunities for students increase every year.

But there are also constants at Bethany—things that don’t change. Perhaps the most precious and beloved constant is our daily chapel services. Certainly, the location of chapel services changed when we moved from Old Main into Trinity Chapel in 1995. The addition of a beautiful chapel building was a blessing indeed, and we treasure the fact that the heart of chapel at Bethany is still centered on the worship of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

While this column has been traditionally reserved for a reprinted message from one of our daily chapel services, this has not always been the case. In fact, the “From the Chapel” message was only first introduced in this magazine in 1988. And now today we are fortunate to be able to broadcast and archive every single chapel message on our College website. You can listen to our daily chapel service any day the College is in session beginning at 10 a.m. You can also look back at all of our chapel services and listen any time of the day at the click of your mouse. At some time in the future, we also hope to add video to our daily broadcast.

In its earliest days, both the Bread of Life and earthly bread were served in the Chapel at Bethany, since the worship area doubled as a dining center (today it is where the bookstore and Admissions Department are located). The college President, Rev. Holden Olson, served as both the primary Chapel preacher and the pastor of the little congregation that gathered on Sunday mornings – which would later become Mt. Olive Lutheran Church. The dining room was finally moved to the first floor of Old Main.

During his term as president, Dr. Sigurd Ylvisaker, conducted morning Chapel nearly every school day. His students remember his stately and calm demeanor in the pulpit. He kept the two hours before Chapel empty on his schedule so he had time to prepare. When the Seminary program was added, Dean Norman Madson became a popular preacher for the evening services.

Records indicate seats from the Mankato Opera House replaced the original chapel chairs in 1930. In 1948, the original Chapel altar was moved to the newly dedicated Mt. Olive Lutheran Church on Marsh Street,

PU SLNLI E FE WS SCA PI RM ITUA

one thing

needful R E V. D O N MO LDS TA D, CH A PL A I N

four blocks from the campus. New seats were purchased once again in 1954 for $8.44 each.

During the Chaplaincy of Prof. Erling Teigen in the mid-1980s, the sanctuary went through a complete remodel, which added movable seating. Ten years later, services were held for a time in the gymnasium while the new Chapel was under construction. That same year, 1995, the college established a full time chaplaincy, first filled by Prof. Mark DeGarmeaux who served faithfully for ten years.

Despite all of the changes of personnel, locations, and furniture, the Chapel program has remained a constant throughout the decades. Not only has it served as the spiritual heart of Bethany, but also it remains a social meeting place where all of the disciplines and offices gather each day. In a survey taken a few years ago, 78% of the students say they attend once a week, and 51% try to attend every day.

The most important constant, however, has been the proclamation of the truths of God’s inerrant Word, especially the saving message of Christ, our Savior. This column will continue to focus on how Christian higher education at Bethany is unique among institutions of higher learning. We ask for your prayers that we remain faithful to His truth so that the One Thing Needful may continue to permeate our campus.

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1931

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1955

1976

introducing

Bethany Magazine

BY L A N C E S C H WA R T Z • D I R EC TO R O F I N S T I T U T I O N A L COM MU N I C AT I O N

Some of our readers might recall Bethany publications from days past, such as the Bethany Bulletin and Alumni Newsletter, but it’s most likely a short list of folks. You’ve probably noticed that the look of this publication has changed a bit, and as we introduce the redesigned look of the Bethany Magazine, we thought it would be a great time to review the history of some of our College publications.

When we have questions about Bethany history, we routinely turn to our College archivist, Professor Erling Teigen. Teigen told us about the history of Bethany news publications, and he mentioned that the Bethany Bulletin and Newsletter haven’t been printed for well over forty years.

Teigen, who is semi-retired from classroom teaching spends a few days a week in the College Archives, which are located in the lower level of Memorial Library. The Archives house a variety of documents with historical value.

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Teigen notes, “We have a bound set of the Bethany Bulletin in the Archives— it actually started in the Ladies’ College days (early 20th Century), but then was resurrected by Doc Y (President Sigurd Ylvisaker) in 1930 and it was put out on a yearly basis with the college catalog and then three other news issues each year. The Bulletin stopped publication in the 1970s. The Bethany Report succeeded the Bulletin.”

Teigen also explained that the Alumni Newsletter was first published in 1943. Until that time, alumni news appeared in the Bethany Scroll, which is still published today as a newspaper for students.

All of this brings us to today’s offering, the Bethany Report is now named the Bethany Magazine. A little

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1982

1992

1998

2004 SUMMER 2004

the magazine of bethany lutheran college

Bethany report

1991 over a year ago, Bethany’s Institutional Communication Office solicited the opinions of readers of the Bethany Report about the content and design of our official College publication. We were generally pleased to know that you, our valued readers, were happy with the content in the magazine. But even though there were few concerns about the publication, we did learn quite a bit about the types of stories you most enjoyed reading.

Some of the things we learned: • Over 80% of the respondents noted that they read nearly every issue they receive.

• Even in today’s digital world, readers told us their preferred method of reading is the print version with over 75% noting it as their first choice for reading.

1997

9 Studio helps connect Mankato to Norway 10 Music a big part of the Bethany experience 18 New Viking logo introduced

2001

• Readers most enjoy reading about alumni, students, and faculty.

• Readers don’t care for stories about college finances.

And while the general consensus about the content of the former Bethany Report was positive, we’ve taken your comments to heart and will be making a concerted effort to keep the content of the new Bethany Magazine focused on the students, faculty, and alumni of Bethany Lutheran College. This College has been, and continues to be, about the lifelong, Christian friendships that are formed on this campus.

tell us what you think BETHANY MAGAZINE IS ABOUT YOU, SO LET US KNOW YOUR THOUGHTS ABOUT THE CHANGES. SEND AN EMAIL TO EDITOR@BLC.EDU. THANK YOU!

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BLC Studios

UPDATE

BY A M A N DA Q U I S T • CO O R D I N ATO R O F PU B LI C , ED U C ATI O N , A N D G OV ER N M ENT ACCE SS

BLC Studios began the year by welcoming new and returning students, many of whom just returned from summer internships at a variety of locations including Paramount Pictures in Hollywood and Click 3X in New York City. Faculty and staff also gave Brian Christiansen an enthusiastic send-off for his fall semester internship at ESPN headquarters, as he was selected one of only six interns from a pool of 18,000 applicants.

Photo by Melissa Vandermause

Bethany senior Brian Christiansen is enjoying real-world experience at the ESPN Headquarters in Bristol, Connecticut.

The 9th annual Red Eye Film Festival set several records this year, as Bethany students were joined by teams from Minnesota State University, Mankato and South Central College. A total of 88 students participated in the blitz filmmaking challenge, easily making this the largest Red Eye Film Festival to date.

Illustration by Amanda Quist

The broadcast crew has had a busy semester. To prepare for Minnesota State hockey broadcasts, the studio produced live broadcasts of local soccer matches, including the annual Pack The Stands event featuring the Mankato East vs. West varsity games.

BLC Studios also traveled to Watertown, South Dakota, to direct the live streaming of the 2014 WELS West Regional Choral Festival, which was viewed from all over the world.

The success of these broadcasts is a great indication of things to come as the studio prepares for local television—our most exciting development. This summer, Bethany Lutheran College reached an agreement with the Mankato and North Mankato municipalities to run the area’s public access, educational, and government television channels (formerly CCTV). These channels exist to engage and connect residents in the creation of non-commercial, local programming with a focus on community interest. One of the production rooms in Honsey Hall has been renovated into a control room for the channels under the organization’s new name, Kato Television (KTV). The operation is slated to be functional in January 2015.

Ultimately, KTV will allow Bethany staff, faculty, and students to engage with community members and solidify our reputation for excellence in broadcasting.

FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT THE STUDIO, VISIT THE MEDIA ARTS BLOG: MEDIAARTS.BLC.EDU.

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from our faculty & staff St. Andrew Lutheran Church (WELS) of Sacramento, California, has commissioned Professor William Bukowski to paint a version of “The Prodigal Son.” The painting is a memorial gift to the church and will hang in the narthex. It is 30" x 40" and is painted in oil on panel. The painting is currently in progress.

Bukowski exhibited a landscape based on the Red Jacket Trail at the Minnesota State Fair this summer. Bukowski also was the first exhibitor of the year in Bethany’s Ylvisaker Fine Arts Center Gallery. He showed recent oil and acrylic paintings in a show entitled, The Garden, The Cottage and The Path. A lecture about the exhibit was recorded and is on Bethany’s YouTube channel. In October, Bukowski was invited to show at Dickinson State University

in Dickinson, North Dakota. His show included landscapes, portraits, and still life. Bukowski spent September 29 at Dickinson State talking with students and faculty.

Professor of Religious Studies and Languages Mark DeGarmeaux has participated in a number of recent endeavors including attending a Norwegian language weekend near Bemidji, Minnesota, the Summer Hebrew Institute at Martin Luther College in New Ulm, Minnesota, and the Institute on Liturgy, Preaching, and Music in Seward, Nebraska.

He also played a noontime organ recital for the Sioux Trails Chapter of the American Guild of Organists and went on an organ crawl to St. Paul along with students and teachers from

Join us as we

CELEBRATE THE SERVICE OF PRESIDENT DAN BRUSS.

Bethany, Gustavus, and Martin Luther College.

Students got to see and play the instruments at St. Paul Seminary on the University of St. Thomas campus and also at the Cathedral of St. Paul.

Eric Ouren, Associate Professor of Studio Art, has been awarded a 2015 Prairie Lakes Regional Arts Council/McKnight Fellowship Grant to develop a signature line of openback banjos.

The project will provide funds to build ten banjos, with the expectation that the work will be shown/performed at a public venue sometime in 2015. Possibilities include a show at Bethany Lutheran College and/or the St. Peter Arts Center in St. Peter, Minnesota.

Bethany alumni, students, friends, and community members are invited to this special event.

Wednesday, June 17, 2015 • Beginning at 4:30 p.m.

Bethany Lutheran College campus President Bruss is retiring on June 30, 2015.

The event will allow plenty of time to visit with President Bruss and his wife Kathy.

Enjoy entertainment and a traditional summer cookout meal.

Please mark the date for this retirement celebration on your calendars today and plan to join us in June.

Invitations and reminders will also be sent in the coming months.

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Bethany Freshman Joshua Jablon suffered multiple injuries as a Marine overseas.

Back home, he discovered a new battleground.

A WARRIOR

fighting to heal

BY S H AW N LO G I N G • SEN I O R COM MU N I C ATI O N A N D EN G LI SH M A J O R

There are many trials of military service, but one of the biggest can come when returning home to civilian life. Many return with physical and psychological injuries, which most people find hard to understand.

The Warrior Games provide service members who have suffered injuries a chance to meet and compete.

Bethany Freshman Joshua Jablon, a former U. S. Marine, has competed in the last four Warrior Games.

The Warrior Games were created in 2010 as a way for wounded service members and veterans to heal with a little bit of friendly competition between the military branches. The 2014 Warrior Games were held September 28 – October 4 with more than 200 soldiers and veterans competing in several sports following Paralympic rules. The games were held at the U.S. Olympic Training Center in Colorado Springs, Colorado.

It is meant as a way to keep service members active when they return home.

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Photo by Marcus Ruiz

“It is a good time and it brings me around people who have been through the same traumatic stuff I have been through, so it is more of a friendly relaxed environment with a little competition,” Jablon said.

Jablon was a member of the team for the Wounded Warrior Regiment of the Marine Corps. He competed in standing shot-put, discus, and sitting volleyball.

By bringing together fellow soldiers, the road to recovery can become smoother.

“Interaction is good. It is nice to be able to compare stories and see what may have helped this person could also help you with a problem that you are going through, and a problem you are going through could also help them with what they are going through. It is also nice to have someone to talk to who understands the life you are going through,” said Jablon.

B E TH A N Y Magazine

STU D E NT PR O FI LE

Photo by Lance Cpl. Scott Reel

Joining the Marine Corps right out of high school in 2007, Jablon has been stationed in California, North Carolina, and Japan. He has also served a combat tour in the Iraq War. During his time in Iraq, he was in three improvised explosive device (IED) attacks, which caused shrapnel to enter his left leg and lower back.

He also suffered from brain injuries, hearing loss, and severe post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

Jablon ended his time in the Marines in Hawaii at a hospital recovering from wounds he suffered during combat.

While in recovery, the hospital had athletic activities to help with the rehabilitation process. This became the foundation for which the Warrior Games would be based on.

Adjunct English instructor Angie Johnson said, “One of the things I am most impressed with is that he has recovered; that he is no longer using equipment to walk around but found an inner strength to get himself back on his feet. Now he is at college pursuing an education not only because he thinks a degree will help him get a particular job, but because his education is helping him reflect on his experiences and get more experience in the world. He has a different perspective than other students; he has a different perspective than professors.

So I am learning from him.”

Photo by EJ Hersom

Joshua Jablon competed in the 2014 Warrior Games in Colorado Springs, Colorado. Jablon suffered brain injuries, hearing loss, and severe post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) while deployed in Iraq in 2009.

“[The Warrior Games] bring me around people who have been through the same traumatic stuff I have been through.”

J O S H UA JA B LO N FR E SH M A N AT B E TH A N Y

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DINING CENTER

FRESHENS UP

BY L A N C E S C H WA R T Z • D I R EC TO R O F I N S T I T U T I O N A L COM MU N I C AT I O N

Remodeled space brings new look, new concepts in campus dining Besides engaging professors, stimulating academics, and enjoyable clubs and organizations, one of the most important aspects of a college experience certainly has to be the quality of the college dining center.

If you’re an alumnus/a of Bethany Lutheran College, lived in the dorms (today they’re called residence halls), and ate regularly in the dining center; you’ve most likely formed an opinion of dining center food. If your opinion of cafeteria food is not completely positive, you’ve probably not been to the Bethany dining center recently.

Photo by David Norris

Pioneer College Caterer employee Cedric Tripp prepared stir-fried vegetables using a new concept in campus dining: demonstration cooking.

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During the summer months of 2014, the Bethany dining center took on a new look and new approach to serving food to the hundreds who dine daily at Bethany.

Greg Costello, Bethany’s Controller, is responsible for working with Pioneer College Caterers—the company Bethany contracts with for food service operations.

For their part, Pioneer strives to be a great partner for food preparation and serving at Bethany. Pioneer was founded in 1973 and contracts exclusively on Christian college and university campuses.

Costello explained, “Bethany signed our first contract with Pioneer College Caterers in the spring of 2004, and remodeled the dining center at that time. Industry standard is that you usually get about 8-10 years out of a remodel and we were pushing the limit on ours. Pioneer also wanted to implement several new concepts, such as demonstration cooking, and a rotisserie grill that did not fit in the previous layout.”

Demonstration cooking allows the diner to choose an entrée to be prepared fresh. The quality of the food is much better than traditional dining center food sitting under the warming lamp.

Christi Ferch is an employee of Pioneer College Caterers and the food service director for Bethany. She says the reaction to the new layout and the expanded menu

B E TH A N Y Magazine

has been very positive.

“We felt it was time to change and expand our offerings and the renovation made that possible. Serving food on a college campus has changed quite a bit. We really try to present healthy options, and we do our best to meet the needs of all the students.”

Costello agrees, “There have been very few comments about not being able to find something one likes. The new demonstration cooking and rotisserie provide two great options if diners can’t find something they like in the main line. Also Pioneer is using more fresh vegetables and meat products rather than frozen which provides for better quality food being served.”

Costello continued, “Students (and parents) are demanding more choices, especially when it comes to nutrition and healthy options. We have tried to accommodate the best we can, and our new chef is very approachable and willing to work with the students’ needs. We are working on having nutrition information available on a regular basis in the dining center.”

Costello explains that because Pioneer is a relatively small food service company, “We feel our needs are being met and they listen to us. Their management team regularly visits the Bethany campus to meet and to see if there is anything they can do to enhance the students’ and staff’s dining experience.”

Allie VanHee is a senior at Bethany and is pleased with the campus dining experience as well.

“I eat in the dining center every day. That has changed since I was a freshman. I eat in the Viking Village (quick order burgers, fries) less than I have in the past, because I have healthier options in the caf.

"I know a lot of students appreciate the expanded fruit choices and the demo cooking, The vegetable and salad options are my go to’s if I don’t want what is being served in the main line. I'm generally happy with the food!

“The service has been great in my mind, always doing their best to accommodate the students. The options are so plentiful, I can almost always find something I like.”

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Photo by David Norris

Freshman Isabella Stevens chose from one of the many healthy options.

COME DINE WITH US

The public is always welcome to dine at Bethany Lutheran College when classes are in session. Prices are reasonable and you’ll find something to enjoy.

DINING CENTER HOURS:

BREAKFAST (HOT) Monday – Friday: 7:30 a.m. – 9:10 a.m.

Saturday: 11:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.

Sunday: 9:15 a.m. – 10:15 a.m.

LUNCH Monday – Friday: 11:00 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.

Sunday: 12 p.m. – 1 p.m.

DINNER Monday – Thursday: 5:15 p.m. – 7:15 p.m.

Friday – Sunday: 5:30 p.m. – 6:30 p.m.

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THIRD ANNUAL DINNER THEATRE RAISES FUNDS, LIFTS SPIRITS An enduring theatrical work, the Holiday season, and a beautiful venue provided the perfect opportunity for Bethany Lutheran College to host the third annual Bethany Dinner Theatre event.

Photo by David Norris

Cast members for A Christmas Carol interacted with guests while traditional Christmas music was performed.

Photos by Benji Inniger

One of the most influential Christmas stories made its way to the stage at Bethany this fall. The Bethany Theatre Department produced A Christmas Carol, written by Charles Dickens and adapted and directed by Professor Peter Bloedel. Performances were in the Sigurd K. Lee Theater of the Ylvisaker Fine Arts Center in November, and every show was sold out. The cast of twenty-seven—ten of which were children—brought to life over fifty characters.

Successful Dinner Theatre events from the previous two years set the stage for a sold-out event in 2014. Guests were in for a wonderful treat as they were greeted by A Christmas Carol cast members prior to a delicious meal served in the commons area of Rudolph Honsey Hall.

At the conclusion of the A Christmas Carol performance, attendees had the opportunity to hear from the play’s director, Professor Peter Bloedel, and from some of the actors as well. The proceeds from the Dinner Theatre event help fund the operations of Bethany Theatre Department.

Bethany Dinner Theatre will take place again next year. Complete details regarding the event will be made available on the Bethany website and through Bethany’s social media.

VIEW THE ENTIRE PRODUCTION: YOUTUBE.COM/BETHANYLUTHERAN

VIEW MORE PHOTOS: BLC.EDU/PHOTO-GALLERY

Top: Tiny Tim (Caleb Hartwig) and Scrooge (August Jeske) ended the show singing Joy to the World. Above: An elaborate group dance scene with on-stage musicians had attendees laughing and smiling as much as the actors.

Dickens classic draws sold–out crowds

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ONE FINE DAY OF GIVING

BY JA K E K R I E R • M A N AG ER O F A LUM N I R EL AT I O N S A N D A N N UA L G I V I N G

The 2014 edition of Give to Bethany Day was a great success. On Thursday, November 13, 2014, alumni and friends made 225 gifts to Bethany. The total contributions were $48,025 during this special 24-hour fundraiser. This outpouring of support certainly outpaced the $25,000 goal that was set for the day.

Also, as a result of the support of a few kind donors who generously offered $25,000 in matching funds, the total contributions were $73,025 during this one-day event. Gifts were received both online and by personal submission to the College and ranged from $10 to $5,000. The 2014 event marked the fourth year participating in this one-day giving experience, and the success of the event keeps growing year after year.

The outpouring of gifts is a wonderful reminder of the consistent and generous support so many show for Bethany. The students, faculty, staff, alumni, and friends of Bethany know wholeheartedly that generous

support and prayers strengthen the enduring mission of this College. The gifts given both on Give to Bethany Day, and throughout the year, help the College in so many ways. These gifts allow us to not only offer Bethany students an excellent college education, but also help us to continue to offer our students an education centered on the One Thing Needful. Thank you to all who support the mission of Bethany Lutheran College.

Giving amounts for Give to Bethany Day over the past four years.

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S G N I K I V s Y w e N N A s c i t H e l T h At BE

New Hall of Fame inductees announced

BY J O E TI S CH LE R • CO O R D I N ATO R O F SP O RT S I N FO R M ATI O N

The Bethany Athletic Hall of Fame grew from 24 to 28 members SeptemRegion XIII honors in her two seasons as Bethany ber 19, 2014, as Anthony Bias, DeDe (Dorn) Epema, Kelly (Koepp) Peters, compiled a 44-8 record. and Lisa (Willems) Scamehorn were inducted in a special ceremony.

Epema has earned degrees in sport management Anthony Bias starred for the men's basketball team from 1979-81. He and elementary education and a master's degree in earned NJCAA All-American honors after his sophomore season after special education. She currently teaches and coaches averaging 26.0 points, 12.4 rebounds, and 5.6 assists per game. He also in Montevideo, Minnesota, where she is a first grade was named to the All-Division Team, All-MCCC State Team, and All-NJCAA Region XIII First Team for both 1980 and 1981, averaging 23.8 points, 12.6 rebounds, and 5.3 assists for his Bethany career.

Bias went on to Wright State University where he was a two-year starter and helped the Raiders win the NCAA Division II National Championship in 1983. He graduated with a degree in marketing and has been employed with Allstate Insurance Company since 1984. He and his wife, Janice, have two children and reside in Charlotte, North Carolina.

DeDe (Dorn) Epema was a guard for the women's basketball squad from 1994-96. Epema was a two-time KODAK and NJCAA All-American recipient who averaged 16 points and 4.3 steals per contest over her Vikings career. She also Photo by David Norris garnered First Team All-Division, 2014 Bethany Lutheran College Athletic Hall of Fame inductees (from left): Kelly (Koepp) Peters, Lisa (Willems) Scamehorn, All-MCCC State, and All-NJCAA De De (Dorn) Epema, and Anthony Bias.

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instructor and the varsity girl's head basketball coach. Her husband, Tim, is also a teacher and is the head varsity baseball coach. The couple has three children.

Kelly (Koepp) Peters tallied 1,196 points in two seasons (1997-99) for the women's basketball team. She was the second leading scorer in the state in 1997-98 with a 21.4 average and was among the top scorers in the nation in 1998-99 averaging 27.5 points per game. She received KODAK and NJCAA All-American, All-Division, All-MCCC State, and All-NJCAA Region XIII First Team honors for both seasons as Bethany had a stellar 48-4 record.

Peters went on to play at the University of South Dakota and graduated from there with a degree in psychology. She later earned her master's degree in occupational therapy from the College of St. Catherine. Peters opened her own private practice occupational therapy clinic called Sunny Days Therapy in 2006. She and her husband, Jon, have four children and reside in Victoria, Minnesota.

Lisa (Willems) Scamehorn was a threesport star from 1987-89. Her career totals of 492 kills, 521 set assists, and 121 blocks helped her earn All-Division, All-State, and All-NJCAA Region XIII accolades in volleyball in both 1987 and 1988. In basketball, she scored 754 points, grabbed 289 rebounds, dished out 124 assists, and had 123 steals over her career to earn two-time All-Division and All-MCCC State honors as well as All-NJCAA Region XIII recognition her freshman year. Scamehorn was a letter winner and Golden Glove Award winner for the 1989 softball squad.

Scamehorn later played basketball and softball at Gustavus Adolphus College where she continued to earn athletic accolades. She graduated from there with a degree in biology. Scamehorn currently resides in New Brighton, Minnesota, where she works as the lead sales person for Strategic Employee Benefit Services of The Bohannon Group. She and her husband, Rich, have two children.

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FALL SPORTS RECAP

BY J O E TI S CH LE R • CO O R D I N ATO R O F SP O RT S I N FO R M ATI O N

MEN’S SOCCER

MEN’S CROSS COUNTRY

The BLC men’s soccer team had three players earn Upper Midwest Athletic Conference (UMAC) All-Conference honors.

Senior Zac Carlson (Bloomington, Minn.) was named to the All-Conference team for the first time in his final season and made the First Team as a defender. Junior Benjamin Moldstad (North Mankato, Minn.) made the Second Team for the third straight season as he led the Vikings with 14 points. Freshman Matt Bitter (Bemidji, Minn.) also made the Second Team and recorded four shutouts.

It was an historic season for the men’s cross country team. Sophomore Owen Richardson (Lake Elsinore, Calif.) became the first Bethany runner to win an individual UMAC title when he crossed the finish first at the UMAC Cross Country Championships. The team had their highest finish at the meet coming in third place.

Earlier in the year, they claimed their first team title when they tied for first at the Martin Luther Invitational.

WOMEN’S SOCCER Five BLC women’s soccer team members earned All-Conference honors. Freshman Nicole Moldstad (North Mankato, Minn.) made the UMAC’s Second Team. She led the squad in both goals (11) and assists (13) and was third in the conference with 35 points. Joining Moldstad on the Second Team was sophomore defender Cheyenne Huereque (Copperas Cove, Tex.). Junior Bridget Hennen (Apple Valley, Minn.) was named to the All-Conference squad for the third time and first time as a midfielder.

Her ten goals helped to garner her Honorable Mention. Sophomore Abby Goss (Neenah, Wis.) and senior Julia Putz (St. Peter, Minn.) also received Honorable Mention recognition.

VOLLEYBALL On a senior-laden team, Bethany had four Vikings, playing in their final seasons, receive All-UMAC honors.

Jessi Jurries (Trimont, Minn.), who made First Team All-Conference, led the team and the UMAC in digs in conference matches with 231. She totaled 402 overall and she leaves Bethany ranked second in program history with 1,342 digs. Emily Franzen (Lewiston, Minn.), Caitlin Decker (Ramsey, Minn.), and Amanna Berthusen (Marshalltown, Iowa) all received Honorable Mention recognition. Franzen ends her career fourth in program history in assists (1,825) and third in aces (96). Decker and Berthusen wind up seventh (561) and ninth (502), respectively, in kills in Bethany history.

WOMEN’S CROSS COUNTRY The women’s cross country team came in third at the UMAC Cross Country Championships for the second straight season.

Also, for the second straight season, sophomores Megan Sauer (Lismore, Minn.) and Lauren Farquhar (Plymouth, Minn.) earned All-UMAC honors. Sauer came in sixth place at the conference meet while Farquhar was close behind in eighth place.

MEN’S GOLF The men’s golf team followed up their trip to the national tournament last season with a very successful fall season. They won five of the eight competitions and finished second in the other three meets, including the UMAC Championship.

Senior Jon Pederson (Waseca, Minn.) was Bethany’s top performer as he placed no lower than fifth in all eight competitions, including one medalist honor and five second place showings. He earned All-Conference honors for the fourth time. Joining Pederson on the All-Conference team were newcomers Kiley Miller (Mount Pleasant, Iowa) and Josh Hansen (Watertown, S.Dak.).

WOMEN’S GOLF The Vikings won two invites in 2014 and had players win medalist honors also. Juniors Caitlin Miller (Plato, Minn) and Allie Curtis (Buffalo Center, Iowa) battled back-and-forth all season to see who was Bethany’s top golfer. Miller won two medalist honors and Curtis took one.

taking the

Reflecting on the career of Bethany's coach, counselor and friend, Steve Jaeger.

BY L A N C E S C H WA R T Z D I R EC TO R O F I N S T I T U T I O N A L COM MU N I C AT I O N

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It’s been said that being blessed with a family and watching your children grow can make a decade seem like a year. If that’s indeed true, then Steve Jaeger’s nearly thirty years on the Bethany campus, highlighted by the thousands of students he’s been in contact with, must surely have flown by. Jaeger, Bethany’s Vice President for Student Affairs, concluded a memorable career at BLC on December 31, 2014. Jaeger, a very familiar face, is well known to many graduates of both the junior college and baccalaureate eras at Bethany. He’s been a coach (soccer and cross country), admissions counselor and director, advisor to the World Club, helped to facilitate the Honor Choir camps held every summer, a vice president, and has been the head usher at the annual Christmas at Bethany concerts for a few decades.

A resume like Jaeger’s surely has produced some special moments and memories during his three decades on campus, but when asked what memory holds the fondest place in his heart, he quickly mentioned “Being able to attend chapel with my wife during her twenty plus years on the campus.” Lois Jaeger, Steve’s spouse of forty-one years retired last spring after serving nearly twenty years as the College’s fine arts director.

Steve Jaeger took up his duties at Bethany on July 1, 1985, taking over a successful soccer program for the departing Mike Butterfield. It was a top-notch junior college program that was well known throughout the nation. Prior to his arrival at Bethany, Jaeger had been coaching soccer at Wayland Academy in Beaver Dam, Wisconsin, as well as teaching in the Beaver Dam public school system. In addition to his head soccer coaching responsibilities at BLC, Jaeger worked as a counselor in the admissions office with Art Westphal and Richard Wiechmann. Jaeger, a Bethany alumnus, came to Bethany after earning a master’s degree in educational administration. He admits that his time as a student had him interested in returning to Bethany some day, and when presented with the opportunity by then-president Marvin Meyer, the decision was easy. The opportunity to coach the Vikings soccer team and help to spread the word about Bethany Lutheran College to prospective students was appealing to Jaeger. But who could have predicted this soccer and admissions work would lead to so many exciting years to come for both Steve and Lois Jaeger.

Jaeger coached the men’s soccer team five successful

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years until the needs of the admissions department called for his full time attention. Bethany had been blessed with tremendous support and it became clear that it was time to expand the admissions effort under Jaeger’s leadership. During this time, the college’s enrollment numbers grew, and through a strategic effort in enrollment management led by Jaeger and retired Vice President Ron Younge, Bethany became a national model for student retention at two-year schools. Jaeger noted that this enrollment success was due to a campus wide effort where virtually every member of the faculty and staff had a role to play in making Bethany a special place for students. The successful model continues to this day.

Photos by David Norris

Bethany's Vice President for Student Affairs, Steve Jaeger, has become a friend to many students over the years.

Another pivotal moment that Jaeger recalled was the day that President Meyer announced to the gathered faculty and staff that Bethany was about to make a seismic shift and leave the ranks of private junior colleges to become a four-year baccalaureate-granting institution. Jaeger noted, “It was a time where everyone on the campus had each other’s back because so much work had to be done, and I’m happy to say that collegiality continues at Bethany today.” He continued, “What we have at Bethany is special and I feel blessed to have been part of it.”

And while walking out of Old Main without the keys will be somewhat emotional, Jaeger says he’s excited for this next phase of life. He’s ready to travel with Lois, spend time with his children and grandchildren, do some gardening, volunteer for a variety of causes and at church, and of course spend a little time on the golf course. He says, “Lois and I really just want to spend some time helping in a variety of ways, and where help is needed.”

We certainly wish the Jaegers a blessed retirement and thank them for their years of genuine love for and dedication to Bethany Lutheran College.

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from europe

and back again

BY L A N CE S CH WA R T Z • D I R EC TO R O F I N STIT U TI O N A L COM MU N I C ATI O N

It’s safe to say Anton Myroshnychenko, a 2008 alumnus, made the most of his four years at Bethany Lutheran College. Myroshnychenko, a native of Ukraine, came to Bethany on the recommendation of friends he’d met while attending the Ukrainian Lutheran Church. Myroshnychenko arrived at Bethany prior to the 2004-05 academic year and finished his program in business administration with an emphasis in finance in four years. In addition to completing the coursework for his bachelor’s degree, Myroshnychenko packed as much real world experience as he could into his time at Bethany and in Minnesota. These experiences are what set the stage for Myroshnychenko’s impressive career growth. His time at Bethany was the perfect start he needed to begin a successful and growing career.

He notes, “It’s the combination of things. When I came to Bethany, my English needed improvement, I didn’t have the experience with western style education, and I’d never experienced such cold winters. Overall the fact that I had to learn, adapt, and change really 18

Photos submitted by Anton Myroshnychenko.

prepared me for my life. In addition, faith-inspired education enabled me to continue my growth after Bethany.”

And while we, at Bethany, wouldn’t readily admit that a January day in Minnesota is to everyone’s liking, Myroshnychenko’s positive approach to his educational experience at Bethany is not unlike so many others who’ve attended Bethany. The preparation for life after college involves the process of making decisions, adapting, and learning about what it takes to be successful in a vocation and life.

Myroshnychenko took advantage of Bethany’s numerous campus employment opportunities and worked in a few different positions on campus. And while some students might have chosen another path, he started his campus employment in the not-soglamorous food service dish room. But his hard work, motivation, and positive attitude quickly helped him move into the student manager position at the cafeteria.

B E TH A N Y Magazine

“It was fun times and free food!” notes Myroshnychenko.

His optimistic approach to work and life in general led Myroshnychenko to a successful summer internship with Greater Mankato Growth, the region’s economic development organization. He took that experience with him to another successful internship in the Twin Cities with alumnus Gaby Accad in his golf cart sales and leasing business.

Myroshnychenko explained, “These two experiences enabled me to have a good base to start my career after graduation.”

Myroshnychenko fondly recalls some of his classroom experiences as well. “I had many classes with (Professor) Shoop and he really helped me to develop my business mindset. I think he had the most significant influence on my career path and the course of study that I chose. I will never forget my first Economics 101 class when he walked in the classroom and said, ‘there is no such thing as free lunch.’ It took me a while to really understand what he meant.”

Myroshnychenko today is in strategic sales at C.H. Robinson Europe and based in Amsterdam. C.H. Robinson is one of the world’s largest transportation logistics companies.

Myroshnychenko explains the company’s work, “If you think about any product or item that you see around you, it has to be shipped from point A to point B, my company takes care of that. I am responsible for new business development in the European region with focus on collaborative outsourcing. I travel a lot throughout the continent and work with a team of consultants and solution design engineers to develop customized solutions for our clients. My target groups are companies with sales above one billion U.S. dollars that have complex supply chains and require logistics expertise.”

It’s obvious that Myroshnychenko’s attitude towards his work in and out of the classroom at Bethany set the stage for his successful career thus far.

His advice for today’s students, “Explore the world around you. Travel and don’t sit on the couch. Keep asking the question, ‘Why are things the way they are?’”

Myroshnychenko recently visited Mankato and noted, “Bethany retains its place in my heart. I will always remember my experiences and the fun and some sad moments. Minnesota became my home away from home, and after five years being away it was extremely nice to know that I still love it!

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Anton Myroshnychenko took time out from his job to enjoy the sights of the Netherlands: (opposite) one of the many canals found in the Jordaan district of Amsterdam, (above) outside the Peace Palace, The Hague.

“Explore the world around you. Travel and don’t sit on the couch. Keep asking the question, ‘Why are things the way they are?’”

A NTO N MY R O S H N YCH E N KO ' 0 8

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from our

alumni 1956

Duane D. Anderson and his wife, Judy, love living in Florida at The Villages and worshipping at the Open Bible Evangelical Lutheran Church (WELS), which he designed.

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1969

Marcia (Schleusener) Brekken and Frederick Lingenfelder were married June 1, 2014, at Emmaus Lutheran Church, Phoenix, Arizona.

Marci and Fred make their home in Scottsdale, Arizona.

1971

1960 On July 12, 2014, the children of Larry and Vivian (Unseth) Weseloh (’60): Matthew Weseloh (’85), Kiki (Weseloh) Schnackenberg (’87), and Christian Weseloh hosted a 50th wedding anniversary celebration for their parents in Watertown, S.Dak. The musical program entitled “Faith, Family, and Fun” was performed by their children and grandchildren using their instruments and voices. Of special interest to Bethany folks would be their rendition of Alfred Fremder’s arrangement of On My Heart Imprint Thine Image; it was performed beautifully! Their maid of honor, Karen (Unseth) Luecke (’63), best man (Tom Luecke), and groomsman Allan Unseth ('58) were also in attendance. Larry and Vivian would like to acknowledge Vivian’s mother, Lorna (Jaastad) Unseth (’32), for passing along her family’s musical abilities! Vivian’s father, Eivind Unseth (’30), was also a Bethany alumnus. To God be the glory!

1962

Bethany grads (from left): Gayl Edwards Johnson, Al Johnson (’70), Fay Grossman Burmeister (’69), Ruth Goldberg Boche (’69), Cheryl Edwards Heiliger (’69) with Don Heiliger (center) on Don Heiliger Day, June 29, 2014, at the VFW in Stoughton, Wis., celebrating Don’s 30 years in the Air Force and his nearly six years as a POW at the Hanoi Hilton.

1974

Steve Konstantinovic and Claudio Autenzio visited the BLC campus during Fall Festival.

Both were on the 1973 soccer team that placed third in the nation. Each expressed much gratitude for the training they received at Bethany Lutheran College. From left: Steve Konstantinovic, Pres. John Moldstad, Jr. , Claudio Autenzio, Chaplain Don Moldstad (’78).

1982 John Schwertfeger and his wife, Ruth, celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary with a trip to Glacier National Park. On August 15, they rode a Red Jammer bus back and forth across the Continental Divide on the Going-to-the-Sun Road.

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Pictured are Lisa (Crawford) Anderson (’83), Sherri (Griffin) Bartels (’83), Polly Browne, Tammy (Else) Foltz (’83), Joanie (Seidel) Hohenstein (’83), and Chris (Schroeder) Sluke (’83). They all met in the Wisconsin Dells in June 2014 for a little alumni reunion and weekend of fun. This was their first reunion like this,

and some of them hadn’t seen each other in about 30 years. They had such a great time that they now plan to get together annually. Polly Browne said of the gathering, “In my opinion, these relationships and the memories we share of our time together at BLC matter more than any of the classes I took. We had professors who cared about us, we could trust the education, and we lived and played with people who helped us grow. What a blessed gift we were given.”

1993

Dennis Hutter’s Mayville State Women’s Basketball team captured the inaugural North Star Athletic Association (NSAA) Championship in 2013-14. The Comets finished the season with an overall record of 25-4 and earned both the regular season and the NSAA Tournament Championship. Mayville State qualified for the NAIA National Tournament for the second consecutive season under Dennis Hutter and advanced to the “Sweet Sixteen.” Dennis was awarded the NSAA Coach of the Year Award for the 2013-14 season. The past two years Hutter’s teams have compiled an overall record of 45-10. Dennis lives in Mayville, North Dakota, with his wife, Missy, and their four children Ali (15), Brianna (12), Jake (10) and Cole (5).

2000

Michelle Proehl and Allan Vitus were married in May 2014 in Yosemite National Park. Emily (Holtmeier) Boldischar joined for the celebration. Michelle is the founder of Slate Advisers, a career transition services firm, and Allan is a Senior Enterprise Operations Manager at Google. The couple lives in Sunnyvale, California.

B E TH A N Y Magazine

2002

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Courtland, Minnesota, and Oren (’76) and Julie Olsen of Nicollet. Great-grandparents are Sylvia Hulke of New Ulm, Minnesota, Dennis and Ruth Wills of Nicollet, and Phyllis Olsen of Mankato, Minnesota.

2008

Gudrun (Teigen) Schletz graduated with her master of social work degree from Minnesota State University, Mankato, in July 2014. She is currently working at Counseling Services of Southern Minnesota in St. Peter, Minnesota, as a bilingual (Spanish and English) psychotherapist with adults, children, and families. Gudrun lives in Mankato with her husband, Peter, and their twin daughters, Marilyn and Olivia, age 3.

2003

Samuel and Anna (Norman) Gullixson (’06) welcomed their fourth son, Matthias Rahn, on November 26, 2013. Samuel is an ELS pastor in Bishop, California, Anna is a homemaker, and they also homeschool their children. Their other children are, Abel (6), Elisha (2-1/2) and Simeon (who rests with Jesus).

2007

Andrew and Bridget Olsen and daughters Halley and Madelyn of rural Nicollet, Minnesota, welcomed into their home and hearts Layne Marlowe Olsen.

Layne was born Monday, September 29. He weighed 8 pounds, 1.8 ounces and was 20.75 inches long.

Grandparents are Perry and Joan Hulke of

Maggie (Tweite) Brooks and Dr. Koel Brooks were wed on July 5, 2014, in Rochester, Minnesota. Maggie and Koel have recently moved to the Quad Cities area.

Maggie finished her master's degree in leadership of organizations at Grand Canyon University and is now working for Von Maur Headquarters in Davenport, Iowa. Koel is also working in Davenport as a physical therapist at Midwest Therapy.

2010 Becky (Breitbarth) Rogness graduated with her master of arts in communication from Johns Hopkins University, walking in commencement in May 2014. She and her husband, Noah, welcomed daughter, Lydia, on January 6, 2014.

They currently live in Palo Alto, California, while Noah completes his vicarage as required by Concordia Theological Seminary - Fort Wayne.

Becky works from home running Rogness Communications, LLC. Nicole Weisenburger was recently selected to be a contestant on the TV show Wheel of Fortune. She traveled to Los Angeles with her family members in early December. The episode will air on Tuesday, January 27.

2009

Keith Peterson passed the Minnesota Social Work boards exam in May 2014 and is now a licensed social worker in Minnesota. Keith and Monica (Bowerman) Peterson (’08) moved to Detroit Lakes, Minnesota, at the end of August 2014, since Keith accepted a social work position with Mahnomen County in Mahnomen, Minnesota. Monica is finishing her course work with the Institute of Children’s Literature. The couple also celebrated their six-year wedding anniversary at the end of August.

Kosan Meyerson was married to Bryniel McIntyre on May 31, 2014, in Lakeville, Minnesota.

Stephen Sielaff married Kaitlyn Klug on June 7, 2014, in Brillion, Wisconsin. Three other BLC graduates stood up as groomsmen: Peter Sielaff (’06), Andrew Gerda, and Nathan Kieffer. Stephen and Katie currently live in the Twin Cities, while Katie is attending the University of Minnesota College of Veterinary Medicine.

2011

Andrea Lemieux graduated with a master of arts degree in public relations and advertising from DePaul University in Chicago, Illinois, in June 2014.

2012

Sara (Krueger) Sanchez married Thomas Sanchez (’11) on August 15, 2014, at Cross of Christ Evangelical Lutheran Church. Both are happily living in Andover, Minnesota.

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2004

2014 BA BY B O OM A N N I V E R SA RY: In 2004, Bethany experienced a bit of a baby boom as families of faculty and staff welcomed new additions. Kathy Bruss invited the eight moms and their newborns to the Glencrest President's Residence for a baby party. This past summer, the moms and children got back together for a 10-year anniversary. They don’t all fit on one couch anymore! From left: Matthew Strom (Brian ’91 and Rebecca ’91), Derrick Zeldenrust (Ryan ’96 and Carrie ’99), Simon Kovaciny (Jon ’01 and Raelene ’01), Daniel Norris (David ’91 and Tanya ’91), Rylee Woller (Eric ’92 and Denice ’97), Emily Buch (Ryan and Laura), Ingrid Bloedel (Peter ’88 and Sarah ’94), Anika Younge (Jeff ’92 and Angie ’91). Photos by Denice Woller

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Bethany

retrospect

Remembering a campus moment from years gone by.

CH R I STM A S CH E E R : A highlight of past seasons was gathering in the central lobby of Old Main to sing Christmas hymns and carols.

Do you recognize anyone from this 1967 photo?

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