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Join us for golfing fun! June 11, 2021 Crystal Lake Golf Club, Lakeville, Minnesota
blc.edu/joellaubegolf Held each June since 2003, the tournament directly benefits the Joel Laube Memorial Scholarship at Bethany Lutheran College.
August 2, 2021 Mankato Golf Club, Mankato, Minnesota
blc.edu/sportsclassic Now in it's 36th year, the tournament helps raise important dollars for the Bethany Vikings Athletic Department.
Please contact Jake Krier – Manager of Alumni Relations at (507) 344-7519 with any questions about these events and other alumni relations opportunities.
October 1–3, 2021 We're making plans for the return of the Bethany Fall Festival–A Homecoming Weekend. This event includes activities for all ages and alumni reunions. All alumni and friends are invited to be part of the weekend. Enjoy athletic contests, live music, and more!
blc.edu/fall-festival
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TABLE OF
CONTENTS 4 FROM THE PRESIDENT
STUDENTS ____________________________
Growing Opportunities
FACULTY & STAFF ____________________________
26 EMBRACING OPPORTUNITIES
6 ANNIVERSARIES
Sophomore Julia Abreu Siufi finds challenge, contentment at BLC
Celebrating faculty and staff milestones
7 UPDATES AND NEWS Faculty news and updates
ALUMNI NEWS ____________________________
21 POLLY BROWNE
14 CLOSING THE DISTANCE
CAMPUS NEWS ____________________________
22 THE BETHANY BOND
Environment key factor in college choice for alumna Anna Brown
Education professor called to eternal home
Classmates gather yearly to support and strengthen relationships
8 MOVING PIECES
Planning for campus remodeling and building projects over summer
28 DISTINGUISHED ALUMNUS Josh Birkholz is 2021 Distinguished Alumni Award recipient
10 EQUIPPED TO HELP
First-ever master of arts degree program launched
29 ALUMNI NEWS, DEATHS, AND OBITUARIES
12 NEW MAJORS
31 RETROSPECT
Arts administration and Spanish added
Who's ready for some cheer?
13 FOR THE LOVE OF MUSIC Gift helps support the All-Steinway Fund
19 SOCIAL MEDIA RECAP
See recent posts and follow us online
20 HYMNARY TURNS 25
Book has generation-spanning connection ON THE COVER: Anna (Meyer) Brown in the North Mankato City Council Chambers. See story on page 14. Photo by David Norris
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Maga ISSUE: 148
All contents © COPYRIGHT 2021 Bethany Lutheran College. Articles, images or photographs may not be reproduced without written permission. The Bethany Magazine is published three times yearly by the Bethany Lutheran College Office of Institutional Communication and distributed free of charge.
GRADUATE PROGRAM First-ever master of arts degree program launched
editor, writer | Lance Schwartz designer, photographer | David Norris designer | Karee Bless contributing writer | Amber Murry ('21) 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 Mission: Bethany Lutheran College is a Christian
liberal arts college owned and operated by the Evangelical Lutheran Synod and committed to the teachings of the Bible as expressed in the statements of faith known as the Lutheran Confessions. Bethany Lutheran College provides Christian higher education in a challenging academic environment where personal mentoring guides students to pursue knowledge, truth, and discernment for productive and fulfilling lives.
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from the
PRESIDENT BY G E NE PFE IFE R • PRESIDENT, B E THANY LUTHERAN COLLEG E
Growing opportunities When I arrived at Bethany almost six years ago, I was already quite familiar with the College. One of Bethany's best known characteristics is the institution's reputation for its student-centered focus and helping students succeed. Bethany graduates take that solid foundation provided by caring and mentoring professors and move on to be committed and consistent contributors to their professions, families, churches, and communities. In recent years, national polling organizations such as U.S. News and Washington Monthly have started recognizing colleges and universities, like Bethany, that help their graduates achieve success beyond their time on campus. The term being using to measure this success is referred to as an individual's social mobility. We've published a few articles about this in recent years. Social mobility refers to the ability of a person to move upward in income and social class after earning a college degree. Bethany Lutheran College is ranked among the top colleges in the United States (by U.S. News) for its graduates' social mobility. The recognition tells the important story of colleges that are doing a great job educating students from a variety of academic and socioeconomic backgrounds.
"Some might ask, what exactly do you mean by providing graduates with eternal value?" We're pleased that national publications are seeing this and telling the impact of a college education. However, this concept of social mobility isn't new to us—internally it's something we've known about for years. We're proud that Bethany graduates are becoming contributors beyond what would have been predicted by college entrance scores or where they went to high school. Recently, some have debated the value of a college education, but when that talk arises, we'll gladly discuss how Bethany 4
graduates are making a genuine difference in society. But we also know that social mobility isn't the greatest benefit of a Bethany education. Usually, the benefits of attending a Christian college aren't measured by national rankings. Something else is happening at Bethany that has considerably more value, and perhaps it's not always obvious to the casual observer. The Bethany characteristic about which I'm most pleased is that the College provides graduates with something that has eternal value. Some might ask, what exactly do you mean by providing graduates with eternal value? Are you referring to a legacy of some kind left to the world by Bethany graduates? Are Bethany alumni making such a profound mark on society that their contributions will endure for centuries? Perhaps these types of contributions to the world will be the result of a Bethany graduate's contribution to society. However, what I'm referring to here is the eternity of peace our God in heaven promises to those who put their trust in Him. You might be thinking, Bethany has always been a Christian college focused on Christ's teachings, what's different today? In recent years, Bethany's student profile has changed in some ways, and shouldn't be surprising. Bethany was founded by descendants of Norwegian, Christian immigrants. Those early students were in many cases the next generations of these Euro-centric families. We're grateful some of those families are still encouraging new generations to attend Bethany, and while we continue to actively recruit students from our traditional backgrounds, those are not the backgrounds of many Bethany students today. Today at Bethany, we see students looking for opportunity from other places both near and far. Among BLC students are those that come from large American inner cities, those from non-European backgrounds, and those from countries thousands
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Photo by David Norris
Chaplain Don Moldstad recently conducted an adult instruction class using the hy-flex model of simultaneously teaching in-person and online in real time.
and thousands of miles from Minnesota. These students come to Bethany for a variety of reasons. Among them, they are seeking schools that can help them make a difference, and a place where they can explore, develop, and be mentored in using their God-given gifts and talents to their fullest. In some cases, these new Bethany students are seeking a life of opportunity beyond what their home country can offer. These instances provide opportunity for Bethany to make an impact, and in turn see those future graduates also make an impact. We like to say these students come to Bethany looking for "something they want"—a college education with all of the opportunities it provides—and while they are on the Bethany campus, we have the opportunity to give them "something they need"—that is the message of Christ's gospel. As reported in the last issue of the Bethany Magazine, our enrollment for fall 2020 set an all-time high. Bethany's focused efforts on increasing international student enrollment have allowed a record 109 students from 29 countries beyond the United States to enroll at our college. In total, we are fortunate to be serving nearly 780 students at Bethany in 2021. This blessing of students from throughout the world presents Bethany with the opportunity to bring the precious Gospel message to more and more souls. And we're blessed to be able to share with them what our Savior, Jesus, has done for the eternal welfare of each by faith.
The opportunity to give students "something they need" is especially apparent in our religion courses. This year alone over 100 Bethany students are enrolled in our Essentials of Christianity course. It's an introductory course to Christianity. Many of our first-year students each year have never been exposed to the Gospel prior to attending Bethany and are now hearing about Jesus for the first time. And the Holy Spirit is blessing the opportunity to bring the Gospel to these students. This spring, nearly a dozen students are taking an additional, volunteer class—adult instruction—both in person and online with our Director of Campus Spiritual Life Rev. Donald Moldstad, or from other Bethany faculty clergy. In addition, each year we're fortunate to witness a few Bethany students become Children of God through Holy Baptism. What an incredible blessing it is to be able to proclaim the Gospel and to see the Holy Spirit's work firsthand at Bethany. Thank you for partnering with us. Thank you for praying for our college. And thank you for telling your friends and family about how God continues to use Bethany as His instrument for His purpose— perhaps in ways you didn't know about. All of the students at Bethany are training to use their God-given gifts and talents for productive and fulfilling lives in whatever future vocations they may be lead, and it's a blessing to be a part of this college changing lives for their eternity with Jesus in heaven.
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FACU LT Y & S TA FF
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Bethel Balge
Jonathan Loging
Ann Fredrickson
Laura Matzke
Benjamin Inniger
Kurt Paulsen
Julie Kjeer
Amanda Quist
Renee Tatge
Celebrating Faculty and Staff Anniversaries The Bethany Lutheran College Regents visit the campus every year in February for a quarterly meeting. It's during this Regents meeting that a special service is held in Trinity Chapel to recognize faculty and staff who are celebrating anniversaries of their employment at Bethany. The ongoing pandemic caused the Regents to hold their February 2021 meeting virtually, and for this reason the annual employee anniversary service was postponed. The honorees for 2021 will be recognized during the 2021-22 academic year when it is safe to do so.
Fifteen Years of Service
Ten Years of Service
Thirty Years of Service
Benjamin Inniger – Associate Professor, Theatre Amanda Quist – Assistant Professor, Graphic Design Renee Tatge – Director, Residential Life, Student Activities, Intramurals
Bethel Balge – Lessons Instructor, Music Kurt Paulsen – Associate Professor, Communication
Twenty Years of Service Julie Kjeer – Dean of Faculty; Professor, Mathematics Jonathan Loging – Associate Professor, Communication
Twenty-five Years of Service Ann Fredrickson – Adjunct Faculty, Music Laura Matzke – Music Instruction: Organ, Piano, Voice
Moldstad awarded commendation Rev. Don Moldstad, Bethany's Campus Spiritual Life Director, recently received the 2020 Award of Commendation from the Concordia Historical Society (CHS) for a paper he wrote about the history of the Evangelical Lutheran Synod (ELS), entitled, "Born Amid War, Born of War." CHS is operated by the Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod. The paper traces the early beginnings of the Norwegian Synod (1853), now ELS, and its relationship with other Confessional Lutheran church bodies. The primary focus 6
was on the historic decisions which took place in 1917, with the merging of various church bodies that deviated from the truths of Scripture. This caused a small group of pastors and congregations to leave the group and re-establish themselves upon the original teachings from Scripture and the Lutheran Confessions, which the Norwegian Synod had always confessed and taught. The final struggles took place in the shadow of WW1, thus the title. The award was accompanied by a bronze medallion.
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From our faculty & staff Assistant Professor Benjamin Faugstad (Music) published a new arrangement of "Joy to The World" for Chamber Orchestra with Veritas Musica Publishing. The debut performance with student conductor Mariah Munsen (BLC Music Major) took place on Friday, November 13, 2020, in Bethany's Trinity Chapel. Associate Professor Chad Heins (Biology) recently participated in a podcast called the Wandering Naturalist produced by the Three Rivers Park District, Plymouth, Minnesota. Heins is a noted expert in spiders and spoke on the topic during the podcast.
Ben Faugstad
Mariah Munsen
Chad Heins
Associate Professor Benji Inniger (Theatre) has been awarded a "Creative Support for Individual Artists" grant from the Minnesota State Arts Board to compose a new Benji Inniger work in six movements based on a psychological principle called The Transtheoretical Model, otherwise known as the stages of change. Each movement of the piece will musically describe one of the six stages of how we as humans identify and adapt to change. The piece will be written for five musicians and electronics and will be recorded and released later this year.
Associate Professor and Eleanor Wilson Chair for Speech and Communication Brian Klebig (Communication) has just published his fourteenth academic article, entitled Brian Klebig "The Influence of Prevailing Regional Political Narratives on Intuitions Featured in Religious Message" in Communication Reports. Over the past year he has published research on topics ranging from terrorist messaging to children's literature, including a piece on morally ambiguous characters in the field's flagship journal, The Journal of Communication. He is currently conducting research on virtual reality's applications as a tool for achieving more meaningful interactions via telepresence, as well as for instruction of children on the autism spectrum. Professor Julie Kjeer (Mathematics, Dean of Faculty) earned a Doctor of Education (EdD) degree in December 2020 from Minnesota State University, Mankato. Julie Kjeer
Professor Emeritus Tom Kuster (Communication) was interviewed on Lutheran Radio KFUO about Bethany's Christ in Media Institute's Gospel Outreach With Media Conference 2020 online conference. Assistant Professor Perry Lund (Computer Science) joined the Bethany faculty in January 2021. In addition to teaching computer science courses, Lund will also be teaching a physics
Tom Kuster
Perry Lund
class at Bethany. Lund is originally from Iowa and has spent time teaching in Washington and Florida prior to coming to Minnesota this fall. Professor Ryan MacPherson (History) had an article published by University Faculty for Life (UFL) in Life and Learning entitled "Aborted Human Fetal Tissue in Vaccines: Ethical and Legal Ryan MacPherson Considerations amid the Race to a COVID-19 Vaccine." MacPherson presented a two-part webinar concerning "Lutheran Theology and Political Resistance" to the Ottawa Circuit of the Lutheran Church–Canada. Following the presentations, nearly two hours of Q and A addressed present-day concerns, including Canadian court rulings that favor legislative reform over the religious liberty rights affirmed in Section 2 of the Canadian Charter (similar to the U.S. First Amendment). In other words, what is the church to do when the government claims authority to restrict the church's proclamation of God's Word? Dean of Students Rev. Andy Schmidt has left his position at Bethany after accepting a Divine Call to serve as pastor at St. Paul's Lutheran Church, North Mankato. Rev. Shawn Stafford (Adjunct Faculty, Religion) spoke at the St. Olaf College Classics Conversation Table in February 2021 about his classics education at St. Olaf, and how it helped and influenced his life as a pastor and professor.
Andy Schmidt
Shawn Stafford
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MOVING PIECES Planning for campus remodeling and building projects over summer BY LANCE SCHWARTZ • CHIEF COMMUNICATION OFFICER
If you want to recall how the interior of Tweit Hall looks, or how the lower level of Meyer Hall is laid out you’d better look soon because several construction and remodeling projects will change the look of the Bethany campus during the summer of 2021. The largest of the renovations will be a nearly complete interior remodeling in Milton Tweit Hall. This building has seen considerable changes throughout the years. It once served as the Bethany Seminary and Headquarters for the Evangelical Lutheran Synod (ELS). When the ELS built a new facility just down the street, Bethany assumed ownership of the building and named it Tweit Hall in memory of the longtime Regent of the College. The building was first equipped as the home of the Communication Department—Bethany’s first bachelor’s program. It’s most recently served as the headquarters for the Exercise Science Program, and portions of the Art Department were housed in the building. The upcoming changes will see walls removed and classrooms expanded for both programs. Bethany’s new esports program is growing, and so is the space the varsity sport will occupy. A classroom on the lower level of Honsey Hall will become the program’s second gaming space. It’s located next to the team’s existing varsity competition space. Also happening in Honsey Hall is an upgrade to the College’s broadcast facilities. The renovation will give Bethany the ability to produce multi-camera event broadcasts in a single facility while tapping into remote cameras at event sites. It’s a
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model used in mainstream media production and the new arrangement provides real world experience for students in Bethany’s communication program. A couple of outdoor projects will also bring a new look to the Campus Green and the entrance to Honsey Hall. The long sidewalk running through the Green will be removed and replaced with a wider walkway. The rock garden outside Honsey will be refurbished and redone and will shine as a spectacular new entrance to the College’s largest academic building. Less obvious, but much needed projects will include new roofs on Luther Hall and the College’s warehouse/maintenance facility located on the north side of the campus. The Ylvisaker Fine Arts Center will see new windows installed. Plumbing will be upgraded in parts of Old Main and Teigen Hall.
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Graco Foundation Provides Support A generous gift from the Graco Foundation will transform smaller classrooms on the lower level of Meyer Hall into the The Mast which will be a large lab for Bethany’s Engineering Department. Graco is a multi-national corporation headquartered in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The company supplies technology and expertise for the management of fluids and coatings in both industrial and commercial applications. Graco designs, manufactures, and markets systems and equipment to move, measure, control, dispense and spray fluid and powder materials worldwide. When Bethany made the decision to add the new engineering program to the College’s academic offerings, 1992 alumnus Brian Ketel, a product engineering manager at Graco, introduced the idea of pursuing a grant from the Graco Foundation to college executives. After reviewing the program, the Graco Foundation graciously chose to support Bethany’s engineering program. Among the Graco Foundation’s stated objectives is the idea to “help organizations grow their ability to serve community needs through grants focused on capital projects, specific programs, and technology needs.” Another of the Foundation’s goals prioritizes
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organizations that have a proven track record of enabling people to become self-sufficient and more productive. Bethany’s recent national rankings for graduates’ social mobility, combined with our innovative engineering program were a unique fit for Graco Foundation’s priorities. In addition, Bethany’s goals for the engineering program meshed well with Graco Foundation’s emphasis on educational programs, especially STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) programs and the promotion of workforce development. Charlotte Boyd is the Graco Foundation Manager. She remarked about the gift for Bethany Lutheran College. “We’re happy to support the development of a new engineering program in our state, and excited to see Bethany’s program grow! We believe The Mast fabrication lab will be a great opportunity for present and future students to make meaningful connections to engineering concepts and the community in a hands-on, real-world makerspace.” Bethany’s Vice President of Academic Affairs Jason Lowrey commented, “With the generous gift from The Graco Foundation, The Mast will become a reality on our campus. It will be a sought-after location for current students to engage in community enhancing projects, as well as for future students to see opportunities for their participation in a program that offers theory and practice every day. The very nature of technology requires a constantly changing and broadly diverse set of critical thinking skills. The learning and work in The Mast will make that happen in a significant way for Bethany’s students. We owe a debt of gratitude to Graco for this significant gift.”
Engineering students will soon be able to take advantage of a new lab / makerspace in Meyer Hall.
Photo by David Norris
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Equipped to Help Photos by David Norris
BY LANCE SCHWARTZ • CHIEF COMMUNICATION OFFICER
Clinical mental health counseling program director Dr. Benjamin Kohls.
First-ever master of arts degree program launched While the events of the past twelve months will certainly be remembered for a global health crisis, the history of Bethany Lutheran College will record much more than the happenings surrounding the pandemic. Early 2021 marks a significant milestone for the institution. Bethany is adding the institution's first-ever master of arts degree program. The new graduate-level course of study is in clinical mental health counseling (CMHC). While this new master's program has been in development for over a year, Bethany received full approval for the program from its accrediting agency, the Higher Learning Commission, on January 29, 2021. The first cohort of twenty-five students is now being recruited and selected for admission. The program's first classes will begin in the summer of 2021. While considering Bethany's first graduate program, a task force conducted a number of surveys with interested individuals throughout church and professional circles. The surveys were meant to gauge interest and the need for a master's program in clinical mental health counseling. The findings revealed considerable appeal for such a program. 10
The groundbreaking program will train clinical mental health counselors with its foundation firmly rooted in a Christian worldview. The program addresses a critical need within our society today, that is rapidly increasing mental health needs. Bethany Lutheran College's clinical mental health counseling program will be unique as it pairs clinical training with biblically-based values. The program will produce licensed mental health counselors who use best practices and the Word of God to serve clients. The new CMHC program can draw from the shared resources and expertise already in place at Bethany including several of the College's long-standing majors, primarily psychology which is the scientific study of the mind and behavior. Bethany's program will be unique because faculty will approach the mental health field focused on counseling situations that occur in both secular and religious settings. The program is designed with both traditional graduate students and working adults in mind. Students will be able to choose a plan of study that fits their needs with completion possible in as little as two years. A three-year option is available as well.
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A master's program such as this will be especially attractive to highly motivated second career individuals who are particularly interested in this growing field. The CMHC program will also benefit those interested in the pastoral ministry, as clergy are so often called upon for counseling. The CMHC master's curriculum will be primarily delivered through an online program with some on-campus components. Students will be welcomed to the Bethany campus for three in-person residencies during their course of study. Each residency is a four-day intensive experience focused on developing specific professional skills. Students will also complete clinical experiences at a site of their choosing. This unique class delivery format provides the opportunity to serve a national, or even potentially a global audience, with Christian mental health training. Core content areas of the program are based on the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs and the national standards set by the National Board for Certified Counselors. Graduates will be eligible to become nationally certified and/or state licensed. Dr. Benjamin Kohls has led the development of the new program at Bethany. Kohls earned a PhD in counselor education and supervision from the University of South Dakota, a master of science in community counseling from Minnesota State University-Mankato, and a bachelor of science in staff ministry from Martin Luther College. Prior to joining the faculty at Bethany, Kohls taught graduate courses in clinical mental health counseling at the University of South Dakota and South Dakota State University from 2012-2018. He also served as a clinical instructor and supervisor for the USD Sanford School of Medicine. Kohls is also a member of the professional staff of Christian Family Solutions. Dr. Kohls' counseling experience includes work with youth, families, and adults in a wide range of clinical settings, including residential care, in-home therapy, acute inpatient psychiatric hospital care, partial hospital programing, and outpatient clinics. He specializes in working with issues of defiance and aggression in children and adolescents, trauma, spiritual concerns, couples and relationship issues, as well as anxiety, depression, anger management, obsessive-compulsive disorders, and family conflict. He integrates biblical truths into the counseling process while utilizing skills and strategies grounded in evidence-based cognitive behavioral therapy and will use this model for Bethany's new program.
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The groundbreaking program will train clinical mental health counselors with its foundation firmly rooted in a Christian worldview.
CMHC Program Mission Statement: The counselor education program exists to prepare students—through a Christian worldview that applies biblical truth and rigorous scholarship within the field of counseling—to be ethical, influential, and highly competent professional counselors who serve their communities, churches, and future clients. Learn more about Bethany's Clinical Mental Health Counseling Program by visiting blc.edu/cmhc
Kohls talked about the program, "The CMHC program at Bethany stands apart from others in a number of ways. First, the program emerged from a deep desire to meet the increasing need for quality mental health counselors in our communities here in Minnesota and across the nation. By providing the program through online distance education, students from around the region and country will be able to earn their master's degree in clinical mental health counseling. Second, the courses have been designed to meet the highest standards in counselor preparation and are all taught from a Christian worldview. Faith-informed mental health care values the whole person—mind, body, and spirit. Graduates will be equipped to ethically and competently handle the spiritual aspects of mental health. Lastly, Bethany's commitment to personal mentorship continues throughout the CMHC program. Faculty are dedicated to walking with students through the challenging and rewarding process of becoming a professional counselor." 11
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NEW
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MAJORS
Bethany Lutheran College is adding two new undergraduate majors to the College's academic offerings. Both majors will be implemented with minimal changes to staffing or class offerings. The new Spanish major will be offered through a strategic partnership with Wisconsin Lutheran College, Milwaukee. The new arts administration major will be crafted through courses already in place at the College. Both majors will be available for the students entering Bethany in the fall of 2021.
Arts Administration Major
Spanish Major
The new arts administration major at Bethany will focus on the administrative or business side of the arts, including the skills necessary to produce artistic endeavors. Areas of expertise will be gleaned from the existing subject areas currently taught at Bethany Lutheran College that are crucial in arts administration; namely business, communication, and creativity outside the primary discipline of the student. The program is meant to give a value-added experience to students intending to work in non-profit business, specifically in businesses that focus on producing the arts. The wide range of subjects needed for this major encompass the liberal arts ideal of many disciplines making up the whole.
Bethany's new Spanish major compliments many majors already offered such as business, English, history, legal studies, science, and others. It's also a major that is in demand. One in four U.S. employers lost business due to a language skills "gap" in their workforce in the last three years. 56% say their current demand for foreign language skills will increase in the next five years. In 2017, CNN Money named bilingualism the "hottest skill for job seekers." Bilingual students are more employable and earn higher salaries than their monolingual peers. 90% of U.S. employers rely on employees with language proficiencies other than English. Bethany's partnership with Wisconsin Lutheran College will see both institutions offering Spanish courses synchronously, online that are mutually beneficial. Bethany's Spanish major will require students to study abroad for at least six weeks during which time participants will earn six credits toward the major. The experience can be completed in an organized faculty-led study tour or by the students on another approved experience.
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Submitted photos
Rebecca (Madson) Lussky with members of her Spanish class at Luther High School in Onalaska, Wisconsin.
For the Love of Music Rebecca (Madson) Lussky ('80) loved Bethany Lutheran College (BLC). She was a Bethany graduate, and her family's roots at Bethany run deep - certainly as deep as any family surname associated with the College. Her parents, along with aunts, uncles, cousins attended Bethany. Her three children, Kristin ('07), Karyn ('09), and Ryan ('12) graduated with their bachelor's degrees from Bethany. She was also a teacher, and it was a passion for Becky. Her Spanish classes at Luther High School in Onalaska, Wisconsin, were known for their upbeat feel, and she was honored as a "Top Notch" teacher for efforts in the classroom. Becky was also a great ambassador for her collegiate alma mater. When it was appropriate, Becky found opportunities to mention her affinity for Bethany amongst friends and her students, and through her efforts to promote Bethany, a number of those students eventually decided that Bethany would be a good fit for their college experience. Becky was called to her heavenly home nearly three years ago after a lengthy battle with cancer. After her estate was settled, Becky's husband Glenn Lussky ('78) informed Bethany of her desire to support the College's All-Steinway Fund to replace the aging pianos on the campus. Becky's plan led to the
establishment of The Rebecca Madson Lussky Memorial Piano Fund, which creates a matching fund program to support the initiative. Becky and Glenn's daughter Kristin Faugstad majored in music and piano performance at Bethany, and this memorial fund mirrors well Becky's love for music and the arts at BLC.
"She would be thankful God used her life to help support this initiative at the college she dearly loved!" - G LE N N LU S S K Y
Glenn Lussky noted, "She would be thankful God used her life to help support this initiative at the college she dearly loved!" Beginning in May 2021 all gifts for the Bethany All Steinway Fund will be matched dollar-for-dollar by the Rebecca Madson Lussky Memorial Piano Fund up to $40,000. These funds will be used to purchase a piano to be used in the Anna John Silber Recital Hall of the Ylvisaker Fine Arts Center in memory of Becky and her special contribution to the All-Steinway Fund at BLC. Those friends of Bethany desiring to contribute to the All-Steinway Fund may contact the Institutional Advancement Office at Bethany or visit blc.edu/all-steinway-fund. 13
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Closing the Distance Photo by David Norris
BY LANCE SCHWARTZ • CHIEF COMMUNICATION OFFICER
Anna Brown ('19) at her office in North Mankato.
Environment key factor in college choice for Brown Anna (Meyer '19) Brown knew that she wanted to attend a college with a solid journalism or communication program after graduating from a Christian high school in suburban Phoenix, Arizona. She didn't have to look too far to find a solid choice for her higher education aspirations. Brown was accepted to one of the nation's premier journalism schools – The Walter Cronkite School of Journalism at Arizona State University located just a short distance from her home. It certainly seemed like a great fit. But Brown had also heard about Bethany and knew the college was gaining a solid reputation for producing graduates who were working in some of the nation's top broadcast corporations. Sure, Bethany was 1,500 miles northeast and the winters were a bit cooler than Arizona, but with encouragement 14
from family she decided to learn a little more about Bethany's communication program. After visiting the campus and touring the College's production and broadcast studio—she was impressed. While her options were miles apart, both physically and in the size of the programs, each provided what Brown was searching for in her college experience (with a few notable exceptions). "On paper, ASU seemed like the more fitting choice: an amazing studio, wide variety and quantity of highend media and equipment, a prestigious journalism reputation, it was close to home and my family, and was the cheaper financial option. However, it lacked some of the most important things on my checklist for a college education, said Brown." Brown attended Arizona Lutheran Academy for high
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school, and that experience played a role in shaping her college decision. For Brown, Bethany stood out as a place where she could be comfortable in her values while receiving much of the same experiences she'd get at a larger school. She chose Bethany. "What ultimately solidified my interest in Bethany was the small, Christian atmosphere. Coming from a Christian high school, I knew the significance of a Christian environment… it was important to me to prioritize that."
An uncomfortable feeling of ease Bethany is a college fully committed to mentoring students in a close, personal setting. Brown understood the value of small class sizes, access to facilities, and the personal attention students receive from faculty at Bethany. "Bethany would be able to provide me with one-onone attention, and professors who actually cared about me as a person and what my future would look like. I knew that the things I'd be involved in at Bethany my freshman year—I'd be lucky to even experience in my junior or senior year at the public university with hundreds of students in my classes." And while the proximity to friends and family in Arizona might have been a nice enticement, both the intrinsic and the intangible opportunities at Bethany were clearly evident to Brown. The opportunity to grow as an individual, away from home, and to train for a career at a place that not only felt "right," but also not too comfortable fosters a person's own drive and initiative. Brown knew that her will would be tested a bit more in an unfamiliar environment. "[Attending Bethany] would teach me what I needed to know for my future in journalism and mass media from a Christian perspective. Being far away would also provide me with more responsibilities and independence, and give me a chance to meet new people and try new things. It was just familiar enough for me to feel comfortable, but still out of my element."
The Bethany experience Brown immersed herself in the Bethany community while taking full advantage of so much the College had to offer. She especially embraced the opportunity to be totally involved with campus activities and experiences. Yes, the communication program offered all of what she was hoping for and more, but it was the experiences beyond the classroom that proved to
Photo by Benji Inniger
Brown (above right) played the part of Helen in the Bethany theatre production of The Women of Troy, and also took part in the College Choir (below).
Photo by David Norris
be very important to her while providing some of the warmest memories of her time on campus. "Theatre has always been a passion of mine, and so I chose to pursue a theatre minor to continue in those interests and to always have an excuse to be in the Theatre Department! I was lucky enough to be in a few shows, and also participated in Concert Choir and went on two choir tours. Being a part of these casts and groups made for some of my fondest memories, and I met so many wonderful people." Brown also took on campus leadership roles at Bethany including serving as a Resident Assistant in Edgewood Place residence hall. She CONTINUED ON PAGE 16
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"I loved that I was able to be a part of so many different things on campus, because they all allowed me to create new relationships and memorable experiences. Just another perk of going to a small college!" - A N N A B R OW N
worked as a caller for the Bethany Phone-A-Thon, served as the voice of the BLC campus for recorded Bethany Newsbreaks as well as being the featured tour guide for an online BLC campus tour video. In her spare time, she also participated on intramural teams. "I loved that I was able to be a part of so many different things on campus because they allowed me to create new friendships and experiences. Just another perk of going to a small college! The education I received was obviously most important, but I think it was everything else outside of class that made my time at Bethany so wonderful." "I was also blessed to find my amazing husband at Bethany (Broderick Brown '18). We are both so grateful Bethany brought us together."
Putting education to practice Internships are a key factor to success after college—often leading to job offers for graduates. Among the unique opportunities beyond the classroom for Brown was an internship in television news. It was an opportunity that she'd hoped for, and it helped to shape her future in a way that she couldn't have imagined. "I can't stress enough how important my internship experiences were to my education. For three-and-a-half years at Bethany, I had my mind set on a single plan: get a communication degree, get an internship at a TV news station with the hope of landing a job at that station, and advance from there." But before an opportunity with a television news setting developed, Brown was able to experience the communication field from the role of a public relations professional. It was an experience she didn't anticipate, but it did help her to understand her options while achieving her goal of becoming a professional communicator.
Still frames from BLC Newsbreak segments. Submitted Photo
Anna with husband Broderick ('18). The couple was married in July 2020.
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"The summer after my junior year, I applied for a PR internship at the City of North Mankato. I interviewed, and got the job, but I thought, 'this will be a fun and interesting summer job but it won't really be what I want to do.' After a successful summer, the City offered to extend [the internship], and I agreed." The job with the City was going quite well for Brown when the break she'd been hoping for, a television station internship, was offered to her. The news internship provided Brown with the opportunity to learn more about journalism from a reporter's perspective—she was also able to anchor a few newscasts. The lessons she learned were uniquely important to her, and they were considerably different than what she anticipated. It was an opportunity she was grateful for. Without elaborating Brown said, "[The TV news internship] showed me firsthand what a reporter and news anchor job would look like, and it opened my eyes to see that was not what I wanted to do, at least for now." Brown's career focus had changed because through these internships she was able to learn even more about her interests from two uniquely different work experiences. "The internship at the City of North Mankato exceeded my expectations and proved to be more enjoyable than the news station internship. If I had
Anna Brown prepared to record a North Mankato Community Update video in November 2020 with City Administrator John Harrenstein (left), and Mayor Mark Dehen (center).
never taken these two internships, I never would've gotten the job I have now. I might've gone into a field I didn't want."
Professional life Brown was offered a full-time position as North Mankato's public information officer upon her graduation from Bethany. She enjoys her work, and is taking each day with an open mind to the future. "This PR position for the City is the opportunity God brought into my life around the time I was searching for my post-graduate role, and so I took it! While I do enjoy many aspects of it, I wouldn't say I am sold on being solely PR for the rest of my professional life. I would be open to other roles in communication, perhaps going back to journalism, in the future." Brown is a self-described lifelong learner, and she isn't ruling out a return to the classroom as well. "I am interested in going back to school because I enjoy learning and believe a master's degree will open doors for me. There are some unanswered questions, but I do know God has it already figured out and I trust his plan for my life." Brown's role with North Mankato is diverse and demanding, and a great fit for someone who was involved in so many ways during her years on the Bethany campus. Brown, in her role, is essentially everything public relations for the City. She runs social media accounts, writes press releases and public service announcements, works with news CONTINUED ON PAGE 18
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Photo by David Norris
Bethany's Production Studio Manager Greg Vandermause discussed a BLC Newsbreak with Brown in 2017.
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media, sends emergency notifications, prepares a weekly City e-newsletter, produces videos, takes photos, and creates graphic designs. She assists the city clerk with elections, and serves as administrative assistant to the city administrator. Brown even helps the team that organizes and runs the North Mankato Farmers' Market. While the job is demanding, it's an opportunity Brown is grateful for. "I love my job! I've learned so much about how the city works. I've been able to create the communication and public relations department. It's been amazing to be able to expand our communication channels and build our department from the ground up." Brown's job can, at times, be a high-pressure calling. She needs to react on a moment's notice when emergency situations arise. The information she creates takes serious thought because what she produces is often critically important to the city's 15,000 residents. "I'm upholding the reputation of the City. I don't take that responsibility lightly!"
Intangibles matter Brown's story really exemplifies how a Bethany education can be an advantage for students. The myriad experiences at a small college prepared her to be able to think through pressure situations efficiently and to communicate precisely. She explained why Bethany was a great fit and exceeded her expectations. "The liberal arts education I received gave me knowledge in so many areas that I would have not sought out on my own. I have a more rounded perspective as a result. I received hands-on experience in my media classes, and I had the opportunity to practice and apply what I was learning through projects."
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Brown also noted especially the mentorship she received from Bethany's Studio Manager Greg Vandermause as an important factor in her professional growth. "I knew going into Bethany that there were great people, professors, staff there… but I didn't really expect what is called the 'Bethany family.' Both the relationships I made with my friends and the professors are what I value most. One relationship that especially comes to mind is with my mentor from Bethany, Greg Vandermause. I met Greg while on my tour at Bethany, and from that point I knew he was a professional and had the experience that I could trust. He was committed to helping me succeed. He helped open doors for me with internships, he helped me develop projects, and always encouraged me from a Christian perspective. I credit a lot of what I know and where I am to Greg, and I can't thank him enough for all that he's done for me." That advice and encouragement from a Christian perspective are the elements of a Bethany education that could be perceived as the intangibles. And while they are not always measurable in a worldly perspective, they are what sets Bethany apart. Anna Brown's story is a great example for current and future Bethany students, and her career is off to a good start because she took the time to be very involved at Bethany. Being an active student is important, and a good marker for future successes. She offered some advice to students about how to use the time you have on campus to foster a solid career path. "Get involved! Just about everything I was a part of outside of class really helped make the most out of my college experience. Invest in relationships with your professors and mentors, take different classes, do the internship, go to chapel, be in clubs, theatre, intramural sports, athletics, choirs, or groups because you never know what you might enjoy or what friends you'll make. You really do get out of your college experience what you put into it. "I am just so thankful God brought me to Bethany. He knew it was where I needed to be and what was best for my life. It was quite an adjustment to move to Minnesota. As an 18-year-old it was scary to leave my home in Arizona, everyone and everything I knew, but God has brought me so many blessings because of it."
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Social Media Recap
Stay connected with your fellow vikings!
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1/12/21
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Bethany alumnus Bukata Hayes ('96) has been doing great things in the Mankato Community! "I think one of the things I learned at Bethany was … 'How do we meet folks where they’re at?' To then talk about how we move forward." Take a few moments and get to know Bukata Hayes! #BLCSpirit #BLCAlumni
Jacob McNamara is off to a great start student teaching in 5th grade at Lake Crystal Wellcome Memorial under the supervision of Karla Caldwell. Jacob rounds out his day by coaching 9th grade basketball at Loyola, Mankato and serving as RA in our Residence Halls. He is a talented, Christian young man and we are blessed to have him in our education program.
Sundogs were on full display over Honsey Hall this morning! #ForeverBLC #BLCSpirit : David Norris
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@BETHANYLUTHERANCOLLEGE
4/1/21
@BETHANYLUTHERANCOLLEGE
3/3/21
Nothing "fishy" about this! Today we’re honoring our Norwegian heritage by introducing our new college identity the Bethany Lutefisk! And we’re looking for a name for this awesome mascot, any suggestions? #GoFisks!
@BLCVIKINGS
3/1/21
@bethany_wbb repeats as UMAC Regular Season Conference Champions!
Congratulations to Jeff Bukowski ('04) on his selection for a crowdsourced documentary called "Life in a Day 2020" which premiered at the Sundance Film Festival! #BLCSpirit #BLCAlumni
Search Bethany Lutheran College on your favorite social media apps, hit follow, and stay in the loop!
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Hymnary Turns 25
Book has generation-spanning connection BY LANCE SCHWARTZ • CHIEF COMMUNICATION OFFICER
When a parishioner walks into the sanctuary for worship there are a few things they expect to always be there – the pastor, an instrument to lead the music, perhaps the collection basket, and certainly there is always a hymnal in the pew. Maybe for some churchgoers the thought of where the hymnal came from, or how it got into the church pew, never crosses their mind. In the seats of Bethany's Trinity Chapel are copies of the Evangelical Lutheran Hymnary (ELH). The worship and hymnbook is also used throughout the Evangelical Lutheran Synod (ELS) – the church body that owns and operates Bethany. The Synod published the ELH in 1996. 2021 marks the 25th anniversary of the hymnal's debut. Two of the key people involved in the production of the ELH are current members of the Bethany faculty. Dennis Marzolf has served on the Bethany faculty since 1983 and Mark DeGarmeaux since 1995. While the Evangelical Lutheran Hymnary was compiled by the worship committee of the Evangelical Lutheran Synod, Marzolf and DeGarmeaux were prominent contributors to the effort. It's a traditionally Lutheran hymnal but the Norwegian heritage of the ELS and Bethany is evident throughout the Hymnary. According to DeGarmeaux's notes about the hymnal production process, hymn and tune was the most daunting task faced by the committee. He noted, "It would be an easy thing to prepare a hymnal with 1,500 tunes and texts. It would be fun to prepare a hymnal with 1,000 tunes and texts. But to select and limit the hymn corpus as we have had to do in ELH is a difficult task indeed." 20
Concordia Seminary, St. Louis
Alfred Fremder
While the work of DeGarmeaux and Marzolf was extensive, he credits the help of others who contributed to the project. "We were assisted in our work by many who made personal suggestions." Interestingly, another historical Bethany figure played a role in the hymnal's development. Among the four service rites contained in the ELH is the The Divine Service: Rite Three which is a setting written by Dr. Alfred Fremder, Bethany's beloved choir director in the mid 20th Century. Fremder passed away in April 2006. Five years ago, the Bethany Concert Choir gave a tour performance in Omaha, Nebraska, where Alfred Fremder's son, David, and Barb, a daughter-in-law of Fremder, presented Bethany Choir Director Dennis Marzolf with a signed baton that belonged to Alfred Fremder. Fremder also wrote the arrangement for "On My Heart Imprint Thine Image" a piece steeped in Bethany choral tradition that customarily closes each Bethany Concert Choir performance.
Photo by David Norris
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Polly Browne called to eternal home BY LANCE SCHWARTZ • CHIEF COMMUNICATION OFFICER
In December 2020, Dr. Polly Browne (Education) was called home to her Savior after a multi-year battle with cancer. Polly faithfully served the Evangelical Lutheran Synod (ELS) for over 35 years as a Christian Day School teacher, as well as a professor of education at Bethany Lutheran College. She also gave of her time as a representative on the ELS Board for Lutheran Schools, where she offered insights on teacher candidates to the Committee. Polly's passion for both sharing the gospel of Christ and teaching students to be strong, independent thinkers and learners was clearly demonstrated during her decades of work as a devoted educator. The early years of Polly's career were dedicated to serving students as a classroom teacher in situations teaching Kindergarten through the eighth grade. She served multi-grade settings at schools in Minnesota and Washington, teaching all subjects from math to social studies to physical education. And while Polly was an excellent multi-subject instructor, she was most passionate for teaching the saving power of the gospel in religion classes and in reading classes. This passion for reading and literacy education led her to earn a master of arts in reading program at Pacific
Lutheran University in 1990 and her PhD from Capella University in 2009. After teaching for nearly twenty years in Christian Day Schools, Polly joined the Bethany faculty instructing pre-service teachers in the Education Department. She was instrumental in helping to establish the Education Department, where she also taught courses in classroom management, fine arts, health and PE, linguistics, literacy, mathematics, and social studies for over a decade. She also supervised student teachers. Her dedication and integrity were a perfect fit for Bethany's mission—She built strong, mentoring, relationships with her students while sharing the power of literacy and its impact on successful lives in the world, and most importantly the student's ability to read and absorb the Holy Scripture. Polly's remarkable influence and ability to equip her education students with strong literacy skills can be seen in public and parochial schools across the nation. Polly Browne in one of her education classes.
Photos by David Norris
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Submitted Photos
Classmates from left: Lois (Weigand) Gleason, Jodi (Johnson) Kuball, Cyndy (Skaff) Cohen, Jodi (Sladek) Love, Kim (Patterson) Studanski, Jackie (Tiegs) Maechtle.
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Classmates gather yearly to support and strengthen relationships BY LANCE SCHWARTZ • CHIEF COMMUNICATION OFFICER
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Dressed for Halloween from left: Lois (Weigand) Gleason, classmate Deb (Leverenz) Goeldi, Cyndy (Skaff) Cohen, and Jodi (Johnson) Kuball.
Lifelong friendships are special. At Bethany, we talk about enduring friendships often, even mentioning these lasting relationships formed on campus in promotional material. And many have your own stories about special bonds formed at Bethany. These extraordinary friendships are a wonderful add-on benefit of attending a residential college. Nearly 35 years ago, in what was then known simply as the Women's Dorm, six freshmen women - Cyndy (Skaff) Cohen, Jackie (Tiegs) Maechtle, Jodi (Johnson) Kuball, Jodi (Sladek) Love, Kim (Patterson) Studanski, and Lois (Weigand) Gleason began a lifelong journey of friendship. "We met on our very first day at Bethany…and truly, instantly became friends. I'd hang out daily with Jackie and next-door dormmate Lois, as well as Jodi, Jodi, and Kim whose room was across the hall," said Cohen. Maechtle explained, "It was dorm life more than anything else that brought me to the friendships I made with the girls. I am sure we had some classes together and participated in a few common activities, but I don't remember that as much as the camaraderie and innocent dorm shenanigans that we shared." And after two years (Bethany was a junior college in 1988) on campus sharing many experiences, events, and escapades, the friendship formed years ago remains a very special sisterhood today. The extraordinary friendship amongst the six was perhaps strengthened by the common experiences they shared as freshmen in college for the first time—and how they supported and encouraged each other at a unique turning point in their lives. Cohen explained, "We met at such a formidable time in our lives. We learned how to live independently from our families together. We leaned on each other as we were figuring it out. While we are
unique individuals, we share many of the same values and we have deep trust in each other and most importantly, our common belief that the Mighty Fortress is Our God truly binds us together." Gleason added, "My friends and roommates were so great—we had this sense of kinship—we were all together on this journey into adulthood." "We studied, we talked, we supported each other during a time in all our lives when we were figuring out who we really were, said Maechtle. We were girls then who have since become women. My Bethany Girls, as I still call them, are my inner circle, some of the most trusted friends I know. I love them like sisters!" So, at a time when it would have been easy to go their separate ways, lose touch, and move onto new adventures and experiences, the bond that was first formed in the fall of 1986 has grown stronger with time. Even as the six spread out and attended different schools to earn their bachelor's degrees, the women found ways to keep in touch as they moved throughout the Upper Midwest and beyond. "Cyndy and I lived with each other the summer after Bethany before we went to our next colleges. She and I visited Lois and Jackie in Milwaukee every summer after that," explained Kuball. She also said that each of the women, independently, found time to CONTINUED ON PAGE 22
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Top: Masking up in 2020. Right: The group celebrated their 50th birthdays in 2017.
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meet with one or two of the group and even traveled across the country to visit Love who had moved to the State of Oregon. "I think we all stayed in touch through Christmas letters and some of us met up at a couple reunions." And while the six communicated often during the first decade-and-a-half past their time at Bethany, the group's get togethers have become considerably more frequent and timely beginning in 2002. At the nudging of one member of the group, all six agreed to meet for a weekend at the Marvin M. Schwan Retreat and Conference Center which was a property in Northern Wisconsin owned by Bethany. And while the Center is now under different ownership, the location has been the host site for the group for the past nineteen years. So, how did the idea for the reunion weekend come about? "Jodi [Kuball] had the idea. It wasn't for an annual event at the time, it just turned out that way. Jodi has been our organizer every year since!" explained Love. Cohen concurred, "I believe it was Jodi Kuball who floated us the idea. She is typically the one who corrals us all."
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Gleason and Maechtle weren't quite sure but their stories corroborate. Gleason said,"I don't even remember. My guess would be Jodi Kuball. She's the most organized!" And Maechtle concurred, "We talked about it after an official reunion on campus and Jodi did some research about where to stay. We ended up booking two cabins for a weekend that next summer. And the rest is history," said Maechtle. And for Kuball, she humbly confirmed the group's collective commendation, and takes ownership for the idea of the annual tradition. "I think the idea to start an annual ‘Girls' Weekend' was mine. Maybe? That's probably why I continue to be the ‘designated one' each year to keep planning and making the reservations!" The pages of this magazine don't have nearly enough room to do justice telling the full story of these six Bethany alumnae's adventures together throughout the years, but Love's account provides a detailed picture of how the group spends the special weekends together. "When the weather is nice, we spend a lot of time
Group photos from 2013 (above) and 2005 (left).
B E TH A N Y Magazine
kayaking, canoeing, or floating. We always play cards, games, dominoes, listen to music, share life updates, and give and get support from each other. Turning 40 and 50, one baby shower, and one bridal shower were the big parties. And we eat. Our snack table rivals the weekend meals, and the fridge is bursting. We just spend the time together, relaxing, laughing, sharing our lives." Gleason confirmed, "We always have lots of laughter, some tears, and way too much food!" And with the exception of a very few circumstances where a member of the group had to miss the gathering, the six have made it to every reunion. Studanski said, "I think everyone has been at every reunion. Jodi [Love] has traveled from Oregon every year to attend and hasn't missed a single year." Cohen said the event has become more than just a reunion. It's something they all want (and need) to attend. "The most important aspect of our weekend together is just being with each other. Listening and learning from each other's experiences throughout the year; praying for each other; and supporting, encouraging, and sharing advice with each other." When asked if she thinks the event will continue indefinitely, the answer was immediate. "Absolutely! I need these amazing women in my life and greatly value the uninterrupted time with them over the extended weekend!" Maechtle concurred, "Yes, forever! We will be little old ladies and still have our Bethany Girls Weekend!" It's a special bond these six alumnae share, and it's emblematic of so many other Bethany friendships throughout the years. Kuball, the instigator and planner, also says the event will go on as long as possible. "We will absolutely do this as long as we are physically able! We have so far all been blessed with good health and plan to continue to grow old with each other! It is definitely a highlight of our year. I think I can say that for all of us our Bethany friendships are among the most enduring because they are founded on our faith. It's been so rewarding to see our friendships grow deeper over the years. We pray for each other all through the year. We have a trust and loyalty that is beyond compare and almost thirty-five years strong."
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The most important aspect of our weekend is just being with each other. Listening and learning from each other's experiences throughout the year; praying for each other; and supporting, encouraging, and sharing advice with each other. - CY N DY (S K A FF ) CO H E N
" Top: Grillmaster Cyndy Cohen in 2009. Left: The group in 2010 with baby Zach—their only male guest to attend a reunion weekend.
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Embracing Opportunities Sophomore Julia Abreu Siufi finds challenge, contentment at BLC
Photo by David Norris
BY AMBER MURRY • CLASS OF 2021
Bethany Sophomore Julia Abreu Suifi.
For Julia Abreu Siufi, "busyness" is a lifestyle, and she doesn't want it any other way. Despite being a sophomore at Bethany, Siufi is on track to graduate in May 2022 as a double major in legal studies and history. Whether her goal is academic or just for fun, Siufi commits everything she has towards achieving it. "I don't do something if I'm not going to do it well. That's the number one rule for my life," said Siufi. She backs up her statement with a list of on-campus activities in areas such as Student Senate, Law Club, and the Mock Trial team as well as a job as a teaching assistant for two professors. In March 2021, she was also elected as the Student Body President for the upcoming 2021-22 school year. Siufi has also put her leadership skills to work as president of the Law Club and Captain of the Mock Trial team. These two activities in particular played a major role in her decision to come to Bethany in the first place. 26
Hailing from Campo Grande, a large city in South-central Brazil, Siufi is a member of Bethany's ever-growing population of international students. After learning about international study programs through her sister's experiences, Siufi's first introduction to Bethany was simply seeing its name as part of a list of possible schools. Because she already knew she wanted to go to law school someday, Siufi was quickly introduced to the benefits and possibilities of Bethany's legal studies major through International Student Recruiter Nick Cook and Sara Edwards, a professional lawyer and Bethany professor. "Two things made me come to Bethany. One was Professor Sara Edwards. She came to me and she was very open, very honest, and she told me about the strengths of the program. I just fell in love," said Siufi. The other reason she chose Bethany was based on the level of communication that the admissions and study abroad offices displayed.
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Whenever I had an issue where I didn't know how something worked, I wouldn't worry because I had both American and international friends to count on. - J U LI A A B R E U S I U FI Photo Courtesy of BLC Mock Trial
Working as part of the defense counsel in a recent Mock Trial event.
"When you're an international student, it's a long process to get a Visa. You really can't wait until the last minute to decide which school you want to go to. The thing that stood out for me with Bethany is that I would send them emails and they would reply right away. It helped make the transition really easy, and all the information that I needed before I committed was very easily available." Most international students arrive on campus around three weeks before classes start in order to provide some time to adjust before classes begin. In this time, they are able to explore campus, bond with other international students, and discover which classes they may need to take. This year, the process was complicated by the COVID-19 virus, and organizers were unable to make it happen. Even so, Siufi feels that there is a silver lining to this particular cloud. She claims that international students have had an easier time meeting and bonding with American students rather than only other international students. "I know a lot of international students sometimes have a hard time finding friends who are Americans because there's a tendency to gather together with groups of other international students. It makes sense because you're all having this shared experience and bonding immediately. One of the things I've noticed this year though is that everybody is in the Viking Village and all interacting together, no matter where they're from," commented Siufi.
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For Siufi, finding American friends was never a challenge. "I was living with American roommates, but I was able to create even deeper bonds through my activities. Whenever I had an issue where I didn't know how something worked, I wouldn't worry because I had both American and international friends to count on." Throughout her time at Bethany, Siufi has come to value this friendly atmosphere a great deal and hopes to continue living in Minnesota even after she graduates. "Ever since I came here, I've felt welcome. Whenever I had questions, I could come up to people and ask them. I never felt that there was a barrier there. I think that's what makes a great atmosphere at Bethany. You can get an education anywhere. You can't get this feeling everywhere."
Photo by David Norris
Julia volunteered at a Mankato Night to Unite event in 2019.
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Birkholz is 2021 Distinguished Alumni Award recipient BY L ANCE SCHWARTZ • DIREC TOR OF INSTITUTIONAL COM MUNICATION
Josh Birkholz, a 1994 Bethany graduate, is the 2021 Bethany Lutheran College Distinguished Alumni Award recipient. Birkholz is regarded as an international expert and leader in philanthropy and fundraising. He began his career in 1997 as a development associate for the University of Minnesota Foundation. In 2004, he joined Bentz Whaley Flessner (BWF), a global fundraising consulting and service company in Minneapolis that serves higher education, healthcare, and leading nonprofits as a fundraising consultant. Birkholz quickly rose through the ranks at BWF, becoming a partner in 2008 and was named CEO in 2019. He is credited as the founder of BWF Insight, the data and science division of the company. He also serves as an instructor at the Rice University (Houston, Texas) Center for Philanthropy and Nonprofit Leadership. Birkholz is widely regarded as a trailblazer of 21st-Century fundraising strategies. He's authored many articles and publications, contributed to several books about philanthropy and fundraising, and is the author of a fundraising textbook Fundraising Analytics: Using Data to Guide Strategy (John Wiley & Sons, 2008). Birkholz was the recipient of the of the prestigious American Prospect Research Association (APRA) Visionary Award in 2015 for his contributions to prospect development, and was the recipient of the 2017 Council for Advancement and Support of Education (CASE) Crystal Apple Award for Teaching Excellence. Birkholz commented about receiving the Bethany distinguished alumni award, "I am incredibly honored to be chosen. While I'm blessed with career success, I see people worldwide that do so much more and are worthy of distinction. I remember meeting a missionary imprisoned for his faith in a foreign land, and encountering a man living in extreme poverty giving his last chicken to someone he felt needed more. I've seen children in the most vulnerable areas of the world struggle with their disabilities to walk on their dirt floors, yet smile because they
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Submitted Photo
Josh Birkholz
know they are children of God. I know they will hear the words, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant.' Bethany has sent out many amazing people into the world. To be recognized among so many others is truly humbling, and I am tremendously grateful for the honor." Birkholz is married to Tracy (Gray) a 1995 Bethany alumna. The couple are parents to three daughters. The family lives in a suburb of the Twin Cities and are members of Bloomington Living Hope Lutheran Church. Birkholz was officially recognized as Bethany's 2021 Distinguished Alumni Award recipient at the Bethany Spring Commencement Ceremony on Friday, May 7, 2021, when he addressed the graduating class.
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from our
ALUMNI 1950s Allan Bostelmann ('53) sends greetings to his Bethany classmates and friends. He lives in Minneapolis, Minnesota, with his wife Margaret, and is currently working with churches on war and what Jesus taught on that matter. Paul and Dorcas (Pederson) Balcer ('56) are great-grandparents for the first time, welcoming Graham Giebler into their family. They continue to live in Bellevue, Nebraska. All four of their children are teachers in the same school district, Gretna Public Schools, which is twenty miles from Bellevue.
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2010s Dane Christenson ('10), son of Eric ('70) and Rhonda Christenson, met his Savior on April 12, 2020. His time at Bethany was marked by the laughter and kindness he spread through classrooms and the theater. He is greatly missed by family, friends, and his wife Carissa (Ott '12) Christenson. Ben and Haley (Kratovil) Lundsten ('12) are expecting their third child in April 2021. They have two sons, Roman (8) and Emmett (6), and make their home in Mankato, Minnesota. Ben is a teacher at Minnesota Valley Lutheran High School, and Haley is a nurse.
John ('57) and Karen (Swenson '58) Radway are celebrating their 60th wedding anniversary this year.
1960s Dennis Litfin ('60) sends greetings to all his Bethany classmates. He enjoys life spending time at both his home on a small lake outside Hackensack, Minnesota, and in the upper peninsula of Michigan. Frankie Bly ('62) recently retired from the Blue Earth Area School Board (Minnesota) after twenty-five years of service. Rev. Ronald Mathison ('62) is currently serving as the vacancy pastor at Emanuel Lutheran Church and School in Hamburg, Minnesota. He makes his home in Glencoe, Minnesota.
p Landon Brands ('14) married Grace (Merchant '14) on August 8, 2020, in a small ceremony surrounded by a limited number of socially distanced, mask-wearing, family and friends, and joined by many more online. They live in Los Angeles where Landon works a busy freelance career as a cinematographer and gaffer in the film and television industry. Grace is on staff at a commercial production company.
Luke and Angela (Timm '16) Hahn welcomed their second child, Jethro Garrett on August 28, 2020. Their oldest child, Gideon, is two years old. They make their home in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. Jayke Kubler ('17) is now a board certified physical therapist assistant in the Twin Cities. David Roemhildt ('17) recently finished his master's degree at St. Catherine University (St. Paul, Minnesota) in physician assistant studies. He is currently working as a physician's assistant at The Orthopaedic & Fracture Clinic in Mankato, Minnesota. He is married to Leah ('17 Hagen) and they have a daughter. Jordan Grams ('18) joined the United States Army and recently graduated from basic training. Michael Opitz ('18) started a new job in 2019 at Vic's Crane and Heavy Haul, Inc. as an engineer on staff. Ally Lease ('18) and Sam Stevens ('17) recently became engaged and will be married in June 2021.
Deaths – Alumni, Regents, Faculty and Staff
1970s Daniel Schaefer ('71) retired in 2019 from the University of Wisconsin-Madison Animal & Dairy Sciences Department and now has the title Professor Emeritus. He still makes his home in Madison, Wisconsin. Patricia (Holzhueter '79) Westphal has taught for twenty-five years and will be retiring at the end of this school year.
Benjamin Weber ('15) has been working as head director at KIMT News 3 in Rochester, Minnesota, for three years. Benjamin and his wife have a daughter (Isabell) and a new baby due in May 2021.
p Elsa (Prigge '14) married Juan Garcia in December 2017 and they welcomed their first child into the world, Eliana Leola Garcia, on January 22, 2021.
Isabelle Rhode (Rentschler '46) passed away on November 21, 2020 Donald Jordahl ('50) passed away on January 29, 2021 Georgia Rettmer (Stoll '51) passed away on December 15, 2020 Murray Burfeind ('52) passed away on December 16, 2020 Dr. Darold Treffert ('53) passed away on December 14, 2020 29
A LUM N I
Marie Ring ('54 Preus) passed away on November 5, 2020 Ardella Fraley (Hespenheide '55) passed away on November 3, 2020 Lloyd Tiegs ('55) passed away on January 21, 2021 Marie Miller ('60) passed away on October 30, 2020 Stephen Pederson ('60) passed away on January 22, 2021 David Bausch ('71) passed away on October 5, 2020 Fred Taylor ('71) passed away on September 20, 2020 Jean Olson (Wall '79) passed away on September 5, 2020 Dr. Polly Browne ('82) Bethany Education Department Professor passed away on December 28, 2020 Norma (Hattrem) Brown former Bethany Memorial Library Director passed away on November 19, 2020
M AY 202 1
Rev. Frank Fiedler ('85) passed away on December 13, 2020 Johnny T. Parker ('88) passed away on January 19, 2021 Drew Kamrath ('91) passed away on December 30, 2020
Obituaries Rev. Larry Burgdorf ('50), a long-time director of the Schwan Foundation passed away on February 12, 2021. The Schwan Foundation has been a key benefactor to Bethany for decades, and Burgdorf served as an advisory member of Bethany's Board of Regents during his tenure with the Foundation. Prior to his work with the Schwan Foundation, he served as a pastor in the Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod. He also authored children's devotional books.
Clyde William Wobeck ('60) was called to be with his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on Thursday, August 27, 2020. He is survived by the love of his life Rhoda (Bartling '61) whom he met while attending Bethany, and they married in 1962. They have three children, nine grandchildren, and seven great-grandchildren together. The Wobecks made their home in the La Crosse, Wisconsin, area. Clyde's funeral was held at St. Paul's Lutheran Church (Bangor, Wisconsin), where he was a faithful member, on Monday, August 31. He is buried at Onalaska Cemetery.
President of Evangelical Lutheran Synod called to heavenly home Rev. John Moldstad Jr. was called to his Heavenly Home unexpectedly on Friday, January 29, 2021. He studied at Bethany Lutheran High School in Mankato for one year before transferring to Martin Luther Academy in New Ulm where he met his future wife, Joslyn Marie Wiechmann. John went on to study at Bethany Lutheran College, Northwestern College in Watertown, Wisconsin, and Bethany Lutheran Theological Seminary. He later completed a Master of Sacred Theology at Wisconsin Lutheran Seminary in Mequon, Wisconsin. John married his high school sweetheart, Joslyn, on July 30, 1977. Their union was blessed with seven children and fourteen grandchildren. He and Joslyn recently moved to their new home on Lake Washington, where they planned to retire. John was a third-generation pastor serving first as 30
vicar at Bethany Lutheran Church in Princeton, Minnesota, and then as pastor of Bethel Lutheran Church in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, Our Savior Lutheran Church in Lake Havasu City, Arizona, and Faith Lutheran Church in Oregon, Wisconsin. In 1994, he was called to serve as New Testament professor at Bethany Lutheran Theological Seminary. In 2002, he was called to serve as the president of the Evangelical Lutheran Synod, a role in which he served until his death. It was his fervent desire that all come to know their Savior Jesus Christ that through Him they may have forgiveness of sin and eternal life. A funeral service was held at Peace Lutheran Church in North Mankato on February 6, 2021. He died with the sure hope of eternal life through his Savior Jesus Christ, who promised, "I am the resurrection and the life. Whoever believes in me will live, even if he dies." (John 11:25)
Woller Photography
Rev. John Moldstad Jr.
B E TH A N Y Magazine
Bethany
RETROSPECT
Remembering a campus moment from years gone by.
EAT 'EM UP VIKINGS: Cheerleaders and crowd members at a Bethany basketball game during the 1974-75 season. Recognize anyone in this photo? Send your reactions to editor@blc.edu. Find more photos from years past on archives.blc.edu.
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