Bethany Magazine - Spring/Summer 2023

A PURPOSEFUL DIRECTION Page 10

BY GENE PFEIFER • PRESIDENT, BETHANY LUTHERAN COLLEGE

Essential Essence Remains

When alumni and friends encourage students to consider attending Bethany, it oftentimes is an important factor in their college decision-making process. I’m always encouraged to hear about a high school student that would be a good fit because I know a heartfelt recommendation can sometimes lead to that young man or woman enrolling at Bethany. I thank each of you who discuss Bethany’s mission-focused education with those not yet familiar with the College. Your words and support mean a great deal.

Bethany’s admission numbers have consistently been beating the national trend of declining college enrollment, and the upcoming class again looks encouraging. Students who come to Bethany have a wide selection of academic and co-curricular programs to consider—with many options that lead to meaningful vocations in their families, churches, workplaces, and communities. Our retention rates are also strong, nearly as robust as the most selective schools. In fact, almost all students who enroll at Bethany as freshmen do so with the intention of earning their bachelor’s degree here.

It is interesting to note that, while students come to Bethany from twenty-six different states and 31 other countries, nearly 65% of our student body comes from just two states—Minnesota and Wisconsin. America’s demographics are changing, and the Lutheran Church is changing too. Changing demographics indicate that institutions like Bethany need to be more strategic than ever in finding students who seek out an institution that offers excellent academics in a Christian environment.

And Minnesota is no exception to national demographic trends. For several decades now, new faces and nationalities have become Minnesotans. Why is this important to talk about? Many of our students are from areas that are changing the most. Rural Minnesota has changed considerably. The growth that has occurred in rural Minnesota comes from a new population that doesn’t know about Bethany Lutheran College. But, I believe that we have much to offer, not only to those that know us well, but also to those that may have never heard of Bethany Lutheran College.

Bethany is visible in ways it never was before with our expanding campus, programs, and growing student body. Recent additions might make the place look a little different than what your mind remembers. The addition of the new Bethany Activity Center, as well as Honsey Hall across from it, puts the focus of the visible campus at the busy intersection of Marsh and Division Streets, right next door to one of the largest hospitals in southern Minnesota.

And while Bethany’s physical appearance has changed, the essence of what this institution is, has not. For now 96 academic years, Bethany has always been about her people and students as seen through the lens of a Christian, collegiate education focused on the One Thing Needful.

You’re always welcome as alumni, friends, and supporters to visit the campus, and if you haven’t visited lately, we’d like to reacquaint you with Bethany. And for those that know us well, I encourage you to tell someone about Bethany that you might not have considered telling before. Your words speak volumes about Bethany and yes; you are some of our best recruiters!

And while Bethany’s physical appearance has changed, the essence of what this institution is, has not.

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

Mark DeGarmeaux (Religion, Music) contributed hymn stanza translations of "Over Kedron Jesus Treadeth" by Thomas Kingo to the recently published book To Heaven’s Rim: The Kingdom Poets Book of World Christian Poetry, Beginnings to 1800, in English Translation (Poiema Poetry Series) edited by Canadian poet Burl Horniachek.

From our Faculty & Staff Retirements

Benjamin Faugstad (Music) traveled to Cleveland (Minnesota) High School and served as clinician to help prepare three jazz bands for an upcoming competition. Erik Hermanson (‘92) is the band director at Cleveland. The Cleveland Jazz Bands competed at the “Music in the Parks” competition in St. Louis, Missouri, in April 2023.

Jon Loging (Communication) was elected to the executive council of the National Christian College Forensics Association (NCCFA). The NCCFA is a national competitive speech and debate organization that runs an exclusive national tournament for Christian colleges and universities. As a member of the council, Loging will assist with the planning and running of the next national tournament to be held in March 2024 at Belmont College in Nashville, Tennessee. This is the third time Loging has been elected to the council.

Stacey Dawley (Business Office) was promoted to Director of Finance and Business Affairs and will assume the duties of Greg Costello who retired in June 2023. Dawley is a 2017 Bethany graduate with a bachelor’s degree in business administration – concentration in finance. She also earned an associate in arts degree from South Central College (Mankato) in accounting, and worked for the public accounting firm of Landgraff Milbrett from 2001 to 2005 prior to starting at Bethany in 2005.

President Gene Pfeifer represented Bethany at a number of conferences in the winter of 2023. His travels in January included the Council of Independent Colleges Presidents’ Conference (San Francisco), the National Collegiate Athletic Association convention (San Antonio), the National WELS Conference on Lutheran Leadership (Chicago), the WELS Area Lutheran High School Administrators Retreat (Tucson), and the Council of Christian Colleges and Universities Presidents’ Conference in Washington, D.C. While in Washington, he was able to meet with Southern Minnesota Congressman Brad Finstad.

Andrew Overn (Art) contributed a number of illustrations for use in a commissioned short film accompanying an orchestral piece written by Andrew Manslanka entitled "A Childs Garden of Dreams." The world premiere of the film took place at the University of Texas in El Paso in November 2022.

Four longtime Bethany employees retired at the close of the 2022-23 fiscal year. With their retirements, Bethany is losing a lot of experience and knowledge. The quartet provided the College with 144 years of combined employment. Bethany thanks each of these employees for their dedicated service spanning so many years.

Greg Costello began at Bethany in 1979. He has been in the College’s Business Office in different roles during his 44 years on campus. His service also included a six-year stint as the head wrestling coach for the Vikings.

Lyle Jones' teaching and coaching career at Bethany started in 1990. During his 33 years, Jones has coached women’s basketball, men’s soccer, softball and served for a time as Athletic Director and Intramural Director. (See story on page 28.)

Dennis Marzolf began at Bethany in 1984 and has served as the College’s Choral Director for 39 years. In addition, Marzolf taught classes and private voice lessons in the Music Department as well as serving as the Music Director for the Bethany Choraliers theatrical productions. (See story on page 10.)

Paul Wold has served at Bethany for twenty-eight years. He was hired to manage the college bookstore, which he did until 2020. After his time in the bookstore, Wold served in three roles (simultaneously) International Student Coordinator, Urban Initiative Coordinator, and Campus Event Coordinator.

Mark DeGarmeaux

Jon Loging

Stacey Dawley

Ben Faugstad

Andrew Overn

Gene Pfeifer

Dennis Marzolf

Greg Costello

Lyle Jones

Paul Wold

Faculty And Staff Anniversary Recognition

Each academic year a special service is held in Trinity Chapel to recognize faculty and staff who are celebrating anniversaries of their employment at Bethany. The service is held in conjunction with the quarterly meeting of the Bethany Lutheran College Board of Regents. Those individuals celebrating milestones of service to their Savior and Bethany Lutheran College in 2023 are:

Back row from left: Rev. Herbert Huhnerkoch (Chair, Board of Regents), Bethany President Gene Pfeifer, Ryan MacPherson (Professor, History-20 years), Timothy Schmeling (Professor of Exegetical and Historical Theology at Bethany Lutheran Theological Seminary-20 years), Scott Abbey (Information Technology Professional-10 years), Don Westphal (Director, The Bethany Fund-30 years)

Front row from left: Rev. Timothy Hartwig (President, Bethany Lutheran Theological Seminary), Ted Manthe (Vice President, Student Affairs-25 years), Connie Gullixson (Payroll Accounts Specialist-30 years), Sara Edwards (Associate Professor, Legal Studies; Legal Counsel to Cabinet-15years), Greg Vandermause (Manager, KTV-10 years), Peter Bloedel (Professor, Theatre-30 years), Jonathan Kovaciny (Web Development Specialist-20 years)

Paulson Appointed New Choir Director

David Paulson is Bethany’s new Choral Director, and he will also serve as Assistant Professor of Music. “Mr. Paulson is a respected and gifted music educator and we are pleased to welcome him to Bethany Lutheran College,” said President Gene Pfeifer. I know that he deeply appreciates Bethany’s treasured choral and musical heritage, and I am certain he will work diligently to edify Bethany’s music program.”

Paulson holds a master of music, choral conducting degree from St. Cloud State University and a bachelor of music education from Valparaiso University. He has taught and directed choral and band programs

at Lutheran South Academy (Houston, Texas), St. John’s Preparatory School (Collegeville, Minnesota), and has served his home congregation - Holy Cross Lutheran Church (St. Cloud, Minnesota) as worship music coordinator, adult choir director, and adult and youth handbell ensemble director for nearly three decades.

Paulson said, “I am humbled by and excited for the opportunity to support Bethany’s special mission, and I hope to continue the College’s exceptional legacy of excellence in music that glorifies God. I believe there is no higher standard to strive for than to use one’s gifts in service and praise to Him.”

Paulson and his wife Paula raised and homeschooled three daughters: Daylin (BLC ‘22), Natalie (BLC ‘24), and Vanessa (BLC ‘27). In his spare time, he enjoys felling trees and splitting wood, coin collecting, and watching Detroit Lions football.

Photo by David Norris

David Paulson

Department News

Theatre Success for Students, Faculty at Kennedy Center

English Honors Society represented at 2023 National Convention in Colorado

Sigma Tau Delta is a national English Honors Society and several Bethany students and faculty members were in attendance at the organization’s national convention in Denver, Colorado. The Sigma Tau organization also accepted the original creative works of two Bethany students for their 2023 Convention. Bethany seniors Jerod Harris and Libby Kassuelke presented their essays at the convention. Others attending the conference included students Audrey Amiling, Audra Dale, Ruth Kennedy, Annika Kourkkari-Mason, and Sabrina Seiwert. The group was accompanied by faculty members Professor Angie Johnson and Dr. Lars Johnson.

New Boston Pianos Delivered to Campus

The Music Department took delivery of six new Boston/Steinway pianos in January 2023. The large delivery is a result of many gifts over the past three years for Bethany’s All Steinway Fund including those from the estate of Rebecca (Madson '80) Lussky, and also considerable funds were directed to Bethany from sale of the property of the former Evangelical Lutheran Synod congregation in Escondido, California.

Bethany students and faculty participated in the 2023 Kennedy Center American College Theatre Festival (KCACTF) in Des Moines, Iowa. Holly Harris and  Sophie Zawisza  participated in the Design, Tech and Management Expo featuring their work on masks and puppets from Pinocchio. Sophie received a special commendation for her work.

Mizha Overn and Carrie Gernander participated in the festival’s professional auditions, and both received callback (second round) auditions for summer programs. Overn also auditioned for the Music Theatre Intensive program. Out of 200-plus participants, Overn made the final ten singers. She received the “Broadway Bound” special recognition for her work with the program.

Faculty member Emily Kimball’s costume design was selected and featured in the Costume Parade at the closing ceremonies, and adjunct instructor Benji Inniger taught a workshop entitled “Adaptive Audio: What Theatre and Video Games Can Learn From Each Other.”

Several students and faculty members received special commendations from the KCACTF respondent on the Bethany production of Pinocchio. Greta Bloedel, Holly Harris, and Anna Tausz for puppet design, Peter Bloedel for direction, The Cast and Peter Bloedel for ensemble work, Emily Kimball for costume design, and Sophie Zawisza for mask design.

President Pfeifer and Bethany Students Visit Capitol

The Minnesota Private College Council (MPCC) hosted students from seven member institutions on Thursday, March 30 for the annual Day at the Capitol including a few students from Bethany. This event had not been held for the previous three years due to the pandemic. The event includes advocacy focused on the importance of the State Grant Program for Minnesota students attending private and public colleges with the goal to help convince state legislators to keep making all Minnesota colleges more affordable.

The MPCC organized the event, which invited students from Bethany and other member schools to share their experiences with the State Grant, which helps students from low-and-middle-income families pay for tuition at eligible colleges in Minnesota. Nearly one-third of Bethany students receive the Grant.

Mock Trial Wraps Up Remarkable Season

Bethany’s mock trial team finished their historic season at the Open Round Competition held at Macalester College in St. Paul. Mock trial competitions have no divisions; all teams (regardless of school size or

prominence) compete at the same level, and all teams compete anonymously. The judges have no idea which teams they are evaluating until after their scores are submitted.

Bethany competed in the first round against the third-ranked team in the nation, and was narrowly defeated in a remarkably close round. The winning team, the University of Chicago, moved on to nationals. Bethany’s varsity team exceeded expectations all season led by the efforts of team members Emma Bruegger, Ashley Casper, Eric Dobberstein, Adam Hoeft, Tristen Lindell, Elena Osmanllari, Andre Silva, Brooke Wolanin, and Kayla Wilson.

Band Tours Southwest in Spring

The Bethany Lutheran College Concert Band, under the direction of Professor Benjamin Faugstad, traveled to Arizona and Utah over spring break to share the excellence of Bethany’s music program and the College to prospective students and alumni. Pictured is a group photo at the Musical Instrument Museum in Phoenix. They also performed at several churches and to a large group at Arizona Lutheran Academy.

One host said this, “This past Monday evening our church hosted the Bethany Band concert during their tour. The concert was absolutely fabulous! Those present gave them a standing ovation at the end and would have loved for it to go on. The students were wonderful and we so enjoyed hosting four girls in our home for the night. They were all a delight and so much fun. It certainly restored our faith in the younger generation and further supports the decision we made to establish the scholarship endowment for Bethany. How blessed we are to have this school!”

Making Mentors

BY EMELINE GULLIXSON ’21 • CONTRIBUTING WRITER

Past and present Vikings connect through advice

Bethany juniors and seniors certainly have a wealth of resources at their fingertips. Questions about one’s field of study might be directed toward a trusted professor, or questions about relevant job opportunities might go to Career Development. Among the questions students are pondering as they face graduation, there are many that fall into a gray area, such as: What goals do I have? How do I network? Where do I begin with financial planning? How can I find a home congregation? These are topics that the adults in their lives seemingly have figured out. But somehow, no one has kept them in the loop.

Jake Krier, Director of Alumni Relations, has a solution. Throughout the 2022-23 academic year, Krier developed the Viking to Viking Mentor program, which connects current Bethany juniors and seniors with alumni and friends of Bethany. Mentees (students) are paired with mentors (alumni) to discuss topics ranging from the professional to the personal to the spiritual.

In a one-on-one context, the pair meet together once a month for an hour, though they may meet more frequently if they wish. As mentors are spread out all over the country, many pairs meet via Zoom. For involved students and working professionals busy with their own lives, checking in once a month is a low stakes commitment that yields beneficial results.

Krier began developing the program in the Fall 2022 semester, and February 2023 marked the beginning of a trial run for the first mentor and mentee pairs.

For their first meeting, mentors and mentees put together a plan of what they wanted to focus on, generally led by the mentee.

“It’s important for the student to follow a plan and to take initiative with what they want to talk about,” said Krier. “We put the plan on the students: What are you thinking about right now? What are you considering after graduation?”

The pair also have a list of topics they can begin with, put together by Krier. Topics might concern the

Viking mentors and students in different cities and states have been getting together. Megan Maschoff ('16) (left) and Emily Dietz ('23) met recently in Mankato.

Photos by David Norris

professional realm–résumé writing, applying for jobs, networking, professional dress. Some students might be interested in the personal–hobbies, living independently, finding a church home, getting involved in the community. There are also “in-between” topics, such as budgeting, saving money, and navigating insurance.

The pair might also set goals they want to accomplish before their next meeting, or challenge each other to try new things.

Cianna (Hoppe ‘23) Larson, a senior elementary education and special education major, was a mentee during the trial run, and was paired with Dr. Carrie (Ketel ‘97) Opheim. Though both women work in education, Larson wondered what commonalities they would share; Opheim works as a professor, and Larson will be teaching elementary school.

Larson ended up valuing their career differences and the additional perspective Opheim offered. “To have someone a little bit different was honestly super refreshing and rewarding. It was a broadening of my horizons, knowing that there are all these other things I can do that still utilize my skills and degree.”

Larson was also interested in topics such as finance, retirement planning, volunteering, and continuing education–if she were ever to go back to school. “These are things you wish you heard from other people that you don’t often hear. When you’re one-on-one with someone who’s been there and done that, it’s so much easier to talk freely.”

There are many Bethany alumni willing to offer their perspectives as mentors, though mentors don’t necessarily have to be alumni. Friends of Bethany and professionals connected to the College are welcome to participate.

Mentors are expected to assist in the transition period from student to working professional, and potentially help build a personal, professional, and spiritual network. They give advice, offer support, and share ideas and experiences.

Cody Hardin (‘11) is one such mentor. Hardin graduated from Bethany with a double major in music and communication, and currently works as a Senior Audio Operator at ESPN in Bristol, Connecticut.

As a mentor, he was paired with junior media arts major, Ben Stelter. The two discussed a variety of topics, including future plans, religion, and general life tips meeting online because of the physical distance. Though mentors and mentees do not necessarily have to share the same career path, Stelter’s and Hardin’s overlapped, both being involved in media.

“Ben is a driven individual who already has a pretty good idea of what he plans on doing, so our conversations were check-ins toward some short term goals and broad stroke discussions on the next steps to take,” said Hardin. “[We’re] cut from the same cloth, and I recognize a lot of myself in him when we talk.”

Hardin encouraged other alumni to consider being part of the program during the 2023-24 academic year. “It has been edifying to give back to Bethany in this way and help guide someone toward their goals.”

If you would like to become a mentor or hear more about the Viking to Viking program, reach out to Jake Krier through phone (507-344-7519) or email (Jake.Krier@blc.edu).

BLC student Aidan Whitcomb ('23) (left) and Christopher Harstad ('01) met at Tandem Bagels in Mankato as part of the new mentoring program.

A Purposeful Direction

BY LANCE SCHWARTZ

For the hundreds of Bethany alumni and friends gathered in Trinity Chapel on Tuesday, May 23, 2023, the moment was poignant. The Bethany Concert Choir had just joined en masse with over one hundred alumni, representing seven decades, for the final notes of an emotional version of the beloved Bethany anthem “On My Heart Imprint Thine Image.” As the audience applauded enthusiastically, Choir Director Dennis Marzolf walked out of the full Chapel and into the lobby. The crowd kept on applauding, but Marzolf didn’t return for a curtain call. He could have, but anyone that knows him well wouldn’t be surprised he that chose not to.

The May concert was at the end of the eleven-day Spring 2023 Choir Tour, and to be certain it was much more than the normal end of the year concert—it was the conclusion of Marzolf’s thirty-nine years as the Choir Director and music professor at Bethany. His was the longest tenure of any Bethany choir director, and his time on campus is among the lengthiest in terms of service for those who’ve taught at the College. It was indeed the end of an era, and the event’s significance was profound.

Very few people know that it took an unusual circumstance for Marzolf to even be at Bethany in the first place. It was the spring of 1984, and after

three years of study at Concordia Theological Seminary-Fort Wayne and a year of vicar training in Portland, Oregon, Marzolf was ready to receive a divine call into the ministry. Part of the preparation for the call included an interview with seminary and synod officials. At the meeting, the pastoral candidates are able to express a few preferences about their forthcoming placements. Marzolf had two requests.

“It was my last year and we were graduating. I say we, because I’m including my wife, Beth, and we went in for the placement interview. They ask some questions about where you might want to be and so on, and I say there are two churches in specific that we should not be sent to. One was my home congregation, they were requesting a candidate from the Seminary, and there was another one out in Oregon that Beth had strong ties to,” explained Marzolf.

He continued, “We thought it might be best to start fresh, in a new place, and they were fine with it. So then call night comes, and low and behold, where did we get the call—to one of those two churches. I chose to decline the placement, and finish out the semester and graduate.”

It was an unusual and slightly uncomfortable situation for sure. And for the peculiarity of the situation, it was also perhaps a serendipitous occurrence for the

’86 • CHIEF COMMUNICATION OFFICER

Dennis Marzolf has served at Bethany since 1984.

Photo by David Norris

future of the long time Bethany choir director.

Marzolf recalls visiting the seminary library shortly after the placement day and picking up a copy of the Evangelical Lutheran Synod’s magazine called The Lutheran Sentinel

“I would frequently read the publications from the various Lutheran Synods; it was a way to stay in touch with Lutheranism in America. On the back page of the issue I picked up, there was an advertisement for Choral Director at Bethany Lutheran College. I went home, called the number, and was encouraged to send my résumé. I did that, and then came to Mankato for an interview,” said Marzolf.

While the interview seemed to go well, but certainly not knowing how it might play out, Marzolf also interviewed for other positions primarily in Minnesota; however, the opening at Bethany was the most intriguing for him. As it turned out, he received several job offers including the opportunity to join the Bethany faculty, direct the choir, and teach music classes.

“The choral director position made the most sense, and it was not a lane change for me, and it was where my interests were at,” he explained.

One might be led to believe, since he was studying to be a minister of the Gospel, that this was going to be a major shift in plans for Marzolf, but it wasn’t as

Bethany Archives photos

Bethany Archives photos

Photo courtesy of Beth Marzolf

Marzolf with his first BLC choir in 1985—during rehearsal (left) and group photo (below).

Newlyweds Dennis and Beth Marzolf in August 1983.

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 23

drastic as one might think. While at the seminary, he directed choirs in Fort Wayne, Indiana, congregations that were large—over fifty voices in these parish choirs. And Marzolf had attended what many consider to be a musical and choral powerhouse of a college—St. Olaf in Northfield, Minnesota, for his undergraduate studies.

“My whole educational process was conflicted between doing the theology and doing the music. If there had been a place that trained both theologians and musicians in a conservative Lutheran setting, I most likely would have gone that route, but that didn’t exist at the graduate level,” he said.

And while attending seminary, Marzolf also began to study organ with serious focus. The lessons were perhaps the motivation he needed as the Lord led him down the path to Bethany and an eventual career in music.

Marzolf described the situation, “There was a fellow who was the chapel organist at the seminary, and one semester he suggested to me to take a lighter course load and take some lessons with him. He said, ‘we’ll pretend you’re in school for organ performance—we we’ll see if you’ve got the chops to do it.’ It forced me to think through all of this very carefully.”

So through all of the uncertainty, the picture was becoming clearer, and the encouragement he received from family and friends, along with the Lord’s guidance, Marzolf did accept the position at Bethany. But not without some ‘what-ifs.’

“It was natural to think of taking another call and perhaps do graduate work in music—that wasn’t out of the picture. But the situation perhaps nudged me a little bit, and Beth was so supportive—she said ‘you have to do this.’”

It proved to be the right decision, for both Marzolf and Bethany Lutheran College.

“So then we moved to Mankato, and it has been a wonderful gig for me, I have just loved my time at Bethany tremendously. And, of course, when we came here to Bethany we were so welcomed by the people. The transition was so easy because of the welcoming atmosphere,” he said.

After a year of getting acclimated to Bethany and the Evangelical Lutheran Synod (ELS), Marzolf joined the clergy roster of the ELS through colloquy—a certification process for professional church workers. It assures that the individual has been properly educated in the doctrines and practices of the Synod, and commits to serve the church in a specific role.

Marzolf spoke of what he found to be a very rich heritage of Lutheran music at Bethany. It wasn’t unexpected, but it was even stronger than what he envisioned.

“Before I arrived on campus, I had discovered there had been some pretty significant individuals involved with Bethany choir. Walter Buszin was a big name in the Lutheran musical and liturgical community. I thought, this is something he started! And, you didn’t have to go on too many choir tours, even in the early days, to know that Alfred Fremder was regarded as a living saint at Bethany. So, there was an impetus to learn more about him. The Bethany choir was doing things that no other college in the state was doing in those days.”

This knowledge of Bethany’s rich, Lutheran musical traditions helped to solidify the direction, or better said, the continuation of the College’s musical heritage under Marzolf. And perhaps the most important aspect of his work with the choirs centered on the opportunity to conduct the choral experience for the students in a way that respected those long standing traditions, but through his own lens.

Marzolf said, “Bethany is a place that has high standards, and I was able to teach with a large opportunity for autonomy. I’m really thankful I was afforded that freedom.”

He continued, “Tradition can be viewed as a dirty word! So, instead of turning our back on it, you

Dennis Marzolf during choir rehearsal in 2019.

Photos by David Norris

have to build on what you have. You don’t have to reinvent the wheel. Sometimes doing things the way we always have makes the process so much more meaningful.”

And the students understood and appreciated the traditions as well. Elisabeth Urtel (’13) explained the approach that Marzolf brings to teaching the choir the significance of the pieces they perform.

“The most important thing I learned from him was the connection between good theology and music. He has a way of explaining concepts with humor, or a witty phrase that get the point across,” she said.

But for as much as he’s enjoyed the four-decades as the choral leader at Bethany, Marzolf is not second guessing his decision to retire. And he’s also hoping for a continuation of the strong program that’s not only been a Bethany tradition throughout his 39 years, but really since the earliest days of the College. He sees a bright future ahead with the new Choir director, David Paulson.

“I’m sure there will be things I will miss very much, but I’ve already told the students there will be a great new beginning, and it’s not going to be me. I want this thing to fly, and I hope he has a wonderful time here, he seems to be a person that enjoys the time with the students.”

And those, too, are the memories that Marzolf will carry with him—the time with the students and coworkers. He said simply, “The students were so easy to teach and work with, they have been amazing. And by and large, it has been so wonderful to work with the colleagues I’ve had here. The memories are great, and we’ve made a lot of friends along the way.”

A Homecoming Weekend

Please join us September 15–17, 2023, for the annual Bethany Fall Festival–A Homecoming Weekend. All alumni and friends are invited! This year will have reunions for classes with graduation years ending in a “3” or “8.”

Other weekend events include:

• Viking Soccer and Volleyball

• Bethany Athletic Hall of Fame Banquet

• Theatre Physics (30th Anniversary)

• Little Viking 1/2 Mile Fun Run and BLC Viking 5K

• BLC Drumline, Live Music and Entertainment

• Alumni and Friends Reception and presentation of Exceptional Service to Bethany Award

• Social at Mankato Brewery

• Sunday Worship Service with Bethany Choir

• Jacob B. Weber Organ Performance

Class members interested in helping to encourage classmates to attend, or plan a special event for your class may contact Jake Krier in the Alumni Office at 507-344-7519 or Jake.Krier@blc.edu.

Visit blc.edu/fall-festival for more information.

All Bethany Choir Reunion Concert

All Bethany Choir Alumni are invited to attend and participate in a very special all-choir reunion event planned for Saturday, September 16. The event features a choir rehearsal with the following current and former choir directors: Randi Ellefson, Ann Fredrickson, Jim Krikava, Dennis Marzolf, and our new director, David Paulson.

Please register by Friday, July 28 by going to blc.edu/AllBethanyChoirReunion23.

A final exit after conducting 'On My Heart Imprint Thine Image.'

Relaunching Luther Hall

BY EMELINE GULLIXSON ’21 • CONTRIBUTING WRITER

Renovations provide improved access to student services

Luther Hall in Old Main has taken on many roles since Bethany’s beginning. But during the last decade or so, the area has been underutilized. Though there were lounges, Mayo Clinic Express Care, and Christian Family Solutions, the space was not maximizing its potential nor seeing as much foot traffic as it could.

After much discussion, configuration, and construction, the remodeled first and second floors of Luther Hall opened for student use in December of 2022. It is now home to Career Development, the Academic Resource Center (ARC), the Ada Stokes Writing Center, Mayo Clinic Express Care, International Student Support, a student lounge area, and a remodeled fitness space.

Many of these services were previously spread out over campus, or located in areas that, unless you were looking for them, would not know they were

there. “[The remodel] is bringing student service needs from different aspects of campus over into a one-stop shop,” said Daniel Mundahl, Senior Vice President of Finance and Administration. The services are also more accessible, as Old Main has longer open access hours than other campus buildings.

Initial discussion about remodeling began in the summer of 2021, and construction began in the summer of 2022. The main catalysts for the remodel were the launch of Career Services and Mayo Clinic Express Care needing renovations.

In the old space, it was harder to keep the Mayo Clinic temperature regulated, there was little privacy due to a small space, P.A.’s could only see one person at a time, and there was not a bathroom on site.

Now, there is a lab space with modern equipment, the temperature is well regulated, and there are two private exam rooms, allowing staff to “serve more people and process them more efficiently,” said Ted Manthe, Vice President for Student Affairs.

“It is difficult to describe all the benefits of the new space, compared to the original space,” said Slava

Bethany student Tihitina Wudu in the Academic Resource Center.

Photos by David Norris

White, P.A.-C. “We have computers in every room, a space for the nurse, and an office. We are able to see two students and have people wait in the lobby. We now have a bathroom right next door, and a small door to pass [samples] to the nurse—in the past, the student had to carry testing supplies down the hallway and back. The new space presents a professionalism that was not there in the original space.”

As Manthe and Mundahl were considering these renovations, they also considered what other campus services would be better placed in Luther Hall.

“It was working, but we needed it to work better. We looked around other places on campus and thought, ‘Okay, who can we move or what other adjustments can we make to enhance other programs,’” said Manthe. “It’s a domino effect.”

For instance, the ARC, previously located in the lower level of the Memorial Library, was moved to Luther Hall. This allowed for more accessibility, later open hours than the Library provided, and gave the library more space to be utilized for the Education Deparment.

The Ada Stokes Writing Center was also moved from Honsey Hall to Luther Hall. The new space is bigger than its previous location, as well as its temporary location of the library during the remodel.

“It’s visible now,” said Angie Johnson, the Writing Center Coordinator and English professor. noting that the new space has increased foot traffic, and will hopefully bring more by next year. Johnson also enjoys the collaboration with other faculty in that area.

“During the fall, our sessions were held in the back of the library, which often made appointments less secluded and more awkward to conduct as a result. Having an actual room for the Writing Center

has allowed tutors to create a welcoming environment that facilitates warmer interactions with students,” said senior Tristen Lindell, who served as a tutor in the Writing Center.

Another tutor, Davis Smith, added: “[It’s] a real gift, and a wonderful long-term home for our center. It’s a very quiet, relaxing spot to work for both tutors and clients, and students often hang around to study.”

One service that moved out of the previous Luther Hall was Christian Family Solutions. It now resides in the lower level of Honsey Hall, making it a more private area for students who are getting counseling.

The feedback concerning the remodel has been nothing but positive. “[The space] was underutilized. This is a chance to maximize that space and make it a one-stop shop for students,” said Manthe. Instead of running all over campus, students can take care of their business in one location.

“You’re already going down the hall with Financial Aid, the Dean of Students, Residential Life, the Vice President of Academic Affairs, the Registrar, as well as the Spirit Store and Business Office,” noted Mundahl. “It’s just tying opportunities together.”

Students, faculty, staff, and visitors will certainly make good use of the remodeled space. If you happen to be visiting campus, make it a priority to visit the new Luther Hall.

Director Angie Phares met with a student in the new Career Development Center.

Slava White, P.A.-C, (right) is one of the Physician Assistants that work in the new Mayo Clinic Express Care in Luther Hall.

The Ada Stokes Writing Center moved from its former location in Honsey Hall.

BY EMELINE GULLIXSON ’21 • CONTRIBUTING WRITER

Media Arts Making Waves

Mankato, Minnesota, likely doesn’t come to mind when thinking about media hubs across the country. But this past school year, Bethany’s Media Arts Department challenged that assumption, with student films being recognized at a regional and national level.

Media arts is an up-and-coming major at Bethany, receiving more interest and accolades each year. It has three areas of emphasis: video arts and broadcasting, motion graphics and animation, and photography. Though students may pick an emphasis, they are sure to get a taste of all aspects of media arts during their time at Bethany, including broadcasting, graphic design, working on film sets, communication courses, and more.

“The philosophy of being able to creatively try everything is woven into the way we designed our programs,” said Amanda Quist, Associate Professor of Media Arts.

Students also have access to an excellent array of tools and software to help them develop their skills. “Our facility is one of the best ones in the Midwest. It’s a shining jewel on our campus. We have live production and post-production software, editing rooms, a computer lab, and studio. You’d be hard-pressed to find even a larger university that has what we have,” said Greg Vandermause, Production Studio Manager.

“We trust students with a lot of responsibility. We

give them unique professional opportunities, and we allow them to get involved, even in their freshman year,” said Quist.

One such professional opportunity is the Minnesota State University (MSU) Maverick Hockey Production, where students are paid to broadcast, film, and edit Maverick hockey games. Junior Colin Neville has been grateful for this experience: “It’s just as valuable as a class. If you’re serious about media arts, you’re looking for stuff to do outside of the classroom.”

Neville is involved in the digital side of the hockey broadcast, creating hype videos for social media, as well as occasionally working on short films.

The professors work closely with students to get their films into film festivals, helping them through the application process and paying any application fees. This past year, students produced films that were recognized on the regional and national level. Films are usually created through class projects, the Red Eye Film Festival, and through the Maverick hockey broadcast.

The student film Lulu, written and directed by senior Mizha Overn, made waves this year. It screened at the Nosebleeds Film Fest in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, in December, and at the End of the Road Film Festival in Ely, Minnesota, in February.

That same month, Bethany students flew out to Las Vegas, where they received seven awards from the

Students who attended the Upper Midwest Chapter of NATAS (from left): Jacob Norris, Colin Neville, Joey Pasbrig, Noah Rittierodt, Alec Lade, and Mizha Overn.

Photo courtesy of Amanda Quist

Broadcast Education Association (BEA) in the BEA Festival of Media Arts, an annual event. This was no small feat, as students were competing on the national level against hundreds of other schools.

Out of 1,650 festival entries, Bethany received four Awards of Excellence. Three were in the Film and Video: Narrative category: The Man in the Yellow Shirt, A Rush at the Beginning, and Lulu. One was in the category of Sports–Video/Story Feature (Long): The Story of the 2022 Mason Cup Championship Game

Bethany students also received three first place awards–The Story of the 2022 Mason Cup Championship Game in Sports–Video Sports Live Game Production; Esports Hype Video – The Wrath of the Vikings in Sports–Esports Coverage; and Minnesota State Hockey Hype Video in Sports–Promotional Video/Tease/PSA.

“That’s [BEA] really the feather in the cap that says, ‘We’re a credible performing media program,’” said Vandermause.

Junior Ben Stelter was the cinematographer of The Story of the 2022 Mason Cup Championship Game “It was amazing to get to tell that story through my camera, through my lens,” he said, also praising the cohesion of his whole team. A Media Arts major, Stelter primarily enjoys shooting sports through the MSU Hockey Broadcast, though he is also passionate about creating short films with his friends.

On a regional level, Bethany received five Student Production Awards from the Upper Midwest Emmy® Chapter/Foundation in the Upper Midwest Chapter of the National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences (NATAS).

There were three winners associated with the Maverick Hockey broadcast: The Story of the 2022 Mason Cup Championship Game in the College–Sports Story or Segment category, 2022 CCHA Mason Cup Championship Game in the College-Live Sporting Event/Game category, and 2022 Hobey Baker Award Winner – Dryden McKay in the College–Editor category.

Two class projects also won awards: Lulu in the College–Fiction: Short Film category, and Educaytion in the College–Animation/Graphics/Special Effects category.

Junior Noah Rittierodt was the director of 2022 CCHA Mason Cup Championship Game. Rittierodt has had much success in the Media Arts program, though he wasn’t sure initially it was the major he was going to pursue. “I didn’t have any [media arts] experience

before coming to college,” he said, crediting professors and friends as being instrumental in his skills development.

In April, students attended the Intercollegiate Film Festival at the Showplace ICON Theatre in St. Louis Park, Minnesota. The student film Educaytion won Best Animation, the film A Rush at the Beginning won Best Narrative Fiction, and the film Lulu won Best of Show as well as People’s Choice/Audience Favorite.

“What the students have done in the past year or two is not easy. It’s not something that I want people to take for granted,” emphasized Quist, adding that the student culture is one where they are competitive and push each other to work hard, but still support one another.

Stelter said: “It seems that this year, we’ve represented the school well and taken home a lot of hardware. Everyone who’s contributing is going to do big things. It’s a really exciting time to be in the Media Arts program at Bethany.”

Media arts is a growing industry, and Bethany alumni are comfortably making their place in it. Alumni have gone to work for the NFL, the Super Bowl, Netflix, ESPN, and Google. They work in graphic design, make documentaries, freelance, and start their own businesses. Though some have stayed in the Midwest, others have ventured to Los Angeles, Las Vegas, and other places around the country.

Still, alumni are happy to lend their support to current Bethany media arts students, facilitating job shadowing, offering expert guidance, and even helping graduates secure jobs.

“I’ve been so impressed with how eager they [alumni] are to be involved and help support and inspire these next groups of graduates,” said Quist.

With the year they’ve had, the media arts momentum is sure to continue.

VIEW MORE MEDIA ARTS UPDATES AT: MEDIAARTS.BLC.EDU

Promotional posters for some of the award winning films.

But Not All Is Lost

BY LANCE SCHWARTZ ’86 • CHIEF COMMUNICATION OFFICER

Family journey depicted through works of art

When Bethany junior Abby (Nelson) Skorenkyi learned of the Russian invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, her perspective was intimately and personally tied to the war. That’s because her fiancé, and now husband, Kostia Skorenkyi was anxiously watching the news reports that showed the missiles and helicopters assaulting the very streets he walked as a child growing up in the Kyiv metropolitan area. Abby is studying both education and studio art at Bethany. She met Kostia in New Ulm, Minnesota, where he is studying in a program at Martin Luther College preparing him for future training to be a Lutheran pastor. Kostia could not believe what he was seeing, and the shock and horror surrounding the invasion was immense. They both wished they could do something for Kostia’s family who were literally on the run to escape the war. In reality, all they could do was pray.

While the Skorenkyi family’s situation and resulting travel out of Ukraine were agonizing and frightening, they did eventually find their way back together. The family was fortunate to apply as war refugees in the United States, where Kostia’s parents are now living. Kostia's sister studies in Germany.

Bethany education and studio art major Abby Skorenkyi.

Photos courtesy of Abby Skorenkyi

Abby Skorenkyi presented her paintings and the story behind them during her art show.

Photo by Ben Stelter

Throughout the ongoing ordeal, Abby began to focus her feelings and creative energy on a series of large paintings that depict the various paths her husband’s family took to escape the war. The paintings include her father-in-law driving (presumably) a military vehicle, her mother-in-law depicted as a caregiver amidst the horror, Kostia in prayer, her sister in law dancing (she studies dance in Germany), the family dog, and a depiction of her husband’s grandmother and twin sister who are still in Ukraine.

Abby presented these paintings as part of the requirements for her senior project for the studio art major. They were presented during her junior year because she will be student teaching as required by the education major during her senior year. The show, entitled “But Not All Is Lost” was exhibited in April 2023 in the Ylvisaker Fine Art Center.

Seeing Abby present these personal works of art was moving. She’s not one to approach her art timidly, she’s very much an outgoing, happy, and wholly dedicated artist.

Her professor, Jason Jaspersen said, “In Abby, I see a determined, generous person, someone who has a strong will and uses that strong will to push at the boundaries of how much she can give, rather than how much she can take.”

Abby’s giving nature allows her to propel herself fully into her painting. She says she loves doing the work, it’s as if her world is consumed by the process of painting at times.

“A lot of people that know me tell me that I’m a very happy person. When I see something really beautiful, I just get very excited, and I say ‘I want to do something about that.’ In the same way, art is what I do about it, and art gives me an escape from everything I do at school, the tests, so sometimes instead of studying for a science test, I spend time painting!”

A selection of the paintings which were displayed during the exhibit.

"In Abby, I see a determined, generous person, someone who has a strong will and uses that strong will to push at the boundaries of how much she can give, rather than how much she can take."

- JASON JASPERSEN ASSOCIATE PROFESSOR, STUDIO ART

Kostia Skorenkyi, and other members of the Skorenkyi family, were able to participate in the art show.

Photo by Ben Stelter

BY EMELINE GULLIXSON

CONTRIBUTING WRITER

Mastering Mental Health

Alongside the usual festivities of this year’s Spring Commencement came a historic moment for Bethany: the first cohort of the Clinical Mental Health Counseling program graduated with their master’s degrees. The seven graduates began their studies in the fall of 2021, completing a two-year program.

“The format of our program lends itself to folks who are re-careering, advancing their career, or in their later stages of life,” said Dr. Benjamin Kohls, Director of Graduate Studies and a core faculty member. He noted that students entering the program right after completing an undergraduate degree are also most

welcome. Kohls helped write the program’s curriculum and got it accredited through the Higher Learning Commission.

The timeline for graduation is flexible; students can choose a two or three-year plan. Both plans offer the same courses amounting to sixty credits.

“It’s a little kinder process for those that are at a different stage of life, where they have responsibilities inside and outside the home, or a professional career. It keeps them moving in an efficient way, but gives them a little breathing room,” said Kohls, speaking of the three year course of study.

Not only is it Bethany’s first graduate program, but it is also the College’s first online degree offered. Bethany serves students all across the country, and even one student who lived abroad.

“It allowed a lot of flexibility with my schedule to be a full-time employee while also being a full-time student,” said Syndey Chouinard, a 2023 graduate. Though she certainly had to be disciplined about meeting deadlines, Chouinard found that she enjoyed the ease of working from the comfort of her own home.

The online program is mostly asynchronous, save for three residency visits to Bethany’s campus as well as an in-person internship at a local clinical site. The first two campus residency visits come during the first

From left: Rev. Dr. Michael Smith, Dr. Benjamin Kohls, Dr. Helena Stevens, Zacharias Laughlin, Bethany Pearce, Hope Loersch, Margaret Petersen, Michael Helwig, Sydney Chouinard, Mark Krause, Dr. Karina Clennon, Dr. Jason Lowrey

Photos by David Norris

’21 •

and second fall semesters, where students attend a four-day intensive in-person experience. Using the counseling spaces in Honsey Hall, professors can give students immediate feedback on their skills.

The third campus residency occurs during the students’ final spring semester, where they present their capstone project, which integrates professional and skills training, their identity as a Christian Mental Health Counselor, and evidence-based work.

Besides these residencies, the main in-person component is the 700 hours of required internship experience, which happens over the course of the students’ final year. This gives the students the opportunity to work as a counselor in a local, professional clinical site.

“They’re working, seeing clients, and have direct supervision of a licensed counselor on-site,” said Kohls. “It’s hands-on training.”

Dr. Karina (Harstad '07) Clennon is an Assistant Professor of Clinical Mental Health Counseling, and serves as the Clinical Experiences Coordinator. She helps students secure a clinical site where they accomplish their practicum and internship. This includes guiding students to know what to look for in a practicum site, and verifying that the site they’re interested in meets those requirements.

“Our hope is that they get a variety of experiences working with different populations,” said Clennon, adding that because the clinical work is local to the student, the process of selecting and securing a practicum site is largely student driven.

During their clinical experience, students meet synchronously online once a week with classmates and faculty. On top of support from their site supervisor, students bring cases for group consultation to their online meetings. Students then learn from each other’s experiences, and receive feedback concerning various client situations.

Chouinard interned with Christian Family Solutions, where she got her own client load, wrote progress notes, and diagnosed clients, among other things. She recently began her full-time job as a counselor there.

All seven of this year’s graduates were offered jobs at counseling sites, a testament to their work as well as their professors’ instruction. “These students with jobs are highly motivated and put a great first impression out there for our program at these different sites,” said Clennon.

Graduates are licensure eligible, and are certainly well prepared for the application process. To do so, they have to complete 2,000 hours–around two years–under the supervision of a licensed counselor. Then, they must pass an exam and apply for their licensure.

Michael Helwig was a 2023 graduate who also did his clinical internship at Christian Family Solutions, though at a different site. He now works there as a full-time therapist in training. “I have recently been asked to consider doing some work as an advocate for mental health in ministry spaces. This was actually what my final capstone project presented.”

Both Helwig and Chouinard were drawn to the program in part because of its Christian worldview. “During class, there’s always the question, ‘How does your faith interact or intersect with this topic?’” said Kohls.

“You have a distinct understanding that the faculty and peers are going to share the same or similar faith to you, and that conversations about faith, hope, prayers, and forgiveness are not only encouraged, but expected,” noted Clennon.

There is sure to be increased interest in Bethany’s Clinical Mental Health Counseling program in the coming years, and this first graduate cohort has nothing but encouragement for those following in their footsteps.

Helwig said: “So many friends and acquaintances spoke highly of the College and the new master’s program. I am thankful for this experience and consider Bethany a new home and family in a very real sense.”

Sydney Chouinard during in an in-person residency.

Students utilized space in Honsey Hall to practice skills during their on-campus residency visit.

Center of Activity

Long-awaited student space opens

BY LANCE SCHWARTZ ’86 • CHIEF COMMUNICATION OFFICER

The Bethany Activity Center officially opened on May 1, 2023. Construction began in November 2021 on the 83,000 square foot multi-purpose building housing recreational and student gathering spaces. The indoor recreational space features a six-lane running/walking track, jumping spaces, artificial turf infield, and drop down netting to divide the space for multiple user groups and purposes at the same time. A new fitness center contains a variety of exercise machines and equipment for the entire campus to use, as well as locker rooms and a 3,000-square-foot student lounge and event space. These new spaces alleviate pressure on the existing Sports and Fitness Center and provide much needed recreational spaces for use by classes, students, and athletes; and will provide additional and much-needed student lounge and study space.

The Bethany Activity Center officially opened in May 2023.

Photos by David Norris

Students were able to use the building before the close of the 202223 academic year, and the first event was held in late April when the College’s Heritage Society gathered for a reception and dinner in the building’s event space. A series of grand opening events have begun and will continue throughout the next several months. Those included an official community ribbon cutting on June 1, the Sacred Dedication Service on June 21, in addition tours will also be offered during the Fall Festival weekend in September, and a community open house is planned on November 7, 2023, held in conjunction with Greater Mankato Growth’s Business After Hours monthly event.

Fundraising still continues for this building, which is a component of the multi-phased Building Bethany campaign. Information can be found at blc.edu/buildingbethany

The facility is available for community rental (youth sports, walking/ running, special events). Interested groups can contact the Bethany Activity Center Facility Manager, Nick Neubauer at 507-344-7870.

BY LANCE SCHWARTZ

• CHIEF COMMUNICATION OFFICER

Finely Tuned Movements

When a student enrolls at Bethany, they expect to take interesting classes, be mentored by caring professors, and prepared for life beyond college—all in the light of a Christian framework. But sometimes, perhaps even more often than one might realize, they’ll take part in something new, unexpected, and beyond their normal routine or comfort zone. This is what a liberal arts education offers to Bethany students.

Jake Marzinske, a Class of 2023 graduate in exercise science, came to Bethany following several family members who’ve attended the College over the course of several decades. While he chose to attend Bethany because of his family connection and the Christian atmosphere, other experiences that interested Marzinske were continuing his successful track career and participating in band and choir at Bethany.

Marzinske competed in track at an elite level in high school at St. Croix Lutheran Academy. He continued that passion at Bethany where he qualified for the NCAA DIII National Championships in triple jump. His latest jump during the 2023 season put him at seventh place in the nation heading into the

national meet. The trip to Nationals will be his third straight following an 11th place finish at last year’s championships.

The track experience was the familiar one that carried over to Bethany for Marzinske, but what happened as the result of choosing a minor study of course was not so familiar–perhaps something even

Jake Marzinske (left) and his coach Michael Dunn at the NCAA DIII National Championships.

Photo by David Norris

Photo courtesy of Michael Dunn

’86

slightly out of the comfort zone for him. Marzinkse had always enjoyed music, and he’d played saxophone and piano for many years. This interest led him to choose music for his minor area of study, and with it came the requirement to take private music lessons. And while he probably could have chosen to continue with instruments he’s most familiar with, instead he chose to learn how to play the organ under the tutelage of Professor Mark DeGarmeux.

Marzinske said, “Honestly, I had no intentions of taking organ lessons or any music lessons at all. I decided to take organ lessons only by process of elimination, and I’m so glad that I did. I started taking lessons in the spring semester of my sophomore year. One of the main reasons that I chose organ was because I took piano lessons for eleven years and organ and piano are somewhat similar so I already had a start.”

But the advantage of a Bethany liberal arts experience is that it presents new explorations to students. And the best part of learning something new in this context is that you don’t have to do these things at an elite level to participate or learn. Anyone can pick up something new at Bethany, and many do.

Marzinske continued, “I feel like a lot of high schoolers think that you can only join an activity in college if you’re super talented at it. There may be colleges like that, but Bethany is not. No matter what your skill level is in something, you can give it a try here. Take band for example. Lots of people think that they can’t join band because it’s college and they don’t play their instrument that much. This is completely false. It doesn’t matter whether you’ve been in band for eight years or are new to it, you can always give it a try. This goes for other activities on campus too. For freshman or new students, when you get to Bethany get involved and make connections right away. If something interests you, give it a try.”

And “give it a try,” he did. Marzinske regularly played organ for Bethany’s daily chapel services throughout the school year, and this spring, he presented a full recital featuring pieces he’d learned during the course of his organ lessons.

Now, while his track and field career is coming to a close, Marzinske will take the competitive memories with him while planning to start a career and also continue playing the organ as much as possible.

Marzinske explained, “I definitely plan on continuing to play organ. It’ll mostly be for church services, but there also might be weddings and other things that I’ll play for. I might also continue taking lessons because I still need some work to improve.”

Bethany offers congratulations to Jake Marzinske on his graduation, a stellar track career, and for “jumping out of the comfort zone” and learning something more than what he envisioned before enrolling at Bethany.

Marzinske also participated in concert band amongst his many other activities.

Marzinske was the conference champion in the triple jump at the Upper Midwest Athletic Conference Outdoor Track and Field Championships.

"For freshman or new students, when you get to Bethany get involved and make connections right away. If something interests you, give it a try."

- JAKE MARZINSKE '23

Photo by David Norris

Photo by Destiny Sybounheuan

BASEBALL

The Bethany baseball team won both the Upper Midwest Athletic Conference (UMAC) regular season title with a 18-3 record and were the conference tournament champions to gain a berth in the NCAA DIII playoffs. Nine Vikings were named First Team All-Conference: Brad Bickmann, Eli Fest, Ben Hopper, Jackson Huiras, Gavin Jacobsen, Conor Merton, Liam Peterson, Aidan Russell, and Matt Verdugo. UMAC honorable mention awards went to Brody Curtiss and Hunter Pearce. Ryan Kragh was named UMAC Coach of the Year and Jackson Huiras earned the Rookie of the Year award.

MEN’S BASKETBALL

The Bethany Lutheran men’s basketball team finished the season with a 23-5 record (12-2 in the UMAC). Head coach Pat Garvin was named UMAC Coach of the Year. The Vikings claimed their first regular season title since 2017-18 and first tournament championship since 2019-20 en route to the NCAA Tournament. Drew Sagedahl was named First Team All-Conference, Jax Madson was a Second-Team recipient, and Hunter Nielsen, Xavier Patterson, and Mason Ackley were Honorable Mention All-Conference.

WOMEN’S BASKETBALL

The Bethany Lutheran women’s basketball team finished with a 7-18 overall record in 2022-23 and a 5-9 record in the UMAC under head coach Lyle Jones who finished his 21st year at the helm for the Vikings. Skylar Cotten earned All-Conference Honorable Mention.

SOFTBALL

The Bethany women’s softball team was the UMAC regular season champion with a 20-1 conference record. Coach Dan Nessler was named UMAC Coach of the Year. Kayla Senne earned UMAC Pitcher of the Year honors, and Emily Doyle was the conference Rookie of the Year for the Vikings. Doyle, Katelyn Halbach, Kaija Mork, and Senne earned First Team All-Conference honors, while Ana Christofferson and Brynja Mielke gained Honorable Mention.

TENNIS

Marcos Borobia Arias was named First Team All-Conference and Heitor Damaso earned Second Team honors for the BLC Men’s Tennis Team. The Vikings finished the season at 8-9 overall and 6-4 in the UMAC. Sailor Mohlenbrock earned Second Team All-Conference honors on the women’s side for the Vikings. The Vikings were 4-12 overall and 3-7 in the UMAC.

TRACK AND FIELD

The Bethany women’s track and field team earned a second place finish at the UMAC Indoor Championships. Steph Witbrod was named the Women’s Field Athlete of the Meet with her first-place finishes in high jump, weight throw, long jump, triple jump, shot put, and the 60 meter hurdles. Kayla Tobin took first place in the 5000 meter run, and the team of Naomi Anderson, Cianna Hoppe, Chloe Kuhlman, and Jordan Merwin captured first in the distance medley relay. The outdoor season saw the women’s team taking third place at the UMAC Championships. Witbrod, once again, had a successful meet claiming Field Athlete of the Meet honors while winning the 100 meter hurdles, triple jump, and shot put. Cianna Hoppe, Chloe Kuhlman, Abby Skorenkyi, and Kayla Tobin also earned top honors for their first place finish in the 4x800 meter relay.

For the Bethany men, Jake Marzinske was named Field Athlete of the Meet winning the long jump, 60 meter hurdles, and the triple jump while Jakin Anderson captured first place in the 3000 meter run at the UMAC Indoor Championship. The men’s track team captured third place at the UMAC Indoor Championship and took sixth place in the UMAC outdoor conference meet where Jake Marzinske earned All-Conference in the triple jump.

BY LANCE SCHWARTZ ’86 • CHIEF COMMUNICATION OFFICER

CLAY CHAMPIONS

The Bethany Clay Target team competes in the USA College Clay Target League. Thirty-six college teams are assigned to five conferences based on team size. Bethany competed with seven schools from the Midwest and captured second place in the trap competition with 1390.5 points—just behind the first place team from Central Lakes College (1568 points). Andrew Adermann was the top male player with a season average of 47.7 (out of 50) points per round and Kali Bray placed second (43.7) in the female division.

In the skeet competition, Bethany was the conference champion with 523.5 points with Aderman taking top honors for the male division (47.4) and teammate Colton Moldan was third (44.0). Twin sisters Riley (45.2) and Kali Bray (44.4) went one-two for the Vikings on the women’s side.

Bethany was also the conference champions in the sporting clays division (162.5). Aderman was the top player (22.2) and Moldan took third (21.5). For the women, the Bray sisters led the pack with Riley (22.2) in first and Kali (21.9) in second place.

LEGENDARY LEAGUE

Bethany’s Varsity League of Legends Esports Team continued their national prominence in 2023 topping Michigan State in their final match of the campaign to cap off a 7-0 regular season. The team defeated Northeastern University in the first round of the national tournament and took down the University of Waterloo (Canada) in the round of sixteen. Their next opponent was the national tournament’s number one seed – Winthrop University. While the Vikings competed hard, they were unable to secure the win against the nation’s top-ranked team. Senior Ryan Vreeland ended his regular season career with a combined 23-2 record over the last four years.

The clay target team was conference champions in the skeet competition and the sporting clays division.

League of Legends player Aidan Fallon.

Photo courtesy of Kenneth Mueller

Photo by Abigail Santos

BY

Jones bids farewell

Longtime Bethany Lutheran College (BLC) professor and head women’s basketball coach Lyle Jones announced in April his intent to retire after the 2022-23 academic year due to health concerns. Jones began his successful coaching tenure at Bethany in 1990 and also taught in the Health and Human Performance Department. He also served as a past head coach for men’s soccer and women’s softball. Jones coached women’s basketball for a combined twenty-one years.

Jones said in April, “Early in the 2022-23 basketball season my health started to affect both daily activities and my coaching. I pushed through the issues, but I did not feel like myself, and continued to the point where I had to miss a few games late in the season.”

He added, “It’s my intent to focus my time completely on my family and my health. This is not an easy thing for me as I love coaching and mentoring our student-athletes. I am incredibly grateful to God for the opportunities and experiences I’ve had at Bethany and in the Upper Midwest Athletic Conference (UMAC). It’s been a true blessing to be able to coach so many wonderful student-athletes. I’ll treasure these memories.”

In twenty-one seasons at the helm of the women’s basketball program, competing first in the National

Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA) and then the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) DIII, Jones’ teams compiled an impressive 381-180 (67% winning percentage) record. His accomplishments include:

NJCAA

• Three Minnesota Community College Conference (MCCC) state championships

• Eight MCCC Southern Division titles

• Two NJCAA Region XIII titles

• MCCC Coach of the Year (1994, 1995)

• NJCAA Regional Coach of the Year (2001, 2002)

• Women’s Basketball Coaches Association District 4 Coach of the Year (1995) where he was one of seven finalists for national coach of the year

NCAA DIII

• Three Upper Midwest Athletic Conference (UMAC) tournament championships

• Three UMAC regular season championships

• Two NCAA National Tournament appearances (2019, 2020)

• UMAC Coach of the Year (2019, 2020, 2022)

• Head coach of the 2021 USA Division III Basketball Select Team

Women's basketball head coach Lyle Jones.

Photos by David Norris

LANCE SCHWARTZ ’86 • CHIEF COMMUNICATION OFFICER

Under Jones, Bethany teams were ranked in the national polls and were in the top ten in the nation in offense and defense multiple seasons. He coached ten NJCAA and KODAK All-Americans.

Bethany’s Co-Athletic Director Pat Garvin said, “I know this is both a gut-wrenching as well as a courageous decision Lyle is making. We will miss his encouraging, Bethany-first outlook on the floor and in the classroom. Lyle has embodied what it means to be a coach and mentor at Bethany.”

Purfeerst takes helm of women's team

Emma Purfeerst was named head coach of the women's basketball team. As the associate head coach for the past five seasons, she has helped the Vikings win three UMAC tournament championships, and three UMAC regular season championships.

Jones was happy to see his colleague take over the program. He said, “I’m so happy that Emma will be leading the program. She’s been a critical piece of the program’s success during the past five years, and I’m confident she’ll be a strong leader for the women.”

Purfeerst is a 2014 alumna of Carleton College (Northfield, Minnesota) and was a four-year starter for the Knights women’s basketball team. She was also a two-year captain and recipient of Minnesota Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (MIAC) All First Year Team honors and the MIAC Sportsmanship Award. Prior to her Bethany coaching duties, she served as an assistant for four seasons at Waverly High School in Nebraska where she helped the team to a Class B State Runner-Up finish in 2016.

Purfeerst’s résumé includes:

• Women’s Basketball Coaches Association (WBCA) member

• Participant in the WBCA “So You Want to be a Coach” program

• Two-year participant in the WBCA Coach-toCoach mentorship program

• WeCOACH member

• Graduate of the NCAA Women Coaches Academy

Purfeerst is also an adjunct instructor at BLC in biology, exercise science, and physical education.

Purfeerst said, “I would like to thank President Gene Pfeifer and Co-Athletic Directors Pat Garvin and Ryan Kragh for selecting me to be the next women’s basketball coach at Bethany Lutheran College. I would also like to thank Lyle for his mentorship over the past five seasons. He allowed me to grow as a coach and has helped to prepare me for this transition. I am very excited to continue to build the women’s basketball program at Bethany.”

Jones has led incredibly successful teams in his twenty-one seasons of coaching.

Purfeerst takes over as head coach of the women's basketball team after assisting for the past five seasons.

Bruss is 2023 Distinguished Alumni Award recipient

BY LANCE SCHWARTZ ’86 • CHIEF COMMUNICATION OFFICER

Dan Bruss, Bethany’s ninth president and 1973 alumnus, was recognized as the 2023 Bethany Distinguished Alumni Award recipient at the Bethany Spring Commencement Ceremony on May 12, 2023.

Bruss received an associate in arts degree from Bethany, and earned his bachelor of arts in biology from Augsburg College (Minneapolis) and a master of arts degree in chemistry from Minnesota State University, Mankato. He went on to earn a doctorate of philosophy in chemistry from Montana State University (Bozeman).

Bruss began a successful academic career at Bethany Lutheran College from 1975-1981 serving as an instructor in chemistry. Prior to his Bethany presidency, he taught for twelve years (1990-2002) at Central College (Pella). During this time, Bruss moved his way through the academic ranks earning the title of full professor. While at Central, he held various leadership roles and was the faculty coordinator for the renovation and expansion of the Vermeer Science Center. He was twice the recipient of the Central College “Outstanding Performance Award for Institutional Service” and was also recognized with the “Huffman Award for Outstanding Support of International Education.” Bruss was also an assistant professor of chemistry at Albany College of Pharmacy (Albany, New York) from 1985-1990, where he earned the “Distinguished Teacher of the Year” award in 1989. He successfully combined a teaching career with research and was involved in many research projects, including work with Pioneer Hi-Bred International and Sterling Drug, Inc. He has been published in a variety of peer-reviewed academic journals. Bruss successfully authored or co-authored grant proposals that garnered half a million dollars in awards for Albany College of Pharmacy and Central College.

Bruss received the call to be President of Bethany in January 2002 and served until June 2015. He started as President when Bethany was very new to the bachelor’s degree-granting world of higher education,

with only eight majors, and is credited for leading the College to be a full four-year institution. Under his leadership, Bethany added twelve new majors. Edgewood Place, an apartment-style residence, was built in 2005 to give upper-class students more independence. Study abroad opportunities and other international connections were developed. The College transitioned to NCAA Division III athletics, and new sports were added. A new academic building, Honsey Hall, the largest building on campus, was built in 2010 to house Bethany’s growing academic programs. $28,000,000 was raised through the Faithful Future Capital Campaign, and $5,000,000 of those funds were set aside for endowed scholarships. The Campaign exceeded the goal by $2,000,000. Also, while President, he served on the Greater Mankato Growth Board of Directors and the Minnesota Private College Council, where he was the Chair from 2013-2015.

A native of Franklin, Wisconsin, Bruss and his wife Kathy (’79 Moldstad) are retired and make their home in Pella, Iowa. They have two children, Elisabeth Fehr (’06) and Robert (’05- ‘07), and four grandchildren. Bruss continues to enjoy learning, exploring, and experimenting. He loves to travel, garden, cook, and get together with friends, many of whom are a part of the Bethany Family. He currently serves on the Kingdom Workers Board of Directors and is the Chair of the Trustee Succession Committee for the Marvin M. Schwan Charitable Foundation.

Bruss accepted the award from President Gene Pfeifer at the Spring Commencement Ceremony.

Photo by David Norris

from our ALUMNI

1940s

p It was a special evening when alumna Evelyn (Kressman ’49) Gehm attended the Bethany Choir Tour Concert on May 17, 2023, in Frankenmuth, Michigan. Evelyn saw an ad for the concert in the local newspaper, and because she had recently moved into a senior living condo community located just a few just blocks from the church, she was able to attend the concert. The pastor of the church (St. John’s Evangelical Lutheran (ELS)) is Bethany alumnus Patrick Ernst ('15). Evelyn is pictured with the choir and other BLC alumni in this photo taken after the concert.

1950s

Alan Bostelman (’53) will celebrate the 60th year of outdoor camping trips for psychiatric in-patient and discharged state hospital people this coming Labor Day weekend. The date will also recognize the 15th year of Alan co-facilitating “Healing Memories” three-day workshops for veterans dealing with trauma from their experiences. Unfortunately, the last few years have been curtailed by Covid. Al and wife Margaret manage to stay healthy. Al looks forward to meeting with other ‘53 classmates at this fall’s alumni reunion to hear what life has been like for you these last 70 years.

2023, with a special gathering of family and friends at Mount Olive Lutheran Church in Mankato.

1960s

p President Emeritus Marv Meyer (‘59) celebrated his 85th birthday on February 5,

p A special thank you to outgoing Bethany Alumni Board member Vivian (Unseth ’60) Weseloh. Pictured is Vivian with her husband Larry displaying the framed “One Thing Needful” print by Marian Anderson she received as a gift for her service.

1970s

p Pictured Left to Right are Al Johnson (‘70), Linda (Narges ‘71) Krebsbach, Gayl Edwards (‘71), Wanda (Olmanson ‘70) Berke, and Dan Schaefer (‘71) after the Bethany Choir performed at Our Redeemer Lutheran Church in Madison, Wisconsin, on Saturday, May 20, 2023. They send greetings to all their classmates.

Gilberto Armendariz (’73) has lived in Illinois and Texas working as a Reverse Mortgage Consultant at Success Mortgage Partners. He is married to Silvia and has two daughters, Veronica and Raquel. He coaches soccer for players with special needs.

Barbara (’74 Bloedel) Becker teaches flute at Bethany. She is married to Denis and they make their home in Mankato.

p Mark Drevlow (’75), and his wife Anne, are new members of St. Timothy Lutheran in Lombard, Illinois. David Thompson (’75), a classmate of Mark’s, serves as Pastor at St. Timothy. Mark and his wife showed up at St. Timothy one Sunday a number of months ago. He and David had not seen each other since 1975. After several meetings with Pastor Thompson, Mark and Anne were warmly welcomed into membership at St. Timothy. Mark is a Latin scholar, teaching Latin for many years in various schools and locations. He also loves music, especially Christian hymns, cantatas, etc. He has translated over 200 hymns not from Latin, but into Latin.

Sue (Gouley ‘75) Wiggins retired from her legal secretary position in April 2023. She hopes to travel, read, spend time with her fourteen-year-old grandson, and use her embroidery machine. She continues to serve her community by serving on the local library board.

1980s

Jeffrey Huseby (’80) married Cindy Krause in December 2022. They make their home in Belview, Minnesota.

Allison (Cain ‘82) DeRaad would like to inform classmates that her husband and best friend, Les DeRaad, passed away from Pulmonary Fibrosis in October 2021. The couple was married in 1985 and raised two daughters. Les also leaves behind his grandchildren, Vinton (12) and Valyn (10).

1990s

Joshua Schuch (’94) is now a special education teacher at Rothschild Elementary in Rothschild, Wisconsin.

Bruce Schwark (’96) serves as pastor at Trinity Lutheran Church in Omak, Washington. Pastor Schwark and his wife Jeong Yun C. Schwark will celebrate their 20th anniversary in August.

Kelly (’98 Blythe) is married to Korey Klatt (’97) and owns her own photography business in the Twin Cities called Photography by Kelly Klatt. They have three children and their daughter Lucy is a current student at Bethany.

J. Michael Burkhardt (‘98) is currently working in in healthcare, and actively participates as a Union steward for the Gastroenterology Department for Kaiser Permanente. Michael currently resides in Beaverton, Oregon.

2000s

Tara Sikel (’01) was promoted to Vice President of Sales and Marketing for Taylor Corporation.

Chad Bloedel (’01) is an architect, designer at Kahler Slater in Port Washington, Wisconsin.

Katie (’04 Jorgenson) Vechart is working as an Occupational Therapist for Gentiva Health Services in Minnesota.

Daniel Morrison (’04) is a Deposit Payment Specialist for First Federal Bank in Port Angeles, Washington.

Brian Bartelt (’07) is now the Director of Campus Safety at Viterbo University in La Crosse, Wisconsin.

Meredith (’08 Browne) is married to Paul Gunderson (’07) and they make their home in New Ulm, Minnesota. They have three children. Paul is the Assistant County Attorney for Brown County and Meredith is a Spanish Teacher in the New Ulm Public Schools.

Justin Loehrs (’09) and his wife, Laura, welcomed their second child, Liam Lee, to the world this last year.

2010s

p Andrew and Abigail (‘10 Popp) Copland welcomed their son Asher Wallace Copland on December 20, 2022.

Josiah Willitz (’10) is a music teacher at Michigan Lutheran High School in St Joseph, Michigan.

Diana (Marzinske ‘14) and Drew Carter welcomed their son, Logan James Carter, on February 18, 2023. Big sisters Jaina and Rosalie are excited to have a little brother, and everyone is adjusting to life as a family of five.

p Galen and Emily (Heintz ‘12) Holzhueter were united in marriage December 26th, 2022, at St. Mark Lutheran Church in Mankato, Minnesota.

p Joel (‘15) and Lindsey (Kamleiter ‘16) Ulrich welcomed their first child, Ella Ryann, on January 20, 2022. Joel and Lindsey recently built a home in Montgomery, Minnesota, and are loving country living. Joel is Sales Director for several Anytime Fitness clubs, and Lindsey is a registered nurse Fairview Ridges Hospital in Burnsville, Minnesota.

Leah Kurth (’14) graduated with her Master of Fine Arts, Illustration and Visual Culture from Washington University in St. Louis. She is currently a Professor in the Graphic Design department at St. Charles Community College in Cottleville, Missouri.

Reese (’16) and Maren (’20 Thompson) Boucher are expecting their second child in August 2023. They make their home in North Mankato, Minnesota. Reese is a Logistics Coordinator for Crystal Valley and Maren is a stay-at-home mother.

Jeffery Olsen (’16) welcomed his first child on January 1, 2023.

p Evan Oman (‘13) and Christopher Harmon (’12), both working as Senior Software Architects with the ZAIS Group, met up with Nate Lee (‘14), who is the Director of Recruiting at Q Consulting, at the Open Source North Convention at the University of St. Thomas in St. Paul, Minnesota. The event is a gathering of open source enterprise developers and industry experts.

Megan Maschoff (’16) is the Director of Communications at Shattuck-St. Mary’s School in Faribault, Minnesota.

Michael (’15) and Alannah (’19 Menk) welcomed their second child, a daughter, Rya Jo, in November 2022. They make their home in Valley Springs, South Dakota.

Gabrielle Emmons (’17) graduated with her Master of History from the University of Northern Iowa and is now an adjunct professor in the History Department at Bethany.

Michael Schultz (‘15) married Kelly DeWolf on May 13, 2022, in Fort Dodge, Iowa.

Laura Kottschade (’16) is the Director of Operations at Jerry’s Body Shop in Mankato.

Brett LaBore (‘18), sports reporter for The Lakeland Times in Minocqua, Wisconsin, won a total of six awards at the Wisconsin Newspaper Association (WNA) 2022 Better Newspaper Contest on Friday, March 24 at The Madison Concourse Hotel and Governor’s Club in Wisconsin. He won five second place awards highlighted by a first place award for Sports News Story in Division C. In addition, The Lakeland Times was named Newspaper of the Year in the weekly division.

Kevin Harris (’18) is a Physical Therapist for North Texas Orthopedics & Spine Center in Fort Worth, Texas.

Sarah Carpenter (‘19) graduated cum laude from the University of St. Thomas School of Law with a Juris Doctor degree.

Cynthia Krause (’19) recently received her master’s degree in harp performance from the University of Minnesota - Twin Cities. She keeps busy running her piano and harp studio of over thirty private students, plus playing organ at her church for services. Cynthia loves staying connected with the Bethany family and has enjoyed coming back to perform for several different concerts.

Morgan Sauer (’19) is a Marketing Manager, Events Coordinator, Content Writer, and Tier 2 Customer Service for 605 Running Company in Sioux Falls, South Dakota.

Chad (’19) and Megan (’19 Morehouse) Lease welcomed their first child, Lydia in June 2022.

Tim (’19) and Magen (Meyer ’18) Schmidt welcomed their first child, a boy, Walker, on January 7, 2023.

2020s

p Hannah Drewek (‘20) and Noah Battenfeld (‘19) are excited to announce that they are getting married July 8, 2023, in Elysian, Minnesota. The couple met in their years at Bethany and continue to share their love of teaching as they are both educators in southern Minnesota. Noah teaches first grade in the Kasson-Mantorville School District and Hannah teaches Kindergarten in the Maple River School District. The two are excited to begin this next chapter together! The couple currently resides in Waseca, Minnesota.

Emma Iverson (’20) is at Iowa State University pursuing a master's in veterinary medicine.

Emma Kelly (‘20) is excited to announce that she’s been promoted to Business Data Analyst at Taylor Corporation. She wanted to let students know that she still has connections to her previous talent acquisition role, so if anybody would like her to pass on your name to the recruiters at Taylor Corporation, please send her an email at Emma.Kelly@taylor.com

Emily (Kjeer ’20) Helmen is pursuing a master of fine arts –creative writing from Emerson College and is expected to graduate in August 2023.

Kory Kochevar (’20) is now working full-time for Sleep Number in Northfield, Minnesota.

Kaitlin Lange (’20) is now in her third year of teaching art at Luther Preparatory School in Watertown, Wisconsin.

Samantha Kniess (’20) is working as a microbiologist for Marshfield Health Center in Stratford, Wisconsin.

Silas Petersen (’20) graduated with in May 2023 with his law degree from the University of Notre Dame. He is now an attorney for Larkin Hoffman in Bloomington, Minnesota.

Gideon Ripley (’20) recently welcomed a daughter and is currently pursuing a master in clinical mental health counseling at Bethany.

Emily Skrien (’20) currently working on her master of special education.

Travis Uecker (’20) is currently working at a paraprofessional at Glencoe - Silver Lake Senior High School in Glencoe, Minnesota.

Kelci (Wold ’20) Karstens and her husband Brandon welcomed a baby boy, Oliver, in July 2022.

p Jacob ('21) and Sydney (Kappel '21) Tesch were married on May 14, 2022.

Ashley Arett (’21) was accepted into Mitchell Hamline School of Law in St. Paul, Minnesota.

Skyler Hepler (’21) is currently pursuing his master in divinity from Bethany Lutheran Theological Seminary with the intent to serve as a pastor in the Evangelical Lutheran Synod.

Jenna Jorgenson (’21) recently graduated from the University of Jamestown Physical Therapy School.

Josh Weaver (’21) is currently teaching at Luther High School in Onalaska, Wisconsin.

Ariel Brelje (’21) is working as a benefits counselor for Colonial Life in Glencoe, Minnesota.

Karena Verbitsky (’21) is living in Anchorage, Alaska, working as contracts administrator for Taylor Corporation. She recently began learning and training to be a boxer and won her first semi-professional boxing fight.

Lauren Marie Zimmerman (’21) was hired as an engineer for MinnKota/Johnson Outdoors in Mankato.

Lauren McMackin (’22) is now the program coordinator for the Brown County Historical Society in New Ulm, Minnesota.

Deaths – Alumni, Regents, Faculty and Staff

p Tessa (Anderson ‘21) Chambers married Brent Chambers on May 13th, 2023. Tessa and Brent both grew up in Princeton, Minnesota, where they met while attending the Princeton Evangelical Lutheran School. Tessa graduated from the Bethany nursing program in the Spring of 2021 and is now employed as a registered nurse at Mayo Clinic Health System Mankato. Brent is currently in school to become a physician assistant. The couple was united in marriage in Trinity Chapel on the campus of Bethany Lutheran College. Friends and family traveled from all over the country to help celebrate their joyous day.

David Kenyon (’50) passed away on January 8, 2023

Quintin Urban (’52) passed away on December 10, 2022

Goldie (Erickson ’54) Taber passed away on March 26, 2023

Gene Schreyer (’58) passed away on March 31, 2023

Dennis Natvig (’58, Bethany Business Manager ’64-‘95) passed away on April 3, 2023

David Golisch (’58) passed away on May 1, 2023

Donald Hochmuth (’64) passed away on February 25, 2023

Roger Strand (’65) passed away on February 20, 2023

James Finster (’67) passed away on February 16, 2023

Gloria Jean Reitz (’68) passed away on September 23, 2022

Miriam (Gullixson ’68) Porterfield passed away on November 26, 2022

Marvin Berke (’70) passed away on January 20, 2023

Barbara (Staats ’71) Strackbein passed away on January 13, 2023

Jean (Fenske ’73) Bosacker passed away on March 14, 2023

Glenn Lussky (’78) passed away on January 31, 2023

Obituary

David R. Golisch (‘58) passed away on May 1, 2023, in Fulda, Minnesota. He was married to the love of his life Janet (Hayman ‘59) who preceded him in death in 1999. During his lifetime, he was a Lutheran high school science and math teacher and computer programmer. He also taught driver’s education and 55 Alive classes. He is survived by his four children, sixteen grandchildren, and seven great-grandchildren, several of which have attended Bethany. His funeral was held at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Fulda on May 8. "On My Heart Imprint Thine Image" was sung at the service.

Former Bethany Business Manager Dennis Natvig passes away

Dennis Natvig (’58), former Business Manager at Bethany from 1964 to 1995 passed away on April 3, 2023. Natvig was also well known by many members of the Evangelical Lutheran Synod as the manager of the annual convention which is held on the Bethany campus. He was 85 at the time of his passing.

While attending Bethany, Natvig met his wife the sainted Naomi (Tweit '58) Natvig. The couple was married on Aug. 29, 1959, at Saude Lutheran Church (Lawler, Iowa) and was blessed with three sons, Craig, Jon, and Scott, who all attended Bethany.

Prior to beginning his thirty-one years of service at Bethany, Natvig served in the U.S. Army during the Berlin Crisis in 1961. In 1964, the Natvigs moved to Mankato when Dennis accepted the Business Manager position. He and Naomi were gracious hosts to friends and family throughout their years in Mankato.

In 1995, the Natvigs retired and permanently moved to Pine River, Minnesota, where they enjoyed time with family and friends at their home on the Whitefish Chain of Lakes. In 2011, they moved to Cottage Grove, Wisconsin, to be closer to family.

Natvig was a kind-hearted, funny, patient man who was devoted to his Lord and Savior, his wife, and his children. When Naomi was battling cancer, he unselfishly cared for her for more than five years until her passing in 2012. He was very proud of his Norwegian heritage, regularly saying the Norwegian Table Prayer before meals and eagerly anticipating the arrival of lutefisk and lefse at Christmas.

Two memorial services were held for Natvig. The first was at Holy Cross Lutheran Church in Madison, Wisconsin, on April 13, 2023, with the Rev. Mark Bartels officiating. A second memorial service was held at Saude Lutheran Church on April 15, 2023, with his nephew, the Rev. Bernt Tweit ('92), officiating.

Blessed be his memory!

Dennis Natvig

Bethany RETROSPECT

Remembering a campus moment from years gone by.

TRAFFIC JAM IN LUTHER HALL: Luther Hall has seen a fair share of renovations over the years. Here's a snapshot from the 1960s. Do you recognize anyone in the photo, and can you tell where in Luther Hall this was taken?

Send your reactions to editor@blc.edu

Find more photos from years past on archives.blc.edu.