Summer 2013 Quarterly

SUMMER 2013

GUSTAVUS

THE QUARTERLY

gustavus adolphus college

Hillstrom’s Legacy January Experiences Valuing the Humanities

the gustavus quarterly Summer 2013 Vol. LXIX. No. 3

in this issue 4 FROM THE EDITOR 5 ON THE HILL

Cross Cultural Ministry Days n A Royal Affair n Gifts from the Hillstrom Museum’s Namesake n New Books from Faculty/Staff n Calendar

12 Features

January Experiences n Valuing the Humanities

16 sports

Winter sports summary n Coach Carroll Honored n Runner-Musician Earns NCAA Postgrad Scholarship

24 ON THE HILL

Kevin Kling Checks In n Gustie Breakfasts n Liz Logan Sulik Rides Out Hurricane Sandy n BSO/PASO Reunion n Summer in the Cities n Reunion Weekend 2013 n Class Notes n Weddings n Births n In Memoriam

12

Willard Metcalf (1858–1925), Scene in Tunis, 1887, Oil on wood panel, 10 ½ x 16 1/8 inches, Gift of the Reverend Richard L. Hillstrom

ON THE COVER

Folke Bernadotte Memorial Library

7 7 Managing Editor Steven L. Waldhauser ’70 | waldo@gustavus.edu Alumni Editors Randall M. Stuckey ’83 | rstuckey@gustavus.edu Erin Holloway Wilken ’02 | ewilken@gustavus.edu Design Anna Deike | adeike@gustavus.edu Contributing Writers Ethan Armstrong ’09; Brianna Furey ’15; Gregory Kaster; Kevin Kling ’79; Donald Myers ’83; Matt Thomas ’00 Contributing Photographers Anders Björling ’58; Terry Clark; Brian Fowler (SportPiX); Tim Kennedy ’82; Nick Theisen ’15; Matt Thomas ’00; Stan Waldhauser ’71; the Gustavus Quarterly also acknowledges the resources of the Gustavus Adolphus College Archives

Photo by Anders Björling ’58

Articles and opinions presented in this magazine do not necessarily reflect the views of the editors or official policies of the College or its board of trustees.

The Gustavus Quarterly is printed on Domtar Earthchoice paper (30% PCR and sustainable source certified by SmartWood) using soy-based inks and alternative solvents and wetting agents, by the John Roberts Company, Minneapolis, an EPA Green Power Partner.

The Gustavus Quarterly (USPS 227-580) is published four times annually, in February, May, August, and November, by Gustavus Adolphus College, St. Peter, Minn. Periodicals postage is paid at St. Peter, MN 56082, and additional mailing offices. It is mailed free of charge to alumni and friends of the College. Circulation is approximately 41,000.

Postmaster: Send address changes to The Gustavus Quarterly, Office of Alumni Relations, Gustavus Adolphus College, 800 W. College Ave., St. Peter, MN 56082-1498.

2

THE GUSTAVUS QUARTERLY

16 Valuing the HUMANITIES—Associate professor of religion debora goodwin: The study of religion offers the opportunity for the type of integrated study that is desirable in the liberal arts education.

Photo by Terry Clark

GUSTAVUS ADOLPHUS COLLEGE

St. Peter, MN 56082 507-933-8000 | gustavus.edu Chair, Board of Trustees Mark Bernhardson ’71 President of the College Jack R. Ohle Vice President for Marketing and Communication Tim Kennedy ’82 Vice President for Institutional Advancement Thomas Young ’88 Director of Alumni Relations Randall M. Stuckey ’83 Gustavus Adolphus College is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission and is a member of the North Central Association.

SUMMER 2013

3

FROM THE EDITOR

Gustavus Adolphus College Board of Trustees The Rev. Jon V. Anderson, M.Div., New Ulm, Minn. (ex officio) Bishop, Southwestern Minnesota Synod, ELCA, Redwood Falls Scott P. Anderson ’89, M.B.A., Eagan, Minn.

President and Chief Executive Officer, Patterson Companies, Inc., Mendota Heights

The future of college magazines A sizeable percentage of Gustavus alumni reads the Quarterly from back to front. They scan through the weddings and births first (if they’re younger grads—they check the obits if they’re older) and read the notes from their own class and perhaps other classes of the same era before moving on to what’s happening at their alma mater these days.

We know this because the Alumni Relations Office has undertaken a few surveys in recent years to solicit reader opinions on content. However, the pace of change in today’s tech-savvy society is such that, while the data on current readership closely follow previous survey findings, we may well be approaching a tipping point regarding the format and delivery of the magazine. Industry findings suggest that college grads of at least the past decade and likely more are fully versed in electronic communication and are comfortable and even prefer reading online—on iPads and other tablets and/or interactive online magazines accessible through portals on their school’s website.

Grads from earlier decades may still prefer paper and a visually pleasing piece they can leave out on their coffee tables, but a growing number of alumni and friends are asking about electronic delivery.

With that tipping point in mind, we eagerly accepted Economics and Management Professor Bruce Johnson’s offer to address the two sections of his spring 2013 Marketing class about potential student projects centering on the future of the Quarterly. Each year Johnson invites representatives of a number of campus or community programs to meet with his classes and then has his classes break into groups of four to six and identify a project of potential value to a selected “client.” Two student groups—one from each of Johnson’s Marketing sections—chose to work with us and will be developing readership surveys and other ideas to determine the feasibility of other format and delivery options for the magazine.

Two of the big issues affecting the future of college magazines are the price of paper/ production and mailing costs, both of which grow each year simply because we welcome new graduates, parents, and friends to our readership annually (to say nothing of industry price increases). In the past 10 years, our circulation has grown by more than 10,000—from about 30,750 to 41,200. An e-mail list of readers requesting electronic delivery would eventually grow large enough to lower our production and mailing costs, but at the same time we’ll likely need to hire either consultants or additional staff to build a magazine app or website, to maintain it, and to monitor the e-mail list.

And then there are all those readers who have indicated that they want both a print copy and online access.

Thomas M. Annesley ’75, Ph.D., Ann Arbor, Mich. (vice chair) Professor Emeritus of Clinical Chemistry in Pathology, University Hospital, University of Michigan Al Annexstad, Excelsior, Minn.

Chairman, Federated Insurance Companies, Owatonna Tracy L. Bahl ’84, M.B.A., Greenwich, Conn.

Special Advisor, General Atlantic, N.Y. Warren Beck ’67, Greenwood, Minn.

President, Gabbert & Beck, Inc., Edina Rebecca M. Bergman, Ph.D., North Oaks, Minn.

Vice President, Research and Technology, Cardiac Rhythm Disease Medtronic Incorporated, Mounds View Mark E. Bernhardson ’71, M.A., Bloomington, Minn. (chair) City Manager, City of Bloomington The Rev. Åke Bonnier, Skara, Sweden Bishop, Diocese of Skara The Rev. Gordon A. Braatz, Ph.D., M.Div., Minneapolis Pastor and Psychologist, Retired Daniel G. Currell ’94, J.D., St. Paul, Minn.

Executive Director, Corporate Executive Board, Arlington, Va. Ardena L. Flippin ’68, M.D., M.B.A., Chicago Director, Physician Assistant Program, John H. Stroger Jr. Hospital of Cook County/ Malcolm X College The Rev. Brian Fragodt ’81, M.Div., Medina, Minn.

Senior Pastor, Trinity Lutheran Church, Long Lake James H. Gale ’83, J.D., Washington, D.C. Attorney at Law Marcus M. Gustafson ’73, D.D.S., Edina, Minn.

Dental Director, Midwest Dental/Mountain Dental John O. Hallberg ’79, M.B.A., Wayzata, Minn.

Chief Executive Officer, Children’s Cancer Research Fund, Minneapolis Jeffrey Heggedahl ’87, M.B.A., Minneapolis (ex officio) Chief Executive Officer, Ecova, Spokane, Wash., and Immediate Past President, Gustavus Alumni Association Susanne Björling Heim ’83, Edina, Minn.

Business Executive Alfred Henderson ’62, M.B.A., Chanhassen, Minn.

Business Executive, Retired George G. Hicks ’75, J.D., Eden Prairie, Minn. (vice chair) Managing Partner, Värde Partners, Inc., Minneapolis The Rev. John D. Hogenson ’81, M.Div., Stillwater, Minn. (ex officio) Senior Pastor, St. Andrew’s Lutheran Church, Mahtomedi, and President, Gustavus Adolphus College Association of Congregations Linda Bailey Keefe ’69, M.B.A., Atlanta, Ga. (vice chair) Vice President, NAI Brannen Goddard Talmadge E. King Jr. ’70, M.D., Oakland, Calif.

Julius R. Krevans Distinguished Professor in Internal Medicine and Chair, Department of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco Paul Koch ’87, Plymouth, Minn.

Senior Vice President/Investments, UBS Financial Services, Inc., Wayzata The Rev. Daniel A. Kolander ’68, M.Div., Marion, Iowa Pastor, Retired, and Congregational Strategic Planning and Pastoral Training Consultant

Steve Waldhauser ’70, Managing Editor

Jan Michaletz ’74, Edina, Minn.

Past President, Gustavus Alumni Association Jack R. Ohle, D.D. (hon.), D.Litt. (hon.), St. Peter, Minn. (ex officio) President, Gustavus Adolphus College The Rev. Wayne B. Peterson ’77, M.Div., Plymouth, Minn.

Pastor, St. Barnabas Lutheran Church The Rev. Dan S. Poffenberger ’82, M.Div., Stillwater, Minn.

Senior Pastor, Trinity Lutheran Church Beth Sparboe Schnell ’82, Corcoran, Minn.

Chief Executive Officer, Sparboe Companies, Wayzata The Rev. Lori Bergstrand Swenson ’82, M.Div., DePere, Wis. Pastor, Ascension Lutheran Church, Green Bay Ronald C. White ’75, Las Vegas, Nev. (ex officio) Chief Sales Officer, Growth Development Associates, Inc., and Past President, Gustavus Alumni Association

4

THE GUSTAVUS QUARTERLY

5 Cross Cultural Ministry 6 Bookmarks

7 Hillstrom Museum of Art 10 Calendar

on the hill

news from campus

A Royal Affair!

Save the date and get ready to celebrate!

Please mark your social calendar for the next Royal Affair! After a hiatus, we’ve scheduled our party for Saturday, November 16, 2013.

We’re excited to announce that our gala will be held at the newly opened Radisson Blu, Mall of America. The hotel ramp will provide plenty of free parking, and we’re encouraging you to “make a night of it” by booking a guest room.

The evening will offer a fabulous dinner followed by the beautiful music of the Kim Marie Fragodt Quintet. Kim (Beyer ’83) will offer vocal music that is great for dancing or listening. Kim’s husband, the Rev. Brian Fragodt ’81, will serve as emcee for the evening. The gala includes an exciting auction of fun and hardto-find items.

Visit gustavus.edu/events/royal affair for gala updates and ticket information.

Cross Cultural Ministry Days

bring alumnus pastor from urban LA to campus

T

he Chaplains’ Office at Gustavus Adolphus College welcomed the Rev. James Lobdell ’71, pastor of Holy Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Church in Inglewood, Calif., for more than three decades (above right), and his choir director, Donnie Williams, to campus March 18–20 for the newly named Cross Cultural Ministry Days, which continue the College’s tradition of inviting alumni ministers to participate in the worship and academic life of the College.

With a vision that began with his ministry during the 1970s in Harlem, Lobdell has led Holy Trinity’s ministry to include a pre-school of 60 students, a healing service and prayer network, a “shepherds in the city” ministry for people in need, food distribution to the hungry and homeless, and youth outreach that includes hip hop worship, mentoring, tutoring, and a “dollars for scholars” program that awards more than $10,000 in scholarships each year.

After the civil unrest that occurred in Los Angeles in 1992, Pastor Lobdell was instrumental in forming the New City Parish, a coalition of urban congregations that operates a Metropolitan Ministry and Training Center for pastors, seminary students, and lay ministers, offering immersion experiences including a two-week “Spanish Immersion in Los Angeles.”

SUMMER 2013

5

news from campus

Bookmarks

Several books penned or edited by members of the Gustavus faculty and staff have been published during the 2012–13 academic year. All are available at the Book Mark, the College’s book store (800-847-9307), or online (www.bookmark.gustavus.edu).

s

Donald Myers (ed.), Focus In/On: Collaborative Essays Exploring Works from the Hillstrom Museum of Art (St. Peter, Minn.: Hillstrom Museum of Art, 2012) In 2005 Myers, the director and curator of the Hillstrom Museum of Art, launched a project in which faculty colleagues collaborated with him to produce essays considering particular individual artworks from the Hillstrom Collection. He has now collected the essays completed between 2005 and 2011 in a single volume.

Myers also edited and contributed to the extensive catalogue accompanying 150 Years of Swedish Art, a major exhibition mounted in the Hillstrom Museum to mark the Sesquicentennial of Gustavus Adolphus College.

Donald Myers (ed.), 150 Years of Swedish Art: Highlights from the Swedish National Collections in Stockholm (Moderna Museet and National Museum) (St. Peter, Minn.: Hillstrom Museum of Art, 2012; published in conjunction with the exhibition of the same title, Sept.

10–Dec. 2, 2012)

s

Supper with the Savior is an intergenerational resource book that tells the story of communion in the Bible and today. It includes a picture book suitable for coloring. Sartorius-Bjelland, the sexton of Christ Chapel, wrote, illustrated, and self-published the book and later was encouraged to seek a publisher who could give the book wider circulation.

6

THE GUSTAVUS QUARTERLY

Aaron T. Santos, Ballparking: Practical Math for Impractical Sports Questions (Philadelphia, Pa.: Running Press, 2012) Presenting the mathematical formulae but not letting his readers get bogged down by them, Santos, a visiting assistant professor of physics, has written a second book of outrageous problems—this time focusing on sports—which he solves using the popular Fermi method of approximation. His earlier book is titled How Many Licks? or, How to Estimate Damn Near Everything. s

Barbara Sartorius-Bjelland, author/ illustrator, Supper with the Savior: Communion in the Bible and Today (Vancouver, British Columbia: Regent College Publishing, 2012; reprint of work self-published through a Worship Renewal Grant from the Calvin Institute of Christian Worship, Grand Rapids, Mich.)

s Rebecca Fremo, Chasing Northern Lights (Georgetown, Ky.: Finishing Line Press, 2012) Fremo, an associate professor of English at Gustavus, has released her first collection of poetry. Fellow English professor and poet Joyce Sutphen calls the book “the chronicles of a woman in motion, ‘chasing northern lights,’ running country roads, and always, back in time for the science fair or a flower or two.”

s Sarah E. Ruble, The Gospel of Freedom and Power: Protestant Missionaries in American Culture after World War II (Chapel Hill, N.C.: University of North Carolina Press, 2012) A new book by Sarah Johnson Ruble, assistant professor of religion, traces and analyzes public discussions about what it meant for Americans abroad to be good world citizens. Part history, part American studies, and part literary culture, the book recasts many preconceptions about the links between missions and larger issues.

The Rev. Richard Hillstrom’s latest donations to the museum named in his honor continue a pattern of generosity, include highly significant works of art

on the hill

In the long tradition of philanthropy at Gustavus

by Donald Myers ’83

T

he long tradition of philanthropy at Gustavus, practiced by many who love and support the College, continues with the latest donations by the Reverend Richard L. Hillstrom of highly significant works of art and funds to the Hillstrom Museum of Art. Hillstrom, a 1938 graduate of the Gustavus, is widely known for his generosity, both to the College and also to other institutions such as the Minneapolis Institute of Arts, the Minnesota Museum of American Art, the Walker Arts Center, the American Swedish Institute, and the Minnesota Historical Society.

In 2004 his generosity earned him the Greater Gustavus Award, the College Alumni Association’s highest award, an appropriate honor given his long history of giving to Gustavus. The long list of donations to the College from Hillstrom dates back several decades and includes significant support of the Christ Chapel Endowment, Lund Arena, and the Folke Bernadotte Library on a number of instances.

Hillstrom is best known, however, for his fostering of the fine arts at Gustavus, most notably his support of the Hillstrom Museum of Art that so fittingly bears his name. His interest in art at Gustavus dates well before the Museum opened in 2000. An article from the May 1967 issue of the Quarterly describes the gift and indefinite loan to the College of several paintings and drawings from his collection by important Minnesota artists (most of which are now in the Museum’s collection). In 1980, Gustavus awarded Hillstrom a Distinguished Alumni Citation for his activities as an art collector.

As an article in the May 1980 Quarterly noted, “Through his efforts a great number of people are reaping the benefits of the art which has given him so much pleasure.” This statement is an apt summary of the quality of his beneficence, which is always concerned with allowing others—students in particular—to be affected by fine art, including that owned by Hillstrom himself.

An example of this was when he lent works from his increasingly significant collection of nationally recognized American and SwedishAmerican artists for an exhibition held in 1987 at the Schaefer Gallery, the forerunner to the Hillstrom Museum of Art at the College.

Hillstrom was always eager that there be a high quality collection and exhibition facility at Gustavus Maurice Prendergast (1858–1924), Cottage at (though even before the Museum Dinard, 1891, Watercolor over graphite on paper, had been planned, he had already 11 ¾ x 7 ¼ inches, Gift of the Reverend Richard L. intended to leave more than 50 Hillstrom works of art from his collection to the

College). He was instrumental in helping to bring about the Museum, and donated substantial funds for work on the Jackson Campus Center in which it is housed. After the Museum was created, he donated $100,000 to establish an endowment for it, and frequently donated similar amounts in the succeeding years. Prior to May of 2012, Hillstrom’s donations to the endowment totaled well over half a million dollars, and that month he made an extraordinary gift of $1 million. He is often asked how a Lutheran minister has been able to be so generous.

Hillstrom credits it to very good investing through Lutheran Brotherhood (now Thrivent Financial for Lutherans) at a time when the market was strong, especially under the guidance of Edward Lindell (who went to Lutheran Brotherhood following his presidency at Gustavus from 1975 to 1980), which provided him with the funds to support the Museum.

Hillstrom’s collection, however, is his most treasured asset, and he has been very generous with donations from it as well.

He has given nearly 250 works of art to the Museum since its opening, including a group of 60 works last May that included some of the most important pieces of his entire collection.

Among these were two oil paintings by Birger Sandzén (1871–1954), both of which were purchased in 1944 in Chicago, during the period when Hillstrom served his first parish, at Bethel Lutheran Church in nearby Gary, Indiana (after having graduated in 1942 from Augustana Seminary in Rock Island, Illinois). They were among the earliest works acquired by Hillstrom, whose initial collecting concentrated on works

by Swedish-Americans. Upon his return to Minnesota in 1947, after accepting a call to Mount Olivet Lutheran Church in Minneapolis, he initially began collecting works by prominent Minnesota artists, but he soon turned his attention to nationally known American artists.

Hillstrom had read a study of American art and was particularly taken by the discussion about the American Impressionist painter John Twachtman (1853–1902). By the mid-1950s, he had begun making visits to art dealers in New York City on a regular basis, and in 1956 he

SUMMER 2013

7

news from campus

George Bellows (1882–1925), Sunset, Shady Valley, 1922, Oil on wood panel, 16 3/8 x 24 inches, Gift of the Reverend Richard L. Hillstrom

purchased for $300.

Although that was a great deal of money for him at the time, Hillstrom purchased it, and it became one of his favorites. It was one of the works he donated to the Museum last May. It is a loosely depicted image of the artist’s rural farm near Greenwich, Connecticut, the subject of many of his works from the 1890s.

Twachtman bought the farm in 1890 and made adjustments to it early in his ownership.

Photos from the early 1890s and several of John Twachtman (1853–1902), Spring Landscape (Greenwich, the artist’s paintings show some of the Connecticut), c. 1890–94, Oil on wood panel, 15 5/8 x 18 3/8 inches, Gift of the Reverend Richard L. Hillstrom changes, which included moving the visited Milch Galleries, Twachtman’s dealer, roofline of the house considerably lower. to see if they had any works by the artist.

Thus, the painting must date from not long He related, in the catalogue for a 1993 after Twachtman purchased the place. celebratory exhibition at the Minneapolis Numerous related paintings exist, including Institute of Arts titled American Masters: a beautiful winter scene in the National Selections from the Richard Lewis Hillstrom Gallery of Art, Washington, D.C., titled Collection, that Harold Milch showed him Winter Harmony (c. 1890/1900), a depiction Twachtman’s oil painting Spring Landscape of “Horseneck Brook,” located not far from (Greenwich, Connecticut) and told him Twachtman’s house. that though the painting had some years Another work donated to the Museum earlier sold for $1,200, it could then be in May of 2012 is the 1887 Scene in Tunis

8

THE GUSTAVUS QUARTERLY

by Willard Metcalf (1858–1925). Like Twachtman, Metcalf was a member of a group of artists known as The Ten, artists who were influenced by Impressionism and who began exhibiting together in 1898.

The previous year, the group had grown dissatisfied and split from the Society of American Artists, which itself had been formed over dissatisfaction with the National Academy of Design. The Ten held annual exhibitions for 20 years, though this painting dates over a decade earlier than the first of those exhibits. Metcalf went abroad in 1883 for several years that included study at the Académie Julian in Paris. In late 1886 and early 1887, he traveled in Algeria and Tunisia, and he painted Scene in Tunis, a sundappled impression of the latter’s capital, Tunis. It may relate to the artist’s painting Marche de Kous-Kous (The Arab Market), for which Metcalf received an Honorable Mention at the Paris Salon of 1888. It was purchased from Milch Galleries in 1964.

Hillstrom soon became particularly interested in another group of American artists, The Eight, a modernist group formed around painter and teacher Robert Henri (1865–1929), whose members were interested in the portrayal of real, modern, American life, rather than working in an academic, conservative mode and creating romantic images that did not connect with their own lives or those of their fellow countrypersons. Hillstrom eventually acquired a work by each of The Eight. One of these was an 1891 watercolor over graphite by Maurice Prendergast (1858–1924), Cottage at Dinard, among the works he donated to the Museum last May. Prendergast was the oldest of The Eight. He studied in France from 1891 to 1895, and he made numerous images of French seaside towns in watercolor, the medium for which he was perhaps best known. This superb work was painted by Prendergast in the coastal resort town of Dinard in Brittany, in northwestern France. It dates from earlier in his career than his characteristic patterned depictions of people enjoying their leisure, which were influenced by French Post Impressionist artists such as Pierre Bonnard (1867–1947) and Édouard Vuillard (1868–1940), though it suggests that later manner in its decorative handling of imagery and color. This painting was kept by Prendergast for himself and was inherited by his younger brother Charles, also an artist and a master frame maker, who made the frame for it, according to Antoinette Kraushaar, the dealer who sold it to Hillstrom in 1957.

An offshoot from The Eight was the Ashcan School, consisting of loosely related artists who frequently depicted images of urban realism, sometimes choosing as

Donald Myers ’83, director of the Hillstrom Museum of Art since its opening in 2000, is also an instructor of art history in the Department of Art and Art History at the College.

on the hill

subjects back alleys and even the ashcans—or garbage cans—to be found in them. One of the most characteristic artists in this vein was George Bellows (1882–1925), who became one of Hillstrom’s most favorite artists.

Bellows is recognized as perhaps the most prominent American painter in the first quarter of the twentieth century, and his career is being celebrated in a current exhibition that, after appearing at the National Gallery of Art, Washington, D.C., and the Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, recently opened at the Royal Academy of Arts, London.

The artist’s 1922 oil landscape, Sunset, Shady Valley, described

by Hillstrom as “the crème de la crème of the collection,” was also donated to the Museum last May. (Hillstrom had earlier given all six of the drawings and all four of the lithographs he had by Bellows.)

The painting depicts the Catskill Mountains around Bellows’s summer home in Woodstock, New York, where the artist was part of an important art colony.

As Hillstrom has noted, Bellows’s imagery is akin to the written description of the Catskills given Ruth Oseid Johnson (b. 1939), Portrait of Richard L. Hillstrom, 2011, Oil on canvas, 22 x 26 inches, Gift

by Washington Irving (1783–1859) of the Reverend Richard L. Hillstrom, Based on a photograph by Stan Waldhauser ’71 taken in 2002 at in the opening of his Rip Van Lutheran Brotherhood Winkle (1819), where he describes the mountains with “. . . a hood of gray vapors about their summits, which, in the last rays of the setting sun, will glow and light up like a crown of glory.”

Hillstrom purchased the painting from H. V. Allison and Company of New York in 1978.

The Bellows painting, along with the Prendergast watercolor and the oils by Twachtman and Metcalf, plus a number of other works donated by Hillstrom, were included in the recent exhibition at the Museum titled The Eight, the Ashcan School, and the American Scene in the Hillstrom Collection, which was on view from February 25 through April 21. The Museum regularly presents such exhibitions, to highlight the strength and beauty of the Hillstrom Collection and to underscore the remarkable generosity and support of Hillstrom himself. n

Birger Sandzén (1871–1954), The Grove, 1912, Oil on canvas, 16 x 24 inches, Gift of the Reverend Richard L. Hillstrom

SUMMER 2013

9

news from campus calendar

May

SUMMERTIME, SUMMERTIME. . .

Continuing through May 19 Art Exhibition & Artist Series Artistin-Residence Event: New Paintings

by Rebecca Silus; Schaefer Gallery, regular hours: Mon.–Fri., 9 a.m.–4 p.m.; Sat. & Sun., 1–5 p.m. Free.

Continuing through June 2 Art Exhibition: Senior Studio Art Majors’ Exhibition; Hillstrom Museum of Art, regular hours: Mon.–Fri., 9 a.m.– 4 p.m.; Sat. & Sun., 1–5 p.m. (Opening reception, May 4, 4–6 p.m.). Free.

8 St. Peter/Mankato Gustie Breakfast: Tim Kennedy ’82, vice president for marketing & communication; Jackson Campus Center Banquet Room, 7:30–9 a.m. For reservations, contact Institutional Advancement (507-9337512).

9, 10, 11, & 12 Theatre: Machinal, by Sophie Treadwell, directed by Amy Seham; Anderson Theatre, 8 p.m. (May 9–11) & 2 p.m. (May 12). Ticket required; order online at gustavustickets.com, or call 507-933-7590.

12 Music: Gustavus Choir Spring Concert, Gregory Aune, conductor; Christ Chapel, 3:30 p.m. Free.

10

THE GUSTAVUS QUARTERLY

15 Twin Cities Gustie Breakfast: Tim Kennedy ’82, vice president for marketing & communication; American Swedish Institute, Minneapolis, 7:30–9 a.m. For reservations, contact Alumni Relations (800-487-8437, or gustavus. edu/alumni/).

15 Music: Choir of Christ Chapel Home Concert, Brandon Dean, conductor; Christ Chapel, 7:30 p.m. Free.

16 Music: Lucia Singers & St. Ansgar’s Chorus Spring Concert, Brandon Dean, conductor; Christ Chapel. 7:30 p.m. Free.

17 Music: Christ Chapel Handbells Ensembles Concert, Chad Winterfeldt, conductor; Christ Chapel, 7:30 p.m.

Free.

18 BSO/PASO Reunion. Pre-registration required; contact Alumni Relations (800-487-8437 or gustavus.edu/ alumni/.

18 Music: Gustavus Philharmonic Orchestra, Justin Knoepfel, conductor; Björling Recital Hall, 1:30 p.m. Free.

18 Diversity Awards Banquet: Alumni Hall, 6–8 p.m. Ticket required; contact the Diversity Center (507-933-7449).

19 Music: Brassworks! featuring the Christ Chapel Brass, the Gustavus Tuba-Euphonium Ensemble, and the Gustavus Trombone Choir, Scott Moore & Paul Budde, directors; Björling Recital Hall, 1:30 p.m. Free.

31–June 1 Alumni Reunion Weekend: 45th- & 50th-anniversary class reunions. Alumni Association banquet and awards presentation (June 1); Evelyn Young Dining Room, 5 p.m.

Pre-registration required; contact Alumni Relations (800-487-8437 or gustavus.edu/alumni/.

JUNE

1 Music: 2013 Season Finale, featuring winners of the concerto/ aria competition with the Gustavus Symphony Orchestra, Ruth Lu Lin, conductor; Christ Chapel, 8 p.m. Free.

2 Commencement: Baccalaureate, Christ Chapel, 9 & 10:30 a.m.; commencement exercises, Hollingsworth Field (weather permitting; if inclement, Lund Center Arena), 2 p.m. Ticket required for baccalaureate (& commencement if indoors). For more information, contact Marketing & Communication (507-933-7520).

5 St. Cloud Chapter Event; visit gustavus.edu/chapterevents.

6 Willmar Chapter Event; visit gustavus. edu/chapterevents.

12 St. Peter/Mankato Gustie Breakfast: Bruce Gray ’61, retired Gustavus dean of students and advancement associate and author of Black & Bold; Jackson Campus Center Banquet Room, 7:30–9 a.m. For reservations, contact Institutional Advancement (507-933-7512).

19 Twin Cities Gustie Breakfast: Bruce Gray ’61, retired Gustavus dean of students and advancement associate and author of Black & Bold; American Swedish Institute, Minneapolis, 7:30–9 a.m. For reservations, contact Alumni Relations (800-487-8437, or gustavus. edu/alumni/).

on the hill

Please Note: Times and dates of the events listed on this page are subject to change.

Please call to confirm events of interest.

The Universe aT iTs LimiTs OcTOber 1 & 2, 2013

Poster design by Stevenson Creative, LLC; illustration © Sharon Stevenson.

Simulated Higgs event rendering courtesy CerN © 2008.

JULY

9 Duluth Chapter Event; visit gustavus. edu/chapterevents.

10 Grand Rapids Chapter Event; visit gustavus.edu/chapterevents.

10 St. Peter/Mankato Gustie Breakfast: Charlie Potts ’01, director of residential life; Jackson Campus Center Banquet Room, 7:30–9 a.m. For reservations, contact Institutional Advancement (507-933-7512).

12, 26, & August 9 Summer Open Houses, hosted by Admission; 8 a.m.–2 p.m. Tours, scholarship & financial aid information, lunch with faculty & students; contact Admission (1-800-GUSTAVUS).

17 Twin Cities Gustie Breakfast: Charlie Potts ’01, director of residential life; American Swedish Institute, Minneapolis, 7:30–9 a.m. For reservations, contact Alumni Relations (800-487-8437, or gustavus.edu/ alumni/).

18 Sioux Falls, S.D., Chapter Event; visit gustavus.edu/chapterevents.

AUGUST

14 St. Peter/Mankato Gustie Breakfast: Matthew Swenson ’06, communications adviser to Minnesota Governor Mark Dayton; Jackson Campus Center Banquet Room, 7:30–9 a.m. For reservations, contact Institutional Advancement (507-933-7512).

19 Rochester Chapter Event; visit gustavus.edu/chapterevents.

20 Mankato Summer Picnic, Sibley Park; visit gustavus.edu/chapterevents.

21 Twin Cities Gustie Breakfast: Matthew Swenson ’06, communications adviser to Minnesota Governor Mark Dayton; American Swedish Institute, Minneapolis, 7:30–9 a.m. For reservations, contact Alumni Relations (800-487-8437, or gustavus.edu/ alumni/).

22–Sept. 2 Gustavus at the Fair: College booth in Education Building at the Minnesota State Fair, staffed 9 a.m.–9 p.m. daily. Wear your Gustie gear and stop by to sign our visitors’ book!

SEPTEMBER

3 Opening Convocation of the College’s 152nd academic year; Christ Chapel, 10 a.m.

OCTOBER

Sports Up-to-date sports schedules may be found on the Web, through the Gustavus homepage (gustavus.edu).

For a printed schedule of any or all of the Gustie varsity athletic squads, download from the Web or send a self-addressed, stamped envelope to Ethan Armstrong ’09, sports information director, Gustavus Adolphus College, 800 W. College Ave., St. Peter, MN 56082-1498.

Also, you can listen to selected Gustavus athletics broadcasts over the internet. Broadcasts may be accessed through a link on Gustavus athletics website: client.stretchinternet.com/client/ gac.portal#. the arts To receive a more

complete fine arts schedule or more information on fine arts events noted in the calendar, contact Al Behrends ’77, director of fine arts programs, by phone (507-933-7363) or e-mail (al@ gustavus.edu).

tickets Tickets for the Gustavus Artist Series and Department of Theatre and Dance productions may be ordered online at gustavustickets. com. Tickets for Department of Theatre and Dance offerings are available two weeks in advance of the performance.

1–2 Nobel Conference® 49: “The Universe at Its Limits”; Lund Center Arena, opening at 9:30 a.m. on Oct. 1. For more information, contact Marketing & Communication (507-933-7520) or visit gustavus.edu/nobelconference/.

Ticket required; order online at gustavustickets.com.

SUMMER 2013

11

s

Members of Thia Cooper’s January IEX class volunteered at the Salvation Army men’s homeless shelter in Mankato. From left, sophomore Sarah Spande, first-years Mari Tabata and Taylor Robertson, and sophomore Kyle Bright.

January January class focuses on community action and social change

by Brianna Furey ’15

G

usties with a passion for service were able to take advantage of a unique opportunity during the College’s January Interim. The Community Action and Social Change class, taught by Associate Professor of Religion Thia Cooper, Ph.D., focused on learning about large issues within society, combining in-class learning with real-world volunteer experience.

This is the sixth time Cooper has taught the class, and this year her students took up the issues of mass incarceration, immigration, and homelessness.

“Students are often fascinated by a lot of the issues facing us today but feel unprepared to take them on. I wanted to create a course where students could talk about those issues, but also serve in the community at the same time, and it turned

12

THE GUSTAVUS QUARTERLY

out to be really popular,” Cooper says.

According to Cooper, the goal of the class is to help students find ways to be active in the community and to help them feel confident tackling difficult issues.

Students accomplish this by spending two days of class time a week at their chosen service site to meet a 16-hour volunteering requirement for the class.

Starting out, students could choose among three projects. The first option was working with the annual Building Bridges Conference committee and focusing on the topic of mass incarceration, the theme for the 2013 conference.

A second option was working at the Lincoln Community Center in Mankato, tutoring students and adults in ESL classes and focusing on the topic of immigration.

The third option was working at the Salvation Army men’s homeless shelter in Mankato, serving meals and socializing with individuals, focusing on the topic of homelessness.

“There is a split between practice and thinking together in the classroom that I think makes it very good for the January Interim because this time is supposed to be experiential,” Cooper notes. “Also, because I offer three different options, it’s a good way for students to get involved with one issue but still be able to learn about a couple of others.”

Sophomore psychological science major Taylor Sommers enrolled in the class because of how it facilitates volunteering.

“During the year it’s always my intent to get involved off campus, but having the means to do so can be difficult,” Sommers explains. “I like how this class took relevant issues facing our society and gave us a chance to volunteer and make a difference as individuals.”

Sommers chose the immigration project because it is such a hot topic in the country. “We have learned about the laws for and against immigration throughout U.S. history, but I wanted to experience

On top of the world

S

ometimes the location or destination of an IEX class, quite apart from the classroom experience, affords the enrolled students an opportunity to check an entry off their bucket lists.

Such was the case for sophomores Joseph Thayer (left in the photo taken on Uhuru Peak) and Max Stelzner. Thayer, a biochemistry major, and Stelzner, a biology major, were among 15 students (8 of them Gusties) enrolled in Professor Cindy Johnson’s January UMAIE course on Natural History and Conservation Biology in Tanzania (see photo of group in a baobob tree hollow). The pair made arrangements to stay on an extra 10 days after the course ended to climb the 19,341 ft. (5,895 m.)

Mt. Kilimanjaro, the world’s tallest free-standing mountain, using the “seven-day” route.

Selzner and Thayer spent six days climbing the mountain, going slowly to acclimate themselves to the increasingly thin air as they ascended. They camped 3,000 ft. below Kilimanjaro’s peak on February 3, the fifth day, and summited Uhuru Peak,

Africa’s highest point, the next day. They descended in a day and a half.

“Until you’ve done it, you don’t realize the accomplishment,” Thayer maintains. “There were times when [the climb up] was easy, and others when my chest tightened . . .”

Experience a new and modern perspective firsthand,” Sommers says.

On Tuesdays and Thursdays each week, Sommers and two fellow classmates drove to the Lincoln Community Center in Mankato, where they were placed in a classroom with immigrants—mostly Somali women—who were in the beginning stages of learning English. Working either on an individual basis or in small groups, they followed a lesson that an instructor had planned out.

“I’ve learned how difficult and crazy the English language can be,” Sommers says.

“There are so many exceptions to the rule.

Attempting to explain these differences makes me very empathetic for those learning English.”

Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays were spent in the classroom with Cooper, discussing the larger themes of mass incarceration, immigration, and homelessness.

Another student in the class, sophomore management major Kyle Bright, chose to do the Salvation Army project. “I’ve always been curious about the Salvation Army and this seemed to be a great way to get on the inside of the organization and see how

it functions,” Bright says. “It turns out to have been a good choice.”

Ten years from now, Bright most likely won’t remember every book he read, or the discussions with his class, or even sitting down with Cathy Cohen, the passionate guest speaker who spent a day speaking to the class.

“What I will walk away with from this class is the memories of all the incredible people at the Salvation Army. They are very diligent people,” Bright says. “The opportunity to go to Mankato and interact with an entirely different social biome was humbling and renewing. I see the necessity for continued community action even clearer now, and I adamantly believe that it will be a part of my life forever.”

Students gave a 15-minute final presentation on the last day of class with their particular service group, focusing on how their project related to overall themes discussed in class. Along with the presentation, students were required to come up with an advocacy component.

“By the end of class they have to come up with what they think is a good way to advocate further for the issue,” Cooper explains. “For example, with Building

Bridges, they have to think: ‘If I’m taking this seriously, how can I continue to work toward raising awareness of mass incarceration?’”

Cooper’s Community Action class tends to encourage long-term commitments to service. In fact, one of this year’s Building Bridges Conference coordinators, senior political science major Becca Eastwood, took the class a few years ago.

“I would recommend this class to anyone who feels they want to volunteer, but doesn’t know how to go about the initial phases of the process. I definitely have enjoyed my time as a volunteer,” Sommers says. “I love the opportunity to build relationships with women who are going through an experience so foreign to me. Seeing their dedication to coming to class each day gives me a sense of perspective about my education, and how students at Gustavus can use what we learn to help others.”

Brianna Furey is a sophomore communication studies and geography major and a student staff member in the College’s Marketing and Communication division.

SUMMER 2013

13

January

Junior student Becca Eastwood role-played a representative of the Muslim League arguing for a two-nation solution in India’s post-World War II independence negotiations.

Photo by Matt Thomas ’00

Class reacts to the past through role-playing

by Matt Thomas ’00

T

here are professors on every college campus who earn a positive reputation from students for their unique, creative, and unconventional teaching styles. At Gustavus Adolphus College, Associate Professor of Political Science and recipient of the 2012 Edgar M. Carlson Award Alisa Rosenthal, Ph.D., is one of those professors.

Rosenthal’s January Interim Experience course is titled “Reacting to the Past: The Intersection of Theory and Politics.” It sounds ordinary enough, but the dynamics of the class are anything but ordinary.

Reacting to the Past (RTTP) is a national program that consists of elaborate games, set in the past, in which students are assigned roles informed by

14

THE GUSTAVUS QUARTERLY

classic texts in the history of ideas. Class sessions are run entirely by students, while instructors advise and guide students and grade their oral and written work. The program seeks to draw students into the past, promote engagement with big ideas, and improve students’ intellectual and academic skills.

Rosenthal was introduced to the RTTP series at a conference she attended several years ago in New York.

“I had already heard about it, but I had never done anything with it in any of my classes,” Rosenthal says. “We played a mini-version of the Athens game at the conference and I became a believer. The games are from a wide range of disciplines including history, art, English, technology,

spent a majority of class time engaged in lively conversation and debate. In the Greenwich Village game, students developed a deeper understanding of 19th-century thinkers like Elizabeth Cady Stanton, Karl Marx, and W.E.B. Du Bois and were also forced to ask themselves what social changes were/are most important and how can or should one go about realizing those goals.

The nature of the RTTP games creates a much more engaged classroom and also forces students to commit to the work outside of class on a deeper level.

“I think the work involved outside of class is more fun for them, but there’s no question there is a substantial amount of reading,” Rosenthal says. “There’s a different kind of buy-in from the students and there’s a recognition that the game only works if they come in prepared.”

The class also played out a second game, set in 1945 as India is on the verge of claiming independence from British rule. As British authority wanes, smoldering tensions among Hindus, Muslims, and Sikhs increasingly flare into violent riots and threaten to ignite all

Photo by Matt Thomas ’00

and others, and what they share in common is a commitment to a central core of historical texts from which the students jump off.”

Students in Rosenthal’s January Interim Experience course played out two RTTP games. The first game was set in Greenwich Village in 1913 when urbanization, industrialization, and massive waves of immigration were transforming the U.S. way of life. Suffragists take to the streets demanding a constitutional amendment for the vote, labor turns to the strike to demand living wages and better working conditions, and African Americans protest racial oppression.

Students were assigned roles to represent these groups, and then they

Role-playing as the Governor General, senior Andrei Hahn facilitated the debate about the future of India. of India, while the formidable figure of Mahatma Gandhi tries to gain acceptance for his policy of nonviolence and civil resistance. Throughout the game, students struggle to reconcile religious identity

with nation building—perhaps the most intractable and important issue of the modern world.

“I had never really been in a class like this before,” first-year student Lily

Whitney-Eliason says. “You really have to know your character and the history involved, so it makes you take the work outside of class more seriously. You become emotionally involved in the game, which helps you learn more than a typical class.”

Rosenthal has also used RTTP games during her full-semester Political and Legal Thinking course and is planning on proposing an FTS course for the fall that would use the role-playing games as well.

“I would definitely advocate for these kinds of classes, says senior Andrei Hahn.

“I think this is one of the most arduous J-Term classes on campus, but it helps you learn and understand so much more.”

Matt Thomas ’00 is director of media relations and internal communication at the College.

Experience Concerts in the Southwest

T

he Gustavus Choir, conducted by Gregory Aune, D.M.A., toured Southern California and other sites in the Southwestern United States during its annual concert tour in late January and early February 2013. The seven-concert tour followed four weeks of intensive rehearsals during the January Interim.

Concert sites included Desert Hills Lutheran Church of Green Valley, Ariz., the winter church home of former

ELCA bishop (and former interim director of Linnaeus Arboretum) Herbert and Corinne Chilstrom and Gustavus alumnus Terry ’60 and Mary Lee Denley. Both couples live in St. Peter during the summer.

The Chilstroms acted as the ensemble’s hosts for their visit to Green Valley on Feb. 5 and assisted with concert arrangements.

Herb posed (center) with the ensemble for a photo. n

i g n n i a u m l a V the Hu I

magine, for a moment, Gustavus without Classics, Greek, and Latin; English; History; Modern Languages, Literatures, and Cultures; Philosophy; Religion; and Scandinavian Studies.

Imagine it, in other words, without its Humanities Division. If such a “humanities-less” Gustavus might still claim to be an institution of higher learning, it could never credibly claim to be the kind of college it now is, for the humanities are, as this mental exercise underscores, central to the liberal arts.

And yet, in the very nation that invented the independent, residential liberal arts college, the value of a humanities degree is today questioned by many and even denied by some. The case against the humanities, and more broadly the liberal arts, hinges on their supposed lack of utility in the marketplace. To major in, say, Philosophy or History, the critique goes, is to graduate into unemployment or, at best, underemployment, since such majors have no practical application in

16

THE GUSTAVUS QUARTERLY

the real world. In more extreme versions of this view, majoring in a humanities discipline is a shortsighted waste of time and, above all, money, especially when that money is a student loan one must eventually repay.

While not entirely new (doubts about the relevance of the humanities to modern economic life are longstanding

sector corporations).

Reflecting these developments, a task force established by Florida Governor Rick Scott recently proposed charging higher tuition to students in the state’s university system majoring in fields judged not “high skill, high demand, and high wage.” As a petition by “Concerned Florida Faculty” notes, this would mean that “[l]iberal arts and social science topics,” including English and History, “would cost students more, on the assumption that no one with such a degree has high skills, would ever

That companies eagerly hire humanities BAs is perhaps not so surprising given the undergraduate majors of many American business leaders. in the history of American higher education), this critique has acquired new potency and appeal in a context of a severe economic downturn; attacks on colleges and universities as inefficient, overpriced institutions resistant to reform; a consumerist approach to education; and worship of the market with an attendant trend toward the corporatization of higher education (or treating colleges like private-

be in high demand, and would ever earn a high wage, however ‘high’ is defined.” 1 A similar market ethos animated President Barak Obama’s announcement in his 2013 State of the Union address that his administration was creating a “College Scorecard” with which prospective students could “compare schools based on a simple criteria—where you can get the most bang for your educational buck.” 2

s e ti

Have s y a y Alw

The s a r tte ll Ma

Sti y e h hy T

ter ry Kas

ego

by Gr

Or, W

Nor is Gustavus immune to the allure of cost-benefit evaluation. Last fall the College retained a consultant, The Higher Education Practice, LLC, which includes among its tools “Optimizing Academic Balance” (OAB). To quote the firm’s website, “OAB utilizes market potential data (inquiries, applicants, admitted students, enrolled students, and graduates) to measure demand for each of your programs, student credit hours (SCH) generated by programs as a proxy for revenues, and the direct (faculty and departmental) costs for teaching each program.” 3 Such finance-focused thinking about the humanities, the liberal arts, and higher education is not only pervasive today, it is also misleading and narrow. Take the job prospects of humanities graduates, who in fact fare quite well in the marketplace, securing jobs in a host of fields, including the professions. Humanities Indicators reports that “In 2009, slightly more than half of humanities [terminal bachelor’s holders], 56 percent, worked in management, professional, and related occupations.” 4 Indeed, contrary to what passes for conventional wisdom on the subject, corporate employers highly value humanities degrees, and for good reason.

It is not just that students fully engaged in strong humanities-liberal arts programs like those at Gustavus learn how to think critically and communicate effectively,

both orally and in writing, evaluate and formulate arguments, and contextualize, analyze, and synthesize information— skills highly sought by employers. It is also just as important that such students are particularly well prepared by their humanities studies for the transnationalism and socio-cultural diversity of twentyfirst century corporations, and the intellectual-cultural-social nimbleness that the numerous career changes forecast for today’s undergraduates will require.

That companies eagerly hire humanities BAs is perhaps not so surprising given the undergraduate majors of many American business leaders. Benjamin Rifkin, dean of the School of Humanities and Social Sciences at the College of New Jersey, cites “Carly Fiorina, one of the most important women in American business today, [who] majored in medieval history and philosophy,” and notes that “[c]urrent or recent chief executive officers for some of the most successful companies in the American economy were liberal arts majors, including history (John Loose of Corning and Sam Palmisano of IBM), . . . philosophy (Carl Icahn of just about everything, but also currently a major stakeholder in Netflix), . . . and Asian studies (Sue Krosnick of Federated Department Stores).”

SUMMER 2013

17

Class

ics, G

reek, a

As Rifkin adds, humanities majors also abound in government. For example, Supreme Court Justices “Elena Kagan, John Roberts, Antonin Scalia, and Sonia Sotomayor all majored in history.” 5 And let’s not forget Classics major and thrice-elected governor of California Jerry Brown. 6 The Humanities Division at Gustavus is proud of its own many alumni distinguishing themselves in a host of fields over the years, from business, the law, the ministry, and education, to journalism, medicine, finance, and the arts, to mention just some. One can find Gustavus humanities majors, for example, at large companies (like Spanish major Karen Nisius ’94, with Cargill) and running major businesses (like History major Warren Beck ’67, CEO of Galleria Merchants Association, Inc., and benefactor, with his wife, Donna ’66, of Gustavus’s outstanding Beck Hall); at top universities (like English and Political Science double major Mark Simpson-Vos ’93, editorial director of the University of North Carolina Press, and History major James McPherson ’58, professor emeritus at Princeton University and the leading Civil War historian of our time); at major cultural institutions (like Classics major Anna Gram ’93, director of foundation and government relations at the Minnesota Orchestra); and as leaders in government and politics (like History and Political Science double major Margaret Anderson Kelliher ’90, former member

18

THE GUSTAVUS QUARTERLY

nd La tin; En

glish;

Histor

and Speaker of the Minnesota House of Representatives and 2010 Minnesota gubernatorial candidate). One can also find Gustavus humanities majors and their achievements highlighted on the College’s website, like English major Erin Luhmann ’08, a journalism graduate student at the University of Wisconsin-Madison and this year’s winner of New York Times and

y; Mo

dern

Langu

ages,

value primarily or only in terms of their post-BA earning power, as currently so in vogue—is to greatly diminish them, and us.

The humanities matter, have value, not just because they lead to rewarding careers but also, more important, because they have the potential to humanize and uplift

The humanities . . . remind us that democracy and the private, individual pursuit of power and wealth are not one and the same.

Pulitzer-Prize winning columnist Nicholas Kristof’s annual Win a Trip Contest.

Luhmann, who has served in the Peace Corps in Kyrgystan and plans a career as a foreign correspondent, was selected from more than 700 applicants and will be traveling with Kristof to Africa.

These are, certainly, successes to be celebrated. Yet the value and importance of the humanities cannot, must not, be reduced to their proven skills-building and marketability. To “vocationalize” the humanities, along with the liberal arts and higher education itself—to measure their

us, by introducing us to the triumphs and tragedies, and the everyday lives, of those who have gone before us; to those past and present who are different from us, and vice versa (including different simply by virtue of beliefs and/or time periods); and to situations and stories, fictional and not, that require us to walk imaginatively in others’ shoes, with empathy and understanding, even and especially when those stories make the latter two qualities most difficult to summon. In the process, the humanities open us to ideas, experiences, and

Litera tures,

and C

ulture

s; Phi

possibilities we might otherwise never have known or considered, and help us to wrestle with life’s enduring big questions.

The humanities matter, have value, as well because enlightened (in all senses of the word) and effective democratic citizenship depends on them—on their capacity, for example, to equip us to think clearly, freshly, reasonably, and independently about today’s pressing social, political, and environmental issues, and to remind us that democracy and the private, individual pursuit of power and wealth are not one and the same.

The humanities matter, have value, for still another, more basic yet no less profound reason. Imagine, for a moment, not Gustavus, but the inside of your own head without them—without, say, the stories and sense of identity that literature and history provide. Who would relish living inside such a head? As Judith hapiro, who was provost at Bryn Mawr before serving as president of Barnard, said of the purpose of college: “You want the inside of your head to be an interesting place to spend the rest of your life.” In a similar vein, an “elderly alumnus” of Columbia University observed that his alma mater

losop

hy; Re l

igion;

and S

“taught me how to enjoy life.” 7 Both comments call to mind what Gustavus Classics Professor Eric Dugdale notes was the Roman concept of artes liberales, or “learning conducive to living the good life.” It is hard to imagine more compelling briefs for the humanities and liberal arts.

One hundred and fifty years and counting in the life of Gustavus, its outstanding humanities programs and professors are doing our essential part to help Gustavus students make the insides of their heads lifelong interesting places and enjoy life, no matter their occupation. n Gregory L. Kaster, Ph.D., is a member of the Department of History and currently represents the Humanities Division on the Faculty Senate. He thanks his Humanities colleagues for their helpful input in preparing this essay.

candi

navia

n Stud

ies

End notes: 1 Source: https://www.change.org/ petitions/governor-rick-scott-protecthigher-education-in-florida, accessed March 13, 2013.

2 See http://www.whitehouse.gov/issues/ education/higher-educatiuon/collegescore-card, accessed March 13, 2013.

3 Source: http://www.higheredpractice. com/reshapingcurriculumoab/ oabexecutivesummary.html, accessed March 13, 2013.

4 Source: American Academy of Arts and Sciences, Humanities Indicators, http:// HumanitiesIndicators.org, accessed March 6, 2013.

5 See http://www.insidehighered.com/ views/2012/11/27/why-scott-walkersfocus-pushing-graduates-specific-majorswrong-essay#ixzz2MmfMzE4H, accessed March 6, 2013.

6 See http://gov.ca.gov/m_about.php, accessed March 6, 2013.

7 These quotations may be found in Andrew Delbanco, College: What It Was, Is, and Should Be, (Princeton University Press, 2012), pp. 33, 32.

SUMMER 2013

19

sports notes

Runner/musician wins NCAA postgrad scholarship

by Ethan Armstrong ’09

T

he National Collegiate Athletic Association has named Gustavus senior cross country runner Beth Hauer (Little Falls, Minn.) as one of the 29 male and 29 female student-athletes in fall sports to receive a prestigious NCAA postgraduate scholarship.

“It is an honor to be awarded this scholarship,” says Hauer.

“I’ve had an excellent experience at Gustavus in academics, arts, and athletics and have appreciated the opportunity to work with excellent faculty and coaches. I could not have had the experience I did if my professors and coaches had not challenged and supported me during my college career.”

A four-year member of the women’s cross country team, Hauer has been a staple in Coach Dale Bahr’s lineup since stepping onto campus in 2009. In her tenure on the Hill, she competed in 27 cross country races from 2009 to 2012, recording 12 top 20 finishes and placing inside the top 10 on five occasions. Her ability to step up in big races earned her all-conference honors three times (2010, 2011, 2012) and All-Region distinction three times (2010, 2011, 2012) as well. In her senior season, Hauer recorded her best finish at the MIAC championships, taking 12th with a time of 23:01.9—her top performance ever at the MIAC meet. Hauer helped the Gusties win the 2012 MIAC championship, the program’s first conference title since 2003.

Gustavus went on to compete in the 2012 NCAA championships after a fourth-place finish at the Central Region meet. Hauer placed a career-best 16th (23:00.5) at regionals and 56th (22:25.5) at the NCAA championships.

To go along with her commitment to the cross country team, Hauer is also heavily involved in the Department of Music at Gustavus. An instrumental music education major with a 3.96 cumulative grade point average, she plays the euphonium in the Gustavus Wind Orchestra, under the direction of Douglas Nimmo, and trombone in Director Steve Wright’s Gustavus Jazz Lab Band.

She was named a Presser Scholar by the Department of Music for 2012–13. Following her passion for musical instruction, she most recently worked as a project GEM teacher for the Minnesota Valley Education District, teaching weekly music classes to grades 5–12 with moderate to severe emotional or behavioral disorders.

Hauer is the 33rd Gustavus student-athlete to receive an NCAA postgraduate scholarship since football player James Goodwin became the first in 1974.

To qualify, student-athletes must excel academically and athletically, be in their final year of eligibility and plan to pursue graduate study. Student-athletes must also maintain at least a 3.2 grade-point average and be nominated by their institution’s faculty athletics representative. Created in 1964, NCAA postgraduate scholarships promote and encourage education by rewarding the Association’s most accomplished student-athletes.

The NCAA awards up to 174 postgraduate scholarships annually, 87 for men and 87 for women. The scholarships are awarded to student-athletes in their final year of intercollegiate athletics competition who excel academically and athletically. The scholarships are one-time, non-renewable grants of $7,500 that can be used for research, books, tuition, and other educational expenses at any graduate school.

Coach Carroll is MIAC women’s hockey Coach of the Year

H

ead women’s hockey coach Mike Carroll has been named the MIAC’s Coach-of-the-Year for a sixth time. He had led the Gusties to a perfect 18–0–0 for the second time in league play and the program’s first unbeaten season with a record of 24–0–1. Carroll’s Gustavus squad was crowned the MIAC regular season champion for the ninth straight year and the twelfth time in the Carroll era.

The Gusties went on to win their 10th consecutive playoff title (11th all-time) and advanced to their 10th NCAA tournament. To top off his blockbuster year, Carroll recorded his 300th win on January 19 in a 2–1 victory over St. Catherine, becoming just the second coach in Division III (and the eighth in all divisions of NCAA women’s hockey history) to reach the milestone.

20

THE GUSTAVUS QUARTERLY

sports notes

Winter Sports Review Women’s Basketball The 2012–13 season marked the beginning of a new era in Gustavus women’s basketball as Laurie Kelly took over the reins as the program’s eighth head coach. Kelly, who was previously the head coach at Division I Northern Arizona University for nine years, returned to the MIAC where she had been a standout for the St. Thomas women’s basketball team in the early 1990s. Under Kelly’s direction, the Gusties went 14–8 in the MIAC, finishing sixth in the conference standings. In the team’s 13th appearance in the MIAC playoffs, Gustavus was eliminated in the first round by St. Mary’s 76–69. The Gusties finished 15–11 overall, reaching the 15-win mark for the eighth consecutive season.

Senior Abby Rothenbuehler (North Mankato, Minn.) and first-year Karina Schroeder (Lake Crystal, Minn.) were featured in the MIAC’s post-season awards. Rothenbuehler earned a spot on the all-conference team, while Schroeder was placed on the all-rookie team.

Rothenbuehler scored a career-best 327 points to lead Gustavus with a 12.6 pointsper-game scoring average. She shot 48.3 percent from the field and brought down 213 rebounds (8.2 rpg). Rothenbuehler finishes her career as the program’s all-time leader in blocked shots, with 121.

Men’s Basketball After a season that saw its share of ups and downs, the Gustavus men’s basketball team finished 13–11 overall and 10–9 in the MIAC. After a slow start during which the Gusties went 2–5, the squad bounced back by winning seven of its next eight games to improve to 9–6 by late January. Tied for fourth place in the league standings heading into the final game of the regular season, Gustavus was eliminated from playoff contention via a 69–62 loss on the road to Concordia. It was the first time since the 1999–00 season that the Gusties failed to make the MIAC playoffs.

Seniors Ben Biewen (Edina, Minn.) and Jim Hill (Edina, Minn.) were named to the all-conference team following their final season in a Gustavus uniform. Biewen

by Ethan Armstrong ’09

earned All-MIAC marks for the first time in his career after finishing second on the team in scoring with 350 total points and a 14.6 points-per-game average. He shot 51.6-percent from the field and recorded 45 steals, earning himself a spot on the alldefensive team as well. Hill also garnered all-conference accolades for the first time in his career. He was the club’s leading scorer with 375 points for an average of 15.6 points per game. He brought down a teambest 111 rebounds and shot 48.3-percent from the floor.

Gymnastics A new era of Gustavus gymnastics also began in 2013 as Katie Kortuem Olson, a 2000 graduate and seven-time All-American for the Gustie gymnastics team, took over as the fourth head coach in the program’s history. Under the rookie head coach, Gustavus finished the season with an average team score of 175.228, the highest mark since the 2008– 09 season. The Gusties also registered their first dual victory since 2010 by defeating Hamline 177.900–177.575 at home in February.

Gustavus concluded the season with its best team performance of the year, scoring a 178.075 to finish eighth at the 2013 WIAC championships. Senior Samantha Opsahl (Forest Lake, Minn.) highlighted the conference meet with a second-place finish on the balance beam. Opsahl became the first Gustie in over five years to earn a spot on the podium at the WIAC championships after turning in a routine of 9.575.

Following the meet, Opsahl, Bailey Zeinert (Sr., Oshkosh, Wis.), and Jamie Ries (Jr., Monticello, Minn.) all earned trips to the 2013 NCGA National Championships held March 22–23 in Whitewater, Wis. There, Ries led the Gusties with a ninth-place finish on the bars after turning in a seasonbest score of 9.350. She garnered NCGA All-America Second Team honors for her performance and became the first Gustavus All-American gymnast since 2007.

Men’s Hockey Despite another late-season surge that saw the Gustavus men’s hockey team go 10–2–2 following the holiday

break, the Gusties missed out on a trip to the NCAA tournament after falling to Saint John’s 3–2 in the MIAC playoff championship. Gustavus, which began the year 0–4 in the MIAC, earned the fourth seed in the MIAC playoffs after a late push in conference play over January and February. Goaltender Tyler Venne (Sr., New Hope, Minn.) earned a great deal of credit for Gustavus’s run as he went 8–0–0 in February, finishing the month with a goals-against average of 1.50 and a save percentage of .944. In the conference tournament, the Gusties defeated St. Olaf (3–2) in the first round and St. Thomas (1–0) in the semifinals to earn a trip to the championship game for the fourth time in the last five seasons.

Coach Brett Petersen’s club finished 17–8–3 overall and 9–5–2 in the MIAC. Junior Adam Smyth (Burnsville, Minn.) was named a member of the 2012-13 allconference team for the first time in his career following the season. Smyth led the team in scoring with 21 points (12 goals and 9 assists). Gustavus’s late surge coincided with an increased scoring output from the junior, who had just four points through the opening 12 games of the year.

Women’s Hockey The Gustavus Adolphus women’s hockey team concluded the best season in program history with a fourth consecutive fourth-place finish in the NCAA national tournament. The Gusties lost just twice all season, falling to Elmira 4–3 in overtime in the NCAA semifinals, and to Plattsburgh 4–0 in the NCAA third-place game. Coach Mike Carroll’s squad finished the regular season unbeaten at 24–0–1 overall and 18–0–0 in the MIAC, winning its ninth straight MIAC championship.

Following a pair of wins that led to a 10th straight MIAC playoff title, Gustavus edged UW-River Falls 2–1 in the opening round of the NCAA tournament. The Gusties concluded their season at 27–2–1, tying the NCAA Division III record for wins in a season.

Senior Lindsey Hjelm (North Oaks, continued on the next page

SUMMER 2013

21

sports notes Winter REview continued from previous page

22

Minn.) and Coach Mike Carroll highlighted the MIAC’s post-season awards by being named the Player-of-the-Year and Coachof-the-Year, respectively. Hjelm, the fifth Gustavus player to receive the honor, also earned the Shelia Brown Award for her demonstrated leadership, sportsmanship and volunteer work, academic excellence, and hockey skills and production. Carroll also reached a significant coaching milestone this season by winning his 300th career game. He became just second coach in Division III and eighth coach in all divisions of college hockey to win 300 games.

Joining Hjelm on the all-conference team were Kelsey Kennedy (Sr., Eagan, Minn.), Meagan Wanecke (Sr., Delafield, Wis.), and Maddie Bergh (Jr., Eden Prairie, Minn.). Allison Eder-Zdechlik (Fy., Stillwater, Minn.) rounded out the group of honorees by earning a spot on the all-rookie team.

The accolades continued for Hjelm and Kennedy as each earned a place on the AHCA All-America Team—Hjelm for the second time in her career and Kennedy for the first time.

points. In the classic race on day one, Hett placed 16th (19:05.02) to lead the women, and Wagner led the men in 32nd (34:42.1).

In the final day’s freestyle races, Hett led the women once again in 13th (32:16.8), and Blankenship came across in 28th (43:10.7) to front the men.

Nordic Skiing At the 2013 Central Collegiate Ski Association (CCSA) Championships, the Gustavus women’s nordic ski team finished fifth with 40 points, while the men’s team finished sixth with 35 points. In the opening-day classic races, Erica Hett (Sr., Burnsville, Minn.) led the women’s team with an 18th-place finish (15:56.9), while Zach Wagner (Sr., Marquette, Mich.) finished 35th (28:55.0) to lead the men. In the freestyle portion of the championships, the Gustie women were once again led by Hett who placed ninth (50:15.5), while the men were paced by Josh Blankenship (So., Maple Grove, Minn.), who finished 21st (1:00:07.9).

At the season-ending NCAA Central Region Championships held in lateFebruary, both the men’s and women’s team registered sixth-place finishes, the men with 46 points and the women with 56

Women’s Swimming and Diving The Gustavus women’s swimming and diving team stayed the course from start to finish, capturing its fourth consecutive league crown with a three-day total of 743 points at the 2013 MIAC championships.

The Gusties have won six of the last seven and eight of the last twelve MIAC championships. Accounting for a schoolrecord 137 points, junior Alissa Tinklenberg (Willmar, Minn.) once again led the Gusties on the conference stage. She was named the 2013 MIAC Women’s Swimmer-of-theYear after winning three individual races and contributing to the first-place finishes of three relays. Sarah Hund (Sr., St. Peter, Minn.), Abby Lyle (Jr., Buffalo, Wyo.), Laura Drake (Jr., Mendota Heights, Minn.), Katie Olson (So., North Oaks, Minn.), McKenna Jones (So., Faribault, Minn.), Jennifer Strom (So., Rochester, Minn.), Tarin Anding

THE GUSTAVUS QUARTERLY

Men’s Swimming and Diving The Gustavus men’s swimming and diving team placed fourth at the 2013 MIAC championships after registering 526 points. Zac Solis (So., Centennial, Colo.), Dante Colucci (Fy., Summit, N.J.), and Bennet Woltjer (Fy., Willmar, Minn.) all earned all-conference honors in leading the way for the Gusties.

Solis finished runner-up in the 500 freestyle with a time of 4:36.53 and third in the 200 backstroke with a time of 1:52.13. Dolucci touched in 50.88 to finish second in the 100 backstroke, while Woltjer scored a 430.05 to take third in the one-meter diving competition. Woltjer would go on to compete in the NCAA Division III diving regional, where he finished 22nd in both the one-meter (358.50) and three-meter (336.30) events.

(Fy., Sartell, Minn.), Ashley Lager (Fy., St. Peter, Minn.), Kayla Hutsell (Fy., Apple Valley, Minn.), and Leah Anderson (Fy., Apple Valley, Minn.) all took home allconference honors.

The team concluded its season with a 10th-place finish (98 pts.) at the 2013 NCAA championships held March 20–23 at the Conroe ISD Natatorium in Shenandoah, Texas. The Gusties benefited from four All-American performances by virtue of their finish inside the top eight. The 200-freestyle relay team comprising Olson, Hund, Anding, and Tinklenberg placed seventh (1:35.01), while the 400-medley relay team of Tinklenberg, Strom, Hutsell, and Olson placed eighth (3:50.86). Earning All-America marks on an individual level were Jennifer Strom in the 100 breaststroke (5th, 1:03.75), and Tinklenberg in the 200 backstroke (6th, 2:00.51). Gustavus’s finish this year is the second-best in program history.

Men’s Indoor Track and Field The Gustavus men’s indoor track and field team closed out the indoor season with a seventh-place finish at the 2013 MIAC championships after compiling 57.5 points. Leading the Gusties with all-conference performances were Josh Owens (Sr., Brooklyn Park, Minn.), Blair Riegel (Jr., Lakeville, Minn.), Cameron Clause (Jr., Mankato, Minn.), and Phillip Butler (Jr., St. Paul, Minn.). Owens became the first Gustie to win the pole vault in back-to-back seasons after going over the bar at 15' 4.25". Riegel finished runner-up in the long jump (22' 6.25"), while Clause came in second in the heptathlon with a school-record 4,781 points. Butler rounded out the group with a third-place finish in the 60-meter dash (7.06).

Both Owens and Clause qualified for the NCAA Division III Indoor Track and Field Championships held March 9–10 in Naperville, Ill. Ranked seventh in the country heading into the meet, Owens became the first Gustavus pole vaulter to earn All-America honors after finishing

sports notes

fourth with a height of 16' 0.5". Clause followed Owens’s lead on the final day of competition by becoming the first Gustie to achieve All-America marks in the heptathlon, following a fifth-place finish (4,912 pts.). The junior ranked 11th heading into the meet and moved up six spots on the second day of competition.

Women’s Indoor Track and Field The Gustavus women’s indoor track and field team narrowly missed the podium with a fourth-place finish after scoring 75 points at the 2013 MIAC championships held in early March. The Gusties benefited from the all-conference performances of Rebecca Hare (So., Albany, Minn.), Allyson Voss (Sr., Wausau, Wis.), and Nevada Wendlandt (Jr., Maplewood, Minn.). Hare provided the Gusties big points with a pair of all-conference showings in the distance races. She was runner-up in the 3,000-meter run (10:25.30) and finished third in the 5,000-meter run (18:17.63). Voss became the first back-toback pole vault champion in Gustavus history after setting a new meet and school record with a height of 12' 4.5".

She would later go on to compete in the NCAA championships, where she placed ninth with a height of 12' 3.50".

Nevada Wendlandt finished behind Voss at the conference meet in the pole vault, clearing 11' 2.25" to finish second. n

Ethan Armstrong ’09 is has been sports information director at Gustavus since fall 2011.

The 2012–13 MIAC regular season and playoff champion Gustavus Adolphus College women’s hockey team

The 2012–13 MIAC champion Gustavus Adolphus College women’s swimming and diving team

SUMMER 2013

23

‘Pounding the tables’— Notes from Kevin Kling

A

few years ago, along with a small group of theater alumni, I was invited back to Gustavus to perform in a production of Chekhov’s The Cherry Orchard. It was an amazing experience. We all stayed in guest housing, and even though most of us had graduated in different decades, the threads we shared kept us talking, challenging each other, and pounding the tables late into the night.

I was performing in Seattle in 2008, working with fellow Gustie grad [’75] David Esbjornson. We heard that some alumni would be attending one of the performances. They came in force, filled the house. We had a get-together afterward and it led to the most incredible time.

A month ago I saw a group of students from Gustavus at a major climate conference in Minneapolis. We talked like we had known each other our whole lives.

In 1975 I entered Gustavus, unfamiliar with the liberal arts agenda. I began as a pre-med student but soon found myself going to chapel to hear Chaplain Elvee, studying religion with Robert Esbjornson, psychology with Kendall, English with Rezmerski and Owen, philosophy with Huff, surrealism with Everett, history with Davis, sculpture with Granlund, theater with Gardner. My major shifted weekly, not because I wanted to “do that” but because I wanted to “be that.”

I ended up in theater after discovering its connection to every other field. I learned about playwriting through logic and sculpture, performance from religion—“do unto others” and “an eye for an eye”. And psychology. As Shakespeare reminds us, “The lunatic, the lover and the poet are of imagination all compact.”

Every year the Royal Lichtenstein Quarter-Ring Sidewalk Circus came to campus—a traditional circus with a strong social message. I also looked forward to the annual Nobel Conferences, inspired as much by the passion as the intellectual brilliance. The diversity of experience fostered a curiosity that I have to this day.

After I graduated I learned that, in a world of ambiguity, some try to follow a light while others seek solace in the

24

THE GUSTAVUS QUARTERLY

mystery. The problem with following a light is that it shines on the messenger while illuminating the message. On the other hand, looking for solace in mystery requires faith, letting go of one hand in the dark to reach for another. I find that life calls for both of these strategies.

I worry about the fevered state of our

infused with the intelligence and social justice values of Gustavus students past and present. They make me very proud to be a Gustie.

At the end of The Cherry Orchard, the play finds a family in the process of moving, their beloved farm devastated due to “progress.” Axes are heard cutting down

Six Gustavus students traveled to Washington, D.C., in February to participate in the largest climate rally in U.S. history.

planet, about the way we treat each other and how the American myth seems to be pulling away from reality, our sense of responsibility abandoned for ideology.

Never have I felt so compelled to act, to walk with fellow stewards of the earth, to work to bring an end to the poisoning of our planet. I marched in Washington, D.C., on February 17, 2013, with nearly 200 fellow Minnesotans (including a number of Gustavus Greens) at the “Forward on Climate” event, the largest climate rally in our nation’s history. And I will continue to work toward mitigating the consequences of global warming. We have left an enormous challenge to the generations following ours. Divesting from fossil fuels is a powerful right step. I hope you will consider supporting the tireless efforts of “Divest Gustavus”—students

the last of the family’s cherry trees. This bleakness would stay with me as I walked across campus following our performance, the January wind blowing fiercely across the Co-ed parking lot, and finally back to my “family.” And into the night we go, talking, arguing, pounding tables, and figuring out what we can do to heal this ailing world. n Kevin Kling ’79 is an acclaimed storyteller, playwright, and author whose commentaries may be heard regularly on NPR’s All Things Considered. To contact students working on Divest Gustavus with support or questions, e-mail Jennifer Steffen at jsteffe2@gustavus. edu or mail Gustavus Greens, 800 W College Ave., St. Peter, MN 56082.

GUSTAVUS ALUMNI

GUSTAVUS ALUMNI

s

ALUMNI CONTENTS 29 Gustie Breakfasts 31 Class Reunions 2013 34 BSO/PASO Reunion 38 Summer in the Cities 39 Alumni Association Awards 45 Weddings 45 Births 46 In Memoriam

Young Alumni Steering Committee

The Young Alumni Steering Committee strengthens, connects, and educates Gustavus alumni in the Twin Cities through a variety of activites and events. For more on upcoming gatherings, check out their Facebook (facebook.com/GustavusYPG) and Twitter (@gustavusYA) pages, or contact them at gustavusyoungalumni@gmail.com.

Steering Committee members include, front row from left: Matt Nelson ’10, Amber Hanson ’10, Mary Dierkes ’12, Katy Sandberg ’11, Megan Myhre ’11, and Mike Cicchese ’07. Back row: Joe Cupka ’06, Conor Bennett ’09, JR Friesen ’05, Mike Marcotte ’08 (chair), Chris Duhaime ’12, Marissa Schon ’09, and Hailey Harren ’07. Not pictured are Meagan Bachmayer ’08, Dan Myers ’04, Tyler Mulcahey ’13, and Lydia Benge Briggs ’13.

SUMMER 2013

25

Walter Youngquist is a retired petroleum geologist residing in Eugene, OR. His book, Geodestinies: The Inevitable Control of Earth Resources over Nations and Individuals, was published in its second edition this spring. n C. Eddie Johnson, class president

42

Gustavus Alumni Association To engage current and future alumni in lifelong relationships with Gustavus and each other to actively advance their commitment to the College.

OFFICERS

Christopher Rasmussen ’88, President Sara Tollefson Currell ’95, Vice President Randall Stuckey ’83, Executive Secretary Kelly Waldron ’84, Treasurer Jeff Heggedahl ’87, Past President & Ex-Officio Member, Board of Trustees Board Members Term expires Fall 2013 Catherine Asta ’75, Edina, MN Michael Dueber ’89, St. Paul, MN Luther Hagen ’88, Apple Valley, MN Derek Hansen ’94, Minnetonka, MN Gordon Mansergh ’84, Decatur, GA Jeffrey Marshall ’75, Houston, TX Kay Rethwill Moline ’56, St. Peter, MN Matthew Olson ’10, Minneapolis, MN Marisa Schloer ’09, Minneapolis, MN Term expires Fall 2014 Jean-Paul Bigirindavyi ’00, St. Louis Park, MN Jennifer Krempin Bridgman ’96, Alexandria, VA Adam Eckhardt ’08, Minneapolis, MN Violeta Hernández Espinosa ’07, Mexico City, Mexico Chris Rasmussen ’88, Berwyn Heights, MD Sharon Peterson Robinson ’64, Kasota, MN Kristin Johns Young ’86, The Woodlands, TX Term expires Fall 2015 Sandra Luedtke Buendorf ’62, St. Peter, MN Sara Tollefson Currell ’95, St. Paul, MN Ed Drenttel ’81, Inver Grove Heights, MN Keith Jackson ’88, Minneapolis, MN Jane Norman Leitzman ’69, St. Joseph, MN Brian Norelius ’96, Lindstrom, MN Paul Schiminsky ’93, Las Vegas, NV Scott Swanson ’85, Edina, MN Matt Wasson ’12, Minneapolis, MN emeritus James “Moose” Malmquist ’53, Scandia, MN

CLASS NEWS and information to be included in the Alumni section of the Quarterly should be sent to: Office of Alumni Relations Gustavus Adolphus College 800 West College Avenue St. Peter, MN 56082-1498 phone n 800-487-8437 e-mail n alumni@gustavus.edu or [year]classofficers@gustavus.edu website n gustavus.edu/alumni/submit

26

THE GUSTAVUS QUARTERLY

Denny and Paula Lofstrom, Mwanza, Tanzania, attended the Nobel Conference Oct. 2–3 on “Our Global Ocean.” Denny writes, “It was an exceptional conference.” Barbara Glemaker Brown, Oshkosh, WI, is in a bridge club with fellow Gustie Peggy Johnson Wagner ’75.

Art and Dorothy Conrad Gaard, Minneapolis, wrote in 2012, “We made a couple of pilgrimages to Gustavus: V12, the Gustavus Heritage Partnership luncheon, and Alumni Weekend. We look forward to these events. They were times for renewing acquaintances, but it’s also to celebrate the beauty of the College’s campus!” At Christmas in Christ Chapel last December Paul and Dorothy Johnson Lutz, St. Peter, shared one chapel pew row with seven relatives and Gustie friends. “We all agreed it was a wonderful worship service.” n Dorothy Johnson Lutz, class president and communication chair

51

Physician Program for Minnesota; he played on two Gustavus MIAC football championship teams; he received the George Boerner Award as Hutchinson High School male athlete of the year and was captain of the 1948 HHS football team.

Congratulations, Roger!

Please send us your news of trips, grandchildren, awards, Gustie sightings, etc.

We like to hear about what you’re doing. n M arlys Mattson Nelson, class communication chair

54

Classmates are encouraged to attend our 55th reunion May 31 and June 1. The reunion committee is planning a time for lots of conversation, voluntary audience participation, and a limit on speeches! Contact your class officers for more information. Books in Bloom will be held again this year on May 3–5. Last year seven members of our class responded to our invitation and participated by sponsoring several of the blooms. Many thanks to class members Anders Björling, St. Peter; Don Elvestrom, Lutsen; John Johnson, Gibbon; Lois Walfrid Johnson, Alexandria; Marlys Johnson, St. Peter; Carolyn Sandvig, Minneapolis; and Owen Sammelson, St. Peter, who sponsored a bloom or partial bloom. (What’s with those Johnsons?) n C arolyn Lund Sandvig, class communication chair

I did get one note of news—In September, Roger Krantz, Hutchinson, was elected into the Hutchinson High School Wall of Fame as an outstanding graduate of HHS. This honor was for the following reasons: He was appointed by the Governor to serve on the Minnesota State Health Care Access Commission, which developed the Minnesota Care Health Insurance Program for the uninsured and underinsured citizens of Minnesota; he served on the University of Minnesota, Duluth Rural Health School Advisory Committee to develop the Rural

As one classmate stated, “We’ve all reached the three-quarter century mark.” And but for a few aches and pains, we seem to be doing very well as indicated by the communications we’ve received. Warren Woods, Fridley, is active in a writers group at his church. Roxanne Rosendahl Steiner, Wayzata, left a message on my answering machine, so we can assume she is alive and active as usual.

Marion Johnson Sansted, Fargo, ND, and her husband, LaVerne, have two sons and fostered teenage girls for ten years. Their own daughter died in 1995. They are now retired and involved in numerous activities in Fargo. Bob Sandberg, Bountiful, UT, is experiencing health problems but is very appreciative of his good life. Marlo Putz, Buffalo, has three sons—one is a secret service agent in DC, another is with the LAPD, and the third lives next door so they see plenty of him and the grandchildren.

Norma Beyers Koos, Boone, IA, reports all is well and no change in Iowa. Carol Miller Hammarberg, Philadelphia, PA, is down to working one and a half days a week. Muriel Doherty Haegele, Federal Way, WA, spent February and March in Phoenix. Nancy Anderson Guber and her husband have moved permanently to

Special thanks to Dick Brubacher, Minnetonka, for sharing some of his thoughts in our recent class letter about his years of service in four major political positions serving four Minnesota governors, two of whom were Democrats and two Republicans. In class news, Betty Lundgren Schlotthauer, Arden Hills, shared that several Gusties from the Twin Cities area celebrated Dave Johnson’s 80th birthday with him at his condo in Minneapolis. Happy Birthday, Dave, and welcome to our new decade. Carolyn Gooder Towley, Alexandria, sent a note saying that she still keeps busy playing the piano and organ. I’m sure it helps to keep the mind sharp too, Carolyn. Please send in your news—we want to hear from you! n Vic Carter, class communication chair

57

58

59

GUSTAVUS ALUMNI s

Hedlin’s congregation publishes children’s book of questions about God

Over the past three years, a committee at Peace Lutheran Church in New Lenox, IL, has been working to create a book on Questions Kids Ask About God. The book is based on actual questions children have asked of their pastor, Dave Hedlin ’74. The vibrantly illustrated, 32-page, hardcover book is geared toward children ages 5–11 but also engages families and others in discussion. All proceeds from this book ministry will be split between Lutheran World Relief and the Feed My Starving Children program. For more information, or to purchase the book, visit www.qkapublishing.com, call Pastor Hedlin at 815-485-5327, or e-mail him at dhedlin@ peacenewlenox.org.

Gordy Larson, Shelby Township, MI,

“Thank you for the job you 60 writes, do in collecting news from our

Welcome aboard, Bruce Warner, Plymouth, to the class officers’ group for 1961 Gusties. Bruce has agreed to serve as president of the class.

He has worked on class projects prior to this assignment, most recently as the emcee for recent reunions. Bruce and Deanna have two sons who have been

61

s

classmates. Living here in Michigan means that I don’t have much contact with the GAC community. I did receive a phone call from Pete Nyhus on my birthday; he sang “Happy Birthday” to me, not bad from a member of the “Reds” fraternity! My brother, Stan ’58, from Eau Claire, WI, has much more involvement with GAC since he has a grandson at the college.” Our classmate Cameron “Scooter” Johnston and Jeanette Westerberg Johnston ’58, Moscow, ID, tell us that their son, Eric, was married in September at Cordelia Lutheran Church, Moscow, Idaho, the oldest Lutheran Church in Idaho, erected in 1883 for Swedes in that area. Joel and Nancy Wiberg, Minneapolis, attended the memorial service for Diane Loomer ’62 in Vancouver on January 12 (wife of our classmate Richard Loomer) and Joel spoke at the service.

Diane was a renowned choral conductor and was given an honorary doctorate at Gustavus last year. n P aul Tidemann, class president

Larson joins Gustavus Century Club

Ruth Snyder Larson ’33, St. Peter, MN, celebrated her 100th birthday on March 4 and was gifted a Gustavus Century Club certificate and bouquet of roses from Laurie Dietrich ’80, advancement office, and Philly Kauffmann, administrative assistant in Alumni Relations.

Larson will celebrate the 80th anniversary of her graduation on Reunion/ Commencement Weekend 2013, June 1 & 2.

s

Fredricksburg, VA, to be nearer to their son and his family. Jean Monson Foreman, Grand Junction, CO, went on a round-theworld cruise from January to May. She and her husband are retired Methodist ministers.

Lynette Street Flato, Stockton, CA, spends the spring and summer at her cabin on the Russian River. Bruce Carlson has retired to Minnesota, but has become a world traveler this year to Hawaii, Egypt, China, Italy, and Scandinavia. He will be a visiting professor in Australia next year. Liz Sandquist Brown, Henderson, NV, gave me a tour of her wonderful retirement community where she is very active and seems to know everyone.

Marian Fickes Borg and her husband, Paul, live in Olalla, WA, which is on the Olympia Peninsula. Mark Bjorkman, Issaquah, WA, is living in a wonderful retirement community situated in the woods near Seattle. Dean Hillman, East Hills, NY, in retirement from New York University Medical Center, is developing his website, which is titled “mindoverbrain.com.” The site describes the components of the MIND and how MIND arises from brain function. n C arol Johnson Heyl, class communication chair

Wirth named executive producer/showrunner for AMC’s Hell on Wheels

John Wirth ’75, Pacific Palisades, CA, has been named executive producer/showrunner of the Western drama Hell on Wheels. The series, from Entertainment One, Endemol USA, and Nomadic Pictures, is back on track with a third season renewal, and will proceed with production on 10 new episodes to premiere in the third quarter of 2013. Wirth is currently wrapping up his services on TNT’s Falling Skies, for which he has been working as consultant. “As we gear up for season three of Hell on Wheels, we are pleased to have such an accomplished showrunner as John Wirth join our team,” says Susie Fitzgerald, AMC’s SVP of scripted development and current programming. “With the help of our partners at Entertainment One, Endemol, and Nomadic, we look forward to a new season of the poetic and pulpy adventures of Cullen Bohannan and the other characters as they build the railroad across the US.” Wirth’s credits include The Cape, ABC’s V reboot, Terminator: The Sarah Connor Chronicles, Love Monkey, Ghost Whisperer, Nash Bridges, and Remington Steele.

SUMMER 2013

27

Gustavus students. The class still lacks a recruitment chair. Could you work with classmates to recommend worthy high school graduates to the Admission Office to be considered for future classes? These young Gusties could be your grandchildren or their friends. Besides myself as correspondent, Stu Johnson, St. Peter, is serving as annual fund chair and Elsa Cornell, St. Peter, is serving as the vice president and reunion chair. Joanne Swenson Lippert, San Clemente, CA, is delighted that her daughter and her family are now living in California. They recently relocated to the United States from Turkey.

Jim and Marilynn Clark Tanner, Hot Springs Village, AR, sought an even warmer climate than Arkansas last winter when they spent a month in Longboat Key, FL. It was generally a great year of travel for them with several excursions in Europe and shorter vacations in the U.S. Ron and Eloise Zaniewski, Stillwater, report that their son and his wife presented them with a new grandson in autumn named Parks. Maury and Jan Sanftner Elvekrog, Birmingham, MI, have found that travel adventures are possible again following Maury’s successful back surgery a year ago. Some of their four children and families often accompany

them. They have ventured from coast to coast and they make special note of a great time discovering the Southwestern U.S. and another to be with family in Boston. n Virgene Grack Sehlin, class communication chair Dave Auten, Selma, CA, retired as vice president of architecture, construction, and maintenance for 326 banks, all of which are now Wells Fargo. When I called him he was sitting in his home office overlooking his “small ranch,” as they call farms in California, where he lives in the Central Valley near Fresno. He has “ranched” five-hundred almond trees for the past several years, and is now clearing the land to lease it to growers of Thompson seedless grapes.

You’ve taken interesting paths from your days of standing on that diving board, David! Jon Buss, Star Prairie, WI, has split his time for the last several years between church and travel. Jon enthusiastically works with congregation members and business people to fund church outreach programs. He and his wife have also motor-homed for the past several years, visiting all but three of our continental 48 states and all of our Western national parks.

62

They’ve also made “side-trips” to Hawaii, Okinawa, and Europe. It IS possible to take the boy off the farm!

David Dahlgren, Edina, since retiring as a Twin Cities radiologist, is focusing his enthusiasm and musical talent on Gustavus’s Friends of Music, a group which works closely with Scott Moore, chair of Gustavus’s Music Department. They are dedicated to recruiting the finest music students for Gustavus, as well as sponsoring wonderful music events. What an admirable way of supporting your alma mater, David!

John Kerry’s business major served him well in his careers with Montgomery Ward, Red Owl, and Farmers Insurance.

I remember admiring John because he had survived growing up in the tundra called International Falls. He’s remained a Minnesota boy, currently living in Eagan, and much to his liking, his progeny have followed suit, residing in Chaska, Burnsville, and St. Paul. John and Judy’s travels include Cancun, where they spend a couple of weeks at their time-share, river cruises through Europe, and an upcoming trip to London, Scotland, and Wales. I’m surprised you’re not checking out Ireland’s Guinness factory, John, but now that I think about it, London does have its share of great pubs!

s

Rodgers and colleague named Attorneys of the Year

Mark Rodgers ’78 and his law partner, Michael Garbow, who practice law in Bemidji, MN, have been named to the list of Minnesota Lawyer’s 2012 Attorneys of the Year.

Rodgers and Garbow were cited for their six-year case to win workers’ compensation coverage for the teachers who lived through the shooting at the Red Lake Senior High School in 2005.

Each year, Minnesota Lawyer recognizes the best achievements in the Minnesota legal profession with the Attorneys of the Year awards. Attorneys are chosen based on their leadership, involvement in major cases or other newsworthy events, excellence in corporate or transactional services, and public service. Nominations are submitted by judges, bar groups, clients, and fellow attorneys. The honorees come from diverse practice groups including criminal law, litigation, public service, intellectual property, and in-house legal departments.

s

Michael Garbow and Mark Rodgers ’78

LaFountaine receives Breaking Barriers Award

Janna Larson LaFountaine ’81, St. Cloud, MN, received the Breaking Barriers Award from The Minnesota Coalition of Women in Athletic Leadership at the Minnesota celebration of National Girls and Women in Sport Day on Wednesday, February 6, 2013, at the State Capitol Rotunda. This honor is awarded for individuals or organizations that have broken barriers, overcome challenges, and striven to provide athletic opportunities to girls and women of all races, all ages, and all levels of ability. LaFountaine is associate professor of exercise science and sport studies at the College of Saint Benedict and Saint John’s University. She is pictured with her daughter, Bo ’15, a member of the Gustavus gymnastics team.

28

THE GUSTAVUS QUARTERLY

GUSTAVUS ALUMNI Karen Johnson dubs herself a “longtime retiree” from her physical education and health teaching career. Karen is living in Brooklyn Park and enjoying the proximity of her son and daughter and her four grandchildren. Karen, I remember you being a killer volleyball player. I’m sure your natural athletic skills were at least slightly enhanced by our unforgettable P.E. instructor Hildegard Hein.

Evi Gustafson Davenport, Houston, TX, spent 18 of her career years developing and leading the Learning Resource Center at Texas A&M. When she then moved to Houston, she noticed that NASA was just beyond her backyard, so she trekked on over there to see if she could help out and was given the task of transcribing the astronaut’s in-flight verbiage and sending her work on to the appropriate NASA folks.

When she is not still working at NASA, she travels. She has ventured to Costa Rica and Peru. On her trip to Morocco she promptly fell in love with the Sahara. She has checked out Vietnam. She’s trekked the Himalayas where she was bathed by the elephants.

For her 70th birthday she flew in a small plane around Mt. Everest in Nepal. And as we were speaking, she was packing to leave for New Zealand in three days. For not being an astronaut yourself, Evi, you’ve seen almost as much of Mother Earth as they have.

Carmen Jones Knoble, Estero, FL, and I had a great time on the phone verbally patting ourselves on the back for surviving many years in Duluth. If any of you thought there could be no more bone-chilling winds than those that blew us across Hello Walk for four years, you’ve never experienced the gales blowing off the ice of Lake Superior even in June.

Carmen’s weather-surviving skills further came in handy last May when she and Jim were in Amsterdam, where the water was seven feet above sea level. She was even a victim in good weather when she tore three ligaments at their summer home on Big Sandy at MacGregor and spent the rest of the season in a boot. All that being said, Carmen, no one’s feeling terribly sorry for you any longer, cuz we know you’ve made your home in Estero, FL, where Life Is Good! Bob Knudsen, Apple Valley, became an army security agent after graduation. Sounds like a euphemism for something really intriguing, Bob! He retired as a consultant for the Small Business Development Center, which is part of the SBA. He became a widower in 2003 and is now enjoying life with his new wife as they travel the West Coast and manage to visit their sons in Colorado and Oregon.

John Larson and his wife are enjoying the good life in Columbia, MO, having raised

Twin Cities and St. Peter Gustie Breakfasts Join other Gusties for a morning cup of coffee and breakfast while getting an update on Gustavus—a great way to meet and network with Gusties in the Twin Cities and St. Peter/Mankato areas. The St. Peter/Mankato group will meet the second Wednesday of each month on campus; the Twin Cities group will meet the third Wednesday of each month at the American Swedish Institute, Minneapolis.

Twin Cities Gustie Breakfasts

St. Peter area Gustie Breakfasts

American Swedish Institute 2600 Park Ave, Minneapolis, MN

C. Charles Jackson Campus Center St. Peter Banquet Room Gustavus Adolphus College Campus

7:30 a.m. breakfast, 8 a.m. program $10 per person Call Alumni Relations at 800-487-8437

7:30 a.m. breakfast, 8 a.m. program $8 per person; $15 per couple Call Institutional Advancement at 507-933-7512

Third Wednesday of each month

Second Wednesday of each month

Reservations required and limited to 60 people.

scheduled speakers

scheduled speakers

May 15, 2013 Tim Kennedy ’82, vice president for marketing and communication

May 8, 2013 Tim Kennedy ’82, vice president for marketing and communication

June 19, 2013 Bruce Gray ’61, retired administrator, author of Black and Bold, a history of African American students at the College

June 12, 2013 Bruce Gray ’61, retired administrator, author of Black and Bold, a history of African American students at the College

July 17, 2013

Charlie Potts ’01, director of residential life

July 10, 2013 Charlie Potts ’01, director of residential life

August 21, 2013 Matthew Swenson ’06, communications adviser to Minnesota governor Mark Dayton

August 14, 2013 Matthew Swenson ’06, communications adviser to Minnesota governor Mark Dayton

September 18, 2013

Scott Bur, associate professor of chemistry, Nobel Conference 49 preview

September 11, 2013 Scott Bur, associate professor of chemistry, Nobel Conference 49 preview

Speakers’ schedules may change, so please see gustavus.edu/alumni for current information.

SUMMER 2013

29

1968 grad reports on recovery from Hurricane Sandy Ed. Note: Liz Logan Sulik ’68 rode out Hurricane Sandy in her home in Rockaway Park, NY. She shares an update about her community’s recovery here. Sulik’s father was Gustavus Emeritus Professor of Economics and Business Rufus Logan, and her mother, Marion Youngquist Logan ’24.

Life here at the beach after Hurricane Sandy has been challenging and arduous at best.

The pictures did not even begin to touch on the extent of the damage. Even after all this time, there is only one gas station open, one supermarket, two banks (of course, not mine!), and a couple of bars that do landoffice business these days! Schools have finally reopened now, but our kids had to travel miles and miles in order to attend schools.

We have to travel to the mainland to do almost everything.

Hundreds of people have not been able to return to their homes yet, although come this summer and better weather, I’m sure more will be returning to the beach. Whenever someone has repaired their home to the point where they can come back, there are huge celebrations! The new FEMA-required house elevation requirements are still not clearly defined and flood insurance rates are now in the mega-thousands for those who do not, or cannot comply; insurance money (if the companies paid at all) is slow to come and only about 60 percent of the businesses have reopened.

Many will not because there simply isn’t enough money to cover the losses and little to none is available to help, or the grants and loans are so restricted to certain usages that simply do not work! The “process” is just too difficult, especially when the response is “Sorry, you do not qualify.”. So many wonderful charities and volunteers are still doing incredible work gutting and rebuilding people’s homes for free, treating our children to great surprises especially around Christmas, and on a positive side, this experience has brought our community even closer together. There is always a silver lining someplace.

Our shoreline is much smaller and since we were only four blocks wide in the first place where I live, there is absolutely no

30

THE GUSTAVUS QUARTERLY

protection remaining from the ocean except for piles of sand, which disappear after each wind or rain storm. We have been warned not to eat fish from the immediate surrounding waters because of the contamination, and who knows when that ban will be lifted. We had no electricity for more than three weeks, which was fun given that it was cold outside. I look forward to snow—even if it’s only an inch or so—just so the barren and depressing dirt-colored everything will be white for a little while.

I stayed during the storm because none of us expected it to be so horribly devastating. I cannot possibly describe the feeling of being surrounded by five to six feet of fast-moving, swirling water as far as the eye could see, watching cars and trucks bob around in the water like toys in a bathtub and traveling blocks away on the strong currents, tsunami-like ocean surges breaking through front doors and filling ground floors and basements to the ceilings. To top it off, there were fires burning out of control close by, which destroyed 150 homes.

After the high tide receded, we had to crawl over sand to get out of the building. Portions of the boardwalk were in front of my house and imbedded into other homes nearby. My kids walked a large portion of the peninsula with their cameras the next morning, as no roads were passable, and brought back unforgettable photographs. There were incredible stories of people being rescued from burning homes, hanging on to surfboards, ropes strung across streets, or kayaks with their family pets and treasured possessions in the middle of the storm. It was quite an experience.

I was lucky: I live higher in a low-rise condo building so I just lost my car and the contents of my garage, which cannot be replaced (except for my golf clubs—LOL), but my best friend’s home simply disappeared into the ocean along with many others. It was heartbreaking to see the contents of nearly every house piled up on the street for the National Guard and Sanitation to cart away and dump onto huge piles to be burned—huge piles representing peoples’ entire lives.

Such overwhelming sadness for so many people. I think everyone cried at least 10 times a day for several weeks! Suffice it to say, it was not a good experience and very frightening. The Army Corps of Engineers has now classified Sandy as a 250-year storm.

We are, however, a very resilient bunch here, and albeit it slowly, recovery will happen. It will take years though, and should another hurricane or super-storm be forecast to hit this area, I will not ride it out! It is at that point that I may consider moving back to oh-so-cold Minnesota!

GUSTAVUS ALUMNI three wonderful daughters. John earned his doctorate in biochemistry at Indiana University and has recently retired from the University of Missouri’s Enzyme Research Department. You’ve come a long way from the basketball court, John!!

Don Lund, Pine City, is retired from what he enthusiastically called “a great career” as a science teacher and then the principal at Pine City High School.

I wonder if Don doesn’t deserve a gold medal for sending the most progeny to Gustavus: Jeffrey ’83, Michael ’84, Kristi ’87, and Robert ’90. And his granddaughter will be in the Class of 2017.

In the meantime, he and his wife, Elisa, luxuriate in Bonita Springs, FL, and have recently cruised the Eastern Caribbean.

Dean ’63 and Mickey Montague McBride divide their time between Alamogordo, NM, and Big Sugar Bush at Detroit Lakes.

Mickey tells us that though Dean has been battling pancreatic cancer for over a year, he is doing great! Dean answered my phone call with that great, deep oh-soDean ex-Marine voice of his; it was so fun to talk with them! Mike McGaffin, whom I long ago dubbed Mr. East Coast, still is. He now lives in Warminster, PA, having retired eight years ago as executive vice president of marketing for a medical publishing company. He has a daughter in New Jersey and one in Warminster. When I spoke with Mike before the reunion, he was heartily looking forward to seeing everyone, which ultimately did not happen because of a family emergency. Maybe we can talk Sharon and Jan into a 51st.

Lynda Hamlin Murray is living the active life in Eden Prairie, MN, not far from her three children and their offspring. Widowed for a year, she continues to ski and ice fish “up north,” and kayak and play tennis in the Minneapolis area. In her more sedate moments she sells books on Amazon and collects agates and fossils, a category in which she does not place her Gustavus friends. Sue Schreiber Kear is ecstatically residing in Cary, NC, outside of Raleigh, where she chose to live for the beaches, the mountains, the golf, and the four seasons.

Oh, yes, and her daughter and family also live there. Sue’s love of teaching is still being fulfilled by doing private SAT/ACT tutoring whenever she and her husband are not visiting children and grandchildren in London, New York, San Diego, Minneapolis, and now Green Bay. Sue is still in touch with her roomie, Marcia Grann-O’Brien, who is busy editing and writing at her seaside home at Snug Harbor, RI, as she continues her career as a multiple-awarded editor and journalist. The two recall celebrating their 55th birthdays touring the pubs of Ireland and receiving a motorcycle escort out of

Cork! Marcia continues to fight and so far, by the grace of God, win a recent battle against cancer. n Norman Anderson & Gail Lindsey Breen, class communication co-chairs

Agate Lake, and spending winters at various places where it is warm. Richard Strand, Bloomington, is a self-employed orthopedic surgeon and sneaks away to the warm climes of Florida (along with Mary as in Carlstrom). Judy Oltman Clark, Charlotte, NC, teaches ESL to adult internationas and has been doing so since retirement. Connie Rickert Brunberg, White Bear Lake, volunteers with HealthEast

Lee Miller reports that he is retired but works for free as a guest researcher in biology. His wife, Mette, is also retired so they have been doing some travel.

Their re-designed front and back yards are now complete with a large greenhouse in the back. Lyle ’62 and Charlene Lundahl Norris are now into their tenth winter in sunny Arizona and have been doing something special Classes of 1953, 1958, 1963, 1968, and the 50 Year Club each month as part of a countdown to their 50th wedding anniversary. Sandy Reunions for 1973, 1978, 1983, 1988, 1993, 1998, Brown Johnston 2003, and 2008 reports that she Information will be included in class letters, postcards, and on the alumni website. If you moved to a new wish to serve on your class reunion committee, contact the Office of Alumni Relations condo in Los at 800-487-8437 or alumni@gustavus.edu.

Angeles and is enjoying working with Ginny Larsen Jones and a wonderful committee creating a “RetroHospice at The Pillars, Joseph’s Coat, and Fashion Show” for our 50th Anniversary Habitat for Humanity. Mary Bradford Ivey, Class Reunion. She says thanks to so many Sarasota, FL, is an author and consultant for cards and concern as she dealt with the in counseling education. Claudia Hayden effects of a stroke last year. Marcia Day Schroeder, Flagstaff, AZ, volunteers, Anderson has decided to build a new house entertains, and makes ceramic trucks, in Kenya where she has been a missionary crows, and whimsy items sold in galleries for years. She will have the proverbial locally. “farm” in Africa. Gary and Mary Ann John Tammi, Holland, MI, is currently on Carlson Anderson, Hugo, took a three-week sabbatical leave investigating approaches driving trip through Poland and the Czech to doing bilingual theater. His plan is to Republic. Tom Lindell, Tucson, AZ, is still finally retire May 2014. Naomi Lineer Dorau, enjoying printmaking and instructing in South St. Paul, is enjoying retirement and printmaking at The Drawing Studio and her grandchildren. Kent Nakamuru, a does a number of speaking engagements dentist in Kealakekua, HI, plans on retiring on the interface between science and at the end of the year. Larry Hedlin, West theology. Fred Thunhorst, Ely, is retired Des Moines, IA, retired after selling his from the Minnesota Department of Natural company, Hedlin Ag. Enterprises, in 2001.

Resources Area Wildlife after 33 plus years.

He serves on two corporate boards and the Karen Hallberg Olson, Wyoming, Des Moines Symphony Foundation board. enjoyed a vacation in Sweden and Norway Sandy Beehrle Ahlstrom, Shorewood, just with her new husband, John. Curtis added a third grandchild. She not only has Wohlberg, White Bear Lake, is a selfgrandmother duties but does extensive employed tax preparer. Jerry Rice, Edina, gardening including rain gardens in the is CFO of MediStar Inc. Randy Crooks, Twin Cities and the major Powderhorn Park Deerwood, is retired after 34 years at project in Minneapolis. Carole Rosenkrans Andersen Corp, living the good life on Zacher, Eden Prairie, is fully retired from

63

Dates for reunions and homecoming

Alumni Class Reunions 2013 May 31 & June 1, 2013

September 27–29, 2013 Homecoming Weekend

SUMMER 2013

31

her nursing career. Five children live in the Twin Cities and she has 13 grandchildren. Her husband, Mike, also recently retired from his pastoral position at Mt. Olivet Lutheran. Becky Anderson Lindblad, San Clemente, CA, now has a full “social lesson plan” rather than a teaching plan. She writes a monthly recipe column, volunteers in her grandchildren’s schools and for a charity group called the Beach Angels. She and Jerry took a cruise to Hawaii over Thanksgiving.

Howie Lee is a retired mathematics teacher and lives in Camarillo, CA, where, among other things, he tends a grove of avocado trees.

David Toft is enjoying retirement in La Jolla, CA. Carolyn Webster is a “retired” mathematics teacher but continues to supervise student teachers. She lives in La Mirada, CA, but, unfortunately, will miss the reunion because of a trip to Turkey.

Gusties in Tucson gathered at the home of Warren ’67 and Donna ’66 Beck on January 29. The Class of 1963 was well represented at the annual gathering with Judy Anderson Lindell, Karen Lindborg Jonaitis, Tom Lindell, Nola Aalberts, and Paul and Ruth Anderson Tillquist in attendance. John Lipke, Stewart, keeps busy with volunteer activities with Education Minnesota. He does some part-time accounting work in Hutchinson with his son’s business.

He also takes time for an annual fishing trip with family to Canada and traveled to Florida this winter for a week with children and grandchildren. Doug Roszell and his wife, Rose Marie, moved from Park City, Utah, to Spokane, WA, when he retired as a psychiatrist with the Department of Veterans Affairs. They are active enjoying the beauties of the great Pacific Northwest. Karen Lindborg Jonaitis has lived in Tucson for 22 years. Church involvement, choir, travel, serving as a docent at a nature park, and birding keep her busy and happy.

Don’t forget that the dates for the reunion are Friday, May 31–Sunday, June 1. We have another special reason come to the reunion and attend the Alumni Banquet on Saturday: Mary Kay Bradford Ivey will be honored with a Distinguished Alumni Citation for her outstanding work in education and research in the field of counseling education. n G ary Anderson, class communication chair I was so happy to receive news from one of my freshman

who had been lost to me, Joan Vold Heinle, 64 sectionmates Scottsdale, AZ. She writes, “I recently connected with a

sectionmate, Carol Eide Lerfald, Maple Grove, and she mentioned I was being sought. I was at Gustavus for only one year, but it was very special, and everyone I met and shared experiences with is still fresh in my mind. I have since located several others and hope to organize a reunion in the coming year. I promise to spend more time reading the Quarterly and catching up with those who meant so much to me. Tim and I will celebrate our 50th in September 2013.

We have three children and nine grandchildren, and have lived in Chicago; Dearborn, MI; Jacksonville, FL; Cincinnati, OH; Toronto, Canada; Columbus, OH; Breckenridge, CO; and now Scottsdale, AZ.” No wonder I had so much trouble tracking her down. They also spend five months each summer on an island in Rainy Lake near International Falls. When I saw Dan Johnson this past summer I was so excited that he was planning to move to Oaxaca, Mexico, I was ready to buy a ticket to go visit him. But I was a little premature in reporting his move. Dan is still in Tijuana.

Doug Person, Bloomington, who underwent four major spinal surgeries early in 2012, was treated to a very special 70th birthday last August. Hosting at the Presbyterian Homes and Services, (Doug’s home for the past five years) were Gary Kenning, Hackensack/Minneapolis, and Rick Hokanson ’65, Bloomington.

Attendees included Doug’s roommate of all four years, Jack Jungas, and his wife, Becky (Lidfors ’66), Mountain Lake; Al Henderson ’62, and his wife Susan, Chanhassan; Karna Peterson, Backus; and Linda Leonardson Hallman, Minneapolis. Tom Hirsch and his wife, Sonja

32

THE GUSTAVUS QUARTERLY

REUNION WEEKEND 2013 Friday, May 31 11 a.m.

lass of 1963 Brunch C with First Lady Kris Ohle President’s Residence

1–7 p.m.

egistration R Information Desk C. Charles Jackson Campus Center

1:30 p.m.

culpture Tour S Meet at Christ Chapel

2:30 p.m. S eminar Banquet Room “On His Watch” The Presidency of John Kendall ’49 Presented by Dennis Johnson ’60 4 p.m. C lass of 1963 Memorial Service Christ Chapel 5 p.m.

lass of 1953 Social and Dinner C Campus Center Banquet Room

5 p.m. Class of 1958 Social and Dinner Three Crowns Room 5 p.m. Class of 1963 Photo Christ Chapel 5:30 p.m. Class of 1963 Pizza Villa Revisited Alumni Hall, Johnson Student Union 5:30 p.m. Class of 1968 Memorial Service Christ Chapel 6:30 p.m. Class of 1968 Class Social Courtyard Café

Class Gathering Places: Class of 1953 – Faculty/Staff Lounge Class of 1958 – Courtyard Café Lounge Class of 1963 – Courtyard Café Class of 1968 – Gustie Den (Alvheim ’60), Edina, joined the celebration enroute from their home in Scottsdale, AZ, to another reunion in Cape Cod. Paul Tillquist ’63 and his wife Ruth (Anderson ’63) led the party in the “Gustie Rouser” and other great songs of college days in the ’60s. I was eager to hear about Emmy Hanson Abello’s two-week safari in Africa last October because that trip is high on my must-do list.

On the Serengeti she was able to see the big five, including lions taking down a water buffalo. When I called her I was in Minnesota

GUSTAVUS ALUMNI

SCHEDULE OF EVENTS

50 Year Club—including anniversary classes of 1933, 1938, 1943, 1948, 1953, 1958; the Centennial Class of 1963; and the Class of 1968

Saturday, June 1 7-11 a.m. Breakfast a la Carte Evelyn Young Dining Room Jackson Campus Center

Meet at Christ Chapel 2 p.m.

8 a.m.–5 p.m. Registration Information Desk, Jackson Campus Center

rboretum Tour A Meet at Melva Lind Interpretive Center

2 p.m. Campus Tour Meet at Admission Office

7:30 a.m. Class of 1958 Breakfast St. Peter Room or Presidents Dining Room

3 p.m. Class of 1953 Gathering Faculty/Staff Lounge

9 a.m. Seminars Beck Academic Hall

3:30 p.m. Vesper Service Christ Chapel

1. “History of Gustavus” Presented by Professor Glenn Kranking ’98

4:30 p.m. President’s Reception Campus Center Banquet Rooms

2. “Picture This” Presented by Anders Björling ’58

5 p.m. Alumni Banquet Campus Center Banquet Rooms

3. Student Panel

10 a.m.

efreshments & Conversation R Beck Academic Hall

7:30 p.m. Class of 1963 Afterglow Home of Janet Gardner Anthony

10:30 a.m. Seminars Beck Academic Hall

1. “History of Gustavus” Presented by Professor Glenn Kranking ’98

2. “ Picture This” Presented by Anders Björling ’58

3. Student Panel

Noon A lumni Luncheon for 50 Year Club Campus Center Banquet Rooms Noon Class of 1963 Luncheon Alumni Hall

sunday, June 2 9 & 10:30 a.m. Baccalaureate Christ Chapel 10 a.m.–1 p.m. Brunch Buffet Evelyn Young Dining Room Jackson Campus Center 1–1:30 p.m. Gustavus Wind Orchestra Hollingsworth Field 1–1:30 p.m. Class of 1963 welcomes Class of 2013 Outside of Christ Chapel as graduating class departs for stadium

Noon C lass of 1968 Luncheon Three Crowns Room 1:30 p.m.

8 p.m. Gustavus Symphony Orchestra Concert Jussi Björling Recital Hall

lasses of 1933, 1938, 1943, 1948, C 1953, 1958, and 1968 Photos Campus Center

2 p.m.

ommencement C Hollingsworth Field

2 p.m. Sculpture Tour

with a temperature of five degrees; she was watching whales in Maui. When not chasing animals, Emmy lives with her biologist husband, Neal, in Santa Ynez, CA. Richard Dornfeld, Rosemont, and his wife, Joan Benson Dornfeld ’66, will return to Tanzania in August to see the

completed project that brought water to a Masai village whose residents had previously carried water jugs on their heads for five miles. The Dornfelds served as intermediaries for their Apple Valley church, Shepherd of the Valley Lutheran, on this project. They are anxious to visit

his students and other friends they made while he was teaching probability, statistics, and trigonometry to teachers and future teachers in Africa. Accompanying them this time will be their son, daughter, son-inlaw, and two grandchildren. Richard taught physics at Rosemont Senior High until his

SUMMER 2013

33

retirement in 1999. He also taught for three years in Japan, two years in Germany, and one year in Australia. In 2005 and 2006 he taught chemistry at a charter school started

by Karen Bossart Rusthoven ’66 on the Eastside of St. Paul.

Lee Halgren, Evergreen, CO, retired nine years ago. His last position was as interim president of Adams State College in Colorado, having previously served as president of the Colorado State Colleges.

He came to Colorado as academic vicepresident of the state college system from his position as provost at Platteville in Wisconsin. His two daughters, Shannon ’88 and Tracy ’92, both live in Boulder,

with her husband, Klaus. With the exception of two years at Bethesda (paying off loans), one year teaching at Emmanuel Hospital School of Nursing in Portland, OR, and one year as head nurse at Burnham City Hospital in Urbana, IL, her career has been in home health, one year in Corvallis, OR, as field RN; 12 years in various positions for the Visiting Nurse Association in Ames, IA; 22 years in Springfield, VA, as a regional director for the VNA, and the last nine years in Charlottesville as a home health supervisor. Besides visiting Germany twice a year, the Alts have traveled in Scotland, England, and Ireland (three times), Norway, Sweden, Finland, Denmark, Austria, Poland,

Black Student Organization and Pan African Student Organization

Saturday

May 18

Reunion

BSO and PASO members are invited to a reunion at Gustavus on Saturday, May 18, 2013. The day will include a keynote speaker, the Honorable Tanya Bransford ’80, Hennepin County District Court Judge, student panel, lunch with Bruce ’61 and Sue Gray, breakout sessions including an optional tour of campus, a social, and will conclude with the Diversity Awards Banquet with current students. The Diversity Awards Banquet is the culmination of Diversity Week on campus. Informal events will be scheduled Friday night, May 17, and Sunday morning, May 19, for those who may be traveling from long distances. Contact the Office of Alumni Relations at alumni@gustavus.edu, and be sure to “like” the Gustavus Diversity Center on Facebook.

2013

so Lee and his wife, Johanna, are able to spend time with their granddaughter and three grandsons. In addition to life in the mountains they spend their summers at their cabin on Greenwood Lake off the Gunflint Trail near Grand Marais. Lawrence Peterson, Wells, is retired from his position as a special education teacher in Maple River, so he and his wife, Ruth, are working on their bucket list, most recently crossing off the island of Kauai. His son and daughter-in-law are chiropractors. Kirsten LeVander Dawson, Arden Hills, is having a hard time giving up work. After teaching high school English for 19 years she saw a growing need in the schools for chemical education. She earned her credentials and went to work full time in that field. In June Kirsten retired from a part-time job at Cretin-Durham Hall where she dearly loved working. She will continue to teach during the summer and fall at the Twin Cities branch of St. Mary’s University.

As promised in the last issue, I have more nurses to update you on. Delores Bade Alt lives in Ruckersville, VA, near Charlottesville

34

THE GUSTAVUS QUARTERLY

Tenerife, Thailand, New Zealand, and Canada, and have only Alaska left to visit to complete the roster of all 50 states.

They have two sons, one in the Foreign Ag Service of the USDA and the other in veterinary practice, and two grandchildren.

Lois Hoernemann Banke lives with her husband, Ted, in Ashland, OR, home of the famous Shakespeare Festival. Lois retired as the education director for Rogue Valley Medical Center in Medford, OR, with three sites in the Ashland-Medford area. She continues to assist the chaplain and has been very active as a parish nurse in the region, as well as in her congregation. The Bankes make several trips each year to visit their daughter in the Phoenix area and enjoy the warmth and sunshine. Carol Woods Blaeser, Eagan, works part time doing personal care attendant assessments.

Her nursing experiences have included pediatrics and nursing homes in Starbuck and New Hope, but mostly home care, including Integrated Home Care in St. Paul and three years in Florida. Carol has three daughters; the oldest lives in St. Louis Park

and has a stepdaughter; a second daughter lives in Denver and has a new baby girl born 10/12/12.

Linda Neumann Meyer, Alexandria, plays bridge with one of her former nursing instructors, Lois Anderson Nelson ’60.

Linda did public health nursing for 23 years in places like Virginia, the Panama Canal, and Fayetteville, NC. She has also lived in Italy and Egypt, doing volunteer work while in Egypt. Linda has two sons and a granddaughter. Jan Hetland Hernes and her husband, Sam, moved to Forest City, IA, when he retired from the Lutheran ministry.

She was a public health nurse for Anoka County for several years. Later she worked in nursing homes in South Dakota and Iowa for 15 years. Jan and Sam wear out their cars visiting extended family, including their six granddaughters. The home of John and Joyce Wallinder Johnson in Burnsville has been the site of many gatherings of Joyce’s nursing classmates. Joyce worked initially with the Minneapolis Visiting Nurse Service.

She spent many years volunteering for a variety of projects, traveling extensively throughout the world and keeping everyone entertained with her wit and relevant observations. The Johnsons have three granddaughters in Denver that need their visits every two to three months. The Maplewood home of Barbara Nelson Kroll and her husband, Gary, was also a gathering place for the ’64 nurses. The Nelsons now live in New Richmond, WI. Barb developed a nurse entrepreneur business that includes teaching workshops related to mental health and aging, serving as a nurse witness in court cases, and writing continuing education independent studies. Barb and Gary travel around the U.S., hiking and exploring the outdoors when they are not spending time with their two daughters and six grandchildren in the Twin Cities.

I have more news, but you’ll have to tune in next issue. I did want to add that Matthew Robinson, son of Sharon Peterson Robinson (that would be me) and Tim Robinson ’65, was on this season of the Swedish television series Allt for Sverige, a Swedish reality show where you learn about your ancestors. If you want to know about skeletons hanging on the Robinson family tree (and there are some) you can find this series on YouTube. n Sharon Peterson Robinson, class communication chair In February, Harry and Karen Swenson Dittler, Coon Rapids, were in Rio and on a cruise in South America. They travel often, about six to eight international trips a year. They are having a great time in their retirement.

After a short teaching career, 31 years in the

67

GUSTAVUS ALUMNI s

2012 Morningstar stock fund manager of the year

Mark Henneman ’83, investment adviser with the Mairs and Power Growth Fund, St. Paul, and fellow portfolio manager Bill Frels were named in January 2013 by Morningstar as the 2012 domestic stock fund managers of the year. At the same time, the Mairs flagship fund was named the best-managed domestic mutual fund in America.

Of the fund’s 25 largest holdings, 18 were bought in the 1990s and only one has been owned for less than 10 years.

Henneman and Frels’s approach is to own mostly close-tohome Upper Midwest firms they can follow closely. The Mairs Growth Fund, with $2.5 billion in assets, returned a marketbeating 21.9 percent to investors last year and 8.6 percent annualized over the last decade. Its cumulative total return (including dividends) since January 1, 2000, is 198 percent compared with 31 percent for the S&P 500 index.

“The home-state bias [Minnesota] has helped the managers focus intently on a handful of higher-quality global firms whose fortunes aren’t necessarily tied to one state,” noted a fund analyst at Chicago-based Morningstar, a leading analyst of mutual funds and individual securities.

The other Morningstar finalists were investment teams from huge Fidelity, American Funds, and Oakmark. Henneman says recent accolades in national publications and continued good performance are bringing more money in the door. “That’s good,” he says, “because we’ve got plenty of stock we’d like to buy.”

Henneman returned to campus late February to share his career journey and advice with students and the Student Investment Club.

Wilk appointed to senior cyber network defense position

Jeff Wilk ’83, Harwood, MD, has been appointed to the Defense Intelligence Agency senior level position of Senior Technical Officer for Cyber Network Defense within the Directorate for Information Management and Chief Information Officer. In his new position, he is the senior expert for information assurance and cyber security authority for the Defense Intelligence Agency (DIA) and Department of Defense Intelligence Information System (DoDIIS) global information technology operations and information systems. He also serves as principal adviser to the Chief, Office of Cyber Security on cyber securities issues.

Wilk has a 28-year career with the DIA and has held key leadership positions responsible for planning, maintaining, and operating enterprise information systems. He has received the Director’s Award for Exceptional Civilian Service, and the Presidents Council on Year 2000 Conversion Award.

s

truck manufacturing industry and two retirements, Duane Johnson, Sherwood, OR, found (like many retirees) you have to keep busy! Besides several trips each year (Prague, Vienna, Berlin, and Budapest, the Royal Wedding, and Ireland, Alaska for fishing, etc.), he found three hobbies to keep him busy. One is a dream job . . . part of the Mt. Hood Ski Patrol as a Mountain Host at the iconic Timberline Lodge on beautiful Mt. Hood; another is jogging; and the third is driving trucks part time for Penske Truck Leasing that keeps the diesel running in his blood! As a native of the Pacific Northwest, outdoor life is just part of his culture. Plus, Oregon is the number one micro beer area in the U.S. as well as having world-class Pinot Noir wine and coffee. Life is good! For two to three weeks in February, Nancy Pierson Laible, New Brighton, was exploring New Zealand. She reports it’s a beautiful place with mountains, beaches, hikes in the woods, glaciers; but best of all, people who are gracious and helpful. Dawn Ekstrom Michael and her husband, Ted, continue to spend most of the year in Vero Beach, Fl. Dawn has recently stepped down as chairperson of the Board for the Senior Resource Association of the Indian River County. The new chair is another Gustie, Lorry Hlavoc Gartner ’68. She thought it was rather neat to pass the gavel to another Gustie who also lives in Vero.

Although Jeanne Mingus Tolzman, Elgin, IL, is involved in several volunteer activities, there are two that she is really excited about. She is serving as co-director of Kids Hope USA for their church. KHUSA matches one church with one school. The directors train mentors and supervise the interactions with at-risk elementary children. The directors also serve as mentors. They recently began their work at a school near their church. Each of them meets with only one child for one hour each week. It’s a great opportunity for the children but also for mentors. Jeanne was a Girl Scout leader for 26 years but hadn’t been involved for awhile. Last year she decided it was time to become involved again. She went to Day Camp as the song lady. She sang with groups of girls all day long during camp.

Since then she’s been visiting troops, helping them with badge requirements and just generally having a blast singing with the girls. Spending time with family, especially the grandsons, remains her favorite pastime. Chip Weseloh, Toronto, ON, Canada, retired in February from the Canadian Wildlife Service in Toronto, Ontario, where he has been a Great Lakes colonial water bird ecologist/toxicologist for 35 years. He and his wife, Linda, will spend most of the ice-free months at their island cottage near Kingston. Ontario,

Flies in for choir concert

Katie Fillius McClave ’06, a member of the Gustavus Choir and a section leader while a student at Gustavus, is pictured here with Gustavus Choir conductor Gregory Aune on the first night of the choir’s West Coast Tour in February 2013. Katie flew back to her hometown of San Diego, CA, from Colorado to hear the choir’s concert at Grace Lutheran Church.

Katie heard the choir in San Diego in 2001 and as a result, made the decision to attend Gustavus.

She graduated with a music major, went on to earn a master’s degree in voice performance and pedagogy from the University of Colorado at Boulder, and now co-owns and manages Dana V. Music, a private music studio and school in Louisville, CO. Dana V. Music serves over 300 students weekly, ages three through adult, in private voice and instrumental lessons and group classes, including two children’s choirs, eurhythmics, music theory, and a college prep series for high school students.

Katie’s parents are members of Grace Lutheran Church, and her father, Tony, helped with concert and housing arrangements for the choir’s San Diego appearance.

SUMMER 2013

35

s

Parallel internships

Since being elected Isanti County Attorney in November 1994, Jeff Edblad ’84 has been committed to giving back to college and law students through internship opportunities. As a junior at Gustavus Adolphus College in January 1983, Edblad himself had interned in the Isanti County Attorney’s Office, under the supervision of former Isanti County attorneys Greg Korstad and Scott Hersey, and also interned for current Jeff Edbald ’84 and Mitch Nelson ’14 Isanti County Judge James Dehn, who was in private practice at the time of the internship. Positive experiences with his own internships is a big reason why Edblad feels it’s important to offer internship opportunities.

“After my internships, there was no doubt in my mind this is what I wanted to do,” Edblad says of the law. “I had great role models in all my supervisors, and I try to do my best to live up to their examples.”

Edblad’s most recent intern, Mitch Nelson ’14, was also a junior attending Gustavus.

Nelson, a financial economics and geography major from St. Peter, MN, completed a January Interim internship with the attorney’s office. Edblad mentioned he has been friends with Nelson’s mother, Cassandra Weltsch Nelson ’84, for 45 years, and met Nelson’s father, Pete ’84, during freshman orientation at Gustavus.

“At the beginning of this year, I began thinking about law,” the younger Nelson says.

“I wasn’t really familiar with law, so I mentioned internship possibilities with my father and thought I could use this experience as a way to see what law is really about. This has really been an awesome experience and I’ve learned a lot.”

During Nelson’s internship he was introduced to all areas of law, including court hearings, bail hearings, jury trials, juvenile delinquency hearings, child protection hearings, and child support hearings. He took a trip to the Minnesota Legislature, attended the local law enforcement banquet, worked with the drug task force, and worked with the mock trial team at Cambridge-Isanti High School. Nelson also accompanied Edblad for a presentation at the University of Minnesota Law School, where Edblad is a visiting professor.

Edblad says he enjoyed Nelson’s time in the office.

“I really feel Mitch embraces the Gustavus motto of ‘making your life count,’” Edblad says. “From the time I’ve spent with Mitch, talking with him and discussing issues involving the legal process, criminal justice, and fairness, I have no doubt he will be an individual who will make his life count whether it’s in law or some other career choice.”

“We’ve had great interns in this office throughout the years, and I expect that will continue,” says Edblad. “I want to consistently provide opportunities for college and law students as long as I’m able to do. It’s truly a positive experience for them as well as my office.”

(This profile was adapted from an article written for the Isanti County News.)

Wernz named to 2012 Direct Marketing News 40 under 40

s

John Wernz ’96, Hamel, MN, executive vice president and chief marketing officer for Wealth Enhancement Group, has been named to DirectMarketing News 2012 40 under 40 awards.

People named to the list are young stars from across the marketing industry who have already left an indelible mark within their organizations and on the industry as a whole. They’ve launched initiatives that have helped to significantly grow their companies, wowed clients with creative or strategic plans that have made a major impact on those clients’ businesses, and influenced the industry in numerous ways—from product launches to book releases to education and more.

The Direct Marketing News franchise today includes the print edition of Direct Marketing News, serving a BPA-audited circulation of 45,000 qualified recipients, along with a website, www .dmews.com, four e-mail newsletters, and four lead generation opportunities.

36

THE GUSTAVUS QUARTERLY

on Lake Ontario and the winter months wherever. n Marcia Sylte Belisle, class communication chair Travel, grandchildren, and service dominate our news. Tom Albrecht, Montevideo, and his wife, Leanna, have cruised to Alaska (’09), the Caribbean (’11), and Hawaii (’12). Plans for 2013 include the New England Coast and the Panama Canal. When home they continue their attendance at Our Savior’s Lutheran Church, Montevideo (Life Members since 1946!). Naomi Baker, Manassas, VA, retired last year from Virginia Cancer Specialist work. Donna ’67 and Joel Bexell, Cottage Grove, are enjoying (semi) retirement and the nearness of their eight grandchildren including two sets of twins. They have been to Mexico, Puerto Rico, Australia, New Zealand, China, Tibet, Holland, France, Belgium, and all of the UK. Joel has also participated in a program in Germany sponsored by Luther Seminary. They have joined the Gustavus Heritage Society and encourage classmates to become a part of this excellent opportunity. Dan and Barb Rinehart Cameron, Chanhassen, are involved in Helping Paws by fostering a golden retriever who will become a service dog for someone in a wheelchair or suffering from PTSD. They are members of Wayzata Community Church and Chancel Choir. Les and Bonnie Kroeger, Vienna, VA, enjoy being close to kids and grandkids.

Their love of travel took them to Africa and the Gallapagos recently . . . Les has now done all seven continents! Al ’66 and Ingrid Wilson Molde retired to Battle Lake but will be spending seven months each of the next two years in Saarbrucken, Germany, where Al will be coaching AMERICAN football.

Tom and Jane Toftey, Winfield, IL, are busy with three grandchildren and one on the way. They will head for Hawaii in November where Jane will compete with her ChoralAires in the Int’l Sweet Adeline Contest. I also did some traveling to Florida, Colorado, Germany, Slovenia, Bosnia, Croatia, and Montenegro when not working on our Gustavus news and our 45th reunion.

Thanks to all who keep my folder full of information and to all who partake in our 45th! n Paula Navarro, class communication chair

68

Hey, classmates, we didn’t receive any classmate news to share— please send us your news! n S cott Lichty, class president

70

Dale Isaacson is enjoying retirement in his hometown of Dassel. Tom Wilbur, Lynnwood, WA, helped start a Celebrate Recovery program at his church. He’s also a Big

71

GUSTAVUS ALUMNI Brother to a 13-year-old Filipino boy. Gail Stewart, Minneapolis, and her husband, Carl, enjoyed a two-week visit with son Theo, who teaches at a university in Jeon-ju, Korea. Their two other sons live in Korea and Amsterdam. Mark and Ivy Schutz ’73 Bernhardson, Bloomington, traveled to visit children in Coronado, California. Jane Ohnstad Douglas, Milton, WI, retired in 2008 after 37 years of teaching but has returned to her school district as a parttime math coach, providing in-service to teachers and training tutors in basic math skills for struggling K–3 students. Bernie Anderson, New Richland, retired from the State Bank of New Richland and is spending the winter in Southern California painting in watercolors and oils. (You can check out his work on Facebook, he writes.) Linda Carlson Odegard, Minneapolis, describes the volunteering she does as “delightful!”

BestPrep, which provides financial literacy programs for Minnesota youth (for over 35 years), Friends of the Libraries at the University of Minnesota, and the Governing Members of the St. Paul Chamber Orchestra are three groups with which she’s involved.

Mark Monson, Duluth, left his primary care internal medicine practice of 20 years at the Duluth Clinic and was recruited to start a new program meeting the needs of cancer patients and to be the doctor in charge of hospice care at St. Mary’s Medical Center.

Barbara Sjogren lives in Egypt and finds working at the American International School in Sheih Zayed City very stimulating.

Kathy Wangerin Pederson, Stillwater, and her husband, Phil, spent five wonderful weeks in Florida. The trip included slough slogging (next to alligators), canoeing, and hiking at night in the Everglades; swimming in the gulf with manatees; and watching the 3D IMAX presentation from the Hubble telescope at Kennedy Space Center! n B ruce Johnson, class president We had a great 40th reunion in October with 54 classmates and 69 people total in attendance. Thanks to those who volunteered their time and those who attended to make this event a huge success. We want to see everybody at our 45th reunion in 2017.

Bernard Powers is associate chair of the history department at the College of Charleston in Charleston, SC, a city with a lot of its own history. Cheri Knautz Roberts, Red Wing, is retired but keeps plenty busy tending to grandchildren, in yoga, singing in choirs, woodworking, volunteering, and traveling. She’s certainly not lounging around wondering what to do in retirement. Marjie Witman, Seattle, WA, is an active-duty captain in the U.S. Public Health Service. She oversees federal

72

grants for low-income populations and heading up the sales training for that works as a nurse practitioner at a U.S. company, molding the next generation of Coast Guard clinic. Eric Stokhuyzen has super salespeople. Jim Hytjan, Franktown, retired from KLM Royal Dutch Airlines, but CO, is retired from his job as assistant to didn’t totally retire as he has joined the the bishop in the Rocky Mountain Synod Sky Team Alliance also in the Netherlands.

(ELCA), but has kept busy consulting with Hope Olson, Wauwatosa, WI, is a professor churches and church leadership while also of information studies at the University finding time to tend to the horses he and of WisconsinMilwaukee and is a published author, having published a number of articles pertaining to the •Wear your Gustie sweatshirt and “G” ring topic of information •Help recruit students studies. Susanah Franzen Hansen •Include Gustavus in your social media and Web bios and her husband, •Financially support the College Allen, completed a 3,546 mile cross •Attend a Gustie game or concert country bike ride, •Be a mentor for current students leaving their home •Hire a Gustie in Roberts, MT, and crossing 11 •Bring your copy of the Quarterly to your place of work states as well as Canada to end up in Massachusetts.

What a way to celebrate retirement! wife, Kay, enjoy. Sandee Brekke, Redwood Billy Steiner was re-elected to his fifth City, CA, has just finished her fifth year as consecutive four-year-term on the North director for access services at Lane Library, Mankato City Council and continues to play Stanford University School of Medicine. a mean harmonica and provide vocals for She is helping in optimizing their data for City Mouse and The Lost Walleye Orchestra. mobile devices and social media, obviously Thanks, Billy, to you and the band for the current hot topics in the world of rocking out the reunion! technology. Peggy Benedict Pallas, Savage, Nancy Lindley, Long Lake, and her is working for a charity organization called husband, Clarkson, went on an educational Guild that she was introduced to by Nancy trip to Athens, the Greek Islands, and Lindley—Gustie networking at work.

Istanbul (she chose this instead of our n Todd Dokken, class communication chair reunion). She continues to consult with non-profit organizations through her Please send news! Save the date for company Lindley Strategies. Jim Gehrke, our 40th class reunion! It should be Afton, is the owner of Frederick Search, a easy to remember: October 4, 2014, Minnesota licensed residential remodeler, for our 40th—lots of 4s! so if you need a little remodeling done, n Rita Ferguson Maehling & Chris Mathieu, Jim’s your guy. He also enjoys golfing, class communication co-chairs boating, and cross country skiing. Laurie Longeway Reinertsen and husband, Rich Edward Enstrom, Minneapolis, was ’71, have retired in Phoenix, and Laurie elected to the board of directors for uses her love of animals in volunteering the St. Olaf Community Campus. at the Arizona Animal Rescue as well as Sue Settergren Stoddard, Castle Rock, CO, a yearly pilgrimage to Utah to work in is a childhood education teacher at Douglas an animal sanctuary. She has recently County ISD. Kathryn Day, El Cerrito, CA, is become interested in glass making and still the chief administrative officer at Miller enjoys traveling. Karen Johnson Elshazly, Institute for Basic Research in Science. Tim Edina, is working on the archives of the Duos, Del Mar, CA, owns American Student American Refugee Committee (ARC) for Financial Group. Marc Sterle, Hibbing, is the Minnesota Historical Society as well as vice president of Newcon Valves Company. duplicating the Balkans part of its story for Randy Reinke, Minnetonka, is president and the Central European University Archives in CEO of Custom Products of Litchfield, Inc. Budapest. She may be traveling to Somalia Paul Zambino, Worley, ID, is a plant for three to six months for ARC to help with pathologist for the Idaho Panhandle their program in that country. Todd Dokken, National Forests. Robin Rich Ivanoff, Minneapolis, has recently taken a new role Volcano, CA, is a community services as sales enablement manager for Workday, specialist at The Arc of Amador and

Be a Proud Gustie

74

78

SUMMER 2013

37

Calaveras. Peter Ruggles, Marshfield, WI, is a pastor at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church. Louise Hammer Padfield, Marvin, NC, is an independent beauty consultant with Mary Kay. Gretchen Bingea, Burbank, CA, is a pastor at American Lutheran Church. Julie Nelson Reed, Brandon, SD, is administrative support at Lutheran Social Services Counseling Center. Carol Henry Diltz, Center Point, TX, is director of medical staff services at Peterson Regional Medical Center. Bill Papas, Plymouth, is a district sales manager at U.S. Foods.

Melody Wallaker Dunbar, Littleton, CO, is leader of corporate affairs and communications at Johns Manville. Marie Young Egnell, Brooklyn Center, is an elementary physical education teacher.

Missy Fischer Struve, St. Paul, is a patient care supervisor at Fairview Bloomington Lake Clinics.

I strongly encourage everyone to send in updates and news about yourselves and

your families for the spring class letter. Also, I hope to see everyone at our upcoming 35th Class Reunion on Saturday, Sept.

28, on campus. Mark your calendars! The reunion committee is busy creating a very memorable day! n Nancy Erickson Withers, class communication chair Attention, Class of ’81! We await your news so please send it in for the Quarterly updates. Everyone loves to know what’s going on, and we would love to hear from you. Remember to also become a friend on the GUSTAVUS CLASS OF 1981 Facebook page. We did hear from a few classmates: Dean Stambaugh is in his 20th year coaching basketball and has completed his third season with the Hamline women’s team.

Laurie Battey Riemer, Siren, WI, has a step-daughter who was married last May. Are you counting—we are now half way

81

from the 30-year reunion to the 35-year reunion gathering . . . can’t wait! n Lori Rutter Anderson & Linda Norman Reding, class communication co-chairs Andrea Dillenburg has been named vice president of marketing and public relations for the Tucson Symphony Orchestra. Andrea began her illustrious career in the arts in our nation’s capital, where she worked at the Washington Cathedral Choral Society, The Shakespeare Theatre, and at Ford’s Theatre, where she was marketing director. After leaving D.C., Andrea headed first to Nashville, where she worked in marketing for both the Repertory Theatre and Nashville Ballet, and later to Atlanta, where she worked at the Woodfruff Arts Center, was director of corporate relations for the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra, and was director of development at the Alliance Theatre. In 2006, Andrea returned to

84

Summer in the Cities Celebrating Gustavus Athletics & Arts Two summer events are scheduled in the Twin Cities for Gustavus alumni, current students, parents, and friends and will highlight the co-curricular programs of athletics and the arts. Current and past Gustavus staff members from those programs will be in attendance. In addition to food and soft drinks, a cash bar is available at both events.

Sunday, June 23 Target Field

Wednesday, June 26 American Swedish Institute

4:30 p.m.

5:30 p.m.

$15 per person, $10 for 12 and under, free for 2 and under

$15 per person, $10 for 12 and under, free for 2 and under

Optional Target Field tour available after event, $15 additional cost Register online at gustavus.edu/alumni

38

THE GUSTAVUS QUARTERLY

GUSTAVUS ALUMNI Nashville to serve as the executive director of the Nashville Ballet. In 2010, she became vice president of external affairs for the Nashville Symphony. Wendy Roal Warner writes, “After nearly 30 years with the Federal Bureau of Prisons, I retired September 30, 2012, as warden from the United States Penitentiary in Marion, IL—a senior executive service position for the United States. I now reside in Excelsior, MN, with my husband and am very happy to be back in the Northland! I am grateful to Gustavus for making my career possible by exposing me to the Federal Bureau of Prisons through an internship. At the time I was at Gustavus, the director of the Bureau of Prisons was Norman Carlson ’55.

Through his work with Gustavus, a handful of criminal justice majors were selected for internships with the Bureau. I am proud of having helped carry on Mr. Carlson’s legacy and to serve this great country through my work for the Bureau.” n C arole Arwidson, class co-president & communication chair Nothing new to report from our classmates. Please send us your news—job changes, trips, kids’ activities. You can shoot me an e-mail at 1986classofficers@gustavus.edu or sarabhansen@hotmail.com. n S ara B. Hansen, class communication chair

86

Greetings, fellow Class of 1988 Gusties! This is an exciting time of year for those of us involved in our 25th Reunion Planning Committee! Reunion planning meetings are in FULL SWING! Most recently, we met this past February at the American Swedish Institute in Minneapolis, and the details are coming together quickly. Watch for an e-mail this summer for final details and reunion registration. You’ll continue receiving monthly class letters through late spring/ early summer with additional information and fun facts about your fellow classmates.

Some class news to share: Jamin Johnson, Willmar, is currently coordinating a spring regional “U-Empowered”: Practical Tools U Can Use TOMORROW! for professionals serving kids/adults with challenges such as autism, ADHD, Down syndrome, and brain injury. Erica Madrid, Cebolla, NM, is loving technology, as her daughter, Andrea, was married to via Skype in the Spring of 2011! Her husband was serving in the U.S. Army overseas at the time. The happy couple is currently stationed in Vilseck, Germany, and welcomed their son, Trey Andre, this past July. Erica and her son were able to be in Germany to welcome Trey when he arrived

88

2013 Alumni Association Awards announced The Alumni Board of Directors has announced 2013 award recipients to be presented at the Alumni Banquet on June 1, 2013, 5 p.m. Award descriptions are listed in a separate box calling for nominees.

Greater Gustavus Award • Bruce ’61 and Susanne Gray, St. Peter, MN, for lifelong service and support of Gustavus, and the recruitment, support, and retention of African-American students. istinguished Alumni Citations D • Steve Andreasen ’84, Rochester, MN, lecturer, Humphrey School of Public Affairs, University of Minnesota, and national security consultant to the Nuclear Threat Initiative and its Nuclear Security Project, Washington, D.C. • Eric Butorac ’03, Cambridge, MA, professional tennis player and vice president of Association of Tennis Professionals (ATP) Players’ Council.

• Mark Elfstrom ’01 (2012 recipient), Anchorage, AK, middle school math and science teacher, recipient of a 2011 Milken Educator Award and finalist for the 2012 Presidential Award for Excellence in Math and Science Teaching.

• Kay Nord Hunt ’77, St. Paul, MN, attorney, chair of Lommen Abdo Appellate Practice.

• Mary Bradford Ivey ’63, Sarasota, FL, vice president of Microtraining Associates; researcher, lecturer, and author of counseling and therapy strategies publications and books.

First Decade Awards • Semonti Mustaphi Stephens ’03, San Francisco, CA, former deputy communications director for First Lady Michelle Obama, The White House.

• Hans Sviggum ’03, Rochester, MN, Mayo Clinic Scholar, Department of Anesthesiology and instructor of anesthesiology, College of Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester.

Honorary Gustie • Elaine Brostrom, St. Peter, MN, retired director of public affairs • Susanne Gray, St. Peter, MN, longtime volunteer and supporter • Willie Lindquist, St. Peter, MN, retired athletics equipment manager A complete listing of awards, criteria, and past recipients can be reviewed at gustavus.edu/alumni/awards/. Anyone can nominate potential award recipients; nominations should be submitted by October 1.

SUMMER 2013

39

Nominations sought for

2014 Alumni Association awards Nominations are encouraged for alumni award recognition. Please forward nominees to the Office of Alumni Relations by October 1. Nominees should not be notified of their nomination. A complete list of previous award recipients can be found at gustavus.edu/alumni/association/. For more information contact the Office of Alumni Relations at 800-487-8437.

n Greater Gustavus Award

The Greater Gustavus Award is the highest award given by the Gustavus Alumni Association. It is awarded to those “who by deed, have notably advanced and aided Gustavus Adolphus College.”

n Distinguished Alumni Citation

The Distinguished Alumni Citation recognizes outstanding and exceptional career achievement among graduates of the College. Criteria appropriate to selection shall include the difficulty of accomplishment; quality, creativity, and distinctiveness of performance; recognition by peers; and lasting contribution to the world of ideas and affairs. Humanitarian achievements may also be weighed.

n First Decade Awards

First presented in 1968, the First Decade Award was established to recognize one male and one female for early career achievement by graduates of the 10th anniversary class. Criteria appropriate to selection shall include, but are not limited to, the difficulty of accomplishment; quality, creativity, and distinctiveness of performance; recognition by peers in their field; and lasting contribution to the world of ideas and affairs.

n Service Award

The Service Award of the Gustavus Adolphus College Association of Congregations and the Alumni Association recognizes alumni “who have made distinctive commitments and contributions to the service of others.”

The College and the associations celebrate the efforts of members of the College community who participate in service activities through volunteer work, involvement in the church, and extraordinary professional accomplishments. Alumni and former students serve others through their concern for human dignity, moral values, social justice, the care of the earth, the alleviating of poverty, and a range of other social issues.

n Honorary Gustie

The Honorary Gustie designation pays special tribute to selected individuals, who even though never having attended or graduated from Gustavus Adolphus College, have in demonstrable and/or unique ways proved more than worthy to have earned the conferred right to be considered a bona fide “Gustie” by a vote of the Alumni Board of Directors.

Criteria include persons who have demonstrated longtime dedicated service to, interest in, and support for the mission of the College and have enthusiastically embraced and engaged in the Gustavus community.

40

THE GUSTAVUS QUARTERLY

into the world. Technology has served Erica and her family well, as they are able to stay in regular contact with each other around the world.

This is a big reunion year for us, and I encourage all of you to submit your recent news and updates directly to the Gustavus Alumni Relations Office. You can simply e-mail your news to alumni@gustavus.edu, or mail hard copies to Alumni Office, 800 West College Avenue, St. Peter, MN 56082.

The sooner the better! I hope to see each and every one of you at the 25th reunion on September 28. Stay tuned for details and registration this summer. n Kaari Olson Frondal, class communication chair Rolf Olson, Lagos, Nigeria, is the political/economist section chief for the U.S. Consulate in Lagos, Nigeria.

He will be in Lagos until 2014. Mike Finstad, Farmington, is a program ambassador for Best Buy Simplicity. Tina Ducklow Ziemer, Willernie, is a Realtor for Twin Cities Real Estate. Gerard Saylor, Lake Mills, WI, is the director of the Lake Mills Public Library and can eat a two-pound package of Twizzlers in one day. Kari Robinson Moeller, Marietta, GA, is a senior counsel for Turner Broadcasting System, Inc. Kay Rezanka, Pequot Lakes, is a biology instructor at Central Lakes College. Darcy Schroeder Koch, Shakopee, is a fifth-grade teacher in the Shakopee ISD #720. Krisha Nielsen Crabtree, Minneapolis, is a self-employed massage therapist. Jon Yocum, Lake Elmo, is executive vice president of development and solutions at Yocum Oil Company. Kai Johnson, Carrollton, TX, is a real estate investment adviser. Heather Oftedahl, Fridley, is a coach at Staywell Health Management.

Stephani Hillman Abramson, Gambrills, MO, is counsel for procurement and employment law at National Archives and Records Administration. Shari Tyree Howell, Lakeville, is a divinity student at Luther Seminary. Jamie Alsleben, Glencoe, is a teacher in the Eden Prairie ISD #272.

Jenny Miller Bouchet, Carbondale, CO, is a social worker and private therapist.

Kellie Kopperud Garland, Gilbert, AZ, is a pediatric nurse practitioner at East Valley Pediatrics. Janeen Laatsch Ruby, Jackson, is a botanist and plant ecologist at the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. Molly Dueber, Vadnais Heights, is a performance and learning consultant at Thrivent Financial for Lutherans.

Stephanie Zahrbock, Edina, is a community ed operations coordinator at Edina ISD # 273. Seth Gilbert, Dubuque, IA, is a grant director at Northeast Iowa Community College. Angela Diedrich Bystrzycki,

93

GUSTAVUS ALUMNI Victoria, is a personal banking specialist at US Bank. Anna Heise Gram, Minneapolis, is director of foundation and government relations at Minnesota Orchestra. Troy Rens, Marshfield, WI, is a dentist. Rhonda Gorseth Alberts, Austin, is a Spanish teacher at Austin High School. Beth Robelia Napton, Rochester, is a fourth- and fifth-grade teacher at Lincoln K–8 Choice School. Kris Robelia Oppegard, Owatonna, is a youth and family minister at Zumbro Lutheran Church in Rochester. John Yarwood, Andover, is a martial arts instructor and will be testing for his third degree black belt in July. Tom Werner, Chicago, IL, works at ATI physical therapy, overseeing the Midwest division’s Functional Capacity Assessments.

They provide athletic training/sports performance services to pro athletes throughout the year as needed by the athletes.

Class of 1993: 20 Year Reunion!

Saturday, Sept. 28, 2013; gather on campus for a day of fun activities culminating in a 20th Reunion Celebration Gathering that night in Alumni Hall. n P aul Schiminsky, class communication chair Our class president, Sara Tollefson Currell, returned to campus for a month during January 2013 with her family while her husband, Dan Currell ’94, taught a class during January Interim.

We are sure she fit right in as one of the “students” on campus. Pete Wahl, Dallas, TX, was named a “Lawyer of the Year” by Best Lawyers. Congratulations Pete! Alec Walker, McLean, VA, is a soccer coach.

Awesome, Alec! If you have class news, please share it with us either on our Class of 1995 Facebook page or by e-mail. n B eth Wiberg Barbosa, class communication chair

95

Heather Duggan Anderson Canby, OR, is owner of and artist at Adi Shakti Studio. Sarah Marohn Miller, Eau Claire, WI, is a student at Luther Seminary. Kristi Petersen Paulsen, Eagan, is enjoying her new job as a senior health data analyst at StayWell Health Management.

Patrick Wilson was awarded a Fulbright U.S. Student Program scholarship to China in sculpture. n K ari Binning & Martha Malinski, class communication co-chairs

97

Hal DeLaRosby, Tacoma, WA, was promoted to director of academic advising at Pacific Lutheran University. Sarah Fisher-Otten, Eden Prairie, started her own law firm, “Fisher Law Firm, PLLC,” practicing in areas of real estate, construction, and creditor’s remedies. Lisa

01

Marquardt Partyka, Elk River, is a physician extender for Fairview Sports and Orthopedic Care. Carlie Thompson Sevcik, Minnetonka, is a team operations specialist in the MyCommerce division at Digital River.

Lynne Herolt Wilson has joined her husband who is stationed at Ramstein AFB in Germany. n Hal DeLaRosby, class president & communication chair Greetings, Class of 2002! We have a

of updates to share. Please 02 handful continue to send your updates for

the next class letter and Gustavus Quarterly.

Katie Weiss Erickson is employed at Best Buy. Matt Erickson is employed at Boston Scientific. Nissa Peterson Fougner is employed at Rainy Lake Medical Center.

Melissa Klaas is a teacher at the Université Bordeaux Segalen in France. Jenni Lopez is working as a preschool teacher at Mini Mustangs in Mora. Kelly Wavrin is a librarian at the University of Minnesota and Hennepin County Library. n Karen Warkentian Oglesby & Katherine Medbury Oleson, class communication & reunion co-chairs Andrew Walter, Simsbury, CT, was

as counsel at the 03 appointed Connecticut Lottery Corporation.

Adam Nelson, Welch, is a social studies teacher at Red Wing High School. Miranda Gilmore, Okinawa, Japan, is working as a clinical child psychologist for the Department of Defense school’s EDIS (Educational and Developmental Intervention Services). Amy Hiscock Daly, Prior Lake, is an RN-nurse educator at VA Medical Center. Kristen O’Connell, Eagan, graduated with a doctorate in education from Walden University with an emphasis in higher education and adult learning.

Semonti Mustaphi Stephens, former deputy communications director for First Lady Michelle Obama, left the White House to move to San Francisco. She garnered press and scheduled public events for the First Lady to promote her work on issues such as childhood obesity and supporting military families. Kinsey Nelson, Moorhead, is a physician for Essentia Health. n Carmen Mayo Carter, class communication chair Amy Beightol, Washington, DC, graduated from Johns Hopkins University with an M.A. in communications and works at Brookings Institution’s Engelberg Center for Healthcare Reform in Washington, DC. Jon Miller, Roseville, was recently featured in the Star Tribune for his work in coaching with the Loppet Foundation’s youth ski

05

program. This foundation specializes in providing outdoor activities for urban youth and minorities. Currently it provides ski equipment and jackets to students at Minneapolis area schools as well as transportation and canoe and mountain biking opportunities during summer.

Jessica Nelson, Alexandria, is an insurance agent with American Family Insurance.

Jean Pearce, Sacramento, CA, was granted a fellowship in pediatric medicine at the Children’s Hospital of Wisconsin in Milwaukee. The three-year fellowship will give her additional training in pediatric emergency and trauma. Jean is currently the chief pediatric resident at UC-Davis Children’s Hospital. Chris Van Hoven, Minnetonka, graduated with an MBA from University of Colorado at Boulder and is currently working at United Healthcare.

Shawna Weaver, Chanhassen, is working toward a Ph.D. in sustainability education.

She recently returned from a teaching exchange in India where she also conducted research at an animal welfare non-profit.

She is planning to continue her research for her dissertation in June with further travels to Asia. n E lizabeth Zappetillo Lewis, class communication chair Josh Siebell, Chicago, IL, started

school at North Park 06 graduate University in Chicago in its adultgerontology nurse practitioner program.

Heidi Newbauer, Mankato, worked as an editor after graduation and then received a master’s degree in arts with a concentration in Holocaust memoirs from Minnesota State University, Mankato in 2010. She is currently a part-time English instructor at South Central College. Rebecka Arbin graduated from the University of Hawaii at Manoa in Summer 2012 with her master’s in urban and regional planning. She is a course content developer with the National Disaster Preparedness Training Center’s Urban Resilience Lab in Honolulu, Hawaii.

Alli Stocco began an MFA program in textile design at Rhode Island School of Design (RISD) in Providence, RI. Kate Neely Meadows, Placentia, CA, has published two books. Kelly Hobson Jarisch, Austin, TX, works at Facebook on the global marketing solutions team. Karin Hedstrom Hogen, St. Paul, is a language arts teacher at 916 Mahtomedi Academy in White Bear Lake, MN, teaching 9–12 language arts. Dan Hassumani is pursuing a Ph.D. at Portland State University. His research location has been McMurdo Station in Antarctica.

Lindsey Beyer Tollefson, North Mankato, is the director of Web marketing at Minnesota State University, Mankato. Jamie Germscheid, Mankato, is a sales agronomist

SUMMER 2013

41

at AGRO Resources - 21st Century AG in Mapleton. Logan Martin, Cottage Grove, appeared in the 2012 Minnesota Fringe Festival in a show titled TROY! The Musical.

Stefanie Arndt Sumner, Hermantown, is an athletic trainer at the University of Minnesota, Duluth. Amy Janssen, Denver, CO, is an adult basic education/GED coordinator at Focus Points Family Resource Center. Deanna Leverson, Eden Prairie, is employed with Kellogg Company.

Matt Swenson, St. Paul, left his position as director of communications at the Minnesota Department of Commerce for a new position as communications adviser to Governor Mark Dayton and Lt. Governor Yvonne Prettner Solon. Adam Langenfeld, Urbana, IL, completed his Ph.D. in chemistry from the University of Illinois at UrbanaChampaign on July 12, 2012. He is enrolled in the MD/Ph.D. program at the University of Illinois and will now be focusing on obtaining his MD. n L ogan Martin, class communication chair Hello, Class of ’08! We have a lot of

to share, so let’s dig right in.

08 news Melissa Lee writes, “I am a business

analyst for Target in watches and sunglasses. I’m getting married on July 19 to John Schuelke!” Mike Stangler is attending dental school at Marquette.

Alecia Gooch, Minneapolis, is an advanced analyst–disability income claims at Ameriprise Financial. Sara Pfau, Bismarck, ND, is a mortgage closing specialist at American Bank Center. Whitney Prochazka Hohman, Chicago, IL, is pursuing her master’s degree in occupational therapy at the University of Illinois–Chicago. Lydia Davitt, Minneapolis, is employed at Flanders Bros. Cycles. Kari Kleve, Denver, CO, is an occupational therapist at Brookdale Senior Living. Topher Stark, Betheseda, MD, is a medical school student with the U.S. Army.

Adam Ingalsbe, Evanston, IL, is a full time MBA student at the Kellogg School of Management at Northwestern University.

Sarah Tracy, St. Louis Park, is a client services coordinator at CBRE. Nick Jost, Cedar Rapids, IA, is a regional response director for the American Red Cross. Katie Bruns Linden, Hinckley, is an RN at FirstLight Health System. Samantha Costumbrado, Brooklyn Park, is an associate sales manager at Advantage Sales and Marketing. Riley Hoffman, Edina, is a health and physical education teacher and athletics director at Eagle Ridge Academy.

Holly Bernstetter Tonolli, Eagan, is a talent acquisition coordinator at Thomson Reuters. Meagan Bachmayer, Minneapolis, is director of marketing and development at “womenwinning” Minnesota Women’s Campaign Fund. Quinn Thompson,

42

THE GUSTAVUS QUARTERLY

Minneapolis, is a product manager at Target Corporation. J.T. Johnson, Hopkins, is co-founder of NoSweat. Carlie Mauss Ness, Corvallis, OR, is an academic adviser, recruitment, and orientation coordinator at Oregon State University. Allyson Sheldrew Hammer, Minneapolis, is a risk management and policy specialist at Allina Health.

Andrea Kron, St. Louis Park, is an account manager at BI Worldwide.

Sarah Miller Taylor, Hopkins, is a lead planning analyst at Target Corp. Caleb Fox, Maple Grove, is a manager and server at Stella’s Fish Cafe and Prestige Oyster Bar. Emily Buck Moe, Stacy, is an RN at Regions Hospital. John Byrnes and Sarah Byrnes ’07 have returned to St. Peter after living and working in St. Paul. John works as an English teacher at St. Peter High School.

Eva Cornell Stark, Bethesda, MD, is in core assurance at PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP. Struther VanHorn is a graduate assistant at Kent State University and is pursuing her Ph.D. in sociology. Sarah Willis is a research assistant at Mid Sweden University–Swedish Winter Sports Center. Briana Christensen, Roseville, is a retirement services specialist at Minnesota State Retirement System.

Louis Vander Streek, Ankeny, IA, is a research analyst for the State of Iowa.

Katelyn Nelson, Eden Prairie, is an events and marketing operations supervisor at the Mall of America. Ali Chorley Wobschall, Northfield, is an area coordinator in the office of residence life at St. Olaf. Alyssa Schlager Burmeister, Windom, is a mental health therapist at SW/WC Service Cooperative. Michelle Kolhoff, Minneapolis, is a health facility evaluator - laboratory specialist at the Minnesota Department of Health. Tammy Burger Baker, Madison Lake, is a physician assistant at Mayo Clinic Health System. Jenna Pederson, St. Cloud, is a physical therapist at Essentia HealthSt. Mary’s Detroit Lakes. Bethany Berg, Bethesda, MD, is an ELL specialist at St. Francis International School. Cassie Henke DeLaitsch, Edina, is a GI nurse at Minnesota Gastroenterology. Helena Meyer Tengwall, Minneapolis, is a perinatal RN at Fairview Southdale Hospital. Jen Poole-Stout, Minneapolis, is a health educator at West Suburban Teen Clinic. Julie Landkamer Helm, Drayton, ND, is co-owner of Helm Farms. Cara Carlson, Milwaukee, WI, is a senior project manager at Quad/Graphics.

Anne Ellingson Sheetz, Rochester, is an RN at Mayo Clinic. Taylor Olson Norgaard, Port St. Lucie, FL, is a psychology intern at Geo Care Treasure Coast Forensic Treatment Center. Justin Boelter and Valerie Wilbur graduated from William Mitchell Law School in June 2011. Danielle Koopman Steinbock is an operating room nurse.

Connor Ziegler is a resident physician

completing his orthopaedic surgery residency at UConn.

Reunion Reminder: a quick reminder that our reunion is coming up on May 4 at Pinstripes in Edina, MN. Register on the Gustavus website NOW! We can’t wait to see everyone! n Katelyn Nelson, class communication chair Kirsten Bouma, Coralville, IA, attends the University of Iowa for music therapy. Amanda Schreiner, Coralville, IA, attends the University of Iowa for library and information science.

Samantha Maranell just completed two years of service with the Peace Corps in Samoa where she taught English and reading in a rural primary school in the village of Falefa. After returning home, she had a piece, titled “Raised by Wolves,” published in the online travel magazine Hackwriters. She is now applying for graduate studies in writing and international peace conflict resolution. Natalie Peters is on clinical rotation in Chicago, and will graduate in May from Creighton University as a doctor of physical therapy. She is planning to move back to Minnesota to find employment after graduation. Jason Schultz is in graduate school working toward a Ph.D. in chemistry. He is a thirdyear student with about two to three years remaining. He is enjoying married life and all the great things St. Louis has to offer.

Lydia Busiahn, Sioux Falls, SD, is a critical care nurse at Sanford Medical Center.

Kristen Weller is studying and teaching abroad at Taipei National University for the Arts in Taiwan through her graduate program at the University of Texas at Austin. Chelsie Deno, Hopkins, is working on a master’s of industrial organizational psychology at Argosy University-Twin Cities with an anticipated graduation date of December 2014. Scott Mangen is an athletic trainer at the New Ulm Medical CenterAllina Health. Colin Rust, Chanhassen, is currently in his second year of the physical therapy program at the University of Minnesota. Rachel Stuckey, St. Paul, is a legislative assistant, Republican Caucus, Minnesota House of Representatives.

Kaelene Lundstrum, Chula Vista, CA, is training with the U.S. Women’s Rugby Team at the Olympic Training Center. Jon Kamrath, Hutchinson, has been working for Krengel Technology Inc. as a software developer for the past two years. Rachel Anderson Kamrath, Hutchinson, is in her second year of teaching chemistry at GFW High School in Winthrop. Mark Pedginski is pursuing a doctoral degree in pharmacy at Creighton University. Chris Stewart, St. Paul, is in his second year at North Lakes

10

GUSTAVUS ALUMNI Ackmann family in Hawaii

In April 2012 five Gusties in the Ackmann family visited Hawaii and were photographed on the Ka‘anapali Beach of Maui. Pictured from left are Emily Ackmann ’16, Jared Ackmann ’10, Alec Ackmann ’13, Amanda Schiller ’10, and Betsy Ackmann Gulden ’87. s

Sydney Brunsvold is living in Vietnam and spent April participating in a charity bicycle ride from Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City to benefit different charity organizations that are primarily focused on education and health benefits for children in Vietnam. Jackie Schwerm, Shoreview, graduated with her master’s in public administration from the University of Kansas and works full time with the city of Eden Prairie. Nicole Tetrault, Forest Lake, has had three long-term art substitute positions in Forest Lake as well as being the freshman softball coach and the sophomore volleyball coach. Nicole has started her own umpire business, North Metro Umpires, and is a commissioned artist.

s

Meyen appears on Wheel of Fortune

Jesse Meyen ’04, Los Angeles, CA, a teacher in Beverly Hills, CA, appeared on an episode of Wheel of Fortune. According to an article in the Worthington Daily Globe written by Beth Rickers, Meyen had been on a mission to appear on game shows for several years.

After teaching fourth and sixth grades for three years in St. Peter following graduation from Gustavus, Meyen moved to California to be near his girlfriend, Heather (Luth’06), whom he eventually married. During a summer break Meyen responded to an open audition for Deal or No Deal and although not successful, got the “bug” to try other game show opportunities, including Are You Smarter than a Fifth Grader? where he won $6,500 four years ago. His persistence paid off when he was selected as an alternate for Wheel of Fortune on Teacher Week. He didn’t appear but finally got his chance the following week for Secret Santa Week, when he won a $1,000 gift card to a website and $15,700 in cash. We’re not sure if he will buy any vowels with his earnings. s

Academy Charter School in Forest Lake, teaching high school social studies (economics, world history, and civics).

Daniel and Rebekah Schulz-Jackson moved back to Minnesota this summer and started a Web presence consulting business together. Chelsey Lewis Anfinson, Duluth, is pursuing a doctoral degree in pharmacy at the University of MinnesotaDuluth. Jenny Grundman, Lakeville, earned her master’s degree in counseling and is currently a school counselor at Rosemount High School. Vicky Hidalgo, Eagan, is recruitment and retention advisor for Institutional Diversity at Minnesota State University, Mankato. She is also pursuing a master’s degree in mental health counseling at the same institution.

Peter Weeks recently signed for his third year of teaching English in Japan through the JET Programme. Kate Sidlo Thomas, Minneapolis, is teaching algebra in St. Paul and pursing her master’s degree in education technology at the University of St. Thomas. Megan Gode, Vadnais Heights, has been employed by Best Buy for over a year now, working in merchandising and loving it! Vince Miller is doing accounting work in the Twin Cities and hanging out with Gusties. Mahad Hassan, Vail, CO, is in his third year at medical school and doing a research rotation at Steadman Philippon Research Institute. Tara Kramer is working for BMO Harris Bank in downtown Minneapolis and was recently promoted to an officer within the commercial banking team for global treasury management.

Maria Freund, Buffalo, is a marketing coordinator at Archway Marketing Services.

Morgan McDonald, Eagan, is pursuing a master’s degree at the University of St. Thomas and working in human resources.

Alyssa Becklin Haglund, Minneapolis, is an RN in the postpartum unit at Fairview Southdale. n J ennifer Broman, Derek Holm, & Cathryn Nelson, class communication co-chairs

usties employed at G Healthsense

Six Gustavus graduates are working for Healthsense headquartered in Mendota Heights, MN. Pictured are four of the six, front row from left: Kate Betcher Bischoff ’13 and Emily Najjar ’06. Back row: Ann Engelmann Johnson ’84 and Adam Bischoff ’13. Not pictured are Brittany Corson ’13 and Jake Lorence ’13. Healthsense is the fastest growing provider of aging services technology. The company leads innovation to help senior care providers reduce costs, increase independence, and enhance caregiver and senior experiences.

11

s

Greetings from Argentina

Christie Rossow’05 recently spent a month traveling to Argentina and Antarctica to accomplish her goal of visiting every continent before turning 30. During the month, she joined an 11day Antarctic expedition based out of Ushuaia, Argentina, that turned up many different species of whales, penguins, sea lions, and arctic birds. Rossow also visited a Ukrainian Research Station and old whaling stations and navigated around icebergs and glaciers.

SUMMER 2013

43

Brittany Richardson, Hopkins, is starting a new job as a legislative report coordinator with Politics in Minnesota. Kiera Bridley, Le Sueur, is finishing her first year of the master of arts in history program at Minnesota State University and presented at the AHGSU Graduate Student Conference in Atlanta, GA, in April. Laura Russell, Hastings, works at LearningRX in Eagan as a cognitive skills trainer. Denise Stein attends graduate school at Arizona State University and recently began working on her thesis project to complete her MFA. Kirstin Peterson went to Austria and played with the Austrian National hockey team along with a couple of local teams. She saw sites like Mozart’s birthplace, scenes from The Sound of Music, and Mauthausen (a concentration camp).

Brianna Heinrich, St. Louis Park, works at RJF a Marsh & McLennon Agency in Minneapolis. Brianna is a client service representative for management liability lines. She is also halfway through her master’s of science in community health science. Emma Strand, Woodbury, is a business analyst at Target Corporation in Minneapolis. Heidi Wensink, Waterford, MI, is an academic case manager for the Digital Learning Center in Ferndale, Michigan. She is currently working to develop and improve the science curriculum for next year. Andrew Sharp is pursuing a master’s in teaching at Minnesota State University, Mankato.

Andrew is also student-teaching in the St. Peter School District in physical education

and health education. Alison Huff, Fresno, CA, is an AmeriCorps VISTA Leader. Alison is working to lower the drop-out rates in Fresno Unified School District. Andrew Bryz-Gornia and Abby Williams, St. Louis Park, are engaged. Andrew is still teaching at Minnesota Transitions Charter School in Minneapolis, and Abby is currently working at the Science Museum of Minnesota.

Sara Yungner, Minneapolis, is in medical school at the University of Minnesota.

Meghan Stromme, Kasson, is still working part-time as a dance coach, youth leader, and at the Dollar Store. She traveled to Haiti for a weeklong mission trip to help with a Vacation Bible School, build a foundation for their school, and help in the communities of Pignon and Bouyaha.

Kayla Elbert Abell, West Lafayette, IN, has been promoted to the sales and outreach specialist at an apartment complex near Purdue University in Indiana. Matt Leeb is working in Hong Kong at a local primary school in Taikoo District as a native English teacher. Colleen Ganser, Cleveland, OH, is in school for her master’s in nursing at Case Western Reserve University. Will Grant, Cleveland, OH, is working as a software consultant. Megan Myhre, Bloomington, continues to work full-time for Gustavus Alumni Relations as alumni engagement coordinator and manages the Gustavus Office at the American Swedish Institute.

In her spare time, she works as a wedding coordinator for St. Stephen Lutheran

Gustavus Companion Tour of Gustavus music ensembles have a wonderful tradition of concert touring. We invite you to join us as the Gustavus Wind Orchestra continues this tradition with a tour to Eastern Europe in January 2014.

The Gustavus Wind Orchestra companion tour is a unique educational opportunity to study, travel, and be immersed in the history and culture of Eastern Europe. Join Gustavus students, friends, and alumni on a trip to this historic and culturally rich part of the world.

Explore some of Europe’s most magnificent and legendary cities—Prague, Krakow, Kety, Budapest, Vienna, and Salzburg—and share wonderful music while traveling with the Wind Orchestra, led by Douglas Nimmo.

If you’re interested joining us on this extraordinary journey, please contact Jackie Peterson at jpeters9@gustavus.edu or by calling 800-726-6193.

44

THE GUSTAVUS QUARTERLY

Church, and sings as a Choral Scholar for Peace Lutheran Church. She also works at a small boutique in Linden Hills called Rick Rack Boutique. Megan recently had the opportunity to travel over Touring Break with the Gustavus Wind Orchestra on their Midwest Tour. She is a 2011 representative on the Gustavus Young Alumni Steering Committee, so be sure to contact her with ideas of what you would like to do with young Gusties in the Twin Cities area (mmyhre@gustavus.edu). Keisha Bates, Baltimore, MD, is a research technologist in a neuroscience laboratory at the Johns Hopkins School of Medicine. Justin VerMeer is working at the National Youth Leadership Council as the youth engagement coordinator. With Camp Manito-wish YMCA this summer, Justin will be leading an extended backpacking trip for high school sophomores and juniors in the BeartoothAbsaroka Range in Montana. Hans Lodge completed his first year of law school at William Mitchell College of Law in St. Paul, and transferred to Marquette University Law School in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Hans is currently in the second semester of his second year and is focusing his studies on sports law and criminal and civil litigation.

He is currently interning at the Wisconsin Court of Appeals and participating on the Honors Jenkins Moot Court Team. n Haley Carpenter, class communication chair

Eastern Europe

GUSTAVUS ALUMNI As of the end of this month, May 27, we will be one year out from our college graduation. What an incredible year it has been for many of us: new jobs, schools, relationships, apartments/houses, etc. Here are some of the updates from our classmates all over the world. Mark Adams, Des Moines, IA, received an AmeriCorps position with the American Red Cross working in emergency services. Ashley Baumann, Minneapolis, is a medical receptionist with Park Nicollet Clinic and is at HCMC as a research associate. Ethan Bjelland has been performing in theatre productions all year long and will be acting in a Swedish play called Miss Julie by August. Max Beyer, Minneapolis, is an application developer specialist and Technology Early Career Development Program (TECDP) associate at Cigna located in Eden Prairie. Chris Duhaime, Maple Grove,is a marketing assistant at Xcel Energy in Minneapolis.

Nikki Green will be traveling throughout the U.S. with a youth ministry team called Captive Free (Central Plains team) sponsored by a non-profit organization called Youth Encounter. Turner Johnson, Victoria, is a patient service representative at Park Nicollet Health Services in Wayzata.

Abby Koppen, Willmar, is employed at Affiliated Community Medical Centers.

Jordan Krenik, Dallas, TX, received a promotion at GradStaff performing sales and recruiting/consulting with recent college graduates to help them find entrylevel positions in the Dallas/Fort Worth area.

Todd Kremmin accepted a full-time offer as a senior geosteering technologist at Anadarko Petroleum Corporation in The Woodlands, TX, following a six-month geology internship experience. He says, “It is a privilege to become a valued member of this company and I look forward to what the future has to offer! The experiences and education I obtained at Gustavus laid a foundation for me to quickly build upon and will continue to aid in my success for the rest of my life!” Maddie Lang, Lakeville, is employed at The Hartford.

Michelle Palm, Plymouth, is working with the Clean Energy Resource Team as the southeast coordinator for Minnesota. She says, “I work with communities to promote energy efficiency and clean and renewable energy projects!” Bryce Platt is in a master’s program of global communication with a focus in data journalism at Akita International University in Akita, Japan.

Alaina Ramsburg, Eden Prairie, is employed at Target Corporation. Samantha Ross, St. Paul, is teaching U.S. history at Mahtomedi High School with a great group of 10th graders. Colleen Ruane, Edina, is a

12

merchandise specialist at Target Corporate.

Aaron Thauwald, Spring Valley, is a paraprofessional for Kingsland High School.

Lydia Voss is teaching in Korea for the year.

Xuzheng Wang is a student at Columbia University. Cassondra Winters is employed at Children’s Hospital of Wisconsin as a critical care RN in the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit. Syjong Xiong is currently an AmeriCorps member and is working as an employment navigator at Employment Action Center, a division of RESOURCE, Inc. within Dakota County. Nick Yang, St. Paul, is a chemical and mental health program coordinator at Hmong American Partnership. Ashley Zabel, Young America, works at Elite Dance Company. n Chris Duhaime, class communication chair

Weddings

Karla Smith ’75 and William Clark, 10/13/12, Chaska, MN. Dan Larter ’96 and Amaris Vargas, 12/28/12, Medina, MN. Lindsay Carlson ’01 and Scott Crichton, 12/1/12, Los Angeles, CA. Julie Fossell ’01 and Eric Sorell, 1/5/13, Shoreview, MN. Shannon Faloon ’04 and Marc Sherman, 9/8/12, Weymouth, MA. Althea Archer ’07 and Matthew Miller ’02, 6/23/12, Auburn, AL. Kathleen Ozbun ’07 and Ben Heupel ’08, Minneapolis, MN. Emily Allen ’08 and James Schmittler, 12/28/12, Savage, MN. Stephanie Buresh ’08 and Michael Heitz, Minnetrista, MN. Jessica Gehrke ’08 and Luke Listerud, Bird Island, MN. Lindsey Sockness ’08 and Stephen Johnson, 5/7/11, Apple Valley, MN. Vanessa Slingsby ’08 and Seung Lee, 12/20/12, Mankato, MN. Andy Twiton ’08 and Kristin Swedlund, 8/13/11, St. Paul, MN. Sara Bentley ’10 and Ivan Pandiyan, 7/15/12, Shakopee, MN. Colleen Ganser ’11 and Will Grant ’11, 5/11/12, Prior Lake, MN.

births

Victor, to Tom Adolphson ’80 and Qingxia Li, 12/29/12.

Lucille, to Chris Calhoon ’88 and Mary Cleveland Calhoon, 4/11/12.

Eleanor, to Andy Leider ’93 and Cari Hanson.

Finnegan, to Jamie McBride ’93 and Maren Olson, 10/19/12.

John, to Jeffrey Miller ’93 and Mary Massey Miller, 2/6/12.

Linnea, to Michael Zemek ’94 and Sangeetha Rayapati, 5/11/12.

Weston, to Brian Hedeen ’95 and Emily Hallen Hedeen, 11/16/12.

Twins, Eliza and Aviana, to Melanie Jacobs Schmidt ’97 and Randy Schmidt, 12/3/12.

Josilyn, to Jeana Ruehling Wibstad ’97 and Clint Wibstad, 7/25/12.

Hannah, to Rachel Gustafson Bakeberg ’98 and Justin Bakeberg, 4/16/12.

Cooper, to Tom Bauler ’98 and Melanie Bauler, 5/4/12.

Augustus, to Duane Buck ’98 and Lisa Sturm Buck, 9/15/11.

Josefa, to Raphaela Dohm ’98 and Charles Lessmann ’98, 9/9/11.

Teigen, to Jen Hedin Gorney ’98 and Keith Gorney, 2/1/11.

Miles, to Amy Moe-Hoffman ’98 and David Hoffman, 5/9/12.

Samuel, to Shelley Kuehn Ohnsorg ’98 and Brian Ohnsorg ’97, 10/24/12.

Sydney, to Erik Olson ’98 and Tanya Olson, 1/21/12.

Sonnet, to Terra Thompson Penny ’98 and Jamison Penny, 6/12/12.

Easton, to Erin Hansen Plasch ’98 and Nate Plasch, 12/2/11.

Rozalyn, to Amber Heckman Pucci ’98 and Christoper Pucci, 3/3/12.

Kali, to Sheila Schonrock Schultz ’98 and Bob Schultz, 6/20/11.

Ava, to LaDawn Osmundson Severin ’98 and Michael Severin, 11/17/12.

Olivia, to Denielle Salmonson Velasquez ’98 and Antonio Velasquez ’96, 12/23/11.

Callan, to Kadie Stone Davis ’99 and John Davis ’00, 8/6/12.

Helen, to Ryan Clausnitzer ’00 and Nicole Blake, 2/4/13.

Nicholas, to Katharine O’Connell Merrell ’00 and Michael Merrell, 2/17/12.

Elliot, to Brooke Swanson Norsted ’00 and Brandon Norsted, 5/11/11.

Andrew, to Regan Nitz Dose ’01 and Bradley Dose, 10/25/12.

Brynn, to Lisa Marquardt Partyka ’01 and Christopher Partyka, 12/15/11.

Lucille, to Erin Bonitz Riess ’01 and Kyle Riess, 9/29/12.

Kyrkja, by adoption, to Karena Erickson Rydland ’01 and Thomas Rydland ’97, b. 8/20/11.

Champlin, to Jenny Anderson Mulvey ’02 and Nick Mulvey, 7/26/12.

Twins, Eliza and Claire, to Karen Warkentien Oglesby ’02 and Charlie Oglesby, 1/24/13.

Sophie, to Kristin Olson Schneider ’02 and Benjamin Schneider, 2/24/13.

Easton, to Jade Bakke Grabau ’03 and Brett Grabau, 1/19/13.

Edison, to Anna Felkey Lovas ’03 and Nicholas Lovas ’03, 12/28/12.

Ella, to Jenny Thomas Post ’03 and Alexander Post.

SUMMER 2013

45

Zigmond, to Emily Steffel ’03 and Matt Barbero, 01/30/13.

Lauren, to Lisa Hanson Thomas ’03 and Dave Thomas, 11/26/12.

Vera, to Sarah Nelson Conlon ’04 and Corey Conlon, 7/9/12.

Iain, to Andrea Tish Fish ’05 and Scott Fish ’02, 1/4/13.

Evangeline, to Marni Brigger Pearson ’05 and Ian Pearson, 3/17/12.

Adeline, to Leslie Beaumont DeBoer ’06 and Jared DeBoer, 1/29/13.

Maxwell, to Staci Spreng Katkov ’06 and Dmitry Katkov, 1/31/13.

Briar, to Jennifer Guptill Tone ’07 and Erik Tone ’07, 11/25/12.

Sena, to Sara Dixon Mosman ’08 and Charlie Mosman, 1/19/12.

Olivia, to Sara Bentley Pandiyan ’10 and Ivan Pandiyan, 8/9/12.

in memoriam

Nina Johnson Ryle ’42, Worthington, MN, on February 3, 2013. She was a retired English teacher and is survived by a son.

Robert Freeberg ’43, Inver Grove Heights, MN, on March 4, 2013. A Navy WWII veteran, he worked most of his career for Cenex and is survived by his second wife, Lorraine, three sons and one daughter. He was preceded in death by his first wife, Carolyn (Ekelin ’43).

George Hulstrand, Sr. ’43, Willmar, MN, on February 19, 2013. A former member of Gustavus Board of Trustees, George was an attorney in the city of Willmar and is survived by his wife, Mabel, and three children, including George, Jr. ’70 and Darlene ’75.

Roger Carlson ’44, Minneapolis, MN, on January 10, 2013. He was a Lutheran pastor who served various parishes in Fort Worth, TX, Madrid, IA, and Minneapolis and is survived by four daughters and a son.

Eloise Rank Nelson ’44, Minnetonka, MN, on November 20, 2012. She was a retired director/teacher at All Saints Lutheran Church and is survived by her daughter, Deb Brauchle ’80.

Sigri Gunderson Hecht ’46, Waseca, MN, on February 28, 2013. She was a longtime employee of Birds Eye Division of General Foods and is survived by a daughter and three sons, including Michael ’77 and Miles ’78.

Burton Jacobson ’46, Vacaville, CA, on February 5, 2013. Awarded the Bronze Star during WWII, he was science instructor at Solano College and is survived by his wife, Elise, and a daughter.

46

THE GUSTAVUS QUARTERLY

Richard Simmonds ’48, Manhattan, KS, on January 10, 2013. A WWII veteran, Dick taught math and science before beginning a career as an industrial chemical salesman for various companies. He also co-owned and operated Sierra Paint Company in Hopkins. He is survived by his wife and six children.

Evelyn Anderson Bosin ’49, St. Paul, MN, on January 20, 2013. She was a retired elementary teacher and is survived by her husband, Bill ’49, and a son.

Edward Swanson ’49, Madelia, MN, on January 13, 2013. He was a WWII veteran and a Lutheran minister serving as an Air Force chaplain, a parish pastor for various communities, and a missionary.

He and his wife, Estelle, started a puppet ministry called Pogostiks. He is survived

by Estelle (Uleberg ’49) and four daughters.

Willis Crosby ’50, Carol Stream, IL, on June 5, 2012. A U.S. Army veteran of World War II, he was a retired secretary/treasurer for Frank Thornber Co. and is survived by his wife, Bernice, one daughter, one son, and two brothers.

Audrey Christensen Juntunen ’50, Hermantown, MN, on March 9, 2013. A wife, mother, and former nurse, she is survived by her husband, Roy, and two children.

Oliver Reimer ’50, Hugo, MN, on June 22, 2012. A Navy veteran of WWII, he worked for 3M Company, ran a small dog kennel, and is survived by his wife, Geri (Johnson ’51), and their two sons.

Dennis E. Johnson ’51, Mankato, MN, on March 20, 2013. A Navy veteran of World War II, Dennis was a rehabilitation counselor for the State Vocational Rehabilitation Service and is survived by his wife, Donna (Monson ’54), and two daughters including Lynnae ’79.

Daniel Lepinski ’52, St. Cloud, MN, on February 26, 2013. He worked as an inventory control supervisor for Minnesota Department of Transportation and is survived by his wife, Marilyn, a son, and two daughters.

Robert Bullard Jr. ’53, Eugene, OR, on February 5, 2013. He served in the U.S. Navy in the Korean War, was a certified public accountant, and is survived by a son and two daughters.

Vernon Ostrom ’56, Evansville, MN, on February 18, 2013. He owned and managed Ostrom Hardware and is survived by a brother.

June Gustafson Satter ’56, Brainerd, MN, on February 4, 2013. A homemaker and nurse, she is survived by her husband, Eldon ’58, and four children.

John Carlson ’57, Brooklyn Center, MN, on January 2, 2013. He was a Hennepin County social worker and is survived by three children including Pam ’92.

Victor Mortenson ’57, Sioux Falls, SD, on January 6, 2013. A Korean War veteran, he worked as a revenue officer for the IRS and is survived by his wife and a son.

Roopnarine John Singh ’57, Coon Rapids, MN, on March 23, 2013. He was a retired Lutheran pastor and a psychologist who established the Family Counseling Clinic in Minneapolis. He is survived by his wife, Evonne, four sons, and a stepson.

Marlys Johnson Johnson ’58, St. Peter, MN, on March 21, 2013. She was a former teacher, social worker, executive vice president of Scholarship America, and was employed as an organizational consultant. She was recipient of a Gustavus Distinguished Alumni Citation in the field of administration in 2000, served Gustavus as a class officer and reunion committee chair, and is survived by her husband, Stuart ’61, one son, and daughter Anne-Marie ’86.

Stanley Jurgenson ’59, Las Vegas, NV, on January 3, 2013. He was retired chief of chaplains for the Veterans Administration and is survived by four children and sister Kay Jurgenson ’62 Kingsley Johnson ’63, Richfield, MN, on July 26, 2012.

Robert Johnston ’63, Grand Marais, MN, on January 3, 2013. He had been selfemployed and is survived by his wife, Nancy, and a son.

Patricia Eliason Morrison ’64, Fort Myers, FL, on January 3, 2013. She is survived by three sons.

Judith Young Wilder ’71, Lewiston, ID, on January 11, 2013. She worked as a bookkeeper and purchasing agent for various businesses and is survived by her husband and two children.

Robert Moreland ’73, St. Anthony, MN, on May 31, 2012. He was employed by Xcel Energy Foundation and is survived by a son and a daughter.

Barbara Edwards ’74, Tallahassee, FL, on February 5, 2013. She was an associate dean in the Department of Special Education for Florida State University.

Luanne Hammerstrom ’75, Maple Grove, MN, on January 1, 2013. She worked as a nurse and is survived by two children and four sisters including Barbara ’73 and Bonnie ’71.

Merritt Conrad Hyers, Coatesville, PA, on March 23, 2013. He was a professor emeritus of religion at Gustavus (taught 1977–1997) and is survived by his wife, Gerry, a daughter, and sons Jon ’84 and Dean ’88.

Adirondack Chairs Given by the Class of 1998

Auditorium Pulpit Given by the Class of 1908

The Lighting of Ring Road Given by the Class of 1993

These gifts were made possible by a whole class in honor of their love for Gustavus, and the commitment to leaving a legacy beyond their years on the hill.

Old Main’s Clock Tower Given by the Class of 1913

Old Main Window Remodel Given by the Class of 2003

Christ Chapel Accessibility Project Given by the Class of 2008 and the Class of 1958

33 Class-Endowed Scholarships 1937 1942 1943 1950 1951 1952 1953 1954 1955 1956 1957

1958 1959 1960 1961 1962 1963 1964 1965 1966 1967 1975

1977 1979 1980 1981 1982 1983 1984 1994 1996 2005 2010

The Gustavus Sign Given by the Classes of 1953 and 1958

Leave a legacy with your class today Gustavus Annual Fund | gustavus.edu/give

800 West College Avenue St. Peter, Minnesota 56082

This year the Gustavus Dance Company has been celebrating an exciting milestone: its 25th anniversary. To mark the anniversary, the company took to the stage of Anderson Theatre on March 22–24 for an innovative concert showcasing the choreography of faculty members Melissa Rolnick, Sarah Hauss, and Jennifer Glaws, alumnus Philip Flickinger ’01, guest artist Cynthia Gutierrez-Garner, and the student works of junior Mallory Waytashek and senior Hollie Edlund. It featured current students from all four years, dancing together on the Anderson stage—some for the very first time and others for the very last time.

As part of the 25th anniversary celebration, the concert also included a very special piece choreographed by alumnae Colleen Brady Lindstrom ’99, Nickie Kromminga Hill ’98, Ashleigh Penrod ’04, Sarah Jabar ’10, and Renee Guittar ’12, and performed by more than two dozen alumni dancers from three different eras. These dancers collaborated to celebrate the Company’s anniversary and also Professor Michele Rusinko’s 25 years of dedication to the Department of Theatre and Dance.

Alumni participating in the anniversary performance gathered for a photo record. Front row, from left: Jill Van Osdal ’10, Colleen Brady Lindstrom ’99, Ashley Narum ’12, Kerry Eisenbarth Feyder ’99, Renee Guittar ’12, Erin Simon ’12, and Jennifer Anderson ’02; second row (left side): Elizabeth Suskovic ’07, Sarah Jabar ’10, and Christine Dornbusch ’09; second row (right side): Katelyn Pedersen ’10 and Nickie Kromminga Hill ’98; third row: Alicia Sutphen Schimke ’98, Natasha Auer ’07, Veronica DuBose ’12, Shawn Grygo ’09, Nikki Hegland Nordmeier ’97, Amy Hassenstab ’11, and Leah McEllistrem ’11; back row: Krisha Nielsen Crabtree ’93, Ben Kolis ’12, Nikki Rusinko Stromme ’09, Ashleigh Penrod ’05, Marissa Augustin ’10, Jenny Broman ’10, Jodie Miske Greer ’96, Mariah McGill ’10, and Jennifer Pagel ’96.

Photo by Stan Waldhauser ’71

Arts at Gustavus