Summer 2021 Quarterly

SUMMER 2021 800 WEST COLLEGE AVENUE SAINT PETER, MINNESOTA 56082

A Century of

Covering Campus Life

This academic year, The Gustavian Weekly is 100 years old. It’s lived through decades of technological and cultural change, and it’s still enjoying its college days.

The cost of renting a bus is 90 cents per mile, plus $4 an hour for the driver.

5

CLEAN HILL OF HEALTH Gustavus Custodial Services works to keep campus COVID safe

26

A LOOK AT LUND CENTER Details of the expansion and renovation, plus why we’re committed

34

CLASS NOTES What your fellow Gusties have been up to

“Co-eds” enjoy The Weekly (and the Katonian) in April 1938.

Top story: “Gustavus Choir Returns After Concert Tour Acclaimed Most Successful in History.”

Dorm dramas, music musings, Caf controversies, culture changes, and (good?) advice from seniors to first-years.

Gustie Sustainer Circle For Alumni, Parents, and Friends SUMMER 2021 | VOL. LXXVII | ISSUE 2 STA F F Chair, Board of Trustees Scott Anderson ’89 President of the College Rebecca Bergman Vice President, Marketing and Communication Tim Kennedy ’82 Vice President, Advancement Thomas Young ’88 Director, Alumni and Parent Engagement Angela Erickson ’01 Director, Editorial Services Stephanie Wilbur Ash | sash@gustavus.edu Alumni Editor Philomena Kauffmann | pkauffma@gustavus.edu Visual Editor, Production Coordinator Anna Deike | adeike@gustavus.edu Design Jill Adler | adlerdesignstudio.com, Brian Donahue | bedesigninc.com, Sydney Stumme-Berg ’22 Contributing Writers JJ Akin ’11, Bruce Berglund, Emma Myhre ’19, Sarah Asp Olson, CJ Siewert ’11, Corinne Stremmel ’21, Sydney Stumme-Berg ’22 Contributing Photographers CJ Siewert ’11, Sydney Stumme-Berg ’22, SPX Sports (David Faulkner), Luke Yang ’22 (including photo, this page), Gustavus Adolphus College Archives Printer John Roberts Company | johnroberts.com Postmaster Send address changes to the Gustavus Quarterly, Office of Alumni and Parent Engagement, Gustavus Adolphus College, 800 W. College Ave., Saint Peter, MN 56082-1498 GUSTAVUS ADOLPHUS COLLEGE Saint Peter, MN 56082 507-933-8000 | gustavus.edu 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.

Top Reasons to Join the

GUSTAVUS SUSTAINER CIRCLE IT’S EASY.

Just set it up and we’ll take care of the rest.

No more leaving notes for yourself to write a check. No more looking for a stamp.

BETTER PLANNING.

You spread out your giving to fit your finances.

We count on a regular donation.

GIVE FROM THE HEART.

Direct your gift toward something you specifically love about Gustavus. Or give to the Gustavus Fund and support everything you love.

EXPAND YOUR IMPACT.

When you become a sustainer, it saves Gustavus time and money. The College gets more out of your gift.

ENVIRONMENTALLY FRIENDLY.

When you’re a sustainer, we don’t send reminders.

No reminders saves the trees.

The Gustavus Quarterly (USPS 227-580) is published four times annually by Gustavus Adolphus College, Saint Peter, Minn.

Periodicals postage is paid at Saint Peter, MN 56082, and additional mailing offices. It is mailed free of charge to alumni and friends of the College. Circulation is approximately 32,500.

Gustavus Adolphus College is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission and is a member of the North Central Association.

SWITCH YOUR GIFT to a monthly gift today! gustavus.edu/give

18 IN THIS ISSUE

2

TECH SUPPORT

A new “high fidelity” manikin with advanced computerization gives clinical learning experiences for nursing students.

5

CLEAN HILL OF HEALTH

You can’t just sweep COVID under the rug. The 36 custodial staff members at Gustavus follow processes and protocols to keep the campus community safe.

22

A CENTURY OF COVERING CAMPUS LIFE

The Gustavian Weekly turned 100 years old this

IN EVERY ISSUE

academic year. Here’s a decade-by-decade skim.

4 VÄLKOMMEN

25

FINE ARTS

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 18, 1920

5 ON THE HILL

26

GRATITUDE

Read the first issue of The Gustavian Weekly. And bring

8 SHINE PROFILES

32

GUSTIES

your monocle—the best bits are in the fine print!

24

40

VESPERS

SPORTS

26 GUSTAVUS QUARTERLY | SUMMER 2021

10

1

2

GUSTAVUS QUARTERLY | WINTER 2019

Tech Support This year has reinforced the great importance of health care professionals. On their way to such careers, Gustavus nursing students must learn to care for all. Now they do so right from campus—with a new “high fidelity” manikin with advanced computerization that simulates the human body’s functions. It exhibits realistic medical symptoms and situations—from birth to death—and responds to students’ care. Having a manikin like this creates clinical learning experiences right in class. “High fidelity simulation allows students to practice in a safe and controlled environment, to learn in real time without compromising patient safety,” says Jessica Stadick, associate professor of nursing. Technology progresses; safe care remains the goal.

Välkommen

The Rev. Jon V. Anderson (ex officio), Bishop, Southwestern Minnesota Synod, ELCA Scott P. Anderson ’89, MBA (chair), Senior Advisor, TPG Capital

This past year will be bookmarked as a significant chapter

Tracy L. Bahl ’84, MBA, President and Chief Executive Officer, OneOncology

significant markers, watershed moments to remember forever.

This issue of the Gustavus Quarterly has reminded me of the importance of taking the long view.

Over the course of a century, this college and its students have lived through incredible history, recorded through the eyes of Gustie students in The Gustavian Weekly. The

Grayce Belvedere-Young, MBA, Founder and CEO, Lily Pad Consulting Rebecca M. Bergman (ex officio), President, Gustavus Adolphus College Suzanne F. Boda ’82, Former Senior Vice President, Los Angeles, American Airlines Robert D. Brown, Jr. ’83, MA, MD, Staff Neurologist, Professor of Neurology, Mayo Clinic College of Medicine, and John T. and Lillian Matthews Professor of Neuroscience, Mayo Clinic

publication has long been an institution on campus, a

Kara K. Buckner ’97, Managing Director/Chief Strategy Officer, Fallon Worldwide

learning ground for democracy through the principles of the

Janette F. Concepcion, PhD, Clinical Psychologist, Concepcion Psychological Services

Fourth Estate and a culture meter for the times. It’s both campus watchdog and campus jester. And in addition to coverage and commentary

Edward J. Drenttel ’81, JD, Attorney/Partner, Winthrop & Weinstine

around college life, students have written their way through our collective world

Bruce A. Edwards ’77, Retired CEO, DHL Global Supply Chain

history: wars, pandemics, natural disasters, contentious elections, and local, state, and

James H. Gale ’83, MA, JD, Attorney at Law

international strife. And all while learning through the liberal arts.

John O. Hallberg ’79, MBA, Retired CEO, Children’s Cancer Research Fund

This year has been unlike any other in that COVID-19 disrupted our traditional methods of delivering a liberal arts education. Uncertainties and anxieties were universally present on campus. As we anticipated the rollout of vaccinations, we were faced with new questions—when would our community have the opportunity to be vaccinated? Would the distribution be fair and equitable? How will the next week, month, quarter affect our enrollment, our endowment, our approach for fall semester, our individual and collective health?

Then I got out my reading glasses and perused the front page of the very first issue of The Gustavian Weekly (page 22). The right-hand column caught my eye: President Johnson gives address of welcome, expresses confidence in bigger year.

The date? September 18, 1920. The 1918 influenza pandemic had just rounded its fourth and final wave around the world. The world was opening up again.

Reading that century-old headline felt like peering into our hopeful future.

My wish for the fall semester is that the student staff of The Gustavian Weekly opens with a similar sentiment, maybe a sentence that reads like this: President Bergman welcomes all to campus with joy and confidence for a successful and fulfilling academic year.

GUSTAVUS QUARTERLY | SUMMER 2021

B OA R D O F T R U S T E E S

THE NEXT HEADLINE

in the 159-year Gustavus story. So many days have felt like

4

G U S TAV U S A D O L P H U S C O L L E G E

Let history show it to be true.

Yours in community,

Susie B. Heim ’83, Former Co-owner, S and S Heim Construction Mary Dee J. Hicks ’75, PhD, Retired Senior Vice President, Personnel Decisions International The Rev. Alicia A. Hilding ’09, Co-Pastor, Holy Trinity Lutheran Church, New Prague, MN; President, Gustavus Adolphus College Association of Congregations The Rev. Peter C. Johnson ’92, Executive Pastor, St. Andrew Lutheran Church Paul R. Koch ’87, Managing Director–Private Wealth Advisor, Senior Portfolio Manager, Koch Wealth Solutions, RBC Wealth Management Dennis A. Lind ’72, Chairman, Midwest Bank Group, Inc. Jan Lindman, MBA, Treasurer to the King, The Royal Court of Sweden The Rev. Dr. David J. Lose, Senior Pastor, Mount Olivet Lutheran Church Gordon D. Mansergh ’84, MA, MEd, PhD, Senior Behavioral Scientist, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (serving in a personal capacity) and Past President, Gustavus Alumni Association Mikka S. McCracken ’09, Executive Director for Innovation/Director, ELCA Leader Lab, Evangelical Lutheran Church in America Jan Ledin Michaletz ’74, Past President, Gustavus Alumni Association Thomas J. Mielke ’80, JD, Retired Senior Vice President and General Counsel, Kimberly-Clark Corporation Bradley S. Nuss ’97, Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, Nuss Truck & Equipment Marcia L. Page ’82, MBA, Founding Partner, Värde Partners

Rebecca M. Bergman President, Gustavus Adolphus College

The Rev. Dr. Dan. S. Poffenberger ’82, Senior Pastor, Shepherd of the Lake Lutheran Church Karl D. Self ’81, MBA, DDS, Associate Professor, University of Minnesota School of Dentistry The Rev. Heather Teune Wigdahl ’95, Senior Pastor, Our Savior’s Lutheran Church

ON THE HILL The Nobel Hall of Science “pod”— five of 36 custodial staff members.

From left to right: Paul Wilson, Mona Hegazy, Richard Dahn, Eliza Alsaker, and Gary Prins.

C L E A N H I L L O F H E A LT H

On the frontlines of the pandemic at

and employee safety at the forefront.

says building services manager Tim Sisk.

Gustavus are 36 custodial staff members

This means increased disinfecting of all

The overall beauty of the campus—both

whose work has expanded from keeping

the spaces the staff already cleans and

naturally and architecturally—is also a

the campus clean and beautiful to the

maintains, plus safe turnover of rooms

source of pride for this team charged with

addition of keeping the campus safe from

that house students who are in isolation

keeping it so.

COVID-19.

and quarantine on campus.

The Custodial Services staff is

For their own increased safety, the

do to serve these frontline workers? “Be

custodial staff have adopted a “pod”

attentive to your surroundings and aware

system in which they work together in

of how your actions can impact those

responsible for the general cleaning and

small groups and assigned buildings in

around you,” says Sisk. “When we are all

disinfecting of academic and residential

order to reduce contact across staff.

doing our part to keep things as neat and

buildings—everything from a lab in Nobel Hall to a kitchen in Norelius.

Now, during the pandemic, their work has increased dramatically—with student

The staff prides itself on the services they provide for the students. “We love to watch them grow and progress throughout their time at Gustavus,”

tidy as possible, our department has time to go above and beyond.”

In other words: We aren’t living in a vacuum, Gusties.

GUSTAVUS QUARTERLY | SUMMER 2021

In other words: You can’t just sweep COVID-19 under the rug.

What can our on-campus community

5

ON THE HILL

PRETTY GOOD NEWS Spring sprouted with national and international student awards.

Haley Jostes ’23 has been awarded a DAAD RISE Scholarship to

Kaitlyn Gruber ’21 has received

conduct research in Germany at one of the country’s top

a National Science Foundation

universities. Her research is focused on the study of clay-organic

Graduate Research Fellowship.

nanocomposites and how they can best

Gruber is pursuing biochemistry

be used to improve water quality

and molecular biology and

and water health. Jostes is a

chemistry. Gruber has produced

sophomore biochemistry and

high-quality data to understand

molecular biology and chemistry

the photochemistry of the

double major and has already been

herbicide dicamba, while very

involved in three separate research

intentionally mentoring other Gusties in the lab. Hayley

opportunities during her time at Gustavus.

Haley Jostes

Lhotka ’19 was a finalist.

Kaitlyn Gruber

Ja’de Lin Till ’21 has been selected as a recipient of the Critical

Political science major Christopher Ortiz ’22 will attend the

Language Scholarship (CLS) in

Public Service Fellowship academic program at the University

Mandarin Chinese. The program

of Michigan this summer. The program

offers students an immersive

is an intense academic preparation

study abroad experience to

program that prepares

learn languages important for

undergraduate students who

America’s engagement with the

want to go into public service for

world, part of a U.S. effort to

a master’s degree. “I’m excited for

expand the number of Americans

the opportunity to explore more

studying and mastering critical

at the graduate level, and learn what

foreign languages. Till studies

Ja’de Lin Till

history, geography, and statistics.

my future work in international

Christopher Ortiz

affairs might look like,” he says.

Caden Gunnarson ’23 has received a Goldwater Scholarship, which helps ensure the U.S. is producing highly-qualified professionals in the natural sciences, mathematics and

GUSTIES WANT EVERYONE TO VOTE

engineering. Gunnarson is biochemistry and molecular

Gustavus was recognized as a Voter Friendly Campus by

biology major.

national nonpartisan organizations Fair Elections Center’s Campus Vote Project and Student Affairs Administrators in

GUSTAVUS QUARTERLY | SUMMER 2021

Higher Education. Gustavus is the only liberal arts college in

6

Minnesota and one of only 235 colleges and universities in the country to earn the recognition. The program requires college and university campuses to engage their campus communities and promote voter registration and voting as part of their institutional mission. The goal is to help students overcome barriers to participating in the political process and develop a Caden Gunnarson

culture of democratic engagement on campus.

CAMPUS SOCIAL TWITTER

Follow @gustavusadolphuscollege, @gustieathletics

INSTAGRAM

@gustavusadolphuscollege Emily Ford ’15 is in the midst of a 1,200-mile winter solo thru-hike of Wisconsin’s Ice Age Trail. “Nature is a place of equality in society. This is about opening the door for more people of color to enjoy the outdoors,” she says.

[Editor’s note: She and her canine companion, Diggins, @gustavus

completed their journey on March 6.] #gogusties

Kurt Elling ’89 won the Grammy for Best Vocal Jazz Album! Learn

@gustavus_art

more about the @gustiealum who’s

The ceramics studio’s pod-b was put in work during

recognized as one of the best male

a three-day week. Lots of beautiful work in progress,

jazz vocalists of our time. #gogusties

keep it up art students! #gustavusart #mnartist

#whygustavus #GRAMMYs

#gustavusadolphuscollege #ceramics #airdryclay

Follow @gustavus, @gustiealum

#whygustavus

Follow /gustavusadolphuscollege /gustavusathletics /gustavusfinearts /gustavusalumni

FACEBOOK

As the NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament begins, we have Gustie Virginia A. Caine ’73 (former Gustie hooper, top, second from right) to thank for the health and safety of fans and teams. She’s the public health director of Marion County, Indiana.

“When we’re talking about anti-Black racism, we’re not talking about it as just an issue in the criminal justice system and or of policing. This is about it being part of the fabric of U.S. society, but also the logic of the world. White supremacy is a global phenomenon, a global logic, that has impacts for Black people, disenfranchises Black people.”

—Opal Tometi, one of the three founders of Black Lives Matter

GUSTAVUS QUARTERLY | SUMMER 2021

10:00 a.m. Time for Reflection

7

ON THE HILL

SHINE: LUKE YANG ’22 To be in the moment. To remember the moment.

CAMERA IN HAND, HE DOCUMENTS TODAY’S CAMPUS AND PEOPLE.

He was inspired by his dad in the early 2000s, “with that big camcorder over his shoulder,” Yang says. “It made me want to use a camera.” His own cameras followed, then smartphones, then his iPhone. He learned to make the shot count with as little editing as possible.

At Gustavus, he started photographing student events. “I joined Hmong American Cultural Outreach on campus and became PR chair and historian,” he says. That led to gigs with other student organizations—photos for the International Culture Club Festival, Lunar New Year, Hmong New Year. He became a go-to photographer for student orgs focused on culture. “I’m accessible, especially to students of color. When you have photos of you being happy and candid with a sense of ease in your own cultural expression, it’s important.”

This academic year, he joined The Gustavian Weekly as a photographer. It’s great, he says, but because of COVID, “All of the photographers have never been in one place at the same time. I finally met one of the other photographers [in March] at Drag Queen bingo.”

A communication studies major and English minor who also loves dance, “the through-thread for me is communication. Photography, writing, dancing—they all have a heart in communication,” he says.

Photography in particular, he has learned, “comes down to having an eye. I learn to walk around campus and literally stop and think, ‘that’s a great shot of the Chapel.’ It comes down to what you can do in the moment, what you can frame up. It doesn’t even feel like working. It’s just me practicing my skills and looking at campus in a new way.”

He comes from a long line of Gusties: his older brother, Nick Yang ’12, his uncles John Lee ’08 and Jerry Vang ’04, his auntie Maisee Ly ’03, two sisters-in-law, and a cousin, Justin Ly, a fellow Class of 2022 member. So far, Yang’s the only photographer.

“I’m walking a path and pushing a boundary. It’s really poetic. And what’s been amazing is that I take photos of this place that a lot

8

of us call home.”

Despite the pandemic, Yang photographed some significant historic events: the Pride Parade on campus this fall, the Ruth Bader Ginsburg candlelight vigil in Saint Peter, and the first-ever Lyrical Cafe in the new Center for Inclusive Excellence. Plus, that “Dating During COVID” assignment.

(Hopefully that will soon be history, too.)

COMMUNITY

GUSTAVUS QUARTERLY | SUMMER 2021

SHINE: CORINNE STREMMEL ’21 Four years with the Fourth Estate SHE STEPPED ONTO CAMPUS AND STRAIGHT INTO THE WEEKLY’S PAGES.

It wasn’t Page One from day one but darn close. Stremmel was a Weekly features editor her first and second years at Gustavus. Then, she was copy editor. She pursued the editor-in-chief position because she likes the gratification of leading others. “All these people coming into The Weekly who care about writing and want their voices heard— it’s my role to let their voices be heard.”

Her tenure as EIC has been dominated by that desire for diversity in coverage.

“Having honest interviews and being able to reach every part of campus is something I really tried to do this year,” she says. Another goal, “I want students to be able to say what they think without needing to put on a good face.” It’s a tough imperative when you know there will be critics. Still, “I want our opinion writers to feel free to be critical but also instructive.”

Also tough: covering COVID, during COVID. “Keeping The Weekly Gustavus-centric, representing what the campus is right now. I’m hyper aware of the our role for historical purposes but also for students here right now.”

A paper gets made every week, “but I miss the chaos of 10 to 15 people in the office screaming at each other over what needs to be done,” she says. “The Weekly is a newspaper but it’s also been a social organization.” Before COVID, “On layout nights we’d order pizza from Godfather’s and all work together on the paper. There was a lot of bonding.” Now, she’ll finish her Weekly career socially distanced from two other editors in The Weekly office in the basement of Uhler.

What does life after The Weekly hold? Writing, editing, managing people, and managing processes, she hopes. She’ll graduate with English and communication studies majors, plus editing internships at a book publisher and two magazines (including this one), and work experience in project management and tutoring.

And those incredible four years at The Weekly. “When I think of my Gustavus experience, I think of it being with The Weekly,” she says. “I met such a wide array of excellent and driven people. I’ll miss hearing about them and how things on campus are going while working on something fun that I care about.” Under the headline “What This Editor Won’t Miss,” look for this strongly worded opinion: “I’ll never

For this issue, Stremmel spent the month of January immersed in The Gustavian Weekly archives. “What I took away from this SERVICE

expedition is that life goes on during tragedy,” she says. “COVID-19 has made me hyper-aware of the fact that I’m living through history.”

Find out what The Weekly stacks taught her about 99 other years of Gustavus student history on page 13.

GUSTAVUS QUARTERLY | SUMMER 2021

eat another piece of Godfather’s pizza again.”

9

A Century of Covering Campus Life Since September 18, 1920, The Gustavian Weekly has documented our Gustie community and our global one. Here’s a decade-by-decade look at the big news and the big changes covering that news.

By Stephanie Wilbur Ash, Sarah Asp Olson, Emma Myhre ’19,

breakups, international policy issues and local liquor laws, the arrivals of new first-years and the disappearance of the cigarette machines, and more Shakespeare productions than

By the end of the 1920

football schedules before the

at. And, of course, reams of

academic year, the student

season records were printed.”

athletics schedules, scores,

By September, the first

thou can shake-est a stick

and recaps. The publication

monthly campus publication,

issue of The Gustavian Weekly

has weathered changes in

decided the campus needed a

had rolled off the presses.

culture—Does content need

newspaper “that could get out

GUSTAVUS QUARTERLY | SUMMER 2021

attendance and rock band

Corinne Stremmel ’21, and Sydney Stumme-Berg ’22

staff of College Breezes, a

10

has covered bible camp

The Weekly staff from 1920–1921, in Old Main, and the staff from 2019– 2020, in the basement of Uhler. (The pandemic had this year’s staff working remotely; they did not gather for a photo.)

Since then, The Weekly

administrative approval? Can

we print this photo of a bong?—

paper was called Junction,

and changes in production.

then n.o.t.a. It had a near-

Goodbye, moveable type.

death experience in the late

Hello, desktop publishing,

70s, resuscitated by its adviser,

digital photography, and

John Rezmerski, and a frantic

gustavianweekly.com.

staff of five.

Read the very first issue of The Gustavian Weekly on page 22. Bring your monocle!

wrote in a history published

But as Carole Arwidson ’84 in 1982, “The Weekly is still writing about the quality of the cafeteria food, the soaring costs of education, the excellence of the Gustavus prevailing student apathy.”

At the time, The Weekly was Mechanical failures and

also still typesetting headlines

a lack of personnel have

manually and boxing photos

oft been bemoaned in The

with hairline tape.

Weekly’s pages. For a few issues in the early 1970s the

Some things change. Some things remain the same.

When past mastheads of The Gustavian Weekly mention “since 1891” they’re counting back to the first student-run publications, Heimdall, Gustaviana, Gustavus Adolphus Journal/Gustaf Adolfs Journalen, and College Breezes.

GUSTAVUS QUARTERLY | SUMMER 2021

football team, and the

11

1 0 0 Ye a r s o f t h e G u s t avi a n We e k l y

1920s Hello from Old Main The first-ever editor-in-chief of the Gustavian Weekly was Hobart Johnson ’21.

Granddaughter Lynn Lutz McGinty ’84 heard about the

legend of The Weekly’s origins growing up. “They were set up in Old Main and they only had two windows,” she says. Those accommodations are not far off from what The Weekly staff works in now in the basement of Uhler Hall.

Johnson started college in Kansas, but his uncle, O.J. Johnson (Gustavus president

at the time) encouraged him to transfer to Gustavus. His

1939 editors read and write The Weekly. A headline here: “Active Year Planned for Orators.”

senior year, he led the staff that launched The Gustavian

origins of Gustavus, there

the first chairperson of the

helped start maintains its

Weekly in 1920–1921.

was extra focus on religious

Gustavus Fund. She, a class

weekly run.

life, music performances, and

agent. Two of their children

oratory competitions.

are Gusties, including

Reading the early issues of The Weekly is an exercise in time management and

GUSTAVUS QUARTERLY | SUMMER 2021

McGinty’s mother, Dorothy

squinting, with lots of words

The Weekly, Johnson went to

Johnson Lutz ’51, and uncle

in very small print. The paper

medical school, then on to

Wendell Johnson ’53. The

covered changes in academics,

missionary work in Tanzania

legacy continues today with

college administration, and

with his wife, fellow graduate

many more Gustie grads

campus buildings, issues that

Ruth G.E. Johnson ’20.

(and current students) 100

affected student life, similar to

Then the couple came back

years later.

what is covered now.

to Minnesota and set up an

But in reflecting the

12

After that first year of

Today, Hobart Johnson’s

ophthalmology practice in

daughter Dorothy lives just

North Mankato. He became

a few miles from where the college newspaper her father

The first year and the current year of The Weekly both covered global pandemics.

1 0 0 Ye a r s o f t h e G u s t avi a n We e k l y

O P I N I O N : CO RI N N E ST REM M EL ’ 21

History Changes, the Student Experience Remains the Same By now, I have traveled

Despite great social changes

through all 100 years of The

in history, reflected in the

Weekly, and despite all my

news media across the country

discoveries, I am convinced

and the world, there is still

that not much has changed

homework due tomorrow and

since 1920. While the campus

a Caf controversy and that’s

looks a bit different and

what Gustavus students most

thousands of students have

often choose to write about.

A Weekly photo of tennis Gusties with their racquets and belts.

1930s Newsflash! A Woman Editor-In-Chief

opportunities, though the “Old Mane” jokes column could get racy.

In The Weekly issue

has remained a source of

published on April 28, 1998,

expression true to the student

student photographers

experience.

captured the massive clean-

Of course there are still

up post-tornado, but on

some things that shock me,

page 14, you’ll find the usual

things I know I would never

crossword puzzle. Gustavus

was announced that Lillias

get away with as the current

students are resilient. We

On January 29, 1935, it Davis ’35 would be the new

editor-in-chief. I’m amazed

acknowledge the changing

In 1929, The Weekly moved

editor-in-chief. “Under her

by the candor debating the

world around us. We adapt.

from Old Main to the

leadership, effort is being put

benefits of LSD and the

Then we continue on.

basement of Uhler, then a

forth to make the Gustavian

explicit mention of alcohol

men’s dormitory. (It’s been

Weekly as successful a

on campus in the 1960s

this week’s edition was put

all over between Uhler stints,

production as it has been in

and 70s, and I’m baffled

together or how much the

including two different

the past,” the announcement

by the advertisements for

world has changed in a week,

basement locations in

tactfully read.

engagement rings and

no matter what history throws

wedding dresses that littered

at us, The Weekly will always

The Weekly’s pages all the way

be there on campus, every

up to 1990.

Friday. (Or maybe Saturday.

Norelius/Co-Ed.) In 1934, a censorship committee was established— three faculty members read

Still, at its core, The

all editorial and feature copy

Weekly issues of the past are

prior to printing. Why this

filled with the same kinds

was required is unclear—

of articles we publish today.

coverage at the time consisted

Caf controversies, concerns

of such seemingly innocuous

about the environment, and

topics as choir tours, faculty

more (or less) helpful advice

additions, campus enrollment,

from seniors to first-years. The

new buildings, sports, and

college experience remains the

a plethora of Bible study

same as 18- to 22-year-olds try to figure out who they are over the course of four years.

What I truly took away from this expedition through time is that life goes on.

No matter how last-minute

If we’re lucky).

GUSTAVUS QUARTERLY | SUMMER 2021

cycled through, The Weekly

13

1 0 0 Ye a r s o f t h e G u s t avi a n We e k l y

1950s

GUSTAVUS QUARTERLY | SUMMER 2021

“Raw Eggs, Burlap Underwear, Initiation Unforgettable.”

14

1940s

page of the Sept. 23, 1942

War Rages. Then: Home to the Hill

issue featured notice of the

Editors check the Nov. 11, 1941 issue hot off the press.

“bus leaving for Minneapolis

overseas. The full 1943

Coverage of the College’s

with all college men who

commencement address,

tremendous growth—

wish to enlist in the army,

from Rev. Paul Andreen of

dormitories, buildings, faculty,

navy and marine reserves.”

Cokato, Minnesota, was

enrollment—dominated

Editorials decrying Hitler

printed, including the words,

the paper. Sports made a

The Weekly declared the

ran next to dispatches of

“The Lutheran graduate will

triumphant return to campus

jitterbug dead in 1940. Soon,

Gustavus servicemen and

meet the full onslaught of

and The Weekly’s pages. As

national and international

women, details about the

postwar exhaustion when the

did Greek life. “The poor

news and fervent patriotism

sailors and Marines training

momentum of feverish war

gals sit in the ‘barracks’

took over the pages as a

on campus, and a drive to get

production has run its course.”

every night wondering who

world war loomed. The front

The Weekly sent to Gusties

Gusties didn’t seem

belongs to that latest blood-

exhausted post-war. The

curdling scream floating

Weekly was filled with logistics

across the hills,” read the

to help the swell of enrolling

lead story on April 15, 1955.

students, coverage of the

Pledging, service projects, and

rapid rise of campus romance,

active social life dominated

listings of weddings, and ads

coverage. In 1957, The Weekly

for life insurance.

editors asked, “Are American Students Egotistical Boobs?”

The general consensus was yes, Gusties were barely aware of the world beyond themselves, “but we hide it well behind our false faces of pretended interest,” said Nancy Olander ’59.

1 0 0 Ye a r s o f t h e G u s t avi a n We e k l y

L EG AC Y: T ED A L M EN ’ 8 0

A Century of Journalism as a Family Business

The fall semester staff of the 1958–1959 academic year.

Ted Almen ’80 joined the

Today, the future is top-

Gustavian Weekly as a student

of-mind for Almen, his

already a third-generation

family, and their paper,

community journalist. His

The Kerkhoven Banner.

grandparents owned The

(The family also owned the

Truman Tribune in southern

Raymond-Prinsburg News,

Minnesota. After graduating

and still owns the Clara

from Gustavus, Ted’s

City Herald and Lakes Area

parents managed the family’s newspaper businesses.

Almen always knew he wanted to go to Gustavus, but he didn’t think journalism was on his path. That is until The Weekly almost went out of press his junior year. English professor John Rezmerski organized a J-Term class to teach 14 students about journalism, Review. His daughter, Jordan

Amendment, all to keep the

Almen ’14, began writing for

paper in press. Though Almen

The Banner after graduating

grew up in the journalism

from Gustavus. In 2020,

world, he learned a lot in the

The Banner became the only

class. “I got the bug.” he says.

newspaper in Minnesota

“After that, I stayed on staff.”

powered by solar energy.

As graduation approached, Gusties manually set type plates for an upcoming issue, a laborious task considering the number of words in the paper at the time.

“We’re not The New

he considered his career

York Times, but we do take

options. With his editorial

our role very seriously,”

experience from The Weekly,

Ted Almen says of the role

he thought seriously about

the paper plays in their small

going back to his roots. “I

west central Minnesota

asked my dad if that would

community. “We cover

be possible, and he was

difficult things. That was true

overjoyed.”

at The Weekly too.”

GUSTAVUS QUARTERLY | SUMMER 2021

An editor overlooks preparations for the press run.

publishing issues, and the First

15

1 0 0 Ye a r s o f t h e G u s t avi a n We e k l y

1960s Nixon Wins. Senior Women “Liberated.”

Frost Weekend (and its queen) was often frontpage news, as was the Homecoming Court and queen, and the long-running St. Lucia and her court. An irony began to creep through the college bliss though, as evidenced by the 1963 front-page photo of Gustie men reading magazines: “Students ‘Prepare’ for Final Examinations.” Another headline, responding to continued controversy

Reading an issue of n.o.t.a (None of The Above), a temporary iteration of The Weekly, circa 1973.

GUSTAVUS QUARTERLY | SUMMER 2021

over the food service, read,

16

1970s

“Students Doubt Existence

hours removed. Toward

interest in politics. “Nixon

of Free Expression.” The

the end of the decade, The

Scores in Gustie Straw

biggest news was the 27

Weekly reflected a growing

Ballot,” screamed a headline.

Nobel Laureates who visited

political and international

Later, a multi-page photo

to dedicate the new Nobel

awareness. Guest lecturers

spread from students who

Hall of Science, plus the

covered such issues as Black

attended the 1969 March on

construction and opening

Power, Red China, South

Washington appeared. And

of a new “co-educational”

African Apartheid, and U.S.

lots of ink was devoted to

Gustavus met a new

residence hall. Shortly after, in

involvement in Vietnam (not

the controversial Gustie who

generation of students

1968, it was reported—with

to mention a Gustie fave,

sported a mustache during his

that included Vietnam

great gladness—that senior

John Denver). By the late

high school student teaching

War veterans, the first

women would have curfew

1960s, no one was feigning

appointment in Mankato.

significantly sized cohort

A 1969 staff picnic at the home of professor John Kendall ’49.

John Denver + the Mitchell Trio.

Great Change as the World Changed

1 0 0 Ye a r s o f t h e G u s t avi a n We e k l y had little oversight, which allowed editors to cover an emerging critical voice from students. “It was the Wild

ED U CATI O N

Teaching New Communicators

West when I was there,” Weekly staff writer and editor

Franci Dickhausen Rogers

Gregg “Spike” Carlsen ’75

’89 vividly recalls her first

says. “We didn’t have the

Weekly all-nighter in the

firepower to cover national

basement of Co-ed. “I woke

issues, but we intersected

up with a piece of border

our stories with what was

tape in my hair,” she says.

happening in Saint Peter and

Katherine Medbery-Oleson

Gustavus.” Carlsen went on

’02, who spent four years at

to write seven books, most

the paper, says “I remember

of Black students, and a

remembers. “The issues

recently, A Walk Around

the community. Also, we ate a

growing number of enrolled

we covered in The Weekly

the Block: Stoplight Secrets,

lot of Domino’s pizza.”

women. The waves of protests

set the table for campus

Mischievous Squirrels, Manhole

erupting across the nation

conversation.” Linder went on

Mysteries & Other Things You

and Medbery-Oleson have

popcorned on the hill too,

to become a law professor at

See Every Day (And Know

built careers in media and

pushing national issues into

University of Missouri–Kansas

Nothing About).

communication and as

the campus’s spotlight.

City, teaching (among other

tensions,” former Weekly editor Doug Linder ’73

The Weekly focused on

professors. Dickhausen

things) Constitutional and

challenging topics, like

Rogers teaches journalism and

First Amendment law.

interviews with the head of

strategic learning at Baylor

the Nicollet County Draft

University. Medbery-Oleson is

Board and funding disparities

professor and program chair

for female athletics. It ran

in the communication studies

student art, recaps of Saint

department at Bellevue

Peter and campus events, and

College in the Seattle area.

At the time, the newspaper

every letter to the editor. The

at The Weekly as an example

people on campus and around

of a campus organization

town, like Lorry Lindquist,

that allowed me to form

the athletics equipment

friendships and gave me

manager, and Esther Gains, a

valuable experience,”

local café owner.

Dickhausen Rogers says. For

“There were a lot of late

The 1978 staff of the Gustavian Weekly in Norelius (Co-Ed).

“I use my experiences

staff also profiled prominent

Medbery-Oleson, The Weekly

nights at the St. Peter Herald

taught informed, responsible

[where it was assembled] with

decision-making. An example

beer to literally cut and paste

she clearly remembers: when

the pieces together,” Carlsen

a company tried to submit ads

says. “It was a lot of work,

denying the Holocaust. “I

but it was fun. People worked

strive to teach all students

for The Weekly because they

the importance of media

liked to write. And I think

literacy and being a critical

we managed to offend almost

media consumer and creator,”

everyone on campus.”

she says.

GUSTAVUS QUARTERLY | SUMMER 2021

“Some articles created

Both Dickhausen Rogers

17

1 0 0 Ye a r s o f t h e G u s t avi a n We e k l y Winnipeg Blue Bombers),

style and ways to adjust it

advertising, and teaching.

going forward.” Arwidson

“My [Blue Bombers] boss

herself went on to a career in

chose me out of over 300

strategic communication.

candidates for the job because

1990s

of the experience I had with The Weekly combined with the communications degree from Gustavus.”

Says Arwidson, who, in

Issues, Music, Pop Culture, and Tech

addition to the royal visit,

The 1979-1980 Weekly staff. (Is the sign lost to history? Tell us.)

of the cigarette machines,

The Womyn’s Awareness

changes in alcohol policies,

Center planned the first

and the controversy of

Take Back The Night

Gustavus switching from

protest. The Asian Cultures

Coke to Pepsi, “You don’t

Club and Black Student

1980s

do something like The Weekly

Organization planned huge

working as a Weekly reporter

without understanding it’s

intercultural celebrations. And

that fall. He covered sports,

going to be a tremendous

conversations about Rodney

wrote a column, and in 1982

learning experience. You’re

King, President Bill Clinton’s

Drinking, Sports, and Swedish Monarchs

became sports editor.

developing writing and

affair, and the Oklahoma City

For writer, reporter, and

reporting skills, but also

Bombing buzzed on campus.

editor-in-chief (and Swedish

team building, and time

The Weekly was figuring out

The 1980s brought the

citizen) Carole Arwidson ’84,

management.” And if you’re

how to capture these topics.

legendary Miracle on Ice,

the opportunity to cover the

an editor leading a staff, “It

“The 90s were a really

when the U.S. men’s Olympic

royal visit “was so personally

teaches you your leadership

interesting time in history,”

hockey team beat the Soviet

exciting. I wanted to do a

Union. The decade also

really good job bringing to

brought the King Carl XVI

life what it was like to have a

Gustav and Queen Silvia to

king and queen on campus, to

campus. For Weekly reporter

chronicle the event but also

Dave Chell ’83, “the timing

convey what it meant to the

could not have been better,”

campus.”

Working for The Weekly “was a crazy, fun, exciting, exhilarating time,” Chell says.

“It left an indelible mark on

GUSTAVUS QUARTERLY | SUMMER 2021

On the hill in the 90s,

hockey fever. He began

for national post-Miracle

18

covered the disappearance

me.” Chell went on to work in sports journalism, public relations (for the Canadian Football League team, the

1 0 0 Ye a r s o f t h e G u s t avi a n We e k l y

P O L I T I CS

From Covering the Hill to Covering the State Tim Nelson ’89 has covered

“That’s a big deal

Minnesota for nearly 30 years.

in Minnesota,” he says.

says Tanya Strom Anderson

he says. “Someone emailed

The Minnesota Public Radio

“Gustavus gave me the sense

’95, advice columnist for

me the songbook as an

reporter started writing for

that you need to understand

The Weekly. “We couldn’t

attachment. I got trouble with

The Weekly during his junior

yourself in a context that

predict what was coming.

IT for sharing files too big

year at Gustavus.

stretches long before the

But change and visibility

for the server.” He went on

were on the forefront.” And

to work in sales and business

started in the business,”

know, and that you have to

there was openness to new

development for radio,

Nelson says. “Being together

understand the precedence.

ideas. “I pitched the advice

entertainment, and brands.

“It’s really what got me

lifetimes of anyone you

on Wednesday nights with

That was true both in the

Todd Whalen ’95, did a

that crew, it was just so much

classroom and at The Weekly.”

paper—something fun and

host of Weekly jobs, including

fun. I couldn’t stop doing it.”

light-hearted,” she says. Her

once writing a review of the

column answered questions

Springsteen album Tom Joad,

Gustavus professor and Weekly

Aamot ’91 also learned some

about student life, like how

thinking, “I’m not qualified

adviser John Rezmerski

foundational lessons from his

to deal with an obnoxious

for this.” He did it anyway. “It

with laying some of the

days as a Weekly reporter.

roommate or good tactics

was my introduction to public

groundwork for his career

to ask someone out from

works—making something

in journalism. “The biggest

that garnered some criticism

their dorm. She went on to

for an audience,” he says. He’s

thing I learned at Gustavus

from students,” he recalls.

a career in intercultural and

made a career in photography.

was from John was to not

“That taught me that if I

organizational development.

The Weekly continued to

be shy,” he says. “John

wanted to go into journalism, I had to have tough skin.”

column to put diversity in the

Troy Alexander ’97 wrote

Nelson credits former

Longtime Associated Press and MinnPost reporter Gregg

“I wrote an opinion piece

capture how world events

really made it clear that

music reviews. He remembers

intersected with student life

this job was about finding

how new technology evolved

on the hill, like students

someone, looking them

other college newspapers as

The Weekly, like email. “I was

gathering in common areas

in the eye, and keeping at

an undergrad and a graduate

looking for lyrics from a Pearl

to watch the O.J. Simpson

them until all your questions

student. “The main lesson I

Jam songbook for a review,”

verdict or photos of students

were answered. That is the

took away is that reporters

jumping off their dorm roofs

foundation of everything I’ve

have to take great care in

after the 1991 Halloween

done since.”

being accurate in what

Aamot worked at two

Decades reporting on

they report and fair to the

community journalism is a

Minnesota—including 16

people they interview,” he

forum to exchange thoughts,”

years at the St. Paul Pioneer

says. “That’s basic to good

says Alexander. “It was a

Press—has shown Nelson the

journalism, of course, but it

pretty happenin’ newspaper,”

power of putting today’s news

takes work. I first learned that

says Whalen.

in historical context.

on college papers.”

blizzard. “The best

GUSTAVUS QUARTERLY | SUMMER 2021

The 1996–1997 staff in the basement of Norelius (Co-Ed).

19

1 0 0 Ye a r s o f t h e G u s t avi a n We e k l y

2000s The Weekly Goes Digital and The Day the Towers Fell The rapid technological advancements of the early 2000s meant a shift to an all-digital production, and an online Weekly.

Former editor-in-chief Mike Wilken ’02 remembers

the transition from developing film to digital photo scans, and from delivering physical pages to the printer to

The 2004–2005 Weekly staff—with refrigerator—in its basement office in Norelius (Co-Ed).

sending them via File Protocol Transfer. “The quality was so

was promoted throughout

Steuer’s resignation) and

Robinson and SUPERVALU

much better,” he says.

campus.” This was back

student reaction to national

(now UNFI). “And I can still

The new millennium

before “content management

news (Bush v. Gore and the

name everyone that was on

also took The Weekly to the

systems.” Instead, “Everything

war in Iraq). None was larger,

the team at The Weekly.”

World Wide Web. The first

was a static HTML file that

though, than 9/11.

website launched in 1996,

needed individual attention,”

“I still remember the

but the site took off when

Mueller says. Mueller went on

issue—the front cover was in

Eric Mueller ’02 became

to a career working in digital

full color,” says Wilken. “It

web editor.

platforms for the Science

was a student writing in a

“I remember it being in

Museum of Minnesota,

book and a huge candle the

Ameriprise, and now his own

Chaplain’s office had put out.”

David [Kogler ’01] brought

company, Pixeleric.

He recalls seeing the back

In the late aughts and early

page of The Weekly—simply

2010s, The Weekly staff

In the first decade of the

“I improved the design of the

2000s, The Weekly covered

a large, in-color American

gathered in Jackson Campus

site and worked hard to make

major campus stories (like

flag—hung up around campus

Center Monday nights to

sure it launched on time and

Gustavus President Axel

after the paper came out.

discuss the week’s campus

“As a group, our goal in

GUSTAVUS QUARTERLY | SUMMER 2021

Beyond Words, Into a New Media Landscape

bad shape, and that’s why me on board,” Mueller says.

20

2010s

news. “We’d look at the

that issue was to try to—as

events calendar and ask,

best we could in the one-week

‘What do we think will benefit

snapshot we had—capture

the students to know more

the emotions and thoughts of

about?’” former editor-in-

students during that week. It

chief Lindsay Lelivelt ’11

really set the tone for us as

recalls. But at times, the

a paper that year,” he says.

staff struggled to balance

Wilken went on to work in

the student perspective,

public relations and external

Gustavus’s identity, and

communications for C.H.

reporting the truth.

1 0 0 Ye a r s o f t h e G u s t avi a n We e k l y just as The Weekly had done for almost 100 years, the staff kept the stories close to Gustavus. It captured the heartbeat of major milestones:

Growing up with the

Big Hill Farm had its first harvest, everyone was photodumping on Facebook, and The Fourth Crown became a

internet, Lelivelt says

satirical mirror for The Weekly.

millennial Gusties were

The paper also celebrated

hyper-aware of dissenting

community members with a

facts and bias. “We wanted

“Gustie of the Week” column.

to make sure that what we

Former staff writer Erin

were printing was true,”

Luhmann Hinrichs ’08

she explains. “When there’s

remembers her passion

vandalism, do we print what

for writing profiles for The

was said because it’s a fact? Or

Weekly. “I was drawn to

do we censor it because we’re

access what makes a person

compassionate towards the

who they are. It’s a privilege

people who received a hateful

to tell someone’s story,

message?” Lelivelt went on to

from their obstacles to their

build a career as a writer and

achievements.” Hinrichs

There is newspaper lexicon

machine. When there was a

strategist for both print and

went on to be a staff

that dates back to Gutenberg’s

typo, we had to cut it out

digital mediums.

and freelance writer for

moveable type apparatus from

with an X-Acto knife.”

newspapers and magazines.

1440. “Hot off the press”

what was happening away

“I think from a standpoint

refers to heat generated by

less knife work and more

from the hill. River Rock

of ‘What is Gustavus?’, it’s

molten lead pressed into a

desktop publishing. “Probably

Coffee and the St. Peter

important to tell student

mold and rolled through

[the program] Pagemaker,”

Co-op were expanding their

stories,” she says. “For

a machine. That’s what

says Todd Whalen ’95. “But

locations. Editorials and

Gustavus and its future

earlyWeekly editors did.

there was still glue, and

op-eds discussed the historic

communities, these stories

presidential elections. But

create a pathway.”

Staff writers captured

T HE A RT S

The Making of the Newspaper

Then came mechanical

cutting, and elbow grease.”

typesetting, which still

And racing the paper to a

required physical assembly—

printer at the 11th hour.

literally cutting and pasting

The 2011–2012 Weekly staff cleaning up their copy.

By the mid-90s, layout was

By the 2000s, The Weekly

words, plus developing photos

had four-color printing, a

in darkrooms. “We had a

digital photo scanner, and the

huge mainframe computer

ability to send files digitally

linked to old typewriters,” says

to a printer. It happens faster

Dave Chell ’83. “We typed

now, butWeekly staff still hang

copy directly into machines

over pages late on Wednsday

for printing onto reams of

night. No matter the method,

sticky paper with hot glue.”

“‘Paste-up’ is a community

Says Carole Arwidson ’84,

building experience,” says

“There were maybe two of

Arwidson, “We were a team,

us who knew how to run the

that’s for sure.” •

GUSTAVUS QUARTERLY | SUMMER 2021

The full color back page of the post 9/11 Weekly.

21

22

Heritage

GUSTAVUS QUARTERLY | SUMMER 2021

23

GUSTAVUS QUARTERLY | SUMMER 2021

SPORTS

Top left: Masked gymnasts cheer for their teammates. Bottom left: Tennis & Life assistant director Kinzee Salo disenfects courtside seating. Right: Joe Punnoose ’22 delivers a masked backhand.

NOT THE SAME BUT SOMETHING

Winter sports at Gustavus this year played

impressive 4-1 overall record and 3-0

under the umbrella of strict COVID-19

mark in the MIAC.

GUSTAVUS QUARTERLY | SUMMER 2021

protocols, which at times disrupted

24

Men’s basketball played its first game

Men’s and women’s indoor track & field competed in four events and were recognized with seven student-athletes

the schedules. Men’s hockey played its

on Feb. 3 before pausing for nearly three

earning USTFCCCA All-Region honors.

first game on Jan. 29—nearly an entire

weeks. The team was able to end the

Gymnastics also competed in four events

calendar year since any Gustie team

season 3-4 overall and 3-3 in the MIAC.

with many athletes improving their scores

last competed—then was put on pause

Women’s basketball played on a similar

throughout the course of the season.

for nearly three weeks due to testing

timeline and finished its season 5-2 overall

protocols. The team was able to play

and 5-1 in the conference.

three more games in late February before

The men’s and women’s swim & dive

an exposure to a positive case on an

teams were able to compete in three

opposing team cut the season short.

meets—winning all three at home—and

The women’s hockey team experienced

At press time, spring sports have begun, and fall sports that were postponed earlier.

Twice as many teams are in season in what is already a traditionally active spring.

Wearing masks, social distancing, and

capped their seasons in impressive fashion

no fans in the stands created a new and

the same situation with an abrupt end

by setting 25 pool records during a two-

different environment for our winter sports

to the season, but not before posting an

day meet at Vic Gustafson Pool.

teams, but the competitive spirit never left.

FINE ARTS

“We’re all masked, six feet apart, plus there’s a solid 65 yards between the far left of the ensemble to the far right of the ensemble. It was important that we take the time to produce a high-quality performance that our audience is used to,” says conductor James Patrick Miller.

Because of COVID-19, ensembles had to

Adversity and Destiny, consisted of musical

It can feel a little aimless when there isn’t

rethink the concert experience for both

scores from Star Wars, Silverado, How to

an end goal for us as a choir,” Cherland

audiences and students. They’ve embraced

Train Your Dragon, Schindler’s List, and

says. The Lucia Singers were invited to the

the recorded concert format—delivering

Princess Mononoke. “It was really important

Minnesota Music Educators Association

an exceptional audio-visual performance

to keep this year’s tour special, especially

Midwinter Clinic. With videographer Will

experience to screens everywhere.

for the seniors since they’ve already missed

Clark ’19 and audio engineer Geston, the

Both the Gustavus Wind Orchestra

two tours because of COVID,” says James

ensemble created a recorded performance,

and the Gustavus Choir collaborated with

Patrick Miller, Douglas Nimmo Professor

also with student interviews.

videographer Evan Taylor ’12 and audio

of the Gustavus Wind Orchestra.

engineer Doug Geston to record virtual

The Lucia Singers, directed by Elisabeth

Despite its trials, the pandemic has afforded the opportunity to share the

tours. Each was a professional recording

Cherland, have also continued to perform

Gustavus music experience with new

session, with conductors selecting their

by adopting a recorded format. “As an

audiences. Including you: Recorded

favorite sections from multiple takes, then

educator, I’ve really started to understand

performances can be accessed on

mixing them into one master recording.

the importance of these performances to

Gustavus’s Fine Arts YouTube channel at

stay energized and connect with the music.

gustavus.edu/gustavusfinearts.

GWO’s tour, titled Heroes Facing

GUSTAVUS QUARTERLY | SUMMER 2021

BRINGING MUSIC TO SCREENS EVERYWHERE

25

The Health Wellness

GUSTAVUS QUARTERLY | SUMMER 2021

OF OUR ENTIRE COMMUNITY

26

Lund Center’s expansion and renovation will serve all Gusties, whether in exercise classes, intramurals, or expanded academic programs. and bikes. The building has evolved over the course of its 36-

the premier sports facility in the Minnesota

year history as racquetball courts were replaced by a functional

Intercollegiate Athletics Conference.

workout space for TRX and yoga, weightlifting equipment

But over the last four decades, changes in collegiate sports,

academic programs, and student wellness have stretched Lund to its limits. This spring Gustavus launched construction on

spilled into every available space, and intramural participation and pick-up games exploded.

Tens of thousands of people visit Lund Center for the Nobel

the expansion and renovation of Lund Center. The $60 million

Conference, athletic camps, high school tournaments, and

project will bring much-needed improvements to the building,

Gustie sporting events. If you are one of the many people

expanding Lund Center to meet the needs of the entire

who have visited Lund in recent years, you know the building

Gustavus community for years to come.

is due for an update.

Lund is one of the most-used buildings on campus. Before

Student health and wellness are urgent priorities for the

the COVID-19 pandemic restricted the building’s use, Lund

College. Just as corporate leaders recognize that wellness

teemed with activity every day. Students, staff, and faculty

opportunities are important for boosting employee productivity,

members came from across campus for their workouts—yoga

studies show that college students who exercise earn better

and TRX classes, weightlifting, cardio on treadmills, ellipticals,

grades. Moreover, students who start exercising regularly in

GUSTAVUS QUARTERLY | SUMMER 2021

W

hen it opened in 1984, Lund Center was

27

LEVEL 1

27%

EXISTING

6,000+

of Gustavus students

campers visit Gustavus

participate in varsity sports

sports camps each summer

college keep up with wellness habits later in life. In meeting the wellness needs for the campus community, the expanded Lund Center will provide more flexible exercise spaces. When LEVEL 1

PROPOSED

Lund opened, the most popular workout trends were Jazzercise, racquetball, and Nautilus machines. Just as no one in 1984 could have predicted TRX and Pilates, we don’t know how people will exercise decades for now. The new workout spaces in Lund will be able to adapt to changes. More importantly, Lund Center will increase in workout space, from the current 6,100 square feet to 22,000 square feet— a 72 percent increase.

The new academic wing in Lund will feature new faculty offices, spacious classrooms with up-to-date technology, and a 118-seat lecture hall. The renovations will end the overcrowding of class and office space. Two of Gustavus’s most popular academic programs are exercise science and athletic training, both housed in Lund Center. Before the pandemic, students were packed wall-to-wall in Lund Center classrooms. The Human Performance Lab, necessary for the

LEVEL 2

PROPOSED

exercise science program, will move into a space two-and-a-half times larger than students currently have in which to conduct research. Athletic training will also have its own specialized classroom.

Of course, renovation of Lund Center will also benefit varsity sports at Gustavus. Over a quarter of all Gustavus students participate in varsity sports, on 23 men’s and women’s teams. In the late afternoon, these athletes crowd into Lund’s locker rooms, practice spaces, and athletic training rooms.

With a new field house attached to the renovated Lund, there will be an indoor practice area for football, soccer, softball, baseball, and track. And because college athletes now train year-round, Lund’s expanded facilities will allow Gusties better opportunities for improving fitness and honing skills in the off-season.

Many visitors have their only experience of the Gustavus

28

68% OF STUDENTS

nationwide say that wellness facilities are important in their choice of college and their decision to stay at a college

W E L L N E SS FAC I L ITIES AT A R E A CO L L E G E S

2004

HAMLINE

Klas Center 27,000 SF

Lund Center opened in 1984, and has not been expanded since then. Meanwhile, most other

2002

2008

2019

95,000 SF

Leonard Center 75,000 SF

Skoglund Center

ST. OLAF

colleges and universities in the area have renovated or opened new athletics and wellness

MACALESTER

ST. OLAF

facilities in the last 25 years.

2001

2006

2013

2018

2022

11,000 SF

Sports & Health Addition 46,000 SF

Recreation Center 175,000 SF

Athletes Village 330,000 SF

240,000 SF

1984

GUSTAVUS

1984

1990

U OF M

U OF M

UNIVERSITY OF WISCONSIN

1998

2000

2006

2010

2016

2020

Field House & Fitness 66,000 SF

Recreation Center 80,000 SF

Kennedy Center

Athletics & Recreation 185,000 SF

Gagliardi Field/Dome 80,000 SF

Arena Renovation

SAINT JOHN’S

Lund Center 175,000 SF

UMD

1995

CARLETON

2000

AUGSBURG

2005

ST. THOMAS

2010

SAINT JOHN’S

2015

UMD

2020

campus at Lund—their only impression of the College is

Center will better represent the Gustavus of today and be

the 37-year-old athletics building. Most other colleges and

the wellness, academic, and athletics home for the Gustavus of

universities in Minnesota have constructed new athletics

the future. The new Lund Center will help us keep pace with—

buildings and wellness centers during the last two decades.

and in some ways outpace—our peers. It will reflect Gustavus’s

Even many area high schools have newer and larger facilities

success in multiple areas and facets of campus life, including in

than Gustavus. The College is thriving, and the renovated Lund

alumni support.

GUSTAVUS QUARTERLY | SUMMER 2021

LUTHER

29

WH Y WE G IVE :

Susan Astrup Lundquist ’84 and Erik Lundquist ’88 LUND IS STILL A SPECIAL PLACE FOR ME. I CONNECT IT WITH ALL OF THAT EXCITEMENT OF BEING ON CAMPUS AS A FRESHMAN.

Susan: My Gustavus experience began before college. I grew up in Austin, Minnesota, and went to Tennis and Life Camp at Gustavus. And when I became editor of my high school yearbook, I went to yearbook camp there. Both Erik and I were the first ones in our families to go to Gustavus. We’re so happy we started a tradition. Our three children have all gone to Gustavus, and I have nieces and nephews who have gone here.

My mom even became a big Gustavus supporter. Before she passed away last year, she watched livestreams of Gustie sports and even gave to the College. That really says something. She

“It is important to give of our time and resources,” says Susan. “We have enjoyed being on the Gustavus Parents Council, for one.” The Lundquists’ youngest child, Peter, just graduated in 2021, following Anna ’16 and John ’18. “Gustavus has been a special place for us and now for our entire family,” adds Erik.

recognized how important the College was for Erik and me, for our kids, and for her other grandchildren who went there.

Erik: I grew up in Nebraska, but I had family in Minnesota and always wanted to end up here. Part of the attraction of Gustavus was basketball. Coach Bob Erdman was a terrific recruiter. A key part for me was that I was also a tuba player, and I wanted to stay in music. I asked Coach Erdman if I could do both––basketball and music. He said, “Absolutely.” Another big draw was Lund Center. For my campus visit, I got to tour the arena when it was under construction. Then it opened the next year. The excite-

GUSTAVUS QUARTERLY | SUMMER 2021

ment of being part of that brand new building was very cool.

30

Susan: I missed out on that. I graduated the year before Lund opened. Erik and I were four years apart in school. We didn’t meet until years later at a Gustie wedding.

a big university and a small college, I have a real appreciation for a liberal arts education. That is an important motivation for our giving to Gustavus. We have seen the well-rounded experience that our children have had there. All three played a varsity sport, but they also had time for academics and other activities. We believe in what Gustavus provides.

Susan: Our appreciation for the broad opportunities Gustavus offers is reflected in how we give. When Erik and I finalized our gifts last year, we felt so good that our gifts could support Gustavus in a variety of areas. We were glad to have our support go to a number of different areas on campus.

Erik: I didn’t end up graduating from Gustavus. I went there

Erik: Our gift to Lund fits within that appreciation of the

only three semesters and then transferred back home, to the

liberal arts mission. It’s not just about giving to sports, but

University of Nebraska. But it says something about Gustavus

rather about health and wellness for students. Watching our

that I got an invitation to a wedding seven years later, from a

children go through school, we have seen how important it is

friend I met in my first year. Because I had both experiences, at

that they developed habits of health and wellness early on.

WH Y WE G IVE :

Dennis Trooien ’74 and Susan Ahlcrona ’74 IF ONE WORD CAN DESCRIBE WHY WE GIVE TO GUSTAVUS, IT IS “GRATITUDE.” SUE AND I ARE GRATEFUL FOR OUR EXPERIENCE AT GUSTAVUS AND THE LIFELONG FRIENDS WE MADE THERE.

I am also grateful for the mentors I had at Gustavus. Two come to mind immediately: Kyle Montague ’34 and Donny Roberts ’56. Kyle, known to students as “Boomer,” was inspirational in teaching business classes and my decision to go to law school.

There will be a small plaque thanking Ahlcrona

Donny Roberts, of course, was my hockey coach. Gustavus had

and Trooien in the new student lounge at Lund

one of the best hockey teams in Division II sports at the time.

Center. The plaque will read: You can achieve great

Donny had an uncanny ability to get 110 percent out of us.

accomplishments from here. Go get them. Says Trooien,

My teammates and I learned what pride and hard work can ac-

“We are grateful Gustavus taught us this lesson—that

complish. When we put on our black-and-gold jerseys, we were

accomplishments don’t just come to us.”

proud of our colors and Gustavus.

I am still grateful for the donation the Lund family made back in 1973 toward the hockey program. Their gift helped the Col-

family. We have all seen how it grew in the years that followed,

lege convert our outdoor natural ice rink to a rink with artificial

leading to the indoor hockey arena and then eventually to

ice. We were still out in the wind and whatever else Mother

Lund Center.

Now is the time to remodel that great Lund Center. It’s

weather was not cold enough, such as in the fall when we were

fun to reminisce about the tough times on the outdoor rink.

preparing for the season and in the spring when we were getting

But when you’re trying to recruit students and you’re trying

ready for the national tournaments. Prior to the Lund family’s

to get athletes to perform at their best, you need facilities

gift, we had to take a school bus to Shattuck arena in Faribault.

that will enable them to succeed. Sue and I are grateful for

It was an hour trip each way, plus an hour of practice. The

the tremendous gifts that other alumni have already made to

camaraderie on the bus was great, and Ma Young packed us

spearhead this much-needed renovation. Their donations have

sandwiches for the trip back. But it was difficult to make up that

been jaw-dropping. We’re also grateful for President Bergman’s

time in the library.

tenacious leadership.

The Lunds’ gift also bought us a real Zamboni. Until that

The gift Sue and I made for the Lund renovation comes

time, our “Zamboni” had been a 55-gallon drum mounted on

from a pay-it-forward gratitude we have for Gustavus. Just

top of a sled, with a perforated horizontal pipe on the bottom.

as the Lund family’s gift improved my experience as a hock-

The engine had the horsepower of one skater, who pulled the

ey player and student, hopefully our gift will help today’s

sled around the rink.

students––and then they will be led to give to help future

Donny Roberts procured that initial gift from the Lund

generations of Gusties.

GUSTAVUS QUARTERLY | SUMMER 2021

Nature threw at us. But now we had consistent ice when the

31

2020–21 ALUMNI ASSOCIATION BOARD OF DIRECTORS

G USTIES

Michael Bussey ’69 , (president) senior consultant, Donor by Design Group, LLC J. C. Anderson ’82 , (vice president) partner/ attorney, Lathrop GPM

Looking Forward, Looking Back IT'S BEEN OVER A YEAR SINCE OUR WORLDS WERE TURNED UPSIDE DOWN BECAUSE OF COVID-19.

That means we’ve navigated this entire academic year in a new reality of Zoom-ing, social distancing, and pivoting. We know all of you have no doubt had to make dramatic changes to your lives—and that many of you have experienced great challenges in the form of job changes, financial struggles, and even the loss of friends and loved ones. This year has been heavy.

But we look ahead to a world after COVID. For alumni and parent engagement, this year has given us twists and turns as well. But for all the challenges we’ve seen, we’ve also embraced opportunities and caught glimpses of what a future of keeping you connected to Gustavus and one another might look like. For example, we see the value of more robust virtual programming to ensure that geography and mobility no longer limit our connectivity. We’ve also been able to inspire hundreds of new and long-time donors alike to make direct, tangible impacts on the lives of students through fundraising for the emergency fund, PPE kits, and other rapidly evolving day-today needs.

We’ve had plenty of wins during this difficult academic year, despite all the chaos. And we owe those wins to all of you, for sticking with us, for sticking with Gustavus.

As we look ahead, we’ll be carefully evaluating which ways of engaging with you will endure

and which require further innovation. But know this: We’re definitely not getting rid of our Reunion Weekend celebration or Homecoming festivities for Gusties of all ages and life stages. We know that coming back to the hill to connect and reminisce is incredibly valuable to you. It means a lot to us too.

We miss you—and we can’t wait to see you on campus, hear from you through the mail or catch you on a Zoom. Wherever, whenever— your support allows us to look confidently to the future.

We are grateful for you, Gusties!

Dan Michel ’90 , (treasurer) director, digital media, Evangelical Lutheran Church in America Esther Mulder Widmalm-Delphonse ’08 , (secretary) attorney, labor law, United States Department of Labor Rick Barbari ’91 , head of enterprise data management, US Bank Mark Bergman ’79 , president and owner, Bercom International, LLC Mary Booker ’91 , executive director, student financial services, University of Delaware, Newark Sarah Schueffner Borgendale ’06 , managerrecruiting, inclusion and diversity, Fredrikson and Byron, P.A. Jen Brandenburg ’02 , pharmacist, Abbott Northwestern Hospital Sara Schnell Elenkiwich ’10 , sourcing manager, Sparboe Farms Bruce Ensrud ’90 , wealth advisor, Thrivent Financial Alissa Fahrenz ’13 , analyst, Excelsior Energy Capital Amy Zenk James ’94 , sales and outreach director, Meadow Woods Assisted Living Peter Kitundu ’92 , vice president, chief compliance and privacy officer, Blue Cross Blue Shield

Last chance to complete the 2021 Alumni Survey!

Share your thoughts with us before May 31 by visiting gustavus.edu/alumni/survey.

We’ll use your feedback to shape the next five years of the Gustavus Alumni Association as we live into our shared vision: that the GAA and its members play a vital and vocal role in the Gustavus community, are ambassadors of the

Todd Krough ’85 , senior investment officer, Tealwood Asset Management Bill Laumann ’66 , retired schoolteacher/ librarian, Albert Lea ISD #241 Jessica Martinez ’15 , assistant to the principal, Cristo Rey Jesuit High School Jason Mischel ’96 , vice president of sales and marketing, Valley Queen Cheese John Moorhead ’68 , retired co-owner, Lindskoog Florist Jace Riggin ’16 , admissions officer, Macalester College

College, and are champions of all Gusties.

Deb Johnson Rosenberg ’79 , director of retirement plan consulting, Stiles Financial Services, Inc.

Then, look for breakdowns of our findings

Mary Anderson Rothfusz ’83 , retired attorney

in upcoming issues of the Quarterly. We’re

Mark Scharmer ’77 , retired executive vice president, insurance operations, Federated Mutual Insurance Company

excited to share what we learn with you.

Daniel Sellers ’06 , executive director, Ciresi Walburn Foundation for Children

Katie Ackert Schroeder ’03 Director of the Gustavus Fund

Angela Erickson ’01 Director of Alumni and Parent Engagement

Vidya Sivan ’02 , digital communications specialist, Harvard Kennedy School Marcia Stephens ’73 , retired financial advisor Matt Swenson ’06, director of CEO communications, Cargill, Inc. Ann McGowan Wasson ’82 , homemaker, volunteer

28 32

Alumni Association

CLASS NEWS and information to be included in the Alumni section of the Quarterly should be sent to: Office of Alumni and Parent Engagement, Gustavus Adolphus College, 800 West College Avenue, Saint Peter, MN 56082-1498 alumni@gustavus.edu | 800-487-8437 | gustavus.edu/alumni

GUSTIES

MY GUSTAVUS Charlie Potts ’01 ENGLISH MAJOR “AS A STUDENT, I KNEW THE WEEKLY WAS AN IMPORTANT PLACE

It wasn’t until I got a call from Dean of Admission Mark Anderson ’66 asking me about my college plans that I made a switch and decided to come to Gustavus. My dad was a chemistry professor here, and I didn’t think I wanted to come to the college just six blocks from my house. But apparently I did.

I knew I wanted to be an English major. At the end of my first year, I started asking about The Weekly. I had these grand visions of being a sportswriter, but I knew I had to get some experience first. I went to Greg Holker ’00, who was the sports editor at the time, and by the start of my sophomore year, I was writing for The Weekly.

After a while, another Gustie, Joel Stoltenow ’99, who had been working for the Mankato Free Press, encouraged me to give the paper a call. The paper hired me on as a stringer, taking down final scores and calling coaches—this was all before today’s internet.

I started to show the Free Press my Weekly articles and they gave me an opportunity to write a couple sports columns. It was different because for The Weekly I knew the people reading were just my friends. For the Free Press, all these people in southern Minnesota were seeing my writing. Sometimes the Free Press had me cover Gustavus events, so at that point I was writing articles for both.

I remember one time as a sophomore, I decided to write something other than sports. I submitted an editorial to The Weekly about hazing within Greek Life, and it called out some problematic behaviors of other students. The editor-in-chief at the time was a sorority member and without me knowing, she titled it “Rush Makes Fools of Lonely People.” (Ed. note: Oct. 8, 1998 issue) I definitely didn’t mean for the article to be as controversial as it was, but it helped me find my voice in my writing. It led to another article for the Free Press about why the NCAA should pay its athletes—20 years ahead of its time.

I had an opportunity to build relationships with Gustavus administration through my involvement in The Weekly and on campus. I saw the Dean of Students in a different light. I was dead set on becoming a sportswriter until I developed those relationships. By the time I graduated, I knew I would work in student affairs. Now I am the Assistant Vice President for Student Life at Gustavus. I sometimes miss sportswriting, but I am always finding ways to incorporate my love for writing in the work I do on campus.

Both Sides Now His tenure at The Weekly inspired Potts’s research and EdD dissertation on how college students use social media. “The Weekly taught me invaluable lessons about how students are feeling by providing insights into student life. Now, as an administrator, I’ve been on both sides of this.”

GUSTAVUS QUARTERLY | SUMMER 2021

FOR STUDENT'S VOICES. I STILL SEE THAT TODAY.”

33

GUSTIES

56|

Bob Erickson, Chanhassen, a retired adjunct professor, published Gustavus Men’s Swim History in 2018 and is now writing Gustavus Women, In and Out of the Pool.

Both are available at the Gustavus Athletic Department.

58|

Ade L. Sponberg, Fargo, ND, was honored when the North Dakota State University athletic department announced the Ade Sponberg Endowment.

Sponberg was the Bison athletic director from 1973 to 1986.

63|

Susan Curnow Breedlove, Minneapolis, is collaborating with educators of Minneapolis Henry High School infusing curriculum with community history contextual to the times. She writes for a local newspaper and serves on the

Community Power Board which addresses clean energy.

64|

Deanna Nelson, Raleigh, NC, is the president and chief scientific officer of BioLink Life Sciences, a drug/supplement company. She works to prevent and cure chronic diseases.

67|

Dawn Ekstrom Michael, Vero Beach, FL, was honored for her volunteer work with the Senior Resource Association as a Board member, fundraiser, and goodwill ambassador that has transformed SRA’s DayAway programs, Meals on Wheels and public transit system.

Judy Wood Chammas, McLean, VA, is a retired foreign service officer with the U.S. Department of State.

71|

KNOW SOMEONE WHO WOULD MAKE A GREAT GUSTIE? There is a $4,000 scholarship waiting if you recommend them.

High school students—particularly rising seniors—who choose Gustavus under the endorsement of an alum receive a $4,000 scholarship from the College. It's that simple.

How do you refer someone? Go to gustavus. edu/alumni/referral, or call 507-933-7676.

Students must apply by November 1, 2021.

GUSTAVUS QUARTERLY | SUMMER 2021

They must choose to attend by May 1, 2022.

34

(Note: Students with immediate family members who have graduated from Gustavus are instead awarded a Gustavus Legacy Scholarship.)

Since the program's inception in 2016, hundreds of high school students have become Gusties under your endorsement and with our financial aid help. Thank you for helping us shape the future of Gustavus by finding the best and brightest young people to join our community.

Cory Muth Jepsen-Hobbs, Grafton, WI, is a retired nurse practitioner working in cancer care and blood disorders at Matthews Oncology Associates.

Rachel Peterson Jones, Gleason, WI, is a retired RN living in the Wisconsin countryside and staying active and healthy.

Shirley Gholston Key, Memphis, TN, is president of the nonprofit Key Education and Consulting Company.

Clayton A. Larson, Arden Hills, retired as a building code and accessibility specialist at RSP Architects.

Linda Lindstrand Swalin, Atwater, has retired as an orthodontic appliance fabricator at West Central Orthodontic Lab in Willmar.

72|

Eric W. Stokhuyzen, Zutphen, Netherlands, has retired as the director of alliance operations for Skyteam Airline Alliance.

75|

Lynn Pinske, Virginia, is a retired social services worker for St. Louis County.

76|

Carol Frydenlund Knobbe, Bennington, NE, has retired from the sales department at Z Gallerie in Omaha.

Gary D. Slarks, Owatonna, retired as a facilities analyst for Federated Mutual Insurance Company.

Carol Enderson Twiggs, Edina, retired as a healthcare clinic manager at Clinic Sofia ObGyn, PA.

78|

Brad Austin, Eden Prairie, is president of Harmon, Inc. in Bloomington

Scott A. Hanson, Sheboygan, WI, is president of Cardinal Environmental.

Kendra Black Smith, Redmond, WA, continues as a clinical professor of neonatology at the University of Washington and Seattle Children’s Hospital.

85|

Karen Glaser, Anchorage, AK, is an associate broker at Re/Max Dynamic Properties.

Marcio J. Barbosa, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, is a retired business development manager.

Beth Haen Orlowsky, Minnetonka, published a book, Fearless and Free, in September 2020, after having to take a leave of absence from her French teaching position at Minnetonka High School due to advancing cancer in her body. The book about her long battle with cancer with an effort to encourage anyone going through a dark valley that conquering fear can allow a person to live in freedom through every storm.

Rochelle Bosshart Krusemark, Sherburn, serves on the United Soybean Board, Soy Nutrition Institute, U.S. Farmers and Ranchers in Action, and the Minnesota Soybean Research and Promotion Council.

82|

86|

83|

87|

80|

Becky Meyers Magnuson, Scandia, has retired after teaching 40 years, mostly kindergarten, at Linwood Elementary School in Forest Lake.

81|

Ronda Petersen Bayer, Rogers, is associate general counsel for Liberty Diversified International.

84|

Peter Ford, Arlington, VA, is the corporate security director for Novavax, a late-stage biotechnology company.

Katy Kelly Noun, Minneapolis, is a self-employed artist with a studio in the Casket Arts Carriage House specializing in painting and hand-sculpted ceramics. She exhibited in Part of Artists RX: An artist’s response to COVID-19 at the Minnesota Landscape Arboretum.

Kimberly Hokanson Smith, Minnetonka, is senior director of incentive sales for Hilton.

Nancy Rydland, Plymouth, is a national sales implementation manager at Optum.

Kristine Alvheim Smith, Rockford, works at MetLife in Minneapolis.

Brian Bowers, Prior Lake, is president of Financial Recovery Services.

David Johnson, Minneapolis, is a client development manager for Houston Engineering.

Trudy Johnson Mencke, San Antonio, TX, is administrator/ finance manager for Mission Point Christian Church.

91|

Nancy Scott Concepcion, Casper, WY, is a global product market manager at Vale Canada in Toronto.

Scott P. Klosterman, Casper, WY, is an attorney for Williams, Porter, Day & Neville, P.C.

92|

Karla Cazer, Sioux Falls, SD, is a clinical nurse specialist in geriatrics and faith

93|

Kerry Peters, Lakeville, IN, is chief executive officer/owner of New View Strategies.

Jon Stolp, Tallahassee, FL, is president of Florida Retail Federation Services.

96|

Rebecca Wagner Lee, Minneapolis, is a director of retirement services for the State of Minnesota in St. Paul.

97|

Jennifer Pleuss Spande, Alexandria, VA, is participating in a one-year fellowship program serving as a foreign policy advisor to Senator Tim Kaine. In the summer of 2021 she will return to the State Department, where she has worked as a diplomat for the last 18 years as the director of the Office of Haitian Affairs.

98|

Chris Andrews, St. Paul, is a budget and data analyst for the University of Minnesota, Carlson School of Management.

01|

Kyle Momsen, Alexandria, is a regional director for Ducks Unlimited.

02|

Maggie Berndt, Lincoln, NE, is the community engagement manager for NET, Nebraska‘s PBS and NPR Stations.

Heidi Miller Windmiller, Wayzata, is the director of brand development at The Stable in Minneapolis.

03|

Lauren Swanstrom Mitchell, Edina, is a parent educator for the Early

Childhood Family Education (ECFE) Program at Columbia Heights Public Schools.

Dave Newell, Charlotte, NC, is president of Evolve Leadership Consulting.

THE STUDENT BECOMES THE PROFESSOR These Gusties went on to excellence in their lives as teachers and scholars. We have given them As. Dr. Richard DeRemee ’56 has been recognized with the Albert Nelson Lifetime Achievement

06|

Monica Forte, Little Canada, is a pharmacist at the University of Minnesota, Twin Cities.

Mark Iverson, Denver, CO, is a commissioning technician at FieldCore.

Jackie Winfree, Fairborn, OH, is director of membership at 91.3 WYSO radio station in Yellow Springs, OH.

Award, presented by Marquis Who’s Who. He is a retired pulmonary disease specialist affiliated with the Mayo Clinic with more 30 years of service to his students, patients, and discipline. After service in the U.S. Army, he completed an additional residency and fellowship at the Mayo Clinic. He then joined Mayo as a full-time consultant clinician, then associate faculty member, then professor.

Physics professor Larry P. Engelhardt ’00 was named Francis Marion University’s J.

07|

Barry Cattadoris, Owatonna, is a criminal defense lawyer for the Minnesota Public Defense Board.

Tane Danger, Minneapolis, who you may have seen as a host of the Give to Gustavus Day livestream, is the new director of Westminster Town Hall Forum.

The Forum is the largest and one of the most prestigious speaker series in the upper Midwest.

Lorin Mason Distinguished Professor for the 2019–20 academic year. The annual award is the highest honor bestowed upon an FMU faculty member and is based on ongoing contributions to teaching, professional service, and scholarly activities.

Tompkins Cortland Community College history professor David Flaten ’87 has won a Fulbright Award to teach at the Technological University of Pereira in Columbia. He will teach graduate and undergraduate courses on "Human Uses and Adaptations of the

08|

Nick McCoy, Minneapolis, is a personal trainer at Fitness First of Minnesota.

09|

Daniel P. Conlin, Mankato, is an associate vice president for Synchrony.

10|

Kelley Nemec Dixon, White Bear Lake, is the owner/general manager of Saint Croix Linen in St. Paul.

Kevin A. Geurink, Grand Island, NE, graduated from United Theological Seminary and is the pastor at First Presbyterian Church.

Natural Environments in the Americas."

He will also teach an elective course in the Management Science area serving the Industrial Engineering Program.

Sophia Backman Nelson, Minneapolis, is the senior manager within the Strategy and Consulting Group at Accenture.

Harry Youngvorst III, Saint Peter, is an RN at Good SamaritanHome Care.

11|

Haley Carpenter Bogdasarian, Ashburnham, MA, is a physician assistant at Ashburnham Family Medicine.

Brandon Boyd, Rochester, is a firefighter/paramedic for the Red Wing Fire Department.

Katie Everett, Brooklyn Center, is a recreation supervisor for the City of Vadnais Heights.

Lydia Francis, Minneapolis, is an assistant visiting professor in the theatre department, as well as the scenic designer and painter, at Gustavus Adolphus College.

Ally Billion Messerschmidt, Essex Junction, VT, is an operating room nurse for the University of Vermont Hospital.

Emily Thayer Owens, St. Paul, is the associate director of college counseling at Venture Academy.

Bethany Ringdal, Robbinsdale, is a ministry networker for the International Association for Refugees.

GUSTAVUS QUARTERLY | SUMMER 2021

community nurse coordinator for Sanford USD Medical Center.

35

GUSTIES

Brady Skaff, Homer, AK, is the human resource business partner for South Peninsula Hospital.

12|

Landon Shroyer, Northfield, works for Network Trading and is the assistant women‘s basketball coach for Carleton College.

13|

Kate Bissen, Chanhassen, is the brand manager for Boston Scientific.

Hannah Durbin Clark, Champaign, IL, is a postdoctoral fellow at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign.

Andre Creighton, St. Paul, completed his MBA from Augsburg University in 2019 and is co-founder and executive officer at TurnSignl in Minneapolis. He has also launched a non-profit, Foreshadow, to help bridge the achievement gap for youth in the Twin Cities.

Hallie Martin Fischer, Crookston, graduated last May from the University of St. Thomas School of Law and is an attorney with the law office of Fischer, Rust, Stock & Rust.

GUSTAVUS QUARTERLY | SUMMER 2021

15|

36

Jessica Martinez, Minneapolis, was recognized with a Minnesota Independent School Forum (MISF) Award which recognizes “the quiet and essential work of an individual who supports the school outside the classroom.”

Jessica is the academic dean for Grade 9 at Cristo Rey Jesuit High School.

McCartney Renn, Baraboo, WI, graduated from Vanderbilt University in 2020 with a master of science in nursing and became a board-certified neonatal nurse practitioner in December.

16|

Reed Baillie, Lincoln, NE, is a social studies teacher at Lincoln Public Schools.

Kaitlin Kwasniewski Biteler, Brookings, SD, is an audit coordinator for the South Dakota Department of Revenue.

Alyssa Maxson Egersett, Shakopee, is a mental health professional at St. David‘s Center for Child and Family.

Marissa Haeny, Minnetonka, is an account manager for metroConnections.

17|

Carl Cusack, Minneapolis, is a legal assistant at GoldenbergLaw. Emily Severson Mousel, Denver, CO, is a corporate communications professional for National Renewable Energy Lab. Britta Powell, Minneapolis, is the fundraising support coordinator for the National Multiple Sclerosis Society.

18|

Ty A. Griffith, Hudson, WI, is an elementary teacher for Pine City Public Schools.

David D. Her, Lakeville, is attending graduate school for clinical mental health counseling.

19|

Vanessa Case, New Brighton, is a cardiac rehabilitation intern, telemetry

ERRATUM Margie Young Sampsell ’71 was incorrectly listed in the Spring issue of the Gustavus Quarterly as having retired from her Realtor position with Edina Realty. That was in error. Margie has not retired.

technician at Hennepin Healthcare Lindsay Concepcion, Stillwater, is a private Spanish immersion tutor.

20|

Lanie Altmann, Olivia, is a marketing and experience coordinator for Medica.

Jacob Koshiol, St. Paul, is a paraprofessional at School District 622 in Maplewood, he also started an independent project of collecting winter clothing for the homeless communities in St. Paul.

WEDDINGS Travis Lennox ’05 and Liliana Payne’03, 07/10/20, Minneapolis Heather Meyers ’05 and Michael Mendiola, 08/29/20, Minneapolis Paul Anderson ’07 and Amy Gosewisch ’10, 10/24/20, St. Paul Kelly O’Brien ’10 and Aaron Paisar, 09/19/20, Bloomington Meghan Stromme ’11 and Chris Culverson, 10/3/20, Kasson Janey Helland ’11 and Logan Skelley, 7/25/20, Helena, MT Hallie Martin ’13 and Henry Fischer, on 8/4/18, Crookston Julie Nowariak ’13 and Meghan Carmichael, 07/11/20, Champlin Connor Dufault ’16 and Rojonaina Andriamihaja ’16, 09/26/20, Minneapolis Spencer Hanna ’16 and Cassandra Smith ’18, 10/24/20, Hastings, MN Matthew R. Mehrkens ’18 and Anna Johnson ’18, 08/08/20, Fitchburg, WI

BIRTHS Lily to Brandon C. Burmeister ’02 and Gina Sehnert Burmeister ’03, 10/10/20 Elvis, to Josh Carter ’03 and Sarah Carter, 7/1/20

Sydney Faye, to Marc Beckmann ’05 and Nicole Briggs Beckmann ’05, 3/12/20 Remy, to Heather Mendiola '05 and Michael Mendiola, 10/16/20 Benjamin, to Suzanne TempleGumm '05 and Shawn Gumm, 03/30/20 Calvin Leo, to Steven Helm ’07, and Julie Landkamer Helm ’08, 11/3/20 Sons, Owen on 6/11/18, and Samuel on 7/23/19, to Shawn Syverson '09 and Jenna Syverson Lydia, to Alysha Thompson Coffman ’10 and Dan Coffman, 09/21/20 Eleanor, to Katie Oelfke ’12 and Ethan Harstad, 05/19/20 Solvi, to Hollie Luckow Edlund ’13 and Isaac Edlund, 07/09/19 Addison, to Kaitlyn Hawkins ’14 and Derek Hawkins, 10/30/20

IN MEMORIAM Ardene Claude Friest ’43, Menomonie, WI, on 7/15/20. A wife, mother, and volunteer, she worked as an airline stewardess for Northwest Airlines (pre-jet), and for many years as a school nurse. She is survived by her two children.

Marian Krenik Olson Babcock ’44, Saint Peter, on 12/16/20.

Marian taught business at Saint Peter High School and helped with all aspects of running her first husband’s busines, the St. Peter Herald. She is survived by her two children and six stepchildren including William Babcock ’79.

Lewis B. Anderson ’46, Overland Park, KS, on 11/29/20.

A World War II Army Air Corp combat fighter pilot, he later worked his whole career for New Holland Farm Machinery Company.

He is survived by his wife, Mary, and six children.

Robert G. “Rib” Peterson ’47, Rochester, on 12/12/20. A World War II Navy navigator and captain of a ship, he later owned and operated Peterson Service Station, was a mail carrier, and owned several Great Clips barbershops.

He is survived by his wife, Carol and two daughters.

Lois Edstrom Boline Anderson ’49, Minneapolis, on 12/3/20.

A wife, mother, nurse, and volunteer, she is survived by three children and two stepchildren.

Phyllis Johnson Berglund ’49, Aptos, CA, on 1/12/21. She was a wife and mother and is survived by three children.

Mildred Covey Hill ’49, Forest Lake, on 1/1/21. A wife, mother, and former high school English teacher, she is survived by three children.

Harriet Carlson Docken ’50, Hallock, on 12/12/20. A former schoolteacher and organist for the Red River Lutheran Church, she is survived by a son.

Into Liimatta ’50, Spokane, WA, on 11/27/20. He was a World War II veteran who immigrated to the U.S. from Finland in 1947 speaking very little English. He completed three degrees and worked his whole career in forest management. He is survived by two daughters.

Harold C. Skillrud ’50, Bloomington, IL, on 1/5/21.

A former ELCA Bishop of the Southeastern Synod and a regional representative for the ELCA Board of Pensions, he is survived by his wife, Lois (Dickhart ’50), and three children.

Anthony P. Almen ’52, Minnetonka, on 11/30/20. The first male elementary education major from Gustavus, he went

Mary Nelson Campion ’56, Minneapolis, on 1/2/21. A wife and mother of eight, she also worked as a secretary at various locations.

She is survived by her husband, Michael, eight children, and many grandchildren.

Dennis R. Carlson ’57, Anoka, on 11/21/20. An orthodontist in Anoka, he is survived by a daughter.

Mary Alice Bloomstrom Chandler ’57, Bozeman, MT, on 12/10/20. A former social worker in child welfare, she is survived by her husband, Fredrick “Jim,” and two children.

Charles G. Hendrickson ’57, Saint Peter, on 12/17/20. A former professor of physics, who later in retirement built pipe organs and started Hendrickson Organ Company. He is survived by two sons.

Marilynn Anderson Martinson ’57, Edina, on 1/6/21. She spent her career working as an executive secretary and is survived by her husband, Robert, and two children.

Ione Christenson Muehlhauser ’57, Isanti, on 11/8/20. She worked as an RN for 44 years and is survived by her husband, Bruce, and four sons.

Alice Nelson Olson ’57, North Platte, NE, on 11/16/20. A former RN at North Platte’s Great Plains Regional Medical Center, she is survived by four children.

Duane Roloff ’57, Fairmont, on 11/16/21. An Army veteran, he owned and operated Roloff Insurance Agency and is survived by his wife, Shirley, and three children.

Loren Herbst ’58, Bloomington, on 11/27/20. He was a long-time bank executive at

REMEMBERING ANNA MAE BARKLOW (former staff) Saint Peter, on 1/21/21. A building service supervisor, she passed away after a short battle with pancreatic cancer. She started at Gustavus in 2007 and had a consistent, positive, and friendly presence among her colleagues in the physical plant and the community as a whole. She was named the recipient of the 2020 Augusta Carlson Schultz Award for Outstanding Support Staff Employee this past fall. She is survived by her husband, John, and two children.

REMEMBERING PAUL BAUMGARTNER (former faculty) Saint Peter, on 1/31/21. A longtime music faculty member and professor emeritus, he taught at Gustavus from 1964 to 1997. Well-known among the Gustavus community for the four-handed piano duets performed with his late wife, Helen, Paul had a deep love for music and continued to teach piano and mentor musicians long after his retirement. Colleagues remember him for the deep pride he took in his work and the dedication he and his students showed for one another. Preceded in death by his wife, Helen, who also taught in the music department at Gustavus, Paul is survived by five children, eight grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren.

Norwest/Midland and is survived by his wife, Ellen, and three children including Cynthia Ripple ’86 and Helene Lieske ’88.

Robert O. Freund ’60, Bloomington, on 11/16/20. A retired controller for Bystrom Bros., he is survived by his wife, Vivian, and a daughter.

David W. Nelson ’62, Excelsior, on 11/9/20. A Navy veteran, he was a principal for 29 of his 31 years in education in the Hopkins School District. He is survived by his wife, Mary, and two children including Julie Skeie ’89.

Bradley J. Pester ’62, Minneapolis, on 10/8/20. A retired Navy Lieutenant Commander who served two tours with special forces, he later had a successful career in financial services. Brad is survived by two sons including Nicholas ’00.

Dorothy Jacobson Delegard ’63, Minneapolis, on 11/15/20. She worked for years as a juvenile probation officer and is survived by a daughter.

Geraldine Gustafson Kroll ’63, Brooklyn Park, on 12/29/20.

She enjoyed a successful nursing career and is survived by three children.

Mary Young Reinitz ’63, Davenport, IA, on 11/13/20. She worked as a bookkeeper and office worker as well as a nutrition educator for Iowa State University Extension. She is survived by two sons.

Joy Parkinson Scofield ’64, Rockwall, TX, on 11/30/20. She was an elementary education teacher and is survived by two daughters.

Mary Tveidt Adams ’65, Arnolds Park, IA, on 1/8/21. A former elementary school teacher

and partner with her husband in the Lakes News Shopper, she is survived by her husband, John, and three children.

Dottie Mattson Winterton ’71, Midway, UT, on 9/10/20. She was a retired program director for Utah Valley medical Center and is survived by a brother, Donald Mattson ’65.

Cheryl Muhlhausen Hemphill ’78, Red Wing, on 11/26/20. A gifted musician, she gave private piano and flute lessons as well as performed for many functions.

She is survived by two sons.

David O. Anderson ’85, Mankato, on 1/12/21. He worked in real estate and property management and later developed his own construction business.

He is survived by his mother, Dorothy, and three siblings: Lisa Johnson ’83, Steven ’87, and Kristin Vanella ’89.

GUSTAVUS QUARTERLY | SUMMER 2021

on to graduate school and had a long career in the Hopkins School Dist. teaching and as a curriculum leader. He is survived by his wife, Marilyn, and two children.

Marie Schafer Benson ’52, Saint Peter, on 1/24/21. She was a high school librarian who married and then traveled with her pastor husband to Tanganyika, East Africa, to be missionaries. They lived there for 20 years doing mission work and raising their family, returning to Saint Peter in their retirement. Marie is survived by three sons, including John ’80 and Todd ’83.

Ruth Larson Budke ’52, Asheville, NC, on 11/4/20. A wife and mother, she is survived by three children.

Dennis Holt ’52, Rochester, on 12/31/20. He taught high school speech for many years before becoming a speech pathologist for the Mayo Clinic. He is survived by three daughters.

Ruth Lundvall Zahller ’52, Eden Prairie, on 11/17/20. A self-employed private tutor, she is survived by two children.

Lois Kruger Tureen ’53, Cambridge, on 12/21/20. A longtime physical education teacher and coach for Cambridge-Isanti High School, she is survived by a brother and several cousins.

Eugene “Gene” Frisk ’55, Duluth, on 4/14/19. A Korean War veteran proud Swede, he worked a variety of professions most recently as a real estate appraiser.

He is survived by wife, Beverly Peterson ’53 and three children.

Garfield “Gary” Broman ’56, New London, on 11/24/20.

A former chemical engineer for Thiokol Corp. He is survived by his wife, Carolyn, and two children.

37

GUSTIES DIDN’T GATHER (but we’ll see you soon!)

39

GUSTAVUS QUARTERLY | SUMMER 2021

Vespers

In the Linnaeus Arboretum’s Presidents’ Oak Grove, each college president is represented by an oak tree, and each presidential spouse by a lilac (a tradition that began with Gustavus President Axel and First Lady Loreli Steuer). Then came President Rebecca Bergman, the first woman president of Gustavus, and her spouse, Dr. Thomas Bergman, the First Gentleman. A new tradition followed. The

First Gentlemen’s Bench overlooks the oaks and lilacs in the Presidents’ Oak Grove. It bears the name of Thomas Bergman, and will bear the names of the First Gentlemen who follow him.

photo by Luke Yang ’22

Gustie Sustainer Circle For Alumni, Parents, and Friends SUMMER 2021 | VOL. LXXVII | ISSUE 2 STA F F Chair, Board of Trustees Scott Anderson ’89 President of the College Rebecca Bergman Vice President, Marketing and Communication Tim Kennedy ’82 Vice President, Advancement Thomas Young ’88 Director, Alumni and Parent Engagement Angela Erickson ’01 Director, Editorial Services Stephanie Wilbur Ash | sash@gustavus.edu Alumni Editor Philomena Kauffmann | pkauffma@gustavus.edu Visual Editor, Production Coordinator Anna Deike | adeike@gustavus.edu Design Jill Adler | adlerdesignstudio.com, Brian Donahue | bedesigninc.com, Sydney Stumme-Berg ’22 Contributing Writers JJ Akin ’11, Bruce Berglund, Emma Myhre ’19, Sarah Asp Olson, CJ Siewert ’11, Corinne Stremmel ’21, Sydney Stumme-Berg ’22 Contributing Photographers CJ Siewert ’11, Sydney Stumme-Berg ’22, SPX Sports (David Faulkner), Luke Yang ’22 (including photo, this page), Gustavus Adolphus College Archives Printer John Roberts Company | johnroberts.com Postmaster Send address changes to the Gustavus Quarterly, Office of Alumni and Parent Engagement, Gustavus Adolphus College, 800 W. College Ave., Saint Peter, MN 56082-1498 GUSTAVUS ADOLPHUS COLLEGE Saint Peter, MN 56082 507-933-8000 | gustavus.edu 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.

Top Reasons to Join the

GUSTAVUS SUSTAINER CIRCLE IT’S EASY.

Just set it up and we’ll take care of the rest.

No more leaving notes for yourself to write a check. No more looking for a stamp.

BETTER PLANNING.

You spread out your giving to fit your finances.

We count on a regular donation.

GIVE FROM THE HEART.

Direct your gift toward something you specifically love about Gustavus. Or give to the Gustavus Fund and support everything you love.

EXPAND YOUR IMPACT.

When you become a sustainer, it saves Gustavus time and money. The College gets more out of your gift.

ENVIRONMENTALLY FRIENDLY.

When you’re a sustainer, we don’t send reminders.

No reminders saves the trees.

The Gustavus Quarterly (USPS 227-580) is published four times annually by Gustavus Adolphus College, Saint Peter, Minn.

Periodicals postage is paid at Saint Peter, MN 56082, and additional mailing offices. It is mailed free of charge to alumni and friends of the College. Circulation is approximately 32,500.

Gustavus Adolphus College is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission and is a member of the North Central Association.

SWITCH YOUR GIFT to a monthly gift today! gustavus.edu/give

SUMMER 2021 800 WEST COLLEGE AVENUE SAINT PETER, MINNESOTA 56082

A Century of

Covering Campus Life

This academic year, The Gustavian Weekly is 100 years old. It’s lived through decades of technological and cultural change, and it’s still enjoying its college days.

The cost of renting a bus is 90 cents per mile, plus $4 an hour for the driver.

5

CLEAN HILL OF HEALTH Gustavus Custodial Services works to keep campus COVID safe

26

A LOOK AT LUND CENTER Details of the expansion and renovation, plus why we’re committed

34

CLASS NOTES What your fellow Gusties have been up to

“Co-eds” enjoy The Weekly (and the Katonian) in April 1938.

Top story: “Gustavus Choir Returns After Concert Tour Acclaimed Most Successful in History.”

Dorm dramas, music musings, Caf controversies, culture changes, and (good?) advice from seniors to first-years.