Summer 2012 Quarterly

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summer 2012

GUSTAVUS

THE QUARTERLY

gustavus adolphus college

A South African SYMPHONY


the gustavus quarterly Summer 2012 Vol. LXVIII. No. 3

in this issue 4 FROM THE EDITOR 5 ON THE HILL

Two new academic deans announced n Distinguished Endowed Chair in Leadership and Ethics n Cargill Foundation grant supports environmental studies n Senior exhibition at Hillstrom Museum of Art n CICE: study abroad advisers

16 FEATURES 16

‘Commemorating Controversy’ n ‘South Africa: A Symphonic Tour’

22 A SHORT HISTORY OF GUSTAVUS, Part Four ‘Coming of Age: The Carlson Legacy’ 30 SPORTS

Eleven All-Americans n Winter Sports Summaries n Three earn MIAC Player of the Year honors

31 ALUMNI NEWS

Commencement/Reunion Weekend schedule n Gustie Breakfasts n Social media n Centennial Class celebrates 50 years out n Class notes n Weddings n Births n In memoriam

ON THE COVER

Eager school children from John Pama Public School in Cape Town explore the instrument of Gustavus Symphony Orchestra bassist Nicole Wamma, Mankato, Minn., following the orchestra’s performance at the school during its 2012 South African tour. See pp. 20–21.

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Photo by Al Behrends ’77

Managing Editor: Steven L. Waldhauser ’70 | waldo@gustavus.edu Alumni Editors: Randall M. Stuckey ’83 | rstuckey@gustavus.edu Erin Holloway Wilken ’02 | ewilken@gustavus.edu Design: Anna Deike | adeike@gustavus.edu Clark Kampfe ’12 | ckampfe@gustavus.edu Contributing Writers: Ethan Armstrong ’09; Elizabeth Baer; Al Behrends ’77; Donald Myers ’83; Carolyn O’Grady; Matt Thomas ’00 Contributing Photographers: Elizabeth Baer; Al Behrends ’77; Brian Fowler (Sport PiX); Clark Kampfe ’12; Tim Kennedy ’82; Matt Thomas ’00; the Gustavus Quarterly also acknowledges the resources of the Gustavus Adolphus College Archives, Jeff A. Jenson, archivist.

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Articles and opinions presented in this magazine do not necessarily reflect the views of the editors or official policies of Gustavus Adolphus College or its Board of Trustees. The Gustavus Quarterly is printed on Domtar Earthchoice paper (30% PCR and sustainable source certified by SmartWood) using soy-based inks and alternative solvents and wetting agents, by the John Roberts Company, Minneapolis, an EPA Green Power Partner. The Gustavus Quarterly (USPS 227-580) is published four times annually, in February, May, August, and November, by Gustavus Adolphus College, St. Peter, Minn. Periodicals postage is paid at St. Peter, MN 56082, and additional mailing offices. It is mailed free of charge to alumni and friends of the College. Circulation is approximately 40,500. Postmaster: Send address changes to The Gustavus Quarterly, Office of Alumni Relations, Gustavus Adolphus College, 800 W. College Ave., St. Peter, MN 56082-1498.


20 The Gustavus Symphony Orchestra at the Sun City Amphitheater in Johannesburg, the final performance of its 2012 South African tour. Photo by Al Behrends ’77

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

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FROM THE EDITOR

Gustie sightings: Too frequent to be coincidence? It’s happened to me. In fact, it’s happened often enough in improbable places that I’m now in the habit of scanning the crowd regardless of where I am—looking for the familiar face that marks a Gustie sighting. Reports of chance meetings in remote locations seem to be increasing, and it isn’t just Flat Gus that’s bringing us together. This past January Paul and Ruth Tillquist ’63 ’63 trekked the jungles of Peru and rode the little railway to Machu Picchu, where it dawned on them that they were seeing an unnatural abundance of Gustavus T-shirts. The shirts belonged to a group of current students enrolled in a January IEX class led by Professor of Education Debra Pitton and Assistant Professor of Nursing Lori Steffen. The group was visiting the historic site following a service-learning experience in Chimbote, Peru. Paul and Ruth stopped to talk and take photos (see p. 31). Jacob Niewinski ’13 and Ellen Miller ’12 were studying at the Hebrew University in Jerusalem during the fall 2011 semester. They had frequently attended an Englishspeaking church on Sundays. One Sunday a travel group from Minnesota attended the service, and Joanell Sletta Dyrstad ’64 introduced herself as a fellow Gustie. “Gusties are truly everywhere,” marvels Niewinski. “When you meet another Gustie, you realize that you are part of the same family.” Amanda Skarphol ’10 of Windom, Minn., was part of a group from the Shetek Conference of the Southwestern Minnesota Synod ELCA that traveled to South Africa in February 2011 to do mission service projects with companion parishes in the Ondini Circuit in KwaZulu-Natal. She was surprised to cross paths with classmate Josh Busacker ’10, who was in that area with the ELCA’s Young Adults in Global Mission program. Hockey dads Bret Newcomb ’92 and Jochen Hylbert ’96 learned that they were both Gusties only after they’d signed on to co-coach their sons’ Squirt A team, the Middleton (Wis.) Wings, during the 2008–09 season. Tom Adolphson ’80 is a world traveler who has visited more than 60 countries. During his eighth trip to China in July 2009, he was exploring Silk Road sites in western provinces and stopped at a youth hostel in Llasa, Tibet. The first fellow visitor he met was Carl Johnson ’08, who had been a tutor and TA for the English Language Center at United International College in Zuhai, China, during the 2008–09 term. One of my own encounters, while not nearly so remote as the examples above, is nevertheless illustrative of the phenomenon. I was sitting at the old Nankin Restaurant in downtown Minneapolis when Pete Nyhus ’60 approached from across the room to say, “I see from your ‘G’ ring that you’re a Gustie.” Now how did he see my ring from that far away? So, here’s your assignment: Send us a few lines about the most surprising, or ironic, or funny, or eerie, or off-the-wall Gustie sighting you’ve experienced. We’ll gather them and develop a feature in a future issue of the Quarterly on your collected reports. It will be more fun than finding lost relatives!

Gustavus Adolphus College Board of Trustees The Rev. Jon V. Anderson, M.Div., New Ulm, Minn. (ex officio) Bishop, Southwestern Minnesota Synod, ELCA, Redwood Falls Thomas M. Annesley ’75, Ph.D., Ann Arbor, Mich. Professor of Pathology, University Hospital, University of Michigan Al Annexstad, Excelsior, Minn. Chairman, Federated Insurance Companies, Owatonna Tracy L. Bahl ’84, M.B.A., Greenwich, Conn. Special Advisor, General Atlantic, N.Y. Warren Beck ’67, Greenwood, Minn. President, Gabbert & Beck, Inc., Edina Rebecca M. Bergman, Ph.D., North Oaks, Minn. Vice President, New Therapies and Diagnostics, Medtronic Incorporated, Mounds View Mark E. Bernhardson ’71, M.A., Bloomington, Minn. (chair) City Manager, City of Bloomington The Rev. Åke Bonnier, Stockholm, Sweden Dean, Stockholm Domkyrkoforsamling The Rev. Gordon A. Braatz, Ph.D., M.Div., Minneapolis Pastor and Psychologist, Retired Ardena L. Flippin ’68, M.D., M.B.A., Chicago Physician, Retired The Rev. Brian Fragodt ’81, M.Div., Andover, Minn. Senior Pastor, Trinity Lutheran Church, Long Lake James H. Gale ’83, J.D., Washington, D.C. Attorney at Law Marcus M. Gustafson ’73, D.D.S., Edina, Minn. Business Executive, Retired John O. Hallberg ’79, M.B.A., Wayzata, Minn. Chief Executive Officer, Children’s Cancer Research Fund, Minneapolis Pat K. Haugen ’70, Sioux Falls, S.D. Business Executive, Retired Jeffrey Heggedahl ’87, M.B.A., Minneapolis (ex officio) CEO, Ecova, and President, Gustavus Alumni Association Susanne Björling Heim ’83, Edina, Minn. Business Executive Alfred Henderson ’62, M.B.A., Chanhassen, Minn. Business Executive, Retired George G. Hicks ’75, J.D., Eden Prairie, Minn. Managing Partner, Värde Partners, Inc., Minneapolis The Rev. John D. Hogenson ’81, M.Div., Stillwater, Minn. (ex officio) Senior Pastor, St. Andrew’s Lutheran Church, Mahtomedi, and President, Gustavus Adolphus College Association of Congregations Linda Bailey Keefe ’69, M.B.A., Atlanta, Ga. Vice President, NAI Brannen Goddard Paul Koch ’87, Plymouth, Minn. Senior Vice President/Investments UBS Financial Services, Inc., Wayzata The Rev. Daniel A. Kolander ’68, M.Div., Marion, Iowa Pastor, Retired Jan Michaletz ’74, Edina, Minn. Past President, Gustavus Alumni Association Jack R. Ohle, D.D. (hon.), D.Litt. (hon.), St. Peter, Minn. (ex officio) President, Gustavus Adolphus College The Rev. Wayne B. Peterson ’77, M.Div., Plymouth, Minn. Pastor, St. Barnabas Lutheran Church The Rev. Dan S. Poffenberger ’82, M.Div., Stillwater, Minn. Senior Pastor, Trinity Lutheran Church

Steve Waldhauser ’70, managing editor

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

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6 Distinguished Endowed Chair in Leadership and Ethics announced 7 Major enviromental studies grant 8 Bookmarks

1 0 Study abroad advisors 14 Calendar

on the hill

news from campus

Judy Douglas honored again by BACCHUS Paula O’Loughlin

Darrin Good

Two academic deans appointed

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he Office of the Provost at Gustavus Adolphus College has announced the appointment of two academic deans, who will be joining the administrative staff effective July 1, 2012. Darrin Good, Ph.D., will assume the role of Associate Provost and Dean of Sciences and Education, while Paula L. O’Loughlin, Ph.D., will assume the role of Associate Provost and Dean of Arts and Humanities. Their hiring is part of a planned transition to permanent academic deans. Good and O’Loughlin will succeed the current interim deans, Associate Professor of Mathematics and Computer Science Barbara Kaiser and Professor Emeritus of History Kevin Byrne. “Both Dr. Good and Dr. O’Loughlin have proven themselves by rising through the ranks and taking on positions of leadership at their current institutions,” Provost Mark Braun said. “We are pleased that they will be joining us at Gustavus, and look forward to the many contributions they will make to our academic programs as deans and associate provosts.” Good has served on the faculty in the biology department at Augustana College in Rock Island, Ill., since 1995. He chaired the Division of Natural Sciences from 2007 to 2010, representing and supervising 6 departments with 16 majors, 10 pre-professional programs, and 48 faculty members. He also has served as director of Service Learning and Leadership Initiatives since 2010, as director of the Nicaragua Medical Service Learning Program since 2006, and as a faculty member for Augustana’s Latin American Term. Good holds a bachelor’s degree in biology from Augustana, and a master’s degree and Ph.D. in biology from the University of Kansas. O’Loughlin joined the faculty in the political science department at the University of Minnesota, Morris in 1996. She was founding director of UMM’s Academic Center for Enrichment and was assistant to the Dean and Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs from 2001 to 2005. She also chaired the university’s Retention Work Group from 2001 to 2005. She has received numerous teaching honors including the prestigious Horace T. Morse University of Minnesota Alumni Association Award for Outstanding Contributions to Undergraduate Education (2007). O’Loughlin holds a bachelor’s degree in government from Smith College and a Ph.D. in political science from the University of Minnesota. The associate provosts will work closely together and with department chairs and faculty to oversee and advance the work of academic programs in their area, including oversight of budget and hiring. n

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ustavus Adolphus College Director of Alcohol and Drug Education Judy Douglas has been honored again by the peer education network BACCHUS (Boosting Alcohol Consciousness Concerning the Health of University Students). Douglas was named the 2011 Outstanding Alumni of the Year at the network’s annual general assembly in Reston, Va., on Nov. 6, 2011. Douglas has also received the network’s Advisor of the Year award six times. “Judy has a genuine passion for improving the lives of students and those who work with them,” said Eric S. Davidson, Douglas’s counterpart at Eastern Illinois University. “Her energy and enthusiasm for peer education is second to none, and her knowledge and wisdom concerning peer education, student leadership, and college-related health issues would fill volumes of books.” For 33 years, Douglas has led alcohol and drug education efforts at Gustavus. She pioneered the Peer Assistants program on campus, which also was honored at the BACCHUS General Assembly as one of seven Outstanding Affiliates. n

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news from campus

Distinguished Endowed Chair in Leadership and Ethics appointed

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athy Lund Dean, Ph.D., who is currently on the faculty of Idaho State University, has been named the inaugural holder of the Board of Trustees Distinguished Endowed Chair in Leadership and Ethics at Gustavus Adolphus College. Lund Dean, an internationally respected academician, coach, consultant, and mentor who has been active on the research and governance side of the Academy of Management, the premier professional association in management, will officially begin her duties at Gustavus on July 1, 2012. The endowed chair to which Lund Dean has been appointed was created when six members of the College’s Board of Trustees anonymously pledged $5 million in September 2010 to establish two endowed faculty positions in the Department of Economics and Management. The Distinguished Endowed Chair in Leadership and Ethics represents a tremendous gift to and investment in Gustavus Adolphus College. “Dr. Lund Dean is someone with a national and international reputation who will work internally and externally as a leader in helping the College build a stronger academic program,” President

Jack Ohle said. “We express our sincere gratitude to the six Board of Trustees members for making this position possible.” Lund Dean earned her bachelor’s degree in business administration and French from the University of Notre Dame, her master’s degree in management from Aquinas College, and her Ph.D. in organizational behavior and philosophy/ethics from Saint Louis University. Her teaching experience includes a five-year stint at Saint Louis University (1996–2002), and 10 years at Idaho State University, where she attained the rank of full professor in 2009. Her research has appeared in a variety of management journals, and she has been invited to present her research all over the world. Lund Dean has worked for the Journal of Management Education for 11 years, serving as associate editor since 2003. She has been involved with the Organizational Behavior Teaching Society since 2001 and spent three years on its board of directors from 2008 to 2010. She is currently serving on the Academy of Management’s Ethics Education Committee and also serves as editor of the teaching section of the Academy’s blog, The Ethicist. While Lund Dean will be housed in the Department of Economics and Management, the scope of her position is such that her presence will be felt campuswide and beyond. Her internal responsibilities will include building academic courses, coaching and mentoring colleagues on publication opportunities, and building opportunities for student research and experiential learning. n

First Gustavus Medal awarded

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he Rev. Carl O. Nelson became the first recipient of the Gustavus Medal when the honor was bestowed upon him by President Jack R. Ohle during a ceremony in late December 2011. Nelson, a native of Madrid, Iowa, devoted 40 years of his career to Mount Olivet Lutheran Church in Minneapolis, retiring in 1992. His began at Mount Olivet as a youth pastor and later served as the church’s education pastor, recruiting and training Sunday School teachers for more than 2,000 youth. Even as he entered retirement, he continued his ministry by visiting elderly in the Mount Olivet Care Center and Fairview Hospital. In addition to his contributions as a pastor, Nelson affected the lives of many college students at Gustavus and other ELCA institutions by establishing the Carl and Edith Nelson Endowed Scholarships in honor of his parents. “Pastor Nelson’s dedication to the College’s mission and core values is certainly evident throughout his life and will continue to live on for generations to come through the many endowed scholarships he has established at nearly all ELCA-affiliated colleges and seminaries,” President Ohle said in announcing Nelson’s award. “Here at

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President Jack Ohle with the Rev. Carl Nelson Gustavus, his strong spirit of philanthropy translates to helping hundreds of students obtain a quality education and seek ways to make their lives count.” The Gustavus Medal will be awarded to individuals or couples who are living examples of the Gustie Spirit and live out

the College’s core values of excellence, community, justice, service, and faith. Gustavus Medal recipients, so designated by the College’s Board of Trustees, will be individuals who have a personal commitment to the College’s mission, quality, and character. n


from the

kendall center

Alumni connection results in neuroimaging internship

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sychology major Joseph Wachutka took advantage of an alumni mentoring connection this past January to land an invaluable internship. During the January 2012 Interim, Wachutka, a junior from Eden Prairie, Minn., had the opportunity to intern at Children’s Hospital Boston (CHB) under Gustavus alumnus Dr. Yoshio Okada ’71. Okada is a visiting professor of neurology at Harvard Medical School and the Magnetoencephalography (MEG) program director for the Fetal-Neonatal Neuroimaging & Developmental Science Center at CHB. MEG is a neuroimaging technique which measures magnetic fields generated by neuronal activity in the brain. Okada created a MEG system specifically for use with infants and young children, known as the BabyMEG, which is now being used at CHB for research purposes. Wachutka spent much of his time at CHB working for the BabyMEG lab manager and instructor of neurology at Harvard Medical School, Dr. Christos Papadelis. “Dr. Papadelis and his team taught me a great deal about the operation of a MEG system, and of a research lab in general,” Wachutka says. “I was able to assist in the daily operation of the BabyMEG and was fortunate enough to observe data

collection from a few children. Aside from the BabyMEG system itself, I was able to help with the installation of various support and stimulus presentation systems used in the lab. This experience will be extremely valuable for my research projects at Gustavus Adolphus.” Systems such as the BabyMEG allow for

on the hill

notes

research into brain development of healthy infants as well as that of infants with various neurological disorders. The research conducted at this lab may someday lead to better diagnostic techniques and treatment of neurological abnormalities in infants early in their development. n

Dr. Yoshio Okada ’71 and Joe Wachutka ’13, pictured with Okada’s “BabyMEG” device.

Gustavus receives major environmental studies grant

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n December 2011 the Environmental Studies program at Gustavus Adolphus College received a grant of over a half million dollars from the Margaret A. Cargill Foundation to support the College’s commitments to increase the sustainability of its campus and train future environmental leaders. The Cargill grant came only two months after the dedication of environmentally friendly Warren & Donna Beck Academic Hall, which is now awaiting official LEED certification, and the completion of solar energy projects for four campus buildings. The funds will assist Gustavus and its Environmental Studies program in achieving

four strategic initiatives: an endowment to establish a summer research fund for Environmental Studies students; the creation of a compost system for campus food waste; a greenhouse for the student-run organic farm; and purchase of instrumentation for the program. The Margaret A. Cargill Foundation was established by Margaret Cargill, the granddaughter of William Cargill, co-founder of Cargill, Inc., a Minnesota-based company that is one of the world’s largest corporations. It supports a broad range of charitable purposes, including the environment. n

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news from campus

Hillstrom Museum of Art unveils annual senior by Donald Myers ’83

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enior Exhibition 2012: Unveiled is on view at the Hillstrom Museum of Art from Honors Day, May 5, through Commencement, May 27. This exhibition is a culminating event in the curriculum of the 10 senior studio art majors and is a required component of their studies. It demonstrates the diversity of styles and approaches taken by the student artists, some of whom intend to continue studying or working in art after graduation. On display are works by Passang Chozom (New Brighton, Minn.), Samuel Hemmerich (Milaca, Minn.), Eydie Kramer (St. Peter, Minn.), Blong Lor (Brooklyn Park, Minn.), MaiYia Moua (St. Paul, Minn.), Cassandra Napoli (Chanhassen, Minn.), Heather Pallas (Apple Valley, Minn.), David Pedersen (Stillwater, Minn.), Zabrina Stellburg (Minneapolis, Minn.), and Evan Taylor (Mankato, Minn.).

Their works were created using a variety of different media such as painting, photography, sculpture, drawing, ceramic, or mixed media. Each artist is represented by artwork and by a personal statement reflecting her or his artistic goals and aesthetic philosophy. Faculty from the Department of Art and Art History served as jurors for the exhibition, selecting the strongest works from a group of submissions by each student. The exhibit was installed with the assistance of the student artists, and a number of the works on view are being offered for sale. n

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

Bookmarks Knowing Rolf: A Wreath for My Son, by Kathryn Christenson

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nowing one’s son is a shifting, unending lifetime journey. But then, how do you survive the death of an adult son? You learn to recognize those places where he is alive in spirit. In her new book, Knowing Rolf: A Wreath for My Son, Kathryn Christenson, former development associate at the College and wife of the late founding chair of the Department of Political Science, Ron Christenson, has collected poetry and prose pieces inspired by her son, Rolf, over a number of years and especially during the period of dealing with his loss. Rolf, a sergeant first class in the U.S. Army who had formerly served as a guard at the Tomb of the Unknowns at Arlington National Cemetery, was training army rangers at the time of his death in 1997 in a motorcycle accident as he was riding to a parachute jump site. The word “wreath” in the book’s title suggests that Christenson’s book is both tribute and lament. Following the deaths of Rolf and then her husband, Ron, Kathryn established the Ronald S. and Rolf S. Christenson Scholarship in Political Science at Gustavus Adolphus College. Proceeds from the sale of her book will benefit the Christenson scholarship, which has been awarded to an outstanding political science major annually since 2006. n

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on the hill

studio art majors’ exhibition

The Golem Redux: From Prague to Post-Holocaust Fiction, by Elizabeth Baer

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ho is the golem? A clay man who according to Jewish legend was created by a historical figure, Rabbi Judah Loew, in 16th-century Prague as a protector of the Jewish community? A character in an astonishing number of post-Holocaust JewishAmerican novels? A central figure in Jewish mysticism and the Kabbalah? A huge influence on the development of comic-book figures such as Superman and the Hulk? Elizabeth Baer’s new book, The Golem Redux, released through the Wayne State University Press in April, invites the reader to meet all these incarnations and representations of the golem and more. She traces the history of the golem legend, analyzes two early 20th-century German anti-Semitic appropriations, and discusses 1970s comics, late 20th-century traditional Jewish retellings, seven post-Holocaust novels, and an X-Files television episode. Baer, a professor of English and genocide studies at Gustavus, argues that contemporary Jewish-American writers have created golem stories as a re-imagining of text-centered Jewish traditions, affirming the value of imagination and story-telling in the aftermath of trauma. The books on these pages are available through the Gustavus Book Mark (bookmark.gustavus.edu). n

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news from campus

‘Make Your Life Count’ Study abroad advisors: The people who make it happen by Carolyn O’Grady

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hen I was in graduate school studying to be a high school teacher, one of the best pieces of advice I ever got from a professor was not to assume I was the most important person in the building just because I was the teacher. His point was that many people make the place run, and often it’s the people behind the scenes who really matter the most both to students and in the big scheme of things. I have never forgotten that advice, and it is as true in higher education as it was back in my first high school teaching job. There is no question that students come to Gustavus in part because of the excellence of our faculty and the low student-faculty ratio. But behind the scenes, many individuals are making this place run smoothly, and the good work of faculty and senior administrators is truly dependent on these sometimes taken-forgranted employees. If you are an alumnus reading this issue, you may be one of the many students who studied abroad while you were at Gustavus. If you did, then you had the opportunity to work with one of the people who makes things happen here: our study abroad advisors. In this sesquicentennial year, it is fitting to look back on the history of study abroad advising in this office, hear from those who have held that position, and consider what it means to “make your life count” in the field of international education.

In the ‘Old Days’

Up until 1999, there was no official position at Gustavus called “study abroad advisor.” Anyone who worked in international education was responsible for advising students on international programs, as were faculty members. Melva Lind, dean of students from 1953 to 1965, worked closely with individual students as she promoted study-travel to other countries. In the 1970s and early 1980s, Jere VictorsenThompson ’76, and then Sarah Stevenson and Marianne Colberg Keswani ’53 managed the responsibilities of sending students to international destinations. Ruth Mason, appointed director of international education in 1983, was able to hire an administrative assistant, Carol Moline, and appoint Keswani as international student advisor. While all three of them worked in

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support of students, Mason herself did all of the study abroad advising in addition to her job as director. Don’t forget—at that time there were no cell phones, and the Internet was still a tiny blip on the horizon. Students studied all over the world, and if some crisis occurred while they were on their study program, there was no Skype or Internet to send a quick word to their parents or to Gustavus that all was well. Fax machines weren’t in wide use until the mid-1980s. Communication between Gustavus and institutions and partners abroad was via what we now call “snail mail” or by very expensive overseas telephone calls. All information and application materials were in hard copy and students needed a long lead time from the moment they met with an advisor to begin the planning process until the moment they stepped off the airplane at their international destination. As Mason remembers, back then advising took a lot of time and organization, and without all of the staff pitching in it would have been impossible.

The Carol Moline era

In 1999, when Mona Rizk-Finne became director of international education after Ruth Mason left Gustavus1, Carol Moline was named to the newly official position of study abroad advisor. This marked an important organizational change, as Gustavus officially separated this responsibility from the work of the director and reclassified the position from “hourly staff” to “administrative staff” in recognition of the unique skills and work load demands of the job. Moline describes this work as “the most interesting job possible” because she was “working with the brightest, most adventurous students on campus, plus faculty, coworkers, and administrators who were committed to a global reach, and professionals in the U.S. and around the world who supported the same goals.” As with Mason, Moline’s advising Carol Moline

work included promotion and recruitment (“getting the word out”), talking with each student about their goals and credit requirements, reading faculty recommendations for each applicant and interviewing each student after their application was completed, communicating with off-campus program providers or international contacts, holding predeparture orientation sessions for students and parents, and working closely with campus faculty and other offices such as residential life and financial aid. (And this is just a partial list!) Moline remembers many of the students with whom she worked. She describes one music education major who studied on a program in Mongolia and completed an independent study project which subsequently won an award. This student chose to translate the songs people in Mongolia taught their children because she learned this was actually the method these nomadic people use to pass down their culture and history. Other students who studied abroad or worked as interns in the International Education office later went on to careers in the field. Sarah Egerer ’89, now the director of international education at Berry College in Georgia, is “indebted to Gustavus for laying the foundation of an amazingly gratifying career.” When she began at Berry, she knew she could reach out to Moline for advice and, “true to Gustie spirit, she was supportive, suggesting resources I could avail myself of as a newcomer to the education-abroad field.” Egerer also cites former director Ruth Mason as very influential. Another alumna, Kristin K. Martin ’01, studied away for a semester in Costa Rica in order to immerse herself in Spanish language. She recalls, “I often think back to my experience at Gustavus and the role Carol played as I was thinking about studying abroad and making my decision of where I wanted to go and on what program. Carol’s time, compassion and energy continue to influence who I am and my career path.”


on the hill

Today, Martin is a recruitment manager for Teach for America, which has the mission of improving education for all children everywhere2. As Moline notes, “When students returned from study abroad, the sense of confidence was almost a visible change. It was as if they had accomplished something very difficult as an individual and would be able to face any challenge life threw at them.”

April Valentine Comes on Board

As a Gustavus student, April Valentine ’97 had studied abroad her junior year in Paris. After graduation, she spent a semester in Belgium during graduate school, then a year teaching English in France. It was during this year in France that she had her epiphany: “I should work in study abroad!” She contacted Moline and asked if she could volunteer in the office to learn the ropes of the job, and arrived back on campus for spring semester 2006. When Moline retired at the end of that semester, Valentine was appointed to the position. Valentine had spent a semester in France during high school and believes that changed the course of her life (and she has been friends with one of her French classmates ever since that time!). As a study abroad advisor, she wanted students to have the opportunity to enrich their lives as she had done, by gaining experiences they could not have in the U.S. and making connections that could last for years with someone in another land. The job description of the position had not changed but, post 9-11, the world of international study changed considerably. This, combined with rapidly expanding electronic media and enhanced expectations from the parents of “millennials,” created new challenges for everyone in the field of study abroad. When Moline first started as advisor, it was rare for parents to visit their child overseas, or to be extensively involved in April Valentine

the application process prior to departure. They may have been ambivalent about their son or daughter leaving for so many weeks to go so far away, but parents also recognized this experience would mark a significant moment of personal and intellectual growth for their child3. However, when Valentine began work, parents were a much more significant part of the whole process. A study abroad advisor increasingly had to negotiate sometimes challenging family dynamics and find the right balance between welcoming appropriate engagement from interested parents while ensuring that the students themselves took responsibility for their own academic decisions. The “advising” was no longer just limited to the relationship between the study abroad advisor and student. As Valentine learned, interpersonal skills became just as important as—or maybe even more so than—knowledge of specific programs or organizational ability. A consistent theme over these years remains the personal relationships with students that study abroad advisors remember most fondly. Among the many postcards students sent to Valentine, one from a student in 2007 said, “Poland and studying abroad has been such a great experience. I truly thank you very much for allowing me to do so. The program has been phenomenal, and I’ve been able to do so much that I never thought possible when studying abroad.” Valentine left her Gustavus position in 2007 and is now the immigration advisor at Purdue University Calumet in Hammond, Indiana. There she continues to support globalization efforts in her work with international students. With her departure, Gustavus hired Jill Fischer, who serendipitously had moved to the area that summer with her husband, a new faculty member at Minnesota State University, Mankato.

The New Era of Study-Abroad Advising

Fischer is the first Gustavus study abroad advisor who came to the position with prior experience in the field. During the 1990s she worked at the University of Minnesota Study Abroad Office, and prior to the move to Mankato she had been the director of summer study abroad at Northwestern College in Iowa. As she says, “The opportunity to come here was kismet! I immediately recognized it as the perfect opportunity for me: a wonderful school with a nationally recognized study abroad program, and a work opportunity that was in line with my career goals.”

Jill Fischer

Like previous advisors, Fischer meets individually with students, coordinates promotional and recruitment efforts, hires and supervises student peer advisors, manages third-party programs and relationships with providers, gathers and disseminates statistics, makes class presentations, and so on. But four developments have altered the shape of her advising role. The first is a change in the office staffing structure that occurred in 2007. Prior to that time, the advisor had worked with students going on any study abroad program, short or long. But in 2007 advising for longer term programs (semester or academic year) was assigned to the study abroad advisor, while responsibility for short-term programs (January Interim) was placed in the hands

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news from campus

of Assistant Director Linda Shaw. This assured more relevant advising for students who were seeking one kind of experience rather than another, and enabled both Fischer and Shaw to really know in greater detail the specific programs under their responsibility. The second change to affect the work of the advisor is the concentrated attention now given to risk management. All previous office staff have been attuned and responsive to issues of risk, but the increase in violence in the world coupled with greater attention to liability concerns has created a larger focus on managing study abroad with risk in mind. Fischer’s prior experience with risk management was a complement to the expertise of the other office staff, and her student advising necessarily includes a realistic analysis of possible health and safety concerns they may encounter while away. The third significant change is the move to an online enrollment and data management system that occurred in 2010. Applications, faculty recommendations, and other required material are now virtual, resulting in a nearly paperless system. Thus, in addition to outstanding interpersonal and

organizational skills, a study abroad advisor must also possess facility with technology. Finally, the fourth development within international education has been the move toward increased professionalization of the field. Increasingly, study abroad advisors are expected to have at least a master’s degree. These days it isn’t impossible— but it is increasingly unlikely—to start as an administrative assistant, as Carol Moline did, or to begin as a peer advisor or student intern or office volunteer, as April Valentine did, and “work one’s way up.” Learning on the job is simply not as feasible now, in an era when study abroad professionals are expected to be able to quickly answer complex questions about financial, academic, or safety concerns that students or their families may have. Today’s study abroad advisors need indepth, area-specific knowledge, especially of developing world regions. And they need training in learning outcomes and assessment, study abroad research, intercultural and student development theories, and curriculum integration. Study abroad advisors have always made professional contributions to the field, but now there is increased expectation

that they will be engaged members of professional organizations. All of these changes within our office and within the field of international education have influenced the way Fischer does the job of study abroad advisor. At the end of the day, however, she sees her primary role, the way she can be most effective, as an “encourager and cheerleader” of students, “helping them work through the ‘scariness’ of studying abroad and dealing with the endless paperwork.” and the person charged to ask the ‘tough questions’ (why this program? why here? why now? what do you want to gain? what’s important to you? and so on.) As she describes: “Sometimes in an advising session I can see the student’s face turn pale, and they’re getting overwhelmed, and I just stop and change direction and remind them of all the good work they are doing. It is at these times that I say internally to myself, “Be the advisor you would have wanted for yourself and do not let them let go of the dream too easily. I think that is the value I bring to the experience.” The early leaders of this office, including Sarah Stevenson, Ruth Mason, and Marianne Keswani, were professionally active as leaders in education abroad (and continued

On being the director of international education

by Carolyn O’Grady

W

hen I arrived at Gustavus as a new faculty member in 1994, Ruth Mason had been the director of international education for 11 years. By the time she left the job in 1998, she had increased student study-abroad participation substantially, expanded the number of available international programs, increased the number of international students on campus, and built a cadre of faculty committed to supporting international initiatives. I can remember being a little awestruck by Ruth. She was not only multilingual and extremely competent, she was also simply an elegant person. Little did I know then that one day I would be directing this office, trying very hard to be as effective a director as those who preceded me. I am now in my fourth year, the first director since Ruth to have stayed in the job longer than three years. Since 1981, this office has had six directors and two interim directors. In the past 10 years alone, there have been four directors, a very high turnover that negatively impacts staff morale, not to mention work productivity and long-range planning, as each new director has to take time to get to know the ropes of the position. Each director has brought valuable expertise and new perspectives to the position, but the work of every director since 1998 has been

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built on the successful foundation that Ruth first established. It is not unusual for a member of the faculty to be appointed as director of an international education office. Many other institutions have this model, and at Gustavus John Cha came from the Religion Department to be the director from 2003 to 2006. But making the choice to leave the classroom to become an administrator can spark many interesting reactions from faculty colleagues and former students. When I was first appointed, one colleague described it as “going over to the dark side.” Others assume the traveling I annually do as part of this job is a big job perk, and they envy what they call my “junkets.” Former students often ask when I’m going back into the classroom, or, alternatively, they idealize what this job must entail (as one e-mailed me: “It must be so inspiring to think about global issues every day”). Recently, a faculty colleague expressed amazement that I was willing to do this job for longer than my initial three-year appointment. It’s no surprise that my faculty and alumni friends don’t understand what I do. I was the same way before I took the job. Before I was appointed I shadowed Pat Quade (director, 2006– 2008) to find out what he actually did each day. I remember thinking, “Yes, he seems busy, but the job doesn’t look that hard.”


on the hill

to be even after leaving Gustavus). They established a strong foundation and student-centered focus for later staff to carry forward. Like them, each study abroad advisor at Gustavus has been deeply interested in a student’s development, and how their study abroad experience will impact it. All the essential administrative and paperwork details that come with the job are done in the service of supporting a student’s personal and academic exploration of the world outside their comfort zone. In the end, making your life count as a study abroad advisor has meant helping students make their own life count in a new and different way. Moline, Valentine, and Fischer can each tell a story of that one student who made them think about their work with fresh eyes. Fischer’s example gets to the heart of why this job is so important, and the crucial, though sometimes overlooked, role study abroad advisors play in making a difference for students: “Just recently I ran into a student who left a deep impression on me and taught me a valuable lesson, one which I try to remember daily. He had come into the office a few days after the March 1 application deadline, wanting to apply for study abroad.

I told him that the deadline had passed, that he was too late, and that he couldn’t apply. He looked absolutely crushed with this news. It caught me a bit off-guard as it was immediately clear how important this was to him. At that moment I realized that not only did I not want to be the person to end this dream, but that it was much more important to be an advocate for this student rather than a bureaucrat. We worked out the issues, the student went abroad, and had an amazing and challenging and ‘lifetransforming’ experience.” I had the chance to hear this very student speak the other night about his experience in Chile and how it changed him, all because we showed a little bit of humanity and flexibility. Of course we need deadlines, but we shouldn’t always overlook the individual for the sake of the rules. It humbled me and reminded me how privileged I am to work in a field that can have such a huge impact on people. n

Endnotes 1 Between 1997 and 1999, the International Education Office had interim leaders in Julie Rabaey, then the international student advisor, and Kevin Byrne, professor of history. Rabaey is now assistant director of international student and scholar services at Minnesota State University, Mankato, and Byrne, who retired from the faculty in 2011, returned during the 2011–12 academic year to serve as associate provost and dean of the faculty at Gustavus. 2 See Teach for America’s commitment to “Teach for All” at www.teachforamerica. org/our-organization/teach-for-all. 3 Moline remembers getting a call from a mother who asked that her daughter be denied permission by Gustavus to study in Nepal. She reminded the mother that her older daughter had studied successfully in this remote location. Ultimately, the second daughter was able to study on the program of her choice, and the mother visited her on-site.

Carolyn O’Grady, professor of education, has been director of the College’s Center for International and Cultural Education since 2008.

Huh. Famous last words . . . So what do I do in this job? My position description indicates that, like Ruth and other directors before me, I am responsible for a very substantial budget which pays for the expenses associated with students and faculty studying and teaching abroad. I also supervise the work of the office staff (although, in truth, most days I am grateful that they actually supervise me). I oversee study-abroad and exchange programs, ensuring Carolyn O’Grady that their academic quality and health/safety standards meet our expectations, and I occasionally travel internationally for site visits to program partners (unfortunately, this travel is not as fun as it sounds). I negotiate agreements on behalf of the College with other institutions of higher education in the interests of student or faculty exchanges. I facilitate the planning of new off-campus

programs in collaboration with a faculty committee on international and domestic programs, and am charged with long-range strategic planning, risk management oversight, and implementation of campus internationalization initiatives. Each of these assignments can be broken into discrete components, and I have learned that each is more complex than it appears on paper. As with any job, I thrive on some of my responsibilities and am stymied Ruth Mason by others. What keeps me wanting to do this job is the opportunity it gives me to continue learning new things, and to make a contribution to Gustavus that benefits many more students than those I reached in my classroom. I continue to be inspired by the example of prior directors such as Ruth Mason, as well as challenged, overwhelmed, and stimulated by the work I do. I have been extraordinarily blessed to be allowed this opportunity. n

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news from campus calendar

May

‘Hot Times’

5–27 Art Exhibition: Unveiled: Senior Studio Art Majors’ Exhibition; Hillstrom Museum of Art. Open to the public without charge; regular museum hours: 9 a.m.–4 p.m., Mon.–Fri.; 1–5 p.m., Sat. & Sun. 11 Linnaeus Arboretum: Charles and Harriet Mason Memorial Woods Dedication and Dinner; Melva Lind Interpretive Center, 4 p.m. For more information contact Arboretum staff (507-933-6181). 12 Music: The 2012 Concerto/Aria Competition Concert, featuring the Gustavus Symphony Orchestra with soloists, Ruth Lin, conductor; Björling Recital Hall, 1:30 p.m. Open to the public without charge. 12 Diversity Awards Banquet; Alumni Hall 6–8 p.m. Ticket required; contact the Diversity Center (507933-7449). 12 Music: Lucia Singers & St. Ansgar’s Chorus Spring Concert, Brandon Dean, conductor; Christ Chapel, 7:30 p.m. Open to the public without charge. 13 Music: Brassworks! Scott Moore,

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director; Björling Recital Hall, 3:30 p.m. Open to the public without charge. 16 Twin Cities Alumni Breakfast: Dennis Johnson ’60, 14th president of the College (2002–03); Doubletree Hotel, MinneapolisPark Place, 8–9:30 a.m. To reserve, contact Alumni Relations (800487-8437 or alumni@gustavus.edu). 25–26 Alumni Reunion Weekend: 45th- & 50th-anniversary class reunions & 50 Year Club gathering; Alumni Association Banquet & awards presentation on May 26; Evelyn Young Dining Room, 5 p.m. Pre-registration required; contact Alumni Relations (800-487-8437 or gustavus.edu/alumni/). 26 Music: 2012 Season Finale Concert, featuring the Gustavus Wind Orchestra, Douglas Nimmo, conductor; Christ Chapel, 8 p.m. Open to the public without charge.

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

June

13 St. Peter/Mankato Alumni Breakfast: Kristofer Kracht, director of forensics & summer academic camps; Jackson Campus Center Banquet Room, 7:30–9 a.m. To reserve, call Institutional Advancement (507-933-7512). 17 Linnaeus Arboretum: Summer in the Garden; Melva Lind Interpretive Center, 4–7 p.m. Music, food, tours, & silent auction; for more information, call 507-933-6181.


20 Twin Cities Alumni Breakfast: Kristofer Kracht, director of forensics & summer academic camps; Doubletree Hotel, Minneapolis-Park Place, 8–9:30 a.m. To reserve, contact Alumni Relations (800-487-8437 or alumni@gustavus.edu). 21–24 Augustana Heritage Association Gathering VIII: “A Living Legacy.” For more information, contact Amy Pehrson at 507-933-7169 or apehrson@gustavus.edu.

July

11 St. Peter/Mankato Alumni Breakfast: Tom Brown, director of athletics; Jackson Campus Center Banquet Room, 7:30–9 a.m. To reserve, call Institutional Advancement (507-933-7512). 13, 27, & August 10 Summer Open Houses, sponsored by the Office of Admission; 8 a.m.–2 p.m. Tours, scholarship & financial aid information, lunch with faculty & students; for more information, contact Violeta Hernández (507-933-7680 or vhernand@ gustavus.edu). 18 Twin Cities Alumni Breakfast: Tom Brown, director of athletics; Doubletree Hotel, MinneapolisPark Place, 8–9:30 a.m. To reserve, contact Alumni Relations (800487-8437 or alumni@gustavus.edu).

September

4 Opening Convocation of the College’s 151st academic year, Christ Chapel, 10 a.m.

October

2–3 Nobel Conference® 48: “Our Global Ocean”; Lund Arena, opening at 9:30 a.m. on Tuesday. For more information, contact Marketing & Communication (507-9337520) or visit gustavus.edu/ nobelconference/. Ticket required; order online at gustavustickets.com. 5 Royal Visit: Their Majesties King Carl XVI Gustaf & Queen Sylvia of Sweden. For more information, call 507-933-7515.

Their Majesties King Carl XVI Gustaf and Queen Silvia of Sweden will visit Gustavus Adolphus College on Friday, October 5, 2012. Visit gustavus.edu/royalvisit/ starting in midMay for a more complete schedule of events and to enter the lottery for tickets. 12 Sesquicentennial Finale 12–13 Homecoming & Reunion Weekend: Receptions for anniversary classes on Friday. Reunion & homecoming events on Saturday. For more information, contact Alumni Relations (800-4878437).

August

8 St. Peter/Mankato Alumni Breakfast: Mike Wobschall ’06, written content coordinator, vikings.com; Jackson Campus Center Banquet Room, 7:30–9 a.m. To reserve, call Institutional Advancement (507-933-7512). 15 Twin Cities Alumni Breakfast: Mike Wobschall ’06, written content coordinator, vikings.com; Doubletree Hotel, MinneapolisPark Place, 8–9:30 a.m. To reserve, contact Alumni Relations (800487-8437 or alumni@gustavus.edu). 23–Sept. 3 Gustavus at the Fair. College booth in the Education Building at the Minnesota State Fair, staffed 9 a.m.–9 p.m. daily. Wear your Gustie gear & stop by to sign our visitors’ book!

on the hill

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

Sports Up-to-date sports

schedules may be found on the Web, through the Gustavus homepage (gustavus.edu). For a printed schedule of any or all of the Gustie varsity athletic squads, download from the Web or send a self-addressed, stamped envelope to Ethan Armstrong, Sports Information Director, Gustavus Adolphus College, 800 W. College Ave., St. Peter, MN 56082-1498. Also, you can listen to selected Gustavus athletics broadcasts over the Internet through RealAudio. Broadcasts may be accessed through a link on Gustavus athletics website, where a broadcast schedule may also be found.

the arts To receive a more complete fine arts schedule or more information on fine arts events noted in the calendar, contact Al Behrends ’77, director of fine arts programs, by phone (507-9337363) or e-mail (al@gustavus.edu). tickets Tickets for the Gustavus Artist Series and Department of Theatre and Dance productions may be ordered online at gustavustickets.com. Tickets for Department of Theatre and Dance offerings are available two weeks in advance of the performance.

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Our Global Ocean SUMMER 2012

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Commemorating Controversy: The Dakota-U.S. War of 1862 How a 2012 January Interim Experience Class Came to Be and Its Impact on College and Community by Elizabeth Baer

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he bald eagle was sitting in a tree beside the rural road I always use to drive to the College. It was a frosty January morning, and I was on my way to Gustavus to teach a 2012 January Interim Experience (IEX) class titled “Commemorating Controversy: the Dakota-U.S. War of 1862.� My team-teacher, Ben Leonard, who serves as the director of the Nicollet County Historical Society, and I were scheduled to take our 15 students on a field trip that day: to the Treaty Site Museum, to the small museum located in the St. Peter Treatment Center, and to the memorial in Mankato for the 38 Dakota warriors who were hanged there on December 26, 1862. As I drove near the tree where the watchful eagle was perched, he swooped down in front of my car and flew along the road in front of me for well over a mile. An avid birdwatcher, I had never seen such behavior. I thought immediately about what I had read regarding the close relationship between eagles and the Dakota. More than two years ago, I was struck by the coincidence that as Gustavus would be celebrating its sesquicentennial, a much more sober sesquicentennial would be marked in the towns surrounding our campus. The Dakota-U.S. War began on August 18, 1862, and was thus raging when Gustavus opened its doors (albeit in Red Wing, not St. Peter). I began to ponder the possibility of teaching a course about that war as a way of honoring that history as well as calling attention to the context in Minnesota when Gustavus was founded. Such a course would be a quintessential humanities endeavor, asking students to ponder issues such as memory and memorialization, ethics, how history is written, genocide, and the importance of story. I approached Ben Leonard about the possibility of team-teaching and he was immediately enthusiastic. He had taught a J-Term class previously and liked the idea of the town-gown connection. Leonard brought to our collaboration a fine knowledge of local history, of the scholars in the field, and friendship with Dakota in nearby communities. I brought a 20-year history of teaching about controversial issues such as imperialism, colonization, the Holocaust, and genocide. We began with the basics: How would we structure the class? What books would students read? What kind of a project would we

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ask them to do? What field trips would we take? In the summer of 2010, we read and discussed several books together as a way to begin to answer these questions. We found that others wanted to join us for these discussions: faculty from Gustavus, a historian who teaches at Minnesota State Mankato, and a community member. The books we ultimately chose for the course can be found in the sidebar accompanying this article. I recommend them strongly if you wish to learn more about Dakota culture and the impact of this conflict on both Dakota and Euro-American settlers. We explored the possibility of inviting scholars of Dakota history, a novelist, and a teacher of the Dakota language to our class to share their expertise with our students. As we talked, we expanded the idea to creating a lecture series and opening the series up to the community. We wrote a request for one of the Sesquicentennial Grants offered by Gustavus and were generously funded. This enabled us to pay some of the expenses of the class travel as well as honoraria for the speakers and the costs of a planned exhibit. We also received support from the Legacy Funds, created by Minnesota tax dollars. On the second day of the January Interim, we welcomed our first late-afternoon speaker, Dr. John Peacock, who was to talk about translating the letters written by Dakota men imprisoned in Mankato after the war. Ben and I had an uneasy sense that the audience might be a big one as we had both received several calls and e-mails asking for directions, whether tickets were required, and so forth. The lecture was scheduled to take place at 4 p.m. in Linnaeus Arboretum’s Lind Interpretive Center, which holds about 80 people. Almost 160 people showed up! Incredibly moving was what happened after Dr. Peacock’s splendid lecture: Dakota members of the audience, several of whom were Elders from the Lower Sioux community, began to speak in Dakota, asking for peace among us. After the question-and-answer period, most audience members drifted away but several remained and a group of about 15 Dakota and non-Dakota community members,

local historians, Ben, and I went out to dinner. Friendships formed around the table; two of the Dakota Elders offered to come speak to our students. The rest of the lecture series (see the sidebar for a list of speakers and their topics) continued to bring in large audiences and create a space for community dialogue. Our students attended each talk and had the opportunity to ask questions and contribute to the conversation. We had a robust representation from the Dakota community at every talk and many audience members attended all six lectures. The warm, snowless winter helped, but what really brought the audience back each time was the hunger to talk about this topic which, 150 years after the traumatic events, is still highly sensitive and poorly understood. Our total attendance— including those who streamed the series online—was over 1,600 people. We “The whites know that a group of people at the were always Mayo Clinic watched the lectures each week as did a scholar in New York trying to make writing a book on the topic and a the Indians give couple in Hawaii. (These lectures are up their life available on the Gustavus website and live like until the end of 2012 if you wish to watch them.) white men . . . The three field trips we took If the Indians were another crucial aspect of the had tried to class. At the Mankato memorial, make the whites live our students performed a ritual that they had created, which like them, the whites involved cleansing with sage (a would have resisted, Dakota tradition), reading the

1. O n a visit to Fort Ridgely and the Lower Sioux Agency (where the Dakota-U.S. War started), students encountered Anthony Morse, tribal preservation officer, dressed in period costume 2. The “Commemorating Controversy” class. Instructors Elizabeth Baer and Ben Leonard stand at far left and far right, respectively. 3. Students performed a cleansing ceremony using sage during a field trip to the Reconciliation Park in Mankato. 4. Reading a commemorative plaque at the Reconciliation Park. 5. The class visited the site of the Fort Snelling Internment Camp, where 1,700 Dakotas—mostly women and children— were relocated following the hostilities.

and it was the same way with many Dakota.” ~ Wambdi Tanka (Big Eagle)

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Two examples of the panels of a ten-panel museum exhibition about the Dakota-U.S. War created by the class, which will travel to schools, libraries, and local historical societies around the state of Minnesota in 2012–2013.

names of the 38 who were hanged, private meditations during a period of silence, and a brief and moving talk by Rick Lybeck, a graduate student at the University of Minnesota who observed our entire class, about which he will write his dissertation. We also visited Fort Ridgely and the Lower Sioux Museum on the site where the war began. This visit took place on the one day when temperatures plunged to -20 degrees! We were warmed by an invitation that same day to the Lower Sioux Recreation Center where two Dakota Elders spoke to our students for 90 minutes, responding to questions our class had submitted in advance. Finally, we visited Fort Snelling and the Minnesota Historical Society. At MHS, we were given the rare opportunity to see several Dakota artifacts in their archives, and to

Texts Read by the Class

Lecture Series

Anderson, Gary Clayton (ed). Through Dakota Eyes: Narratives of the Minnesota Indian War of 1862 (selections).

Jan. 4 Dr. John Peacock War of Words: Writings by Dakota People in Their Own Language and Later in English during and after the U.S.-Dakota War of 1862. Dr. John Peacock is Rinehart Critic-in-Residence and Professor of Language, Literature, and Culture at the Maryland Institute College of Art, Baltimore. A member of the Spirit Lake Dakota Nation, his writing has been published in American Indian Quarterly and in Studies in American Indian Literatures.

Carley, Kenneth. The Dakota War of 1862: Minnesota’s Other Civil War. Deloria, Ella Cara. Waterlily. Maltman, Thomas. The Night Birds. Waziyatawin. What Does Justice Look Like? The Struggle for Liberation in Dakota Homeland (selections). Wakefield, Sarah. Six Weeks in the Sioux Tepees.

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peruse their exhibit-in-progress on the Dakota-U.S. War which will open in Minneapolis this summer. Challenging conversations occurred about what artifacts should go on display: for example, should MHS include one of the nooses used in the hanging? (The consensus was that such an artifact should not be put on public display.) For their project in the class, our students created a ten-panel museum exhibit about the Dakota-U.S. War that will travel around the state of Minnesota during 2012–2013 to schools, libraries, and local historical societies. Asking students to create such an exhibit in a four-week period—when most of them entered the class with little or no knowledge of the event and given how sensitive this topic is—was a big risk. But Ben and I decided to plunge ahead: we knew of no other plans for creating such an exhibit and believed ours would fill a genuine public history need. We also believed in the experiential nature of the project for student learning purposes. We gave the students a kind of grid for the panels, which are six feet high and 39 inches wide. Each, we suggested, should have at least one image—a photo, a map, a painting; each should have a salient quotation from a participant or observer or scholar; each should have an explanatory text of no more than 250 words. Students worked in pairs on creating their panels (and yes, there was lots of factchecking and spell-checking!). The topics around which the panels were developed included: Pre-contact Dakota Culture, Fur Trade

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Jan. 5 Glenn Wasicuna A Dakota Way of Life Glenn Wasicuna is the director of Dakota studies, Tiospa Zina Tribal School in South Dakota. He was the editor/publisher of The Dakota Times, a Canadian newspaper, for more than a dozen years.


Relationships, Treaties, Broken Promises and Neglected Payments after the Treaties, the War from a Dakota Perspective, the War from a Settler Perspective, the Trials and Hanging, the Exile of the Dakota People, and Contemporary Commemoration. The exhibit went up on the Gustavus campus on March 9, just prior to the Building Bridges Conference, which is a studentrun diversity conference with a different theme each year. This year’s focus was “Unresolved Conflict: Remember Our Forgotten History.” The invited speakers gave presentations relating to Native American history, legal rights, representation in the media, and so forth. Students from our class presented the panels they had created in an afternoon workshop which drew an audience of 80 people. Among others who attended was a young Dakota man who works as a consultant for the National Museum of the American Indian in Washington, D.C. He hopes to bring a copy of the student exhibit to that museum. This would be a signal honor for the class and for Gustavus. Throughout January, I continued to wonder about that bald eagle. Toward the end of the course, I had the opportunity to ask one of the Dakota speakers in our class what it might mean. Without hesitation, he responded, “You are going in the right direction.” That captured exactly what this risky project has felt like. Gustavus now has a new face as far as the Dakota community is concerned: we are perceived

Jan. 10 Dr. Gary Clayton Anderson The Dakota War Trials: Travesty of Justice or Reasonable Retribution? Gary Clayton Anderson, George Lynn Cross Research Professor at the University of Oklahoma, is considered the foremost historian on the U.S.-Dakota War. His books include Kinsmen of Another Kind: Dakota-White Relations in the Upper Mississippi Valley, 1650–1862, and Through Dakota Eyes: Narrative Accounts of the Minnesota Indian War of 1862. Jan. 17 Thomas Maltman Based on a True Story: Researching a Controversial History to Create Fiction Thomas Maltman is the Visiting Artist in Creative Writing at Normandale Community College. His debut novel, The Night Birds, was based in large part on historical events of the U.S.-Dakota War. Night Birds, released by Soho Press in August of 2008, won an Alex Award from the American Library Association.

as an open door. A request for further dialogue in the form of roundtable discussions has been made by an Elder. If the work that our students, our speakers, Ben Leonard, and I did in January 2012 succeeds in engendering better understanding between Dakota people and the descendants of early settlers here, we will have accomplished our goal. n

Elizabeth Baer joined the Gustavus faculty in 1992 and is now professor of English and genocide studies at the College. She contributed the photographs for this article. The layout of the article follows the design of Eileen Holz ’71, who created the graphic design of the exhibition panels.

“The [beliefs] and habits of the Indian must be eradicated; habits of industry and economy must be introduced in the place of idleness . . . the peaceful pursuit of home life must be substituted for the war-path, the chase, and the dance; and more than all, the hostility of the Indian opposed to this policy must be met on the threshold.” ~ Redwood Indian Agent Thomas Galbraith

Jan. 24 Corinne Marz Aftermath of the 1862 War: Reviewing the Years from 1862 to 1866 Independent historian Corinne Monjeau-Marz has years of experience researching the Minnesota River Valley. Her lecture is based upon her Minnesota’s Heritage article, “Alexander Ramsey’s Words of War,” and her books The Dakota Indian Internment at Fort Snelling, 1862–1864, and Trail of Tears: Minnesota’s Dakota Indian Exile Begins.

Jan. 26 Dr. Gwen Westerman We Are Still Here Dr. Gwen Westerman is an English professor at Minnesota State University, Mankato and serves as the director of the Native American Literature Symposium. She has published her poetry in Yellow Medicine Review, Water-Stone Review, and other journals. Her topic is the lives of modern Dakota and their special place in Minnesota.

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South Afr A symphonic tour by Al Behrends ’77

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n January 21, 2012, the Gustavus Symphony Orchestra and Conductor Ruth Lin embarked on a thirteen-day, seven-concert tour in South Africa. At the other end of our journey, echoing a recent Gustavus tag line, we found an extraordinary place and an extraordinary people. First arriving in Cape Town, the orchestra presented a number of concerts in the region, including the Cape Town Institute for the Blind in Wooster, the Tembaletu School for Special Needs in Guguletu, and the Victoria & Albert Amphitheatre at the Waterfront. As part of the Cape Town International Music Festival, the symphony presented its final Cape Town concert in the concert hall at the Cape Town City Hall, attended by the Cape Town deputy mayor, a group of his family and colleagues, and members of the U.S. embassy delegation. Following its week in Cape Town, the ensemble flew to Johannesburg and performed concerts for students at the Cape Gate Miagi Centre in Soweto and the Sun City Resort Amphitheater. In addition to presenting concerts, the Gustavus entourage of student musicians, leaders, and the more than 20 alumni, parents, and friends who were part of a companion tour visited areas of cultural and historic significance throughout the country. Much of what we saw and heard was introduced as part of a January Interim course on South Africa led by Professor Lois Peterson and attended by the members of the symphony. As part of that course, each member of the symphony and companion tour carried clothes, shoes, and school supplies to leave in South Africa. As we picked up the supplies and purchased the coats, none of us understood the impact this small act of kindness would have on us and on our new friends in South Africa.

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ica: While in Cape Town, the Gusties delivered clothing and bedding to a girls’ shelter and school supplies, coats, and shoes to the students at John Pama Public (elementary) School and the Tembaletu School for students with special needs. The visits to these two schools would be among the most enduring memories on the tour as we saw, first-hand, great examples of the sacrifices the people of South Africa are making daily to move past the deep scars left by decades of apartheid and into the 21st century. At every turn we saw great needs and the great hope of these extraordinary people—hope that is equal to the needs. At both schools we met the extraordinary staff and teachers who struggle daily to teach hundreds of students in green, white, and gray uniforms. The teachers dream of giving these boys and girls an opportunity for a better life. To say that this is an uphill struggle would be an understatement. It’s difficult to walk through the block walls and razor wire surrounding the school and not be affected by the barriers to education presented by this environment and the overwhelming lack of resources. But the teachers and staff work each day to keep this dream alive, and the enthusiasm of the staff and students was infectious. We may have disrupted the lessons of the day with our presence, but the students of Pama P.S. were more than happy to visit with us and mug for our cameras. Seeing us with our bags of coats, shoes, and school supplies, they must have wondered if Christmas was just a bit late this year. As one teacher, Noxie Totoyi, of Pama P.S., wrote following our visit, “Dear New Friends, God is great I would say because you came at the right time [school opening]. You can imagine the smiles on their faces when my students received a pencil case filled with pencils, colors, and scissors,

for the first time in their lives. My work in class is easy now. No more sharing or fighting over pencils, crayons, etc. Forty learners and forty pencil cases. Isn’t that wonderful? God bless you all!” She went on to write that the clothes and supplies not needed at Pama were delivered to other schools in the township. Additional supplies and clothes we had brought with us were sent to other schools in the region via our drivers and our guides. That same afternoon, we presented our concert at the Tembaletu School. The audience listened intently to the Americonic sounds of Copland’s Fanfare for the Common Man and An Outdoor Overture, laughed at the antics in Leroy Anderson’s Alma Mater, and applauded eagerly as they recognized melodies in the Star Wars Suite by John Williams. During the “Darth Vader” movement, Conductor Ruth Lin invited students from the audience to come forward and direct the Symphony. Three brave (future) conductors accepted the challenge. At the finale of the suite, the applause began well before the final notes were sounded and continued for some time. After our concert ended, we were rewarded with the sound of the students and staff singing for us. Our time in Johannesburg included a day in the township of Soweto, a name of great significance during the struggle against apartheid. Before leaving the States, we had studied the history and culture of this beautiful country—the good and the bad. We read of the heroes in the struggle against apartheid, we read of their fight, we heard their voices. While we were in Soweto, we walked in the footsteps of these extraordinary individuals: Mandela, Tutu, Biko, and Hector Pieterson. Their names are not forgotten, their struggle has not ended. As the work to make South Africa a better place continues, that list of heroes grows

with names like Noxie Totoyi and the hundreds of teachers like her, the nurses, therapists, and counselors at the Tembaletu School, Freddie Botha and his staff at the Institute for the Blind, Robert Brooks at the Miagi Music Centre, and the countless thousands like them. In South Africa, we found a place of great beauty, great needs, and great hope. It could easily be a place of great despair. Not so. We brought our music and were given so much more in return. We gained new perspective that reduced the great distances between our peoples and a new understanding of the world and our place in it. We learned that it is in giving that we receive. And we were moved by the voices of children singing in a school called Tembaletu. In a museum in Cape Town, we read the words of the American poet and social activist Langston Hughes, “Hold fast to your dreams, for if dreams die, life is a broken-winged bird that can not fly.” Our time in South Africa was short, but we learned that the dreams of the heroes of South Africa, past and present, are not dead. We also learned that temba is a Zulu word that is a combination of hope and faith. From our new friends in South Africa, these extraordinary people in this extraordinary place, we learned the true meaning of the word temba. Hold fast to your dreams, South Africa. Temba. n

Al Behrends ’77 has worked for Gustavus Adolphus College for 35 years, 26 as director of fine arts programs. He accompanied the Gustavus Symphony Orchestra on its South Africa tour, writing a daily blog and providing a photographic record.

SUMMER 2011

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‘Songs of

Thy Triumph’ a short history of gustavus adolphus college by Steve Waldhauser ’70

Note: The following article is the fourth of a five-part historical series being published serially in the Gustavus Quarterly to mark the College’s sesquicentennial.

Part Four: Coming of Age—The Carlson Legacy (1942–1969)

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he years of World War II were turbulent for the nation and for Gustavus Adolphus College. President O.J. Johnson had retired in 1942, and his successor, the Rev. Dr. Walter Lunden (originally Lundeen), a 1922 Gustavus graduate who assumed duties in July of 1942, believed that great changes were needed at the College, within faculty and administration and particularly in its financial management. He expected full board compliance with his initiatives. Lunden worked to establish close relations with Navy authorities, who were seeking sites for training facilities, but he also surprised the community—and his new athletics director, 1936 graduate Lloyd Hollingsworth—by announcing three weeks after his installation in November 1942 that the board had decided to discontinue intercollegiate athletics for the duration

of the war. As students protested, the board met to reconsider its decision. Lunden reminded board members of their promise to support him, arguing that his program “could not be carried out if Intercollegiate Athletics would be permitted.” The board, by that time starting to question Lunden’s management style and more than a little concerned about “any Method employed that would tend to ruin our college,” rescinded the ban. Lunden responded by offering his resignation. The board tabled Lunden’s resignation and later voted to refuse it, but confidence in his leadership had been shaken. Lunden meanwhile turned his attention to assisting the war effort, securing a U.S. Navy V-12 unit for the campus in

Chemistry class, 1940s

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THE GUSTAVUS QUARTERLY


Two new books commemorate the 150th Academic Year of Gustavus Adolphus College! Essentials for Gusties of all generations! Available in the Gustavus Book Mark on campus and online at www.gustavus.edu/150.

Images courtesy of the Gustavus Adolphus College archives.

spite of some board opposition and accepting a military commission himself. When he asked for a leave of absence so he might serve actively in the U.S. Army, the board turned him down, feeling it could not get along without a sitting president for an indefinite period. Lunden again offered his resignation, and this time the board accepted it. His presidency had spanned less than 18 months. Student athletics were again preserved, but the student victory was short-lived. In 1943 the MIAC cancelled all official conference competition for the duration of the war. However, Coach Hollingsworth would achieve great success in post-war years—particularly in football, in which the College won six consecutive conference titles between 1950 and 1955—and would be instrumental in helping to develop the strong athletics tradition Gustavus still honors. Philosophy professor Oscar Winfield, who had been named vice president at Lunden’s suggestion, served as acting president for about nine months while the conference considered candidates for the position. After much discussion and informal polling, the list was narrowed to two highly qualified—and familiar— candidates: 1930 graduates and former debate partners Wilton Bergstrand, at that time executive director of the Augustana Synod Luther League, and Edgar Carlson, who was teaching at Augustana Seminary. In March 1944 the conference finally recommended Carlson; he accepted and assumed the presidency in September. Carlson inherited a college whose enrollment included 388 Navy V-12 trainees and 95 civilian students, but within a year circumstances had changed dramatically. The V-12 program was due to end in October of 1945 but actually outlasted the war, so that large numbers of returning GI’s were already enrolling as the naval trainees were leaving. In March 1946, 529 students were enrolled; by the start of the 1946–47 year, enrollment had swelled to 1,127. Building and expansion marked the Carlson years: construction during his administration exceeded that of all previous presidents combined. Housing was an immediate concern. Residents of St. Peter opened their homes. The interior of the stadium was converted to a dorm for about 40 men. South of the stadium, several small pre-fab homes were built at a cost of about $1,000 each to accommodate married

Sesquicentennial Website

Interested in learning more about

Building Christ Chapel, 1961

Opera cast, 1950

Gustavus history? Want to have a great online discussion with classmates and other Gusties? Discover fun facts, Gustie trivia, and pictures from the past at gustavus.edu/150. SPRING 2012

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Families of veterans returning from World War II occupied expandable trailers purchased from the government and sited on what is now the College’s main parking lot.

veterans and their families; soon after, 15 expandable house trailers, purchased from the government, were placed on what is now the College’s main parking lot for more GI families. More than 60 small trailers claimed from military bases and construction sites were also put to use. One fall, three large rooms in the basement of the St. Peter Armory were used to house 60 men (who nicknamed their new home “the Bastille”). The College erected the “Ranch House” (also known as the “Ranchereno”), a barracks-style building with four wings designed like an “H,” providing space for 24 males in each wing. In the spring of 1946, ground was broken for what was to become Wahlstrom Hall, but although it was planned as a women’s residence for about 200, the College agreed to convert it to a men’s dorm (with 60 percent of spaces going to veterans) in order to secure the necessary priorities for materials from the government housing

The Gustavus Choir, 1958

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administration. Men occupied the hall even before it was completed for the 1947–48 school year, with women assigned to Uhler Hall. After one year, Wahlstrom occupancy reverted to the original plan, although due to the continuing housing crunch, nearly 400 women were assigned to live there for each of the next several years. Enrollment dropped as the GI generation graduated, but in 1954 it began to rise again. Another men’s residence, Sorensen Hall, was completed in that year. The student body grew by another 50 percent in the 1960s, going from 1,148 in 1960 to 1,872 in 1969, and more residences were needed: Sohre Hall, sited south of Wahlstrom, for women in 1962; North Hall for men in 1962; Valley View Hall (now named Pittman Hall) for women in 1963; and the Link (now Gibbs Hall), connecting Sorensen and North, for men in 1967. Also in 1967, the College built Co-ed Hall (now Norelius Hall), a daring design at the time with 200 men and 200 women living in close proximity. Residence halls were not the only facilities being raised on campus. The College

answered the desperate need for classroom space by hauling in war-surplus structures. The “Classroom Annex” was moved in sections from an air base in South Dakota and erected on a concrete slab on the north side of the campus. The Little Theater, with seating for 360, was grafted to the west side of the Classroom Annex. Two more pre-fab, wood-frame structures were erected together to become the art and music wings of the “Art Barn.” The first permanent educational facility built during the Carlson administration was a new library, completed in 1948 and financed largely by gifts from the Augustana Church. Plans for a new library had been made during both the Johnson and Lunden administrations, but the depression and World War II, respectively, prevented the College from acting upon them. The library was dedicated in memory of Count Folke Bernadotte, the U.N. mediator to Palestine who had been assassinated in September 1948. In 1950, that association led the College to establish the Folke Bernadotte Memorial Foundation, which provided scholarships for international students studying at Gustavus and funds for the Bernadotte Institute of World Affairs. For 15 years, the annual institute brought world leaders to campus for discussion of current affairs; it provided the foundation for the College’s current peace education program. Other major additions to the campus

The Greys’ Homecoming Float, 1962


Erratum

included a new wing attached by walkway to the Johnson Student Union, built in 1960 to house the campus post office, bookstore, food service and dining room, and “Canteen,” or snack bar. Vickner Language Hall was dedicated in the College’s centennial year of 1962 as a gift from 1910 graduate Bertha Almén Vickner and her late husband, former professor Edwin Vickner. The Vickners had earlier donated to the College a significant collection of books, now known as the Almén-Vickner Collection, a collection of paintings and reproductions, and a house on the edge of the campus (now the Guest House). The College also took steps to improve its science education. Nobel Hall of Science was dedicated in 1963 in honor of Swedish philanthropist Alfred Nobel with 26 Nobel laureates in attendance—the largest single gathering of Nobel Prize-winners to that date. In that same year, a delegation from Gustavus was invited to attend the Nobel Prize ceremonies in Stockholm, Sweden. The delegation traveled to Stockholm with an ambitious idea: to convince the Nobel Foundation board to endorse a series of scientific conferences to be held on the Gustavus campus. The Nobel name, they argued, would lend credibility to the event.

The foundation board agreed to the request, provided that conference organizers ensured that the event would follow strict standards for quality. The first Nobel Conference was held in January 1965. Today the conference attracts more than 5,000 people annually, including representatives from nearly 100 high schools and 75 colleges and universities. Gustavus has been host to more than 90 Nobel Prize-winners, including some 60 invited for these conferences. Carlson’s building program included building the faculty and the academic program as well. Faculty development became a major priority, and the College’s first dean of the faculty, Elmer Siebrecht, was named in 1945. Immediately following the war, hiring fully qualified people for faculty positions was difficult; in 1947, for example, no one in the departments of history, political

Due to a production error in the Spring 2012 Gustavus Quarterly, a block of text from Part Three of A Short History of Gustavus Adolphus College on p. 24 was duplicated on the following page. The text that should have appeared on p. 25 is reproduced below:

. . . since 1902. Benson would be the board’s chairman for an unprecedented 28 years (1916–1944). Johnson would seldom act without conferring with Benson first. The Johnson administration presided over great changes for both the Augustana Synod and the College. The late Doniver Lund, who taught history at Gustavus from 1946 to 1986, noted some of them in his centennial history of the College published in 1963: When “O.J.” came the Swedish language was used in most churches. When he left a Swedish language service was a rare nostalgic remembrance of the past. In his early days as president the Church did not always take a defensible stand on the new type [of] entertainment called motion pictures. When he left movies had a wide acceptance. The new sororities and fraternities had been headaches for Mattson; by World War II they had won for themselves an acknowledged place on campus. The partial . . . athletic program inherited from Uhler and Mattson became in three decades so spectacularly successful that some people figured there must be an overemphasis. Funding was a continuing issue for the College. The alumni association had broached the idea of an endowment fund as early as 1895, and subscription efforts were common during Mattson’s tenure. In 1904 the College had approached Pastor Lars Gustaf Almén, an active worker for the Augustana Synod and a promoter . . . We apologize for the inconvenience and the confusion.

Quartet 1963

1962 Choir tour to Washington, D.C.


The dedication of the Alfred Nobel Hall of Science, attended by 26 Nobel laureates.

science, or sociology had earned the Ph.D. in their field. However, 15 years later, half of the full-time people in sociology and all of the full-time people in history and political science had their terminal degrees. On the program side, Gustavus adopted a bold new curriculum in 1964 that measured academic offerings in courses rather than credits and made the College one of the first in the nation to employ a 4-1-4 calendar, consisting of two semesters, during which students typically take four-course loads, separated by a month-long January Term accommodating a single, innovatively structured class or travel course. Today Gustavus is one of some 60 U.S. colleges using such a calendar. But the building project closest to Carlson’s heart was a chapel for the campus. The first memorial gift designated for a new chapel was actually received in 1939, and by 1955 the conference was considering a fund for such a project and an architect was hired to develop plans. With the enthusiastic support of the Rev. Dr. Leonard Kendall, president of the conference, and many Gustavus graduates who were by then influential clergy in the Augustana Church, congregations adopted a goal of raising $450,000 in cash and authorizing a $150,000 loan to build “a college church for our church college.” By 1958 that fund had reached just over a quarter of a million dollars, and College officials met with conference officials in Minneapolis to review construction bids. When the only bid

received turned out to be $900,000— 50 percent higher than had been expected—Carlson was crushed, fearing that his dream would not be realized. Enter George Carlstrom, owner of a construction firm in Mankato, Minn., who had told Mankato insurance agent Ray Sponberg, a 1937 graduate who was on the executive board of the conference at that time, to look him up once they’d opened the bid, as he was certain the bid would be too high. Sponberg and College business manager Rud Lawson arranged to have Carlson meet Carlstrom, who told the president that he could build the chapel for the budgeted cost. His proposal was approved by the conference on Carlson’s advice, and ground was broken in 1959. The chapel was finished in 1961 and dedicated in the College’s centennial year of 1962 as a final gift to the College from the congregations of the Augustana Lutheran Church, which in that same year was merging into the Lutheran Church in America (LCA). Between Carlson’s first year and the centennial, synodical and conference support

for the College had increased by more than tenfold, to nearly $300,000 annually, and there was every reason to expect that church support would continue under the LCA. After all, Gustavus would remain the only Minnesota college of the LCA, as it had been the only school of the Augustana Synod since the closing of Minnesota College in 1930. Look for the final chapter of this short history, “Building a Greater Gustavus, 1969– 2012,” in the Fall 2012 issue of the Gustavus Quarterly. n The author, Steve Waldhauser, is a 1970 graduate of Gustavus Adolphus College who returned to his alma mater in 1977 and is now director of editorial services and managing editor of the Gustavus Quarterly.

1950–51 Student Senate

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sports notes

All-America recognition for 11 Gustie athletes

E

leven Gustavus student-athletes have earned All-America status following their respective winter sports seasons: Alissa Tinklenberg (So., Willmar, Minn.) earned All-America honors in the 100 and 200 backstroke events at the 2012 NCAA Division III Swimming and Diving Championships held in Indianapolis, Ind., and joined with teammates Kelsey Lucia (Jr., St. Cloud, Minn.), Sarah Hund (Jr., Willmar, Minn.), and Katie Olson (Fy., North Oaks, Minn.) in the 200-free relay and with Olson, Steph Korba (Sr., Lakeville, Minn.), and Jennifer Strom (Fy., Rochester, Minn.) in the 400-medley relay to achieve AllAmerica status in Alissa Tinklenberg those two events

as well. senior year with not only a trip to Reese’s Ross Ring-Jarvi (Sr., Anoka, Minn.) is Division III College All-Star game, but one of just 30 players from across the also a spot on two All-America teams. He nation to earn first-team AHCA All-America earned a place on both the 2012 National honors. The Men’s CCM Division III Men’s Ice Association of Basketball Coaches’ (NABC) Hockey All-America Team was announced Division III and the D3hoops.com Allat the 2012 NCAA Division III Men’s Hockey America teams. Anderson earned first-team Championship held in Lake Placid, N.Y. honors on both squads, becoming the first The CCM Hockey All-America teams are player in Gustavus men’s basketball history sponsored by CCM Hockey and chosen to accomplish this feat. by members of the American Hockey Coaches Association (AHCA). Three members of the women’s hockey team were named to the 2012 CCM Division III Women’s Hockey All-America Team at the NCAA Championship banquet held in Rochester, New York. Representing Gustavus on the West First Team are Allie Schwab (Sr., Stillwater, Minn.), Mollie Carroll (Sr., Eagan, Minn.), and Lindsey Hjelm (Jr., North Oaks, Minn.). Basketball player Seth Anderson All-Americans Mollie Carroll, Lindsey Hjelm, and (Sr., Minnesota Lake, Minn.) capped his Allie Schwab, with Coach Mike Carroll.

Two earn NCAA postgrad scholarships

G

ustavus student-athletes Ben Ceder (men’s soccer) and Brad Kruckeberg (football) have been selected to receive postgraduate scholarships from the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA). To qualify for an NCAA postgraduate scholarship, a student-athlete must have an overall grade-point average of 3.200 (on a 4.000 scale) or its equivalent and must have performed with distinction as a member of the varsity team in the sport in which the student-athlete was nominated. The studentathlete also must intend to continue academic work beyond the baccalaureate degree as a graduate student. Ceder (Oregon, Wis.) had earlier been named one of 11 NCAA Division III players to earn a spot on the 2011 Capitol One/College Sports Information Directors of America Academic All-America Men’s Soccer Team. He is also a three-time Academic All-MIAC honoree with a GPA of 3.88 in biology. Along with his accomplishments on the field and in the classroom, Ben is a volunteer for the Special Olympics and The Third Floor, an after-school program for St. Peter junior high students. Ben Ceder

Kruckeberg (Ellendale, Minn.) joins Ceder as a recipient of both a postgraduate scholarship and CoSIDA Academic All-America honors. A senior biology major with a 3.88 grade point average, he was also named second team All-MIAC as a defensive back for the second-straight year. Kruckeberg has excelled in the community as well, as a volunteer for the Special Olympics, St. Peter Food Shelf, Relay for Life, and the Mayo Clinic Health System. A three-time Academic All-MIAC honoree and Gustavus’s representative on the 2011 All-MIAC Sportsmanship Team, he will spend a year traveling, volunteering, and working while at the same time applying for medical school. Ceder and Kruckeberg are among a select group of student-athletes competing in fallseason sports across NCAA Divisions I, II and III to receive the $7,500 postgraduate scholarships. Scholarships for studentathletes competing in the winter and spring seasons are announced later. Gustavus has had a total of 32 student-athletes receive NCAA Postgraduate Scholarships since football player James Goodwin ’74 became Brad Kruckeberg the first in 1974.

SUMMER 2012

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sports notes

Gusties claim three player-of-the-year honors Not just one, not merely two, but three Gustavus student-athletes were named MIAC players-of-the-year following their respective 2011–12 seasons. banner year A for the men’s basketball team coincided with a banner year from its senior captain. Seth Anderson scored a league-high 601 points and shot .537 (240/447) from the field. At the conclusion of the season, the accolades began streaming in. Following the MIAC playoff championship, Anderson received the MIAC’s Joe Hutton Player-ofthe-Year Award and a spot on the all-conference team for a second consecutive season.

Ross Ring-Jarvi put the finishing touches on his MIAC career by ranking second in scoring in the conference with 29 points on 10 goals (12th) and 19 assists (3rd), and was named Men’s Hockey Player-ofthe-Year in the conference. A member of the 2008–09 MIAC All-Rookie team three years ago, the senior forward earned allconference honors for an impressive fourth time in his career.

Winter Sports Review Women’s Swimming and Diving The Gustavus Adolphus women’s swimming and diving team captured its third consecutive title at the 2012 MIAC championships by recording a three-day total of 687 points. Gustavus, which has won the conference championship in seven of the last eleven seasons, edged out St. Olaf by 44 points to secure first place. Eleven individuals earned all-conference honors at the meet: seniors Melissa Aune (St. Peter, Minn.) and Steph Korba (Sr., Lakeville, Minn.); juniors Kelsey Lucia (St. Cloud, Minn.) and Sarah Hund (Willmar, Minn.); sophomores Alissa Tinklenberg (Willmar, Minn.), Abby Lyle (Buffalo, Minn.), and Laura Drake (Mendota Heights, Minn.); and first-years Katie Olson (North Oaks, Minn.), Jennifer Strom (Rochester, Minn.), Heather Funai (Lincolnwood, Ill.), and McKenna Jones (Faribault, Minn.). Tinklenberg won both the 100 and 200 backstroke in MIAC and school record times, while Strom’s mark in the 100 breaststroke was also a new MIAC and school record. Tinklenberg was the sole individual qualifier for the 2012 NCAA Swimming and

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THE GUSTAVUS QUARTERLY

Senior women’s hockey standout Allie Schwab turned in her best season in a Gustavus sweater in 2011–12 and was named the MIAC Player-of-the-Year following league play. Schwab, a two-time allconference player, registered career-highs in goals (24), assists (19), and points (43) to lead the team and league in points and goals scored. Scoring goals in big spots was a specialty of Schwab’s, as the center scored eight game-winning goals.

by Ethan Armstrong ’09

Diving Championships held in Indianapolis, Ind. The 200 free, 200 medley, 400 free, 400 medley, and 800 free relay teams, comprising Tinklenberg, Lucia, Hund, Olson, Jones, Korba, and Strom, rounded out the group of Gustavus swimmers who competed in the national meet. After four days of competition, Gustavus finished with a total of 94 points for an 11th-place finish, the team’s second-best mark of all time. The Gusties were led by the performance of Tinklenberg, who turned in the finest showing of any Gustie swimmer in history at the NCAA championships. The Willmar, Minn., native took home All-America honors in four different events: the 100 (7th) and 200 backstroke (7th), 200-free relay (6th), and 400-medley relay (6th). Men’s Swimming and Diving The Gustavus men’s swimming and diving team tallied a three-day total of 570 points to finish in third place at the 2012 MIAC championships. With the bronze medal, Gustavus has placed inside the top three in each the past four seasons. Gustavus was paced by senior Billy Schultze

(Mankato, Minn.), who concluded his collegiate career with five all-conference performances: second in both the 100 and 200 breaststroke, third in the 200 individual medley, and as a member of the second-place 200-free relay and third-place 400-medley relay. Individually, senior Matt Van Fossen (Albert Lea, Minn.; runner-up in the 100 butterfly) and firstyear Zac Solis (Centennial, Colo.; third in the 200 backstroke) also took home AllMIAC honors. Other swimmers making up the 200- and 400-medley relays teams included Ross Larson (Fy., Bookings, S.D.), Peter Crady (So., St. Peter, Minn.), and Zach Nachtsheim (Sr., Shoreview, Minn.). Gymnastics Although success was elusive this season, a young Gustavus Adolphus gymnastics team laid what will be a strong foundation for the future in 2012. With many young gymnasts gaining valuable experience this season, the Gusties will head into the off-season a much more mature and practiced team. The Gusties finished eighth at this season’s Wisconsin Intercollegiate Athletic Conference


Women’s Basketball The Gustavus women’s basketball team finished runner-up in the Minnesota Intercollegiate Athletic Conference with a league mark of 17–5, qualifying for the MIAC playoffs for the 11th consecutive season. The Gusties picked up a 61–49 win over Concordia in the semifinals before seeing their season end with a 66–54 loss to St. Thomas in the MIAC playoff championship. The team finished the 2011–12 campaign with an overall mark of 20–7. Senior guards Molly Geske (Mendota Heights, Minn.) and Colleen Ruane (Edina, Minn.) were both named to the 2011–12 all-conference team following the season. Geske, now a three-time All-MIAC performer, led the Gusties in points (373, 13.8 per game), field goals made (141/313, .450), three-point field goals made (34/95, .358), and free throw percentage (.803). Ruane made the All-MIAC team for the first time in her career after setting the program record for steals in a season (83) and leading the team in assists (63). Geske concluded her senior year by being named to the 2012 Capital One Academic All-America Women’s Basketball Second Team. The Mendota Heights native carries a cumulative grade point average of 3.96 and will graduate this spring with a degree in public accounting. Geske’s 1,410 career points rank third all-time at Gustavus. Men’s Basketball The Gustavus men’s basketball team returned to the top of the MIAC and the national spotlight in the 2011–12 season. The Gusties went 16–4 in the MIAC and 20–7 overall to earn a share of the 2011–12 MIAC championship, their first title since 2004–05. Despite suffering a 66–62 loss to St. Thomas in the MIAC playoff championship game, Gustavus earned an at-large bid in the NCAA Div. III tournament. The Gusties’ season came to an end in the first round of the tournament with a 68–60 loss to Wheaton College. The Gusties swept the top honors of the

MIAC’s post-season awards. Senior guard Seth Anderson (Minnesota Lake, Minn.) was named the 2011–12 MIAC Joe Hutton Player-of-the-Year, Jim Hill (Jr., Edina, Minn.) earned MIAC Sixth Man-of-the-Year honors, and head coach Mark Hanson was honored by his peers as the conference’s Coach-ofthe-Year. The accolades continued to roll in for Anderson after the senior turned in one of the best single seasons in the annals of Gustavus basketball. After setting the single-game scoring mark with 45 points against Buena Vista in the season opener, Anderson went on to score a league-high 601 points and shoot .537 (240/447) from the field on the year. He fell just three points shy of Gustavus’s single-season scoring record of 604 points set by Luke Schmidt in the 1997–98 season. The twotime All-MIAC performer earned a spot on both the 2011–12 National Association of Basketball Coaches (NABC) Division III and D3hoops.com All-America teams, becoming the first Gustie cager to do so. Anderson’s collegiate career came to an end with a 22-point (9 of 12) performance in the 2012 Reese’s Division III College All-Star Game. Women’s Hockey The Gustavus women’s hockey team went 16–1–1 in MIAC play this season to win its eighth-straight conference championship. With a 4–2 victory over Concordia, the Gusties captured their ninth consecutive MIAC playoff title and earned a trip to the NCAA playoffs for the ninth straight season. Following the MIAC championship game, senior Allie Schwab (Stillwater, Minn.) highlighted the league’s postseason honors by being named the MIAC Player-of-the-Year. Senior Mollie Carroll (Eagan, Minn.), sophomore Amanda Cartony (Stillwater, Minn.), and junior Lindsey Hjelm (North Oaks, Minn.) were also named all-conference. Schwab, now a two-time all-conference performer and the fifth MIAC MVP from Gustavus, led the team with career-highs in goals (22), assists (18), and points (40). Gustavus went on to defeat UW-River Falls 4–2 in the first round of the NCAA tournament to earn its third straight trip to the NCAA “Frozen Four” held in Rochester, N.Y., where the team suffered back-toback overtime losses to finish fourth in the nation. The Black and Gold fell 4–3 to Norwich University in the semifinals and 4–3 at the hands of Plattsburgh State University in the third-place game. Gustavus skaters Allie Schwab, Mollie Carroll, and Lindsey Hjelm were all named to the 2012 CCM Division III Women’s Hockey All-America First Team—the 10th, 11th, and 12th players in Gustavus women’s hockey history to achieve All-

America status. It is the first time that three Gustavus skaters have been named to the AHCA All-America West First Team. Men’s Hockey Flying under the radar for the majority of the season, the Gustavus men’s hockey team was able to put together a lateseason surge and qualify for the NCAA tournament for the third time in the last four years. The Gusties took care of business down the backstretch of the regular season, going 3–0–2 to secure the No. 2 seed in the MIAC playoffs. Gustavus defeated Saint John’s 3–1 in the opening round of the playoffs, and then topped St. Olaf 4–2 in the MIAC playoff championship game. In what was the largest crowd to watch a hockey game at Don Roberts Ice Rink, nearly 1,400 fans turned out to witness the conference championship game. In the NCAA tournament, Gustavus edged Milwaukee School of Engineering 3–1 before having its season come to an end with a 4–1 loss to St. Norbert College in Green Bay, Wis. Head Coach Brett Petersen’s squad finished 17–7–3 overall and 9–2–3 in the MIAC. Gustavus’s lone senior, Ross RingJarvi, was the recipient of numerous post-season honors following his final season in a Gustavus sweater. Ring-Jarvi received the MIAC’s 2011–12 Player-ofthe-Year honor, becoming the fifth MIAC MVP from Gustavus and just the third player in program history to achieve allconference status four times. Ring-Jarvi led the team with 33 points (11G, 22A) this season, ranking third in league play with 21 points (7G, 14A). He also earned a place on the 2011–12 American Hockey Coaches Association (AHCA) All-America West Region First Team. Ring-Jarvi played in all 115 games of his collegiate career, finishing with 46 goals and 84 assists for a total of 130 points to rank 16th all-time in scoring.

sports notes

(WIAC) Gymnastics Championships held in Eau Claire, Wis. Qualifying for the National Collegiate Gymnastics Association (NCGA) National Championships this season were juniors Sam Opsahl (Forest Lake, Minn.) and Bailey Zeinert (Oshkosh, Wis.) and sophomore Jamie Ries (Monticello, Minn.). At the NCGA meet, Opsahl finished 27th on the balance beam and 40th on the floor, Ries placed 31st on the floor and 37th on the vault, and Zeinert took 50th on the beam. Taking home NCGA All-American Scholar honors for the Gusties this season were seniors Maren Lodge (Coon Rapids, Minn.) and Amanda Woodhull (Minnetonka, Minn.).

Men’s and Women’s Nordic Skiing The Gustavus men’s and women’s nordic skiing teams both placed sixth at the Central Collegiate Ski Association (CCSA) this season. The men’s team collected 127 points, while the women tallied 140. Zach Wagner (Jr., Marquette, Mich.) and Anders Bowman (Sr., Plymouth, Minn.) led the men with 26th- and 33rd-place finishes, respectively, in the 20k classic at the meet. On the women’s side, Erica Hett (Jr., Burnsville, Minn.) led the way with a 16th-place mark in the classic, while Marian Lund (So., Duluth, Minn.) finished behind her in 23rd. The second day of the CCSA Championships included the newly continued on the next page

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sports notes

Champions!

The 2011–12 MIAC co-champion Gustavus men’s basketball team.

The 2012 MIAC playoff champion Gustavus men’s hockey team.

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Winter Sports Review continued from previous page formatted 3x5K freestyle relay race. The Gustavus women’s team of Danielle Burgmeier (Sr., Plymouth, Minn.), Hett, and Lund took ninth, while the men’s team of Bowman, Gabe Hanson (So., Stillwater, Minn.), and Peter Larsen (So., St. Cloud, Minn.) skied to an 11th-place finish. The Gustavus nordic skiiers concluded their 2011–12 campaign at the NCAA Central Region Skiing Championships in late February. The women’s squad took fifth with 112 points and the men placed sixth with 99 points. Hett led the Gusties with a 22nd-place finish in the day-one 5k freestyle interval start on the women’s side. In the men’s 10K freestyle, Bowman and Wagner were Gustavus’s top skiers, as Bowman took 36th and Wagner 37th. Hett was at the head of the team in the second day’s 10k classic as well, finishing 20th while Lund came across in 26th. Bowman paced the men once again in the 15k classic, finishing 20th. Women’s Indoor Track and Field Although the women’s indoor track and field team missed the podium for the first time in four years, the Gustavus coaching staff was proud of the way the team performed at the 2012 MIAC Indoor Track & Field Championships held March 1–3 at the Leonard Center on the campus of Macalester College. The Gusties finished in seventh place with a three-day total of 29 points, getting All-MIAC performances from junior Allyson Voss (Wausau, Wis.), seniors Emily Klatt (Woodbury, Minn.) and Megan Endresen (Lino Lakes, Minn.), and the 4×200 relay team. Voss cleared 11' 0.75" in the pole vault to take home the gold medal; Klatt came out of nowhere to finish second in the long jump after registering a leap of 17' 9", and Endresen recorded a toss of 52' 8" to finish third in the weight throw. The 4x200 relay team of first-year Hana Fischer (Eden Prairie, Minn.), Klatt, and first-years Sara Lundgren (Mankato, Minn.), and Haley Kemper (Prior Lake, Minn.) rounded out the meet with a breakout third-place finish after crossing the finish line in 1:45.82.

The 2011–12 MIAC regular-season and playoff champion Gustavus women’s hockey team.

Men’s Indoor Track and Field The Gustavus men’s indoor track and field team competed with an agenda at this season’s MIAC championships, according to Head Coach Dale Bahr. At the end of the three-day meet, the Gusties missed the podium by just 3.5 points, taking fourth with a total of 101 points—the program’s highest point total since registering a second-place finish in 2003. Whether it was on the track or in the jumps, sophomore Blair Riegel (Lakeville, Minn.) made an impact. Riegel earned all-conference honors in five separate events, winning the 200-meter dash, placing second in both the long jump and triple jump, taking third in the 60-meter dash, and pairing up with seniors Matt Dvorak (Burnsville, Minn.) and David Johnson (Libertyville, Ill.) and sophomore Phillip Butler (St. Paul, Minn.) to finish second in the 4x200-meter relay. Junior Josh Owens (Brooklyn Park, Minn.) also took home gold, winning the pole vault after a record-breaking spring. Other AllMIAC performances included a second-place mark by Dvorak in the 60-meter dash, and a third-place finish by Cameron Clause (Mankato, Minn.) in the heptathlon. Josh Owens would later be the lone Gustavus qualifier for the 2012 NCAA Division III Indoor Track and Field Championships held in Grinnell, Iowa. He finished ninth in the pole vault at the national meet, concluding an indoor season in which he broke both the school and MIAC records. n

The 2012 MIAC champion Gustavus women’s swimming and diving team.

Ethan Armstrong ’09 is serving as interim sports information director during the 2011–12 school.

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GUSTAVUS ALUMNI

GUSTAVUS ALUMNI

ALUMNI CONTENTS 40 Class of 1962 42 Homecoming schedule 47 Gustie breakfasts 51 Sesquicentennial celebrations 53 Class officer engagement 54 Social media links 58 Call for alumni award nominations 61 Weddings 61 Births 62 In memoriam

s Gusties connect all over the world! Paul ’63 and Ruth (Anderson ’63) Tillquist were surprised to find a group of current Gusties enjoying the beauty of Machu Picchu when they toured the Peruvian site in January. Students in a January Interim Experience course led by Debra Pitton, education, and Lori Steffen, nursing, were visiting this historic location following a service-learning experience in Chimbote, Peru. “All the Gustavus T-shirts caught my eye,” Paul said. So he and Ruth stopped to talk and take pictures with the group. Row 1: Caroline Hendrickson ’13, Ruth and Paul Tillquist ’63 ’63, and Debra Pitton; row 2: Alicia Ryman ’14, Aurie Domholt ’12, Christina Mantey ’13, Katie Eslinger ’13, Alyssa Graham ’13, Cassie Faust ’13, Jessica Erickson ’13, Kayleigh Dittes ’13, and Sarah Larson ’14; row 3: Andy Jorgensen ’13, David Hedlund ’13, Molly Weber ’12, Danika Anastasi ’12, Alyssa Kemper ’12, Mara Edison ’13, Hayley Lofquist ’13, Caitlin Bonde ’13, and Natalie Green ’13 (Not pictured: Lori Steffen).

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Gustavus Alumni Association The mission of the Alumni Association is to facilitate among former students lifelong relationships with Gustavus and with each other, to enable alumni to actively advance and engage in the mission of the College.

OFFICERS Jeffrey Heggedahl ’87, President & Ex-officio Member, Board of Trustees Christopher Rasmussen ’88, Vice President Randall Stuckey ’83, Executive Secretary Kelly Waldron ’84, Treasurer Ronald White ’75, Past President & Ex-officio Member, Board of Trustees Board Members Term expires Fall 2012 Sandra Luedtke Buendorf ’62, St. Peter, MN Sara Tollefson Currell ’95, St. Paul, MN Christopher Enstad ’96, Crystal, MN Brian Norelius ’96, Lindstrom, MN L. Charles Potts ’01, St. Peter, MN Christopher Rasmussen ’88, Columbia Heights, MN Paul Schiminsky ’93, Las Vegas, NV Scott Swanson ’85, Edina, MN Gretchen Taylor ’08, Moorhead, MN Term expires Fall 2013 Catherine Asta ’75, Edina, MN Michael Dueber ’89, St. Paul, MN Luther Hagen ’88, Apple Valley, MN Gordon Mansergh ’84, Decatur, GA Jeffrey Marshall ’75, Houston, TX Kay Rethwill Moline ’56, St. Peter, MN Matt Olson ’10, St. Paul, MN Marisa Schloer ’09, Minneapolis, MN Term expires Fall 2014 Jean-Paul Bigirindavyi ’00, St. Louis Park, MN Jennifer Krempin Bridgman ’96, Alexandria, VA Adam Eckhardt ’08, Minneapolis, MN Jeffrey Heggedahl ’87, Minneapolis, MN Megan Myhre ’11, Bloomington, MN Sharon Peterson Robinson ’64, Kasota, MN Kristin Johns Young ’86, The Woodlands, TX emeritus James “Moose” Malmquist ’53, Scandia, MN STUDENT MEMBER Anna Swenson ’12

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

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Ray Rasmussen ’46 sent us a summary of his work and military career: “Enlisted U.S. Naval Air Corps (V5) on March 31, 1944. Three semesters at Gustavus. Navy deck officer (V12) July ’44–June ’45. Entered U.S. Military Academy July ’45 and graduated June ’49. Served in U. S. Army June ’49 to retirement Sept. 30, 1968. Married in June ’50 to high school classmate and graduate of Hamline—five children. Student at College of St. Thomas, intern teacher at Lakeville 1969–70, M.A.T. (’70), M.A. (’72). Math teacher at Wayzata Senior High School 1970–1988, served in Germany 1950–1952, and 1959–1962 and in Vietnam 1965–1966.” Janet (Johnson ’46) and Wayne Breneman ’45 sent us this note: “What a change on campus, beautiful—we have two granddaughters at Gustavus, Samantha, a junior, and Paige, a freshman, both involved in sports, Sam in softball and Paige playing varsity volleyball.” Ruth Benson Johnson ’45, Walnut Grove, had this to share: “We continue to live in our home. I need a walker. For the second year Don gives my Christmas gift to the [Gustavus] Annual Fund.” Iver Anderson ’45, Bloomington, MN, listed on his gift envelope his family legacy. His wife, Elaine Pinks Anderson, graduated with the class of 1945. Daughter Louise Nichols is Class of 1969 and daughter Linnea Chrest is Class of 1980, and then two grandsons, Danny ’05 and Jeffrey ’09. May the Anderson legacy at Gustavus continue! Viola Hagberg Peterson ’46 sent a note last spring letting us know that she was sorry, but she would not be participating in the Alumni Weekend events last May—it was her 65th reunion. Viola did make it to campus earlier in May to visit the GLA “Books in Bloom” display and to watch the performance of Hamlet. Marion Anderson Redman ’47, Wells, MN, is a retired family counselor and is still living on the family farm. She is active in the Wells United Methodist Church. Dick Stebbins ’46 appears on a stewardship mail piece from Presbyterian Homes & Services. Dick’s wife, Mildred (Malmin) Stebbins ’46, lived in the care center of PHS until she passed away in 2005. Now Dick volunteers there. He remarks about his volunteering: “They took very good care of her, and me. I want to give back to the people who gave so much to us.” Dick also enjoys volunteering because, “It helps keep me younger; gives me vitality and a challenge.” He works so much that recently the staff was concerned about his heart and asked him to cut back. “I think I’m down to 40 hours a week now,” he said with a wry smile. The mail piece says, “Dick S. looks you straight in the eye and shakes your hand with a much firmer grip than you would expect from someone a lot younger than his 92 years. But that’s not

1940s

so surprising when you consider that he was an athlete at Gustavus Adolphus College in the late 1930s, walks nearly a mile every day, worked until he was 88, and continues to work for older adults living at Presbyterian Homes on Lake Minnetonka.” Bob Wieman ’47, St. Paul, MN, writes: “I was Class of ’47 Class Agent for about 50 years. Enjoyed writing the class letters. I was a U.S. Army Air Corp. pilot during WWII (1943-46) serving in U.S., South Pacific, and Japan. Started at Gustavus (Sept. 1940)— Class of 1944—graduated with Class of 1947, after WWII.” Bob has written a book of his memoirs including his boyhood, growing up and his time in the service. He did it mostly for his children and grandchildren to see his part in history. Mary Harper Schultz, of South

MN, is retired. That’s the 50 Haven, town that often takes me by surprise when I’m driving on Hwy. 55 to the Cities. If I traveled it as often as I do Hwy. 12, I’d get used to it. Now I’ll remember that’s where you live. Harold and Lois (Dickhart) Skillrud, Bloomington, IL, celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary on June 8, 2011. It was also the occasion of the meeting of the Round Robin group of 1950 grads, if I remember Carol’s visit correctly. Harold writes, “We had our first date at Gustavus on December 8 and dated through college. This was Gustavus’s best gift to us, in addition to a superb education and spiritual foundation.” Congratulations, both of you! Richard Priest let us know that he still visits the elementary school named after him in Las Vegas. That must make you feel very good. Norman Jensen, St. Paul, sent us this note: “I retired from being a business teacher and from farming. I have a daughter, Becky Jensen Detert, who graduated in 1972 from Gustavus and a grandson, Seth Detert, who graduated from Gustavus in 2000. A granddaughter, Kelsey Jensen ’13, is attending Gustavus now and is a junior. I also had a sister, Genevieve Jensen Deggendorf x43 who attended GA in 1939–41 and a grandson, Chris Detert x03, who also attended GA.” Good to see your legacy continues, Norman. Ken and Carol Nelson, Shoreview, MN, celebrated their 55th wedding anniversary on September 22. Ken reports, “Had two nice trips and we are feeling well.” Willis Crosby, Carol Stream, IL, is in a nursing home facility in Windsor Park and writes, “Hopefully will be back home soon.” We hope so too, Willis. Betty Gulberg Bruner, Mitchell, SD, writes, “Thanks for the Gustavus news.” She adds that she doesn’t know “most of them as I was there only our freshman year, but I do enjoy it.” Thank you, Betty. An article from the Golden Valley News,


GUSTAVUS ALUMNI New Hope, last spring written by Jim Foster suggested that a new Little League field to be built on the Honeywell site be named after Dick Isaacson. Dick spent the better part of 40 years devoting himself to the Golden Valley Little League program. His philosophy, that “nothing is given to you in this life; you have to work for it, and the sooner you learn this the better,” earned him respect from young people and adults alike. Dick passed away a year ago. On November 8, 2011, the Star Tribune carried a special obituary of Bob Colburn, Edina. I wish there were room to include the entire article, which covered his career from teaching English and debate in Pipestone, to him and Dorothy (Anderson) being known as Mr. and Mrs. Music on their daily radio show in Fairmont, to his career in advertising. He wrote ads for Polaris, Fritz Mondale’s first Senate campaign, for Old Dutch, McGarvey coffee, and SuperAmerica, among many other products. He competed nationally in a barbershop quartet called the Vigortones. We won’t forget his music with the college quartet and his theatre experience either— with Antigone and Hamlet. I am so glad he was able to be at the Gustavus theatre anniversary a few years ago and speak to us then. He and Dorothy were married for 61 years, marrying two days after our graduation. He is also survived by four children and their families. Our sympathy to you, Dorothy, and your family. The last week in December, James Gault, of Carlsbad, CA, passed away from lymphoma. Born and raised in St. Peter and graduating in our class, he moved to California where he reconnected with his childhood neighbor, Pat Lenander, and they were married, having 52 years together. (You may recall her father was one of the local doctors who took his turn at our infirmary.) James’s career was in aerospace; he worked for Rockwell for 44 years, his work instrumental in the space shuttle program and the landing on the moon. Besides that, he was a master bridge player and an avid gardener. Dorothy Orn Olson’s husband, Ray, passed away in St. Peter on January 12 this year. I was hoping to be at the funeral January 23, but poor weather deterred me. I’d known Ray in St. Peter almost forever, as they say. I knew his father and stepmother; his and Dorothy’s children were in the same classes as my children, etc. Dorothy was organist at Trinity for a number of years, adeptly compensating for a few keys that used to stick on the organ. Ray graduated from Mankato State as a business major. He became a licensed public accountant and worked for many years with a firm in St. Peter. Our sympathy to you, Dorothy, Paul, and Kevin, and the extended family. n Communication Chair: Gloria Martell Benson (1950classofficers@gustavus.edu)

s Krough Invitational unites ’60s-era alums The annual Bob Krough Invitational golf Tournament returned to Pokegama Country Club in Grand Rapids, MN. Ellen Liebe ’13, who serves as tournament director, is in the center holding the Pritchard Cup that was awarded to tournament winner Jerry Thrall. Pictured from left are Doug Perkins ’61, Byron Helgeson ’60, Jim Krough ’61, Bob Krough ’60, Ellen Liebe ’13, Arlan Burmeister ’60, Jerry Thrall ’60, and Doug Pritchard ’59. Unfortunately, since the tournament was played, Doug Perkins has passed away. Proceeds from the tournament were given to the Gustavus football program in memory of Perkins, who played football from 1957 to 1959.

s Mortenson receives contractors’ lifetime achievement award Jim Mortenson ’61, Eden Prairie, MN, has received the Minnesota Chapter of the Associated General Contractors of America Lifetime Achievement Award, the ultimate mark of distinction in the Minnesota contracting industry. The honor is presented to construction professionals who have demonstrated outstanding leadership, extensive industry knowledge, and a strong commitment to enhancing the future of the construction industry. Mortenson retired from PCL Construction in 2008 after spending 22 years with the firm and more than 40 years in the construction industry. He and PCL are known for leading several notable Minnesota construction projects, including the renovation of St. Paul City Hall and the Ramsey County Courthouse, the first hotel tower at Mystic Lake Casino, the downtown Mankato Civic Center Arena, and the Science Museum of Minnesota, which Mortenson calls his most memorable project. He’s pictured (holding his plaque) with fellow employees from PCL.

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Marilyn Barnes Robertz and Dorothy Johnson Lutz attended the After Chapel Book Group in January. They discussed Heldin, Coming to Terms, a historical novel by their classmate, Milly Janzen Balzer. It can be ordered from the Gustavus Book Mark or on amazon.com. Paul and Kiku Nakamura, Gardena, CA, and their daughter, Joy, traveled to Hawaii to celebrate Paul’s brother Charles’s 92nd birthday. Marilyn Barnes Robertz was guest lecturer in a J-Term biology class, “Plagues, Old and New.” She told about her story as a tuberculosis patient at Ah-Gwah-Ching Sanatorium, near Walker, MN, from 1943 to 1946 before she started Gustavus in 1947. n Class President and Communication Chair: Dorothy Johnson Lutz (1951classofficers@gustavus.edu)

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60th Anniversary: May 25–26, 2012

Mary Iverson Anderson sent a message to all of us which is the essence of our Gustavus experience: “Gustavus friends continue to remain best friends even though we are all over the U.S.” Some very significant historical notes came from Tony Almen. He recently counted the descendants of L.G. Almen who attended Gustavus and there are close to 100. L.G. is given credit for starting the endowment fund. He traveled through Minnesota, Iowa, North and South Dakota, and Saskatchewan and raised $60,000 from Scandinavian farm folk. Amazing! As an ordained Augustana minister, he also started many Lutheran congregations. He and Elizabeth had nine children; all attended Gustavus. Bertha Vickner was one, and she met her husband Edwin Vickner there. The Almen-Vickner

name is surely one of the best known in the archives of Gustavus for many reasons. “We stand on the shoulders of giants.” Cars are still a main interest in Donald Peterson’s life, and he still owns 19 classic cars! Don plans to move back to Minnesota, “the new Georgia,” after he retires. He certainly has checked out a few places, visiting 123 countries on seven continents. Another extensive traveler from our class is Charles Kent, who has traveled internationally as well, 20 times to Europe. Bev and Chuck Lestico haven’t been sitting still either. They’ve been all over the U.S. visiting their kids. Chuck gives us some good advice: “Plant a tree.” And Paul Swedberg reminds us that he was organizing Lutheran Church of the Master in 1960, and this past year they celebrated their 50th anniversary with yearlong events. There have been several deaths of classmates this past year. Their voices

s

Bittrich siblings celebrate 50th wedding anniversaries The Bittrich siblings celebrated their 50th wedding anniversaries during the College’s Sesquicentennial year last January in Rancho Mirage, CA. The three couples married within 10 months of one another. Pictured in front are Gretchen Bittrich Estergren ’63 and Noel Estergren ’61. In the middle are Marietta Bittrich Johns ’63 and Ted Johns ’61. In back are Nancy Bittrich (Texas Lutheran grad) and Louis Bittrich ’59.

Alums enhance January IEX class

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Four alumni visited campus in January to discuss their career paths for the January Interim Experience course titled “What Can You Do with It? Exploring Majors and Career Opportunities.” Students heard from alumni how they chose their majors, how a liberal arts education helped them in their career life, and how they found their true vocation along their varied career paths. Following class, the speakers and the entire class had lunch in the Market Place. Pictured back row is Assistant Professor of Communication Studies Maria Torres, Chad Anderson ’08, Ruth Johnson ’69, Jon Young ’77, and Steve Boman ’87.

West earns honors from

Principal Financial

s

Warren “Buster” West ’71, Cleveland, MN, earned membership in Principal Financial Million Dollar Round Table in addition to qualifying for the company’s Premier Club. Membership is attained by those who have demonstrated exceptional professional knowledge, expertise, and client service. West is a 16-year qualifier for the Million Dollar Round Table.

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GUSTAVUS ALUMNI are stilled; but we miss them and extend sympathy to their families. Gustavus is celebrating its Sesquicentennial this year (150th Anniversary). Many events are planned and are taking place during this school year. I urge you to attend several if you can. Especially keep in mind our 60th class anniversary which will take place this spring on Memorial Day weekend. Please join your classmates to remember and celebrate. Watch for announcements. Gustavus deserves and needs our continued financial support. May your donation be generous; think of denominations in the 150 range! n Class President: Barb Eckman Krig (1952classofficers@gustavus.edu)

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Send class news to 1953classofficers@gustavus.edu.

Over the years volunteering in our community has been fun . . . and I invited several classmates to tell us of some “second-mile” items they’ve enjoyed. . . . Lewis Moon writes: “I am convinced that most volunteer activity is not as noble as it sounds. Most often volunteering does not take an act of conscience nor a decision to do something that might invite admiration or praise. I served as the president of our “Cottonwood Airport Corporation” for 18 years and I didn’t think of it as volunteering until Helen asked for a paragraph. Then I began to think about what I had been doing and still am doing that might meet her request. In the early years of 1980, our little group of pilots was losing our landing strip. At that time there was an airport in Rockford with a long history that was forced to sell. Our group gathered enough stockholders to make a down payment and we bought it at auction to save it from extinction. I volunteered to serve as president of our corporation. I am still a part of the group and help out wherever I am needed. During that time we paid off the mortgage, built buildings, fought government regulations, and attracted other flyers, airplane builders, and flying groups. In 2010 we were named the “Airport of the Year” by the Illinois State Department of Transportation. Volunteering is something we all do on some scale during our life. I have realized I have done this all those years, and still do without pay, except in the personal satisfaction that I was doing something that brought me pleasure and used my skills for a good purpose. I am convinced the greatest rewards are for things we do without pay.” Art Tangwall writes, “Lucky you caught me home because I was just rushing out the door to volunteer at Cerenity Rehab Center. You asked me what an 80-year-old man

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does with his time—I volunteer. Here is a list of my activities: Young Life—started Young Life in White Bear Lake with my wife in 1961 and now we volunteer on the monthly prayer team; volunteer with First Lutheran Church, Care Team Ministry—give communion to shut-ins, assist at teenagers’ communion service; volunteer at Cerenity Care Center helping stroke victims overcome depression from their stroke. I go there twice a week—visiting and pushing wheelchairs. I work out five times a week at the “Y” because of my stroke in May. And now have volunteered to work in the “Y” pool with mentally handicapped children, assisting them in swimming and safety procedures.” Arne Peterson writes, “There have been many opportunities to volunteer in retirement, all the way from a leadership role in our local Habitat for Humanity affiliate to being a docent at a historic log cabin at our city museum. But the most enjoyable and satisfying is my current volunteer job. I drive truck for Feed My People, a regional warehouse supplying outlying food pantries in the northwest quadrant of Wisconsin. We delivered 5.5 million lbs. to almost 90 pantries in 2011. One of our pantry directors on our route told us yesterday that we had delivered over 11,000 lbs. to them in December alone. I am on the cusp of 80 (less than two months) and my driving partner and friend is 78. Because of the need and the wonderful workers we have met, we both find this volunteer job very fulfilling and intend to keep on as long as we are able.” From Janet Lemke Westlund: “Retirement is a form of commencement. Most of us have been retired now for over ten years. This is a phase of our lives which gives us new challenges as well as new opportunities, as the world changes rapidly around us. Taking on the role of care-giver for an elderly parent or spouse, or our own health issues, can curtail our plans or at best put them on hold. Perhaps most of us have served on boards and committees at our church, or have been involved in other parish activities, but beyond this is community volunteering. My most satisfying work is in our library’s used bookstore. We are open six days a week, staffed completely by volunteers; all books are donated, and all proceeds go to our library. It is heartening to see small children and teenagers reading, taking time out from Facebook and text messaging to actually read a book.” Phyl Johnson Wegner shared this message: “Dear Classmates, In the midst of entertaining company I am involved in the following: The Frisco Historic Park Museum, Silverthorne Elementary School projects, church ushering.” I so enjoyed your telephone call, Helen. One more greeting from Marilyn Peterson Reaser: “When Helen asked me to

write about my life’s volunteering activities my brain froze. I never volunteered at the mission, donated blood, or sponsored a Girl Scout troop. Would 1960s phone calls on behalf of the sewer plant elections count? But then I remembered, for 40 years I was involved in public education, which provided me with a lifetime of volunteering activities. From taking tickets at football games, chaperoning dances, and directing drama and speech activities in Tracy, MN, to more games and dances in Simi Valley, CA, my volunteering time was taken. And then I became a speech and debate coach with a talented squad that grew and grew, where more time was dedicated not only to coaching, but also to transportation and motel bookings for the group and fundraising to support our travels and fees. I praised the winners and comforted the losers and made a lifetime of 16-year-old friends who are now doctors, lawyers, accountants, engineers, military officers, and film-makers as well as great American citizens.” Many thanks for the class input for this “paper chat.” May each day be pleasant, fun, or even satisfying. Thanks again for what we can do together as we look to our 60th reunion. Let’s help keep more and more Gusties moving into our global community making their lives count!!! Go Gusties. n Vice President/Reunion Chair: Helen Forsgren Hokenson (1954classofficers@ gustavus.edu)

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Class officers needed. Send class news to 1955classofficers@gustavus.edu.

Paul Johns, Mt. Prospect, IL, wrote, “I have just retired as associate pastor from Redeemer Lutheran Church, Hinsdale, IL. In Israel this year I led a group on the Dead Sea Scrolls.” Bob and Judy (Lund ’57) Erdman’s grandson Ben Biewen ’13 is on the Gustie men’s basketball team. A headline in the Mankato Free Press, Feb 2, reads “Biewin Free Throw Wins for Gustavus.” The game was down to the wire with St. Olaf, with a final score of 64–63. Check out Ben’s photo on p. 63! n Communication Chair: Kay Rethwill Moline (1956classofficers@gustavus.edu)

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55th Anniversary: May 25–26, 2012

Roger and Jo (Spooner) Lundblad had some special Swedish sausage for Christmas, a family recipe that is known only to the family and made by a meat market just for them. Roger’s mother’s family has kept it through the years. There was a big story about it in the Star Tribune at Christmas time. Clyde and Jinny (Field) Cable are

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getting around these days in a wonderful home-built RV8 airplane. They also took a cruise to Alaska. Gary and Joyce (Kirkvold) Knoll spent Christmas in Alaska with some of their kids. On the day I am writing this, their daughter, Mary, is participating in the Polar Bear Jump Off in Seward, AK, to raise money for cancer research. Gayle “Sook” and Lois (Wicktor) Falk have twin granddaughters who are freshmen at Gustavus. All 14 members of their family were planning to spend Christmas in Cancun. And, in the small world department—they went to the annual lutefisk/meatball dinner at their church and just happened to be seated at a table with Joyce (Kirkvold) and Gary Knoll! Joyce and Lois were roomies at Gustavus! Marcy Rhyne Herr is in India as I write. She went to Alaska with her sisters earlier last year. She has also done some work for Habitat for Humanity. Marcy plays tennis whenever the weather allows too. I keep in touch with Gaylene Carlson Drew via e-mail. She also sent a letter. She and her husband, Bill, live in Edgerton, WI. Their three kids and two dogs were home for Christmas. Roger and Marilyn (Johnson) Bertelsen went to Florida right after Christmas. Roger looked forward to golf and Marilyn to her knitting. Roxanne McLaughlin Mellema and husband, Dale, left from Michigan for Texas right after Christmas. Lee and Barb (Jungas) Loewen had a trip to San Diego this year. They are still residing in Mountain Lake. Joe and Bev (Bloomquist) Todaro are all settled in the state of Washington They made a trip back to Virginia in April, but have found tennis and gardening to be hobbies at their new house in Washington too. They were without power for two days this winter with all the snow. Ann Russell Johnson went on a Caribbean cruise last year. In April Ann had a sarcoma removed from her stomach but, thankfully, she has been declared cancer-free at this point. Barb Carlson Glenzinski rings in the bell choir at her church. I see her once in a while because her daughter belongs to my church. I also see her at Minnesota Orchestra Coffee Concerts. Speaking of Coffee Concerts, I was at a St. Paul Chamber concert a couple of weeks ago and ran into John “Bud” Peterson and Nancy (Johnson ’58) and Tom ’56 and Carolyn (Clogston) Enquist ’58. Dick and Connie (Wold) Rome sent me a link via YouTube of their four granddaughters singing at their church in Texas. Connie and Dick live in Sun Lakes, AZ, in the winter and Woodbury, MN, in the summer. They will be here to celebrate Connie’s mom’s 80th year of graduation from Gustavus, Connie’s 55th, and their son Stuart’s 30th. That is quite a record! I wonder if any of us will be around for our 80th? Or be able to go if we are? Nancy Reiter Grimes was inducted into the Min-

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nesota High School League Hall of Fame in May. Congratulations, Nancy! She also has been doing a lot of traveling. Lois (Larson) and Glenn Mauston had a traditional Christmas at their home in Florida this year. On Christmas Day they had a big traditional dinner at their church and spent the rest of the day at the beach. After my last letter, I got a great e-mail from Jon “Canuck” Berglund. He sent a picture of Fred Steiner, and Mike Dale ’58, and him standing in front of the picture timeline in our new Beck Hall. Seems the three roommates meet at Gustavus every year at Homecoming. Please mark May 25–26, 2012, for our 55th anniversary. I hope you can put it on the calendar and be there. We ain’t gettin’ any younger, you know! n Communication Chair: Marlys Mattson Nelson (1957classofficers@gustavus.edu) Anders Bjorling ’58 discovered a passion for photography at age 14, when he was allowed to use his father’s camera. In recent years, he has traveled extensively. During this time he has captured images of Nepal, Morocco, Norway, the Galapagos Islands, Iceland, Tanzania, Patagonia, and Sweden. His most recent destination was South Africa. He says, however, “I feel my best images are captured close to home—the places that are familiar to me. I know when the light will be the best; when flowers will bloom; and when birds will return. I know the towns and villages. The familiarity is so important to me when I strive to capture the beauty of this wonderful world.” Most alumni will recognize that familiarity in his photos of the Gustavus campus; he is a frequent contributor to the Gustavus Quarterly. n Class Co-presidents: Owen Sammelson and Carolyn Lund Sandvig (1958classofficers@gustavus.edu)

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Hi 59ers! Some of this news has been gathering on my computer for months while some is new—but you won’t read it until the summer Quarterly. At least you’ll have an idea what your classmates have done in the last year. Dorothy Rylander Johnson sent this news after Christmas: “In December I made my annual trip back to campus for Christmas in Christ Chapel and the wonderful buffet— always a great way to start the Christmas season. Last September I traveled with my sister to Finland, Russia, Estonia, and Iceland. It was a terrific trip and I met a fellow Gustie, Marilyn Wiklund Anderson ’60, who was also in our tour group. We are now on Pine Island, Florida, for the winter. Here we reconnect with John ’58 and Elizabeth Johnson Dahl and Rollie ’58 and Mary Hirman.”

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Jerry Hoffman, our new class president, has been busy on the phone connecting with a few friends. He first contacted Paul ’58 and Marian Fickes Borg. Both retired a few years go, Paul from counseling and communication at a college and Marian from a career in education. They live in a beautiful area where they can walk on the beach of Puget Sound, see the sound from their home as well as Mount Rainer, and have a son and a daughter who live close to them. They have been in Washington State since 1962 and absolutely would never leave. Marian and her daughter have a cottage industry that makes fabric design dishes and sells them at Christmas time. Jerry found Jack and Carol Arthur in their retirement home on Lake Nebagamon located in the northwest region of Wisconsin. For the last ten years they have been building their cabin and other facilities. Three children and six grandchildren enliven their lives. The grandchildren range from 1 to 13 years old. They usually take a trip to Oregon to visit a son and his family there as well as go on cruises; one of their children went to Gustavus. Jack is treasurer in his congregation, gardens, and fishes among other activities. Next, Jerry located Louis and Nancy Bittrich living in their retirement home in the forest of the Smoky Mountains of Tennessee. They receive their news from the Internet and their preferred mail via e-mail. The Bittriches have two children and four grandchildren ranging in years from 3½ to 14. Although Louie retired from teaching theater and film at Texas Lutheran University, he continues his strong interest in both. Their vacations take them to places like Ontario, Canada, New York City, or visiting his sisters in Texas. A good one will include a film festival and a Shakespeare play. (Louie, Carol Heyl thinks you should attend the Great River Shakespeare Festival in Winona each summer.) When asked about his favorite films Louie replied by naming producers such as Ingmar Bergman, Michelangelo Antonioni, and Federica Fellini. In his opinion there are no present producers whose quality equals these giants. Interestingly enough, his son, Stephen Bittrich, is a New York City writer, actor, Web designer, and filmmaker and has written off-Broadway plays. Click on his website, www.stephenbittrich.com, for a creative introduction to his work. Marilyn Gustafson Asp was on her way to Florida to help her sister after her husband’s death. We’ll hear more from Marilyn another time. Herb and Nancy (Lindstrom ’61) Johnson moved from Colorado to Lindsborg, Kansas, a couple of years ago. They have six children, each of whom had two. Herb has muscular neuropathy which has slowed him down.


GUSTAVUS ALUMNI has had a number of foreign students living with her over the years and in turn has opportunities to visit them in their homes. Next I called the newlyweds— Elaine (Torrey) and Paul Magnuson. They are busy as ever and were leaving the next day for Florida where Paul presides over a court for the winter months. In the coming year, they will be traveling to Russia again. Muriel Doherty Haegele in Washington heard I was coming to Seattle to help my son celebrate his 50th birthday and e-mailed me to consider having lunch with her and Marian Fickes Borg. Unfortunately, that didn’t happen, as Seattle was hit with an ice storm that shut down the city for two days. Jerry and I are attempting to contact everyone in our class within the next few months—so don’t be surprised to hear from us or other class officers—Ben Johnson and Carol Hammarberg. We’re not calling for money or to ask whom you’re voting for— we just want to keep the communications

going. If we don’t call you, call us or send us your news via e-mail. n Communication Chair: Carol Johnson Heyl (1959classofficers@gustavus.edu) Dick Loomer writes from Canada: I

the good fortune to be invited, 60 had as a friend of Dave Carlson’s, to

dinner at President Edgar Carlson’s home in St. Peter one Sunday (as I recall). Having seen “Doc Ed” as the strict disciplinarian who banned paddling during frat week, and the soaring intellectual who gave the most thoughtful chapel talks ever, I was surprised and delighted to find him (and his wife, Ebba) to be witty, engaging, kind, and truly interested in what I had to say. Altogether one of the most wonderful couples I have had the honor of meeting. Dick also humbly writes an invitation, in an act of “self-promotion,” to view a wonderful video about Dick’s environmental leadership in Canada. He is the volunteer steward of British Columbia’s

A 40th-anniversary round

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Friends from the Class of 1971 celebrated their 40th anniversary on Homecoming last fall with a round of golf at Shoreland Country Club in St. Peter. Pictured from left are Bill Jackson, Clayton Larson, Mike Ablan, and Brian Wohlrabe.

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Herb loves being with other retired pastors, leading and participating in Bible studies. He loves reading historical fiction. An author he highly recommends is Bernard Cornwell. He is a best-selling author of English history. Herb also enjoys doing some cross-stitch. Stan Jurgenson lives in Las Vegas and Jerry talked with his son Michael. He reported that Stan has had a life-threatening infection that has hospitalized him. He reported that Stan was making improvement and, if he continues to do so, will be going to a rehabilitation center in a couple of weeks. Besides Michael, Stan has three daughters, two of whom live in Las Vegas and one in Utah. I called Susan Hansen in Michigan to wish her a happy birthday, which she’ll celebrate with friends in Petoskey, MI—a beautiful resort community. Susan has two grandkids in college and another ready to graduate from high school. When I asked her what she’s reading, she gave me a variety—Here Comes Trouble by Michael Moore; When Things Fall Apart by Chodron (a Buddhist view on life), and she leads a Bible study on “Bad Girls in the Bible.” Susan published her second book this year, Nature’s Voices. She visits her cousin, Judy Lund Erdman ’57 at least once a year. Liz Sandquist Brown was a little hard to reach but when I finally did, I understood why. She is one busy lady—active in the Retired Teachers’ Association, altar guild at church, judging forensic contests at the local schools, Citizens Patrol—they monitor neighborhoods and watch homes where the residents are on vacation—and the Red Hat Ladies. She also finds time to visit daughter Kirsten in New Orleans and Kim in the Twin Cities. Liz also said that a new music conservatory is opening in Las Vegas and everyone should visit it. Lynette (Lynner) Street Flato is busy knitting caps for the troops and is doing line dancing at the Senior Center. This is quite an accomplishment as she had an ankle replaced this past year. She didn’t have any books to recommend but does read a lot on her Kindle. Her daughter Erica lives in Stockton so Lyn sees her grandchildren often. Her other daughter, Heidi, works for Verizon. Both Lyn and Liz gave me news about Nancy Oman Ward in California so I called Nancy to double check the facts. Yes, Nancy plans on moving back to Minnesota, to York Place in Minneapolis, hopefully by 2013. Nancy is still teaching math at the junior college and finds it difficult to leave but will do so eventually. We’ve promised her a welcome home party. Carol Miller Hammarberg has not retired yet but has cut back to four days a week. She had just been back to Minnesota to visit family and friends in Cannon Falls and is planning a trip to France soon. She

edding anniversary W feted during South Africa tour

While on the companion tour to the Gustavus Symphony Orchestra’s South Africa tour in January and February 2012, Professors Emeriti Paul and Helen Baumgartner celebrated their 57th wedding anniversary on January 30. At a reception held in their honor, five members of the companion tour who were former students of the two longtime piano professors posed for a photo with the honored couple. Standing behind the Baumgartners are, from left, JackieLynn Neeck Peterson ’77, Susie Björling Heim ’83, Bruce Johnson ’71, Jan Ledin Michaletz ’74, and Rebecca Lund Otterness ’69.

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Swishwash Island. As the jets from nearby Vancouver International Airport roar overhead Dick kayaks out to the island every week to tend to the native plants and keep an eye on the animal life. You can watch it at http://www.youtube.com/ watch?v=Aax8yeOgGVc. Mac and Jackie (McKenna) Gimse are celebrating their 50th wedding anniversary this year by doing 50 romantic events, one for each year—about one a week. It’s a bit of a race to the finish on February 18, 2012, but Jackie says, “We are up to #78. Mac thinks that’s good. We’ll bank them and draw them out as we need them over the next 28 years. We began by visiting our best man in Hawaii, the 50th state. He is still alive and well, but sadly, Judy Oberbeck Johnson, Jackie’s maid of honor, has passed away. We took our teenage grandchildren on an exciting Alaskan cruise, complete with a Teen Casino. During our driving trip through New England fall colors, we stayed with Paul ’61 and Cynthia Hanson at their island retreat off the coast of Maine. Jackie was working with Dean Lind when we met, so I also fell in love with Gustavus. We spent a beautiful day walking the campus together, which we decided was as good as paddling a canoe in the moonlight, and decidedly safer given our sloping frames.” (Sent by Mac: “Jackie doesn’t know I sent this . . . teehee.”) Tom and Carol (Villesvik ‘61) Weston celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary in August. They brought all the kids and families to the LaPush Indian Resort on the Pacific Ocean and had a wonderful time. They both sing in the choir, and Tom is leading the effort to put a columbarium in their church. From David Wold in Sweden: “In my old age I’ve become a cycling for fitness enthusiast. This past year I targeted cycling 5,000 km or about 3,110 miles. And I’m happy to report that I exceeded my target by 724 km or about 500 miles. On average I was ‘out there’ every third day between January and December on a tour of about 44 km or about 27 miles. Apart from riding around my home in Säffle, Sweden, I cycled in Sardinia, Vermont, Piemonte, Alsace, and in the Loire Valley with a couple of other enthusiasts and with my fru, Inger. This year’s target is 6,000 km and as of January 18 I’ve already got three tours in my old legs. I highly recommend cycling. It’s very forgiving exercise and, if you tour on a bike, you’ll experience not only the sights but the smells, the details in the ditches and the overall countryside in slow motion. You can’t beat it!” We should add that Bill Shogren sent a great note outlining Dave Wold’s biking escapades, and Bill added: “Dave (once a teacher, always a teacher) loves to share with others the educational

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and culinary aspects of these trips. Dave exclaims ‘Vado pazzo pe I’talia,’ which means, ‘I go crazy for Italy,’ as he’s still learning to read and write Italian.” Our Wonder Boy welcomes all Gusties to join him on bike tours and it’s a safe bet that besides the historical, Dave knows all the best bakeries and vineyards along the routes. Eileen Johnson Delk writes: “I am enjoying living in my own home. This last August I realized a dream when I took a cruise to Alaska. It was a wonderful trip, even if it was cool and rainy most of the time.” David Silseth in Florida reports: “Ruth and I spent two weeks in Eastern Europe last summer, river cruising from Budapest to the Black Sea. There is amazing rebuilding in progress, especially on the east end. Just returned from Jamaica and Mexico. Our children joined us for Christmas. Joy!” A good word from Dave Ehline: “Gustavus changed my life in ways too many to enumerate. My sheltered upbringing was challenged in every conceivable way. I often wonder how different I would be if I hadn’t had the opportunity to attend Gustavus, and there to expand my knowledge, faith, interests, and ability to think and reason. I will be forever grateful to God, to my profs, to Edgar Carlson, the administration and Board, and to the many friends I made at Gustavus, for the countless ways in which they all helped to shape my life and my life’s calling. I had triple coronary by-pass surgery in July, and have been doing well during these past several months. I enjoy retirement which allows me time to work in my woodshop, time to travel, and time to write.” Paul Tidemann spent this fall as a caregiver for his wife, Janet Ryan Tidemann ’63, who was in the hospital in St. Paul for almost three months. She had to have two lumbar spinal fusions. She came home December 2 and has no more pain and is getting around much more easily, though still challenged after 24 years with Parkinson’s. She retired as a pastor at Our Saviour’s Lutheran, Minneapolis, in December 2010. I am still playing my French horn in the Northeast Orchestra, involved in the St. Paul Interfaith Network, active at Gloria Dei Lutheran Church including singing in the choir, and coordinating support for the Lutheran Church in Guyana. If you want to read a great book on the Guianas, especially Guyana, get hold of Wild Coast by John Gimlette. Nancy Dege Gerhard reports: “I have traveled a lot this past year, to Minnesota, to eastern Germany, to Bend, Oregon, among other places. I am continuing to study art in watercolor, pastels, and colored pencil, and I have been in several shows every year since I began studying art. I am not a professional

artist, however, and I don’t sell my work. Perhaps my sons will get rich one day if there is a demand for Grandma Gerhard like there is for Grandma Moses. I am a deacon in my Presbyterian church and I sing in the church choir.” Gordy Larson shares: “Just a note to express my appreciation for you and your peers who provide us with Gustie news. Living in Michigan makes it difficult to visit Minnesota as much as I would like to. I missed the big 2011 celebration due to the fact that the Class of ’56 from Madison High School had its 55th anniversary in Madison (Madison, MN, which calls itself ‘Lutefisk Capital USA’), coinciding with an all-school reunion which enabled me to celebrate with 3 of my 4 siblings. Pete Nyhus was there also, and provided some information about the Gustavus reunion, but I really was amazed by the amount of coverage that you sent out. Wish we could have been there but, once again, THANK YOU! (Proud to be a Gustie from the class of 1960.)” Speaking of Pete Nyhus: “Classmates— Last December I had the opportunity to assist Gustavus Admission Counselor and Coordinator of Multicultural Recruitment Violeta Hernandez ’07, on a trip to Cancun, Mexico. Gustavus is making an effort to expand its Latin American campus population. During the 23 years I have been traveling to Cancun I have developed many relationships with nationals. Violeta was able to use some of those contacts to get appointments to give presentations about Gustavus at many ‘high schools.’ The inroads and impressions she made were just amazing. She is a very talented woman. When visiting the campus, stop by the admission office and meet her. A number of students who attended her meetings have already made application. I’m going back in February to do some follow-up. We have met some truly outstanding young Mexican students. By the way, Violeta was born in Mexico and came to the U.S. at the age of 10. She obviously didn’t have any problem with the language. Adios Amigos!! P.S. Look at pp. 28–29 of the Winter 2011–12 Quarterly.” n Class President: Paul Tidemann (1960classofficers@gustavus.edu) Tom Idstrom, Chatfield, MN, was inducted into the Old Timers’ Hall of Fame in autumn. The ceremony took place at the Prom Center in Oakdale. Tom is presently weight training coordinator and volunteer coach for football at Chatfield H.S. Over 47 years he has concentrated on defensive training for football in high schools in Luverne, Coon Rapids, Anoka, Irondale, Champlin Park, Brainerd, Little Falls, and Chatfield. He has also been involved in coaching at Gustavus and the University of St. Thomas. Tom and

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wo Gusties promoted with T Federal Bureau of Prisons

On January 31, 2012, Federal Bureau of Prisons Director Charles E. Samuels announced executive staff changes that included two Gustavus alumni—Paul Laird ’88, Woodbridge, VA, and Blake Davis ’89, Colorado Springs, CO. Laird has been promoted from assistant director, Industries, Education, and Vocational Training Division (IEVT) to regional director, North Central Region (NCR), and Davis from complex warden FCC to assistant director, CPD. Laird began his career with the Federal Bureau of Prisons as a correctional officer at the Federal Correctional Institution, Phoenix, AZ, in 1988. He became a member of the senior executive service in July 2005 and in April 2007 became assistant director for the Industries, Education, and Vocational Training Division. In this capacity he served as chief operating officer of Federal Prison Industries (FPI) in addition to overseeing education, vocational, and occupational training programs for federal inmates. Laird received a Certificate in Public Administration from the University of Southern California in 2002. He was the recipient of a Bureau of Prisons National Wardens’ Award for Cost Containment Efforts in 2003, and the Attorney General’s Award for Excellence in Information Technology in 2005. He received a Certificate for Senior Managers in Government from the John F. Kennedy School of Government at Harvard University in August 2006. Davis began his career with the Bureau of Prisons in 1988 as a correctional intern in Washington, DC, and FCI Phoenix, AZ. In January 2009, he became a member of the Senior Executive Service. His success is attributed to the aggressive implementation of programs to bolster national security interests in the areas of gang and terrorist management. He has also demonstrated unprecedented leadership in the Bureau of Prisons through innovative fiscal initiatives and facility management. In July 2011, Davis received a Bureau of Prisons National Wardens’ Award for Excellence in Prison Management.

Anderson named board member at C.H. Robinson Worldwide Scott Anderson ’89, Eagan, MN, has been appointed as a board member of C.H. Robinson, a global provider of multimodal transportation services and logistics solutions. Anderson, who received his MBA from Northwestern University’s Kellogg School of Management, currently serves as chairman-elect of the Dental Trade Alliance. Since April 2010, he has been president and chief executive officer of Patterson Companies.

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Karen have three children and six grandchildren. Dale and Barb Knutson Richter, Rochester, MN, say exercises keep then young. Barb volunteers with the Mayo Hospitals Auxiliary, exercises at the Senior Center and is active with Red Hat events. Dale serves on the boards of Samaritan Bethany and the Rochester Senior Center. His favorite exercise facility is the Y. They cruised four Hawaiian Islands and four islands in French Polynesia in February of 2011, and explored India and Nepal last November. Their most unique experience there was getting a ride on a camel and on an elephant. James and Carmen (Jones ’62) Knoble, Estero, FL, winter in southern Florida and spend summers at their lake place in northern Minnesota on Big Sandy Lake. They write that attending Jim’s 50th reunion at Gustavus was a very satisfying event. Their recent travel destinations have included Europe, Kodiak Island, Alaska, and Nevis in the Caribbean. Elsa Cornell, St. Peter, MN, ushered at the Christmas in Christ Chapel service on Saturday which we and numerous classmates attended in December, but then she returned on Sunday to enjoy the concert. She has seven grandchildren (only one is a granddaughter) who range in age from post-college to elementary school age. Jim and Marilynn Clark Tanner, Hot Springs Village, AR, volunteer at church, the Arkansas symphony, and the Repertory Theatre and work in lots of golf, travel, and “walks around the back nine.” Among numerous trips, last July they observed their 50th anniversary in England, Scotland, and Ireland plus a 12-day cruise throughout that area. In May they ventured to Minnesota for our 50th reunion at Gustavus. Robert and JoAnn Schwartz, Chanhassen, MN, remain active at their church. Bob is on the council as finance chair and they both serve on the Thrivent Financial Board. During the past year they traveled with friends to Ixtapa, Mexico, and also to Paris and the southeastern region of France. They have one daughter and two granddaughters. Dr. Milt and Lorna Jafvert Reed, Friendswood, TX, report that Flat Gus, the GAC project that gets into the mail of Gusties all around the world, has passed through Texas. For them, travels were highlighted by journeys to Florida and Minnesota for grandchildren’s events and by a sentimental journey in February 2011 to Cape Kennedy to see the next-to-last space shuttle launch. Milt worked on the shuttle for most of his career. Their son, Eric Kason, and their two grandsons joined them for the historic occasion. nC ommunication Chair: Virgene Grack Sehlin (1961classofficers@gustavus.edu)

Zulkosky named one of ‘five aides to know’ by Roll Call

In the January 27, 2012 issue of Roll Call newspaper, Ann Zulkosky ’93, Washington, DC, was featured in an article written by Anne L. Kim as one of “five aides to know.” Zulkosky is senior professional staff, Senate Commerce Subcommittee on Science and Space. After graduating from Gustavus with a biology major, Zulkosky taught ecology and oceanography and worked as a program coordinator for the Massachusetts Environmental Trust. Before joining the Senate Commerce Committee as a fellow in 2007, she was a marine sciences graduate student at Stony Brook University. Zulkosky is the top aide handling science issues for Democrats on the panel, which deals with oversight of agencies such as NASA and the National Science Foundation and issues such as nanotechnology. She was involved in two major pieces of science legislation in 2010, serving as the point person for Senate Democrats on a 2010 NASA reauthorization and taking the lead for committee Democrats on a reauthorization of federal science and technology research and education programs.

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� u o � r a e � 50

Celebrates lass C The Centennial

Three hundred and seventy-seven first year students set foot on the Gustavus campus in September 1958 to form the Centennial Class of 1962. Four years later, President Edgar Carlson proudly awarded 215 of those students a bachelor’s degree in the Myrum Memorial Field House. A series of “firsts” have found their way into the lives of those who make up the Class of ’62. In 1962, four members of this class signed up for the Peace Corps in its first year. Shortly after graduation, Kay Jurgenson, Jerry Springston, Bruce Thorson, and Bruce Seastrand left for the Philippines, North Borneo, and Ethiopia as volunteers. Just before graduation, Lois Ruotsinoja and Larry Swenson were the first couple married in Christ Chapel, on May 18, 1962. Senior year was the first year at Gustavus for members of the class to attend chapel by choice. In freshman year required chapel was in the “art barn” and sophomore and junior years required chapel was in the Auditorium. It was a first for the Class of ’62 students to attend chapel where there was no attendance taken and no assigned seats. Their baccalaureate was also the first to be held in Christ Chapel. In 2002, the 40th anniversary of graduation, the class’s Leadership Group set high goals including raising enough money to endow a class scholarship at Gustavus. The Class of ’62 Scholarship was the first class to endow a scholarship at Gustavus. It was the first class to also sufficiently fund and award a scholarship in the first year of existence. That same year the class set a goal of raising money for Gustavus through planned gifts and in so doing obtained commitments in excess of $1 million.

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GUSTAVUS ALUMNI

Throughout the class’s 45th anniversary campaign, the class members were motivated by class agent Judy Flom Hill, who wrote, “It’s time to give thanks to our friends and classmates, to the school that gave us those wonderful friends, and to the God who gave us Gustavus.” Since 2002 when the first scholarship was awarded to Alexander Kestly ’05 and presented at the Class Reunion, a total of seven scholars at Gustavus have received the Class of ’62 Scholarship totaling scholarship aid in the amount of $47,521. Honoring their 50th Reunion, this class has once again set high fundraising goals. Gifts to the Annual Fund easily surpassed class goals. Promoting future giving, significant endowment support was realized through numerous gifts to the 1962 Class Scholarship and through several estate and planned gifts. On Commencement Day, May 27, 2012, this Centennial Class will experience yet another first. As they shake hands and congratulate current graduates, the Class of 1962 will pass the torch of leadership and responsibility on to this Sesquicentennial Class of 2012. SUMMER 2012

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5 0th Anniversary: May 25–27, 2012

See a special feature about our class on pages 40–41! nC ommunication Chair: Jan Eiffert Hoomani (1962classofficers@gustavus.edu) Don ’61 and Eunice (Holm) Fultz are once again in Iringa, Tanzania, where they have been involved for many years now in the St. Paul Area Synod (ELCA) mission partner work. Sandy Brown Johnston had a stroke in October affecting her left side. As of early November she was at home recovering, doing physical therapy, and doing better than the doctor’s expectations. Lenore Karstad Adams died December 29 after a lengthy battle with leukemia. She is survived by two sons, Chris and Sean. Paul and Ruth (Anderson) Tillquist recently traveled to Peru and Ecuador, visiting both Machu Picchu and the Galapagos. Lee and Mette Miller report that they traveled extensively last year, including trips to the Philippines and the United States from their home in Denmark. Jan (Hultberg) and Brian Johnson moved in late 2010 to Bella Vista, AR, “where it seems everyone is from someplace else.” Bonnie Lewis McClees writes, “It’s my turn to operate in the middle of a generational sandwich, helping out my 97-year-old mother who still lives at home and ‘sitting’ (ha!) with my baby grands ages 1 and 3.” Don’t think that Bonnie lets the grass grow under her feet—she celebrated her 70th birthday with a week of camping and kayaking on the Oregon coast in late October and planned 10 weeks of desert camping in California with a friend this past winter. Dick Strand has recently gotten his medical license to practice in South Dakota. Karen Pierson Tommeraasen and her husband, Courtney, celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary by joining a pilgrimage group that traveled to the Holy Land, Jordan, and Rome. She says, “It was an incredible experience . . . gave us a new spiritual focus.” They’re looking forward to our 50th reunion in 2013! n Communication Chair: Gary F. Anderson (1963classofficers@gustavus.edu)

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Send class news to

64 1964classofficers@gustavus.edu. The Class of ’65 does not have a lot of news to report. As I pen this in January, many are at their winter island estates or in snowbird land basking in the sun, while I remain home in a record-setting mild winter in Chicagoland. I plead with my classmates not to give a Gerhard T. Alexis once-over for what is written below, but a more gentle Prof. George review. Olene Hanson Bigelow, Maple Grove, retired at the end of July after 21 years with the Masonry Institute in Minnesota. She was honored by the Minnesota Institute of Architects for her work in masonry education over her career. Now we all know to whom we can go with masonry questions and to remember not to confuse cement with concrete. Olene also shares how she was contacted for the College’s annual fund drive by a very pleasant young woman, which should make the alumni staff very happy. Delight Licklider Byrd, Omaha, NE, tells us she has moved from a full-time to a part-time faculty position at Bellevue University. With a name like Delight, I’m sure her colleagues are reluctant to let her go. Beverly Nordskog Hedeen, Plymouth, attended the 105th birthday of her mother in Duluth in late January. Amidst a dining room full of balloons, a guitar player entertained and then a barbershop quartet sang vintage love songs to her. Later that evening her mom enjoyed pizza from her favorite restaurant and was still going strong well into the evening. My guess is everyone else was wiped out. Sue

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REUNION WEEKEND 2012 Friday, May 25

All Alumni Events 12:30–7 p.m. Registration C. Charles Jackson Campus Center 1:30 p.m. Campus Tour Meet at Admission Office, C. Charles Jackson Campus Center 1:30 p.m. Arb Tour Meet at the Melva Lind Interruptive Center. 1:30 p.m. Granlund Sculpture Tour Enjoy a guided walking tour of sculptures by Paul T. Granlund ‘52, Gustavus sculptor-inresidence, 1971–1996. Meet at Christ Chapel 2:30 p.m. Seminar Scott Bur, associate professor in chemistry, Celebrating 50 Years of Nobel Hall of Science: The Evolution of Teaching and Learning Wallenberg Auditorium, Nobel Hall of Science Class of 1962 1 p.m. 1962 Choir Rehearsal Christ Chapel 4 p.m. Class of 1962 Memorial Service Christ Chapel 5 p.m. Class of 1962 Photo Christ Chapel 5:30 p.m. Class of 1962 Reception The Dive, Johnson Student Union 6:30 p.m. Class of 1962 Banquet Alumni Hall 8 p.m. Class of 1962 Post-Banquet Social Alumni Hall Class of 1967 4:30 p.m. Class of 1967 Gathering Linner Lounge O.J. Johnson Student Union 5:30 p.m. Class of 1967 Memorial Service Christ Chapel 6:30 p.m. Class of 1967 Photo Christ Chapel 6:45 p.m. Class of 1967 Social Hour “Meet, Greet, Gab, and Eat” Courtyard Café, C. Charles Jackson Campus Center


GUSTAVUS ALUMNI

SCHEDULE OF EVENTS

50 Year Club—including anniversary classes of 1932, 1937, 1942, 1947, 1952, 1957; The Centennial Class of 1962; The Class of 1967

Saturday, May 26

7-11 a.m. Breakfast à la carte Evelyn Young Dining Room 8:30 a.m.-5 p.m. Registration C. Charles Jackson Campus Center 9 a.m. Seminar Jim Gilbert ’62, visiting instructor in environmental studies, “Interpreting Nature through Gustavus Landscape Classes” Torrey Atrium, Warren & Donna Beck Academic Hall 10 a.m. Refreshments and Conversation Torrey Atrium, Warren & Donna Beck Academic Hall 10:30 a.m. Seminar President Jack R. Ohle and Warren Beck ’67, “Dream with Us for a Greater Gustavus” Torrey Atrium 12 p.m. Alumni Luncheon for 50 Year Club and Class of 1962 Campus Banquet Rooms 12 p.m. Class of 1967 Luncheon Alumni Hall 1:30 p.m. Class of 1942, 1947, 1952 and 1957 Photos Campus Center Stairs 2 p.m. Seminar Kristofer Kracht, director of forensics, and current forensics students, “Forensics: A Multi-classroom Approach to Teaching and Learning” Torrey Atrium 3 p.m. Class of 1967 Gathering Linner Lounge 3 p.m. Class of 1962 Gathering The Dive, Johnson Student Union 3 p.m. Class of 1957 Gathering and Memorial Faculty/Staff Lounge, C. Charles Jackson Campus Center 3 p.m. Class of 1952 Tea Time Gustie Den 3 p.m. Campus Tour Meet at Admission Office C. Charles Jackson Campus Center 3 p.m. Granlund Sculpture Tour Meet at Christ Chapel 3:30 p.m. Vespers Service Christ Chapel

4:30 p.m. President’s Reception Campus Banquet Rooms 5 p.m. Alumni Banquet Presentation of Alumni Association Awards Campus Banquet Rooms 8 p.m. Gustavus Wind Orchestra Concert Björling Recital Hall

2012 Alumni Association Awards announced Greater Gustavus Award • Jon and Anita Thomsen Young ’77 ’77, Eden Prairie, MN, for their volunteer leadership, service, and philanthropy to the College. istinguished Alumni Citations D • Scott Dee ’81, Farwell, MN, professor of veterinary population medicine, University of Minnesota, swine consultant, and international research veterinarian and director at Pipestone Veterinary Clinic • Mark Elfstrom ’01, Anchorage, AK, middle school math and science teacher, recipient of a 2011 Milken Educator Award and finalist for the 2012 Presidential Award for Excellence in Math and Science Teaching • Kurt Elling ’89, New York, NY, Grammy Award-winning vocal jazz artist. First Decade Awards • Amy Brown ’02, Pittsburgh, PA, neonatology fellow at University of Pittsburgh Medical Center • Michael Bland ’02, St. Louis, MO, postdoctoral associate, earth and planetary sciences, Washington University Honorary Gustie • Tom Brown, staff member of the Gustavus Athletics Department as a coach, instructor, and administrator since 1991, and effective June 1, 2012, director of athletics The Alumni Association will present Faculty and Administrator Service and Retirement Awards at a dinner at Gustavus on May 16; they will be featured in the fall issue of the Gustavus Quarterly.

SUMMER 2012

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Widstrom Gamelin, Jamestown, NC, wrote from Taipei, Taiwan, where she and Tim ’63 were visiting the family of their daughter and son-in-law, who teach at Taipei American School. Sue is realizing a call to journey with homeless men and women, most of whom are recovering addicts. She teaches in a shelter for women and in a recovery transitional home for men, many who are vets. Last August, in cooperation with the local community college, she set up an education and job readiness school at the shelter. In her spare time she writes a column for the ELCA’s Gather magazine and is on the campaign trail for Obama’s re-election. No moss is growing near her! Diana Yost Graham, Fridley, is retiring as a school nurse in Brooklyn Center. Students will have to find someone else to take care of their A-Z physical and psychological needs. Paul Hammar, Tucson, AZ, giddy with the warm winter weather there, has agreed to be our class’s Annual Fund Chair. Look for him to also promote our class scholarship fund. As a retired pastor, he was ready to get back to encouraging generosity for the benefit of others. Yeah, Paul! Kathy Collins Jager, Glendale, AZ, traveled to Uganda for two months as a health missionary. She says it was an amazing experience and we applaud her sense of mission. Arlyn Tolzmann and Jeanne (Mingus ’67), Elgin, IL, recently led a tour to Eastern Europe and Poland, where he summed up a visit to Auschwitz in a chilling poem by the same title. Three weeks after the trip he completed a yearlong interim pastorate by doing a rap to wrap up his ministry there. To those of you who found your spouse in the class of ’67, I will see you at the end of May at their 45th reunion. nV ice President: Arlyn Tolzmann (1965classofficers@gustavus.edu)

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We’re seeking class officers! Send class news to 1966classofficers@gustavus.edu

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45th Anniversary: May 25–26, 2012

Jon Magnuson has recently moved from campus ministry to being director of Cedar Tree Institute in northern Michigan. Check it out at www.cedartreeinstitute.org. John Folkerds has been retired for four years following 33 years as pastor in Buffalo. He and his wife have a son who is also a pastor. Harry and Karen (Swenson) Dittler are thoroughly enjoying traveling all over the world. Harry was an underwriter for State Farm for 40 years. They live in Coon Rapids. Bob Karli lives in Austin, TX, and is happy to be able to run races on Sunday mornings now that he’s retired from the ministry. After Richard Nelson retired from 40 years of dentistry, he is now cruising the east coast and I.C.W. in “our UFF DA” trailer, and resides in Flagstaff and Scottsdale, AZ, enjoying five granddaughters. Keith Hammer, Boise, ID, has remained active in the ministry and continues doing interim work. Eric Stenman, Hanover, PA, has been a hospital chaplain for seven years. He and his wife, Joanne, were the first husbandwife team to serve a parish together in the ELCA. Penny Kuehn Fannemel has been a paraprofessional in Aitkin for 20+ years, teaching reading in first grade. She and her husband have three children and seven grandchildren. Sara Jacobson Hensley and her husband moved from California to Hebron, NE, for retirement. Their daughter lives in California. Sara taught for a few years and then worked for Mervyn’s for 22 years. Nancy Pierson Laible, New Brighton, MN, has been retired from her microbiology career for almost 10 years. She and her

HOmecoming & Reunions October 12–14,

2012

Reunions for classes of 1972, 1977, 1982, 1987, 1992, 1997, 2002, and 2007

Information about individual class reunion activities will be included on class Web pages, in the Gustavus Quarterly, in class letters, and on the website at gustavus.edu/homecoming.

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husband, Steve, have two grandsons, ages 1 and 4, who live nearby. Nancy and Steve have been active as volunteers with a Lutheran mission hospital and school located in Bangladesh for the past eight years. Their focus is supporting education for children living in poverty. Lee ’68 and Ginny (Hendrickson) Petersen live in Spring, TX, where Lee is still working as a petroleum geologist. Ginny is an artist. Wouldn’t it be fun to see some of her work? They have four children and three grandchildren. Marie Mikkelson Hanson is a volunteer in a nursing home. She worked in assisted-living facilities for many years. She and her husband, Douglas, have two children and four grandchildren. They live in Arden Hills and enjoy spending time at their cabin near Blackduck. Luther ’65 and Carol (Lindstrom) Luedtke now live in Newton, MA, where Carol runs her own business dealing with cottage furniture and Luther is CEO of Educational Development Center. Their two children and two grandchildren are in California. Sue Griebie Smith lives in St. Paul and is retired but subs in the school where she taught. She and husband, Cliff, are enjoying their two daughters and five grandchildren. Dewey Roach has retired to the beach at Baja Malibu, Rosarito, Baja California, Mexico. Elsie Week Evenson retired from teaching and lives in Neenah, WI, with her husband, Carl. They, like many others, thoroughly enjoy being grandparents. She probably won’t be at the reunion because their family gathers to celebrate the birthday of their twin sons. They have a daughter who is an ELCA pastor in Illinois. Cheryl Klemenhagen Collins and her husband, Donald, have recently moved to Delano where they’re enjoying retirement. They’re on their way to Florida for the first time to get away from winter. They have two sons, one of whom graduated from Gustavus, and two grandsons. Mary Brotherson Adams is now retired after spending her career as a med tech at the VA Hospital in Minneapolis. She and her husband have eight grandchildren. Mary stays fit by doing Zumba classes. They live in Inver Grove Heights. Craig ’66 and Dianne (Friday) Peterson are both retired. They enjoy winter sports while at home in Grand Marais and then travel in their fifth wheel in the spring and fall, so they won’t be at our reunion. They have two daughters and two grandchildren. Nancy Engen Rowley retired from teaching in 2005. She’s a volunteer with a program that does grocery shopping for homebound clients. She and her husband live in Camarillo, CA, and have two daughters and a son and two grandchildren. Unfortunately, Nancy won’t be able to attend the reunion. Joel ’68 and Donna (Davies) Bexell,


GUSTAVUS ALUMNI Cottage Grove, have four daughters and five grandchildren with three more on the way! Donna hopes to be at the reunion, but it will depend on the arrival of twins, due in May. Mary Gray Brinkman retired from being preschool teacher and church secretary in order to take care of sick older relatives. Now she’s enjoying family (four children and three grandchildren) and friends. She and her husband live in Fridley. Karen Langsjoen Zins recently retired from her work at the Gustavus bookstore and is adjusting to a new lifestyle in Nicollet. She, too, enjoys her three grandsons. Her dad is in a nursing home. She and her brother are enjoying going through all of the things he saved over the years. Warren Beck is still working part of the time, but he and Donna (Gabbert ’66) split their time between Greenwood, MN, and Tucson, AZ. They enjoy spending time with their children and four grandchildren. Margo Helgerson is still the mayor of Westhope, ND. She is currently dealing with the influx of people coming to work in the North Dakota oil fields. This includes planning for a new development in the area. Mary Lipke Rodning is busy with grandchildren and with painting in the Haiga (Japanese) style in Semmes, AL. You can access her work at www.maryrodning.com and at www.haigaonline.com. Jon Tollefson attended graduate school at the University of Nebraska, Lincoln, after graduating from Gustavus. He did not finish his graduate degree because of the offer of a three-year, federal job he could not refuse. When the job ended, he returned to graduate school at Iowa State University. After earning a Ph.D. in 1975, he remained at ISU as a faculty member. Jon conducted research on the management of insect pests of corn and taught graduate and undergraduate students for 35 years. He is now trying to adjust to sitting around home. Jane Forsman Harrison has taught school in Cambridge and St. Cloud and worked as an administrative assistant. Her current position is a customer service representative for Land’s End. For the past five years she has been active in a Guatemalan women’s cooperative, which includes traveling to Guatemala. Jane has been active in her church. Two of her children have attended Gustavus. She is currently trying to decide when and how to retire. Karl Kaukis has worked for a number of companies in the line of business marketing. He has two sons, one who works in computer programming and one who is working on graduate degrees in math and statistics. Dennis Oltmans worked with a power company and is now retired. He picks up some occasional work that he says “keeps them in resources to travel.”

Gary Wollschlager attended law school at the University of Minnesota after his graduation from Gustavus. His first practice was in Phoenix. Gary started the practice with a partner and, after ten years, the firm had grown to include five attorneys. Gary then left the firm to raise his children in his hometown of Fairmont, MN. Gary’s three children attended Gustavus. When asked if that was their idea or his, he replied that it was a little of both. After leaving Gustavus, Chip Weseloh earned an M.S. at Michigan Tech and a Ph.D. from the University of Calgary. He is an ornithologist and has remained in Canada, living in Toronto. Tom Toftey taught in Madison, WI, for 11 years and then spent 20+ years working at the American Medical Association in Chicago. Ten years ago Tom started a consulting company (creatively called Toftey Consulting) specializing in qualitative research−moderating focus groups and conducting in-depth interviews with professionals and consumers around the country. He and his wife, Jane (Hansen ’68), live in Winfield, IL. They are grandparents of two granddaughters and one grandson. n Submitted by the 45th Reunion Committee (1967classofficers@gustavus.edu)

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Send class news to 1968classofficers@gustavus.edu

Faint images of winter dash in to threaten our unusual season with a few determined snow flurries or a temperature flirting with zero, but for the most part our extended fall seems to be shifting into spring without stopping to offer even a brief recollection of arctic weather. Dry, brown fields may silence snowmobiles and stop skiers as thinning ice cracks under sullen fishermen, but bits and pieces of news still make their way back to Gustavus. We enjoyed a telephone call during Christmas with Michael Dobbs, who lamented that his summer trek from steamy St. Louis to Minnesota found friends John and Karen Knox in Alaska rather than in Mankato as he had hoped. Traveling north, Mike discovered that Steve and Rosemary Guttormsson were not at home in Duluth but in the midst of a summer visit to Iceland and Sweden. He did enjoy a reunion with Larry and Chris Rossow and was fortunate to also visit with Dr. Arne Langsjoenn. Thinking ahead, Mike notes that “perhaps next summer I won’t announce my arrival so far in advance.” Tim Bloomquist continues to serve Minnesota in his role as chief judge of the state’s Tenth Judicial District. Tim and Sandra Leasure ’70 make their home in Cambridge. Greg

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Benson reports that he continues to enjoy life in Scandia in his fifth year of retirement from First State Bank and Trust in Bayport. In addition to hunting, fishing, hiking, golf, and cross-country skiing (on wheels this winter), he spends time working with nonprofit organizations in the St. Croix Valley when not in Florida visiting their youngest son. Happily, there’s still time for grandchildren, as he recalls that retirement enables “Mary and I to enjoy our boys and grandkids.” Cynthia Blomquist Gustavson continues to live in Tulsa where she published a workbook for young bullies and their victims this past December. Bully: The Big Book for Bullies and the Bullied, is designed to be used in schools and churches with children from ages 8–18. Her workbook uses “stories, poems, and cartoons of both bullies and the bullied to help them write and draw in response to subjects such as compassion, authority, communications, assertiveness, and self-understanding.” The book offers a forward written by Cynthia’s husband, Ed Gustavson ’66, who practices as a developmental pediatrician. The workbook is published by Blooming Twig Books (www.bloomingtwig) in New York and is available from the publisher or directly from Cynthia at www. cynthiagustavson.com. Cynthia reports that she has completed a chapter for a graduate text in social work. “The Use of Poetry Therapy for the Treatment of Sexual Abuse Trauma” will be included in Expressive Therapies for Sexual Issues: a Social Work Perspective, edited by Sara Lowe, to be published this spring. Cynthia continues to enjoy success through the publication of her six-part poetry therapy series, InVersing Your Life, and her book of poems, Please Use This for Children and Not for War and Guns, which are among the bestselling Amazon e-books. Amidst the joy of our reunions, the pleasures of our lives, and the recognition of our maturing talents are also the loss of friends we will not see again. Our envelope of shared class news included a note from Mary Wynnemer Davis announcing the death of her husband, Greg, of cancer on January 11, 2011. We’ll recall Greg’s sense of humor, his entrepreneurial spirit, and his willingness to test the laws of physics. Let us hold Mary and their two daughters in our hearts and prayers. May we offer our blessing for them, and for us all, as we continue our journey. n Communication Chair: Jane Leitzman (1969classofficers@gustavus.edu)

SUMMER 2012

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Perry Schroeder has just completed 30 years of service as deputy county auditor for Watonwan County in St. James, MN. Tim ’69 and Sandra Leasure Bloomquist checked in. Tim is chief judge of the Tenth Judicial District in Minnesota. Tom and Allene Munson Waldorf dropped us a note indicating that Tom is a world language instructor for Bozeman High School, Bozeman, MT, and Allene retired last April as a registered nurse in the Periop Department of Deaconess Hospital after 30 years. Brian Carlson is still in the private practice of medicine (anatomical and clinical pathology) in middle Tennessee. Karl Anderson is semi-retired and owns Spin & Sparkle Laundromat in Taos, NM. Jane Bader DeStaercke recently retired after 39 years of teaching high school English. Sue Gavere Davis is working as an investment operations assistant for Minnesota Philanthropy Partners. n Class President: Scott Lichty (1970classofficers@gustavus.edu)

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It’s February as I write this class news. I returned recently from an incredible adventure with the Gustavus Orchestra in South Africa! What a great time! I’ve always been very proud to be a Gustie, but the young men and women of the orchestra made me especially proud, as did the members of the Gustavus Choir as we toured in Italy last year! What a wonderful group! Not only did they perform beautifully but it was so heartwarming to see their interactions with school children after their performances! This trip was a gift from my Mom and Dad for all the caregiving I’ve done in the last year. Ironically, just before Christmas my mom developed aspirational pneumonia, entered hospice care at home, and died 11 days later. Her funeral was the next week and I left for South Africa the next day. I know many of you have dealt with the death of a parent or both parents and I empathize with the feelings of loss. I am personally very thankful to have had a wonderful mother for 62 years! It was so nice to have Bob Teerink, Linda Nordlund Pedersen, Robyn Wieman Hansen, Brad Janzen, and Dean “Pete” Peterson at her funeral! (Pete has been an Ameriprise financial adviser for my folks for many years and it was only a couple years ago I realized Pete and Dean were one and the same!) Here’s the latest we’ve heard from some of our ’71 friends: Linda Gruber Fritz writes, “My husband Tom and I decided on ‘one last stage of life’ and to do it while we still can. We bought a ranch in southwest Colorado and are enjoying horses, wildlife, tractors, and learning

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to be good stewards of the land. It is in Bayfield, Colorado, just outside of Durango. Still going strong!” Lenore White Flinn continues to practice law in Hutchinson. She and her husband, Steve, have three daughters, Kelly, Stephanie, and Erica. Stephanie ’03 and husband Brian ’04 Beckman are both Gusties. Erica ’10, also a Gustie, is looking for work in her major, biology research, living with Stephanie and Brian, and working as a part-time nanny. Steve continues to practice dentistry. Goals for the year include trying to keep from going in circles, a little more time off together, and keeping track of everyone! Jane Ohnstad Douglas writes, “Retirement is wonderful. Lots of time to spend with family and friends. See a bit of the USA while traveling with our little teardrop travel trailer called a T & B. Getting lots of stares and many comments about how cute it is! We may do Route 66 from beginning to end in the late summer and early fall (Chicago to San Diego) but we’ll have to watch gas prices!” That road trip has been on my “to do” list for a long time, Jane! How fun! Linda Carlson Odegard is busy with board work for the Friends of the University of Minnesota Libraries, BestPrep, and the St. Paul Chamber Orchestra’s Governing Members. As a former president she also does what she can for the Minnesota Literacy Council. In August of 2011 Mark Bernhardson celebrated his 20th anniversary as Bloomington city manager. He currently serves as chair of the Board of Trustees for Gustavus. He and Ivy (Schutz ’73) live in Bloomington. Ivy is a district court judge in Hennepin County. Their son Andrew ’05, a doctor in the U.S. Navy, will be deployed to Afghanistan in March for a 10-month assignment. Daughter Jenna works for Booz Allen Hamilton Consulting in San Diego. Judy Barnes continues to work in real estate in Hammock Dunes, an oceanfront golf community. In between visiting grandkids she finds time to play golf. She says that as her age increases her handicap does as well! Nonetheless, she thoroughly enjoys the game and living the Florida lifestyle! And, speaking of Florida, Jana Soeldner Danger continues to write interior design stories and a society column for the Miami Herald and articles for regional magazines and serves as a press liaison for the Greater Fort Lauderdale chapter of the Chaine des Rotisseurs, an international food and wine group. Jana also writes restaurant reviews for South Florida Gourmet, an online food and wine publication. “On the other side of life,” Jana writes, “I also am a substitute teacher in low-income urban high schools, witnessing what life is like for kids who speak little English, others who may be living on their

own without parental help or with parents who are actually more of a burden than a help, and some who experience shootings in their neighborhoods on a fairly regular basis. I have learned that life can truly be a series of contradictions!” Gerald Lowell and husband, Mitchell Block, have retired to Seville, Spain, having permanently left the United States. He writes, “We arrived in July of 2011 and are renting a wonderful apartment in the central part of the city that overlooks Plaza de la Gavidia. Mitchell is quite fluent in Spanish but I have a very, very long way to go. I did make a visit to the pharmacy yesterday and talked only in Spanish−a major accomplishment for me!” Carol Saeger Gercke had this to share, “Over 60 and STILL working. I have been working in the same NICU for 23 years as part-time as I am allowed, but always willing to get time-and-a-half pay when possible. I continue to play tennis a lot. My two daughters live in Denver—the oldest is a principal dancer with Colorado Ballet and, with her husband, owns a dance academy. They have an almost-2-year-old son who is the love of my life. My younger daughter is single and a flight attendant for Sky West, which gives me the opportunity to travel for free, a great benefit! She has just adopted a boxer puppy, to be friends with my Bichon and the two boxers my other daughter and son-in law have. Never a dull moment. I was at Gustavus for our 40th reunion—a real disappointment to see it be so poorly attended. But it was fun to back on campus to see all the changes and have that feeling of connection to the school.” Susan Engel Jennings retired one year ago after 20 years as administrative assistant to the Roseau Police Department. She and her husband, Bill, spend winters in Florida, and their Minnesota time is busy with hospital volunteer work, church council for Bill, and four “fantastic” grandchildren. Two of them live in Roseau and the other two are in Grand Forks, ND— just a two-hour drive away. Clay Larson is working for RSP Architects in Minneapolis. He enjoyed playing golf at our reunion with Mike Ablan, Bill Jackson, and Brian Wohlrabe at Shoreland. Last summer his middle daughter had twins, so he now has two grandchildren. His wife is retired but, “I still like working,” Clay writes. Dean Jackson writes, “I retired after teaching intermediate school for 38 years, 33 of which were in Coon Rapids, Iowa. Traveling, hunting, guiding, fishing, and enjoying my family have kept me occupied! I am currently vacationing for three months in Tanzania with my Gustie cousins, the Peterson brothers, David ’73, Thad ’78, and Mike ’82. Life is good!” Joan Sandberg Smith is living in Singapore for the third time! Husband Paul has retired three times


GUSTAVUS ALUMNI and has yet again been hired by Caterpillar Logistics for a warehouse project in Singapore. While he’s at work, Joan visits some of the old spots she remembers from 35 years ago and delights in seeing new ones as well! Susan Mortenson Gavle writes, “Ah, the wonders of technology! I received your e-mail while sitting in Lima, Peru! Retirement is great as we head to Machu Picchu and the Galapagos Islands!” Billee Kraut continues to work with her husband on their music business in their music barn in Minnetonka. She writes, “If anyone wants to see what I’ve been up to they can go to www.billeeboat.com. ‘Hi’ to all my Gustie friends! I have very fond memories of my time at Gustavus!” (And we all will look forward to seeing Billee and all the rest of our classmates at our 45th reunion in 2016!) Dave Miller would really like to hear from Golden Gusties from the ’71 era. “Are you out there?” he asks. His e-mail: pbso48@aol.com. John Hagberg retired as a pastor of the ELCA in June of 2011 after 36 years in the ministry, 30 of them at St. Mark’s in Sioux City, Iowa. Cory Muth Jepsen-Hobbs continues to enjoy her work in oncology and hematology as a nurse practitioner. She also enjoys spinning and zumba! Speaking of nurse practitioners, my dad has been a patient of Kathryn Rydland Gilbertson a number of times! Talk about kind, caring, and compassionate! (Well, of course! She’s the Kathy we knew—and a Gustie nurse, too!) Nancy Sandeen Tarbox enjoys getting away to Florida. She reminded me that her dad and my folks were in the same Gustie class! From Carole Biehl Yakim we hear, “I retired from teaching elementary students after 35 years. I have two sons and a 14 year-old grandson. My husband and I just returned from Hawaii where he finished the Maui marathon, making that the 50th state in which he’d run a marathon.” Kim Pinkham writes, “I have been retired from the University of Minnesota for three years after 36 wonderful years of clinical and research lab work in pediatric nephrology. I guess I couldn’t stay away so I’m back part-time (‘temp-casual’) scheduling my own hours to help out during a busy last 10 months. I’m still trying to figure out what to do with my life, as retirement is not at all as easy as I thought it would be. My one constant passion is being a Sunday School teacher at Normandale Lutheran in Edina. This is my 16th year of teaching and it just never gets old! This Sunday I’m having a Mardi Gras party to teach the origins of Shrove Tuesday and the meaning of Ash Wednesday and Lent. My favorite lesson, however, is my class on Palm Sunday, in which I do a full Jewish Passover Seder celebration for the students

Twin Cities and St. Peter-Mankato Area Gustie Breakfasts Join other Gusties for a morning cup of coffee and breakfast while getting an update on Gustavus—a great way to meet and network with Gusties in the Twin Cities and the St. Peter/Mankato area. The St. Peter breakfasts will be held the second Wednesday of each month, the Twin Cities on the third Wednesday of each month.

Twin Cities Gustie Breakfasts Third Wednesday of each month

St. PeterMankato area Gustie Breakfasts

Second Wednesday of each month Doubletree Hotel* Minneapolis-Park Place 1500 Park Place Boulevard (Hwy. 394 & Hwy. 100)

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

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

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

scheduled speakers

scheduled speakers

May 16, 2012 Dennis Johnson ’60, former Gustavus president

May 9, 2012 Dennis Johnson ’60, former Gustavus president

June 20, 2012 Kristofer Kracht, director of forensics and summer academic programs

June 13, 2012 Kristofer Kracht, director of forensics and summer academic programs

July 18, 2012 Tom Brown, director of athletics

July 11, 2012 Tom Brown, director of athletics

August 15, 2012 Mike Wobschall ’06, written content coordinator, vikings.com

August 8, 2012 Mike Wobschall ’06, written content coordinator, vikings.com

* Starting in September, Twin Cities Breakfast will be held at the American Swedish Institute at 7:30 a.m.

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

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and their parents. Awesome lesson on the full meaning of Holy Week and Easter that is brought to life in the Seder! I guess I’ve never been one to follow the rules and a set curriculum. I am also active on various church committees and these things keep me pretty busy. In between times I like to read, goof around with friends and my son, Christopher (27), and husband Bob, vacation ‘up north,’ and crab about the winter. Sometimes I wish I could go back to Gustavus—this time to actually study (what a thought!) and apply myself!” Dennis and Mary Jo Murphy Murphy split their time in Idaho between McCall (mountain sports) and Meridian (where grandchildren are their sport). They missed our 40th reunion last fall but did make a Minnesota trip in August for the “festive mini-reunion wedding of Judy Broad’s daughter. Mark Anderson is a shareholder at Jacobson, Buffalo, Magnuson, Anderson and Hogen in St. Paul. His youngest is considering colleges, including Gustavus. Carol Hamrum Rutz and her husband, Roland, moved to a log house in rural Northfield recently. She continues to be director of the writing program at Carleton College. Irene Hartfield is CEO of Webgoddess.net, a Web design and SEO firm. She is also chair of the Ely Winter Festival, a 10-day celebration of winter in Ely. She has recently been chosen to participate in the Blandin Community Leadership Program. Karen Leonardson Borre writes, “For my first year in business on my own (ShapeShifters Consulting) I met my revenue goal. Many of my clients are former employees of my former company who’ve tracked me down to deliver their sales training for them. Bob and I continue to work on ‘this old house’ with an actual end in sight. (Well, maybe two more years.) That is ‘end’ for us. Kids, Ryan and Robyn Borre Winner ’02 are doing well with family and jobs. Cheryl Salmela Kautt retired from teaching kindergarten in Mankato. Bill is retired from counseling in the St. Peter schools and is in a second career as associate director of management services for the Minnesota School Boards Association located in St. Peter. Mike Ablan writes, “My four children are spread out in the United States and all seem to be very happy. We get together often. I am celebrating my 38th year practicing law, being licensed in Minnesota and Wisconsin. I handle mainly civil litigation and tax controversies. My wife, Jeneen, and I thoroughly enjoyed the last class reunion and cannot wait for the next one! I know why: Jeneen had one of the best scores in our foursome! There’s more personal information on my website at www.Ablan.com.” (I think everyone enjoyed the last reunion, Mike! And, considering how time is racing by, four years will

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unfortunately go by pretty quickly and we’ll be having our 45th!) Mary Parkin Rasmussen continues as a substitute teacher and enjoys spending time with her two granddaughters. She’s also active in her church, Cathedral Choir, and Global Missions. Marcia Bomgren Bussey is still teaching math and coaching tennis in the Chicago area. Drue Hagstrom Gisvold writes, “The sad news is that Mike Gisvold died in 2009. I have moved back to Deephaven and am currently working parttime at Turnstyle in Eden Prairie. I volunteer and am on the boards of two historical societies, Deephaven Historical Society and Lake Minnetonka Historical Society. I also volunteer at Excelsior’s food shelf. These activities along with a pretty active social life keep me quite busy!” Rachel Peterson Jones writes, “I retired from nursing in Wausau, WI. We then moved to a hobby farm in northern Wisconsin and started raising llamas. We have since moved to Montana and back with six of our wooly friends, presently living near Tomahawk. I shear, card, spin, and knit with their fiber and thoroughly enjoy the llamas and their aristocratic personalities. We enjoy the great outdoors, especially snowshoeing and biking. Volunteering, quilting, and teaching knitting classes in town keep me busy and life is good!” Jerold Wright is still working as a CRP(R) in metro Chicago with clients in Arizona and California, specializing in business and personal insurance solutions. Since leaving Gustavus he’s traveled to Italy and Sicily a couple of times, Sardinia, Spain, Malta, Monte Carlo, France, and North Africa and spent a short time in Amsterdam as well. When not traveling, Jerold enjoys foreign films and listening to jazz. Last fall he attended the Catalina Jazz Festival in California. Another hobby is working as a wine consultant; he’s currently looking for a location to open a small wine store. “Take care and the best to all!” he writes. Norm Quinn writes, “I have been doing consulting with my wife. Finished a census of those making a living fishing in the Virgin Islands funded by NOAA and presented a paper on that work in November in Puerto Morales at the annual meeting of the Gulf and Caribbean Fisheries Institute. We’re still in the process of selling our St. Thomas house.” You may recall Warren Borchert works for Mystic Saddle Ranch as a horse packer/riding guide in the Sawtooth Mountains of Idaho, near Stanley. They have corrals near Redfish Lake with a variety of rides and pack trips overnight or longer. Log onto MSR.com for information if you’d like. A magazine called American Cowboy came out with an issue in August of 2010 that featured Tom Selleck on the cover and had a story about Mystic Saddle Ranch, which included two pictures of Warren.

Last September Idaho Public Television spent three days filming and recording work and trails. Campers often come to go riding from Luther Heights Bible Camp, a camp which has often had counselors who are Gusties! For the support of Gustavus, I thank you once again! Keep in touch! n Class President: Bruce Johnson (1971classofficers@gustavus.edu)

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40th Anniversary: Oct. 12–14, 2012

Bob Radl sent a very nice note with plenty of activity. He was appointed to a threeyear term as an advisory board member to the Criminal Justice Department at the University of Akron, OH, is an adviser to the public safety program at the Joint Career Center in Green, OH, is on the outreach committee of his church, attended the 50th anniversary of the Peace Corps in Washington, DC, in 2011, and is an active member of the Northeast Ohio Returned Peace Corps Association. Mark Phillips lives in Oakdale, MN, and was appointed by the Governor to be Commissioner of Employment and Economic Development for the state, a very nice and I’m sure well deserved honor. Jon Skaalen is now working for the VMA Minnesota and living in Stillwater. Marty Odden Voshell reported that she had retired in December 2011. Marty will be enjoying her retirement living in Cumberland, WI. Marlys Sorenson is finishing up her 40th year of teaching third grade in Paynesville, MN. Karen Johnson Elshazly served as director of international programs for the American Refugee Committee from 1979 to 2007 and continues to volunteer in their headquarters in Minneapolis and internationally, as well as volunteer for several other humanitarian organizations. Linda Heitman Papik is the laboratory manager at the Arthritis Center of Nebraska in Lincoln and lives in Crete, NE, where she is the proud grandmother of two 3-year old grandsons. I believe many of us may need those arthritis services in the future, so we appreciate what you’re doing, Linda. Gioia Hauitz Egan and her husband, Dennis, are retired in Fairfax, VA, but staying busy volunteering for their church and the city of Fairfax. They are staying busy with a 5-year-old granddaughter and 1-year-old grandson, but also finding time to bike, bowl, golf, read, and hike (including 40 miles of the Appalachian Trail in Virginia). Amazing how busy you can be when retired. Arla Walton Prestin is also retired from her teaching position and enjoys Jazzercise and walks with husband Dick ’71. Between reading, family, church, and community commitments, she’s plenty busy. Corinne “Cory” Johnson Tate works


GUSTAVUS ALUMNI as a physical therapist (another person we all may need in the future) at Fairview and her husband, Doug, is a pediatrician. Son Christopher and his wife live in Des Moines and son Alex is a senior at Gustavus. Steve Fischer has the right idea: he is planning on retiring soon and heading to Costa Rica. Any input or feedback is appreciated, so make sure you send any additional news to the College and me. nC ommunication Chair: Todd Dokken (1972classofficers@gustavus.edu)

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Class officers needed. Send class news to 1973classofficers@gustavus.edu.

As a collective class, most of us already have celebrated or will be celebrating a milestone birthday in 2012. Our memories of life on the Hill remain fresh, and we welcome the opportunity to read about our journeys the last several decades through the Quarterly AND, now, via Facebook through the group

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1974 Gusties! Here are a few classmate updates: Cindy Stephenson Toppin is vice president of Lifetrack Resources. After a varied career in business, law, and government, in Washington, DC, Los Angeles, CA, and Miami, FL, Mark Warren now lives in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains near Charlottesville, VA, where he raises Black Angus cattle. Dyan LeVander Lawlor is a full-time pastor in Collegeville, PA. Dave Hedlin is in his 25th

s Bend in the River Big Band announces summer schedule; will play at Homecoming 2012 The Bend in the River Big Band, a band made up mainly of Gustavus alumni musicians, has announced its summer schedule, highlighted by a fall performance at Gustavus on Homecoming, October 13. Pictured, front row from left, are Chuck Linderkamp ’86, Bruce Olson ’76, Paul Rippe ’82, Becky Schmidt Weiland ’88, Linnea Nelson Marrin ’08, and conductor Bob Hallquist (who directed the Gustavus Band for one year). In the second row are Ed Johnson, Pete Karstad ’85, Chris Sasik ’86, Keith Nelson ’86, Mark Mohwinkel ’80, John Zschunke, Alex Lindstrom ’99, and David Miller ’80. In the back row are Steve Truran ’87, Phil Belin ’82, Mike Supple, John Egnell ’78, and Ben Anderson ’98. Learn more at www.brbb.org.

BRBB’s summer schedule is: Centennial Lakes (Edina), Wednesday, June 6, 7–8:30 p.m. Jazz on the Prairie, Staring Lake Park (Eden Prairie), Sunday, June 10, 4–5 p.m. Wolfe Park (St. Louis Park), Wednesday, June 27, 7 p.m. Hopkins Park, Thursday, June 28, 7 p.m. Excelsior Commons, Tuesday, July 10, 7–8:30 p.m. Como Park (St. Paul), Tuesday, July 24, 7–8:30 p.m. Wayzata Depot, Wednesday, July 25, 7–8:30 p.m. Minnetonka Amphitheater, Tuesday, July 31, 7 p.m. Faribault Park, Thursday, August 2, 7–8:30 p.m. Lake Harriet Bandshell, Monday, August 6, 7:30–9 p.m. Minnesota State Fair (DNR Stage), Friday, August 24, 10 a.m.–9 p.m. (all day) Gustavus Homecoming, Saturday, October 13, 7 p.m., Björling Concert Hall

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year of serving Peace Lutheran Church of New Lenox, IL. JoAnn Carter Vucinovich is now retired from teaching and enjoys being an artist-in-residence and a grandmother. Robin Stender is working as an RN at VAHCC in the addictive disorders outpatient clinic. Russ and Jan (Ledin) Michaletz accompanied the Gustavus Symphony Orchestra on its 13-day concert tour of South Africa during January Term. Their youngest son, Peter, plays in the orchestra. The group spent time in the Cape Town area (amazing wineries!) and also Johannesburg. Most vivid memory: school children mobbing the Gusties and their musical instruments. The “Companion Tour” consisted of mostly alumni and friends. nC ommunication Co-chairs: Rita Ferguson Maehling and Chris Mathieu (1974classofficers@gustavus.edu)

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Class officers needed. Send class news to 1975classofficers@gustavus.du.

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Class officers needed. Send class news to 1976classofficers@gustavus.edu.

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3 5th Anniversary: Oct. 12-14, 2012

Briefly, starting with myself, the past 35 years have been blessed by 30 years of marriage to spouse Kit (Stoutenburgh), and the pleasure of two wonderful children, Bethany (23), St. Olaf grad, and Chris (19), freshman at Gustavus, but also the agony of having another son, Sammy, pass away 14 years ago. After graduating from Gustavus, I was in a couple of different graduate school programs at the University of Minnesota (a master’s program in recreation and outdoor education and then dentistry) before eventually completing my doctorate in clinical psychology in 1997. For the past 30 years I have been working in the mental health field, in settings that have varied from inpatient locked psychiatric units to outpatient group practices. In 2002, I incorporated and now have a private practice, New Day Counseling Clinic in Edina. Kit has been teaching with the Edina Public Schools for the past 25 plus years and currently serves as the gifted resource teacher for Valley View Middle School. David Linnes-Bagley has retired as a manager with Delta/Northwest Airlines. Sanford “Sandy” Nelson has been principal of Rossman Elementary School in the Detroit Lakes School District since 1999. He was selected as Minnesota’s National Distinguished Principal in 2010. Sandy has been a leader in the Minnesota education

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community for 21 years. He received his Specialist Type D Certificate of Elementary and Secondary School Administration from Colorado State University in Fort Collins, CO, and his master’s of science in curriculum and instruction from St. Cloud State University. Congratulations to Kay Nord Hunt, who was elected to a two-year term on the board of directors of Lommen, Abdo, Cole, King & Stageberg, P.A., a trial, business, and entertainment law firm with offices in Minneapolis, Hudson WI, and New York City. Kay is new to the board. Also, Best Lawyers has named Kay as the “Minneapolis Best Lawyers Appellate Practice Lawyer of the Year” for 2012! Best Lawyers is one of the oldest and most respected peer-review publications in the legal profession. Having handled more than 500 appeals in state and federal courts, Kay has managed appeals in virtually every area of law. Among the areas she represents are clients in disputes involving securities, liens, insurance, employment, contracts, bankruptcy, family law, and medical malpractice. Kay is also a member of the American Academy of Appellate Lawyers, is in the list of Top 100 Minnesota Super Lawyers, and is included in the Super Lawyers list in the area of appellate advocacy. She is also an adjunct professor at the University of St. Thomas School of Law. Okay, so hopefully this update about everyone is accurate. Please e-mail corrections or additions. If anyone sent information and was not included in this letter, I apologize and please resend. Updates are welcomed from all of you. Our 35th reunion is scheduled Oct. 12–14, 2012. Please contact me (dolson12@comcast.net) to volunteer some of your time and ideas for our reunion. Finally, at this time, I am the only class officer for our class! (Which is a little frightening, don’t you think?). Anyone else having interest in helping out in some capacity is sincerely being requested, particularly as the old Class Agent model has been expanded to five class officers now, including Class President, VP/Reunion Chair, Communication Chair, Annual Fund Chair, and Student Recruitment Chair (with each of those chairs intended to oversee a committee of volunteers). So . . . our class is a bit “understaffed,” with only me stepping up at this point. Obviously there are plenty of areas for others to get involved in some capacity to help make good things happen! Please contact me or the Alumni Relations office for more information, questions, or to volunteer your time and talents! Sincere thanks! In the meantime, live well, make a difference, and Make Your Life Count! Go Gusties! n Class President: Dave “Ole” Olson (1977classofficers@gustavus.edu)

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Class officers needed. Send class news to 1978classofficers@gustavus.edu.

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Class officers needed. Send class news to 1979classofficers@gustavus.edu.

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Class officers needed. Send class news to 1980classofficers@gustavus.edu.

Each time the Quarterly arrives, I immediately turn to the pages with the class news. Reading about people’s happenings, where they are now, what great accomplishments they have had, and life changes has always been one of the highlights of the Quarterly. As I sit down to write this for the summer edition, this time the news is slim so I encourage you to submit updates to the College via the website gustavus.edu/alumni/ class/1981, or on our Gustavus Class 1981 Facebook page, or send news anytime directly to me (lori@euro-nest.com). So for this edition I can report that the Class of ’81 continues to see each other in the Twin Cities—in January some classmates were able to gather in Edina for a “mini reunion” with the Class of ’82 at the “Pig & Fiddle” (sorry to have missed that one). And, some classmates were able to participate in a curling event in April in St. Paul (can’t report on this yet because my timing for writing this is mid-February—so stay tuned for updates in the fall Quarterly). We did hear from Scott Klein, who is in Oklahoma, that he was an adjudicator last June for the 2011 American Association of Community Theatres National Festival in Rochester, NY—way to go Scott! Debra Delgehausen Wagner is the small group director at Calvary Lutheran Church in Golden Valley, MN. Those involved with the planning for reunions are already discussing the 35th. (YES, that will be here before we know it!) Our great leaders are also lending a hand to the Class of ’82 with their 30th. (Do we think we don’t want to ‘leave the reunion high’?) We know that there will be more mini reunions, blending classes around us for social events and reconnecting; follow this on the gustavus.edu/alumni/class/1981 or Gustavus Class 1981 Facebook page. I have to say, at first I wasn’t too keen on all this social media stuff, just one more thing I need to “follow” or check on my laptop, iPad, or computer. But . . . now I find it so great to keep up with friends, especially reconnecting with Gustie friends. In the busy days of normal life, it takes me back with a smile to those days in the Caf or on the mall or in chapel. You can just send a news blurb, or a memory, or an update, or

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GUSTAVUS ALUMNI favorite thing in your life. Can be simple, elaborate or just fun—news is news! I encourage you to reconnect with one person that you haven’t talked to or seen in a long time from the Class of ’81. Update us on your happenings and we will report your news. nC ommunication Chair: Lori Rutter Anderson (1981classofficers@gustavus. edu)

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3 0th Anniversary: Oct. 12–14, 2012

Classmates, just a reminder that we are planning our 30th-anniversary class reunion and are looking forward to seeing everyone on October 12–14. If you want any information or want to help with the planning, contact Richard Olson at ROlson@BSMschool.org or JC Anderson at JC.Anderson@gpmlaw.com. In the meantime, here is some class news (please send your information for our next submission): Margaret Fabre Liebl was named teacher of the year in the Ada-Borup school district. Margaret is a kindergarten teacher. Anne Jones Boyd is living in Rancho Cordova, CA, and working at Rudolf Steiner College in Fair Oaks, CA. Karen Mathias Saboe, who received her MSN in nursing from the University of Pennsylvania in 1989, is working at Children’s Hospital, Minneapolis. Karen led the development of the only mobile simulation program in the nation dedicated to training in pediatric and neonatal emergencies. She has completed specialized simulation and debriefing training at Stanford’s Center for Advanced Pediatric Education. Recently Karen was in St. Peter with Children’s Mobile Simulation Center to provide Pediatric Simulation Team Training. During a tour to River’s Edge Hospital with Commission members, Kay Wold Moline ’56 came aboard the bus and they had a wonderful visit. Bruce and Betsy (Setzer) Olson are living in Milwaukee where Betsy is busy with volunteer activities and Bruce is a portfolio manager for Wells Fargo Advantage Growth Fund. Tom Swansson is living in Woodbury and working with Tampica. Tom and Shelly’s son, Grant, is a freshman at Luther College. Jim Bjork, Chanhassen, recently joined Tysvar, a privately-held strategic advisory firm focused on emerging business opportunities in the new green economy and health care. Tim Dittberner stepped down this season from coaching the New Prague boys’ basketball team. He wanted to spend time with his wonderful family. Tim is the principal of the New Prague Middle School. Tim and Jane’s older

Gustavus Summer Sesquicentennial celebration events Sesquicentennial Celebration events are scheduled for alumni, parents, friends, and students this summer to celebrate the 150th anniversary of the College. All events will include a College update and sesquicentennial presentation by President Jack Ohle. Invitations will be sent to each chapter. Visit the Sesquicentennial website at gustavus. edu/150, or call the Office of Alumni Relations at 800-487-8437. Rochester, MN June 5, 6–8:30 pm Somerby Golf Club, Byron 975 Sumerby Parkway Northeast

Omaha, NE June 26, 6–8:30 pm Spezia Restaurant 3125 South 72nd Street

St. Cloud, MN June 18, 6–8:30 pm St. Cloud Civic Center 10 4th Avenue South

Des Moines, IA June 27, 6–8:30 pm The Wakonda Club 3915 Fleur Drive

Willmar, MN June 19, 6–8:30 pm The Oaks at Eagle Creek 1000 26th Avenue Northeast

Grand Rapids, MN July 16, 6–8:30 pm Timberlake Lodge Hotel 144 Southeast 17th

Fargo/Moorhead June 20, 6–8:30 pm Stokers at Hotel Donaldson 101 Broadway, Fargo, ND

Duluth, MN July 17, 6–8:30 pm Clyde Park Restaurant 2920 West Michigan Street

Sioux Falls, SD June 25, 6–8:30 pm Minerva’s Restaurant and Bar 301 S. Phillips Avenue Southeast

son, Sam, is a junior at St. John’s, their younger son, Alec, is a freshman at UMD, and their daughter, Anne, is a junior at New Prague. Marcia Page, Edina, is working for Vardee Partners and is getting used to having just John Huepenbecker ’80 and Laura, a freshman at Southview Middle School, at home. John and Marcia’s oldest daughter, Sara, is a senior at the University of Pennsylvania, and their middle daughter, Kristen, is a freshman at DePauw University. I recently had the opportunity to spend a day with John and his 1979– 80 roommates—Steve Swansson, Greg Roberts, Brad Baker, and Jay Schoenebeck (all Class of ’80). And I am happy to report that our class and their class have at least one thing in common—great friends. n Class President: Richard Olson (1982classofficers@gustavus.edu)

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Class officers needed. Send class news to 1983classofficers@gustavus.edu.

Kristen Babcock is director of catering and convention services at DoubleTree by Hilton– Bloomington. Greg Mazanec is vice president of advertising at St. Paul Pioneer Press/TwinCities.com. Dan McGinty has been named executive vice president of the East Region Hospital Division at Essentia Health. In his new position, Dan will play a key role in formulating business strategies and operational planning for the East Region’s five hospitals, including St. Mary’s-Duluth. Kim Colburn Olson is an assistant library director at Lake City Public Library in Iowa. Theresa Rocker recently accepted a new position as director, global sales operations, at Genesys Telecommunications Lab. Julie Anderson Wawczak is in her fifth year as media center technician at Spring Hills School in Illinois. She is also president of the Roselle Racers Swim Team and “taxi driver” for her freshman son. To celebrate her 50th birthday, Julie took a cruise to the Bahamas. In April of 2011, Brenda Clayton McConnell and her husband, Mike,

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along with Valarie Hughes Hanson and her husband, Tom, visited Carmen Kluever Daszy and her husband, Walter, who live in Charleston, SC. Carmen says if you are in Charleston, look them up for a “cup o’ joe.” nC lass President and Communication Chair: Carole Arwidson (1984classofficers@gustavus.edu) What are you doing? Working? Traveling? Volunteering? Winning awards? Where is the news from you? Just two pieces of news arrived in my mailbox to share with you this time: Wendy Larson-Harris is an associate professor of English at Roanoke College in Virginia. Susanna Baker is a flight attendant with British Airways and now commutes to her work base in London. From Facebook, Gustavus Adolphus College Class of 1985: Tom Johnson’s daughter will be a freshman at Gustavus next fall. Mark Freeman, Chuck Winkler, and Paul Fogarty are probably watching the Twins play at spring training in Fort Myers as I write this. My roommates and friends continue to ridicule the clothes I wore in the 1980s. That Facebook page is a quick way to connect with classmates, but where, oh where are the other 400+ classmates who could be members of that page? I hope to see you there soon. Technology makes it easy to stay connected to the College whether you live in Des Moines, Los Angeles, Stockholm, or Sao Paulo. Want to hear the home concert of the Gustavus Symphony Orchestra or the Gustavus Choir? How about the lecture series on the U.S.-Dakota War of 1862? Do you want to hear a live homily from daily chapel? These are just some of the opportunities you can find at Gustavus Streaming on gustavus.edu—look for Live and On Demand events. Did you miss the Nobel Conference this year? You can find all of the lectures on the Gustavus YouTube sight, which is easily accessible from the College website. The College website is also an easy way to make your gift to the Alumni Fund. Your gift, no matter the size, is important to and appreciated by the College. Thank you! I look forward to seeing more news from you on Facebook and in my mailbox! n Communication Chair: Susan Johnson Chwalek (1985classofficers@ gustavus.edu)

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Class officers needed. Send class news to 1987classofficers@gustavus.edu.

THE GUSTAVUS QUARTERLY

Jamin Johnson has received the Minnesota Arc Distinguished Service Award for the program she founded three years ago, WCI’s The Resource Center Program. The program provides various services for children, teens, and adults with life challenges like autism, ADHD, deafness, depression, and brain injury. Jesse Schoen is a senior systems administrator at the Toro Company. Pamela Utterback is CPA at Heartman Agency, Inc. Donna Prahl owns Design Publishing in Chisago City. Catherine Saunders Schultz is a hydrogeologist at Landmark Environmental. Marc Bachman is a building and grounds supervisor for the St. Peter ISD #508. Craig Johnson is a sales representative at Porter Royal Sales. Kaari Olson Frondal, Apple Valley, MN, is the client relations rep for Corporate Health Systems, Inc., in Eden Prairie, working with new sales and retention of large and small employer group insurance benefits. Her oldest daughter, Kayla, is in the doctor of chiropractic program at Northwestern College of Chiropractic, Bloomington, MN. Daughter Jenna is a freshman at St. Cloud State, and son Ricky is a sophomore in high school, just getting his bearings on the Minnesota roads . . . ahem, fair warning all! n Communication Chair: Kaari Olson Frondal (1988classofficers@gustavus.edu)

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Molly Fink Flaspohler just published her first book. Check it out at www.woodheadpublishing. com/en/book.aspx?bookID=2338&Chandos Title=1. Lori Tjosaas Buegler is in communications at Lord of Life Lutheran Church. John West is product development manager, eCommerce, for Thomson Reuters in Eagan, MN. Greg Meyer started a cruise and vacation planning business last year, and the Meyer family celebrated Greg’s and daughter Ainsley’s birthdays on a cruise in January. A highlight of the trip was the family ziplining in the jungle of Roatan, Honduras. n Submitted by 1989 Class Officers (1989classofficers@gustavus.edu)

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We’re a bit light on the class notes for this issue, but there are a few noteworthy items to share: Bonnie Karp Amundson, Austin, TX, is regional sales manager for Edline, which provides website solutions for K–12 schools. Great to hear from you, Bonnie! Mark “SAL” Smith, Lino Lakes, MN, joins fellow classmate Sherra Eckloff Buckley at BI Worldwide in Edina, MN. Mark is product director, Ecommerce Awards. As always, send us news and other items of interest that you’d like to share with the class (including family updates, Gustie

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gatherings, travel, volunteer activities— photos ok, too!). You can send them to alumni@gustavus.edu. n Communication Chair: Anne Miller (1990classofficers@gustavus.edu)

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Class officers needed. Send class news to 1991classofficers@gustavus.edu.

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20th Anniversary: Oct. 12–14, 2012

Save the Date! Please keep the weekend of October 12—14, 2012, free for reunion events both on and off campus! Kristin Roberg Hummel is a K-5 vocal music teacher at Northfield ISD #659. Amy Stene Ireland is a marketing director at Thomson Reuters. Stefanie Weber Trebil is a teacher in the Hopkins ISD #270. Kevin Keil is a business analyst at Lawson Software. Sara O’Neil Fish is an account manager at CHS, Inc. Ann Lewis Schmidt is a physical therapist at University Physical Therapy in Mitchell, SD. John Oberg is a financial consultant, CFP, at Fiduciary Counseling, Inc. Bruce Mair is a CPA/partner at Cornell, Kahler, Shidell, & Mair, PLLP. Laurie Campbell Bertrand is a freelance graphic designer. Tanya Roning Johnson is a social worker at Pipestone County Family Services. Meg Sharkey is a nurse practitioner at Southdale OBGYN Consultants. Dave Hultgren is a templater at TopMaster, Inc. Melissa Mack Thompson is a physician assistant at Vernon Memorial Healthcare in Wisconsin. Darin Napton is a registered nurse at Mayo Clinic. Scott Quick is a carpenter at Huisman Fine Woodworking. Kathie Halverson Douma is the director of children’s ministry at First Presbyterian Church. Jason Douma is an associate professor of mathematics at the University of Sioux Falls. Deb Sweet Darrah is a veterinarian at Stoughton Veterinary Service. Kim Dellert McDevitt is an information systems training manager at Minnesota Life/Securian Financial Group. Jennifer Welch Farrell is a lead physical therapist at Essentia Health St. Mary’s Hospital, Superior, WI. Pete Anderson is a financial adviser at Ameriprise Financial Services, Inc. David Harper is a marketing manager at 3M Corporation. Sarah Morrison Kostial is vice president of BMO Harris Bank. Cameron Johnson is a senior investment strategist at Oxford Financial Group. Becky Bilek Hofstad is a technical director at Braun Intertec Corporation. Megan Joblonski Kaump is an account manager at Enterprise Freight Systems. Kristin Johnson is on the faculty at Metropolitan State University and a self-employed children’s author.



Get Connected! Social Media At Gustavus Here are just a few ways you can connect with Gustavus and Gustie students, staff, faculty, parents, and alumni through popular social media networks!

Facebook Become a fan of Gustavus Adolphus College! Visit: http://www.facebook.com/gustavusadolphuscollege.

Twitter Connect with Gustavus by following: @gustavus for Gustavus news & events @gustiealum for updates from the Alumni Relations office @gustavusadm for updates from the Admission office

LinkedIn Get professionally connected! Join the Gustavus Adolphus College Alumni group by logging in, searching Groups, and entering the keyword “Gustavus.�

Youtube Watch Gustavus videos at: www.youtube.com/user/gusties.

Flicker Follow the Photostream at: www.flickr.com/photos/ gustavusadolphuscollege.

Blogs See what students, staff, campus groups, and departments are talking about! Visit: blog.gustavus.edu/.

For more social media resources, please visit gustavus.edu/projects/social. 54

THE GUSTAVUS QUARTERLY


GUSTAVUS ALUMNI Kevin Thoma is an associate executive director at MPMA. Tracy Lawrence Thoma is an accountant at Clara City Care Center. Darin Zielsdorf is a commercial banking manager/vice president at Wells Fargo and Co. Chris Benson Giesing is a physician at Exempla St. Joseph’s Hospital in Denver, CO. Laura Mueller is a director at MyCurator LLC in New York City. Kurt Fredrick is an associate professor at Ohio State University. Jacqueline Lindner Bencke is a missionary with the ELCA currently living in Japan. Nicole Gordon Torres is a sixthgrade science teacher at Wheaton School District #200. Tracy Griffin Collander is executive director of the Gateway Foundation. Anita Doyle Anderson is an engineer with the Dept. of Health in Minnesota. Pam Carlson is a program facilitator/science instructor at Intermediate School District 287 in Richfield. Kristi Brown is a marriage and family therapist at HSI New Generations. Marne Kinney is the director, meetings and incentives, at Meeting & Incentive Professionals. Scott Woitaszewski is a professor at the University of Wisconsin–River Falls. Teresa Bailey Anderson is a market lending manager at Wells Fargo Home Mortgage. Brad Braun is an employment guidance counselor at Carver County. Michele Clembury is a therapeutic assistant at Medical University of South Carolina. Jim Elvestrom is a wealth adviser at Thrivent Financial for Lutherans. Sheryl Russeth Elvestrom is a financial associate at Thrivent Financial for Lutherans. Todd Carlson is a family physician at Jefferson Healthcare Primary Care. Monica Palmer Smith is a physical therapist at Avista Adventist Hospital Sara Hauck Lester is a lead RN at Mayo Clinic Health SystemCall Clinic. Disa Wahlstrand is a manager, municipal services and Minnesota operations at, Ayres Associates. Jon Lindquist is a managing member of Linx Equities, LLC. Amy Reinecke Harmer is an executive director of Simply Done Corporation. Amy Jaeger Halverson is a director of Maxim Healthcare Services. Maret Freeman is a business development manager at Berry Dunn. Traci Robole Peters is a physical therapist at Fairview Home Care/Hospice. Mike Rooney is a vice president at RBC. Mike Peterson is a senior consultant at ICGXP Consulting. Kari Hatlen Aiken is a general partner at Eventyr Investments in Big Fork, MT. Jean Erickson Walikonis began the master’s Entry into Nursing program at the University of Connecticut in January 2012. Melissa Hanson Rosdahl and family are currently living in Switzerland where her husband is working for three years marketing cereal worldwide for General Mills and Nestle.

They are studying French, exploring Europe and greatly enjoying their international experience. (We’d like our 20-year reunion to be hosted by you, Melissa! ) Class Officer OPEN Positions: We’re still looking for volunteers to fill all class officer positions except Communication Chair. We’ll be voting on potential candidates to fill these seats for the next five years at our class reunion in October. Please offer your name or someone else’s to the Alumni Relations office or to me, Annie Marshall, for one of the positions. Thank you. n Communication Chair: Annie Marshall (1992classofficers@gustavus.edu)

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Class officers needed. Send class news to 1993classofficers@gustavus.edu.

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Class officers needed. Send class news to 1994classofficers@gustavus.

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Send class news to 1995classofficers@gustavus.edu.

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Send class news to 1996classofficers@gustavus.edu.

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15th Anniversary: Oct. 12–14, 2012

Get out your Gribly . . . here are updates on our classmates: Christopher Anderson is an attorney at Heywood, Cari & Anderson S.C. Katie Anderson is a youth services consultant with the State of Oregon. Jaime Appelwick is employed at St. Luke’s Hospital. Erin Augustine Stuedemann is a full-time homemaker. Lana Bauer Hanson is a special education teacher in the Montgomery/Lonsdale ISD #394. Brian Beckstrom is a campus pastor at Wartburg College. Adam Beduhn is director, IT project management, at United Health Group I. Corey Bloom is director of Bend Research, Inc. Emily Botten is a nurse anesthetist/CRNA at Mayo Clinic. Kara Buckner is an independent marketing strategist. Rachel Brekken Urosevich is an assistant controller at OnCure Medical Corp. Joanna Bultman Plowman is a study director at WIL Labs. Jennifer Carlson is a territory manager at Argon Medical Devices. Rochelle Carlson Fredrick is a veterinarian at Monticello Pet Hospital. Jeff Couchman is a vice president at Western National Insurance Group. Rachel Cox Falkowski is a first-grade teacher in the Wayzata ISD #284. Heather Crosbie Krier is a school counselor at Spring Lake Park ISD #16. Betsy Dalen is a project manager

at AVI-SPL. Trisha Danielson Brandt is a staffing coordinator at Boston Scientific Corporation. Scott Davis is an actuarial consultant with Aon Hewitt. Amy DraglandJohnson is a shopper marketing team leader at SC Johnson & Sons, Inc. Kristen Edmondson Samaddar is a physician at the Phoenix Children’s Hospital. Jamie Embretson Lauinger is a physical education teacher at Roseville ISD #623. Molly Ess Breimhorst is VP of pricing and analytics at Pharmaceutical Strategies Group. Carl Evenson is a technology manager at Eltron Research Inc. Liz Fell Loken is a physician assistant at Regions Health Specialty Center. Travis Garms is a senior manager at Ernst & Young, LLP in Houston, TX. Matthew Gennrich is a food scientist at Cargill Bakery Technology. Theresa Gienapp is director of development at St. Paul Chamber Orchestra. Sara Gostomczik Orth is director of student accounts at Gustavus. Beth Haugen Todd is a child support officer at McLeod County Social Service Center. Corey Haugen is the director of information technology at Austin ISD #492. Scott Heath, Kearney, NE, is a finance officer at the Hastings Museum. Amy Herbert Leval is an RN, Ph.D. candidate, and teacher at Karolinska Institute in Stockholm, Sweden. Toby Hetlevig is a national advertising representative for Exhibitor Media Group. Alex Hill is a technical fellow at Medtronic Inc. Carl Hokanson is a director of social services at Capitol View Transitional Care Center. Joleen Hubbard is an assistant professor of medical oncology at Mayo Clinic. Katy Hultman Westby is a certified registered nurse anesthetist at Northwest Anesthesia P.A. David Imdieke is a manager of info tech at the University of Minnesota. Joel Jensen is on the philosophy faculty at North Hennepin Community College. Rich Johnson is an institutional trust retirement specialist at Anchor Trust. Craig Karnitz is a physical education teacher at the American School in Japan. Ole Karstad is a general operation manager at Krohn Farm and Grain. Dawn Kelling is a social worker in Olmsted County. Brenda Kelm Miller is an educator at Amma Parenting Center in Edina, MN. Stephanie Lathrop is a postdoctoral research fellow at Rocky Mountain Laboratories. Kristie Larson Powell is a sales manager at ID Wholesaler. Josh Leal is in sales at Ingram Park Mazda in Texas. Matthew Lindberg owns Village Animal Hospital. Aimee Linson Hawes is a sergeant with the Minneapolis Police Department. Cherie Litwiller is a doctoral student at Lehigh University. Sarah Lobland Johnson is an account executive at Dearborn National. Sarah Marohn Miller is an SUMMER 2012

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assistant organist at First Lutheran Church, Eau Claire, WI. Erin Mathern is an attorney at Messerli & Kramer. Michael McCue is an annual giving officer at Hamline University. Jessica McGregor Wittig is a health teacher in the Greenfield School District. Mike Miller is an accounting manager at Interstate Companies. Nathan Miller is an associate professor of physics at the University of Wisconsin–Eau Claire. Liz Mitchell Couchman is a stylist at Stella & Dot. Sara Nelson is a financial analyst at United Healthcare. Sara Nelson Perfetti is a manuscript editor at Hazelden Publishing. Kristopher Newman is assistant catering manager at the University of St. Thomas. Trisha Niemi Haapoja is a pediatric nurse practitioner at North Metro Pediatrics. Zach Nye is an anesthesiologist at Portland VA Medical Center. Andrew Olson is an information analyst at Hewlett-Packard. Britta Peterson Ferrell is an independent stylist with Stella & Dot. Brian Plowman is employed at FedEx. Jennifer Quisberg Augeson is in financial planning and analysis at Upsher-Smith Laboratories. Anna Radjenovich Holmes is a physical therapist. Susan Rodenkirchen Walker is a customer support/lab technician at Salimetrics, LLC. Alison Rucinski Goodwin is a tax manager at Best Buy Company. Emily Sanvick Thompson is a Spanish teacher at North Lake Academy in Forest Lake, MN. Antony Sargent is a software engineer at Google. Emily Schlough Hamilton is a marketing director at the University of Minnesota Press. Steven Schmidt is SVP for corporate development at Digital River. Erik Schroeder is a physician at Flathead Orthopedics. Tara Schrupp Erdman is an accountant at RPMG. Laura Selby Nielsen is in communications at Xcel Energy. Heather Senske Kinkeade is the director of advertising at Archivers. Matt Shores is an assistant professor at Colorado State University. Josie Skovgard Beckstrom is a certified hospice and palliative care nurse at Cedar Valley Hospice in Waverly, IA. Natalie Spilde Hokanson is an artistic operations manager at St. Paul Chamber Orchestra. Teresa Staats is a health and physical education teacher at Ridge High School in New Jersey. Noel Stout is an attorney at Almanza, Blackburn & Dickie, LLP in Austin, TX. Mike Stuedemann is an engagement manager at Savigent Software. Dawn Stueven Fadden is a nurse practitioner at Carleton College. Kristi Svee Stranberg is a process improvement manager-patient experience at Allina Hospitals and Clinics. Jon Swanson is a social studies teacher at Gretna Public Schools in Nebraska. Sheila Tanata Eyler is a fishery biologist with the U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Shelley Tejada

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Warschaw is in sixth- to eighth-grade literature development at Covina Valley Unified in CA. Shelley Wagner Kruse is a national contact center operations manager at Sedgwich. Jennie Wald Phillips is an instructor at the University of Maryland. Jill Watson Swanson is a speech language pathologist at Alegent. Carmen Westerberg is an assistant professor at Texas State University. Garrison White is a project director at Medquist. Karissa Wicklander Kirvida is a senior buyer at Target Corporation. Tiffany Wild Mikolichek is in human resources at TCF Bank. April Valentine is an immigration adviser at Purdue University Calumet. Tom VanDeGrift is a software developer at NWEA. Darcee VanHouten Brinkman is a certified athletic trainer at Mayo Clinic. Jamie Vicha is a case assistant at FINRA. Jennifer Vickerman is a new business development strategist at Thrivent Financial for Lutherans. Kate Youngdahl is an associate director of development events at the Ordway Center for the Performing Arts. Jeremy Zwart is a partner at McGladrey & Pullen, LLP. n Communication Co-chairs: Kari Binning and Martha Malinski (1997classofficers@ gustavus.edu)

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Class officers needed. Send class news to 1998classofficers@gustavus.edu.

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Class officers needed. Send class news to 1999classofficers@gustavus.edu.

As I sit here writing this Quarterly’s news update, I am watching my five-week-old in his swing look at the birds go round and round above his head. To think, just five weeks ago he couldn’t even focus on something that was six inches from his face for more than a second! The changes, growth, and development of babies and children is amazing! That being said, I know that you all have changes and developments in your life that are worth sharing—so keep the news coming! E-mail me directly at nfell@ gustavus.edu or contact the Alumni Relations office at alumni@gustavus.edu. Here’s the latest and greatest from our classmates! Shawna Solsvig is a registered dance/movement therapist and licensed professional counselor in Chicago, Illinois. She is the director of a children’s programming in a wellness setting and volunteers on the Hematology/Oncology and Psychiatric Inpatient Units at Chicago Children’s Memorial Hospital. Janelle Roy Hatlevig is employed at the Mayo Clinic. Sara Benzkofer is the new director of policy and communications at the

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Minnesota Association for the Education of Young Children and the Minnesota School Age Care Alliance. n Communication Chair: Nissa Stolp Fell (2000classofficers@gustavus.edu) Heather Lee Binger and Jason Binger had a baby girl named Madeline on May 27, 2011. In the last Quarterly Madeline was incorrectly identified as Heather Jr. Bridget Hundt Smith and Dean Smith just celebrated their ten-year wedding anniversary. Is the 10th anniversary tin or aluminum? I can never remember.Jason Ahlberg is a project manager at Huron Consulting Group. The project manager’s main responsibility is to manage projects. Kyle Koren is a manager of financial planning and analysis at The Affinion Group (Connexions Loyalty Travel Solutions Division). And for our 15-year reunion, Kyle will book us a free cruise in a tropical location. Six former Gustavus cross-country runners and their children gathered together for a playdate over the holidays. Those attending were: Daisy Schmidt Christopherson ’00 and daughter Bella Rain; Elizabeth Neiman ’99 and daughter Emma; Laura Graen Rapacz and daughter Alice; Jana Dilley ’00 and daughter Gwen; Faith Eskola ’00 and daughter Jersey; and Teresa Angier and son Pacey. Results of the children’s footrace are not being published as one of the children may have tested positive for high levels of pixie stick sugar in their blood shortly after the race. n Class President and Communication Chair: Hal DeLaRosby (2001classofficers@ gustavus.edu)

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10th Anniversary: Oct. 12–14, 2012

As you know, we are getting ready to celebrate our 10-year reunion. Please keep those updates coming! Here’s what’s going on with our classmates: Kirsten Williamschen Ahlberg is a fifthgrade teacher at Meadowview Elementary School. Amy Strand Allen is a children’s therapist at The Family Place. Kyle Allen is a resident physician at the University of Texas. Jayme Arezzo has taken a new position within Target. He is now on an expat assignment in Bangalore, India, as group manager of corporate real estate responsible for Target’s overseas office portfolio. Joe Arlt is a project manager at US Bancorp. Ann Gramstad Austin is an executive director at United Way Freeborn County. Nick Austin is an account executive and registered representative at Alliance Benefit Group. Jessica Fredrickson Bamford is a stay-at-home mom to Lucy.


GUSTAVUS ALUMNI

s Alumna competes in U.S. Marathon Trials Nichole Porath Petersen ’05 recently finished 69th out of over 180 runners at the U.S. Olympic Marathon Trials in Houston, Texas, in a new personal record time of 2:44:12. She was cheered on by a large group of friends and family that included many former Gustie cross country runners. Pictured from left are Nichole’s husband, Nathan Porath ’05, Nichole’s cousin Leighton Becher ’15, Nichole, current Gustavus assistant track and cross country coach Brenden Huber, and Hailey Harren ’07. Gusties who were cheering in Houston but not pictured include Paul Kienberger ’05, Luke Twedt ’04, Drew Scanlon ’04, and Andrew Howard ’07. s

Faculty members meet with VISTHAR officials

Economics and management faculty members Kathi Tunheim and Bruce Johnson traveled to Bangalore, India, in December 2011 to explore the possibility of expanding the VISTHAR Program. Gustavus and Concordia have jointly participated in that program for more than 15 years. Each fall a dozen or so Gustavus students join Concordia students (led by either a Gustavus faculty member or one from Concordia). Pictured are 2011 faculty leader Eric Dugdale; his wife, Brooke Jenkins Dugdale ’02; Kathi Tunheim; Sid Selvaraj ’08, and Bruce Johnson who assists with the VISTHAR program in Bangalore. s

Joe Beckendorf is a senior pricing analyst at Sun Country Airlines. Kate Reiman Bergstrom is a health and physical education teacher in the Cleveland School District. Maggie Berndt is a publicist at the Chicago Symphony Orchestra. Katie Bertrand writes, “I earned my Ph.D. in biology from Kansas State University in 2007, and I have been an assistant professor (tenure track) in the Department of Natural Resource Management at South Dakota State University since July of 2008. I teach fisheries courses including Environmental Conservation, Introduction to Wildlife and Fisheries, Ichthyology, Limnology of Lakes and Streams, and Fish Ecology. I currently advise five graduate students (four M.S. and one Ph.D.) on research ranging from native stream fish conservation to invasive fish ecology.” Jessie Smith Bevan is a design studio manager at Todd Reed Inc. Nicki Brausen is a pre-K community ed teacher at Meadowbrook Elementary. Amy Brown is a neonatology fellow at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center. Joe Carlile is professional staff on the committee on appropriations at the United States House of Representatives. Andrew Dahl is an assistant director for Aon Benfield. Cynhia Sonntag Dahl is a physical therapist at St. Joseph’s Hospital and Shriners Hospitals for Children-Twin Cities. Andrea Wentzel Dalton is a music therapist at Rainbow Mental Health Facility. Brooke Dirtzu is an adult education coordinator at Neighborhood House. Tracey Hanson Domke is the directorcorporate communications at Amerprise Financial Services, Inc. Burnedette Dybvik is a medical device sales representative at MYRIAD Genetics. Sara Brigger Dziuk is executive director at College Possible. Dena Kill Edmiston is a marketing and events coordinator and Briggs & Morgan, P.A. Jeff Eichten is working as a family physician and says, “We are enjoying country living in Spooner, WI.” Jeff and his wife have two boys, Ben (age 3) and Joe (age 1 ½) and they are expecting another child in June. Amy Ellingson-Itzin is an obstetrician gynecologist at Essentia Health, Duluth Clinic. Katie Erickson is a judicial law clerk for the State of Minnesota. Janelle Evenson is the financial reporting manager for INREIT Real Estate Investment Trust in Fargo, ND, and lives in Colfax, ND. Heidi Fryer passed the National Board Professional Teaching Standards portfolio and certification, currently the highest level of certification in the nation, and is now a National Board Certified Teacher! This means she can teach in any state. John Gilbert is a financial analyst at 3M–Arizant. Lee Heckenlaible works for American Financial Marketing in Minneapolis, MN. Kristin Donley Hill is a physical therapist

Gustie chance meeting in Jerusalem

Jacob Niewinski ’13 and Ellen Miller ’12 (center) studied at the Hebrew University in Jerusalem last fall and frequently attended an English speaking Lutheran church on Sundays. One Sunday a travel group from Minnesota attended a service. Following the service during fellowship, Marv and Joanell Sletta Dyrstad ’64 introduced themselves to Niewinski and Miller as fellow Gusties. A picture was taken and sent to Miller in a Christmas card from Dyrstad. Miller stated, “Gusties are truly everywhere. When you meet another Gustie, you realize that you are a part of the same family. I express how happy I was to have just that half hour with another Gustie in the middle of the stresses of studying abroad.”

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Nominations sought for

Alumni Association awards Nominations are encouraged for alumni award recognition. Please forward a résumé or curriculum vitae of nominees to the Office of Alumni Relations. Nominees should not be notified of their nomination. A complete list of previous award recipients may be found at gustavus.edu/alumni/awards/. For more information contact the Office of Alumni Relations at 800-487-8437.

n Greater Gustavus Award

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

n Distinguished Alumni Citation

The Distinguished Alumni Citation recognizes outstanding and exceptional professional achievement that brings unusual honor to the individual in his or her field of endeavor. Criteria appropriate to selection shall include the difficulty of accomplishment; quality, creativity, and distinctiveness of performance; recognition by professional peers; and lasting contribution to the world of ideas and affairs. While the citation is a professional award, humanitarian achievements may also be weighed. Recipients must be graduates of the College.

n First Decade Awards

First presented in 1968, the First Decade Award was established to recognize one male and one female for early professional achievement by graduates of the 10th-anniversary class. Criteria appropriate to selection shall include the difficulty of accomplishment; quality, creativity, and distinctiveness of performance; recognition by professional peers; and lasting contribution to the world of ideas and affairs.

n Service Award

The Service Award of the Gustavus Adolphus College Association of Congregations recognizes alumni “who have made distinctive commitments and contributions to the service of others.” The College and the Association celebrate the efforts of members of the College community who participate in service activities through volunteer work, involvement in the church, and extraordinary professional accomplishments. Alumni and former students serve others through their concern for human dignity, moral values, social justice, the care of the earth, the alleviating of poverty, and a range of other social issues. Read more at gustavus.edu/churchrelations/gacac/awards.php.

n Honorary Gustie

The Honorary Gustie designation pays special tribute to selected individuals who, while not having graduated from or attended Gustavus Adolphus College, have in demonstrable and/or unique ways proved more than worthy to have earned the conferred right to be considered a bona fide “Gustie” by a vote of the Alumni Board of Directors. Criteria includes persons who have demonstrated longtime dedicated service to, interest in, and support for the mission of the College and have enthusiastically embraced and engaged in the Gustavus community.

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at Essentia Health–Duluth Fitness and Therapy Center. Jenny Grabow Hummel is a dentist at Parkway Dental. Hunter Jenzen is a deputy at Waseca County. Kerri Bouska Johannsen is finishing up her first year working as executive officer for government relations with the Iowa Utilities Board. Katie Bartz Johnson is a stay-athome mom and private music teacher. Todd Johnson is a physics professor at St. John’s University. Luke Johnson is a reporter for Upstream newspaper. Nicole Barondeau Johnson is a process scientist at DiaSorin. Elizabeth Oldre Junnila is a kindergarten teacher at Cranbrook Schools. Blake Kane is a manager at IBM. Angela Fay Kirchner is a pharmacist at Supervalu-Osco Pharmacy. Singer/dancer/actor/musician Misti Koop has finished a year-long gig at the Smith Family Theater in Pigeon Forge, TN, and will join the Medora Musical at Teddy Rossevelt National Park, Medora, ND. Erica Schmidt Krocak is a RN in the Family Birth Center at Park Nicollet Medical Center. Britta Olson Lindberg is an immigration coordinator at Epic Systems Corp in Verona, WI. Bob Logan is a paraprofessional in the St. Louis Park School District. Candi Luitjens is a site coordinator at Anoka-Hennepin ISD #1. Katherine Medbery-Oleson is on the faculty and is chair of the Communication Studies Department at Bellevue College in the Seattle area. Nate Mitchell works for Terra Firma Building and Remodeling in St. Paul. Eric Mueller is webmaster and “social media guy” at the Science Museum of Minnesota. Katya Sedio Murray is a director at RPM Connect. Steve Murray is a director at Aon Benfield. Chris Nelson is a program analyst at U. S. Department of Agriculture. Megan Ploog is a clinical development specialist at the University of Minnesota Amplatz Children’s Hospital. Sean Primley is a resident in urology at the University of Colorado Hospital. Joshua Rinas is a pastor at Zion Lutheran Church in Waterbury, CT. Phil Royer is a physical therapist in the U.S. Army. Katie Carlson Schoeppner is a senior social worker at the University of Minnesota Medical Center, Fairview. Matt Schoeppner is a regional labor market analyst with the State of Minnesota. Jennifer Boorman Schurrer is a resident veterinarian at Minnesota School of Business. Robert Schurrer is a broker services representative at United Health. Vidya Sivan is the print and online communications specialist for the Harvard Kennedy School Office of Alumni Relations. Amy Sommer is a Latin teacher and foreign language department coordinator at Cherry Creek School District in Greenwood Village, CO. Laura Hanson Spanier is a 7–12 special education specialist at BBE School District. Betsy Starz is a financial adviser at Thrivent Financial for Lutherans.


GUSTAVUS ALUMNI Toby Statler is a congressional analyst at the Embassy of Japan. Michelle Schaefer Stepka is a patient coordinator at Minnesota Gastroenterology. Kiersti Wilen Willms is a juvenile probation officer for the State of Wyoming. She and David have two girls, Ella and Anneli. Sarah Wolter is a graduate instructor at the University of Minnesota. Linda Mertens Zeratsky is a physician assistant at Bay Area Urology and Associates. Carolyn Carlson Zervas is a clinical pharmacist at The University of Minnesota Medical Center-Fairview. nC ommunication Co-chairs: Katherine Medbery-Oleson and Karen Warkentien Oglesby (2002classofficers@gustavus. edu)

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Class officers needed. Send class news to 2003classofficers@gustavus.edu. Class officers needed.

class news to 04 Send 2004classofficers@gustavus.edu. Ben Brueshoff is working toward an

in leadership and 05 MBA entrepreneurship at St. Thomas

University. Ellen Christensen is currently working toward a master’s degree in education and is employed as a substitute teacher. Alyssa Paulson Fischer is currently a client services manager/Realtor at Results Support Services. Marni Brigger Pearson is employed as a social worker for LeSueur County, MN. Maren Stoddard is currently working toward an M.A. in international education and exchange at the University of Minnesota. n Communication Chair: Liz Zappetillo Lewis (2005classofficers@gustavus.edu) class news to 06 Send 2006classofficers@gustavus.edu.

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5 th Anniversary: Oct. 12–14, 2012

Send class news to 2007classofficers@ gustavus.edu. nC ommunication Chair: Ben Richter (2007classofficers@gustavus.edu) Hello to my fellow ’08 Gusties! We

some exciting news to share, 08 have so let’s dig right in! A few members of our class have started new jobs since we last updated you all. Patrick Riordan is an executive team leader at Target. Tim McDougall is a software engineer at Open Systems International. Clint Worstrel is a hardware manager at Menard’s. Laura Dougarain is the manager of human resources and finance at TempWorks

Software in Eagan, MN. Amy Waldner is in medical school at George Washington University in Washington, DC. Andrea Astrup is a graduate student at Des Moines University pursuing her doctor of physical therapy degree in Des Moines, IA. Evan Hill recently completed a term as a crew leader with the Conservation Corps of Minnesota and Iowa with many other Gusties. Make sure to keep us updated on all of your exciting news! n Communication Chair: Katelyn Nelson (2008classofficers@gustavus.edu)

09 2009classofficers@gustavus.edu. Send class news to

Greetings class of 2010! We have some exciting news from a few of your fellow classmates this spring. Look forward to a class agent contacting you for personal updates for future Quarterly editions, and also don’t forget that you can update your contact information and share news at gustavus.edu/alumni/submit! Kyle Johnsrud is an assurance associate at McGladrey. Kristen Weller is a costume technician at the Utah Shakespearean Festival. Andrew Hartman works with Access America Transportation as a regional freight broker. Angie Koich works as a graduate assistant athletic trainer in Atlanta, GA, and is pursuing her master’s degree in sports medicine. Jessica Schultz finished her first term as a crew member with the Conservation Corps of Minnesota and Iowa. Jess was joined by other alumni Jacqueline Brost ’07, Karen Katz ’09, Evan Hill ’08, and Charlene Brooks ’09. Troy French is a first lieutenant in the U.S. Army, stationed in Kabul, Afghanistan. Chelsea Kramer is a tutor for the Trio program High School Upward Bound, and a volunteer at both the Science Museum of Minnesota and the Minnesota Zoo. Chelsea Krusemark is getting married to Nate Crary on July 21, 2012. Jessical Moertel is finishing up her second year of medical school at the University of Minnesota and is getting ready to participate in the University’s Rural Physician Associate Program in Red Wing, MN, for nine months. Jessica and Drew Corbett (currently a graduate student in Material Science at the University of Minnesota) were recently engaged. TJ Ridley is currently in his second year of medical school at the University of Iowa and is getting ready to take the first of many Board exams. nC ommunication Chair: Derek Holm (2010classofficers@gustavus.edu)

10

Less than a year out, but my, has the world changed. The class of 2011 are not the same people as when they stepped across that sunny stage last May,

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and I have the data to prove it. I’ve been poring through correspondence with fellow members of the Gustavus Class of 2011, and I can report with a sense of empathy (yet shared anxiety) that the real world exists, and it is different than we imaged it to be. Neither better nor worse than we imagined, but certainly different. I want to share with you three lessons I’ve taken away from the conversations I’ve had with my classmates since leaving campus. First, and most important, is that Gustavus has left us better equipped than we thought. A scarce few of us have found our calling, and even fewer a job that pays us to follow it, but we’ve all been given the means to discover it. Second to this is recognition of the kind of community Gustavus was, and still is, to all of us. Third, somberly, our time at Gustavus is indeed over. And moving on, in the words of Brittany Richardson, can be like a bad breakup. Hopefully by the end of this article, I’ll think of a positive spin to put on that last lesson. In the meantime, let me share my story with you, how I came to write this article, and some of the things darting about my mind since leaving Gustavus. I hope some of you will recall my column in the Weekly, “Examining Life,” which I wrote for two years. I look back on it now and see time and again that a wiser me would have edited more and claimed less. Still, I adhere to the principle that our values will only be realized by living them forward, and that if you’re shooting at a distant target while equipped with a weapon that can’t compensate for chance/fate/human error, you’re bound to miss sometimes. I jumped at the chance to write this article because I want to know how well other people are shooting, and whether they have any tips to hit the mark in this challenging field we face today. If they struck the bullseye, was it persistence, equipment, or luck that landed them the target? I’ll divulge a little secret from my life that is the only skilled component to my marksmanship: I go with the feel of the thing. Does it feel right? (Let’s ditch the shooting analogy, because it would twist morbidly now.) Despite my lifelong aversion to consider Gustavus as a future college (both my parents went there, and what teen chooses to follow their parents’ lead?), I knew from the moment I toured the College I would attend, chiefly because of the feel. I just knew it; the other roads would be insufficient. Again and again I experience “the feel.” I got into a master’s/Ph.D. program at SIU–Carbondale, toured, did not “feel” it, and didn’t go. I saw the chance to work for Gustavus admission over last summer, it felt right, and I did it (and what a great experience it was!). This summer, I went to SUMMER 2012

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an informal meeting at the University of Minnesota to talk about arts management and came out with an application and a game plan for doing my master’s over the next three years in arts and cultural leadership. I blame all of this on “the feel,” and being able to recognize and act on it when it presents itself. I would never recommend to anyone making a serious decision to just “feel it out.” But that’s how I do it. If there’s any justification I’ve found for this other than in my own experience, it is the discovery that we should think of intuition not as an irrational force within the playlist of emotions, but rather as a condensation of memories and knowledge firing from all arenas of your brain that coalesces into a feeling within a mere moment. Intuition is like the breadth of your life experiences shining through a tiny focal point in one particular moment, and I enjoy embracing that clarity. Regardless if you rely on intuition like me, or you prefer a more reasoned approach, we in the 2011+1 consortia have all made big decisions recently. One of the more enjoyable parts of working on this project is getting a window into the lives fellow classmates have started. I was impressed by people like Meghan Stromme, who has four very different jobs (from substitute teacher to dance coach) but still manages to strike a balance in her personal life. I bet her time at Gustavus gave her plenty of chances to practice carrying a full grocery bag of different responsibilities before doing it in the real world. There are also a huge number of 2011+1’s

in graduate study, and despite everyone doing something unique, there are two common threads among them. A realization best put by Matt Thon is: “The professors, faculty, and other students really help to make Gustavus a home, and not just a school.” The time we spent as a member of a community at Gustavus—an extended community that brings together students, professors, staff, and administrators—is an experience we in graduate school are coming to realize as rare among academic institutions. That’s not to say that we’re not enjoying ourselves. Erin Belpedio is loving her work in lighting design at the University of Arizona, where you can “experience very warm weather in August, as well as in January” (lucky!). She says that although it takes a lot of adjusting to everything from the landscape to the culture, the opportunity to work in so many spaces and at such a high level is a busy but intensely rewarding undertaking. Another big difference in our new communities that came up was the food. Yes, even the caf grew into a soft spot in our hearts, especially now that we face a radically different kind of food service. Lacey Squier remarks: “I know I boasted about how good it was, but I never really full appreciated how unique that is—the caf is a magical place compared to some school’s cafeterias.” All too true, I’m afraid. Another thing that Lacey and quite a few others commented on was appreciating Gustavus’s focus on social justice, as well as the open and academic conversations we

First Decade Social at Glueck’s Who: G ustie alums from the Classes of 2002–2011 (and any other friends of course!) What: Gustavus Gathering! Where: G luek’s Restaurant and Bar** (downtown Minneapolis) We booked the party room, so we will have a private space to gather but can still have full use of the bar and servers. When: Saturday, May 12, 2012, from 8 to 11 p.m. Why: Why not? ** Please note that Gluek’s will have a cover charge that evening because of live music starting around 9:30, but they have agreed to waive the fee for all Gusties. So, all Gusties will get in free, but we want to make sure that alums are aware of that before arriving. Watch the Gustavus Young Alumni Facebook page for more information.

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had. The utility of this in particular can be found in the course of our everyday lives. “As a student of religion,” says Bethany Ringdal, “I had the chance to study something very personal in an intensive, analytical way. Now I get the chance to live it on the other side, with the thinking skills I gained in the classroom, but now with more space for experience as well.” Our opportunities to critically explore concepts and values in open discourse at Gustavus help us prepare for what we face today. Amanda Hochstatter, who is working as a program coordinator in Port Huron, MI, reflects: “Living and serving in a low-income community challenges my worldview daily in a way that college never did.” However, I can report proudly as one of her fellow philosophy majors, that her philosophy degree is coming in handy “daily,” while her physics degree is . . . well, not. At least not daily. There are so many paths in front of us that, in the words of Megan Myhre, “[It] is exciting and terrifying at the same time having so many options for what I can do with my time and my life. At Gustavus, there was such an understanding of who my community was. Now there are infinite amounts of communities to be a part of. There are endless options of meaningful (or meaningless) things to do for myself as well as the many communities I get to choose to belong to. I am constantly reminding myself that I have years and years of time to do the many things I want to do.” Even for those among 2011+1 who have found our path, doors do not close quickly for young people with our kind of liberal arts education. Megan astutely reminds us of two things: first, that there are meaningful and meaningless activities out there, and the onus is upon us to choose what we make part of our lives. Secondly, that in spite of the pace of our world, we do indeed have time to pursue what we believe is worth doing (even those things we haven’t discovered yet). I look back on my four years and think about all that I accomplished in that time and how it so deeply impacted my life and who I am today. I am grateful for a reminder from Megan that just because I’m not in college anymore, that the next four years couldn’t be just as edifying a period. Now looking forward, it’s easy to see that our challenges still lie ahead of us, among our dreams and whatever fate has in store. I am not alone in experiencing a deeper level of questioning and doubt about the future— our future—than I had ever encountered in college. There’s good reason to be skeptical that in the short term we’ll find jobs to pay back loans and start a life, and even more reason to dread the long-term future with bleak forecasts for climate change


GUSTAVUS ALUMNI and economic security. We’ve departed from a community where you could hardly walk from your room to class without greeting people you know, and entered an international world where the closest connection you might ever feel with those people again is via a keyboard and monitor. Talk about encouraging, huh? I would be sad too, if this was all I had to work with. Luckily, we have more. The most cheerful reminder I got in this whole process was from Denise Stein: “Happy people are those who make a career out of their passions. Work and play don’t have to be separate.” I am thankful that I got to do a lot of working and playing in college, because now I work and play doing exactly the stuff I found so thrilling. Gustavus gave us so many chances, so many opportunities to explore life, it’s hard to think someone could graduate and not had profound working-and-playing experiences. For those in 2011+1, I leave you with this: We’ll always have our time at Gustavus to inspire us when we need it. Just as we can fall back on it, I hope we each can one day return the favor. We’re just getting out of bed relative to the day that is our lifetime. And for everyone else: Know that we’re doing well, but if you see a résumé with “Gustavus, Class of 2011” on it, please consider lending a hand to a fellow Gustie alumnus. nC ontributed by Alex Legeros, who is pursuing arts and cultural leadership as a graduate student at the University of Minnesota. He works with Minnesota Youth Symphonies and also The Musical Offering. His research focus is developing a better approach to the delivery of creative work. He bakes bread, paints, and plays bassoon to keep grounded. (2011classofficers@gustavus.edu)

Weddings

Timothy R. Hoover ’82 and Teresa Hoover, 1/21/12, Naples, FL. Jonathan P. Kavanaugh ’92 and Diane Kavanaugh, 10/1/11, Conover, NC. Michael E. Miller ’97 and Nichole Hamilton, 11/22/10, Minneapolis, MN. Kristie Larson ’97 and Nick Powell, 10/29/11, Champlin, MN. Martin Kaduc ’01 and Christine Christoffersen, 1/21/12, Seattle, WA. Leslie Brandt ’02 and Andrew Barry, St. Paul, MN. Justin J. Finseth ’04 and Matthew Schroeder, 2/18/12, San Diego, CA. Monica Forte ’06 and Nolan Klouda ’06, 9/4/10, Anchorage, AK. Adam J. Caulfield ’07 and Margaret Walker, 9/11/10, Chicago, IL. Michelle Clark ’07 and Anders W. Peterson ’06, 9/3/11, Chelan, WA.

Matt Downing ’07 and Tiffany Downing, 08/6/11, Lino Lakes, MN. Courtney Bares ’07 and Ryan Elling, 9/10/11 Woodbury, MN. Emily Gunderson ’07 and Nathan Badenschier, 7/23/10, Shakopee, MN. Mark A. Hall ’07 and Katie Hall, 5/7/11, Bloomington, MN. Marie Larson ’07 and Dan Schultz, 10/4/11, Plymouth, MN. Katharine Leaf ’07 and Greg Pokorski ’08, 7/2/11 Minneapolis, MN. Pamela Murphy ’07 and Scott Murphy, 3/5/11, Cape Girardeau, MO. Krista Peterson ’07 and Alex Evans, 10/23/10, Bloomington, MN. Jessica Plemel ’07 and Matt Bogut, 10/16/10, Medford, MN. Nicole R. Radotich ’07 and Jonathan Birkholz, 1/20/12, Minneapolis, MN Matt Sinnen ’07 and Rachel Sinnen, 10/29/11, St. Bonifacius, MN. Jake Winchell ’07 and Meghann Winchell, Cannon Falls, MN. Rebecca Andert ’08 and Mark Spurbeck, 9/10/11, Eagan, MN. Laura Barratto ’08 and David Dourgarian, Eden Prairie, MN. Rachel Kronberger ’08 and Josh Waylander ’07, 8/8/09, Roseville, MN. Kathryn Patterson ’08 and Eric Brugger, 6/25/11, Albany, WI. Raychal Zupancich ’08 and Alex Zupan ’07, 12/31/11, Madison, WI. Laura Humburg ’11 and Jay Rollins, 11/19/11, Mapleton, MN.

births

Scott, to John A. Streufert ’87 and Allison Streufert, 1/27/11. Isabella, to Michael Thelander ’87 and Kirsten Thelander, 3/2/10. Sisters, Tseganesh Anne and Rihobot Ella, by adoption from Ethiopia, to Janelle Miller Gregg ’89 and David Gregg, adopted 2/7/11. Sophia, to Bruce Johnson ’90 and Buffy Johnson, 8/9/11. Elinor, to Gregg Johnson ’90 and Gina Johnson, 2/17/12. Branson, to Valerie Bertelsen Barnes ’92 and Shane Barnes, 12/5/11. Kylie, to Christine Sizer Davis ’92 and Andrew Davis ’92, 1/7/10. Zachary, to Kirsten Tollefson Rockwell ’92 and Thomas Rockwell, 6/24/10. Clara, to David M. Davis ’94 and Lindsay Davis, 10/22/11. Mabel, to Nathan Crowe ’95 and Maggie Happe Crowe ’01, 12/14/10. Bode, to Karin Miller Wagner ’95 and William Wagner. Madeleine, to Corey Bloom ’97 and Wendy Bloom, 9/26/10. Alec, to Prinna Lundquist Boudreau ’97 and Christopher Boudreau ’98, 3/29/11.

Twins, Jack and Paula, to Molly Gordon Calkins ’97 and Mark Calkins, 12/8/10. Audrey, to Rachel Buboltz Kehagias ’97 and Tony Kehagias, 12/14/11. Elijah, to Brenda Kelm Miller ’97 and Jeffrey Miller, 7/15/10. Madison, to Amy Pfarr Walker ’97 and William Walker, 11/22/11. Jacob, to Ramona Patten Radosevich ’97 and Daniel Radosevich, 1/7/12. Andrew, to Jill Kirzeder Rasmussen ’97 and Shawn Rasmussen ’97, 10/26/11. Finn and Cade, to Noel L. Stout ’97 and Tillery Stout, 5/3/10 and 1/18/12. Greta, to Rachel Brekken Urosevich ’97 and John Urosevich ’96, 5/26/10. Eric, to Sarah Jaeb Jensen ’98 and Todd Jensen, 10/14/11. Carrie, to Suzanne Underwood Pauly ’98 and Jason Pauly, 9/30/11. Naomi, to Diana Gedde Chauvin ’99 and Mark Chauvin, 11/15/10. Griffin, to Amanda Newlin Johnson ’99 and Brent Johnson ‘00, 7/14/11. Drew, to Katie Osthus Tuthill ’99 and Steve Tuthill ’99, 4/22/10. Luisa, to Rebecca Shelly Benson ’00 and Peter Benson, 2/17/12. Beatrix, to Christopher Cook ’00 and Stacy Tchu Cook, 11/28/11. Charles, to Nissa Stolp Fell ’00 and Brian Fell ’95, 1/14/12. Charle,s to Kari Hansen Martin ’00 and Eric Martin ’00, 9/19/10. Odin, to Lindsay Erickson Oberhamer ’00 and Jason Oberhamer ’00, 1/21/11. Gibson, to Kim Johnson Lo ’01 and Herman Lo, 12/13/11. Anders, to Amanda Thompson Steier ’01 and Lucas Steier, 2/5/12. Halladay, to Emily VanHee Berg ’02 and Jesse Berg, 11/14/11. Thora, to Leslie Brandt ’02 and Andrew Barry, 11/22/11. Addison, to Sara Brigger Dziuk ’02 and Mark Dziuk, 10/13/11. Jacly,n to Amy Ellingson-Itzin ’02 and Nicholas Itzin, 5/13/10. Avery, to Tina Sheetz Froemming ’02 and Shawn Froemming, 11/12/10. Moira, to Meghan Harney ’02 and Brian Sandri, 1/26/12. Marek, to Amy Jansen Nelson ’02 and Brent Nelson ’02, 11/1/10. Clara, to Julie Christenson Oachs ’02 and David Oachs ’01, 7/8/11. Beck, to Katie Carlson Schoeppner ’02 and Matthew Schoeppner ’02, 9/13/10. John, to Amanda Webb ’02 and Jeremy Rubin, 12/6/11. Anneli, to Kiersti Wilen Willms ’02 and David Willms, 11/18/11. Mara, to Nate Ziemer ’02 and Corrie Opperman Ziemer, 4/25/11. Lilah, to Sarah Handahl Ahlberg ’03 and Lucas Ahlberg ’04. SUMMER 2012

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Colin, to Stephanie Flinn Beckmann ’03 and Brian Beckmann ’04. Holdan, to Renae Nesburg Busse ’03 and Nathan Busse, 4/25/10. Vivi, to Meghan Severson Johnson ‘03 and Joseph Johnson ’03, 05/13/11. Lilian, to Sigrid Gustafson Pettersson ’03 and Olle Pettersson, 9/30/11. Penelope, to Annie Tessar Rients ’03 and Jesse Rients, 9/7/11. Abigail, to Laurie Brown Seibert ’03 and Nick Seibert, 12/6/10. Eva, to Angela Sirian ’03 and Jesse Pearson ’03, 12/4/11. Thomas, to Sue Halverson Wagner ’03 and Jamie Wagner, 10/25/11. Willa, to Britta Johnson Bergland ’04 and Jesse Bergland, 1/4/12. Brenden, to Laura Haugen George ’04 and Luke George, 11/24/10. Oliver, to Jill Johnson Hansen ’04 and Brice Hansen, 3/29/11. Bennett, to Liz Nytes Kittelson ’05 and Carl Kittelson, 10/23/11. Ezme, to Anne Tupy Mundell ’05 and Joseph Mundell ’05, 12/19/11. Lucy, to Emily Gunderson Badenschier ’07 and Nathan Badenschier, 8/8/11. Lucas, to Jess Plemel Bogut ’07 and Matt Bogut, 11/1/11. Morgan, to Breanne Staples Stuckey ’07 and Mark Stuckey ’08, 1/24/12. James, to Jenny Flitter Pinter ’07 and James Pinter ’05, 11/13/10. Lola, to Jake Winchell ’07 and Meghann Winchell, 8/8/11. Kennedy, to Amy Veerkamp Rieke ’09 and Lucas Rieke ’09, 3/18/11. Eoghan, to Scarlett Robinson Wand ’09 and Patrick Wand ’07, 4/8/11.

in memoriam

Wilbur Lund ’38, McLean, VA, on January 23, 2012. A retired employee of the Internal Revenue Service, he was inducted into the Gustavus Athletics Hall of Fame in 1985. He is survived by daughter Dana Connell ’69, two brothers including Gene ’43, and one sister. Karl Adolphson ’42, Mankato, MN, on March 5, 2012. He was a retired teacher for Mankato School District #77 and is survived by sons John ’70, Erik ’73, and Thomas ’80. Harold Benson ’42, Fresno, CA, on February 27, 2012. He was a retired educator for schools in the Fresno area and is survived by his wife, Margaret, four daughters, and three sons. John Victor “Vic” Gustafson ’42, St. Peter, MN, on February 9, 2012, his 95th birthday. He was professor emeritus of physical education and outdoor education specialist at Gustavus, coached men’s swimming, track and field, hockey, golf, tennis and cross country, and was

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inducted into the Gustavus Athletics Hall of Fame in 1979. He is survived by three children, Jerry ’66, Judy Nelsen ’68, and Jan Seitzer ’74. Hildur Henrickson Kull ’43, Rockville, MN, on February 3, 2012. She was a homemaker and is survived by one daughter and two sons. Kenneth Granquist ’47, Roseville, MN, on January 27, 2012. He was a retired ELCA pastor and is survived by his wife, Carolynn, two sons, one daughter, one brother, and one sister. Dean Fritze ’48, Farmington, MN, on February 19, 2012. He was a retired teacher, principal, and superintendent of Hayfield Schools and is survived by one daughter, two sons, two brothers, and two sisters. Howard Krave ’48, Minneapolis, MN, on March 2, 2012. He was retired engineer and tech writer for Honeywell and Control Data and is survived by his wife, Arline, and two sons including Jim ’76. Lloyd Lofgren ’49, Vancouver, WA, on December 6, 2011. He was a retired vice president for Pillsbury and is survived by two daughters and one son. Clint Lomis ’51, Golden Valley, MN, on February 3, 2012. He was a retired employee of the State of Minnesota and is survived by four daughters. Donna Swenson Smith ’52, River Falls, WI, on March 23, 2012. She was a homemaker, served 37 years as a board member of First National Bank, and is survived by five daughters including Mary ’87. Russell Peterson ’52, Chisago City, MN, on January 20, 2012. He was a retired ELCA pastor and is survived by his wife, Gladys, son Wayne ’77, and daughter Joy Sietsema ’79. Jean Kirkvold Emholtz ’54, River Falls, WI, on February 12, 2012. She was a retired educator and piano teacher, served as Gustavus class agent 1965–70, and was a member of the Alumni Association Board of Directors 1959–65. She is survived by her husband, Jerry ’52, two sons, one daughter, and sister Joyce Knoll ’57. Waldo Lindberg ’54, Ocean Park, WA, on January 26, 2012. He was a retired pastor and is survived by his wife, Gulvie, and three daughters. Laila Malm ’55, Bloomington, MN, on January 29, 2012. She was a retired social worker for the State of Illinois and is survived by one daughter. Richard Bergman ’56, Bloomington, MN, on March 23, 2012. He was former owner of an Our Own Hardware Store and is survived by one daughter and one son. His wife, Tusa ’59, died two days after his death.

Paul Eddy ’57, Hutchinson, MN, on January 28, 2012. He was retired employee of 3M and is survived by his wife, Sharon (Johnson ’57), son Michael ’80, and daughters Michele Pollman ’80 and Susan Halvorson ’85. William Morton ’57, Cannon Falls, MN, on December 19, 2011. He was retired employee at Hormel Institute in Austin, MN, and is survived by four daughters and one brother. Deloris “Tusa” Johnson Bergman ’59, Bloomington, MN, on March 25, 2012. She was a retired Realtor for Edina Realty and is survived by one daughter and one son. Her husband, Dick ’56, died two days prior to her death. William Grove ’62, Crystal River, FL, on March 4, 2012. He was a retired employee of Amoco, Coldwell Banker Crown Realtors, and is survived by his wife, Sandy (Johnson ’62), one daughter, and one brother. Neil Weberg ’63, Tyndall, SD, on December 30, 2011. He was a retired biology teacher and is survived by one son, one daughter, and one sister. Judy Rasmussen Phillips ’67, Olympia, WA, on February 13, 2012. Eugene Johnson ’68, Tucumcari, NM, on February 14, 2012. He was retired manager for two mental health centers and is survived by his wife, Erlinda, two stepsons, one stepdaughter, one brother, and one sister. Barbara Nelson ’71, Edina, MN, on November 12, 2011. She was a human resources consultant and is survived by one brother. Lori Nelson ’76, Kearney, NE, on February 12, 2012. She was an occupational therapist for Kearney Public Schools and is survived by her partner, Rendell Soderquist, one daughter, one son, two sisters, and her mother, Bernice (Rapp ’50). Elizabeth Johnson ’78, Minneapolis, MN, on March 18, 2012. She was a physician at Children’s-Minneapolis and Southdale Pediatrics and is survived by her husband, David, one son, one daughter, two sisters, and one brother. Paul Allen ’83, Minneapolis, MN, on March 27, 2012. He was an accountant and is survived by one daughter, one son, his parents, Clyde ’56 and Lois (Madsen ’59), and his brother, Mark ’86. Dorothy Ritz, St. Peter, MN, on January 25, 2012. She was a retired custodian at Gustavus and is survived by her husband, Donald, and two sons including Steve ’91. Gerald Willaert, Le Sueur, MN, on January 28, 2012. He was employed as a plumber at Gustavus for seven years and is survived by his wife, Mary, two sons, and one daughter.


Fifth-Generation gustie Meet Ben. He’s the third generation in his family to play basketball for Gustavus and the fifth to attend the College. Though he was determined to break the tradition, he set one foot on the campus and knew he was home. He’s been tearing up Gus Young Court ever since following the example set by his grandfather Bob Erdman ’56 and his father Paul ’80. Ben’s grateful for those who give to the Gustavus Annual Fund because it supports athletic programs and other student activities. As we enter the final period of giving for the year, he encourages everyone to take up the challenge and show their Gustie spirit with one last gift.

NAME Benjamin Biewen ’13 HOMETOWN Edina, Minnesota MAJOR Biology

GIVE YOUR GIFT TO SUPPORT OUR STUDENTS BY MAY 31, 2012 Gustavus Annual Fund | gustavus.edu/give


z

800 West College Avenue St. Peter, Minnesota 56082

Arts from campus The Gustavus Symphony Orchestra, led by Ruth Lin, D.M.A., performed at the historic Cape Town City Hall during its South African tour in January 2012.

Photo by Al Behrends ’77


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