Luther Story fall 2008 - winter 2009

The Luther Story Luther C o ll e g e news

Fa l l / W i n t e r 2008/2009

Careers Issue Inside

Tom Boxall (computer science, military) Rachel Mielke (jewellery design) Dionne de Jager (agriculture, business) Michael Kurtz (ministry) And more‌

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Contents

For your friends, for your loved ones, but most of all for God’s most cherished.

Gifts from the Heart is the annual gift catalogue from Canadian Lutheran World Relief and the ELCIC’s Global Hunger and Development Appeal. These symbolic gifts are a special form of donation that will improve the lives of others around the world.

Find the catalogue at church, online or by calling toll free.

Be sure to order gifts by December 1 to ensure your gift cards are received in time for Christmas.

From the

editor’s desk

Luther College has long been renowned for excellent teaching and strong

02 From the pulpit

academics. That being said, the College is about much more than simply

03 The fine art of music administration

providing students with raw information in a variety of subjects and sending them on their way; rather, education at Luther College is about students discovering themselves and becoming well equipped to enter the greater world.

Rooted in Luther College’s identity is the following statement, which

08 Farm feed flavours

10 Out of the blue …onto the Red Carpet: Rachel Mielke

Luther College equips students for further education, for a profession, or for life in the contemporary world.

gateway, to something larger. It has no greater goal than to help students discover their full potential, gifts, and life direction.

1.888.786.6767 EXT. 177

CLWR carries out international emergency relief, development programming and refugee resettlement on behalf of the ELCIC’s Global Hunger and Development Appeal.

07 Leading by example:

Inga Van Vliet’s quiet leadership

is repeated in the College’s mission and vision:

Indeed, Luther does not view itself as an end, but rather as a means, a

1.800.661.2597 WWW.CLWR.ORG

04 Making a difference: A conversation with Thomas Boxall

This issue of The Luther Story focuses on the post-graduation career

13 For Randy Beattie, “it’s all about balance” 14 On being called …

Michael Kurtz’ pastoral profession 16 Bits & bites

adventures of a group of Luther College community members. Their pro-

18 Lost alumni

fessional callings span the disciplinary spectrum, ranging from athletics

19 Class notes

to agriculture, ministry to the military, and the fine arts to the fine art of entrepreneurship. The careers of these exceptional individuals demonstrate

23 Contributors

the versatility of a Luther College education and show how Luther graduates

The Luther Story online Always on the move?

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Send an email to communications@luthercollege.edu.

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Write “online Luther Story” in the subject line and indicate your full name, mailing address, and campus & year of graduation in the body text.

continue to have an impact within our local and global communities.

All of the articles in this issue are also written by current or former

Luther students, some of whom have made writing part of their own careers. All of these writers share one thing in common with the professionals they’ve written articles on: they too understand the value of a Luther College education. For more information on our writers, turn to the “notes on contributors” section at the rear of the magazine.

Finally, please note that Luther College, as part of its continuing

commitment to responsible resource management, is publishing an online version of The Luther Story at www.luthercollege.edu/lutherstory.

If you would like to be added to the online notification list, please see the notice on the inside cover with instructions on how to sign up.

Wishing you a fulfilling fall and exciting challenges in the new year.

On the cover Thomas Boxall (HS’98, U’07) poses in front of a military vehicle at the Regina Armoury.

The Luther Story is the magazine of the alumni and friends of Luther College.

If you have a question or story idea to share, please contact us at: The Luther Story c/o Luther College high school 1500 Royal Street Regina, Saskatchewan, Canada S4T 5A5 Editor: Jennifer Arends (U’02) communications@luthercollege.edu, 306.585.5144 Assistant editor: Faye Wickenheiser faye.wickenheiser@luthercollege.edu The Luther Story is distributed by Canada Post under publication mail agreement number 40065736.

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From the

pulpit

Are you one of those people who settles down to do something and then discovers that you can’t concentrate on it and are thinking about something else? It may be that you have a variation of attention deficit disorder or that you have too many things on your mind. Or, just possibly, you are experiencing the call of God through the delight of distraction.

As people of faith, we believe that God calls us. Martin Luther stressed that God called all people to vocations in their society— a particular life work that could be fulfilled in the circumstances of their family, their career, their community and their faith. For many students in high school and university, figuring out just what their particular calling might be is a major issue. Sometimes this journey of understanding is complicated by family and friends urging them to take those courses that will help them “get a job” or “find a career.” Many young women and men spend the last few years of high school and the first few years of university trying to determine what course of study will best reveal “what it is I’m supposed to do.” Frequently, they look to what feels like work to help guide them. By this I mean that, since they associate calling with what their future work will be, they look for those things that are serious and often difficult and will get them a job. For some, this method is successful, and they emerge with a clear purpose and the education that helps them achieve it.

But for others it is the wrong approach. They forget that God can also guide through delight, passion, and joy. They look on those things that give them pleasure (art, music, sport, volunteering, etc) as hobbies that will be supported by the “work” they will eventually do. They do not consider those avocations as clues to their vocation in life. Sometimes that which distracts us from our regular work or study, that which gives us joy and delight, is a clue to what God wants for us in life. We need to take our avocations and distractions seriously (!) in our lifelong journey of living God’s purpose for us.

So whether you are in high school or university, retired or just finding that what you are currently doing is no longer satisfying, consider what gives you delight and passion. Try something new or pick up a discarded pastime that gave you pleasure. It may be that the Spirit of God is guiding you with joy.

02

The fine art of

T H E L U T H E R S T O R Y • F a l l & w i n t e r • 0 8 | 0 9

music administration

Sometimes that which distracts us from our regular work or study, that which gives us joy and delight, is a clue to what God wants for us in life.

The chapel at Luther College at the University of Regina provides a beautiful space for prayer and reflection.

By Echo Fettes • When it comes to discussing one’s field of study, there are two inevitable questions that a fine arts student must be prepared to answer: the assumptive “so, you want to teach?” and the incredulous “what can you do with that?”

Enter Natasha Bood (U’01). Growing up in a family of teachers in Redvers, Saskatchewan, the jokingly self-described “contrary” Bood was not interested in following in familial footsteps, opting instead to pursue a degree in music.

Initially enrolled in the Bachelor of Music program with a major in history at Luther College’s university campus, Bood entertained a variety of academic interests and “wanted to take a little bit of everything.” This curiosity, combined with the support of her parents, allowed her to explore many aspects of the arts, including film and art history. However, after convocating with a Bachelor of Arts in music and a minor in English, Bood remained undecided about the shape of her professional future.

After a year of visiting cultural and historical sites in Europe, Bood realised that her ideal job would combine culture and music, and so she set off to Humber College in Toronto to obtain a postgraduate degree in arts administration. During this time, Bood participated in two music internships, including terms with the Society of Composers, Authors, and Music Publishers of Canada (SOCAN) and the Toronto Symphony Orchestra (TSO).

While Bood admits that she was initially nervous about approaching such well-established organisations as SOCAN and the TSO, she notes that her energetic personality, hard work, and education paid off in the form of a position with the TSO as Marketing Manager. She remained in the position for five years until recently returning to Saskatchewan to become the Executive Director of the Regina Symphony Orchestra (RSO).

Having successfully completed a lengthy and exhaustive interview process culminating in a presentation on her “Dream RSO,” Bood is eager to begin her work. When asked about the responsibilities of an executive director, Bood enthuses, “the thing that I like about this job is that it is everything. I get to learn about every single part of running this organisation.”

That Bood is not completely overwhelmed by the admittedly steep learning curve ahead is likely due to the complete confidence placed in her by other members of the RSO organisation. In fact, Bood credits her predecessor and RSO Centennial Director Pat Middleton as imperative to the smooth transition. “Pat made me a marvellous binder that has everything in it, but sometimes the binder doesn’t answer [all] my questions, so, luckily, Pat is willing to help me out and teach me…she’s amazing.”

In discussing reasons for the success of the Regina Symphony Orchestra, Bood draws a parallel to Maestro Victor Sawa’s beloved Saskatchewan Roughriders, explaining, “people are proud of what’s their own, so they’ll go and support it.” Describing the symphony as a “vibrant, creative organisation,” Bood is equally

enthusiastic about working with the rest of the RSO staff, who she finds very friendly and multi-talented.

Although sad to say goodbye to friends and colleagues (often one and the same) in Toronto, both Bood and her husband Stephen Carlini, an electrician and jazz trombonist from just north of Toronto, are excited to be back in her home province.

When asked whether it was difficult to find employment with a background in the liberal and fine arts, Bood answers candidly, “it was and it wasn’t. Looking back, it seems like it all just happened. But there was a lot of work, a lot of making connections.”

While Bood emphasises the importance of gaining experience in the arts field through networking and internships, she also credits her fine arts degree as beneficial in securing employment in her desired field.

Natasha Bood (left), Victor Sawa and Pat Middleton pose in front of the Connexus Arts Centre in Regina.

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Despite the stark contrast with his life back in Canada that Afghanistan presented, Tom referred to his time there unequivocally as “a privilege.”

Making a

difference

A conversation with Thomas Boxall

Tom Boxall stands in front of the Regina Armoury.

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By Justin Messner (U’02) • Thomas Boxall (HS’98, U’07) joined the Canadian Armed Forces as a Reservist during the summer of 1999 after his first year of university at Luther College. “I was looking for a summer job, and it was looking like it was going to be a fast food job,” Tom told me. His brother Doug, then a member of the Royal Regina Rifles, suggested he join the military. Initially Tom dismissed the idea, he told me, until his brother made a stronger argument for it:

“He told me it was probably best that I didn’t join. He said I wouldn’t last two weeks. Three days later I was in basic training.”

At the same time Tom was pursuing a bachelor’s degree in computer science at Luther College’s university campus, his military service took him all over Canada: Edmonton, North Bay, and Kingston, amongst other places. “The regular force offers contracts to Reservists to fill the roles of Regular Force members deployed overseas,” he explained. “I did a few.”

One such contract, a year-long position in Kingston, was Tom’s ticket overseas: a contract with “CFJSR,” as he put it. The Canadian Forces Joint Signal Regiment, Tom explained, is the only unit in Canada responsible for major communications. Because of this, he said, it is the most deployed unit in Canada. While in Kingston, Tom was asked if he wanted to go on tour. “It was a great opportunity.” He said yes.

Tom found out afterward where he would be going, but he noted he knew the odds going in. “I knew there was a good chance it would be Afghanistan,” he said.

Tom was deployed to Kabul for six months to serve at what he refers to as the “heavy det.” The heavy detachment in Kabul is the main communications hub that provides all radio, telephone, and mail service to the Canadian presence in Afghanistan,

and provides the electronic communications framework for the entire international military community in Afghanistan. As Tom explained it, the detachment serves as the gateway for all communications going into the country via satellite. For six months, his work supported sending incoming satellite signals out to the correct radios and cell phones throughout Afghanistan.

One of the jobs involved in this communications work was repairing and modifying the system of microwave towers left throughout Afghanistan by the Soviet Union after their occupation of the country. It was on his way to repair one of these towers in Kabul that he passed a hilltop cemetery. Tom called it one of the most striking sights he remembers.

“Take the biggest cemetery in Regina, only more compact, covering the hill.” At that cemetery, he told me, he saw in practice the Afghan custom of putting flags on the graves of those who have died recently:

“Seeing the whole hill waving in the wind like that, thinking about how many people had died recently, in the last ten years, let alone in the last hundred years spent in a constant state of war. It made me realise how lucky we are here in Canada.”

Despite the stark contrast with his life back in Canada that Afghanistan presented, Tom referred to his time there unequivocally as “a privilege.”

Speaking about how soldiers deployed in Afghanistan are often allowed to take on “pet projects,” Tom recounted how he helped build a school alongside other soldiers volunteering their time. “A mixed school—both boys and girls,” he specified.

First, they built a fence, he says, then the school. The group built everything from desks to swing sets from scratch and from what they could find lying around, such as the unarmoured ILTIS T H E L U T H E R S T O R Y • f a l l & w i n t e r • 0 8 | 0 9

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“ Those who have been there come back and say, ‘This is what I did.’ Others hear that and say, ‘Yes, I can make a difference’.” jeeps the Canadian Forces replaced after losing dozens of soldiers to roadside bombs. With a war going on, and transport space at a premium, shipping the obsolete jeeps home has not been a priority.

“There were hundreds of them just sitting there, rotting in the desert,” said Tom. “We stripped some of them down, made play sets out of the frames, swing sets using the tires.” It was, he says, “one of the most rewarding things I’ve ever done.”

“Seeing the enjoyment on the faces of those children, the girls who had never had a chance to go to school before—it was very touching.”

It was here that Tom betrayed the only frustration I would hear regarding his Afghanistan experience:

“Those who have been there come back and say, ‘This is what I did’. Others hear that and say, ‘Yes, I can make a difference’. Soldiers hear those stories firsthand and are begging to go over there.”

“I wish the news would have a segment saying, ‘This week, we built another school. This week, we dug five new wells’.

Instead, it seems the media only pay attention when another soldier has been killed.”

“If people knew the other side of the story, if they had the full picture, they’d understand when they hear the generals say it will be ten or twenty more years before we can leave. They’d understand the difference we’re making.”

It was in describing working on the school in Kabul that Tom first hinted at the depth of his Christian faith to me. The construction of the school, he explained, was organised by the church group he was involved with there.

It was Tom’s time at Luther College that allowed him to sink some deep spiritual roots. He told me that he feels a “debt of gratitude” to Luther for providing an environment supportive of

Name Thomas Richard Miles Boxall Secondary school Luther College high school (day & dorm student), class of ‘98 Postsecondary school Luther College at the University of Regina, BSc in computer science, class of ‘07

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Leading by

Two RadVan Light Service Vehicle Wheels at the Regina Armoury.

These are the main “workhorses” of the communications Reserves.

Each RadVan holds all the equipment necessary to meeting all the communications needs of one company (three platoons).

spiritual growth. Tom’s relationship with the College began in 1995, when he came to Luther College high school as a dormitory student in grade ten.

He noticed the differences from his previous school his first day at Luther, he said.

“I could get a top grade, and schoolmates encouraged that.

I could play football and be in the choir and not be ridiculed for it.”

Luther provided a high school environment in which it was safe to put one’s beliefs into practice, he told me. “It affirmed my faith,” he said. “Going to chapel was an acceptable thing to do. I was going with friends.”

Career sketch Retired Master Corporal: 1998 – 2007 • 734 Communications Squadron, Canadian Armed Forces, Regina • Tour of duty in Afghanistan, 2004 Programmer Analyst: 2007 – present • Information Systems Management (ISM), an IBM subsidiary, Regina Personal notes Tom met his future wife, Dawn, in 2002 and proposed to her on New Year’s Eve, 2004 after returning from Afghanistan. The couple was married at Our Saviours Lutheran Church in Regina in 2006.

Tom believes his university education helped him in a nearly ten-year-long career in military communications, and he gives his military service credit for helping him develop a career as a programmer analyst with ISM. Tom views keeping up with new developments in the field of computer technology to be his greatest career challenge. “It’s a very dynamic industry, always evolving…

You spend a lot of time developing new skills.”

example

By Robin Markel (U’01) • She is a science student at Luther College at the University of Regina and a competitive wrestler. She is a ”lineman” with the Canadian Forces and signs her emails with the title “Corporal.” She is Luther College high school alumna Inga Van Vliet (HS’03), and she’s not afraid to get her hands dirty.

Physical activity is important for Van Vliet. “The lessons you learn from hard physical activity can be translated to almost any aspect of your life” she says.

“Physical activity has given me great self-confidence and pride above : Photo courtesy of AV Services, in what I am able to accomplish.”

University of Regina

And accomplish she does. right : Inga Van Vliet (right) in action.

Her willingness to try a variety Photo courtesy of Rob Weitzel – of sports has led her, almost by www.sportsshooter.ca. accident, to the University of Regina Cougars Women’s Wrestling team. It was her involvement in rugby that prompted coach Leo McGee to bring wrestling to Van Vliet. Initially, she was drawn to wrestling as a way to improve her fitness in the rugby off-season. However, it didn’t take long for wrestling to take a more prominent place in her life after her first competitive win in 2006. “The exhilaration of winning against a more experienced competitor gave me the confidence to continue with the sport,” she remembers.

Although Van Vliet has participated in many different sports (including cheerleading), she holds that wrestling is “by far” the most competitive. It is also intensely physical. “The demands for cardiovascular fitness as well as physical strength and endurance have pushed me to new personal standards” Van Vliet adds. “Since joining the wrestling team, I have been able to complete several half marathons with no additional training.”

Physical strength and strength of character are equally important to Van Vliet. As much as she credits her physical strength and fitness to her wrestling training, she attributes her mental stamina to her experience as a lineman in the military. In the military, linemen are responsible for hard-wired communications such as telephony and fibre optics, data, and cell phone systems, all used to coordinate and monitor troop movements. Van Vliet says that large-scale operations such as the mission in Afghanistan would be much more difficult without the skills of linemen.

Although her job as a lineman is physically demanding, it’s more than physical; it’s a test of mental endurance as well. “The discipline that I have developed has allowed me to push myself in

Inga Van Vliet’s quiet leadership

my personal, academic and athletic endeavours” she says. “I don’t believe that I would be the competitor that I am today without the experiences that I have gained in the Canadian Forces.”

Van Vliet has also learnt about leadership during her time in the military, notably that “leadership is not only for those in a position of authority.” She explains that “quiet leadership and the ability to lead by example rather than intimidation” has been one of her most important lessons.

While Van Vliet works and plays in traditionally male-dominated arenas, gender is a non-issue for her. Van Vliet’s take on gender discrimination has to do with her sense of personal responsibility. “When met with discriminatory attitudes [towards gender], I can find no greater pleasure than out-performing my male counterparts. The challenges with which I have been presented are welcome, as they give me the opportunity to push myself to new limits and thereby promote personal growth” she declares.

Growth for Van Vliet includes academics. She hopes to continue pursuing her interest in geography through graduate studies after completing her Bachelor of Science through Luther. Van Vliet chose to study geography through the Faculty of Science (instead of the Faculty of Arts) because the lab component allows her to combine academic studies with hands-on fieldwork.

Van Vliet says she would like to keep up with wrestling after graduation, and she also plans to complete a tour of duty wherever her trade as a lineman takes her. “The investment that the military has made in training me has been returned many times over in my personal life,” she says, and for that reason she’d like to remain involved with the Canadian Forces as long as possible. In the meantime, she says she lives by the words a Luther College high school science teacher wrote in her senior yearbook: “think great thoughts, ask great questions, and do great deeds.”

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Farm feed flavours

By Faye Wickenheiser • Caramel Toffee, Cocoa Spree, Sasparilla Twist, Orange Blossom – they all sound like new coffee or ice-cream flavours, but they are actually livestock feed flavours by Essentials, Inc. My conversation with Dionne (Durston) de Jager (HS’88) revealed much about Dionne’s fascinating career in the animal feed production industry.

In the summer of 2008, Dionne returned to Luther College high school for a visit.

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“ For the first few years of business, I was a ‘one-girl show’: accounts receivable and payable, purchasing, production and forklift driving. No job was too small and no day too long!”

For as long as I can remember, my family has been connected to agriculture: first as farmers, then as members of the feed mill industry, and finally as employees of PMT Inc, a company that focuses on feed additives such as feed flavours, a “Wet Nurse” milk replacement, and “Weatherguard” minerals, all for the animal feed industry.

I come from a family that always told me I could do anything I set my mind to. My parents taught me that no job was too small and that one should lead by example. Even so, when I started as a student at Luther College high school, I was shy, reserved, and lacking self-confidence. Luther College provided me with an environment in which I could succeed. While I was not successful in everything (French comes to mind), the school certainly built up my self-assurance and prepared me for my future.

After high school, I went to Briercrest Bible College for two years and graduated with a diploma in general arts. I then went on to the University of Winnipeg, where I graduated with a double major in criminology and sociology. My university education taught me how to ask questions, learn from my surroundings and solve problems. Upon graduation, as far as I was concerned I had chosen an education-related career path – that is, until I picked up the phone and was presented with an interesting opportunity.

PMT Inc was expanding and looking to become the first basic manufacturer of animal feed flavours in Canada, and in 1992 I was given the chance to start a company called Essentials Inc. With PMT Inc based in Ontario, Saskatchewan and British Columbia, we decided to establish Essentials Inc in Abbotsford, BC in order to best position ourselves for export to the Pacific Rim.

For the first few years of business, I was a “one-girl show”: accounts receivable and payable, purchasing, production and forklift driving. No job was too small and no day too long! My first two years of business were focused on export as we already had an office in Hong Kong with sales staff.

The company hired a senior flavourist to provide in-depth training in the “art and science” of flavours; in short, this person was tasked with developing my senses of taste and smell. Being the maker of great feed flavours is much like being a master chef, perfume maker or wine critic: it requires your senses of taste and smell to be precise and sophisticated. Years of training, mentorship, and hands-on instruction are key – and some background in chemistry doesn’t hurt either.

Our flavours for animal feed are developed in the same way as flavour in food items, using most of the same ingredients. The only difference between our flavours and those found in gum or ice cream is simply our consumers.

While Dionne spends little time driving forklift these days, hands-on work in the warehouse was part of her job in the early days of Essentials Inc.

Feed flavours add palatability to mask anything in the feed that offers nutritional value but does not necessarily taste good.

Flavours also add consistency from one batch of feed to the next so that the animals who are fussy will eat regularly. Our flavours are sold directly to feed mills and mixed in with grains and other ingredients to create a finished feed.

The PMT group also produces a “Wet Nurse” milk replacement that is sold in retail stores across Canada. It is used in cases when newborn or young animals do not have access to their mothers’ milk. The company also produces a water-soluble vitamin supplement, which is particularly important in cases when animals are under stress and refuse food but will continue to drink.

One of the most common questions I hear in my line of work is “do animals really care about flavour?” Firstly, yes, animals really do care. Most animals have more taste buds per square inch of tongue than humans. That is why you often find cows, horses and even pigs picking through their food to eat only what they like.

These days, I rarely spend time driving a forklift. Much of my time is spent overseeing flavour development, quality control, and providing technical sales support to our sales representatives. As the “nose” of the business, I spend a lot of time travelling, educating our customers on the importance of feed flavour, and providing on-site evaluations. I have traveled from Yorkton, Saskatchewan and Fresno, California to Hong Kong and Thailand promoting Essentials’ products.

It’s been a while since I graduated from university with a degree in criminology. While my degree is a long way from the feed flavour business, I did marry a Mountie (18 August 2002), so it appears I have come “full circle.” Through the years, I’ve learnt that it’s about making tough decisions and living with the outcomes; treating people with respect and working as a team; having a great sense of humour and being able to admit when you’re wrong; and getting the job done and being proud of the end product.

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Out of the blue…

onto the Red Carpet: Rachel Mielke

By Robin Markel (U’01) • “Because everyday is a fashion show” sprawls across the bottom of the Hillberg & Berk website (hillbergandberk.com). The slogan mimics the product: classy, modern and wearable jewellery that goes from every day to the Red Carpet at the Oscars. Rachel Mielke (HS’98), a Luther College high school alumna who started as a Luther student at the university campus and then earned a business administration degree through the University of Regina, is Hillberg & Berk’s designer.

Mielke, who started out designing jewellery as a hobby in high school, began her career in 2005 with her first jewellery company, Urban Pearl Accessories. What gave her the confidence to start her own company, Mielke says, was a three-day conference in Regina that kept her busy with orders for weeks thereafter. Since then, Mielke has enjoyed successes that have taken her far beyond her humble start.

Mielke eventually felt she had to change the name of the company to reflect “the evolving sophistication of the line.” The name Hillberg & Berk itself, however, does have modest roots. Mielke says the name comes from her great grandmother Hilda Bergman and Mielke’s dog Berkeley. Mielke explains that as her great grandmother “always exemplified strength and determination, it just seemed fitting to name my company after such a strong female role model in my life. And the ‘Berk’ part just seemed to fit.”

That Mielke named the company after a female role model is telling. Mielke is “extremely passionate” about using the success of her company “toward leveraging a greater good for others.” She focuses on women’s issues, as she says that is what resonates most with her personally. Specifically, Mielke takes part in a yearly local event called Divas’ Night Out, which donates proceeds to local women’s shelters. She is also the incoming vice-president of the Regina Business & Professional Women’s Organization, “a worldwide organisation,” she stresses, “whose mandate is to improve the social, economic and political conditions of women.”

Mielke herself is exemplary; she was selected as the 2008 YWCA Young Woman of Distinction as well as the 2008 Regina Chamber of Commerce Paragon Young Entrepreneur Award winner. Mielke considers herself fortunate to be able to make a living at jewellery-making, but she sheepishly admits that she works as much as 75 hours a week.

Not all her time is spent designing, however. Although she uses a marketing company, she splits her time between designing and

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J inah Kim, journalist with NBC News, sports jewellery designed

by Hillberg & Berk at the 2008 Acadamy Awards.

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“ I even got a piece of jewellery on an NBC news anchor on the Oscars Red Carpet, so I was really excited about that” marketing. Mielke says her jewellery-making skills are self-taught, but she did take marketing classes at university, and says she has “a passion for learning about and applying marketing techniques.”

Lately, Mielke spends much of her time working in order to take advantage of the recent success of the company. The first major entertainment event in which she was asked to participate was the Gemini Awards held in Regina in fall 2007. Mielke was commissioned to make jewellery for all presenters, including George Stroumboulopoulos (CBC’s The Hour), actress Anne Heche, Tara Spencer-Nairn (Corner Gas) and actor Jason Priestly. Mielke says the event itself “was really cool,” especially as she “got some feedback from celebrities right away about the pieces.”

After the Geminis, Hillberg & Berk was invited to participate in the pre-awards show at the Oscars. Mielke notes several “big stars” she gave pieces to, including Katie Couric and Spike Lee. “I even got a piece of jewellery on an NBC news anchor on the Oscars Red Carpet, so I was really excited about that” she says. Mielke describes the piece, a green Chalcedony bracelet with Swarovski crystals worn by NBC news anchor Jina Kim, as one of her favourites.

When asked how the Oscars show affected business, she notes that “being invited to the pre-Oscars gifting lounge generated international media exposure” for Hillberg & Berk. In addition, she has been “featured on television in Canada and the US and in several fashion publications since then.”

In the short term, Mielke has noticed that being involved in the Oscars gifting lounge “has really increased awareness and credibility for Hillberg & Berk across Canada and increased sales.”

In the long term, the success generated by the Oscars has prompted Mielke to seek international markets with wholesale expansion to the United States and even Europe over the next two years.

“Giving back” is a fundamental part of Hillberg & Berk’s, and Mielke’s, philosophy that well-roundedness is crucial for success.

These days, Mielke enjoys sharing her skills. “I volunteer my time to speak at local high school and university business classes about my experience in business” she says. “I’ve recently started speaking professionally on branding and networking your business to the top as well.”

Mielke says that “being a successful person means that you pay attention to and achieve a level of personal satisfaction in all aspects of your life. So to me it is important to nurture the spiritual side of my life as well. That is part of the reason that Luther College was the right choice for me for high school.” What she remembers most from her time at Luther was her involvement in cheerleading, choir and the annual musical. “This experience really allowed me to develop strong leadership skills and work ethic” she says.

Work ethic, indeed! Not just anyone gets invited to major awards shows. As Mielke puts it, “You don’t just get invited to the Oscars out of the blue. But as it turns out… sometimes you do.”

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For Randy Beattie,

“it’s all about balance”

A sampling of some of the pieces crafted by Hillberg & Berk.

Rachel Mielke hard at work at her new shop in downtown Regina.

By Allan Pulga (U’02) • Greeting his eldest son on the Luther graduation stage is symbolic of how a father’s contributions have indeed come full circle. Randy Beattie (U’82) sits on the Luther College Board of Regents, and this past May he participated in the Luther College high school graduation ceremonies. One of those graduates was his son, Taylor. “That was a special moment for our family,” recalls Randy. “Not only was I on the stage but I was able to present Taylor with his diploma. A perk of sitting on the Board, I suppose.”

Truly, this gesture was more than just a perk. To Randy, it was the culmination of a long-time commitment to serve his family, his community, his alma mater, and, in a greater sense, the economic development of his home province.

Randy, 49, is a man of remarkable vision. He is the president and CEO of PFM Capital Inc. The company was established in 1989 and quickly found a niche in corporate finance. As Randy became interested in Saskatchewan companies, their business plans and their growth strategies, PFM sought to help companies find the capital necessary to grow. Over time, the firm enjoyed great success in raising local capital to simultaneously support local companies and build local industry.

PFM soon moved out of the intermediary business and became an investment management company. Today, as a private equity and venture capital management firm, its focus remains primarily on investing in Saskatchewan businesses, “keeping the money” in Saskatchewan. The company now offers a broad spectrum of venture capital funds, thereby helping companies of all sizes obtain capital. PFM now manages over $250 million in investments.

“At the end of the day, it’s about staying in Saskatchewan and investing in people. They’re making the product and we’re providing much-needed capital and value-added services, but because we’re an equity investor, we’re really investing in the management teams and the owners of these companies.”

However, Randy’s sense of giving back to his community, and to Saskatchewan, was not built in the boardroom. Born and raised in Willow Bunch, Saskatchewan, Randy remembers seeing his mother and father volunteer with numerous community organisations. His dad also put in time as an rural municipality councillor, hockey and baseball coach, and local infrastructure planner.

“Our parents were very active,” he says. “They urged my older brother and me to stay busy, stay committed and stay involved. They led by example in that regard — they gave back to their community.”

But Randy credits his experience as a Luther College university student for shaping his ideas of “belonging” to a community and valuing people. As a young business administration student, his first exposure to Luther culture was through residence life.

“Coming in from a small town, I felt welcomed into a new community. Luther creates a community. I think a lot of students feel alone at first. For some, it’s their first time away from home.

I really enjoyed the residence because it offered a community to belong to, to participate in.”

Whether it was by participating in intramural sports teams, doing homework in the library, or getting involved in all sorts of residence and LUSA activities, Randy embraced his identity as a Luther College student, eventually serving as LUSA president for two years.

“As you move through your career and life, you meet all kinds of people, but the lifelong friends I’ve had and still have are from my time at Luther College. At Luther, the priority is on people, and I think that’s why you develop such good friendships there.”

Despite his busy schedule, for Randy, family comes first.

He and his wife Janice have worked to ensure their sons Taylor (17), Adam (10), and Eric (7) appreciate the values of family and community. In his spare time, Randy has volunteered with the Tourism Industry Association of Saskatchewan, the Big Brothers Association, the Canadian Progress Club and the Regina Entrepreneurial Foundation.

“Balance is important,” he says. “It’s easy to become too focused on your job. Among other things, Luther helped me value the people aspect of school and work. You shouldn’t forget about your family, your friends and even about taking care of yourself. So it’s important to think about balance and about giving back to your community.”

Randy is CEO of PFM Capital Inc, which calls Regina’s historic Assiniboia Club building home.

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On being called…

Michael Kurtz’ pastoral profession

vocation, n* 1. a. The action on the part of God of calling a person to exercise some special function, especially of a spiritual nature, or to fill a certain position; divine influence or guidance towards a definite (especially religious) career; the fact of being so called or directed towards a special work in life; natural tendency to, or fitness for, such work.

Pastor Michael Kurtz (top left) addresses a group of children at Sunday worship (top right). A group of parishioners from Winnipeg’s First Lutheran Church (bottom right) renovates its first home for a low-income resident of the inner city (bottom left).

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By Jennifer Arends (U’02) • For Pastor Michael Kurtz (HS’84, U’89), minister at First Lutheran Church in Winnipeg, Manitoba, the profession of a pastor is one in which the notions of “calling” and “career” converge. In fact, while many might insist that the term “calling” is most appropriate in a formal ministerial context, Pastor Kurtz explains that God calls all people to careers and that those vocations can take many forms.

Michael says that his first call to ministry came from his mother and the congregation in which he grew up. He later received callings from several teachers at Luther College high school and university, all of whom noted that he possessed pastoral gifts. In 2000, Michael was summoned to ministry by First Lutheran in Winnipeg.

First Lutheran, Michael explains, is a unique congregation. Originally founded by Icelandic Canadians who settled in Winnipeg in the 1870s due to increased volcanic activity in their homeland, First Lutheran is western Canada’s second-oldest Lutheran congregation. The church is located in Winnipeg’s inner city, and its congregation is a welcoming place for many refugee families from regions such as the Republic of the Congo and Sudan.

Today, Michael says, the congregation is typical of many others in Canadian cities. While newly immigrated Icelanders formed the original community in which the church was built, over the generations they vacated the neighbourhood, watched the inner-city area suffer from urban decay, and began wondering to what purpose God was calling them as a congregation.

After struggling with their role in Winnipeg’s new inner-city reality, Michael and his congregation discerned a call to community service. Under Michael’s leadership, members of the church created a non-profit organisation whose mandate was to restore affordable housing within the city’s west end.

The group would purchase a house, create a renovation plan, secure all finances required for the project (a process that included applying for government grants), and complete the renovations.

Each renovated home would then be sold to a low-income individual who would commit to residing in the house for at least five years. The program has been successful to this point, and Michael notes that the group will continue with more affordable housing projects in the future.

First Lutheran has also partnered with a group called Lutheran Urban Ministry, a community outreach program with which it operates a community food bank. Michael remarks that the program feeds between 25 and 35 families in need each week.

Michael states that one of the most rewarding aspects of his vocation is witnessing his congregation struggle with and discover its own calling within the community. “It is exciting to be part of a group of people who are trying to discern what God is doing in the world and how we can help,” he says. Ministry, he explains, is a communal vocation that occurs “when lay people discover that God is calling them to a given task.”

calling, vbl n* II. Summons, call, vocation.

9. a. The summons, invitation, or impulse of God to salvation or to his service; the inward feeling or conviction of a divine call; the strong impulse to any course of action as the right thing to do. c. In reference to the Christian ministry there is often a mixture of the notions of the divine “call,” the vocatio or call of the bishop, presbytery, or church, and the professional “calling” as in 11.

11. a. Ordinary occupation, means by which livelihood is earned, business, trade.

“God calls people to use their gifts and serve others in all that they do. It is not just limited to those of us in the ministry. In a way, it’s very empowering to know that God calls all of us to serve.”

Pastor Michael Kurtz and his six siblings attended Luther College high school, following in their father Walter’s footsteps. Reverend Walter Kurtz (HS’47) was the pastor at Christ Lutheran Church in Regina for many years.

After high school, Michael continued his studies at Luther College at the University of Regina, where he pursued an undergraduate honours degree and a Master’s degree in religious studies. His Master’s thesis, entitled “A Comparison of Jewish and Muslim Views of Religious War,” helped him to expand his understanding of other religious systems and sparked his interest in inter-faith and ecumenical dialogue. Michael then attended Luther Seminary in St Paul, Minnesota and taught for one year as a sessional at Luther’s university campus.

When asked what he hopes to achieve in his professional life, Michael responds that he wants to bring “a passion for God’s healing and restoring work in the world” and “an assurance of God’s grace, which makes it possible to take risks.” Risk-taking, Michael notes, is integral to Christian service and essential to successful ministry.

Pastor Michael Kurtz’ wife, Dr Sue Sorensen, is a graduate of the University of Regina and holds a BA in English as well as a PhD in English from the University of British Columbia. She teaches English at the Canadian Mennonite University. Michael and Sue have 2 children: Peter, who just graduated from high school, and Theo, who just graduated from kindergarten.

career, n* 5. b. In modern language (after French carrière) frequently used for: A course of professional life or employment, which affords opportunity for progress or advancement in the world.

* Definitions from The Oxford English Dictionary, 2nd ed, 1989; author’s emphasis.

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Bits & bites Edited by Faye Wickenheiser

and SIAST) to enjoy a free overnight stay in the Luther College at the University of Regina Residence.

This allows prospective students to get a taste of what it’s like to live in residence. The program is open to young adults ages 17 to 21, and parents and guardians are also welcome. For more information, please visit www. luthercollege.edu/spendanight.

High school news Many Luther students have won prestigious scholarships this year.

For example: • J oel Blechinger, Derrick Emsley, Ian Folk, and Serena La Posta have been awarded Centennial Merit Scholarships in the amount of $2 000 each.

• Richard Hamilton, Whitney Moeller and Stephan Sharpe were each awarded Centennial Merit PLUS Scholarships, valued at $3 000.

• Gwyn Bergman is the recipient of a $20 000 scholarship from McGill University.

• Victor Bockarie has been awarded a $1 250 bursary from the University of Regina.

• Richard Hamilton was awarded the $2 500 SaskEnergy scholarship.

• Jo Kim has been offered a $20 000 scholarship to the University of Alberta as a foreign International Baccalaureate Diploma student.

• Whitney Moeller and Derrick Emsley have both been awarded $40 000 Hill Ivy scholarships (two years at the University of Regina and two years at University of Western Ontario) in Business Administration • Alex Maxie has been awarded the Sexton-Kusisto scholarship to attend Luther College high school.

For a complete list of Luther College scholarship and bursary recipients, visit www.luthercollege.edu/highschoolscholarships.

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Senior girls volleyball action at Luther College high school.

Congratulations to Lindsay Braul, who won the Girls’ Singles Gold Medal at the Campbell Collegiate Badminton Tournament. In addition, congratulations to Brad Hwang and Andrew Yoon, who won the Boys’ Doubles Silver Medal, and to Cara van Burck and Becky Holden, who finished third in girls’ doubles.

person, the more severe you feel its loss. Familiar faces, hallowed halls, emotions and thoughts form the ideal of these four years forever etched in our memories, whether good or bad; four years which are arguably the most formative of our lives. As such we are together tonight to look on our past as one, as we prepare to disperse across the world, but more importantly to look to our one future.

The All-College Banquet, one of Luther College high school’s oldest school traditions, was held on 25 April 2008. Baccalaureate and closing exercises were held on 31 May 2008, and many awards and scholarships were presented.

Congratulations and best wishes to the class of 2008!

***** A builder who has spent years learning his trade would be foolish to retire and not apply his skills.

We are builders. We have broken ground. We go forth from this place to build diverse lives, but the wisest among us, and the strongest houses, will be built on the firm foundation of Truth. Seek the Truth.

Excerpts from Stephen Michael Sharpe’s Valedictorian Address, Luther College high school, 31 May 2008: For four years we have laboured. For four years we have been stressed, we have laughed, loved, succeeded, and failed. However, as our end draws near as one fold, we will begin to feel that the greatest tragedy to face is the fact that the more greatly you are attached to an idea, to a place or to a

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University news Convocation was held on 5 June 2008 for 83 Luther graduates; 14 of those students received Bachelor of Arts (Honours) degrees.

Luther College hosted its annual “Spend-a-Night” overnight campus visit on 9 May 2008. Spend-aNight is an event that allows prospective post-secondary students (Luther, Campion, FNUC, U of R,

Congratulations to Brenda Anderson (U’88) (professor of women’s studies at Luther), Rev Carla Blakley (U’90) (minister at Bread of Life Lutheran Church) and the Missing Indigenous Women Conference organising committee for being awarded a Humanities Research Institute (HRI) Assistance Award for Visiting Speakers at Conferences.

The award helped to defray the costs of bringing in keynote speaker Lourdes Portillo. For information on how the conference went, watch for an update in the spring/summer 2009 issue of The Luther Story.

An RCE Saskatchewan update from Lyle A Benko and Roger Petry (U’90) (instructor of philosophy at Luther), co-coordinators of RCE Saskatchewan: Saskatchewan Regional Centre of Expertise (RCE) on Education for Sustainable Development (ESD) seeks to transform education for sustainability in our region.

Education is broadly understood to include formal education (such as primary, secondary, and post-secondary education) as well as informal and non-formal education (such as the private media and public education by non-governmental organisations).

Education at all times respects the autonomy and dignity of the learner.

Education for sustainable development aims at promoting reflection and discernment in our region that helps us identify and pursue paths to sustainability. Such paths lead to ongoing improvements in quality of life while sustaining healthy ecosystems. They promote active environmental stewardship, social justice, and intergenerational equity.

Treaty Four Aboriginal Police College, the Saskatchewan Roughriders’ rookie and full training campus, two groups of English-language “Explore” students from Quebec, and the Saskatchewan International Tattoo and Festival’s Pipe and Drum Band, just to name a few.

All-College news RCE Saskatchewan hosted the first “RCE Conference of the Americas” from 25 to 27 May 2008. The Conference was entitled “Knowledge and Innovation for Sustainability: Assessing and Adopting Beneficial Practices,” and it focused on regional and inter-regional capacity building for ESD as well as several specific areas of concentration for RCE Saskatchewan, such as climate change, health and healthy lifestyles, reconnecting to natural prairie ecosystems, and farming and local food production.

In April, Luther College held a sale of original works of art and limited edition prints, primarily

by Canadian artists, donated by long-time College supporters John and Monica Kurtz. Proceeds from the sale will be directed to various Luther College initiatives. Luther College gratefully acknowledges John and Monica for generously providing the artwork for the sale.

The 2008 Regina Musical Club Recital Competition winner is Mary Joy Nelson, soprano (with Cherith Alexander, piano), chosen from a group of nine gifted performers from all over Saskatchewan.

A graduate of the U of R Music Department’s vocal performance program, Mary Joy is currently a doctoral student in voice at the University of Kentucky in Lexington. She will be awarded a $1 000 scholarship and give a recital on 3 January 2009 as part of the 2008-2009 Regina Musical Club concert series. Luther College at the U of R is an in-kind sponsor of the Regina Musical Club.

Staffing announcements

The university campus remained busy over the summer of 2008, playing host to groups and events such as the Regina Music Festival, the Youth Business Institute,

Luther College’s annual reports are available online at www.luthercollege.edu/annualreport.

The high school is pleased to welcome Marcia Levesque as its new school nurse. She brings with her a wealth of experience, having worked as a registered nurse at such places as Pioneer Village, Pasqua Hospital, Northern Lights Health Region, Wascana Rehabilitation Centre and Regina General Hospital.

Darlene Woywoda has retired from her position of director of Advancement. In her time at Luther, Darlene oversaw the implementation of a successful class marshal program that allows the high school better to keep in touch with its alumni. She also oversaw a branding initiative, which began in 2006 and involved the redesign of promotional print materials at both of Luther’s

top : On stage in Luther College high school’s annual musical. In 2007, students performed in the Broadway classic Hello , Dolly! middle : Participants in the RCE Conference of the Americas, held at

Luther College at the University of Regina. bottom : Dr Iqbal Husain, professor of mathematics and awards

officer at the university campus, presents the Luther College Medal of Distinction at Spring 2008 Convocation.

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Lost alumni

Class notes Edited by Lecina Hicke

Updates We need your help in finding some of our Luther College alumni. If you have any information on the following people, please contact our alumni office at 306.757.7399 or email alumni@luthercollege.edu. For a complete list of lost alumni, visit our website at www.luthercollege.edu/ lostalumni. If you forward a lost alum’s information to us, we’ll enter your name into a draw for a piece of Lutherwear.

Roy Beuker (HS’78) Jocelyn Bona (HS’93) Jennifer Bromm (U’88) Lindsay Bryson (HS’02) Leross Gilbert Calnek (HS’88) Lee Chalmers (HS’73, U’78) Olive Chiu (HS’06) Karen Clark (U’96) Drenin Wade Deyell (HS’90) Stacyn Deyell (HS’90) Jason Wallace Fleury (HS’88, U’04) Shawn Foster (HS’94) Peter Gorniak (HS’93) Raelyn Hart (HS’00) Kaitlin Shea Hickey (HS’04) Tin Yan Timothy Ho (HS’91, U’97) So Yoon Hwang (HS’06) Paul Kroeger (HS’45) Wai Chee Bianca Kwong (HS’88) Alfred Kui Ying Lee (HS’91) Leah Legien (HS’96) Brandice Dyan Luza (HS’88) Keno Saexander Maywald (HS’04) Judy Molnar (U’92) Benjamin Walker (HS’91) The winners of the spring 08 Lutherwear draw are Myron and Valerie Becker. Congratulations!

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campuses. We thank Darlene for all her hard work and dedication to Luther College, and we wish her all the best in her future endeavors.

Caroline Peng, former alumni coordinator, completed her co-op work term with Luther in April 2008, and Lecina Hicke has taken over her position. Lecina is on a double co-op work term, and she is a third-year English major who has just returned to Regina after living in Buffalo Narrows for the past three years.

Don Simons (HS’82) has joined the staff of Luther College as development officer. Don brings over 20 years of promotions and communication experience in the media business to his new assignment. He worked at Global Television, where he was host of “Don Simons at the movies” for 14 years. Most recently, Don served as Senior Communications Officer with the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation. Don is one of three brothers who attended the high school campus through the late ‘70s and mid ‘80s.

Ken Reimer has accepted the position of English teacher at the high school campus. Over the course of his career, Ken has taught at Johnson, Usher, Thom and Balfour Collegiates. He has extensive experience with the International Baccalaureate and Advanced Placement programs.

In addition to a Master’s degree in English, he holds a Bachelor of Education (English and art) and a Bachelor of Arts (English). Ken is an accomplished writer, having written three novels as well as several short stories and plays.

The high school has said farewell to Sharla Hjelte, who has taken on full-time teaching duties at Harvest City School. Sharla was formerly the dean of women at Luther College high school. We wish her well with her new appointment and thank her for her dedicated service to our students. The high school welcomes Kaia Anderson (U’08), who is the new dean of women. Kaia has extensive background with English as a Second Language instruction, and she recently completed a degree in linguistics. She has worked as an assistant residence assistant at Briercrest Bible College while earning certification in the TESOL (Teach English to Speakers of Other Languages) program.

We are pleased and excited to announce that Bryan Belous has been hired as our other new head dean. Bryan holds a Bachelor of Education and has great experience leading and working with young people. He won several academic awards during his time at university, and he is a volleyball, hockey and basketball enthusiast.

Melissa Morgan (U’01) has accepted the vacant music teacher position at the high school campus. Melissa attended Luther College high school and is a university campus grad. She most recently was the music director at Campbell Collegiate, where she conducted six choirs. In addition to a Master’s degree in music performance (choral conducting), she holds a BEd (music and English) and a BA (English). She also holds three ARCT’s (certification as an Associate of the Royal Conservatory of Music) in performance (flute, piano and voice).

Mildren (McLaren) Carruthers (HS’43) and husband Stuart of Lashburn, Saskatchewan celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary on 29 June 2008. The couple has been blessed with three daughters, ten grandchildren, and three great grandchildren.

Gordon Shepherd (HS’47) Crediting much of his involvement in the field of science to the late Paul Leifeld of Luther College high school, Gordon Shepherd has recently co-authored a book entitled Canada’s Fifty Years in Space, published by Apogee Books. Chronicling the years from 1958 through to 2008 (years which also coincide with his career), Shepherd describes the scores of Canadian accomplishments in space. Shepherd began his career in the science field in 1957 when he accepted a position as assistant professor at the University of Saskatchewan. His dedication to the field of science has warranted many noteworthy awards, including the esteemed Alouette Award and John H Chapman Award. Although currently a professor emeritus, Gordon is still active in a variety of research projects at York University in Toronto.

Ernest Everingham (HS’54) graduated from the University of Saskatchewan with his degree

in engineering. Ernest spent his entire career in the plastics industry primarily in Ontario as well as several years in West Virginia and Illinois. In 1998, Ernest retired; he and his wife Mary Jane took up residence in Mesa, Arizona. They live in a retirement park and are active in choral singing, softball and world travel.

For the summers, he and his wife return to their condominium in Cobourg, Ontario. Ernest and Mary Jane have five children and seven grandchildren. In June of 2008, Ernest returned to Luther College high school to say hello to many old friends, and relive many fond memories.

Daphne Bramham (HS’72, U’75) has published the The Secret Lives of Saints: Child Brides and Lost Boys in a Polygamous Mormon Sect.

The book is a shocking account of the founding and flourishing of the polygamous, fundamentalist Mormon sect in Bountiful, British Columbia.

Daphne Bramham has been a columnist at the Vancouver Sun since 2000 and has won numerous awards for her writing.

Joanne Shurvin-Martin (U’76) was employed in the public relations and communications sectors with both SaskTel and SaskPower after graduating from university, and in 1988 she married Walter Martin. In 1991, after the birth of their second child, Joanne decided to “retire,” only to discover that as a full-time parent she was busier than she had ever been. Joanne recently returned to the paid workforce,

taking on the position of the Qu’Appelle Diocese editor for the Saskatchewan Anglican. Walter served two overseas tours as a captain in the Army reserves and at present is working towards his Master’s of Public Administration. The Martins, who recently celebrated their 20th wedding anniversary, live in Regina with their three teenagers.

Vera Nicholas-Gervais (U’82) is currently working for Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada in Strategic Communications with the Afghanistan Task Force. Through her work with Foreign Affairs, she has been posted in the Middle East and Paris. In her spare time, she is a life-skills coach.

Tracy Drew (HS’87) is the managing partner for a project management and management consulting firm, PCGI consulting Group of Vancouver, a sister company to the Regina-based Paradigm Consulting Group.

She and her husband moved to Vancouver in 2005 with their two sons.

Karen (Pockrandt) Rozon (HS’87) and her husband Richard are currently residing in the Gatineau, Quebec area along with their two children Katrina (9) and Sarah (7). Richard is a Sergeant in the RCMP in charge of his own unit, and Karen currently works for the Department of Fisheries and Oceans. The couple’s two daughters are enrolled in an all-French school with concentrations in violin, flute and music theory.

Karen and Sarah are also very involved in Karate and are doing

well in competitions across North America.

Melissa (Harris) Strangway (HS’88) has published 56 Water Street, a juvenile fiction mystery novel. The book was awarded Publisher’s Choice and Reader’s Choice designations from iUniverse.com. For more information about the book and Melissa, please visit www.melissastrangway.com.

Anna (Coleshaw) Echols (HS’89) and her husband Jeff have recently launched the Manitoba franchise of Onext, a digital network specialising in audience-specific, cost-effective high definition (HD) advertising. The two are in charge of the entire Manitoba territory, and as such are the first regional franchise owners in Canada. Both Anna and Jeff hope to bring this HD digital network to Regina and Saskatoon in the near future.

Melanie (Weiss) MacGregor (U’94) illustrates what an education combined with a sincere dedication to one’s work can do. After graduating from Luther College at the University of Regina with her Bachelor of Administration, Melanie went on to become a nationally certified special events manager. Notable events include four awardwinning CFL Saskatchewan Pride Outside pre-game events, a CNIE conference in Banff for 400 international delegates, as well as the University of Athabasca’s three-day convocation ceremonies. Melanie is employed as the convocation coordinator for the University of Athabasca.

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79767.IDS AD

Class notes

7/8/08

9:23 AM

Page 1

Interdisciplinary Studies Program LUTHER COLLEGE at the UNIVERSITY OF REGINA

Jessica Rezunyk (HS’94) moved to Missouri two years ago with her husband and five-year-old son.

Both Jessica and her husband are at Washington University in St Louis, Missouri. Jessica’s husband is conducting medical research as part of a program in pediatric anesthesiology while Jessica works on her PhD in English literature, specialising in medieval and religious studies.

William Bratt (HS’02, U’07) graduated with a Bachelor of Psychology (Honours) degree in Psychology, after which he moved to Victoria, British Columbia.

He is employed with Vancouver Island’s first applied behaviour analysis treatment centre, as well as with a transitional housing project. William is an active volunteer at a crisis line and is working on prerequisite classes for his Master’s in Counselling Psychology, for which he hopes to apply in the fall of 2009.

Janeen Michie (HS‘02) recently completed a Translation Consultant Development Workshop. Janeen is currently residing in the Philippines with her husband Mitchell. The two are working on Bible-focused translations in a variety of foreign languages. Janeen recently completed her first major project, a forty-minute picture video of the story of Ruth in the Blaan language.

Raelyne Linton-Dusyk (U’03) recently received her Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree from the University of Saskatchewan.

Raelyne was also the recipient of the 2008 College of Nursing Gold Medal, the Yvonne Brown

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Award for Nursing Excellence, and the College of Nursing 70th Anniversary Award. In 2003, Raelyne received her Bachelor of Arts in Journalism from Luther College at the University of Regina.

Robert Davis (HS’04) recently graduated from the University of Regina with his Bachelor of Administration degree (great distinction) with a concentration in finance.

Celebrations Simi (Wilhelm) Shah (HS’92) and husband Nimit Shah welcomed their first child, Sanam Ruth, on 19 February 2008.

The family resides in London, England where Simi is selfemployed as a consultant to venture capital funds investing in the social sector.

Stephanie Backman (HS‘94) married Robin Haw in May 2008. The wedding was held in Scotland. Stephanie and Robin now reside in Toronto.

Stephen Barlow (HS’95) and his wife Trina are pleased to announce the birth of their first child, Aquinnah B Barlow, born 12 November 2007. Aquinnah came into the world at 6 lbs 5 oz and was 21.25” long.

Kim (Anderson) Semenchuk (HS’96) and husband Troy are proud first-time parents of son Tye Jeffrey, born 19 February 2008.

Megan Alfano (HS’99) was united in marriage to David Brown in the fall of 2007.

William Ready (U’01) wed Bridget Patterson 7 June 2008.

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In memoriam Rev William Riekert (HS’34) passed away 23 March 2008.

Reverend Riekert attended Wartburg College in Waverly, IA and Wartburg Seminary in Dubuque, IA. He was ordained on 9 June 1940 and served Trinity Lutheran Church in Regina as well as numerous churches throughout rural Saskatchewan.

He also served in Winnipeg and Nepean, ON. Rev Riekert retired from the ministry in 1983. Born in Regina, Pastor Riekert is survived by his daughter, Elaine Rainboth (HS’60) (Dan). He is predeceased by his wife Irene (Kinzel) Riekert (HSU’36) and daughter, Thelma Ileleji (HS’63). He is missed by son-in-law Benedict Ileleji and grandchildren Sarah, Christopher, Anne, Andrew, Margaret, and Paul.

Dr Paul Hilton Good, MD, FRCS, (C), (HS’50) died peacefully in Regina on 7 May 2008. Paul was predeceased by his parents, Dr Hilton and Anne Good; sister Mary Elizabeth Kaumeyer; and twin brother Dr John Good (HS’50). He is survived by his wife Shirley (Martin) (HS’59); sons Martin Good (Randall Kelly) of Washington, DC and Dr Scott Good (Kristina) of Barrie ON; sister Margot (Dr Alex Herbert) of Edmonton; cousin Eileen Nurse of Regina; and numerous grandchildren. Paul was born in Weyburn, SK in 1932 and graduated from the Manitoba Medical College in 1956. After interning at University Hospital in Edmonton, Paul did his post-graduate training in urology at John Hopkins Hospital in Baltimore from 1958 to 1962. Following that, he returned to Regina to

enter the medical office his late father established in 1940. Paul worked with Drs Staff Barootes, John Leishman, Bob Bridge and Gordon Duke over the years until he closed the office in 2003.

Paul loved the Saskatchewan prairie and painted many wonderful prairie scenes. Paul was elected to the Saskatchewan Medical Association Board of Directors in 1966 and served as its president in 1969/1970.

As well, he was a member of the Council of the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Saskatchewan for eight years. In the late ’80s, he was Chairman of the Saskatchewan Medical Care Insurance Commission, and in the early ’90s, he was Chairman of the Saskatchewan Alcohol and Drug Abuse Commission.

In 1997, he was made a Senior Member of the Canadian Medical Association in recognition of his outstanding contribution to the profession. Paul served as Chairman of the Saskatchewan Arts Board, President of Professional Properties Ltd, on the Advisory Board for Opera Saskatchewan, and on the Committee for Saskatchewan Physicians at Risk.

John Graf (HS’51) passed away 26 June 2008 at the age of 75.

John left to cherish his memory his wife of 24 years, Beverlee; children Tamara (Fred), Tricia, David, Dwayne (Gayle) Henry, Leianne (Robert) Henry, and Timothy (Martha) Henry; 12 grandchildren and one great grandson; sisters Pauline (Sam) Zeibin and Anne Thorne; as well as his “daughters” Yola and Caro of Germany. Early in life, John was employed by the Canadian

National Railway, where he worked for 34 years. At 46 years of age, John earned his Bachelor of Arts from the University of Brandon. Following his “retirement,” John went on to be a Certified Real Estate Appraiser, assessing houses for 12 years.

John was a proud resident of Saskatchewan, and was involved in a number of organisations within his community, including the Shriners and the American Historical Society of Germans from Russia, Regina Chapter.

John will be remembered for his selfless demeanour, sense of humour, and unwavering integrity.

Eleanor Mae Longworthy (HS’58) passed away unexpectedly on 3 March 2008.

Affectionately known as “Wannie” to her family and friends, she was a long-time resident of both Regina and B-SayTah Point. She graduated with her nursing diploma and nursed in Weyburn, Calgary, and Regina. During her career, Wannie was a residence director for the Regina YWCA. She played the piano and was an accomplished cellist, playing with the Regina Symphony Orchestra for several years. Her interests varied from travelling in Europe, listening to CBC Radio, and following politics to swimming, reading, cheering on the Saskatchewan Roughriders, and enjoying the company of friends and dogs.

Wannie is lovingly remembered by her sister Ruth Longworthy (HS’55) and Gib Warner and their family, as well as her many cousins and friends.

Who are we?

Where have we been?

Where are we going?

DISCOVER YOUR WORLD Explore global citizenship The IDS Program welcomes all University of Regina students.

Choose from three new courses.

For more information, visit

www.luthercollege.edu/ids 306.585.5444 T H E L U T H E R S T O R Y • f a l l & w i n t e r • 0 8 | 0 9

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Class notes Thelma Irene Ileleji (HS’63) passed away peacefully on 17 December 2007 in the presence of family and Chaplain Father Cyprian from Nigeria after a courageous battle with cancer.

Thelma was predeceased by beloved mother Irene Riekert (HSU’36). She was the dearly loved daughter of Rev William Riekert (HS’34); devoted wife of Benedict Ileleji; cherished mother of Christopher (Stacey), Anne Ehoro (Prince), Andrew (Stephanie), Margaret Peters (Obiora), and Paul and stepmother of Joseph (Shirlene); and dearest sister and sister-in-law of Elaine Rainboth (HS’60) and Dan. Thelma lived in Nigeria since 1969, where she was a teacher and school headmistress as well as a private piano teacher.

Friends of the College Majorie Anderson passed away peacefully at the age of 82 years. She leaves to treasure her memory daughters Sherlene (Tim) Heise, Ivadelle Janine (Bob) Rhinas, and Bernita Rundine (Greg) Wilson. Majorie also leaves many grandchildren and great grandchildren to mourn her passing.

Graham Ashdown passed away suddenly on 27 May 2008.

Eternally remembered as a loving husband, Graham leaves Ella, wife of 55 years, to mourn his passing. Also left to cherish Graham’s life are children Elaine (Brian), as well as numerous grandchildren, and great grandchildren. Graham will forever be remembered for his integrity, faith, passion, and sincere love of life.

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Contributors John Wesley Beebe (Luther College university residence ‘72) passed away 24 April 2008. John leaves to cherish his memory brothers Don and Russ, nephew Richard, and grandniece Kiera.

Lynn Smith passed away 11 April 2008. Lynn is predeceased by his parents Stanley and Verna, and infant twin sister Linda. Lynn will be lovingly remembered

by Pat, his wife of 38 years; children Chris Smith (HS’94) (Charity) of Saskatoon, Dayna Graf (HS’95) (Jon) of Regina, and Tim Smith (HS’98; U04) of Vancouver; granddaughter Addison Emily Graf; and brothers Edward (Carol) of Yorkton and John (Carol) of Regina. Lynn was born and raised in Estevan, SK. He received a Bachelor of Arts in Mathematics in 1968 and a professional teaching certificate in 1969, and he taught school for one year in Calgary. In 1973, he received a law degree from the University of Saskatchewan. He moved to Regina in 1973 and started working with McDougall, Ready, Wakeling law firm, which later became McDougall Gauley.

He became a partner in the firm in 1977. Lynn coached minor hockey, baseball, softball, and indoor and outdoor soccer teams as his children were growing up. He was a sessional lecturer at the U of R, and he was on the Board of Directors for the Regina Chamber of Commerce, where he was involved with the Festival of Lights and the Businessto-Business Expo. He was the chairperson for the Professional Division of the United Way of Regina. He served as president of the following: Saskatchewan Squash Association (‘80),

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Saskatchewan Sports Hall of Fame (‘93/’94), Wascana Golf and Country Club (‘04/’05), and the Saskatchewan Branch of the Canadian Bar Association (’05/’06). He was a member of Regina YMCA Endowment Committee (‘03/’04). Lynn ran marathons in 2001 and 2002, and he was a member of the YMCA health club.

Geraldine (Geri) Wagner passed away 4 May 2008, following a courageous battle with cancer.

She leaves behind her husband, Morley Wagner (former member of the Luther College Board of Regents). Geri is also survived by her daughters Lori Wagner (HS ’81) (Dr Don Powers), Lynn Wagner (Bob Jaworksi), Alexia Wagner (HS’83, U’89) (Travis Pulfer), and Andrea Wagner (HS’85, U’94) (Don Hall). She also leaves as part of her legacy her grandchildren, sisters, nieces and nephews. Geri was born on 31 December 1939 in Melville, SK. Geri was a woman of great faith in God; her life centred on nurturing her family and their life together, her relationships with close friends, her love of the arts, and her active volunteer life.

She spent every summer in the Qu’Appelle Valley and, for the past 17 years, grew lilies in her garden at the family cottage at Pasqua Lake.

Jennifer Arends (U’02) is editor of The Luther Story and is Luther College’s marketing and communications officer. She graduated from Luther College’s university campus in 2002 with a bachelor’s degree in English and religious studies, and in 2007 she completed a Master of Arts in English at the University of Regina. Jennifer enjoys reading, trekking, listening to music and expounding upon the virtues of science fiction.

Justin Messner (U’02) has a Bachelor of Arts in English from Luther College and an Master of Arts in English from the University of Regina (2007). He writes about pensions and benefits as a Communications Consultant with the Government of Saskatchewan. He recently realised that he’s been fishing longer than he’s been reading, and having spent years neglecting fishing to read, he’s now going to neglect reading to fish. It seems only fair.

Jill Cameron works as the recruitment & high school liaison officer at Luther College’s university campus, and she is the volunteer photographer for The Luther Story. Jill has a bachelor’s degree in kinesiology & health studies from the University of Regina. In her “spare time,” she is an artist who specialises in photography and ceramics, and her photographs and pottery regularly appear at Traditions Handcraft Gallery in Regina.

Erik Norbraten (HS’82, U’87) is a visual artist and graphic designer based in Regina. He is a Bachelor of Fine Arts graduate of Luther College at the University of Regina, and he is currently an associate creative director at Brown Communications. Erik is the volunteer graphic designer of this issue of The Luther Story.

Echo Fettes (HS’03) has been a Luther student for nearly a decade. Currently completing her final year of a fine arts degree in violin performance at Luther College’s university campus, Echo is thrilled to learn that, contrary to popular belief, there are employment opportunities for those who pursue passion over paycheck.

Lecina Hicke is currently employed on an eightmonth work term as the alumni office manager at Luther College high school, and she is also studying to complete her Bachelor of Arts in English at the university campus. Lecina has helped to organise events such as the annual Luther College Golf Classic and Homecoming 2008, and she edits class notes for The Luther Story. She resides in Indian Head with her husband Cam. Robin Markel (U’01) completed her Bachelor of Arts degree from Luther College and received her Master of Arts degree in English from the University of Regina in 2007. Robin has been a U of R employee since 2001 and celebrated the birth of her first child in April 2008.

Allan Pulga (U’02) completed a Bachelor of Science in biology through Luther College at the University of Regina, after which he earned a Bachelor of Journalism in 2004 at the U of R. Allan has written for news and communications agencies across Canada and overseas, and he is currently the Communications Officer at the U of R’s Institut français. Allan enjoys travelling, sports, meeting interesting people and eating. In that order.

Cheryl Toth is an ordained minister of the Anglican Church of Canada and chaplain at Luther College’s university campus. She leads worship activities for students and staff at Luther, and she is particularly interested in matters of social justice. In her spare time, Pastor Cheryl enjoys gardening, reading and spending time with her children and grandchildren.

Faye Wickenheiser is a third-year Luther College Arts student with a major in English and a minor in religious studies. Faye is volunteer assistant editor of The Luther Story, and she completed a semester-long Arts internship at Luther College in April 2008. She also works at the university campus cafeteria. Between family, work, and classes, Faye has little time for leisure activities, however, she enjoys listening to Jennifer expound upon the virtues of science fiction.

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To see what’s happening in the coming months at Luther College, visit www. luthercollege.edu/whatshappening.

University of Regina Rams & Scotia McLeod are pleased to present the 1st Annual

tackle behind the vines

“ When I donated shares to Luther, I not only helped the school, but I also didn’t pay tax on any capital gains.”

H e rt h a P f e if e r ( HS ’ 4 9 )

date: 11·6·2008

time: 7:00 - 10:00 pm

ticket price: $75 venue: the rotunda at innovation place 10 research dr.

a wine tasting featuring over 40 different wine & cheese pairings and food from Regina’s hottest restaurants.

In support of the University of Regina Rams Scholarship fund. for more information: www.reginarams.com (306)585-5480

In its 2 May 2006 budget, the federal government proposed the elimination of the capital gains tax on donations of eligible securities to qualified registered charities.

Normally, you must pay taxes on 50% of any capital gain when selling or otherwise disposing of assets such as securities. To encourage charitable giving, the federal government has now reduced the capital gains inclusion rate on gifts of securities to zero.

For example, if you donate to Luther College shares originally purchased for $500 that now have a fair market value of $1 000, Luther will issue you a tax receipt for $1 000 AND you will not have to pay tax on the gain.

For more information on supporting Luther College, call 306.757.7393, email alumni@luthercollege.edu, or visit www.luthercollege.edu.

(free parking available)

sponsored by

REGINA,CANADA

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T H E L U T H E R S T O R Y • F a l l & w i n t e r • 0 8 | 0 9

The Luther Story is distributed by Canada Post under publication mail agreement number 40065736 Return undeliverable Canadian addresses to: The Luther Story c/o Luther College high school 1500 Royal Street Regina, SK S4T 5A5 email: alumni@luthercollege.edu