Spring 2023 Luther Story

LUTHER STORY

CELEBRATING THE SERVICE OF DR. MARK ANDERSON VISION 2025: A SOLID FOUNDATION FOR LUTHER COLLEGE

FROM UKRAINE TO CANADA: A STUDENT ’S JOURNEY

2 Message from the President

4 Strategic Plan

6 Message from the Principal

8 Alumni Profile: Chris Pekrul

10 From Ukraine to Canada

12 Radical Hope in El Salvador

14 Celebrating the Career of Dr. Mark Anderson

16 Farewell

17 Remember When Cross Canada Tour 2023

18 Distinguished Service Awards

20 Alumni Profile: Jinny Toffelmire

22 A View of Tokyo

24 Class Notes

25 In Memoriam

26 Remembering Ben Freitag

27 From the Pulpit

MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT

This spring now sees the conclusion of my third year as your president of Luther College. These past three years have seen us transition from the height of a global pandemic and full lockdowns to a gradual return to a new normal. In-person classes returned to both our university and high school campuses, and many of the community activities that were curtailed by the pandemic have also returned. On the high school side, this included things like our Candlelight services, the Musical, Service Day, and L.I.T. At the university it included not only the return to in-person classes, but also significantly more residents living and eating on our university campus.

Not everything is back to “the way it was,” nor will it likely ever be. Our university campus continues to offer hybrid and hyflex class delivery options for an audience that now demands much more flexibility for students, post-pandemic. This has required us to reimagine teaching pedagogy and how we deliver our courses—which has meant investing in renovated classroom technology that can handle hybrid options. Even our Board of Regents meetings are now always hybrid as a way to easily accommodate members who do not live in Regina.

Throughout the pandemic period, Luther College has not wavered from its core purpose in educating and caring for our students. As I have written before, if our world needs anything right now, it is our Luther College graduates—they go on to make the world a kinder, better place.

To that end, this past year has been a busy one on both campuses, as we have now completed our Vision 2025 Strategic Plan and have refreshed our Vision, Mission, and Value statements, now all approved by our Board of Regents.

Our new VISION STATEMENT reads:

“Luther College makes transformative change for a more grace-filled, just, and joyful world.” In clear, refreshed language, the statement links our deep Lutheran roots (a grace-filled theology) with making the world a better place (just and joyful.) This phrase not only well describes our purpose but also honours our hallowed traditions.

Our MISSION STATEMENT reads:

“Luther College prepares students to be compassionate, creative, and critical thinkers, through academic excellence and a community of care that is rooted in our call to love and serve our neighbours.” Once again, the refreshed mission statement well describes what we do (preparing students to be compassionate, creative, critical thinkers), how we do it (through academic excellence and a community of care), and why (to love and serve our neighbours).

Our refreshed VALUES STATEMENTS links to our Rooted and Open document:

“We are rooted in the Lutheran intellectual tradition and open to insights from other religious, spiritual, and secular traditions. In our Canadian context, we feel especially called to recognize and value Indigenous worldviews, knowledge and perspectives.” Both of these concepts well articulate our Lutheran roots as well as a special emphasis on the importance of Indigenous engagement.

The remaining values—Excellence; Compassion, Care and Stewardship; Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion; and Integrity—all define who we are and how we conduct ourselves.

The strategic plan itself, a document designed to guide activities on both campuses, has five strategic themes: academic, students, employees, sustainability, and communities. We have developed prioritized strategic initiatives based on these five themes, the details of which are on the next page.

Most importantly, we are working hard in the Vision 2025 plan to ensure the long-term financial sustainability of Luther College. With a main building at the High School approaching its 100th anniversary, aging infrastructure, and obligations to our 2014 build, we have work to do to ensure sufficient support to achieve the goal of serving our community for another century.

This spring we travelled across Western Canada to share the details of our new plan and refresh and renew relationships with our alumni and supporters as we develop and renew relationships with supporters of the college. You can see some of those photos on page 17.

Thank you for your continuing support of the College as we move towards long-term sustainability.

With every good wish,

We are changing our publication timing and content of the Luther Story. How often do you want to receive the magazine? What articles are your favourite? Give us your opinion at lutherstory@luthercollege.edu.

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Cover: Retiring Head of School/Principal Dr. Mark Anderson at LIT 69 with Mrs. Nora Marpole, the incoming Interim Principal.

EDITOR - Angela Bethune

EDITORIAL ADVISORS - Michelle Clark, Renee Wilkinson

COPY EDITOR - Donna Grant

CONTRIBUTORS - Marc Jerry, Angela Bethune, Lynette Piper, Mark Anderson, Lila Gelowitz, Shalin Pillay, Roger Petry, Clint Uhrich

DESIGN AND PRINTING - Western Litho Luther College High School University of Regina - Luther College Luther Media Luther College

The Rev. Dr. Marc Jerry President, Luther College

STRATEGIC PLAN AT A GLANCE

VISION

Luther College makes transformative change for a more grace-filled, just, and joyful world.

MISSION

Luther College prepares students to be compassionate, creative, and critical thinkers, through academic excellence and a community of care that is rooted in our call to love and serve our neighbours.

VALUES

Rooted and Open

We are rooted in the Lutheran intellectual tradition and open to insights from other religious, spiritual, and secular traditions. In our Canadian context, we feel especially called to recognize and value Indigenous worldviews, knowledge and perspectives.

Excellence

• innovation, creativity, exploration, and critical thinking

• the desire to do our best in everything that we do

Compassion, Care and Stewardship

• care for all entrusted to us — students, one another, our resources, and the world we live in

Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion

• safety, acceptance, respect for all while valuing differences in individuals and among people(s)

Integrity

• honesty, transparency and accountability

STRATEGIC THEMES ACADEMICS

Pursuing academic excellence through an enriching, innovative, and student-centred experience.

STUDENTS

Supporting the whole student to realize their purpose, passion, and potential in the world.

EMPLOYEES

Fostering a diverse, trustworthy, and respectful workplace with engaged faculty and staff.

SUSTAINABILITY

Stewarding our resources to create a sustainable future.

COMMUNITIES

Developing a life-long connection with our communities.

MESSAGE FROM THE PRINCIPAL/HEAD OF SCHOOL

In his renowned poem "Fern Hill," Dylan Thomas reflects with reverence on childhood days spent on his aunt’s farm in Wales. Now, as an adult, he recalls the duality of those idyllic days. On the one hand, he expresses a nostalgic gratitude that he was afforded such a joyful, almost sacred, experience at all; on the other hand, he rues the brevity of those golden days when he was in complete harmony with his surroundings. Thomas ends the poem with the poignant observation that “time held [him] green and dying, though [he] sang in his chains like the sea.”

And so it is with my impending retirement after thirty-five joyful years at Luther College. We cognitively accept that the day of retirement comes for all; nonetheless, the speed with which decades subtly pass is arresting. As Thomas notes, we all are inevitably enchained prisoners of time. But when I first arrived at Luther in 1987 as a green intern, I instantly sensed it was an educational institution unlike any other I had ever encountered, a place I loved from the onset and wanted to be part of and contribute to. It became one of my Fern Hills and I have been singing in the chains of time ever since.

The bass of that “singing” is one of overwhelming gratitude. I give thanks daily for the unmerited privilege of serving alongside generations of diversely talented students, their supportive families, generous donors, and my dedicated colleagues—support staff, faculty, administration and board members. That so many back in 1987 took a chance on a baby-faced goober was a remarkable gift to me. I’ll never be able to adequately thank Don King and Al Christiansen (Pastor C) for hiring me, Steve Haddad (and later Clint Uhrich) for mentoring a naive intern, and all the 1988 faculty and staff for advocating for my hiring. All of these Luther role models, and countless others before and since, were ambassadors of what makes our College educationally unique. Being entrusted with the remarkable legacy they faithfully nurtured has been a humbling honour.

Another closely related pillar of Luther’s “otherness,” I believe, is the community in general, or, more specifically, the kind of community found here.

William Ayers in his book To Teach: The Journey of a Teacher makes this observation:

Even though we long for community—for places of common vision, shared purpose, cooperative effort, and personal fulfillment within collective commitment—we most often settle for institutions. That is, we generally find ourselves in impersonal places characterized by interchangeable parts, hierarchy, competition, and layers of supervision.

From day one, it was apparent to me that Luther was a community and not an institution, and one could see first-hand and palpably sense the difference that made to daily relationships and to the school’s “vibe.” For one, we had students from all over the globe living full-time on this campus. Employees wanted to stay for their entire careers and students desired to remain invested and connected as alumni, often later sending their own children to the school. That familial ethos was evident in the ways that the community both celebrated and grieved together.

But most of all, the identity of our beloved Luther community was and continues to be most defined by its “grace-filled Christian context,” both its rootedness in Lutheranism and its openness to diverse religious and non-religious belief systems. Leafing through former president Richard Hordern’s intriguing The Luther College Story (2013), one

can easily identify these immutable strands that have caused this hallowed school to flourish for 110 years, including traditions of selflessness, sacrifice, service, faithfulness, and collegiality; that is, striving to enact Christ’s two great commandments. From the hospitality practiced at LIT, to the community outreach of the musical, to the service initiatives of IB, to the sacred communal moments in chapel, to the inclusiveness of Multicultural Night, this is a community of hope and purpose, despite its occasional flaws and idiosyncrasies.

And, how does one reflect on what makes Luther special without paying tribute to its wide reputation for excellence in academic programming, both in and out of the classroom? No doubt Luther students are well-prepared not only for post-secondary pursuits, but, even more importantly, for meaningful, principled citizenship. What a rare privilege these days to be part of a learning community where the freedom to critically pursue truth is still valued, where professional autonomy is still honoured and teaching viewed as a calling, and where students can experience a well-grounded, well-rounded liberal arts education

that challenges them to achieve what they might not have thought possible.

So it is that I’ve been blessed to have spent over three decades “singing in [my] chains like the sea.” And, the gratitude that overcomes me is as fathomless and broad as the sea. Though my official days with my second family are waning, I look forward to fostering the cherished relationships I have enjoyed with this venerable College and its people whom I love. My wish for the entire Luther community is that its educational purpose will continue to be anchored in the unrelenting defence of truth, in the unshakeable faithfulness of God, and in its people’s commitment to love one another as Christ commands. My Luther College community, may your hearts find grace, may your souls know peace and may your minds be renewed every day of your lives.

Dr. Mark Anderson Principal/Head of School Luther College High School

Medical specialists often get a bad rap for their brusque bedside manners—especially when you consider the state of health care in recent years. Crowded hospitals, a lack of family physicians, and long wait-lists often mean that, by the time a patient gets in to see the medical specialist, appointments often feel rushed and impersonal.

That is, unless you’re seeing Dr. Chris Pekrul (HS’03, U’08), one of only five cardiologists in Saskatchewan. Dr. Pekrul specializes in arrythmias (irregularities that cause hearts to beat too fast or too slow). His mantra is simple: before he implants a pacemaker to regulate electrical problems with a faulty heart, he wants to know who he’s operating on and what makes them unique.

“It’s all about building relationships,” he says passionately, asking to be referred to as Chris. More than anything else, Chris is a heart surgeon who leads from the heart. That means looking after the mental and emotional well-being of the patient first, long before he picks up the scalpel.

“Patients may come in scared or worried about their outcomes. They want to be seen as people

ALUMNI

ALUMNI PROFILE

CHRIS PEKRUL (HS’03, U’08)

By Lynette Piper

COMPASSIONATE HEART SURGEON LEADS FROM THE HEART

first, so I’ll always take time to find out more about them. Are they a farmer, electrician, or business person? Do they have a family? Are they a Riders fan? It only takes a few extra minutes, but that trust helps ensure their medical plan is successful. If those things flow, the job is more enjoyable, and ultimately more effective.”

Chris exudes kindness and compassion, something that was ingrained in him since childhood. The Luther College High School and University alumnus was an athletic kid who spent time in the rink playing hockey as well as attending family church functions, including Sunday school.

“My parents come from hardworking farm stock, and they raised my older sister Raena and I to always give back to others. I think that’s where my early aspirations for being a physician came from,” he says.

Chris credits Mr. Brooks, his IB biology teacher, for nurturing his desire to learn. “There were only four of us in that class—can you believe it?

We were a small group of highly inspired students. Luther’s family atmosphere, where everyone knew everyone else, gave me the confidence to dream big and be whatever I wanted to be.”

Chris also credits Luther College professors James Pappas and Carole Eaton—two very passionate educators—for pushing him to a high level of academics that set him on the path for success.

Chris with his wife Brett and their children

“Their level of dedication was truly inspiring!” Chris convocated with an Honours BA in Psychology and thought he would become a psychologist or neurologist but wound up pursuing cardiology at the University of Saskatchewan.

“It’s hard to believe, but I’ve been in post-secondary education for 16 years, and now I’m just starting my career with three years into my practice,” he says thoughtfully.

“You don’t get to that level, and go through all kinds of training hurdles and adversity, without

strong mentorship. It’s such a personal thing for me, but I really want to give back to other Luther students or alum contemplating careers as physicians. It doesn’t have to be cardiology. I understand the long hours and the stress, and if I can give back in any way, I want to do that.”

Chris has a long list of teachers and profs who took a deep and compassionate interest in his life. “Not all of us were on the academic path, but they made sure we were good and compassionate human beings, first. They wanted us to

succeed, and they understood the quality and integrity needed to be that, taking a keen interest in our lives outside the classroom.”

Chris says Luther was always more than just getting good grades.

“They showed me how to give back and the importance of mentorship. I’ve been training medical students for years as part of my duties at Royal University Hospital [the primary training hospital connected to the University of Saskatchewan]. I supervise residents throughout their clinical duties.”

Chris thanks his amazing wife Brett for sacrificing her own career progression as an RN to support his career and nurture their two preschool-aged children. “We’re almost high school sweethearts, although she went to LeBoldus,” he smiles.

The renowned cardiologist is focused on far more than just implanting electrical systems that ensure hearts pump properly. Chris’s heart-centred mission has always been to ensure the bodies, minds and souls of all people are treated with the care and compassion they deserve.

It’s that foundation of hard work, kindness, and altruism that sets Chris apart—closing the hospital curtain on any “bad bedside manner” stereotypes for physicians.

“Not all of us were on the academic path, but they made sure we were good and compassionate human beings, first."

Chris, Brett, and their children

MAX KACHUROVSKYI: From Ukraine to Canada

By Lila Gelowitz, Grade 11 Luther College student

Along with being known around Luther as an incredibly smart student, a person with a good fashion sense, and a jokester with a quick wit, Max Kachurovskyi, a current grade eleven Luther student, has a captivating story about his journey from Ukraine to Canada.

On February 24, 2022, the day that Russian troops invaded Ukraine, Max and his family moved from their home in Kyiv to a nearby village where his grandma lived. They left their apartment at 6:00 a.m., before the missiles and bombings took place in the city. After staying with his grandmother for some time, his family moved to Poland, and then to Germany, to avoid the war. Max returned to Kyiv only once, in the summer, before coming overseas. Max said that the most noticeable changes in Kyiv due to the war were the sandbags piled around the city. They were for soldiers to hide behind. While Max and his mom, Maryna, went back to Poland on September 4, 2022, to prepare for their move to Canada, his sister, Olena, and dad, Oleksii, stayed in Kyiv for school and work. Max and his mom arrived in Toronto on September 6, 2022, and then in Regina on the following day. It wasn’t until November 23, 2022, that Max’s dad and sister joined them in Regina. Most of Max’s friends from Ukraine remain in Europe, and some are still in Ukraine. He keeps in touch with them on a regular basis.

Once having settled into their home in Regina, Max and his mom went to the Ukrainian Canadian Congress for help to enroll Max in high school. It was recommended that Max apply for Regina Catholic Schools, but after Max and his mom heard about Luther College, they walked into Luther’s front office and inquired about how to apply. It wasn’t long until Max began school at Luther. Olena is thirteen years old, and she hopes to attend Luther for her grade nine year this upcoming fall. Max says that Olena enjoys math and music, and hopes to take both German and

French courses when she begins high school. For Max, some of the larger differences between Canada and Ukraine are the spatial structuring of cities, with Regina being more spread out than Kyiv; transportation methods, since in Ukraine he used public transit rather than personal vehicles; and school buses, which they do not have in Ukraine. Max already has his learner’s licence and hopes to get his driver’s licence soon so he will no longer have to depend on public transit here in Regina. Max has enjoyed celebrating certain national holidays in Canada as they differ from holidays in Ukraine. In March, Max’s family experienced St. Patrick’s Day for the first time, and this April, they discovered that Easter in Canada is celebrated one week earlier than in Ukraine.

After being at Luther for almost a full school year, Max has noticed differences in the Canadian and Ukrainian schooling systems. While Luther has a daily class schedule that repeats, his school in Kyiv has a weekly schedule that repeats, with each day having different classes. While at Luther, there is the option for spares, in Ukraine, there

Max with his sister Olena

are staggered ten- and twenty-minute breaks throughout the day. In Ukraine, there are three academic paths that a high school student can choose from: math and physics, economics, and languages. Amongst Luther students, Max is known to be very smart, especially in science and math. He is fluent in Ukrainian, Russian, English, and German, and he is familiar with Polish. After coming to Luther, Max says, “I actually prefer math and history… math is a bit more understandable for me than English or science… and history is just very interesting [as] knowing history helps to predict future global events.”

Although moving across the world was a very big adjustment, Max feels comfortable speaking English at school, as he has been learning it since he was six years old. After being at Luther and taking a mixed variety of courses from Communication Studies 20 to Physical Science 20 to IB German 20, Max says, “it’s nice to choose what I want to study and do something for my future even at this age.” In his grade twelve year, Max plans to join Luther’s debate club.

After he graduates from high school, Max plans to go to the University of Regina or the University of Toronto for business, following in the footsteps of his parents, who are business owners.

Max’s parents, Maryna and Oleksii Churovskyi

RADICAL HOPE IN EL SALVADOR

By Shalin Pillay, Grade 11 Luther College student

From February 18–28, 2023, a group of 17 students—including myself—traveled to El Salvador to participate in a reverse mission trip for a Christian Ethics 30 class. Even though the trip was short, we immersed ourselves in the rich culture of El Salvador, and we learned the traumatic past the El Salvadorians endured in the past years. The time I spent in El Salvador helped me better understand the place of privilege I come from.

During my time in El Salvador this February, my worldview changed. Transitioning from the polar vortex in Canada on the 18th of February to a warm, humid environment was exhilarating. The beginning of the trip focused on learning about the violent past of the country. We learned that the country has suffered from many civil disputes and inequalities. Visiting some of the sites where massacres occurred during the civil war of the country in the 1980’s was difficult and depressing. However, the friendly people, delicious food, and warm environment helped counteract the dark topic. Seeing the hope and joy that El Salvadorians share was inspiring. Although these people may not have the same privileges that we have in the West, their appreciation for life is contagious. Perceiving the overwhelming happiness of these people caused me to change my view of El Salvador.

Before traveling to El Salvador, I contributed to the stigma faced

by the country. Like many people, I believed the country was filled only with violence and gangs—but this is a mental misrepresentation of the country. While the effects of violence are still present within El Salvador today, seen through the various deaths related to gang violence and the numerous memorials to the massacres that occurred, that is not the only reality. The El Salvadorian people have created a new, more hopeful image for their country through Monsignor Óscar Romero, liberation theology, and more recently, the government policy that has abolished gangs. Because of these reasons, my view of El Salvador changed drastically to one of hope for the country.

El Salvadorians have a great appreciation for life, but this does not come without sacrifice. For instance, during the middle of the trip, we visited Programa Velasco (a women’s empowerment organization), where we met a very inspirational woman named Blanca. She was unhappy with not being able to control her finances, so she chose to go to Programa Velasco to learn the fundamentals of financial independence, leading her to start her own ice cream business out of her house to further her independence. While Blanca’s story is inspirational, it also holds a vital moral. Blanca did create a successful business,

The Luther group at the Programa Velasco Initiative in San Ramon to learn about the Women’s Empowerment Program and their small business initiatives.

but it’s important to note that she sacrificed time with her family and took several risks to get to the point she is today. Meeting Blanca and hearing her story taught me how it is easy to underappreciate the achievements that individuals make in our communities.

Thinking about small businesses and organizations that are trying to stay afloat—like Blanca’s ice cream shop and Programa Velasco— made me wonder about how many other things we overlook in society. I came to the realization that we often get so caught up in our lives—whether with work or school—that we forget to make time to appreciate what we have in life. Seeing the people of El Salvador have so much appreciation for their belongings, even though in some cases they may be living in poverty, made me realize the many blessings that I take for granted— for instance, drinkable water, not having to walk up hills to get to school, and having decent roads to drive on. Appreciating these

small things will help deepen your understanding of those in need, and better your appreciation for life as a whole.

While the cultures of Canada and El Salvador differ greatly from each other, my journey to El Salvador taught me that, to appreciate

what you have in life, you have to understand the sacrifices that were made to get there. Despite the fact that my time in El Salvador was short, the experience and lessons learned along the way will stick with me forever.

The Luther group at the Monument of Truth and Memory at Parque Cuscatlan—a monument dedicated to the civilian victims of the civil war.

Overlooking the city of San Salvador from the volcano hike at Ecoparque El Espino.

CELEBRATING THE CAREER OF DR. MARK ANDERSON

By Clint Uhrich

Dr. Mark Anderson’s sons are increasingly outdoing him on the golf course (Eric) and at the Guinness tap (Paul) such that he needs to work on his game and his gut. With determination, insight, fairness, optimism, kindness, and humour, he has battled nobly for sixteen years the regular and the unanticipated day-to-day and year-round dragon of demands on the time and energy of a Luther College High School (LCHS) principal. But his sons’ assault on his dignity is aggressive and his legendary marathon-running stamina is waning. So, he’s retiring at the end of June.

Like the many capable Luther College administrators who have preceded him, Mark has diligently fostered a school atmosphere that has motivated enthusiastic teachers to teach bravely and creatively and has challenged and encouraged students to learn to the best of their varied abilities. We have grown accustomed to his joyous, kindly presence, his enduring personal and professional relationships with people of all stripes, his astute collaborative decisionmaking, and his many generous, perceptive tributes to others, spoken and written, on triumphant occasions and in times of suffering and loss. We have often taken his leadership for granted, though it has extended far beyond that of an ordinary high school principal.

It’s apt that Mark is retiring just as Luther College marks the 110th anniversary of delivering the highest quality of secondary education in Western Canada: For thirty-five years, with intelligence, style, and personality, Mark—like the sports clichés he routinely mocks—has given 110% to Luther College. He is indeed a remarkable man. His fortitude, joie de vivre, and deep moral and spiritual convictions have been apparent

at every turn within the walls of LCHS, his extraordinary reputation reaches far beyond those walls, and his courage has even been reported on the national news. Yet he has always deflected praise or even recognition of his own personal successes and accomplishments.

What Mark has been motivated by and has delighted in is that which thrives in the hearts of those people—the students, faculty, staff, administrators, alumni, parents, and supporters of the Luther College family—bound together by a transcendent tradition of excellence. Luther College has always set high academic standards for students while at the same time encouraging their intense co-curricular involvement in activities that nurture spiritual, athletic, musical, artistic and social growth. Mark has always been aware of the centrality of the traditions and collective Christian values of Luther College and has assiduously promoted and defended them. At the same time, he has fostered the necessary curricular, pedagogical, and social changes needed to maintain and enhance the relevance of Luther College in a changing world. As he said when he addressed the faculty and staff three years ago, “We can’t afford to become dusty or self-satisfied, but neither can we afford to abandon our cores of honouring excellent teaching, encouraging programming that develops the whole student, and nurturing an inclusive, hospitable, vibrant community informed by our notions of Christian context.”

His adeptness at reconciling differences among people and any competing elements within the school is especially remarkable because it has come so naturally to him. He himself pursued (and in his retirement will continue to pursue) so many varied activities and interests. Indeed, Mark’s accomplished participation in academic, religious, athletic, and musical endeavours has inspired teachers and students alike. Read what he has published in academic journals on education and law, education and religion. Ask any educational administration faculty member at the University of Regina, ask any of his aerial touch football teammates or any of the many badminton players he has coached, ask any council members of the Saskatchewan Historial High School Association, the Regina High School Athletics Association, the Saskatchewan

High School Athletics Association, or the Prairie Association of IB World Schools, ask anyone attending classes Mark has taught in theology at First Baptist Church, or ask the pipe organ itself how talented Mark is. Mark is as dynamic and accomplished a person as he has been a teacher, vice-principal, and principal.

Luther College will remain in good hands as those following in Mark’s footsteps embrace his shared vision of Luther, and emulate his collaborative, servant leadership. Emulation of Mark could be asking too much, you might say. In a sense, though, Mark is what Luther College is all about. To replace him with another great communicator and conciliator, another person of such spiritual perspicacity and moral integrity, another great defender of academic and co-curricular excellence, another leader so firm and fair, so kind and self-sacrificing, admittedly will not be easy. But it will be impossible to find a replacement who can kick on the classroom lights. Mark is endearingly inimitable.

If I have been remiss in not detailing his accomplishments as a teacher since 1988 and as an administrator since 2004, ask any educator with whom he has ever collaborated or any student he has ever taught for an anecdote that demonstrates Dr. Anderson’s knowledge, wisdom, trust, and faith. It would take too much space and too many trees for publication of them here, though his propensity for kicking on the classroom light

In honour of Dr. Mark Anderson’s legacy of servant leadership as a teacher and administrator, a scholarship in his honour is being established by the faculty and staff at Luther College High School. To make a donation, scan the QR code or email giving@luthercollege.edu for more information.

switch, not to intimidate recalcitrant students with his latent kickboxing talent but just because he could—he can be a bit of a show-off—deserves this brief mention.

Many rightly attribute Mark’s virtues to his strong, reflective faith in God. Quite likely, though, it’s the corrective measures of his wife and his sons

that have most effectively curbed his potential for bad behaviour. Whether they can continue to exert a beneficent influence while he is free to experiment with vice in retirement remains to be seen. We trust that Mark’s abiding love, and his sense of humour and penchant for punning, will serve him well in escaping any strictures his family might impose for his own safety. May God bestow manifold blessings on Mark and his family and grant him relaxation and piece(s) of pizza enough for the carbs he’ll need to hike and climb mountains in British Columbia. Congratulations and blessings on your retirement.

RETIREMENT

If one ever wondered what a life of joyful service looks like in an educational setting such as Luther College, one would only need to have observed Deborah Nelson during her remarkable two decades teaching, directing, supervising, encouraging and mentoring students. From the onset, she has been an emissary for “Quality Education in a Christian Context.”

One of Debby’s greatest strengths was her desire for “things to be done right” and her uncompromising attention to the details required to make that happen. This desire emanated not from a need for public accolades, but rather from her goal that the school’s distinguished reputation be honoured and that students be put front and centre once they had been well-prepared to succeed. Whether it was sewing costumes or helping erect the poinsettia tree or repairing the handbells, the sheer number of hours she poured into Musical, Candlelight and Home Concert were expressions of that desire.

Debby’s diverse talents also extended to the classroom. She solidified and grew the grade 9 Life of Christ Christian Ethics course, and expertly engaged her students, no matter their religious or non-religious backgrounds, helping them to not only enjoy the content but also to better understand its relevance to their lives. As the director of the girls chorus, Debby quickly developed a reputation for “harmonizing” diverse talent levels into a cohesive choir, especially

DEBBY NELSON FAREWELL

“noted” for its warm tone, phrasing, and intonation. Because the students in Debby’s classes typically were new to Luther, she made a point of getting to know them personally and freely offering support to them during life’s inevitable adversities. This compassion and authentic concern for her students’ well-being were testaments to Debby’s commitment to the living out of her faith as part of her calling to Luther. Indeed, her witness to hospitality, service and love of neighbour also extended to parents, to the wider community and to her colleagues, many of whom she faithfully helped or encouraged in quiet, thoughtful ways.

While we hope she has time to rest and take stock, someone with her talents and joie de vivre certainly won’t be still for long. For as Rabindranath Tagore observes, “when old words die out on the tongue, new melodies break forth from the heart; and where the old tracks are lost, new country is revealed with its wonders.” May the next phases of Debby’s life be ones of wonder and renewal, anchored in the knowledge that God the creator watches over her all her days (Genesis 28).

Dr. Mark Anderson, on behalf of the students, staff, faculty and administration of Luther College

WENDY SAUER

Almost seven years to the day after Wendy Sauer became the LCHS Receptionist, we now face the sweet and “Sauer” emotions of having to say farewell to her.

On the one hand, the farewell is unquestionably “Sauer” for the Luther community because of the critical roles Wendy so capably fulfilled, because of her unmatched work ethic, and because of her advocacy for “Quality Education in a Christian Context.” She had a wellearned reputation for generously putting in the extra time to ensure the College was always presented in the venerated way it deserved, for attention to detail, for exceptional organizational abilities, and for advance planning. She and her husband Darann also have been

generous donors of their resources as part of their Christian calling to love one’s neighbour.

On the other hand, this “Sauer” farewell is also sweet. Wendy can leave rightly proud of all she has accomplished and of her tireless service to the College and its people. She also can do so with the knowledge that new opportunities await, not the least of which is spending more time with family.

Our entire community extends gratitude to Wendy for her devotion to and love of Luther College. We wish her, Darann and son Jacob well in whatever life next brings them. “May the God of Hope fill [them] with all joy and peace…” (Romans 15:13) all their days.

Dr. Mark Anderson, on behalf of the students, staff, faculty and administration of Luther College

REMEMBER WHEN

CROSS CANADA TOUR 2023

Luther College President Rev. Dr. Marc Jerry and Director of Development Maureen Harrison travelled to Saskatoon, Victoria, Vancouver, Edmonton, Calgary, Toronto, and back home to Regina this spring. The cross-Canada tour was a chance to reconnect with alumni and donors after the pandemic, and to unveil Vision 2025: A Solid Foundation, Luther College’s Strategic Plan. Thank you to everyone who joined us, including many of you not pictured here!

Arvid Peterson (HSU’70) sent us these photos, which were taken in their first year of University (1969–1970) when it was still being offered at the High School.

Arvid Pederson, Brian Schoenroth, Stewart Graham, Ted Shumaker, Bruce Ruccius

Bruce Ruccius

Ted Shumaker

Ted Shumaker

DISTINGUISHED

2023 DISTINGUISHED SERVICE AWARDS Berbel Knoll

and Dr. Mary Vetter

The 2023 Distinguished Service Award recipients are Berbel Knoll and Dr. Mary Vetter. The awards were presented during the Founders’ Day dinner on May 12, 2023. These awards are granted to individuals who have shown dedication to and support for Luther College and its mission through their ongoing loyalty, commitment, outstanding contribution, and service.

first female vice-principal in 1992, but its first female principal in 1995.

Berbel was equally committed to school life beyond the classroom. She coordinated student exchanges with schools in Germany. She was a dedicated member of various committees, including those for the LIT 50th anniversary and the Luther College 100th anniversary. She served as a soccer coach and as a volunteer for musical, helping with costumes and behind-thescenes logistics.

BERBEL KNOLL

Few in the Luther College High School community have made such a unique impact on its legacy as Berbel Knoll. She served over three decades, including as the Dean of Women in the 1970’s and eventually Principal in the 1990’s and 2000’s.

Berbel (Miss Guenzel at the time) was hired in 1975 as a half-time teacher and full-time Dean to over 60 dorm girls. Berbel excelled at being “mom” because her compassion helped them feel like Luther was truly their home.

She became a full-time teacher of German and English in 1980. And Berbel will always be a critical part of the Luther story as the school’s

Her quiet yet resolute leadership, calm disposition, organizational skills, patience (just ask her how many unfortunate pronunciations of her name she has endured), fair-mindedness, and unfailing common sense made her an ideal administrator. Berbel also had

recognized. Education was a vocational calling for her, a living out of her abiding faith. She credited her longevity to her “love of teaching and complete appreciation for the culture.”

Berbel’s legacy will be at least partly rooted in her very first role as Dean, for she generously established The Guenzel Knoll Dormitory Scholarship awarded annually to an exemplary dorm student. Although she officially retired in 2007, Berbel remains a strong Luther advocate and familiar face around campus, attending alumni gatherings, baccalaureate services, and Luther community events throughout the year.

a wonderful sense of humour. She once dressed as Elvis Presley for Halloween and sat amongst the students without being

Berbel and her husband Alvin are also long-time donors to Luther College scholarships, programs, and capital campaigns.

Berbel with then-President, Dr. Rick Hordern

SERVICE AWARDS

DR. MARY VETTER

One cannot talk about Mary Vetter’s contribution to Luther College at the University of Regina without the word “first.” A trailblazing professor, she joined the College in 1984 as the first female science professor, teaching biology. In fact, Mary was the first female tenured professor at Luther, and one of the first female science faculty members on the larger University of Regina campus. The Lutheran scholarly setting was a natural fit for Mary, having attended a Lutheran college herself in the United States for her undergraduate degree.

Mary enjoyed the opportunity at Luther College for team teaching in an interdisciplinary environment, partnering with professors in other disciplines and bridging the gap between fields like science and Religious Studies. Passionate about science, and with a Ph.D. in botany, Mary was also a prolific researcher, and she did all of this while raising three successful children—Robert, Hannah, and Leah.

In 2002, the new administrative position of Assistant Dean was created, another first for Luther College, and for Mary. She took on this role to assist students experiencing times of hardship and struggle, which she did admirably. She held this title until 2005 when she became the first female Academic Dean, a role she held for seven years until 2012.

During her years at Luther, she also volunteered on numerous committees, such as the Luther College 100th anniversary committee and the emergency planning committee. Mary didn’t enter retirement without another first, as she took on the role of Director of the Voluntary Sector Studies Network in 2016—a new initiative designed to bridge the gap between academia and the community. It would not have been possible to get this project off the ground without Mary’s support and leadership. After 33 years, Mary retired in 2017 as one of the College’s longest serving and most pioneering faculty members.

Mary and her husband, Dr. David Sauchyn, a former professor of geography, are active in many environmental and climate change causes and are frequent community speakers on such issues. Mary and David are also

long-time donors to Luther College scholarships, ministries, and capital campaigns. Mary’s achievements and long-time contributions of her time and talents to Luther College have made her more than worthy of the two nominations she received for this award.

Nominations are open year-round to nominate someone in the Luther community for the 2024 recipient of this award. Visit www.luthercollege.edu under Alumni & Friends.

Hollywood’s Mad Max movies depict a parched, futuristic world devoid of fresh water.

Today, that fictional struggle is closer to reality, as climate change, population growth, and increased industrial activity have resulted in water shortages around the globe. “Water wars” are now occurring across India, China, and the Middle East as factions rally for control of a precious, dwindling resource. Even in the U.S., ongoing drought and increased demands for water have placed strains on water bodies, impacting crops and livestock.

But Canadians often think we’re exempt from such worries. After all, with as many as two million lakes, there’s plenty of fresh water to go around, right?

Not so, says Luther alum Jinny Toffelmire (U’04), Environmental and Sustainability Coordinator for the Town of Okotoks, located in southern Alberta, about 10 minutes south of Calgary.

“Fifty years ago, the politicians of the day handed out too many water licences for the Bow River Basin—it’s 100 per cent allocated—and now there’s not enough water for any

ALUMNI

ALUMNI PROFILE JINNY TOFFELMIRE (U’04)

By Lynette Piper

SAVING WATER RESOURCES ONE DROP AT A TIME

new industrial activity or population growth,” Jinny begins. “Our only avenue is to conserve the water we already have.”

After graduating from Luther with a BA in Psychology, Jinny wound up working in the oil industry for 15 years in document management. But something in her life was missing. One day, she read about a Master of Business (Environment and Business) program at the University of Waterloo and jumped at the opportunity to expand her career.

Jinny is now a passionate water conservationist and changemaker who is making a sizeable difference in people’s attitudes, perceptions, and actions towards the environment.

“One of the biggest threats facing southern Alberta has been multiyear droughts and an increased demand for water. Okotoks has had to enforce a watering ban twice in the last five years because on really hot days, people were overusing water to keep their grass watered. People are realizing the water resource is finite, and that means rethinking old attitudes about water use,” she says.

For example, Okotoks has developed a rebate program of $3,000 per household to xeriscape their yards, using drought tolerant plants and other landscaping techniques requiring little to no irrigation. “We have 17 homes under the program with several more on our wait-list,” she says. “It’s been a success, with

Jinny with one of her children

water savings in the 7- to 8-percent range, which is good.” Because residents are only allowed to water two times per week in the warmer months, lush green lawns in Okotoks are a thing of the past.

Getting people to shift their way of thinking to a “use less” mentality has required some creative marketing strategies. “Lucky for me, I’m using

a lot of my psychology background,” Jinny says with a smile. “It’s come in handy in encouraging people to adopt conservation methods.”

Jinny says we all need to do our part, considering it takes a lot of energy to clean used water and pump it back into the river. “The goal is always to use less water in the first place.”

Jinny is not a foe of the oil industry—or any other industry for that matter. “We still need some plastics,” she explains. “It’s obvious we can’t get rid of all gas combustion, but instead of an ‘us versus them’ mentality, we need to be part of the solution. We have a lot of people in Okotoks who work in the patch and they’re helping create a strong economy. But as with everything in life, it’s all about balance—renewables as well as oil and gas.”

Jinny grew up in Dalmeny, just north of Saskatoon, and fondly remembers summer canoe trips and time outdoors at the family cottage on Chitek Lake. “It’s amazing to see the decline of that lake over the past 40 years,” she says, recalling childhood adventures catching frogs and

picking berries. “Now, the wildlife has declined, algae is blooming, and you often see an oil sheen on the shore. It’s sad. It’s why I do what I do. I don’t want to continue that trajectory for my three kids and their future families.”

Which is why Jinny is a woman on a mission. She bikes and walks whenever she can, and she speaks to over a thousand schoolaged children every year, sharing her passion for environmental sustainability. “Climate change and water shortages are not just something that’s happening halfway around the world. We’re experiencing effects in our own backyard.”

Jinny says we can ask our governments to take action, but the real action begins at home. “Behaviours have to change,” she says.

For Jinny, that means leaving Hollywood’s post-apocalyptic realities where they belong—in the movie theatre! “It’s not too late to do something today.”

“Climate change and water shortages are not just something that's happening halfway around the world. We’re experiencing effects in our own backyard.”

Jinny at an elementary school demonstration on sustainability

Jinny as a small child, berry-picking at Chitek Lake, SK

A VIEW OF TOKYO

In December 2022, Luther College Philosophy Professor Dr. Roger Petry was in Tokyo, Japan, at the United Nations University (UNU) headquarters. Dr. Petry is Cocoordinator of the Regional Centre of Expertise on Education for Sustainable Development in Saskatchewan (RCE Saskatchewan), officially acknowledged by the UNU in 2007. He was attending the 17th meeting of the Ubuntu Committee of Peers for Regional Centres of Expertise (RCEs) as the UNU Regional Advisor to the RCE Community in the Americas.

The Ubuntu Committee includes the four continental RCE Advisors (Americas, Asia, Europe, and Africa), UNU administrative staff, and representatives from various UN agencies (UNESCO, UNEP, UNDP), international university organizations (International Association of Universities, Copernicus Alliance), and the Japanese Ministry of Environment.

Dr. Petry explains the work of this committee. “The Ubuntu Committee of Peers decides whether to approve new RCEs of which there are now over 170 worldwide. We also provide

feedback to the UNU on each of the four global regions, give guidance on strategic directions for the global RCE network, and potential collaborations with other UN agencies. At the meeting I provided my feedback on 4 RCE Applications (RCE South Poland, RCE Euskadi-Basque Country, RCE Mogadishu, and RCE Kathmandu). I also updated the UNU on activities of the RCEs in the Americas, and presented the Youth Coordinator nominee from the Americas.”

Luther College is a founding partner of RCE Saskatchewan.

Photo Credit for above images: United Nations University–Institute for the Advanced Study of Sustainability (UNU-IAS)

Meeting attendees at United Nations University (UNU) headquarters in Tokyo

Dr. Roger Petry with Regional Advisor for Europe

Meeting room with Sustainable Development Goals on the pillars

Sculpture outside United Nations University

United Nations University

Shibuya Station area

Natural spaces around Tokyo

Shopping area of Shibuya City

CLASS NOTES

Faculty and Staff

Rev. Dennis Hendricksen, Christian Ethics teacher at Luther College since 1991, was awarded the distinction of being named a Borchert Scholar for his academic work in the Doctor of Worship Studies program at the Robert E. Webber Institute for Worship Studies. This honour is given to students who have produced a high level of work and shown exceptional scholarship during their time at IWS. This award is based on the work Dennis did in the four classes that are a requirement prior to thesis work in the Doctor of Worship Studies program. He is currently working on his thesis, with the goal of completing his DWS degree by the spring of 2024. The Robert E. Webber Institute for Worship Studies is an ATS accredited school based in Jacksonville, Florida. It is ecumenical in nature and has a diverse international student body.

1980’s

Brent Allison (HS’88) was appointed by Alberta Premier Jason Kenney to a new task force to help guide the future of post-secondary programming in Alberta. The Premier’s Council on Skills, comprised of 11 industry stakeholders, aims to help the government better understand the challenges, opportunities, and changing needs of Alberta’s workforce.

Rebecca Lee (HS’85) has been awarded a 2023 Guggenheim Fellowship. Rebecca is an Associate Professor of Creative Writing at the University of North Carolina Wilmington. She is among the 171 scientists, writers, scholars and artists from 48 fields awarded the Fellowship. Each year, the foundation supports promising projects within the arts, humanities and sciences. Lee, the author of The City Is a Rising Tide and Bobcat and Other Stories, was honoured in the category of fiction. She will use the fellowship to support a novel about a university by the sea. Lee began writing poetry as a teenager, which served as the gateway to fiction. She earned an MFA at the University of Iowa Writers’ Workshop in 1992 and started teaching at UNCW in 1996.

2020’s

Brendan Anderson (U’20) has been living in Vancouver finishing his undergrad degree. He is now in a permanent staff position at Simon Fraser University as the Research Coordinator for the Faculty of Communication, Art, and Technology. He’s on a small and very collegial team working on an exciting and unique array of research projects in the creative field. Brendan says it’s also an exciting conduit to learn more about his own interests in post-secondary community engagement, Indigenization, research-creation, and more. He sent Luther College this update with lots of gratitude for all the support he got as a student.

CORRECTIONS FROM FALL 2022

In our print version of the Fall 2022 magazine, Garth Herman was incorrectly identified as being an alumnus of Luther College High School and University. He is an alumnus of the university only.

Love the Class Notes?

In Memoriam

With sorrow, we remember these Luther College alumni and community members on their passing.

Alice (Dunn) Stoner (HS’44)

Olga (Wittrock) Schmeling (HS’47)

Barry Strayer (HS’50, HSU’51) was a lawyer, a judge, an academic and one of the principal writers of the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms. Barry was one of Canada’s outstanding constitutional experts.

Submitted by Roland Miller

Carol (Lucas) Oxelgren (HS’54)

Brian Keple (HS’56)

Jon Thompson (HS’57)

Dale Weslowski (HS’57)

Jim Grassick (HS’58)

Broc Batty (HS’60)

Keith Hutchence (HS’62)

Hal Ebbels (HS’65)

Paulette (Koch) Overland (HS’65)

Patricia (Springstein) Hanson (HS’65)

Robert Lindsay (HS’65)

Brett Johnston (HS’66) is survived by his wife of 52 years, Lydia (Seitz) Johnston (also from the Class of 1966). Brett always sang in the choir, and he and three others formed a quartet. He was often found playing the piano in the Blue Room. The dorm residents at the time commented that “if they heard Heart & Soul or Chopsticks one more time, they would ‘take sticks and chop out someone’s heart and soul!’” Submitted by Lydia Johnston

Grant Nicurity (HS’72)

Keith Eberhard (HS’72, U’76)

Randy Fry (HS’77)

Sister Anne Keffer (Director of LCUR Residence 1978–1982)

Margaret Tempel (U’82)

Donald James (HS’88)

Sean Brown (U’14) had wonderful memories and met many friends which he still kept in touch with from his time at Luther College at the U of R. He also benefited greatly from the guidance of Pastor Cheryl Toth when he was at Luther. Submitted by Jane Van Toen Vern Buck (Board of Regents member 1987–1995) Monica Kurtz (Friend of Luther College), her husband John, and son James (HS’74) were generous supporters of Luther College. John and Monica founded the Assiniboia Gallery in Regina and donated a large art collection to Luther College. They also established a scholarship for fine arts students entering Luther College at the University of Regina in memory of their son.

From Winter 2010 Luther Story

Greg Kubik (Volunteer LCHS football coach) helped coach at Luther for over 10 years and helped coach with the Martin/Luther team in the first year together. Coach Greg dedicated his life to his kids, his close friends and coaching youth football. There are many things we learn from sport—loyalty, social and skill development, and the ability to show and learn respect. Coach Kubik modelled all of this.

Submitted by Troy Casper

REMEMBERING BEN FREITAG (1948–2022)

After earning a B.A. from Luther College in 1973 and a B.Ed. in 1975 from the University of Regina, Ben Freitag served as a Luther College university resident advisor in the early 1970s and later became the head resident advisor.

Ben married Darlene Oscienny in 1974, and they would continue to be “Dorm Parents” at the Luther university campus until 1976. A few years later, Ben accepted the Dean of Men position at Luther College High School. This required living in the

dorm’s 3rd floor Dean of Men’s suite from 1980–83, which was a busy and communal home for all three Freitag children.

Mr. Freitag had 30 years of service at Luther College High School, teaching History and Economics and also facilitated the debate club, annual Musical box office sales, and L.I.T. concessions for many years.

The cherished relationships of the Luther community of faculty, staff, and students were always the

benchmark for his career success. Mr. Freitag devoted his career to making Luther College the kind of place where all students from all backgrounds were respected, nurtured, defended, praised and loved.

In memory of Mr. Freitag, donations are being accepted to the Freitag Family Scholarship for Resilience. To make a donation, scan the QR code or email giving@luthercollege.edu for more information.

Edited excerpt from a full obituary available at www.eirene.ca

fromTHE PULPIT

By Rev. Dr. Sarah Dymund

- or not

Until the end of June 2024, I will be providing spiritual care to the residents, staff, and faculty (but mostly the students) at The Student Village at Luther while also maintaining my role as pastor to Trinity Lutheran Church in Regina.

I truly love my work as pastor to a congregation. To be honest, I love it more than I thought I would. Both my mother and stepfather are also pastors, so I knew what I was getting into when I started preparing for work in the church, and I knew that it was not for the faint of heart! As it turns out, I really do love it, and I am very glad that I will be able to continue with congregational work while I begin this new adventure at Luther.

I believe there is something really special about being trusted to provide a ministry of presence in a setting that is outside of a structured church environment. It is truly an honour and a privilege to be able to share the holy moments of the everyday lives of people in the places where they live, work, and play.

When I was a seminary student, preparing to become a pastor, I completed my internship year primarily in a seniors’ housing complex and a long-term care home. The time I spent with people who were coming to the ends of their lives—as they made adjustments to decreasing independence and found new ways to navigate their changing circumstances—was incredibly powerful. I felt so blessed to share these times of grief and loss, as well as joy and laughter, with the residents of these places and with the staff who worked so hard to support them through these transitions in their lives. It is so special to be granted access to accompanying people on these significant journeys, right in the place where they are making their new home. I found that I felt especially blessed when I was trusted to accompany folks who might not have felt comfortable going to a Lutheran church to seek support, but who felt safe to let me walk

with them in their own space.

The demographic of folks with whom I will walk in my time at Luther is very different than those with whom I spent my internship, but I believe that the human experiences will not be dissimilar among these people. The students who make their home in The Student Village at Luther are at the beginning of their adult lives, just starting to explore and express their independence, and this time of transition is as complex to navigate as is the loss of independence for older adults. I am thrilled to be able to be part of the fantastic staff who will help support these young adults as they grow in discerning who they are becoming in the world.

And I fully believe that some of the holiest moments I will share with these people and in this community will be ones that don’t look at all like church.

In March 2023, our university chaplain, Pastor Sean Bell, accepted the call to be the Pastor at Resurrection Lutheran Church in Saskatoon. He joined Luther College back in 2015.

“I am so grateful for the exceptional gifts Pastor Sean brought to his ministry here with us at Luther, and especially in and through the last few years of the pandemic. Sean’s positive whimsical style and caring approach to everything he did permeated for the betterment of our community. I also want to wish him the very best as the Holy Spirit leads him to a new call back to Word and Sacrament parish ministry. May God bless him and his family in these exciting new beginnings.”

Rev. Dr. Marc Jerry on behalf of the students, staff, and faculty of Luther College

Luther College President Rev. Dr. Marc Jerry (right) saying thank you and wishing Pastor Sean (left) a fond farewell.

Rev. Dr. Sarah Dymund, Interim Chaplain at Luther College at the University of Regina

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