Fall 2011 PILOT

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RESHAPING COMMUNITY LIFE

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T H E M A G A Z I N E O F N O RT H W E S T E R N C O L L E G E

ARTICLES ALSO AVAILABLE ONLINE AT NWC.EDU/PILOT

CELEBRATION AND GRATITUDE

Cover photo by Josh Stokes displays an architectural feature of the secondfloor dining center of the Billy Graham Community Life Commons.

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3003 Snelling Avenue North St. Paul, MN 55113-1598 651-631-5100 nwc.edu/pilot

Letters and comments can be sent to: pilot@nwc.edu

JOSH STOKES

PILOT IS PUBLISHED BY THE NORTHWESTERN COLLEGE OFFICE OF MARKETING & COMMUNICATIONS

e are blessed. That’s what I think every time I walk across the redesigned campus green and see the striking beauty of our campus with the addition of the Billy Graham Community Life Commons.

PIL OT S TA F F MANAGING EDITOR Marita Meinerts, M.A. EDITORS Jenny Collins ’05; Nancy Zugschwert GRAPHIC DESIGNER Justin Redman ’09 CONTRIBUTING GRAPHIC DESIGNER Shelley Andersen PRODUCTION MANAGERS Colleen Bemis F’05; Tammy Worrell F’04 PRODUCTION ASSISTANTS Jamie Hanson; Joan Ayotte STUDENT ASSISTANTS Jessica Sly ’12; Michael Forrest ’12

C O NTR I B UT I N G W R I T E R S Drew Elrick ’12 Nina Engen, proofreader Janelle Hamre ’11 Greg Johnson ’05 Kenny King IV ’10

Betty Kraus ’07 Brian Pearson ’08 Callie Wahl ’05 Kristin Walters Morgan Wood

NORT HW E S T E R N C O L L E G E A DM I N I ST R AT I ON PRESIDENT Alan S. Cureton, Ph.D. SR. V.P. FOR ACADEMIC AFFAIRS Janet B. Sommers, Ph.D. SR. V.P. FOR MEDIA Paul H. Virts, Ph.D. V.P. FOR INSTITUTIONAL ADVANCEMENT Amy Bragg Carey, M.A. V.P. FOR STUDENT LIFE & ATHLETICS Matt Hill ’89, Ed.D. V.P. FOR CAMPUS TECHNOLOGIES/CIO Raymond C. Kuntz, M.S. V.P. FOR BUSINESS/CFO Douglas R. Schroeder, CPA DIRECTOR OF HUMAN RESOURCES Timothy A. Rich, PHR

NORT HW E S T E R N M E D I A FM 98.5/AM 900 KTIS Minneapolis/St. Paul, MN

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On October 7, we celebrated the Graham Commons’ official grand opening and dedicated the building to the glory of God. We were privileged to welcome Billy Graham’s grandson, Rev. Will Graham, to campus for the event and hear him share how the path of Billy Graham’s ministry was shaped by his four years as president of Northwestern. Our hearts were moved as we received a beautiful greeting from Billy Graham himself, through a letter Will read at the dedication ceremony (see page 19).

I marvel at seeing the hand of God at work in every detail of the building, from concept to completion, that has made the successful journey from vision to reality. From a hole in the ground to a sunlit space. From a few concrete walls to laughter and robust conversation in the coffee shop. From a circle of people praying around a mound of dirt to a beautiful prayer tower. All in tribute to the glory of God and the legacy of one of the greatest Christian leaders of our time in our generation, Rev. Billy Graham.

The excitement and energy of the Graham Commons made Homecoming especially meaningful as we saw hundreds of Eagle alumni, representing many decades, reminisce about their time at Northwestern. The alumni from the “Billy Graham era” ventured to Minneapolis for a special tour of the Loring Park campus where their Northwestern memories were forged.

On behalf of everyone at Northwestern, I want to thank each person who prayed for the project and those who gave of their time, talent or treasure. This incredible building would not have been possible if not for the gifts, prayers and generosity you have shown us.

FM 96.5/AM 1270 KNWC Sioux Falls, SD

Northwestern College does not discriminate with regard to national origin, race, color, age, sex or disability.

Alan Cureton, Ph.D. President, Northwestern College and Northwestern Media

TO BE A D D ED T O OR R EM OVE D FR OM T H E P ILO T M AILIN G LIS T, P LE AS E E -M AIL P ILOT @NW C.EDU.

IN THIS ISSUE NORTHWESTERN NEWS

04 07 12 13

Youth Crew Answers Call Center for Calling & Career Chapel Snapshots ‘Hyre’ Expectations for Engineering

RESHAPING COMMUNITY LIFE

17 18 20 25

Grand Opening: Graham Commons Will Graham Bridges Past & Future Transforming Campus Life How a Building Can Change Us

ALUMNI NEWS

32 33 36

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Through the Years Fast Forward: Geen Hong Mui ’06 Last Meal in Café Naz Joyful ‘Amen’ for Cotton Patch Gospel

NEWS

JOSH STOKES

APOSTLES’ TABLE INSPIRED BY SCRIPTURE

BY JESSICA SLY ’12

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n August, Northwestern welcomed the installation of the Apostles’ Table, a campus water feature designed and installed by studio art graduate Luke Grothe ’10. Because of his previous experience with water features, Grothe was approached for the project by Joe Smith ’92, MFA, chair of the Department of Art & Design.

Generously funded by the estate of Dr. William and Beryl Berntsen, Bryan and Amy Carey, and the TIH Foundation in honor of Jake and Marge Barnett, the Apostles’ Table consists of 12 rocks—cut from rainbow granite found in Morton, Minn.—situated in various distances from the center table. Water flows peacefully

over the table’s surface and rushes down into a circular nest of small rocks.

Grothe wanted to create a rich experience for people viewing the fountain by mining Scripture for inspiration and referencing as many biblical passages as possible.

“From the Israelites stacking twelve stones as a reminder of what God had done for them after crossing the Jordan, to Jesus washing the disciples’ feet—all were in one way or another influential and inspirational,” Grothe remarked.

The decision to use rocks in the overall design also stemmed from the rock being a symbol on campus. Not only is the fountain meant to awaken spiritual

interpretation in people’s minds, but it also provides an aesthetically pleasing place for students to gather. Grothe mentioned that as a student he “loved being able to tell someone that [he] was going to meet them at the fountain.”

Installed between the Totino Fine Arts Center and the Billy Graham Community Life Commons, the Apostles’ Table joins the Trinity sculpture on the new Campus Green. “I’ve been told that Mrs. Totino was adamant about every ‘proper building’ having a fountain out front,” Grothe said.

“So in that regard I’m glad we could replace the old one for her.”

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NEWS

Q: What has 18 legs, 9 heads and enough

energy to light up a room?

A: The Northwestern College Youth Crew!

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ake nine energetic college students and mix them together with a junior high or high school youth group, and you’ve got a recipe for an action-packed evening of youth ministry.

The Youth Crew does it all! Games, skits, worship, prayer and teaching on how to apply the Bible to real life. Add a big heart for youth and a listening ear and it’s clear to see why youth pastors throughout the region call and say, “Please come to our church.”

The Youth Crew is a ministry of the Office of Church Relations and is an extension of Northwestern’s service to the local church. From September through April the crew provides a complete evening of youth programming or supplementing activities planned by the youth pastor.

AND NOW, A FEW WORDS FROM THE CREW...

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RICK BUSCH

YOUTH CREW ANSWERS CALL FOR YOUTH MINISTRY SUPPORT The 2011 Youth Crew: Top Row: Chris Bell ’13, Allyssa Christensen ’12, Hannah Gerry ’11 (Dec.), Ashley Neitzke ’11 (Dec.), Marc Strom ’15. Bottom Row: Danny Bjorlin ’12, Joe Lothe ’15, Josh Hayden ’12, Isaac Braun ’11 (Dec.), Tim Elrod ’90, Church Relations Director

Ashley Neitzke ’11: The biggest reward for serving on Youth Crew happens when a youth pulls you aside and begins to open up about their struggles, whether or not it is related to the topic we are addressing. We then are able to pray for them and it’s such a blessing to be able to do that.

Marc Strom ’15:

Allyssa Christensen ’12:

Josh Hayden ’12:

It is a blessing working with such great people. The biggest challenge for me is coming to a different church each week, with all new kids, and only a few hours to make a connection. We adapt by being flexible and letting God do what He wants, and just letting Him lead us through the night.

I love just being able to serve the local church. We are able to be in contact with hundreds of Twin Cities youth each year, sharing the truth of Jesus Christ. That just blows me away! Not only are we serving the students, though, we are also serving their youth leaders.

The heart of our ministry is to serve the local church.

We get to step into kids’ lives for one night, ask them how life is, share Jesus with them and love them. It’s not every day you get an opportunity to encourage future generations to love Jesus and encourage them in their faith.

NORTHWESTER N CO LLE G E

Hannah Gerry ’11, Youth Crew Director: The biggest reward of serving and leading the Youth Crew team is interacting with all the students at the different youth groups and seeing how God is working in their lives and being able to let them know how special and important they are!

Tim Elrod, Church Relations Director: Youth pastors say it’s such a huge blessing to have the Youth Crew at their church. One day a youth pastor called us together and said his wife had gone to the ER that morning. He said, “Several times I thought, ‘I’ve got to do something for youth tonight,’ then I remembered that you were coming. God had it all planned out!”

JAMIE HANSON

EIGHT IN EIGHT: ALUM RECEIVES FULBRIGHT SCHOLARSHIP

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ast April, Charity Straszheim ’10 of Roland, Iowa, received a Fulbright English Teaching Assistantship (ETA) Scholarship and is currently teaching for one year in the Czech Republic. Straszheim is the eighth NWC student or faculty member in the past eight years to accept a Fulbright grant.

“I am most excited about the challenge of it all,” said Straszheim, who graduated with a B.A. in Visual Arts Education. “I don’t expect there to be many fluent English speakers there and I am sure it will be a bit isolating. Yet I am excited to see how the Lord will provide and work as I seek to pursue further the vocation of teaching as well as pursue relationships with my fellow teachers and students.”

The Fulbright Program is sponsored by the U.S. Department of State and is the largest international exchange program, allowing students, scholars and professionals the opportunity to engage in study, research or teaching assistantships all over the world. Participants selected include those with strong academic merit and leadership potential.

REBEKAH HOLMQUIST

DIFFERENT SPORT, SAME APPROACH

BY GREG JOHNSON ’05

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fter a successful four-year college basketball career that earned him DIII News All-American honors in 2011, Brian Lecheler ’12 has moved on to a different arena. Lecheler, who had two academic semesters left to complete his NWC course work, had used his maximum four years of eligibility on the basketball court so he decided to don a football helmet for the first time since high school.

Lecheler was no stranger to the football field at Abbotsford (Wis.) High School, finishing his senior year as the 41st best receiver in Wisconsin according to MaxPreps, a national high school sports recruiting service.

After completing training camp this fall, Lecheler found himself as one of the team’s two starting wide receivers. He also tried his hand at returning kickoffs and found instant success. In the Eagles’ Sept. 10 home game versus Westminster College, Lecheler ran two kicks back for touchdowns from 84 and 90 yards.

Being a part of two different NWC teams, Lecheler found that the underlying theme remains the same. “Both Coach Grosz [basketball] and Coach Talley [football] have a real heart for the players, wanting to develop them as Christians first and athletes second,” he said.

FACULTY HIGHLIGHTS LUKE ALECKSON, MFA (ART & DESIGN) presented a solo exhibition, Hyperborean, at The Suburban, a gallery in Chicago.

He also was included in a group exhibition entitled Chain Letter at a gallery in Boston.

JOHN EASTERLING, D.MIN. (CHRISTIAN MINISTRIES) recently spent time in Thailand researching for a journal article, volunteered in Japan with CRASH, and taught two courses in Hawaii: The Missional Church in a Post Modern Era and Contemporary Religious Movements.

DICK ELLIOTT, MBA (BUSINESS) serves on the Board of Advisors of Commercial Water Distributors, which provides consumers with replacement water filters through multiple websites.

Using Lean Techniques, he assisted a privately owned firm to reduce its manufacturing time by 40 percent and improve the quality of the product.

WILLIAM EPPRIGHT, M.A. (MATHEMATICS & ENGINEERING) was awarded honorary membership in Minnesota Council of Teachers of Mathematics (MCTM), “In Recognition of Outstanding Service and Contributions to Mathematics Education,” which is MCTM’s lifetime achievement award. He presented at the MCTM conference and was selected as a member of the MCTM Strategic Planning Committee.

DAVID FENRICK, PH.D. (CHRISTIAN MINISTRIES) was elected Secretary-Treasurer of the Association of Professors of Mission.

He also presented a paper entitled “Crossing Borders: Missional Experiential Education for Developing Ambassadors of Reconciliation.”

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NEWS SPOTLIGHT ON THE ARTS

BY JANELLE HAMRE ’11

ORCHESTRA’S EUROPEAN TOUR SPEAKS ‘INTERNATIONAL LANGUAGE’

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his past May the Northwestern College Orchestra packed up their instruments and flew to Switzerland and France for a two-week musical missions trip.

Stopping off at places such as Avignon, Paris and Geneva, orchestra members collected experiences and gave musical performances in pursuit of God’s glory.

In addition to concerts and home-stays, there were a few highlights—including a glowing review of the orchestra in a foreign newspaper and even a marriage proposal on the Eiffel Tower.

The tour offered students both cultural immersion and musical opportunities.

Orchestra director David Kozamchak pointed to the educational reach of the tour, saying that “through the tour, students learned music truly is an international language and can be used as a form of ministry in foreign countries just as effectively as in their own.”

The orchestra performed classics by familiar composers like Handel, Copland and Respighi and premiered a new work as well.

Andante and Capriccio for English Horn and Orchestra, composed

by Jordan Cox ’10, featured Jordan’s brother and 2010–11 orchestra president Colton Cox ’11 on the English horn.

In his role as president, Colton noted that the orchestra was knit together during the tour by their spiritual bond in a way unique to Northwestern’s musical ensembles. “You don’t feel that anywhere else,” he said.

For Julie Johnson, tour manager and director of the Northwestern College Academy of Music, communication was more than musical.

“I’m always surprised how well people communicate without words if we are both invested in understanding each other.”

DENLER GALLERY HOSTS JURIED STUDENT ART EXHIBITION

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riday, Sept. 9 marked the opening of “XVIII,” the 18th Annual Juried Student Exhibition in the Denler Art Gallery, showcasing work by 23 Northwestern art and design students. This year’s exhibition was juried by Ben Heywood, executive director of the Soap Factory, an acclaimed art gallery in the heart of the warehouse district of Minneapolis. Heywood, who previously worked as a curator in England, offered critique on and insight into the students’ work.

The gallery exhibition serves as much more than the proverbial refrigerator on which students post their work. Luke Aleckson ’02, assistant professor and director of the Denler Gallery, affirmed the students’ excellent work in a wide array of disciplines.

“The work is reflective of the unique perspectives and life experiences of each student,” said Aleckson. “We have students who take risks and create boldly.”

The exhibit included paintings, ceramics, digital prints and video, and even a giant inflatable jellyfish. Graphic design major Jonathan Back ’12 won first place for his series of three woodcut prints of an owl, osprey and eagle.

JUSTIN REDMAN

COURTNEY FRIESEN, M.DIV. (PHILOSOPHY) passed his preliminary written and oral exams in the Classics program at the University of Minnesota; he is now a doctoral candidate.

CENTER FOR CALLING & CAREER: NEW NAME FOR A NEW CHAPTER “Equipping students…to serve effectively in their professions” – NWC mission statement

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hat began over 20 years ago as a one-person office with a three-ring binder of job clippings has flourished into a hub of activity, resources and services with four full-time staff, 10 part-time student staff and eight additional peer advisors and interns.

Every day, students and alumni come to the Center for Calling & Career (CCC) for career counseling, professional development and coaching on best practices in resume writing, interviewing, job searching and other topics.

1. Share your experience with students During 2010–11 alone, the Whether you graduated recently or before office saw 6,000 visits and current students were born, you have hosted 45 events. experience to share that can make a difference Formerly the Career as students look to the future.

Development Center, the Center for Calling & Career 2. Connect us to your organization officially launched its new Do you work for an organization that has name Aug. 1 in conjunction internships or openings for students/recent with the opening of expanded graduates? Let us know or post positions via facilities on the fourth floor of our website on CareerConnect, NWC’s free Nazareth Hall, made available online job board. when Student Development relocated to the Graham 3. Pursue your own professional development Commons.

Considering a career change? Make an appointment with one of our career counselors.

All NWC alumni are welcome to utilize CCC Visit us at nwc.edu/career resources and services. We can work with you or contact Dave Preble at by phone, online or in person. callingcareer@nwc.edu or 651-631-5265.

Join the Northwestern College Professional Network on LinkedIn.

3 WAYS TO GET CONNECTED

IAN HEWITSON, PH.D. (BIBLICAL & THEOLOGICAL STUDIES) recently published the book TRUST AND OBEY: Norman Shepherd & The Justification Controversy At Westminster Theological Seminary.

DALE HUTCHCRAFT, PH.D. (BIBLICAL & THEOLOGICAL STUDIES) presented “The Servant Leader and Functional Learner Autonomy in E-Learning Instruction” at the eFolioMinnesota conference.

RONN JOHNSON, PH.D. (BIBLICAL & THEOLOGICAL STUDIES) participated in an atheist/theist debate at North Dakota State University in late September.

KEITH JONES, PH.D. (ENGLISH & LITERATURE) wrote “The Immeasurable Rewards of Directing Shakespeare in a Grade School.” He also gave a lecture entitled “A Dream in Hanoi: Shakespeare in Vietnam” at the Shakespeare Festival in July. He was chosen as a National Endowment for the Humanities participant in the Folger Summer Institute.

KENT KAISER, PH.D. (COMMUNICATION) presented “Conflict Frames, Media Bias, and Power Distribution: Title IX as a Longitudinal Social-Movement Case” at the Association for Education in Journalism and Mass Communication Convention.

He has been named senior fellow at the Center for the American Experiment.

Kaiser published the article “Gender Dynamics in Producing News on Equality in Sports: A Dual Longitudinal Study of Title IX Reporting by Journalist Gender” in the International Journal of Sport Communication.

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NEWS

RICHARD LANGE, D.M.A. (MUSIC) recently performed the Chopin Barcarolle, Op. 60, for the Minnesota Music Teachers convention attended by piano teachers from the region.

KIRK LIVINGSTON, M.A. (ENGLISH & LITERATURE) published “Redeeming Words – One Tweet at a Time” in Comment magazine, an article which examines how communication, writing and social media are intertwined with God’s intent for our connectedness.

MATT MILLER, PH.D. (HISTORY) was recently invited to serve as a summer 2012 research trip advisor for the SPAN organization, which offers an interdisciplinary program for students of any college or university in the state. Miller will lead a group to Moscow in June and July.

JIM RAYMO, D.MIN. (BIBLICAL & THEOLOGICAL STUDIES) traveled to Philadelphia in midSeptember to speak at a missions conference.

YVONNE RB-BANKS, PH.D. (EDUCATION) is releasing the chapter “From Motherhood, Through Widowhood: The Path to Receiving the Academic Hood” in the book Being and Thinking as an Academic Mother in a Post-Second Context Wave: Framing the Conversation, by D. Lynn O’Brien Hallstein and Andrea O’Reilly.

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Meet the Board:

CAROLE LEHN JOSH STOKES

JEREMY KOLWINSKA, D.M.A. (MUSIC) is serving as President of the Minnesota College and University College for Music, and hosted their annual fall meeting here at NWC on September 23. He has also been invited to become an official National Association of Schools of Music Visitor and will be attending training in Phoenix in November.

Connection to NWC Growing up in the Twin Cities, Carole Lehn remembers listening to KTIS on the radio in her home and attending events at Northwestern. After she and her husband sold a restaurant business (Chickadee Cottage in Woodbury, Minn.), she was looking for ways to get involved in the community and give back, so when she was invited to join the Northwestern College Board of Trustees it was a natural fit.

Education/Career Lehn holds a B.S. in math and economics from Wheaton College and an MBA from the University of St. Thomas. She worked for West Publishing (Now Thomson Reuters) for 13 years. “I started as a cost accountant and worked my way up through the finance area and was very involved in the sale of the company in 1996,” Lehn recounted. “I stayed on for another three years after the sale and ended up as VP of finance for the Westlaw division.” She now does part-time management consulting work as she focuses on her favorite job ever: raising her children.

Family and Interests Married to Joe Lehn for 21 years, they are parents of four kids, ages 10 to 17, who “are involved in every sport under the sun,” Lehn quipped. “I spend a lot of time driving carpool and cheering at events.”

One treasured family activity is an annual bake sale. “This will be our tenth year,” she said. “We take orders for banana bread, fudge, pies, etc., in November and bake and deliver items according to customers’ schedules.” The project began when they collected spare change to buy a goat through World Vision and has now expanded to earn more than $1,500 for World Vision each year. “I wanted my kids to invest something besides quarters and nickels, and now it’s a major part of our tradition at holiday times, to give something of themselves that costs them something—their time.”

Vision for NWC Lehn sees Northwestern’s commitment to Christ as its cornerstone now and in the future. She also believes flexibility is a key for the future. “We want to be able to meet the needs of students in whatever their circumstance—on campus, online or through blended learning,” she said. “We need to provide ways for learners to experience our passion for Christ in ways that are meaningful to them.”

She is grateful Northwestern will be part of her children’s college search process. “Knowing the leadership of Northwestern, its Christ-centered mission and core values assure me that it is a place where my children would thrive and develop their potential. It will be on the short list for our college searches.”

Meet the Board:

SUBMITTED

LAUREN LIBBY

Connection to NWC Several years ago, Lauren Libby was involved in a major initiative to open Christian radio stations in Colorado and needed programming. Northwestern’s former SkyLight Satellite Network was the answer Libby needed and served as his introduction to Northwestern. He worked in partnership with the media group until joining the board in 1997.

Education/Career Hailing originally from the plains of Kansas, Libby earned a degree in agricultural economics from Kansas State University and an MBA from Regis University in Denver. He started his career as an economist in Chicago. While working in the Chicago Loop, he led noon-hour Bible studies for businessmen and a number of them met Christ personally. “The Lord changed my circumstances and led me to be assistant to the president of the Navigators,” Libby said. He served with that organization for 30 years.

In 2008 Libby became president and CEO of TWR International which, according to Libby, “delivers the Gospel through radio, video, print, satellite communication—any way it takes to get into the hard places of the world where you can’t get missionaries.”

Family and Interests Libby and his wife, June, live in Cary, N.C. He speaks with pride about his other NWC connection—his son, Grant, a 2006 graduate of Northwestern and district deputy attorney in Colorado Springs, Colo.

His favorite hobby, pheasant hunting, comes from his roots as a Kansas farm boy, and he also enjoys golf and ham radio—“the original Internet,” he noted.

Vision for NWC Tapping into the potential of the “digital wave” that is already upon us, Libby believes Northwestern is uniquely positioned to go into the future and sees a vision of using available technology to “equip the next generation of leaders in business, in theology—and deliver that in a Christ-conscious way.” He is enthusiastic about finding creative solutions to the rising costs of education, including being as cost-effective as possible in delivering educational content.

T. ROBIN RILEY, PH.D. (COMMUNICATION) had his documentary film Utopia on the Rio Grande accepted at the White Sands International Film Festival in New Mexico. Sixty films were selected from the 220 applicants—Riley’s was one of 10 documentaries.

BOYD SEEVERS, PH.D. (BIBLICAL & THEOLOGICAL STUDIES) published the article “How Big Was Israel’s Army?: Dealing with Large Numbers in the Bible” in Artifax magazine and “Old Testament Fortifications” in The Baker Illustrated Bible Handbook.

JOE SMITH, MFA AND LUKE ALECKSON, MFA (ART & DESIGN) (see also pg. 5) have been asked to take part in an exhibition entitled “Why Did the Chicken Cross the Road?” at Yale University School of Art. DOUG TROUTEN, M.A. (COMMUNICATION) served as a judge for the Minnesota Magazine and Publishing Association’s annual awards program, a contest which honors the best works being done by Minnesota-based magazines.

MICHAEL WISE, PH.D. (BIBLICAL & THEOLOGICAL STUDIES) shared his research and findings about the Dead Sea Scrolls at the University of Wisconsin, River Falls. He has been selected to serve on the local Board of Advisors for the MacLaurin Institute.

KEN YOUNG, PH.D. (BIBLICAL & THEOLOGICAL STUDIES) presented a paper entitled “Reframing the Paradigm for Reconciliation by Dismantling Racialization.”

Values to Live By Libby believes every Christian is in full-time ministry and explained, “We can have values and a biblical worldview, but you can sense people who know their calling.

It’s the true north in a person’s life.” A large part of Libby’s work—and ministry—has been spent helping people determine what God wants them to do. “They have to determine it, but I create an environment where they feel like they can be fulfilled.”

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NEWS AFTER 47 YEARS, RETIRED BUT NOT UNPLUGGED

BY KENNY KING IV ’10

Finding a career and a calling In the early 1960s, Hendrickson started attending Brown College for radio broadcasting as a nonbeliever, but walked the stage as a believer on graduation day.

Good timing for the beginning of a lifelong career in Christian radio.

“When I entered Brown, I had put down that Sioux Falls was the last place I wanted to go. I didn’t like it. But that’s where this job [at KNWC] was. The song ‘I’ll go where you want me to go, dear Lord, I’ll do what you want me to do,’ came into my mind. So I thought I’d go and if I didn’t like it I could leave after three months.” He and his wife, Carolyn, were there for 21 years.

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f you’ve ever tuned in to one of Northwestern Media’s 14 stations, you have Harv Hendrickson to thank. Though not an announcer and rarely heard on the air, Hendrickson is a key reason listeners are able to hear anything at all.

After 47 years of employment with Northwestern Media, Harv Hendrickson retired in June. During his tenure, he oversaw stations, increased listenership and reach, oversaw complex building projects like the KTIS broadcast center (Mel Johnson Media Center) and made sure you could hear what was being broadcast.

As VP for Operations, Hendrickson did for all Northwestern Media stations what he did in Sioux Falls. It was under his supervision that, among others, KTIS AM 900 grew from 25,000 watts to 50,000.

Increased leadership and listenership

Not unplugged from doing God’s work

Hendrickson climbed the ranks at KNWC, eventually fulfilling the role of station manager. He grew the station in all aspects—size, listenership and watt power. It was 1985 when he began entertaining the idea of moving on to a new challenge.

“Paul Ramseyer was the director of radio at the time, and he called me and said he had an opening in the Twin Cities and asked if I’d be interested,” shared Hendrickson. “I was.”

He eventually oversaw all of Northwestern’s radio stations as Director of Radio and most recently Vice President for Operations—“a job where I oversaw the legal and technical side,” he explained.

“I would go to all of the stations and sort of tutor them, come alongside them, to help them grow.”

“The purpose of being on the air is to help Christians grow, and to reach out and touch other lives. It’s very fulfilling,” said Hendrickson, who also acknowledged they faced the unexpected regularly. “Every station has had its trials— reasons to be on our knees in prayer, which is a good thing.

We saw the Lord’s hand move in miraculous ways.”

Although retired, Hendrickson hasn’t completely unplugged. He’ll continue to help with consulting and special projects for Northwestern Media, and also chair the noncommercial music license committee for National Religious Broadcasters (NRB).

“It’s His work, not mine, not anyone’s,” concluded Hendrickson. “My prayer is that we’ll continue to be pliable in His hands— past, present and future.”

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BY MORGAN WOOD, KTIS DIRECTOR OF LISTENER ENGAGEMENT

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t was a very personal experience that led to the creation of PrayerWorks®.

I was on my way to KTIS for a job interview when my cell phone rang. It was a dear friend, knowing how much I wanted this job, calling to say he’d pray for me. When I got home there was an e-mail from my friend. It began, “You know how people say ‘I’ll pray for you’ and you hope they do, but you never really know?

Well, I wanted you to know. Here’s the prayer I lifted up on your behalf.” And he wrote out what he had prayed.

I was so moved. At that moment, prayer became very real to me.

I did get the job at KTIS, and one of my first questions was, what happens to the prayer requests people submit through our website? It took some digging to learn that although everyone desired to pray, there was not a good system to collect, monitor and ensure each request received a prayer.

I understood how the busyness of a workday could make that possible, but to me it didn’t seem right. When someone has a prayer request, they need it now. I thought about my own experience—effective prayer was timely, tangible and encouraging.

And I wanted to help create something that would be just that for our listeners.

The idea was simple: use our radio reach to connect listeners who have prayer concerns to other listeners willing to pray. On most Internet prayer sites, the person submitting a prayer simply posts...and hopes. The vision I had for KTIS was that someone would receive notification every time someone had prayed for them.

PRAYER INSPIRES MILLIONS

This was one of those ideas that I couldn’t let go of, so I shared it with Carl Bliss ’94, manager of network interactive media, and he began using his technical skills and computer knowledge to make PrayerWorks a reality.

Now when listeners post prayers online through PrayerWorks, they can choose to receive an e-mail whenever someone notes through the system that the request has been prayed for. In addition, many listeners actually send a note of encouragement to the person requesting prayer.

In September 2010 we began sharing this tool with our colleagues in the industry so they can have their own private prayer community, with no IT or development costs, paying just a small subscription fee to cover the costs associated with hosting the program.

In addition to the Northwestern Media stations, we currently have 82 other radio stations, churches and ministries subscribing to the PrayerWorks tool. On Sept. 1, we hit ONE MILLION PRAYERS prayed across all of our affiliates. At KTIS alone, over 37,000 prayer requests have been posted, over 625,000 prayers have been prayed, and over 17,000 anonymous notes have been sent!

Its real impact, though, is immeasurable.

If your church or organization would like to create your own PrayerWorks page, learn more at onlineprayerworks.com

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Daily chapel is a Northwestern distinctive, giving the NWC community the opportunity to be encouraged and challenged by distinguished speakers. Here are a few who have visited campus this fall.

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Peter Haas

Roger and Becky Tirabassi

Lead Pastor of Substance Church

Premarital Pastor/Author and Author/ Speaker, respectively

WHY THE CHURCH? “Cynicism about the Church is at an alltime high. A study revealed 80 percent of American evangelicals think the church exists to meet their personal needs. How do you approach church? [Too many Christians in the church] are ‘bride’ haters—depressive, opinionated people who are so critical of the Church they’re not useful for the Gospel. Just like in a marriage, you can’t hate or critique your bride into improvement. You cannot expand God’s kingdom by being a bride hater. What if you came to church to give, serve, pray and fast for others? If you are cynical about church—all the more reason to invest in it.”

Shaun Groves Singer/Songwriter and Compassion International Rep MISSIONS WEEK “You all sound amazing [singing in praise chapel]. But do you serve as well as you sing? Do you sacrifice as well as you harmonize? The word ‘worship’ has been translated from many words and none of them mean music. And I wish it did because I’m pretty good at it.... Everything in life is manna—God provides it all.”

Students sponsored 50 children with Compassion International during his visit.

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PURITY AND PURPOSE “If we don’t understand the motivation for staying sexually pure, then purity becomes a legalistic trap. Legalism is what we do to receive acceptance from God. But God already loves and accepts you. Consider God holding your face, saying, ‘I love you.

I love you. I love you.’ You must start there.

What follows is us wanting to please God. Unless you’re thinking about your purpose for remaining pure, you’ll probably fail. The purpose is to glorify God, please Him and build the kingdom.”

Greg Speck Speaker/Author LIVING FOR JESUS Micah 6:8 – Act Justly. “What’s the difference between a moral person and a person of character? A moral person doesn’t do what they think is wrong. A person of character does what is right. A moral person is passive and judgmental. A person of character lives for Jesus. To act justly is to do what is right in God’s sight. Living for Jesus is an adventure. It’s all about growing, learning and being stretched. Ask yourself in the mirror each morning: Who is going to be in charge of my life today? Me or the Holy Spirit?”

PHOTOS SUBMITTED

Chapel Snapshots

Matt Bostrom F’92 Ramsey County (MN) Sheriff HOMECOMING WEEK “Months after the Republican National Convention, a leader from one of the protest groups called and said, ‘I’ve been thinking about what happened in RNC; has anyone asked you to run for sheriff?’

The DFL came and asked. The Republicans said, ‘You should run.’ I was running against someone who held the job for 16 years, but the Lord used that support.

People said, ‘You ran a brilliant campaign.’

But the only brilliant move I made was to trust the Lord for daily steps.

“What I realize is if I’m in the place God needs me, Satan doesn’t want me here.

When God prompts you to pray for your leaders, know [your prayers] are heard and answered.”

‘Hyre’ Expectations for Engineering

BY JENNY COLLINS ’05

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Tysen Olson ’16, Alex Andrews ’16 and Caleb Couwenhoven ’16 test their engineering inventions on Lake Johanna.

JOSH STOKES

ith 50-degree temperatures and 40-mph winds, Lake Johanna swelled with whitecaps on a cool September day. But the brisk elements didn’t deter Dr. Matt Hyre’s Intro to Engineering students from gathering on the Island beachfront to test their assignment: to design and construct a pair of floatable walking “shoes” for a person to walk on water.

Resembling duct-taped foam models of amphibious vehicles or prototype galactic transports, their inventions also sparked friendly competition to see which team designed the most functional model.

Those not testing the water shoes formed an eager cheering section on the shoreline, rooting for their water walkers as they nimbly (or not so nimbly) maneuvered on the waves to a flag finish.

While one winner skated on the surface to victory, most only traveled a few yards before plunging.

As he emerged to find a towel, one soaked and shivering freshman exclaimed jokingly that he would rather take an “F” for the assignment than get back in the water. The experiment—and the elements—tested their mettle in military training fashion, minus the shouting drill sergeants and uniforms.

But for Professor Hyre, a West Point graduate and former Army officer, the value of hands-on research and experiential learning is far more important than his students’ ability to withstand the weather.

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Philosophy to army to engineering

is almost foreign to me,” Hyre shared.

“They speak in a language and with an ease about their faith that I’d never been around for long.”

Students are grateful for Hyre’s expertise and influence. “Dr. Hyre is a genius,” said John Gisler ’15, an engineering major from Stewartville, Minn. “He is an awesome professor and explains things very well.”

“His classes are hard,” admitted Elizabeth Balke ’14, an engineering A 3/2 punch major from Floodwood, Minn. “It’s not One of the practical draws for Hyre uncommon for his homework assignments to Northwestern was its innovative 3/2 to require a great deal of time, mental dual-degree program in collaboration with energy and collaboration with classmates.” the University of Minnesota College of But she added, “Outside of class, he is Science & Engineering. Several Minnesota Finding faith at MIT always willing to answer any questions institutions participate in the 3/2 program, After reentering civilian life, Hyre worked I have, whether they’re about the in which students do three years of study in nuclear engineering while earning assignment he gave, my his master’s degree. At computer or chaos theory.” the encouragement of a Hyre is purposeful in mentor, he pursued his “By opening up the world of research to challenging students. “The doctorate at MIT. The path most important things I can to a Ph.D. proved pivotal in students, they get a much better idea of the teach are critical thinking, Hyre’s life—academically analytical skills, intellectual and spiritually. Describing types of work they can do after graduation.” independence and an ability himself during this time as to pose and answer questions a “militant agnostic,” Hyre that will follow them to other courses and admitted, “I was arrogant. And my position at a participating college, then transfer beyond.” was ‘I don’t know and there’s no point in to the U of M for their final two years. trying to know—you’re wasting your time.’”

Northwestern’s collaborative setup allows He then met a Christian woman named a student to earn two bachelor’s degrees in Opening up research to students Wendy (now his wife of 16 years) at a five years—one in applied math from NWC Gisler pointed out that Hyre’s teaching mutual friend’s wedding and he credits and one in engineering from the U of M. is so effective because he is active in her—and a patient pastor—for eventually This approach has several advantages engineering research outside of class, leading him to salvation. for students, according to Hyre, including giving students the opportunity to work “MIT is a tough place to become a starting engineering studies with smaller with him on projects in various fields (see biblically grounded Christian. It’s pretty class sizes, personalized interaction with sidebar). scientific. So it really forced me to faculty and being grounded in biblical One glance at Hyre’s resume and you’d understand why I believed what I believe. education for three years. “Then being able see research is a passion of his; yet he “It’s still a journey. [For] most of the to go and apply their faith in a university noted, “I see no dichotomy between people I know—[faith] is not a topic they setting and having the access to the research and teaching. One of the most are interested in talking about. On the research facilities at the U of M—it’s a effective ways to teach is through studentother hand, with the people you know well nice combination.” driven undergraduate research. enough to talk to about it, the discussions “As engineers, my students should not are never minor.” only be able to solve complex engineering Mutual admiration and learning problems, but should also be able to tell When Hyre began at NWC in 2010, he if the results achieved make sense or not. was impressed with his students’ academic Back to the classroom The best way for students to grasp this level (noting their high math and problemWith his relatively fresh faith, Hyre went concept is through hands-on research.” solving skills) and their spiritual depth. on to teach at LeTourneau University, but “They come from a point of view that With a Ph.D. in mechanical engineering from Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), Hyre holds eight patents to date and has secured several research contracts.

But his impressive career initially began in philosophy.

“The farther I got along in philosophy, the fewer questions I could actually answer. At some point I wanted to wrap my head around a conclusion,” said Hyre. This conclusion about his academic interests led to a switch to engineering his final year at West Point before being commissioned as an officer in the U.S. Army.

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the Texas climate wasn’t a fit for the native New Englander. He taught at the Virginia Military Institute and after nearly 10 years, felt a call back to Christian higher education.

He chose Northwestern because “I saw the potential that existed here—the ability to grow both myself and the program. I knew I could build something here. To me, that was a fun challenge.”

JOSH STOKES

Learning isn’t the only benefit, either.

“By opening up the world of research to students, they get a much better idea of the types of work they can do after graduation.”

With his focus in computational modeling, Hyre has received funding for three diverse areas of research: biomedicine, glass formation and environmental technologies. He boils down the seemingly unrelated areas into one theme: “I take complex physical phenomenon and create a virtual model on a computer so researchers can get a better understanding of the underlying physics.”

Outside the classroom and lab, Hyre especially enjoys collaborating with his students. “It’s those times at the office when students and I are working frantically on some problem and have totally lost track of time—when they are more like colleagues— that’s when I’m most excited.

“When you can get them to the point where they’re willing to interact and even question what you’re doing and say, ‘I don’t think that’s right,’—that’s even better,” he stated emphatically, “because they’re not afraid to interject their ideas and thoughts into a project. Those moments are really great.”

JOSH STOKES

Advancing the Frontiers of Engineering

Matt Hyre uses research as a capstone learning experience for students, which also provides the opportunity to “get paid for learning state-of-the-art computational skills and advancing the frontiers of engineering.” Below are samples of student research projects: Biology major Seul Ah (Ellen) Chae ’12 took Hyre’s physics class last year and worked with him on a biomedical engineering project aimed at designing better stents in arteries. Their research resulted in Chae co-authoring a paper with Hyre, which he presented at an international biomedicine conference in Riga, Latvia last summer.

Chae said the research stimulated her interest in pharmacy, which she plans to pursue after graduation.

Elizabeth Balke ’14 is working with Hyre on an environmental research contract aimed at modeling how sand affects the performance of wastewater treatment facilities.

John Gisler ’15 is working with Hyre on a funded research contract for a company that manufactures machinery used for glass bottle production. The two are looking at how to make unbreakable bottles with stronger and lighter glass.

Engineering students Ben Anderson ’13 and Joe Picard ’13 participated in summer research programs at the University of Hawaii for computational modeling and Texas A&M for nanotechnology, respectively.

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Business Grad’s Dream Yields High Return

BY CALLIE WAHL ’05

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n fall 1988, Kevin Zwart ’92 walked onto the Northwestern campus at the request of his father, a pastor, who wanted him Enjoying Massachusetts beaches has been a perk for the family of Kevin Zwart ’92 since relocating to to attend for at least one year to get a solid Boston in 2010. Pictured here, left to right: Drew, Kyle, Kevin, Heidi (Port ’92) and Alex Zwart. biblical foundation. The teenage Zwart obliged, but planned to transfer after his first “You always hear people say that you have to go to the ‘right year since the college did not offer his desired major in finance. school’ or no one is going to hire you. But that’s not true,” Zwart But during his freshman year, Zwart found himself wrestling emphasized. “Stepping into the business world, I was very well with the choice of staying at Northwestern or transferring. As he prepared.” Even pioneering evaluated his life’s direction, his major, he noted, “I got to the answer became clear. “I see a broad picture of a lot of decided that the education I “You always hear people say that you have different things—accounting, was receiving at Northwestern finance and marketing. I found was great, and I was in the to go to the ‘right school’ or no one is going to that what I learned in the environment that I wanted to classroom was applicable in be in, so I stayed,” Zwart said, hire you. But that’s not true. Stepping into the real world.” adding, “and it didn’t hurt that I had met Heidi that year as the business world, I was very well prepared.” well.” Heidi Port ’92 is now Equipped for life and Zwart’s wife. transitions Immediately following graduation, Zwart accepted a new job at Minnesota Life/Minnesota Mutual in St. Paul, where he had worked A relevant return on investment for two years as a student. He earned an MBA in 1997 from the Although confident in his decision to stay, Zwart decided not to University of St. Thomas and in 1999 moved to a position with give up on his dream of majoring in finance. He approached his American Express Financial Advisors (now Ameriprise). In 2010, faculty advisor and then-business department chair Chuck Kuivinen Ameriprise consolidated a division with another company and about developing a finance major at NWC. Kuivinen quickly embraced Zwart transitioned to a new role as equity trader with Columbia the suggestion and worked with his department—and even Zwart—to Management Group, and to a new city, Boston, with his wife and develop the curriculum that is now a part of Northwestern’s current their sons Drew (14), Alex (13) and Kyle (8). finance major.

Looking back on his education, Zwart said, “If I had to do it all As one of NWC’s first two finance majors, Zwart graduated with over again, I would definitely choose Northwestern. The business the affirmation he had made the right decision. “Because the education that I received was great, but to be able to double program at Northwestern was so new, I had to take some classes at major in finance and Bible, to be grounded in not only what I was the University of Minnesota,” he said, “and I didn’t find them to learning, but also my faith and life skills—that has had a profound be exceptionally challenging. I was able to see what was going on impact on my life in terms of my relationships and increasing my at [both schools] and I saw very quickly that there was absolutely faith and my walk with the Lord.” no academic disadvantage to attending Northwestern.

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A GRAND DAY

Several hundred people gathered on campus Oct. 7 for the Billy Graham Community Life Commons Dedication and Celebration. In Maranatha Hall, psalms of praise and thanksgiving, music by Northwestern ensembles, recognition of guests and donors and a special message by Rev. Will Graham heralded the opening of the newest building on campus. Following the ceremony, guests and community members gathered for prayer and the official

PHOTOGRAPHY (P. 17–23) BY JOSH STOKES

ribbon-cutting.

Pictured from left: Roseville Mayor Dan Roe, Rev. Will Graham, President Alan Cureton, Board Chair Grover Sayre, Arden Hills Mayor David Grant and VP for Academic Affairs Janet Sommers. Others assisting with the ribbon-cutting but not pictured were Board Member Dan Stoltz ’83, Drew Elrick ’12, Adolfson & Peterson Construction’s Dave Adolfson and professors Rick Thoman and Michael Wise.

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Will Graham Bridges the Past and the Future On October 7, Rev. William Franklin Graham IV addressed the Northwestern community for the Grand Opening of the Billy Graham Community Life Commons. He is the son of Franklin Graham and grandson of Billy Graham, Northwestern’s second president. Shown are a few excerpts from his keynote speech.

Ministry born from Northwestern “The Billy Graham Evangelistic Association was born alongside this school. Now, it wasn’t here at this campus; it was downtown. That’s why our headquarters was always located in Minneapolis. ‘Just write to Billy Graham, Minneapolis, Minnesota— that’s all the address you need.’ Why? Because of Northwestern Schools! It was the college that was here, but our ministry was born because of this school.

“And so my friends, we are totally indebted to you. Indebted to this school. And we’re so grateful for the wonderful heritage it has. But, my friends, we’re more excited about the future it holds. May God continue to use this great school.”

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Name to fame

“In 1949, while he was president of this wonderful school, he was preaching in Los Angeles, California, where we saw a great revival take place. From then on, my grandfather became a household name, almost overnight, because of the famous words of William Randolph Hearst: ‘Puff Billy.’”

Special message from Billy Graham

“I have to admit this is my very first time I’ve ever been to Northwestern College. And I’ve been treated so well it makes me want to keep coming back.

I know my granddaddy just wishes he could be a part of this. This is such a wonderful place. He loves being up here, such wonderful memories. But, my friends, he sent a letter….”

Purpose beyond presidents

“There’s only been 44 U.S. presidents— my grandfather’s met 12 of 44. But it was never about meeting presidents. He wanted to see people share their faith in Jesus Christ. And that’s what this school’s about. To raise young men and women to make a difference in this world, not just socially but spiritually.”

Thank you from the Graham family “My friends, on behalf of my grandfather, and the Graham family, we want to thank you for this wonderful honor; but we pray and our desire is that every person who comes on this campus and goes in that building will love the Lord with all their heart and want to share Him every possible way.

“So on behalf of the family we want to say thank you and may God bless this wonderful, wonderful school of Northwestern.”

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BILLY GRAHAM COMMUNITY LIFE COMMONS Transforming Campus and Community Life

“We shape our buildings; thereafter they shape us.”

– Winston Churchill

From a parking lot to an award-winning building buzzing with energy, the Billy Graham Community Life Commons has reshaped not only the heart of our campus landscape, but also our ways of being and doing life together.

The Graham Commons invites us to eat, study, socialize, pray, learn, plan and dream in new ways under one roof. Walking inside almost feels like stepping into a brand-new suit, compelling each of us to stand taller, pull our shoulders back, lift our eyes and say, Yes, now this is Northwestern College.

Praise God from whom all blessings flow!

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STEP INSIDE THE GRAHAM COMMONS

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The expanded serving area offers many stations: Pizza, Home Style, Grill, Pasta, Exhibition, Salad Bar, Bakery and more.

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The dining center spans the full length of the 2nd floor on the north side of the building.

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The dining center provides natural light, beautiful views of campus and spacious, flexible seating options.

The cafĂŠ on the 1st floor offers a cozy place to study and eat with friends.

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Students enjoy the café’s coffee, smoothies, grab-’n-go items and freshly scooped ice cream.

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The Campus Store expanded its space for NWC apparel, merchandise and textbooks, including books written by NWC faculty.

One of the five new classrooms features vaulted ceilings and floor-toceiling windows.

The L. John and Marjorie Look Buyse Prayer Tower is a quiet place for solitude, reflection and prayer.

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Each of the student mailboxes has a transparent window to see mail from the outside.

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The tunnel is back! The

well-lit tunnel connects Riley Hall, Graham Commons and Nazareth Hall.

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Students enjoy the comfortable, casual lounge spaces in the Cherne Atrium on the 1st floor.

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The NWC Student Government and Student Activities Council offices reflect the creativity of student leaders.

PHOTOGRAPHY (P. 22–25) BY JOSH STOKES, LUCAS BOTZ

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How a Building Can Change Us

BY DREW ELRICK ’12, STUDENT GOVERNMENT PRESIDENT

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hen I began my Northwestern career in 2008, the Billy Graham Community Life Commons was nothing more than a parking lot and a dream. Fast forward three years, and that parking lot is no more, and that dream is now a beautiful reality.

It is hard to describe the full impact this new facility has already had in reshaping the campus and its influence on the physical, spiritual and relational aspects of our community.

“The Billy,” as students have affectionately dubbed it, is where we eat, where we learn and where we converse. It is where we study, where we pray and where we grow.

Sure, all of those things occurred in the existing structures on our already beautiful campus, but you simply cannot underestimate the value of a single building that houses intentional spaces for those experiences to take place.

This is my second year as a member of Student Government. Our move to The Billy has dramatically changed the way we operate, and our new office is a huge upgrade in both space and furnishings. We even have windows to the outside world! Our student organization benefits so much from having centralized meeting locations as well as from having our other student-led organizations right next door.

This student leadership center helps to facilitate great partnerships among Leadership Development, Student Activities, FORCE (Fellowship of Reconciling Cultures Everywhere), Campus Ministries, and Student Government.

It allows us to have more cohesion in our efforts and greater opportunities to support and pray for one another. The space also increases interactions among the groups overall.

I consider it a tremendous blessing and responsibility to lead Student Government in the Graham Commons’ inaugural year. The new resources I have at my disposal motivate me to set the bar high for what Student Government can be and can accomplish. I can think of no better way to show my gratitude towards those who labored and gave generously so that this dream could come true.

On behalf of Student Government and the Northwestern College student body, I want to thank everyone who gave so much to bless our community with this amazing facility. It is a challenge to put into words what it truly means to us. You simply must come see the building and the life that takes place within its walls.

Drew Elrick ´12, pictured above with Senior Senator Kristina Siemens ´12 (left) and Student Government Vice President Tracy Brook ´12.

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Serving the Life of the Whole Student

BY KRISTIN WALTERS

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uring the fundraising season for the Billy Graham Community Life Commons, the Envision Excellence campaign described the building as a community gathering place that would feed the body, mind and spirit of each student. Even before its official Grand Opening during Homecoming in October, the Graham Commons was already living up to its promise to nourish the whole student.

A building that brings it all together While one of the main features and most obvious benefits of the Graham Commons is its expanded dining area on the second floor, the building’s capacity to foster stronger relationship connections has become especially evident since students returned to campus in August.

“There is more a sense of family, with students coming together over meals,” said Lauren Bernhagen ’12, student activities coordinator, noting that it also provides a better opportunity for collaboration among student organizations. “The student leadership is united here,” she said. “We used to not have interaction a lot, but now all of our offices are together in one corner, which makes meeting together more convenient and interacting easier.

“Community is one of the reasons I chose Northwestern,” Bernhagen added. “This building really brings all of that together.”

A welcoming space for everyone Dean of Student Development Paul Bradley said having a place for spontaneous community building is important. “Northwestern is a community-focused campus,” he said. “It is by design a residential campus, and all about the integration of faith—both through living and learning.

“The space [in the Graham Commons] is well designed for relationships, networking and doing life together,” Bradley continued. “It really creates a hub, even for faculty, staff and student interaction.”

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building bringing the community together in ways that weren’t possible before. “It has created a central place for students to gather during the academic day,” he said. “They can take a break, work on homework, and catch up with friends without having to go back to their residence hall rooms.”

The Graham Commons benefits the entire student community. “It is a place for commuters, for the FOCUS students,” Bradley said.

Cornelius added, “Before, if commuters were going to get more plugged into the community, here they’d have to try a bit harder and go to the Student Center [in the residence halls].”

A better place to hibernate Several people on campus see the building’s function as similar to the living room or family room of a house. And the building itself is surrounded by windows for natural light, which also has a positive impact on students’ mental health.

“I think even in the wintertime our students are going to be a lot more energized because of the way the building is designed,” Bradley noted. “If you compare the old dining space in Nazareth as being like sitting in a cave with no windows, this is like sitting in the loft of a lodge. It’s going to be a great place during a long winter.”

Supporting the diverse needs of students The Graham Commons also provides easy access to the resources students need to thrive on a daily basis. The prayer tower and the Campus Ministries and Student Development staff are strategically positioned for students in need of emotional support and spiritual guidance.

“When students need help with a problem they have in life, we’re just a stone’s throw away from the center of their day,” Bradley said.

This is important because college is a time when most young people are living away from their families for the first time.

Bradley acknowledges that whether a student’s family provided a strong support system or not, Northwestern’s staff is ready to step into that support role when they arrive.

“I think we can say with integrity that Northwestern is a place where students can find peace, find comfort, and know that there are people here who love them and care for them,” he said.

“No matter what is going on in a student’s life, if they have financial issues, or found out about a friend committing suicide or a death in the family—even if they find themselves in jail, we are going to be there for them,” Bradley continued. “It’s like a family, and that’s what makes Northwestern a big part of what it is.”

NWC Recognized for Shoreline Restoration

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he Ramsey Conservation District has chosen Northwestern College as the 2011 Outstanding Conservationist for Ramsey County. Since 2010, the Ramsey Conservation District has partnered with Northwestern College to stabilize nearly 4,000 lineal feet and almost two acres of highly eroded shoreline on Lake Johanna in Roseville.

“We’re grateful to be selected for this award and appreciate the recognition from Ramsey County,” said Brian Humphries, associate vice president for facility operations and planning. “Northwestern is committed to keeping our grounds and surrounding property in the best possible condition. We’re very attentive to environmental needs, especially when it deals with a public water resource like Lake Johanna.”

Completed this fall, the shoreline restoration project installed more than 40 species of native plants, erosion control products and soil lifts to create a more stable shoreline and restore areas of emergent, transitional and upland plant communities. The project aims to reduce phosphorus entering Lake Johanna by over an estimated 10 pounds per year and soils and sediment by over 12 tons per year.

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The Shoreline Restoration project that recently earned conservation recognition from Ramsey County also served as a learning lab for NWC biology students.

Architectural Firm Receives Award for Graham Commons

The Billy Graham Community Life Commons has been selected as a 2011 recipient of a National Award for Design Excellence from the Society of American Registered Architects (SARA).

Award recipients are selected from a nationwide search for projects with extraordinary design accomplishments.

When Prayer Meets Power Tools

BY JAMIE HANSON

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ess than two years after the first backhoe hit the soil, the Billy Graham Community Life Commons was completed on schedule and remained accident-free for the duration of the project—more than 540 days on-site. But as with any major project, the construction crew faced several challenges, such as unexpected water and bad soil.

“There were almost daily issues that came up during construction,” said Brian Humphries, associate vice president for facility operations and planning. “I dreaded each phone call from the trailer because it usually wasn’t good.”

But the Graham Commons had something else few construction sites have: a dedicated prayer team.

The NWC prayer team met every two weeks to pray over the project in general as well as for the specific construction issues that arose.

Northwestern took it a step further, adding a prayer box in the construction trailer so that workers could submit prayer requests as desired.

The architectural firm Perkins+Will has been honored by SARA with this award for two specific reasons: 1) the context of the Graham Commons design beautifully and effectively marries old with new, and 2) the flow of the building enhances the student experience, a necessary component for attracting future students.

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When Life Gives You Clemens SUBMITTED

BY NANCY CAWLEY ZUGSCHWERT

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t the ripe young age of 87, Bob Clemens still works 20 hours a week and thinks that life just keeps getting better. “This is the best time of my life,” he declared. He has built his life on principles that have guided him well in business and in ministry. And in his success he loves to bless others.

Clemens and his wife Mary Nell are connected to Northwestern because they love the Lord Jesus Christ and support the mission of the college. “My wife and I just think it’s a fabulous place,” Clemens said. “We like to give to Northwestern. We see those young people come out of Northwestern—boy, what a basis they have in God’s Word!”

Since 1930, Clemens has been a member of the same church in White Bear Lake, Minn., but didn’t become a believer until he was 51. “I knew a lot about Jesus,” he said, “but I didn’t know Him personally until 1975, when Mary Nell and I got married.” As a self-confessed workaholic who had experienced divorce, he knew his second marriage needed to be built on something solid and accepted Christ two weeks before their wedding.

Generosity born in lean times For Clemens, giving is as natural as his ready smile and warm laugh. But the roots of his generous heart go back to his childhood.

“The Great Depression actually trained us,” he reflected. “Our parents don’t get enough credit because they were the ones who really suffered. As a kid, I don’t think I knew how much they worried whether we had enough to eat.

“When I was a youngster the only thing I’d have for lunch was a sandwich. My mother would fry a potato patty and put it on homemade bread with lard and salt on it and she would cut it in half. She would tell me, ‘The reason I cut it in half is if some other youngster [at school] doesn’t have a sandwich, you give them the other half.’”

Clemens deeply respects his mother, who passed away in 1974.

“When you talk about generosity, she was the best. During the Depression, the last dime or quarter we had, she would put in the collection plate and say, ‘God will take care of us.’ She was an amazing woman, how she taught those lessons!”

Flying high during WWII Just as World War II was pivotal in lifting the U.S. out of the Depression, it also lifted a naïve 18-year-old Clemens out of his world and transported him across the ocean. He graduated from 28

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high school in May 1942, entered the Army Air Force in November and earned his wings and commission as second lieutenant at 19. He flew in a B-17 Flying Fortress out of Italy and had flown 50 bombing missions over Europe by the time he was 20.

SUBMITTED

Career turning points Clemens returned from the war and decided to work in the heating, sheet metal and air conditioning business with his dad, until his father died suddenly in 1949 at age 58. Clemens continued the business on his own for a few years but sold it in 1954. Three years later he began his 54-year career in insurance and financial services.

Much of the financial wisdom Clemens has shared with his clients over the years came from his father, who had only a third grade education. “When I was in business with my dad I would ask, ‘How do we know if we’re doing well financially?’” Clemens said.

His dad’s reply? “Son, it’s very simple: you’ve got to take in more than you pay out.”

Throughout his career, and especially in today’s volatile economy, Clemens has used this wisdom as his guide. “That’s what I try to get people to do as they look at their finances,” he explained. “The best tax shelter is to give some of your money away—it all belongs to God, anyway.”

Seeking joy, not happiness Living a life of generosity and being optimistic seems to come naturally to Clemens, and he’s quick to share the reason: “Mary Nell and I don’t concentrate on being happy, we concentrate on having joy. Joy is Jesus first, others second and then we’re third.”

JOSH STOKES

Common Sense Words, Uncommon Generosity

BY JENNY COLLINS ’05

“D

on’t spend what you don’t have.” “Minimize your debt.” “Don’t live off the credit card.”

Long before Dave Ramsey and Financial Peace University, these were “common sense things,” according to David and Susan Brown, longtime supporters of Northwestern and KTIS. “We were both taught to be good stewards,” said David, who grew up on a farm in western Minnesota.

“My family—I think it was rather rare—we talked about money growing up,” said Susan, who grew up in Osseo, Minn. “We knew what was happening and we had input. My folks always said, ‘You’re blessed with what you have—it’s God’s money.’ And it was our responsibility in how we spent it.”

Their parents’ faithfulness to teach wise biblical principles about money equipped both David and Susan to be wise money managers and generous givers. Their increased capacity to give, however, came through personal hardship.

Generosity through adversity David and Susan first met in 1975 at a Twin Cities Bible study group for singles. They later reunited and married—each for the first time—in June 1992. But the honeymoon stage was interrupted four months later when Susan was diagnosed with breast cancer. With God’s grace, a strong faith and David’s support, Susan is a 19-year survivor today.

Their resilience was tested again when the Browns faced a difficult season during which they lost six family members, including both of Susan’s parents, her twin brother and only sibling, an aunt, uncle and David’s mother.

Even in the aftermath of grief, the Browns honored their families and God with their generosity. Susan recalled her parents’ challenge: “So you’ve got some money you’ve been saving. What are you going to do with it?”

“So when we had our deaths [in the family],” shared Susan, “we made it a point that if there was some inheritance along the way that we tithed a portion, and Northwestern was a [recipient].”

David, who works for the Internal Revenue Service, was quick to note the value of Susan’s business training in managing the estates.

The Browns’ obedience to God has blessed Northwestern for many years. They invested in the Mel Johnson Media Center 10 years ago and prayerfully decided to invest in the Billy Graham Community Life Commons.

Continued on next page

Fa l l /Winte r 2011 PILOT

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Continued from page 29 and it wasn’t a problem,” shared Susan. “But we had to teach “It really was a no-brainer to build this building because it each other to make a point of saying, ‘I think I want to do this. Is was so desperately needed,” said David. “To be part of it just that OK with you?’ We had to make that conscious effort.” feels good.” Recognizing the value of having a central place for They readily share their wisdom for Christian singles of any students to connect, he added, “Community means you’re a part age: “Be content in who you are as a person individually,” advises of something. You have to be a part of what’s going on,” he said.

Susan, “so that when the “If you’re not, there’s going to right person comes along, you be a link missing.” complement that person and “We really have an “It really was a no-brainer to build this they complement you. endearment to Northwestern, “When I was single I knew and we respect the values of building... To be part of it just feels good.” too many people who were the school,” said Susan, who married and unhappy. And I went with David on a tour to didn’t want to be married just for the sake of being married. But Israel in 2008 with NWC’s Michael Wise, Ph.D., and on a previous then there was the point when I went back to school and was tour to Turkey and Greece. getting a bit older and I said, ‘Lord, prepare me for him and him “It seems you can’t out-give God either,” added David. “The for me.’ I left it in the Lord’s hands and we walked back into each Lord always blesses you more by giving. You get so much more other’s lives.” back than what you’re giving.”

David added aptly, “Live each day for Christ, and He’ll take care of it for you.”

Wisdom for life Wise words for finding a life partner, being a good steward or As single adults who married later in life, David and Susan were living the Christian life in any season. able to practice their values about money from the start of their marriage. “By talking about it, we were comfortable with finances

Why we give to the Northwestern Fund “We have been so blessed by our education at Northwestern and believe it is a responsibility for us as alumni to help the next generations of students have access to the same Christ-centered education we were able to experience.”

– Brad and Kimberli Johnson Alumni, Class of 1988

“We were impressed with the mission of Northwestern.

We need more Christians in the workplace, people who aren’t afraid to share the Gospel.”

– James and Deborah Siemens Parents of two Northwestern students

Supporting students through the Northwestern Fund helps lower the cost of tuition so students can become future leaders with a passion for the Gospel.

Learn more or give online at nwc.edu/give.

Ordinary gifts. Extraordinary impact.

nwc.edu/give | 800-692-4020

BRICK

BRICK BY JOSH STOKES

BY BETTY KRAUS ’07

I

f we could visit the Billy Graham Community Life Commons together, I would love to help you see it through my eyes. To me, it has special significance.

A few years ago, I was involved in the Envision Excellence campaign that helped generate the funding for the building. This experience grew my faith in many ways.

One of the most amazing realizations I had was how much God works through obedient people to accomplish His purposes.

It was also humbling to realize that God does not need our help! But the beautiful part is that He allows us to participate with Him in what He is doing.

So if we were standing outside the main entrance, I would direct your attention to the inscriptions on some of the bricks of the sidewalk. These bricks were “purchased” in 2008 by students, employees, alumni and friends of the college to help raise funds for construction to begin. Individuals and groups donated or raised money for a brick to honor special people or places that are part of their Northwestern experiences.

Each brick has its own story. Here are just a few of them...

KEN AND ARDIE (SWANSON ’61) JOHNSON Ken and Ardie met during a Billy Graham crusade in 1961 while singing in the choir. They have been married 47 years, and a number of their family members have attended Northwestern.

Their son, Jim Johnson ’94, is currently senior director of campus ministries and constituent relations at NWC.

MYRTLE (BARDEN ’46) KAUL Myrtle remembers when Billy Graham was president of the school. She is grateful to the faithful instructors for the education she received. After graduation she served in India with International Child Evangelism Fellowship for 15 years. Myrtle’s support of the building represents her desire to honor Billy Graham and improve the school for future students.

JEFFREY WIPF ’85

Jeffrey Wipf is an NWC employee. He was married in Nazareth Chapel and has two children attending NWC. Two of the bricks honor his parents, who exemplified godly living. When his mother, Helen, passed away in 2009, the Wipf family chose Graham Commons as the recipient of the memorials given in her honor.

TIM KOWALIK

Tim Kowalik is a professor of communication at NWC. He chose to honor his father, Wasyl Kowalik ’47, who was the first liberal arts graduate of Northwestern, and his in-laws, Dick and Janice Levering, who graduated in the early 1950s. Those bricks honor the legacy of important family members and reinforce Tim’s connection to NWC.

WESLIE GRAY F’10

COMMEMORATIVE BRICKS STILL AVAILABLE In the same way stones were used by God’s people throughout the Old Testament as a mark of deliverance or remembrance, the commemorative brick pavers outside the Billy Graham Community Life Commons signify God’s faithfulness. These bricks also serve as a way to honor a loved one, encourage students and others, or connect a name with the history of Northwestern College.

Additional commemorative bricks may still be ordered and will be placed once or twice per year. Visit nwc.edu/give or call 651-631-5139 for more information.

Weslie Gray, who worked for the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association for 18 years, is a current Northwestern employee and FOCUS graduate. Her life has been profoundly touched by Billy Graham and his ministry, also by the education and life-changing friendships she has gained from her time at NWC. Fa l l /Winte r 2011 PILOT

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ALUMNI Maurice ’66 and Kathryn (Voog ’62) Hagen moved to Rochester, MN in October 2010. Maurice retired in 2008 after 38 years of service as a pastor in the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America.

THROUGH THE YEARS 1940s Albert Bowdish ’49 and his family spent 37 years in India until their return to the United States in 1988. His wife Pearl passed away in August of 2007.

1950s–60s Wayne Lehsten ’55 completed 52 years of pastoral ministry and is now retired with his wife Beverly in Arizona.

Reg Dunlap ’57 has stepped down after 17 years as senior pastor of Second Baptist Church of North Stonington,

CT, to return to his Bible conference ministry across the country. He is president of Church-Centered Ministries in New England.

1970s–80s

Jan (Frank ’60) and Rick Scott are embarking on a new life experience as full-time RVers.

They are excited about this time in their lives and about how the Lord will direct and use them.

Roger Willroth ’78 published a book called Absolute Love through WestBow Press.

Doug Huffman ’84, Ph.D., former NWC professor and chair of Biblical & Theological Studies, has been selected as the associate dean of the new Division of Undergraduate Biblical and Theological Studies at the Talbot School of Theology at Biola University in La Mirada, CA.

Lee Judson ’63 and his wife Jeanne celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary with children, grandchildren and friends.

SUBMITTED

Karin (Heng ’85) Stoesz currently lives on a corn and soybean farm with her husband, Burton, and their four children Annie, Elijah, Levi and Abraham. Karin teaches 5th and 6th grade at a nearby Christian school. Last spring, she, Annie and Burton spent two weeks on a mission trip in Peru.

After 50 years, Carlyle ’61 and Margaret (Reschlein ’59) Dewey (couple on left) and Doug ’60 and Darlene (Kimmer ’60) Peters reunited last spring for dinner in Sebring, FL. The couples had some contact over recent years but had not seen each other since leaving Northwestern. The Deweys worked many years overseas with World Vision and SIM. The Peters served overseas and in the USA with HCJB Global. Both couples are now retired and living in Florida.

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Kevin Burns ’86 has worked in marketing at GE Healthcare for eight years, and his wife Sandy (DeBuhr ’91) is in her fifth year of work for a catering company.

Their sons Daniel and Michael are in 9th and 12th grade.

Melinda (Kohl ’89) Morgan is currently residing in Oregon.

1990s Tara Brueske ’92 finished a season in Los Angeles teaching voice and performance classes for Disney and performing 125 gigs throughout the Valley and Orange County area. She also did musical consulting before moving back to the Minneapolis area where she will be singing with The BZ Girls as well as doing vocal coaching, consulting, songwriting and recording.

Christian ’94 and Amy (Volkmann ’95) Lingenfelder moved back to the Twin Cities in May after 16 years living all over the country and world.

Christian is still on active duty in the Air Force and was recently selected for promotion to lieutenant colonel. He is assistant professor of aerospace studies at the University of St. Thomas.

Olga Chernova ’96 was mentioned as an industry leader to watch in the June 2010 HedgeFund Journal, in an article entitled “Tomorrow’s Titans: Blue Chip Managers for the 2010s.”

Stacey Hjelle ’96 is back in school working on her Ph.D. in physical therapy after being in the ministry for over 10 years. After multiple orthopedic surgeries, she decided she could relate to patients and help youth get back on track with their training.

FAST FORWARD >>>

John Vaughn ’99 graduated from Bethel University with a Master of Business Administration.

2000s Sarah (Gronberg ’00) Kolell was named director of public relations for AdFarm.

Cade Lambert ’00 was named head of school for New Life Academy in Woodbury, MN. He began the job in July, following seven years as principal and coach at Des Moines Christian School in Iowa.

Deborah (Gades ’01) Eckert completed her doctorate in Educational Leadership. She continues to teach reading full time at Oak Ridge High School in Orlando, FL, where she lives with her husband Brad and children Kayleigh and Jason, who are both aspiring teachers themselves.

Joshua Jipp ’01 received a faculty appointment at Trinity Evangelical Divinity School (IL). His position within the New Testament department will begin in January 2012.

Aaron White ’03 is employed full time at Minnesota Teen Challenge as the media promotions manager.

Jesse Eikum ’05 is new head baseball coach for Presentation College in Aberdeen, SD. He previously served as an assistant coach at WisconsinWhitewater, assistant coach at Wayzata (MN) High School, and the University of St. Thomas in St. Paul, where he earned his Master of Science in Athletic & Activities Management.

Ashleigh Kalwat ’06 was promoted to worship and arts ministry associate at Second Baptist Church in Springfield, MO. Maria (Her ’06) Moua is entering her final year in the Marriage and Family Therapy program at Bethel Seminary.

Adventor Trye ’09 announces the release of his two books, Jungle Justice and Blessing Road. Proceeds from book sales will go toward the construction of a denominational college in Liberia.

Jared ’10 and Skyler (Pothast ’10) Johnson reside in West Virginia, where Jared currently works as a graduate assistant at Marshall University. He is also getting his master’s degree in sports management and working within Media Relations for “The Herd.”

GEEN HONG MUI ’06 NWC MAJOR: International Business CAREER: Twin Cities Administrator with The Salvation Army SUBMITTED

Amber Essary ’98 recently celebrated her 11th anniversary of working with the resettlement of refugees in the Des Moines, IA, area.

HOME: Minneapolis, Minn.

Full Circle Salvation

G

een Mui, the daughter of Chinese immigrants, was the first person in her family born in the U.S. She learned English as her second language and her family upbringing included ancestor worship with Buddhist influences. To help her learn English faster, Mui’s parents sent her to church at The Salvation Army, where she also learned about God. During her teen years she wrestled with the religious differences between what her family believed and what she was learning at church. “Growing up bi-culturally and in mixed religions, I was conflicted and often felt alone,” Mui reflected.

But she came to realize that God was showing her she did not have to choose between family, culture and Him. “The Lord made family, and He also made culture. The Lord also revealed His hope to me. I would continue to persevere with hope because He was with me and that He loved me. Everything can seem to go wrong but it would be okay because I had Christ­—He is essentially all I need.”

Through Northwestern, Mui learned to “see the world through biblical lenses and was challenged to stay grounded in truth.”

After graduation, she began her career in the financial industry, but found her heart in the nonprofit world and is now applying her business skills there. Now employed with The Salvation Army, she sees how her career brings her experience full circle.

“The Salvation Army is the faith church I grew up in and how I got saved,” she noted. “It’s funny to me how people don’t realize that [it] is also a church—not just a Christian social service organization. Believing and being passionate about [their] mission has allowed my career to be my lifestyle, not just my work.”

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ALUMNI 1990s

Anna Rebecca to Michael and Sarah (Gronberg ’00) Kolell on October 6, 2010.

Landan Timothy to Rachel and Timothy Brekken ’90 on April 12, 2011. He joins Lydia, Luke and Levi.

Omri Christopher to Chris ’00 and Gianna (French ’99) Kordatzky on March 23, 2010.

He joins Maya, Brin and Dane.

Natalia Grace to Brent ’90 and Stephanie (Swanson ’90) Heckmann through adoption from Colombia. She joins Ryan and Aaron.

Alayna Elizabeth to Michael ’00 and Kathleen (Murphy ’96) Price on January 22, 2010. She joins David and Mikayla.

Sienna Grace to Dan ’93 and Karen (Budensiek ’88) Herman in July 2010 through adoption from China. Sienna was born on April 1, 2009. She joins Danika.

Christopher Edward to William and Jenevieve (Aune ’00) Rannow on July 7, 2011. He joins Eli and Timothy.

Cooper to Amy Kuns ’93 on July 27, 2009.

Kalleigh Aibhlin to Raymond and Kristina (Gelling ’96) Erickson on November 25, 2010. She joins Keira.

Zachary Joe to Justin ’98 and Erin (Mahler ’99) Hosking on May 24, 2011. He joins Kaieligh, Brock and Weston.

Jacoby Thomas to Jake ’99 and Tabitha (Boltjes ’00) Dodge on December 16, 2010. He joins Elliana, Olivia, Amelia and Adilena.

2000s Rachel to Dave and Becky (Talcott ’00) Hawkinson on January 17, 2011. She joins Nolan.

Wesley Jonathan to Russ and Erin (Schroeder ’00) Haynes on May 14, 2011.

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Lily Mae to Patrick and Amanda (Paulson ’00) Sutherland on September 9, 2010.

Taryn Rae to Loren and Mellisa (Moe ’00) Vande Stroet on December 27, 2010.

William Thomas to Jonathan ’01 and Melissa (Poore ’03) Butler on April 28, 2011.

Josiah Wayne to Amber and Josh Jipp ’01 on May 29, 2011.

Colby Darrin to Dan ’01 and Brittney (Dahmes ’99) Westin on May 10, 2011. He joins Tate and Silas.

Sophie Belle to Jeremy and Kristin (Rekedal ’02) Morris on May 10, 2011. She joins Madison.

Kade Allen to Jennifer and Allen Ondriezek ’02 on August 12, 2011.

Sarah & Alyssa | Aimmie & Elsi | Kathy & Alayna | Annette & Kendall

Four NWC roommates became friends for life. And in 2010 each celebrated the birth of a daughter.

“The four of us spent senior year together at South Residence and have been friends ever since,” says Kathy (Murphy ’96) Price. “That our worlds collided in 2010 with the birth of four baby girls is remarkable.”

Three of the four husbands of these roomies are also NWC grads. The former roommates enjoy staying connected and think it would be great to have the daughters become roommates at NWC someday.

Here’s an update on these roommates from “South.”

Dan and Annette (Leander ’96) Pare have been married for four years. Dan is running a small business out of their home in NE Minneapolis and Annette is a guidance counselor at Blaine High School. Kendall Grace was born on January 7, 2010 and became a big sister in October 2011.

Mike F’00 and Kathy (Murphy ’96) Price have been married for 13 years. They live in Minnetrista, Minn. Mike is the VP of Enrollment and Marketing at Crown College. Kathy stays at home with their three children David (9), Mikayla (6) and Alayna Elizabeth, born January 22, 2010, and is also an adjunct instructor at Crown College.

Justin F’99 and Aimmie (Ek ’97) Hauer have been married for 12 years. Justin is a counselor at Century College in White Bear Lake, Minn., and Aimmie is a special education teacher in St. Paul. Elsi Noelle was born on March 2, 2010, and has an older sister, Zoey (5).

Greg ’97 and Sarah (Larson ’97) Schwitters live outside of Clara City, Minn. Married for six years, Greg farms and Sarah is assistant VP at PrinsBank in Prinsburg. Alyssa Marie, born August 16, 2010, is little sister to Kyle (3) and is expecting a new sibling in January 2012.

SUBMITTED

ADDITIONS

FAST FORWARD >>>

ADDITIONS Continued Benjamin Nigatu to Ted ’02 and Erin (Black ’04) Sibley on June 3, 2011, through adoption from Ethiopia.

Benjamin was born on May 25, 2010. He joins Lucas.

Alec Ricky to Joshua ’03 and Holly (Fagerlie ’04) Carlson on June 27, 2011. He joins Seth.

Whitney Rose to Matthew and Kate (Sader ’03) Hall on October 11, 2009. She joins Natalie.

Myles to Christina and Adam Hannan ’03 on November 14, 2010. He joins Mick, Arnae and Alistair.

Brynnly Rae to Brett and Tanna (Gruber ’05) Huber on June 14, 2011. She joins Josiah.

Elliot Christopher to Christopher ’05 and Summer (Kelley ’04) Janssen on February 21, 2010.

Mallory to Kris and Pennie (Stippel ’05) Peterson on March 25, 2011. She joins Madilynn.

Chloe to Charice and Shawn Powers ’05 on May 14, 2010.

Eva Joy to Jim ’05 and Michelle (Olson ’02) Wilcox on January 15, 2011. She joins Rachel and Faith.

Myra Jeannae to Daniel and Sara (Anderson ’03) Robinson on November 10, 2010. She joins Thor.

Jonathan Samuel to Jason and Natasha (Young ’06) Lehman on November 30, 2010.

Michael Bratton to Heather and Billy Walker ’03 on May 18, 2010.

Caleb James to Chad and Amanda (Sabin ’06) Nolde on May 16, 2011.

Zachary Robert to Rebecca and Peter Carlson ’04 on July 15, 2011. He joins Elliott.

Eleanor Ruth to Joy and Benjamin Brekke ’07 on April 12, 2011.

Oliver James to Peter and Jessica (Tieszen ’04) Melling on June 15, 2010.

Adeline Rose to Gerrit ’07 and Cassie (Magee ’07) Plantage on May 13, 2011.

Soren Ambrose and Freya Therese to Benjamin and Ariel (Harms ’04) Norquist on October 15, 2010. They join Henrik.

Edell Irene to Aaron and Michelle (Satren ’08) Olson on June 21, 2011.

Betty Virginia to Ben ’04 and Mary (Louis ’04) Stoner on April 17, 2011.

Austin John to Aaron and Katie (Luecke ’05) Carlson on May 23, 2011.

David Oldfield to Daniel and Holly (Browne ’08) Williams on October 29, 2010.

ALUMNI AUTHORS Shari J. Harris F’07 Walking in Faith: Stories of Hope and Encouragement for the Workplace Shari J. Harris has published Walking in Faith: Stories of Hope and Encouragement for the Workplace (WestBow Press), a collection of personal reflections about living out her faith at work. Harris currently works in global organizational development for a Minneapolis Fortune 500 company.

Harris’ personal experience of coming to faith in Jesus Christ through the example and invitation of a coworker served as her inspiration for the book. “When I got close to a friend and she talked about having a personal relationship with Jesus, I just knew she had something different in her life,” Harris said. Her coworker helped her see God in a new light and her life was transformed.

Harris understands that many people don’t think the workplace is where faith belongs, but she remains passionate about the importance of Christians bringing their faith to work.

Jay ’89 and Beth (Knipper ’91) Loecken Passion to Action What happens if you make a dramatic change? How does God sustain you in your new life? What will the people around you say? These questions are answered clearly in the book Passion to Action (Guideposts), about the journey of Jay and Beth Loecken and their family.

Passion to Action is a real-life story about asking big questions, seeking answers every day and discovering a big faith along the way. The Loeckens’ adventure started with a life-changing trip to Africa and a heart-transforming progression of events that led to selling their home, leaving the “good life” they thought they’d built and moving their family—all six of them—into an RV and into an adventure of service that’s now in its fourth year. Passion to Action details a deep exploration of the Loeckens’ discovery of who they really were so they could know who God really calls them to be.

Fa l l /Winte r 2011 PILOT

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JUSTIN REDMAN

ALUMNI

LAST MEAL IN CAFÉ NAZ The lines were long, the space was cramped and the room was dark, but for 25 years, thousands of Northwestern students enjoyed making memories over countless meals in Café Nazareth.

On May 12, 2011, Café Naz served its final meal and the community marked the end of an era with cake and a short presentation by Dean of Faculty Mark Baden. Pictured are some of the NWC alumni employed at the college. The new dining center in the Billy Graham Community Life Commons opened in June.

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JOIN THE PILOT READERS PANEL We’ll send out two or three short surveys each year asking for your opinions about the magazine and what kind of content YOU want to read!

E-mail pilot@nwc.edu with your name, connection to NWC, e-mail and phone number.

What will be your legacy?

WEDDINGS 1960s

2000s

Karen Erickson ’64 and Jerry Chewning on April 29, 2011.

Karen Franze ’01 and John Waller III on August 13, 2011.

1990s

Maria Her ’06 and Cha Hai Moua on September 18, 2010.

Tanya Anderson ’95 and John Pinkerman ’90 on March 19, 2011.

Shelly Morgan ’98 and Brandon Mustful on June 25, 2011.

Anna Stader and Matthew Selby ’09 on July 23, 2011.

Kelli Anderson ’10 and Jordan Kinney ’10 on August 6, 2011.

Keri Grandy ’10 and Dan Schulte on July 2, 2011.

“The college and the media outlets make such a difference in the lives of ordinary people and local churches.

“We consider it an eternal investment, training people to be ambassadors in the world.”

Paul ’55 and Grace Ramseyer

Leaving a Legacy –

Planning Your Gifts to Bless Generations.

Office of Planned Giving nwc.edu/plannedgiving plannedgiving@nwc.edu

651-631-5139 800-692-4020, ext. 5139

IN MEMORY Northwestern College offers condolences to the families of the following Northwestern alumni and friends who have passed away.

1930s Elizabeth Walton ’39 on July 3, 2011.

1940s

1950s

Harold A. Erickson ’56 on July 28, 2010.

1990s Donald Erdmann ’95 on May 16, 2011.

Beatrice Kendrick ’42 on April 13, 2011.

Staff, Faculty, Friends

Edna Fast ’44 on August 24, 2009.

Dr. William BeVier, Professor Emeritus, on May 5, 2011.

Rosella (Pankratz ’45) Mills on May 20, 2011.

Frank Currie, former Bible professor, on September 16, 2011.

Elizabeth (Drown ’48) Asp on July 3, 2011.

Congratulations to

Rosalie Icenhower ’53 on April 28, 2011.

Harris Hanson, Trustee Emeritus, on May 4, 2011.

A FAITH-FILLED CONFERENCE

for

FOR WOMEN

30 years of teaching, blessing and encouraging women!

RESERVE YOUR PLACE NOW AT THE

30TH ANNIVERSARY SET APART CONFERENCE FEATURING RUTH GRAHAM AND SUSIE LARSON

FRIDAY & SATURDAY,

MARCH 2 & 3, 2012 NORTHWESTERN COLLEGE ST. PAUL, MINNESOTA

nwc.edu/setapart

651-631-5100

ALUMNI A JOYFUL ‘AMEN’ FOR COTTON PATCH GOSPEL

BY BRIAN PEARSON ’08

RICK BUSCH

A

fter acting in nine shows during college, I thought I’d seen my last of the Northwestern stage and would forever miss that elusive tenth show (my goal since freshman year). Then last spring Doc Rainbow asked me if I’d be interested in being part of Cotton Patch Gospel, a retelling of the Gospel set in modern-day Georgia, written by singersongwriter Harry Chapin. You might say I was just a little bit excited.

Northwestern College Theatre presented its first-ever Alumni Theatre Production, Cotton Patch Gospel, Sept. 15–17. Directed by Donald “Doc” Rainbow, the show’s alumni cast featured Nathan Cousins ’08, Stephanie (Anderson ’08) Cousins, Mike Hadley ’02, Brian Pearson ’08, Stephanie (Zwald ’08) Wipf and Brett Witter ’08. The bluegrass band included Aaron Bristow, Micah Patchin ’10 and Zak Stelter ’09.

Lydia O’Brien ’09 served as stage manager and Michael Pearce Donley served as both cast member and musical director.

Familiar yet different saved and know Him for everlasting jubilation! (I literally pinched Rehearsals were something special. Everyone was tuned in at myself one night. Silly, I know, but I was just that jazzed!) a level I had never known. It was the kind of focus that comes with more than just experience. When we would practice together,

it was like a worship service. I felt safe to sing my lungs out, The real star of the show knowing that there was no one to impress, no one to show up. I Northwestern Theatre cultivates the kind of ethos that only was free to simply worship God with my voice, to blend with the comes when lovers of Jesus wholly dedicate themselves to making singers and the band. I was art. The hard work, words of free to be creative, make goofy encouragement, laughter, voices and sing with no holds listening, willingness to put “Northwestern Theatre cultivates the kind of ethos barred. (Oh, I belt it out in others first, helpful correction, the shower and I can put on a sweet times of prayer together that only comes when lovers of Jesus wholly dedicate dramatic show for the mirror, and dependence upon God and but it is not often I am given one another made it a refreshing themselves to making art.” this unique level of freedom.) part of my life—both as a student and now as an alum.

Highlights in the bright lights Cotton Patch reminded me of how very sweet it is to have the Holy Spirit in our lives right now! Just sitting there, pretending that I was I smile as I write, still wondering how I got to be in this show. really looking at Jesus, made my heart so excited for the reality that I praise God for giving me the best seat in the house. I got to act He really is with me! Jesus came—a real person—and He brings alongside this cast—whom I love and highly admire—with this us real hope for eternal life with God! As good ol’ Brett Witter ’08, director, on this stage, for this audience’s experience. What a playing John the Baptizer said, “Can I get an Amen?” privilege to be a part of creatively sharing this story: the glory of this God, who loved the world and sent His Son that we may be

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agles 800 E This , 2 n 7–8. re tha ck to ht mo mpus Oct. e Billy g s Flo u e o l r g b th a Ea urs s to c ng of 2011 ming generation nd Openi s special to o c e Gra Hom ges and Aling , plu a as the mons arles of all ighlight w y Life Com by Dr. Ch h unit ught year’s Comm lessons ta m rade, a h y . tor the pa ne Gra s 0 i 5 h d ’ e n s d m ve id Zo s inclu and e rrest Willia tivitie ernment, K holastica s e o f F g d v an St. Sc comin nt Go Home by Stude gle loss to lmy l a n o d a a i Tradit unch ser ve Even an E eautiful, b l b . e c a i m n n a c o pi ll g spirits ootba ing: and f ot dampen ecom m n o r ’s H could r day. e t yea b x o e t c n O r te fo e da 12! h t e 20 Sav –29, Nest New

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Sept

CONGRATULATIONS TO OUR 2011 ALUMNI HONOREES

Distinguished Alumnus Matt Bostrom F’92 Ramsey County (Minn.) Sheriff

Buckles-Hannah Award Neil Stavem F’95, M’08 Director of Programming for the Faith Radio Network

Read more about our 2011 honorees at nwc.edu/alumni.

Athletic Hall of Fame Tim Aalsma ’98 Basketball

Athletic Hall of Fame Emily (Buchner ’02) Sheplee Volleyball

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TWIN CITIES MN NORTHWESTERN COLLEGE

Studio art graduate Luke Grothe ’10 designed the Apostles’ Table, a new campus water feature installed in August.

See article on page 3.

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JOSH STOKES

NWC.EDU