DECEMBER 2018
THE NEXT NURSES Page 18
2019 Bethany Events
for Alumni and Friends
Saturday, February 23, 2019
Saturday, February 23, 2019
Saturday, May 4, 2019
Bethany Alumni and Friends Fiesta
Bethany Band Performance and Alumni and Friends Social
Bethany @ the Ballpark
(Los Angeles Area) Starts at Noon Cristo Rey Lutheran Church 6541 Eastern Ave Bell Gardens, Calif.
Holy Cross Lutheran Church, Madison, Wisc.
May 11–20, 2019
Friday, June 7, 2019
BBQ and Vikings Baseball vs. St. Scholastica at the new home of BLC baseball, Franklin Rogers Park Mankato, Minn. Doubleheader (4PM & 6PM)
Monday, August 5, 2019
BLC Choir Tour of Pacific Northwest BLC Alumni & Friends Event More details forthcoming as tour performances are set.
September 20–21, 2019
Crystal Lake Golf Club Lakeville, Minn. blc.edu/joellaubegolf
Mankato Golf Club Mankato, Minn. blc.edu/sportsclassic
Mankato, Minn. blc.edu/fallfestival
Visit blc.edu/events for more information.
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TABLE OF
CONTENTS CAMPUS NEWS ____________________________
4 FROM THE PRESIDENT God's grace seen with increased enrollment
11 RECORD ENROLLMENT
Largest incoming class in school history
SPIRITUAL LIFE ____________________________
15 WARM WELCOME
International students greeted with hand-made quilts from volunteers
5 ONE THING NEEDFUL
Not your typical service organization
18 THE NEXT NURSES
FACULTY & STAFF ____________________________
Bethany close to graduating first class of nursing degree recipients.
6 FROM OUR FACULTY & STAFF
23 GRAND DELIVERY
Bethany receives first new grand piano as part of replacement initiative
Recent accomplishments of individuals employed at Bethany
ALUMNI ____________________________
6 HIGH LEVEL PREP
Inniger takes to Austria for class prep
12 HANDS ON LEARNING
7 NEW FACULTY/STAFF
A custom education was needed for student Josh Arndt ('14), Bethany faculty were up to the challenge
New and familiar faces join Bethany
8 IN THE LIMELIGHT
Original Bloedel works getting attention
16 CALLING THE SHOTS
Issac Rice ('13) directing Minnesota United soccer broadcasts
CAMPUS NEWS ____________________________
24 ALUMNI NEWS
10 FROM DIAMOND TO DISEASE RESEARCH
26 CALLED TO THE LORD
News and updates from our alumni Three former employees called home
Kendra Porath ('19) interns at Mayo
27 RETROSPECT
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ON THE COVER: Liz Markell ('19) plans on being one of the first graduates from Bethany with a nursing degree. Photo by David Norris
The Viking Village looked a lot different years ago. When was this taken?
KUSTER HONORED Long-time professor of communication was honored during Fall Festival.
zine
Maga ISSUE: 141
All contents Š COPYRIGHT 2018 Bethany Lutheran College. Articles, images or photographs may not be reproduced without written permission. The Bethany
Magazine is published three times yearly by the Bethany Lutheran College Office of Institutional Communication and distributed free of charge.
editor, writer | Lance Schwartz designer, photographer | David Norris Please direct all correspondence, letters, news, corrections, and comments to: Bethany Lutheran College Bethany Magazine 700 Luther Drive Mankato, MN 56001-6163 Email: editor@blc.edu Phone: 507.344.7000 | 800.944.3066
Mission: Bethany Lutheran College is a Christian
liberal arts college owned and operated by the Evangelical Lutheran Synod and committed to the teachings of the Bible as expressed in the statements of faith known as the Lutheran Confessions. Bethany Lutheran College provides Christian higher education in a challenging academic environment where personal mentoring guides students to pursue knowledge, truth, and discernment for productive and fulfilling lives.
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from the
PRESIDENT BY G E N E PFE I FE R • PR E S I D ENT, B E TH A N Y LU TH ER A N CO LLEG E
God's grace seen with increased enrollment We have an amazing God! His goodness and mercy are extended to us each day. At Bethany Lutheran College, we have much to be thankful for as His provision is so evident. Yet, at times, we still take our blessings for granted. Sometimes, though, God's grace is so clear, so tangible, it stops us in our tracks, drops us to our knees, and we are humbled by His amazing goodness. That's exactly what's happening at Bethany Lutheran College! In the fall of 2015, Bethany was at a twelve-year low in enrollment. But at the same time, God was at work using the gifts and talents He's given to His people. He guided us as we reaffirmed our mission, purpose, and core values as we carved out a vision for Bethany's future. As a result of this examination of our mission, we launched several new programs, and dedicated additional focus to some of our established programs. We also added initiatives to increase international and urban student enrollment at Bethany. And we, together with you, prayed earnestly for God's blessings upon these initiatives. "Ask and it will be given you. Seek and you will find. Knock and the door will be open to you." (Matthew 7: 7) We prayed that God would use Bethany, and his people, for His purpose. We are reminded of His promise in Isaiah 55, "My Word will not return empty, but will accomplish what I desire, and achieve the purpose for which it was sent." That purpose chiefly is the saving of souls for eternity. And as sure as God's promises are—He answered abundantly! While the past few years Bethany witnessed a few of those blessings, recently He's opened the floodgates. So much so that this fall the class of new students is up 38% to a record of 225. Our full-time, on-campus enrollment is up 14%. That's 22% in the last three years. Consequently, more Bethany students are engaged in the Gospel message of Jesus as their Savior, and understand the importance of The One Thing Needful. That is the end goal of a Bethany Lutheran College education. And the growth is not limited to just more students on campus. Last year, Bethany received more annual support than ever before. Bethany can't maintain its mission and programs on tuition alone. We rely on your support for the College. We need your continued prayers for Bethany. It's powerful, and God is answering in abundant ways.
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We also appreciate your testimony for Bethany. When you tell others about the life-changing education delivered at Bethany Lutheran College, it does immeasurable good. Thank you, for all you do to promote and sustain Bethany Lutheran College. We wish you and yours a blessed Christmas season and a happy New Year.
B E TH A N Y Magazine
Not your typical service organization Many people are familiar with—even members of— service organizations; when you are a member, you engage in projects that help other people who need what you can supply. The Christ in Media Institute (CMI) at Bethany Lutheran College is a service organization, but not quite in that sense. Instead, we ask others, usually busy people, to serve. In that, we have been pretty successful. It started in 2009. We asked Bethany President Dan Bruss, with all of Bethany on his shoulders, to guide approval of creating CMI through the Board of Regents. Without President Bruss and the Regents, there would be no CMI. It continues with our Board of Directors. Consider its chair, Don Moldstad—Chaplain at Bethany, teacher, counselor, performing weddings and baptizing, synod youth leader, still he willingly added CMI to his task list. Professor Bill Bukowski at Bethany, Professor Deb Uecker at Wisconsin Lutheran College, and Professor Jennifer Mehlberg (granddaughter of ELS spiritual parents Ted and Melvina Aaberg) at Martin Luther College have done the same. Greg Schibbelhut added CMI to his teaching and coaching duties at Luther High School, Onalaska, Wisconsin. Denny Behr, passionately serving active military and veterans, recently passed his Board position to Jeff Hendrix, new pastor in Oregon, Wisconsin. And Judy Kuster offers the Board her experience with internet resources. All of these are exemplars of service to others. The same theme – inviting busy people to serve – appears in the 85 "Partners of CMI," people with a wide variety of technology expertise. We ask them to be in tune with our mission – to encourage using media and technology to reach out to the world with the gospel message – and to respond to questions and challenges we relay to them, providing a substantial resource to solve problems as we try to help others reach out with the news of what Jesus has done for us. This fall, CMI hosted its fourth Gospel Outreach With Media (GOWM) online conference. Here too,
ONE THING
NEEDFUL BY TOM KUSTE R • PROFESSOR E MERITUS
we ask busy experts in media to prepare presentations, and then to participate in three weeks of open internet discussion. From four conferences we now have 85 GOWM "alumni." These valuable presenters include: – 27 ELS presenters; of these, nine from Bethany Lutheran College, one from Mt. Olive Lutheran Elementary School, Mankato; – 39 WELS presenters; of these, three from Wisconsin Lutheran College, two from Martin Luther College, six from WELS high schools; – Four presenters from Africa, three from Asia, one from Australia, nine from Latin America, five from Europe. Thousands of visitors from well over 100 countries have viewed their work which is still online at gowm.org. Media work makes it easy to invite direct participation in the Great Commission. Quality productions require teams: camera operators, editors, writers, directors, theologians, musicians, visual artists, linguists, historians, set designers, business managers, fund raisers, social scientists, psychologists, distribution experts, attorneys, food services – the list goes on. "Gospel Outreach With Media" is an exciting vision: virtually any Christian, male or female, adult or child, can get directly involved in mission work, in "doing media for Christ." The Christ in Media Institute will continue, under the Lord's blessing, to be a peculiar kind of "service organization" – not so much one that serves others, but one that invites others to serve. We are grateful that so many don't hesitate to say "yes, here I am, make use of me." 5
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From our faculty & staff Dr. Bethel Balge (Music) was awarded a $3,000 grant from the McKnight Foundation which will be used for upcoming performances. Events include the followBethel Balge ing: January 27, 2019, at Martin Luther College, February 17, 2019, at Bethany Lutheran College, March 10, 2019, in The Villages, Florida (Benefit for Bethany's Steinway Campaign), and April 28, 2019, at Wisconsin Lutheran Seminary, Mequon, Wisconsin. She presented a recital at Bethany on June 3, 2018. The recital was recorded with selections featured on a CD that will be given as a gift to patrons who donate to the Steinway Campaign. It will also be sold at the Bethany Bookstore, with proceeds going to the campaign. Finally, Balge served as a judge on June 15-16, 2018, at the Steinway Piano Competition in Minneapolis. William Bukowski (Art) and Andrew Overn (Art) took a group of students to New York
City for an art immersion trip during mid-term break in October 2018. The group visited several museums and galleries including the Metropolitan Museum of Art. Learning trips such as these provide students the opportunity to study and experience the world on a personal, first hand basis, and also supplement the classroom and studio instruction that occurs on the Bethany campus.
William Bukowski
Andrew Overn
On Friday, October 12, 2018, Bethany hosted Minnesota College and University Tax Persons (MNCUT). The group meets twice annually to discuss current Greg Costello topics and issues regarding tax laws for colleges and universities.
Tax personnel from over twenty public and private colleges attended with Greg Costello (Controller) and Stacey Dawley (Director of Accounting) representing Bethany.
Stacey Dawley
Mark DeGarmeaux (Languages, Religion) gave a presentation on U. V. Koren, first Norwegian Lutheran pastor to live west of the Mississippi, at the Rochester Sons of Norway on September 13, Mark DeGarmeaux 2018. DeGarmeaux was also interviewed by Pastor Zelwyn Heide about Koren for a podcast on wordfitlyspoken. org. Sara Edwards, J.D. (Legal Studies) attended the National Association of College and University Attorneys conference (NACUA) in June 2018. Professor Edwards also attended two-day seminars on health law, employment
High Level Classroom Prep Associate Professor of Theatre Benji Inniger took a very unique, and perhaps inspirational approach, to his preparation for teaching fall semester 2018's offering of Music 480 - Composing for Media class. Inniger was in Baden, Austria, in late July and early August for two weeks learning from some of the top film music composers and arrangers in the world. Inniger, who has penned many scores for theatre productions, film, and video himself, was among a group of composers to attend the Hollywood Music Workshop (HMW). HMW brings talented composers from around the world together to one place, and offers first-class courses in an inspiring working environment. The workshop is held annually and strives to establish a personal relationship between lecturers (who are industry leaders) and the participants. This approach allows each to profit from one another. The conference included lectures, demonstrations, and composition assignments. Notable presenters included TJ Lindgren, Conrad Pope, and Nan Schwartz. Inniger said of the experience, "The conference knocked me out in the best possible way. It's not easy to find opportunities that are taught at the very 6
Courtesy of Benji Inniger
Professor Benji Inniger (center) with composers Conrad Pope (left) and Nan Schwartz.
highest level. I was able to work with composers from every corner of the globe, and I believe that I matured as a person, composer, and as a teacher." This excellent preparation will certainly also benefit Inniger's students and their work at Bethany in the "best possible way."
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law, and estate and trust law. Edwards also accompanied Bethany Law Club and Legal Studies students to Washington D.C. during mid-term break. The group visited the United States Supreme Court along with many other historic memorials, monuments, and museums.
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Sara Edwards
Chad Heins (Biology) was a contributor to an article about Minnesota spiders in the September/October Chad Heins 2018 Minnesota Conservation Volunteer magazine. Some of Heins' photographs were used in the issue as well. Heins' Spiders of Minnesota project is also featured on the iNaturalist site. Dr. Allana Lienig (Education) presented a back-to-school workshop to the GranadaHuntley-East-Chain school district on the Minnesota English Language Arts standards process. She also presented a follow-up
training in November 2018. Lienig is also an edTPA scorer with Pearson in the area of elementary mathematics. Being a scorer helps Lienig strengthen the edTPA course instruction Allana Lienig that Bethany students receive during their student teaching semester, and contributes to high standards of teacher effectiveness. Dr. Carrie Pfeifer (Education) is now a program reviewer for the Professional Educator Licensing and Standards Board (PELSB). During the summer months 2018, she Carrie Pfeifer provided professional development workshops for Great Plains Lutheran High School faculty: Making Differentiation Work in the Secondary Setting and the Nebraska Lutheran High School Association: Providing Instruction for Students with Autism. Pfeifer also ran webinars throughout the summer on differentiation,
attention disorders, autism, and brain friendly strategies for reading instruction. Dr. Matt Riehl (Chemistry) presented a paper at the 25th Biennial Conference on Chemical Education (BCCE) at Notre Dame University. The paper was titled "How to Make Knives in College: Steel as a Multi-Week Theme in the General Chemistry Lab."
Matt Riehl
Greg Vandermause (Studio) and the BLC Studios helped this summer at the new Minnesota Vikings (NFL) practice facility in Eagan, MinneGreg Vandermause sota. For the third time in four years, Bethany students and alumni assisted in producing live video for the Vikings annual family night practice on August 4, 2018. In addition to their night practice, students and alumni also assisted during preseason games at U.S. Bank Stadium.
NEW FACULTY AND STAFF New faculty and staff were installed during Opening Service on August 27, 2018. From left: Dr. Jeff Lemke (Vice President of Admissions and Enrollment Management), Rev. Tom Rank (Religion), Dr. David Reagles (History), Lucas Fricke (Spanish), Rev. Dr. Brian Klebig, (Communication), and Emily Goetzke (Nursing).
Photo by David Norris
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In The Limelight Photos by Benji Inniger
BY L ANCE SCHWARTZ • DIREC TOR OF INSTITUTIONAL COM MUNICATION
A scene from the production of Icehouse.
Original works receiving worldwide exposure Peter Bloedel (Theatre) is not only a mentor to Bethany students, he has also penned a number of original shorts, comedies, dramas, and musicals throughout the years. Several of these original scripts have moved from debuting on Bethany's Theatre Physics stage into an international arena. They include: The Seussification of Romeo and Juliet, The Rules of Comedy, A Play with Words, The Distracted Scholar's Guide to Literature and Drama, and The Hallmarks of Horror, culminating in over 4,300 performances around the world. According to Playbill magazine The Seussification of Romeo and Juliet was the seventh most produced one-act play in 2018, and has held its place in the top ten for more than a decade. Another of Bloedel's original long scripts entitled Ice House which saw its first performance at Bethany was recently produced in Shawano, Wisconsin, by the Box in the Wood Theatre Guild. A new Bloedel original, which he collaborated with his son Hans ('19), debuted in November 2018 on the Sigurd K. Lee Theater stage in Bethany's Ylvisaker Fine Arts Center. The Legend of Sleepy Hollow is a world premiere play based on the Washington Irving classic following Ichabod Crane as he investigates the curse of the headless horseman.
A moment from the 2018 performance of The Seussification of Romeo and Juliet.
Courtesy of Peter Bloedel
Peter Bloedel (left) and his son, Hans, while painting on the set of The Legend of Sleepy Hollow.
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Photo by David Norris
BY L ANCE SCHWARTZ • DIREC TOR OF INSTITUTIONAL COM MUNICATION
Professor Emeritus Thomas Kuster at the naming ceremony.
Bethany Lutheran College named the Honsey Hall communication/studio wing in honor of Professor Emeritus Thomas Kuster on Saturday, October 6 as part of the Fall Festival/Homecoming weekend. The area is referred to as the Thomas A. Kuster Media Center. It is a multi-use space serving a variety of students with its video editing suites, production studio, classroom, and conference rooms. The Center is also home to KTV—Mankato's community access television station. Kuster first came to Bethany in the fall of 1962 at which time he taught both Latin and English while he was also a seminary student. It was also during this time that Kuster started Bethany's first debate team. When he returned to BLC in 1991, he became the first faculty member to hold a named chair—the Eleanor Wilson Endowed Chair for Speech and Communication. He brought the speech/debate program to national prominence in the 1990s. His involvement at the national level was both impactful and inspirational for Bethany's faculty. His commitment to excellence helped to develop the baccalaureate culture at Bethany. While Kuster was "building" Bethany's first four-year major, he consulted with leaders in communication studies from across the nation, and as a consequence, the communication program quickly rose to
MEDIA CENTER NAMED IN HONOR OF KUSTER
prominence and is now considered to be a model program. Bethany's production studio was also the idea of Dr. Kuster. It has grown now to become a widely recognized asset to the College. There is no doubt the growth of the communication program and production studio is the result of Kuster's striving for excellence for the program, which the Lord has blessed accordingly. Kuster's vision allowed the communication program at Bethany to flourish and become what is now considered to be a regional, if not national, leader in communication studies. After retiring from full-time teaching, Dr. Kuster established the Christ in Media Institute (CMI) in 2009 (see "One Thing Needful" column on page five). CMI holds regular conferences and committee meetings with the goal of finding new ways to bring the gospel to souls throughout the world by developing and gathering the expertise required for the effective production and distribution of Christian media in a variety of cultures. Kuster, and his wife Judy, also an academic leader and a distinguished alumna award recipient at BLC, raised nine children—several of whom were adopted. The couple dedicated their lives to their large family and put forth the same tireless effort to their children's upbringing as they did to their vocations.
A VIDEO RECORDING OF THE NAMING CEREMONY IS AVAILABLE AT: BIT.LY/KUSTERMEDIA18 9
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FROM THE DIAMOND TO
Disease Research Photos by David Norris
BY L A N C E S C H WA R T Z • D I R EC TO R O F I N S T I T U T I O N A L COM MU N I C AT I O N
Kendra Porath in one of the biology labs at Bethany.
Internship at Mayo Clinic great experience for Porath Many Bethany Lutheran College students spend their summer months participating in internships. Internships are a great way for a student to either bolster their resume with experience pertinent to their career choice, or an internship can help a student to decide whether a particular career path is right for them. Kendra Porath ('19) is from Stacy, Minnesota. She had the opportunity to participate in an exciting internship experience during the summer of 2018. Porath explained about how she decided to enroll at Bethany, "I found out about Bethany when I was recruited to play softball here. When I came to visit, I loved the small community and the opportunity to strengthen my faith." Not only has Porath been involved with the softball program serving as team captain, she's also taken on leadership roles on campus. She's been the vice president of the Student Athlete Advisory Committee, a member of the Scholastic Leadership Society, and attends Psychology Club meetings. Porath is a double major in biology and psychology. One of her professors in the psychology program, Dr. Jennifer Wosmek, helped Porath through a rigorous internship application process for Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota. 10
"This internship has given me valuable lab experience. I have learned the detail, precision, and passion that are necessary when you are conducting research at a world-known facility." - KE N D R A P O R ATH ( ' 1 9)
Porath noted, "Dr. Wosmek helped a ton with the application process. I can't even count how many times she proofread everything, from my curriculum vitae and resume, to even the emails I sent." With Porath's stellar credentials, and the guidance from Dr. Wosmek, she secured the internship at Mayo. Her work was in a cancer research lab on the Mayo campus. "My work, in the area of translational neuro-oncology, focused on developing new therapeutic
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strategies for glioblastoma multiforme and other brain metastases. We focused on understanding the basis of chemo and radiation therapy resistance that occurs often in these forms of cancer, and how we can overcome those resistances. "Our lab had two main ways of conducting research: in vitro and in vivo. I mainly focused on the in vitro portion of research. In vitro involves working with cells that were taken from a living organism and are in flasks and other culture disks. Once we have shown that certain therapies work in vitro, we move to in vivo research. We would then inject the cancer cells into the flank or brain of a mouse and test the efficacy of the therapies when they are in a living organism." The training at a research facility like Mayo gives Porath valuable experience going forward. She hopes to attend medical school with the goal of becoming a pediatric neurologist. Porath was at Mayo Clinic in Rochester throughout the summer break, and returned to campus for her senior year following the internship. It's been a venture she'd recommend wholeheartedly. "This internship has given me valuable lab experience. I have learned the detail, precision, and passion that are necessary when you are conducting research at a world-known facility. The Mayo internship has also given me the opportunity to learn outside the lab. I've been able to shadow doctors and surgeons in the clinical setting. "I'd highly recommend that any student pursuing a career within the sciences participate in a research internship. Even if you never plan to conduct research in your future career, experiencing the workings of a lab will make you appreciate all the effort and time that goes into every aspect of your work."
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Bethany saw the largest incoming class in school history.
Fall enrollment sets records Bethany Lutheran College's enrollment for fall 2018 broke several records. Most notably, the incoming class of students is the largest in the history of the institution. The fall 2018 class of first year and transfer students exceeded projections, and at 225 students, it surpasses the previous record set in 2008 by 10 students. The College also saw increases in several other enrollment categories. Bethany's international student enrollment is also at an all-time high with 59 students from 19 countries represented on campus. Bethany also offers online classes for high school students. This fall 94 high school students are taking online college courses through Bethany. The addition of several new academic programs, expanded course offerings in continuing education, new post-baccalaureate programs, combined with strong Minnesota Post-Secondary Enrollment Option (PSEO) interest through local high schools has pushed the total number of students enrolled at Bethany to a new record of 748.
Kendra is a captain on the Bethany softball team, and has been a part of many other extra-curricular programs at Bethany.
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Photos by David Norris
BY L ANCE SCHWARTZ • DIREC TOR OF INSTITUTIONAL COM MUNICATION
Rev. Josh Arndt in his office at St. Peter Lutheran Church.
Hands On Learning For legally-blind student Josh Arndt, a customized education was needed. Bethany faculty were up to the challenge. 12
Challenges. Barriers. Obstacles. Certainly, many people face difficulties and detours while pursuing their ambitions and goals every day. Bethany alumnus Joshua Arndt ('14) has unquestionably faced challenges from his earliest days. You see, Josh was born with glaucoma and other vision complications which caused his eyesight to be very poor—in fact he's legally blind. As a child, and into his adult years, Josh has endured seven corneal transplants, multiple laser treatments, and has had tubes surgically placed to regulate pressure. He doesn't drive, he reads braille, and utilizes screen reader technology to make his way through virtually all communication from print, electronic, to web. Arndt grew up on a farm in south central Minnesota not far from Mankato. He learned to read braille at "about age three or four," and attended a small public high school in Madelia, Minnesota. While living with blindness was certainly challenging for
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Arndt, spending just a little time with him it becomes apparent that he manages his disability well. He leads an active life, enjoys the outdoors and associated activities, including biking with friends and family. Arndt said, he "didn't want to go too far away from home" for his freshman year of college. He applied to bigger schools, and his application to Bethany was, "last minute." His decision was based on "wanting to try something different" than friends who had committed to bigger schools. He decided that Bethany was a good fit. Arndt wasn't entirely set on a particular career path when he enrolled at Bethany in the fall of 2010. He also wasn't completely sure how the transition to college studies was going to unfold. High school, according to Arndt, was "very much prescribed" and manageable because, in Madelia, he found a solid collection of resources for a sight-challenged student. Braille textbooks were readily available as well as the technology to assist with reading. The resources, and assistance from staff, provided the focus to earn his high school diploma. While college studies certainly utilize textbooks; oftentimes, a variety of other resources can be used for learning, and of course, the pace can be a little quicker. But determination was never a problem for Arndt. He was ready to learn and Bethany was equipped to help. Enter Bethany Professor Emeritus Silas Born. Born, at the time, was the Education Department Chair and also served as the College's disability coordinator. He had served other students with sight problems in the past. Born explained, "I met with Josh and his parents prior to his start at Bethany. We discussed in detail his disability and what support services he had received in elementary school and high school, and how I would continue to provide what he needed to be successful at Bethany. Since I had worked with other students who had a visual disability and had them in some of my classes, I was familiar with the organizations that provided services for the blind." Born utilized a variety of resources (many available locally) to help Josh access classroom, reading, and study materials. One of the more valuable resources was provided by the Mankato Rehabilitation Center Incorporated, more commonly known in southern Minnesota as MRCI. There he found willing people to help scan everything from syllabi and tests to maps utilizing screen reading software that MRCI had on site. And Born made a point to work with Josh's professors for other accommodations as well. These included such things as flash cards for math and
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Spanish in 40-point type, to willing professors spending the extra time with Josh that he needed to adapt and adjust to the rigor of college academics. "During Josh's time at Bethany, I regularly communicated with his professors outlining what accommodations were needed for his success. I asked professors to send me their tests as a Microsoft Word document, which I would review and send to MRCI to be converted into braille. MRCI would inform me when the documents were ready to be picked up. After picking up the test, I would arrange a time for Josh to take the test with me, so I could record his answers for his professors. Josh could read braille at 150 words per minute. Occasionally, a professor would forget to send me the exam in advance for converting to braille, so I would read the exam to Josh. "Unrelated to MRCI, were the services available through various organizations that supply digitized versions of some textbooks. I would arrange to have these downloaded to Josh's computer which had software that would read the text to him. Many textbooks used in his CONTINUED ON PAGE 14
Above: Arndt uses a device to read and write braille, which he also uses for preparing and delivering his sermons. Left: A copy of the King James Version of the Bible in braille occupies shelves in his home.
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Josh Arndt with his wife, Ivy, and their daughter Anastasia.
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home visits work for someone who doesn't drive. Well, Josh's wife, Ivy, is an instrumental ministry partner bringing Josh to visits and pastoral duties away from the parish. Ivy and Josh met at Camp Pioneer in Angola, New York, where they were both working during the summer of 2015. Josh was summer vicar at the camp, and Ivy accepted a last-minute job as camp photographer. Ivy was then a student at Concordia University in Ann Arbor, Michigan, and Josh was at Concordia Seminary, Fort Wayne, Indiana. The couple maintained a long-distance relationship as they continued studies at their respective institutions. They were engaged in December 2015 a week before Christmas. The long-distance relationship continued until their marriage on June 10, 2016, a month after Ivy graduated from Concordia and just before Josh's formal vicarage. The couple spent their first year of marriage together during that vicarage in Lake Elsinore, California. They were blessed with a daughter, Anastasia Ruth, on November 5, 2017.
"At Bethany, I found such an openness CONTINUED FROM PAGE 13
courses had not been digitized, so I would get permission from the publishers to scan those books and convert them to a digitized format which his computer could read." Those who know Dr. Born, understand his tireless commitment to the student, and the support Josh received kept him on pace to graduate in four years. Josh's original intent for a major was education, but after a couple of years on campus, he moved towards future seminary studies with the goal of becoming a minister of the gospel. It wasn't such a shift, as he explained. "At Bethany, I found such an openness to the Word of God. Perhaps this helped me to understand my calling. I've always appreciated Romans 10:17, 'So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the Word of God.' I'm still teaching, just not to a specific age group. A pastor teaches and preaches to people at all life stages, helping others to hear the Word." Josh was ordained and installed at St. Peter Lutheran Church in Lester Prairie, Minnesota, on July 8, 2018. Lester Prairie is a rural community about an hour west of the Twin Cities. In many ways, the town isn't too much different than rural Madelia where Josh grew up. His parish duties are the same as most pastors—council meetings, hospital and nursing home visits, confirmation instruction, Bible studies, and of course sermon prep. Josh writes his sermons on his computer, but he does use a magnifier to help with readability. He also has a machine that converts text to braille for such things as note taking and reading. You might also wonder, how do things such as hospital and 14
to the Word of God. Perhaps this helped me to understand my calling." - R E V. J OS H A R N DT ( ' 1 4 )
Josh's outlook for his eyesight and his ministry going forward is one of optimism. Not because he's sure what the future holds, but because he's sure who's directing both. "We all have our shortcomings and disabilities. I don't know what will happen in the future with my eyesight; but, at the same time, we all have an advocate is Jesus, and I'm blessed to be able to share that good news." Born saw that optimism in Josh when he was a student at Bethany. "Josh is a very gifted young man with a tremendous work ethic. Even though he had to work much harder than other students because of his blindness, he was an excellent student. His strong faith in his Savior was evident from his positive approach to his studies." Bethany Lutheran College wishes Josh Arndt the Lord's blessings in his ministry at Lester Prairie, Minnesota.
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Photo by David Norris
A Warm Welcome BY L A N C E S C H WA R T Z • D I R EC TO R O F I N S T I T U T I O N A L COM MU N I C AT I O N
There's something special about a hand-sewn quilt. Perhaps it's the beauty of handiwork that is one of a kind, or the warmth a quilt provides on a cold winter's night. Or maybe it's the love that goes into the creation of a special quilt. Seven years ago, Hilda Jaspersen and Carolyn Kramer of New Ulm, Minnesota, wanted to do something for Japanese earthquake and tsunami victims. They decided to help by sewing quilts for victims of the disaster. The quilts were made and shipped to Japan. After the need in Japan subsided, the two continued to make quilts for a variety of organizations. A result of the quilting has become a welcome gift for international students at Bethany. Kramer and Jaspersen organized a group of around sixteen quilters from St. John's Lutheran Church in New Ulm to make quilts for new international students at Bethany. The quilts have been very well received by the thankful students. Just this year, there are twenty-six new international students at BLC. Both Kramer and Jaspersen have some close ties to Bethany Lutheran
The group of New Ulm quilters has crafted over 300 quilts in the seven years of work, this fall being the last time they'll be doing a large-scale sewing. College. Jaspersen's sons Dan and Jason are both BLC alumni. Kramer's daughter, Glenda Bossow, is a staff member at Bethany, and she's also had grandchildren attend Bethany. The group of New Ulm quilters has crafted over 300 quilts in the seven years of work, this fall being the last time they'll be doing a large scale sewing. A special gift from special friends of Bethany— thank you Carolyn and Hilda for your generosity and kindness for these Bethany students!
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Calling the Shots Photos by David Norris
BY L A N C E S C H WA R T Z • D I R EC TO R O F I N S T I T U T I O N A L COM MU N I C AT I O N
Issac Rice at TCF Bank Stadium, home of Minnesota United soccer.
Issac Rice directing Minnesota United broadcasts Bethany Lutheran College has a long history with the sport of soccer. Perhaps the College was ahead of the curve when it came to the sport. There were some terrific men's Viking soccer teams as far back as 45 years ago. And the women's soccer program was among the first sports added as a new four-year, NCAA Division III institution. The same can be said about Bethany's communication program—It's a leader in many ways. Bethany recently celebrated the naming of the Thomas Kuster Media Center in October 2018 (related story on page 9). The naming was certainly well deserved as the communication program was the first of our four-year majors at Bethany. Where does this all lead? These aforementioned athletic and academic programs were, and are, leaders for Bethany. The communication program has already produced some very successful graduates, and thus it's no surprise that alumnus Isaac Rice ('13) is on his way to becoming a broadcast media leader in the Twin Cities. About that soccer connection, Rice didn't play soccer at Bethany but he's currently working in an important position in the soccer broadcast business. During a recent visit with Rice, his leadership was evident while directing the Fox Sports broadcast of the Minnesota United Major League Soccer Club at TCF Bank Stadium on the University of Minnesota campus. It's quite an accomplishment for the young Bethany alumnus. 16
Rice is a native of the western Michigan community of Covert, and he attended Michigan Lutheran High School in St. Joseph, Michigan, graduating in 2009. While Rice was a freshman at Michigan Lutheran, he explained that his senior locker buddy Jeff Hendrix ('10 BA, '14 MDiv) first put him in touch with Bethany and the communication program. Hendrix, who also studied communication at Bethany, stayed in contact with Rice past their year together in high school and shared with him some of the details about his communication studies at Bethany. "Jeff showed me some of the things he was working on [at Bethany] and it looked pretty cool. I visited campus my junior year of high school and saw the "CC" (Communication Center) - now Milton Tweit Hall - and toured the video production truck at the (Mankato Civic Center) arena. That's all it took, I was convinced." Rice took it all in during that visit to Bethany, and enrolled in 2009 squarely focused on his studies in the communication program. He proceeded to take
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full advantage of all that Bethany had to offer and ran with it, especially the established live collegiate hockey broadcast program. "The hands-on experience is what really drove me to Bethany. There's nothing wrong with learning the theory of how something like television works; but I think you learn best by actually doing it. It really helps set you up for the future. In addition to the hockey broadcast, I got to do a few other things with TV production, and that was really helpful as well. I had a great experience learning about everything the program offered such as cameras, audio, graphics, replay, producing, and directing. "Bethany has great profs who want you to succeed. Being a smaller school, the faculty actually had time to build a relationship with a student. The smaller class sizes really helped to know you're not just a number. You actually matter to the school and the professors. You have the opportunity to do things and use equipment you might not otherwise until much later in your academic career at another school." The experience led by Bethany's mentoring professors and studio staff helped Rice immediately, and today he is leading the broadcast team for the Minnesota United Soccer Club, and is looking forward to moving with the team to its new state-of-the-art facility in the Midway area of St. Paul next spring. The work with Minnesota United most likely came as a result of Rice's hard work since graduating from Bethany. His career path has had him working in a variety of production jobs for the past five years. Rice's first job had him traveling throughout North Dakota for BEK Sports. He directed various sports broadcasts for the company, laying the groundwork for his current position. The life of a young TV producer isn't always attached to a single employer. It's usually a series of jobs to fill the year, especially in the seasonal sports business. After his stint in North Dakota, Rice headed east to work with FOX Sports North (FSN)/Wisconsin as a production assistant/editor for four years. He still continues as a freelance director with FSN when called upon and time allows. Rice's Minnesota United position is also part time, but part of the bigger fabric of his production jobs. His title with the United is freelance TV director working all home games - sixteen in total. When time permits, he can also be found working with North Metro TV (Twin Cities) on their sports production
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Above: Issac Rice in the production trailer where he directs the broadcasts. Left: Rice with Minnesota United play-by-play broadcast personality Callum Williams.
crew serving as a backup director and replay operator. To cap things off, Rice just recently joined CCX Media in the Twin Cities in a full-time capacity as their live events director and producer. Rice is probably most passionate about directing, but still keeps his skills sharp in a variety of production areas. When asked about the future, he has his sights set on possibly moving into larger venues. "I would like to continue what I am already doing, but direct more and higher profile games for a large network. I hope to continue directing regional sports games for now, but perhaps down the line I could be involved with a national network. Maybe the Super Bowl. Maybe the World Cup. Since I'm already doing professional soccer, why not aim high, right?" Rice's attitude and work ethic just might be the recipe for success. "Success is what you make of it. If you take the time to try things, and learn as much as you can, it's possible to be successful. While I was a student at Bethany, I worked hard—progressively learning more and more about the broadcast industry. This helped me to get a great internship with FOX Sports North. That experience opened a lot of doors. If you go to Bethany, work hard to learn and try different things a graduate can be successful. Life is what you put into it. If you put a lot in, God will provide you with the ability. But remember in the real world, after college, you really don't know everything. You still have a lot to learn." That's solid advice spoken by someone who's well on his way in the media and broadcast industry. 17
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Meagan Sons (left) and Brian Heintz are among the first students to go through the nursing program at Bethany.
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THE NEXT
NURSES BY L A N C E S C H WA R T Z • D I R EC TO R O F I N S T I T U T I O N A L COM MU N I C AT I O N
It's been just over four years since the first faculty member was hired for Bethany's longtalked-about nursing program. In July 2014, Dr. Sara (Merseth '96) Traylor took on the role of Director of Nursing. There was a lot of work to be done before the first nursing classes were offered in August 2017, and Traylor took the challenge head on and hasn't looked back. And the results of her work, together with other faculty members, are now beginning to show in a series of successes for the young program. The process to launch the bachelor of science in nursing (BSN) program is very extensive and among the most structured programs Bethany offers. Traylor has worked with the College administration, state, and national agencies to satisfy all of the requirements related to the development of the new program. The process began with the College producing a letter of intent for the State Nursing Board which summarizes why Bethany Lutheran College should be considered worthy to offer a nursing program. The state approval process is a three-phase program and is required to develop the BSN program at any institution. Bethany's nursing cohort is growing in size as the program builds towards full accreditation. There are currently four senior and five juniors in the program. Additionally, twelve sophomores and nineteen freshmen are completing pre-nursing courses. The nursing
program continues to receive many inquiries from prospective students, and it's expected to become one of the College's largest majors. Upper-class students recently completed practice licensure exams. The results confirmed that Bethany's nursing students are meeting national benchmarks. The program engages in a rigorous selfstudy process comparing all aspects (quality, curriculum, teaching-learning practices, and faculty) of the program with established standards that have been developed by nursing representatives nationwide. Faculty then compose and prepare an extensive report describing the program's structure, how it meets the standards, and provides evidence of accomplishments. Finally, there is an on-site evaluation where three Commission of Collegiate Nursing (CCNE) peer evaluators verify the information presented. They meet with a variety of people to gather additional information about how the program meets national standards. Bethany's first CCNE visit took place September 10–12, 2018. After the on-site evaluation, the information and report are reviewed by two committees prior to making the accreditation decision. Bethany's accreditation decision will be made prior to the graduation of the first cohort of students in May 2019. CONTINUED ON PAGE 20
Photos by David Norris
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Bethany is on track with the accreditation process. The exit report from the visit team was positive. The team indicated that the program met all four standards (and the many sub-standards under each standard) without any compliance concerns. However, this does not mean the program is currently accredited. It does validate that Bethany is certainly preparing graduates to practice as knowledgeable, qualified, professional nurses. This is exciting news about the positive direction of the program. The nursing faculty eagerly awaits the results of the national accrediting agency in 2019. It's the hope and prayer of the College that with God's blessing the program will continue to grow and flourish.
LIZ MARKELL ('19) Waseca, Minnesota, Waseca High School
How did you find Bethany, and what prompted you to enroll? I fell in love with the small Christian atmosphere and went home thinking to myself "it's too bad Bethany doesn't have a nursing program." On my way home, I found out that Bethany did in fact have a nursing program, and after carefully weighing my options Bethany became my new home.
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Your impression of Bethany's nursing program's qualities: Faculty/student interaction – Bethany faculty are very approachable. I can drop by anytime to talk with them. Classroom experience – The senior classes are conversational with the exception of more structured obstetrics and pediatrics lectures. I like having conversational lectures because it keeps me engaged with what is happening, and lets me apply what I learned from the pre-class assignments. Lab experience – I love having lecture in the lab. Bethany's nursing lab has a classroom included so we are able to learn from a presentation with the professor demonstrating on a mannequin then the students practice the skills all at the same time in the same room. In addition, simulations have been a great learning opportunity. Class sizes – I get all the one-on-one time I need and could ever have wanted. This also allows faculty to make strong lasting relationship with students. Clinical experience – I love clinical. My favorite so far would be our transcultural trip to Nicaragua. I have also had clinical experiences at the Belle Plaine Lutheran Home, Mayo Clinic Health System, Mankato, and the Mankato Clinic. I was also fortunate to work as an intern in the Progressive Care Unit at Mayo Clinic Health System in Mankato. I loved working in a small hospital. The environment was enriching and welcoming. My work was completely ‘hands on' with the exception of observing a cesarean section. My preceptors guided me to grow to my full potential. I am excited to think that someday, in the future, I could be a preceptor for a student nurse. Relationships with classmates – We all work together; we have bonded together as a team to
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support each other through our educational experience. There is no competition. I have made strong lifelong relationships with my nursing classmates. Overall program strengths – I think one strength of Bethany's nursing program is providing a Christian perspective in nursing. Nurses always encounter numerous ethical and moral dilemmas. It is nice to have a strong foundation before going out into the "real world." Personal career ambition – After graduating from Bethany, I hope to work at Mayo Clinic Health System, Mankato, in progressive or intensive care. I enjoyed working there this past summer, and would like to continue in that specialty of nursing. I also hope to one day further my education with the goal of becoming a nurse practitioner. As a nurse practitioner, I would like to specialize in women's health. The need for women's health practitioners became even more apparent to me during clinical at the Mankato Clinic in the OB department. Advice for a future BLC nursing student – Bethany has a great Christian nursing program that will push you to achieve your greatest potential.
BRIAN HEINTZ ('19) Hastings, Minnesota, Homeschooled
How did you find Bethany, and what prompted you to enroll? I learned about Bethany from family members who went to Bethany and had great things to say. When I went on the tour, I was blown away by how beautiful the campus was. I was told about the student-to-faculty ratios and how this could benefit
Nursing Milestones July 2014 – Dr. Sara Traylor (PhD MA, RN, CNE), the program's first faculty member, was hired as Director of Nursing.
October 2015 - The State of Minnesota accepted Bethany's document of intent for the development of a bachelor of science in nursing (BSN) program.
August 2016 - The Minnesota Board of Nursing completed campus and clinical site visits and granted formal approval for the launch of the BSN program.
August 2017 – Bethany offered its first bachelor of science in nursing courses and began clinicals for nursing students.
September 2018 – The Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) visited the Bethany campus. CCNE is an autonomous accrediting agency officially recognized by the U.S. Secretary of Education as a national accreditation organization. The program is seeking accreditation and will receive a decision prior to the graduation of the first cohort of students in May 2019.
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BRIAN HEINTZ ('19) Hastings, Minnesota, Homeschooled CONTINUED FROM PAGE 21
me academically. The tour guide explained that as a student at Bethany you are not just a number, rather there are opportunities to get to know the teachers and have them understand how you as an individual study and can accommodate your needs. This could not be truer, and I have seen firsthand how the professors across the campus get to know their students and work with them to fulfill their academic goals. Your impression of Bethany's nursing program's qualities: Faculty/student interaction – The faculty and student interaction is outstanding. Having taken several classes at a large college, I can see a stark difference in how students are viewed compared to at Bethany. This is the primary reason that I chose to attend Bethany. The nursing program at Bethany has been a great experience for me. Classroom experience –Bethany professors get to know and understand their students, this is exemplified even more within the nursing program. Students have ample opportunity to ask questions about topics that are not clearly understood. The nursing faculty does an excellent job of not only getting to know the students, but also examining and understanding how each person learns, helping to improve learning outcomes. Lab experience – The labs provide an opportunity to practice essential nursing skills such as medication administration and practice therapeutic care during lab simulations and test outs. Class sizes – The classroom environment is excellent and involves great interaction. There is ample opportunity for everyone to participate and ask questions throughout class. 22
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Clinical experience – Throughout our time in the nursing program, there have been clinicals that have allowed us to provide patient care, or observe real patient situations enhancing our learning and experiences. We have had clinicals at the Lutheran Home in Belle Plaine, Minnesota, the Medical Surgical Unit at the Mayo Clinic Health System Hospital, Mankato, and at an OB/GYN clinic and hospital. Relationships with classmates – It has been easy to communicate with the other nursing students in my cohort. We are very close and I think that, like the teachers, we are able to see each other's learning techniques and have been encouraged to work together on class projects and in preparing for class and tests. Overall program strengths – The program as a whole is very thorough and provides us with the necessary content and experiences to prepare us in our roles as future nurses. I think that this is the program's greatest strength. As a student, and I'm sure as a nursing professor, the program can get very busy and requires many hours of reading and preparation. This is definitely necessary in order for the students to be prepared for working as a nurse. Being able to practice real life care and communication in a simulation environment allows us as students to be more prepared when the real situation comes up on the job. Advice for a future BLC nursing student – I would say that this program, like many, requires a lot of work and dedication and can be very difficult at times, however, sticking with the process of the program and working hard will pay off. I have learned much more than I ever thought I would, and I wouldn't change that. I believe this program will adequately prepare students to be excellent nurses in the future. I think that should be the goal of anyone who is interested in nursing. Personal career ambition – My main focus related to nursing is currently graduating and establishing an RN job, hopefully at a medical surgical unit, and working for several years before perhaps going into a more specialized area of nursing after I have gained some experience. Hopefully after working for a while, I will be able to establish personal strengths and interests and then pursue a nursing position related to an area I enjoy.
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Photos by David Norris
Bethel Balge, who instructs piano and is an adjunct faculty member in the Music Department, was the first to play the new Boston piano after it was delivered.
GRAND DELIVERY A milestone of sorts was reached on Wednesday, August 1, 2018, when a new grand piano was delivered to the Ylvisaker Fine Arts Center. Bethany Lutheran College is in the midst of a campaign to replace old and damaged pianos throughout the campus. Dr. Bethel Balge (Music, Piano Instruction) is organizing and leading the effort. The new grand is manufactured by Steinway and Sons and carries the Boston pianos name. Bethany's plan is to replace all of the aging pianos with either the Steinway or Boston brand as fundraising allows. The funding for the piano replacements has come from both individual donors and the National Bethany Auxiliary, which voted at their September 2017 meeting to establish a dollar-for-dollar challenge for contributors to the fund, and continued that support in 2018. Bethany thanks all who've contributed to this special project.
LEARN MORE ABOUT THE PIANO REPLACEMENT FUND AND VISIT THE BETHANY STEINWAY FUND WEBSITE AT BLC.STEINWAYFUND.COM
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from our
ALUMNI 1990s p Michael ('09) and Karyn (Lussky '09) Lukasek were blessed with their fourth baby, Elsiana Rebecca, on April 17, 2018. Elsiana joins big brothers Isaac, Matthias, and Abel. The family resides in La Crosse, Wisconsin. p Britta (Monson '98) Fisher was appointed Chief Housing Officer for the City and County of Denver by Mayor Michael B. Hancock (pictured with Fisher). Fisher oversees the Denver Housing Division and the deployment of city resources to produce and preserve affordable housing in Denver. She also serves on the State Housing Board through appointment of Governor John Hickenlooper.
2000s
p Matt and Amanda (Peterson '06) Kottke had a baby boy, Tuck Douglas Kottke, on July 8, 2018. His siblings Waylon (3), and Magdalene (2) are proud big brother and sister. The family resides in Glencoe, Minn., where Amanda is a seventh and eighth grade science teacher and Matt is a large machine mechanic.
2010s
p David ('10) and Malayna (Norton '10) Kelly welcomed Christopher Allan to their family on September 20, 2018. He was 20.5 in. long and weighed 8 lbs. 12 oz. He was baptized October 7 with sponsors Joshua Norton ('04) and Michael and Holly Kelly.
p Kate (Ruschmeyer '16) and Patrick Ernst ('15) were married in Trinity Chapel on June 1, 2018. They currently reside in San Antonio, Texas, where Patrick is spending his vicar year in pursuit of a master of divinity from Bethany Lutheran Theological Seminary. In December 2018, Kate completed a master of arts in occupational therapy from St. Catherine University.
p Jonah ('16) and Sarah (Rehbein '16) Menough were married at Trinity Chapel on July 21, 2018. Sarah works as an assistant teacher at Jesus Loves Me Learning Center in North Mankato.
Monique (Hagel '12) Franson was married on March 2, 2018, to Marc Franson. They were married at Chanhassen Dinner Theatre in Chanhassen, Minn. Alumna Kristy (Carlson '12) Wiechmann was an attendant. Monique and Marc live in St. Paul, Minn., where Monique is an account manager at Securian Financial. p Luke ('16) and Angela (Timm '16) Hahn welcomed baby boy Gideon Micah Luke on October 31, 2018, to their family. He weighed 9 lbs. 7 oz. and was 21.5 in. long.
In Memoriam
p Ashley (Rihn '07) Hubbard and her husband of four years, David, welcomed their first child Lydia Kayte on March 22, 2018, in Maple Grove, Minn. 24
p After getting married at Bethany's Trinity Chapel on March 17, 2018, Jessica (Mueller '13) and Timothy Krause ('17) enjoyed celebrating their marriage with family and friends at the Kirche der Barmherzigen Brüder in Vienna, Austria, on July 14, 2018.
Paul G. Anderson ('40) died on Friday, August 17, 2018. A memorial service was held on August 24, 2018, at Pinehurst Lutheran Church in Eau Claire, Wisc. Paul attended
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Bethany Lutheran College and graduated from Concordia Seminary in St. Louis in 1945. He was ordained into the ministry and was involved in the mission field serving congregations in Fosston, Minn.; Nigeria British West Africa; Rochester, N.Y.; Lime Creek and Lake Mills, Iowa; Belview, Minn.; West Bend, Wisc.; Yelm, Wash.; and a retirement call in Eau Claire. Carolyn A. Harstad ('56) died on Tuesday, July 24, 2018. Funeral services were held on August 10 at Heritage Lutheran Church in Apple Valley, Minn. Carolyn earned her associate in arts degree at Bethany and her B.A. at the University of Minnesota. Carolyn was a passionate gardener, and a committed native plant activist. She was a Master Gardener, nature photographer, popular lecturer, and a regular contributor to several garden newsletters. She co-founded the Indianapolis Hosta Society (1986), and the Indiana Native Plant and Wildflower Society (1993). Indiana University Press published three of her books. Dr. Carol Gilbertson Lehtola, ('71) of Gainesville, Fla., died Wednesday, August 15, 2018. A memorial service was held on August 21, 2018, at Zion Lutheran Church, Gainesville. Lehtola was a pioneer in agriculture safety. She wrote dozens of articles for publication and received numerous awards including recognition as the Undergraduate Teacher of the Year at the University of Florida Agriculture and Life Sciences School. She was recognized by The Extraordinary Women Engineers Project Coalition, and in 2006 was featured in Changing Our World: True Stories of Women Engineers, published by the American Society of Civil Engineers. Ruth Dolores Mintz ('47) died on July 9, 2018. Funeral services were held July 14 at St. Paul's Lutheran Church in Menomonie, Wisc.
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She graduated from Bethany Lutheran High School and in 1950 from Fairview Hospital in Minneapolis as an R.N.. Ruth worked as a nurse in many different areas including surgical, obstetrics, nursery, pediatrics, clinics, private duty, and nursing homes. George Myron Orvick ('48) died on September 27, 2018. Christian funeral services were held on October 8, 2018, at Holy Cross Lutheran Church, Madison, Wisc. He attended Bethany Lutheran College, Northwestern College, Watertown, Wisc., and Bethany Lutheran Theological Seminary. George served congregations in Amherst Junction, Wisc. and Madison, Wisc. George also served as president of the Evangelical Lutheran Synod for 28 years. Robert Ring ('67) died on October 10, 2018. Funeral services were held at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, Owatonna, Minn., on October 17, 2018. At Bethany, he played basketball and was involved in theatre. He loved literature and teaching and earned a master's degree in teaching and reading from Mankato State University. Bob was an English teacher at Wisconsin Lutheran High School. His passion was coaching. He was both a track and field and basketball coach, and took his teams to state championships in both. Bob moved back to Minnesota in 2003 and served ten years as an adjunct professor of English at Bethany. Reverend Wilhelm W. Petersen ('48) died on August 26, 2018. A funeral service was held on August 30 at Peace Lutheran Church, North Mankato. He attended Bethany Lutheran High School and College as well as Northwestern
College in Watertown, Wisc. He graduated from Bethany Lutheran Theological Seminary in 1953. He served parishes in Oklee, Minn., Madison, Wisc., and Mankato. He also served as president of the Evangelical Lutheran Synod. In 1980, he was called to be president of Bethany Lutheran Seminary, until his retirement in 1997. Fredric Schrader ('48) died on August 21, 2018. A memorial service was held on August 28, 2018, at Prince of Peace Lutheran Church, Burnsville, Minn. He attended Bethany High School and Delavan High School and graduated in 1948. In 1961 he, his brothers, and a friend built and opened the Easton Grain Elevator. He later moved to Burnsville, where he resided for 37 years before moving to Apple Valley, Minn. Fred was a commodities broker for 35 years. Douglas John Strand ('67) died April 28, 2018. After attending Bethany he went on to University of Wisconsin-Madison. He was a materials engineer at Aberdeen P roving Ground in Maryland until his retirement in 2016. Anna Brue Tjernagel ('57) died on December 18, 2017. Two memorial services were held for her after her death, one at St. Paul's Lutheran Church in Bremen, Ind,, on January 27, 2018, and another at Saude Lutheran Church in Lawler, Iowa, on May 19, 2018. Anna donated her body for medical research. 25
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Former employees called to the Lord Over the course of a few months, three former Bethany employees were called home to be with their Lord. Each of these men served the College faithfully and cheerfully during their years on campus. Each made their mark on Bethany in different, but important ways. Paul Helland ('58) served Bethany Lutheran College as both professor and Dean of Academics from 1965-85. Paul passed away on August 29, 2018, at the age of 80. Paul was born May 25, 1938, in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. He received undergraduate degrees from Bethany Lutheran College and Paul Helland South Dakota State University, and a graduate degree from the University of Northern Iowa. He served as an aviator in the United States Navy for 22 years (five years active duty, 17 years reserves), retiring at the rank of Commander. After leaving Bethany, he and his wife, Judy, then opened and operated a travel business, International Cruise and Tour, from 1985 to 2013. Paul had a quick wit and dry sense of humor that delighted his family and friends. He and Judy enjoyed traveling the world, frequently with family and friends, visiting countries on six continents. A funeral service was held on September 6, 2018, at St. James Lutheran Church, West St. Paul, Minnesota. Calvin "Cal" Johnson served Bethany as both a professor and an administrator. He passed on August 7, 2018, at the age of 82 years. Cal was born on the family farm near Wabasso, Minnesota, on March 11, 1936. Following his graduation from Wabasso High School, he attended Mankato State University. Upon graduation there, he expanded
Cal Johnson
his education with a master of science in chemistry from the University of South Dakota. His academic career began as a professor of chemistry at Bethany. Eventually he advanced to become director of financial aid and was an active member and officer with the Minnesota Association of Financial Aid Administrators (MAFAA). Upon the passing of his beloved wife, Darlene, in 1990, Cal continued with Bethany Lutheran College until his retirement in 2001. He then moved to the home they had built on 3rd Crow Wing Lake. For those retirement years, Cal enjoyed the fishing, hunting, and golfing opportunity of the area. He was an active member of First English Lutheran Church of Dorset, Minnesota. A funeral was held on Monday August 13, 2018, at First English Lutheran Church. A private internment took place at Echo City Cemetery, Echo, Minnesota, where Cal was buried next to his wife. Dwain Paul Mintz ('48) died on October 11, 2018, Funeral services were held on October 17, at St. Paul's Lutheran Church in Menomonie, Wisc. He graduated from Bethany High School and attended Bethany Lutheran College from 1946-48 where he was an outstanding athlete. Dwain earned a bachelor's and a master's Dwain Mintz degree from Mankato State University, and a Ph.D. from Utah State University. Dwain signed a professional baseball contract with the Cardinals and played in the 1947 season with their farm club. He also played in the Dodger organization before returning to Bethany in 1952 as the baseball and basketball coach. He also served as an educator and coach for 27 years at the University of Wisconsin-Stout.. His athletic teams would go on to achieve high levels of success. 2:@@*
Alumni receive special campus tour Several alumni visited Bethany on September 19, 2018. Groups of any size wishing to visit and tour the campus are encouraged to contact Jake Krier in the Alumni Department (jake.krier@blc.edu or 507-344-7519). Alumni are always welcome, and we would love to provide you with a personal tour. Pictured are (bottom row from left), Delayne Rittmueller ('71), Carole (Honsey ‘72) Falconer, Linda (Narges ‘71) Krebsbach, Judi (Honsey ‘71) Haaland, (top row from left) Gayl (Edwards '71) Johnson, Linda (Zawacki '71) Loge, Peggy (Sorenson '72) Harstad, Terri (Severson '71) Westphal, Jane (Baumann'70) Birkholz, Katherine (Schlomer '71) Wixom, Lois (Olson '71) Jaeger, Steve Jaeger (‘72).
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Bethany
RETROSPECT
Remembering a campus moment from years gone by.
VIKING VILLAGE: The "V" has changed a bit over the years. At one point, you could get some ice cream, buy some BLC merchandise and hang out at the picnic table. Do you recognize anyone from this photo or what year it was taken? Send your response to editor@blc.edu. 27
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