WINTER 2024
A CONCERT TO REMEMBER
Page 16
from the
PRESIDENT BY G E NE PFE IFE R • PRESIDENT, B E THANY LUTHERAN COLLEG E
A Constant Light in a Dark World Happy New Year! If you are like me, you might sometimes express a bit of wonder at the turn of another calendar year and perhaps ask yourself, “where does the time go?” Certainly, with that passing of time, you’ve seen changes in your own lives and the world you live in. At Bethany, we too, experience change, but at the same time are blessed to retain the most treasured aspects of this special college. The year 2023 brought changes to the physical appearance of the Bethany campus with the opening of the Bethany Activity Center and the renovation of Luther Hall featuring a new office for Mayo Clinic Express Care and a dedicated space for our Career Development Office; and in the academic domain we saw the graduation of our first master’s degree cohort in clinical mental health counseling. In this issue of the Bethany Magazine, you’ll read about other highlights from the year past which include a growing enrollment, an update on the new Polly Browne Literacy Clinic which provides free reading intervention to community children, the success of the legal studies program and the BLC Mock Trial Team, and the reputational growth of our media arts department as evidenced by student awards. And while the growth on campus is due to some of these new endeavors, we also highlight in this issue long-term activities such as Theatre Physics in its 30th year and the special legacy of the choral program at Bethany. While change in our world is undeniable, we are thankful for the sure and certain aspects of a Bethany education that have remained steadfast for nearly a century—that is an education focused on the Gospel message of our Savior Jesus. Bethany students’ faith lives are strengthened each day through our significant thirteen-credit religious studies graduation
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While change in our world is undeniable, we are thankful for the sure and certain aspects of a Bethany education that have remained steadfast for nearly a century—that is an education focused on the Gospel message of our Savior Jesus. requirement and our well-attended daily chapel and student Bible studies. In addition to the enduring commitment to the One Thing Needful, our broad set of core discipline studies continue to be infused with a robust liberal arts perspective based on our institutional objectives to higher education. These ideas are taught through the discerning lens of a Christian worldview equipping our graduates for productive and fulfilling vocations in their families, churches, workplaces, and communities. I’m thankful for your continued prayers and support for Bethany Lutheran College. By God’s grace and blessings, for 97 years, Bethany has been a Christ-centered beacon among the nation’s colleges while focusing on our two-fold Mary and Martha purpose. Wishing you a blessed and prosperous 2024.
B E TH A N Y Magazine
W I NTER 2024
TABLE OF
CONTENTS 2
16
FROM THE PRESIDENT
CELEBRATING A CHORAL HERITAGE
A Constant Light in a Dark World
All-choir reunion brings over 200 alumni participants
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FROM OUR FACULTY & STAFF
20
5
FALL ATHLETICS ROUNDUP
DEPARTMENT NEWS
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6
ATHLETIC HALL OF FAME
Class of 2023 inductees honored
LITERACY CLINIC MUTUALLY BENEFICIAL
24
7
ENROLLMENT CONTINUES TO CLIMB
TEIGEN SELECTED FOR SERVICE TO BETHANY AWARD
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25
ALUMNI NEWS
THIRTY YEARS OF THEATRE PHYSICS
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RETROSPECT
Worshiping in Old Main
SERVING THE MISSION THROUGH MUSIC Bethany designated an All-Steinway School
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HOW CAN I HELP STUDENTS TO ATTEND BETHANY?
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ON THE COVER: Jerome Wilske directed the audience during part of the all-choir reunion concert. See story on page 16. Photo by David Norris
zine
Maga ISSUE: 154
All contents © COPYRIGHT 2024 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.
Illustration by Andrew Overn
THE POWER OF IMAGES Group Creating Sunday School Curricula for Zambia
editor, writer | Lance Schwartz ’86 contributing writer | Emeline Gullixson ’21 designer, photographer | David Norris ’91 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.
W I NTER 2024
From our Faculty & Staff
Eric (left) and Denice Woller at Our Savior Lutheran Church in Naples, Florida, during Vacation Bible School. Group photo below.
Photos courtesy of Our Savior Lutheran Church
Dr. Eric (Chemistry) and Denice Woller (Studio Art, Photography), along with their children, traveled to Our Savior Lutheran Church (ELS) in Naples, Florida, where they led approximately 90 students in the science-based VBS program they developed titled: DNA (Divine Nature Adventure). This marks the third time the Wollers have made this program available to a Synod church on behalf of the work they are doing here at Bethany. The goal is to encourage science in the context of God’s creation while realizing God’s Word is not opposed to science (and that all these things are taught at Bethany). Most importantly, though, this is all taught with the realization that God created it all in six days, and then He redeemed it once and for all with His son, Jesus, so we can enjoy life here on earth and know we have a Crown of Life. Dr. Jennifer Kom (Psychology) presented a session on Gender Solid Parenting at the recent Biblical Worldview Conference held at St. Timothy Lutheran Church in Lombard, Illinois, on November 4, 2023. Her talk focused on how parents can love and care for children from a Christian Biblical worldview perspective, and contained specific strategies to promote healthy gender development and suggestions on how to proactively address problems and questions when they occur. 4
Jennifer Kom
Stacey Dawley (Business Office), Tom DeMerit (Information Technology), Sergio Salgado (RegisTom DeMerit Stacey Dawley trar), and Lisa Shubert (Information Technology) attended the Jenzabar Annual Meeting in Orlando, Florida, during the summer Lisa Shubert Sergio Salgado of 2023. Bethany was recognized by Jenzabar for 25 years of contracting with the company for software services. Mark DeGarmeaux (Music, Religion) prepared an anthology of hymn preludes for organ (or piano) for each Sunday of the church year to help beginning and amateur organists and pianists. It is now available at the Bethany Lutheran College Bookstore. Dr. Helena Stevens (CMHC Graduate Program) appeared on the Kato Living television show (KEYC-Mankato) on Friday, October 6, 2023, as part of National Body Language Day. She spoke about some basic body language interpretation skills during the show. On December 18, 2023, The Glencoe-Silver Lake (Minnesota) High School Band performed all three of Benjamin Faugstad's Christmas arrangements for wind ensemble. The "Christmas Suite" included Three Ships, Night, and Three Kings. This is the first time all three selections have been performed in one concert.
Mark DeGarmeaux
Helena Stevens
Ben Faugstad
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Department News Psychology receives donation Bethany’s Psychology Department was the recipient of a generous donation of several hundred printed books and psychological materials from the library of Thomas Tiffenbacher—a retired psychologist. These materials will serve as student and faculty resources for various courses, including counseling and physiological psychology.
North Mankato parade broadcast BLC Studios & KTV (Kato Television) produced the North Mankato Fun Days Parade this past summer. This marks the ninth time out of ten years Bethany has partnered with the City of North Mankato to produce the event for KTV Public Access.
Student Success Bethany senior Davis Smith (Interdisciplinary studies: English, Philosophy, and Music) had his essay, “Saving the Appearances: The Beatific Vision of Annie Dillard’s Holy the Firm,” accepted for publication in the Sigma Tau Delta Review, a presDavis Smith tigious undergraduate and “annual journal that publishes critical essays on literature, essays on rhetoric and composition, and essays devoted to pedagogical issues.” Davis’s essay appeared in the Review’s November 2023 issue. The Bethany student-produced film Man in the Yellow Shirt was accepted for screening at Nosebleeds Film Fest in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, in September 2023. This movie was made for
Bethany’s Red Eye Film Festival, and this is the third festival accolade it received. The film was made by Bethany students Marcos Borobia Arias, Colin Neville, Jacob Norris, Joey Pasbrig, Noah Rittierodt, Ari Selvey, and Job Wosmek. Alec Mueller’s (‘23) senior capstone film Hinterland won Best Narrative Short at the Eagan, Minnesota, Art Block Film Festival. This is the festival’s professional category, thus it’s a huge accomplishment for a student project to win!
Alec Mueller
Photo courtesy of Ted Gullixson
Bethany Auxiliary gathers for annual meeting Bethany Lutheran College welcomed members of the Bethany Lutheran College Auxiliary to campus for their annual meeting on Monday, September 25, 2023. During the event, attendees had the opportunity to tour brand new spaces, hear from Bethany staff, students, and about the exciting things happening at BLC. The group also held their annual business meeting where Auxiliary members choose projects to support with funding from the group. Thank you, to the members of the Auxiliary for their ongoing support!
Lutheran Teachers' Conference held at BLC The 2023 Minnesota District Lutheran Teachers’ Conference was held on the Bethany Lutheran College campus over fall break on October 19 and 20, 2023. The conference’s theme was Stand Firm With Joy (2 Cor. 1:20-22). Over 300 Lutheran teachers, ranging from early childhood through high school from both ELS and WELS schools attended various keynote and breakout sessions pertaining to their areas of interest. We pray that this conference was helpful to our Lutheran teachers to grow in their faith, and in their profession, so they may continue to teach children about their Savior, Jesus Christ.
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W I NTER 2024
Submitted Photos
BY LANCE SCHWARTZ ’86 • CHIEF COMMUNICATION OFFICER
Bethany students Abby Haggenmiller (left) and Calla Alfred helped students in the Polly Browne Literacy Clinic.
Literacy Clinic Mutually Beneficial At Bethany Lutheran College (BLC), service to the community is an important component of the educational experience. In that spirit, a collection of education students are making a difference by helping young learners in the Mankato area to improve their reading skills. In 2022, the Bethany Education Department was awarded a grant from the Mankato Area Foundation for seed funding to bring the idea of a literacy clinic for community students to the BLC campus. The initiative started with Dr. Carrie Pfeifer, professor in the Education Department, having the goal to provide local, young students needing supplementary reading help free of charge. The Polly Browne Literacy Clinic, named for the sainted Bethany education professor, is now in its second year of operation and demand for services is exceeding expectations. While the initial grant from the Mankato Area Foundation launched the Browne Clinic, additional funding gave a significant boost to the startup through a $93,500 grant from the Sauer Family Foundation based in St. Paul, Minnesota. With the Foundation’s help, the Clinic is able to fully operate for a two-year timeframe through the 2023-24 academic year. The Clinic operates on the Bethany campus in the Education Department’s lab classroom in Memorial Library. Bethany students facilitate one-on-one meetings with young readers. The meetings are arranged at a time that works for both the Bethany student tutor and the family of the young reader. The students being served commit to participate in a minimum of two 70-minute sessions per week. Now, as the second year of the Bethany Literacy Clinic is half complete, a large group Bethany students are participating as tutors, and the efforts are producing wonderful results not only for the young learners who are improving their reading skills, but also for the Bethany students who are gaining real-world teaching experience. 6
Bethany junior education major Calla Alfred is among the Bethany students providing help for the young readers. “We’re so blessed to be able to provide families and children with reading intervention free of cost. This clinic has helped me tremendously in navigating my future career as an educator and opened my eyes to the many different ways children learn and how I can best help them learn. The tools and strategies I’ve used in the clinic will be very helpful in my future classroom,” said Alfred. Parents of the young readers are also very pleased with the help that their children are receiving. Nichole Schendel said of her daughter Lily’s involvement with the Center, “Lily’s progress has been phenomenal this past year. She has gained so much confidence and has said that she loves reading now! The [Bethany] students are gifted in their approach. After a long day, the last thing my child wants to do is learn more instead of play, but Jordyn makes learning fun and two minutes into the session, Lily is laughing and having a great time! Bethany students have already assisted over 45 children from the Mankato area with reading skills this past semester. The goal is to continue offering the Clinic well into the future and as individual and foundation funding is available to sustain its operation.
B E TH A N Y Magazine
Enrollment Continues to Climb BY EMELINE GULLIXSON ’21 • CONTRIBUTING WRITER
Bethany Lutheran College has experienced record enrollment highs for the Fall 2023 Semester, continuing the trend of positive growth over the past five years. This year’s enrollment is a nine percent increase from 832, the last record enrollment set in 2022. “It’s been humbling to observe God’s tangible blessings in this way over the years,” said Dr. Gene Pfeifer, President of Bethany Lutheran College. Full-time undergraduate students number 671, with 905 total students taking courses from Bethany. This total includes all undergraduates (683), graduate students in the Clinical Mental Health Counseling Program (48), high school students enrolled at Bethany through Minnesota’s Post-Secondary Enrollment Option (PSEO) or through an online partnership with schools both locally and throughout the nation (165), and a small number of non-degree seeking students (9). “The strategies that have led to enrollment growth have been many, from the faculty developing new majors and a graduate program that have been attractive to students; to expanding our enrollment outreach to students from urban areas and minority backgrounds in the U.S., to reaching out to prospective students from literally around the world as today we have students from six continents and over 25 countries at Bethany,” said Pfeifer. “Another avenue for growth has included the upgrading of our academic facilities for programs such as in nursing, engineering, exercise science, and education; to expanding our athletic program spaces through the opening of Scheels Field and the Bethany Activity Center.” Jeff Lemke, Vice President of Admissions and Marketing, noted that Bethany’s close-knit community and engaging faculty and staff appeal to students in any area of study. “Coaches chat with students
through social media. Fine arts directors call students and compliment them on their God-given gifts. Professors chat with families when they are exploring campus. Admissions counselors send personal videos to encourage students in the process.” Besides the personal mentoring and on-campus connection, Bethany is known nationally for being in the top 30% of colleges, and the top 20% of those with no application fee (Niche.com). It is an affordable college, and Mankato is an ideal college town with plenty to do outside of campus. Most notably, Bethany’s continued enrollment growth shows that students and parents prioritize a Christ-centered college experience. “Young people are making a great choice of prioritizing their faith life in choosing Bethany for college,” said Lemke. “Students with a strong foundation in Christian instruction discuss topics alongside students who are less familiar with the Good News of Jesus.” “Bethany is meeting the spiritual needs for many students and families by continuing to focus on what’s most important at Bethany—our Christ-centered mission,” said Pfeifer. “As society continues to drift from God and His Word, the Christian worldview that permeates all we do at Bethany is attracting many to the College.” With this steady growth, we thank God for His continued blessings of outreach and education to current and future Vikings. 7
Thirty Years
of Theatre Physics
Photos by Benji Inniger
BY EMELINE GULLIXSON ’21 • CONTRIBUTING WRITER
The cast for Theatre Physics 2023 included current students and seven alumni.
Alumni return to join current cast for beloved skits For the past thirty years, Theatre Physics has been a highlight of Bethany Fall Festival Weekend. Unlike the rest of Bethany’s Theatre productions, Theatre Physics is the annual fast-paced, physical comedy show filled with ridiculous and memorable skits. Audiences never know exactly what hijinks they’ll be treated to, but that’s part of the charm. This year marked the thirtieth annual show, a momentous occasion for Bethany, and for show director, Professor Peter Bloedel. “The first year we started it, we weren’t sure if it would continue, but once you do it twice, it’s a tradition,” said Bloedel. who has directed and taught at Bethany since 1991. The preparation and format for the show has generally remained the same over the years. Once students are cast, the actors and director have a little over two weeks to create, rehearse, and perform the show. Bloedel explained: “[After casting] we sit around in a circle for the first few rehearsals and spitball ideas, show videos to the group, and ask, "Can we do this?” This schedule and process might be unrealistic for most productions, but the collaboration and mixture of personalities and talents are what carry the show and make it unique. Though much has remained the same for this beloved Bethany tradition, the show has evolved since its first performance. One unexpected but impactful change was the dawn of the internet. “It used to be that people would give me ideas and I would write 8
Alumni (from left) Hans Bloedel ('19), Olivia (Lippert '19) Lundsten, and Nick Bruss ('17) in Theatre Physics 30.
them down in a notebook. We would also just order things by catalog, hope it’s good, and hope you can build a skit off of it—or maybe it’s just a piece of junk. Then suddenly the internet came around, and now people send YouTube videos, and you show those to students,” said Bloedel. For the thirtieth anniversary, Bloedel and the cast had the chance to reminisce on and reimagine some
B E TH A N Y Magazine
old favorite skits—both Bloedel's and fan favorites. They watched old videos, figuring out how to put fresh spins on classic skits. Audiences were then treated to hoverboard performances, a marshmallow ballet, a phobia party, and fire eating, among many other skits, old and new. Seven beloved Theatre Physics alumni also graced the stage this year. For Bloedel and the alumni alike, it seemed like no time had passed. “I couldn’t be more grateful to the students who are here now, and not only that, but the alums that came back,” remarked Bloedel. “They’ve been in the show. They know what it’s like. It’s all hands on deck—you’re moving stuff, helping people get costumes. They were doing all that, and they gelled so great with the students. It speaks to the caliber of the students in this show. They’re always so gung ho. And it speaks to the alum, that they want to make the show something special. This year was a blast.” One alumnus who returned was Nick Bruss (‘17), who performed in Theatre Physics 22 and 23. Bruss was thrilled to get an invite from Bloedel and eager to reprise his role on stage. “It was really fun to see skits performed again that I had originally seen so many years ago, and watching the cast make those skits their own was incredible to see. It felt good to be back at Bethany, and I had flashbacks to when I was a student here,” reflected Bruss, who performed the marshmallow ballet skit that he had originally performed when he was a student. “Being in the show was just as chaotic, hectic, and fun as I had remembered it, and I wouldn’t have it any other way.” This landmark year also ushered in some bittersweet changes for the future of Theatre Physics. Going forward, Theatre Physics will be offered every other year. Though it will surely be missed come Fall 2024, Bloedel sees this transition as a sustainable one, and one that makes room for other, smaller-scale productions. Though Theatre Physics might appear as a relatively bare-bones show with thrown-together, scrappy scenery and costumes, the production still takes considerable effort. Even compared to Bethany’s other shows with intricate sets, costumes, and lighting, Theatre Physics has become a show that takes as much planning as other productions, if not more. Bloedel admitted that it is the Theatre Department’s biggest technical, prop, and costume show. The set may be minimal, but the sound and lighting preparation are major undertakings, especially with only
Above: Josh Wierschke ('11) (left) barraged Ben Lundsten ('12) with toilet paper in front of current student Olivia Woller. Below: More scenes from Theatre Physics 30.
weeks of preparation. “To not have to build a set is great, but when you look back and you see the hundreds of props in every Theatre Physics, or every costume change, those things add up,” said Bloedel. The quick turnaround from Theatre Physics to the fall play in November also leaves Bloedel with little to no downtime in between shows. However, Bloedel was optimistic about other theatrical opportunities for smaller scale shows, perhaps in a tent on the green or in the lobby, with less scenery and less technical production. It might not demand the same effort, but it would be something. The new biennial tradition of Theatre Physics is sure to make the anticipation for the show that much greater. And, perhaps, it will make room for new traditions.
VIEW THEATRE PHYSICS VIDEOS AND PHOTOS AT: BLC.EDU/THEATRE-PHYSICS 9
Please join us
September 27 – 29, 2024 for the annual
Bethany Fall Festival: A Homecoming Weekend. This event includes activities for all ages and alumni reunions. All alumni and friends are invited to be part of the weekend. Enjoy athletic contests, live music, and more! Visit blc.edu/fall-festival
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B E TH A N Y Magazine
Social Media Recap
Stay connected with your fellow vikings!
@BETHANYLUTHERANCOLLEGE
@BLCVIKINGS
@BETHANYLUTHERANFINEARTS
7/28/23
8/19/23
12/6/23
Our awesome Bethany Vikings mascot Halvar helped to bring some good cheer during Vacation Bible School (VBS) for nearby @mountolivemankato. VBS students participated in the Track and Field Training Camp themed events in our new Bethany Activity Center, and were led in part during the last day of activities by BLC Chaplain Don Moldstad. Our new facility is helping to spread the Good News!
Christmas at Bethany was a wonderful celebration of the season! It's Move-In Day! Thank you to all of our student-athletes, coaches, staff, and families that made this day run smoothly! We're excited to have our Vikings back on campus!
@BETHANYLUTHERANCOLLEGE
1/10/24
@BETHANYLUTHERANCOLLEGE
8/21/23 @BETHANYLUTHERANCOLLEGE
8/8/23
Sunday night was the Block Party on the Campus Green featuring games, mixers, and @donutnvmankatomn!
Thank you to everyone who participated in and supported the 2023 Sports Classic Golf Tournament! It was a beautiful day for golf and fellowship at the @mankatogolfclub1919!
Once a month, some of the staff at King of Grace Lutheran Church and School in Golden Valley, Minnesota, wear their Bethany swag to support and advertise Bethany. Pictured from left: Bernt Tweit ('92), Grace Rysdahl ('20), Jon Matzke ('96), Amber (Nord '14) Simpson and Aaron Olmanson ('94). Go Vikings!
@BETHANYLUTHERANCOLLEGE
10/17/23
Search Bethany Lutheran College on your favorite social media apps, hit follow, and stay in the loop!
Campus is getting a spooky upgrade with these carved pumpkins! Thanks to the BLC Enactus/DECA Club for the fun fall decorations!
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Serving the Mission Through Music Photos by David Norris
BY EMELINE GULLIXSON ’21 • CONTRIBUTING WRITER
Student Kaleb Schmidt practiced on the Steinway piano in Trinity Chapel.
Bethany designated an All-Steinway School During the All Choir Reunion Concert on September 16, 2023, Bethany Lutheran College was officially recognized as an All-Steinway School. This impressive distinction was the culmination of six years of campaigning, with alumni and friends of the College rallying to the cause. The exceptional Steinways on campus give students and faculty an elevated practicing and performing experience, and shows that Bethany’s Music program is one to take note of. The campaign began in Fall 2017 when Dr. Bethel Balge, adjunct piano professor, had the opportunity to travel to New York City with Steinway representative Alice Tillman. There, she attended the Steinway sponsored “Keys to Finding Funds” seminar, held at Carnegie Hall. She toured the historic Steinway factory and saw firsthand how the instruments are made—built and crafted by hand with the highest quality materials and over 170 years of expertise, making Steinway & Sons pianos the gold standard of musical instruments. “I’ve performed a lot over the years on a number of different brands of grand pianos. If I know the performance piano is a Steinway, I can rest assured that I won’t be distracted by a non-responsive instrument,” noted Balge, an accomplished pianist. “They’re top of the line,” agreed Benjamin Faugstad, Music Professor and Music Department Chair. “Steinway represents the best that pianos have to offer.” 12
"If I know the performance piano is a Steinway, I can rest assured that I won’t be distracted by a non-responsive instrument." - D R . B E TH E L BA LG E A D J U N C T PI A N O PR O FE S S O R
According to Steinway & Sons, to be recognized as an All-Steinway School, 90% of an institution’s owned pianos must be Steinway & Sons or Boston—a more affordable branch of Steinway & Sons. The pianos must be in performance spaces, piano studios, and performance practice rooms. Bethany now has three Steinways in Trinity Chapel, Silber Recital Hall, and its piano studio. There are thirteen Boston pianos in other studios and practice rooms. Bethany has received fourteen of these pianos since the campaign began in 2017.
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Over the course of six years, the campaign raised over $270,000 with about 300 gifts. One unexpected gift for the campaign was due to the closing of St. Paul Lutheran Church in Escondido, California. The money from the sale of the church was directed toward the All-Steinway fund. “It was a congregation in somewhat difficult circumstances that really put this over. They’re the reason why we’re able to be where we are. They were able to make an impact on something that was important,” said Chris Kind, Director of Development at Bethany. Other major donations were given by the Bethany Lutheran College National Auxiliary, the families of Becky Lussky and Pat Meyer in memoriam, Paul and Helen Levorson, Ken and Patty Mayer, Leslie Ann Nelson, and Georgia Rettmer. Both Faugstad and Kind emphasized that the campaign strongly resonated with alumni and friends of Bethany. The old pianos were already in need of replacing—they were made in the 1980s and required frequent maintenance—and alumni took it upon themselves to replace them in the grandest way possible. “It shows how much [alumni] care,” said Faugstad. “It’s humbling.” “Music is such a vital part to our identity,” added Kind. “We found people that had a deep understanding of the musical, historical, liturgical significance of the Bethany music program to our mission, and they understood that not only practically, we have old equipment that doesn’t work the way we want it to anymore, but we also are ensuring that faithfulness and ability to express our mission through sound.” Being an All-Steinway School shows that Bethany
Peter Schmitt, CEO of Schmitt Music (right), presented Bethany Music Department Chair Professor Benjamin Faugstad with the All-Steinway School Certificate.
Student Aly Pettis in a piano lesson room in the Ylvisaker Fine Arts Center.
means quality, and displays a commitment to excellence in music study. Having the best instruments will enhance current students’ performance, as well as make Bethany a more appealing choice for prospective students. “We wanted to do this with the long-term goal that more fine arts, music-oriented students might look at us differently and possibly enroll. Now, we should have what they’re looking for in terms of that quality and reputation of being an All-Steinway campus,” said Kind. Currently, Bethany is one of seven All-Steinway Schools in Minnesota. Besides creating an elevated experience for students who have long-term plans for music and performance, having many Steinways on campus also promotes a quality, enriching experience for all students, even those in other areas of study. “We want to make sure that we can serve all our other students who just want to utilize their talents during their college experience and sometimes don’t get that opportunity because there isn’t enough good equipment for them to benefit,” remarked Kind. “This could very well be the first time in their life that they [students] are using the best brand possible. It’s creating a profound experience for them from the very start,” said Faugstad. “That accessibility and ease of playing means that you’re going to advance quicker as a music student. It’s not as if we just have nice pianos that are under lock and key. No, everywhere you look, there’s a high-quality piano, even in a practice room. That quality influences a lot of other things, and it’s great to have quality be at the forefront of everything we do.”
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W I NTER 2024
How can I help students to attend Bethany? BY LANCE SCHWARTZ ’86 • CHIEF COMMUNICATION OFFICER
A Bethany education is priceless. Nevertheless, the cost of a college education is measured in “real” dollars. Paying for a college education can be difficult for many students. Cost should not be a barrier to the pursuit of higher education. Many alumni and friends of Bethany Lutheran College believe strongly in providing opportunity for BLC-bound students and have initiated endowment funds to assist them with their tuition bills. A generous gift of $15,000 allows a donor to initiate a named endowment fund. The Advancement Department of Bethany Lutheran College can assist you with all of your questions about named scholarship endowment funds. What better way is there to create a lasting legacy of your love and support for Christian college education? A named endowment fund will provide significant financial assistance for generations of Bethany Lutheran College students.
Andrew and Sarah Gerda with their two daughters.
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"We wanted to maintain our connection to Bethany and support others in pursuing an education grounded in the Christian faith." - A N D R E W G E R DA ( ' 1 0)
Donors provide the difference Andrew (‘10) and Sarah (‘11) Gerda attended Bethany at the recommendation of their pastor, Rev. Timothy Vaughan. Vaughn, also a Bethany grad, valued his experience so much that he convinced the Gerdas to visit and eventually enroll. Sarah explained, “The small campus and Christ-centered education drew us to tour and eventually apply. Another important factor was the opportunity for financial assistance. Being able to afford to go to a private college seemed impossible, but the financial assistance available through Bethany made it possible.” Andy and Sarah decided, after graduating from Bethany, to give back to their alma mater by establishing a need-based scholarship in order to help others have the same experience they valued so much. Andy said, “We wanted to maintain our connection to Bethany and support others in pursuing an education grounded in the Christian faith. Starting a scholarship was a way to help others attend Bethany by easing the burden of the cost of their education.” Sarah added, “We wanted to give back to Bethany to show our gratitude for the education we received. We looked into starting a scholarship and contacted Art Westphal (Advancement) with some questions.
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He came to our house to help us set everything up, and gave us the same personalized attention we had received from our professors during our education at Bethany.” Bethany Lutheran College thanks Andy and Sarah Gerda for their generous commitment to helping others achieve their academic dreams and aspirations.
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How to initiate an endowment scholarship fund What is the first step in the creation of an endowment scholarship fund? The Advancement Department of Bethany Lutheran College can assist you with the details involving the establishment of an endowment fund. You may reach a member of the Advancement Office by calling 507-344-7000. Most likely, a development associate will visit you personally to help define the criteria for establishing your endowment fund.
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W I NTER 2024
Celebrating a
Choral Heritage All-choir reunion brings over 200 participants BY EMELINE GULLIXSON ’21 • CONTRIBUTING WRITER | PHOTOS BY DAVID NORRIS '91
Of the many core extracurriculars at Bethany Lutheran College, Concert Choir is one of the most beloved. It is a thread that connects generations of Bethany alumni, and is often noted as a highlight of their college experience. On September 16, 2023, over Fall Festival weekend, hundreds of Choir alumni gathered in the Ron Younge Gymnasium to sing in the Bethany Choir once again—under beloved choir directors, old and new. This once-in-a-lifetime, highly-attended event resonated with alumni and friends and gave them the opportunity to celebrate the treasured choral heritage at Bethany.
B E TH A N Y Magazine
Returning and current choir directors from left: Dennis Marzolf (1984-2023), Randi Ellefson (1977-83), David Paulson (current), Jerome Wilske (1970-77), Jim Krikava (1983-84), and Ann Fredrickson (current).
"It was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to sing praises to God with hundreds of fellow believers." - M E G A N (G E R D E S ' 0 8) E N S TA D
Planning for an event of this caliber began back in January 2023, as staff and faculty knew it would be a large addition to the already-packed Fall Festival weekend. Initially, they wanted an event to recognize Dennis Marzolf and his legacy as Bethany’s longest-serving Choir director. Though Marzolf was honored at the Concert Choir’s homecoming concert in May, they wanted to find a time to celebrate his legacy and the choir when more alumni could attend. Fall Festival weekend was a natural fit, with ample time to plan. But even they could not anticipate how this opportunity would resonate with choir alumni.
“We knew this had potential to be big, since an event like this had never happened before in Bethany’s history. We thought we could maybe get 125, maybe 150, people at the most,” said Jake Krier, Director of Alumni Relations. Though the preferred location was Trinity Chapel, it became apparent once registrations started coming in, it would have to be in the Ron Younge Gym. “We heard from 200 people very quickly. It definitely exceeded our expectations.” “Whatever we were initially envisioning in our planning stage, we quickly realized this was going to be a lot more,” said Mark DeGarmeaux, chapel organist, and choir accompanist. Those involved in planning emphasized that it was no small effort to pull this event off. Having hundreds of choir alumni register online was already impressive; it was even more impactful seeing around 300 choir members— alumni and current students—on the gym bleachers that weekend. Those singing, as well as audience members, numbered around 800 people, making this event one of the top five most-attended events in Bethany’s history. While this is an impressive accolade, it isn’t too surprising that an all-choir reunion would garner this large of a crowd. Many alumni traveled from across the country to participate. Countless alumni expressed that being in the Concert Choir created some of their fondest memories at Bethany. Lasting friendships have endured because of choir, and future spouses have gotten together because of it. Parents and children, who sang in the choir under different directors, had the opportunity to sing together in the same choir. A remarkable addition to this already unique event was the inclusion of past living directors to step back onto the podium and direct the Bethany Choir once again. Each of the directors was thrilled to receive an invite. Those that were able to attend and direct were: Jerome Wilske (1970-77), Randi Ellefson (1977-83), Jim Krikava (1983-84), and Dennis Marzolf (1984-2023). Professors Ann Fredrickson and new choir director David Paulson also had the opportunity to direct. CONTINUED ON PAGE 18
Below: Alumni and Friends Choir Concert on September 16, 2023.
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David Paulson directed during the All-Choir Reunion Concert on September 16, 2023.
Jacob Weber (’10) talked with Professor Mark DeGarmeaux at the rehearsal. Weber's commissioned arrangement of “One Thing Needful” (Freylinghausen) was performed during the concert. CONTINUED FROM PAGE 17
Much planning and coordination went into putting together a beautiful program and making sure that each director knew what he was directing. Music was sent out ahead of time to those who registered, but on the day of, choir members and instrumentalists had roughly two hours to rehearse the selections. The choir sang many pieces, some of which included Bethany staple, “All Those Who Trust in Christ Are Blessed" (C.H.H. Parry, 1848-1918), directed by Dennis Marzolf; and chorales from “Jesus, Priceless Treasure” by J.S. Bach (1685-1750), directed by James Krikava. Professors Mark DeGarmeaux and Ann Fredrickson delivered remarks about the Choir and Music Program as a whole during the event. Both the choir and audience sang Jacob Weber’s (’10) setting of “One Thing Needful” (Freylinghausen), Bethany’s treasured motto hymn. Weber was commissioned to write an arrangement to commemorate this event. Each director led a verse, and audience members joined in singing select verses. The concert concluded with “O God, Beyond All Praising” (G. Holst, 1874-1934, arr. R. Proulx 1988), directed by David Paulson. 18
Afterward, Bethany staff were presented with the All-Steinway School Certificate—a testament to the quality of Bethany’s Music program. Like countless choir concerts before this one, audience members joined the choir up front to conclude with former director Alfred Fremder’s arrangement of “On My Heart Imprint Thine Image,” directed by Marzolf one final time. He received a standing ovation. “It was such a powerful, moving group of people singing,” said Krier. “It shows how special the Choir is and what it means to Bethany. We had alums that graduated in the 50s and those who had just graduated last May come back. They all were here at Bethany at different times. Their experiences were different, but they all have a special place for the College in their hearts—how it shaped them, instilling their love for this place. Anybody who was a part of this is going to remember this forever and will think of the day often.” Alumni were eager to share the impact Choir had on them, and what it meant for them to be a part of the All-Choir Reunion. “It was truly wonderful to sing under Randy Ellefson again and to join voices with so many other alumni and current students,” said Janet (Nelson '81) Costello. For her, a highlight was the joy of singing with other family members. “My mother, Charlotte (Loberg '55) Nelson, sang under Fremder and was visiting from California. Although she didn’t sing with the choir, she really enjoyed the music from the audience. My aunt, Marjorie Loberg, was even a director of the choir for a year back in the 50s, so my family has many connections with Bethany music through the years. It is really gratifying to share in Bethany’s musical legacy.” Another alumna, Megan (Gerdes '08) Enstad, flew from Tacoma, Washington, with her husband Mike to participate in the concert. “It was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to sing praises to God with hundreds of fellow believers,” she said. For former Concert Choir directors, the reunion was equally as impactful. They were more than eager
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to direct, and reminisce on their time on Bethany’s faculty. One former director was Randi Ellefson, who served as director from 1977-83. “It was so exciting to join the faculty when I was a young choral director. There was a strong history of music. I look back on the repertoire that the Bethany Choir performed and I am still impressed that the Choir was quite fearless in tackling a diverse and challenging variety of music.” On the reunion itself, Ellefson remarked: “I was very honored to be asked to come to Bethany this Fall for this amazing choir reunion. I was concerned about how we would get through all the music in quite a limited rehearsal time, but again, the ability of the Bethany Choir alumni and their dedication made it possible to do it and perform with a great depth of feeling and a strong musicality. It was such a joy to see so many wonderful singers from those years. I have stayed in touch with some of the singers and also faculty who were at Bethany when I was there, so it was wonderful to see them and have time to visit and catch up—not only about their children, but also in some cases, their grandchildren! There is a bond between people who have taught at Bethany and those who attended the College and sang in the Choir. There is something about the human voice that provides all of our souls to express our faith and our emotions in a very special manner.” James Krikava was another former director from 1983-84, directly preceding Marzolf. The featured work on the tour that year was the Bach motet, “Jesu, Meine Freude,” (Jesus, Priceless Treasure) parts of which were performed at the choir reunion. “That
Those singing, as well as audience members, numbered around 800 people.
tour was fraught with Minnesota blizzards,” said Krikava, “While my chapter in the BLC choir saga is a short one, it brought back so many fond memories and the opportunity to be reunited with so many former students and colleagues from BLC. It was a weekend I shall treasure always. Perhaps the greatest thrill was conducting the chorales from the Bach motet, and remembering how we discussed the great master’s thinking in his composition of the work and all of his works. As I was conducting, I remembered all those conversations with the choir of how Bach shaped his music to proclaim the Gospel in its truth and utmost beauty. My choir members were moved by this to sing their hearts out. As great as Bach’s music and composition were, he never lost sight of the fact that music is to be the handmaiden of the Word of God. And so it was and still is. That came crashing down on me, bringing tears to my eyes as we rehearsed and performed. Too many musicians today think of music first and God’s Word as just musical syllables to serve the music. It’s the other way around, I believe. I love and live music. But music is always greater when it serves, and always less so when it wants to be served.” Bethany’s treasured legacy of excellent, Lutheran choral music has shaped students in profound ways over the years. Choir is an integral part of the Bethany community, and is a thread that connects generations of alumni. Its legacy showed in numbers and in impact that weekend—and, God-willing, will continue to do so for generations to come.
VIEW VIDEO AND PHOTOS FROM THE CONCERT AT: BLC.EDU/FALL-FESTIVAL-2023
Left: Professors Mark DeGarmeaux and Ann Fredrickson delivered remarks about the choir and music program throughout the event.
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BY LANCE SCHWARTZ ’86 • CHIEF COMMUNICATION OFFICER
CROSS COUNTRY Bethany’s cross country teams had one runner awarded Upper Midwest Athletic Conference (UMAC) All-Conference for the 2023 cross country season. Kayla Tobin of the Bethany women’s team earned the honor. It is the third consecutive All-Conference honor for Tobin who has placed top 10 in the UMAC championship meet the past three years. Her time of 24:55.40 this year helped her finish in ninth place to pace the Vikings at the meet.
SOCCER The Bethany Lutheran men’s soccer team was defeated by UW-Superior in the UMAC Championship by a score of 1-0. The Vikings finished the season 13-7-2 overall. Seven Vikings were named to various conference awards. Daniel Almeida earned Rookie of the Year honors to highlight the awards. Almeida earned First Team All-Conference honors as well and was joined by Lorenzo Falleti, Sam Irsfeld, and Agostino Quadrio Curzio on the top squad. Danny Pilot and Ben Klausen earned Second Team honors for Bethany, while Nick Lundberg earned Honorable Mention. The Bethany Lutheran women’s soccer team earned a birth in the UMAC tournament field but was defeated by Northwestern by a score of 5-2. The Vikings finished their season at 11-6-2 overall. Seven Vikings were named to All-Conference spots. Ashley Casper, Asia Jota, and Brooke Wolanin all earned First Team All-Conference honors for Bethany while Elena Luján Rubio and Olaitz Azkue Muguruza earned Second Team and Madison Sax and Juana Quevedo Honorable Mention. The seven Vikings earning All-Conference honors is the most for the program in a single season.
GOLF
A pair of Vikings men’s golfers earned All-Conference honors. Jake Swanson captured First Team All-Conference and Keaton Ginter earning All-Conference Honorable Mention.
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Photo by David Norris
Freshman soccer player Daniel Almeida celebrated after a goal against North Central on September 16, 2023. Almeida was named Rookie of the Year, and also earned First Team All-Conference honors.
VOLLEYBALL Two Viking athletes earned volleyball All-Conference awards. Kate Maag and Lexiss Trygg earned the honor for the Vikings. Both players gain their first career All-Conference award as they were both selected to the Honorable Mention team.
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Class of 2023 Inductees
ATHLETIC HALL OF FAME The Bethany Class of 2023 Athletic Hall of Fame was officially recognized at the annual Hall of Fame banquet on Friday, Sept. 15, 2023. This year’s inductees were:
STACY (FABER) GARBERS (volleyball, basketball 2001-03) In volleyball, Garbers was voted the most valuable defensive player, and was twice named First Team Minnesota Community College Conference (MCCC) All-Southern Division, National Junior College Athletic Association (NCJAA) All-Region XIII and First Team All-Tournament. She was also an NJCAA First Team All-American in 2002. In basketball, she was a two-time MCCC All-Southern Division and All-MCCC player. During the 2001-02 season, Garbers tallied 375 points, 191 rebounds, 27 assists, and 39 steals. She followed that up in 2002-03 with 301 points, 163 rebounds, 56 assists, and 37 steals. She was an MCCC Academic All-State award recipient and received the prestigious NJCAA Region XIII Service and Achievement Award during her time as a Viking.
KELLY (BEHNKE) KAYVON (volleyball, basketball, and softball 1992-94) In volleyball, Kayvon was a member of two MCCC Southern Division Championship teams. As a sophomore, the Vikings were MCCC State and NJCAA Region XIII Champions, earning a berth to the National Tournament. For her efforts, she earned First Team All-MCCC Southern Division, MCCC All-State Honorable Mention and All Tournament, and All-NJCAA Region XIII. On the basketball court, she excelled on the 1993-94 team that was MCCC Southern Division and State Champions. She earned spots on the All MCCC Southern Division, Second-Team MCCC All-State, and MCCC All-Tournament Teams. In softball, Kayvon was a First Team All-MCCC Southern Division, MCCC All-Tournament, and Second Team MCCC All-State recipient. She played on two MCCC Southern Division Championship teams and was a member of the 1993 team that won the MCCC and NJCAA Region XXII Championship securing a spot in the national tournament. After Bethany, she went on to play those same three sports at Huron University in South Dakota.
MATT KUSTER (basketball, baseball 1989-91)
Kuster was a guard on the 1989-90 basketball team, but it was on the baseball diamond where he truly excelled. He played second base on the 1990 team that went 27-8 and finished the season as the MCCC Southern Division and State Champions. In 1991, he moved to centerfield and hit .381 with a .578 on-base percentage and a .512 slugging percentage. Kuster made one error all season, winning the Golden Glove Award, and was named MCCC All-Conference and All-State, NJCAA All-Region XIII, and All-MCCC Southern Division Player of the Year. For 24 years, Kuster has taught at Bethany in the Biology and Exercise Science Departments, served as the NCAA athletic representative, and when needed provided athletic training services Bethany student-athletes.
ERIC SCHUTTE (baseball 1994-95) Schutte was on two MCCC Southern Division and NJCAA XIII Regional Championship teams, hit over .300 both years, and was named MCCC All-Conference and All-Division in 1995. After Bethany, he attended Concordia University-St. Paul where he played baseball and football. On the diamond, Schutte was named conference player of the year in 1997 and was a two-time All-American. On the gridiron, he was an All-American running back and the nation’s leading scorer in 1998 earning NFL tryouts with Minnesota and Pittsburgh. Schutte has been a long-time physical education and health teacher at Concordia Academy High School in Roseville, Minnesota, where he has coached basketball since 2003 and baseball since 2004 for the Beacons. His coaching accolades include being named Section 4AA Coach of the Year five times in basketball with two appearances in the Minnesota State Basketball Tournaments and has 300 wins.
BRENT THOMAS (wrestling 1977-79) Thomas was the runner-up in the Minnesota Junior College Athletic Association (MJCAA) state tournament in 1978, state champion in 1979, and a two-time NJCAA national tournament qualifier. After Bethany, Thomas continued his wrestling career at Taylor University (Upland, Indiana) where he was a two-time conference champion, regional champion, and NAIA National Tournament qualifier. He was also selected to wrestle on the College All-Star Team that went on to defeat Japan’s College All-Star Team.
VIEW VIDEO AND PHOTOS FROM THE 2023 EVENT AT: BLCVIKINGS.COM/HALL-OF-FAME 21
Daniel In The Lions Den by Alisson Kock
Jesus and Lazarus by Norah Kratz
The Era of The Judges by Maida Jaspersen
The Power of Images
Group Creating Sunday School Curricula for Zambia BY LANCE SCHWARTZ ’86 • CHIEF COMMUNICATION OFFICER
In the spring of 2022, Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod (WELS) World Missionary Terry Schultz contacted Bethany professors Jason Jaspersen and Andrew Overn and proposed a unique and interesting new project. Over his many years in missions around the world, Schultz had noticed the power of images in spreading the Gospel, particularly in low-literacy communities. With little training as an artist, Schultz had created a number of posters illustrating important Biblical concepts and was amazed by the energetic response they generated. And so, when national church leaders in Zambia requested a year’s worth of Sunday School curricula, all in pictures, Schultz realized that additional help was needed. He approached Jaspersen and Overn, wondering if a group of Lutheran artists might be found who could create the necessary 112 pages of unique, comic book style illustrations. A small but determined and enthusiastic group of young artists 22
Submitted photo
From left: Rev. Terry Schultz, Lizzy Strackbein, Lydia Kratz, Maida Jaspersen, Abby Skorenkyi, along with BLC alumna Leah Kurth ('14) at the annual meeting of the WELS Lutheran Women’s Missionary Society in October 2023.
was assembled. All but two of the fifteen artists involved are current Bethany students or alumni of the College. Each Bible story was illustrated both as a larger, two-page set of posters, and as a smaller, coloring-book style pair of pages. The images were either drawn digitally or using traditional media and then scanned
The Temptation of Jesus by Jesse Cordes
Jesus Before The High Priest by Leah Kurth
A Forerunner Of The Savior Announced by Johanna Wessel
Samson–The Solitary Champion by Emile Paschke
Solomon's Wisdom by Abby Skorenkyi
The Supreme Test of Abraham's Faith by Lydia Kratz
Joseph Sold Into Slavery by Lizzy Strackbein
into digital form. As a result, the files may now be sent electronically anywhere in the world and printed locally at minimal cost. Though it took nearly a year for the group to complete the entire set of images for the Zambian request, the stories have been very well received and churches in Uganda have already made use of the posters and coloring pages as well. By the grace of God, the WELS World Missions Sunday School Poster Project for Zambia has now received inquiries from other WELS foreign mission fields that have seen the posters. Hmong Lutheran churches in Vietnam have requested two sets of fiftytwo Sunday School posters/coloring pages—one set for younger children (early grades) and a second set for ages twelve and older. WELS World Missions expects to print six hundred sets of Sunday School posters for the Hmong church in Vietnam, which numbers over one hundred forty thousand members. Two additional years of visual curricula will also be produced by this growing group of talented young artists. When completed, the final set of images produced by the group will total more than 700 pages of original artwork. A few of the artists (Maida Jaspersen, Lydia Kratz, Leah Kurth ('14), Abby Skorenkyi, Izzy Strackbein, and Professor Andrew Overn) took part in an exhibit of some of the posters and presented about their work at the national annual meeting of the WELS Lutheran Women’s Missionary Society in La Crosse, Wisconsin, in October 2023.
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Photo by David Norris
BY LANCE SCHWARTZ ’86 • CHIEF COMMUNICATION OFFICER
Erling Teigen received the Service to Bethany Award from President Gene Pfeifer.
Teigen Selected for Service to Bethany Award Professor Emeritus Reverend Erling Teigen is the 2023 Exceptional Service to Bethany Award recipient. Teigen is recognized for his many valuable contributions to the Bethany Community. This Exceptional Service to Bethany Award was created to honor faculty or staff members, administrators, volunteers, or a specific graduating class or group who has contributed substantially to the well-being of Bethany Lutheran High School or College by furthering its purposes and programs. The award is selected annually by the Bethany Alumni Board. Teigen was born on July 9, 1940, in Hillsboro, North Dakota, to Reverend Torald and Olivia Teigen. He earned an associate in arts degree from Bethany Lutheran College in 1960, a bachelor of arts degree in American Literature from the University of Minnesota in 1962, his bachelor of divinity/master of divinity from Bethany Lutheran Theological Seminary in 1966, a master of arts in philosophy from the University of Minnesota in 1978, and an honorary doctor of divinity degree from Concordia Theological Seminary, Ft. Wayne, Indiana, in 2021. From 1966 to 1977, Teigen served Evangelical Lutheran Synod congregations in Grand Forks, North Dakota, and Apple Valley, Minnesota, before accepting a call to teach at Bethany Lutheran College and Seminary. At Bethany, he taught in the areas of philosophy, religion, 24
and theology. In addition to his teaching duties, Teigen has served in other roles at Bethany, including: College Chaplain, Dean of Men, Fine Arts Director, Chairman of the Religious Studies Department, Executive Secretary for the annual Reformation Lectures, Director of the Paul Ylvisaker Center for Personal and Public Responsibility, President of the Faculty, and Director of the Liberal Arts Major. He retired in 2015, but continues to serve as Archivist for the College and as a member of the Bethany Alumni Board. Teigen was married to Linda (nee Sheriff) who was called to her heavenly home in 2019 following a long illness. Reverend Teigen was officially recognized as the 2023 Exceptional Service to Bethany Award recipient on Sunday, September 17, 2023.
VIEW VIDEO OF THE CEREMONY AT: BLC.EDU/FALL-FESTIVAL-2023
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from our
definitions given in Gesenius and BDB dictionaries often don’t seem to fit their contexts (Gesenius was a founder of Higher Criticism, so wrote his dictionary to provide “evidence” for Higher Criticism) but Karl found definitions the old fashioned way, by analyzing how words are used in their contexts.
ALUMNI 1950s
1980s
p Together with their family, Betty (Mumme ‘53) and Martin Henke rejoice over 64 years of marriage on July 18, 2023. The couple has been blessed with two daughters, five grandchildren, and five great-grandchildren; descendants include three Bethany alumni.
1960s Kay (Tyler '60) Jimenez is truly blessed by the Lord! Now living with a son in North Carolina (in Grandma’s Suite) and retiring after 35 years of nursing. She has four sons, 15 grandchildren, and 11 great grandchildren.
p Bethany High School classmates, Beth (Tweit '63) Silverstein, Dotty (Ahrens '63) Lillo, Carla (Dorr '63) Bremner, and Faye (Aasen '63) Helm met near St Cloud, Minnesota, in July 2023 for a getaway. A great time reminiscing was had by all.
p In August 2023, a group of Bethany classmates gathered at the home of Dan (‘68) and Linda (Madson ’66 HS, ‘68) Browning in Minnetonka, Minnesota, for a very enjoyable visit. Pictured from bottom to top: Kathy (Lee ‘68) Voss, Kathy (Solli ‘66, HS ‘68) Petersen, Naomi (Vangen ‘65 HS, ‘67) Shep, Susie (Kimble ‘66 HS, ‘68) Fredrickson, Jan (Ausen ‘68) Stadler, Gloria (Rupprecht ‘66 HS, ‘68) Klockziem, Kris (Johnson '68) White, Linda Browning, Dan Browning, and Rev. Steve Petersen (‘68 HS, ‘70).
1970s
p Terri (Severson '71) Westphal had a wonderful time in Santa Rosa, Florida, in August 2023 with her daughters and grandchildren. Pictured is Kyreis Harrison (‘24), Elizabeth (Westphal ‘01) Harrison, Ella Freeberg, Melissa (Westphal '96) Heisenfelt, Terri Westphal, Juli (Westphal '95) Freeberg, Izayah Harrison (‘23), and Lydia Freeberg. Karl Randolph (‘70) is preparing to publish his Biblical Hebrew to English dictionary in January 2024, a task that took over 50 years and more than 20 times reading the Old Testament in Hebrew through cover to cover. This task was inspired by noticing that the
p Lois (Gullixson '81) and Steve Johnson had the honor of being present for their son, Joshua Johnson’s, award ceremony at Andrews Air Force Base in Washington D.C. in August 2023. Joshua was selected as Outstanding First Sergeant of the Year for the Air National Guard. Andrea (Fast ‘82) Hopkins has retired from Christian Heritage Academy in Lakeville, Minnesota. She and her husband Scott recently moved to Oracle, Arizona.
p In the fall of 2023, a few girls from the Bethany Class of ‘83 met together for a weekend of friendship and memories! Lisa (Golisch) Trueblood, Andrea (Brudvig) Loduha, Mary (Schultz) Ring, Esther Gulixson, Carla (Eichmann) Homan, and Ruth (Chang) Petermann, and Cindy (Mead) Ryan joined in by zoom.
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of Pulitzer Prize winning novelist Willa Cather) for the Young Adult Fiction and Nonfiction category, and it won second place in the 2023 PenCraft Awards for Literary Excellence in the Christian Historical Fiction category.
p Pictured (L-R) is Kevin Carlson (‘84), Raleigh Paulson (‘85), Jay O’Neill (‘83), Jeff Rohrman (‘84), Chad Barthelemy (‘85), Pat O’Neill (‘85), Andy Radatz (‘85), John Nolan (‘85), John VanderAarde (‘84), Mike Hussung (‘84), and Tony Potter (‘84) at the Joel Laube Memorial Golf Tournament that was held on Friday, June 9, 2023, at Crystal Lake Golf Club in Lakeville, Minnesota. This was the 20th annual tournament, and it was started to honor the memory of Joel Laube, a 1984 Bethany soccer alum, who passed away in 1987. The funds raised go to support many students at the College through the Joel Laube Memorial Scholarship. The teammates in the photo framed Joel’s jersey and had it auctioned at the dinner following the tournament.
p Chris Fowler (‘92) and Jason “Carolina” Tweit (‘92) recently visited Bethany and attended the Veterans Day Service on November 12, 2023, at the ELS Military Monument on the campus. Jason’s parents are both Bethany graduates as well as many members of his extended family. His father, Jonathan Tweit (‘66), is a veteran and is honored on the monument. The duo also had a few laughs recalling their shenanigans, now 31 years later, by visiting their Teigen Hall room which sported a plaque recalling their “infamous” run on campus.
p Josh (‘05) and Laura (Hougan '03) Mears and their children welcomed Londyen Joshua Mar Mears into their family on November 16, 2023. The Mears family makes their home in Lakeville, Minnesota.
J. Michael Burkhardt (’98) Is currently working in Healthcare in gastroenterology, and also a UBT Rep (the voice of the GI department for the Union). He is currently living in Beaverton, Oregon, and enjoys craft brews and all that the Pacific Northwest has to offer for outdoor adventures.
2000s
p In July 2023, Don Lehne (‘87) retired after 35 years of service with the Mankato Fire Department. Don makes his home in Mankato, Minnesota, with his wife Kristin, and they have three boys: Thomas, Griffin, and Tate.
1990s Tychicious Turner (‘97) is serving in the United States Navy as a Command Master Chief (CMC) of a Sea Power Aircraft Carrier. Roughly 16.5% of the Navy’s fighting forces are attached to the mighty Sea Power Aircraft Carriers. Turner says he feels blessed, honored, excited, and humbled by the selection and stands Ready to Serve.
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p Jamie Mulvihill (‘03) was named the 2023 Minnesota American Legion Coach of the Year. He has coached the Post 11 Mankato National Baseball Team for 20 years. Rachel (Ohlendorf ‘02) Kovaciny released her fourth novel, My Rock and My Refuge, last fall. It has been named a 2023 finalist in the WILLA Literary Awards (named in honor
p Coming from Chile in South America, Cristobal Stange (’05) earned his business degree at Bethany. He then worked for some years at Katolight Corporation in Mankato heading international sales. Later he pursued a master in business administration degree from INSEAD in France and Singapore, a program consistently ranked among the top 10 business schools worldwide. After two years with Medtronic in Geneva, Switzerland, he moved back to Latin America and created his own company, specialized in the distribution of medical devices, named Heca Global. The company has headquarters in Costa Rica, and operates directly owned entities in 17 countries across Latin America and the Caribbean. Cristobal and wife Claudia have two children, Bruno and Mauro.
B E TH A N Y Magazine
p Matt Sulzle (‘08), Nicole Weisenburger (‘08), Elizabeth (Bloedel ‘09) Sulzle, Natalie (Skogen ‘08) Longmire, and Becky (Tecken ‘08) Proksch found time during Fall Festival to play wallyball in the SFC just like they did back when they were students in 2006. Also pictured in the 2006 photo is David Buchs (‘09) and Paul Webber (‘09). Jesse DeDeyne (‘08) received his PhD in sociology from Baylor University in May 2023. Additionally, in January 2023, he accepted a call to serve as pastor of Saint John and Emanuel Lutheran Churches in Fairfax, Minnesota. Keith (‘09) and Monica (Bowerman ’08) Peterson celebrated their 15th Wedding anniversary in August. Keith and Monica met at Bethany in 2005. Keith was a freshmen and Monica was a junior. They have made Walker, Minnesota, home for the past five years. Monica graduated with a bachelor’s degree in English and works for the Pilot Independent newspaper as receptionist and circulation manager. Keith has completed five years of service with Cass County as a social worker in adult services. He earned his bachelor’s in sociology and later a bachelor’s in social work from Minnesota State University, Mankato. Both enjoy taking part in events and activities in Walker and the surrounding areas.
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p Paul (‘09) and Marta (Krause ‘13) Webber have moved to Eau Claire, Wisconsin, where Paul is the pastor of Concordia Lutheran Church (ELS). They are also pleased to announce the birth of yet another child, Dorothy, who was born on October 10 and was born again in baptism on October 15, 2023. Many members of Dorothy’s extended family, including a number of Bethany alumni, were able to be present for her baptism.
2010s
p Paul and Elizabeth (Kopacek ‘10) Rassier announce the birth of their son, Lucas, born in October 2023.
p Landon (‘15) and Alyssa (Wiechmann ‘12) Messner announce the birth of their son Reggie David Messner who was born on August 11, 2023. Reggie joins big brother Gavin (3) and big sister Ella (1.5) at home.
p Clayton and Sarah (Rosenau ‘13) Strobel announce the birth of their daughter, Nora Marie, born on July 15, 2023. Elisabeth Urtel (‘13) teaches history at Bethany Lutheran College and music at Martin Luther College. In July, she was honored to participate in a summer German and theology program at Johannes Gutenberg University in Mainz, Germany. She is a PhD candidate at Concordia Seminary in St. Louis, Missouri, where she is currently working on her dissertation about American-Lutheran hymnody.
p Ezekiel (‘14) and Amanda (Johnson ‘13) Kroll accepted calls to be teachers at Garden Homes Lutheran School, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, where Ezekiel teaches 5-8 Social Studies and Amanda teaches 7-8 English Language Arts. Their sons, Oliver (7) and Milo (4), are students at Garden Homes. Amanda is also the Adult ESL Director at St. Peter Lutheran Church in Milwaukee. When not at school, the Krolls love to collect as many hours outside as possible, enjoying God’s creation in every season of the year.
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p Alyssa and Ronald Franklin (‘14) welcomed their daughter Rosalynn Aria on August 31, 2023.
p Shelby (Latusek '14) Jensrud was married this summer at a beautiful outdoor ceremony outside of Hampton, Minnesota. There were many BLC alumni in attendance. Her husband’s name is Jeff Jensrud. They are living in a house in Hampton where Jeff is a member of the fire department. Shelby is teaching second grade in Zumbrota, Minnesota, where she also coaches JV girls basketball and seventh grade softball.
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p Andrew Jelken (‘17) and Morgan Weyhrauch (‘17) were married on July 16, 2022.
p Megan Sauer (‘17) qualified for both the 2024 Boston Marathon and the 2024 London Marathon. She will be traveling in April with Alissa Sauer (‘15), Morgan Sauer (‘19), and additional family members for both races. This will be her second time running the Boston Marathon and she has previously completed the Chicago Marathon. Running these races will complete three of six stars for the World Marathon Majors.
p Beret (‘18 Ouren) Finken was a Best in Art grant recipient from the Twin Rivers Council for the Arts (Mankato, Minnesota). Beret is a songwriter and musician and recently released her first album. The Best in Art Series features three artists at an invitation-only event each quarter showcasing their work in hopes winning the $1000 award.
p Logan and Claire (Widmer ‘19) Engle were united in holy matrimony on April 30, 2023, along with their friends and family at Mount Calvary Lutheran Church in Lititz, Pennsylvania. They happily reside in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, with their cat, Pickles.
p Reverend Patrick (‘15) and Kate (Ruschmeyer ‘16) Ernst welcomed a son, Milo Ryan, into their family on April 14, 2023. Milo was baptized on April 23, 2023, at St. John’s Ev. Luth. Church in Frankenmuth, Michigan, where Patrick serves as pastor. Also pictured is August Ernst (2).
p Sam (‘17) and Ally (Lease ‘18) Stevens announce the birth of their daughter Natalie on September 13, 2023.
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p Morgan Sauer (‘19) is proud to announce the independent publication of her first novel The Hero Dies in the End with cover art by Alissa Sauer ('15). It is currently available to read on the online platform Tapas and will soon be available in print early 2024.
B E TH A N Y Magazine
Hans Bloedel (‘19) directed two plays at Minnesota State University, Mankato, through their graduate program. The first production, Lombardi, which follows the legendary Green Bay Packers coach, opened November 15, 2023. His second production was one he wrote, titled This Fire has no Coals!, which is based loosely on Hans Christian Andersen’s The Emperor’s New Clothes. Through the spring semester of 2024, it will be toured to grade schools across Southern Minnesota. Hans currently serves as a Resident Hall Coordinator at Bethany.
p Sophia (Weisensel '19) Helland was chosen to enter an international grants exhibition put on by Galleri Ramfjord in Oslo, Norway. She was a top-25 finalist with her painting, Uncle’s Place, out of 2,700 entrants. She and her husband, Mike Helland (‘16), traveled to Oslo for the Grants Exhibition opening and Award Ceremony held on October 14, 2023.
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Sydney (Chouinard ‘23) Hardwicke is happy to announce she passed her licensure exam and is working as a therapist for Christian Family Solutions.
p Leah (Sonnenburg ‘21) Shult and her husband, Wade, announce the birth of their son, Mason Robert. He was born on August 17, 2023, and was baptized into God’s family on September 3. Everyone is happy and healthy!
p Gabe (‘22) and Greta (Bloedel ‘23) Smith were married at Bethany’s Trinity Chapel on June 3, 2023.
2020s Heather Juedes (‘21) is teaching at Scarville Lutheran School. Heather has been teaching grades K-8 since Janaury 2021. In May 2023, Scarville Lutheran High School had its first graduating class. Scarville Lutheran is a K-12 school located in Scarville, Iowa.
p “100 Years of Love” was the theme for the Gullixson family reunion which was held July 15-16, 2023, on the Bethany campus. Fifty people attended the festivities. July 16 would have been Mildred Gullixson, Rev. Walt C. Gullixson’s (‘34) wife’s 100th birthday. The family celebrated with croquet, a slideshow, a campfire, a birthday cake and other fun events. Rev. Gullixson and Mildred would have been so pleased to see their family together and at their beloved Bethany Lutheran College. Row 1: Briana (Bode '10) Gullixson, Paul Gullixson (‘21), Emeline (Ring '20) Gullixson, Iver Gullixson (‘98), Anna (Norman '06) Gullixson, Beth (Gullixson '07) Finlay, Michelle (Wrubel) Gullixson w/ baby Mira. Row 2: Brian Gullixson (‘02), Sarah Gullixson (‘06), Mark Gullixson (‘20), Norman Gullixson (‘69), Rev. Sam Gullixson (‘03), and Drew Gullixson (‘03) Row 3: Jim Gullixson (‘77), Connie (Warrant '76) Gullixson, Rev. Ted Gullixson (‘67), Esther Gullixson (‘83), Margaret Gullixson (72), Lois (Gullixson '81) Johnson, Ann (Gullixson '70) Laudon, Harold Natvig (‘59).
p In February 2023, Karena Verbitsky (‘21) competed in the USA Women’s Boxing Championships in Toledo, Ohio, and won the Elite Female Novice championship. Also, she was recognized as one of the most outstanding beginner boxers in the Senior Division going 3-0 in her first tournament.
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Deaths – Alumni, Regents, Faculty and Staff Eunice (Oesch '48) Otte passed away on April 18, 2023 Dorothy (Henke '53) Schroeder passed away on June 7, 2023 Roger Lovik (’54) passed away on October 12, 2023 Gerald Pineur (’54) passed away on October 12, 2023 Andrew Madson (’55) passed away on September 7, 2023 Hope (Olmanson '57) Redlin passed away on April 19, 2023 Paul Swenumson (’58) passed away on September 22, 2023 Helga (Teigen '60) Kuster passed away on October 14, 2023 John Harstad (’62) passed away on June 1, 2023 Allan Natvig (’62) passed away on October 11, 2023 Frederick Lorenz (’68) passed away on August 29, 2023
Steven Lucht (’68) passed away on March 9, 2023. Christian Morales (’73) passed away on October 1, 2023 Hilary (Cook Pell '76) Meyer passed away on February 26, 2023 Ruth Reichwald (Wife of Prof. Glenn Reichwald) passed away on November 4, 2023
Submitted Obituaries Luther Dorr (‘60 HS, ‘62), passed away on September 15, 2023, at M Health Fairview Northland Medical Center in Princeton, Minnesota. His funeral service was held on October 4, 2023, at Our Savior’s Lutheran Church in rural Princeton. He played basketball and baseball for the Bethany Vikings. He honorably served in the United States Army from 1961 to 1965, and was the news editor for the Princeton Eagle and Union-Eagle from 1974 to 2007, and sportswriter for the Princeton Union, Eagle, and Union-Eagle for 55 years since 1968. Luther played amateur baseball for 47 years with Santiago and Princeton. Luther was inducted
into the Princeton Activities Hall of Fame in 2009, Minnesota Amateur Baseball Hall of Fame in 2022, and Minnesota American Legion Baseball Hall of Fame in 2023. Grace (Seebach '50) Peterson of Eden Prairie, Minnesota, went home to be with her Savior on Sept. 26, 2019, at age 89. She was preceded by husband, Howard, and siblings, Ruth, Marie, Norma, and Art. Survived by daughters, Kari, Maren, and Andrea and her brother, Carl. Funeral service was at Mt. Hope Lutheran Church, Bloomington, Minnesota. Memorials went to Lutheran schools, universities, or seminaries of the donor’s choosing. Daughter Kari said, “Mom always spoke well of her teachers and friends at Bethany, many of whom were her lifelong friends. I enjoyed my time at Bethany also, as did my sister, Maren. My aunt, Norma Seebach, was Bethany’s campus nurse a long while back. A daughter of one of Mom’s Bethany friends even named her daughter Bethany! We love Bethany!”
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B E TH A N Y Magazine
Bethany
RETROSPECT
Remembering a campus moment from years gone by.
SILENT CHAPEL: Chapel services used to take place in Old Main—where the present-day Office of Admissions and the Bethany Book/Spirit Store are located. The Dobson organ was removed in 1994 and later reassembled in Trinity Chapel in 1996. Send your reactions to editor@blc.edu. Find more photos from years past on archives.blc.edu.
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