APRIL 2019
ORGAN EVOLUTION
Page 18
ALUMNI EVENTS
May 11–22, 2019
Friday, June 7, 2019
Monday, August 5, 2019
BLC Choir Tour of Pacific Northwest Concerts Planned Check Bethany's website for dates and times.
Crystal Lake Golf Club Lakeville, Minnesota blc.edu/joellaubegolf
Mankato Golf Club Mankato, Minnesota blc.edu/sportsclassic
Visit blc.edu/events for more information. September 20–22, 2019
Mankato, Minn. blc.edu/fallfestival
Second Annual Apologetics Seminar
Making the Case for the
Truth Bible of the
Bringing Jesus to My Unbelieving Neighbor
Thursday, June 27, 2019 Bethany Lutheran College’s Trinity Chapel | Mankato, Minnesota
Sessions • When Your Neighbor Doesn’t Believe in Truth— Combining Apologetics and Evangelism • Is the Old Testament Reliable? The Evidence Within the Text • Is the Old Testament Reliable? The Evidence Beyond the Text • Keynote: How to Make the Case for the Truth of the New Testament
Do you feel frozen in silence when people around you criticize Christianity? Are you at a loss for words when asked to explain your beliefs to others? Would you like to learn how to speak the truth in love (Ephesians 4:15), giving a defense to everyone who asks a reason for the hope that is in you (1 Peter 3:15)? Then you will benefit from this Christian apologetics seminar.
blc.edu/apologetics2019
Registration Please register in advance for FREE admission with the option of adding supper for $15. For complete details plus registration, visit blc.edu/apologetics2019 or contact Pastor David Thompson at pastor@flc-sa.org.
Sponsored jointly by the ELS Committee on Apologetics and the Bethany Lutheran College History Department.
B E TH A N Y Magazine
A PR I L 20 19
TABLE OF
CONTENTS CAMPUS NEWS ____________________________
4 FROM THE PRESIDENT
I’m So Thankful We’re ‘In This’ Together
16 BEHIND THE PULPIT
FACULTY & STAFF ____________________________
A peek behind the scenes of Daily Chapel
6 ANNIVERSARIES
18 CHAPEL HISTORY
Faculty and staff celebrating years of service at Bethany
How the chapel and organs have changed over the years
8 FROM FACULTY & STAFF Recent accomplishments of individuals employed at Bethany
22 ERASING STUDENT DEBT How one graduate took down her student debt to zero
9 NEW FACULTY/STAFF
New and familiar faces join Bethany
23 NEWS BRIEFS
Departmental and news from across campus
14 EDUCATION ADVENTURES Students learning how to combat 'nature deficit disorder'
24 THEY'LL SEE YOU IN COURT
Mock trial team begins inaugural season
CAMPUS NEWS ____________________________
ALUMNI ____________________________
7 BUILDING CONNECTIONS
21 A GUIDING HAND
Student groups expand learning to outside the classroom with trips
'05 graduate Jerome Wardlow is paying it forward with teaching, volunteering
10 ATHLETIC HIGHLIGHTS
26 ALUMNI NEWS
Fall and winter athletic highlights and notes from the seasons
News and updates from our alumni
27 RETROSPECT
Many changes have occured for dining options in Old Main.
ON THE COVER: Student organist Nathan Madson rehearsed before a chapel service. The Dobson Organ's 40th anniversary will be celebrated later this year. Photo by David Norris
9
RIGHT: Junior Emily Skrien at the UMAC Championship basketball game held in Superior, Wisconsin.
Photo by Sara Quinnell/UMAC
CONFERENCE CHAMPIONS The women's basketball team won the UMAC Tournament for the first time ever.
zine
Maga ISSUE: 142
All contents © COPYRIGHT 2019 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.
CA M PUS N E WS
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
I’m So Thankful We’re ‘In This’ Together The very existence of Bethany Lutheran College is perhaps something just short of a miracle. When the Norwegian Synod, now the Evangelical Lutheran Synod (ELS) wasn’t yet ten years old, the collection of congregations and members numbering about 5,000 made the decision to own and operate the College. It wasn’t an easy process. Synod pastors and laymen debated for over two years whether the $90,000 asking price for the property, started as an all-girls institution atop the hill overlooking the City of Mankato, was something the small church body could truly support and operate. The talks and banter began in 1925. A committee looking into the question met on the Bethany campus in April 1926 to discuss a potential purchase of the property. After no clear decision could be reached at the meeting, it was suggested that each member of the committee go back to their own congregations and find willing people to support the purchase of the school. If the number reached 50 persons, the group would undertake operation of Bethany. The committee not only found the 50 willing partners, but the numbers grew to 74, and eventually 100. They collectively made the decision to move forward, and named their group the Bethany Lutheran College Association. This group of pastors and laymen became the legal owners of Bethany Lutheran College.
Bethany archives photo
The College as it appeared around the time is was purchased by the Bethany Lutheran College Association.
4
This Association would eventually present an offer to the Synod Convention in 1927 that the church body take over ownership and operation of the College. During the ensuing debate about Synod ownership of the school on the convention floor, members of the Association collectively made this bold and memorable statement, “Once we are convinced that the school is a necessity, we will discover that we can afford it. We can do a lot of things that we think are absolutely impossible once they have become a matter of life and death to us.” But, after two days of deliberation at the Convention, it looked like the topic of the Synod owning Bethany Lutheran College would be referred back to the congregations for more debate, that is until Reverend George Gullixson was recognized on the floor, and he boldly said, “I move we take over the school.” Gullixson Hall, a men’s residence on campus, is named for the supportive pastor who made the assertive, but historic motion of Synod ownership paving the path for Bethany Lutheran College. And so, the journey of Bethany Lutheran College, and ownership by the Norwegian/Evangelical Lutheran Synod began. Now, ninety-two years later, through God’s blessing and the collective support of so many, Bethany continues to adhere to God’s Word as the basis for the school’s existence and its approach to higher education. Our Board of Regents, as it has been since the school was founded in 1927, is elected by the convention body of the Evangelical Lutheran Synod. The Regents meet on the Bethany campus four times per year. After each of these meetings, I present a summary of the proceedings to our faculty and staff. Following the most recent Regents meeting in February 2019, the review I presented began with these words, “I’m So Thankful We’re ‘In This’ Together. We need to continue to rally around our unity in Bethany’s mission, purpose, and vision.”
B E TH A N Y Magazine
I’ll admit that I really wasn’t thinking about the unity that existed in our Synod which led to the College’s founding in 1927 while I put together the presentation, but it’s significance might have been in the back of my mind. It’s a blessing that Bethany is a college of the Evangelical Lutheran Synod. Scripture says, “… there are many parts, yet one body. The eye cannot say to the hand, ‘I don’t need you!’ And the head cannot say to the feet, ‘I don’t need you!’ On the contrary, those parts of the body that seem to be weaker are indispensable, and the parts that we think are less honorable we treat with special honor … God has combined the members of the body … so there should be no division in the body, but that its parts should have equal concern for each other … you are the body of Christ, and each one of you is a part of it” (1 Cor. 12:20-27 selected verses). This College is your College. You, the alumni, friends, and ELS members who generously give of your time, your money, and offer your prayers are truly what sustains the ongoing operation of Bethany Lutheran College. You are part of the body that is Bethany. Our Board of Regents continues to set priorities for Bethany, and we continue to need your support to make these priorities a reality. While Bethany Lutheran College has been blessed with recent growth, we do need to keep that momentum going. Today, our critical needs and priorities as outlined by the Board of Regents include: 1. Continuing to grow first-year enrollment; 2. Maintaining a first to second year retention rate of 80%; 3. Humbly asking for the support of our alumni and friends to sustain Bethany’s mission and programs, both for annual operations and through estate plans. And just like in 1927, Bethany continues to need additional and ongoing support from the ELS. The Synod assists the College with both spiritual guidance and monetary assistance. Many of our ELS congregations have helped organize efforts to support the College recently. There have been special fund drives, and even special events to raise funds and awareness for Bethany. We are also thankful for the consistent, ongoing support from the Bethany Lutheran College National Auxiliary. For these efforts, we offer a warm “thank you." And for our part, the College will continually look to efficiency measures in order to control costs associated with higher education. And while
Submitted photo
Bethany Chaplain Don Moldstad (top right) was among those in attendance at the Bethany Lutheran College Chili Cook-Off Fundraiser sponsored by Our Savior’s Lutheran Church and Rock Dell Lutheran Church of Belview, Minnesota, held on February 2, 2019.
the landscape of higher education changes, we cannot, and will not, sit still. Bethany has recently added several programs that are providing tremendous opportunity for students, while helping the College to serve new and more diverse audiences. We’ll look to continue to add new programs where it is feasible and shows a good return on our investment. God-Willing, BLC will continue to be an instrument used by Him for His purpose for the generations yet to come. “My word … will not return to me empty, but will accomplish what I desire and achieve the purpose for which I sent it.” (Isaiah 55:11)
5
CA M PUS N E WS
A PR I L 20 19
Recognizing Faculty And Staff Years of Service The Board of Regents of Bethany Lutheran College and Seminary met in Mankato for their quarterly meeting, February 11 and 12, 2019. At this winter meeting, the Board sets aside time to recognize faculty and staff, and make special mention of those who have anniversaries
of employment. This recognition took place on Monday, February 11, 2019, at the conclusion of daily chapel. A reception followed in the Great Room of Old Main.
Photo by David Norris
Back row from left: Jeff Younge (Director of Financial Aid - 20 years), Mike Fletcher (Maintenance Technician - Superintendent of Buildings - 25 years), Brian Strom (Head Housekeeper - 25 years), Andy Overn (Professor, Studio Art - 25 years), Dennis Marzolf (Professor, Music - 35 years), Matt Riehl (Professor, Chemistry - 20 years), Matt Kuster (Professor, Exercise Science - 20 years), President Gene Pfeifer. Middle Row from left: Rev. Herbert Huhnerkoch (Chair, Board of Regents), Art Westphal (Vice President of Institutional Advancement - 35 years), Jon Geistfeld (Housekeeping Technician - 20 years), John Winch (Maintenance Technician - Chief Boiler Operator - 20 years), Lars Johnson (Associate Professor, English - 20 years), Dan Gerdts (Manager of Book Store - 10 years), Will Holt (Housekeeping Technician - 10 years).
6
Front row from left: Greg Costello (Controller - 40 years), Dan Johnson (Head Groundskeeper - 25 years), Todd Marzinske (Manager of Network Systems 25 years), Angie Jahr (Professor, Communication - 20 years), Estelle Vlieger (Associate Director, Admissions - 15 years), Alyssa Inniger (Director, Library Services - 10 years), Joni Bode (Data Specialist - Advancement - 20 years), Lisa Shubert (Manager of Administrative Computing and Institutional Reporting - 20 years). Not pictured: Julie Stelter (Cashier/Accounts Receivable Clerk - 30 years), Elsa Ferkenstad (Executive Assistant, Evangelical Lutheran Synod - 15 years).
B E TH A N Y Magazine
CA M PUS N E WS
Photo courtesy of Sarah Harstad
Above is the group of Bethany students who attended the Minnesota Private Colleges Career Fair in the Twin Cities.
BUILDING CONNECTIONS BY L ANCE SCHWARTZ • DIREC TOR OF INSTITUTIONAL COM MUNICATION
Bethany faculty are more than just classroom instructors. They are mentors to Bethany students, including assisting students with career advice, decisions, and connections to industry and professional opportunities. One of the ways Bethany students can connect with job and internship possibilities is through career-focused events. Assistant Professor of Music Benjamin Faugstad hosted a career session for Bethany’s music majors and friends on Tuesday, January 15, 2019. At the event, students and presenters discussed several topics ranging from how to build a great resume, structuring your cover letter, and successfully navigating the interview process. Assistant Professor of Legal Studies Sara Edwards accompanied legal studies/paralegal and Law Club students to the Twin Cities for the 2019 Careers in Law event. Bethany students were able to meet with over fifty exhibitors in a variety of law-related areas. The Students were also able to meet with current law students to ask questions regarding getting into law school, preparing for the Law School Admission Test, and the law school experience. Assistant Professor of Business, Sarah Harstad, also accompanied Bethany students to the Twin Cities and the Minnesota Private Colleges
Photo courtesy of Sara Edwards
Students who attended the 2019 Careers in Law event.
Career Fair held on Thursday, February 21, 2019, at the Minneapolis Convention Center. In its 43rd year, Minnesota’s Private Colleges hosted the annual job and internship fair, which stands out as one of the premier college/employer partnerships in the country. The job fair is attended by 2,000 candidates, and over 250 companies, corporations, and non-profits are represented. Bethany senior Cori Haala was impressed. “It seemed that many companies were willing and looking for interns and asking for resumes, I talked with the companies I wanted to. The event as a whole was very informative and gave us access to a lot of resources that we may not have had otherwise.” Nicholas Caldeen is an exercise science major and also a senior, he said. “I was able to talk with a few of the health care providers I was looking into, and the job fair was huge in helping me take steps towards getting an internship and possible job in the future. I would definitely recommend this event for my classmates, even if you aren’t interested in any of the careers being offered there, it is still a huge opportunity to be able to interact with business professionals.” Cody Ulfers, is a junior business administration major with an emphasis in marketing and sports management, he explained. “I was able to talk to multiple companies, and I do believe that this job fair provided me with positive leads for an internship, and also a potential job after I graduate next year. It was great to ask questions about what they are looking for in the future, and see if I would fit into the mold of that company. I would definitely recommend this event to classmates who are juniors or seniors. It allows you to get comfortable talking to HR representatives, and also allows you to make connections easily.” 7
FACU LT Y & S TA FF
A PR I L 20 19
From our faculty & staff scene. Blog notes say that “Ulrik Vilhem Koren listened to God’s call to serve the Norwegian immigrants settling on the American Plains despite great personal cost. Leaving behind a comfortable life, Koren led the fledgling Norwegian Synod through many difficulties and controversies, leaving behind a legacy that deserves to be remembered.” p William Bukowski (Art) delivered a Nativity painting for Trinity Lutheran in Waterville, Minnesota, in December 2018 (above). It is the third work commissioned for the Trinity congregation. Bukowski also added to his paintings at Resurrection Lutheran Church in Mankato in December. The painting “The Last Supper” is also part of three paintings for the congregation.
p Nicholas Cook (right, International Admissions) and Jeffrey Lemke (left, Vice President Admissions) visited seventeen study abroad agency representatives in their offices around HCMC (Saigon), Hue, and Hanoi, Vietnam, and Seoul, South Korea, during the months of February and March 2019. The two also had the opportunity to meet and visit with both Bethany alumni and parents of current students living in Korea and Vietnam. Cook also made visits to other areas in Asia. Mark DeGarmeaux (Languages, Music, Religious Studies) was interviewed by Pastor Zelwyn Heide about U. V. Koren for a podcast on wordfitlyspoken.org., where he discussed the history and background of Koren, Norwegian Lutheranism, and the challenges of the American Mark DeGarmeaux 8
p Professors Sara Edwards, Lars Johnson (right), and Jonathan Stadler (left) attended the Greater Mankato Diversity Council’s Annual Luncheon on Thursday, February 21, 2019. The keynote speaker was Melanie VanRoekel, an advocate for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. The Mankato Diversity Council’s Executive Director is Bethany alumnus, Bukata Hayes. Benji Inniger (Theatre) was awarded a 2018-2019 McKnight Artist Grant from the Prairie Lakes Regional Arts Council for his work as a composer and theatre artist. The grant will Benji Inniger support the development of new, collaborative musical works and performances within the community in 2019-2020. With an 89-60 win over North Central University on February 13, 2019, Bethany women’s basketball head coach Lyle Jones earned his 300th career victory.
Lyle Jones
While in Nashville, Tennesee, for college business, Jason Lowrey (Vice President Academics) and President Pfeifer visited nationally-syndicated radio host Dave Ramsey. Lowrey once worked for the Ramsey organization. Lissa Torres (English) was awarded a 2019 Artist Initiative Grant from the Minnesota State Arts Board for her work as a creative nonfiction writer. The grant will support the development of new creative work.
Jason Lowrey
Lissa Torres
Kurt Shrader (KTV, Stone Path Studios) traveled to Luther High School in Onalaska, Wisconsin, with Luther High alumnus and Bethany student Caleb Schilling to run a Kurt Shrader video production workshop with audio/visual teacher Greg Schibbelhut. During the workshop, students worked hands on with lighting and recording. Shrader together with Seth Grabow (Production Seth Grabow Studio) coordinated the broadcast of the WELS West Regional Choral Festival at Minnesota Valley Lutheran High School on November 9 and 11, 2019. Bethany Students from the media arts Intro to Broadcast class assisted studio staff in the production. Dr. Ryan MacPherson (History) presented a keynote address entitled “The Perils and Promises of Lutheran Science Education in the 21st Century” plus a sectional on creation
B E TH A N Y Magazine
apologetics for the WELS Western Wisconsin District Teachers’ Conference in Madison, Wisconsin, on February 14, 2019. His wife Marie (B.A. Elementary Education, 2008), who Ryan MacPherson recently was certified as a classical educator by the Consortium of Classical Lutheran Educators, presented a sectional entitled “Classical Education in Theory and Practice.” MacPherson was also an invited presenter at the 2018 Engage! expo in Crystal, Minnesota, on October 6 on the topic “Biblical Priorities for Redeeming the Time.” The conference was coordinated by the Minnesota Church Ministries Association, which serves a racially
FACU LT Y & S TA FF
diverse group of Evangelical pastors in the greater Twin Cities area as well as visiting pastors from various African nations. Finally, MacPherson presented “Getting the Facts Straight: How Grammar, History, and Logic Can Rescue Education from Postfactualism” at the San Antonio Biblical Worldview Conference on January 26, 2019. This event is hosted annually at Faith Lutheran Church, served by Pastor David Thompson (Regent). Greg Vandermause (Manager - Production Studio and Men’s NCAA Administrative Representative) together with Sara Edwards (Women’s NCAA Administrative Representative), President Gene Pfeifer, and Don Westphal (Athletic Director) attended the annual NCAA Convention in Orlando, Florida,
From left: President Pfeifer, Greg Vandermause, Sara Edwards, and Don Westphal.
in January 2019. Vandermause is currently pursuing a master’s degree in new media journalism at Full Sail University, and took the opportunity to visit the institution’s Florida campus, and interact with his program director and instructors.
WELCOME NEW EMPLOYEES Dan Gerdts is the new manager of the Bethany Book and Spirit Store. Gerdts has been with Bethany since 2009. He spent two years as Residential Hall Coordinator and the last seven-and-a-half years in the Admissions Department. Olivia Lippert, currently a senior at Bethany, is our new Coordinator of Marketing and Digital Admissions Communication. Lippert will graduate from Bethany in May 2019, and during this spring semester 2019 she is beginning on a part-time basis. Lippert completed a marketing and media internship with Visit Mankato in December of 2018. Emma Morris will be Bethany’s new women’s soccer coach. Morris is completing a master’s in business administration program at Heidelberg University in Tiffin, Ohio, where she has served as an assistant soccer coach for the past two seasons. Originally from England, she played soccer at both Ashford (Clinton, Iowa) and Viterbo (La Crosse, Wisconsin). Eleonore Mumme is our newest admissions counselor. Mumme is from Waterville, Minnesota, and earned her bachelor of arts from Bethany in English with a minor in western philosophy in 2018. She will counsel high school students in Bethany’s local territory, connect with homeschool groups, potential PSEO students, and will represent Bethany at Higher Things youth events.
Dan Gerdts
Olivia Lippert
Eleonore Mumme
Joshua Pederson
Emma Morris
Joshua Pederson is Bethany’s new Manager of Human Resources. Josh began his work at BLC on October 15, 2018. Pederson, a native of Waseca, Minnesota, is a 2014 Bethany graduate. Pederson was a standout golfer for the Bethany Vikings, and was also just recently named the new head men’s golf coach at Bethany. 9
ATH LE TI CS
A PR I L 20 19
Photo courtesy of UMAC
CHAMPIONS! The Women's Basketball Team defeated the University Of Wisconsin-Superior for the UMAC Tournament Championship on February 23, 2019, in Superior, Wisconsin.
BY DAN DE WIT T • COORDINATOR OF SPORTS INFORM ATION
The women’s basketball team recorded their most successful season in school history since joining the NCAA in 2004. The Vikings set a program record with 22 wins and cruised to a 14-2 finish in Upper Midwest Athletic Conference (UMAC) play. One of the highlights during the regular season was defeating UW-Superior, handing the Yellowjackets their only loss since joining the UMAC four seasons ago. The Vikings earned the second seed in the UMAC tournament and carried their momentum from the regular season into the postseason by defeating Minnesota-Morris in the semi-finals, and then beating UW-Superior in the championship game to earn the school’s first-ever trip to the NCAA Tournament. The Vikings traveled to Waverly, Iowa, to take on 13th ranked Wartburg College in the first round. Though the Vikings put up a fight, they were defeated by a score of 91-63. Abby Olson, a sophomore from Montevideo, Minnesota, earned All-Conference First Team honors as she led the UMAC in scoring at 19.0 points per game. Later, Olson received All-Region Third Team honors from D3hoops.com. Haley Sandin, a senior from Princeton, Minnesota, was also named to the All-Conference First Team. Additionally, Sandin was named to the UMAC’s All-Decade Team which celebrated the league’s top five players over the last 10 years. She was the only active player named to this list. Sandin finishes her career with the Vikings as 10
the program’s all-time leading scorer with just under 2,000 points. Hanna Geistfeld, a sophomore from Truman, Minnesota, earned All-Conference Second Team honors. Head Coach Lyle Jones surpassed his 300th career victory with the Vikings and was named the UMAC Co-Coach of the Year.
Abby Olson
Haley Sandin
Hanna Geistfeld
Lyle Jones
B E TH A N Y Magazine
MEN’S GOLF The BLC men’s golf team took fifth place at the UMAC Championship. Jordan Petzel, a senior from Arlington, Minnesota, earned All-Conference First Team honors by finishing in sixth place overall at the three-day championship event. Sam Havnen, a senior from Fairmont, Minnesota, finished in 15th place overall and earned All-Conference Honorable Mention. Nic Meyer, a senior from Litchfield, Minnesota, was the team’s Sportsmanship Award recipient. Daniel Mundahl, announced that he would retire from coaching after the fall season. He had been the head coach of the Vikings since 2011 and amassed a UMAC record of 221-91. Mundahl led the team to a first place finish at the UMAC Championship in 2013, qualifying for the NCAA Tournament in Greensboro, North Carolina. Josh Pederson, a 2014 graduate of Bethany, was selected to be the next head coach of the men’s golf program. Pederson played golf for the Vikings and was a captain from 2011-14. Pederson was a member of the team that qualified for the NCAA Tournament in 2013. He currently works at BLC as the Manager of Human Resources.
WOMEN’S GOLF The BLC women’s golf team finished fifth at the UMAC Championships. Miranda Bresnahan, a freshman from St. Peter, Minnesota, was the top finisher for the Vikings. She tied for 13th place overall and earned All-Conference Honorable Mention honors. Mackenzie Manthei, a senior from Belview, Minnesota, also earned All-Conference Honorable Mention honors. The highlight of the fall season came at the University of Northwestern Invite when the Vikings captured first place. They finished ahead of Minnesota-Morris, UW-Superior, Martin Luther, and North Central. Bresnahan was the top finisher
ATH LE TI CS
for BLC, finishing second overall and Manthei finished third overall. The women’s golf team also placed three student-athletes on the UMAC Academic All-Conference list including Katelyn Hardtke, Madalyn Hart, and Manthei.
MEN’S CROSS COUNTRY The Vikings men’s cross country team took fifth place at the UMAC Championships, which is the same finish as 2017. The Vikings finished with a point total of 167 which was 67 points behind fourth place finisher, Martin Luther. The Vikings did not have any all-conference performers this year, but they were led by sophomore Benjamin Tweit who finished in 24th place overall. Senior Stefan Prince was the second team finisher for BLC and finished in 27th place. He also received the Sportsmanship Award for the Vikings. Nathan Birr, Michael Bless, Ryan McCue, and Jacob Tesch earned UMAC Academic All-Conference honors.
WOMEN’S CROSS COUNTRY The Vikings women’s cross country team finished in sixth place at the UMAC Championships. The Vikings finished with 162 points which was 16 points behind fifth place finisher Crown. Morgan Sauer, a senior from Lismore, Minnesota, was the 13th overall finisher which earned her All-Conference Second Team honors. Sarah Presler, a sophomore from Brandon, South Dakota, was the second team finisher for the Vikings and took 14th place overall to earn All-Conference Second Team honors. Brianna Soutthivong, a junior from Mountain Lake, Minnesota, received the team’s Sportsmanship award. Margaret Degner, Mackenzie Floyd, Presler, and Sauer earned UMAC Academic All-Conference honors.
MEN’S SOCCER The Bethany Lutheran men’s soccer team finished the season with an overall record of 7-9-3, a six-win improvement over last year. They finished the UMAC in seventh place with a 3-6-3 record. After starting the season 1-2, the Vikings went 4-0-1 over a five-game stretch to make their record 5-2-1 overall which included a 2-0-1 start in UMAC play. Abel Solis, a freshman defender from Marshall, Minnesota, earned All-Conference Second Team honors for BLC. Nikita Pyatetskiy, a freshman from Cambrils, Spain, earned Honorable Mention honors. Antonino Guerrero, a senior from Mankato, received the team’s Sportsmanship Award. Long-time head coach Rob Pipal concluded his time at the helm of the men’s soccer program. Pipal started as the head coach of the Vikings in 1998 and was the National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA) Region XIII Coach of the Year in 2002 and the UMAC Coach of the Year in 2010. Pipal was replaced by Derick Lyngholm who has spent the last 12 years leading the women’s soccer program. Lyngholm finished his time with the women’s program as the winningest coach in history with 99 career victories and six postseason trips. He is a 1997 Bethany alumnus, and is an instructor in Bethany Lutheran’s Communication Department.
WOMEN’S SOCCER The Bethany women’s soccer team finished the season with an overall record of 10-8 which is three wins better than 2017. The Vikings were 6-6 in UMAC play and finished in sixth place, just missing the postseason tournament. BLC finished tied with the fifth place team Minnesota-Morris, but lost the tiebreaker which determined who would advance to the UMAC playoffs. The Vikings placed three players on the All-Conference CONTINUED ON PAGE 12
11
ATH LE TI CS
CONTINUED FROM PAGE 11
Second Team including Bailey Bakken, a freshman from Shakopee, Minnesota, Jessica Berlinger, a senior from Mosca, Colorado, and Madison Perry, a sophomore from Anoka, Minnesota. Derick Lyngholm finished his 12th season as the head coach of the program and is moving on to take over the reins of the men’s soccer program at BLC. He will be replaced by Emma Morris as the new head coach of the women’s soccer program. Morris comes to Bethany after two seasons as an assistant coach at Heidelberg University in Tiffin, Ohio, where she helped the Student Princes to an overall record of 17-19-2 during her time. She is originally from England and played collegiately at both Ashford University (Iowa) and Viterbo University (Wisconsin).
VOLLEYBALL The Bethany Lutheran volleyball team finished the season with an overall record of 11-18 and a UMAC record of 8-8. The Vikings finished in fifth place in the UMAC which put them in the playoffs as the fifth seed. They traveled to fourth-seeded St. Scholastica and lost 3-0. Megan Rutt, a junior from Le Center, Minnesota, earned UMAC All-Conference First Team honors as she finished second in the league in total kills. Kalli Mathiasen, a junior from St. Cloud, 12
A PR I L 20 19
Minnesota, received All-Conference Honorable Mention honors. The volleyball program did well in the classroom too with six student-athletes earning Academic All-Conference honors including Madison Hennager, Makenna Hinz, Natasha Young, Rutt, Brianna Waknitz, and Arissa Wilson.
MEN’S BASKETBALL The men’s basketball team had another successful season, finishing with an overall record of 18-8 and a UMAC record of 13-3. The 18 wins is a school record for most regular season wins. The Vikings finished the conference season in second place and earned a home playoff game for the third straight year. In the first round of the conference tournament, the Vikings were defeated by St. Scholastica after beating the Saints both times during the regular season. Cire Mayfield, a freshman from St. Louis Park, Minnesota, led the Vikings with 20.0 point per game and earned UMAC Freshman of the Year honors along with All-Conference First Team honors. Trenton Krueger, a junior from Eagan, Minnesota, earned All-Conference Second Team honors and All-Defensive Team honors. Jarred Merchant, a senior from Kimball, Minnesota, earned All-Conference Honorable Mention honors after missing last season with an ACL injury and Jared Milinkovich, a sophomore from New Prague, Minnesota, was named to the All-Defensive Team.
INDOOR TRACK AND FIELD The Bethany Lutheran men’s indoor track and field team finished in fifth place at the UMAC Championship meet. Keegan Rich, a freshman from Mount Pleasant, Iowa, had an outstanding first year with the Vikings and was named the UMAC Rookie of the Year. He also earned All-Conference honors and was the UMAC triple jump champion, winning the event at the championship meet. Stefan Prince, a senior from Prior Lake, Minnesota, earned All-Conference honors for the Vikings and won the 800 meter championship. He also received the team’s Sportsmanship Award. The Bethany Lutheran women’s indoor track and field team finished in fifth place at the UMAC Indoor Championships. The Vikings finished with 47 total points, edging out Crown College. The Vikings placed one individual on the All-Conference Team in Marissa Voss, a sophomore from Fairmont, Minnesota. Voss had a great showing at the championship meet as she took home second place in the high jump. Morgan Sauer, a senior from Lismore, Minnesota, received the team’s Sportsmanship Award.
B E TH A N Y Magazine
A LUM N I
A Heart for Giving
Photo by David Norris
BY L ANCE SCHWARTZ • DIREC TOR OF INSTITUTIONAL COM MUNICATION
Nursing students (from left) Ellen Bruesch, Marlee Gram, and Jessica Geib with the Heart and Lung Sounds Simulator.
Bethany alumni Jon ('84) and Cindy Natvig ('85) recently helped the College with a special, unsolicited gift. After selling shares in a piece of real estate, the couple had intended to donate to Bethany’s annual fund. However, after discussing the initial gift with Bethany’s Director of Development Christopher Kind, the Natvigs were able to both add to their annual fund gift, and make impactful contributions to other campus needs. Kind and the Natvigs discussed their original gift just after it was received at the College, and they mentioned that they were interested in supporting the Nursing Program. They’ve both worked in the longterm care industry for a number of years, and their daughter is also a nurse, so they’ve seen firsthand the demand for quality nurses. The two also chose to honor the memory of Jon’s mother, Naomi Natvig, by donating to the All-Steinway fund, which is helping to add new pianos to the campus. Cindy Natvig explained more about their special connection to and affinty for Bethany. “Jon’s mom graduated from Bethany High School, and his dad, Dennis, graduated from Bethany College,” said Cindy. “His dad went on to work as the Bethany Business Manager for over 30 years, all of our siblings attended Bethany, and Jon and I met at Bethany. Bethany is like a part of our family! We’re very proud that Bethany started the nursing program. Having high quality nurses with strong Christian ethics is so important in the health care industry. We’re happy to do whatever we could to support them.” While Kind was discussing the tremendous impact of their gift, Jon and Cindy offered to increase their donation if there was something
the Nursing Program specifically required. Kind contacted Bethany’s Director of Nursing, Sara Traylor, about the Department “wish list” and the Natvigs decided to purchase a Heart and Lung Sounds Simulator and assist with funding nursing students’ study abroad trips. Traylor noted, “In our nursing program, students are able to learn and practice nursing skills using a variety of equipment that mimics the natural human body. Equipment such as the Heart and Lung Sounds Simulator allows students to learn and recognize normal and abnormal heart and lung sounds. Students are better prepared to identify conditions or complications that might not be experienced with a human patient in clinical. As more responsibility is placed on the professional nurse, being able to provide multiple learning opportunities is essential for the development and success of the student nurse.” Donating assets is a terrific way to make a special gift for Bethany. Gifts such as these positively impact programs and students while fulfilling the donor’s desire to maximize and personalize their gift. Bethany thanks Jon and Cindy Natvig for their generous support. If you’d like to discuss giving options, or make a gift to Bethany, please call our Advancement Office at 800-944-3066. 13
FACU LT Y & S TA FF
A PR I L 20 19
One might be led to believe that even the most seasoned winter veterans would be convinced to revise their outlook for outdoor activities during a stretch like the one we experienced. But, despite the harsh weather conditions two weeks prior, a group of Bethany education students led by Professor Polly Browne climbed inside a college-owned van on February 12, 2019, for a trip to Minneopa State Park—a beautiful piece of land just minutes outside of Mankato. The purpose, according to Browne, was to show these future educators that “we can all enjoy winter and not be cooped up when the weather turns colder,” with the ultimate goal of demonstrating ways to help kids get much-needed playtime regardless of the time of year.
“I truly believe that today’s children suffer from something I’ll call NDD—
A Cure for
Nature Deficit Disorder
Photos courtesy of Polly Browne
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
We, Minnesotans are a hearty, winter-tolerating bunch. Snow and cold don’t bother us much. It seems even those who find their way to Minnesota from warmer climates end up, at the very least, learning how to cope with a Northern Plains winter. But occasionally, the winds blow a little stronger during a Minnesota winter, and at times the temperature dips below zero for more than a few days. The 21st Century terms for these types of weather phenomena are Bomb Cyclone and Polar Vortex. The winter of 2018-19, at first, set itself up to be a season that wasn’t going to be all that memorable. The air temperature on January 15 was 33ºF and very little snow was on the ground. And then something in the atmosphere changed about ten days later. The official low temperature on January 30, 2019, was -28ºF, although many thermometers showed even lower. And then there was the relentless February snow—33.5 inches in total in Mankato. 14
nature deficit disorder. This trip is to get my students thinking of ways to cure NDD.”
- D R . P O LLY B R OW N E
Every winter, for the past ten years, Browne’s Education 315 Teaching Health and Physical Education class has taken to the outdoors for a lesson in winter activities and play, forsaking the comfort of the warm underground tunnels leading to the dining hall in exchange for exploring nature with a brown bag lunch eaten while sitting beside a creek in the snow. So, what exactly is it that makes Browne, and the class of college students go out, into the cold and snow, every year for this experiential learning event? “I believe that today’s children suffer from something I’ll call NDD—nature deficit disorder. This trip is to get my students thinking of ways to cure NDD.” “Arriving at Minneopa and entering the world of pristine nature, I hear laughter, excitement, joy, happiness, enjoyment, and I have the opportunity to witness young adults learning about how play can be incorporated into their future lesson plans.” Browne explained that much of the value in the outdoor experience is about “understanding the sense of wonder young students naturally have, and how these aspiring teachers will be helping to stimulate that sense of wonder in their own future classrooms.” “One of the first sentences I heard stepping out of the van that day was ‘I wonder what we’ll see today?’
B E TH A N Y Magazine
And, discovery is a very powerful tool. My goal is to help the students to understand how to open up your senses, and to be aware of your surroundings.” By all accounts, the lesson was well received. Grace Rysdahl (’19) was among the students on the day trip said, “I had never been to Minneopa (State Park) in the winter, and I was amazed at how different it was from the spring or fall. I think I was able to better understand that school and learning are so much more than English or math. This was an experience that was so different from what I had done before, and I would love to do something similar to this with my future students. I think it is important to experience and appreciate nature. Our day at Minneopa was a hands-on lesson of this. I will definitely use this experience in my own teaching.” Experiencing the beauty and serenity of God’s creation also has a way of keeping things in perspective. Rysdahl continued, “I think my favorite thing was the sense of calm that I felt. While we were walking around I wasn’t worrying about anything.” Noah Battenfeld (’19) was with the group in 2018 and was equally impressed. “Being in the classroom is valuable, and you learn a lot about how to teach children, but, being outdoors and learning more than just in the books and articles means so much more. I learned how to take in nature and teach nature at the same time. Being outdoors and having the hands-on experience is so beneficial and important to me and others, I’m sure of it. “I will use this experience to help me in my teaching career. I learned a lot, and most importantly I learned to let children play. Play is so important for the growth of children. Children are just not getting enough of it these days whether it be from increase in technology, or higher standards and requirements. Being outdoors is so important, and I can’t stress that enough." Experiential learning is a powerful tool. Professor Polly Browne is well aware of the impact first hand experiences can have on young minds whether that’s a third grader at recess or a college student learning how to make recess fun. Browne explained, “I would call this trip ‘mindfulness training’ because it teaches students to be aware of the sights, sounds, or smells of God’s creation. And ultimately, that’s our purpose in training Christian teachers, we want them to value His creation. It’s a huge lesson with far-reaching impact on a variety of levels.”
FACU LT Y & S TA FF
Clockwise from left: Dr. Polly Browne, Brianna Waknitz, Josh Arvidson, Grace Rysdahl, and Jane Michaletz.
Discovering some interesting ice formations with Jane Michaletz.
15
CA M PUS N E WS
A PR I L 20 19
Behind the Pulpit Photos by David Norris
BY K AC I S C H N E I DAW I N D • ( ' 20) SCROLL STAFF WRITER
Taking a look at the inner workings of daily chapel Daily chapel services are a hallmark of the Christian atmosphere at Bethany Lutheran College. Students, staff, and faculty alike attend the 15 to 20-minute gatherings each morning in Trinity Chapel. We all know what happens at a chapel service—singing and a devotional among other things—but how does it all come together each week? Who is in charge of this planning process? For the answer, we can turn to the campus Chaplain and Director of Spiritual Life, Donald Moldstad. Moldstad pointed to an ELS hymn book, used in chapel, to explain his process. “Back in the early Christian church, they decided, ‘let’s put together a calendar of all the different teachings of Christianity.’ [This is] so that we don’t focus on one thing all the time,” Moldstad said. This calendar, called the historic lectionary, is found in the front section of the Evangelical Lutheran Hymnary. It serves as a sort of guide for pastors to organize their church services. “There’s a theme to every week,” said Moldstad. He follows the readings and hymns that are associated with the thematic teachings for each Sunday in the church year, listed in the lectionary. “It’s kind of like planning five miniature church services for one week,” Moldstad said. 16
Chaplain Don Moldstad attends to details such as lighting candles before the daily chapel service begins.
There are several other ordained pastors at Bethany. Part of their duties here are to preach for chapel at least once a month. For them, Moldstad draws up a calendar which shows who is preaching on which dates, as well as the devotional teaching, hymn, and any other information needed for that day’s service—with some leniency—about a month in advance. The weekly bulletins and devotions, however, he sometimes writes the night before.
B E TH A N Y Magazine
“I just assign them what their text is and what they’re supposed to preach on. Sometimes they write me back and say, ‘would you mind if I changed my text to this?’ so I’m not real hard-line about it,” said Moldstad. The Scripture texts and devotions also tend to follow the theme of the lectionary, and are written by the pastors. In Moldstad’s case, he refers to old sermons of his own or commentaries by other pastors or scholars when writing a devotion. “In seminary, we take classes in how to [write devotions]. Every pastor is supposed to read the passage in the original Greek or Hebrew and then what I do is brainstorm,” said Moldstad. “Usually the last thing I write is the introduction; something catchy to get people’s attention.” A common feature of chapel devotionals are pastor’s real-life examples or anecdotes, though Moldstad suggests proceeding with caution. “With stories, you have to be careful—sometimes they become more memorable than the point you’re trying to make, unless you can find a story that helps people understand and reinforce what the text is saying. But you have to be careful that you don’t lean too heavily on [anecdotes].” The musical aspects of chapel are heavily coordinated between Moldstad and music professors, one of whom is organ instructor Mark DeGarmeaux. “We have kind of a rotation. We have three professors who play [music]—Professor Laura Matzke plays on Wednesdays, I play for Vespers and Thursday chapel and Dennis Marzolf plays on Fridays,” says DeGarmeaux. “On Monday and Tuesday, we’ve been having [organ] students who play well enough and are comfortable playing for chapel.” Once he receives the weekly hymns from Moldstad, DeGarmeaux thinks about what music would be appropriate for a certain day, and then prepares and plays the music. Other professors follow the same protocol, he said. When it comes to students, “it depends on the student. Sometimes what I have them do is just play the prelude or the postlude so they don’t have to play while people are singing because that can be nerve-racking,” DeGarmeaux said. Those students who do play for chapel, practice the hymns during lessons with DeGarmeaux for several weeks before the service, so that they are familiar with the piece. “I get the hymns from the Chaplain weeks ahead of time so I can work with the students and get them
CA M PUS N E WS
The Chamber Orchestra, directed by Professor Ben Faugstad, performed before and after a chapel service.
The chapel services are streamed online and recorded. Recordings are available on the Bethany website at blc.edu/chapel-cast.
comfortable playing it. We also talk about what they’ll play before and after and why that music is appropriate, because it should fit the hymn,” said DeGarmeaux. Depending on their abilities, some students play at chapel more than others. Some play more than once a week, while others play once or twice a month. “We’re very thankful to have students who can play,” DeGarmeaux said. Chapel services are compiled with much planning, organizing, and communication. It is a team effort that ultimately rewards those who have the daily opportunity to hear God’s Word. They are an integral part of Bethany’s Christian community, and are designed with care and intention for this purpose. 17
CA M PUS N E WS
A PR I L 20 19
EVOLUTION OF CHAPEL
Sites and Sound
Bethany archives photos
BY E R LI N G T E I G E N • PR O FE S S O R E M E R I T U S , CO LLEG E A R CH I V I S T, H S ‘ 5 8 , J C ‘6 0, S E M ‘6 6
The chapel on the second floor of Old Main pictured from around 1989. The space was remodeled in 1995 and houses the Bethany Bookstore and Admissions Office.
The chapel and the pipe organs at Bethany have inevitably been closely connected. According to the architecht's drawings for the College in 1910, the room that served as the chapel for so many years, was originally the dining hall. It was a light, open, airy room, with large windows on both the southern and northern exposure, though the latter side was later covered by the chancel and the organ chambers. Prior to 1926, in the days of the Bethany Ladies College, the kitchen was below on the ground floor of the east wing. Above it was a serving room from which food was carried to the dining tables — this area later became the home economics room, then the band and choir room, and now part of the Bethany Bookstore. The dining hall also served as the chapel and assembly hall, and housed a two-manual, ten-stop pipe organ. In addition, other gatherings, lectures, and recitals were held in the space. In 1926, probably in order to accommodate the newly organized Bethany congregation of the Norwegian Synod, which had just purchased the College, the diners were moved to the ground floor, and that served as the dining room ever since, even though it has undergone several transformations. 18
The chapel furnishings in 1947, which were eventually donated to the new Mount Olive Lutheran Church. The congregation once gathered at Bethany, and later moved to a location just down the road from the campus on Marsh Street in Mankato.
Still, the room upstairs—a dining room it remained for eighty-five years; the menu always the same, day after day and year after year, decade in and decade out. What had been served there was the bread of life, the One Thing Needful, to sustain and nourish souls. From 1911 until 1926, there were devotional exercises at the Ladies College, though not much is said about them in the catalog or Echo, the yearbook of that time. But we know that in the 1920s, the dining
B E TH A N Y Magazine
room served a dual, or actually, a triple function. The catalogs of that time specified that musical programs, lectures, and devotions were conducted in the dining room. The room was equipped with a stage at the north end, and in the 1920s, at least, with a Moeller, two-manual pipe organ. The catalogs always pointed out, however, the arrangement was temporary—only until the conservatory was finished. The conservatory was the larger, fraternal twin to the classroom building on the southwest end of Old Main. The building was to contain a theater, along with classrooms, studios, and practice rooms. The foundation was put in place for that building, but after 1930, the idea of completing the building was given up, the foundation was removed, and the area became a parking lot. The 1917-18 Sixth Annual Catalog of Bethany College for Girls (p. 6) refers to the “Refectory,” the east building, “containing a large dining room with seating capacity of 300 students, which at present is also used for auditorium purposes in which the students’ recitals and other public functions are held.” The catalog for 1920-21 expands on that (p. 11) “The hall, at present—until the music hall will be finished—is also used as an auditorium in which the chapel exercises, recitals, and other functions are held.” Before that time, no specific mention was made of chapel services. In the Prospectus for the School Year 1926-27, the catalog adds that the room also contains a two-manual pipe organ, a stage and lectern, though no notes have been located detailing the origin of the organ. In 1926, Holden Olsen, President of the College before the Synod actually took ownership of the school, presented an inventory of the College, and described the “Moeller ten-stop, two-manual pipe organ,” and noted that the hall also contained a stage and lectern. Idella Quill Weyland, who played the organ that year, remembers the organ as having been there for some time, and in not the best repair. On December 12, 1927, Bethany congregation was organized. Later, the congregation became Mt. Olive Lutheran Church. Until 1948, when a church building was constructed at Marsh and McConnell Streets, the congregation was located in the Bethany Chapel. In 1930, the chapel saw its first significant improvement, when the congregation and College were given the old oak veneer theater seats from the Mankato Opera House. The report was that the seats were at first to be purchased, but later, were given to the College at no cost. In April 1931, the Scroll reported
CA M PUS N E WS
Bethany archives photos
From left, the Dobson, Portative, and Cassavante organs during a performance.
The Moeller organ (left) in 1948 and Cassavante organ which is still used today for practice in the Ylvisaker Fine Arts Center.
on other work that had been done. The original stage was too high, and was therefore lowered ten inches. An oak altar was built by the Knoff Manufacturing Co. of Mankato in 1948. At that time, the stage extended across the full northern end of the chapel, with the left and right wings open. The free-standing Moeller organ stood near the right end of the large chancel. The next significant change for the chapel came in 1950. In late 1949, Dr. Ylvisaker learned of an organ which could be purchased for the chapel. By that time, the old Moeller organ was in disrepair. The four-manual organ was built by the Aeolian company for its Aeolian Music Hall in New York. Later, the organ was purchased by the Van Wyck family for their mansion in Pelham, New York. While the organ was being transported to Minnesota, one of the trucks failed to negotiate an underpass in Madison, Wisconsin, partly demolishing the pedal organ. The installation and rebuilding of the Aeolian organ was done by John Gould and sons, and was completed in 1951. In 1954, the chapel got a new look, which was to last for over 30 years. In February 1954, the old Opera House seats were hauled out, CONTINUED ON PAGE 20
19
CA M PUS N E WS
A PR I L 20 19
Bethany archives photo
Dr. S. C. Ylvisaker in the old chapel with the model of the famous Thorvaldson statue of Christ. The statue remains in Trinity Chapel today. CONTINUED FROM PAGE 19
the flooring was replaced with asphalt tile, a new entry way of blond birch was built, and newly-built chapel chairs, also of birch veneer, were installed. According to the Scroll, March 12, 1954, there were 373 seats, at the cost of $8.44 each. During the majority of these years, the most abiding presence in the chapel was the model of the famous Thorvaldson statue of Christ. Plaster of Paris, it began to disintegrate in the late 1970s, and was in storage for several years. Perhaps one of the best-known pictures of the chapel is that of Dr. Ylvisaker standing beside the pulpit with his hand on it, and with the white statue of Christ, whiter still against the dark drapes on the chancel wall. Over the years, this statue, along with the stained glass Bethany window in the lobby of Old Main, have most especially represented the spiritual life of the College. At the time of the 1985 remodeling of the chapel, the statue was restored and now welcomes worshipers to Trinity Chapel. Before the chapel was remodeled in 1989 for the last time, the room saw two more organs. The Aeolian was large and expensive to maintain; seldom did all of the stops work. And finally, in 1972 it was replaced by a Cassavante organ. The Cassavante accompanied services and served as the site of organ instruction and recitals. As Bethany’s Music Department grew in students and course offerings, the Dobson organ company of Lake City, Iowa, was contracted to build a larger organ, which was installed and dedicated during the 1979-80 school year. The inaugural year of the Dobson organ saw a special emphasis on organ concerts, and two of the highlights were a dual organ recital by Bethany’s Professor Arlene Hilding and Gustavus Adolphus organist, David Fienen, and the Swiss recitalist, Guy Bovet, which was later broadcast on Minnesota Public Radio. In 1985, a remodeling of the chapel to complement the Dobson organ began. The old floor was removed to be replaced by parquet flooring; new movable chairs, connected with hymnbook racks, and new altar furniture were added. The furniture was all movable, and during the first years, many arrangements were tried. But finally, the arrangement 20
which had the altar on the east wall with the entry at the rear of the chapel and the organ on the north side was settled on. On Thursday evening, March 17, 1994, in a special Vesper service, featuring four organ students and instructor Laura Matzke, the campus community bid a temporary farewell to the organ. On Friday morning, March 18, it was heard in that room for the last time. During the next week, the organ builders “unbuilt” the organ; it was stored at the builders in Lake City Iowa, and prepared for re-installation in the "new" worship space this is today's Trinity Chapel in 1996. The original Bethany Chapel and today's Trinity Chapel have been the site of many memorable concerts, lectures, and recitals over the years, and certainly served as the cultural and artistic nerve center of the Bethany community for over 90 years. But since Bethany is founded especially on the principle of the “One Thing Needful,” it is on that that we now reflect. For one generation, the preacher was nearly always the president, S. C. Ylvisaker. In later years, all of the ordained professors on campus each took their turn as chapel speakers. But whether in the person of Ylvisaker or any of those who came after him, the chapel preachers at Bethany have preached under the commission of the Apostle Paul, “We preach Christ and Him Crucified.” He has been the Bread of Life at whose feet all of the Marys and Marthas, the Louises, Irmgards, Sigrids, the Olafs, the Larses, Walters, Davids, and Toms have come to dine at the banquet of the Word of God.
40th Anniversary of the Dobson Chapel Organ (Pictured on the cover) Plans are being made to celebrate the 40th Anniversary of the Chapel Organ, October 31 through November 2, 2019. Please watch future editions of this magazine and the Bethany Lutheran College website for details about the celebration and concerts during the Anniversary.
B E TH A N Y Magazine
A LUM N I
BLC Archive photo by David Norris
Pictured in 2005 from left are Dr. Ryan MacPherson, Christopher Nelson, Jerome Wardlow, Andrew Zondervan, and Dr. John Boubel.
A Guiding Hand Wardlow took what he learned in, outside the classroom and is paying it forward BY L ANCE SCHWARTZ • DIREC TOR OF INSTITUTIONAL COM MUNICATION
Each week, a newsletter is sent to the employees of Bethany Lutheran College. For the week that included the 2019 Martin Luther King Jr. holiday, the following prayer was published. Dear Father in Heaven, You created all people in Your image. We thank You for the amazing diversity of races and cultures in this world. We ask that You bless our campus and students with ever-growing circles of friendship created by the many cultures represented here at Bethany Lutheran College. We also humbly ask that You show us Your presence in those who differ most from us, until our knowledge of Your love is made perfect in our love for all Your children; through your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. Not long after the MLK Day observance, Bethany observed Black History Month with a variety of events across the campus. While black students have attended, and graduated, from Bethany Lutheran College for many decades, it was in 2005 that the first black graduate earned his bachelor’s degree from Bethany. His name is Jerome Wardlow. Wardlow came to Bethany from Milwaukee, Wisconsin, after being recruited to join the Vikings basketball team. “I learned of Bethany through Art Westphal. Basketball attracted me to Bethany, but my growth was fostered by many others. There was a moment after a game when my best effort was not on display. Coach [Rick] Jeddeloh made me practice alone with an assistant coach for close to an hour. Because of this moment, I knew he loved me. Giving
your best effort, and not relying on others all the time, was a lesson I needed to learn.” Growing up, Wardlow mentioned that his environment was, at times, challenging. He specifically acknowledged the mentoring and welcoming atmosphere at Bethany for playing a key role in setting his life and career on a path to success. “The peaceful environment. I never really had a place prior to Bethany that allowed me to escape the problems that people around me had.” Wardlow’s basketball teammate and roommate at Bethany was Jesse Pfeifer ('03). Pfeifer is the son of Bethany President Gene Pfeifer and Professor of Education Carrie Pfeifer. Long before the Pfeifers ever thought of coming to Bethany as employees, they were living and teaching in New Ulm, Minnesota. In what now seems like serendipitous circumstances, the Pfeifers got to know Wardlow and helped him on his path to graduation from Bethany. Wardlow explained their positive influence on his life and education. “They were the most influential in my growth because they recognized my shortcomings, accepted me despite them, and nurtured me to process things more effectively. Over the years, I have been able to process many of the lessons that I learned from being in and around their home for four years.” “When I reflect on my time at Bethany Lutheran College, I think of friends and the people that guided my growth the most.” Since earning his degree from Bethany, Wardlow has returned to Milwaukee and is now a mentor to youth in the city where grew up. He continued his collegiate education at Rockford College earning his certificate in special education. Wardlow currently teaches at Nathan Hale High School in the West Allis-West Milwaukee School District in both special education and English. Wardlow and his wife, Angela, are parents to two young children. Angela also teaches math and is department chair at Nathan Hale High School. Wardlow is an active community volunteer in the Milwaukee area. He currently coaches youth sports, and is also a board member and event communications chair for the Greenfield Girls Basketball Club. As BLC’s first black bachelor’s graduate, Wardlow helped to pave the way for Bethany’s increasingly diverse student body. Bethany is proud to be Jerome Wardlow’s alma mater. We wish him continued success mentoring the youth of Milwaukee, Wisconsin. 21
CA M PUS N E WS
A PR I L 20 19
Keneally, a youth pastor in the Twin Cities. His personal story provided additional inspiration for Megan. Keneally graduated from both his bachelor’s There probably isn’t a day that you don’t hear about student loan debt. and master’s programs without debt. He did this by Stories proliferate the news proclaiming things such as, “Americans are intentionally choosing to work and live at home while more burdened by student loan debt than ever.” attending college. There’s no question student loans are a fact of life for most college Of course, Megan was already finished with graduates. Reports declare that nearly 70% of college students take out college when she met Keneally, and she had the debt student loans, and many will graduate with an average debt of $30,000, acquired. Yet, she wanted to pay it off as quickly including both private and federally-provided loans. And it’s not limited as possible. The question—how was she going to to college students alone. Many parents of college students also take accomplish this? on loan debt for their children’s education. The answer was to limit her spending. A recent article in Forbes magazine stated that AmerShe decided to live with her aunt rather icans owe over $1.5 trillion in student loan debt, spread than paying rent while she was getting out among about 44 million borrowers. That’s about $520 established. It was a huge savings. She billion more than the total U.S. credit card debt. also followed the principles of radio talk At Bethany Lutheran College (BLC), we’re acutely aware show host Dave Ramsey and his Financial of the impact of student loan debt. Our financial aid Peace University. One only has to tune office does its very best to ensure that students leave the into Ramsey’s talk show to hear of people campus with as little debt as possible. with 30, 40, 50 or even $100,000 and Megan Cavanaugh (’17) is a recent Bethany graduate. more in student loan debt. Megan Cavanaugh She carried about $35,000 in student loan debt after leavThese cost-saving strategies were ing Bethany. As BLC grads go, it’s a little more than normal. And Megan probably the most important steps Megan used to wasn’t exactly thrilled with the prospect of carrying that much debt as become college-debt free just over two years after she entered the work world—and she didn’t for long. Megan worked graduating. There were other tactics she employed, hard to shed that debt in less than two years after graduation. and they’re documented on her own blog. Megan is And while her situation isn’t typical, Her path to eliminating student also a writer, and she is working towards publishing debt started already as a freshman at Bethany. How did she do it? For a book about her debt-shedding experience. Readers starters, she started paying down her loans while she was in college. can catch up with her writing by visiting her personal She worked quite a bit her freshman year using her earnings to pay blog found at autocorrectmylife.wordpress.com. for college. She slowed the pace her junior and senior years, but still Of course, this advice comes with the caveat, worked weekends. All with the goal of getting done in four years and 'results are not typical,' and as Megan noted, “It’s limiting her loans as much as possible. maybe not for everybody,” However, it is possible to Megan explained, “At the time, I didn’t like it, but it’s what I had to do.” take personal steps that allow for a little more finanIn addition, while she was a student at Bethany, Megan took a busicial freedom and elimination of student loan debt ness finance class taught by Jeff Younge. Younge covered personal more quickly than the terms of a typical student loan. finance and debt, so she was aware of the challenges that were ahead We wish Megan Cavanaugh all the best as she of her. As a result, Megan started to think more about life after college, continues her quest to become a published author and elminating the remaining college loan debt. with the goal of helping others through telling her Megan said after graduation, she became acquainted with Josiah story about shedding college debt. 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
22
B E TH A N Y Magazine
CA M PUS N E WS
Departmental News and Campus Briefs The Minnesota Association for College Admission Counseling (MACAC) recognized the Bethany Lutheran College Admissions Office as a founding member of Camp College. In 2014, MACAC (with BLC’s Dan Tomhave as its president) started an initiative for a summer program to promote college readiness with first generaDan Tomhave tion college students and students of diversity. While numerous universities were in support of the program, there was no college willing to take on the work load of hosting students in the summer program. Bethany served as a host from 2015–2018. The program will now be rotated to various Minnesota universities and colleges, as was originally the intent. Bethany’s Math-Science Division was awarded a grant from the Minnesota chapter of the American Chemical Society to help fund a Summer Science Camp in June 2019. The four-day camp is geared toward middle school students from south-central Minnesota and involves activities in chemistry, biology, and engineering. The faculty and staff in Bethany’s Meyer Hall of Mathematics and Science hosted a chili feed on February 25, 2019, for students. It’s become an annual tradition in Meyer Hall, this being the fifth time the building has hosted the feed. The first was in 2015. Nearly 170 people enjoyed the chili and treats. The BLC eSports club attended an eSports event at the Target Center in Minneapolis. Students were introduced to professional NBA 2k Live players IFEAST and HOOD. Kaden Vaughn ('22) was selected from the crowd to play against a professional player. The game ended with Vaughn winning by one point. Afterwards, students watched the Timberwolves basketball team play the Sacramento Kings.
Submitted photo
Bethany staff with members of the Minnesota Association for College Admission Counseling.
Submitted photo
Students gathered in Meyer Hall for some chili which is an annual event hosted by the faculty and staff.
Submitted photo
Bethany's eSports club attended an event at the Target Center in Minneapolis.
23
CA M PUS N E WS
A PR I L 20 19
They'll See You
IN COURT
Photos courtesy of Sara Edwards
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
From left: Olivia Lippert, Silas Petersen, and Maddy Elmquist.
Mock trial team begins inaugural season There’s a new team on campus! Bethany’s first-ever mock trial team made history by competing at the American Mock Trial Association (AMTA) regional meet in Wheaton, Illinois, on February 8-10, 2019. Bethany Professor of Legal Studies Sara Edwards is one of the team’s three coaches. She explained the history behind the launch of Bethany’s newest competitive team. “The idea to have a mock trial team came from the Bethany Law Club and legal studies students who were interested in starting a team. We did a mock trial for fun at the Blue Earth County courthouse last year, and students found it to be a great learning experience, so they wanted to take it to the next level and learn to compete regionally and nationally. In addition, students who had participated in high school mock trial wanted to use their experience to compete at a collegiate level.” That mock trial at the Blue Earth County Courthouse in the spring of 2018 set the stage for the group to become an official competitive team at BLC. The mock trial had every feeling of authenticity as it was held in a real courtroom with Mankato criminal defense attorney Calvin Johnson, J.D., acting as judge. The event was open to students from the legal studies/paralegal program and Bethany Law Club, and there were also many BLC staff and faculty who either participated or watched the proceedings.
24
“It was an amazing learning experience for our students and for all of those who attended. I was so proud and impressed with all of them.” - SA R A E DWA R DS , J D
The students started their preparations at the beginning of the semester and met several times to prepare their case strategies, opening and closing statements, and witness questions. “It was an amazing learning experience for our students and for all of those who attended. I was so proud and impressed with all of them,” said Edwards. “They were knowledgeable, professional, confident, and poised during the entire event. This will give them an advantage when applying to law school or when pursuing any law-related career.”
B E TH A N Y Magazine
Bethany’s other mock trial coaches include alumnus Paul Gunderson (’07) who is the Assistant County Attorney in Brown County (Minnesota), and Ryan Drea, an Assistant Public Defender for Blue Earth County (Minnesota). The AMTA was founded in 1985 by Richard Calkins who was then the Dean of Drake Law School. The AMTA serves as the governing body for intercollegiate mock trial competition, and sponsors regional and national-level competitions, as well as providing interesting and complex case materials for academic use. Currently, ten students are participating on Bethany’s mock trial team. They train for tournaments in Bethany’s Honsey Hall by preparing opening and closing statements, direct exam questions, cross examination questions, and any trial exhibits they might need to use. Madison Barber ('19), a senior legal studies student at Bethany, and member of the mock trial team, explained her connection. “I chose to be involved in mock trial because I am a legal studies major who is intending on going to law school after graduating from Bethany. Being involved on this team provides me with very valuable skills moving forward.” The preparation for mock trial competition can be both intense and a significant time commitment. Barber continued, “We started practicing in November for the mock trial event in Wheaton, Illinois. From there, we would practice every Sunday for two hours. The closer we got to the tournament the more frequently we would meet. “Preparing for a competitive mock trial has definitely been a learning experience. The time we’ve spent on this is a lot, and at times stressful, but the knowledge we are gaining is very valuable. For example, we went to a scrimmage at Macalester (St. Paul, Minnesota). It was difficult and the teams were very experienced, but we learned so much and got amazing feedback.” Approximately 700 teams from over 400 universities and colleges compete in AMTA-sponsored tournaments each year. In total, AMTA provides a forum for over 5,300 undergraduate students to engage in intercollegiate mock trial competitions across the country. The top teams from each regional
CA M PUS N E WS
Students from Bethany competed for the first time at a regional mock trial tournament in Wheaton, Illinois, in February 2019.
tournament advance to compete nationally. While the top teams are vying for championships, individual awards are also given to the top attorneys and top witnesses at each tournament, based on their performance. But the end goal of the mock trial participation is more about preparing for the future than winning accolades at the competition, explained Barber. “After mock trial is all said and done, I hope to be more confident and comfortable in a court room setting.” Edwards shared similar sentiments about the goal for Bethany’s team. “I hope students gain a better understanding of the trial process. I also hope that they gain the confidence to see themselves in law-related careers in the future.” The team successfully competed at the Wheaton AMTA event, and came one trial away from advancing into the next round of competition. In first round balloting, Bethany’s plaintiff’s attorneys, including Olivia Lippert ('19), Maddy Elmquist ('19), and Silas Petersen (20') took first, second, and fourth place, and in their last round, the team took two out of the four top positions. The defense team, including David Evans ('20), Madison Barber, and David Lee ('22) were also successful in winning ballots and ranked among the top attorneys. Witnesses included Kate Nusbaum ('21), Trekka Johannes ('21), Anna Martinez ('22), and Miranda Wolff ('22).
25
A LUM N I
from our
ALUMNI 1940s Christopher (’46) and Ruth (Molnau ‘48) Faye have been married for 66 years.
A PR I L 20 19
Mike (’96) and Naomi (Lillegard ’97) Marzinske’s daughter Diana (Marzinske ‘14) Carter recently gave birth to a baby girl, Jaina Ruth Carter.
2000s Rusty Allison (’08) recently opened an after school and summer camp program in Mankato, Minnesota, called After School Ninjas. The business has seen significant growth and success in their first year of business.
2010s
p Lois (Iverson '49) Pieper celebrated her 90th birthday with a party at Bethany. Much of her family, including her sister Kay Tillotson (’51), and a number of classmates and friends were able to join her in celebrating on campus which included a tour. Lois was able to re-live her time as a student and share stories and memories.
1950s Elaine L. Bening’s (’55) granddaughter, Anna Knoelke will be graduating this semester with her doctorate of chiropractic from Palmer University in Davenport, Iowa.
1970s Barbara (Bloedel ’74) Becker is excited to announce that she is giving flute lessons to music students at Bethany Lutheran College.
p Hannah (Thiesfeldt ‘14) married Zachary Koronkiewicz on June 16, 2018, in Fond du Lac, Wisconsin. Hannah and Zak reside in Chicago, Illinois, where Hannah is a pediatric speech-language pathologist and Zak is a tax accountant. Adam and Lindsay (Brech ‘15) Schulz had a baby boy, Clayton Adam. He was born on October 24, 2018, weighed 7lbs. 10oz. and was 21 in. long. He’s pict ured at three months old.
1990s John (’96) and Stephanie (Kiel ’02) Merseth would like to announce the birth of their twin boys, Titus Charles and Jude Alexander. They were born on November 25, 2018. Titus was born at 3lbs 9oz., and Jude weighed in at 5lbs 6oz. Both babies are doing well, but due to their small size will be under observation as a precautionary measure. The Merseth family praises the Lord for bringing mother and babies safely through this early birth. 26
p Lucas Herd (‘15) and Emily (Franzen ’14) were married on September 22, 2018. They live in New Prague, Minnesota. Emily is a registered nurse for Mayo
Health Systems, and Lucas is Regional Product Representative for Cambria.
In Memoriam Gloria (Hoffman ‘55) Milbrath passed away in July 2018 after a battle of Acute Leukemia. Her memorial service was held on Monday, July 23, 2018, at Prince of Peace Lutheran Church in Fort Dodge, Iowa. Amanda ( Tjer nagel '57 ) Madson departed this life, and went to heaven o n W e d n e s d a y, March 20, 2019. Her funeral was held at Peace Lutheran C hurch in North Mankato on Saturday, March 23, 2019. In her heart, as she made the transition from her earthly home to her heavenly home, were the sentiments expressed in one of her favorite hymns: “Thanks to Thee, O Christ victorious! Thanks to Thee, O Lord of life! Death hath now no power o’er us, Thou hast conquered in the strife. Thanks because Thou didst arise And has opened Paradise! None can fully sing the glory Of the resurrection story. (ELH #354, 2) Mary Claire (Pechie ‘67) Micheel fell asleep in Christ on November 11, 2018, in Glendale, Wisconsin. A funeral was held at Loving Shepherd Evangelic al Lutheran Church on Friday, November 16, 2018.
B E TH A N Y Magazine
Bethany
RETROSPECT
Remembering a campus moment from years gone by.
DINERS DELIGHT: The dining center in Old Main has seen dramatic changes over the years. Moving from the second floor to the lower level, a single service line, as seen in this photo, to a buffet-style treatment and incremental changes in between. Do you recognize anyone from this photo or what year it was taken? Send your response to editor@blc.edu. Find more photos from years past on archives.blc.edu.
27
blc.edu/events
Calendar of events can be found at:
700 Luther Drive Mankato, Minnesota 56001-6163
blcvikings.com/events
Athletic events can be found at:
ADDRESS SERVICE REQUESTED
Non Profit Organization U.S. Postage PAID Twin Cities MN PERMIT No. 90100
