DECEMBER 2013
Bethany report
the magazine of bethany lutheran college
6 New track offered for English major 9 Hawkwatch reaches new heights 12 Men’s Golf Team takes UMAC Championship
from the president
Remaining focused Roadmaps are valuable planning tools, whether used to plan a vacation or to lay out the next phase of a business expansion. Strategic plans serve colleges and businesses alike as specialized roadmaps. Over the course of the past year, a group of Bethany employees, graduates, and friends worked collaboratively to shape and update the strategic plan for the institution. The group represented a broad cross-section of those we serve from across the campus, the Mankato community, the Evangelical Lutheran Synod, and our alumni. It was truly a cross-section of those who love and support BLC. We didn’t need to look far to find a seasoned facilitator to help keep the conversation flowing. Jonathan Zierdt, the CEO of Greater Mankato Growth, our local economic development organization led the sessions. His ability to listen, gather, and synthesize information was an excellent asset to the planning process. A small taskforce began meeting in November 2012. Over the next few months they talked about what’s important to Bethany and how we might better serve our students, alumni, community and synod. They engaged others across campus, approximately 60 individuals, to look closely at the mission, purpose, and vision of Bethany Lutheran College. Often, these types of groups spend considerable time President Dan Bruss re-working the mission of an organization. This was not the case at Bethany. It was evident from the onset that Bethany Lutheran College is an organization that certainly knows and embraces its identity in higher education. As we continue to investigate and incorporate new programs, courses, and co-curricular opportunities for our students, Bethany will remain focused on our core ambitions—that is to produce graduates who have a clear sense of Christian vocation and who will use their abilities to help others in both their communities and their churches. That’s been Bethany’s longstanding mission, and will continue to be, Lord willing and drives the use of all of our resources. This gives us the solid foundation to provide opportunities that mesh with the ongoing and ever-changing world of higher education. One example of a recent addition to our academic program is highlighted in this edition of the Report magazine. This edition contains information about a new program we are offering in multimedia writing. Look to this publication in the coming months for future announcements about these types of initiatives. I ask for your continued prayers and support for this special institution atop McMahon Hill. May God bless you in the New Year.
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Bethany report editor, writer | Lance Schwartz designer, photographer | David Norris proofreader | Andrew Rustad contributing writer | Lars Johnson contributing writer | Joseph Tischler contributing writer | Jake Yenish Please direct all correspondence, letters, news, corrections, and comments to: Bethany Lutheran College Bethany report 700 Luther Drive Mankato, MN 56001-6163 Email: alumni@blc.edu | www.blc.edu 507.344.7000 | 800.944.3066 FAX: 507.344.7417 ISSUE: CXXIX The Bethany Report is published three times yearly by the Bethany Lutheran College Office of Institutional Communication and distributed free of charge to the college’s students, faculty, staff, alumni, and friends. All contents © COPYRIGHT 2013 Bethany Lutheran College. Articles, images or photographs may not be reproduced without written permission. Mission: Bethany Lutheran College, owned and operated by the Evangelical Lutheran Synod, is a private, residential, liberal arts college committed to the teachings of the Bible as set forth in the Lutheran Confessions. Bethany provides studies culminating in a bachelor of arts degree. The college serves Lutherans and others by offering a challenging, student-centered approach to education that fosters spiritual development, intellectual and creative growth, self-understanding, and responsible citizenship. In keeping with its heritage, Bethany aspires to produce students with a clear understanding of Christian vocation, which encourages students to make the most of their God-given talents.
On the cover: A section of the Concert Choir during the Christmas at Bethany concert on Friday, December 8, 2013. For more photos and where to go to view the concert online, please turn to page 10. Photo by David Norris
report | december 2013
from the chapeL November 14, 2013 t. Paul teaches us: “See then that you walk circumspectly, not as fools but as wise, redeeming the time, because the days are evil.” Ephesians 5:15-16
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“Circumspectly.” That’s quite a word; it means to look around, watching for dangers. “Proceed cautiously” a road sign might say. We have been reminded in lectures, in homilies and in hymns that the Christian lives as a citizen of two kingdoms at the same time in an earthly kingdom, this world, created by God, but corrupted by human rebellion against God. Here we are governed by law and reason. At the same time in the spiritual kingdom of the Gospel of Christ, governed by God’s word, by faith, hope, and love. Both kingdoms are created by God, but living in both at the same time, the Christian lives in great tension, torn between the two. Living in the midst of decay and evil, we know there is another place awaiting us. That describes our life – our life as saint and sinner at the same time, and in the world but not of it. And this always raises the question for us: Rev. Erling Teigen How shall we live? And that is the question St. Paul addresses. Walk circumspectly, cautiously. When he wrote this, the days were evil – dangerous for Christians. He wrote this in Rome at a time of persecution under the emperor Nero. Not a lot has changed. The world is every bit as evil today: What God’s word says is wrong is right for this day; and what God’s word says is right is wrong for today. Then and now, it means that we are to be attentive to what is around us. When Paul cautions us to live “not as fools but as wise,” he reminds of Jesus’ parable of the wise and foolish virgins – the foolish ones let their oil run out, and the wise ones who conserved their oil as they awaited the bridegroom. And that is an image of our wait for our bridegroom, our Lord, to return to take us to the eternal wedding feast. What would wise living be? Paul describes it as “Redeeming the time.” One can imagine that being a great theme for a lecture on time management for college students (and professors) – especially at this
‘Both kingdoms are created by God, but living in both at the same time, the Christian lives in great tension, torn between the two. Living in the midst of decay and evil, we know there is another place awaiting us. That describes our life – our life as saint and sinner at the same time, and in the world but not of it.’
time of year. But that is not what the apostle is after here. He urges us to use the time in these last days wisely – to make sure of our soul’s salvation. You don’t know how much time is left. Seize the precious hours of grace and use this time to strengthen the faith your Lord has given you. Attend to the welfare of your soul, feeding it with God’s word as you await the fulfillment of his promise. You don’t have to be “old” to realize that you live in the last times; you don’t have to be the most astute student of current events; you don’t have to be a prophet, to understand that there is evil all around us. But more than that, there is evil within us – our old Adam, our corrupt nature, lives within us. Don’t think about the evil around you. Think of what is in your own heart. And that is also the evil of the last days. With that, the apostle aims us at the certainty of God’s Word to us. There our Lord feeds our faith; there he sets before us the object of our faith – the forgiveness of sins in Christ Jesus; salvation in the righteousness of our Lord. That is what he feeds us by his word and sacraments. Hymn writer Nicholas Selnecker has helped us to pray in his hymn “Lord Jesus Christ with us Abide”: “That pure we keep till life is spent, Thy holy Word and Sacrament; O prosper well Thy Word of Grace, And spread its truth in every place; O grant that in Thy holy Word We here may live and die, dear Lord; And when our journey endeth here, Receive us into glory there.” 3
campus news
New faculty and staff join campus Sarah Harstad (business administration) received her undergraduate degree from Bethany Lutheran College in business administration with a focus in marketing and management in 2004. In 2009, she graduated from Minnesota State Sarah Harstad – Mankato with a master’s in business administration. Harstad began her career in marketing at Taylor Corporation. She returned to Bethany where she worked in advancement for five years. After a short time as the coordinator of career services, she spent two years at Exclusively Diamonds in Mankato. “I have enjoyed every step along the way and am excited to be back on campus teaching in the business department. My husband, Derek, is also a Bethany graduate. We have two girls, ages three and one. It’s a very busy life but we are truly blessed to be a part of the Bethany family.” Andrew Krueger (business administration) grew up in Winona, Minnesota, and graduated from Winona State University in 1999 majoring in business administration. Just out of college, Krueger worked for Volkswagen Credit and Andrew Krueger Audi Financial Services in Libertyville, Illinois. While in Illinois, he earned an MBA from University of WisconsinParkside in 2003. During 2005-06 he attended the University of Minnesota and earned his teaching license and finished a masters of education degree from the
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University of Minnesota in 2009. Krueger began at Bethany as the head men’s and women’s tennis coach in 2012. He accepted a full-time position as a faculty member in 2013 in the business administration department. He will also be working with Stone Path Studios. “I was drawn to Bethany by the opportunity to move on to the next level from high school and to work in a Christian atmosphere that shares my fellowship; I’ve always been a member of the WELS—The Christian atmosphere was where I wanted to be.” Ashley Rand (mathematics) is a native of Litchfield, Minnesota. She attended Bethany for two years and then transferred to Minnesota State Mankato, where Ashley Rand she earned a bachelor of science degree in mathematics. Rand attended the University of Tennessee in Knoxville, where she earned her Ph.D. in May 2013. Her area of research was factorization. Rand noted, “While I was a student at Bethany, I enjoyed the familial atmosphere and appreciated the opportunities to grow in my faith. Then throughout graduate school, my ideal job was at a place like Bethany where students are the focus. So Bethany was a natural choice for me.” Rev. Timothy Schmeling (religious studies/German/history/philosophy) is an ordained Lutheran pastor. He is the son of Bethany Lutheran Theological Seminary President Gaylin Schmeling. Schemling was educated at Bethany Lutheran College (A.A.), Martin Luther College (B.A.), Lutherisches Theologisches Seminar [Leipzig, Germany], Bethany Lutheran Theological Seminary
(M.Div.), and the Graduate School of Concordia Seminary (A.B.D.). Prior to accepting a call to serve at Bethany, he served parishes in California and Florida. He is married to Annette (Habben) who is the daughter of a WELS missionary Tim Schmeling to Japan. Annette is a registered nurse and the couple has two small children. Schmeling noted, “I accepted a divine call to serve at Bethany Lutheran College so that I could help young people navigate their various vocations in life in light of the Christian faith, and equip them with the skills that a liberal arts training provides.” Greg Vandermause (production studio manager) is a native of Kiel, Wisconsin, and a Bethany alumnus. Vandermause says, “I attended Bethany mostly because my uncle, Professor Mark Wiechmann, persuaded me to get into TV production.” Vandermause graduated in 2006 from Bethany and from there headed east to work for ESPN in Bristol, Connecti- Greg Vandermause cut. He and his wife Melissa (‘05) were in Connecticut for the past six plus years where the couple’s two children (Brevinn 5, Vera 2) were born. “I was asked a lot about my decision to return to Bethany and why I wanted to come back. I simply wanted to be in a positive environment where I can share in the joy of what Jesus has done for me and for fellow believers. I wanted to grow in my career while having a bigger impact on others.”
report | december 2013
Faculty & Staff News Professor John Boubel and Associate Professor Ryan MacPherson accompanied ten students to the Northern Great Plains Historical Conference, which met in Hudson, Wisconsin, September 26 and 27, 2013. The students had the opportunity to participate in conference presentations representing a variety of approaches to history (social history, intellectual history, military history, etc.). MacPherson delivered the Constitution Day address, “Seven Things about the U.S. Constitution that Every College Student Needs to Know,” for University of Northwestern - St. Paul on September 16, 2013. Professor William Bukowski recently participated in the City of Mankato Traffic Signal Cabinet Mural Project. He painted a familiar landscape (Sibley Park) on a utility box at the corner of Cherry and Riverfront in downtown Mankato.
The Mankato Free Press and local radio and television stations featured Bukowski painting on location. Visiting Professor Sara BurgerEdwards delivered Bethany’s Constitution Day address, “You Can Get There from Here: A Presentation to Commemorate Chief Justice Warren Burger,” on September 17, 2013. Her presentation discussed the life and career of Chief Justice Burger, her great-uncle.
Associate Professor Mark DeGarmeaux and his wife Rebecca DeGarmeaux, Professor Mark Harstad and his wife Peggy Harstad performed several times over the past months, including Bethany’s Fall Festival on September 21, with the Mankato Nordic
Dancers, a Scandinavian folk dance group connected with Mankato Sons of Norway. Mark DeGarmeaux also recently published a translation, Mother of the Reformation: The Amazing Life and Story of Katharine Luther, by Ernst Kroker, through Concordia Publishing House. A radio interview about the book was broadcast on KFUO radio. DeGarmeaux also wrote an endorsement/review of the English translation of Walther’s Hymnal, published by Concordia Publishing House. And, he gave a presentation on the writings of U. V. Koren (founder of Luther College) at Norskedalen Heritage Center, Coon Valley, Wisconsin. Professor Mark Harstad and Associate Professor Dr. Ryan MacPherson had roles in the June 16 production of a play, The Oak Trees Still Stand. The play was commissioned by the Evangelical Lutheran Synod Historical Society and was written and directed by Bethany Seminary student Michael Lilienthal.
The play tells the story of the origin of the ELS. The cast and crew consisted of current Bethany students, alumni, faculty, and members of faculty families. Professor Erling Teigen provided an introductory lecture, which explained the historical setting of the play and the various characters in the play. Professor Emeritus Sig Lee wrote a review of the production for the Historical Society newsletter. Mark Harstad and his brother Dr. Peter Harstad provided a program for the Story City, Iowa, Chapter of Sons of Norway International in July 2013. Peter Harstad provided an illustrated lecture on the history of Norwegian immigration into central Iowa in the 1850s and 60s. Mark Harstad told stories about the experiences of an immigrant family from the collection of stories written by his grandfather Peder G. Tjernagel, whose parents made the journey to central Iowa by covered wagon in 1864. Associate Professor Matthew Riehl attended the 61st Midwest Association of Chemistry Teachers at Liberal Arts Colleges annual meeting at Westminster College in Fulton, Missouri. While there he reconnected with Dr. Jeremiah Erickson (Bethany’s first bachelor’s chemistry graduate) who recently completed his doctorate in inorganic chemistry at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. Assistant Professor Timothy Schmeling presented lectures at the Lutherisches Theologisches Seminar (Lutheran Theological Seminary) in Leipzig, Germany, in late September 2013. This is the seminary of the Evangelical Lutheran Synod’s German sister church, the EvangelischLutherische Freikirche (Evangelical Lutheran Free Church). For many years the Evangelisch-Lutherische Freikirche had the great task of boldly confessing the Lutheran doctrine of the Sacred Scriptures from behind the Iron Curtain.
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campus news
Multimedia Writing
New English track joins forces with Media Arts and Communication
By Lars Johnson Associate Professor, English
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n May, 2013, the Bethany Lutheran College faculty assembly approved a new track in English: multimedia writing. The impetus for developing a writing track was the realization that many students majoring in English, as well as those that expressed an interest in English, did so because they were creative writers. While we wanted to enable and foster students’ creative writing, we also recognized that after graduation they would likely need ways to keep “the wolf” at bay, their refrigerators full, and the lights turned on while hammering away at the next great American novel or epic poem. Hence, in addition to traditional creative writing genres and print publication, we knew we needed to account for the prevalence and variety of electronic, digital, and “new media” texts currently being produced and consumed. Because of the rapid and ever-changing nature of media and technology, we also had to consider how best to serve students who would enter a market of always “emerging” technologies and textual production. We believe the multimedia writing track addresses all of these concerns and is, moreover, a wholly unique program, one that doesn’t exist at any other college in the Minnesota Private College Council. The process of developing the curriculum took the better part of two years and entailed a great deal of primary and secondary research. In addition to examining the creative and technical writing programs at a wide variety of colleges and 6
universities, we looked at the kinds of jobs our graduates would likely be competing for and we interviewed a number of working professionals at for-profit and non-profit organizations. Some of these were publishing houses while others were less obviously associated with the study of literature and writing, like banks, insurance companies, and computer software companies. A common theme that arose, however, was the need for critical and creative thinkers and skilled writers who also had some facility with technology, and who would be able to enhance inter-organization communications, produce persuasive promotional and public relations documents, and manage social media. Our program, which marries the close study of texts and writing with electronic and digital technologies, will prepare our graduates to meet these needs. The multimedia writing track curriculum includes all the requirements for the English major—36 credits in literature and writing courses—as well as a series of core courses drawn from media arts and communication. Thankfully, Bethany has a long-standing commitment to and belief in the liberal arts, which includes interdisciplinary approaches to education. This enabled us to collaborate with the media arts and communication departments in the development of our program in a way that is, perhaps, less easy at other institutions. Due to the nature of textual production that informs our current moment, the ability to collaborate with these departments is crucial to our program and to the success of our graduates. Our program also benefits from the
resources Bethany has been blessed with, which offer our students cutting-edge facilities and technologies in and with which to work. In order to further ensure that our graduates will be competitive, the multimedia writing track also requires students to develop a portfolio comprised of artifacts from each of the three departments, and complete an internship with an organization that includes writing, production, and management of texts. While all students pursuing this track are required to complete the coursework in media arts and communication, we recognize that not everyone will be primarily interested in graphic design and technical communication; mass and social media. Instead, more traditional genres (fiction, creative non-fiction, poetry) and modes of publication are what keeps them up into the wee hours of the morning in search of the right word, the compelling image, and just the right tone for a bit of dialogue. The literature and writing requirements, which include writing workshop courses, enable students to immerse themselves in classic and contemporary works of literature, to read and understand those works as writers, to develop their writing voices and visions through imitation and practice, and to discuss and revise their own original works in workshops that are small, supportive, and hands-on. In other words, students don’t have to be “techies” to pursue and succeed in this track, but, by the time they graduate, all students will have a fundamental knowledge of and practical experience using technologies that inform the production and consumption of texts report | december 2013
in the twenty-first century. More important than the creative and practical opportunities and experiences students will have in the multimedia writing track, is that our curriculum, like all others at Bethany, is guided by the “One Thing Needful,� and, therefore,
stresses an ethic of Christian service and leadership. Using language to produce artful, persuasive, and rich texts is what students will do, but always in light of the responsibilities we have as Christians. Thus, independent critical thinking rooted in the foundation of the Gospel,
the consideration of responsible citizenship and Christian stewardship, and the relationship between their work as writers (multimedia textual producers) and their roles in family, workplace, church, and community will inform their classes, projects, and field experiences. 7
student news
Collaboration puts Beyer on right course By Lance Schwartz Director of Institutional Communication
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ssociate Professor Patty Lind, like so many of our Bethany faculty, possesses a special ability to understand how to help students realize their potential and place in this world. And while the goal is to ensure that students fully recognize their career options, the task is always done with a focus on the student’s role as a Christian. Take, for example, Lind’s assessment of Bethany senior, Janessa Beyer. “Janessa is tender-hearted with tenacity as needed.” Lind should know, because she’s been mentoring Beyer while she works toward her career goal of becoming an administrator at a long-term care facility for the senior population. Beyer has wanted to work in the area of gerontology for nearly as long as she can remember. This love for working with the elderly is a passion that Lind also shares. The difficult part of the equation for both Beyer and Lind (who teaches in the health and human performance division) is the fact that Bethany doesn’t offer a program in gerontology. Yet even without a gerontology program, Lind has been able to help Beyer really hone in on some of the specifics of both gerontology and long-term care through both independent study options and simply going out of her way to find opportunities for Beyer to learn more about the discipline. In order to help the learning process, Lind and Beyer have attended several conferences recently where national leaders in this field have presented. This includes a conference titled “Understanding the Needs of the Dying” which featured renowned author, lecturer, and death and grieving expert, David Kessler. Both also attended the Mayo Clinic Geriatric Care Conference in April 2013. These extra educational efforts will serve Beyer well as she prepares to enter the 8
Photo by David Norris
Student Janessa Beyer has been working with Associate Professor Patty Lind to enhance her career options in gerontology.
workforce and also continue her studies at the graduate level after she earns her degree from Bethany in May 2014. Now, back to that tender-hearted/ tenacity quality of Beyer’s: it’s true that a caring heart is an attribute that a person looking to work with the elderly will need. Beyer has been able to utilize that caring quality often as she’s been volunteering a great deal at Mankato’s Pathstone Living facility. Pathstone was formerly known as the Mankato Lutheran Home. In fact, Beyer struck up a friendship with an elderly lady who resides at the facility. This lady enjoyed Beyer’s conversation and occasional guitar playing and looked forward to her weekly visits. Neither of the two knew at the time their natural connection, but as it turned out the lady who so much enjoys Beyer’s visits is Mrs. Violet Holte, the widow of former Bethany President Norman Holte. And about that tenacity: Beyer is truly focused and committed to her goals. She’s taken the initiative to reach out to and interview nearly a dozen people working in the field of senior care in the Mankato area. From that experience she has already mapped and written down goals for her
career ambitions, including her desire to focus efforts on elderly malnutrition. Surely that tenacity will assist Beyer as she looks to the future. Of the experience at Bethany, Beyer says she is thankful for her professors’ willingness to adapt her coursework and the helpful attention that she has received as a student. This not only includes the help she’s received in attending conferences with Lind, but also the ability to work independently with Assistant Professor Jennifer Wosmek. Beyer has been involved with Wosmek’s Supervised Study class in the psychology department. Beyer noted, “The Bethany professors helped me with the resources I needed to achieve my dreams, allowing me to take those dreams to the next level.” And as Beyer looks to graduate, she’s most thankful for the option Lind and others gave her to “…take my program beyond the coursework.” Judging by the ambition Beyer has shown during her studies at Bethany, she’ll most likely be taking her career beyond the stated expectations in her job description as well, and making her mark in the world of longterm care for the senior population.
report | december 2013
campus news
Hawkwatch sets new count record By Lance Schwartz Director of Institutional Communication
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ssistant Professor of Biology Chad Heins began a small raptor counting project on the Bethany campus in 2002. It’s safe to say that Heins would never have predicted the amount of bird counting success this effort has seen in the last decade. The effort built slowly and has seen its counts and popularity grow with each passing migration season. Several Bethany students, together with a handful of community raptor counters, take to the sky gazing for birds nearly every day of the week near the front door of Bethany’s Meyer Hall of Science and Mathematics. The program, now named Bethany Hawkwatch, counted its 4,170th raptor of the fall season on December 15, 2013. This count now makes the Bethany Lutheran College observation site second in Minnesota only to Duluth’s world famous Hawk Ridge. Bethany’s counts continue to grow due to the additional help that has occurred from both student and community help. This is the third consecutive fall with over 2,000 migrating raptors counted atop the Minnesota River bluffs in Mankato. Heins notes, “We’ve been counting hawks since 2003, but serious data collection did not start until the following year. We’ve been improving our coverage consistently for the last four years. I have a few faithful students and we have one extremely faithful volunteer from the community who is here nearly every day— Jim Amundson.” Heins explains the great help Amundson has given to the program. “The problem with having students and professors man our hawkwatch station is that we have classes to attend. Jim is helping us fill some of those gaps in our observation times and particularly with
some afternoon times when I have labs.” When Amundson retired, he was looking for an outlet for his bird watching habit. He’s now become a friend to many on campus as he takes a seat in front of Meyer Hall nearly every day of the week. Interestingly, Amundson was not a stranger to Bethany before he took up his spot with binoculars. “Jim spent many hours doing some of the fine construction on our campus and remembers fondly looking at flocks of Broad-winged Hawks going over while working on the roof,” says Heins. The goal for 2013 was to have the station manned 120 hours (30 more than last year); with Amundson’s help, and the the help of many student volunteers, they easily surpassed that goal. As of December 15, 2013, nearly 410 counting hours had been logged. Detailed counts for the fall season can be obtained at www.hawkcount.org/ bethany.
Above: Community volunteer Jim Amundson (left) and Bethany student Zach Rinehart were part of the Bethany Hawkwatch which spots and records the number of raptors passing through. Photos by David Norris
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Celebrating Christmas at Bethany The 2013 Christmas at Bethany concerts were held December 4-8 in Trinity Chapel. Appreciative crowds filled the Chapel and the concerts warmed the attendees during the season’s first winter weather. Two of the performances were streamed live on the Internet and a recording is available to view on Bethany’s YouTube channel.
View more photos: www.blc.edu/photo-gallery Watch the concert: youtube.com/bethanylutheran
Annual Bjarne Wollan Teigen Reformation Lectures
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he 2013 Bjarne Wollan Teigen Reformation Lectures were held October 31 and November 1 in the Ylvisaker Fine Arts Center on the Bethany Lutheran College campus. The topic for the annual event was “Confessional Lutheranism’s Answers to the Challenges of Modern Society.” Essayists were Prof. Mark Harstad of Bethany Lutheran College and Dr. Harold Senkbeil from DOXOLOGY The Lutheran Center for Spiritual Care and Counsel. 10
Harstad’s essay was titled “The Christian’s Vocation in the Three Estates: Family, Church, and Society” and Senkbeil’s essay was “The Christian Faces Contemporary Challenges.” Both of the essays, as well as the audience reaction and discussion, were recorded and can be listened to on the College’s website. Log on to blc.edu (search 2013 Reformation Lectures). The Bjarne Wollan Teigen Reformation Lectures are named in honor of Dr. B.W. Teigen, who faithfully served as
Prof. Mark Harstad
Dr. Harold Senkbeil
president of Bethany Lutheran College from 1950-1970. He first established this annual series of lectures in 1965. report | december 2013
fine arts
By Jake Yenish Theatre
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wenty years ago Bethany Lutheran College saw something new on the stage of the Ylvisaker Fine Arts Center—Theatre Physics. What once was an obscure, little-understood experiment in creativity is now still a little-understood experiment in creativity, but one with a reputation for great entertainment! Over the years, 161 different people have been a part of the Theatre Physics cast, in many cases performing over multiple years. With the 20th anniversary of the production, many of those cast members returned for the performance and several were invited to perform in the spirit of Theatre Physics “one more time.” Theatre Physics XX was a “best of” performance. In many cases reviving previous skits, incorporating the original cast members, or taking previous skit ideas and allowing this year’s cast to make it their own. It has been, and remains, a creative whirlwind of an experience. In addition to the performance: this year’s Fall Festival Alumni Reception took the time to recognize the achievement and the impact Theatre Physics has had on
the College over the years. Many of the faces that have graced the stage over years were present at the reception and many more sent their well wishes to Peter Bloedel and the cast in e-mails and video messages. What is truly outstanding about Theatre Physics is that it has become part of the culture of Bethany Lutheran College. It is an example of one of the many small things unique to Bethany that is almost inconceivable to do without. Theatre Physics captures a part of the energy and enthusiasm the students at Bethany Lutheran College possess. It is a snapshot of their creativity and passion. And over the course of its twenty years, it is and will remain a unique performance with a reputation for great entertainment!
View photos from the 2013 show: www.blc.edu/photo-gallery Watch this year’s and past performances: youtube.com/bethanylutheran
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VIKINGS VIKINGS VIKINGS VIKINGS VIKINGS VIKINGS VIKINGS VIKINGS VIKINGS
athletics
Men’s golf takes UMAC Championship By Joe Tischler Coordinator of Sports Information
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he Bethany men’s golf team is no stranger to winning an Upper Midwest Athletic Conference (UMAC) championship. The program won the title in 2007, but since the school was going through a transition to NCAA Division III from junior college, the victory didn’t come with a bid to the national tournament. The 2013 Vikings team had a great chance of adding another trophy to the case as they held a 28-shot lead going into the final round of the UMAC Men’s Golf Championship at the Jewel Golf Club in Lake City, Minnesota, in early October 2013. The team wound up extending that margin to 40 strokes by tournament’s end, giving BLC its second crown. This championship will come with a trip to the national tournament, as they have automatically qualified for the 2014 NCAA Division III Men’s Golf Championship to take place May 13-16 at Grandover Resort in Greensboro, North Carolina. The men’s golf team becomes the
Submitted photo
From left: Coach Daniel Mundahl, Sammy Bolliger, Jon Pederson, Josh Pederson, Austin Snow, and Andrew Aukes.
second Bethany team to qualify for an NCAA tournament. The women’s softball squad earned the right in the spring of 2013. Bethany shot a three-round total of 942 with Crown College coming in second at 982. The University of Northwestern was third at 984 and North Central University finished fourth at 988. Austin Snow started out strong during the opening round of the tournament by carding a two-over par 73 to hold a
three-shot lead. He held on to the lead after the second round, and after shooting a 74 for the final round he became the wire-to-wire winner of the individual tournament to earn conference medalist honors with a three-day total of 223. Snow’s teammate, Jon Pederson, earned All-Conference recognition by coming in third place with an overall score of 230. Andrew Aukes finished tied for ninth (243) and Josh Pederson was tied for 12th (247).
Don Westphal named athletic director A thletics at Bethany Lutheran College includes a tradition of success at both the junior college and NCAA Division III levels of competition. These dual traditions are not lost on Don Westphal, Bethany’s new director of athletics. Westphal, a familiar face to the Bethany community, began his new role in July 2013 after serving the College for 20 years in the admissions department. Thirteen of those years were spent as the dean of admissions. “I’m looking forward to re-engaging with our past Bethany athletes,” he said. “During their time representing BLC, many of our athletic alumni experienced a great deal of success with individual 12
honors and team championships. Bethany has a very proud and rich athletic tradition and I want to honor that heritage as our department will continue to provide athletes with an opportunity to excel in the athletic arena and in the classroom.” Westphal earned his associate’s Don Westphal degree from Bethany in 1987 and continued his education at the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities where he received his bachelor of arts degree in mass communications/journalism. He went on
to earn a master of arts degree in sports administration from Minnesota State University, Mankato. While working for the college in the admissions department, Westphal also served in the area of sports information and public relations for Bethany for several years. “I am extremely honored to be named director of athletics at Bethany,” said Westphal. “Having worked here for the past two decades within both the admissions and athletic departments, I’m keenly aware of the tremendous importance intercollegiate athletics has on our campus, especially with the commitment to a Christian focus that Bethany has.”
report | december 2013
Fall athletics By Joe Tischler Coordinator of Sports Information
Men’s Soccer The Vikings had a very successful season qualifying for the Upper Midwest Athletic Conference (UMAC) postseason tournament for the third time in four years after going 9-5 in conference play and 11-9 overall. Benjamin Moldstad (North Mankato, Minn./Minnesota Valley Lutheran) led the squad in scoring with 26 points and was fifth in the UMAC in goals with ten. Moldstad was named to the UMAC AllConference Second Team for the second straight season. Senior midfielder Juan Garcia (Arlington, Minn./Sibley East) earned First Team honors after being named to the Second Team the previous season. Joining Moldstad on the Second Team was senior defender Johnny Luna (Reno, Nev./Incline) who makes the squad for the third consecutive year. Getting Honorable Mention recognition was sophomore Michael Loguercio (Tavernier, Fla./Coral Shores).
Women’s Soccer Three women’s soccer players earned UMAC All-Conference honors in 2013. Sophomore defender Bridget Hennen (Apple Valley, Minn./St. Croix Lutheran) was named to the Second Team while two others earned Honorable Mention: junior forward Taylor Friehl (Albert Lea, Minn./Albert Lea) and freshman defender Abby Goss (Neenah, Wis./Fox Valley Lutheran). The squad finished with a 5-11-3 record and 4-8-2 mark in the UMAC, good for sixth place.
Volleyball The volleyball program saw an increase in victories under first year head coach John Olmanson, but fell just short of
Benjamin Moldstad
Jessi Jurries
Chelsea Green
Lauren Farquhar
Men’s Cross Country
Bridget Hennen
Austin Snow
qualifying for UMAC postseason play finishing with a 6-8 conference mark and 7-20 record overall. Junior Jessi Jurries (Trimont, Minn./ Martin County West) had a solid season finishing third in the conference in digs per set (4.09) and fourth in digs (352). Junior Katie Krieger (Blue Earth, Minn./Blue Earth Area) and freshman Kristen Mielke (New Germany, Minn./ Mayer Lutheran) both placed in the top five in blocks per set (0.96 and 0.83, respectively) and senior Kasslin Swenson (Nicollet, Minn./Nicollet) cracked the top five in service aces per set (0.33). Sophomore Miranda Krenske (Faribault, Minn./Faribault) earned UMAC Honorable Mention recognition.
Women’s Golf Sophomore Chelsea Green (Granada, Minn. / Granada-Huntley-East Chain) was the team’s top golfer all season taking medalist honors in two invites and finishing in the top five in two others. The Vikings placed ninth at the Northern Athletics Collegiate Conference championships.
The men’s team took a step forward finishing fourth at the UMAC championships a year after placing Owen Richardson seventh. Freshman Owen Richardson (Lake Elsinore, Calif./California Lutheran) paced the young team all season, being the first Viking to cross the finish line at most meets. He earned All-Conference honors by placing sixth at the conference meet.
Women’s Cross Country Just like the men, the women’s team showed major improvement as well coming in third place at the UMAC championships a year after also coming in seventh. Freshman Lauren Farquhar (Plymouth, Minn./Wayzata) had a stellar first season. She placed third at the conference meet to earn All-UMAC honors, won the Martin Luther Invitational, and was named UMAC Runner of the Week twice. Fellow freshman Megan Sauer (Lismore, Minn./Adrian) also had a successful campaign as she was the number two runner behind Farquhar and placed 11th at the conference meet to earn All-Conference honors.
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VIKINGS VIKINGS VIKINGS VIKINGS VIKINGS VIKINGS VIKINGS VIKINGS VIKINGS
athletics
campus news
Alumnus gives talk about new book B
ethany alumnus Colin Mustful visited the College’s Memorial Library on Tuesday, November 5, 2013, to talk about his new publication from Tate Publishing Thy Eternal Summer The U.S. - Dakota Conflict of 1862. Mustful is both an author and historian with an extensive background in Native American history. He earned his associate’s degree from Bethany in 2003 and went on to earn a master of arts degree in history from Minnesota State University, Mankato. Currently, he is working on his second historical fiction novel surrounding the events and people of the Spirit Lake Massacre of 1857. Mustful’s focus of study has been the “subjugation and extinguishment of the Native American as well as the reasoning and justifications for such actions by those who have sought to expel, erase, and destroy western indigenous cultures.” One such work includes the author’s master’s thesis entitled, “The Generation of 1837: Attitudes, Policies, and Actions Toward Indian Populations of Argentina.” This particular work analyzes the extinguishment of Pampas Indians
Photo by Jake Krier
Colin Mustful spoke about his book, Thy Eternal Summer – The U.S.- Dakota Conflict of 1862.
throughout the nineteenth century as influenced and justified through the words and works of a group of political and intellectual elite known as the Generation of 1837. Regarding the Indians of Minnesota, the author has completed several works such as an essay entitled, “Unwarranted Expulsion: The Removal of the Winnebago Indians.” This work discusses the exile of the Winnebago Indians from the state of Minnesota as a result of the Sioux Uprising despite their
very limited involvement in the conflict. The author has also completed a work titled, “A Welcome Tragedy: Factors that Led to the U.S.-Dakota Conflict of 1862” in which the he concludes that the U.S.-Dakota Conflict was the foreseeable result of years of misconduct, fraud, and exploitation which was fostered by a corrupt Indian system. Mustful’s new publication is available through the publisher’s website, tatepublishing.com, and on Amazon.
Bethany Auxiliary supports success center
T
he enduring tradition known as Bethany Auxiliary Day took place on Monday, September 24, 2013. Supporters from throughout the Evangelical Lutheran Synod and beyond attend this special day every year. Their sole purpose is to support the students of Bethany with their gifts and prayers.
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This year’s speakers included William Soule, Bethany’s student senate president; Don Westphal, Director of Athletics; President Dan Bruss; John Moldstad, Synod President; Gaylin Schmeling, Seminary President; and Art Westphal, Chief Advancement Officer. The group was also entertained by a
number of talented student musicians. The Auxiliary voted to support both the Dorothy Theiste Memorial Auxiliary Scholarship ($5000) and the newly created Academic Success Center ($7500). Their ambitious project sponsorships bring needed and appreciated support to the campus on a yearly basis.
report | december 2013
Photo by David Norris
If you’re looking to pick up a copy of The Divers latest release, “Where You Are Now,” you can visit the band’s website at thedivers.com. Discs are also available at the Bethany Lutheran College Bookstore.
The Divers are (from left) Eric Halvorson, Peter Bloedel, Loren Halvorson, and Andy Overn.
Divers new recording surfaces By Lance Schwartz Director of Institutional Communication
F
ourteen years ago, the band The Divers was featured in this magazine where we reported about their latest recording. Little did we know, that would be the last recording we would hear from this Bethany Lutheran College favorite until 2013. Yes, the group of musicians and alumni which incudes two professors, Peter Bloedel and Andy Overn, is back with a new set of recordings and will be hitting the road on occasion to share the collection with appreciative audiences. The band started with the line up of Loren Halvorson (’86), Will Bauermeister (’87), and Bloedel (’89). Bloedel explained, “We just started jamming together and then started performing for banquets and talent shows on the BLC campus. One thing lead to another and we were a band. Will has since left the group and then Christian contemporary
music artist Jason Gray joined the band along with Loren’s brother, Eric Halvorson, in the 90s and we all recorded our Walkies in the Park album together. We then added Andy (Overn) (’84) on drums. Jason left the band about two years later and the four of us have been the current membership ever since.” Fourteen years between albums is a long time but maybe not for this group of musicians. When Bloedel was asked about this lengthy absence from the recording studio, he explained it this way. “It’s been very difficult to record while raising our children. We’ve been out performing and writing songs but we’ve never found the time to record. In the interim I have had the opportunity to write a musical (Jam Jar Sonnets) with Benji Inniger and together we put together a CD of the music for that show. When Benji moved back to town. I suggested to the Divers that we should give Benji a call to see if he’d be interested
in recording us. He was and things just got rolling from there.” The band performed during their absence from the recording studio, but rather than playing big shows in unfamiliar venues, the group enjoys playing for what might be called more appreciative audiences these days. Bloedel explains, “Performances have backed off for us a bit but we are interested in ramping that up again. We love to play and are very interested in “listening” crowds. We put a great deal of energy in how we perform and it’s never as fun for us if we are just meant to be ‘background music.’” As far as plans for the future, the band prefers to keep things loose. “We want to play more again and we’ll just have to see about recording. The way the music business is now it’s more and more common to release songs individually. We’ll have to see how that goes. We are definitely interested in playing more.” 15
alumni news
Barenz creating as artist in residence By Lance Schwartz Director of Institutional Communication
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“
t’s how I like to talk to people,” says Bethany alumna and visual artist Stephanie Barenz. The earliest memory Stephanie has of making art might be the “Charlie Brown” drawings she was doing on a sidewalk as a child. And the fact that her parents saw the talent behind those sidewalk drawings and encouraged her to continue creating was probably the only motivation a young artist would need to develop a talent that has propelled her to becoming a professional artist. Stephanie is the artist in residence at Milwaukee’s famed Pfister Hotel. The title is one she’s held since spring of 2013 and she’ll continue to enjoy until March 2014. Her inspiration seems to be the collection of places that she says, “provided a lot of ideas” for her artwork. As a child, she moved three times and now for the past ten years she says that she’s moved every year. Those moves include stops in Italy and China as well as graduate school in St. Louis, Missouri. The artist’s residency at the Pfister provides Stephanie with free studio space in one of the nation’s premier hotels as well as a stipend. The Pfister sees nearly 2,000,000 visitors on an annual basis and draws a high profile clientele that has afforded the artist visits with politicians, musicians, and athletes. When Stephanie applied for the residency, she had no idea that the concept for the position was actually the brainchild of two other Bethany alumni, Joe Kurth and Heidi Witz. Witz, being well connected in the Milwaukee art world as a co-founder of the Plaid Tuba (a personal assistant to creative professionals), established this high profile position as a way to promote the thriving Milwaukee art
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Photo by Jake Krier
Stephanie Barenz with her husband Zach Wiegman (left) and Kathy and Pres. Bruss at the Pfister Hotel gathering for alumni and friends of Bethany on November 2, 2013.
community. Kurth, was the general manager of the Pfister at the time and understood the importance of promoting the arts in the upscale hotel. Stephanie won the position over a large group of applicants and in the process had to go through a public vote and video interviews with a group of six other finalists before she was chosen to bring her unique, mixed media art to downtown Milwaukee. The workday is lively and diverse at the Pfister. Stephanie gives tours of the studio, creates art, and meets with hotel guests and media to explain the artistic process. She, and her husband, Zach Wiegman, who is an elementary school teacher in Milwaukee have also established a mentoring program for aspiring art students from St. Marcus School. Stephanie can sum of the benefit of the residency is one word, “Exposure!”
And of her experience at Bethany as an aspiring artist, Stephanie appreciates the candor and honesty of Professor Bill Bukowski. “Bill does an excellent job of making sure students challenge themselves.” “It’s better to make your mistakes when no one is really watching,” she added. “With Bukowski’s encouragement and mentoring, Bethany helped me to do this professionally.” And it wasn’t always praise she and other students at Bethany got from Bukowski. “Bill would tell you if your work was bad,” explained Barenz. But that was the impetus to get better. “It was having mentors that would also tell me, you can go and do this that helped me on my way!” To see more of Stephanie’s artwork, visit her website at stephaniebarenz.com.
report | december 2013
alumni news
Harold Krentz Celebrated his 85th birthday on March 24, 2013.
wedding anniversary on June 26, 2013. The couple has seven children who, with their spouses, have given them 26 grand children and seven great-grandchildren. Pastor and Mrs. Boniek attended the graduations at Bethany Lutheran College in May. He was perhaps the eldest Seminary graduate in attendance.
1952
1956
alumni news 1948
A photo taken at a recent get together for lunch of Lon (’53) and Miriam Meyer, Harold (’53) and Mabel Handel, and Harold and Arlene Theiste. Two couples living in Arizona (Meyer and Handel) and one living in North Carolina (Theiste) had lunch in St. Cloud, Minnesota, this past summer. Pictured from left: Harold Handel, Mabel (Swenson) Handel, Alene (Eichhorst) Theiste, Miriam (Jungemann) Meyer, Lon Meyer. Hal Theiste is behind the camera.
1953
Duane D. Anderson and his wife, Judy, moved to The Villages, Florida, three years ago. In the 1960s Duane designed 74 new churches for the Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod (WELS). Since then he has designed ten additions to churches he originally designed. In 1975, he designed the St. Timothy, Lombard, Illinois, church (ELS). He and Judy have the special joy of worshipping in the Open Bible Lutheran church (WELS) which he designed three years ago. Both St. Timothy and Open Bible have a wide, curved chancel wall which frames the altar, the pulpit, and the lectern. The acoustics are exceptional, due to the resulting resonance from the curved surface.
Belmont University. Susan has been married to Ralph Hopfensperger for more than 41 years. The couple has a son, daughter-in-law, and two grandchildren.
1983
Members from the class of ’83 came from four states to reunite for a weekend in Stillwater, Minnesota, in November 2012. Most of them hadn’t seen each other since graduating from BLC, but reconnected well and had a great time. Back row from left: Andrea Loduha, Mary Ring, Lisa Trueblood, Cindy Ryan. Front row from left: Ruth Petermann, Carla Homan, Esther Gullixson.
1988
1969 Jan and Tim Krentz celebrated 44 years of marriage in 2013.
1971
The Rev. Elmer Boniek, (Sem. ’53), ordained on June 28, 1953, celebrated 60 years in the Gospel Ministry on June 28, 2013. Though retired, he still occasionally preaches. He now lives with his wife, Sharon, in Corozal, Belize, Central America. They celebrated their 58th
After one year at Bethany, Susan Hopfensperger waited until her son was a junior in college before returning to school. After earning her associate in arts and sciences degree in Wisconsin, her husband’s job took them to Richmond, Virgina, for seven years. She obtained her bachelor of applied science - information systems, graduating summa cum laude from the University of Richmond. Another job transfer meant a move to Nashville, Tennessee, where she currently serves as the financial officer for the College of Business Administration at
Kerri (Leiferman) Outlaw recently graduated from Troy University in Troy, Alabama, with her doctorate in nursing. Her thesis on childhood obesity was accepted for publication and is due to be released the latter part of 2013. Kerri is employed as a professor of nursing in public health in the BSN program. She and her husband have been married 23 years and have three children: Ashton (22), Victoria (18), and Rhett (16). They reside in Troy, Alabama.
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alumni news 2002 Aaron Ferkenstad and his family recently moved back to Mankato as Aaron will be a first-year seminary student. He and his wife, Djem, are the apartment managers at Edgewood Place and are looking forward to all the babysitting help for one-year-old Adam. Djem is nervous about her first Minnesota winter, but they are excited for the next adventure in life! Matt and Joni (Dukleth ’05) Moldstad are living in Kissimmee, Florida,
where Matt is the pastor of Peace Lutheran Church. Joni is a stay-at-home mom to their three children: Christian (7), Caleb (5), Levi (3). Matt and Joni are expecting twin boys in March of 2014.
2004 Sarah Denn received her master of science – interactive media degree at Quinnipiac University, Hamden, Connecticut, on May 12, 2013. Sarah has moved back to Minnesota after working for ESPN in Bristol, Connecticut, since 2008.
2006
Brittany (Bowman) Konz gave birth to Brett Allen Konz June 5, 2013, who was 8 lbs.-10 oz. and 22-1/4 in. long. He joins big sister Kambrie, who is 18 months old. Rick and Ronda (Green) Kobylinski would like to announce the birth of their
2007
Allegra Reuter was engaged to Chad Davey (’04) on June 9, 2013, at Como Park Conservatory in Minnesota. A May 2014 wedding is planned.
2008
Kristen (Scislow) Budahn (daughter of Jim and Karen (Harstad) Scislow, both class of ’81) graduated in May from the University of Minnesota Medical School with her Doctorate of Medicine. Dr. Budahn is starting her three-year family medicine residency at Methodist Hospital and the Park Nicollet Creekside Clinic in daughter, Cora Jean, born March 27, St. Louis Park, and is excited to get to 2013, who was 9 lbs. 11 oz. and 21 in. deliver some more babies. She and her long. Cora was baptized into God’s husband, Bryan, continue to reside in family April 7 and was welcomed home Glencoe, Minnesota. Jesse (’07) and Rachel (Erhard) by her 3-year-old sisters, Elise and Myra. Scherber and big brother Kenton (2-1/2), Paulina Hellmann is engaged to Sterling Strickler, a Chief Petty Officer in
2005 Jesse (’03) and Liz (Hellmann) Hackenmueller were blessed with a baby girl, Jordan Elizabeth, May 15, 2013. Jordan was 10 lbs.-1 oz., and was 20-1/2 in. long. 18
the U.S. Navy Fleet Band. A July 2014 wedding is planned.
welcomed a baby boy, Evren Mark, on June 24, 2013. Jesse works at Carlin O’Brien in Eden Prairie and Rachel operates her parents’ five Subway stores. They are enjoying their newly built home in Waconia, Minnesota, as a family of four. report | december 2013
alumni news Improptu Reunion A recent impromptu gathering of alumni of Bethany in Bozeman, Montana, while Pres. Bruss and his son hiked and camped in southern Montana. Current Bozeman residents or Montana State University students include (from left) Anna Cepek, Ph.D. student in mathematics; Elizabeth (Goetzke) Jessen, biology; Joseph Becker, contractor; Ryan Latterman; Ph.D. student in chemistry; Amanda Mattson, Ph.D. student in chemistry; Robert Bruss, Ph.D. student in English at Univ. of Wisconsin-Milwaukee; President Dan Bruss.
2009
2010 Michael and Jill Knepprath welcomed a new baby boy to their family. Owen Ash Knepprath was born on May 15, 2013. He weighed 5 lbs.-11 oz.
Benjamin Wiechmann was ordained and installed as pastor at King of Grace Lutheran Church in Golden Valley, Minnesota, on June 23, 2013. He and his wife, Emily, were also blessed with their first baby, Eli Benjamin, on March 23, 2013. Lindsey Kahle married Michael Thrahms on June 22, 2013, at Trinity
Lutheran Church in Janesville, Minnesota. Lindsey is a department specialist at the Mankato Clinic Wickersham campus and Mike is in the Marine Corps and works with the family hog operation in rural Janesville. They reside in Janesville, Minnesota.
2012 (Grundmeier)
2011
Josh Duflo and Brianna Moe (’10) were married June 1, 2013, at the Earle Brown Heritage Center in Brooklyn Center, Minnesota. They honeymooned in the Dominican Republic, and are living in Garrison, Minnesota. Marcus Taplin recently won a Silver Telly Award for his video project titled “Wilderness Athlete Project ‘Bowhunter.’” There were nearly 11,000 entries from all 50 states and numerous countries. He and his wife, Emily (Valerio), live in Baldwin, Wisconsin.
Zachery Hendrickson was married to Sarah Wagner on December 15, 2012, in Mankato, Minnesota. Sarah and Zach currently live in Ft. Benning, Georgia, where Zach serves as an Armor Officer in the Army. They will soon be moving to Ft. Wainwright in Fairbanks, Alaska, where Zach will serve for the next few years. Sarah works as a local Norwex consultant.
We want to hear from you! We want your personal and professional updates to include in our alumni news. Submit your news and photographs online at:
blc.edu/submitnews 19
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