Fall 2014 Quarterly

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FALL 2014

GUSTAVUS

THE QUARTERLY

GUSTAVUS ADOLPHUS COLLEGE

Cutting-edge research in chromatography draws support of global technology leader


THE GUSTAVUS QUARTERLY FALL 2014 Vol. LXXI, No. 1

in this issue 4 FROM THE PRESIDENT 5 ON THE HILL

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Carlson Award to classics professor n Research at Institute for Advanced Study n Public inauguration events n Wilk’s new book n Christmas in Christ Chapel ticket information n 50th Nobel Conference introduction n New CICE award honors former director n Exhibition of Chinese artists at Hillstrom n Fall calendar 20 COMMENCEMENT

GALLERY

24 PROFESSOR’S CHROMATOGRAPHY RESEARCH 28 SPORTS

Athletes of the Year n Academic All-Americans n Spring Review

31 LEGACY

Celebration of Philanthropy

33 SPORTS

Anniversary class photos n Distinguished Alumni Citations n Gustie Breakfasts n First Decade Award winner n Homecoming and alumni reunions n athletics hall of fame announcement n Greater Gustavus Awards n Service and retirement recognition n Class notes n Weddings n Births n In Memoriam

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Fritz Eichenberg (1901–1991), The Ballad of ’76, 1976, wood engraving on paper, 14 x 12 inches, gift of Jerry Evenrud in honor of the Reverend Richard L. Hillstrom ’38 ON THE COVER Assistant Professor Dwight Stoll (green shirt) in his lab with lab technician Chris Harmes (upper left) and junior chemistry major Matt Sorensen.

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Managing Editor Steven L. Waldhauser ’70 | waldo@gustavus.edu Design Anna Deike | adeike@gustavus.edu Contributing Writers Ethan Armstrong ’09; Maggie Forster ’09; Rebecca Fremo; Don Myers ’83; Carolyn O’Grady; Sharon Schmickle Matt Thomas ’00

The Gustavus Quarterly is printed on Domtar Earthchoice paper (30% PCR and sustainable source certified by SmartWood) using soy-based inks and alternative solvents and wetting agents, by the John Roberts Company, Minneapolis, an EPA Green Power Partner.

Contributing Photographers Al Behrends ’77; Terry Clark (BD&E); Brian Fowler (SportPiX); Tim Kennedy ’82; John Noltner; Matt Thomas ’00, Stan Waldhauser ’71

The Gustavus Quarterly (USPS 227-580) is published four times annually, in February, May, August, and November, by Gustavus Adolphus College, St. Peter, Minn. Periodicals postage is paid at St. Peter, MN 56082, and additional mailing offices. It is mailed free of charge to alumni and friends of the College. Circulation is approximately 41,900.

To be added to or removed from the magazine’s mailing list, please contact the Office of Alumni Relations, ph. 507-933-7511 or 800-487-8437, or e-mail alumni@gustavus.edu.

Postmaster: Send address changes to The Gustavus Quarterly, Office of Alumni Relations, Gustavus Adolphus College, 800 W. College Ave., St. Peter, MN 56082-1498.

Articles and opinions presented in this magazine do not necessarily reflect the views of the editors or official policies of the College or its board of trustees.

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Photo by Stan Waldhauser ’71

THE GUSTAVUS QUARTERLY


20 Graduates, their professors, and their parents packed Lund Arena for Commencement 2014. Photo by John Noltner

GUSTAVUS ADOLPHUS COLLEGE

St. Peter, MN 56082 507-933-8000 | gustavus.edu Chair, Board of Trustees George Hicks ’75 President of the College Rebecca M. Bergman Vice President for Marketing and Communication Tim Kennedy ’82 Vice President for Institutional Advancement Thomas Young ’88 Director of Alumni and Parent Engagement Glen Lloyd Gustavus Adolphus College is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission and is a member of the North Central Association.

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FROM THE PRESIDENT

AN EXCITING NEW BEGINNING: uilding on a legacy of distinction B and success at Gustavus Dear Gustavus alumni and friends, I send you enthusiastic greetings from the entire Gustavus community. As I write this, summer activities on campus are in full swing, with academic and athletic camps, student research projects, and a variety of building and grounds projects. We have had a busy and productive summer, and we are now gearing up to welcome the Class of 2018 and all returning students to campus very soon. I am extremely grateful for the warm welcome I have received from many of you through emails, letters, and phone calls. Thank you for your ongoing interest and genuine optimism about the future of the College. It is an honor and a privilege to have the opportunity to serve as the 17th president of Gustavus Adolphus College, and your support means a great deal to me. I am listening and learning every day, getting more and more familiar with the traditions, history, and culture of this special place. Your involvement and commitment to Gustavus have never been more important. You may be aware that higher education in the United States is facing significant challenges. The rising costs of education, the level of student debt, job/career readiness, and meaningful comparative metrics on the return on investment of a college education are examples of important topics of conversation on campuses across the country, in the media, and in the political arena as well. As I read all the class notes in this issue of the Quarterly, I could not help noticing the variety of ways in which Gustavus alumni are making a difference in their communities and in the world. It is impressive, and, more than anything else, I believe this is the ultimate evidence of the value of a liberal arts education. I’m confident you will agree as you peruse these pages yourself. Wherever they are, Gusties really do shine! We have a very exciting fall schedule ahead. I would love to see record numbers of alumni coming back to campus for Homecoming (October 3–4), for the special celebration of the 50th Nobel Conference (October 7–8), or for any other event on campus this fall that happens to catch your interest. I look forward to greeting each of you—so please stop and introduce yourself to me when you are on campus. Strong alumni support is critical to the ongoing success and distinction of your alma mater. One of my dreams for Gustavus is to have alumni engagement at an all-time high. There are innumerable ways for you to get involved, and I thank you in advance for your continued commitment to Gustavus. See you on the Hill,

GUSTAVUS ADOLPHUS COLLEGE BOARD OF TRUSTEES The Rev. Jon V. Anderson, MDiv, New Ulm, Minn. (ex officio) Bishop, Southwestern Minnesota Synod, ELCA, Redwood Falls Scott P. Anderson ’89, MBA, Eagan, Minn. Chairman, President, and Chief Executive Officer, Patterson Companies, Inc., Mendota Heights Tracy L. Bahl ’84, MBA, Greenwich, Conn. (vice chair) Executive Vice President, CVS/Caremark, Woonsocket, R.I. Warren Beck ’67, Greenwood, Minn. President, Gabbert & Beck, Inc., Edina Grayce Belvedere Young, MBA, Edina, Minn. Founder and CEO, Lily Pad Consulting Rebecca M. Bergman, St. Peter, Minn. (ex officio) President, Gustavus Adolphus College The Rev. Åke Bonnier, Skara, Sweden Bishop, Diocese of Skara, Church of Sweden Daniel G. Currell ’94, JD, St. Paul, Minn. (vice chair) Executive Director, Corporate Executive Board, Arlington, Va. Bruce A. Edwards ’77, Westerville, OH CEO, DHL Global Supply Chain (ret.) The Rev. Brian Fragodt ’81, MDiv, Medina, Minn. Senior Pastor, Trinity Lutheran Church, Long Lake James H. Gale ’83, JD, Washington, D.C. Attorney at Law Marcus M. Gustafson ’73, DDS, Lakeland, Minn. Founder and Former CEO, Metro Dentalcare, Minneapolis John O. Hallberg ’79, MBA, Wayzata, Minn. Chief Executive Officer, Children’s Cancer Research Fund, Minneapolis Jeffrey Heggedahl ’87, MBA, Minneapolis, Minn. (ex officio) Chief Executive Officer, Ecova, Spokane, Wash., and Immediate Past President, Gustavus Alumni Association Susanne Björling Heim ’83, Edina, Minn. Former Co-owner, S and S Heim Construction George G. Hicks ’75, JD, Eden Prairie, Minn. (chair) Managing Partner, Värde Partners, Inc., Minneapolis The Rev. John D. Hogenson ’81, MDiv, Stillwater, Minn. Senior Pastor, Mount Olivet Lutheran Church, Minneapolis Linda G. Huett ’66, Minneapolis, Minn. President and CEO Weight Watchers International, Inc. (ret.) Linda Bailey Keefe ’69, MBA, Atlanta, Ga. Vice President, NAI Brannen Goddard Talmadge E. King Jr. ’70, MD, Oakland, Calif. Julius R. Krevans Distinguished Professor in Internal Medicine and Chair, Department of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco Paul Koch ’87, Plymouth, Minn. Senior Vice President/Investments, UBS Financial Services, Inc., Wayzata Jan Michaletz ’74, Edina, Minn. Past President, Gustavus Alumni Association Thomas J. Mielke ’80, JD, Flower Mound, Texas Senior Vice President and General Counsel, Kimberly-Clark Corporation, Irving The Rev. Wayne B. Peterson ’77, MDiv, Plymouth, Minn. Pastor, St. Barnabas Lutheran Church

Rebecca Bergman President, Gustavus Adolphus College

The Rev. Dan S. Poffenberger ’82, MDiv, Stillwater, Minn. (vice chair) Senior Pastor, Trinity Lutheran Church Christopher J. Rasmussen ’88, PhD, Berwyn Heights, Md. (ex officio), Vice President for Research and Policy Analysis, Midwestern Higher Education Compact, Minneapolis, and President, Gustavus Alumni Association Beth Sparboe Schnell ’82, Corcoran, Minn. Chief Executive Officer, Sparboe Companies, Wayzata Ronald C. White ’75, Las Vegas, Nev. Chief Sales Officer, Growth Development Associates, Inc. The Rev. Heather Teune Wigdahl ’95, MDiv, Menomonie, Wis. (ex officio) Lead Pastor, Our Savior’s Lutheran Church, Eau Claire, and President, Gustavus Adolphus College Association of Congregations

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THE GUSTAVUS QUARTERLY


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Research at IAS Public inaguration events Wilk’s new book Christmas in Christ Chapel

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Nobel Conference 50 New CECE Award Hillstrom exhibition Calendar

ON THE HILL

NEWS FROM CAMPUS

Classics Professor Matt Panciera receives 2014 Carlson Award by Rebecca Fremo

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Photo by John Noltner

ditor’s Note: The Edgar M. Carlson Award for Distinguished Teaching is the highest honor that can be bestowed upon a Gustavus faculty member. Nominations are accepted from students, faculty, and staff, who then document examples of the faculty member’s excellence in the discipline, enthusiasm for teaching and advising, and use of particularly innovative or collaborative teaching methods. This year’s winner of the Edgar M. Carlson Award for Distinguished Teaching “makes Gustavus a special place, where students not only feel compelled to strive for excellence, but also enjoy the work they do in the process of achieving it.” This professor challenges students to look “beyond the words on the page.” In one nomination letter, a student writes that this person

“exemplifies the commitment to education and excellence that I would always wish for in an instructor and advisor.” As members of this professor’s First Term Seminar class can attest, this professor encourages students to read with their heads and with their hearts, which “force[s] us to shift away from the perspective of unconcerned bystanders toward one of personal and emotional investment in the stories . . . and their characters.” Indeed, that emotional investment is integral to everything that this professor does, both inside and outside the classroom. This professor embodies the joyful exuberance that comes from a constant state of intellectual stimulation—not to mention a wickedly funny way with words. In fact, this professor’s fervent commitment to the humanities in general is matched only by his enthusiasm for the written word. A colleague and former Carlson Award winner who once team-taught a class with this year’s winner marveled at how he responded in detail to his students’ writing daily. No wonder students note the “individual attention that he gives to our essays and other writing.” His passion for learning is particularly infectious, whether he’s sharing his knowledge with advanced students in a 300 level course or visiting a local elementary school to share his knowledge of the world and its stories with much littler people. My own son still talks about the day this professor came to visit his class; the visit inspired a clay model of the Roman Coliseum, a model that ended up looking more like the ruins of Pompeii (but that’s not our winner’s fault). Known and appreciated for his ability to read aloud to his students—in ancient languages—portraying gods, goddesses, and mere mortals alike, this professor is truly a classic example of the best Gustavus has to offer. I am pleased to present this year’s Edgar M. Carlson Award for Distinguished Teaching to Dr. Matt Panciera. Dr. Panciera joined the Gustavus faculty in 2002. He earned his bachelor’s degree in Latin from the University of Toronto, his master’s degree in Latin from the University of North Carolina, and completed his PhD in classical philology at the University of North Carolina in 2001. He’s taught at the Intercollegiate Center for Classical Studies in Rome, and he served as an associate professor of classics at the Intercollegiate Center for Classical Studies in Sicily. Professor Panciera directed Curriculum II (now Three Crowns Curriculum) from 2009 to 2012, and he chaired the Gustavus Classics Department from 2011 to 2014. Congratulations, Matt! n

2013 Carlson Award recipient Rebecca Fremo announced Associate Professor Panciera’s award at the 2014 commencement exercises.

Associate Professor of Classics Matt Panciera

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NEWS FROM CAMPUS

Professor earns research position at the Institute for Advanced Study

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rofessor Jill Locke, who teaches political theory courses in the Department of Political Science and directs the Gender, Women, and Sexuality Studies program, will spend the 2014–15 academic year as a member of the Institute for Advanced Study in Princeton, N.J. She will conduct research on children’s political

Photo by Nate Long ’16

activism, focusing particularly on the U.S. Civil Rights Movement. About 200 scholars from around the world are selected each year to attend the Institute of Advanced Study. Locke will join this prestigious community of researchers as a scholar in the Institute’s School of Social Science and participant in the school’s 2014–15 Egalitarianisms seminar. Locke, who has been on the Gustavus faculty since 2000, learned about the Egalitarianisms seminar last year when she was at the Institute presenting an article she had written about political theorist Hannah Arendt’s critique of federally-mandated school desegregation. One of Arendt’s objections to school desegregation pertains to the politicization of children, whom she believes do not belong in politics. Arendt understood children’s activism to be a sign of failure of responsibility on the part of adults. “When I first presented this research [at a conference in 2011], I was asked if I thought Arendt was right about children and politics,” says Locke, “and I didn’t really have a good answer to that question, I see some truth in what Arendt says but it’s

also too simplistic—the issue is much more complex.” Through her research, Locke will gain a better understanding of the role that children played in the Civil Rights Movement and be better equipped to theorize about children’s political roles more broadly. The Institute will provide ample opportunity for Locke to be part of cross-disciplinary conversations about questions of equality and foster a fertile environment in which to research and write. Founded in 1930, the Institute for Advanced Study is one of the world’s leading centers for theoretical research and intellectual inquiry. The Institute brings together scholars of the highest level and fosters an environment of curiosity, freedom, and comradeship. Since its founding 84 years ago, the Institute’s community of scholars has grown to include more than 7,000 historians, mathematicians, natural scientists, and social scientists. Each of these researchers shares the core mission and purpose of the Institute, which is to enable unrestricted, deep thinking that will change the world in meaningful yet often uncharted ways. n

A special invitation

The Gustavus Community—trustees, faculty, administrators, staff, students, alumni, and friends of the College—is invited to attend the following events scheduled as part of the Inauguration of Rebecca Bergman as the 17th president of Gustavus Adolphus College. All events listed below are open to the community. Wednesday, October 1 7 p.m. Inauguration Discussion: The Future of the Liberal Arts Alumni Hall, Thursday, October 2 8 p.m. Inauguration Concert; Jussi Björling Recital Hall Friday, October 3 10 a.m. Special Chapel Service: the Rev. Dr. Harold S. Weiss, homilist; Christ Chapel

10:45 a.m. Tree Dedication, in honor of the Bergman family Linnaeus Arboretum 2:30 p.m. Investiture Christ Chapel

4 p.m. Post-inauguration Reception receiving line in Lund Arena

Saturday, October 4 11:30 a.m. Homecoming Celebration


SWENSON-BUNN TEACHING AWARD GOES TO BRANDON DEAN Brandon Dean, assistant professor of music and conductor of the Choir of Christ Chapel and Lucia Singers at Gustavus Adolphus College, received the 2014 SwensonBunn Memorial Award for Teaching Excellence at the College’s Honors Day convocation in May 2014. The award, nominated and selected by students through the College’s Student Senate, has been presented annually since 1990. One student nominator wrote, “Dr. Dean has truly stood out to me as an amazing professor because of his passion for students. He comes to rehearsal every day with a smile on

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FORENSICS TEAM CAPTURES THIRD STRAIGHT STATE TITLE For the third straight year, and the sixth time in the past seven years, the Gustavus Adolphus College forensics team has won the Minnesota State Collegiate Forensics Tournament. The Gusties won the team sweepstakes of the tournament, which was held in February this year, by amassing 390 points as they took first place in seven of the eleven individual events. Senior Kelsey Abele (Belton, Mo.) finished second in the individual sweepstakes after placing fifth or better in five different events. She won both the Prose Interpretation and Program Oral Interpretation events, took second in Impromptu Speaking,

ON THE HILL

Briefly . . .

his face and a positive attitude that is contagious for everyone in his choirs.” Dean, a graduate of Luther College, joined the Gustavus faculty in 2011 after completing his doctor of musical arts degree in conducting from the University of Cincinnati CollegeConservatory of Music. The Swenson-Bunn Memorial Award for Teaching Excellence honors the memory of two Gustavus students and members of the Student Senate, Greg Swenson and Holly Bunn, who were killed in a car accident in 1989.

was fourth in Dramatic Interpretation, and teamed with Wilson Fields (SO, Fountain Inn, S.C.) to place fifth in Duo Interpretation. Teammate Shelby Wilds (SR, Staples, Minn.) placed fourth in the individual sweepstakes as she won the Extemporaneous Speaking category and placed second in After Dinner Speaking; she also took fourth in Informative Speaking and sixth in Communication Analysis. Karen Nordin (JR, Lino Lakes, Minn.) placed fifth in the sweepstakes after winning the Impromptu Speaking event, the third Gustie to finish in the top five, The forensics team went on to earn its best-ever finish at the American Forensic Association’s National Individual Events Tournament (AFANIET) held in early April, when it placed sixth in the team sweepstakes. The team earned 261 points during the three-day tournament, which took place at Arizona State University in Tempe. This is the fifth straight year that the team has finished in the top 10 at the AFA-NIET. n n n

ENDOWED CHAIR HONORS THREE RETIRING PSYCHOLOGY PROFESSORS When three key figures in the advancement and legacy of the Department of Psychological Science at Gustavus Adolphus College over the past 40+ years all announced their retirement to coincide with Commencement 2014, students, colleagues, and alumni alike took time to celebrate their contributions. Combined, the trio of Richard Martin, PhD, Tim Robinson ’65, PhD, and Barbara Simpson, PhD, has given more than 130 years of service to the College. Susie Björling Heim ’83 and her husband, Steve Heim ’81, so appreciated the education and mentoring they had received that they decided to help create a new endowed professor position in honor of the three. The endowment for the Martin, Robinson, and Simpson Professor of Psychological Science will provide the department with funds to recruit and retain talented faculty. The inaugural holder of the endowed chair will be Mark Kruger, PhD, who joined the faculty in 1981. Martin will transition into the role of a research professor for the next three years, continuing his research with Kruger, and Robinson will stay involved with the department as Kruger’s lab assistant.

The much-honored Gustavus forensics team, 2014

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NEWS FROM CAMPUS

GUSTAVUS ADMISSION OFFICE FALL 2014 EVENTS (current as of mid-July 2014)

The Gustavus Admission Office will be represented at the following college fairs and events during fall of 2014. Each of these events is free and open to the public. Please contact Alan Meier in the Admission Office (800-487-8288, or ameier@ gustavus.edu) for more information about times and locations SEPTEMBER 7 Roselle (Ill.) 8 Naperville (Ill.) 15 Decorah (Iowa) 16 Cedar Falls (Iowa) 17 Cedar Rapids (Iowa) 17 Minocqua (Wis.) 17–18 Wausau (Wis.) 22 Brookings (S.D.) 22 Sioux Falls (S.D.) 23 Grand Rapids 23 Hibbing 23 Menasha (Wis.) 23 Sheboygan (Wis.) 23–24 Duluth 23–24 Oshkosh (Wis.) 24–25 De Pere (Wis.) 25 Elk River 25 Milwaukee (Wis.) 25 St. Francis 26 Des Moines (Iowa) 26 Pine City 27 Chicago (Ill.) 28 Denver (Colo.) 28 Des Moines (Iowa) 28 Fargo (N.D.) 28 Milwaukee (Wis.) 28 Minneapolis 29 Fargo (N.D.) 29 Loveland (Colo.) 30 Eau Claire (Wis.) OCTOBER 1 Bemidji 1 Eau Claire (Wis.) 2 La Crosse (Wis.) 2 Wadena 3 Brainerd 4 Campus visit event during Homecoming 5 St. Cloud 6 Eden Prairie 7 Sun Prairie (Wis.) 7–8 Campus visit event d uring Nobel Conference 7–8 Minneapolis 8 Hartland (Wis.)

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THE GUSTAVUS QUARTERLY

9 Kenosha (Wis.) 9 New Berlin (Wis.) 11 College fair in Denver (Colo.) 11–12 Campus visit events during Family Weekend 12 St. Louis (Mo.) 13 Colorado Springs (Colo.) 13 Kansas City (Mo.) 14 Fort Collins (Colo.) 14 Lawrence (Kan.) 14 Minneapolis 15 Shawnee Mission (Kan.) 15–16 Denver (Colo.) 16–17 Campus visit events: Explore Gustavus 18 Denver (Colo.) 19 Lincoln (Neb.) 19 Seattle (Wash.) 19–20 Anchorage (Alaska) 21 Alexandria 21 Kenai Peninsula (Alaska) 21 Morris 21 Willmar 22 Collegeville 22 Fairbanks (Alaska) 23 Mayer 23 Monticello 26 Omaha (Neb.) 27 Luverne 27 Marshall 27 Portland (Ore.) 28 Fairmont 28 Seattle (Wash.) 29 Bellevue (Wash.) 29 Mankato 30 Hastings 30 Rochester 31 Seattle (Wash.) NOVEMBER 1 Seattle (Wash.) 2–3 Portland (Ore.)

Bookmarks: Let Love Serve

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ongtime Gustavus men’s tennis coach Steve Wilkinson, founder of Tennis & Life Camps and inductee in both the NCAA and USPTA halls of fame, has released a new book, titled Let Love Serve: A Memoir Celebrating Tennis and Life. The book describes Wilkinson’s radical yet simple approach to winning tennis matches and facing adversity (including his own cancer), while building bridges with his students, his teammates, and his opponents. “This is a powerful, life-changing philosophy,” writes tennis legend Billie Jean King in her endorsement of the book. “Wilkinson gets it. His approach combines the drive for competitive excellence with a caring, humanitarian perspective.” An adult Tennis & Life camper called the memoir “a splendid account of a life full of tennis and relationships. . . . I loved the title—three tennis words in a sentence that gave them new meaning.” All proceeds from the sale of Let Love Serve go to Tennis & Life Camps youth and family scholarships. n

Erratum Professor Kathy Lund Dean’s article on community-based learning in the Summer 2014 Gustavus Quarterly (“Making learning successful – Community-based learning can change the world,” on pp. 18–21) contains a misstatement regarding the Carnegie designation of other Minnesota colleges and universities which escaped our editing process. The paragraph (on p. 21) should read: “Another sign that CBL won’t be going away any time soon is Gustavus’s April 2014 application to be recognized as a Carnegie Community Engaged Campus. The Carnegie designation—a tenyear certification—would put Gustavus in the company of top CBL-practicing institutions in the country, including only seven other colleges and universities in Minnesota. Earning Carnegie recognition is predicated on institution-wide infrastructure and a documented CBL ethos.” We regret the error.


ON THE HILL

CHRISTMAS IN CHRIST CHAPEL 2014 December 5, 6, & 7, 2014 3:30 p.m. & 7:30 p.m. Christ Chapel

“Tender Rose, Starry Night”

The 42nd annual Christmas in Christ Chapel worship celebration at Gustavus Adolphus College evokes wonder through music, poetry, prayer, and dance as it explores the cosmic dimensions and significance of Jesus’ humble birth over 2,000 years ago. Nearly 350 gifted students, their conductors, and other members of the College community celebrate the season’s calling with families, alumni, and friends who come home to the College to hear again the Christmas message. Nearly 1,200 people attend each of the five services at Christ Chapel. Tickets for the Christmas in Christ Chapel service ($30.00 each) and for the traditional Christmas buffet ($25.00 each) will be available online at gustavustickets.com. Tickets go on sale at noon on Monday, October 13, 2014. When you place your order online, you will be able to choose the service and Christmas buffet you wish to attend based on availability. Seating for the buffets prior to each service is limited, so early reservations are strongly suggested. Tickets are non-refundable. If you do not have access to the Internet, you may reserve tickets by phone (570-9337520) beginning at noon on Monday, October 13. Credit card payment is required for phone orders.

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NOBEL CONFERENCE 2014 PARTICIPANTS Evolutionary developmental (“evo-devo”) biologist Sean B. Carroll, PhD – Allan Wilson Professor of Molecular Biology and Genetics at the University of WisconsinMadison; investigator and vice president of the Department of Science Education, Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Bethesda, Md.; speaker at the 2003 Nobel Conference, “The Story of Life” Physicist Steven Chu, PhD – shared the 1997 Nobel Prize in physics for the development of methods to cool and trap atoms using laser light; William R. Kenan Jr. Professor of Humanities and Sciences and professor of physics and molecular and cellular physiology, Stanford University, California; former director of the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory; 12th U.S. Secretary of Energy under President Barack Obama January 2009–April 2013; speaker at the 2007 conference, “Heating Up: The Energy Debate” Canadian-American philosopher Patricia Smith Churchland, PhD – University of California President’s Professor of Philosophy Emerita, University of California, San Diego; adjunct professor, Salk Institute for Biological Studies, San Diego; noted for her contributions to neurophilosophy and the philosophy of mind; speaker at the 1994 conference, “Unlocking the Brain: Progress in Neuroscience” Neuroscientist António Damásio, PhD – University Professor and David Dornsife Professor of Neuroscience at the University of Southern California, Los Angeles, where he also heads USC’s Brain and Creativity Institute; adjunct professor, Salk Institute for Biological Studies, San Diego; speaker at the 1994 conference, “Unlocking the Brain” Theoretical physicist and mathematician Freeman Dyson, FRS – Institute for Advanced Study, Princeton, N.J. (1953–1994); president and later board member of the Space Studies Institute, Mojave, Calif.; known for his work in quantum electrodynamics (QED), solid-state physics, astronomy, and nuclear engineering; speaker at the 1980 conference. “The Aesthetic Dimension of Science”

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ow do you celebrate 50 years of bringing the best science and the highest caliber speakers to thousands of students and lifelong learners? By bringing some of the best scientists and speakers back to talk about the future of science. Where Does Science Go from Here?, the 50th Nobel Conference at Gustavus Adolphus College, will feature 11 speakers from previous conferences discussing where their disciplines are heading. Of course, packing that many speakers into a two-day conference means changing the format a little. We’ve organized the speakers by four themes. Each speaker will give a 30-minute talk with a panel discussion at the end of each themed session. For the first session, Science and Society, we’ve asked Nobel laureates Steven Chu and Sir Harry Kroto to talk about how science informs public policy and how science is taught in our schools. The second session, Evolution and Ecology, features three speakers: Sean B. Carroll will discuss the science of evolution, Svante Pääbo will put a more human spin on the topic,

TUESDAY, OCTOBER 7, 2014 9:30 a.m. Academic Procession and Opening Ceremony Welcome, Rebecca M. Bergman, President of the College

10 a.m. First Session: Science and Society

10:15 p.m.

teven Chu, 1997 Nobel laureate in physics and former S energy secretary

11 a.m. Sir Harry Kroto, 1996 Nobel laureate in chemistry

11:45 a.m.

Q&A

Second Session: Evolution and Ecology 1:30 p.m.

Sean B. Carroll, “evo-devo” biologist

2:15 p.m.

Svante Pääbo, evolutionary geneticist

3 p.m. Gary Ernst, petrologist and geochemist

4 p.m.

Q&A

6–8 p.m. Art at the Nobel Conference Hillstrom Museum of Art, Jackson Campus Center, Reception (no ticket required)

8 p.m. Music at the Nobel Conference Christ Chapel

All events are at Lund Center unless otherwise indicated. Conference lectures will be live-streamed. For more information, visit gustavus.edu/nobelconference.


WHERE DOES SCIENCE GO FROM HERE? GUSTAVUS ADOLPHUS COLLEGE | OCTOBER 7 & 8, 2014

and Gary Ernst will cover the ecological impact of human resource consumption. For Wednesday morning’s session on Physical Sciences, Nobel laureate Steven Weinberg will join us remotely to discuss the state of particle physics and what theory tells us we should see, while Harry Gray will talk about harnessing sunlight to drive chemical reactions. António Damásio will open the final session, on Neuroscience and Medicine, with a lecture on neurophysiology, followed by Patricia Churchland, who will explore the ethical issues that neuroscience presents. Jennifer West will round out the session with a discussion of bioengineering and the medical use of nanotechnology. Finally, as the conference’s banquet speaker, Freeman Dyson will look back on 50 years of science. As always, the celebration will include an art exhibition opening and music played by Gustavus students. We will also have a special performance by the Gustavus Symphony Orchestra, featuring music by Antonín Dvořák. Scott Bur, director of the Nobel Conference

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 8, 2014

10 a.m.

Third Session: Physical Sciences

10:15 a.m. Steven Weinberg, 1979 Nobel laureate in physics (live-stream presentation)

11 a.m.

11:45 a.m.

Harry Gray, chemist Q&A

Fourth Session: Neuroscience and Medicine 1:30 p.m.

António Damásio, cognitive neuroscientist

2:15 p.m.

Patricia Smith Churchland, neurophilosopher

3 p.m.

Jennifer L. West, biomedical engineer

4 p.m.

Q&A

6:30 p.m. Nobel Banquet: “Reflection and Reminiscence” Evelyn Young Dining Room, Jackson Campus Center (banquet ticket required) 7:30 p.m. Closing Speaker: Freeman Dyson, theoretical physicist and mathematician “Reflections on 50 Years of Science” (simulcast in Alumni Hall, approximate start time 7:30 p.m.)

Tickets may be ordered from gustavustickets.com or by phone at 507-933-7520: Reserved $115 | General Admission $70 | High School/College Student Delegation $50 (group of up to 10 students).

Petrologist and geochemist W.G. Ernst, PhD – Benjamin M. Page Professor Emeritus, Department of Geological and Environmental Sciences, Stanford University, Calif.; formerly dean of the Stanford School of Earth Sciences; speaker at the 1988 conference, “The Restless Earth” Electron transfer (ET) chemist Harry B. Gray, PhD – Arnold O. Beckman Professor of Chemistry and founding director of the Beckman Institute, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena; speaker at the 1995 conference, “The New Shape of Matter: Materials Challenge Science” English chemist Sir Harry W. Kroto, PhD, FRS – shared the 1996 Nobel Prize in chemistry for discovery of the “fullerenes,” molecules in the interstellar medium containing chains of carbon atoms with numerous multiple bonds; Francis Eppes Professor of Chemistry, Florida State University, Tallahassee; professor emeritus, University of Sussex, Brighton, U.K.; speaker at both the 1995 conference, “The New Shape of Matter,” and the 2001 conference, “The Second Nobel Century: What Is Still to Be Discovered?” Swedish biologist and geneticist Svante Pääbo, PhD – director, Department of Genetics, Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology, Leipzig, Germany; one of the founders of paleogenetics, a discipline that uses genetics to study early humans and other ancient populations; speaker at the 2008 conference, “Who Were the First Humans?” Theoretical physicist Steven Weinberg, PhD – shared the 1979 Nobel Prize in physics for contributions to the theory of unified weak and electromagnetic interaction between elementary particles; Jack S. Josey-Welch Foundation Regents Chair in Science and professor, Departments of Physics and Astronomy, University of Texas at Austin; speaker at the 1976 conference, “The Nature of the Physical Universe” Biomedical engineer Jennifer L. West, PhD – Fitzpatrick Family University Professor of Engineering and professor, Departments of Mechanical Engineering and Materials Science, Biomedical Engineering, Cell Biology, and Chemistry, Duke University, Durham, N.C.; member of the Pratt School of Engineering’s Fitzpatrick Institute for Photonics; speaker at the 2006 conference, “Medicine: Prescription for Tomorrow” n


NEWS FROM CAMPUS

CICE establishes teaching award in honor of previous director by Carolyn O’Grady

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f the seven directors the studybelieved strongly that longer-term study as definitively as Ruth, or worked harder to away office has had since 1980 away had a far greater impact on students’ make international education an imperative (not counting a couple of interim personal and cultural learning, Ruth also for the College. If Gustavus has a reputation directors), Ruth Mason was the longest recognized that any opportunity to study for being strong on study abroad, it’s serving, a record unlikely to be broken. away—even a short-term program—was because of Ruth. And, it’s for that reason Ruth was ably assisted by two wonderful better than none. These days, a significant that the CICE’s Award for Excellence in staff, Carol Moline and Marianne Keswani. number of Gustavus students take an offJanuary Off-Campus Teaching is named in But the director is where the buck stops, campus January IEX course each year, and her honor. n and that person is responsible for whatever some do more than one. Often it is such a glory or shame accrues from her guidance. course that then leads them to apply for a In Ruth’s case, her 15 years of leadership semester abroad. Carolyn O’Grady, EdD, a member of the facreally shaped the depth and breadth of When she left Gustavus in 1997 to ulty of the Department of Education since international education at Gustavus. relocate to the Twin Cities, it really seemed 1994, has been director of the College’s Ruth’s appointment in 1983 to the Office that Ruth was irreplaceable. While every Center for International and Cultural of International Education was a natural director since Ruth has brought his or her Education (CICE) since 2008. Readers may choice. She had degrees in Spanish, English, own strengths to the position, there really reach her at cogrady@gustavus.edu. and comparative literature and came to has been no director who shaped the office Gustavus in 1971 when her husband, Greg Mason, was appointed to the English faculty. Ruth also taught in the Department of English during those early years, and when the International Education Committee was established in 1976 as a standing faculty committee, Ruth was elected and became the committee chair. Under Ruth’s leadership, the College made huge strides forward in establishing a comprehensive approach to international perspectives. She provided vision and advocated for a Gustavus culture that embraced the world. She helped establish new programs and increased not just the number of students who studied abroad but also the number of international students who came to Gustavus. She was effective in enhancing existing—or creating new—exchanges with institutions in other countries. In 1993 she helped implement the Community Development in India program, a program which continues 21 years later as the Gustavus Social Justice, Peace, & Development Semester in India program. In short, Ruth built the Office of International Education. Ruth also helped deepen the College’s commitment to January offcampus study through her involvement with the UMAIE and HECUA consortiums, both of which Gustavus helped to found. Although she Current CICE director Carolyn O’Grady, inaugural Ruth Mason Award winner Debra Pitton, and former international education director Ruth Mason.

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THE GUSTAVUS QUARTERLY


ON THE HILL

Debra Pitton receives the 2014 Ruth Mason Award for Excellence in January Off-Campus Teaching

Deb Pitton with some of the students who took her January IEX class in 2014: from left, Rebecca Hare (senior), Daniel Ly (junior), Professor Pitton, Casey Dowling (senior), and Maddie Randall (senior).

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ebra Eckerman Pitton, professor of education, has been awarded the inaugural Ruth Mason Award for Excellence in January Off-Campus Teaching. Established by the Center for International and Cultural Education in 2013, and given in honor of Ruth Mason, longtime director of the Office of International Education at Gustavus, this award recognizes an individual faculty member or administrator who demonstrates excellence in designing and leading a January creditbearing off-campus course. The 2014 Award was presented to Dr. Pitton by Ruth Mason during a celebratory luncheon on May 1, at which Ruth was also honored for her contribution to

international education at Gustavus (see accompanying article). Dr. Pitton was nominated for her January 2014 course “Education, Healthcare, and Poverty in Peru: A Service-Learning Experience,” a course she also led in 2010 and 2012. Students are housed at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Parish in Chimbote, Peru, which provides programs and services for residents who are often called “the poorest of the poor.” As Dr. Pitton’s syllabus describes, this course provides students the opportunity to learn about the impact of poverty on a country, examine how education and healthcare can alleviate some of the adverse conditions, and engage in direct service to residents.

A 2014 student participant said, “Deb designed a course that has students evaluate our lives and question our purpose in the larger, global picture. . . . She taught us that in order to change the current state of a community, you have to independently seek the means to do it rather than wait for something to happen.” Selection of the recipient is based on demonstration of the Standards of Good Practice for Short-Term Education Abroad Programs developed by the Forum on Education Abroad. The forum serves as the standards-setting organization for the field of education abroad. More information about these standards can be found at forumea.org/standards-standards.cfm.

FALL 2014

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NEWS FROM CAMPUS Zhang Shujian (b. 1987), Skin Weave No. 4, 2013, oil on wooden panel, 13 ¾ x 19 ⅝ inches

Exhibition at Hillstrom Museum of Art focuses on emerging Chinese artists by Donald Myers ’83

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rom September 22 through November 9, 2014, the Hillstrom Museum of Art will present Pull Left— Not Always Right: Emerging Contemporary Artists in China, which highlights fifteen young Chinese artists and includes painting, drawing, photography, video, mixed media, and installation works done in a variety of artistic styles. Pull Left was organized by Beijing-based Taikang Space, a non-profit organization devoted to research on and the promotion of contemporary Chinese art. The touring exhibition will appear at several museums and galleries across the U.S. It is an important time for contemporary Chinese art, with many initiatives in the past two years. In April 2013, the Guggenheim Museum in New York announced a new program to acquire contemporary Chinese art for its permanent collection by commissioning major works from Chinese artists. From October 2013 to February 2014, the Musée d’Art Moderne in Paris presented a major retrospective of Chinese painter Zeng Fanzhi (b. 1964), whose 2001 work The Last Supper was sold for a record $23.3 million at Sotheby’s, Hong Kong, in October 2013. For the 2014 Armory Show, New York’s largest art fair, held annually in March, the theme of the yearly “focus exhibit” was contemporary Chinese art. And from December 2013 through April 2014, the Metropolitan Museum of Art in

40 years old. It is also distinctive in

Zhang Shujian (b. 1987), Skin Weave No. 4, 2013, oil on wooden panel, 13 ¾ x 19 ⅝ inches New York presented Ink Art: Past as Present in Contemporary China, its first major exhibition of Chinese contemporary art, featuring works by 35 artists, the majority of them born in the 1950s or 1960s. Pull Left differs from other efforts, by both Western and Chinese institutions, in highlighting artists who are younger than

Yang Xinguang (b. 1980) There Are Stones Below, 2011, Wire, plywood, and stone, 21 ⅝ x 47 ¼ x 47 ¼ inches

being organized by curators from Taikang Space, who have lived many years in China and have a comprehensive knowledge of its contemporary art based on direct fieldwork with artists. This contrasts with typical recent exhibitions, which often have been organized by curators from Western museums who have spent relatively brief periods in China. A major portion of the costs for Pull Left has been underwritten by Taikang Life Insurance, including shipping of artworks from China and the publication of an illustrated catalogue that accompanies the exhibit. The appearance of Pull Left at the Hillstrom Museum of Art is supported by a generous grant from the Carl and Verna Schmidt Foundation.

Donald Myers ’83 has been director of the Hillstrom Museum of Art since its opening in 2000. He is also an instructor of art history in the Department of Art and Art History at Gustavus.

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THE GUSTAVUS QUARTERLY


The Museum has recently acquired numerous important and desirable artworks for its collection. Among these are eight prints donated by Eric Denker, senior lecturer in the education department at the National Gallery of Art in Washington, D.C., and the organizer of the exhibition Reflections & Undercurrents: Ernest Roth and Printmaking in Venice, 1900–1940, which appeared at the Hillstrom Museum of Art in 2012. Denker lectured at the College in conjunction with the exhibition, and his donation includes an etching titled A Quiet Canal by Ernest David Roth (1879–1964), plus etchings by John Taylor Arms (1887–1953) and Donald Shaw MacLaughlan (1876–1938) and wood engravings by Julius J. Lankes (1884–1960). Other recent donations to the Museum include an anti-war wood engraving titled The Ballad of ’76, by German-American Fritz Eichenberg (1901–1991), given by Minnesota collector Jerry Evenrud in honor of Hillstrom. Several prints by Minna Citron (1896–1991) were donated by the artist’s granddaughter Christiane H. Citron, who gave a public gallery talk in the Museum in February at the opening reception for Minna Citron: The Uncharted Course from Realism to Abstraction, which she helped to organize. Among the seven prints donated by Citron were six etchings from the 1930s and 1940s done in the artist’s earlier realist style, plus a 1947 etching and aquatint done in her later, abstract-expressionist style, titled Way Through the Woods, another example of which is in the collection of the Museum of Modern Art in New York. Also recently acquired by the Museum, with funds donated by Dawn and Edward Michael for purchase of artworks, is an etching and drypoint titled Olive Trees on the Riviera (c. 1884), by American painter and etcher Samuel Colman (1832–1920). This landscape image was the subject of a Museum Studies class (ART255) acquisitions exercise in the spring 2014. The assignment

was related to the American Etching Revival of the late nineteenth century, which was instrumental in recognizing etching as an original art medium rather than just a method of reproducing works of art created by other artists. The Colman print was selected as a potential purchase for the Hillstrom Collection by English and communication studies major Jordyn Taylor, then a second-year student, who made a presentation in favor of its acquisition to her fellow students. Members of the class voted for the print as its overall first choice among all the works considered by the group. Artist Colman was associated with the Hudson River School and was one of the original members of the New York Etching Club, which was founded in 1877 and which was one of several such clubs in major U. S. cities that promoted etching as a form of fine art. An example of Olive Trees in the Riviera was shown in the 1893 World’s Columbian Exposition in Chicago, and both the Cleveland Museum of Art and the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston, have examples of the print in their permanent collections. The etching joins numerous other American Etching Revival prints acquired for the Hillstrom Collection, including three additional works also purchased with funds donated by the Michaels.

ON THE HILL

New art in the Museum

Minna Citron (1896–1991), Way Through the Woods, 1947, etching and drypoint on paper, 8 7/8 x12 1/16 inches, gift of Christiane H. Citron, granddaughter of the artist

Samuel Colman (1832–1920), Olive Trees on the Riviera, c. 1884, etching and drypoint on paper, 10 ¾ x 14 ¾ inches, Hillstrom Museum of Art purchase with funds donated by Dawn (Ekstrom ’67) and Edward Michael

FALL 2014

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NEWS FROM CAMPUS

Star Tribune recognizes Hillstrom Museum of Art by Matt Thomas ’00

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THE GUSTAVUS QUARTERLY

(1862–1928), William Glackens (1870–1938), Ernest Lawson (1873–1939), George Luks (1867–1933), Maurice Prendergast (1859– 1924), Everett Shinn (1876–1953), and John Sloan (1871–1951). All of these artists are represented in the Hillstrom Collection, as are others of the associated Ashcan School, such as George Bellows (1882–1925), a favorite of Hillstrom, who collected several works by Bellows, including his 1922 oil painting Sunset, Shady Valley, recognized as one of the most important pieces in Hillstrom’s collection. Through its ongoing acquisitions program, the Museum has expanded its collections from the core of donations from its namesake. It has acquired, for instance, additional works by The Eight and the Ashcan School, and by related artists associated with New York’s 14th Street School, artists of the American Scene, and others like Edward Hopper (1882–1967). In addition, artists of the Regionalist School of American art have been an important area of acquisition for the Museum. Thomas Hart Benton (1889–1975), John Steuart Curry (1897–1946), and Grant Wood (1891–1942) are all represented in the Museum’s collection, the latter by a complete set of all 19 of the artist’s lithographs.

Donald Myers ’83 has served as director and senior curator of the Museum since its opening in 2000. Prior to returning to his alma mater, he served as a curator in the sculpture and decorative arts department of the National Gallery of Art in Washington, D.C., while also teaching art history courses at Catholic University. Myers also teaches classes in the Department of Art and Art History at Gustavus. The Museum presents an ongoing schedule of temporary exhibitions of national, international, and regional artwork, art from the permanent collection, and also exhibits of student and faculty artwork. Notable past exhibitions have included 150 Years of Swedish Art: Highlights from the Swedish National Collections in Stockholm; The Art Students League of New York: Highlights from the Permanent Collection; Rodin: In His Own Words, Selections from the Iris & B. Gerald Cantor Foundation; and Migrations: New Directions in Native American Art. There is no charge to visit the Hillstrom Museum of Art. Regular hours for the Museum are 9 a.m.–4 p.m. weekdays, and 1–5 p.m. weekends. For more information, visit the Museum’s website at gustavus.edu/ finearts/Hillstrom/. n

Photo by John Noltner

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he Minneapolis Star Tribune recently recognized the Hillstrom Museum of Art at Gustavus Adolphus College as the “best unexpected place to find great art” in its Best of Minnesota 2014 special section featured in May. The Best of Minnesota listings were selected by the 265 Star Tribune journalists who make up Minnesota’s largest newsroom. The complete Best of Minnesota listings were published in the Sunday, May 18, print edition of the Star Tribune. In its description of the Museum, the Star Tribune writes, “The Hillstrom Museum is the art museum of Gustavus Adolphus College, but the collection is worthy of admiration well beyond campus. By concentrating on American artists, especially such early20th-century talents as Grant Wood, John Sloan, George Bellows, and Peggy Bacon, Hillstrom director Don Myers has refined and expanded the excellent collection of the museum’s benefactor, Richard L. Hillstrom. The small exhibition space has showcased everything from surrealist prints to contemporary abstraction and paintings rooted in the school’s Swedish heritage. For a little college on the prairie, the Hillstrom is a gem.” The Hillstrom Museum of Art was established in 2000 and is the principal venue for the exhibition of art at Gustavus. The Museum is named for the Rev. Richard L. Hillstrom, a 1938 graduate of the College who began acquiring art in the 1940s when his ministerial career was just beginning. Hillstrom has been an ardent supporter of Gustavus and the Hillstrom Museum of Art. In his collecting, Hillstrom initially concentrated on Swedish-American artists such as Birger Sandzén (1871–1954), the widely recognized Kansas painter who had studied with Swedish artist Anders Zorn (1860–1920) before coming to America, and Minnesota-based artist Elof Wedin (1901–1983), with whom Hillstrom was personally acquainted. Soon he branched out in other directions, focusing particularly on nationally known artists of the American figural tradition from the first half of the twentieth century. He acquired pieces by The Eight, a group of artists dedicated to making art connect directly with life. Painter Robert Henri (1865–1929) was the spiritual leader of this group, whose other members included Arthur B. Davies

His Majesty King Carl XVI Gustaf of Sweden spent time in the Hillstrom Museum of Art when he and Her Majesty Queen Silvia visited Gustavus on Oct. 5, 2012.


FRUITS OF THE HARVEST

ON THE HILL

CALENDAR

PLEASE NOTE: Times and dates of the events listed on this page are subject to change. Please call to confirm events of interest.

AUGUST

1–Sept. 1 Gustavus at the Fair: College 2 booth in Education Building at Minnesota State Fair, staffed 9 a.m.–9 p.m. daily. Wear your Gustie gear and stop by to sign our visitors’ book!

SEPTEMBER

2 Opening Convocation of the College’s 153rd academic year; Christ Chapel, 10 a.m. 10 St. Peter/Mankato Gustie Breakfast: Nobel Conference 50 Preview, Scott Bur, director, Nobel Conference; Jackson Campus Center Banquet Room, 7:30–9 a.m. For reservations, contact Institutional Advancement (507-933-7512). 10 Reading in Common Author Visit: Kelsey Timmerman, author of Where Am I Wearing and Where Am I Eating; Alumni Hall, 7:30 p.m. Free. 15 Gustavus Library Associates’ Founders Celebration; Jackson Center Heritage Room, 10:30–noon. For more information, call Marketing & Communication (507-933-7520).

Gao Weigang (b. 1976), Superstition, 2012, marble sculpture consisting of seventy pieces, each about 6 to 9 inches in height

17 Twin Cities Gustie Breakfast: Nobel Conference 50 Preview, Scott Bur, director, Nobel Conference; American Swedish Institute, Minneapolis, 7:30–9 a.m. For reservations, contact Alumni & Parent Engagement (800-487-8437, or gustavus.edu/alumni/). 22–Nov. 9 Art Exhibition: Pull Left—Not Always Right: Emerging Contemporary Artists in China; Hillstrom Museum of Art, regular hours: Mon.–Fri., 9 a.m.–4 p.m.; Sat. & Sun., 1–5 p.m. (Opening reception, Sept. 22, 7–9 p.m.; Nobel Conference reception Oct. 7, 6–8 p.m.). Free.

eading in Common R Author Visit: Kelsey Timmerman, author of Where Am I Wearing and Where Am I Eating

28 Theatre: Circulate, a 2014 Minnesota Fringe Festival performance, Renee Guittar ’12, Sarah Jabar ’10, & Ben Kolis ’12, co-directors; Jussi Björling Recital Hall, 7:30 p.m. Order tickets online at gustavustickets.com, or by calling 507933-7590.

OCTOBER

2–3 Inauguration of Rebecca Bergman as 17th president of Gustavus Adolphus College: Inauguration concert on Oct. 2, Jussi Björling Recital Hall, 8 p.m.; Investiture on Oct. 3, Christ Chapel, 2:30 p.m. Public invited. 3–5 Homecoming & Reunion Weekend: Class reunions for 1974, 1979, 1984, 1989, 1994, 1999, 2004, & 2009; receptions for anniversary classes on Friday night, reunion & Homecoming events on Saturday. For more information, call Alumni & Parent Engagement (800-487-8737). 5 Music: Alumni Choir, Gregory Aune, conductor; Morning Worship, Christ Chapel, 10:30 a.m. 7–8 Nobel Conference: “Celebrating 50 Years of the Nobel Conference: Where Does Science Go from Here?” Lund Center Arena, opening at 9:30 a.m. Oct. 7. For more information, call Marketing & Communication at 507-933-7520 or visit gustavus.edu/ nobelconference/. Order tickets online at gustavustickets.com.

FALL 2014

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NEWS FROM CAMPUS CALENDAR

FRUITS OF THE HARVEST

Dance at Gustavus: Dancer Kelsey Hanstad ’14 was photographed by Aleutian Calabay. (Custume design is by Larissa McColnnell.)

12 Music: Family Weekend Music Events – Morning Worship, featuring the Lucia Singers & Chapel Ringers, Christ Chapel, 10:30 a.m.; Jazz Brunch, featuring the Gustavus jazz ensembles, Evelyn Young Dining Room, 11:30 a.m.; Showcase, featuring the Gustavus Choir, Gustavus & Vasa wind orchestras, Choir of Christ Chapel, & Gustavus Symphony Orchestra, Christ Chapel, 2 p.m. Public invited. 15 Twin Cities Gustie Breakfast; American Swedish Institute, Minneapolis, 7:30–9 a.m. For reservations, contact Alumni & Parent Engagement (800-487-8437, or gustavus.edu/alumni/). 18–21 Reading Days 28 GLA Fall Author Day, featuring Kristin Swenson, author of Bible Babel; Edina Counrty Club, 9:30 a.m. Register by calling 507-933-7550. 30, 31, Nov. 1, 2 Theatre: Angels in America: Millennium Approaches, Tony Kushner, playwright, Amy Seham, director; Anderson Theatre, 2 p.m. (Nov. 2 only) & 7:30 p.m. (Oct. 30, 31, & Nov. 1). Order tickets online at gustavustickets.com, or call 507-9337590. 31 Founders Day: Employee award ceremony, Christ Chapel, 10 a.m.; reception, Alumni Hall, 10:30 a.m.

NOVEMBER 2 37th annual Gustavus Athletics Hall 7 Music: The Nobel Conference Concert, featuring the Gustavus Symphony Orchestra, Ruth Lin, conductor; Christ Chapel, 8 p.m. Public invited, no charge. 10–12 Family Weekend: Seminars, events, & entertainment. For more information, call Campus Activities (507-933-7598).

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of Fame Banquet and Induction Ceremony; Alumni Hall, 6 p.m. For reservations, contact Alumni & Parent Engagement (800-487-8437 or gustavus.edu/alumni/). 2–3 Music: The 2014 Gustavus Honor Band Festival; Christ Chapel, all day. Honor Band Festival Concert on Nov. 3; Christ Chapel, 7 p.m. Public invited. 7 Artist Series Event: The Dana Landry Trio; Jussi Björling Recital Hall, 7:30 p.m. Order tickets online at gustavustickets.com or by calling 507933-7590.

9 Music: The Gustavus Symphony Orchestra Fall Concert, Ruth Lin, conductor; Jussi Björling Recital Hall, 1:30 p.m. Free. 12 St. Peter/Mankato Gustie Breakfast; Jackson Campus Center Banquet Room, 7:30–9 a.m. For reservations, contact Institutional Advancement (507-933-7512). 15 Music: The Vasa & Gustavus Wind Orchestras Fall Concert, Karrin Meffert-Nelson & James Patrick Miller, conductors; Jussi Björling Recital Hall, 1:30 p.m. Free. 16 Music: Brassworks! Jussi Björling Recital Hall, 1:30 p.m. Free 19 Twin Cities Gustie Breakfast; American Swedish Institute, Minneapolis, 7:30–9 a.m. For reservations, contact Alumni & Parent Engagement (800-487-8437, or gustavus.edu/alumni/). 20, 21, 22, 23 Theatre/Dance: 2014 Theatre Gallery – Whatta We Got Here? Brian Evans ’07, guest director; That Time, Samuel Beckett, playwright, Thomas Buan ’16, director; ctrl, conceived and presented by senior theatre majors; & a first-year focus show with first-year cast TBA. Call for times & locations; tickets available online from gustavustickets.com, or by calling 507-933-7590. 21 Artist Series Event: Kalevi Kiviniemi, organ, & Jukka Pietila, cantor; Christ Chapel, 7:30 p.m. Order tickets online at gustavustickets.com or by calling 507-933-7590. 23 Music: The Gustavus Jazz Lab Band & Adolphus Jazz Ensemble Fall Concert, Dave Stamps, director; Jussi Björling Recital Hall, 1:30 p.m. Free. 23 Music: The Woodwind Chamber Ensembles Concert; Jussi Björling Recital Hall, 3:30 p.m. Free. 23 Music: The Gustavus Percussion Ensemble Fall Concert, Paul Hill, director; Jussi Björling Recital Hall, 7 p.m. Free.


25 Music: The Gustavus Choir in performance at the American Swedish Institute’s Nordic-American Thanksgiving Breakfast, Gregory Aune, conductor; ASI, 6:30 a.m. Order tickets online at info@ASImn.org, or by calling 612-871-4907. 26–30 Thanksgiving Recess

DECEMBER

, 6, & 7 Christmas in Christ Chapel 2014: 5 “Tender Rose, Starry Night”; 3:30 p.m. (Dec. 6 & 7) & 7:30 p.m. (Dec. 5, 6, & 7) Tickets required; order online at gustavustickets.com (Tickets go on sale beginning at noon on Monday, Oct. 13.) 9 Music: The Winds of Christmas, featuring the combined Gustavus & Vasa Wind Orchestras, James Patrick Miller & Karrin Meffert-Nelson, conductors; Christ Chapel, 10 a.m. Free

11 Festival of St. Lucia, Christ Chapel, 10 a.m. GLA’s Lucia Luncheon, featuring children’s author Lori Evert; Alumni Hall, 11 a.m. Luncheon reservations accepted from GLA members following mailing of invitations in midOctober. For more information, call 507-933-7520. 12 Artist Series Event: Michael Johnson in Concert; Jussi Björling Recital Hall, 8 p.m. Tickets available online at gustavustickets.com, or by calling 507933-7590. 12, 13, 14 Dance: Shared Space; Kresge Dance Studio, 2 p.m. (Dec. 14 only) & 8 p.m. (Dec. 12 & 13). Tickets available online at gustavustickets.com, or by calling 507-933-7590.

ON THE HILL

PLEASE NOTE: Times and dates of the events listed on this page are subject to change. Please call to confirm events of interest.

SPORTS Up-to-date sports schedules may be found on the Web, through the Gustavus homepage (gustavus.edu). For a printed schedule of any or all of the Gustie varsity athletic squads, download from the Web or send a self-addressed, stamped envelope to Ethan Armstrong ’09, sports information director, Gustavus Adolphus College, 800 W. College Ave., St. Peter, MN 56082-1498. Also, you can listen to selected Gustavus athletics broadcasts over the Internet through RealAudio. Broadcasts may be accessed through a link on Gustavus athletics website, where a broadcast schedule may also be found. THE ARTS To receive a more

complete fine arts schedule or more information on fine arts events noted in the calendar, contact Al Behrends ’77, director of fine arts programs, by phone 507-933-7013 or email al@ gustavus.edu.

TICKETS Tickets for the

Illustration by Sharon Stevenson

Gustavus Artist Series and Department of Theatre and Dance productions may be ordered online at gustavustickets.com. Tickets for Department of Theatre and Dance offerings are available two weeks in advance of the performance.

Festival of St. Lucia, Christ Chapel, December 11, 10 a.m. FALL 2014

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CLASS OF

2014 COMMENCEMENT Gustavus Adolphus College 1. Inclement weather forced the 2014 Commencement at Gustavus Adolphus College indoors.

2. Senior speakers Valentina Muraleedharan (left) and Victoria Clark.

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3. The class of 2014 numbers 555. 4. Rapt attention: from left, Karl Grant, Antonio Gomez, and Natalie Goffin 5. Seniors cross the stage.

6. Emily Hamberg (left) and Tristan Fernstrom performed prelude music with the Gustavus Wind Orchestra before joining their classmates for the announcement of candidates for graduation.

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1. The end of one journey, the start of another—Kendrick Hall awaits his turn to cross the stage. 2. Senior members of the Gustavus Choir perform the “Remember Song,” a tradition at the Gustavus commencement. 3. President Jack R. Ohle greets a graduate as she processes across the stage. 4. Claire O’Neill and Michael Morimoto 5. Karrissa Larson (left) and Roshini Jeevan check to make sure their names appear on the list of degree candidates in the program. 6. Political science major Kelly Dumais hugs one of her professors. 7. Photo op! 8. Grads Chelsea Johnson, Becky Jensen, and Kala Warner

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SUMMER FALL 2014 2011

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Assistant Professor of Chemistry Dwight Stoll holds up a vial containing a sample whose constituent components will be identified using two-dimensional liquid chromatography.

ASSISTANT PROFESSOR OF CHEMISTRY 24

THE GUSTAVUS QUARTERLY

Photos by Stan Waldhauser ’71

DWIGHT STOLL


SOLVING CHEMICAL PUZZLES: A professor’s collaborative research with undergraduates draws the attention and support of a global technology leader by Sharon Schmickle

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tanding apart from the modern equipment in Assistant Professor Dwight Stoll’s chemistry laboratory is a contraption that he cobbled together with wires and valves cannibalized from old paraphernalia. Primitive? To be sure. Stoll calls it a “fossil.”

Yet, the relic symbolizes an intellectual drive that propelled Stoll’s lab into the major leagues of research institutions and opened rare opportunities for his students. Refusing to be set back by a lack of sophisticated equipment, Stoll created the “fossil” and other makeshift machinery to do cutting-edge research in the science of breaking down components of everything from urine samples in crime labs to contaminants in river water. In the process, Stoll attracted the attention of Agilent Technologies Inc., a leading provider of bio-analytical and measurement solutions in life sciences, chemical analysis, and diagnostics. And now Agilent has replaced the “fossil” with stateof-the art equipment. “Unusual doesn’t even begin to describe the situation,” said Peter Carr, PhD, a University of Minnesota chemistry professor, who advised Stoll through his PhD studies. “Only a few professors at top research institutions have forged such relationships with global technology leaders,” Carr said. Beyond creative improvisation with equipment, Stoll also engaged students

in solving real-world problems in the environment, forensics, and medicine. “The fact that he was and is able to do this at a small college, while educating undergraduate students in both the theory and practice of this sophisticated technology, is phenomenal,” said Tony Brand, PhD, a senior field applications scientist at Agilent. “Agilent is eager to support scientists who contribute through their research,” Brand said. “Agilent is even more eager to support scientists who can also be seen to nurture a passion for science in their students. Simply, on both counts, Dwight was an ideal candidate for an Agilent collaboration.” The upshot for students has been unusual freedom of inquiry and opportunity. “The research environment provided at a small liberal arts college was incredible and unlike anything I had seen at comparable institutions,” said Scott Simpkins ’10, now a PhD candidate in bioinformatics and computational biology at the University of Minnesota. “I truly performed independent research that advanced the field, and I was the first author on the first research publication out

of his laboratory,” Simpkins said. “These are both extremely rare opportunities for any undergraduate.” SOLVING CHEMICAL PUZZLES To appreciate the strides Stoll took to open such opportunities, it is necessary to understand his line of chemistry. Where most of us see the ordinary stuff of life, Stoll sees complex collections of chemicals to be separated and identified. Take human urine. Stoll estimates it contains at least 5,000 chemically different ingredients, making it a veritable puzzle to be solved by crime labs seeking certain telltale substances. Blood is even more complicated. “It’s easy to imagine that there are at least 100,000 different things floating around in your blood,” Stoll said. Amid that chemical abundance, researchers often look for something that is present in super-small quantities. Stoll’s lab, for example, has collaborated with a study of the Minnesota and Mississippi rivers to find whether pharmaceuticals from urban wastewater have entered the streams. Often

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the drugs are detected in parts per trillion. Stoll characterized that concentration by looking out from the Gustavus hilltop campus to St. Peter’s water tower: “That water tower would hold about a trillion grains of rice.” Seeking something that is present at 10 parts per trillion is akin to looking for 10 particular grains of rice in that daunting mix. “It’s really enormously challenging, and it’s really astonishing to me that we can do it,” Stoll said. CONFRONTING A LIMIT Stoll’s career has been a quest for ever more effective ways to find those elusive ingredients. Stoll, 39, grew up near St. Peter where abundant prairie grasses meet wooded river valleys. An interest in plants was in keeping with the natural surroundings, so Stoll majored in plant biology and biochemistry at Minnesota State University, Mankato. Even as an undergraduate, Stoll confronted a limiting research factor: Available laboratory instruments were inadequate to answer all of the scientists’ questions. He began to see the value of improving the tools and processes of research to the point where scientists could find answers with less time, less expense, and more certainty. At first, though, Stoll just needed a job. As a “first-generation college student of meager means,” his undergraduate years had been “pretty rough,” he said. He cut and sold firewood to pay the bills. He worked at fast-food joints and hardware stores. At one point, he dropped out to work on a thoroughbred ranch in California. In 1999, with his bachelor’s degree in hand, he landed a job as a research technician with ZirChrom Separations, Inc., in Anoka, a developer of materials for chemical analysis. IMMERSED IN SEPARATION SCIENCE Serendipitously, Stoll was immersed in the science of separating materials into their various ingredients. Since the early 1900s, scientists have used a process called liquid chromatography to perform such separations. Simply put, it involves running a sample—say, of wastewater—through a tube packed with materials that interact with various chemicals in the sample. 1 Think of it as a race in which the molecules of some chemicals will run faster than others, eventually separating into

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distinct bands. Once separated, the various bands can be analyzed. The process served science well, but some separations were not as powerful as was needed for complex mixtures, particularly when the ingredients of interest were present in miniscule quantities. Some 30 years ago, scientists began to amplify the power of the process by adding a second separation stage.2 A first analysis might separate the molecules by size; a second could explore a different dimension, say polarity in terms of positive and negative charges. But their idea for two-dimensional liquid chromatography couldn’t take hold without new equipment. The process took too much time to be practically useful. SHATTERING LIMITS When Stoll started graduate studies at the University of Minnesota in 2001, he devoted his dissertation research to speeding up 2-D liquid chromatography— approaching each component of the process and asking, “What limits this technique? Why can’t we do it faster? What are the barriers?” Weak spots identified through that scrutiny led him to tear down equipment. “You take the instrument apart, take that piece out and go borrow some parts from over here that we think can get us over that hump and put it back together to see what you can do with it,” Stoll said. The resulting equipment was crude and prone to breakdowns. But it worked well enough for Stoll to publish an extraordinary number of research papers for a graduate student. WHY GUSTAVUS? By 2008, Stoll had his PhD in analytical chemistry. He also had taught chemistry for nine months at St. Olaf College and done research at the University of Minnesota’s Lung Health Center. He was ready for a faculty position at Gustavus. In many ways, a large institution would have been a better fit, opening access to a sophisticated research infrastructure with collaborators who could help solve problems and brainstorm ideas. But Stoll also would have spent more time seeking external funding and less time with undergraduate students. At Gustavus, the undergraduates do divert a good share of Stoll’s time to

(top) Lab technician Chris Harmes prepares a 2D liquid chromatography set-up as Stoll looks on. (lower left) Reagents, external 2D valves, and sample collection loops used in the chromatography process.


(lower right) Mass spectrometer calibrants in one of the pieces of state-of-the-art equipment Agilent Technologies has supplied to Gustavus.

teaching basic research fundamentals. But their inexperience also grants Stoll a certain freedom. “They, on the one hand, don’t know anything about what you are doing, so you have to really start from scratch,” Stoll said. “The flip side of that is they don’t know when to say, ‘No! You are crazy!’.” In hindsight, he said, “The students who did this initial work would have had every right to say, ‘There is no way this could possibly work.’ But they didn’t know any better.” Steve Groskreutz, ’12, co-authored research papers in prestigious peerreviewed journals while studying under Stoll. Now he is pursuing a PhD in chemistry at the University of Pittsburgh. “Being able to work at Gustavus with one of the world’s most respected young chromatographers is impressive,” Groskreutz said. “I have always wondered if I liked this kind of science because I really like chromatography or whether it was working with Dwight that developed my passion.” (The latest support for that “most respected” claim came in a recent announcement that a division of the American Chemical Society named Stoll the 2014 recipient of its prestigious “Young Investigator Award in Separation Science.”) Another former student—Michael Swenson, ’10—is pursuing a master’s degree in water chemistry at the University of Minnesota-Duluth. “As a student under Dr. Stoll, I felt an immense amount of freedom to be curious,” Swenson said. “At the same time, I knew that I could ask him anything, and he would take the time to explain or help me, but always with encouragement.” LEADERSHIP: RELATIONSHIPS ARE THE KEY Ask Stoll about effective leadership, and he responds in terms of turnabout. A long line of mentors inspired and guided him over the years. Now, it’s his turn to do the same. “I just recognize how influential those relationships were for me,” he said. “If you were to talk to ten faculty members here, one of the things that would come up frequently is that we value developing close relationships with students.” It begins, Stoll said, with gauging each student’s potential. “Then I try to push them as much as I can to help them realize that potential

without breaking anything, whether that’s their spirit or our relationship,” he said. “I’ve gotten to know several of them pretty well in terms of what their aspirations are, what they think their strengths and weaknesses are, how they can best spend their time here, and how we can spend our time together to make their strengths stronger and address some of the weaknesses,” he said. Another lesson comes through the example of Stoll’s connection with Agilent. The relationship formed and grew over years of interaction with other scientists, Stoll said, not “a one-phone-call or one-email thing.” William Barber, PhD, now Agilent’s Global Research and Development Manager (Chemistries), met Stoll in graduate studies at the U of M and promoted him for Agilent’s grants program even though “these grants are nearly always given to major, PhDgranting universities,” Barber said. It helped that “Dwight is one of a very few top researchers in this specific field,” Barber continued. Stoll also had been highly productive in research that was strongly aligned with Agilent’s future strategic direction. Finally, Gustavus had a “very strong undergraduate research program in chemistry,” with a long line of graduates who had proven successful in advanced degree programs. Now Agilent has installed more than $500,000 worth of equipment in Stoll’s lab, including a two-dimensional liquid chromatograph and a mass spectrometer for analyzing separated samples. Stoll provides feedback to the company’s instrument development team, and he is spending a six-month sabbatical working at the Agilent research and development site in Germany. So the “fossil” can retire. But the innovative spirit continues. “You don’t make any progress unless you try those kinds of things,” Stoll said. “If you don’t try, you never get anywhere.” n Sharon Schmickle is an award-winning journalist with 30 years of experience covering local, national, and international news. As a MinnPost writer since 2007, she has covered science, politics, government, and international news. Before that she worked for the Minneapolis Star Tribune, reporting from the paper’s Washington bureau. NOTES 1

The early tubes were glass, but the most common modern material is stainless steel.

2

The concept was actually discussed nearly 50 years ago in a Nobel Conference address.

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SPORTS NOTES

Athletes of the Year announced

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enior football player Jeffrey Dubose (St. Paul, Minn.) and senior swimmer Alissa Tinklenberg (Willmar, Minn.) were named the Male and Female Gustavus Adolphus College Student-Athletes of the Year, as voted on by the head coaches at the College. Dubose, a running back who broke nearly every Gustavus rushing record in his final season wearing a winged helmet, is the first football player to receive the honor since Ryan Hoag ’03 did so in 2002. Tinklenberg is the first to be named Student-Athlete of the Year twice; she received the award as a sophomore following the 2011–12 season and is the second women’s swimmer to take home the award, following Andrea Kleven ’04 in 2001. Capping a brilliant career in the Gustavus backfield, Dubose garnered first team all-conference and First Team D3football.com All-West Region honors, and earned honorable mention on the D3football.com All-America Team. This season, Jeffrey carried the ball 265 times for 1,459 yards with 24 touchdowns—all three of which are Gustavus records. Over his four-year career as Coach Peter Haugen’s featured running back, Dubose

by Ethan Armstrong ’09

rushed for 3,419 yards (school record) and Jon Carlson’s program since stepping 41 touchdowns (school record). With seven onto campus in 2010, Tinklenberg holds more receiving touchdowns, he accounted school career records in All-America for a total of 48 touchdowns in his career. performances with 12, MIAC gold medals His rushing yards mark bested Tom with 19, all-conference swims with 24, and Dahlberg’s 3,315 yards accumulated from points scored at the MIAC championships 1969 to 1972, while his 41 career rushing with 229. She was voted the team’s Most touchdowns are eight more than Ron Straka Valuable Swimmer the past three seasons ’81, who amassed 33 from 1977 to 1980. and also received an NCAA Postgraduate Putting the finishing touches on what Scholarship this spring. was already the most honored career in program history, Alissa Tinklenberg captained the Gusties to a fifth straight MIAC championship and a programbest seventh-place finish at the NCAA championships. Alissa was named the MIAC Women’s Swimmer of the Year for the second consecutive season after taking home gold in a total of seven events (3 individual, 4 relay). At the NCAA championships, she earned All-America honors in five events, including a personal-best fourth-place finish in the 200 backstroke. A proven leader in Coach Jeffrey Dubose ’14 Alissa Tinklenberg ’14

ALUMNAE WIN SECOND ANNUAL SOCCER GAME Alumnae soccer players defeated current players 2–1 at the second annual women’s alumnae soccer game held on campus May 10. Following the game the alumnae and current players had a picnic and also visited together at downtown St. Peter establishments

The men’s tennis team won its 26th consecutive MIAC championship

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SPORTS NOTES

Gustavus adds four more Capital One Academic All-Americans

by Ethan Armstrong ’09

ATHLETICS DEPARTMENT ACTIVITIES FOOTBALL

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ustavus Adolphus College was home to four Capital One Academic All-Americans this spring. As selected by the College Sports Information Directors of America (CoSIDA), swimmer Alissa Tinklenberg (Sr., Willmar, Minn.) and hockey player Carolyn Draayer (Jr., Deephaven, Minn.) were named to the 2014 Capital One Academic All-America Division III At-Large Team, while track athletes Cameron Clause (Sr., Mankato, Minn.) and Rebecca Hare (Albany, Minn.) were named to the 2013–14 Capital One Academic All-America Division III Men’s and Women’s Track and Field/Cross Country Teams. Tinklenberg, a two-time Capital One Academic All-District honoree and a member of the 2013 Capital One Academic All-America Team as a third-team recipient, earned a spot on the first team following her final season of collegiate swimming. Draayer earned a place on the third team after being named an Academic All-District honoree for the first time in her career. Tinklenberg posted a 3.79 cumulative grade point average in public accounting, while Draayer holds a 3.98 GPA in communication studies. After garnering Capital One Academic All-District honors for the first time in their careers, Clause and Hare both made their initial appearance on the Capital One Academic All-America Team in late June. Clause earned a place on the second team with a 3.76 GPA in chemistry, and Hare took home third-team marks with a 3.93 GPA in English. Beginning with the selection of Brad Baker ’80 as the school’s first in 1979, Gustavus Adolphus College is home to 79 Academic All-Americans who have been awarded the prestigious honor a total of 102 times. With over 100 Academic All-America awards, Gustavus achieves a milestone reached by only 31 institutions across all divisions of collegiate athletics prior to the start of the 2013–14 school year. Clause and Hare were the fifth and sixth Gustie student-athletes to achieve Academic All-America status this season. To be eligible for Academic All-America consideration, a student-athlete must be a varsity starter or key reserve, maintain a cumulative G.P.A. of 3.30 on a scale of 4.00, have reached sophomore athletic and academic standings at his/her current institution, and be nominated by his/her sports information director.

Football 50 Year Club – Saturday, October 4, 10:30 a.m. reception, 11 a.m. luncheon, Campus Banquet Room. For students who played football at Gustavus 50 or more years ago. To register, contact the Office of Alumni and Parent Engagement (800-4878437) or gustavus.edu/alumni/ homecoming. For more information, email Randall Stuckey at rstuckey@ gustavus.edu. HOCKEY Men’s Hockey Golf Tournament, Friday, September 19, 12:30 p.m., Le Sueur Country Club. Contact Brett Petersen at bpeters4@gustavus.edu. SWIMMING AND DIVING Alumni Golf Tournament, Friday, September 5, Le Sueur Country Club Alumni Intra-squad Pentathlon, Saturday, October, 10 a.m., Vic Gustafson Natatorium, Campus. Contact Jon Carlson at carlson@gustavus.edu. TENNIS Women Alumnae Match, Saturday, September 6, 10 a.m., Swanson Tennis Center (rain or shine). Contact Jon Carlson at carlson@gustavus.edu. 23rd Annual Gustavus Tennis Gala, Saturday, October 4, Swanson Tennis Center. Register online at gustavus. edu/go/tennis-gala by September 15. Contact Tommy Valentini at tvalenti@ gustavus.edu.

Carolyn Draayer ’15

Cameron Clause’14

Rebecca Hare ’14

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SPORTS NOTES

Spring sports summary by Ethan Armstrong ’09 SOFTBALL The Gustavus softball team finished second in the MIAC standings for the fourth time in the past five seasons after going 17–5 in league play. The Gusties defeated Saint Benedict (1–0) in the opening round of the MIAC playoffs before seeing their season come to an end with consecutive losses to St. Thomas (4–1) and Bethel (7–5). Gustavus finished the 2014 season with an overall record of 24–15—eclipsing the 20-win mark for the eighth time in Coach Jeff Annis’s nine-year career. In the MIAC’s postseason awards, shortstop Shelby Nosan (JR, Baudette, Minn.), second baseman Carly Klass (JR, Richfield, Minn.), third baseman Kaitlyn Bicek (SO, Northfield, Minn.), designated player/catcher Nathalee Boissiere (SO, Plymouth, Minn.), and pitcher Hannah Heacox (FY, Stillwater, Minn.) were named to the all-conference team. Heacox was named the MIAC Rookie-of-the-Year, while Nosan and Bicek later earned places on the National Fastpitch Coaches Association Midwest All-Region Team. BASEBALL The Gustavus baseball team had its share of troubles during the 2014 campaign as the Gusties went 7–24 overall and 2–18 in the MIAC for an 11th-place finish. The Gusties had four players finish the season with batting averages above the .350 mark, including Max Fidler (JR, Lino Lakes, Minn.) at .366, Garrett Fuchs (JR, Cold Spring, Minn.) at .364, Taylor Bigandt (SO, Littleton, Colo.) at .358, and Scott Benjamin (SR, Northfield, Minn.) at .357. Grant Soderberg (SR, Eden Prairie, Minn.) was once again the team’s top pitcher, recording an ERA of 3.10 after logging a team-high 40.2 innings. WOMEN’S OUTDOOR TRACK & FIELD The Gustavus women’s outdoor track & field team registered 51 points to finish eighth at the 2014 MIAC championships held May 9–10 at St. Olaf College in Northfield. Highlighting Gustavus’s weekend was Elizabeth Weiers (JR, Le Center, Minn.) who took home gold in the hammer throw with a school-record toss of 168’ 7”. Also earning all-conference honors at the meet were Kelsey Harms

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(SO, Apple Valley, Minn.) and Nevada Wendlandt (SR, Maplewood, Minn.). Harms finished runner-up in the pole vault after clearing the bar at 11’ 0.25”, and Wendlandt finished right behind her in third after going over at 10’ 6.25”. Weiers qualified for the NCAA championships, where she finished 13th overall in the hammer throw to earn All-America honorable mention status. Weiers, an English major with a perfect cumulative grade point average of 4.0, was also awarded the Elite 89 Award, which is presented to the student-athlete with the highest cumulative grade-point average participating at the finals site for each of the NCAA’s championships. MEN’S OUTDOOR TRACK & FIELD Despite being in 10th place following day one, the Gustavus men’s outdoor track & field team used a strong second day to finish in sixth place with 66.5 points at the MIAC championships. The Gusties benefitted from three all-conference performances, which all came on the second day of competition. Naga Rumicho (SR, Minneapolis, Minn.) turned in the team’s top performance of the weekend with a runner-up effort in the high jump after clearing the bar at 6’ 7”. The squad’s top thrower was Ryan Obele (SR, Le Sueur, Minn.), who placed third in the hammer throw with a toss of 170’ 1”. Jordan Lovestrand (FY, Bloomington, Minn.) rounded out the team’s allconference performers with a thirdplace showing in the 110-meter hurdles with a time of 15.61. Despite missing the MIAC championships because of injury, Cameron Clause (SR, Mankato, Minn.) qualified for the NCAA championships thanks to his school-record decathlon effort of 6,491 posted at the Wartburg Outdoor Select in early April. Clause went on to finish 17th in the decathlon with a score of 6,335 at the NCAA championships. WOMEN’S TENNIS The Gustavus women’s tennis team finished second in the conference standings after going 8–2 in MIAC play. The Gusties defeated St. Thomas 5–1 in the semifinals of the MIAC playoffs

before suffering a tightly contested 5–3 loss to MIAC champion Carleton in the championship match. Gustavus posted an overall record of 16–6 and had four players who earned all-conference honors. Junior Laurel Krebsbach (North Oaks, Minn.), sophomore Sidney Dirks (St. Peter, Minn.), and first-year Michaela Schulz (Elk River, Minn.) all landed spots on both the singles and doubles teams, while Lizzy Stanczyk (FY, Plymouth, Wis.) earned a place on the doubles team. MEN’S TENNIS The Gustavus men’s tennis team won its 26th consecutive MIAC championship after going a perfect 9–0 in league play. The Gusties later secured the MIAC playoff championship and a berth in the NCAA tournament after a 9–0 semifinal win over Saint John’s and an 8–1 championship victory over St. Olaf. Highlighting the MIAC’s postseason awards were Head Coach Tommy Valentini ’02 and senior Bryan Miles (Wausau, Wis.). Valentini was named the MIAC Steve Wilkinson Men’s Tennis Coach-of-the-Year, while Miles received the Arthur Ashe Award. To go along with the two headline honors, three Gustavus players were recognized on the all-conference singles and doubles teams. Junior Motasem Al-Houni (Tripoli, Libya) was the lone Gustie honored in singles, while senior Marcel Gyswyt (Golden Valley, Minn.) and first-year Andres Saenz Hoyo (Cancun, Mexico) were honored in doubles. Making its 27th appearance in the NCAA Tournament since 1983, Gustavus was selected as host of one of eight regional tournaments throughout the country. After a first-round bye, Gustavus defeated UW-Whitewater 5–0 before suffering a 5–3 loss to Trinity University (Texas) in the third round. The Gusties finished their campaign with an overall record of 29–6—the most wins in Valentini’s five-year coaching tenure. n

Ethan Armstrong ’09 has been sports information director at Gustavus since fall 2011.


LEGACY 5

Celebration of Philanthropy

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n Friday April 25, 2014, Gustavus Adolphus College hosted its first ever Celebration of Philanthropy reception and dinner in honor of the many alumni, parents, and friends of the College whose generous support maintains the high academic excellence of the College, and truly gives students a Gustie experience. Philanthropy is the foundation on which Gustavus was built. Since Eric Norelius traveled by horseback soliciting gifts for the College in the 1800s, Gusties, their parents, and friends have supported the College with their gifts of volunteerism, their expertise in the classroom and on committees, and their financial support. Gusties are full of gratitude for the love and support of all of our donors. 3 6

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1. Signs were posted up on campus throughout the week to remind the campus community to thank those who make an impact at the College. 2. The Rev. Paul Oman using his artistic talent during the dinner portion of the evening. He painted a stunning portrait of campus while the Rev. Grady St. Dennis ’92 spoke on how donors truly add the color to the campus. 3. Guests mingled at the pre-dinner reception held in the Warren and Donna Beck Academic Hall. They toured many rooms featuring current projects at the College. 4. The Gustavus Wind Orchestra performed the “Gustie Rouser” for the group. 5. Kris Ohle and Ginny (Hendrickson) Petersen ’67 visited during the reception in Beck Hall. 6. Former President and Mrs. Ohle chatted with guest artist, Paul Oman. 7. View of the guests in the transformed Evelyn Young Dining Room in the Jackson Campus Center.

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8. President Ohle and Jim Hunter ’71 talked about impact we all can have at Gustavus. 9. Throughout the evening, many current students, staff, faculty, alumni, parents, and friends of the College spoke about impact. Ava Goepfert ’14 read a passage from the daily devotional Every Morning New, written by the Rev. Corinne Chilstrom and her husband, the Rev. Dr. Herb Chilstrom.

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The Christ Chapel Memorial Garden Many people have a deep connection to Gustavus Adolphus College. Some consider the College their home. Now College community members have an opportunity to make Gustavus their final resting place by choosing inurnment in the Christ Chapel Memorial Garden.

For more information or to reserve a space in the Christ Chapel Memorial Garden, visit gustavus.edu/president/MemorialGarden, or contact Kathy Chalhoub in the Chaplains’ Office at 507-933-7446 or at chalhoub@gustavus.edu.

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GUSTAVUS ALUMNI

GUSTAVUS ALUMNI

ALUMNI CONTENTS 29 Class Reunion Photos 37 Gustie Breakfasts 44 Homecoming 2014 57 Weddings 57 Births 58 In Memoriam 60 Service and Retirement Recognition

s Big and Little Partners maintain ties Sean O’Connell ’17 and Dawn Gehlhar Williams ’06 met in the fall of 2002. They were both new in town. Dawn was starting her freshman year of school at Gustavus and eight-year-old Sean and his family had just moved to St. Peter from Illinois. They were randomly matched as Big Partner and Little Partner. But let’s let Dawn tell the story: “We spent the next four years trick-or-treating in the dorms together, rollerblading around campus, eating pizza in the caf, playing board games and video games, chasing ping pong balls in the Dive, running around the arboretum, along with countless other adventures. I watched him play Little League hockey and soccer. He and his family attended my senior piano recital. “We exchanged birthday and Christmas presents with each other. One time when Sean and I were hanging out, he asked me what my favorite food was. ‘Spaghetti,’ I had said. A couple of weeks later I was treated to a surprise birthday party with a delicious Italian meal (all Sean’s plan, his mom said!). “During our four years at Gustavus, Sean also got to know my boyfriend (and future husband), Philip. Sean later told me he never knew Phil and I were dating, he just thought he was a fun guy who liked to hang out with us J. A few weeks after Phil and I graduated, Sean served as a junior usher in our wedding. “Sean’s no longer the new kid in town, and my time at Gustavus is complete, but the friendship that grew in those four years is still going. We follow each other’s activities on Facebook, we talk on the phone, and we still exchange birthday and Christmas cards. I live in continued on page 51

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Miriam Peterson Manfred, resident of the Augustana Apartments in Minneapolis, has been selected as winner of the 2014 Fullness of Life award. She exemplifies the concept of positive and active aging. At age 97 she volunteers her musical talent playing the piano for family and friends, is active in the fitness center, and continues to be active with the American Swedish Institute, Community Emergency Service, and Gustavus Library Associates.

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GUSTAVUS ALUMNI ASSOCIATION To engage current and future alumni in lifelong relationships with Gustavus and each other to actively advance their commitment to the College.

OFFICERS

Catherine Asta ’75, President Gordon Mansergh ’84, Vice President Kelly Waldron ’84, Treasurer Christopher Rasmussen ’88, Past President & Ex-Officio Member, Board of Trustees

BOARD MEMBERS TERM EXPIRES FALL 2015 Sandra Luedtke Buendorf ’62, St. Peter, MN Sara Tollefson Currell ’95, St. Paul, MN Ed Drenttel ’81, Inver Grove Heights, MN Keith Jackson ’88, Minneapolis, MN Jane Norman Leitzman ’69, St. Joseph, MN Brian Norelius ’95, Lindstrom, MN Paul Schiminsky ’93, Las Vegas, NV Scott Swanson ’85, Edina, MN Matt Wasson ’12, Edina, MN TERM EXPIRES FALL 2016 Michael Dueber ’89, St. Paul, MN Theresa Gienapp ’97, St. Paul, MN Derek Hansen ’94, Minnetonka, MN Stephanie Kendall ’76, Minneapolis, MN Virginia Kirkegaard Leppart ’76, Eden Prairie, MN Matthew Olson ’10, Minneapolis, MN Marisa Schloer ’09, Minneapolis, MN

TERM EXPIRES FALL 2017 Jean-Paul Bigirindavyi ’00, St. Louis Park, MN Kara Buckner ’97, St. Louis Park, MN Michael D. Bussey ’69, Wheaton, IL Cathy Harms ’85, Apple Valley, MN Damon Larson ’84, Parker, CO Dan Myers ’04, Minneapolis, MN Sharon Peterson Robinson ’64, Kasota, MN Kirstin Johns Young ’86, The Woodlands, TX EMERITI James “Moose” Malmquist ’53, Scandia, MN Kay Rethwill Moline ’56, St. Peter, MN

CLASS NEWS and information to be included in the Alumni section of the Quarterly should be sent to: Office of Alumni and Parent Engagement, Gustavus Adolphus College 800 West College Avenue St. Peter, MN 56082-1498 phone n 800-487-8437 e-mail n alumni@gustavus.edu or [year]classofficers@gustavus.edu website n gustavus.edu/alumni/submit

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Lucille Bergstrom Breen writes, “I

in frequent contact with Marge 44 am Sando Drager. She is 90, I’m 91.

Gloria Berglund Medly died in March of 2003. She and I attended the same oneroom school house located in Lund Township, Douglas County, and we both went to Evansville High School. We also keep in touch with Donna Nelson Jacobson and Lorraine Holmgren Jacobson. Gustavus Adolphus was a great experience that helped me, through all my 91 years, be more meaningful.” Joanne Mortenson Peterson is currently living in the Augustana Homes in downtown Minneapolis. “For several years I have suffered from Parkinson’s disease, which makes it impossible for me to write, but I would love a telephone visit or actual visit from friends in the area. My oldest son lives in Anchorage, Alaska, while my younger son lives in Tucson, Arizona, and my daughter lives in New Zealand. They are planning a 90th birthday party for me at the end of April.” Ruth Sponberg Cook had this to share: “Retired after teaching 26 years. Vacationed in Arizona.” Betty Hedin Olson is back in Minnesota after 20 years in Phoenix, AZ. “Too cold!” She says it’s wonderful to connect with old classmates and longs to see Gustavus Adolphus again next year. Robert Wieman, a former World War II pilot, has written about his flying experiences. “My WWII Flying Story (Flying through a Pacific Tropical Storm)” has been published in Smithsonian’s Air & Space magazine, Apr/ May 2014 issue.

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Levonne Larson Larson is active

American Swedish Institute, 49 with church activities, book club, music events/concerts, study groups, and enjoying three great-grandchildren. Norman Nelson writes, “I served three Chicagoland congregations. Now I’m writing my memoirs, singing in church choir, and serving on our church finance committee.” Walter Johnson writes, “We live close to Gustavus and attend the many functions

there. It is nice to have a spouse from the same class.” LeRoy Martinson reports, “LeRoy and Nancy are doing well. We have nine grandchildren and next year we will be great-grandparents! LeRoy retired from Valparaiso University in 1992. He turned 85 in November. He meets with colleagues every Tuesday to discuss books they have chosen to read.” Roger Fehr counts “11 grandchildren, 9 great-grandchildren” while Millie Anderson Flink “has two children, five grandchildren, and nine great-grandchildren.” Duane Flink let us know that he has “23 family members living within 100 miles of us in Central Texas.” Jean Oppedahl Johnson and her husband, Robert, celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary in December 2013. Eileen Johnson Christensen is enjoying life with her family and five greatgrandchildren. “I am active in my own home. I give thanks to my Lord Jesus Christ for the gifts he bestows on me and for the protection of his eternal grace.” Jean Luckman Rasmussen spent Christmas of 2013 in Cuba with eight family members. Jerome Monahan is a CPA consultant at Jerome M. Monahan CPA. Marion Carlson Stief-Sletten has now traveled to all continents except Antarctica. June Dalen Bruneer reports, “Doing just fine, still traveling—to Maui, HI, in October 2014.” Miriam “Mim” Bloom Curtis writes, “How Swede it is! Still love our Swedish traditions, being very active in Vasa and Scandinavian clubs and church activities here in sunny Orange County, CA.” Jacqueline Erickson Goldschmidt writes, “Dear classmates, 60 years is quite a milestone. We have lived many places, Alaska included. Jerry was in the U.S. Public Health Service. We have ten wonderful grandchildren, two still in high school, the rest in college or already graduated. Life has been blessed and truly a gift from God. We remember our Gustavus days fondly. Hope you all had a wonderful 60th reunion.” Sylvia Johnson Johnson reports, “Our church is celebrating its 125th year anniversary and I have been researching some history. Seven of our Women’s Ministry ladies volunteered to research and plan a program about the women of our church. We held an enjoyable and inspirational program in September.” Marilyn Nelson Leverenz is enjoying summers in northern Wisconsin and winters in southern Texas. David Gillis retired from the Journal Communication Company in 1990. “My wife and I had a great time at our granddaughter Jacalyn’s wedding this past August. The grandchildren are spreading their wings—

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s Golden Anniversary Class – Class of 1964 (Photo #1) Front Row (from left): Lynne Kirchoff Torkelson, Doug Person, Sue Toftey Hildebrand, Miram Borg Teeter, Karyl Krantz Blair, Linda Leonardson Hallman, Joanna Carlson Swanson, Elizabeth Johnson Ekholm. Second Row: Marlys Sanders Siverson, Joanell Sletta Dyrstad, Judy Fletcher Kloster, Donna Olsenius Hammer, Carolyn Johnson Holje, Shirley Schmidt Vold, Nancy Johnson Vrieze, Carla Johnson Stoneberg, Joanna Kuehn Engstrom. Third Row: Linda Hammarberg Willette, Judy Swenson Dummer-Myers, Linda Lindborg Baehr, Anne Lawson Larson, Vicki Krenik Hedlin, Helen Brostrom Ihrig, Carol Gilbertson Lind, Nancy Johnsen Martin, Donald Fogal, Cathy Moe Dietz. Fourth Row: William Kylander, William Roadfeldt, Hanley Anderson, Sharon Rajala Reese, Carole Erickson Larsen, Jim Peterson, Rod Bahnson, Kent Krez, Gary Kenning, James Welte. Back Row: Ken Slinde, Bruce Miller, Alan Gessner, Tom Turner, Paul Larson, John Martens, Don O’Connor, Ron Severson, Don Severson, Denny Dietz.

s Golden Anniversary Class – Class of 1964 (Photo #2) Front Row (from left): Annika Molander Kjollerstrom, Margaret Forsman Nelson, Marilyn Marshall Lee, Jane Chelgren McFadden, Emily Hanson Abello, Linda Neumann Meyer, Joan Carlstrom Morehouse, Sharon Johnson Corl, Mary Fahden McIlrath, Lois Hoernemann Banke, Janet Hartland Hernes, Eleanor Johnson Anderson. Second Row: Cleyo Keller Mathews, Rose Ann Skoog Parks, Kathleen Bigalke Ciabattoni, Camille Janzen Bunch, Sonja Madsen Kung, Marlys Olson Waldron, Barbara Nelson Martens, Sharon Stueland Olson, Susan Fenske Anderson, Bill Buckner. Third Row: Martha Johnson Lindseth, Barb Koehn Baumann, Lynn Ostebo Peterson, Karen Larvick, Ruby Monson Englund, Ina Street Sickels, Karna Peterson, Marilynn Lawson Tammi, Karen Sommers Johnson, James Harder. Fourth Row: Dee Dee Heino Lorentzen, Karen Benson Hanson, Elizabeth Proeschel Wold, Judy Kaeding Larsen, Kirsten LeVander Dawson, Carl Franzen. Fifth Row: Valerie Donner Sechler, Jane Johnson Odell, Charlotte Olson Jerney, Susan Bolmgren Anderson, Mark Eckman, Susan Hill Jones, Paula Yocum Olson, Sharon Peterson Robinson, Jack Jungas, Bob Johns, Bernard Cody. Back Row: Kenneth Wilson, Lee Halgren, Michael Hendrickson, Bruce Jones, Mike Torkelson, Rick Hokanson, Joyce Wallinder Johnson, John Johnson, Tom Hirsch, David Spong.

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Emily in Ohio, and Matt at the University of Vermont. I play golf, enjoy photography, hunting and fishing, and trap and skeet shooting. Occasionally I do some carving and oil painting, I keep busy!” Arlene Waxlax Sonday is an author, published by Winsor Learning. “Two more products were added to the Sonday System product line this year and another in the lineup. There are continually many opportunities to travel the country inservicing teachers and speaking at conferences. Ralph ’55 and I are gifted with good health and abundant energy, and that leads to more travel.” Myron “Mike” Anderson reports, “Jean (Randin ’55) and I continue to spend summers in St. Cloud, and share quarter horses with our youngest daughter, Lisa. We play golf and make occasional trips to Washington to visit Laurie and family. Our twin grandsons are sophomores at Pacific Lutheran University. We visit Scott and family in North Dakota. Woodworking keeps me busy in Arkansas, along with choir and other church-related activities.” Carole Duffy Miller writes, “Duane and I have shared our years of retirement with numerous trips to Europe, Australia, Panama Canal, Mexico, Hawaii, and visiting family and friends in the U.S. Duane’s sister, Joyce Miller Biagini ’59, is still in Saint Paul, as well as many dear Gustavus friends and other family members. Two children are near us here in L.A., one son is in Novi, MI, and a daughter is in Auburn, CA. We have nine grandchildren, two at Cornell and two at UC-Irvine. We host a weekly “Home Group” meeting for our church and Duane continues to teach a weekly Bible class, also. We love jazz and attend numerous 3–4 day festivals in CA. This past June we celebrated our 60th wedding anniversary. The Lord has blessed us with quite good health; thank you, Lord!” Ellen Togikawa Ryusaki sends an “Aloha from Hawaii!” Lois Norman Myers has ten grandchildren and three greatgrandchildren. A granddaughter, Tracy Finch Levin, married a Swede and is living in Sweden; they have a little boy, Henrik Olaf. John Wright says he’s “glad to be able to be attending the reunion!” Forrest “Woody” Chaffee has written two books, More Alive Under the Shadow and More Alive Than Ever. He’s working on the third book. Lew Moon tells us, “We have discovered the wonders of the winter weather in Arizona.” Dick Bublitz is the owner of Fibrenew West-We Fix Leather, in Woodland Hills, CA. “I’m an active marathon runner and enjoy Pacific Ocean sport fishing.” Mary Lundgren Hauck was unable to attend 60th reunion this year. “A granddaughter in Billings, MT, was graduating the same weekend from high

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school, and I couldn’t miss it! Best wishes to everyone!” Sandy Dittbenner retired from Harsco Inc., Fairmont, in 1996. His son, Douglas ’90, was a member of the Gustavus 1987 MIAC Champion football team recognized at the Hall of Fame Banquet in 2012. Kay Norman Noren writes, “Five of us who met at Gustavus as freshman have been meeting together for lunch several times during the years.” n Vic Carter, class communication chair Another class has graduated from our dear alma mater Gustavus, and that brings back fond memories of the years 1952 to 1956 that we spent on campus. How are all of you? There is a common saying that “no news is good news.“ That is often true, except not when I need to write a letter to keep connected with you. “No news” results in a very boring letter. Four of us—Bob Erdman, Kay Rethwill Moline, Faye Reber, and I—are designated as the class officers of our class. I am sure that if any one of us had time and enough money to come visit you over a cup of coffee, a beer, or glass of wine, we would hear lots of good news—about your latest trip, where you volunteer, how your grandchildren are (do any of them go to Gustavus?), maybe a health concern or what Gustie you ran into the last time you wore your GA sweatshirt around town. I think you get the picture—we need to hear how you are spending your days. You can call any of us, email us or drop a note to the alumni office anytime. n Mimi Johnson Eisele, class president

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A new era is beginning. I will now be submitting the news for the Quarterly. Therefore, you KNOW I need your help! I do have a couple of interesting items: Wally Johnson has written and published a book—an Old Testament Bible study book he has titled Following the Good Shepherds. It is available through Tate Publishing, Amazon Books, and Barnes and Noble. Or, you can write to him directly at wellenjohnson@aol.com. Way to go, Wally. And, Janet Renquist Wiewel is working for the Colorado Environmental Legislative Campaign and for the Colorado State University in Colorado Springs as sorority director. I also have a few more tidbits that I will save for the fall class letter. Please send news—either to Gustavus or to me at nelsonmarlys@gmail.com. n Marlys Mattson Nelson, class communication chair

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Donna Seaberg Madden writes, “I still work full time as a Realtor. Trying to sell my own home is the biggest challenge of all! Our daughter lives in Geneva, Switzerland, where she and her husband teach in an international school. They have a 10-year-old daughter. Our son works for a U.S. computer company and has lived in the Netherlands for 10 years. He married a Dutch girl and they just had girl #3 in February. Most of our travels are to Europe to see the 4 grandchildren.” Sheila Ice Olson says, “I retired from AnokaHennepin schools in June, 2000. We now live in White Bear Lake in a one-level townhouse. My family is close by, which is nice because I have Parkinson’s disease and need help. Ray is active and wonderful. We have two girls, Beth and Lisa, who have four children—some graduated from Gustavus on Sunday, June 1. We go to a trailer at Clear Lake in the summer, which is nice for me because it is small and there are people around. It will be fun to see everyone in June.” Jeanette Reinke Carlson reports, “I am a volunteer with Habitat for Humanity (since 1992). This year, I am an advocate for a Somali family receiving a new home in Willmar. The family is a single mother, who works fulltime and speaks no English, two young brothers, and three young children. She has a father and one son living in a refugee camp in Somalia.” John Edman says, “We spend mid-May to mid-September at our cabin on Lake Movil, north of Bemidji. We have seven grandchildren from 8 to 22 years old. For the remainder of the year we live in Sun City, Hilton Head, SC. I volunteer for the Savannah Wildlife Refuge and received a Distinguished Achievement Award (2013) from Society of Vector Ecology 6th International Congress.” Jack Proeschel is “blessed with three adult children, seven grandchildren, and one great-grandchild. Retirement has allowed us to travel both nationally and internationally.” Dorothy Rylander Johnson reports, “John Johnson ’58 and I are enjoying retirement. We spend winters on Pine Island, Florida, and our summers on Pine Point, Leech Lake near Walker, MN. In between we are at home in Gibbon, MN.” Muriel Doherty Haegele is “enjoying the good life in Washington. We have traveled extensively over the years and are looking forward to Europe the fall of 2014.” Linda Lund Anderson has retired from being a substitute teacher for ISD #191. Gregory Bergeron is retired from Home Depot. Dan Johns says, “The past year has been the year to travel: Alaska 2013, California Nov. 2013, Mexico Jan./Feb. 2014, roadtrip to New Orleans March 2014, Europe April 2014. A family reunion conflicted with our

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s 45th Anniversary Class – Class of 1969 Front Row (from left): Doris Young McCully, Diane Drieling Longville, Cathy Nelson Feste, Cynthia Altemose Losch, Anita Youngquist Lindquist, Ann Schwalm Schwanke, Sue Hedenstrom Puder, Wanda Schwartz Schnabel, Louise Anderson Nichols, Jean Nord Searles, Chris Lundahl Lunz, Dave Leitzman. Second Row: Steve Hogberg, Brenda Kelly Robertson, Barbara Seeley Devlin, Carol Johnson Blackwell, Kathryn Nelson Burks, Darlene Rouhoff Swanson, Linda Kittleson Haller, Karen James Klink, Julie Johnson, Char Wynne Bryan, Diane Sather Gramstad, Dale Searles. Third Row: Thomas Philpot, Cheryl Maley Gelbmann, Pam Sonstegard McWilliams, Sandra Schrupp Ziemer, Lynn Sundquist Fox, Rebecca Lund Otterness, Mary Trimbo, Katherine Thorsen Poppen, Maggie Reko Johnson, Judy Johnson Fletcher, Jane Norman Leitzman. Fourth Row: Jordan Gish, Susan Walman Engelbert, Jack Bergman, Dianne Johnson, Christine Frommelt Nelson, Darlene Gustavson Nielsen, Jeanne Taylor Erickson, Ron “Hobie” Hobart, Tim Haut, Sally Grubb Iverson, Ruth E. Johnson. Fifth Row: John Wall, William Fletcher, Dave Solheim, Rollie Clark, Blake Shelton, David Payne, Mary Sue Hanson Taylor, David Nichols, Al Puder, Bruce Iverson. Back Row: Robert Swanson, Robert Johnson, Ward Moberg, Dennis Jepsen, Thomas Cherry, Bruce Neubauer, Ted Zinner, Scott Haag, Terry Danger, Peter Langsjoen, Michael Bussey, Michael Dobbs, John Sjoblom.

5th Anniversary Class 5 Class of 1959

Front Row (from left): Karen Anderson Willhite, Dorothy Rylander Johnson, Lynda Johnson Minnick, Lois Madsen Allen, Ralph Akermark, Gregory Bergeron, Elizabeth Johnson Dahl. Second Row: Joyce Johnson Elvestrom, Jeanette Reinke Carlson, Roxanne Rosendahl Steiner, Jeanne Turnquist Lindstrom, Jerry Hoffman, Linda Lund Anderson. Third Row: Sonia Anderson, Sandra Anderson, Pat Sweeney, Shirley Zaske Sweeney, Carol Johnson Heyl, Scott Griesman, Susan Hansen. Fourth Row: Marilyn Gustafson Asp, Marilyn Espeseth Erickson, Marcia Hedberg Wallin, Marlo Putz, David Olson, Janet Sommers Chell. Fifth Row: Donna Bjerkstrand Gray, Carol Miller Hammarberg. Sixth Row: LaVonne Kyrklund Olsen, Marian Fickes Borg, Jocelyn Neufeld Palmer, Sheila Ice Olson, Brad Johnson, Ted Chell. Seventh Row: Dean Hillman, Warren Woods. Back Row: Hope Pluto Annexstad, John Bold, Ben Johnson, Elaine Torrey Magnuson, Paul Magnuson, Curt Christensen.

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DISTINGUISHED ALUMNI CITATION IN BUSINESS The Distinguished Alumni Citation recognizes outstanding and exceptional professional achievement, such as that which would bring unusual honor to the individual in his or her field of endeavor.

Nancy Johnson Dahl ’83 From her introduction by Kathi Tunheim, Board of Trustees Chair in Management and Leadership at the 2014 Alumni Awards Banquet

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ancy Johnson Dahl earned her undergraduate degree in 1983 with majors in communications and business and minors in psychology and speech. She earned her graduate degree at the University of St. Thomas in business and has also pursued professional development at the University of Minnesota in their Executive Program and the University of Chicago in marketing. I first met Nancy when we were just at the end of our high school years. Her grandparents owned a lake cabin on the shores of Leech Lake, near Walker, MN, where my family owned and operated a fishing and vacationing resort, just up the bay. Nancy and I spent summers together, waterskiing, swimming, and dreaming about where our lives’ journeys would lead. Hers has been a fascinating and impressive journey ever since. Nancy is president and chief operating officer for Lifetouch National School Studios. She has 30 years of experience in four different industries: financial services, consumer products, professional service, and manufacturing. She has held positions in sales, marketing, and operations, including being president and COO of two different divisions of Lifetouch. Beginning her career at Minnesota Mutual, Nancy has also held both sales and marketing positions at Nordic Ware and has served as executive VP of sales and marketing at Cambria. In 2007, Nancy was named one of the top 25 women to watch by the Minneapolis/St. Paul Business Journal and was featured in the Star-Tribune weekly executive feature.

55th anniversary. Greeting to all classmates! Jane and I are healthy and still loving life!” Earl Jackson was planning to attend the class reunion May 30–31, 2014. Elizabeth Johnson Dahl reports, “Our home is in Apple Valley, MN. We spend three winter months in Florida. We spend the majority of our summer at our cabin on Lake of the Woods.” Joyce Miller Biagini says, “I’m still living in Minnesota and am very active with my church, singing in the choir and playing with a kitchen band. We’re still skiing in the winter with a ski trip to Utah every February. Biking, camping, and golfing fill the summers. I traveled to Vienna

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Nancy believes in giving back to her community. She serves as a board member of National School Studios, EDCO, Greater Twin Cities United Way, Dunwoody College of Technology, and Minnesota Family, Career, and Community Leaders of America. She also has served on the YWCA of Minneapolis Board of Directors, the Bloomington Chamber of Commerce, the American Marketing Association and Minnesota Women’s Network. Fortunately, she has also given generously back to her alma mater here, as a member of the Gustavus Board of Trustees, the Crown Council, and the Economics and Management National Advisory Board and as a keynote and breakout speaker at the first two Gustavus Women in Leadership conferences. She’s also served as a mentor in our alumni mentoring program and internship director to many, many Gustavus students through the years. It is clear to me that she truly has a heart for helping our students grow and develop their lives of leadership and service. n

Assistant Professor of Economics and Management Kathi Tunheim is the Board of Trustees Chair in Management and Leadership at Gustavus. She joined the faculty in 2007 and has worked closely with Nancy Dahl ’83 and other alumnae and student leaders in organizing and developing the College’s annual Women in Leadership Conference.

last October for two weeks and have a trip to Croatia planned for May. In July, my husband and I are going on a mission trip to Kake, AK. Since my husband is from Costa Rica, we maintain a presence there as well, going back and forth to visit his family; we enjoy spending time at our beach cabin or our log cabin on the hillside on his family farm. My other passion is the carousel at Como Park, where I put in many volunteer hours every summer. Life is good.” Lynda Johnson Tidemann Minnick says, “In July, I traveled to Greece and Istanbul in a “Footsteps of the Apostle Paul” journey. In February, I spent two weeks in Suriname

and Guyana, leading a group from my congregation in a church-to-church visit.” Roy Harley reports that he’s “enjoying life since major heart surgery in 2010, fishing, canoeing, and hunting.” David Johnson “still owns Johnson Funeral Home in Dassel, MN, but only works part-time. In the summer of 2013 he and Marcye celebrated their 55th wedding anniversary with children and grandchildren and spouses on a Caribbean cruise (fantastic time!). Enjoy trips to Texas and Connecticut to visit family.” Jeanne Turnquist Lindstrom has “13 wonderful grandchildren ages 3–21, four in college, one (Cassie Lindstrom)


GUSTAVUS ALUMNI a sophomore at Gustavus. Just returned from a wonderful 10-day Caribbean cruise.” Radford Reither says, “I enjoy my life and am retired!” Jean Hjert Richmond writes, “Since I retired (1998), I have been going to elementary schools and teaching kids (K–2, sometimes 3–5 too) how to stay safe (The McGruff Program). Best year: over 11,600 kids.” Marian Fickes Borg reports,“We’re sooo glad to live in an area of moderate temperature! Go Seahawks!” Joanne Belanger Broten says, “I have been retired ten years—seems impossible! Enjoying the volunteering I do as a docent at the Denver Art Museum, as a member of the Metro Denver Association’s Ministry Council for the UCC, as a participant in duplicate bridge, in two book clubs, PEO, my local UCC church, and as one who loves books, films, opera performances, theatre production, and travel. I am grateful for good health, my extended family, and friends. Life is good!” Susan Hansen “plays keyboard part time at Shepherd’s Way Lutheran. She takes classes, participates in the Return to the Mystic’s Center, and continues to attend OSHER classes at the University of Michigan, primarily writing and literature.” Arvilla Mueller Beckman writes, “In all we have 10 grandchildren, which keeps us busy with games, concerts, and recitals. My husband (Norm) retired in 2007 from Haas Livestock in South Saint Paul. We are currently active at Amazing Grace Lutheran Church in Inver Grove Heights.” Dwayne Smith is president and owner of DL Smith & Associates. “I’m building DL Smith Rehabilitation Center, to open in 2017 at a cost of $30 million—my own money. Seven of my best friends have passed on, with five dying from drugs and alcohol. This is why I’m building the center.” Lynda Hedbom Peterson and John Peterson are enjoying their grandchildren immensely, and also each day that they’ve been given. John retired as visitation pastor at Gethsemane Lutheran in June of 2013, marking 50 years in the pastoral service. He is still serving as hospice chaplain for Litchfield Area Hospice. Lynda retired after 30+ years as a social worker. She continues giving piano lessons and is church organist for a local ELCA congregation. Duane Aldrich spends time fishing, golfing, and volunteering at Willmar Food Shelf. He travels by tour bus. Marilyn Espeseth Erickson is president of Treasures in Town, in Le Sueur, MN. Marvin Larson is enjoying traveling. In fact, he was in Eastern Europe at the time of reunion. Karen Wahlstrom Compton writes, “We enjoy our permanent residence on Longboat Key, FL October–May. Then we head to the mountains in Ouray, CO, where we

have a cabin built in 1858. After spending the summer, it is back to Florida for the winter.” Robert Olson spends winter in Arizona, summer in Minnesota. Harold “Dick” Lindholm has 27 grandchildren, 4 great-grandchildren. Still coaching Junior High Girls Basketball. As long as marvels in medicine are invented, I’ll keep going.” Sandra Anderson maintains interests in music—choral and symphony—beading classes, and many textiles. n Carol Johnson Heyl and Carol Miller Hammarberg, class communication co-chairs Dave Ehline writes, “This year

the 50th anniversary of my 60 marks ordination. During that half century, I served three congregations for a total of 23 years, served under call to special services for 21 years, and have enjoyed retirement and doing pulpit supply for six years. In April of this year, I attended and participated in the wedding of my cousin and classmate, Marilyn Hallberg, at her church in Gardnerville, NV, which is just a few miles from her home in Minden. My wife and I are active members of New Hope Presbyterian Church in our town of Castle Rock, CO. During the past five or six years, I’ve made about 5,000 toy cars for a nonprofit group called Toys For God’s Kids, and continue to make 50 to 100 cars each month. I recently made crosses to be worn by each of the 65 youth and adults during their mission trip to Guatemala this summer. I have no idea how many cars, trains, crosses, bookends, Nativity sets, bird houses I’ve turned out.” n Paul Tidemann, class president Gail Lindsey Breen travels to New Orleans regularly to sample the “Big Easy” cooking of son Peter and his wife’s new restaurant. Gail and husband Joe went on an overseas adventure trip earlier this year to Kiev, Latvia, Lithuania, and Estonia, and wrapped up the trip in St. Petersburg to celebrate 44 years of marriage. After completing 20 years in Lutheran ministry and 20 years as a financial counselor, Gary Anderson continues his urban folk music career with the Snow Leopard collaboration in Osseo, MN. Gary’s poetry has been published by Chapbooks, a British self-publishing company. Sandra Johnson Deegan of Redmond, WA, ran a family daycare center for her three granddaughters and one grandson for 11 years. With the youngest grandchild off to kindergarten, Sandy has resumed her loves of walking and reading. She and husband Roger celebrated 50 years of marriage with a dream cruise along the coasts of Australia and New Zealand.

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Ron Barrett spent four years in the Air Force at Wright-Patterson AFB in Ohio and the Holloman AFB in New Mexico. After obtaining post-graduate degrees in biology and entomology, Ron taught at the University of Wisconsin in Fond du Lac. Last winter he traveled to Chile, Argentina, and Brazil. Nursing major Mary Anne Kern Northcott and her Lutheran minister husband, John, served churches in Winnipeg and Michigan for many years. John died in 2008 and Mary Anne has dealt with serious health issues, but she stays in regular touch with daughter, Lisa, in Dallas with her two children, and son John, in Waynesboro, PA, with his four children. Doug Anderson lives in Mankato and operates the Best Western Hotel in North Mankato, the City Center Hotel in downtown Mankato, and the Holiday Inn Express near the River Hills Mall. Doug was recently inducted into the Minnesota Hospitality Hall of Fame for his industry achievements. n H ap LeVander, class president Glora Saffel Mueller, Hendricks, MN, welcomed a new granddaughter from Ethiopia into the family. John Lipke is running for MN House of Representatives in District 18B (representing McLeod and Sibley counties). Marcia Day Anderson writes, “I continue to live and work in Eldoret, Kenya. Teaching and mentoring African leaders remains my passion and joy. Thank you in advance for praying for our work here where the harvest is great but the laborers few.” Paul Tillquist, our class agent for many years and a longtime dedicated and talented employee of Gustavus, retired as of June 1. Paul worked for years in the area of development, raising millions of dollars for the College. John Karl Vilho Tammi has retired from Hope College, but is directing a play, The Matchmaker, on campus this summer. This was the play in which Dan Johnson ’64 and Paul Tillquist played roles as shop helpers. Paul offered his services to reprise his role as Barnaby Tucker, but John declined the offer. n Gary Anderson, class communication chair

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Editor’s Note: Our apologies to the class, as some of this news is old. Linn Ostberg had submitted it, but it was missed by the Alumni and Parent Engagement Office. As I hope you read in the class letter, we are a very busy and hard-working class of 70 year olds. Jack and Judith (Jagusch ’69) Johnson remembered how really old the 50th reunion alums looked back when we were undergrads. If we can kick up our

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s 65th Anniversary Class – Class of 1949 From left: Robert Johnson, Jean Oppedahl Johnson, Maurine Ibberson Johnson, Walter Johnson, Milt Brostrom. Present but not pictured: Ellery Peterson.

heels a little at our 50th, maybe we can give a different impression. Dave Jordahl was going to Uganda for six weeks to celebrate his 70th. Dee Licklider Byrd is still serving on two boards of non-profit agencies. She visited her daughter in Atlanta in December. Retirement for Mary Tordsen Kitundu is building a 500-bed hospital in Zinga, Tanzania. They do accept volunteers. Would anybody like to go with me? Dave Larson and Jody were going to Washington, DC, with pre-eminent Civil War author James McPherson ’58, who was a student of Dave’s father in St. Peter. They also said that being avid hikers is part of being 70 for Dave. Pat Bonnet (one of my freshman section-mates) volunteers at a high school near her in Boston. I might try to get together with her when I visit my son there. Do you remember your freshman section mates? Remember that we were 12 in a section and shared the little bedroom. Paul Nelson doesn’t write much, but he does think about us and

s 60th Anniversary Class – Class of 1954 Front Row (from left): Shirley Thornquest Welch, Jean Simonson Rolloff, Barbara Gruse Johnson, Marlys Setterholm Gamm, Virginnia Swenson, Helen Forsgren Hokenson, Sylvia Johnson Johnson, Pauline Wiemann. Second Row: Mike Anderson, John Chell, Lois Norman Myers, Gloria Brouillette Strom, Marilyn Nelson Leverenz, Clare Berntson Hibbard, Shirley Lund Flom. Third Row: George Haun, Marilyn Peterson Reaser, Lewis Moon, Bob Gamm, Arlene Waxlax Sonday, Kathleen Norman Noren, David C. Johnson, Forrest Chaffee. Back Row: Paul Vollan, Paul W. Olson, Harlan Nelson, Richard Brubacher, Roger Carlson, John Wright, Arne Peterson, Vic Carter.

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GUSTAVUS ALUMNI saw some classmates during his time at Augsburg Fortress Publishers. I love that he sees Milo Larson at high school reunions in South Dakota. In the winter 2014 issue of the Quarterly, I saw a picture of some of our classmates at a wine-tasting 70th celebration in California. It looked like fun. I also saw some classmates at a golf outing with Dick Rohloff. Thank you for sending in those pictures. We love to see you. I am attempting to send thank you notes when you make a donation. It has been fun to be reminded where you live and connect a little bit. I do it on email unless we don’t have a current one for you. How many of you get the class letter by email? And how many in hard copy? I was told the more recent classes are heavily online receivers, whereas the older classes are more hard copy. It doesn’t matter. Whatever is best for you. I still actually like to see the print on paper, but I get it electronically (to save paper??). Thanks to Paul Hammar for sending thank you emails

and notes for three years as the head guy for financial donations. Some of you may get two thank yous as I am also sending them. Rose Ann (Farmer) and Al Hoekstra lived in Naperville, IL for 23 years, very close to my home town of Aurora, IL. Now they live in Long Lake, IL. They’re planning to attend the reunion, and we agreed that it would be great to see how many of our freshman section-mates could be there. Chuck Peterson and wife spent February in Arizona while at home Chicago was being pounded with snow. Julie Stensland Andrews attended a Gustie gathering at Mark and Ivy (Schutz) Bernhardson’s ’71 ’73 home in Coronado, CA. One highlight was seeing and renewing a friendship with Louise Anderson Nichols ’69. Julie and her husband moved from California in 2000, to Florida and then Colorado. They’re now back in California and it feels like home. John Kupris from the Gustavus Advancement Office visits California, and they are getting to know

s Gustavus at Nokomis Square in Minneapolis While moving some possessions into her apartment at Nokomis Square, a senior apartment-style independent living community in Minneapolis, Edna Granlund ’50 noticed two men in the lounge sporting Gustie gear. A conversation established that both men are proud Gustie parents: at left is Leon Lundquist, whose daughter Linda ’71 attended Gustavus for two semesters, Fall 1967 and Spring 1968. At right is Paul Ness, father of Diane Ness Andersen ’64.

s Renewing their ties Marge Lind Halvorson ’60 (left), her brother Mark Lind ’67 (right), and sister-in-law Lynne Diercks Lind ’68 (second from right) visited Elin Ahldén ’99 (second from left) and her family in Stockholm, Sweden, in May. The Halvorsons, of St. Peter, had been a Gustavus host family for Elin while she was a student at Gustavus for three years.

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lumnae team up to A create book display for Books in Bloom

At the Books in Bloom event at the Folk Bernadotte Memorial Library May 2, Vicki Brown Johnson ’66 codesigned with Marilyn Brown a book display for author William Kent Kruger’s recent book Ordinary Grace. Marlys Mattson Nelson ’57 was the sponsor. Pictured, from left, are Marilyn Brown, Marlys Mattson Nelson, and Vicki Brown Johnson.

him. See you at the 50th! John and Joanna Aamodt live near Walker, MN, but wrote from Banning, CA. They were in Sun Lakes, a very nice 55+ community in the Banning Pass between the San Gorgonio and San Jacinto Mountains. They were doing rain dances for California every day. Another couple with a “paulbunyan” email address is Dick and Sue (Hansen ’64) Rohloff. Fortunately they were also not in northern Minnesota, but were in south Texas when we corresponded in February. Olene Hanson Bigelow and husband, Larry, were going to New Mexico to get away from winter. She was hoping for spring when she returned. Barb Raitz-Gaugert will be another of my section-mates attending the 50th. She recently looked at pictures from Hector and the 1965 snow was almost up to the roof of their house. She and husband Alan are in Phoenix. Joan Gremmert Segner wrote from White Bear Lake that she became a widow last August. She volunteers at an elementary school. Mary

Nurses of ’63 at annual spring luncheon

Gustie nurses from the Class of ’63 gathered for their annual spring luncheon in June. Pictured, from left, are Barb Berry Leonard, Chris Swenson Wilmot, Pat Findley Casto, Char Lundahl Norris, Carolyn Helgeson Liebenow, Sharon Shaver Pinney, and Rose Omodt Jost.

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Alumni pair releases new book of poetry and essays

Charles ’65 and Mary (Lipke ’67) Rodning’s most recent book, Waitin’ ‘round the Bend, has just been released by Negative Capability Press. The work includes haiku and senryu poetry; sumi-e painting; and essays regarding poetry and temporality. The artists are nationally and internationally recognized for their aesthetic endeavors and have garnered numerous awards for their previous works. Sumi-e artist Susan Frame and journalist and novelist Roy Hoffman wrote critiques for inclusion in the book. It can be ordered via the Internet at Negative Capability Press (ISBN 978-0-942544-90-9) or at Amazon.com

s 1968 nursing grads enjoy reunion Judy Opheim Schwakopf ’68 sent a photo taken at a 45-year reunion of her 1968 nursing classmates held in the spring of 2013. In the front row, from left, are Ruth Olson, Kitty Maahs Breitenbach, Carol Challberg Beausang, Judy Opheim Schwakopf, Janet Quarn, Carol Olson Olman, Marge Swenson Sanborn. In the middle row, Cheryl Kramer Vinson, Kitty Hall Stevens, Julie Biehl Paschke, Judy Roehler Buck, Char Krosch Matti, Naomi Rothrock Baker. In the back row, Sue Benson Rettke, Maryann Pommeranz Kaul, Susan Roberts Tollefson, Sandy Silrum Eberhardt, Pat Wallace Ruble. Judy also sent along updates for many of her classmates; see the Class News entries for the Class of 1968.

John Holt earns Guggenheim fellowship

From a pool over nearly 3,000 proposals, John Holt ’70 was one of fewer than 200 other scholars and artists to have been selected to receive fellowships from the John Simon Guggenheim Foundation. Holt’s fellowship will allow him to research and write about Buddhist/Muslim tensions in Sri Lanka and Burma. Holt has written or edited 11 books and scores of articles about the religious cultures of South and Southeast Asia and is the William R. Kenan Professor of Humanities in Religion and Asian Studies at Bowdoin College, where he has taught since 1978. He founded the Intercollegiate Sri Lanka Education (ISLE) Program in 1982, a study-away consortium that Gustavus joined this past year. He has been awarded an honorary doctor of letters from the University of Peradeniya in Sri Lanka and has been named University of Chicago Divinity School Alumnus of the Year (2007).

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Publishes eighth novel

David Fabio ’71, Stillwater, has been writing a bi-weekly photo/nature article for the Stillwater Gazette for the past eight years. Recently, he published his eighth novel. The Spot on the Wall is an action mystery based in Minnesota. Find out more about his novels at www.davidfabio.com.

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Kohlmeyer Tauer and husband Jim worked for the Public Health Service and lived on Indian Reservations. She feels a long way from Gusties and ELCA Lutherans in New Mexico. She enjoys news of Gustavus. Here are even more recent tidbits. Jerilyn Rodeberg Hirsch and Kristin Nelson Welbaum are helping organize nursing students to attend the reunion. That will be great as they were gone the last two years. The nursing program does not operate that way anymore. Rich Lundell, a Reds fraternity brother, has offered to get the Reds to come to the reunion. Colin Kivi is in Walker, MN, although he does come south to his daughter and grandkids in St. Peter. He was here at Easter. We have employment history in common, he with corrections and I with Hennepin County Social Services. Sooty Spaulding Welte wrote enthusiastically about the class of ’64 reunion. It sounds like a hard act to follow. Sue Widstrom Gamelin has been in touch with her Wahlstrom sophomore section mates and they are hoping to see each other at the 50th. We like that. John Aamodt bought his log home from my daughter’s Concordia roommate and knows her and her family as I do. Arlyn Tolzmann, hard-working and zealous in his support of our class, and I reminisced about hot spots in Aurora, IL. This is my hometown and he is just finishing up an interim pastorship nearby. I have been to Aurora a lot since my 50th high school reunion. Charles and Mary Elizabeth (Lipke ’67) Rodning received Distinguished Alumni Awards from the University of South Alabama in March. Mary is an internationally recognized artist of sumi-e, origami, and calligraphy. Charles is a professor of surgery in the College of Medicine and one of the university’s 50 Outstanding Faculty. Very nice honors for this Gustie couple. Marianne Arndt Mullen is living in Tucson, AZ, another escapee from the Minnesota winter. In email conversation with Michael Sponberg, he reported that he plans to attend the reunion. We love hearing about fellow classmates who are already planning on being part of the celebration. Barb Raitz-Gaugert was recently in town and I was disappointed to miss lunch with her and Beverly Jane Nordskog Hedeen. She was on her way to Hector. Bill Javfert (or should I say Gilbert G. Gilbert from you know where—Gilbert, MN) is in New Brighton and still on Long Lake although he has changed residences a few times. He said even Stan Bolin, who is somewhere in Montana, still jokes about Mr. Gilbert. As noted, earlier news I had sent did not get into the Quarterly. So, this time is long and some old news. If during this time, you wrote me about something important and


GUSTAVUS ALUMNI I did not mention you, please contact me again. Hope this Quarterly message finds you and yours doing well. n L inn Ostberg, class communication chair Dick Edstrom delivered the sad news that classmate Jerry Bowers passed away on March 31. Jerry had worked for Piper Jaffray investments and had a passion for flying airplanes. That passion led him to “The Angel Flight Program” where he flew people with medical needs to their treatment destination. Dick said, “He was a good friend and I will miss him.” On a lighter note, recalling dorm years at Gustavus, Dick referenced my Gustie roommate and myself with this: “Every time I whip up some microwave popcorn I remember the smell of same coming out of Denny’s (Henrickson) and your room virtually every night.” Stephen Otto writes: “I retired in 2005 from a 38-year career in school administration and teaching. After Gustavus, I taught for a few years and then continued my education at the University of Minnesota, earning a master of arts degree in special education. I was then offered a teaching assistantship in the School of Education at U of M, and continued on in the graduate school to earn a specialist’s degree (EdS) in school administration. I then moved to Wisconsin to accept various positions in school administration and instruction during the next 30 years. I have lived in Appleton, WI, since 1977. I met a wonderful woman who was a UWMadison graduate in speech and language pathology, and whom I later hired and married. Together we have four wonderful children, the last of which is “ours.” We have enjoyed our retirement time and spend much of it traveling internationally. We have traveled to over 20 countries on three continents. Music is still a strong component in my life, and Gustavus had much to do with this love. A day does not go by, but that I am drawn to the piano to play for an hour or two. Along with my mother, Gustavus gave me a strong foundation in my personal relationship with Christ. I remember well the mandatory attendance requirement for attending daily Chapel in the old auditorium. And along with this requirement, the required courses of the Old and New Testaments during our freshman year. I remember well the Rev. Bob Esbjornson. What an outstanding professor and human being! Many years later, I bought his book about his experiences in caring for his dying wife. It moved me then and still does now. I am thankful that I had such a

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wonderful individual as a teacher in my young life!” Stephen went on to add, “Not many know that we are a four-generation extended Gustavus family. In addition, my grandmother’s (Alice Okerstrom) uncle, Eric Norelius, was the founder of the school that became Gustavus. My brother, who graduated from Gustavus in 1964, and my twin sister, Kathy, who graduated with me in 1966, were war orphans and only able to attend such an elite and outstanding (and, I might add, expensive) school as Gustavus because of the War Orphans’ Benefits and the Maud E. Warwick Scholarship Fund for war orphans, and the stipends offered to us from Gustavus. To this day, our hearts are filled with gratitude to Gustavus for accepting us and giving us such an outstanding education that continues to be part of who we are today, in our personal and spiritual lives.” (Note: Stephen’s father was killed in action in World War II at the age of 26 when Stephen and twin sister Kathy were only months old.) Al Molde sent a note: “I retired from my football coaching/athletic administration career in 2012 after 26 years as a head football coach at six collegiate institutions, and 15 years as athletics director at Gustavus. Upon retirement, we moved to our lake home near Battle Lake, MN. Five months into retirement the phone rang and an opportunity to move to Germany and accept a new head football coaching opportunity presented itself. After a short deliberation with Ingrid (Wilson ’68), we accepted the position and moved to Saarbrucken, Germany, in March 2013. So began an adventure of eight months of coaching, traveling, and experiencing new cultures. It was awesome, we loved everything about it! After returning home we immediately began planning our next adventure. As I write (in April), we are currently located in a flat in Malta, a small country located in the Mediterranean Sea. We have been here almost three weeks and will soon depart by ferry to move to Sicily, for the next month. We have grown to love this form of traveling where we rent flats and live immersed in the culture. After a week in Rome in early May we will return home to the lake for the summer season.” Another classmate spending time on foreign soil is Phil Rogosheske, St. Cloud, MN, who with his wife, Val, is into hiking . . . very long hiking. This year they tackled part of the 500-mile El Camino de Santiago, or The Way of St. James Trail, in Northern Spain. Basically, this is a network of trails once used for religious pilgrimage to the tomb of St. James, but now also popular with hikers. In the past years they completed the entire Appalachian Trail from Georgia to Maine, doing one third of the

route in each of three years. Vicki Brown Johnson, Champlin, MN, writes; “My husband, Ken, and I downsized to a townhome last year, and I am loving watching others shovel snow (nine inches today) and mow the yard this spring/ summer. You are right about our campus and how lovely it is now. I am at Gustavus a few times a year as a member of Gustavus Library Associates.” Vicki also took part in the “Books in Bloom” program at Gustavus in May, which involves creating a floral display to complement a selected book and encourage reading. She helped create a wonderful display. I’m sad to report that Ray J. Oleson, husband of Kathy Johnson Oleson, passed away suddenly on March 3, 2014. Kathy writes, “He was very healthy, playing golf with his best buddies on his favorite golf course, Harbour Town on Hilton Head, when he had a brain hemorrhage and was braindead immediately.” Ray leaves behind two daughters and three grandchildren. He was chairman of the board and co-founder of Salient Federal, a leading provider of Federal IT and engineering solutions located in Faifax, VA. (Ray was a teammate of mine on the basketball squad for two years. Take it from me, he was a great guy). Thank you to those who have sent in an update recently. We want to hear from all of you, so please take a few moments and send an update to the Office of Alumni and Parent Engagement at the address listed in the Quarterly, or by email to 1966classofficers@gustavus.edu. n Bill Laumann, class communication chair Dr. Donna Davies Bexell and her husband, the Rev. Dr. Joel Bexell ’68 are the grandparents of not one, not two, but three sets of identical twins as of May. They have 10 grandchildren including the three sets of twins: Shannon ’92 and Wendy (Bexel ’93) Sieben have twin boys who are 11 years old; Todd and Julie (Bexel ’01) Sieben have twin girls who are two years old; and Paul ’04 and Barbie (Bexel ’06) Erickson have twin boys who were born April 24, 2014. It will be doubled up celebrations for years to come!!! In March of 2014, Mary Lipke Rodning, Semmes, AL, an internationally recognized artist of sumi-e, origami, and calligraphy, and Dr. Charles Rodning ’65, professor of surgery in the College of Medicine and one of University of South Alabama’s 50 Outstanding Faculty during the 50th anniversary celebration, received a Distinguished Service Award from the USA National Alumni Association. The Rodnings are donors of the Charles Bernard and Mary Elizabeth Rodning Endowed Surgical Education Fund and the Mary Elizabeth

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and Charles Bernard Rodning Gallery of Art at the University of South Alabama Marx Library, Mobile. n Marcia Sylte Belisle, class communication chair Judy Opheim Schwakopf sent along news about a number of her 1968 nursing program graduates: Naomi Rothrock Baker splits her time between Manassas, VA, and Austin, TX, where she can thaw out and spoil her grandchildren. She and husband, Jerry, took a cruise in the Greek Islands that he promised her when they were dating— guess he decided he shouldn’t put it off any longer! In response to requests from people in her church, Carol Challberg Beausang led a short course in end-of-life decisionmaking using a program called Honor My Wishes. The material is free and downloadable at honormywishes.org. At the suggestion of the staff at Honor My Wishes, she also completed a certification program as an advance care planning facilitator. Kitty Maahs Breitenbach and her husband escaped our cold Minnesota winter for nine weeks of Florida sunshine. It wasn’t enough to completely dodge the polar vortex, but it helped. Judy Roehler Buck retired a couple of years ago but is still learning to “putter.” She still works a little bit in Homecare, does a little legal consulting, and does volunteer work at church. She and Jack have found they too enjoy Florida winters more than Minnesota winters. Sandra Silrum Eberhardt has retired, and she and her husband, Hal, live in a suburb of Houston, TX, called Pearland. They spend nine months of the year in Texas with their children and grandchildren and the summers in Edina, MN, and a cabin in Canada. She and Hal will be spending two weeks on a river cruise on the Danube and are looking forward to visiting Nurnberg once more—just to see if it has changed at all in the 45 years since they lived there. Mary Jones Fulton is retired and lives in Wichita, KS. She says she is “blessed to be able to spend lots of time with grandkids who all live within a few hours driving distance.” Husband Dave is pastor at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church and also works part time as a chaplain at the VA Hospital. Kelly (Ruth) Hammargren took over the volunteer position of exhibitions chair for the Northern California Women’s Caucus for Art at the end of 2012 and for most of 2013. She spent two semesters in graphic arts at the local community college to develop the skills to make Choice, a professional museum-quality catalogue for the national juried art exhibit on reproductive rights. She was in a national exhibition in Maryland

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s Small world “It was a chance meeting as I sat with my mother, June Carlson, at Lutheran Hillside Village in Peoria, Illinois,” writes Sue Carlson Murray ’71 (right). “As introductions were made over breakfast, John Iverson, who was seated with his mother, Gertrude Nelson Iverson (left), added that Gertrude had gone to college in Minnesota. ‘So did I,’ I said. ‘Where?’ ‘Gustavus Adolphus College,’ I responded. ‘So did I,’ Gertrude spoke up, her eyes lighting up as she turned to me. “I told her my father also had gone to Gustavus. ‘Who was your father?’ Gertrude asked. ‘Maynard Carlson.’ Gertrude nodded and exclaimed, ‘I knew your father!’” Sue admits to developing “a big lump in my throat” as they continued their conversation over breakfast and then adjourned to the living room, “where we shared stories of chapel in the Aud as Dad had described it, the night I stood in the cold dark as the Aud burned, Dad’s renting from Mrs. Peterson down the hill before moving into Uhler Hall, the demise of Johnson Hall (where both Gertrude and I had lived) following the 1998 tornado, our beloved Evelyn Young and her yummy creations, and on and on! So many names of our past merged into a shared history.” Gertrude Nelson Iverson, who entered Gustavus with the Class of 1938, went on to earn a certification in library science at the University of Minnesota, but her two sons, although not Gusties themselves, have accompanied her to class reunions at Gustavus so she can renew contacts with her classmates. Sue’s father, Maynard, transferred to the U’s School of Dentistry and met June Walter, who had come to the U to further her nursing career and ended up a Gustie bride. Maynard and June settled in Peoria, IL, where June and Gertrude now live steps apart!

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and now spends her time finding venues for exhibits for the Northern California Women’s Caucus for Art. She also belongs to a group of activist “gray hairs” (the leader is 85), which still demonstrates by holding signs and singing songs every Monday afternoon for social, economic, and environmental justice issues. Maryann Pommeranz Kaul and husband Bob designed and built a house in Northfield, MN, complete with a studio for Maryann and a music room and large free-standing wood shop for Bob’s furniture building (guess they forgot to downsize with this move). Bob continues as pastor at St. John Lutheran in Montgomery, a 50-mile roundtrip commute, and Maryann helps coordinate the Gustie nurse lunches and the nurse bridge group when she’s not in her studio. Char Krosch Matti made the most of retirement this past year by taking Master Naturalist courses through the U of M extension; “40 hours of classes and four thick books to read and the expectation of volunteer work to follow.” It also involved native plant planting and weeding in a nearby wetland being restored in the Whitewater State Park, caving, and doing a summer butterfly count. Helene Nelson Nilson has a PsyD and practices in two locations, one in her home office and another in a group practice in a town close by. She specializes in child and adolescent psychotherapy but also sees people across the life span. She also teaches a graduate course each semester in St. Michael’s College Graduate Program in clinical psychology. Helene founded, is one of the instructors at, and acts as administrative director of Ballet Wolcott, a grassroots organization that allows children in rural communities to dance and be in an environment that is very nurturing and also disciplined with a very clear syllabus of training. Students and instructors alike are learning African drumming and dancing to integrate diverse forms of dance into the overall program. n P aula Navarro, class communication chair You might have thought it a bit unusual for Yours Truly—known for complaining that Time magazine comes three times a week and Christmas happens twice a year (well, not really a complaint; I love Christmas, and one of the great things about retirement is a little more time to keep up with the news)—to be openly anxious for our 50th reunion. But what a grand time it was—upcoming letters will wax poetic! To the news of us from surveys: Heather Davis Tarara retired from teaching in February 2012. Cathy Nelson Feste wrote that she is “closing

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GUSTAVUS ALUMNI in on retirement.” Cathy spoke at the International Diabetes Federation World Congress in Melbourne, Australia, in December 2013. The topic centered on motivating the person with diabetes to be more active. Her program, “EMPOWERMENT: A Personal Path to Responsible Self-Care” was taught to 2,500 diabetes educators throughout the United States and is fully contained in the book, The Physician Within, now an e-book. Bruce Johnson is still working for Bruce Johnson & Associates, covering most of the Southwest, mostly by car. Doug Jensen retired after 41 years in the Robbinsdale Schools as the district’s curriculum coordinator for mathematics, science, business education, technology education, physical education, and home economics. He and his wife, Kathy ’72, who is retired from Memorial Blood Center, purchased a 25-foot motorhome in 2010 and have traveled over 50,000 miles hiking, biking, and camping since then. Bill Fletcher retired from Wells Fargo Financial. Robert Saeger is retired from his practice as a dentist. “We are caregivers for our parents, and travel whenever we secure relief of our caregiving.” Diane Delay Wollschlager retired June 2012 from her job as a high school English teacher for Fairmont Area Schools. Husband Gary Wollschlager ’67 retired December 13, 2013, from his law firm. Sandra Nelson Danger and her husband, Thomas, are retired. Sandra is a volunteer and caregiver. Jim Walton reports being “happily retired,” dividing time between lake living in Mankato and Bonita Springs, FL. He credits their granddaughter with being “the highlight of our lives.” Jim likes to spend non-granddaughter time traveling, gardening, cooking, bicycling, and reading. Candy Johnson Rusin is retired from Kimberly Clark Corporation. “Now that we have all our children through college and grad school, we’re raising our grandchildren: Emma, 13; Paul, 9; and Adam, 6. I actually have been retired for nine years and have had the children since then. Wayne continues to work (I think he finds it quieter at work than at home. He’s also five years younger than me and likes his job). In between all of our family doings we’re remodeling our 100-year-old house. I enjoy the activity but not the mess! I’m truly blessed with good health, an active mind, and a family that keeps me ‘on my toes and moving.’ I do find, however, that I have to get up about 30 minutes earlier to ‘unkink the joints’ and walk somewhat upright. I couldn’t be happier.” Scott Haag was honored with the Patricia B. Apple Award in 2013 by the Friends of the Haggerty Museum of Art.

TWIN CITIES AND ST. PETER GUSTIE BREAKFASTS Join other Gusties for a morning cup of coffee and breakfast while getting an update on Gustavus—a great way to meet and network with Gusties in the Twin Cities and St. Peter/Mankato areas. The St. Peter/ Mankato Gustie Breakfast is held the second Wednesday of each month on campus; the Twin Cities Gustie Breakfast is held the third Wednesday of each month at the American Swedish Institute, Minneapolis.

ST. PETER AREA GUSTIE BREAKFASTS

TWIN CITIES GUSTIE BREAKFASTS

C. Charles Jackson Campus Center St. Peter Banquet Room Gustavus Adolphus College Campus

American Swedish Institute 2600 Park Ave, Minneapolis, MN

7:30 a.m. breakfast, 8 a.m. program $8 per person; $15 per couple Call Advancement at 507-933-7512

7:30 a.m. breakfast, 8 a.m. program $10 per person Call Alumni and Parent Engagement at 800-487-8437 or register online at gustavus.edu/alumni/ events/gustiebreakfast/

Second Wednesday of each month

Third Wednesday of each month

Reservations required and limited to 60 people.

SCHEDULED SPEAKERS

SCHEDULED SPEAKERS

August 13, 2014 Admission & Return on Education report

August 20, 2014 Admission & Return on Education report

September 10, 2014 Scott Bur, 50th Nobel Conference preview

September 17, 2014 Scott Bur, 50th Nobel Conference preview

November 12, 2014 TBA

October 15, 2014 TBA November 19, 2014 TBA

Speakers’ schedules may change, so please see gustavus.edu/alumni for current information.

The award recognizes the exceptional support of individuals on behalf of the museum, located on the campus of Marquette University. Scott’s company, Moore Oil Company, was awarded the Top Workplace Award for both 2012 and 2013. Other service recognitions that have come to Scott were nomination for the Todd R. Weher Volunteer Award in 2009, the ExxonMobil Community Service Award in

2004, and playing a part in CNN’s Heroes of the Economy. Congratulations to Scott on these achievements. Timothy Bloomquist has retired from his position of chief judge of the Tenth Judicial District in Minnesota. Nancy DeWeese Wonisch is retired from the U.N. and continues to live in Vienna, Austria. Pat Stewart is an attorney at Patrick W. Stewart Law Offices, PA. David Showalter is retired from Edaw/AECOM

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DISTINGUISHED ALUMNI CITATION IN RELIGION The Distinguished Alumni Citation recognizes outstanding and exceptional professional achievement, such as that which would bring unusual honor to the individual in his or her field of endeavor.

The Rev. James Lobdell ’71 From his introduction by Steve Wilkinson at the 2014 Alumni Awards Banquet

T

he Reverend James J. Lobdell has served as pastor of Holy Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Church in Inglewood, CA, for more than three decades. With a vision that developed with his ministry during the 1970s in the Harlem community of New York City, Pastor Lobdell has led Holy Trinity’s ministry to include a pre-school of 60 students, a healing service and prayer network, a “shepherds in the city” ministry for people in need, food distribution to the hungry and homeless, and youth outreach that includes hip hop worship, mentoring, tutoring, and a “dollars for scholars” program that awards more than $10,000 in scholarships each year. Pastor Lobdell received his master of divinity degree from Union Theological Seminary in New York City. With travels and immersion experiences in Japan, Mexico, Israel, South Africa, and Zimbabwe, he has developed a global perspective that both informs and influences his pastoral ministry. Through his many years of leadership with the Inglewood Area Ministers Association, he has worked ecumenically with leaders from a variety of faith traditions, including Islam, Judaism, Buddhism, Hinduism, as well as most Christian denominations. Corporation. Susan McNamara Showalter is retired as president of Showalter and Company. Jordan Gish was inducted into the MidAmerica Music Hall of Fame in May 2008. He has been playing professionally for 45 years. After our Saturday reunion dinner he added his deep bass voice to our sing-along led by Hobie and Denny at Whiskey River. Anita Youngquist Lindquist retired in December 2013, after 20+ years of service at Iowa Central Community College in Fort Dodge, IA. Her first grandchild, Clyde Alvin, was born October 2, 2013, to her daughter Britta and her husband, Brad. Jennifer Melin Heffern is a Realtor for Long Realty West Valley. Barbara Lindbloom Patrick had been planning to retire in 2012, but just couldn’t quite go through with it. As

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In addition to his parish responsibilities, Pastor Lobdell currently serves as an adjunct faculty member at Pacific Lutheran Theological Seminary in Berkeley and has been guest lecturer at the UCLA Schools of Law and Family Medicine and the USC School of Social Work in Los Angeles. After the Los Angeles civil unrest of 1992, he was instrumental in forming the New City Parish, a coalition of urban congregations. An active leader in his community, Pastor Lobdell is the 2004 recipient of the Martin Luther King, Jr. Award from the NAACP, Inglewood South Bay Branch, and the 2011 recipient of the Good Shepherd Award from the African Descent Lutheran Association, Los Angeles Chapter. n

Jim Lobdell ’71 was captain of the tennis team and Hollingsworth Key holder when Steve Wilkinson, legendary tennis coach at Gustavus (1970–2009), coached his first MIAC championship team in 1971.

a compromise, she continues in a semiretired position as a staff neurologist at Hennepin County Medical Center. Janis Rude Fischback retired from teaching in 2005. She recently wrote that she and her spouse spend summers at their house near Excelsior and “winter” in Sun City West, Arizona. “We also spend a lot of time in the Brainerd Lakes area, golfing and visiting our six grandchildren.” Linda Smedman Kuphal is a teaching assistant at Mahopac Middle School. Lynn Schaefer Holmes is enjoying retirement after 26 years with Target. Susan Howl retired after 29 years with the city of Edina in November of 2013. “Now I will have more time to spend with my grandchildren. Five live close by in Edina and my two oldest grandsons live in Connecticut; now I’ll be able to go visit them more often.”

After 40 years of teaching, Mary Trimbo is enjoying retirement in her hometown of LeSueur. “I am busier in retirement with volunteer activities than when I had a paying job.” I was so happy to be able to locate Neil Westby and hope he will able to join us in five years. “I transferred to the University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, after my sophomore year at Gustavus, graduating in 1969 with a BA in political science. From there I went on to attend United Theological Seminary in Dayton, Ohio, graduating with an MDiv in l973. I returned to Minnesota to serve as a pastor in the United Methodist Church in several different settings. I retired from active ministry in 2009 and presently help out at two local churches in the Mankato area, as well as


GUSTAVUS ALUMNI filling in for other pastors when they cannot be in the parish. We have been living in Eagle Lake, MN, since 2009. My wife, Debby, and I have two sons, Nathan and Jeremy.” From Joyce Anderson DeGrande: “After 31 years of managing our familyowned unfinished wood furniture store, my husband, Skip, and I are retiring. This May is the anniversary of my brain surgery, which has proven to be benign . . . and continues to be. Time for ‘Carpe Diem.’ My head may be lumpy from my titanium bolts, but I am alive and kicking, and loving every minute of it.” Sheila Schwartz Pfaender has retired from the University of North Carolina. Jean Polzin Lorentz writes, “I’ve had many changing events occurring in the last two years. I’m once again single and trying to find new things in life. My daughters are somewhat spread out so I enjoy visiting and driving. I recently have found Apache Junction in Arizona to be a fun winter relief from the cold winters. Ah, the sun! I am slowly losing my mother to dementia, which is an emotional learning experience. I still enjoy the outdoors in any season and love to do different things the seasons bring!” Steve Eckman reports that he’s “still practicing trial law with partner Paul Strandness.” Ruth Johns Niemi: “I am enjoying my life as a grandmother of Kurt (4) and Koen (3). Jack and I are able to be active grandparents and love it!” Ruth commented that they enjoy travel very much. Jack is still a part-time pastor and, when extra time comes around, “we are on the road to see our grandchildren or traveling with extended family and friends.” Susan Doshan Froehlich writes, “My adult autistic son, Jonathan, and I published a children’s book, Rabbit Turds, a collections of seventy quirky poems. We were honored with the Mom’s Choice Gold Award, an organization recognizing family friendly media, products, and services. The book is available on Amazon or Etsy, or directly through Beaver’s Pond Press.” Linda Hereid is currently a real estate broker with Wallin Residential Properties, Inc. After 31 years Linda is still an accompanist at Christ Lutheran Church in Blaine and also director of the Contemporary Choir. A related interesting endeavor that she’s involved with is “a music video business for corporate events, senior lock-in grad parties, bar and bat mitzvahs, just about any event needing fun entertainment for guests.” And this fun note: Linda appeared on Family Feud 34 years ago for four shows! She has nine grandchildren and relates, “Life is good!” Connie Johnson Salmela writes, “Most of my time is spent teaching two Bible studies and volunteering at the Open Arms Crisis Pregnancy Center, a pro-life

Christian organization. I am a deacon in our church with varying responsibilities. I also sing with a group from our housing edition called the Cliff Notes. We sing for residents at nursing homes three to four times a month.” In addition Connie teaches a water aerobics class once a week, and is part of a walking group. Peter Rodman is retired from his practice as an orthopedic surgeon. Cheryl Maley Gelbmann is retired as owner and director of IMPART. Lynn Sundquist Fox writes, “I just retired from teaching baccalaureate nursing students at Arizona State University in Tempe/Phoenix. Presently I am perfecting my lampworking skills as I melt glass with a torch into beads of various shapes and designs. I am also volunteering for the Desert Botanical Garden, which has displayed Chihuly’s glass art for the past 6 months. My husband of 18 years, Bob Stark, and I enjoy our off-thegrid cabin in northern Arizona during the summer. My daughter lives a half hour away. In June we’ll take the Alaska ferry from Washington to Kodiak, where we’ll fish for salmon and halibut.” Louise Anderson Nichols is retired after 36 years of teaching seat belt and child passenger safety. She reports being “busy in retirement with church activities, including three mission trips as youth chaperone to Cameroon, Africa. Currently a young Cameroonian woman is living with David and me while attending college in San Diego. Tutoring reading at the local elementary school and enjoying our grandchildren, ages 2–17, keep life busy.” David Nichols added a bit more to their note: “I currently work for Northrop Grumman Corporation on the Global Hawk program. The Global Hawk, built for the Air Force, is replacing the U2 and is the world’s largest unmanned reconnaissance aircraft. Its wingspan is 136 feet, it flies at 56,000 feet for 32 hours and is autonomous (no pilot on the ground either). It can be controlled from any place on earth! Production has expanded to the U.S. Navy (Triton), and other countries including Germany (EuroHawk), NATO (NatoHawk), Republic of Korea, and in the future, Japan, Singapore, Australia, Norway, and Canada.” David Leitzman will retire at 11:59 p.m. on June 30, 2014, completing 34 years of teaching and administrative work at the College of Saint Benedict and Saint John’s University. He’ll now have time to get the garage cleaned out and cut wood for the coming winter! He might even rediscover reading for fun as he listens to loons calling in the night. Well, classmates, get busy and enjoy summer! I know the next five years will pass all too quickly, but perhaps some of us will meet again at Homecoming or during the

Nobel Conference this fall. n Jane Norman Leitzman, class communication chair Perry Schroeder retired from the Watonwan County Auditor’s Office in St. James, MN, after nearly 34 years. Perry and his wife, Linda, will be moving to Brunswick, GA, soon. Talmadge E. King, MD, was named a member of the Board of Regents of the American College of Physicians (ACP), the national organization of internists, in April 2014. A resident of Oakland, CA, King is the Julius R. Krevans Distinguished Professor in Internal Medicine and chair of the Department of Medicine in the School of Medicine at UC-San Francisco (UCSF). Dr. King earned his medical degree from Harvard Medical School in Boston, MA. He has been a master of ACP since 2010, and a fellow since 1986. Election to Mastership recognizes outstanding career accomplishments and notable contributions to medicine. The main areas of professional interest for King include pulmonary medicine, specifically interstitial lung diseases, and the medical management of vulnerable and underserved patients.

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Mike ’69 and Marcia Bomgren Bussey left the Twin Cities 24 years ago, thinking it would be a three- to five-year commitment in Jerusalem. After Jerusalem they moved to Wheaton, IL, and are now coming back to the Twin Cities to be near two of their sons who live in South Minneapolis. “It’s all about family,” Marcia writes. Jerold Wright, who lives in Chicago, is semi-retired but still handling commercial and personal insurance for about 35 clients, one of whom recently performed at the White House. He’s also caring for his 93-year-old mother. Brian Wohlrabe is busy with his used construction equipment business. He’s also busy spending quality time with his 12 grandchildren, who are busier with more activities than he ever had growing up, and thankful they’re all being raised in solid Christian homes. David Fabio, Stillwater, MN, has been writing a biweekly photo/nature article for the Stillwater Gazette for the past eight years. Recently, he published his eighth novel. The Spot on the Wall is an action mystery based in Minnesota. His novels can be seen at davidfabio.com. n Bruce Johnson, class president

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Ken McCall took the oath and was admitted to the bar of the U.S. Supreme Court on March 5, 2014, by Chief Justice Roberts in Washington, DC.

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s

usties discuss church G programs in Tanzania

Terri Behrends-Singer ’71 (left) and Linda Jungck McMahon ’70 joined a group from Holy Trinity Lutheran Church for a combination church trip and safari in Tanzania in February. They spent nine days in Bukoba, Tanzania (on the western shore of Lake Victoria), meeting with representatives of numerous church programs with the Northwest Diocese of the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Tanzania. The trip concluded with safari time in Ngorongoro, the Serengeti, and the Tarangire.

s Gusties in Wisconsin’s South Central Synod At the assembly of the South Central Synod of Wisconsin Synod ELCA held in June, the Rev. Erik Jelinek ’93 (second from left) was installed as the director of Evangelical Missions and the Rev. Steve Kottke ’74 (second from right) was installed as assistant to the Bishop. Also pictured are the Rev. Rob Carlson ’78 (far right) and the Rev. Rebecca Ninke ’94 (far left), both pastors in the South Central Synod.

Kemp named to Omaha Sports Hall of Fame

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University of Nebraska Omaha (UNO) Associate Athletic Director Mike Kemp ’75 was one of three people connected to UNO athletics inducted into the Omaha Sports Hall of Fame on April 24, 2014, at the Scott Conference Center. During a 12-year tenure as head coach, he guided the Mavericks men’s hockey team from a fledgling independent to an established program with one of the best followings in college hockey. In 2004-05, Kemp was named the Central Collegiate Hockey Association Coach of the Year, and he was named a finalist for the Spencer Penrose Trophy as national coach of the year three times while guiding UNO. He led the Mavericks to their first-ever appearance in the NCAA tournament in 2006 and was was inducted into the Omaha Hockey Hall of Fame in 2010. Pictured from left are Associate Athletic Director Mike Kemp, former UNO basketball player Dean Thompson, UNO senior Sami Spenner, and former UNO football player Chris Bober.

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40-YEAR REUNION OCTOBER 3-4, 2014 FRIDAY evening, Informal social at the Flame Bar & Grill, St. Peter. SATURDAY evening, Social in the Courtyard Café and dinner the Campus Center Banquet Rooms. gustavus.edu/alumni/ class/1974 Joel Riley retired from private practice of optometry in June 2013: “Relocated from Canton, OH, to Loveland, CO, to be closer to grandkids and the Colorado outdoor activities.” Tommy Herman is president, CEO, and construction document technologist at Digital Blue, Inc. Jane Novak Herman, his wife, retired from Chicago Heights ISD #170 in 2011 after 36 years. Mark Catlin is medical director at Medtox. Barb Bruns Brandt retired from Edward Jones in June 2013. Steve Brandt, her husband, retired from Barnum High School June 30, 2013. Patricia Brandenborg Gardner works at Re/Max Results. Jean Johnson is the director of worship and music at Faith Lutheran Church. Her husband, Timothy Johnson ’78, is a steel fabricator at Simcote Inc. Kyle Litwin is a real estate agent for Edina Realty. Melinda Schulz Franklin is a neurosurgery nurse practitioner at MultiCare. Gary Hoff is a computer software developer at Green Trek Servicing. Mike Helgeson writes, “Our company, GNE Company (Gold’n Plump) was sold in December 2013 to The Maschhoffs LLC.” Mike will continue in the CEO position. Deborah Gilbertson Oberschelp is the executive director at Park Ridge Civic Orchestra. Her son, John, graduated in May from Boston University with a degree in environmental science. Pam Deason Eichten has three grandchildren, Benjamin, Joseph, and Natalie. Cherie Wheat Schweiger is retired from The Growing Place. Husband Chuck Schweiger is an associate partner at IBM. They have three grandchildren, Olivia, Will, and Zoey. Nita Kay LeMay writes, “I am the first woman to have completed a marathon or ultramarathon in all 50 states and DC, in all 13 Canadian provinces and territories, on all 7 continents, and in all 8 Australian states. I appear in two books, numerous newspapers and magazines, including Women’s Running, and on national news channel 7 in Chicago. I have also competed in cross country ski marathons and inline skate marathons.” Susan Peterson Berger is “delighted to be a retired teacher able to escape Minnesota winters with family and friends to southwest Florida’s Gulf Coast Beach.” Marlys Rupprecht Wollschlager: “Retired but, not retired! Substitute teacher at MMN-Madison and Dawson Elementary—

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GUSTAVUS ALUMNI summer employment at Ten Mile Lake Resort Restaurant Hostess, server, and food preparation from May through September. Do find time to vacation in Belize late January until the beginning of February. Celebrated our youngest son’s marriage on Memorial Weekend of 2014.” Bonnie Ostlund is a service specialist in sales at General Mills. She has now been employed at General Mills for 10 years. “It’s important to me to escape Minnesota winters and spend beach time in Florida’s southern Gulf Coast.” Janet Meredith Stromsborg is finishing her 34th year of teaching at Richardton High School, ND, and still enjoying every minute of it. She is now teaching the second generation of Raiders and the third generation is now starting grade school, so she is beginning to look for retirement homes. Anyone have any suggestions? John Hasselberg was promoted to professor at Saint Benedict/Saint John’s University in March 2014. “I’m celebrating by renovating my 100+ year old farmhouse, which was built by my Swedish immigrant grandfather.” Nancy Egeberg Kukovich became CEO of Adelphoi USA in January 2014. Her husband, Allen Kukovich, is retired. Her daughter, Ali, is off to Wittenberg University. Gregg “Spike” Carlsen is selfemployed. Spike has published his fourth book, The Backyard Homestead Book of Building Projects. He is also contributing editor to American Woodworker, Men’s Health, and The Family Handyman magazines. Catherine Fedell Cox is marketing director at Utility Business Media. Maureen Twining Farrell lives in Excelsior, MN, and is working with the Minnesota Department of Education Restorative Justice Model to be taught in schools Paul Horn works in real estate sales for ReMax Affinity Plus in Naples, Florida. Deborah Hanson McMurray married Glen Davison on July 13, 2013; they reside in Dallas, TX. n P hil Richardson, class communication chair

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Sandra Maxfield Johnson has a part-time job at her church in SW Omaha, NE. The last we heard, she was working on a move of all the books and video by February 2014. The church serves all ages and Sandy enjoys the young families who come for kids’ books.

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Timothy Johnson is a steel fabricator at Simcote Inc. His wife, Jean Johnson ’74, is the director of worship and music at Faith Lutheran Church.

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35-YEAR REUNION OCTOBER 4, 2014 SATURDAY morning, Brunch at Whiskey River, St. Peter. gustavus.edu/ alumni/class/1979 Eric Weiberg, Willlmar, MN, is a CFP registered Principal Financial adviser. Renee Rule Greer, San Antonio, TX, retired from the U.S. Air Force in 2006. She now works for the Department of Defense Joint Trauma System. Janelle Schnuckle Turinetti, Wausau, WI, is in her 24th year in the OR at Aspirus. Boofie Longley Graham, Pacific Palisades, CA, is an executive recruiter and staffing specialist at Financial Profiles, Inc. Monica Westerlund has been the owner since 1987 of a marketing consulting business focused on energy and industries. David Schauer continues to serve at the Office of the Sibley County Attorney and has been in the county attorney’s office for nearly 32 years. Nancy Rohwer Symens is a worship leader at a local church, various conferences, tent revival meetings, and seminars. She is also a songwriter and a physical therapist clinical coordinator. John Riggle is a pastor at Faith Lutheran in Miltona, MN. Bonnie Madsen Brueshoff received her doctorate in nursing. She continues as public health director in Dakota County. Craig Anderson, Elkhorn, WI, works with Allied Supply, serving the band instrument repair trade since 1992. Marty Borchardt, Woodbury, is unable to practice dentistry any longer because of blindness in his right eye. He is seeking nonclinical healthcare work. Linda Augst Carlyon continues to work part time for a small homecare agency. Charly Skalbeck married Lori Anne Kosel Fletcher on December 22, 2012, and is a captain with Delta Airlines. Todd Popham, Millersville, MD, is president and CEO of Popham and Associates, a management consulting, executive coaching, and leadership training firm. John and Sue Gardner Zager are enjoying living and working in Atyrau, Kazakhstan. Kristin Carlson Vlasak reports, “We’ve moved! After 23 years in Lakeville suburbia, we are experiencing a new lifestyle in downtown Minneapolis and loving it!” John Penrod works for executive health resources and serves hospitals in Northern California and Oregon. Paula Larson Penrod recently completed a master’s of liberal arts at the University of Chicago and is owner of “Apt Designs.” Paula Manning Fagre is an artist at Colorado Treasures. Carol Knutson Hebrink is retired from Carol Hebrink Design. Jeff Adamsheck is regional director at Riverbed Technology. Barb Hawes Ellingboe is retired from Designed Environments. Kristen Erckenbrack Tracy is senior director of Human Resources at

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Medtronic, Inc. Leslie Johnson Groome is a mental health practitioner in Family Support Services at Nystrom and Associates. Cindy Swenson Burkel is vice president of employee benefits at Farm Credit Foundations. Kevin Bjork, MD, received the Health Partners Wilbur Thomas Community Service Award. Brian Larkin is a neuroradiologist at Minneapolis Radiology Associates. Kathy Failing is a senior program analyst at Pace Analytical Services, Inc. Kari Siewert Evans is a public health nurse and licensed school nurse for Sibley County Public Health and Human Services. Missy Miller Carver is a Library Tech at Mount Woodson Elementary School. Doug Minter is dean of financial aid and associate vice president for enrollment at Gustavus. Diane Matson is an associate professor in the Department of Accounting at the University of Saint Thomas. Teri Carter Anderson is a director of project management at Prudential Insurance. Twyla Olson Peasley’s son was married June 23, 2012; he is a teacher and his wife works for MPR. Brad Perlich is OPS manager at Cokem International. Larry Olson is living in Horseshoe Bay, TX, with his wife, Betty, while awaiting completion of their new home in Sugar Land, TX. Beth Wald Hanzal is senior compensation manager at Medtronic. n P aula Larson Penrod, class communication chair Julie Timm has worked 25 years in

Transit’s Transit Information 80 Metro department. Karen Dyer Howells is

retired from Snap Fitness. Rebecca Thompson Burnison reports, “I have started a business called Covenant Legal Nursing. I am a certified nurse life care planner and a legal nurse consultant.” Kathryn Reid Walker, Milwaukee, WI, received her MS in counseling (community and pastoral) from Mount Mary University in Milwaukee and was recently hired as a career counselor by Mount Mary University. She has also started a private practice called Milwaukee Integrative Counseling. One classmate has let us know about life events: Judy Willman Pehrson is working for General Electric and is the sales manager for the Target account. Send your news and we will publish! In the meantime, you know we ’81ers like to have fun. What’s more fun than cooking and eating (maybe even pairing wines) with friends? As we prepare for our 35-year reunion in 2016 we are publishing a Class of ’81 cookbook. All proceeds from the cookbook will go to our scholarship fund.

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FIRST DECADE AWARDS The First Decade Award recognizes one male and one female graduate in the 10th anniversary class for early professional achievement.

Luke Benoit ’04 From his introduction by Jonah Evenson ’04 at the 2014 Alumni Awards Banquet

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uke Benoit graduated with honors from Gustavus in 2004 with a major in economics. In his senior year, he led the Gustavus golf team to its first NCAA national championship and placed second individually, while also earning Gustavus Athlete of the Year honors. Luke has continued to represent Gustavus admirably both professionally and in the greater community. His passion for being a lifelong learner is exemplified by his master’s in kinesiology from the University of Minnesota. He is currently pursuing his doctorate in kinesiology from the U of M. Luke has a successful golf teaching practice at the University of Minnesota’s Les Bolstad golf course and the Minnesota Golf Academy. He has been recognized by Golf Digest as a “Best Young Teacher,” the third youngest in the country with that

distinction. He has also been recognized by his peers as a Top 10 teaching professional in Minnesota. Luke was the women’s golf coach at St. Olaf for seven seasons, leading the program to its first-ever MIAC title and NCAA tournament appearance in 2012 and repeating both feats in 2013. Luke was named conference and region coach of the year in both seasons. Luke has a passion for the game and for being an effective teacher to each student he encounters. His success can be attributed to his unique teaching style. He utilizes the latest technology, his advanced studies in motor learning, and his own accomplished playing experiences to provide the best experience for his students. Luke engages his students to see, feel, and communicate what is going on with their games to best instruct them in how to improve their individual results.

Luke’s success in the golf industry extends beyond professional accolades. Growing up in Indonesia, where his family were missionaries, instilled in Luke the importance of giving back. As an instructor at Rush Creek Golf Course, Luke was instrumental in the drive for turning unused land into an executive course for juniors and beginners to learn and enjoy the game. Luke traveled to Bhutan in the winter of 2009–10, where he developed a youth golf program. During his stay, he also won the Bhutan National Golf Championship, played at the world’s highest elevation for national golf championship. n

Jonah Evenson ’04, an accounting analyst for LifeTouch Studios in Eden Prairie, was Luke Benoit’s senior roommate at Gustavus.

Emily King Meserve ’04 E

mily King Meserve ’04 was unable to attend this year’s Alumni Awards Banquet, but is looking forward to accepting her award in person next year. She is a resident in pathology at Brigham & Women’s Hospital in Boston, MA. and holds a master’s in public health and an MD

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from the Oregon Health & Science University. She is the recipient of numerous awards and fellowships and has a growing list of professional publications in her field. At Gustavus, Emily was an Academic All American athlete on the women’s swimming team and a member of two honor societies and the Guild of St. Ansgar.


GUSTAVUS ALUMNI We are having quarterly “Tasting Parties” (better known as potlucks!). We started off with the first “Tasting Party” this past June; it was a huge success and we are on our way. Look for the next one to be sometime fall 2014, winter 2015, and spring of 2015! If you are interested in helping and submitting recipes, contact us through our email account (GAC81cookbook@gmail. com). Recipes are accepted on a first come, first served basis for authorship. If we get a recipe from someone that is similar to one that has already been submitted, we will email you back and see if you want to submit something else. The goal is to have as many ’81ers in the book as possible. If every classmate submitted two recipes we would have a nice full book! There is no limit to the number of recipes you can submit. We welcome you to send in lots of them! n L ori Rutter Anderson, class communication chair Almost a year ago, we gathered to celebrate 30 years since donning the black cap and gown—our 30th reunion, a year ago, and, yet, we keep in contact . . . yeah! If you care to share your news to the wider audience of classmates, submit it to gustavus.edu/alumni/submit. Haven’t joined our Facebook group? Go to Gustavus Class of 1983, click on Join Group to engage in conversation. 110+ classmates have! If you are a classmate far away from Minnesota, log in to the website at gustavus.edu to find an area event to attend or even a Gustie. Grab coffee together and share the Gustie experience at a distance. Susie Bjorling Heim continues to wear many hats, but the most important hat is the one she wears with her granddaughter. Cande Carlson Roberts looks forward to catapulting her son into the college world, closing her stay-at-home mom chapter and exploring new opportunities. In June, Norway House, Minneapolis, announced the addition of six new members to its board of directors. One of those chosen was our own Scott Gilyard. Scott recently retired as the president of the UnitedHealth Group Division of Express Scripts, Inc. Previously, he has held various positions in a 30-year career at Express Scripts, Medco Health Solutions, and Merck & Company. He has traveled extensively in Norway with his extended family, and volunteers his time on various boards supporting the philanthropic activities of Thrivent Financial and the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. Norway House is a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing a link for present and future generations of the NorwegianAmerican community in the Upper Midwest

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to the heritage and culture of Norway. Congratulations, Scott. Ruth Goodman Lotzer of Bloomington, MN, submitted a T-shirt design that was selected by the Parkinson’s Disease Foundation to be featured during its 2014 Parkinson’s Awareness Month. “You Can Make a Difference in the Fight against Parkinson’s” was the theme. Ruth, a retired kindergarten teacher, lives with young onset Parkinson’s disease. She has been active in the cause ever since her diagnosis at age 42 in 2002. Dawn Krinke McGinley writes, “My new role in 3M is Global Leader and Strategist, 3M Women’s Leadership Forum, a new and exciting fulltime dedicated role.” Brad Somero launched BPMC Enterprises, an operations and quality consulting business. In his spare time, he is on another corporate board, serves on the board of directors of his neighborhood Little League, and cooks a lot—much to his family’s chagrin. Doug Talus is self-employed at Rhode Island Dental. n Brad Somero, class president, and Cande Carlson Roberts, class communication chair 30-YEAR REUNION, OCTOBER 3-4, 2014 FRIDAY evening, Social at Whiskey River, St. Peter. SATURDAY evening, Social at the Flame Bar & Grill, St. Peter. gustavus.edu/alumni/class/1984 [We start off with an editor’s correction. After reading in the last Quarterly that Peter Ford was the only ROTC candidate to be commissioned at Gustavus, Steve Parry wrote to inform us that this was not correct. Steve was in fact the first ROTC candidate at Gustavus since WWII and was commissioned two years prior to Peter while attending Gustavus. Steve was also in the very first class of ROTC at Mankato State. He writes, “While this may seem petty, I put up with a lot of grief from more liberal students at Gustavus during the days I had to wear my uniform. I also take great pride in the fact that I attended ROTC, was awarded Distinguished Military Graduate status, and was commissioned into the United States Army.” Steve, we do not feel this is being petty at all and appreciate your notifying us of this correction and, more importantly, we thank you for your proud service to our country.] Carole Arwidson is now serving on the Board of Directors for Open Arms of Minnesota, where she is also the chair of the International Committee. Kathryn Heath is an English language learner teacher at Laie Elementary in Hawaii. Her granddaughter was born on Feb. 27, 2013. Lydia Flora Radke is a probation and parole officer for Washington County in Oregon. Julia Haen

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Morton is the director of finance for United Health Group. Joan Barthel Rimmereid is the program director for the Wayzata/ Plymouth Meals on Wheels. Danita Ager Ballantyne is the camp director for YMCA Camp Watchaug in Rhode Island. Sara Thompson is an American history teacher for Summit Middle School in Boulder, CO. Dave Torgerson is a senior pathology services/device manager at Avero Diagnostics. He has been living, working, and playing in Colorado since 1985. He loves to ski and travel with his family. Randy Lee is recently retired. Paul Modean is a field service manager for Delta Airlines at LAX. Kristen Ulven McKeithen is the owner of Atlanta Bean 2 Cup. P. Brett Smith is still with the Mahtomedi School District, and in addition to teaching, he is the “education specialist” for Minnesota Public Radio (MPR). His wife, Jody McCormick, is now retired from ISD 622. Carolyn Towler is in life enrichment at Gold Pine Home. Tracy Johnson DeJong is the director of tour guide services for Metro Connections, Inc. Amy Smith Norton is the executive vice president for MidAmerica Marketing. Carin Plaisted Thomas is the first vice president of Wealth Management for UBS Financial Services. Kevin Whitaker is a tax partner at Pieper, Whitaker + Bjork, LLC. Liz Zender Sandt recently retired from the Minnesota Department of Health after 25 years. She is currently working on a committee at her church, First United Methodist Church, to build a new church building. She is also doing some volunteer work and traveling to warm climates during the cold Minnesota winters. “Don’t wait to ‘retire,’ she says. There is much more to do besides employment!” Laurie Berge Hagen is a teacher/instructional assistant for Headstart of Central Kentucky. Greg Mazanec is an associate publisher for the Saint Paul Pioneer Press, Twin Cities. Ricky Wong is working for Elitik Enterprises, LLC. Jeff Edblad is an adjunct professor for Anoka Ramsey Community College, as well as an Isanti county attorney at the Isanti County Attorney’s Office. Mark Munson is a deputy director at the National Corrections Academy. Carla Anderson Cox is an autism teacher at Como Park Elementary. Dawn McClure Duffy is a public information officer at the Minnesota Department of Public Safety. Ann Engelmann Johnson is a senior software developer at Healthsense, Inc. Dawn McDougal Miller writes: “We enjoyed visiting colleges with Aaron, our son who is a senior at Wayzata High School. Several of these visits have been to Gustavus. It was fun to relive old memories as we spent time on campus. No official decision yet from Aaron as I write this, but we’ll know by

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HOMECOMING 2014 GET YOUR GUSTIE ON All alumni and friends are invited back to the Hill for the Great Gustie Gathering—Homecoming 2014! We have a full day of festivities planned—some traditional events and some new activities. We look forward to welcoming you back home on October 4.

9 a.m. ALUMNI RESOURCE FAIR & CONTINENTAL BREAKFAST Beck Hall

10a.m. ALUMNI COLLEGE @ HOMECOMING Beck Hall A set of concurrent lectures and presentations, Alumni College highlights the work of the fantastic Gustavus faculty. 10:30a.m. 50 YEAR FOOTBALL CLUB LUNCHEON Three Crowns Room

11 a.m. COFFEE & CONVERSATION Annexstad Mall

11:15 a.m. CELEBRATION OF LIFE SERVICE, FEATURING ALUMNI CHOIR Christ Chapel Includes a remembrance of those Gusties who have passed over the last year 11:30 a.m. ALL-GUSTIE TAILGATE LUNCH Homecoming Tent Alumni and students come together for a lively picnic in advance of the football game versus Carleton and the women’s soccer match versus St. Olaf. 11:30a.m. GUS FAMILY FUN ZONE HC Tent Area

1 p.m. FOOTBALL GAME VERSUS CARLETON COLLEGE Hollingsworth Field

1 p.m. WOMEN’S VARSITY SOCCER GAME VERSUS ST. OLAF Soccer Field

p.m./Halftime 2 50 YEAR CLUB RECEPTION Torrey Atrium, Beck Hall A time for this fine group of Golden Gusties to gather

4 p.m. 5TH QUARTER CELEBRATION, HOSTED BY GUSTAVUS ALUMNI ASSOCIATION Homecoming Tent Enjoy snacks and social time with fellow Gusties following the football and soccer games before heading home or reunions.

5:30 p.m. FALL REUNIONS See class news for specific information for reunion classes For more information, contact Alumni & Parent Engagement at 507-933-7511 or alumni@ gustavus.edu Reunion alumni, register at gustavus.edu/ alumni Non-Reunion alumni and friends, register at gustavustickets.com

the May 1st deadline.” Dawn was awarded the “President’s Award” from her company, Health Partners, in November 2013. She is the music therapy internship director, and she recently began training their 94th music therapy intern in the past 16 years. Shari McKenzie Black is a certified nurse practitioner for the Siouxland Hematology Oncology Association. She is also a senior consultant with Mary Kay Corporation. In April she was the keynote speaker at the “Mind Body Spirit” Cancer Symposium in Sioux City, IA, sponsored by the June E. Nylon Cancer Center, and in February she was a speaker for Siouxland Regional Chapter of Oncology Nursing Society—her talk was titled “Updates on Tumor Markers.” Kathy Sutherland Lutes won the Teacher Eagle Award (Teacher of the Year for Elementary School) at New Life Academy. Jim Renn is the vice president and financial advisor of RBC Wealth Management. Jeff Pedersen is the online directory coordinator of Better Business Bureau. Daina Ogrins Sivanich is an independent marketing and advertising consultant. Tracy Bahl is executive vice president of CVS Caremark. Andrea Estrem is a quality assurance analyst at Rose International. Jim O’Neill is an account manager at NeuWave Medical. Damon Larson is a librarian and research coach at Chaparral High School. Bill Sternard is executive vice president at Viking Materials Inc. Michelle Riermann Carlson is retired. Kayvon Riggi is an orthopedic surgeon at Twin Cities Orthopedics. Barbara Blumer Corcoran is a family practice physician at Family Medical Center/Centro Medico Familiar. Brenda Clayton McConnell: “Our children (my stepchildren) are all married and live in the Minneapolis area. We are blessed with four beautiful grandchildren. Patrick and Lindsey have Raegan (3) and Keegan (2). Kristin and Keith have Brecker (5 ½) and Eily (3 ½). Joseph and Stacy were married this past May. I keep busy babysitting grandchildren 1–2 days a week. When not spending time with our grandchildren, my husband and I love to travel, attend sporting events, and go fishing (Alaska, Guatemala, etc.).” Kelly Rome Johnson’s daughter Katelyn ’10 married Bryan Hollaway last November. Mike Lund’s daughter Anna just finished her first year at Gustavus. Kevin Whitaker is now a partner with the newly listed firm founded last year—Pieper, Whitaker and Bjork, LLC. n Carole Arwidson, class co-president and communication chair

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Lisa Johnson Wentz is a marketing specialist for the Catholic Foundation of Green Bay.


GUSTAVUS ALUMNI Todd Buegler has accepted a call to Trinity Lutheran Church, an ELCA congregation in Owatonna, Minnesota.

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Dan Snyder is a medical scientific manager at Baxter International. Craig Johnson is a sales representative for SciCan, Inc. Scott Sehlin has been honored by the University of Missouri-Rolla with an appointment to the Academy of Mines and Metallurgy at the university. It is a lifetime appointment. Scott earned his PhD in ceramic physics there at the UMR facility, which is the scientific arm of the University of Missouri. The award notes achievement and involves continued input from Academy members. Scott holds more than a dozen U.S. patents, the first one granted about a year after he began his job. Scott and his family hoped to be at Gustavus for the family tennis camp in July.

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25-YEAR REUNION OCTOBER 4, 2014 SATURDAY evening, Social in Torrey Atrium, Beck Hall (with the class of 1994). gustavus.edu/alumni/class/1989 Alison McDonald writes, “I am now the digital publishing senior specialist for the American Bar Association in Chicago, IL.” Kristina Beaudet Ballou is an HR department manager at Xetex, Inc. Terry Bradt is the vice president of solutions at Image Express, Inc. Sara Hansen is self-employed as a marketing research consultant. “[We] sent our oldest child Jake off to the University of Puget Sound in Tacoma, WA—just like Gustavus but no church affiliation and located in beautiful Pacific Northwest. We miss him, but he is having as much fun in college as we did!” Anne Hoffman Caron is the veteran’s court/ mental health court coordinator for the First Judicial District of Colorado. Dana Johnson Koch had her eleventh child, Alivia, on June 11, 2012. Tim Thurber recently published

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a book, Republicans and Race: The GOP’s Frayed Relationship with African Americans, 1945–1974. Susan Hoss is owner/partner at Main Dish Media. Rebecca Bystol Sassen, Chicago, IL, is the director of learning and organizational development at Vi, a senior living residence. Elizabeth Gustafson is the manager of advisory services at PricewaterhouseCoopers. Jeffrey Johnson, Faribault, was named the chief public defender for the Third Judicial District. Blake Davis is the vice president of operations for the GEO Group in Boca Raton, FL. Todd Heldt is the executive vice president for Factory Motor Parts. Robert Henderson is the vice president of sales for Corporate Benefits Consortium. Cheryl Bragonier Kempton is the owner of Cheryl & Co. Tim Asplund is the chief of the water resource monitoring section for the State of Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources. Joel Olson is playing banjo with the Middle Spunk Creek Boys in Minneapolis

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Alumna announces publication of yarn book

Wendy J. Johnson ’79 has been spinning, dyeing, and knitting for more than 30 years. She holds a BA in fine arts and music with additional arts education in fiber arts, graphic design, and architecture. She is a fiber artist, photographer, media and installation artist, and educator in the fiber arts, with an emphasis on spinning, dyeing, weaving, and knitting. Her work is highlighted in her company, Saga Hill Designs (www.SagaHill.com). Now she has produced a book that promises to be “the ultimate sheep-to-sweater” reference book for fiber enthusiasts. Yarn Works: How to Spin, Dye, and Knit Your Own Yarn is a how-to book that addresses spin methods for chunky yarn, how to dye fiber to how to make yarn hold its shape when you knit. The book is divided into four main sections—Fiber Workshop, Spin Workshop, Dye Workshop, and Knit Workshop—and includes a brief history on each subject. Johnson has been a champion for Swedish textile arts and has facilitated exhibitions of the work of Swedish knitting artists such as Elsebeth Lavold, Inger Fredholm, and Bohus Stickning at the American Swedish Institute in Minneapolis. She was a principal author, photographer, and designer of the book Bohus Stickning—Radiant Knits: An Enchanting Obsession.

Nelson’s Ice Cream has been a fixture in Stillwater, MN, since 1923, earning an international reputation over the years. When the previous owners announced in 2006 that they were looking to sell the business, two Stillwater residents with previous restaurant experience—David Najarian ’81 and partner Bill Bergstrom—bought it to ensure “that the historic ice cream store remained operating in Stillwater.” Eight years later this past May, with the original site doing well, Nelson’s opened a second store on Snelling Avenue in St. Paul. The second store is owned and managed by Dave’s son, Daved Najarian ’13, who had helped manage the Stillwater location. “I knew [at Gustavus] that I wanted to own my own business in the food industry,” Daved says. “When I evaluated other restaurant ideas, I kept coming back to what I know I love and others love—ice cream!” The new store provides an outdoor patio experience similar to the Stillwater location, along with indoor seating and convenient parking. Both stores offer more than 40 ice cream flavors. With David and Daved involved in day-to-day operations, Nelson’s continues to be a family-owned and -run business. In June 2013, the Daily Meal ranked Nelson’s as one of the “Top 25 World’s Best Ice Cream Parlors: Readers’ Pick.”

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Father, son run well-known ice cream shops

Named Senior Pastor at Mount Olivet Church

On June 1, 2014, in a special congregational meeting, the Rev. John D. Hogenson ’81 was extended a call to become the Senior Pastor of Mount Olivet Lutheran Church, one of the largest congregations in the Evangelical Lutheran Church of America (ELCA) with more than 13,000 baptized members. Interim Senior Pastor and former Bishop of the Minneapolis Area Synod ELCA Craig Johnson ’69 announced at that meeting that Hogenson had accepted the call and would officially begin his new responsibilities on August 1. Pastor Hogenson is the eighth Senior Pastor of Mount Olivet Church. His tenure follows a three-year interim period under the leadership of Pastor Johnson, after the unexpected death of Senior Pastor Paul Youngdahl ’59. Since beginning his ordained ministry 25 years ago, Hogenson has served as a pastoral leader for five congregations, including two of the ten largest in the ELCA. Johnson also announced at the congregational meeting that he would be retiring from active ministry following Hogenson’s official assumption of duties at Mount Olivet on August 1.

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and performed at the 2013 Fringe Festival. He also is in his daughter Abilene’s play, On the Line. Robyn Rucks Woods is a national board-certified teacher through the National Board of Professional Teaching Standards and is loving her music teacher position in the Saint Peter Public Schools, instructing approximately 500 students. Shaleigh Jones Pysick is an association manager at FirstService Residential. Kristine Nelson-Noble is an adolescent therapist and certified addictions counselor for Lutheran Social Services of Illinois. Kathy Swanson is the lead application engineer at Thrivent Financial for Lutherans. Tim Carter is the treasurer for Piper Jaffray & Co. Becky Billmeyer Specht is a substitute teacher for Dubuque Community and Holy Family Schools, and in retail candy sales at Betty Jane Candies, Inc. Kevin Gee is a urologist at Madison Medical Urology in Milwaukee, WI. Elise Blaese is a

to the Little Rock, AR, area for her newest assignment with the National Guard Bureau. She is a logistics training officer at the Army National Guard’s Professional Education Center at Camp Robinson. She and her husband, Erik Brun, and children Alexandr (age 13), Christian (12), and Tatiana (11) live in the nearby Cabot/Austin area. She is a recent breast cancer survivor. Chris Robinson is economic development officer at Brainerd Lakes Area Economic Development Corporation. Karis Rieke Gust completed a BSN

through South Dakota State 90 degree University’s Accelerated Nursing program in 2013, and now works as an RN at Sanford Hospital, Sioux Falls, SD.

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Rachel Vagts has been named the head of Special Collections and Archives at Berea College in Berea,

The Parkinson’s Disease Foundation has announced that the design submitted by Ruth Goodman Lotzer ’83 of Bloomington, MN, “You Can Make a Difference in the Fight against Parkinson’s,” will be featured on its 2014 Parkinson’s Awareness Month T-shirt. Lotzer, a retired kindergarten teacher, lives with young onset Parkinson’s disease. She has been active in the cause ever since her diagnosis at age 42 in 2002. In addition to volunteering as a PDF Research Advocate, she uses her creativity to make crafts and pins for Parkinson’s awareness. She says she saw PDF’s T-shirt contest as another outlet to inspire others, especially by keeping her tulip design simple. “I want people to know that getting involved in the fight against Parkinson’s doesn’t have to be complicated. You don’t have to be famous or be a big shot. Anyone can do it! Find what you like to do best and do it for PD,” says Lotzer. In recognition of April as Parkinson’s Awareness Month, PDF accepted design submissions from people touched by Parkinson’s throughout the U.S. for its annual Parkinson’s Awareness Month T-Shirt Contest. A panel of volunteer judges then narrowed down the submissions to five designs. Nearly 3,000 voted online and selected Design #4, “You Can Make a Difference in the Fight against Parkinson’s.”

The Minneapolis-St. Paul Chapter of Little Brothers – Friends of the Elderly (LBFE) honored nine community partners as recipients of the 2014 Ambassador Awards at its annual meeting on June 19. Among the honorees were David ’83 and Kris Guyer ’84 Jones of Minneapolis. The prestigious Ambassador Award was established by the Minneapolis-St. Paul Chapter two years ago to recognize individuals and organizations for the significant contributions they have made in advancing LBFE’s mission of providing companionship to isolated elders in the Twin Cities area. The Joneses were recognized “for contributing their talents and resources to enhance elder programs and LBFE’s operations.” They are pictured with LBFE program manager Chelsea Igou (center) at the award presentation.

THE GUSTAVUS QUARTERLY

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Lotzer’s design selected for Parkinson’s Awareness Month

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project manager for IBM Research at IBM Corporation. Tracey Plaisted Johnson is a therapeutic specialist at Gilead Sciences, Inc. Nicky St. Dennis Odermatt teaches seventh-grade U.S. studies at Field Middle School in Minneapolis, MN. Her daughter, Emily, will attend Gustavus starting in fall 2014. Vicki Larson Harvey is a registered nurse, and an OB educator at Allina Health. Jeffrey Evanson, Duluth MN, reports, “My dermatology practice remains very busy; about half of my time is spent doing skin cancer surgery. Starting to look at colleges for my high school senior son, Braden.” Amy Hildebrandt Schlueter is a marketing and client coordinator at Steinbach Home Selling Team Keller Williams Premier Realty. Elizabeth Schmidt Matzke is a registered nurse at Allina Health: Regina Hospital Family Birthing Center, as well as at CareMate Home Healthcare. Major Heidi Brodmarkle-Brun and her family relocated

onored for services H to elders

Batz releases e-book

Paul Batz ’85 has launched his sixth book project, Good Leadership Today. It’s an interactive e-book designed in full color with live links and video, featuring the best of his weekly “Good Leadership blogs.” And it’s free! A panel of readers selected the 31 most inspirational and entertaining blogs from the first 200. One of the reviewers wrote, “This book will lift your spirits and help you build positive momentum in your personal and professional life.” The opening sentence crystallizes Batz’s point of view: “I believe the path to greatness is paved by good leaders, who are radiating goodness today and every day.” Each blog is intended to help you radiate goodness. The content focuses around leaders who are blending the Seven Fs— faith, family, finances, fitness, friends, fun, and future—and people who are building on the cornerstones of goodness, rewarding excellence, living generously, promoting fairness, and spreading positivity. Copies are available at goodleadership.com in Kindle, Nook, and iBook platform.


GUSTAVUS ALUMNI KY. Previously, she served as the College Archivist at Luther College in Decorah, IA, for nearly 16 years and has been the director of the Archives Leadership Institute since 2013. Visual effects artist Ken Gust and colleagues Shant Jordan and Shahen Jordan are launching a new Burbank-based visual effects boutique, Synaptic VFX. The company is well positioned to provide VFX design, production, 3D stereo conversion, and DI services for feature films, commercials, and 3D stereo conversion productions. The team represents a synergy of the critical skill sets for successful visual effects production—aesthetic vision, creative talent, mastery of complex CGI and compositing, along with digital workflow, DI, and editorial for finishing finesse. Opening their own business is the logical next step for the partners who greatly value their extensive experience working with so many of L.A.’s top VFX companies. Gust adds his experience in the critical areas of post supervision including DI workflow, stereoscopic conversion, and finishing to balance the leadership mix. 20-YEAR REUNION

4, 2014 94 OCTOBER SATURDAY evening, Social in Torrey Atrium, Beck Hall (with the class of 1989). gustavus.edu/alumni/class/1994 Lynnea Isum reports, “I am teaching German in Chesapeake, VA. I was in Germany 2002–2011 and returned to the U.S. to get my teaching license and a master’s in teaching ESL. I graduated from Regent University in Virginia Beach in May. I am always thankful for my Gustavus education and that it grew my vision to serve all over the world.” Ben JohnsonMarkve is a clinical neuropsychologist at Florida Hospital. Ben’s wife, Sarah JohnsonMarkve, is a graphic designer for her own company, Half + Half Design, as well as for Active Network. Alejandra Gimenez-Berger is an associate professor of art history at Wittenberg University. David Davis is a senior business analyst for Andersen Corporation. Cory Larson is a principal for Minnewaska School District. Zachary Resch is an assistant professor at the Mayo Clinic. Ross Peterson is a business continuity manager at US Bank. Staci Johnson Bauer is the director of project management at Optum. Scott MacLean is the watershed unit supervisor for the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency. His wife, Kristine Hinds MacLean is an assistant public defender at the Public Defender’s Office. Matthew Cheney is a managing partner at Brock & Scott, PLLC. Kimberly Wabner Noll is a clinic manager at the Health Center for Women. Brett Latterell is the Dean of students for the Maplewood/North St. Paul/

Athletics Hall of Fame

November 1, 2014

Gustavus will induct new members into its Athletics Hall of Fame at a banquet at 6 p.m. on Saturday, November 1, 2014, in Alumni Hall. Selection of athletes is based upon athletic achievement while a student at Gustavus, coaches for an outstanding career that made a direct and significant impact on athletics, and benefactors for significant and consistent contribution to intercollegiate athletics. INDUCTEES Steve Erickson ’99, Golf (1995–1999) Tara Joosten Bubar ’98, Women’s Soccer (1995–1997) Dave Jussila ’91, Tennis (1987–1991) Melissa Ring ’99, Track and Field (1995–1999) Luke Schmidt ’99, Basketball (1996–1999) Aaron Smith ’99, Track & Field (1995–1999) Bob Southworth ’99, Football & Basketball (1995–1999) Brent Staples ’99, Football & Hockey (1995–1999) Dee Swenson (benefactor), administrative assistant, Departments of Intercollegiate Athletics and Health and Exercise Science (1975–2000) Banquet tickets are $15 per person. Reservations are requested by October 24, 2014. Call the Alumni Office at 800-487-8437, email alumni@gustavus.edu, or register online at gustavus.edu/go/halloffame. Tickets for the banquet will be held at a registration desk near Alumni Hall. Tickets for the football game may be purchased at the gate.

Oakdale ISD #622. Angela Rebling Fink is the vice president of human resources at Welcov Healthcare. Julie Smith Gamber is a director at Prudential Insurance Company of America. Rob Olsen is a family medicine physician at Mayo Clinic Health System, Mankato. Belinda Pinney Hollman is a program manager at Medtronic. Susan Paulson Morrow is a probation officer for Washington County Community Corrections. Vera Laine Stephenson is an assistant professor at St. Catherine University. Lisa Halbur Hogan graduated on Dec. 4, 2013, from Augsburg College with a master’s of arts in nursing. She is now working in occupational health service at Mayo Clinic. Leah Chernivec Larson is the vice president for Health & Benefits Consulting. Adam Moe writes, “My band, Pushing Chain, recently had a fully funded kick-start grant to record our second album, at Brad Matala’s studio. We have also received an Arrowhead Regional Arts Council grant to go to the Folk Alliance International Conference in Kansas City.” Shannon Bauer is an LCMC pastor at Peace Lutheran Church in Watertown, MN. Tara Grunig Perre is the director of communications at Thrivent Financial for Lutherans. Kristin Fisher Lamoureux is the owner of Atlanta Journey, LLC, and the marketing and sales director of the Blue Tang Inn in Belize. Sara Preuhs Fette is a

Realtor for Weichert Realty, and the 3M promotional markets and account manager for 3M. Peter Otterness is the senior sanitarian for Nicollet County. Marty Koolen is a forensic scientist at the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension. Michael Hopman is a senior operations analyst at Mar Cor Purification. Michael Zemek is an associate professor, coordinator of music education, and co-chair of the music department at Augustana College, Rock Island. He is also the director of music ministry at Gloria Dei Lutheran Church in Iowa City, IA. Jason Haugen is CFO and COO at Medical Management, Inc. Denise Koepp Kuo is the managing editor at the Hypertensions National Center for the American Heart Association. Michael Bolsoni is the assistant principal at Apple Valley High School. Kristie Koehler Vogel is the senior wellness consultant at Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Minnesota. April Sherren reports, “We’re living happily in Eden Prairie with our four children. I have been an OB/GYN physician at Park Nicollet for 10 years.” Erik Kulke is the study-abroad director and assistant professor of Spanish at Carthage University. Nicole Libor Gnotke is a setting IV behavior assistant for Goodhue County Education District. Susan Haddox, Alliance, OH, is associate professor of religious studies at the University of Mount Union and was named the director of the honors program.

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GREATER GUSTAVUS AWARD The Greater Gustavus Award is the highest award given by the Gustavus Alumni Association. It is awarded to those who by deed have notably advanced and aided Gustavus Adolphus College.

Jack and Kris Ohle From their introduction by Thomas W. Young ’88 at the 2014 Alumni Awards Banquet

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n awarding this recognition to both Kris and Jack Ohle, “who by deed have notably advanced and aided the College,” the Alumni Board sought to recognize their six-year service to Gustavus, but especially the unique partnership they brought to the College. The dictionary defines that word “deed” as action, movement, doing. I cannot think of three better words to describe the commitment that Jack and Kris have for Gustavus and the work they have done together. The over 26,000 living alumni across the country recognize this leadership and celebrate all the good that has come from it. As we consider the many initiatives launched during the past six years, a clear partnership of success is evident. Consider just a few examples: • The implementation of Commission Gustavus 150 and the engagement of hundreds of alumni across the country in the future of the College. In addition to organizing the work of the seven task forces, Jack and Kris attended and together led 17 separate national summit meetings. These daylong meetings across the country brought alumni together to think about the future of the College in ways they had never done before. • The development of the Make Your Life Count brand line and a clear marketing and consistent marketing position for the College. The commitment to thinking nationally in our marketing and branding has established, for the first time in many years, a cohesive image, message, and shared understanding of our value proposition. • The continued success of Campaign Gustavus and the recent announcement that we have reached $125 million in total commitments toward our $150 million goal. This success in securing several early commitments, including the College’s largest, came as the result of their combined cultivation of Gustavus donors.

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In all we do at the College, Jack and Kris have raised the level of professionalism and institutional ceremony for our many events. The miles they have traveled on behalf of Gustavus are too many to measure, the events too numerous to count. But as best we can determine they have hosted over 6,100 people at the Gustavus President’s Home, hosted over 150 events, attended over 250 alumni events, made a least 115 different trips with multiple cities on each of the trips, and have met with who knows how many student groups during the past six years. They have always carried an irrepressible optimism about the future of the College wherever they have traveled. Their infectious and unyielding belief that Gustavus has all the right ingredients to strengthen its position as a national college will pay dividends for years. They have sown a belief among our alumni and friends that we have a bright future, if we together own it and work for it. They have spent many days on the road representing the College, but are ever-present at events when here on campus. They are fully committed to the students at Gustavus and support them by attending concerts, lectures, and athletic competitions. If the measure of this award is in fact related to the “deeds” committed on behalf of the College, it is hard to imagine what more could be done in six years than what Kris and Jack have together done. You have set us on a new course, especially as it relates to alumni involvement and ownership in future of Gustavus. For that we say thank you. Our steadfast commitment to you is that we are going to continue reaching for an ever better and stronger Gustavus. n

Thomas W. Young ’88 has been vice president for institutional advancement and a member of President Ohle’s Cabinet since July 2008. He joined the administrative staff of Gustavus in September 2005.


GUSTAVUS ALUMNI Her first book, Metaphor and Masculinity in Hosea, was published in 2011 and she was working on a second, Masculinity in Judges during her sabbatical in 2013–14. Shannon Bauer, is a LCMC pastor at Peace Lutheran Church in Watertown, MN. Kristi Fisher Lamoureux had this to share for all you world travelers: “Plan a trip to Belize for fun, celebrate your anniversary, mission trip, or corporate retreat. Contact me to plan a great Belize experience.” Lisa Halbur Hogan graduated December 2013 from Augsburg College with a master of arts degree in nursing and is working in occupational health service at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester. Brian Hedeen is president/CEO at Viridian Green Laser Sights. He and Tom Otteson ’91 co-founded the company in 2006. Viridian offers a complete line of high-tech weaponmounted lasers and lights for law enforcement, home defense, and personal defense.

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Nathaniel Kreykes is a pediatric surgeon at the Minneapolis Children’s Hospital.

Anna Lenz Sammelson is working as a part-time teller at MutualBank after 10 years of being a full-time at-home mom. Robert Cramer switched jobs in September 2013. He is now a commercial credit analyst at Bankers’ Bank headquartered in Madison, WI.

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The Tornado Class Joshua ’99 and Macey Miller Mulheron write, “In August we are moving to Japan to teach at St. Mary’s International School in Tokyo. We were given a two-year sabbatical to teach. Joshua will teach math and Macey will have a K–5 music classroom.” Remember to join our Facebook and LinkedIn groups for Gustavus Adolphus College Class of 1998. n S hannon Sinning, class communication chair

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15-REUNION We’ll team with the class of 2000 to have a joint 15th reunion celebration next fall. For this year, ‘99ers are invited to gather informally at Patrick’s following the 5th Quarter on campus. Mandy Prorok is the education abroad adviser at Minnesota State University, Mankato. She has certainly kept busy and moving since graduation—she received a master’s degree from Lesley University, Cambridge, MA, had a master’s internship at LaTrobe University, Melbourne, Australia;

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was a Fulbright alumna; worked for the Germany program for international educators in 2005; was international programs coordinator at Arizona State University; an educator with the JET Programme in Japan, and held the study-abroad coordinator position at the University of Arkansas. Emily Flickinger Hatch recently applied for licensure as a marriage and family therapist. Sara Prihoda Gillette planned to start her master’s degree as a media specialist this past spring 2014. Derek Kaufman is a Google certified teacher in Stockholm, Sweden, as of December 2013. Ian Burch is an associate priest at

Chrysostom Episcopal Church. 00 St. Cory Weinrich is Information

Technology specialist for Lutheran Social Services of Minnesota. Alissa Manske is property compliance manager for Manske and Associates in Wichita, KS. Karrin Daniels is a business analyst for Merchant Integrity Group at Nordstrom. Meghan Krause returned to St. Peter as director of the Wellness Center at Gustavus Adolphus College. Amanda Marotz graduated with a master’s in counseling from the University of Nebraska at Omaha. She is pursuing a PLMHP and working in community-based mental health with an emphasis in severe and persistent mental health diagnosis. Sean O’Brien received an MBA degree from St. Cloud State University in spring 2014. Guy Mattson is a litigation attorney at TSR Injury Law based in Bloomington, MN. His practice is focused solely on protecting the rights of those injured in accidents or who have lost loved ones due to the carelessness of others. He primarily handles claims involving car accidents, dog bites, premise liability, and wrongful death.

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Erin Hoffman was named the 2013

Sister of the Year for the Twin 02 Big Cities branch of Big Brother Big

Sister. Sarah Wolter is one of four former students of Communication Studies Professor Leila Brammer—all professors now themselves—reunited in November at a “Teachers on Teaching” roundtable at the National Communication Association’s annual convention in Washington, DC, to celebrate Brammer’s exceptional teaching. “Teachers on Teaching” honors the discipline’s finest and most inspiring teachers. Alec Sonsteby, a reference and instruction librarian at Metropolitan State University, St. Paul, MN, since 2009, was granted tenure and promoted to the rank of associate professor. Melissa Barkalow writes, “2013 was a year of big changes for

me. The changes started when a friend and I decided to go out on our own and start our own real estate brokerage. Our new firm is called R&R Residential Brokerage and we are licensed in Washington, DC, Maryland, and Virginia. Our office is located in the Ballston neighborhood of Arlington, VA. We have had a good start to our new venture and are always ready to take on new clients, especially Gustie grads. The other big change in my life in 2013 is I married Joe Nied on September 21, 2013, in Arlington, VA (where we live), and we had our reception at the Hamilton in their Live Space. We were the first wedding reception held in the space.” Paul Sellers is an assistant

County public defender 03 Hennepin for the State of Minnesota.

Jonathon Berger is a commercial underwriter for Nationwide Insurance. Lindsay Wurst Berger is an art director/ stylist at JL Productions. Chris Wold is the vice president at Meridian Land Company. Brian Collins accepted a tenure track assistant professor position in physics at Washington State University, Pullman, WA. 10-YEAR REUNION

4, 2014 04 OCTOBER SATURDAY evening, Social and dinner in Alumni Hall. gustavus.edu/alumni/ class/2004 Tera King is a senior account executive at StayWell Health Management. Patrick Tatro is a data security manager for St. Paul Public Schools. Jill Johnson Hansen is a biology and physical science teacher for Hermantown Schools. Bobee Jo Lang Hyland is a dentist at Elrod, Green, & Hyland in Austin, MN. Bryant Rogness is a stayat-home dad, and his wife, Claire Mielke, owns her own dental practice, Pediatric Dentistry of Maplewood. Allison Wold Merriman is a clinical Therapist at Fairview Health Services. Cassie Nielson Lind is a senior clinical psychologist at Minnesota Security Hospital. Tyler Kienow is an underwriter at HealthPartners, Inc., and Kate (Duncan) ’05 is a math intervention teacher for Shakopee School District 720. Matt Smith works for Engineering Services and Products Company. Brent Borgstahl is a controller at Blattner Energy, Inc. Katie Dorn Thimjon is a fourth-grade teacher for Shakopee Public Schools. Corinne Carlson is an HR generalist for Park Industries. Melody Walker is in associate operations at Allianz Life of North America. Sarah Hansen is a proposal writer at Integrated Healthcare Strategies. David Bergeman is a senior editor at the United States Air Force Academy Association of Graduates. Jaynie Rivers Twedt is a registered nurse

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DISTINGUISHED ALUMNI CITATION IN PHYSICS The Distinguished Alumni Citation recognizes outstanding and exceptional professional achievement, such as that which would bring unusual honor to the individual in his or her field of endeavor.

James Wade ’86 From his introduction by Pastor Eric Aune at the Alumni Awards Banquet

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hree words define Jim Wade: grit, glitter, and glue. Jim has grit. His dogged determination and perseverance was evident at Gustavus and served as the foundation and springboard for three master’s degrees: a master of science degree in aeronautical and astronautical engineering from the University of Illinois as well as a master’s in business administration and a master of science degree in space science from the University of Houston. Jim completed his PhD in aeronautical and aerospace engineering from the University of Colorado in less than two years. That grit has led to glitter. He has had a stellar career at

for PACU/Same Day Care at the Mayo Clinic in Mankato. Andrew Nelson is an account manager at Univita Health. Paul Erickson is an account manager at TEK Systems. Lindsay Wurst Berger is an art director/ stylist at JL Productions. Rebekah Towner Hodder is a co-founder of The Geneva Project. Molly O’Donnell McFarlane is an HR generalist at Marvin Windows and Doors. Nate Aul is the director of commodity market making at Citigroup. Alison Cline is an executive assistant at the British Consulate General. Liz Anderson Moe is a physical therapist and rehab director at Centrex Rehab. Kayla Thorson Jones is a special education teacher for New Ulm Public Schools. Betsy Anderson is a reading interventionist at Marine Elementary School. Anne Humburg Crofton is a licensed school nurse for Blue Earth Area Schools. Jill Noren Kelsey is an internal communications specialist at Cargill. Brent Kath is in landscapes and design at Natural Creations. Andrea Wellman Kath is working for English Proficiency Systems. Jerod Klava is a periodontist at Southdale Periodontics. Sarah Volk Morrison is a registered nurse on an oncology/hospice unit at Park Nicollet Methodist Hospital. Jessie Bendel is a Certified Veterinary Technician at All Paws

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NASA, MIT’s Lincoln Laboratory, and now Raytheon. But what I most admire about Jim is that he knows the glue that holds it all together—his family. He is a loving husband to my sister, Kathy, and a loving father to four wonderful children who love to tease him with the same grit and determination he has passed on to them. n

The Rev. Eric Aune is the father of three Gusties and brother-inlaw of Jim Wade ’86.

Animal Hospital. Ravinda Samaraweera is a neurologist at Sanford Health. Brett Pederson is a healthcare strategy and management consultant for the Chartis Group. Kristin Koperski is a chronic pain psychologist at Kaiser Permanente. Kaitlin Kinsella is a treatment manager at the Dakota Boys and Girls Ranch. Shivaun Iten is a student at UC-Berkeley Haas School of Business and will receive her MBA in 2014. Her future job will be at Deloitte Consulting as a senior consultant. Jana Knutson Wold is a clinical pharmacist at Genoa HealthCare. Molly Andvik is manager of Retail Energy Origination at U.S. Energy Services, Inc. Katy Berquam Vrieze is a postdoctorate fellow at the University of Minnesota. Anna Claussen is the director of Rural Strategies at the Institute for Agriculture and Trade Policy. Mark Apfelbacher, is the director of Environmental Procurement at Stratford Companies. Dan Brown is a substitute teacher for Roseville Area Public Schools. Emily Larson Graham is a registered nurse clinical analyst at Saint John’s Medical Center. Staci Stringer is the area director for Young Life in Bloomington, MN. Marnie K. Nelson is an education abroad coordinator at the University of NebraskaLincoln. Leah Whitworth Rich is a senior

communications counselor at Neuger Communications Group, Inc. Kimberly McArthur is a postdoctoral fellow at Cornell University. Jonathan Abbott is an actuary at QBE North America. Paul Richardson is “still an astrophysicist at NASA working hard to eliminate the extroverts from applying for the Mars experiment.” Anne Humburg Crofton moved back to Blue Earth, MN, after accepting her “dream job” as a school nurse at Blue Earth Area Schools. Her grandmother, Shirley Humburg, held the post once upon a time for over 20 years. Ann sits at the same desk she did! Sara Volz, Rochester, MN is currently a doctor finishing her specialty training the field of neonatology. Gabe Ohrt earned his master’s of nursing this past May. Kate Sandvig Ohrt earned her principal K–12 license in June 2012. n Sara Nelson Conlon, class communication chair Evan Burgart is a physician

with University of 05 assistant Minnesota Physicians Division of

Cardiothoracic Surgery. Tyler Kienow is an underwriter at HealthPartners, Inc., and his wife, Kate, is a math intervention teacher for Shakopee School District 720. Carl Ferkinhoff had this to share: “In December


GUSTAVUS ALUMNI 2013 I successfully defended my dissertation for my PhD in astronomy at Cornell University in Ithaca, NY. In January I moved to Heidelberg, Germany, where I started a postdoctoral fellowship at the Max Planck Institute for Astronomy. Rebecca Kuehl Hybbert and Jessica Prody were two of the former students of communication studies professor Leila Brammer reunited in November at a “Teachers on Teaching” roundtable at the National Communication Association’s annual convention in Washington, DC, to celebrate Brammer’s exceptional teaching. Heather Sieben Bell writes, “My husband and I, along with our two sons (ages 2 and 4), live in Little Falls, MN. My husband, a 2005 Saint John’s graduate, has had many health issues since November 2013, and I am asking my classmates for assistance and support. We have already reached out to his graduating class and have truly enjoyed and appreciated the support, kindness, prayers, and generosity of the community. More indepth information may be found at Chris’s Caring Bridge site, www.caringbridge.org/ visit/christopherbell.” Matt Rich is an associate integrated wealth adviser for Carlson Capital Management. His wife, Leah Whitworth Rich ’04, is a senior communications counselor at Neuger Communications Group, Inc. Christie Rossow started a new job as a marketing assistant at Milestone AV Technologies in Eden Prairie, MN. Erin Bettendorf writes, “In May 2013, I became the first woman from Gustavus Adolphus College to graduate from Harvard Medical School (that’s based on a list of Gusties and HMS grads given to me by the Gustavus alumni relations office when I started med school . . .). I am currently doing my medical internship at Yale New Haven Hospital and will be starting my anesthesiology residency at Brigham and Women’s Hospital in Boston this summer.” Charlotte Van Zee was recently admitted into Mt. Holyoke’s post­baccalaureate pre­medical program, starting the journey to become a physician. Paul Anderson, Tessa Carlsen Wolff, and Becky Andert Spurbeck ’08 attended a CrossFit Gymnastics Seminar. All three Gusties are very involved in CrossFit and Tessa recently became a CrossFit coach.

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Hello Class of 2008! Hope everyone

a fun summer! Let’s get to 08 isthehaving news!

Linnea McCully is teaching first grade in Shanghai, China. Tegan Twait is attending graduate school at St. Scholastica. Chad Olson graduated from the University of St.

Thomas Law School in 2013 and has joined the start-up law office of Comp, Olson and Reynolds. n Katelyn Nelson, class communication chair 5-YEAR REUNION

4, 2014 09 OCTOBER SATURDAY evening, Social and dinner at Lonestar BBQ, St. Peter. gustavus. edu/alumni/class/2009 Hey ’09ers, get excited for our five year class reunion, coming up on October 4, 2014. Look for registration materials heading your way. Here is what is going on with a few of our classmates . . . Becky Carlson completed her master of science degree in higher education in May 2013 and began as a career development specialist at Saint Louis University in St. Louis, MO. Laura Groenjes Mitchell is a personalized field manager for the Office of School Reform and Innovation in Denver Public Schools. Danielle Tollefson Miller is an associate actuary at Optum Insight. Joel Rindelaub plans to complete his PhD program in analytical chemistry in December 2014 from Purdue University. Laura Luce is currently a stay-at-home mom, while husband Elliot Peterson is a service technician at Atomic Data. Kelsey Savre Stinson is an apparel buyer for Target. Amy Veerkamp Rieke is a human resources coordinator at REM MN Community Services. Lucas Rieke is an arborist at Branch & Bough. Shelby Warner Matsko is a substitute teacher for the Tucson Unified School District. Kelly Chaudoin Patzoldt is a doctoral student in clinical psychology at the University of Indianapolis. Jennifer Pelowski Simon is a supervisor at Meditech. Emily Nelson Beckering is a student at Luther Seminary. Jessica Niles is a program manager at The LaClare Group. Benjamin Tomasek is an account executive underwriter at Travelers Insurance. Tania Schueller is a print and mail specialist at DirectMailTools.com. Sarah Komperud is a planetarium educator at the Bell Museum of Natural History. Ashley Gibbs is a kindergarten teacher for Wayzata Public Schools at Plymouth Creek Elementary. She is also working on her master’s in education at Saint Mary’s University. Nathaniel Swenson is a grad student at Northwestern University, going for his PhD in chemistry. Brittani Seagren is a registered nurse at Nebraska Methodist Hospital. Delphine Broccard is a visiting instructor of communication at Pepperdine University. Kristin Knudson is an adult education instructor at Hennepin County Corrections. Stephanie Conroy is a writer/ editor for UnitedHealthcare. Breanna

Draxler is an editor for Discover magazine. Liz Haakenson is a territory manager at Sport Ngin. Erica Toppin is a high school social studies teacher for Minnetonka Public Schools. Anders Ringdahl Mayland is a volunteer and in-kind donations coordinator for Neighborhood House. Gwendolyn Gillson is a teaching assistant in the Department of Religious Studies at the University of Iowa. She is also in the process of getting her PhD in religious studies at the University of Iowa. Galen Mitchell is a special education teacher for Denver Public Schools at Grant Beacon Middle School. Lynsi Espe is a registered nurse for the Mayo Clinic. Maggie Hedlund Forster is Donor Relations Manager at Gustavus Adolphus College. Ashok Jethwa is a resident physician at the University of Minnesota Department of Otolaryngology. Kaia Daniel Hoffman is a child and family therapist at Family Solutions. Amanda George is a senior talent acquisition specialist for Target. Emily Bryan is a graduate teaching assistant at the University of New Mexico. She is in the process of getting her master of fine arts degree in dance choreography.

BIG AND LITTLE PARTNERS continued from page 25 North Carolina now, but when I’m back in town I will stop in and say ‘hi.’ As part of his high school graduation gift, Sean’s parents bought him an airline ticket to come visit Phil and me for a few days. “The story doesn’t end there. This year marks Sean’s freshman year at—yes, none other than Gustavus. He will be walking the same sidewalks we used to rollerblade and living in the same dorms where we used to trick-or-treat. He was awarded the same music scholarship that I had received and will be studying organic chemistry (the same program and with the same adviser that Phil had). “Eleven years ago, I joined the Big Partner Little Partner program thinking that it would be a fun way to get involved with kids of the community. Sean’s family thought it’d be a great way for him to meet some people in their new town. It turns out we were both right! We got even more than fun and meeting new people, though. A lasting friendship was born that has continued past the Partner program. What a joy it has been to watch eight-year-old Sean grow into such a talented, polite, and handsome young man. I am so excited to see where his road at Gustavus takes him next!”

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F ather, daughter finish underground 5K

Jess Richert ’13 and her father, Randy ’85, recently competed in the “Sandmine Challenge,” an underground 5K held in Festus, MO, and run in an old underground sand mine complete with headlamps, obstacles, an underground river crossing, and lots of wet sand. While at Gustavus, Jess was the woman’s soccer team goalkeeper and also played basketball and rugby. Randy, who has now completed 27 years with the U.S. Air Force, captained the ‘84 football team at Gustavus and also played rugby.

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Ophthalmologist recognized for Global Eye Mission

Dr. Steven O. Anderson ’87 of Mankato (left) has been recognized with the 2014 George T. Tani Humanitarian Award by the Minnesota Academy of Ophthalmology. Anderson is an ophthalmologist who last year returned from a five-year mission in Borneo (Indonesia), where he established a longterm eye care program to serve the poor of the region. His work in that region laid the foundation for him to create Global Eye Mission (www.globaleyemission.org), which partners with seven other ministries throughout the world. Anderson returned to Mankato in September 2013 and began to practice at Ophthalmology Associates of Mankato in the office that his father, Dr. Oscar Anderson, established in 1961.

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Two Gusties reelected to Education Minnesota’s Governing Board

Sue Snyder ’91 (right) and Jamie Alsleben ’93 (left) were reelected to the Education Minnesota Governing Board during the association’s Representative Convention held in late April at the Double Tree by Hilton Hotel in Bloomington, MN. The Representative Convention is Education Minnesota’s highest governing body; more than 600 elected delegates from throughout the state meet annually to set direction for organization and determine policy for the union of 70,000 members. Snyder is an ESP practitioner in the St. Paul School District and a member of the St. Paul Federation of Teachers, and Alsleben is an educator and member of the Eden Prairie Education Association.

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Maureen McNary Campion is a special education teacher at Basehor Linwood High School. Kendra Mays Buteyn is getting her master of arts in teaching degree at Hamline University. Dana Noss is an executive assistant for Gustafson Gluek PLLC. She will be skating with Team USA for the 2014 Roller Derby World Cup in Dallas, TX. Christine Dornbusch performed in the play Buzzard Ball with Passport Stages in West St. Paul and will appear in a production of Our Town with Locally Grown Theatre in Cottage Grove. Abby Chapman began a new position as administrative assistant to the chief medical officer at Boynton Health Service at the University of Minnesota. In addition to her new job, she is actively working on her own small business, Raindrop Paperie, a handmade cards and paper goods company. Annie Berger is a physician assistant at Lake Region Healthcare. Molly Faricy is a benefits advocate at OptumHealth. Becca Swanson is a server at Minneapolis Club. Dan Foley is a geologist. Molly Hillenbrand is a park keeper for the Minneapolis Parks and Recreation Board, as well as a crew leader for Hennepin County Sentence to Service. Kayla Flynn Butler is an admissions counselor at the University of Sioux Falls. Britta Bolm is an event planner for Jostens. Jaime Tsurusaki is the director of Richfield Gymnastics Club. Kristy Schmid is a registered nurse for Park Nicollet, Methodist Hospital Emergency Center. Becky Gustafson Swanson is a project administrator for McGladrey LLP. Maren Balk is a global customer service manager for CHS Inc. Adam Lukes is a chiropractor at Chiropractic Professionals. Gretchen Libbey Jayawardena, is working as a nurse in Iowa City, IA, at the UI Children’s Hospital on a diverse medical surgical pediatric unit. Jeremy Bedard graduated in May from the University of Minnesota with a PhD in material science engineering. Carol Cook Thomas is assistant director at Knowledge Learning Corporation KinderCare. n Maggie Hedlund Forster, class communication chair Soren Hoeger-Lerdal graduated from the University of St. Thomas in May with his master’s degree in art history. Soren and his wife, Tawny, are expecting their first baby in September. Andrea Stevens Traetow graduated with her master’s in teaching and learning from Saint Mary’s University in May. Marcus Traetow started working for EMC Insurance in June 2013. He was also recently promoted. Colin Rust graduated from the University of Minnesota Physical Therapy program in June. He and his wife, Jackie, are moving to New Ulm to begin their

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GUSTAVUS ALUMNI professional careers at New Ulm Medical Center. TJ Ridley graduated from medical school and will be starting his residency for orthopedic surgery at the University of Minnesota. Chad Eul and Chelsey Kollodge got married on July 26, 2014 and can’t wait to celebrate with their Gustie friends! They bought a house in September and are enjoying upgrading it and making it their own. Chelsey is transitioning from teaching kindergarten to first grade and couldn’t be more excited. Chelsie Deno received a promotion and is now a service coordinator for Lifeworks Services, Inc. She will be graduating from Argosy University in November with a master’s in industrial organizational psychology. Kelly K. Nelson spent her summer working with a Coloradobased organization called Adventure Forward, which is a movement of leaders who promote academic and personal success among under-served youth through exposure to adventure. When she wraps up with that she plans to return to her fifth year in the classroom teaching for Denver Public Schools. Anna Bauer John is married and in starting her fourth year at Kennedy High School in Bloomington teaching science. Haley Prittinen graduated from the University of Minnesota Medical School, married Benjamin Meyer in May 2014, and then moved to Rochester, NY, to start her residency in OB/GYN. Lexi Prahl finished up her master’s in urban and regional planning at the University of Minnesota and graduated on May 18, 2014. Eleanor Wood just completed her first of three years of law school at the University of Minnesota Law School in May. Amy Gosewisch moved to San Francisco and is enjoying exploring the new city! She recently started working in the tourism industry as a project coordinator for California Tours. Bret Vander Streek, Eau Claire, WI, accepted a new position with Menard’s as a merchandising analyst. Laura Walz Vander Streek, Eau Claire, WI, is a full-time stay-at-home mom to son Jonah. David and Chelsea Koepsell Mann moved to La Crosse, WI. Mark Koten Lincoln, NE, is pursuing a doctoral degree in materials science at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. Chelsey Lewis Anfinson, Kenyon, recently received her doctorate of pharmacy from the University of Minnesota and is currently working for Cub Pharmacy in the southern Twin Cities. Carissa Keith Lick is in the process of obtaining K–12 licensure in teaching English as a second language through Minnesota State University, Mankato. Morgan McDonald is currently working in human resources and pursuing a master’s degree at the University of St. Thomas.

Emma Iverson is a lead mental health practitioner at Helena Family Support Autism Therapy Center in Fridley. Kyle Goodfellow has completed his first year as a student affairs professional at Davidson College in Davidson, NC. Maren O’Neill is pursuing a master’s of education degree in literacy education and a K–12 reading license at the University of Minnesota, Twin Cities. Kate Sidlo Thomas graduated from the University of St. Thomas with a master’s degree in technology for leadership, development, and change in May. Mark Hartman completed his master’s degree in sport psychology this spring and is pursuing a second master’s in exercise physiology. Mark Pedginski, Omaha, NE, is pursuing a doctor of pharmacy degree. Abby Travis is an arts operations assistant for Emerson College’s School of the Arts, teaches writing, and is at work on a book of combined memoir and literary nonfiction about the ethical and philosophical implications of training horses for competition. Mahad Hassan graduated from the University of Minnesota Medical School on May 9, 2014, and started an orthopaedic surgery residency at Howard University Hospital in June 2014. He also became engaged to his girlfriend of three years, Behiye Kodal. Adam Bren started a new job this spring with Cambria Mortgage as a mortgage consultant. Nina Serratore is continuing to work toward her PhD at Purdue University. She recently got engaged to Nathan Deno; they are planning a fall 2015 wedding. Jessica Moertel Corbett graduated in spring from University of Minnesota Medical School and hopes to pursue a fellowship in family medicine. Jessica also married Andrew Corbett in the summer of 2013. Angela Yahnka is currently employed at North Star Mutual Insurance as a human resources assistant. Rachel Iblings is now Rachel Bollin, as she married Michael Bollin last September. Rachel is with Mattamy Homes as an accountant, and Michael has been with Carlson, Inc. for three years, working in IT. Derek Holm is working at 3M as a global SAP customer operations business analyst. Kelley Nemec was honored at the 2013 Division I Show Ski National Championships last fall, winning the Willa Cook Award presented to the top female performer. Her waterskiing team, the Twin Cities River Rats, which she rejoined in early 2013 after spending the previous six years skiing in shows around the world, placed in the championships for the first time since 2004. n Derek Holm, class communication co-chair

Mike Kramer graduated from basic training for the Air Force on Feb. 28. He writes, “Needless to say, I had no means of modern communication for a while.” He is currently training to be a SERE (Survival, Evasion, Resistance, Escape) specialist at Lackland AFB, in San Antonio, TX. Sara Bruess recently started working for Park Nicollet in the Dermatology Department. Brittany Templin works as an RN at St. Cloud Hospital. Kiera Braun Bridley will be working as a pre-K literacy tutor for the Minnesota Reading Corps for the 2014–15 year. Anna Ahlbrecht is a certified EMT with the Gibbon Fire and Rescue Squad. In September 2013 Lauren Damrow accepted a new position as an RN circulator on the Open Heart and Neuro Surgical Team at Methodist Hospital. She continues to travel around the country competing with her Morgan horse and is working to improve her DSLR photography skills. Samuel Grace received his master of music degree in choral conducting from the University of Minnesota this spring. Claire Sagstuen just finished her second year with the Fulbright program teaching English in Bulgaria. She was one of six people who recently co-founded a non-profit organization called the B.E.S.T. Foundation, which stands for the Bulgarian English Speech and debate Tournaments Foundation. B.E.S.T. is the only organization of its kind in Bulgaria and has reached over 500 students this past year; helping students with research, writing, and pronunciation in a competitive and fun environment. Claire is now returning to the USA after living in Europe for the past three years. She will be starting Teach for America this fall in the Twin Cities, specializing in teaching English as a Second Language while working toward her MA in ESL at the University of Minnesota. Azmina Bachelani graduated with her master’s in communicative disorders and will be working with Aegis therapies as a speechlanguage pathologist. In June, Kelly Broady graduated from Stanford University with her MS in human genetics and genetic counseling. Katie Martinson is living in Minneapolis with fellow Gustie Emily Bull and working as catering sales manager for the St. Paul RiverCentre. Kevin Anderson is currently beginning his fourth and final year of dental school at Midwestern University-College of Dental Medicine in Chicago. Keisha Bates is an admissions counselor for the University of Maryland and is hoping to visit Minnesota a little more often now that the University of Maryland is part of the Big 10! Denise Stein graduated from Arizona State University with an MFA in dance and will be spending the summer doing

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Genosky produces Twins game-day radio programming

Mark Genosky ’93, Blaine, MN, is executive producer of the Minnesota Twins Radio Network, a network of 88 stations in the Upper Midwest. Genosky crafts the pregame, game, and post-game programming for all Twins games and is the on-air voice for about 20 post-game shows each season. Prior to joining the Twins in 2007, he worked for KSTP television from 1994 to 2005 as senior sports producer. While at KSTP he won three Emmys and a National Headliner Award for the station’s story about Minnesota Vikings player Corey Stringer.

Named Air Force Association Teacher of the Year

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Jamie Alsleben ’93, Glencoe, MN, a sixth-grade teacher at Cedar Ridge School in the Eden Prairie School District and vice chair of the Glencoe/Silver Lake School Board, has been named the 2014 Minnesota Teacher of the Year presented by the General E.W. Rawlings Chapter of the Air Force Association. The award honors significant contributions in incorporating aerospace science into study curriculum, which exemplifies the true spirit of the Air Force Association. Alsleben was nominated for the Rawlings Chapter award by Ann Swanson, Cedar Ridge principal, and Jane Vail, Gannett Publishing Services/USA Today regional sales manager. “With Eden Prairie’s focus on technology and reading/language arts this year,” Alsleben says, “I’ve incorporated our 1–1 devices with the additional resources provided by USA Today to give students the opportunity to show proficiency in our core standards. They have been using their iPads to blog about articles they have read in the newspapers, which have been funded by the Rawlings Chapter of the AFA . . . The relationship between AFA/ 1 Rawlings Chapter, Gannett/ USA Today, and educators is a wonderful example of partnerships that benefit kids in our communities. “I am truly honored and humbled by such an incredible opportunity to showcase the work that my students have accomplished with the lessons that I have presented to them,” says Alsleben. “As excited as the Eden Prairie families and community are about my being named Teacher of the Year, I want to share this with the 2 Gustavus community too. I’m simply a mosaic of the lessons taught by the teachers of the 1. Alsleben with Jane Vail, Gannet Publishing Services/ Glencoe School District and USA Today regional sales manager and nominator. Gustavus when I was a student, as well as my family’s love and 2. Jamie Alsleben ’93 (center) accepted his award guidance. They are as much a from Craig R. McKinley (left), president of the Air part of receiving this award as Force Association, and Lawrence Sagstetter (right), I am.” representing the General E.W. Rawlins Chapter of the Air Force Association.

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production work at the American Dance Festival in North Carolina. Matt Schugel and Kacie Johnson got engaged and will get married next summer. Marnie Luke moved back to the Cities after spending the year in Columbus, Ohio. She is working as the pool director for Woodhill Country Club and looking for teaching jobs around the area! Kiera Bridley earned her MA in history from Minnesota State University, Mankato on May 10, 2014. Her thesis title was“Allied Unshackling: British, Canadian, and American Prisoner of War Diplomacy during the Shackling Reprisals, 1942–43.” She graduated with a 4.0 GPA. n Haley Carpenter, class communication co-chair The Class of 2012 continues to do amazing things, and we’re only two years past graduation! Here are a few updates from our classmates: Alicia Alvarado writes, “After two years of hard work I received my White Coat from Pacific University College of Optometry! I am very excited to start seeing patients in clinic this summer!” Ethan Bjelland has recently moved to the Twin Cities area and is working with Theatre Pro Rata and part time at Moods of Norway, the Norwegian fashion brand, at the Mall of America. Beyond that, he is also teaching language courses for the Mindekirken Norwegian Language and Culture Program (MNLCP). Mackenzie Cripe is now a recruiter at Aerotek staffing firm in Tempe, AZ. Steve Dow graduated from Minnesota State University, Mankato in May with a master’s degree in sports management.
 Victoria Ektnitphong graduated from Colorado State University on May 16, 2014, with a master’s in microbiology and immunology. She’ll begin working as a research associate in Dr. Ramesh Akkina’s HIV lab at Colorado State University. Emily Green earned her master’s degree in leadership in student affairs from the University of St. Thomas in May 2014. In July, Emily moved to Colorado Springs, CO to begin her career in higher education, as she accepted a position at Colorado College. Gusties Gather in DC! Jenna Chapman and Jen Fox found each other at a longitudinal data conference in Washington, DC. Laura Harelstad graduated from the University of Minnesota in May 2014 with her master’s in education psychology-school psychology. She continues at the U of M pursuing education specialist certification. In June 2014, Rachel Haugo Johnson moved with her husband, Patrick Johnson ’11, from Minnesota to Portland, OR, and started physician assistant school at Pacific University Health Science Campus. Mike Jirik has completed

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his first year of graduate study at the University of Massachusetts-Amherst in the Department of History’s M.A. program. Catherine Keith is moving from southern China to Shanghai to become a primary school teacher in an international school. Meghan Lee completed her two-year commitment with Teach For America Chicago. She is continuing to teach special education at her placement school for a third year with a master of arts in teachingspecial education under her belt! Whitney O’Connell writes, “After spending a year in rural Honduras teaching kindergarten and traveling, I will be moving to Washington State as a 2014 Teach For America corps member!” After completing three semesters of teacher education at the University of Minnesota-College of Education and Human Development, Peter Michaletz has accepted a position teaching earth science at Anthony Middle School in South Minneapolis. He plans to complete his master’s of education in science education within the next two years. Lauren Nelson and Anna Campbell are finishing their two-year commitments as Teach For America corps members teaching in innercity Chicago! Lauren recently accepted a position teaching IB Spanish at Hansberry College Prep on Chicago’s south side. This school is in Chicago’s Noble Charter Network, known for dramatically increasing its students’ acceptance to college over that of neighborhood schools. Kaitlyn Ogren recently graduated from Saint Cloud State University with a master of science degree in sports psychology. Kristin Olson writes, “I will be starting my third year of medical school in August, which will consist of clinical rotations in Denver, CO.”
Marissa Shepherd started working for Chemtex Corp in Lakeville, MN, as a chemist, testing water samples from companies and cities to ensure environmental quality and that their systems are working. She also accepted admission for the Fall 2015 Water Resource Science Master’s Program at the University of Minnesota. Alina Stevenson has been offered a generous scholarship to University of Oregon School of Law where she anticipates focusing on domestic abuse and sexual assault prosecution and advocacy. Anna Swenson recently accepted a professional accountant role with Cargill AgHorizons. She moved to the new regional headquarters in Omaha, NE. Joel Tueting permanently moved to Washington, DC, in January. After a brief internship with The Heritage Foundation, he took an opportunity to become the executive assistant to Bruce Fein. Joel’s story is quite unique and well written. Read the rest at http://goo.gl/ZlJwGT. Rachael

lumnus runs pond A hockey tourney for charities

Justin Pagel ’94, Minnetonka, MN, organized and raised money for the North American Pond Hockey Championship by promoting a pond hockey tournament in Excelsior on Lake Minnetonka on Jan 24 to 26, 2014. Last year all profits went to the family of Dave Bigham, a friend and co-organizer who died suddenly of a heart attack a year ago. This past year all profits went to Defending the Blue Line and ALS. Justin also runs a charity golf tournament in the summer. So far, in two tournaments they have given away just shy of $300,000. Pictured are Justin (center) with his two partners, Steve Youngstedt (right) and J. Lindsay. Justin is also one of the coaches for Orono boys varsity high school hockey team that upset Breck for a trip to the state tournament in St. Paul.

s Gusties at Maranatha Academy Maranatha Christian Academy is not a big school. As a matter of fact, there are only about 650 students in pre-kindergarten through grade 12. Yet, this school, located in Brooklyn Park, MN, has four Gusties on staff: Corey Bianchi-Rossi ’92, director of advancement (second from left); Steve Higley ’74, high school science instructor (third), Rachael Long ’12, high school social studies (fourth); and Paul Obinger ’78, high school social studies (fifth). Adding to the Gusties at MCA is senior Courtney Bianchi-Rossi, daughter of Corey (far left), who will be part of the Class of 2018 at Gustavus. This photo was taken on Decision Day. On this day, every senior is encouraged to wear a shirt or sweatshirt from their school of choice. Staff are encouraged to wear something from the college they attended. Go Gusties!

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GREATER GUSTAVUS AWARD The Greater Gustavus Award is the highest award given by the Gustavus Alumni Association. It is awarded to those who by deed have notably advanced and aided Gustavus Adolphus College.

Ray Lundquist ’51 From his introduction by Jackie Peterson ’77 at the Alumni Awards Banquet

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ay Lundquist grew up in East Union on a dairy farm across the road from St. Ansgar’s Academy, where Gustavus got its start. He went to Chaska High School and in April of 1945, just before graduation, Professor George Anderson, an English professor at Gustavus, paid Ray a visit. While Ray and his dad continued to work at cleaning out the barn, “Prof George” successfully recruited Ray to come to Gustavus. Ray arrived on campus in 1945. He went out for football, playing for Coach Tuddie Lindenberg, and became part of the historic undefeated conference champions that year. After completing his first year, there was a break in Ray’s Gustavus career. Like many young men at that time, he went off to service. He joined the Marine Corps, serving for two years and returning to campus in 1948. Back at Gustavus, Ray became active in campus life. He served on the student senate, was president of the Omega Kappa fraternity, played a variety of intramural sports, and, quoting Ray, “eyed all the very goodlooking co-eds.” Professor Floyd Martinson and a course on criminology put Ray’s career in motion. Ray would eventually go on to graduate school in social work at Washington University in St. Louis. Then he made his way back to Minnesota, where he worked for 36 years in Hennepin County Court Services. No matter where he has been, studied, or worked, Ray has stayed close to Gustavus. He is interested in every corner of campus, every part of this community. When I returned to Gustavus in 2009 as an employee, I quickly discovered there were two ways to catch up on things and get answers to most of my questions—I could either read old files and leaf through a

Long is working at Maranatha Christian Academy in Brooklyn Park, MN, as a high school social studies teacher. n C hris Duhaime, class communication co-chair Jen Werness writes, “Out of 100,000 applicants who applied for the Delta Airlines non­bilingual flight attendant position, I was selected! I am

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book on Gustavus history—or simply ask Ray. Over glasses of chocolate milk, I learned who’s who at the Gustie Breakfasts (because Ray has never missed a breakfast and serves as the gathering’s unofficial chaplain). I learned about the renovation of Old Main (he has a plaque by an office in the Religion Department), the new football stadium (another plaque), class scholarships (the Class of 1951 has two), and golf outings (where he sponsors holes). He has become my greatest champion for the annual fund, and, believe me, when you work in development, a champion for the annual fund is someone very special. When his granddaughter Sara sang in the Gustavus Choir, he joined Friends of Music. He has gone on to establish an endowment for the Douglas Nimmo Professor for the Wind Orchestra and an endowment for Christmas in Christ Chapel. He attends football games, rugby games, lunches, dinners, reunions, concerts. He reads every word of the Quarterly. People like Ren Anderson, Cec Eckhoff, Thomas Young, Randy Stuckey, myself—we’ve all called on Ray and would like to think we are his connection, that we have brought him back to Gustavus. But it’s not true. Ray continually brings the Gustavus experience back to us. By his deeds he reminds us that what is on this Hill is truly great and that it’s an experience that lasts a lifetime. n

JackieLynn Neeck Peterson ’77 is assistant vice president for advancement at the College and has sat at Ray Lundquist’s table frequently at alumni and development events.

forever grateful for Professor Kathi Tunheim’s HR management class, which taught me how to interview well and make a lasting impression! Can’t wait to see you Gusties in the skies!” Tam Meuwissen is currently attending grad school at Ithaca College in their exercise physiology program, but, “I realized that exercise science is not my true passion and have decided to switch fields. I will be applying

for Ithaca College’s MBA program this coming spring 2015. I would like to continue with a degree in business management.” Whitney Novak, ALMI, is supervisor, Life New Business at Securian Financial Group. n Sarah Strand and Tyler Mulcahey, class communication co-chairs


GUSTAVUS ALUMNI Marley Clark has started her career at ChryslerGroup LLC—the same employer that hired her as a summer intern last year. n A nnalise Dobbelstein and Tara McGuigan, class communication co-chairs

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WEDDINGS

Josh Peterson ’97 and Allison Peterson, 7/7/12, Minneapolis, MN. Chelsa E. Johnson ’00 and Barry Weatherbee, 3/22/14, Phoenix, AZ. Nichol Brausen ’02 and Seth Kamholz, 7/19/14, Minneapolis, MN. Stephanie Schuh ’02 and Seth Greenwald ’05, 4/12/14, St. Paul, MN. Nate Aul ’04 and Nicole Aul, Minneapolis, MN. Stina Dannberg ’07 and Brandon Lemery, 7/27/13, Milwaukee, WI. Michelle Kolhoff ’08 and Shawn Torrance, 2/14/14, Columbia Heights, MN. Erica Koos ‘09 and Zach Walgenbach ‘08, 9/5/14, Burnsville, MN. Kaija Daniel ‘09 and Dillon Daniel-Hoffman, 7/24/11, Milwaukie, OR. Maggie Hedlund ’09 and Tony Forster ’08, 5/17/14, Shakopee, MN. Katie Halvorson Greenwood ’09 and Michael Greenwood, 6/8/13, Omaha, NE. Sarah C. Hulke ’09 and Syed Zaidi, 4/5/14, North Yorkshire, England. Stephen R. Thorkildson ’09 and Seana Thorkildson, 10/12/13, Brooklyn Park, MN. Allison Skjerven ’10 and Geoff Boyd, 5/31/14, Apple Valley, MN. Chelsey Kollodge ’10 and Chad A. Eul ’10, Eden Prairie, MN. Katelyn Hoium ’10 and Cody Rush, 5/17/14, Wichita, KS. Holly Galazen ’10 and Tim Salmonson, 4/26/14, Duluth, MN.

Hannah Durbin ’13 and Kevin Clark ’12, 5/25/14, Ann Arbor, MI.

BIRTHS

Rylan, to Lynn Griffith ’79 and Reme Griffith, 4/3/2013 Samuel, to James A. (Carter) Cartreine ’89 and Suzanne Reine Cartreine, 4/1/13. Oscar, to Erik C. Kulke ’94 and Dorothy Kulke, 4/1/12. Andrew, to S. Michelle Nikels ’95, 6/4/14. Willameena, to C.L. Swatlund ’95 and Bill Aubrecht, 1/15/14. Cody, to Holly Hecker ’97 and Andrew Barborak, 9/11/13. Oliver, to Josh Peterson ’97 and Allison Peterson, 7/31/13. Agnes, to Alison LeCocq Carda ’98 and Chad D. Carda ’98, 4/29/14. Marin, to Kristin Beard Harper ’99 and Luke J. Harper ’99, 12/17/13. Zoe, to Jill Peterson Johnson ’99 and Matthew Johnson, 10/25/13. Carson, to Kristin Knutson Kajer ’99 and Rece E. Kajer, 8/13/13. Oliver, by adoption, to Tonya Hartmann Meyers ’99 and Tony Meyers ’00, born 7/7/11, adopted 12/20/13. Alexander, to Brie Gauthier Kidd ’00 and Aaron Kidd, 4/18/14. Autumn, to Heather Nelson Weinreich ’00 and Michael Weinreich, 4/8/14. Thatcher, to Megan Gisiger Harris ’01 and Mitchell M. Harris ’00, 4/8/14. Brevin, to Bobby Johnson ’01 and Melissa Watson Johnson, 1/13/14. Kua, to Whitney Rea ’01 and Juba K. Mwendo ’02, 2/18/14. Jayse, to Jake Thorius ’01 and Erin Thorius, 12/31/13. Meredith, to Traci Faschingbauer Wilson ’01 and Tim Wilson ’01, 3/14/14.

Berkley, to Kate Reiman Bergstrom ’02 and Brian Bergstrom ’02, 4/10/14. Jack, to Brita Hansen Burke ’02 and Benjamin Burke, 3/23/14. Zoey, to Kristina Campbell Mattson ’02 and Guy E. Mattson ’01, 9/5/13. Carl, to Carolyn Carlson Zervas ’02 and Jeff Zervas, 3/15/14. Siri, to Berit Aune Allar ’03 and Aaron J. Allar ’03, 6/22/14. Violet, to Brian Collins ’03 and Deborah Kuhn Collins, 4/12/14. Jacob, to Kristina Harter Schwartz ’03 and Matt Schwartz ’04, 2/11/14. Livia, to Lindsay Wurst Berger ’04 and Jonathon Berger, 10/5/12. Isabel, to Britta Johnson Bergland ’04 and Jesse Bergland, 4/8/14. Mara, to Molly Malone Chottepanda ’04 and Kushal Chottepanda, 5/17/14. Caroline, to Kristin Lunemann Comstock ’04 and Michael Comstock, 4/6/12. Dominic, to Kate Molitor Dougherty ’04 and Tim Dougherty, 11/29/13. Bennett, to Jon Farnsworth ’04 and Elyse Farnsworth, 4/17/14. Alexander, to Brenda Westerbur Gill ’04 and Jonathan R. Gill, 3/14/14. Teagen, to Libby Harren Hearn ’04 and John Hearn, 2/15/14. Isadora, to Vicky Hoyt ’04 and James Ahern, 5/14/14. Chloe, to Jill Noren Kelsey ’04 and Timothy P. Kelsey, 11/29/12. Emmi, to Jen Skalko Klava ’04 and Jerod T. Klava ’04, 12/24/13. Katelyn, to Allison Wires Matthies ’04 and Jake Matthies ’04, 4/4/14. Gino, to Katie Deschneau Melde ’04 and Daniel J. Melde ’04, 9/12/13. Kyle, to Megan Purcell Rafferty ’04 and Michael Rafferty, 2/27/14.

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Elementary teacher hosts British counterpart

Mark Nechanicky ’95, a fourth-grade teacher at Lakeview Elementary School in the Albert Lea school district who was named Albert Lea’s Teacher of the Year in 2010 and one of 10 finalists for that year’s Minnesota Teacher of the Year, was awarded one of about 30 national Fulbright Teacher Exchange awards last spring (2013) and was matched with a fourth-grade teacher in the United Kingdom. Unfortunately, after 67 years of teacher exchanges, the Fulbright Teacher Exchange program was cut last summer by the U.S. State Department due to the Federal budget sequester last spring. However, Nechanicky was informed last fall that the U.S. Embassy in London was going to sponsor the nine elementary Fulbright Teacher Exchange people from the UK to travel to the United States for two weeks—one spent learning about the Federal education system in Washington, DC, and the state system in California and one at the schools of their originally assigned American partners. In April 2014, Mark (left) hosted his Fulbright Teacher Exchange partner, David Goodchild (right), in his classroom. For two days they team-taught Mark’s fourth-grade class. For the rest of the week, the Albert Lea district paid to sub Mark out so that he and Goodchild could visit numerous classrooms in the school district together and discuss what each observed from their respective backgrounds. “It was a fabulous experience,” says Nechanicky. “While I did not get to participate in the yearlong exchange, I did get to experience and connect with David Goodchild in my home district. We have many great ideas now to try to connect our classrooms in the future.”

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Noah, to Leah Whitworth Rich ’04 and Matthew D. Rich ’05, 9/4/13. Twins, Ewan and Liam, to Kari Buege Smith ’04 and Ryan Smith ’04, 9/23/13. Cora, to Nicole Meyer Vandermeulen ’04 and Jon Vandermeulen, 2/1/14. Eric, to Becca Levine Wheeldon ’04 and Adam Wheeldon, 3/7/14. Kyleen, to Erin Green Smith ’06 and Daniel J. Smith ’06, 5/16/14. Natalie, to Julie Landkamer Helm ’08 and Steven H. Helm ’07, 2/13/14. Claire, to Sarah Zierke Solyntjes ’08 and Anthony Solyntjes, 11/12/13. Claire, to Raychal Zupancich Zupan ’08 and Alexander M. Zupan ’07, 10/20/13. Twins, Stewart and Ellie, to Brittany Anderson Carr ’09 and Mike Carr ’09, 1/15/14. Ellen, to Carol Cook Thomas ’09 and Brandon Thomas, 6/27/13.

IN MEMORIAM

Millard Hauser ’37, Merced, CA, on May 3, 2014. A veteran of World War II, in which he served as an Air Force pilot, he then worked as a social worker. He is survived by three children. Edith Nelson Anderson ’41, Cedar, MN, on June 23, 2014. A former extension county agent and a substitute teacher for various districts, she is survived by four children. Bernice Roesnick Webb ’41, Alexandria, MN, on May 22, 2014. A former teacher and librarian, she is survived by four sons. Laura Swedberg Paulson ’43, Tucson, AZ, on April 3, 2014. She was employed in the family business, Paulson’s Repair Service, in Tucson. She is survived by her husband, Arlow, two children, and a sister, Marilyn Litsheim ’49. Mavis McClure Langsjoen ’44, Ocala, FL, on April 10, 2014. She was a retired speech therapist and is survived by two children, Linnea Hagemeister ’68 and Erik ’72. Louise Carter Malmberg ’45, Walnut Grove, MN, on April 8, 2014. She was a former home economics teacher and is survived by four children. Louis T. Almen ’46, Oviedo, FL, on June 3, 2014. An ordained minister and doctor of theology, he served as executive director of the National Lutheran Church in America (predecessor to the ELCA) and was president of Thiel College in Greenville, PA, 1976–1990. He is survived by his wife, Ardis (Swanson ’49) and three children.

Wallace Haglund ’46, International Falls, MN, on May 29, 2014. A World War II veteran, he became a teacher and taught at Falls High School for 37 years. He is survived by his wife, Adeline, six children, and one stepson. Paul W. Anderson ’47, Fergus Falls, MN, on May 26, 2014. A World War II veteran and former high school biology teacher, he is survived by his wife, Mary Ann (Peters ’45) and two children, Steven ’79 and Karin ’80. Kathryn Peterson McEwan ’48, San Antonio, TX, on May 27, 2014. An Army nurse and World War II veteran, she continued her nursing career in various hospitals and missions. She is survived by her four children. Richard “Dick” Aune ’49, St. Cloud, MN, on June 10, 2014. A World War II veteran, he worked as an architect for Traynor, Hermanson & Hahn Architects. He is survived by two children. Robert Bell ’49, Huron, SC, on April 12, 2014. A Navy veteran, Bob went on to become a family practice physician. He is survived by his wife, Phyllis, and five children. Mary Lou Helmerson Breneman ’49, Kalamazoo, MI, on April 17, 2014. She worked as an office manager for many years and is survived by her husband, James ’43, and two children. Marcus “Mark” Retzlaff ’51, New Ulm, MN, on July 12, 2014. He was retired as owner and manager of Retzlaff’s Hardware in New Ulm and is survived by his wife, Betty, three sons including Brad ’76 and David ’78, six grandchildren including Brynne ’12 and Carly ’15, and two sisters. Jacqueline Gilbert Dumdei ’52, Mankato, MN, on May 4, 2014. She had a long career as a nurse and is survived by six children including Paula Rock ’77. Larry Scott ’54, Clear Lake, IA, May 2, 2014. A veteran of the National Guard, Larry worked in sales for Midwestern Paper Company. He is survived by his four daughters. Betty Lundgren Schlotthauer ’54, St. Paul, MN, June 12, 2014. She was retired from Mid-America Mutual and is survived by her two sons and a sister, Bernice Hanson ’49. Richard Ollerman ’57, Eden Prairie, MN, on April 16, 2014. A Korean War veteran, Richard worked in the refrigeration/ air conditioning industry and started his own company, Carlson & Ollerman. He is survived by his wife, Hilli, and four children including Eric ’88.

Bonnie “Susie” Bartelt Roemhildt ’57, St. Peter, MN, on May 20, 2014. She had a long career as a medical technologist and is survived by her husband, Gene, and two sons. Darlene “Dar” Hoppe Skansberg ’57, Casper, WY, on June 3, 2014. She worked as a family counselor at Crest View Hospital and is survived by her husband, Dewey, three children, and a sister, Linda Snell ’69. Patricia Anderson McBeath ’60, Madison, WI, on June 2, 2014. A former home economics teacher, she is survived by her two sons. James Knoble ’61, Estero, FL, on May 13, 2014. James had an esteemed career as a hospital administrator for various hospitals and is survived by his wife, Carmen (Jones ’62), and two daughters including Bethany Barton ’89. William “Bill” Selover ’63, Sunburg, MN, on June 28, 2013. He worked as a unit director and social services supervisor at the Minnesota Security Hospital in St. Peter and is survived by his wife, Doris, three children including Jana (Almendinger ’89) and Jolene (Baillargeon ’90), and two stepchildren. Elizabeth Ann Stohl Baugh ’63, Hopkins, MN, on May 12, 2014. She was the former minister of worship at St. Andrew Lutheran Church in Eden Prairie, MN. She is survived by her husband, Robert ’58, three children, her mother, Esther Larson Stohl ’34, and four siblings including Robert ’66, Alice (Roufa ’70), and Mary (Savage ’72). Richard Rusch ’68, Robbinsdale, MN, on June 7, 2014. A retired manager of insurance systems for Ameriprise Financial Services, he is survived by three daughters and a two brothers including Jim ’71. Daniel Isaacson ’69, Burnsville, MN, on April 12, 2014. A retired elementary teacher, he is survived by his partner, Orville Gehrke. Paula Wassergord Murphy ’69, Overland Park, KS, on June 4, 2014. She retired as a staff manager for Sprint and is survived by her husband, James, and a daughter. Kathryn Sheeley ’75, Osseo, MN, on April 11, 2014. She was a set decorator/ props buyer for television shows, TV commercials, and movies and is survived by her partner, Jeffrey Kaufer, her mother, two siblings, and two stepbrothers.

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GUSTAVUS ALUMNI s

Heilmans, Aunes in Lindsborg, KS, for Messiah Festival

Jon and Anita Thomsen Young Distinguished Chair of Music Greg Aune and his wife, Julie, traveled to Lindsborg, KS, to hear Roy Heilman ’00 sing the Evangelist part in the Bach Passion on Good Friday and the Messiah on Easter Sunday, both performances staged by the Bethany College Oratorio Society as part of a tradition now spanning more than 130 years. Greg previously taught at Bethany, and one of his former Bethany students is the new conductor of Bethany’s choir. Other Heilman family members also came for the performance. Pictured from left are Baird Heilman ’07, (Roy’s brother), Julie Aune, Roy Heilman ’00, Amy Benson Heilman ’99, Ruth Trimbo Heilman ’73, Ross Heilman ’73, and Greg Aune. In front are Ruby and Emmett Heilman. Amy and Roy were both choir presidents while at Gustavus. The Heilmans have endowed the choral fund at Gustavus supporting commissioned choral works. s

Communication studies majors gather to honor professor

Former students of Communication Studies Professor Leila Brammer—now all professors themselves—reunited in November 2013 at the National Communication Association’s annual convention in Washington, DC, to celebrate Brammer’s exceptional teaching at a “Teachers on Teaching” roundtable. “Teachers on Teaching” honors the discipline’s finest and most inspiring teachers. Beth Boser ’04, Rebecca Kuehl Hybbert ’05, Jessica Prody ’05, and Sarah Wolter ’02 shared memories and stories, and spoke of Brammer’s enduring pedagogical and professional influence. Pictured from left are Hybbert (PhD, University of Minnesota; on the faculty of South Dakota State University); Prody (PhD, University of Minnesota; at St. Lawrence University); Brammer; Boser (PhD, University of Southern California; at the College of Wooster); and Wolter (PhD, University of Minnesota; Gustavus Adolphus).

s Butorac works with Gustavus tennis team During the Gustavus men’s tennis team trip to Boston, Middlebury, and Amherst last spring, Gustavus alumnus tennis professional Eric Butorac ’03 (center in white shirt) served as a volunteer assistant coach. Butorac, a native of Rochester, Minn., has been ranked as high as No. 17 in the world in men’s doubles. Last January Butorac and his

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doubles partner, Raven Klaasen of South Africa, advanced to the finals at the Australian Open. Butorac has 14 ATP doubles titles to his name with seven different partners. His career at Gustavus included winning the NCAA Division III national championships in both singles and doubles in 2003.

FALL 2014

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GUSTAVUS SERVICE AND RETIREMENT RECOGNITION

Photos by Wayne Schmidt

The Gustavus Alumni Association honored faculty and administrators with service and retirement awards at a banquet last May.

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5


GUSTAVUS ALUMNI

IN MEMORIAM (cont’d.)

1. 3 0 Years

From left: Tim Kennedy ’82, vice president for marketing and communication; Barbara Kaiser, associate professor of mathematics and computer science; Denis Crnković, professor, Russian and Eastern European studies.

2. 3 5 Years

From left: Stan Shetka, professor of art and art history; Paul Tillquist ’63, executive consultant in gift planning; Jim Welsh, associate professor of geology and environmental studies. Not pictured: David Reese, associate professor of economics and management.

3. 4 0 Years

Doug Huff, professor of philosophy.

4. 4 5 Years

Tim Robinson ’65, professor of psychological sciences.

5. R etirees

Seated, from left: Paul Tillquist ’63, executive consultant in gift planning; Douglas Nimmo, professor of music; Steve Wright, associate professor of music; Tim Robinson ’65, professor of psychological science; Barbara Simpson, professor of psychological science; Jane Schuck, adjunct instructor of education. Standing: Glenn Barnette, associate professor of economics and management; Robert Irvin, professor of Spanish; John Lammert, professor of biology; Garrett Paul, professor of religion; Joel Jackson ’71, network engineer, Gustavus Technology Services. Not pictured: Jeanne Herman, professor of health and exercise science; Richard Martin, professor of psychological science; David Reese, associate professor of economics and management; Christine Sutton, custodial supervisor.

Rick Lisell ’77, Plano, TX, on March 28, 2014. A retired project manager for General Electric Commercial Finance, he participated in many music ensembles and is survived by his wife, Luann (Ward ’77), and two daughters including Shannon ’09. Raymond Gardner ’78, Green Bay, WI, on June 12, 2014. He worked as senior vice president at Associated Bank Green Bay and is survived by his wife, Connie (Lundgren ’78), two children, and a brother, Paul ’83. Timothy Owen ’78, Bothell, WA, on December 21, 2012. He was a vice president for Maxson Young Associates, Inc. and is survived by three children. Robert Kieffer ’75, Backus, MN, on May 9, 2014. A retired senior vice president and general counsel at Fingerhut, he is survived by his wife, Linda, and two sons. Patricia Picarelli Bramble ’86, Rancho Palos Verde, CA, on April 19, 2014. A former employee of State Farm Insurance, she is survived by her four children and her parents. Suzanne Strawn-Whitney ’88 Wayzata, MN, on April 27, 2014. She had been teaching part-time in the Wayzata School District and served as part-time staff at the Hazelden Center. She is survived by her husband, Kent, her mother, and two siblings. Paul C. Anderson ’90, Irvine, CA, on May 10, 2014. He was vice president of sales for Partners Capital Group. Paul is survived by his wife, Michelle, three children, his parents, Carlton and Anita (Lien) Anderson ’56 ’59, and two sisters, Laura Long ’86 and Lynn Tomlinson ’88. Kimberly Zondervan Bahl ’96, Willmar, MN, on May 1, 2014. She was senior program manager for Lutheran Social Service Trust Services and survived by her husband, Tory, two sons, and her parents. Molly Malone Chottepanda ’04, Minneapolis, MN, on May 29, 2014. She was a physician assistant at North Memorial Medical Center and is survived by husband, Kushal, her month-old daughter, her parents, and a brother.

FALL 2014

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s

Alumna leads Rochester Mayo High School Orchestra

The Gustavus Symphony Orchestra under the baton of Ruth Lin (left) joined with the Mayo High School Orchestra under the direction of Lindsay Schultz ’07 in a concert at Mayo High School in Rochester on April 11.

2014 Annual Men’s Basketball Alumni Game

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Last May the annual Men’s Basketball Alumni Gathering was held on campus followed by a picnic dinner at the home of Coach Mark Hanson ’83. Pictured front row from left: Seth Anderson ’12, Bob Southworth ’99, Dan Schmidtknecht ’11, Tyler Grey ’12, Hans Sviggum ’03, Andrew Olson ’07, Tyler Kramer ’07, Jered Hokenson ’07, Ryan McPartland ’10, Trent Hollerich ’06. Middle row: Doug Espenson ’05, Ben Biewen ’13, Jesse VanSickle ’10, Mychal Crowder ’10, Phil Wirtjes ’11, Trevor Wittwer ’08, Kraig Olson ’08. Back row: Erik Jacobs ’12, Mark McDonnell ’99, Marc Newell ’99, Ky Battern ’10, James Hill ’13, Jeff Owen ’92, Bobby Johnson ’12, Brett Boese ’04, Justin DeGrood ’07, Dave Newell ’03, Mark Hanson ’83.

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Gustavus alumna earns NSF Graduate Research Fellowship

Emily Seelen ’13, a first-year PhD student in the Department of Marine Sciences at the University of Connecticut Avery Point campus, has earned a Graduate Research Fellowship from the National Science Foundation (NSF). The highly competitive fellowship program supports outstanding graduate students in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) disciplines who are pursuing research-based master’s and doctoral degrees at accredited U.S. institutions. In the 2014 competition cycle, NSF selected 2,000 award recipients from a pool of 14,000 applications. Fellows receive a three-year annual stipend of $32,000 along with a $12,000 cost of education allowance for tuition and fees, opportunities for international research and professional development, and the freedom to conduct their own research at any accredited U.S institution of graduate education they choose. Seelen’s research focuses on methylmercury, a compound generated from inorganic mercury that is highly toxic to fish, human consumers, and other aquatic wildlife. Her methodology will include manipulating marine sediment samples from the Long Island Sound to study how different environmental factors, including climate change, impact the propagation of methylmercury into the food web. She says that her results “could be useful for proposing effective mercury mitigation strategies in highly contaminated regions.” Seelen currently works in the lab of Professor of Marine Sciences Robert Mason at the Avery Point campus. She says that the fellowship reflects, among other things, the guidance that she has received over the years from mentors at both Gustavus and UConn. “It symbolizes the hard work I have completed to get where I am today, and reassures me that the research I will be doing is important on a broader level,” she says. s

Commencement yields third generation of grads

When Evan Flolid ’14 received his diploma from the faculty in the Department of Geography, he became the third generation of his family to graduate from Gustavus. Pictured from left are Evan’s parents, Stu ’82 and Tammy (Olson ’81) Flolid; Evan; and grandfather Buzz Flolid ’59.

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800 West College Avenue St. Peter, Minnesota 56082

ART AT GUSTAVUS The Hillstrom Museum of Art’s opening exhibition of the 2014–15 academic year focuses on the work of 15 young Chinese artists working in painting, drawing, photography, video, mixed media, and installation works executed in a variety of styles. The exhibition, titled Pull Left—Not Always Right: Emerging Contemporary Artists in China, differs from other recent showings of contemporary Chinese art in that it highlights artists who are younger than 40 and was organized by curators who have lived many years in China and have extensive knowledge of the nation’s contemporary art and artists based on direct and frequent contact with them. The work pictured here is Automatic Arms, by Liu Xinyi.

Liu Xinyi (b. 1982) Automatic Arms, 2010 Lucky Cats and batteries, 9 x 107 ½ x 91 ⅜ inches


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