Fall 2017 Quarterly by Gustavus Adolphus College

FALL 2017 800 WEST COLLEGE AVENUE SAINT PETER, MINNESOTA 56082

¡Cancún Connection! From an alum to a football coach to staff to students—from Gustavus to Cancún and back again. PAGE 12

More than 200 Gustie women of all ages gathered at the American Swedish Institute in April for the 7th annual Gustavus Women in Leadership Conference. GWIL’s mission is to prepare, promote, and inspire

DEVOTED TO HOME Cathy ten Broeke ’91 plans to end homelessness in Minnesota

140 YEARS OF GWO It’s the oldest college touring band west of the Mississippi

Gustavus women in their professional and personal leadership development. This year’s conference theme was Navigating Conflict in an Ever-Changing World. No conflict was visible at the photo booth with Meagan Wanecke ’13 and Kelsey Kennedy ’13.

CLASS NOTES What fellow Gusties have been up to, including Reunion ’17

Gisel Murillo ’18

For Alumni, Parents, and Friends FALL 2017 | VOL. LXXIII | ISSUE 3

THE CHRIST CHAPEL MEMORIAL GARDEN at Gustavus Adolphus College

STA F F Chair, Board of Trustees The Rev. Dan S. Poffenberger ’82 President of the College Rebecca Bergman Vice President, Marketing and Communication Tim Kennedy ’82 Vice President, Advancement Thomas Young ’88 Director, Alumni and Parent Engagement Angela Erickson ’01 Managing Editor Stephanie Wilbur Ash | sash@gustavus.edu Alumni Editor Philomena Kauffmann | pkauffma@gustavus.edu Visual Editor, Production Coordinator Anna Deike | adeike@gustavus.edu Design Brian Donahue | bdesigninc.com, Jill Adler | adlerdesignstudio.com, Sarah Hinderman ’20, Olivia Peterson ’17, Sophia Warwick ’18, Contributing Writers JJ Akin ’11, CJ Siewert ’11, Olivia Peterson ’17, Kathi Tunheim, Julia Wenstrom ’17 Contributing Photographers Terry Clark Photography, Nick Campbell ’18, Gisel Murillo ’18, John Noltner, Becca Sabot, Lorie Siebels, CJ Siewert ’11, SPX Sports, Nick Theisen ’15, Gustavus Adolphus College Archives Printer John Roberts Company | johnroberts.com Postmaster Send address changes to the Gustavus Quarterly, Office of Alumni and Parent Engagement, Gustavus Adolphus College, 800 W. College Ave., Saint Peter, MN 56082-1498

This spring, students in Donald Myers’s Museum Studies class each made a case for a potential artwork acquisition by the Hillstrom Museum of Art. Sylvia Michels ’17 presented this painting, from Minnesota-born Arnold Blanch. The class voted it their top choice, museum director Myers agreed, and the Hillstrom has since purchased it. See it on exhibit beginning September 18. See page 10 for more. Arnold Blanch (1896-1968), Landscape, 1921 (relief). Oil on canvas, 16 x 18 inches, Hillstrom Museum of Art purchase with endowment acquisition funds

GUSTAVUS ADOLPHUS COLLEGE Saint Peter, MN 56082 507-933-8000 | gustavus.edu 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. The Gustavus Quarterly (USPS 227-580) is published four times annually by Gustavus Adolphus College, Saint Peter, Minn. Periodicals postage is paid at Saint Peter, MN 56082, and additional mailing offices. It is mailed free of charge to alumni and friends of the College. Circulation is approximately 42,800. Gustavus Adolphus College is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission and is a member of the North Central Association.

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, contact Maggie Hedlund Forster ‘09 in the Office of Advancement at 507-933-6513 or maggie@gustavus.edu.

IN THIS ISSUE

18 26

FOOD THAT’S THOUGHT

Big Hill Farm showed big growth this year.

¡VIVA CANCÚN!

How an alum, a football coach, and Gustavus staff brought Cancunenses to campus to become Gusties. DEVOTED TO HOME

Cathy ten Broeke ’91 is on a mission to end homelessness in Minnesota, beginning with veterans. A FOUNDATIONAL GIFT

The College received an unprecedented $40 million gift this summer. Here’s what

IN EVERY ISSUE

we’ll do with it.

4 VÄLKOMMEN 5 ON THE HILL 8 SHINE PROFILES 10

KALENDAR

SPORTS

HERITAGE

GRATITUDE

GUSTIES

VESPERS

GUSTAVUS QUARTERLY | FALL 2017

2 12

GUSTAVUS QUARTERLY | FALL 2017

Food That’s Thought

Lots grew this summer out at Big Hill Farm. Created in 2009 by dedicated students, the Farm supplies the Caf with more than a ton of produce each year. Now, thanks to a grant aimed at sustainability and a new crop of dedicated students, the campus farm has a long-term management plan (led by Erin Baumann ’17). Student farmers spent the summer creating a more productive layout, building a rain garden for drainage and pollinators, analyzing soil quality, and (as any gardener knows) weeding. “The best part is the fruits of our labor, which we can take to the Caf and see on people’s plates,” says Jordan Johnson ’19. “I’m proud to have a hand in the food we are eating,” says Andie Kukacka ’19 (offering the peas). “And, honestly,

GUSTAVUS QUARTERLY | FALL 2017

it’s pretty fun rolling in the dirt.”

Välkommen ONE. ALL. GUSTIES.

Gusties have always lived their value of community, tackling important initiatives together and having a lot of fun. But how does that Gustie community spirit express itself in our individual actions, in our own choices every day? In this issue of the Quarterly you’ll find several Gusties who acted boldly to serve a larger community. Pete Nyhus ’60 (page 12) used his personal talents for salesmanship and coaching to build a bridge between Gustavus and Cancún, Mexico. Working to eradicate homelessness, Cathy ten Broeke ’91 (page 18) has helped find housing for nearly all of Minnesota’s veterans. And then there is the anonymous Gustie couple who this summer gave to the College a $40 million gift (page 26). This gift is given in support of the Gustavus Acts Strategic Plan, our 10-year vision to equip students to lead purposeful lives and to act on the great challenges of our time through our innovative, excellent liberal arts education. One couple. One gift. A bold move for a bold vision that will serve Gusties who serve the world for many years to come. As one college president, I strive to be driven by mission, always looking forward, always with the students at the center of my actions. Gustavus is at an exciting point in its history. Our new vision is strong and our Strategic Plan is in motion. I am proud to be one person in such a purposeful community. Every day I am excited to do my part for our world. Every day I come to work energized about the possibilities and ready to move the College forward. No matter where you are in your life or in the world, you likely have an hour, an expertise, a $10 bill. You can do great things with your time, talents, and treasures. And as a Gustie, the power of one is amplified by the power of your Gustavus community behind you.

GUSTAVUS QUARTERLY | FALL 2017

Thank you for what you do for the world, and for Gustavus. We go forward

G U S TAV U S A D O L P H U S C O L L E G E B OA R D O F T R U S T E E S The Rev. Jon V. Anderson (ex officio), Bishop, Southwestern Minnesota Synod, ELCA Scott P. Anderson ’89, MBA, Board Member, Patterson Companies, Inc. Catherine Asta ’75, JD, Attorney at Law and Past President, Gustavus Alumni Association Tracy L. Bahl ’84, MBA, Executive Vice President, CVS | Caremark Grayce Belvedere-Young, MBA, Founder and CEO, Lily Pad Consulting Rebecca M. Bergman (ex officio), President, Gustavus Adolphus College Suzanne F. Boda ’82, Senior Vice President, Los Angeles, American Airlines Daniel G. Currell ’94, JD, Managing Director, Advance Law Edward J. Drenttel ’81, JD, Attorney/Partner, Winthrop & Weinstine Bruce A. Edwards ’77, Retired CEO, DHL Global Supply Chain James H. Gale ’83, JD, Attorney at Law John O. Hallberg ’79, MBA, CEO, Children’s Cancer Research Fund Susie B. Heim ’83, Former Co-owner, S and S Heim Construction George G. Hicks ’75, JD, Founding Partner, Värde Partners Linda G. Huett ’66, Retired President and CEO, Weight Watchers International, Inc. The Rev. Peter C. Johnson ’92, Executive Pastor, St. Andrew Lutheran Church, Eden Prairie, MN Linda Bailey Keefe ’69, MBA, Vice President, NAI Brannen Goddard Talmadge E. King, Jr. ’70, MD, Dean, School of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco Paul R. Koch ’87, Senior Vice President/Investments, UBS Financial Services Jan Lindman, MBA, Treasurer to the King, The Royal Court of Sweden Jan Ledin Michaletz ’74, Past President, Gustavus Alumni Association Thomas J. Mielke ’80, JD, Senior Vice President and General Counsel, Kimberly-Clark Corporation

boldly, knowing you do too.

Marcia L. Page ’82, Founding Partner, Värde Partners

Sincerely,

The Rev. Craig A. Pederson ’90 (ex officio), Assistant to the Bishop, Minneapolis Area Synod, ELCA, and President, Gustavus Adolphus College Association of Congregations The Rev. Wayne B. Peterson ’77, Pastor, St. Barnabas Lutheran Church

Rebecca M. Bergman President, Gustavus Adolphus College

The Rev. Dan S. Poffenberger ’82 (chair), Senior Pastor, Shepherd of the Lake Lutheran Church Christopher J. Rasmussen ’88, PhD, (ex officio), Independent Higher Education Consultant and Past President, Gustavus Alumni Association Beth Sparboe Schnell ’82, CEO, Sparboe Companies Ronald C. White ’75, President, RC White Enterprises The Rev. Heather Teune Wigdahl ’95, Senior Pastor, Our Savior’s Lutheran Church, Menomonie, WI

ON THE HILL

The Reformation dream team. L to r: Religion professor Marcia Bunge, Rev. Grady St. Dennis ’92, Rev. Siri Erickson, and cantor Chad Winterfeldt. For Gustavus events celebrating the Reformation’s anniversary, see page 11.

T H E L I V I N G R E F O R M AT I O N

Martin Luther nailed the Ninety-Five

Word of God,” Luther wrote, “music

education since it enables all citizens to

Theses to the door of Castle Church

deserves the highest praise.” Gusties

gain the skills and knowledge necessary

in Wittenberg, Germany, on October

certainly know how to testify.

to carry out their particular vocations,”

Reformation.

Reformation begets transformation

says Bunge. Says College chaplain Siri

for the Chaplains’ Office. “I have been

Erickson, “As a Lutheran-related college,

Of course it didn’t end there.

re-energized by the emphasis on God’s

Gustavus continues the work of educating

Five hundred years later and it is

grace in our lives, and how it frees us to

students so that they might pursue

impossible to imagine our lives without

love and serve our neighbor,” says Chad

vocations that serve the common good.”

the Reformation. Among other things,

Winterfeldt, cantor of Christ Chapel.

there would be no America as we know it

Says Marcia Bunge, professor of religion

relations Grady St. Dennis ’92, “To

(no pilgrims). And no Gusties, either.

and Bernhardson Distinguished Chair

me, the Reformation is a reminder

Says chaplain and director of church

All year, the College’s church

of Lutheran Studies, “Luther reminds

that God is not only bigger than the

leadership has celebrated the 500th

us that faith frees us to use our creative

religious structures we organize ourselves

anniversary of the Reformation. They

energies and unique gifts to love the

around but also—whether we choose to

have led student trips to Germany,

neighbor, seek justice, and contribute to

acknowledge it or not—a very present

planned educational lectures, written

the common good.” The Reformation

reality.”

topical homilies, and created special

also allows for the liberal arts, which helps

music performances, such as this year’s

each person discover the ways in which

the Reformation lives on in our lives.

Christmas in Christ Chapel, which will

they will contribute to the world—their

Here’s to this very special church year—

center on the Reformation. “Next to the

vocation. “Luther supported universal

and to the next 500 too.

Gustavus joyfully acknowledges how

GUSTAVUS QUARTERLY | FALL 2017

31, 1517, sparking the Protestant

ON THE HILL

CAMPUS SOCIAL INSTAGRAM

Follow /gustavusadolphuscollege

FACEBOOK

Last (almost always) but never

“At my age, you see how

least. Haley Zweber, Austin

the mistakes you’ve made

Zollner, and Kate Zitzmann—the

have led you to things

tail of this year’s processional.

you’re grateful for now,”

#gogusties

Garrison Keillor said to a sold-out crowd in Christ Chapel.

Congrats to Men’s Hockey Goaltender Erik Johnson, the winner of the #GoldenGustie headshot award!

Follow @gustavusadolphuscollege, @gustieathletics

Follow @gustavus, @gustiealum

TWITTER

@juliaschrenkler G-Sharp from @gustavus chatted with John Birge during @ClassicalMPR’s live #mpr50 broadcast in Mankato

GUSTAVUS QUARTERLY | FALL 2017

@Gustavus

#Gusties21 students work closely with faculty advisers to choose their first semester classes during Gustie Gear-Up. #whygustavus

10:00 a.m. Time for Reflection —photographer and artist John Noltner brought his “A Peace of My Mind” multimedia project to campus this spring, asking, “How do the Gustavus pillars of excellence, community, justice, service, and faith help build peace?” Here’s one answer, from Darrell Diggs ’20.

#whygustavus

1 5

Our rank as Minnesota’s “Top College Doing the Most for the American Dream” according to the New York Times. The College is 35th in the nation overall. Our rank as “Best Colleges for Sports Lovers” among Division III colleges in the nation, according to MONEY Magazine and Sports

Physics students Elise Le Boulicaut ’18, Ben Rorem ’19, and

Illustrated. The College is 36th in the nation overall, and

Xiaoqui Yu ’19 were all named Rossing Physics Scholars for

the highest-ranked college in Minnesota.

2017-2018. The national scholarships range from $5,000–$10,000. Muhammad Rafay Arshad ’19 is one of 50 students nationwide to join the

PRETTY GOOD NEWS

Oxfam CHANGE Initiative. After training in Massachusetts, he

Biology professor Pam Kittleson won the Edgar M. Carlson

will represent global campaigns to end hunger, homelessness,

Award for Distinguished

poverty, and/or environmental injustice on

Teaching, the College’s highest

campus next year.

teaching award. In addition to being “the model of the teacher-scholar” (as noted by history professor Eric Carlson),

UPDATE: Strategic Plan

Kittleson is a first-generation “I love that I get to learn

The Gustavus Acts Strategic Planning process ended the academic year on a good note. All 20 strategies were

every day alongside my students,” she

forecasted with a financial

said at Commencement.

expression for the next

Carolyn Del Vecchio ’17 won a Fulbright

10 years. The Board of

English Teacher Assistant grant to teach

Trustees was the first group

in Vietnam.

of College constituents

Visiting professor Masayoshi Ishikawa

to practice a prioritizing

received the 2017 Swenson-Bunn Award

process at their June board

for Teaching Excellence. One reason:

meeting. Feedback from

He wrote his own textbook which was

the Trustees was positive

offered to students for $3 because

and they encouraged us to

of his desire to keep student costs to

have other key constituents

a minimum.

use the same process this

Professor Jill Locke received the Faculty

fall. A shared governance

Scholarly Achievement Award for 2017.

committee will eventually make the final budget decisions

Her book, Democracy and the Death

for 2017–2018, once we receive feedback from many other

of Shame: Political Equality and Social

stakeholders. We resume the process in September. —Kathi

Disturbance was published by Cambridge

Tunheim, Special Assistant to the President for Strategy

University Press in 2016. TO LEARN MORE OR JOIN IN, visit gustavus.edu/gustavusacts.

GUSTAVUS QUARTERLY | FALL 2017

college student.

ON THE HILL

SHINE: HUBERT NGABIRANO The Power of Conversation THIS INTERNATIONAL STUDENT WOULD LIKE TO KNOW, ARE YOU AVAILABLE FOR LUNCH?

It was his uncle’s connection to the College and experiences here that prompted Ngabirano to apply. (That uncle, Jean-Paul Bigirindavyi ’00, is a proud alum and associate director of The Sanneh Foundation in St. Paul.) The endorsement was so strong, Gustavus was the only school he applied to. “It seemed so right that I didn’t need to apply to others,” he says. “I wanted to be at a small school where I would be able to have special connections.” So in the spring of 2015, Ngabirano flew more than 8,000 miles from Burundi, Africa, to Minnesota. He had only formally studied and spoke French and Kirundi. But he had been learning English on his own using the app Quizlet, visiting the library, and watching U.S. Presidential debates and history videos on YouTube. He knew that coming to the States meant that he would likely never speak Kirundi unless he called his parents. And that first day on campus, Ngabirano sat in the Caf anxious and afraid of how he would be perceived as soon as he started speaking. He didn’t like the feeling, so he challenged himself to do something he had never done: Talk to an actual person in English. He emailed student Logan Boese ’16 based on his Gribly page. “Then I sat with him and three other students in the Caf, and I said ‘Hi, I’m Hubert, I am new and I want to be involved on campus. What do you recommend?’” By the end of his first semester, Ngabirano was scheduling one-on-one lunch dates. His English skills grew stronger as he engaged those around him, and he wanted to focus on forming relationships. “I was never really intentional about relationships until I was in a place where I didn’t know anyone,” he says. Now, more than two years later, Ngabirano is a senior political science major, co-president of Student Senate, and active in Chapel life. And (it seems) he is close personal friends with hundreds of Gusties. As he walks across Eckman Mall, he greets almost everyone passing by,

To Ngabirano, friendship goes beyond a hello on Hello Walk. It’s a lived expression of his faith. Other expressions include Daily Sabbath and Proclaim worship services, the fraternity Alpha Chi Delta, and the Gustavus Academy for Faith, Science, and Ethics, where he is a mentor.

FA I T H

GUSTAVUS QUARTERLY | FALL 2017

and by name. Even after one short visit, he won’t forget it.

SHINE: YURIE HONG Born of the Liberal Arts SCIENCE, CLASSICS, AND REPRODUCTION MIX FOR THE CHAIR OF THE NOBEL CONFERENCE.

You might say it all began with sex, power,

this Conference her baby. She is collaborating

and politics.

with other professors across disciplines (biology,

That’s the course Hong sat in on nine

history) and other scientists and health

years ago, taught by Alisa Rosenthal. “I was

professionals to create special topics courses

so intellectually stimulated from the class,

on past and present reproductive practices and

thinking about all kinds of issues in regards

technologies. A number of her classics majors

to reproductive technologies and what it means in society,” Hong says. Hong teaches in the classics department, as well as in the

have gotten involved as well, finding new ways to connect their love of the ancient world to modern day concerns—attending Nobel Conference meetings,

Gender, Women, and Sexuality

developing curriculum, and

Studies Program. Her research

coordinating interactive activities

focuses on representations of pregnancy and childbirth in

and supporting events. For this mom to two children,

ancient Greek literature, including

ages five and seven, it’s a lot to

ancient medical texts. As Gusties

nurture into being. But that’s not

know, professors in close proximity

a bad thing. “For me, one of the

will give birth to great ideas, and

unexpected joys of parenting is

one night after trivia at Patrick’s,

how intellectually stimulating

Hong got to talking with Lisa

it is,” she says. “My personal

Heldke ’82, a philosophy professor

research interests, my lived

who also teaches in the Gender, Women, and Sexuality Program. As Hong remembers, “I wanted to think

experience, and planning for this year’s Nobel Conference—there are obvious connections between them.”

and socially—and what kinds of ethical

Reproductive technologies raise

questions emerge for individuals as

scientific, social, and ethical questions.

well as for societies.” Biology professor

New techniques and technologies

Joel Carlin encouraged Hong to

complicate those questions further.

submit a topic for Nobel Conference

Come explore Nobel Conference 53,

consideration. And Nobel Conference

Reproductive Technology. See page 11.

53, Reproductive Technology: How Far Do We Go? was born. Hong, who is celebrating her 11th year at Gustavus, has definitely made

GUSTAVUS QUARTERLY | FALL 2017

managed—scientifically, economically,

E XC E L L E N C E

more about how reproduction gets

Kalender

6-8 Family Weekend: Come celebrate with our Gustavus family. Direct questions to 507-933-7590. 8 Family Weekend Showcase

AUGUST

SEPTEMBER

Concert featuring the Gustavus

24–September 4 Gustavus at the

5 Opening Convocation of the

Choir, Gustavus Symphony Orchestra,

Minnesota State Fair Wear your

College’s 156th academic year;

Gustavus Wind Orchestra, and

Gustie gear and stop by the College

Christ Chapel, 10 a.m.

Gustavus Jazz Ensemble; Christ

booth in the Education Building, 9 a.m.–9 p.m.

Chapel; 2 p.m.; free 17 Common Prayer: from Conflict to Communion a joint worship service

11 Contemporary American Painting [1945]: Selections from the Hillstrom

All through October

with Church of St. Peter Catholic

Gustavus Celebrates the 500th

Church, 2 p.m.; Church of St. Peter

Anniversary of the Reformation

Museum of Art and the Perlman

Nobel Conference 53

Teaching Museum, Carleton College

Swirling DNA ribbons snipped by In 1945, the Encyclopedia Britannica

bio-mechanical scissors. Nano-shuttles

staged a sweeping retrospective of

sneaking through cell walls. Sperm and

contemporary American painting from its

egg meeting via cold metal needles. Ba-

art collection. The exhibit—encompassing

bies who owe their existence to science as

a vast variety of styles, techniques, and

much as to their parents.

subjects—toured the United States,

23 Homecoming Weekend Family fun

making the paintings of respected artists

zone, beer garden, ’80s cover band.

available to millions of Americans. Its

For more, see page 28.

diversity helped build a sense of a uniquely American art. This exhibit recaptures the essence

28 Frankenstein Live Reading

53 will explore emerging

Students, faculty, staff, and

reproductive

of the original Contemporary American

community members perform a

technologies,

Painting exhibition, with works culled

live, marathon reading of the classic

delving into

from the collections of Carleton and

novel, which is the 2017 Gustavus

the ethical

Gustavus Adolphus College. All of the

Reading in Common book; Jackson

complexities

artists featured in this exhibition were

Campus Center; beginning at 10

and social

either represented in the Encyclopedia

a.m.; costumes and props strongly

consequences that

Britannica collection or had close

encouraged

result when we reshape a process so central to human life. It will

OCTOBER Opening reception Sept. 18, 7–9 p.m.,

bring together an interdisciplinary panel of scholars and scientists from around

On view until November 5. GUSTAVUS QUARTERLY | FALL 2017

Nobel Conference the science of

relationships with those painters.

And it is happening right now.

3-4 Nobel Conference 53

plus a Nobel Conference reception

Reproductive Technology

Oct. 3, 6–8 p.m.

How Far Do We Go?

Adolf Dehn (1895-1968), Green Landscape, 1964 Watercolor on paper, 14 x 21 inches, Gift of the Reverend Richard L. Hillstrom

the world to consider not only how far we can go but how far we should go.

Tickets available now. $50–$120; meal tickets also available. Visit gustavus. edu/nobel or call 507-933-7520.

Reformation Celebrations in October Gustavus will host multiple events celebrating the Reformation’s anniversary. Contact the Chaplains’ Office at 507-933-7446 for more. 8 Reformation-themed Family Weekend Worship featuring the Gustavus Wind Symphony, Choir of Christ Chapel, Lucia Singers, Adolphus Jazz Band, Christ Chapel Brass, Christ Chapel Ringers, 10:30 a.m.; Christ Chapel

• Times and dates of events listed on this page are subject to change. Call to confirm. • Up-to-date sports schedules may be found at gustavus.edu/athletics. • A more complete fine arts schedule or more information on fine arts events noted here, contact Mara Klein, director of fine arts programs: 507-933-7013 or mara@gustavus.edu.

14 Conference and Hymn Festival Whose Neighbor am I? Reformation, Reconciliation, Re-Vision, a day-long, joint event with First Lutheran

• Tickets for the Gustavus Artist Series and Department of Theatre & Dance productions may be ordered online at

Church in Saint Peter 29 Reformation Sunday Festival Worship, 10:30 a.m., Christ Chapel; Reformation Vespers featuring Choir of Christ Chapel, Chapel Brass, and Chapel Ringers,

gustavustickets.com and are available three weeks in advance of the performances.

7:30 p.m.; Christ Chapel 31 Organ Concert Ein feste Burge, a festive evening of music based upon chorales written by Martin Luther, featuring Chad Winterfeldt and members of the Gustavus Organ Studio, 8 p.m.; Christ Chapel

DECEMBER 1, 2, & 3 Christmas in Christ Chapel, Life Abundant: A Celebration of Christmas During the 500th Year of the Reformation

Get your crown on! A Royal Affair: Glad Tidings November 11

NOVEMBER 6 Bjorling Music Festival with the Gustavus Honor Choir, Gustavus

J.W. Marriott, MOA

Honor Choir, Gustavus Wind

Enjoy food, drinks, music,

Orchestra, and Gustavus Choir

7 Festival of St. Lucia a College tradition since 1941; reservations for the festival luncheon are accepted. Call 507-933-7520.

dancing, and an auction at the biennial Gustie gala. The night will be emceed by communications studies professor

16-19 Our Country’s Good, by British playwright Timberlake Wertenbaker; Anderson Theatre

Phil Voight and sports and media personality Carly Aplin Zucker ’07, with

19 Gustavus Jazz Ensemble and

Radio host and singer Jearlyn Steele, and

Adolphus Jazz Ensemble Fall

Gustavus student group, LeGACy.

Showcase, 1:30 p.m.; Gustavus Vocal

trips and experiences, fine art pieces, kids

Jazz Ensemble and Jazz Combos Fall Showcase, 4:30 p.m.; Björling

items, sports items, and Gustie memorabilia (including a refinished oak desk from Uhler

8-10 Choreographer’s Gallery, Kresge Dance Studio; Physical Theatre

20 Stuart Klipper: The World In A

Project, Black Box Theatre; Dance

Hall). Following dinner, sing live with

Few States and Jerome Myers, The

Honors Showcase with Tom Damery

Hurricane Karaoke Band, and enjoy beer,

Ash Can Artist of the Lower East

’18, Jordan Lovestrand ’17, and Allison

wine, and tastings by BET Vodka.

Side opening reception; 7–9 p.m.;

Retterath ’18; Kresge Dance Studio

Funds benefit scholarships for first-

The Hillstrom Museum of Art

generation students and the Gustavus library endowment.

Christmas in Chapel

$175 per person. Party attire.

In honor of the 500th anniversary of the Reformation,

Auction begins at 5 p.m. For

we celebrate the nativity through the rich and diverse

tickets, visit gustavus.edu/events/

global Lutheran movement, one that’s both historic and

royalaffair or call 507-933-7550.

continually emerging. For tickets: gustavus.edu/ccc.

GUSTAVUS QUARTERLY | FALL 2017

The silent and live auctions will feature

Alicia Lhotka was 2016’s St. Lucia. Court members (pictured here l to r with Alicia and the star children and tomte) were Prabhjot Singh (Rochester), Daniella Habib (Providence, R.I.), Elena Gottlick (Rockford, Ill.), Emma Myhre (Okoboji, Iowa), and Keliyah Perkins (Minneapolis).

MEET THE STUDENTS Page 16

¡Viva Cancún a la Gustavus Adolphus! OUR STUDENTS FROM THIS CITY

They are our Cancunenses—our Gustie students from

HAVE CHANGED—AND BEEN

Cancún. There have been 15 of them in five years. That’s 12 percent of the

CHANGED BY—THE GUSTAVUS

College’s international student population, all from a city with a general

COMMUNITY. AND IT ALL STARTED

population that doesn’t even crack Mexico’s top 20.

WITH ONE PROUD GUSTIE ALUM

It is a uniquely international city, owing to its weather and beaches and direct

FROM THE LUTEFISK CAPITAL OF

flights from most major U.S. cities, including Minneapolis-St.Paul International.

THE WORLD.

The rapid growth of tourism on Mexico’s Yucatán Peninsula has meant an influx of visitors and prosperity to Cancún. Most families are from somewhere else.

By Stephanie Wilbur Ash, with

As assistant dean of financial aid Jesús Hernández Mejía notes, “These Cancún

photos by Becca Sabot, Gisel

students are the first generation of students born and raised in Cancún.”

Murillo ’18, and Nick Campbell ’18

What they bring to Gustavus, then, is a wide worldview and an exceptional ability to navigate it. “The students from Cancún tend to come here as bicultural students,” says Roger Adkins, director of international and cultural education. “They’re already fluent in U.S. culture. And they’re skilled in intercultural communication, which is what we’re hoping all Gustavus students are when they leave.” Notes Cynthia Yang ’10, former assistant dean of admission and

GUSTAVUS QUARTERLY | FALL 2017

coordinator of international recruiting, “The obvious value of diversifying the

campus community is to add cross-cultural perspective in academic settings, but it’s also added in athletic and extra-curricular activities.” And the Cancunenses are some of our most involved students. They tutor Gusties in Spanish, and Saint Peter students too. They play football and tennis. They sing and play music. They are peer ambassadors. And they can really spice up Caf food. Here are some of the Gustie Cancunenses, and the people who helped build a bridge for them between their city and Gustavus.

Abuelo Peter PROUD ALUM AND STEADFAST SALESMAN PETER NYHUS ’60 SAW AN OPPORTUNITY TO CONNECT THROUGH FOOTBALL AND RAN WITH IT.

In one of his many lives, Nyhus was an assistant Gustavus football coach. Nearly 40 years later, Nyhus, then retired from financial sales, was removing hurricane shields from his Cancún-area condo after a hurricane with the help of a young man. He noted the young man’s athleticism, and the young man said he played football. “Soccer?” Nyhus asked. “No, American football,” the young man said. Within two years, Nyhus and current Gustavus football coach Pete Haugen were

Fifty years from now, when these young people are my age and someone asks

in Mexico running clinics and exhibition games with a Cancún football club called

why they went to

Lagartos, bringing together hundreds of Gustavus and Cancún football players. “I

Gustavus, they can

was nothing more than a conduit,” Nyhus says. It’s a ridiculous understatement. It was Nyhus who convinced Gustavus staff to visit Cancún. It was Nyhus who— always in Gustie gear—preached the Gustavus gospel to anyone who would listen. He did so on football fields, in living rooms, in hotel lobbies, even in a suburban Cancún Starbucks (where he met Maripaz Álvarez ’19, page 16). “I am persistent,” Nyhus admits. So much so that in 2013, lots of people at GustavusLagartos football exhibitions were wearing

say some crazy old guy came down to Mexico and told me about the place. —Peter Nyhus ’60

“Make Your Life Count,” t-shirts. When a parent asked Nyhus why he was doing this, Nyhus pointed to the shirt and said simply, ‘I want to make my life count.’” “I’ve changed these students’ lives, enriched the lives of other Gustavus students, and I’ve changed my own,” Nyhus says. His evangelism has deepened his relationship with the College, and given him students to be proud of in addition to his granddaughter, Mary Nyhus ’20. The Cancunenses call him Grandpa. Says Nyhus, “What I hope is that they

THE FIRST GOAL OF THE GUSTAVUS

will do some things in life that they

ACTS STRATEGIC PLAN is to diversify

that at some point they can pay this forward.” Just like his high school football coach and biology

and expand the Gustavus community. Gustavus recognizes that the “who” of our community must reflect the diversity of the world from which our students come and to which they will

teacher Bob Hansen ’42 hoped

return. For more on Gustavus Acts,

for him, in Madison, Minnesota

see gustavus.edu/gustavusacts.

(Lutefisk Capital of the World), when he told Nyhus about Gustavus back in 1956.

GUSTAVUS QUARTERLY | FALL 2017

wouldn’t have been able to do, and

El entrenador IN PETE HAUGEN’S FIRST YEAR COACHING FOOTBALL, A VISIT TO CANCÚN WAS THE PERFECT LEAP OF FAITH.

“Pete Nyhus’s idea is really cool, but will it work?” Coach Haugen thought. He was new to Gustavus in 2009, and taking the football team to Mexico was a little of out of the box. Still, they went, volunteering at an orphanage and running football clinics. And very quickly, Coach Haugen says, “We saw that kids were interested in playing football and studying in the U.S.” Turns out a Mexican foundation of American football can yield impressive results. To date, six Cancún Gusties have played for Coach Haugen. Still, recruiting wasn’t an easy play. Says Coach Haugen, “The College had to be courageous to take on this project. The Cancún students had to be courageous to leave their country for school. Families in Mexico had to trust us with their kids.” Gustavus met that trust with a solid line of support, the strongest

Gusties from Cancún who were on the 2016 Gustavus football team. L to r: Rafael Soriano, Mauricio Miranda, Karim Ortiz, Sergio de Pablos, and Iker Ortiz. “The Cancún students are good football players,” says Coach Haugen. “They were able to see what was possible and they just went after it. It’s inspired all of us at Gustavus football.”

from fellow players. “They’re teammates and they share common goals on and off the field, and they don’t allow their differences to derail that. That’s been seamless.”

It fits into my overall philosophy that we need to be a team that looks like the world we live in. —Coach Pete Haugen

If you want to help more students from

GUSTAVUS QUARTERLY | FALL 2017

Cancún come here,

help financially. That’s the biggest barrier. —Violeta Hernández Espinosa ‘07

La reclutadora

El reclutador

Violeta Hernández Espinosa ’07

Jesús Hernández Mejía

Hernández Espinosa moved from Pomoca, in the state of

Hernández Mejía visits Cancún and the surrounding area twice

Michoacán, Mexico, to tiny Wells, Minnesota, when she was

a year to talk about the College, specifically its cost. “Most

10. On a high school visit through the Chicano Latino Youth

students get financial aid from Gustavus,” he says, but because

Leadership Institute, the dean of admission gave her a t-shirt. “It

Mexican citizens are not eligible for federal or state aid (like most

was that personal attention,” she says, that made Gustavus her

international students), “everything else a family pays out of

college choice. After her graduation and a stint in the corporate

pocket.” Cancún is a young city of mostly transplants, and that

sector, that dean (Mark Anderson ’66) asked her back.

willingness of parents to leave their own home places is what makes sending their kids to Minnesota easier. So does the city’s connection to American dollars. Still, moving from a Mexican city

Espinosa traveled to Cancún to tell the story of Gustavus—the

of more than one million to a Minnesota town of 12,000 can be

history, the liberal arts, the residential nature of the college. “A

a shock, which Hernández Mejía understands. He was 16 when

lot of colleges in Mexico don’t offer residential life,” she says.

he immigrated from Morelia, population 200,000, to Butterfield,

“And the liberal arts is a foreign concept.” Often speaking to

Minnesota, population 250. The common denominator is always

hundreds at once, Hernández Espinosa was instrumental in

relationships. “It’s a tight-knit group of families sending their

bringing the first Cancún students to Gustavus in 2012. Now a

kids here,” Hernández Mejía says. “They believe in helping each

legislative and policy liaison for the Minnesota Council on Latino

other.” The Gustavus value of community is strong with the

Affairs, she considers the Cancún project “the most fulfilling of

Cancún families, even when the value of the peso against the

my career so far, personally and professionally.”

dollar isn’t.

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It was in her second year working in admission that “the Cancún Project” developed. Just 25 years old, Hernández

Los estudiantes

Iker Ortiz ’17

Maripaz Álvarez ’19

Football got him here—and he was a

“I wasn’t looking to leave Mexico,” she

Gisel Murillo ’18

huge asset as a linebacker and defensive

says. But she knew about Gustavus from

“Cancún is a mixture of all of Mexico,

end. But the big win happened in class.

her high school, and one day, while

and some of everywhere else,” Murillo

“I took a classics class called Myth and

studying at her local Starbucks, there was

says. “But we have gone from one

Meaning and I got caught up in it,”

Peter Nyhus in a Gustavus hat. She soon

extreme to another here.” She can handle

he says. A passion for all things Greek

visited campus and attending classes (with

it. Born in Los Angeles, raised mostly in

and Roman was uncovered, and he

a current Gustie from Cancún). It was

Cancún, her parents are photographers

declared classics his major. He then

the opportunity to customize a major to

with an international clientele. (Murillo

spent a summer in Portugal on an

suit her interests that ultimately sold her.

herself photographed several of the people

excavation (through an award provided

“We don’t really have that at colleges in

in this feature.) That background gives

by alum Emily Kehm Smith ’06). He

Mexico—the first year and half to blend

her—and the other Cancunenses—“a

also worked as the assistant to Donald

in any class and activity without having

sense of adventure and easy adaptability,

Myers, director of the Hillstrom Museum

to actually commit to one path.” While in

with the ability to push through cultural

of Art. Now, post-graduation, he plans

high school, when people would ask her

challenges,” she says. But they still love

to return to Portugal on his way to a

favorite class, she never had an answer.

to be a community together. “We each

career in museums and antiquities. “If I

Here at Gustavus, “I have learned there is

have of our own Gustavus friends, but we

hadn’t come here, I wouldn’t have had

more than one path to where you want to

all talk and bond,” she says, “especially

four years of college football, figured

go,” she says. “It’s led me to explore skills

around food and music. When you hear

out my career, got the connections, and

and interests that I didn’t know I had,

your country’s music, you know it’s

gone to Portugal,” he says. Thanks to

to connect the dots between different

your people.” The Mexican grocery in

Peter Nyhus: “He’s the one who started

areas of my life. I have this craving to

Saint Peter recently added a deli, and her

everything.”

learn more.” And now she has her own

favorite spicy candies. “This is our college

individualized major: Studies in Socio-

home, but we make it even more like

Political and Cultural Relations.

GUSTAVUS QUARTERLY | FALL 2017

home.”

Saint Peter y Cancún

Alan Gutiérrez ’18

Leo Carrera ’19

“I knew people here,” says this former

He came to Gustavus sight unseen, after

Lagartos club football player. He looked

Jesús Hernández Mejía visited his high

at other American schools based on

school. Originally from Barcelona, Spain,

their football standings, “But something

he’s also lived in the Canary Islands, and

about this one just seemed right.” He

he was excited to study abroad. But he

was expecting academic excellence—a

also felt comfortable knowing there were

computer science major and math minor,

other students from Cancún already at

he was seeking such challenge. He wasn’t

Gustavus. In fact, on his first day, Gisel

expecting such committed professors.

Murillo was his peer educator—a fun

“The passion they have for what they

surprise. “The people have been great,

do, I really like that. It makes it easy to

so welcoming,” he says. As for classes,

learn.” He’s also been impressed with the

“Reading and writing in English has been

career options a U.S. education offers

the most challenging. The sciences not so

him. And then there is the vibrant student

much, because the words almost all come

community. The International Cultures

from Latin.” He gives back what he learns

RACE AND ETHNICITY Ninety percent

Club, the Diversity Leadership Council,

of English by teaching Spanish to other

the Gustie Entrepreneurship Cup, “and I

Gusties. Aside from his tutoring Spanish

love how close the international students

and his chemistry labs, it’s the campus,

are here. Twice a week we play soccer,

the Arb, and (yes) winter that round out

are white and of Scandinavian and German ancestry—descendants of immigrant pioneers welcomed by the Homestead Act of 1862.

and there is always something to do with

his list of favorite things so far. “Some

kids from all around the world.”

people think it is weird but I really like

Saint Peter

POPULATION 11,666. It is number 91 of Minnesota’s cities ranked by population. FOUNDING AND HISTORY On Dakota land, it was founded in 1853 near the Treaty of Traverse des Sioux site (not honored, it led to the Dakota War). Scandinavian immigrants doubled the population between 1870 and 1900. PRIMARY INDUSTRIES Education and

agriculture.

CLIMATE AND WEATHER Hot in summer. Cold in winter. If you don’t like the weather, wait 10 minutes.

Cancún

POPULATION 722,800 as of 2014, it has more than quadrupled in 25 years. With the suburbs, the population is more than 1 million. It is number 23 of Mexico’s cities ranked by population. FOUNDING AND HISTORY A Mayan nation, the area around Cancún was declared a part of Mexico in 1915 after a prolonged war. When resort development started in 1970, Cancún only had three official residents. PRIMARY INDUSTRIES Tourism.

Tourism. Tourism. RACE AND ETHNICITY Most in Mexico

are mestizo—a mix of indigenous, European, and African ancestry. And Cancún is an international city—few who live there are from there.

GUSTAVUS QUARTERLY | FALL 2017

the weather,” he says.

HERE’S WHAT WE BRING TO EACH OTHER.

DEVOTED TO

Under the leadership of Cathy ten Broeke ’91, Minnesota is about to end homelessness among the state’s veterans. She won’t stop there.

By Stephanie Wilbur Ash, with portrait by Becca Sabot

n her windowless office in downtown St. Paul, Cathy ten Broeke ’91 slides some papers across a small round table. They are pages of “Heading Home: Minnesota’s Plan to Prevent and End Homelessness, 2016-2017.” It is a plan

backed by leaders of 11 state agencies and Governor Mark Dayton. Ten Broeke does not mince words. “Housing stability can and should be a bipartisan issue,” she says. Nowhere on these pages does the name Cathy ten Broeke appear. And yet this plan—and Minnesota’s previous and future ones—are her life’s work. She is the state’s director to prevent and end homelessness. In her 25 years as an advocate for housing stability, she has been arrested for sleeping in downtown

GUSTAVUS QUARTERLY | FALL 2017

Minneapolis, and the recipient of a Bush Fellowship. She has washed the dirty socks

and underwear of men living on Twin Cities streets, and served as a special adviser for the United States Interagency Council on Homelessness in Washington D.C. Three states have eradicated veteran homelessness: Virginia, Connecticut, and Delaware. Under ten Broeke’s leadership, Minnesota will be next, hopefully by Christmas. “None of this work is done by one person,” she says. But in Minnesota, it could not have been done without her.

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“I was ready to go and do something,” ten Broeke says of her choice to become a Gustie. Having grown up and attended high school in the Big 10 town of Iowa City, Iowa, she was looking for a small liberal arts college with a great choir. When she visited Gustavus, “The place was so warm and friendly, I was sold.” It was harder to sell her on a major. Education, music, psychology… Her favorite course was “Great Speeches in History.” She graduated having sampled a variety of topics and disciplines, with a major in psychology and an “accidental” major in speech communications. And she had developed an interest in social justice. “I had no idea what to do with those things, but I learned at Gustavus how to think about really big ideas and issues. And I learned that being able to articulate and communicate those issues is just as important as thinking about them.” She started working as a server at Palomino in downtown Minneapolis—a cloth napkin, salad fork, soup spoon kind of place. She went to rural China to teach for a year, which fueled her interest in poverty issues. When she returned, she ran into Gustavus pal Josh Lund ’91, who told her about a part-time opening where he worked: the all-male St. Stephen’s Shelter in south Minneapolis. “I knew nothing about homelessness. I had never met or talked to anyone who had experienced homelessness that I knew,” ten Broeke says. After that first night at that shelter, “I knew immediately that I was going to do this for a while.” She didn’t stay at St. Stephen’s out of an amorphous desire to help people. “I might have been thinking that on the first night. But I learned right away that I was there to work with people. I don’t do this to be altruistic, but because a society with homelessness is not how our society should be.” One day at the restaurant, a diner chastised her for bringing him the wrong spoon. Ten Broeke quit on the spot. She would work at St. Stephen’s for the next eight years, becoming its director. “Cathy really stood out because she immediately took an activist approach to the everyday struggles that we dealt with,” says pal Lund, now a

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Spanish professor at Notre Dame. “She was talented in working

50 21

the percent of Minnesota’s homeless individuals who are children and youth. At least 1,000 are young people who are homeless without a parent

one-on-one with the men. She was especially talented at taking the everyday problems we saw and translating them to policy and large social questions.” It’s why, he says, she’s been so important and influential in the conversation ever since. True, she says. Though she loved working directly with the men at St. Stephen’s, “I started to become dissatisfied. We’d finally assist someone into housing, and 10 men would show

the percent proficiency in reading among Min-

up that I had never seen before.” She was often advocating

nesota homeless third-graders, compared to 42

for homeless men in Hennepin County courtrooms, and

percent for those receiving free and reduced

constantly coming up against barriers, particularly for veterans

lunch, and 61 percent statewide for all children

with mental health issues, criminal histories, and past evictions. “When housing is tight, landlords can be extremely picky. They often don’t want to choose someone with a blemish,” she says. She began to believe that homelessness is less the result of personal choices and more the result of policy choices. “We

did not have widespread homelessness, and there were essentially no homeless children, until the 1980s,” she says. “It was the result of a loss of affordable housing.”

And she began to see housing stability as a fundamental platform for success for people in all the things that indicate success in America: educational achievement (kids who are homeless do poorly in school), a strong workforce (a physical address is almost always necessary for a job), healthcare and its cost (People experiencing homelessness tend to access expensive emergency care rather than preventative care in a clinic). “Doctors would say to me, ‘I wish I could give a prescription for housing,’” she says.

But in 2001, when Hennepin County’s then-commissioner

I T’S NOT A QUESTION OF CAN WE DO IT— BUT WILL WE DO IT.”

Gail Dorfman called to ask ten Broeke to come work with her

— Cathy ten Broeke

The “housing first” model is key to getting people access to other stabilizing forces, and it is the policy approach homeless advocates push for: “Once housing is stable, then you can surround a person with the support they want and need to store medications, have regular access to any treatments or services, hold a job, and reduce stress for their children.”

on county policy related to housing, homelessness, and mental health, Ten Broeke (sitting in St. Stephen’s dark basement, surrounded by dirty laundry) said, “I don’t know anything about policy.” Dorfman said, “Yes, Cathy, you do.” Ten Broeke helped lead Hennepin County and Minneapolis efforts to end homelessness for 12 years, minus the the year she spent on a Bush Fellowship studying the national movement, and the months she spent in Washington D.C. as a special adviser to the federal director working on homelessness issues. It was little surprise when, in 2013, she was hired by the state of Minnesota to create an inter-agency council to end homelessness by 2020. • Today, through ten Broeke’s leadership of the Minnesota Interagency Council on Homelessness, the number of homeless persons in Minnesota has decreased 7 percent statewide and 20 percent among families with children since 2014. These reductions among families with children are among the most significant decreases in the U.S. In March, the federal government confirmed that homelessness among veterans has been eradicated in southwest Minnesota. In June, the federal confirmed northwest Minnesota and west central Minnesota as well. Northeastern Minnesota, central Minnesota, and Ramsey County are very close as well. There are 242 homeless vets remaining in Minnesota. Ten Broeke hopes to have their housing ready by Christmas, about the time the State’s 2018-2020 plan to prevent and end An updated plan is necessary because there are still more than 7,400 homeless Minnesotans who are not veterans. Most are children and parents, some have chronic health issues, and at least 1000 are young people who are homeless without a parent. “I think about that long arc of history—each of us has a role somewhere on that path. It doesn’t mean we have to carry the ball the whole way. I am only one piece of a very big movement. This is a relay—a justice relay—and the last mile is always the hardest. “But I firmly believe that we can end homelessness, and that we very well may during

my lifetime. And I’m going to keep trying to work my way out of a job.” •

Ten Broeke’s photographs of people experiencing homlessness have been exhibited throughout the state and U.S. through the Portraits of Home series sponsored by the Greater Minnesota Housing Fund.

GUSTAVUS QUARTERLY | FALL 2017

homelessness will be unveiled.

SPORTS

The team in tennis: All-Conference awards went to Mohanad Alhouni (Jr., Tripoli, Libya), Chase Johnson (So., Golden Valley), Zach Ekstein (Jr., Eagan), Tommy Entwistle (Jr., Sioux Falls, S.D.), and Patrick Whaling (So., Manikob Sabot, VA). (Alhouni and Whaling reached the quarterfinals of the NCAA doubles tournament.) Gabe Steinwand (Jr., Moorhead) earned the MIAC Elite 22 award for having the highest GPA among student-athletes at the conference championship.

M AT C H . R E M AT C H . W I N .

For the storied Gustavus men’s tennis team it seems nearly

in need of three singles victories to advance to the elite eight.

already boasts 287 consecutive MIAC regular season victories,

They got two singles wins, but the Chicago Maroons claimed

29-straight conference titles (51 overall), and two team national

three victories during that time to tie the match 4-4.

championships.

GUSTAVUS QUARTERLY | FALL 2017

All attention turned to court No. 2, where Zach Ekstein (Jr.,

But on May 14, Gustie men’s tennis stunned us again.

Eagan) lost the first set 6-4, but rebounded to take the second

During the regular season, the No. 21 Gusties lost 6-3 to No.

7-6, forcing a deciding third-set tie-breaker.

5 nationally-ranked University of Chicago. That was no shock.

The Gusties took an early 2-1 lead after doubles play and were

impossible to stun fans with something special. The program

With the entire crowd watching every volley, tensions rose and

But in league play, the Gusties finished 9-0, earning their seventh

fatigue set in. Ekstein—the last Gustie—held on to a 5-4 lead late

straight MIAC title (this one over St. Thomas) and automatic bid

in the match. Chicago answered to tie the third set 5-5.

to the NCAA Championships. Gustavus served as regional host

Then Ekstein dug deep, and he willed his way to a 7-5 victory.

to the Championships, and went on to beat UW-Whitewater in

It was arguably one of greatest matches, and upsets, ever played

the semifinals. The Gusties advanced to the quarterfinals for the

at the Swanson Tennis Center. And it sent the Gusties to the

first time during head coach Tommy Valentini’s tenure.

national quarterfinals for the first time in eight years.

That set up a rematch with Chicago in the regional final at the Swanson Tennis Center. What came next was a battle for the ages.

Gustavus ended its season with a loss to No. 1 Middlebury (finishing 29-6 overall), but was once again in the national college tennis spotlight.

ended her career as the school’s all-time

After finishing the regular season

record holder in strikeouts (629), innings

second in the MIAC, the Gusties

pitched (550.2), complete games (61),

went on to upset Carleton in the

and complete game shutouts (20).

conference championship for the

She also finished second in career

second consecutive season, earning

appearances (103), starts (77), and

the league’s automatic bid to the

wins (56).

NCAA Championships. Head coach Jon Carlson’s squad beat St. Norbert and

Baseball

Kenyon, advancing to the regional title

The Gusties claimed the most wins since

match for the first time since 2010. The

2008 after tallying a 21-17 overall record

Gusties lost to No. 9 Chicago to finish

and 9-11 mark in the MIAC, finishing

their season 21-8 overall. Katie Aney (Jr.,

just outside the league playoffs. As the

Rochester) had an outstanding season,

program nears its 100th season, head

earning CoSIDA Academic All-America

coach Brad Baker ’80 and his 2017

honors, as well as the MIAC Elite 22

squad reached the 1,000-win mark. The

award and All-Conference. Joining

Gusties played well at home throughout

Aney on the All-MIAC team were Ally

the field’s final season as an all-natural

Baker (Jr., Rosemount), Cal Carlson

grass and dirt field, going 9-5, including

(Sr., Saint Peter), Briana Hartmann

a season-ending 13-inning victory over

(So., Owatonna) and Michaela Schulz

MIAC champion St. Thomas. Next season

(Sr., Elk River). Carlson highlighted the

the field will be entirely artificial turf,

league’s postseason awards as she was

which will complete phase one of a two-

honored with the Chris Evert Award,

phase $1.5 million ballpark renovation.

which annually recognizes a senior

Josh Chatfield (Sr., Apple Valley) and

tennis student-athlete with outstanding

Casey Lewandoski (Jr., Fairbanks, AK)

sportsmanship and exemplary

were named All-Conference, while

athletic, academic, and humanitarian

Chatfield also earned CoSIDA Academic

accomplishments. Coach Heidi Carlson

All-District honors.

’93 was also named ITA Central Region Assistant Coach of the Year.

Softball

Men’s Golf

ATHLETE OF THE YEAR

Nora Holtan

The No. 21 Gusties competed in four

She showed no signs of slowing down

invitational tournaments throughout

her sophomore season, earning MIAC

In head coach Britt Stewart’s first

the spring season in hopes of attaining

Volleyball Player of the Year as an

season at the helm, the Gusties played

a NCAA at-large bid, but came up

all-around threat and the league’s

40 games and finished the season with

just short. Ben Hauge (Fy., Ramsey)

top setter. She led the Gusties to

a 23-17 overall record and 10-12 mark

highlighted the MIAC postseason awards,

their second consecutive MIAC

in the MIAC, taking sixth place. Seniors

becoming the third straight Gustie to

playoff title and first win at the NCAA

Hannah Heacox (Sr., Stillwater) and

earn MIAC Freshman of the Year honors.

Championships since 1986. She was

Jena Willis (Sr., Kalispell, MT) earned

Chris Captain (Jr., Rochester) and Alec

named AVCA All-Region, and then

All-Conference honors. Heacox also

Aunan (Jr., Rock Island, IL) joined Hauge

First Team All-American. She had 1,255

claimed NFCA All-Region Third Team

on the All-Conference Team. Captain

assists—the third most single-season

honors and finished her career as one

and Hauge were also named to the All-

assists by a Gustie since 1992, and the

of the College’s greatest pitchers. She

Central Region Team.

most in the league by more than 300.

GUSTAVUS QUARTERLY | FALL 2017

Women’s Tennis

SPORTS Women’s Golf The Gusties competed in four invitational tournaments throughout the spring season and came away with two second-place finishes. Mae Meierhenry (Sr., Sioux Falls, S.D.), Jessica Nelson (Jr., Plymouth), and Kristen Cash (Fy., Roseville) were named All-Conference. Meierhenry was also a WGCA AllAmerican honorable mention selection.

Men’s Outdoor Track & Field They took third at MIAC Championships. Head coach Dale Bahr earned his first MIAC Coach of the Year honor. Michael Hensch (So., North Branch) earned MIAC Outstanding Field Athlete after winning both the javelin and hammer throws. His javelin toss of 206-8 set a school

Tanner Sonnek

years (Paul Pehrson ’90), and earned

He had an extraordinary sophomore campaign as a staple of the men’s swimming and

him a spot at the NCAA Championships.

diving squad. He won multiple events leading up to the MIAC Championships, where

Evan Jones (Sr., Pella, IA) claimed a

he claimed the 200-yard individual medley crown and then broke the meet record in

conference title in the 10,000-meter,

the 100-yard breaststroke. Named the MIAC Men’s Swimmer of the Year, he then went

while Thomas Knobbe (Sr., Decorah, IA)

on to earn two All-America honors with a fifth-place finish in the 200 breaststroke

and Ed ReMine (Sr., Mantorville) claimed

and seventh-place finish in the 100 breaststroke at the NCAA Championships.

All-Conference accolades. Hensch and All-Region, while Carston Dammann (Sr.,

New Inductees to the Athletics Hall of Fame

Lake City) earned CoSIDA Academic All-

This fall, nine Gusties will be added to the Gustavus Athletics Hall of Fame.

ReMine were later named USTFCCCA

District honors.

Women’s Outdoor Track & Field

They are: Brian Bergstrom ’02 (Football), Ryan Britz ’00 (Football), Sarah Garrison Moe ’02 (Hockey), Alicia Golembeski ’02 (Golf), Chad Gustafson ’01 (Golf), Brad Mazer ’02 (Baseball), Brenda Magoba ’97 (Track & Field), Rauha Rahkola ’97 (Cross Country/Track & Field), and Jerry Connolly (Gymnastics coach). Congratulate them at the Great Gustie Gathering on Saturday, Sept. 23, where

underclassmen, the Gusties took 11th

they will be honored during the Homecoming football game against Hamline at 1 p.m.

place at the MIAC Championships.

See page 28 for more.

Katie Keeling (Fy., Burnsville) earned All-Conference honors after finishing runner-up in the hammer throw. Marisa Morgan (Jr., Rockford, IL) had a strong showing at the conference meet, taking fourth in the javelin. Morgan finished fifth in the region in the javelin, earing USTFCCCA AllRegion accolades.

Sat., Sept. 2: Cross Country hosts Alumni Meet at 10 a.m.

FALL OPENERS

GUSTAVUS QUARTERLY | FALL 2017

With a large contingent of

ATHLETE OF THE YEAR

record, breaking one that stood for 27

Sat., Sept. 2: Football vs. Westminster College at 1 p.m. Sat., Sept. 9: Men’s Soccer vs. Luther College at 2 p.m. Sat., Sept. 16: Women’s Soccer vs. Concordia-Moorhead at 3:30 p.m. Wed., Sept. 20: Volleyball vs. Carleton College at 7 p.m.

Heritage

HERE’S A LITTLE TUNE YOU SHOULD KNOW BY HEART: The Gustavus band (now the Gustavus Wind Orchestra) is the oldest touring collegiate band in the United States west of the Mississippi River. The College’s first band formed in 1878, just two years after Old Main opened for classes. It toured three years later, with a train and wagon trip to East Union, Minnesota, about 40 miles north of Saint Peter. East Union was the College’s previous home, of the Civil War. Frequent Gustavus musical tours followed. In 1887, a male chorus toured to raise funds for a pipe organ. By the 1890s, vocal and instrumental ensembles regularly represented the College at Minnesota’s churches. In 1941, the band toured with the legendary Percy Aldridge Grainger. He loved Gustavus so much he returned to campus three more times during the 1940s. And in 1990, the GWO was the first American ensemble to perform in East Berlin after the fall of the Berlin Wall. This winter’s tour to Sweden and Norway commemorates the 140th Anniversary of the Gustavus Wind Orchestra. It’s not East Union (though the East Union Church and post office can still be found in Carver County), but this tour is, on several levels, a return home and a celebration of a long tradition of sharing our musical excellence. Come along, January 24–February 8. See page 38 for more information, and visit gustavus.edu/president/tours.

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where it temporarily held classes in a small Swedish immigrant church made of logs, on five acres given by Scandinavian soldiers

GUSTAVUS HAS BEEN BLESSED WITH AN UNPRECENDENTED $40 MILLION GIFT FROM AN ANONYMOUS GUSTIE COUPLE. It is the largest gift in the history of the College, and one of the largest ever among Minnesota’s colleges. “This gift is transformational in both its magnitude and its targeted impact,” says Vice President for Advancement Tom Young ’88. “It will position Gustavus among the elite liberal arts colleges in the nation for years to come.” AND GIVING BEGETS GIVING. “We are seeing a wave of giving that continues to build as alumni and parents commit to the College’s vision and direction,” says President Bergman. “Our future is bright because members of our community believe in Gustavus.” OTHER WAYS TO GIVE INCLUDE The Gustavus Fund Each dollar allows the College increased flexibility in providing the highest quality education. The Fund supports scholarships and financial aid; instruction, academic support, and research; institutional support; student services; and public service. It keeps the lights on—and gifts of all sizes matter. Heritage Scholarships With a four-year commitment of $3,000 or greater, this new scholarship helps fund a specific high-achieving, high-need student. The scholarship can honor a GUSTAVUS QUARTERLY | FALL 2017

special individual or individuals. Bruce ’77

and Susan ’78 Edwards currently provide a $3,000 match toward new scholarships. To learn about the College’s vision visit gustavus.edu/gustavusacts. To help fund the vision visit gustavus.edu/giving.

Scholarships Immediately funds scholarships for our most talented incoming students. The vision and intent is to enroll and support greater numbers of highachieving students, which will raise the bar for academic excellence, increase Gustavus’s national reputation, and help the College achieve financial sustainability.

Capital Improvements Supports the renovation and expansion of the Nobel Hall of Science, which will provide Gustavus with one of the top lab and classroom facilities among private liberal arts colleges. The project will double the size of the building and emphasize collaborative learning and innovation in science, technology, engineering,

Endowment Boosts the operating funds significantly. Says Vice President for Advancement Tom Young ’88, “Scholarships and top-of-the-line buildings attract students, but the growth of the endowment means Gustavus will continue to operate at a high level into the future.”

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arts, and math (STEAM).

G USTIES

THE GREAT GUSTIE GATHERING COME HOME TO GUSTAVUS HOMECOMING ON SEPTEMBER 23. The Great Gustie Gathering is a time to celebrate everything good about Gustavus—with your family, fellow alumni, current students, and the greater Gustavus community. For a place committed to excellence in academics, arts, and athletics, Homecoming at Gustavus extends far beyond a football game. And on the heels of a new Reunion Weekend structure, which began in June, Homecoming is also getting an upgrade. Expect a day full of family-friendly fun, complete with a petting zoo, inflatables, music, yard games, a beer garden featuring Gustiebrewed libations, an All-Gustie lunch, time for worship, an alumni dance performance, and even a place to purchase goods from Gustieowned businesses. Of course, expect some classic athletics matchups, too: football vs. Hamline, soccer vs. St. Thomas, and volleyball vs. NorthwesternSt. Paul. In addition, many departments and programs will host gatherings on campus to welcome Gusties with a variety of affinities so that you can reconnect with faculty, staff, students, and alumni to celebrate shared experiences and learn about new initiatives while on the Hill. The departments of education, communication studies, dance, and nursing—as well as the Center for International and Cultural Education, the Diversity Center, and Gustavus Young Alumni—will all host Homecoming gatherings this year. And Gustavus athletics will welcome its new class of Hall of Fame inductees. They’ll be celebrated at halftime of the football game and officially presented to the Gustavus community during an evening banquet. All in all, the Great Gustie Gathering promises to be a day for Gusties of all ages and life stages with something for everyone. We can’t wait to see you back on the Hill.

Alumni Association

REGISTRATION includes an all-inclusive pass for breakfast and lunch, access to affinity-based events and activities for all ages throughout the day, and a Gustie gift. Children under the age of 18 eat and celebrate with us for free. Register at gustavus.edu/alumni/gather/homecoming.

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, Saint Peter, MN 56082-1498 alumni@gustavus.edu | 800-487-8437 | gustavus.edu/alumni

2017 ALUMNI BOARD MEMBERS Gordon Mansergh ’84 (president), senior behavioral scientist, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Kara Buckner ’97 (vice president), marketing consultant J.C. Anderson ’82, partner/attorney, Gray Plant Mooty Rick Barbari ’91, head of enterprise data management, US Bank Lydia Benge-Briggs ’13, business analyst, Boom Lab Mary Booker ’91, assistant vice provost– student financial services, University of San Francisco Bob Brown ’83, staff neurologist/professor, Mayo Clinic Michael Bussey ’69, senior consultant, Donor by Design Group, LLC Sara Schnell Elenkiwich ’10, operations, Sparboe Farms Theresa Gienapp ’97, director of planned giving, Macalaster College Antonio Gomez ’14, senior analyst, UnitedHealth Group

SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES

Cathy Villars Harms ’85, vice president of marketing, Tecmark LLC

Is your business Gustie-owned or founded? Do you employ Gustavus alumni? Do you have a relationship with the College? The Office of Alumni and Parent Engagement offers several opportunities for sponsorship of the Great Gustie Gathering. With a sponsorship you will • get your business in front of more than 4,500 expected attendees • have your company logo featured in printed and targeted digital promotions • engage with fellow Gusties and community members (the Gustavus Alumni Association has more than 27,000 members) • get back to campus for a full day of events designed for your entire family

Stephanie Kendall ’76, executive consultant, Smarter Workforce, IBM Corporation

NEW THIS YEAR: The Gustie Faire—a hub for businesses to sell and display their goods and services. Specifically for Gustie-owned businesses, the Faire includes options for crafters, professionals, direct sales, and commercial businesses. It will be open from 11 a.m.–4 p.m.

Peter Kitundu ’92, general counsel, Blue Cross Blue Shield Todd Krough ’85, vice president/financial advisor, Bernstein Private Wealth Management Damon Larson ’84, librarian/research coach, Chaparral High School Bill Laumann ’66, retired school teacher/ librarian, Albert Lea ISD 241 Jane Norman Leitzman ’69, teacher, retired Ginny Kirkegaard Leppart ’76, teacher, retired Dan Michel ’90, digital content manager, Feeding America Jason Mischel ’96, vice president of sales and marketing, Valley Queen Cheese Kay Rethwill Moline ’56, (emeritus member), retired Gustavus nursing faculty Esther Mulder ’08, public defender, Hennepin County Leslie Nielsen ’81, owner/manager, Meloy Park Florist Karl Self ’81, clinical associate professor/ director of division of dental therapy, University of Minnesota school of Dentistry Daniel Sellers ’06, executive director, EdAllies Vidya Sivan ’02, print and online communications specialist, Harvard Kennedy School Catherine Asta ’75 (immediate past president)

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Sponsorships and business opportunities range from $100 to $5,000 and above. Visit the link on the previous page, or call 507-933-7511.

Brenda Kardock ’90, account specialist, FOX 47 KXLT-TV

GUSTIES

MY GUSTAVUS Sarah (Hammar) Herzer ’99 Music major “WITHOUT GUSTAVUS, I MIGHT NOT HAVE GONE INTO THIS WORK.”

I came here from northern Minnesota having played organ but not sure which direction I was going to go with it. Gustavus was the first place I seriously thought about church music and organ playing—where I experienced firsthand what I wanted to do later. The faculty, Chaplain Richard Elvee, they all played a strong role in that decision-making process. And, of course, those great memories and moments, like Christmas in Christ Chapel, and joining Chapel Choir sophomore year. That year was a big step for me—experiencing church music ministry on a choral level. I spent my junior year abroad, in Hanau, Germany, at the music school for church musicians. When I was there, I met my future husband. The big thing that I graduated with was yes, I wanted to be a church musician, an organist. And a few years later, after finishing up Gustavus and doing my graduate study, I went back to Germany and married my husband and we began work together at Castle Church, where Martin Luther nailed the Ninety-five Theses.

I had the typical picture of Castle Church—Luther nailing the Theses to the door to start the Reformation. I had visited as a tourist. But there is a difference between being a tourist with a perception of the importance of a place, and actually living and working there. A place like the Castle Church is filled with people living and working—a normal church with its congregation. Still, with the 500th anniversary of the Reformation, it is hard to describe the significance. When I started in Wittenberg, people were already talking about 2017, and that was in 2003! For me, I see it as a chance to rethink the Reformation. That’s what my husband and I have been thinking with our music programming. This year, Castle Church should not just be a place where tourists come to visit and remember, but a place to ask, what was this actually about? What does the Reformation mean for us today? Christ Chapel. I love this Chapel. The organ, the light shining in here. Between classes or at night, I would come in here and just pray and be quiet in this center for faith that is right at the center of campus. The Chapel life, the campus community, the whole atmosphere—it was definitely worth it to go to college here. I got to campus this morning and the memories flooded back. I walked into Christ Chapel and it smelled the same.

Living Luther’s Legacy Herzer and her husband share the position of Cantor at the GUSTAVUS QUARTERLY | FALL 2017

Castle Church in Wittenberg, Germany, and are on the faculty of

the Evangelical (Protestant) Preaching Seminary in Wittenberg. Herzer is also the organist. She was on campus in April to give a presentation on the Reformation events in Wittenberg. (For Gustavus Reformation events, see pages 10 and 11.)

Yvonne Kuske Tandberg, Wyoming, is the retired director of Polk County Public Health and volunteers at Fairview Lakes Medical Center.

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Tom Anderson, Las Vegas, celebrated the 50th anniversary of his ordination from Lutheran School of Theology, Rock Island in June. He is currently serving his 10th pastoral interim period since retiring.

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Susan Muehlemeyer Scherer lives in New Lenox, IL. Her husband, Ray, is a pastor of Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Joliet, IL.

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Steve Emerson, Fergus Falls, is the president of SLD Corporation. Marcia Nelson Daehler, West Lafayette, IN, enjoys gardening, reading, and being physically active in retirement and still has a small, part-time private practice in counseling in mental health. Kay Hendrickson Dubbelde is retired from the Pipestone School District where she taught for 32 years. She and her husband, John, have eight grandchildren (four boys, four girls). The oldest is 17. The youngest was born this January. Eric Stenman, Hanover, PA, and wife, Joanne, traveled to Sweden in April to visit classmates Harald Heijbel and John Ericson and relatives in Viby, Narke. Gary Wollschlager and wife, Diane (Delay ’69), are the proud parents of three Gustavus graduates. Heather ’96, Heidi ’99, and Michael ’06.

Lennart Johnson, Turtle Lake, WI, is retired and enjoys playing lots of golf and volunteering at Amery Hospital.

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Becky Bingea, San Rafael, CA, is retired from audiology clinical practice but continues to remain active as a board member of the California Academy of Audiology, Chair of the Ethical Practices Committee for the American Academy of Audiology, and subject matter expert for the California SpeechLanguage-Pathology & Audiology & Hearing Aid Dispensers Board.

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Dave Brueshoff, Apple Valley, is selfemployed. Rhonda Wojahn Swanson, Brentwood, TN, is the assistant organist at First Presbyterian Church in Nashville. In January she helped host the Gustavus Choir on their tour. Si Matthies, Moran, WY, is retired and splitting time between Jackson Hole and the North Loop in Minneapolis. He is a wilderness first responder and enjoys backcountry skiing, skate skiing, hiking, and climbing, and spends lots of time traveling internationally. Nancy Erickson, Appleton, WI, is a volunteer at Cherry Meadows Hospice in Appleton. LeAnn Hudoba Meservy, Eden Prairie, is a six-year post-stemcell transplant patient/survivor and the grandmother of two. John Dinsmore, Fergus Falls, is the county administrator and community services director for Otter Tail County.

FIRST DECADE AWARD CAPTAIN BENJAMIN LEVY ’07, MEDICAL CORPS, FLIGHT SURGEON, UNITED STATES AIR FORCE He majored in psychology at Gustavus, then went on to USAF officer training (completed in 2009), osteopathic medical school at the University of New England, and surgical internship at the University of California–Davis. He is currently the deputy of aerospace medicine for the 436th Aerospace Medicine Squadron, and was their 2016 Flight Surgeon of the Year. In his current position, he serves as medical consultant and subject matter expert in areas relating to aerospace, occupational, and preventative medicine, as well as the senior profile officer and lead competent medical authority for nuclear weapon personnel clearance. He lives in Delaware.

FIRST DECADE AWARD KRISTA CRUSE MEIERBACHTOL ’07, STAFF SCIENTIST, LOS ALAMOS NATIONAL LABORATORY. A chemistry major with a physics minor, she was a chemistry intern at the Prairie Island Nuclear Generating Plant in Welch, MN. She then went on to earn a PhD in nuclear chemistry from Michigan State University. She began at Los Alamos as a postdoctoral research associate, rising to scientist in three years. She studies nuclear reactions and particle detector development. Her research interests include the development, construction, characterization, and application of nuclear detectors. She lives in Los Alamos. Both will be honored at the Alumni Awards Banquet Friday, Sept. 22, before Homecoming. For more information, visit gustavus.edu/alumni.

Rad Royer, Aitkin, is retired and loves to volunteer, fish, hunt, and hang out on the lake with family and friends.

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Paula Manning Fagre, Sioux Falls, SD, is an artist known as “The Chair Lady.” She has painted more than 500 chairs, but creates art of all kinds. A recent painting of hers was purchased by Sanford Hospital in Sioux Falls.

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David Gunderson, Richfield, is retired from Liberty Mutual.

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Mona Anderson Gerike, Chaska, is senior director, human resources for Prime Therapeutics. Anne Juhl Legeros, Edina, recently retired from Edina Public Schools.

Mark Tipps, Nashville, TN, retired from law practice after 30 years and is now teaching American government and economics as well as coaching football and baseball at Montgomery Bell Academy.

Brent Larson ’78 was named presidentelect of the American Association of Orthodontists. Larson is professor and director of the Division of Orthodontics at the University of Minnesota School of Dentistry.

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GUSTIES

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John Murakami, Eden Prairie, is a regional sales manager for ExtraHop Networks, Inc. in Minneapolis.

mathematics and associate vice president for institutional research at the University of Sioux Falls in May.

Jon Hyers, St. Paul, saw his Virtual Santa and other Christmas FX scenes showcased on ABC TV between 2012–2016. Several of his FX products are now sold at major retailers.

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Julie Weisenhorn, Mounds, is an associate extension professor for the University of Minnesota and a regular on the Smart Garden radio show on WCCO.

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Jodi Wilker, Kirtland, OH, received her doctorate in education from Walden University in March.

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Bruce Johnson, Brookings, SD, is an area representative at Fellowship of Christian Athletes.

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Jason Douma, Sioux Falls, SD, was promoted to professor of

Sybil Keesbury, Macon, GA, is associate professor of education in the Tift College of Education at Mercer University and recipient of the their 2016-17 Excellence in FirstYear Student Advising Award. Chris Choukalas, San Francisco, CA, is an anesthesiologist and intensive care physician as well as associate professor at the University of California, San Francisco. Amanda Marine Johnston, Powell, WY, is a sixth grade social studies teacher for the Park County School District. Kevin Myers, Chaska, is the senior manager/executive producer for Best Buy at their corporate offices, located in Richfield. Kristi Petersen Paulsen, Eagan, is a senior analyst in Health Informatics at HealthPartners.

ERRATA In our Summer 2017 issue, we misspelled the name of professor Ron Christenson and his wife, Kathryn Christenson.

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The lectureship in their names is the Ronald

S. and Kathryn K. Christenson Lectureship in Politics and Law. Also in that issue, we mistakenly switched the identifications of Seifu Selassie and Germame Wandafrosh in photos. We apologize for these errors, and we thank the Gusties who alerted us to them.

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Andrew Edstrom, Bakersfield, CA, is a water resources senior analyst for Wonderful Orchards. Guy Mattson, St. Paul, started Heartland Injury Law two years ago. Melinda Moore, Honolulu, HI, is head of the theatre department for Punahou School in Honolulu. Liz Grinsteinner Grzechowiak, Minneapolis, was named Property Manager of the Year by Airport Revenue News. She heads a team of airport professionals at MSP Airport. Nearly 50 new restaurants and shops have opened there in recent months.

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Candice Luitjens King, Andover, is the staffing program coordinator for the Anoka-Hennepin School District. Jon Jennings, Kirkwood, MO, was hired as chief actuary and vice president of underwriting at Delta Dental in St. Louis, Missouri. Kristina Campbell Mattson, St. Paul, is a stay at home mom to three children under age eight. Michelle Kurtz Herickhoff, Belgrade, is an eighth grade English teacher with the New London-Spicer School District. Cindy Sonntag Dahl, St. Paul, is a physical therapist at Bethesda Hospital and works on call at Shriners Hospital for Children, Twin Cities. Sarah Hovland Spanier, Delano, teaches first grade in the St. Michael-Albertville School District.

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Corrie Plant, Newport Beach, CA, is partner in environmental law firm Bick Law in Newport Beach.

Otis Zanders ’77, St. Paul, is CEO at Ujamaa Place, an African American culturally specific organization focused on young men who may suffer multiple barriers to becoming stable. Ujamaa Place engages these young men to foster their development within the Ujamaa Place community and assists them in becoming stronger, more responsible, employed, prosperous men and fathers who provide and contribute positively to their families and community. The family of

Richard Insley ’07 and Aaron

Insley ’08 have broken ground on Granite House, a family-focused, long-term care residence in Stillwater for young adults with traumatic brain injuries. Richard died in a car accident in 2007, and Aaron suffered a severe brain injury. Granite House is the realization of their family's dream to create a home for those like Aaron.

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Melissa Brasel, Lenexa, KS, is a client relations consultant at DST Systems. Julie Miller Goodmundson, Wayzata, is an athletic trainer for NovaCare Rehabilitation. Laura Pieper, Glencoe, was promoted from customer care administrator to marketing administrator at All American Hearing in Eden Prairie.

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Nicholas David, Mound, is the 2016 Twin Cities Red Subdistrict Football Coach of the Year. Heidi Kador Kendig, Arlington, MA, is a senior financial officer at Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) in Cambridge. She recently completed a master’s degree in higher education administration from Boston University.

Emily Roediger works as a naturalist for Indian Creek Nature Center.

WEDDINGS

Northern Institute of Applied Climate Science. They are working on adapting natural resources to climate change. Their group won the first annual Climate Adaptation Leadership Award for Natural Resources in 2016.

Collin Meierbachtol, Los Alamos, NM, is a staff scientist with the Intelligence and Space Research division at Los Alamos National Laboratory. Michelle Clark Peterson, Oakland, CA, graduated from AT&T’s Leadership Development Program. Maren Webb, Grand Marais, is SHIP coordinator and Moving Matters coordinator for Sawtooth Mountain Clinic.

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Justin T. Barlow, St. Paul, is an associate sourcing project specialist at Xcel Energy in Minneapolis.

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Clement Auyeung, Washington DC, completed his masters in human-centered design and engineering from the University of Washington and is a UX content strategist at Capital One.

Annie Berger Barlow, St. Paul, is a physician assistant with the inpatient hematology/ oncology team at University of Minnesota Physicians. Laura Danielson, St. Louis Park, is a human rights enforcement officer at Minnesota Department of Human Rights.

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Anthony Cesnik, Madison, WI, is a PhD candidate in analytical chemistry at the University of Wisconsin, Madison. Steve Dow, Edina, is an enterprise account representative at Code42 in Minneapolis. Jessica L. Johnston, Rochester, joined the botany crew with the Helena-LC National Forest Service. The crew surveys for rare plant species and collects native seed.

BIRTHS Elsie to Andy Granberg ’95 and Cheri Smith Granberg, 04/21/17 Kjerstin to Nikki Plocher Peacock ’95 and Greg Peacock, 02/08/16 Sage to Eric C. Slagle ’98 and Tess Slagle, 04/06/17 Myra to Piyush Sonpal ’00 and Hetal Sonpal, 5/12/16 Emerson to Hal DeLaRosby ’01 and Anna DeLaRosby, 01/28/17 Leo to Brita Hansen Burke ’02 and Benjamin Burke, 03/02/17 Michael to Perry Howes Slack ’02 and Darren Slack, 03/04/15 Clementine to Jenny Schmitz Barnes ’03 and Robert Barnes, 05/30/16

Hayden to Amanda Mubarak Brastad ’03 and Grant Brastad, 08/24/16 Leif to Hans Sviggum ’03 and Rachel Schwingler Sviggum ’04, 01/23/17 Henry to Elizabeth Johnsrud Devins ’04 and John Devins, 12/19/16 Henry to Angela Janda ’04 and Ryan Dudley, 11/05/16 John to Katie Swenson Mark ’04 and Robert Mark ’03, 04/25/17 Abigail to Amber Juffer DeSmet ’05 and Luke DeSmet, 09/30/16 Freya Christine and Felix Roger, to Loren Hansen ’05 and Laura MacPherson Hansen ’06, 9/30/16 Zoey to Justin DeGrood ’07 and Aryn Bell DeGrood ’09, 02/22/17

DISTINGUISHED ALUMNI CITATION IAN GRANT ’91, PRODUCER, THE RELIC HUNTER (EMMY AWARD WINNER) His television show The Relic Hunter was awarded a Daytime Emmy Award for Outstanding Achievement. The show features Grant as he travels the world for artifacts. Grant earned degrees in history and art history at Gustavus, studied at the National Gallery and the British Museum in London, and curated shows at the Minneapolis Institute of Arts.

DISTINGUISHED ALUMNI CITATION GEORGE HICKS ’75, MANAGING PARTNER, VÄRDE PARTNERS Founder and architect of the firm's investment philosophy, he guided the company's growth from startup to global enterprise. He oversees global investment strategy and management, and serves as co-chair of its investment committee as well as partner. He graduated from Gustavus with degrees in economics and history, and received his JD from University of Minnesota Law School. He is a former chairman of the Board of Trustees. Both will be honored at the Alumni Awards Banquet Friday, Sept. 22, before Homecoming. For more information, visit gustavus.edu/alumni.

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Leslie Brandt ’02, St. Paul, and Stephen Handler ’04, Houghton, MI, are with the

Eric C. Slagle ’98 and Tess L'Heureux, 08/15/15, Minneapolis Rena Hartman ’02 and Brandon Rothauge, 10/17/15, West St. Paul Laura Rahm ’08 and Sam Tait, 06/25/16, Minneapolis Ethan J. Armstrong ’09 and Anna Conroy, 11/12/16, Chicago, IL Britta L. Nelson ’09 and Allen Born, 12/17/16, Littleton, CO Sam Grace ’11 and Megan Myhre ’11, 12/31/16, Minneapolis Jake Klem ’12 and Katarina Fruits, 08/08/15, Mahtomedi Betsy Scherer ’12 and Daniel Heck, 12/30/16, Chicago, IL

Krystal Bundy ’13 and William Chapman, 07/31/16, Watertown

GUSTIES

DISTINGUISHED ALUMNI CITATION DR. PATRICIA PELLIKKA ’79, CHAIR, CARDIOVASCULAR ULTRASOUND, MAYO CLINIC A chemistry and biology major at Gustavus, Pellikka now studies echocardiography and stress testing to detect cardiovascular disease and improve patient outcomes. Her research has been funded by the National Institutes of Health, American Heart Association, American Society of Echocardiography, and Mayo Clinic.

DISTINGUISHED ALUMNI CITATION, 25 YEARS DR. ERIC ESPELAND ’92, CHIEF, VACCINE COUNTERMEASURES, DEPT. OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES This scientist, public servant, and former Gustavus biology major leads a team on vaccine development for such threats as anthrax, smallpox, and Ebola. He works toward the strategic, collaborative, and interagency advancement of promising vaccine candidates for FDA approval.

DISTINGUISHED ALUMNI CITATION, 50 YEARS WARREN BECK ’67, DEVELOPER/PRESIDENT, GABBERT & BECK, INC. Much of Beck’s career has been devoted to the development and operation of Minneapolis-St. Paul shopping centers and hotels. But he has also been active in non-profit work, including nearly 20 years on the board of VocalEssence (in which he sang for many years), and more than 25 years as a trustee at Gustavus.

HONORARY GUSTIES Dr. Doug Nimmo, (retired) conductor of the Gustavus Wind Orchestra Under his leadership the Gustavus Wind Orchestra toured throughout the United States, Sweden, Denmark, Norway, Germany, Austria, the Czech and Slovak Republics, Poland and Hungary.

Judy Douglas, (retired) director of Peer Assistants and Drug and Alcohol Education She started the peer assistants program at Gustavus in 1980 and was nationally recognized by BACCHUS (Boosting Alcohol Consciousness Concerning the Health of University Students).

Larry and Thalia Taylor, benefactors and supporters of Gustavus international programs The couple have personally and financially GUSTAVUS QUARTERLY | FALL 2017

supported many of the College's international and immigrant students.

Dr. Steven O. Anderson ’87, Association of Congregations Service Award A longtime volunteer for the blind and poor in

the neediest areas of the world, he founded Global Eye Mission, which facilitates the development of eye-care programs in under-served regions. All will be honored at the Alumni Awards Banquet Friday, Sept. 22, before Homecoming. For more information, visit gustavus.edu/alumni.

Austin to Heather Rossow Dickey ’07 and Steven Dickey, 02/23/17 Graham to Krista Peterson Evans ’07 and Alex Evans, 11/14/16 Caden to Pam Bechtle Jacobson ’07 and Allen Jacobson, 04/20/17 Kyle to Sonya Hysing Pickett ’07 and David Pickett, 04/22/17 Zachariah to Andrea Astrup Becker ’08 and Jeremiah Becker ’07, 02/17/17 Eleanor to Kelly Williamson Janisch ’10 and Robert Janisch, 01/17/17 Theo to Alex Brakke Sedlmayr ’10 and Jeff Sedlmayr, 11/29/16 Elise to Kiera Braun Bridley ’11 and Tyler Bridley ’14, 04/21/17 Benjamin to Blake J. Wilking ’12 and Alyssa McGinty Wilking ’12, 01/24/17

IN MEMORIAM Newton A. Johnson ’40, Fairmont, on 3/15/17. A former member of the FBI and a city attorney, he is survived by his wife, Jane, three children including Bruce ’69 and Jane Wandke ’71 and a brother, Howard ’43. Thomas Rusch ’46, Eden Prairie, on 9/1/15. He is survived by his wife, Joan, and three children. Geneva Nygren Anderson ’48, Colorado Springs, CO, on 3/8/17. She worked as a church professional and special needs educator and she is survived by three daughters.

Marie Norberg Bergstrom ’50, Minneapolis, 4/9/17. A wife, mother, and volunteer, she is survived by her six children. James A. Swenson ’50, Minneapolis, on 2/27/17. He was a dentist in Richfield and is survived by his wife, Carol (Retzlaff ’53) and three sons. Dean W. Berg ’51, Auburn, WA, on 4/25/17. A Lutheran pastor and mission developer for the Lutheran Churches of America, he is survived by his four children including Deanne Jurkovich ’77, and three siblings including Donald ’51, Carol White ’60, and David ’68. Ray Gullickson ’51, St. Paul, on 12/24/16. A former social worker and insurance agent, he also helped develop sales people for various corporations. He is survived by his wife, Carol (Erickson ’53) and three children. Darwin Pehrson ’52, Austin, TX, on 3/27/17. A Korean War veteran, he had a long career with 3M as a sales and marketing director. He is survived by his wife Joan, and two children. Marilyn Wang Engwall ’54, Rochester, on 3/10/17. A wife, mother, and volunteer, she is survived by her husband, Clarence ’55, and three children. G. Howard Ruggles ’54, Forest Lake, on 4/9/17. He was a businessman, owning Bob Johnson’s Sporting Goods and Hardware Hank. He is survived by his wife, Ann (Borneman ’57), and four children including Peter ’78, and Patricia Alberg ’89.

stint as a professional football player for the Denver Broncos, he had a long career as a P.E. teacher and football coach. He is survived by his four children. Robert L. Sandberg ’59, Bountiful, UT, on 10/2/17. An Army veteran and former attorney regulations negotiator and trial monitor for Reliance Insurance Companies, he is survived by one son. Betty J. Estesen ’61, Tucson, AZ on 2/27/17. She was an employee of the University of Arizona bookstore and is survived by two sisters: Kay Mowbray ’62 and Helen Francomb ’70. Michael R. Manuel ’62, Omaha, NE, on 6/9/16. An Army veteran, he was a long-time employee of Mutual of Omaha, he is survived by his wife, Susan (Quest ’65), and a son. John H. Musser ’62, Los Gatos, CA, on 3/23/13. He is survived by his wife, Carol. Neala “Kay” Johnson Shager ’65, Hudson, WI, on 3/18/17. She taught math for 48 years and is survived by her husband, Richard ’65, and two children. Owen Wahlstrand ’67, Eau Claire, WI, on 3/29/17. A Korean War veteran, he worked for Cummins Filtration and is survived by his wife, Toni (Holmberg ’67), and two children including Disa ’92. Joel Bexell ’68, St.Paul, on 3/1/17. A retired senior pastor for St. Luke Lutheran Church in Cottage Grove, he is survived by his wife, Donna (Davies ’67), and four daughters including: Wendy Sweeney ’93, Julie Sieben ’01, and Barbara Erickson ’06, and a brother, Luther ’66.

Susan Musgjerd Cooke ’69, Minnetonka, on 4/18/17. A former elementary and learning disabilities teacher, she is survived by her two sons. Trude Petersen Williams ’70, Arcadia, CA, on 4/10/17. An Army veteran and registered nurse, she worked as an administrator and chief officer of various hospitals in Los Angeles County. She is survived by her husband, Bill, and three children. Mary Englar ’76, Hopkins, on 3/3/17. A former professor at Mankato State, she also wrote and published children’s books. She is survived by six siblings. Ann Thorsen Takett ’80, Plymouth, on 2/25/17. A former registered nurse at Park Nicollet Medical Center, she is survived by two children. Amber Wells Rgnonti ’86, Apple Valley, on 6/24/16. She was a teacher for the Hastings School District, and is survived by her parents, a daughter; and two brothers including Bart ’83. Kate Skrypek Louwagie ’02, Bloomington, on 6/14/15. She was a graduate student at Northwestern University, Health Sciences and is survived by her husband, Jamie, and her parents. Evan-Alain Hershman ’12, Oakland, NJ, on 1/18/16. A passionate hockey player, he is survived by his parents and a sister. Karrin Becker ’17, St. Paul, on 4/9/17. A senior at Gustavus with a majors in sociology/ anthropology and Spanish, she is survived by her parents and three siblings.

REMEMBERING COLLEEN KEEN Austin, TX, on 12/20/16. Raised in Zambia, she survived typhoid fever and diphtheria. She received a BS from the University of Natal in South Africa and a master’s degree from the University of Wisconsin, Milwaukee. A lifelong educator, she was a faculty member in the geography department from 1990–2003. She is survived by her husband, Cecil, and two children including Roger ’98.

REMEMBERING WILLARD MISFELDT Bowling Green, OH, on 4/18/17. He was a graduate of Aitkin High School and an Army veteran. He received a bachelor’s degree from the University of Minnesota, Duluth, an MFA from the University of Minnesota, Twin Cities, and a PhD from Washington University. A faculty member in the art and art history department from 1957–1967, he then taught at Bowling Green State University until 2001. He is survived by nephews and nieces.

REMEMBERING FRANK SIMER Minneapolis, on 3/30/17. A lecturer in the economics management department from 2004–2008 and CEO of ANA Research, he was also on the board of directors of Wishes & More, which grants wishes to terminally or seriously ill children. He received four kidney transplants in his life (two of which were kidney/liver). He asked that readers of his obituary register to be organ donors.

REMEMBERING CHERYL HASTINGS North Mankato, on 2/11/17. She was the administrative assistant in the Diversity Center from 1998–2008 and head resident for the Carlson International Center from 2001–2007. Known for her commitment to students— particularly students of color—she was “Mama Cheryl” on campus. She is survived by her daughter, Maya.

GUSTAVUS QUARTERLY | FALL 2017

Mary Bjorklund Anderson ’55, Princeton, on 3/9/17. She was a long-time church secretary for Trinity Lutheran Church, Princeton. She is survived by her husband, Gary ’55, and three children, including Linda Hatch ’76, and a brother Kenneth ’51. Willard P. Lorette ’57, St. Cloud, MN, on 2/26/17. A former district judge for Stearns County, he is survived by his wife, Debra, and two daughters. Marlys Chelgren Hebaus ’58, Oakdale, on 3/16/17. A retired nurse at 3M, she is survived by three children including Denise McAtee ’80. Lowell Webster ’58, Prior Lake, on 4/26/17. A retired real estate broker for Calhoun Companies, he is survived by his wife, Joanne, and three children including Joel ’84. Marian Fickes Borg ’59, Olalla, WA, on 4/29/17. She worked as a paraprofessional in remedial reading for the Yakima School District and is survived by her husband, Paul ’58, two children, and a sister, Meg Nordlie ’60. Ardeth Doherty ’59, New Brighton, on 4/4/17. A former home economics teacher at Columbia Heights Public School, she is survived by her sister, Muriel Haegele ’59. Joanne Swenson Iverson ’59, Saint Louis, MO, 4/17/17. A former executive assistant at Monsanto and Solutia Corporations, she is survived by two daughters and a sister, Marilyn Richter ’65. Radford Reither ’59, Neillsville, WI, on 4/24/17. After serving in the Army and a short

GUSTIES

“IT FEELS LIKE JUST YESTERDAY.” DORM DAYS WERE RELIVED WITH DORM STAYS AS JUNE’S GUSTIE

REUNION WEEKEND BROUGHT OLD FRIENDS—AND GUSTIES OF MANY

#gustiereunion

GUSTAVUS QUARTERLY | SUMMER 2017

GENERATIONS—BACK TO CAMPUS.

ANNIVERSARY CLASSES

YEARS

Names are listed alphabetically and do not correspond with order in photos. Some Gusties may not have been present for class photos. 60 YEARS | 1957 Jon Berglund, Dennis Carlson, Verlin Carlson, Vada Peterson Carlson, Dorothy Lofstrom Colberg, Roger Dahlin, Marcia Halgren Dale, Charles “Cubby” DeCorsey, Sharon Johnson Eddy, Bob Erdman, Judy Lund Erdman, Gale Falk, Lois Wicktor Falk, Marian Hennix Gabel, Bernadette Anderson Galvin, Barbara Carlson Glenzinski, Marlaine Barlau Gnan, Ted Granquist, Nancy Reiter Grimes, J. Gary Gustafson, Beth Carlson Helgoe, Marilyn Rhyne Herr, Ann Russell Johnson, Wallace Johnson, Gary Knoll, Joyce Kirkvold Knoll, Roger Krantz, Bob Larsen, Norita Anderson Lundgren, Lowell Madsen, Ardell Waxlax Markitans, Glenn Mauston, Lois Larson Mauston, Carole Swanson Minor, Marlys Matson Nelson, Barbara Ford Olson, Roger Olson, John “Bud” Peterson, Dale Propp, Constance Wold Rome, Ruth Swanberg Sanders, Gene Sandvig, Bev Bloomquist Todaro, Sandra Clark Vollan, Bob Wahman, Janet Renquist Wiewel, Jean Bernard Wimberly 50 YEARS | 1967 Dennis Aguiar, Warren Beck, Marcia Sylte Belisle, Beate Hein Bennett, Debra Dalton Bowers, Mary Gray Brinkman, Karla Watrud Buckner, David Buckner, Cheryl Klemenhagen Collins, Kari Hagen Conway, Jim Davis, Karma Hansen Dingman, Susan Erickson Dobbelstein, Ken Dragseth, Steven Emerson, Elsie Week Evenson, Penny Kuehn Fannemel, Mary Anderson Finney, John Folkerds, Jane Gooding Gregory, Bob Haddorff, Ginger Froyen

Haddorff, Kate Pearson Halverson, Keith Hammer, Marie Mikkelson Hanson, Todd Harris, Marilyn Turnquist Hoch, Louise Borgman Hokenson, Jim Holm, Benay Borene Jaeger, Duane Johnson, Emilie Wahlstrand Johnson, Miriam Sponberg Kagol, Eileen Emch Kivi, Nancy Pierson Laible, Barbara Nelson Larson, Gary Larson, Pegi Johnson Levey, Pamela Olson Lienke, Mark Lind, Robert Lind, Dawn Ekstrom Michael, Paul Nerothin, Linda Kenning Olson, Dennis Oltmans, Karen Gruber Pagel, Michael Parvey, Dwight Roach, Nancy Engen Rowley, Richard Sandve, Dan Seaberg, Susan Griebie Smith, David Spilseth, Mary Nelson Steele, Wayne Swanson, Jan Erickson, Therien, Tom Toftey, Jeanne Mingus Tolzmann, June Hagglund Weind, Janet Wenkstern, Chip Weseloh, Sandy Chandler Williamson, Gary Wollschlager, Paula DeLay Zakariasen 25 YEARS | 1992 Kari Swanson Anderson, Scott Anderson, Teri Bailey Anderson, Paul Carlson, Lisa Weyandt Comstock, Matt Cooke, Michael Finstad, Brock Guettler, John Harris, Tamara Heggestuen Hedeen, Jolie Hilgren Hockert, Cameron Johnson, Megan Jablonski Kaump, Sarah Evenrud Kerbeshian, Jack Kerbeshian, Peter Kitundu, Jay Klagge, Jennifer Tartaglia Klagge, Deedra McCune McAthie, Steve Melander, Jeff Owen, Grady St. Dennis, Shannon Sweeney, Scott Woitaszewski

10 YEARS | 2007 Jean Heise Anderson, Karl Anderson, Paul Andeson, Karin Hodkinson Apfelbacher, Chris Bacon, Spencer Barron, Rachel Tuil Berglund, Stephanie Berglund, Katherine Johns Bergman, Matt Bergman, Kelly Bottenberg, Hattie Carvalho, Barry Cattadoris, Mike Cicchese, Kate Johnson deGruyter, Tommy Elton, Brian Evans, Krista Peterson Evans, Tim Fontana, Gregg Fuerstenberg, Megan Tepper Gunderson, Kristen Heider, Mary Hennessy, Violeta Hernandez Espinosa, Christina Pakola Hobson, Laura Kojetin Ingalsbe, Rachel Elvebak Keuseman, Nichole Theisen Kraemer, Katharine Leaf, Matt Ledder, Liz Jaede Lindner, Maren Magsam, Ashley Riles Martin, Erica Duin McDougall, T.J. McMillan, Kelsey Cotton Milbert, Jessica Weggemann Moriarty, Sara Olmanson, Eric Olson, Sarah Creighton Olson, Michelle Clark Peterson, Alison Rethwisch Petrash, Neil Petrash, Shannon Quealy, Nicole Radotich, Erica Brown Ramer, Kelli Bertelsen Ritter, Nicole Wilker Shaw, Allison Helland Sill, Beth Stauffer Sowden, Phil Sowden, Crystal Smith Stien, Jay Stien, Nicole Gergen Villapiano, Josh Wahlstrom, Nicole Williams

YEARS

GUSTAVUS QUARTERLY | FALL 2017

YEARS

GUSTIES

TRAVEL AS A GUSTIE THREE TOURS, FIVE COUNTRIES, AND A RENEWED GLOBAL PERSPECTIVE.

COMPANION TOUR: NORWAY AND SWEDEN

to beautiful cities and ancient sites

January 24–February 8, 2018

Nafplion, Mycenae, Epidaurus,

Guided by Tom ’88 and Meredith

and the island of Santorini. And,

Young, the tour follows the Gustavus

of course, the Parthenon and the

Wind Orchestra as it celebrates

Acropolis. Cost: $5,295 including

its 140th Anniversary. You will visit

airfare from Minneapolis.

such as Athens, Delphi, Corinth,

the Swedish cities of Stockholm, Uppsala, Borlange, Falun, Väjxö,

HOLY LAND STUDY TOUR

and Målerås, and the Norwegian

October 12–25, 2018

cities of Göteburg, Oslo, Voss, and

Led by professor emeritus Darrell

Bergen. Along the way, you will

Jodock, Rev. Grady St. Dennis ’92,

encounter sites of historical, artistic,

and Dr. Monte Luker, this tour is 14

In its first year, the Alumni Referral Scholarship

and geographic significance—from

days of biblical study and adventure.

Program helped convince 93 high school

the Royal Palace of Stockholm

You will tour Bethlehem, the Garden

students to become Gusties in 2017. With your

to the Kosta Glass Factory to the

of Gethsemane, ancient and modern

personal endorsement, each of these new

home of composer Edward Grieg to

Jerusalem, Jericho, Galilea, Tiberias,

Gusties received a $4,000 scholarship.

Scandinavia’s dramatic fjords. And,

and Nazareth. You will climb Herod’s

of course, you will attend concerts

palace-fortress, see the Dead Sea

The opportunity is here again. Send us

of the Gustavus Wind Orchestra.

Scrolls exhibit, visit the Temple

exceptional future Gusties for the 2018 year,

Approximate cost: $5,000 including

Mount excavations, hike to Jericho,

and if they commit to Gustavus, they will

airfare from Minneapolis.

and bathe in the Dead Sea. The tour

receive the same scholarship.

REFER A FUTURE GUSTIE, GIVE A $4,000 SCHOLARSHIP

will also celebrate the Holy Eucharist

FAVORITE TREASURES OF ANCIENT GREECE TOUR

on the Mount of Beatitudes, and

Pass along the best and brightest young

explore Israeli-Palestinian relations.

people you know. Your endorsement means

April 17–28, 2018

Cost: $4,976 including airfare from

the world to us, and could mean the world to a

Led by professors emeriti William

Minneapolis.

future changemaker.

GUSTAVUS QUARTERLY | FALL 2017

and Patricia Freiert, this 12-day

study tour combines learning,

For more on any of these tours,

exploring, leisure, lecture, food, and

visit gustavus.edu/president/

Go ahead. We trust your judgment. You’re Gusties.

the arts—all led by experts in “the

tours or email Ann Volk at

Deadline to refer a high school student: Oct. 15

Cradle of Civilization.” You will travel

avolk@gustavus.edu.

Visit gustavus.edu/alumnireferral.

GUSTIES GATHER

2 4

1. Neil Pierce, left, and Ken Abram on the right, both 1963 graduates, got together this past winter in Punta Gorda, FL. They had not seen each other for 30 years. Great friends in college at Gustavus, they both played on the Gustie basketball team coached by Whitey Skoog. 2. Eppies, their Gustavus friends, and spouses gathered in Minneapolis for a reunion golf outing and a “19th hole” at Bunny’s. Pictured l to r: Jim Hatlestad ’74, Todd Dokken ’72, Keith Jarvi ’74, Jeff Pinkham ’74, John Sellevold, Greg Korstad ’74, Kevin Maehling ’74.

3 5

3. Hans ’65 and Sharon (Anderson ’66) Engman and Dave ’66 and Kathy (Van Sickle ’66) DeMets, and got together in the Phoenix, AZ, area for a wonderful afternoon hike in the blossoming desert, ending with a late afternoon lunch on Lake Pleasant. They reunited at their 50th Class Reunion last May. 4. In April, Gusties gathered at Hope Lodge in Rochester to provide entertainment and special treats for cancer victims and their families. Back l to r: Toby Hatelvig ’97, Janelle Roy Hatlevig ’00, Lizzie Petrie-Smith, Janey Helland ’11, Darin Napton ’92, Beth Robelia Napton ’93, Samantha Rother ’11. Front l to r: Eli and Vivian Hatelvig. Brenda Kardock ’90 arranged the service event.

5. Gusties gathered in Kuala Lumpur in May. Back Row (l to r): Professor Steve Mellema ’72, visiting Fulbright Scholar at Universiti Sains Malaysia; Shirley Mellema (Linnaeus Arboretum); Kelly Neubauer ’18, exchange student at Universiti Sains Malaysia; Nathan Spande ’97, consular officer, United States Embassy, Kuala Lumpur; Joey Wiley ’16, Fulbright English Teaching Assistant, Sekolah Menengah Kebangsaan Megat Dewa, Kodiang, Kedah; Eric Lindberg ’85, counselor for management affairs, United States Embassy, Kuala Lumpur; Samara Sanders. Front row (l to r): JingNi Soh ’04, category manager, Taylor Corporation, Mankato; Jennifer Pleuss Spande ’97, deputy political counselor, United States Embassy, Kuala Lumpur.

GUSTAVUS QUARTERLY | FALL 2017

Joakim Ekfeldt ’17, Stockholm, Sweden, and tennis coach and professor Tommy Valentini ’02 embrace at graduation.

Vespers

Leave people and places better than you found them.

GUSTAVUS QUARTERLY | FALL 2017

Gustavus made me better

In May, 518 Gusties alums graduated at the

than when it found me.”

College’s 155th Commencement. It was a sunny,

—Lily Benge Briggs ’17, from her 2017 Commencement speech

And, as it is every year, it was an emotional day.

windy day—a “gusty” graduation many quipped. “We’re going to miss you. And we’re not kidding,” professor Richard Leitch told the grads as they prepared to process onto Hollingsworth Field. And, as it is every year, it was a day of pride and promise. Said Gustavus president Rebecca Bergman (mom to grad Laura Bergman ’17), “You are fully equipped with a liberal arts education that will be the foundation of your life. Be purposeful about that life.”

For Alumni, Parents, and Friends FALL 2017 | VOL. LXXIII | ISSUE 3

THE CHRIST CHAPEL MEMORIAL GARDEN at Gustavus Adolphus College

FALL 2017 800 WEST COLLEGE AVENUE SAINT PETER, MINNESOTA 56082

¡Cancún Connection! From an alum to a football coach to staff to students—from Gustavus to Cancún and back again. PAGE 12

DEVOTED TO HOME Cathy ten Broeke ’91 plans to end homelessness in Minnesota

140 YEARS OF GWO It’s the oldest college touring band west of the Mississippi

CLASS NOTES What fellow Gusties have been up to, including Reunion ’17

Gisel Murillo ’18