Fall 2018 Quarterly

FALL 2018 800 WEST COLLEGE AVENUE SAINT PETER, MINNESOTA 56082

The annual senior art majors exhibition, ADIEU, featured

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FROM THIS LAND Southern Minnesota, from our alums, profs, and people

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CLASS NOTES What your fellow Gusties have been up to

the work of Georgia Bebler, Sara Blinn, Jenna Hansen, Lauren Ihle, Carly Maslowski, August Henry Moehrke, Rita Morgan, Caitlyn Riese, and Jane Skodje. (Bebler, Riese, and Skodjge all had pieces purchased by the art department.) Au revoir, seniors.

For Alumni, Parents, and Friends FALL 2018 | VOL. LXXV | ISSUE 3 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

YOUR LEGACY.

THEIR FUTURE. Include Gustavus Adolphus in your will or trust today and make a powerful impact on tomorrow’s students.

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 Jill Adler (adlerdesignstudio.com), Sarah Hinderman ’20 Contributing Writers and Artists JJ Akin ’11, Gregory Euclide (cover artist), Mara Klein, Sophie Leininger ’18, CJ Siewert ’11, Kathi Tunheim Contributing Photographers Kylee Brimsek ’19, Nick Campbell ’18, Terry Clark Photography, Diana Draayer ’18, Annie Galloway ’15, Ben Penner, Jon Smithers (johnsmithers.com), Saint Mary’s University Sports Information 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 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.

When artist Howard Quednau broke his leg, he couldn’t climb the stairs to his printmaking studio. He began making dioramas. It’s been eight years. An exhibit of his work was featured in the Schaefer Art Gallery this spring.

Making plans to include Gustavus in your long-term financial plan allows you to: • Make a significant gift without affecting your current income.

• Support the Gustavus program or area of your choice.

• Make changes. A bequest is revocable so you can make changes as needed.

• Provide a charitable tax deduction for your estate.

• Ensure that future generations of Gusties continue to receive an excellent education.

Including Gustavus in your estate plan is easy to arrange. A simple paragraph added to your will is all it takes. Naming Gustavus as a beneficiary of your retirement account or insurance policy is another easy way to support Gustavus.

Learn how your legacy can impact future students.

Let us say THANK YOU during your lifetime by telling us if you have already included Gustavus in your plans.

Gustavus Adolphus College is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission and is a member of the North Central Association.

GUSTAVUS ADOLPHUS PLANNED GIVING plannedgiving.gustavus.edu | 507-933-6043

IN THIS ISSUE

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A NOBEL TASK

We’ve broken ground on the Nobel Hall of Science expansion and renovation. See how close it is to Schaefer Fine Arts Center? That’s intentional.

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FROM THIS LAND

Ahead of this year’s Nobel Conference (Living Soil: A Universe Underfoot), a look at southern Minnesota and the alums who revere our “good black dirt.”

38

How Greg Peterson ’88 paired an entrepreneurial spirit with a love for farmers and became “Machinery Pete.”

IN EVERY ISSUE 4 VÄLKOMMEN

GUSTIES GATHER AT REUNION WEEKEND

5 ON THE HILL

With the campus solely dedicated to alums, a good time

9 SHINE PROFILES

was had by all, from Class of ’48 to Class of ’13.

22

SPORTS

24

FINE ARTS

26

GRATITUDE

27

HERITAGE

30

GUSTIES

40

VESPERS

29 GUSTAVUS QUARTERLY | FALL 2018

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RUNNING TOWARD THE SUNSHINE

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A Nobel Task

This spring, the College broke ground on the new Nobel Hall of Science. There was a campus-wide beam signing and, shortly after, a giant crane showed up, waving the Gustavus flag high over campus airspace.

Pictured here, sometime in May, is the 74,000 square-foot south expansion in process. This particular area will include new laboratories, teaching and study spaces, and a physical connection between Nobel Hall and Schaefer Fine Arts Center (top right). Yes, STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) will quite literally play with the arts at Gustavus, in the new laboratory theatre at the buildings’ physical connection. This focus on the interdisciplinary nature of a liberal arts education is

GUSTAVUS QUARTERLY | FALL 2018

wholly intentional. As in our daily lives, the intersection where the arts meet the sciences on campus shall

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be a place of fascination and function, of passion in practice. And in these new, sure-to-be hallowed halls, 40 full-time faculty and 20 teaching labs will produce well-rounded students who can see beyond the building (or the border, or the corner, or the aisle...) and drive innovation in any field.

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GUSTAVUS QUARTERLY | FALL 2018

Välkommen LOCAL. GLOBAL. GUSTAVUS.

This summer, I had the unique privilege of a private audience with the King and Queen of Sweden. Together with Tom Young ’88, Gustavus vice president for advancement, and Jan Lindman, Gustavus trustee and member of the King’s Royal Court, we discussed how Gustie alumni continuously support the College with their time, talents, and treasure. I am so proud that we are an exceptional example of college alumni engagement in America. We also updated Their Majesties on the Nobel Hall construction project and the positive momentum we are experiencing through the implementation of the Gustavus Acts strategic plan.

As I watch the progress of Nobel Hall, I marvel at our College’s local-global straddle. At one moment, our facilities team feeds our landscaping with compost made

The Rev. Jon V. Anderson (ex officio), Bishop, Southwestern Minnesota Synod, ELCA Scott P. Anderson ’89, MBA, Special Advisor, 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 Robert D. Brown, Jr. ’83, MD, Staff Neurologist, Professor of Neurology, Mayo Clinic College of Medicine, and John T. and Lillian Matthews Professor of Neuroscience, Mayo Clinic 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

on a glacier in Switzerland, measuring its contours. These different landscapes will

James H. Gale ’83, JD, Attorney at Law

come together on campus in October, when we host the world’s experts in soil science

John O. Hallberg ’79, MBA, CEO, Children’s Cancer Research Fund

How does our College reach around the world while simultaneously being good local stewards? I truly believe this is Gustavus liberal arts in action—integrated and experiential learning, intellectual space for students to grow, faculty and staff who care deeply about teaching and mentoring. We inspire students to become global citizens through engaged local action. You can see this in Henry Adebisi ’18 (page 11), who had a job secured before he graduated, partly due to his campus activities. You can see this in Greg Peterson ’88 (page 18), who took his love of farmers and numbers, and his liberal arts thinking, to become one of the world’s leading voices in farm machinery. And you can see this in local alumni working in agriculture (page 14).

Their work is in Minnesota. Their eyes and impact are on the world.

In a few days, we will welcome our incoming Class of 2022, one of our largest classes in years. I am excited to see what they do here, there, and everywhere. They come to this college on the prairie to become alums who change the world.

What a privilege it is to be a Gustie. What a responsibility it is to steward this College and its students. How awed I am by all we accomplish, locally and globally, GUSTAVUS QUARTERLY | FALL 2018

B OA R D O F T R U S T E E S

from the waste of our campus farm and cafeteria. Another moment, a student stands

as they dig into critical questions on feeding the world and sustaining our planet.

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G U S TAV U S A D O L P H U S C O L L E G E

Susie B. Heim ’83, Former Co-owner, S and S Heim Construction The Rev. Peter C. Johnson ’92, Executive Pastor, St. Andrew Lutheran Church, Eden Prairie, MN Paul R. Koch ’87, Senior Vice President/Investments, UBS Financial Services Dennis A. Lind ’72, Chairman, Midwest Bank Group, Inc. Jan Lindman, MBA, Treasurer to the King, The Royal Court of Sweden Gordon D. Mansergh ’84, PhD, (ex officio), Senior Behavioral Scientist, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Jan Ledin Michaletz ’74, Past President, Gustavus Alumni Association Thomas J. Mielke ’80, JD, Retired Senior Vice President and General Counsel, Kimberly-Clark Corporation Marcia L. Page ’82, Founding Partner, Värde Partners

now and in the future.

The Rev. Craig A. Pederson ’90 (ex officio), Assistant to the Bishop, Minneapolis Area Synod, ELCA, and President, Gustavus Adolphus College Association of Congregations

Sincerely,

The Rev. Wayne B. Peterson ’77, Pastor, St. Barnabas Lutheran Church The Rev. Dan S. Poffenberger ’82 (chair), Senior Pastor, Shepherd of the Lake Lutheran Church Beth Sparboe Schnell ’82, CEO, Sparboe Companies

Rebecca M. Bergman President, Gustavus Adolphus College

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

Laura Isdahl ’17 (center, in green) on Fulbright teaching scholarship in Pahang, Malaysia, with students and family. Isdahl is one of an unprecedented number of grads who’ve received Fulbright scholarships recently.

F U L L . B R I G H T.

This past academic year, 13 students

of recommendation and endorsement,

The College also dedicates part of

applied for international Fulbright

and details about a student’s academic

a professor’s teaching time to helping

scholarships—the largest number of

performance and co-curricular and service

students apply for Fulbrights, as well as

applicants anyone at Gustavus can

activities. Plus, Fulbright awards are not

many other national and international

remember. Nine were semifinalists, also

just for undergrads; there is no age limit

fellowships and opportunities. Such

the most ever. Of those nine, four were

on applications. The pool is large.

personal coaching is a huge benefit. Says

Gustavus is climbing in the ranks for

professor of chemistry Amanda Nienow,

largest number on record. Three accepted

the number of students and faculty who

the fellowship coordinator for the past

(including Megan Johnson, see page 10).

receive Fulbright awards. Why? Well,

four years, “My belief has always been

we’re up for it. Our students receive

that students should have time to reflect,

Fulbright,” says Pamela Kittelson,

a liberal arts education of excellence

understand who they are, and apply

the incoming fellowship advisor and

with a wide lens on global challenges.

for opportunities that fit themselves.”

professor of biology and environmental

They often study away. They develop

Says incoming fellowship advisor

studies. It involves a project proposal,

curiosity about the world, plus skills and

Kittelson, “That reflection is phenomenal

an essay or personal statement, letters

confidence to engage with it.

professional development in itself.”

“It is incredibly difficult to get a

GUSTAVUS QUARTERLY | FALL 2018

finalists and two alternates—again, the

5

#whygustavus

ON THE HILL

22.9 Percentage of entering first-years (Class of 2022) who are international students or members of historically underrepresented groups, up 3.6 percent over last year.

Tony Martin, Second Act, 2012, oil on linen, 30 x 36 inches.

KALENDAR OCT. 6 Homecoming (see page 28) OCT. 12 – 14 the Family Weekend Showcase

10 AM, ZERO ONE, AND OTHER SETTINGS: PAINTINGS BY TONY MARTIN

Concert on Sun. Oct. 14, 2 p.m.,

The Hillstrom Museum of Art’s fall show features the Brooklyn modernist.

Family Weekend (including

free and live-streamed) As a young student, painter Tony Martin

The interplay of the disciplines of

THURS. NOV. 8

was inspired by the collection of the Art

music and painting are very present

Give to Gustavus Day

Institute of Chicago in his hometown.

within this artist and his work. Martin

But his expressive painterly manner took

studied classical guitar, and later on, jazz

hold and evolved through decades lived

bass. Music became an underpinning to

in New York City and Brooklyn, where he

his visual work. Martin believed that the

relocated in 1981.

observed world, coupled with our own

NOV. 30 – DEC. 2 Christmas in Christ Chapel, for tickets, visit gustavus.edu/ccc

GUSTAVUS QUARTERLY | FALL 2018

($30, free when live-streamed)

6

Through this exhibit, we see an

inner emotional worlds and imagined

TUES. DEC. 4

abstractionist’s concept of space and

abstractions, can merge.

Winds of Christmas Concert,

setting change from the 1950s to

10 a.m., Christ Chapel (free and

today—from a latent but developing

THE MARTIN EXHIBIT (as well as

live-streamed)

abstraction to somewhat linear and

this year’s FOCUS IN/ON painting,

minimal spacial divisions (what he called

Cameron Booth’s Toilers) will open

THURS. DEC. 6

“emotional geometry”) to light and dark

Sept. 10 and close Nov. 4. The opening

Festival of St. Lucia, 10 a.m.,

place-oriented interiors. In his recent

reception is Sept. 17 from 7–9 p.m.

Christ Chapel (call 507-933-7520

works, we see a distilled simplification of

There is a Nobel Conference reception

for luncheon reservations)

the essence of invented places.

as well on Oct. 2 from 6–8 p.m.

PRETTY GOOD NEWS Professor Greg Kaster received the 2018

Professor Paschal Kyoore received the

of the Student

Edgar M. Carlson Award for Distinguished

2018 Faculty Scholarly Accomplishment

Senate, Greg

Teaching. Kaster teaches courses in

Award. His research interests—published

Swenson and

American history, with

in both English and French—

Holly Bunn, who

a particular empha-

are multifaceted, including the

were killed in a car

sis on the Civil War,

historical novel, the impact of

accident in 1989.

slavery and aboli-

colonial hegemony, female iden-

tionism, masculinity,

tity, and folklore. This, he says,

Christmas in Christ Chapel’s theme this

and dissent. “For all

“enables me to create a kind of

year is Visions of Divine Mystery. The

the talk about how

dialogue among many disci-

performance will weave a compelling

studying the human-

plines, different regions of the

tapestry of music, dance, spoken word,

ities prepares one

world, and different cultures.”

and the visual arts to proclaim the great

well for success in the

Greg Kaster

workplace, the most important reason for

CinCC, 2018

wonder and timeless relevance of the Professor Patricia Reeder is

incarnation as revealed to us through

the 2018 recipient of the Swen-

angels and prophets. New this year: All seating is reservable.

studying them is their capacity to human-

son-Bunn Memorial Award for Teach-

ize us,” he says. “That, and enriching both

ing, the only award given to faculty by

one’s interior life and engagement with

students. The award honors the memory

NOV. 30 – DEC. 2 Tickets ($30) on

life itself.”

of two Gustavus students and members

sale Sept. 17. Visit gustavus.edu/ccc.

UPDATE: GUSTAVUS ACTS STRATEGIC PLAN It was a flurry of activity this spring, as

readiness for all

the College is diversifying and

the Gustavus Acts Strategic Plan’s first

Gusties. Beginning

expanding. The student body

priorities began to see action. Key Perfor-

with this year’s

mance Indicators and action plans were

first-years, each

established for these priorities. It’s been

student will have

amazing to see such forward motion, and

both an Academic

watch as the plan transforms our College.

Advisor and a Career

endorsed a new general education curricular framework, and adopted depart-

our vision for the next 10 years, Gustavus is building a liberal arts education that will equip those

Specialist—truly provide liber-

students to act on the great challenges

al arts learning at its finest.

of our time. We are truly on the road to

With aid from other incredible gifts

excellence. And as we Gusties have long

ment and program review and evalu-

from alumni, and new efforts in recruit-

believed and demonstrated, excellence

ation process and criteria. During the

ment, the College has increased its

is worth it.

next three years, every department and

percentage of international students,

program will undergo a review process.

students with great financial need, and

With a grant from anonymous

students from historically underrepre-

alums, the College endowed the Center

sented groups. Overall, the incoming

for Career Development to support

class is one of the largest in years.

vocational discernment and career

As we dreamt in our strategic plan,

—Kathi Tunheim, special assistant to the president for strategy TO LEARN MORE OR JOIN IN, visit gustavus.edu/gustavusacts.

GUSTAVUS QUARTERLY | FALL 2018

Particularly exciting: The faculty has

represent some of the best of the world. In alignment with

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ON THE HILL

CAMPUS SOCIAL Follow @gustavusadolphuscollege, @gustieathletics

INSTAGRAM

FACEBOOK

These Gustie alums enjoyed a tunnel tour redux during Reunion Weekend.

Gustie Greeters gearing up on Gustie Gear Up! #gogusties #whygustavus

Follow /gustavusadolphuscollege

Advanced “learning from the field” in

TWITTER

preparation for this year’s Nobel Conference on the science of soil

@lepusmartius

#nobel54 #whygustavus

“Loving the @gustavus arb tour. Why didn’t I come here more as a student?!”

Saad Tariq ’18 and Muhammed Khan ’18 ready to take on the next stage in life #makeyourlifecount #gogusties Follow @gustavus, @gustiealum

GUSTAVUS QUARTERLY | FALL 2018

10:00 a.m. Time for Reflection

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How can I create something—not just for myself—that can leave hope in this world? You start small. Start within your capacity and it will grow.

— Nobel Peace Prize winner Leymah Gbowee, speaking to a capacity crowd in Christ Chapel at the 2018 MAYDAY! Peace Conference

SHINE: BRENDA KELLY Chiefly Academic AS PROVOST AND DEAN OF THE COLLEGE, IT’S HER JOB TO HELP SHAPE, SUPPORT, AND PROMOTE ACADEMIC EXCELLENCE AT GUSTAVUS.

When Kelly was asked to step out of the classroom and into an interim role as associate provost in 2015, she didn’t hesitate. She’d be back in the classroom the next year, she thought, and she could use her new administrative knowledge to inform her work as she conducted research, applied for grants, and collaborated with students in the classroom.

Three years later and Kelly was recently named the Provost and Dean of the College.

“Things didn’t turn out quite the way I had planned,” she says with a grin. Serving as the chief academic officer, she partners with the faculty to shape the curriculum, leads academic strategic planning, and oversees departments and offices that support student and faculty growth. She’s responsible for leading the charge as Gustavus continues to reimagine and redefine what the study of the liberal arts looks like in the 21st century.

“My background as a teacher, scholar, and member of the Gustavus community has been extremely helpful,” says Kelly, who taught chemistry and biology classes and labs in Nobel Hall beginning in 2002. “Every day it’s a colleague-to-colleague conversation, an open exchange of ideas that allows us to move the College forward.”

One of the most visible ways that Kelly is moving Gustavus liberal arts forward is through the implementation of the Gustavus Acts Strategic Plan. One of its main goals is to deliver a distinctive and integrated liberal arts education.

This takes thoughtful planning, high collaboration with faculty, and a desire to create a curriculum of recognized excellence. Kelly is leading conversations that integrate project-based learning, community-focused courses, and hands-on research for students across all majors. “It’s these transformative academic experiences for students that open the door to opportunities not previously imagined.”

What’s that mean? It’s about helping students find a vocation where they can put their excellent education into action.

“It’s about recognizing how the liberal arts fit within the context of the world’s needs,” Kelly says. “We want our students and graduates to use their skills to not

“This job uses the same skills I used in the classroom: asking questions, advising, and using data to make decisions,” says Kelly. “My main goal is to support our faculty in the good work they do. The keys to delivering an excellent education are continuing to develop new opportunities for learning for our students, and advancing the scholarship of our professors.”

GUSTAVUS QUARTERLY | FALL 2018

E XC E L L E N C E

only identify, but act on, the problems that face their local and global communities.”

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ON THE HILL

SHINE: MEGAN “MJ” JOHNSON ’18 Go. Grow. Go. IN REJECTING THE “HAVE TO” SCRIPT, SHE’S BECOME THE CHANGE SHE WISHED TO SEE IN HERSELF.

The first year was a bit of a rough start for this first-generation college student. “I came to Gustavus feeling like an incredibly serious student. I felt like there were things I had to do, like study communications because I was in speech in high school. I blocked myself from having some fun.”

But, as most readers will attest, Gustavus has a way of changing your game.

“The point of college is to evolve. So, I decided to do what I want and what felt right and study what I’m interested in.”

What felt right was English and history and studying abroad in London and Japan. She still participated in speech at Gustavus, earning Minnesota collegiate state champion twice, plus national ranking in the Congressional debate category. But in shifting her academic major toward her passions, “I ended up being more successful at school,” she says. And that gave her confidence to apply for a Fulbright teaching scholarship.

Right before graduation, she was awarded that Fulbright. Soon, she will head to Vietnam.

Will the “have to” self-talk creep in again? “I do have this idea that by the time I get back from Vietnam I will be a different person,” she says. “I will change how I view myself and how I view others.” That’s likely to be the case. But exactly how it happens will remain a mystery until it happens, and Johnson’s not hung up on the right or wrong way to go about her seismic changes. “I’m day-by-day right now. I’m going with the flow, and that’s okay.”

She thanks Gustavus for giving her the happy, healthy space to become herself, on her terms. “I like to say that Gustavus is the living room of colleges. It’s more than a home. It’s where I feel most comfortable in a home. And it has changed my life trajectory.

“It sounds dramatic but it is. Gustavus is a good place to go, and grow,

10

MJ gave this year’s commencement speech, focusing on resilience. “Failure is not final,” she says. “Especially as Gusties, we tend to want to always have this positive image and succeed to our full capacity. But we’re also all human. We’re not defined by our failures—we learn from them.” How to best convey this message to the diverse audience that is commencement?

A little laughter. “Everyone can get behind joy,” she says. And they did.

COMMUNITY

GUSTAVUS QUARTERLY | FALL 2018

and go.”

SHINE: HENRY ADEBISI ’18 Say Yes AT GUSTAVUS, BEING A YES MAN HAS ITS BENEFITS.

Like most Gusties, Adebisi made Gustavus his own. How? He just kept saying yes, to multiple organizations, clubs, and groups over his four years. For instance, when he saw all his friends sing at Christmas in Christ Chapel, he joined the choir the next semester.

When a group of guys asked if he would sing lead in their band, he dug out an amp and carried it across campus. When he was nominated to serve as a Collegiate Fellow and resident adviser, he threw on the duty bag and strolled the halls.

But when he was asked and asked (and asked, and asked) to join the Pan-Afrikan Student Organization (PASO), Adebisi, whose family immigrated from Nigeria, hesitated. “I was stubborn. They were just so sure I would love the group. I said, ‘You can’t dictate my life!’ Well, they were right—it became a huge part of my life.” He jumped right in, planning events, writing and starring in comedy sketches for Africa Night, and making plenty of new friends. As a senior, he was elected co-president of PASO. “We are bringing a perspective that would otherwise be missing on a predominantly white campus. And we’re making it fun.”

Gustavus as a whole has been more than fun for him. “I’ve learned to think critically about everything. I can’t read or listen to anything now without asking the ‘why’ behind it,” Adebisi says. Now, he is ready to take all that asking and thinking and do something for the world.

He spent last summer with Public Allies, an AmeriCorps program dedicated to mentoring young people from underrepresented groups and creating pathways to higher education. Gustavus alum Donte Curtis ’15 pulled Adebisi’s application out of the pile. “The moment when he reached out, I knew the Gustie alumni network was real.”

Now that Adebisi is an alum, the message he would use to reach out to Gustie students is, in so many words, say yes. “Your opinion is worth it.

Adebisi, a political science major, landed a job before he graduated at Ameriprise Financial, where he now works in the legal and compliance SERVICE

sector. His ultimate dream is to work in immigration law and help the system work for more people. Coming from an immigrant family himself, “I would love to help people become citizens,” he says. Law school is definitely in his future.

GUSTAVUS QUARTERLY | FALL 2018

You’re smart. You’re valued.”

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By Stephanie Wilbur Ash

FROM THIS GUSTAVUS QUARTERLY | FALL 2018

THIS IS RURAL SOUTHERN MINNESOTA RIGHT NOW, FROM THE ALUMS, PROFESSORS, AND COMMUNITY LIVING AND WORKING HERE.

12

W

e are a College founded by

of caring for the land while using it to its

story of how they got here has become

immigrants, on some of the

potential is upon us southern Minnesota.

more authentic and nuanced—we live on

richest soil in the world, in an

Our landscape is idyllic, and our eyes have

Dakota territory swiped by white settlers,

never been more open to our impact.

and we are better for remembering it.

economic region built on agriculture.

What does that mean today?

We do global business, yet we’re rarely

“There’s a lot going for us, and there is

And though the nation’s rural towns

waiting for a restaurant table (except

have, overall, seen populations decline,

a lot to lose,” says Tom Nuessmeier ’83, a

maybe at Patrick’s on St. Patrick’s Day).

Saint Peter is growing—15 percent

farmer near Le Sueur and an organizer for

We enjoy Nordic traditions reputed to

since 2000. In 2016, Greater Mankato

the Land Stewardship Project. The weight

generate happiness and equality, and the

(covering Nicollet and Blue Earth

NOBEL CONFERENCE 54 LIVING SOIL: A UNIVERSE UNDERFOOT OCT. 2 & 3 FOR TICKETS, VISIT GUSTAVUS.EDU/NOBEL So much of our lives survive and thrive on the health of our soil, and yet most of us barely consider it.

It is time we do. At this moment in our scientific history, you might say we are on the ground level of scientific discovery around soil, spurred on by our developing understanding of life at the smallest level. With this new knowledge, we can imagine answers for some of the world’s greatest challenges—from how to grow the most nutritious food to how to combat climate change.

We are gaining a greater understanding of the ground we walk on (and farm, and protect) every day, and this knowledge is transforming our uses and ideas of soil. Through science, the world is now uncovering soil’s tremendous importance, and incredible potential.

Here in Minnesota, that’s science we can really dig.

Come and consider—with leading world experts—the complexity of soil and the global challenges we face protecting it. See you at the

policies that govern our resources, and on

the state and third highest in the Upper

issues generated by ever-changing culture.

Midwest. For five consecutive years,

But we are not above hard work. That

Mankato has been in the top 40 for Forbes

Midwestern work ethic is imperative. “We

Best Small Places for Business and Careers.

need agriculture for our world to survive,”

There are fault lines, of course. We are

says Scott Hauer ’15, a farmer in Shakop-

often at odds (with each other and with

ee. On campus and throughout southern

other U.S. regions and nations) on how

Minnesota, here are just a few ways

and with whom we trade products, on

we’re using, and conserving, our land.

Nobel Conference.

GUSTAVUS QUARTERLY | FALL 2018

counties) had the highest GDP growth in

13

SCIENCE + TECHNOLOGY MICROBES, PATHOGENS, AND THE BIG YIELDS OF MICRO-ADJUSTMENTS. DATA AND TECHNOLOGY DRIVE TODAY’S AGRIBUSINESS.

“We don’t make decisions on hunches and

we protect against dangerous pathogens

inklings anymore,” says Andy Cramblit

purposefully put into our food supply? Dee

’04, a farmer and a seed adviser in the

wants to know, and mitigate, the risk.

Mankato area. Agribusiness is now data-

Science and technology both help

driven and highly scientific. Take, for

mitigate risk. “Agriculture requires a lot of

instance, Cramblit’s study and application

investment,” Dee says. It always has, but

of soil microbes. What happens if you treat

consider that today’s combine can easily

a field with certain microbes before, after,

cost $500,000—and syncs to satellite data

or during a crop cycle? He’s testing to find

and yield monitors, and adjusts application

out. Says the former Gustavus biology

of herbicides, pesticides, and fertilizer in

major, “This is not the bandaid that some

an area as small as a 10’ x 10’ square—and

fertilizers are,” but rather an organic fix to

you can see this is not your grandparents’

the desire farmers have to maximize yield

risk. Says Dee, “The better your data, the

without degrading their soil and water.

better your science and predication and

Consider Scott Dee ’84, whose swine

models and statistical significance, the

research for Pipestone Veterinary Services

better you’re going to access capital and

includes controlled experiments in facilities

survive the challenges of everyday life.”

that simulate full-scale commercial production barns. Dee sets up experiments to learn how to produce the best pork in the world with the greatest efficiency and safety. Recently, he’s been investigating agro-terrorism. “Imported feed

Agriculture is applied

ingredients are a way to move pathogens

science with rigor.”

around the world,” Dee says. How do

—Scott Dee ’84, director of swine research

SUSTAINABILITY + STEWARDSHIP WE PLAN TO BE HERE FOR A VERY LONG TIME. BEST TO PLAN WELL.

There lies one of the great challenges of our time: How to use natural resources

GUSTAVUS QUARTERLY | FALL 2018

—in Southern Minnesota, that means

14

26%

reduction in Gustavus greenhouse gas emissions over the past 10 years.

“The soil is really not ours. We’re just

our water and “good black dirt”—while

taking care of it,” said Denny Schmidt,

managing them for future use. Schmidt

president of the Nicollet County Farm

noted a 50 percent decrease in nitrogen

Bureau, to farmers, students, and

use in 20 years, using cover crops,

advocates at a campus farm-to-table meal.

precision farming, and wetland restoration.

But being sustainable, he went on, “means

“I am impressed with Minnesota’s focus

environmentally and economically.”

to improve water quality,” says Shelli-Kae

FARMING

AT ITS ROOT, IT REMAINS THE SAME: FEED THE LAND. FEED YOUR FAMILY. FEED THE WORLD.

“It’s difficult work to make food that is

remember. Doing so requires holistic and

beneficial to everyone and all creatures,”

current knowledge of biology, chemistry,

says farmer Ben Penner, wheat supplier

ecology, domestic and foreign markets,

to Helena Shanks ’12, co-owner of Saint

and government policy, plus an innovative

Peter’s River Rock Coffee and Bakery. In

spirit and tireless work ethic. “Farming

no way is farming a 9 to 5 job. (In fact,

is environmental, ecological, spiritual,

the U.S. from 1825 to 1925, most for land

some need a 9 to 5 job to keep farming.)

communal interplay,” says Penner (who

promised in the Homestead Act of 1862.

But the economic activity generated by

is married to Gustavus professor Anna

farming is the long-running engine under

Versluis and whose photos appear here).

Minnesota’s entire economy.

Perhaps farming is worthy of our reverence.

Non-farmers sometimes talk about

1.8 million Swedes and Norwegians immigrated to

Will it be nostalgic? “The average age

farming with gauzy, nostalgic reverence.

of farmers statewide is 56 and change,”

Farmers themselves speak much more

says Jessie Womack ’16, who works in

pragmatically. “We are always trying to

rural policy. Minnesota’s new beginning

do better with the land we have,” says

farmer tax credit will help those who want

Scott Hauer ’15, who’s been farming

to step into big boots. Says Penner, “We

with his Shakopee family as long as he can

need to get more farmers on the land.”

When you look at what farmers actually do, it’s clear that farming is a liberal arts profession.” —Jim Dontje, professor of environmental studies

environmental program for youth. But the water issues she talked about in a speech in a Gustavus class 30 years ago still exist.

We know sustainability needs ongoing

[This land] is almost wholly unfit for cultivation, and uninhabitable by a people depending upon agriculture

stewardship. Says Scott Moeller, director

for their subsistence.”—Edwin James, botanist for the

and naturalist of the Linnaeus Arboretum,

Stephen H. Long Expedition of 1823, which surveyed the Minnesota River Valley.

“Tragedy for the prairie biome became the

Obviously Mr. James did not examine the soil underneath the prairie.

triumph for agriculture.” That biome got us here. We need it to keep us here.

GUSTAVUS QUARTERLY | FALL 2018

(Sonstegard) Foster ’86, who leads a state

15

WHERE OUR STUDENTS LEAD President’s Environmental Sustainability Council PESC is charged with developing

ECONOMICS + POLICY

Gustavus’s environmental

AGRICULTURE IS A BUSINESS REGULATED BY POLICIES THAT RIPPLE THROUGH

sustainability vision and goals,

EVERYONE’S LIVES AND LIVELIHOOD.

including those related to climate change and greenhouse gas

Southern Minnesota has long been a

models for engaged citizenship. “I

mitigation, in alignment with the

global hub of food and crop production.

learned from my dad the importance of

Gustavus Acts Strategic Plan.

Mankato in particular is the No. 1 soybean

grassroot advocacy,” says Amber Hanson

processing city in America—not a sexy

Glaeser ’10, director of public policy

Big Hill Farm

statistic, but it kept the region chugging

for Minnesota Farm Bureau. “Taxes,

Created by students in 2009 and

through the recession, and it keeps

infrastructure, mental health, and health

led by students today under a

southern Minnesota strong now (along

insurance impact all Minnesotans, but

management plan, it produces a

with meat processing and manufacturing).

agriculture also has a lot at stake in those

literal ton of produce each year.

So government policies that affect

debates.” Farmers and ranchers, she says,

agriculture are felt hard here. Actually,

are not afraid to work toward solutions.

Gustavus Greens

they’re felt everywhere. “When we talk

An organization promoting

about the Farm Bill, there is sometimes

innovation and make profit. All that new

environmental sustainability

this reaction that ‘it’s not about me, I

ag tech developed the past 10 years? It was

and awareness on campus;

don’t farm,’” says Tom Nuessmeier ’83,

likely developed or tested here.

members inspire positive action

with the Land Stewardship Project and

through student education,

a Le Sueur farmer. “But ag policy really

discussion, and collaboration with

impacts all of us in very important ways.”

administration and faculty.

(Exhibit A: Chinese tariffs on American soybeans.) Nuessmeier’s hope is “that

And they’re not afraid to drive

This could be the

Climate Justice Coalition

people see how everyone has a voice

Members of this organization

and should be invested. Everyone has

collaborate with faculty, staff,

something to say about the kind of food

agriculture.”

and community members to help

and farming system we want.”

—Andy Cramblit ’04, southern Minnesota

combat climate change and the

We can look to farmers as role

Silicon Valley of

farmer and seed adviser

injustices that accompany it.

Discover the Outdoors

GUSTAVUS QUARTERLY | FALL 2018

An all-ages Earth Day celebration

16

held in the Linnaeus Arboretum,

$1

28%

4.6%

it promotes being active outside

out of every $3

of the workforce

That’s the increase

and protecting the environment.

is generated by

in those counties

of the GDP in the

$36 billion

agribusiness in

is employed by

GreenSeam from

—nearly half of all

Also: A Ducks Unlimited chapter,

the “GreenSeam,”

agribusiness.

2015 to 2016.

yearly economic

a fly fishing club, a student-run

the 28 counties of

Agriculture leads

activity—comes

thrift shop, and more.

southern MN and

the way.

northern IA.

from agribusiness in the GreenSeam.

CLASSROOM + CAMPUS + COMMUNITY WHO IS GUSTAVUS ON THIS LAND? A TALENT INCUBATOR, A SUSTAINABILITY SERVANT.

Gustavus liberal arts was formative to

place. In recent years, we’ve added a

these alums—from cross-discipline

composter and greenhouse, solar electric

learning to a speech class to an awareness

and thermal systems, LEED certification

of a global agricultural challenge.

on two buildings, and fairly traded food.

Along with disciplines you’d expect

And we continue to support Saint

(biology, economics, political science...),

Peter, which continues to grow. Last year,

today’s Gustie students interested in

nearly twice as many millennials bought

land and the environment can major or

homes in small cities or rural areas like

minor in environmental studies. Geology

ours than in urban ones. “Whether it’s for

professor Laura Triplett’s students perform

economic reasons or because they care

policy-informing water and sediment

about the land, you see young people

testing at Seven-Mile Creek Park. Physics

doing exciting things,” says Jim Dontje,

professor Chuck Niederriter’s students

professor of environmental studies and

built a system to improve wind turbines.

director of the Johnson Center for

This summer, students researched DNA in

Environmental Innovation. Says new Saint

fish, photoreactivity in herbicide, breeding

Peter resident Gregory Euclide (whose art

behaviors in bison, and much more.

graces these pages), “We are a community

strategic plan call for us to care for this

restoration and vitality and cultural recovery of the American small town.

—Laura Triplett, professor of geology and environmental studies

of people who care about quality of life, not only for ourselves but for the world.”

18%

of our current students come from the 30 most southern Minnesota counties.

The majority of Gustavus employees live in those same counties.

GUSTAVUS QUARTERLY | FALL 2018

On campus, our core values and our

You can see in us the

17

SPORTS

Gusties celebrate a 5-2 win over Saint Mary’s in the MIAC playoff game.

GUSTAVUS QUARTERLY | FALL 2018

ON NEW TURF

22

When Brad Baker ’80 took over as

their last eight regular season games to

(Jr., Le Sueur). Archer led the pitching

head baseball coach prior to the 2016

secure a spot in the MIAC playoffs for the

staff and was tabbed All-Region by

season, he knew there was a lot of work

first time in a decade. As the No. 6 seed,

ABCA/Rawlings. He is the first Gustie

to be done in order to return Gustavus

Gustavus upset No. 3 Saint Mary’s 5-2 in

to earn regional baseball honors since

to a MIAC playoff contending team.

the opening round before losing its next

Tony Konicek and Mike DesLauriers

That team was picked last in the league’s

two games to finish the season 20-18,

in 2007.

preseason poll.

which marked the third consecutive 20-

Surprise. A sixth-place finish (out of 11) and a 20-win season for that team.

Then, the 2017 team continued the

win season.

Five Gusties were named All-

With more than half of the 2018 starters returning next season and a core of student-athletes with playoff

Conference, the most by the baseball

experience, plus a brand new artificial turf

uptick with another 20-win season and

program since 2004. They are Sam

field that positions Gustavus’s facility as

finished just a couple games out of the

Archer (Jr., Zimmerman), Carter

one of the best in the region, the wheels

playoffs.

Clemensen (Fy., Cologne), Nolan Lepel

are in motion for the Gustavus baseball

(Sr., Plato), Casey Lewandoski (Sr.,

program, and there are no signs of

Fairbanks, Alaska), and Ryan Moriarty

slowing down.

This year, three years into the Baker regime, the 2018 Gusties won seven of

Softball

earned All-America honors. Katie Aney

successive years. She also earned AVCA

The Gusties celebrated their 50th season

(Sr., Rochester) captured her second

First Team All-America and MIAC Player

at the College and went 12-24 overall.

consecutive CoSIDA Academic All-

of the Year honors for the second time.

They posted an 8-14 mark in the MIAC to

America award.

(Sr., Maple Lake) was named to the MIAC All-Conference team.

She is the first Gustavus

Men’s Outdoor Track & Field

volleyball player to

The Gusties took seventh at the MIAC

earn CoSIDA

Championships. Michael Hensch (Jr.,

Academic

The Gusties had a number of milestones

North Branch) was named Outstanding

All-America

this year: their 300th-straight

Field Athlete for the second-straight

honors, and

MIAC regular season win, Tommy

season after placing in the top-three

led the team

Valentini’s 200th win as head coach,

in four separate events, while Taylor

to the NCAA

the 30th-straight and 52nd overall

Rooney (Fy., Andover) earned All-

region championship for the first time

MIAC championship, and the eighth

Conference honors with first- and

in program history. She was the region’s

consecutive MIAC playoff title. Gustavus

second-place finishes. Hensch competed

Most Outstanding Player.

hosted a NCAA regional and defeated

at the NCAA Championships in the shot

Grinnell in the second round but was

put and hammer throw, where he took

ITA Midwest Region singles title last

upset by Whitman in the regional

12th and 18th, respectively.

fall and went on to claim a national

Men’s Tennis

title match. Mohanad Alhouni (Sr.,

Alhouni won his third consecutive

championship at the ITA Oracle Cup.

(Jr., Manakin Sabot, Va.) represented

Women’s Outdoor Track & Field

the team at the NCAA individual

The Gusties took sixth at the MIAC

title, earning

championships. Alhouni reached the

Championships. Six team members

All-America

singles quarterfinals, while he and

garnered All-Conference honors,

distinction.

Whaling were beat in the first round

highlighted by second-place finishes

After winning

of doubles. Both Alhouni and Whaling

from Marisa Morgan (Sr., Rock Island,

the ITA

earned All-America honors.

Ill.) in the javelin and Kayla Stowell (Jr.,

national singles

Le Sueur) in the 100-meter.

championship,

Tripoli, Libya) and Patrick Whaling

Women’s Tennis

He and doubles partner Patrick Whaling also won the Midwest Region doubles

Alhouni

claim their 29th overall conference

Student Athletes of the Year

championship. They went on to win the

The 2018 Gustavus Athletes of the

program history to compete at the ITA

MIAC playoff championship as well with

Year are volleyball setter Nora Holtan

Fall National Championships. The Tripoli

a 5-2 win over Carleton. Five Gusties

(Rochester) and tennis ace Mohanad

native finished his final year as the

were named All-Conference, while Jon

Alhouni (Tripoli, Libya).

ITA National Senior Player of the Year,

The Gusties went 10-0 in the MIAC to

Carlson was named Co-Coach of the Year. Gustavus defeated St. Scholastica

Holtan becomes the first studentathlete to receive the award in

became the first player in

posting a 29-9 singles mark and 23-6 doubles record.

in the opening round of the NCAA with a loss at UW-Whitewater. Briana Hartmann (Jr., Owatonna) was selected to the NCAA singles championship where she won her first match before falling in the second round to the defending national champion. She

NEXT

tournament but ended the season August 25 | Annual Cross Country Alumni Meet, 10 a.m. at Linnaeus Arboretum September 22 | Volleyball 50th Season Celebration, 3 p.m. at Gus Young Court September 29 | First Men’s and Women’s Soccer doubleheader, 1 and 3 p.m. against Augsburg at the Gustie Soccer Field

GUSTAVUS QUARTERLY | FALL 2018

take ninth place. Shortstop Emily Webb

23

FINE ARTS

What?! This is the Marriage of Figaro?! The audacity!

GUSTAVUS QUARTERLY | FALL 2018

A D AY O F M A D N E S S , I N D E E D

24

A little Beyoncé, a little yoga studio, a lot

intentionally melded multiple decades

distance from the action. And a freak

of snow.

and song styles, including songs from

April snowstorm during tech week made

The Department of Theatre and Dance

around the world, from the Mozart-

launching the show an adventure in itself.

presented the play The Marriage of Figaro

composed opera, and from Beyoncé.

If you were there to see it, you certainly

at the St. Peter Yoga Studio in April. The

“This is a period piece that has the tempo

have not forgotten it.

play, from 1778, was actually written

for today’s audience,” says MacCarthy. It

almost 10 years prior to the famous opera

is a 240-year-old play for right now.

featuring the music of Mozart. But the

And it all happened in a non-

Hannah Mahr ’20 (Northfield), who played the Countess in the production, says that the eccentricities of this

feminism, the hierarchical relationships,

traditional theatre venue: a yoga studio.

particular show brought performers

and the subversion of boundaries between

Performing the work off campus at the St.

together and taught them to roll with the

social classes still take center stage in

Peter Yoga Studio meant an intimate—

punches. “I think this is one of the shows

the play.

and interesting—experience. There were

at Gustavus where I’ve been closest with

And they did in this production too.

only 80 seats per performance. The

my cast,” Mahr says. “People joke about

Adding to the contemporary themes

seating was general admission, so the

how casts become like family, but in this

and feel, director Henry MacCarthy

audience members could choose their

show it was really true.”

Music

Bluegrass Mass, with special guests, the

center of the piece was non-violent

The Senior Honors Recital on May 5

No Tent Bluegrass Band.

resistance as it reflects back on the

featured several of the most talented

civil rights movement and marches that

musicians at Gustavus from a variety of

More than 175 Gustavus Band and

have occurred since then. First-year

different majors. Each senior student

Gustavus Wind Orchestra alumni

dancer Megan Witte (Cloquet) said

auditioned to be a part of this selective

descended on campus May 11-13 to

it resonated with her on a deep level.

performance held during Honors

celebrate the 140th anniversary of the

Weekend. This year’s performers were

oldest touring collegiate band west

Ryan O’Neil ’18 (bassoon, Melrose

of the Mississippi. The highlight of the

Park, IL), Kaitlyn Peroutka ’18 (soprano,

weekend was the joint ensemble made

Bloomington), Olivia Niles ’18 (piano,

up of current students and alumni

Fort Collins, CO), Kelly Neubauer ’18

musicians led by current conductors

(clarinet, Owatonna), Jessica Backes

James Patrick Miller and Heidi Johanna

’18 (flute, St. Cloud), and Christian

Miller, as well as Emeritus Professor and

Gustafson ’18 (baritone, Schaumburg,

former conductor of the Gustavus Wind

IL). Charles Barnhouse ’19 (Princeton),

Orchestra Douglas Nimmo. The band

was awarded the 2018 Music for Peace

spanned several generations, with the

Composition Prize for his choral work,

oldest alumni hailing from the class

“O’er the Distant Mountain Breaking”.

of 1963.

Allison Retterath ‘18

“I think this piece has really started to become something bigger than itself.

The Gustavus Choir, Choir of Christ

It’s more than a dance or a song, it’s a

Theatre/Dance

for the annual spring Choral

The Dance Company unapologetically

Showcase, held in Christ Chapel May

pushed boundaries in this year’s spring

6. The performance featured student

showcase, “Falling Toward Beginning.”

conductors Kaitlyn Peroutka ’18, Duncan

One of the main pieces was “All

Art/Art History

Matthew ’19 (Pueblo, CO), and Michael

Together Now” by award-winning

See back cover.

McKenzie ’18 (Belchertown, MA). The

choreographer Cynthia Gutierrez-

centerpiece of the performance was

Garner, who worked with the students

selections from The World Beloved: A

throughout the year. The theme at the

movement. To me, it has become a war cry of defiance.”

September 10-November 1 | What to Do When Lost in the Woods, Schaefer Art Gallery September 14 | Gustavus Artist Series: The Lazarus Band, 7:30 p.m. in Bjorling Recital Hall September 16 | 48-Hour Theatre Project, 6 p.m. in the Black Box Theatre October 14 | Family Weekend Concert, 2 p.m. in Christ Chapel (also live-streamed) November 3 | Gustavus Symphony Orchestra Concert, 1:30 p.m. in Bjorling Recital Hall (also live-streamed) November 8-11 | Measure for Measure, times vary, in Anderson Theatre November 10 | Gustavus Wind Symphony and Wind Orchestra, 1:30 p.m. in Bjorling Recital Hall (also live-streamed) November 18 | Fall Jazz Showcase, 1:30 p.m. in Bjorling Recital Hall (also live-streamed)

GUSTAVUS QUARTERLY | FALL 2018

NEXT

Chapel, and Lucia Singers collaborated

25

Gratitude BIG ENGAGEMENT. BIG HEARTS. BIG CHECKS. BIG THANKS.

THIS YEAR, EVERY REUNION CLASS BEAT THE CLASS BEFORE THEM IN REUNION GIVING PARTICIPATION. It was an incredible Reunion

Fund, but they go to class

Weekend in many ways (see

scholarships as well. Six of the

page 38), and it was an excep-

reunion classes ending in 3s

tional giving one. This year’s

and 8s now have their own en-

reunion classes set a notable

dowed scholarships. The Class

precedent. Reunion gifts—

of 2013 now has their own

of all sizes—added up to a

Heritage Scholarship. (At only

great big demonstration of

five years out of college, they

Gustavus love.

are the youngest class to do

Classes ending in 3s and 8s gave right up to the deadline.

In fact, moments before the Donor Reception announc-

so.) Two reunion classes tied The Class of 1983 raised well over $1 million in one year to commemorate their years at Gustavus and help future students have the same opportunities they did.

ing each class’s participation

TOP FIVE

and amount, Karla Leitzman ’13, special

REUNION CLASSES

gift officer and coordinator for Reunion Giving, was re-writing the final numbers

(in order of total dollars raised)

(in order of class participation rate)

1

1983

1958/1963

2

1973

(tie)

3

1968

1953

4

1978

1968

5

1988

1973

for the giant novelty checks. It was a sense of momentum spurred on by an incredible year of support from the Gustavus community. (For instance: $45 million of the $50 million needed has been raised for the Nobel Hall renovation and expansion, our endowment is at an all-time high, there are new scholarships, a new career center endowment, and so much more.)

GUSTAVUS QUARTERLY

Most reunion gifts go to the Gustavus

26

45%

Percentage of all gifts made to Gustavus that are between $25 and $100.

CELEBRATING THE 25TH Crucial to reunion giving is the 25 Year Reunion Scholarship. Once a class celebrates this silver anniversary, a class endowed scholarship will be established for current and future Gustie students. For more, contact Karla Leitzman ’13 at kleitzm2@gustavus.edu or 507-933-6664.

for the greatest class participation in giving throughout the year: 1958 and 1963 each logged 62 percent participa-

tion. For those in those classes, this shall come as no surprise. The longstanding but collegial rivalry between Owen Sammelson ’58 and Paul Tillquist ’63 continues to benefit the lives of students every day.

For all gifts, at all times, of all amounts, for all purposes—Gustavus is grateful. Says Leitzman, “We celebrate our $1 million-plus gifts, and we celebrate our $5 gifts. Every gift, no matter the size, makes an impact on the success of Gustavus.”

$4,218,356.03 Combined gifts and commitments made from this summer’s 13 reunion classes since June of 2017.

Heritage

IT’S BEEN 50 YEARS SINCE 1968—a year of seismic change in the U.S., often considered the most historic year of our times. That January, the Vietcong launched the bloody Tet Offensive, elevating dissent at home for the Vietnam War, particularly among college students. In April, the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. was gunned down by an assassin on the balcony of his Memphis hotel room, a shocking wake up for civil rights. Just two months later, Robert F. Kennedy was also gunned down by an assassin. That August, violent protests exploded during the Democratic National Convention in Chicago, with students at the forefront. In October, in Mexico City, Olympic athletes Tommie Smith (age 24) and John Carlos (age 23) bowed their heads and raised their photos of Earth from a lunar perspective that illuminated a truly one world. Then the crew read aloud from the book of Genesis.

That was the end of 1968, but the changes were just beginning. The young people of the times would drive us forward.

At Gustavus, students, staff, and faculty protested against the US invasion of Cambodia in the spring of 1970. (The photo above is from that spring.) In early May, as campuses across the country were engaged in anti-war activism, Gustavus students held a one day strike. Ultimately, the decision was made to cancel the last three weeks of class. Students took the grade they had earned at that point, or stayed for an alternative teach-in led by faculty.

Today’s Gustie students continue to engage with the world through activism. They work for change on issues they care about on campus, in the country, and around the world. Wherever people are acting on the great challenges of our times, Gustie students will be there too. Whatever changes the next 40 years bring, Gusties will have helped to light the way.

GUSTAVUS QUARTERLY | FALL 2018

black-gloved fists during the Star Spangled Banner. On Christmas Eve, astronauts circled the moon, and in a live broadcast showed

27

G USTIES

Gather, ye Gusties!

THE GREAT GUSTIE GATHERING (AKA HOMECOMING) CONVENES ON CAMPUS OCTOBER 6.

We are calling Gusties of all ages, in all stages to return to the Hill to meet with and cheer for their fellow Gusties.

It’s a day of family fun—with campus tours and a petting zoo, fun crafts and coffee chats, inflatables and a wine and beer garden, a marketplace for Gustie-owned businesses, and football versus Concordia. Affinity groups (academic departments, athletics teams, young alumni…) will gather together as well, and the Alumni Choir will sing. Expect to dance, eat, and fire up the Gustie Rouser.

Yes, there will be frost-yourowns! There will even be an all-ages Kubb Tournament*.

28

Alumni Association

Saturday, Oct. 6 All day until 4 p.m.

Game starts at 1 p.m. $20 includes breakfast, lunch, game ticket, Gustie swag, and access to all activities.

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

2018–19 ALUMNI ASSOCIATION BOARD OF DIRECTORS Kara Buckner ’97, (president), marketing consultant Michael Bussey ’69 (vice president), senior consultant, Donor by Design Group, LLC J.C. Anderson ’82, partner/attorney, Gray Plant Mooty Rick Barbari ’91, head of enterprise data management, US Bank Mark Bergman ’79, president/owner, Bercom International

*WHAT IS KUBB?

Mary Booker ’91, assistant vice provost– student financial services, University of San Francisco

Pronounced “koob” and sometimes called “Viking chess,” it’s a lawn game of wooden blocks (one with

a “crown” on top) thrown around a pitch. The objective is to knock over the blocks by throwing wooden batons at them. Think of it as bowling-meets-horseshoes.

Legend has it early Scandinavian Vikings played kubb more than 1,000 years ago on the Swedish island of Gotland. But instead of wooden blocks they used the skulls and bones of their enemies.

Wooden blocks will be used for our tournament.

Jen Brandenburg ’02, pharmacist, Abbott Northwestern Hospital Sara Schnell Elenkiwich ’10, operations, Sparboe Farms Theresa Gienapp ’97, director of planned giving, Macalaster College Antonio Gomez ’14, senior analyst, UnitedHealth Group Cathy Villars Harms ’85, vice president of marketing, Tecmark LLC Erik Hendrikson ’94, president, Tradition Mortgage, LLC Stephanie Kendall ’76, executive consultant, Smarter Workforce, IBM Corporation 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

There are several opportunities for businesses to sponsor the Great Gustie Gathering, from $100 to $5,000 and above. Visit gustavus.edu/forms/694 or call 507-933-7511.

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 Marcia Stephen ’73, financial advisor, retired Gordon Mansergh ’84, (immediate past president), senior behavioral scientist, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

GUSTAVUS QUARTERLY | FALL 2018

SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES

Bill Laumann ’66, retired school teacher/ librarian, Albert Lea ISD 241

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GUSTIES

MY GUSTAVUS Rachel Vagts ’93 POLITICAL SCIENCE AND HISTORY “KNOWING THAT THERE ARE PEOPLE WHO BELIEVED SO MUCH IN ME, I HOLD ONTO THAT.”

I am from a tiny town in southeast Minnesota. My dad was a teacher, my mom was a nurse, and I was one of four kids. My parents told me that if I wanted to go to a private school, it would have to be a Lutheran school. I was able to go to Gustavus because I received a lot of financial aid.

That first year was rough, though. I was a smart student but I didn’t work very hard in high school, and I had always known everyone I was in the classroom with. Most of the girls on my floor were from the Twin Cities. At Gustavus, I felt like a fish out of water.

Then I started working for professor Eric Eliason. He was such a stabilizing force in my life. I really got to know professor Florence Amamoto. Professor Ron Christensen had a significant impact on the person I would become. He worked us hard in class, but he was a listener. I sat in that rocking chair in his office for so many hours. In fact, I’m pretty sure I went to the office hours of every professor I took class from. Those relationships meant so much to me.

My second year, I did Model United Nations. Then, my junior year, I was elected to Student Senate. I was challenged in ways I hadn’t been challenged before. People expected more out of me, and I started to really deeply value Gustavus.

After graduation, I did Lutheran Volunteer Corps and Americorps. I went to library science school in Madison, Wis. There, I saw an archives class. I had written a paper at Gustavus about student protests during the 1960s and 70s, with professor Kevin Byrne, and I had used the Gustavus archives. I signed up for the class and never looked back.

Vagts has established a future gift for Gustavus GUSTAVUS QUARTERLY | FALL 2018

through her estate plan. “It cost me only $250

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more per year to go to Gustavus than the public institution I applied to,” says Vagts. “Lots of people gave money so I could go to Gustavus. I want to give students the same chances I got.” To make a planned gift to Gustavus, or any other gift, visit gustavus.edu/giving.

Now, I am an archivist. I head the special collections and archives at Berea College in Kentucky, which preserves the story of that college and the people of southern Appalachia. And I direct the national Archives Leadership Institute. This year, I was inducted as a Fellow of the Society of American Archivists.

At my workplace, I get to mentor the students who work in our office. I get to be the same person that Eric and Florence and Ron were for me. That’s a full circle.

GUSTIES

Howard F. Johnson, Chisago City, turned 97 on April 30. At press time, he was looking forward to golfing.

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Rhoda Smith Nelson, Bloomington, is living at Presbyterian Homes of Bloomington and stays active with a wide variety of activities.

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Jan Jaeger Scoles Leesville, LA, retired after 58 years from teaching every level, from kindergarten to university.

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John Pearson, Lindsborg, KS, was recognized at the 2018 Festival of the Arts for his 48 years of service coordinating the Messiah and Bach Passion oratorio broadcasts and radio preparations, including Messiah Festival Radio Network.

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Ken Johnson, Wyoming, is vice president/ consultant of Direct Marketing Group. He has had 21 family members attend Gustavus.

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Donna Widstrom Dunn, St. Paul, retired from Minnesota Coalition Against Sexual Assault in 2014.

Kelly Hammargren, Berkeley, CA, produces a weekly summary of all upcoming Berkeley City Council, Board, and Commission meetings with agenda highlights which is then posted in the Berkely Daily Planet. It follows the motto, “local matters.”

Richard Helvig, Borrego Springs, CA, is retired from family practice medicine in Grand Rapids. He stays active bicycling, woodworking, and playing piano

for the local performing arts center and his church.

Nancy Wettergren Hennen, Minneapolis, is retired from Minneapolis Public Schools.

Ron Johnson, Minneapolis, works for the Minnesota Twins, Target Field, as an usher.

Jim Krieger, Mountain Home, AR, and his wife, Sally, sail their dinghy on the Intercoastal Waterway in Daytona Beach, FL. Carolyn Evenson Leopold, Mound, is a retired teacher.

Carl Lundell, Granite Falls, is a transportation driver for the City of Granite Falls.

Cheryl Myer, Western Australia, retired as a registered nurse after 35 years.

Marilyn Hayes Rau, Litchfield, retired as owner of Stockmens Greenhouse & Landscape.

Lloyd Stoel, Greenwood, IN, is retired from Vertellus Specialities as the director of analytical technology.

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Julena M. Lind, Santa Monica, CA, is retired from the University of California as the associate dean of the graduate school.

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FIRST DECADE AWARD ESTHER MULDER ’08 Mulder, who was in foster care for much of her childhood and attended Gustavus on full scholarship, graduated from Harvard Law School in 2014.

While there, she logged more than 2,000 hours of pro bono work on behalf of low-income defendants and families. She is currently assistant public defender for Hennepin County.

FIRST DECADE AWARD MICHAEL MARCOTTE ’08 A producer and on-air reporter for KSTP’s newscasts and lifestyle show, Twin Cities Live. The Local Guy About Town, he picks the events for the “What’s Happening This Weekend” segment. A proud Gustavus Choir alum, he is also on the Board of Directors of the Minnesota Boychoir.

DISTINGUISHED ALUMNI CITATION SUZANNE BODA ’82 Now a senior vice president for the largest airline in the world (American Airlines-US Airways), Boda earned her Gustavus degree in Asian Studies with a concentration in Japanese. She went to work for Northwest Airlines as a way to get back to Asia, where she had studied as a student, before joining US Airways in 2008.

DISTINGUISHED ALUMNI CITATION STEVEN EPP ’80 Actor/writer/director Epp has been a Twin Cities-based actor for more than 25 years, most of which was on stage for Theatre de la Jeune Lune, which won the 2005 Tony award for Best Regional Theatre.

DISTINGUISHED ALUMNI CITATION MARCIA PAGE ’82 A founder and partner/principal of the Minnesota-based Värde Partners (with George Hicks ’75), Page has overseen every aspect of the firm, from

Paul Thompson, Edina, completed his 37th Birkebeiner ski race in Hayward, WI.

development of the investment thesis to building the firm’s infrastructure

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DISTINGUISHED ALUMNI CITATION DR. REGINALD PENNER ’83

Judy Anderson, Fort Myers, FL, retired in January as president of EAP Consultants.

Connie Schultz Briesacher, Sycamore, IL, retired in 2016 as a charge nurse, ambulatory services, at Kishwaukee-Northwestern Hospital.

Corinne Dunn Chabot, Hoover, AL, is a retired nurse practitioner.

to growing it globally. Marcia serves on the Gustavus Board of Trustees chairs the Investment Committee of Gustavus Adolphus College.

Dr. Penner is a distinguished professor of chemistry at the University of California, Irvine, where he leads a group of doctoral and post-doctoral electrochemists who research nanowire technology. This technology could revolutionize battery-powered devices, hydrogen fuel cell cars, and cancer testing, among other things.

All will be honored at the Alumni Awards Banquet on Friday, Oct. 5, before Homecoming. For more information, visit gustavus.edu/alumni.

GUSTAVUS QUARTERLY | FALL 2018

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GUSTIES

Kathleen Odden Granzin, Park Falls, WI, retired from her caregiver position with Rent-A-Daughter.

Paul Hansen, Hastings, is retired from the Minnesota Trade Office where he worked as an international trade representative.

Becky Hokenson, Bloomington, is a resource specialist for the Better Business Bureau of Minnesota and North Dakota.

Yvonne Carter Neils, Woodbury, is a retired media specialist for South Washington ISD. Brad Swanson, Pine River, retired from his position as attorney and senior vice president of Pine River State Bank.

Carla Berg Wehler, Moorhead, retired from Bethesda Pleasantview Nursing as a nursing supervisor.

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Suzanne Ordahl Ashton, Oakdale, retired from South Washington ISD as a reading recovery teacher.

Julie Fiedler Entinger, Anoka, is a registered nurse for Mercy Hospital, Coon Rapids.

Janice Dauphinias Manary, Deerwood, is chief operating officer for Praestan Health.

Mary Sue Kessler Moe, Savage, is a registered nurse at the Children’s Hospital of Minnesota.

Terese M. Sorenson, Braham, retired from TCF Financial Corporation as assistant vice president, manager lending support.

Cindy Gustafson Torkelson, Hanska, retired from elementary teaching in 2012 and now teaches adult basic education and directs children’s theatre at St. James Public Schools.

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Barbara L. Busch, Roseville, retired from Anoka-Hennepin ISD as a biology teacher.

Greg Hagge, Minneapolis, is a finance and tax consultant and assistant professor at St. Mary’s University.

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Barb Jorgensen Dixon, Brooklyn Park, is an academic support and literacy intervention teacher at AnokaHennepin School District.

Paul Gerberding, Reston, VA, is a high school art teacher at Anglo-American School of Moscow in Russia.

Becky Layman Heflin, Wayzata, recently retired from Amira Medical.

Laurie Aadland Helgoe, Crestview, FL, is an associate professor in the behavioral sciences at Ross University School of Medicine.

Karl R. Jacobson, Lake Oswego, OR, works in list management for Cascade Direct.

Randi Ness Kelley, Edina, is director of operations at Agosto.

Athena Owen Kildegaard, Morris, has written her fifth book of poetry, Course, published by Tinderbox Editions. The book explores the course of her mother’s life and death, the course of the river into which her ashes were placed, and the course of grief.

Mary Dronen Meyer, Eden Prairie, is a registered nurse for Fairview Southdale Hospital.

Barbara Lundstrom Perkins, Edina, is a registered nurse for Methodist Hospital.

Heidi Mittelstadt Bednarchuk, Mankato, is a registered nurse/bariatric coordinator for Mayo Clinic Health System.

Sharon Owens Garling, Huntley, IL, is a kindergarten teacher at Primrose School.

Andrea Stamson Garrett, Stillwater, is human resource generalist for Stillwater Medical Group.

Michael Grob, New Ulm, is chief operations officer for Minnesota Valley Testing Lab. Laurel Jorgensen Jordan, Tucson, AZ, is the lead teacher for the physical and health education department at Qatar Academy in Doha, Qatar.

Erik Lundquist, Rochester, is president–shared services for Astrup Companies.

Charles W. Nielson, St. Paul, is a real estate agent for Edina Realty.

Jojo Wackerfuss Quackenbush, Chanhassen, is a regional sales manager at Legacy Assurance Plan.

Jenny Quam Rizzardi, Delano, is employed by Joyful Heart Preschool.

Mona Ibrahim Roach, Hastings, is a family physician at Allina Health.

Chrissy Jansen Rossow, Maple Grove, is the president of BlueStem Technology.

Ingrid Nelson Steele, Chanhassen, is the office manager for Blake Chiropractic in Hopkins.

Karin Meisel Steffenson, Owatonna, is a pre-school teacher at Trinity Nursery School.

Tara Keifer Swedberg, Lakeville, is a provider and community relations associate at Gillette Children’s Specialty Healthcare.

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Michael Dorweiler, Palm Harbor, FL, is a senior project manager at Dewberry in Tampa.

Rich Mills, Eagan, is a sixth-grade teacher at Oak Point Elementary, Eden Prairie School Dist.. He was

YOU REFER A HIGH SCHOOL STUDENT. WE GIVE A SCHOLARSHIP. There is a $4,000 scholarship waiting for a high school student you recommend to us.

High school students who choose Gustavus under the endorsement of an alum receive a $4,000 scholarship from the College. It’s that simple.

How do you refer someone? Go to gustavus.edu/ alumni/referral, or call 507-933-7676.

Students must apply by November 1, 2018. They must choose to attend by May 1, 2019. (Note: Students with immediate family members who have graduated from Gustavus are instead awarded a Gustavus Legacy Scholarship.)

So far, more than 158 high school students have become Gusties under your endorsement and with our financial aid help. Thank you for shaping the future of Gustavus by fnding the best and brightest young people to join our community.

named, along with two other team teachers, as a 2018 Legacy Teacher of the Year by the Foundation for Eden Prairie Schools.

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Jon R. Oliphant, Kwai Chung, China, is owner of The Terrace, a top restaurant in ShenZhen, where he has lived for the past 20 years.

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Kristina Edstrom, Bloomington, is an international marketing manager for Digi International.

David Gundale, Minneapolis, is principal for Open World Learning Community.

Jessica Opitz Hartmann, Waconia, is the vice president of operations for ACA International.

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Nels Pierson, Rochester, is a state representative in the Minnesota House of Representatives.

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Kari Seidel Aase, Cottage Grove, is a first-grade teacher at Cowern Elementary, Maplewood School Dist.

Heidi Anderson Bonner, Wilson, NC, earned tenure and has been promoted to associate professor at East Carolina University in August.

Jodi Anderson, Alexandria, is an athletic trainer at Heartland Orthopedic Specialists.

Rachel Gustafson Bakeberg, Appleton, is owner and mixed animal veterinarian at Appleton Veterinary Clinic.

Robert Castille, Edensburg, PA, is the head women’s and men’s tennis coach at Saint Francis University in Pennsylvania.

CloEve Anderson Demmer, Minnetrista, is deputy vice president for University Development for

Columbia University. She recently relocated back to Minnesota, but continues to work for Columbia University in NYC. Erik Eckman, Lake Elmo, is a physician anesthesiologist for Associated Anesthesiologists.

Jake Heckenlaible, Minneapolis, is vice president of sales, Eastern U.S., for Cheers/Man Wah USA. Stacey Olson Huebner, Colorado Springs, CO, is an interventionist/ gifted & talented at Cheyenne Mountain School District.

Tom Kelsey, Shoreview, is the associate registrar for Augsburg University.

T.J. Kudalis, Minneapolis, is director of project management at Lakana.

Siri Lommen Lichte, Westminster, CO, is a self-employed piano teacher.

Amy Moe-Hoffman, Starkville, MS, is curator and collections manager of Dunn-Seiler Museum as well as a geology instructor at Mississippi State University.

Macey Miller Mulheron, Shoreview, is a K-8 music teacher at Epiphany Catholic School.

Emily Soderlund, Minnetonka, works at the Fulcrum Group.

Aaron Wredberg, Minneapolis, is employed by IBM as counsel, trust, & compliance officer for Russia and CIS Countries.

Rachel Doppelhammer Yetzer, Faribault, is a second-grade teacher for the Faribault School District.

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Roy F. Heilman, Shoreview, is a tenor soloist in the music of the Baroque and Classical eras. He performed in March and April at the Messiah, Festival of Arts, sponsored by the associated churches of Lindsborg, KS.

25 YEAR ANNIVERSARY AWARD DR. MARTA HEMMINGSON VANBEEK ’93 Chief of staff for Iowa Hospitals and Clinics, Dr. Hemminson VanBeek is also a professor of dermatology surgery and director of the Division of Dermatology Surgery and Cutaneous Oncology. She oversees the Fellowship Program in Dermatologic Surgery, and holds several national leadership roles within the American Academy of Dermatology.

50 YEAR ANNIVERSARY AWARD REV. DR. JEROME KING DEL PINO ’68 Rev. Pino is a longtime leader in the United Methodist Church, having served as pastor, senior pastor, district superintendent, general secretary, and CEO. This Gustie studied English, literature, and history at Gustavus.

He went on to Boston University, earning a master of theology and a PhD in church history.

HONORARY GUSTIE ANN VOLK H’18 Ann began at Gustavus as the assistant in The Gustavus Fund office in 1997, was promoted to administrative assistant to the vice president for institutional advancement in 2000, and in 2015 was promoted to office manager of the Office of Advancement. She recently joined the Office of Marketing and Communication. Volk advises Colleges Against Cancer and the Ambassadors at Gustavus, and volunteers her time and talents for numerous Saint Peter and Nicollet County organizations.

HONORARY GUSTIE TODD PRAFKE H’18 Prafke had been city administrator of Saint Peter for just four months when the 1998 tornado struck. He worked in collaboration with Gustavus administration to get the city and the College back on their feet. It was a turning point in the town-gown relationship between the two.

ALSO TO BE HONORED GACAC SERVICE AWARD DR. JEAN BJORLING YOUNG ’70 GREATER GUSTAVUS SERVICE AWARD REV. DR. HERB AND REV. E. CORRINE CHILSTROM, FRIENDS OF THE LINNAEUS ARBORETUM All will be honored at the Alumni Awards Banquet on Friday, Oct. 5, before Homecoming. For more information, visit gustavus.edu/alumni.

GUSTAVUS QUARTERLY | FALL 2018

Jennifer Mitchell, Peoria, AZ, works for Oracle.

Christie Olstad, San Francisco, CA, is an ESL teacher for City College of San Francisco and is an Ayurreda specialist yoga instructor.

Katie Pearson, Minneapolis, is an instructional coach for West St. Paul ISD #197.

John Preus, Chicago, IL, is a selfemployed artist and craftsman.

Kristin Rantala, Oak Grove, is head of global account management for Optum International.

Dawn Wolford Sperr, Rogers, is the interim president of I-94 West Chamber of Commerce.

Ann Zulkosky, Washington, DC, is the director for NASA programs at Lockheed Martin.

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GUSTIES

Chelsa Johnson, Farmington, is an environmental lead planner at Metropolitan Council in St. Paul, working to permit the state’s first Bus Rapid Transit project.

Justin Rhodes, St. Paul, is an associate attorney at Webber Law Firm in Edina practicing immigration law. Justin earned his juris doctorate from the University of Minnesota Law School and a master’s from the University of Minnesota.

Brent Voight, White Bear Lake, is the east metro area director for Fellowship of Christian Athletes in the Twin Cities.

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Kim Johnson Lo, Novi, MI, is a senior human resource analyst, international assignments, for ZF North America in Northville, MI. Jackie Moen Miller, Burnsville, is the senior director, payment integrity for Optum Health.

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Scott Fish, Eagan, is a senior analyst at Fanball.com in Minneapolis. He also is a fantasy football analyst, sportswriter, and KFAN cohost.

GUSTAVUS QUARTERLY | FALL 2018

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Phil Bromeland, Jordan, is premium auditor for SFM Mutual Insurance Company.

Brian Campbell, Prior Lake, is assistant branch manager and mortgage broker for Congressional Bank.

Jamie Timmers Campbell, Prior Lake, is a first-grade teacher in Prior Lake-Savage Area Schools.

She received her master’s in teaching and learning from St. Mary’s University.

Abby Roessler Edgar, Farmington, is the head athletic

trainer at St. Catherine University.

Todd Hedberg, Mound, is director of digital marketing for Widex Hearing Technologies.

Rachel Sherman Johnson, Willmar, is director of campus internationalization and fellowships at the University of Kansas.

Bethany Mueller, Minneapolis, is a clinical social worker/PTSD treatment team for the Minneapolis VA Health Care System.

Leslie Wilcox Rosedahl, St. Paul, is director of communications, state government relations for Lockridge Grindal Nauen.

Nils Isaksson Sjoblom, Sundbyberg, Sweden, is head of sales readiness and sales support, communication services project management at Ericsson Sweden.

Alanna Talty, Rego Park, NY, is senior associate architect and technical director at Gensler.

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Lance Hendrickson, Owatonna, is the P & C product manager at Federated Mutual Insurance Company in Owatonna.

Jennifer MacKen, Minneapolis, received an MBA from the University of St. Thomas in July of 2017.

Roy G. Bryan, Jr., Santa Barbara, CA, is a radiologist at Santa Barbara Radiology Medical Group.

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Amy M. Janssen, St. Paul, is studying for a Master of Divinity degree at Luther Seminary in preparation for ordination in the ELCA. Kate Menne, Grant, was recently promoted to site leader for nurse anesthetists at the Summit Orthopedics Same-Day Surgery Center in Vadnais Heights.

Nathan R. Sellers, Minneapolis,

is an attorney for Fabyanske, Westra, Hart & Thompson,in Minneapolis and was recently elected a shareholder.

Matt Swenson, St. Paul, was promoted to serve as deputy chief of staff and director of communications for Minnesota Governor Mark Dayton.

Matt serves as the Governor’s chief communications advisor and spokesperson, manages the Governor’s communications staff, and provides strategic direction to Cabinet members and communications directors at each of Minnesota’s 25 state agencies.

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Paul Shneider, Mankato, was named a partner at the law firm Blethen, Gage & Krause in Mankato. His practice focuses on closely-held businesses and commercial real estate.

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Erik A. Anderson, Maplewood, is a process engineer for Superior Process Technologies.

Tammy Burger Baker, Eagle Lake, is a physician assistant at Mayo Clinic Health System, Waseca.

Tim Bergman, Denver, CO, is executive assistant to the chief financial officer for Colorado Department of Health Care Policy and Financing. Tim received his master’s in public policy in June 2016.

Katie Patterson Brugger, Monroe, WI, is now parish secretary for Albany United Methodist Church.

Cara A. Carlson, Franklin, WI, is the senior meeting and event manager for Baird.

Nicole Klaustermeier Fiala, Williams, graduated in May from Minnesota State University, Mankato, with a Master of Science degree in reading.

UPCOMING ALUMNI TRAVEL IN ENGLAND AND EUROPE September 21–30, 2019 Theatrical London: Playing Across the Pond Join professor emeritus Rob Gardner for theater, culture, and history in Stratford, Oxford, and London. See six shows; enjoy daily guided tours, lectures, and discussions with Gardner and guests from the National Theater; and explore the region.

Share Gardner's passion for the theater in one of the world's greatest theater cities!

September 13–24, 2020 A Symphony of Music, Culture, and History: Oberammergau Passion Play and Central Europe Join professor emeritus David Fienen in the historical heart of Europe’s great music. After two nights in Salzburg, travel to Oberammergau for the historical passion play produced there every ten years. Then visit Prague, Wittenberg (the iconic town of Luther’s Reformation) and Berlin.

Enjoy daily guided tours, lectures and discussions with David, musical performances, and plenty of exploration. This is a once-in-a-decade opportunity.

For more on each trip, visit gustavus.edu/ president/tours.

Maggie Hansel, Minneapolis, is an account manager for Optum.

Stephanie Buresh Heitz, Minnetrista, is a customer account specialist for General Mills.

Erin Hettinger, Chaska, is the ministry assistant–student ministries for Christ Presbyterian Church, Minneapolis.

Drew M. Hood, Mankato, is an administrator at Oak Terrance Senior Communities, Mankato.

Jessica Lorenzen, River Falls, WI, received her master’s in June 2010, and her doctor of psychology in June 2014. She is the drug abuse program coordinator for Federal Bureau of Prisons.

Brit Barkholtz, St. Paul, is a therapist at MidWest Center for Personal & Family Development in St. Paul.

Kevin Clark, Toledo, OH, was named one of four 2018 Beckman Institute Postdoctoral Fellows at the University of Illinois.

Jen Fox, St. Paul, is the director of consumer outreach and community relations for the Minnesota Department of Commerce.

a microbiology specialist for First District Association.

Lauren A. Carlson, St. Paul, is doing her pediatric residency at the University of Minnesota Pediatric Residency Program.

Laura Eshelman, Bozeman, MT, is a PhD student and research assistant for Montana State University.

Leif Estenson, Saint Peter, is a mechanic for Cambria.

Tiffany A. Etterman, East Gull Lake, is OB/GYN resident physician for Beaumont Hospital, Farmington Hills, MI. Meredith Evans, Plymouth, is a visual art specialist for Wayzata Public Schools.

Jessica Flannery, Des Moines, IA, is a caucus secretary for the House Democratic Research Office at the State of Iowa Legislature.

Sarah Hund-Hagemeyer, Monticello, is a judicial clerk for the Minnesota Judicial Branch.

Erin Miller, Golden Valley, is an occupational therapist.

Joseph Taylor, Washington, IL, is an English teacher at ITMO University in St. Petersburg, Russia. It is the leading IT University in Russia. She completed a master’s degree in Russian history at European State University at St. Petersburg.

Ally Voss, St. Louis Park, is a bilingual gifted and talented teacher plus Spanish reading interventionist for Richfield Public Schools.

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Carrie Gundersen Degerness, Plymouth, graduated from the University of Minnesota in May with a doctor of nursing practice degree (DNP) in health innovation and leadership with a certificate in healthcare design and innovation.

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Katie Batz, Richfield, is an event planner at D’Amico.

Lydia Benge Cloeter, Minneapolis, is a recruiter for Boom Lab. Jennifer E. Turck, Litchfield, is

Megan Spear, Minneapolis, is a project coordinator at All Energy Solar in St. Paul.

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Adrienne Gruenes, St. Cloud, is a graduate

student in communication studies at Minnesota State University, Mankato.

Caroline Pokrzywinski, Naperville, IL is a regional field director at JB Pritzker for Governor in Chicago.

Julian Waggoner, IV, Rochester, is a financial representative for Northwestern Mutual.

Sophie Leininger, Plymouth, is the marketing and communication lead for the Office of Admission at Gustavus Adolphus College.

WEDDINGS Donna Widstrom ’68 and Nancy Beckes, 10/19/13, St. Paul Melissa Bruninga ’90 and Richard Ryckman, 01/01/17, Columbia, TN Jon R. Oliphant ’91 and Cristine Salazar, 02/10/17, Kwai Chung, China Derek S. Kaufman ’99 and Janine Murphy, 07/21/17, Reston, VA Nick Hendrikson ’01 and Ashley Henningsgaard ’07, St. Louis Park Todd Hedberg ’03 and Emiley Hedberg, Mound Margaret Comer ’08 and Ryan Hansel, 04/18/15, Minneapolis Kate J. Leibfried ’08 and Eric Biederman, 06/18/16, Minneapolis Blake M. Theisen ’08 and Mariah Fouquette, 04/21/18, Waukegan, IL Jessica Niles ’09 and Tim Borg, 05/19/18, Maple Grove Katherine Lowery ’11 and Travis Hanson, 12/16/17, Maplewood Jennifer Turck ’13 and Alex Bipes, 08/26/17, Litchfield Grant Cooper ’13 and Grace Johnson, 10/07/17, St. Paul Jamie Ries ’14 and Brenyn Anderson, 06/10/17, Monticello

Brendan Baker ’14 and Samantha Wright ’14, 06/05/16, Edina Chad Claybaugh ’14 and Elizabeth Hauer ’13, 06/23/17, Sartell Cole Engen ’14 and Morgan Lenz ’16, Hutchinson Jennifer Harms ’14 and Scott Lindner, 10/14/17, Victoria Andrew Vold ’14 and Amy Prasad ’14, 09/08/17, Minneapolis Kaylee Maxon ’15 and Brandon Espe, 02/03/18, Austin Nate Paulsen ’15 and Christina Swenson ’15, 06/10/17, Eden Prairie Caroline D. David ’16 and Eric Hanson ’16, 12/29/17, Watertown, MA. Nathaniel D. Long ’16 and Erin Oakley, Washington, DC Sarah Schuetz ’16 and Zach Martens, 01/06/18, Knoxville, TN Scott E. Mulder ’16 and Hanna Engebretson ’16, 12/29/17, Sioux Falls, SD Grace C. Kerber ’17 and Tyler Jaycox, 08/13/17, Ann Arbor, MI

BIRTHS Kingsley to Jon R. Oliphant ’91 and Cristine Salazar, 12/06/17 Erica to Brian Hane ’94 and Stephanie Hane on 1/29/18 Milo to Jacquie Hawkinson ’98 and Matthew Hawkinson, 02/22/18 Signe to Erica L. Coady ’00 and Neil McMahon, 03/06/18 Malcolm to Scott T. Fish ’02 and Andrea Tish Fish ’05, 01/01/18 Maxwell to Phil Bromeland ’03 and Anna Knoblauch Bromeland ’03, 06/22/16 Peter to Elizabeth Johnson ’03 and Caleb Johnson, 07/11/17 Leo to Leslie Carlson Pietila ’03 and John R. Pietila, 11/30/17 Emma to Liz Barth Wynveen

’03 and Paul M. Wynveen ’04, 12/14/17 Cameron to Shannon Faloon Sherman ’04 and Marc Sherman, 01/03/18 Thomas to Katie Dorn Thimjon ’04 and Joshua S. Thimjon ’04, 01/16/18 Quinn to Liz Nytes Kittelson ’05 and Carl Kittelson, 1/5/17 August to Joe Lencioni ’05 and Samantha Matthes Lencioni ’07, 12/10/17 Margaret to Meghan Donohoe Thoele ’05 and Kristopher W. Thoele, 02/02/18 Allison to Jessica Olson Melander ’06 and Derek Melander, 12/12/17 Kaiden to Marisa Mancini Rothrock ’06 and Brian Rothrock, 04/29/16 Twins Aaron and Adam to Sally Peterson Dietzenbach ’07 and Keith Dietzenbach, 1/22/18.

Wesley to Kevin J. Hegland ’07 and Laura Hansen Hegland ’09, 09/12/17 Michael to Karen Hoeg Kennedy ’07 and Matthew Kennedy, 03/26/18 Harrison to Eric D. Olson ’07 and Sarah Creighton Olson ’07, 12/19/17 Gabriel to Ben Richter ’07 and Andrea Iverson Richter, 09/05/17 Priya Mary, to Tessa Carlsen Wolff ’07 and Charlie Wolff, adopted on 1/12/2018.

Eli to Erik A. Anderson ’08 and Rachael Anderson, 04/13/18 Cooper to Stephanie Buresh Heitz ’08 and Michael Heitz, 1/30/16 Emmato Erin E. Hettinger ’08 and Jason Hettinger, 1/19/18 Judah to Lindsey Sockness Johnson ’08 and Stephen Johnson, 03/11/17

GUSTAVUS QUARTERLY | FALL 2018

Emily Buck Moe, Stacy, is a registered nurse for Fairview Lakes Medical Center.

Shawna MullenEardley, Duluth, is the active transport coordinator for Zeitgeist Center for Arts & Community.

Sarah Miller Taylor, Minneapolis, is senior manager, financial planning and analysis for Target. She received her MBA from the University of St. Thomas in May 2015.

Holly Cooper Vanhalle, Golden, CO, is clinical hospital pharmacist for St. Joseph Hospital.

Sarah J. Willis, Lausanne, Switzerland, is a doctoral student at the University of Lausanne.

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BIRTHS cont.

Cameran to Patrick J. Riordan ’08 and Mara Riordan, 01/26/18 Bjorn to Christopher Stark ’08 and Eva Cornell Stark ’08, 4/24/17 Twins, Matthew and Samuel to Sarah Miller Taylor ’08 and Jacob Taylor, 9/20/17 Hazel to Grace Bury Wilson ’08 and Kris Wilson, 7/21/17.

Jack to Carly Erickson ’09 and Charles J. Erickson ’09, 07/15/17 Colette to Adam T. Risland ’09 and Katherine Putnam Risland ’09, 12/24/17 Aliza to Phil Cleary ’11 and Rebekah Jorgenson Cleary ’11, 06/27/17 Ellis to Carl M. Stenoien ’11 and Karen Maus Stenoien ’11, 12/02/17 Van to Molly Geske Beckstrand ’12 and Peder V. Beckstrand ’12, 10/30/17 Emersyn to Sydnie Wigand Graff ’13 and Jared Graff, 01/20/18

GUSTAVUS QUARTERLY | FALL 2018

IN MEMORIAM

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Ruth Snyder Larson ’33, Saint Peter, on 4/26/18. She was Gustavus’ oldest living alumnae, at 105. A former English and history teacher, farm wife, and world traveler, she is survived by three children, Joanne Karvonen ’61, David ’65, and Lori ’78.

Ardyce Thompson Christianson ’42, Mankato, on 4/23/18. The former long-time secretary to the Saint Peter superintendent of schools, she is survived by two sons.

Walter Youngquist ’42, Eugene, OR, on 2/20/18. A World War II veteran, he went on to become a renowned geologist. He taught at the University of Oregon before

he started his own consulting practice. Walter is survived by three of his four children.

Luverne Tengbom ’43, Rice Lake, WI, on 1/2/18. He was a Lutheran pastor, professor, and seminary administrator at various institutes and is survived by his four children.

Ruth Lindgren Carlson ’45, Moorhead, on 5/7/18. A former office worker, wife, and mother, she is survived by four of her five children including Cathy ’76 and Mary Ann Lichtsinn ’80.

William L. Edwards ’46, North Mankato, on 2/3/18. A World War II veteran and 20-year Navy reserve, Bill also worked as an insurance agent for Northwestern Mutual Life for 60 years. He is survived by his wife, Ginny.

Charles Bardenwerper ’47, Fort Atkinson, WI, on 2/3/18. He served as a dentist in the U.S. Navy during World War II and then practiced dentistry for his entire career. He is survived by four children.

Shirley Hanson Bierbaum ’47, Schroeder, on 5/9/18. She was the former owner, along with her husband, of the Northland Hardware, in Schroeder. She is survived by three children.

Marian Johnson Flakne ’49, St. Paul, on 4/15/18. A wife, mother, and real estate agent, she is survived by four children.

Glen Holmquist ’49, Hopkins, on 3/24/18. He worked as a teacher, coach, and insurance salesman before a 20-year career as stewardship coordinator for the Lutheran Church of America.

He is survived by his six children including Mark ’75.

Lois Johnson Setterholm ’49, Minneapolis, on 11/20/17. A retired missionary to Japan for the Lutheran Church of America, she is survived by four children including Mark ’70 and Keith ’73.

Joan Johnson Sorenson ’49, Faribault, on 2/20/18. She taught special education in the Faribault Public Schools for many years and is survived by two of her five children, including Terese ’78 and Christine Swanson ’83.

Carleton Veigel ’49, Boise, ID, on 3/3/18. He was a World War II Navy veteran and later worked as an accountant for the IRS before opening Veigel and Associates. He is survived by three children.

George K. Anonsen ’50, Brooklyn Center, on 3/10/18. A longtime elementary school teacher and Boy Scout executive, he is survived by two sons.

Robert Collison ’50, Eden Prairie, on 5/10/18. A World War II veteran and Gustavus Hall of Fame member, he worked as a coach, athletic director, and assistant principal at Richfield High School.

He is survived by his wife, Sylvia, and three daughters including Susan Schemm ’80.

Carol Ostgaard Esbjornson ’50, Willmar, on 3/29/18. A former English and speech teacher, she is survived by her husband, John ’50, and four children including David ’75 and Karen ’80.

Earl B. Gustafson ’50, Duluth, on 4/16/18. Earl served in the Navy during World War II and later practiced law as an attorney and a judge. He is survived by his wife, Donna, and eight children.

Oreland R. Johnson ’50, Red Wing, on 2/19/18. He had a long

career in advertising and started his own agency. He is survived by his wife Arlene (Johnson ’50) and three children.

Allen Kroehler ’50, Ithaca, NY, on 2/3/18. A minister in the United Church of Christ he had a 30-year career teaching at Lancaster Theological Seminary and is survived by four children.

Wallace Brunswold ’51, Wayzata, on 3/10/18. A Korean War Army veteran, he had a long career as a teacher, coach, and guidance counselor for St. Charles and Rochester area high schools.

He is survived by his wife Jean, and two children, Carla Nelson ’78 and Kirk ’81.

Fred Tidstrom ’51, Ashland, WI, on 3/22/18. After serving in the U.S. Navy, he had a long career as a dentist. He is survived by his wife, Ellen Anne, and five of his six children.

Marilyn Cuddy Hammond ’52, Vero Beach, FL, on 1/10/18.

Mark G. Jorgensen ’52, St. Paul, on 5/13/18. An Army veteran of the Korean War, he later obtained his law degree but found his passion as founder of Impressions, Inc. He is survived by his wife, Evelyn, and four children.

Terry S. Moores ’52, Palm Desert, CA, on 12/29/17. An Army veteran, he founded Moores Companies and had a 50-year career there. He is survived by his wife, Rosemary, and four children.

Robert V. Peterson ’52, St. Paul, on 1/7/18. A former quality director for 3M Company, he is survived by his wife, Donarae.

William Reber ’52, Rio Verde, AZ, on 2/11/18. After a long career in advertising, he retired as

REMEMBERING JEFF ROSOFF Jeff Rosoff, xFac., St. Peter, on 5/16/18.

A member of the Gustavus faculty from 1981–2015, he will be remembered for his joyful and humorous approach to life, illustrated by his energetic, bouncing stride across campus and habit of sliding down the banister in the Jackson Campus Center. An inspirational teacher with a contagious passion for math, he also served the College on a variety of faculty committees including a term as the chair of the Faculty Senate.

He is survived by his mother, Berniece; sister, Leslie; and his partner, Colleen Jacks ’79, professor of biology.

and is survived by his wife, Ana, and two sons.

Westen H. Anderson ’58, Bloomington, on 4/28/18. He was the second-generation owner of Henry W. Anderson Mortuary in Minneapolis. He is survived by his three children.

Arvilla Mueller Beckman ’59, Lilydale, on 4/6/18. She was a nurse, wife, mother, and talented seamstress and is survived by her husband, Norm, and four children including Daniel ’85 and Sue Tobias ’87.

Chloris Gunderson Carlson ’59, Ottawa, IL, on 4/12/18. She worked as a secretary and insurance agent for Country Companies and is survived by her husband, Orion, and two daughters.

Karolynn “Kay” Carlson Gritton ’59, St. Louis Park, on 4/27/18. She was involved with YWCA work, antiques, and art. She is survived by two step-children and a sister, Jacquelyn ’55.

Dale E. Armstrong ’61, Albert Lea, on 2/1/18. He had a long career as a science teacher and is survived by his wife, Laurel, and three children.

Susan Johnson Diebold ’62, Alexandria, on 4/7/18. A former office manager for Heart of Lakes United Way she is survived by her husband, Jay, and two sons including Jay ’90.

Geraldine “Geri” Sparks Evans ’62, New Brighton, on 3/30/18. A wife, mother, and former state representative from New Brighton, she is survived by four children.

Willis Paulsen ’62, Lyons, NE, on 2/10/18. A U.S. Army veteran, he ran Paulsen Certified Seed business and is survived by his

wife, Sandi, two sons, and a sister, Elaine Brant ’45.

R. Bruce Seastrand ’62, Saint Peter, on 1/27/18. Retired after a long career as a high school administrator for various high schools, he is survived by his wife, Barbara, three children including Lori ’91, and a sister, Barbara Eder ’60.

Fredric Thunhorst ’63, Ely, on 5/14/18. He served two tours as an intelligence officer for the U.S. Navy, then worked as an area wildlife supervisor for the State of Minnesota. He is survived by his wife, Dianne (Skalbeck ’62), and two children.

Gordon R. Thompson ’63, Salem, OR, on 12/31/17. He was an educator and a baseball coach at Granite Hills High School in El Cajon, CA. He is survived by his wife, Sharon (Bauer ’63), and two children.

Mark R. Eckman ’64, Duluth, on 2/3/18. An internal medicine physician and infectious disease consultant, he practiced medicine for thirty years at the Duluth Clinic.

He is survived by wife, Mary, five children, and siblings Matthew ’62 and Margaret Anderson ’67.

Allen L. Kruger ’65, Springdale, AR, on 2/26/18. An Air Force veteran, he worked as a land developer and farmer and is survived by Sandra Tedder.

Diane Nasby ’65, Plymouth, on 4/23/18. She taught for several years until switching careers, working for the United States Postal Service for 30 years. She is survived by a brother.

Gail Waite Lawrence ’66, Newark, IL, on 2/19/18. She was an office nurse for Marseilles Family Health and is survived

by her husband, William, and two children.

Steven R. Struss ’67, Cambridge, on 2/3/18. He taught English and coached for 34 years and is survived by his wife, Nancy, and three children.

Dawn Peterson Grable ’68, Denver, CO, on 11/8/14. She was an elementary teacher for the Hopkins School Dist. and is survived by her two children.

Samuel E. Carlson ’68, Wayzata, on 3/12/18. A nationally renowned physician leader, innovator, and teacher who loved singing and playing the piano, he is survived by his wife, Barbara (Zakariasen ’70), four children (Angela LaJoy ’95, Adam ’00, Laura Ross ’00, and Joshua ’05), and siblings David ’60 and Joanna Swanson ’64.

Karen Sanders Barrett ’68, Minneapolis, on 4/11/18. A wife, mother, and compassionate caregiver, she is survived by her husband, Kenneth, seven children, and siblings, including LeRoy Sanders ’56 and Marlys Siverson ’64.

Mark Breneman ’70, Byron, on 2/27/18. He was a financial planner and a loving family man who at the age of 60 received his juris doctorate degree and opened Byron Law Practice. He is survived by wife, Alyce, and four children.

Rick L. Doering ’74, Delano, on 4/2/18. He held various positions with BFI/Republic Services and did consulting work for Russ Schweihs.

He is survived by wife, Karen, three children, and a sister, Durene Rogers ’72.

Ronald L. Brooks ’75, Humble, TX, on 4/10/18. He worked for 38 years at St. Paul Company, Kaleidoscope, and Mitsubishi Motors,

but preferred to be known as a poet, singer, and dedicated husband and father. He is survived by wife, Sally (Swenson ’73), and two daughters.

Mark V. Holmquist ’75, Minneapolis, on 5/3/18. He worked as an independent contractor for more than 40 years and is survived by a daughter.

Mary Beth Muellner ’78, Gilroy, CA, on 12/31/16.

Heather Fawkes Braun ’81, Sammamish, WA, on 4/24/18. A wife, mother, and jewelry designer, she is survived by her husband, Gary ’81, and four sons.

Curtis Schuft ’91, Hutchinson, on 4/6/18. He was a commodities trader and owner of Heartland Commodities and is survived by his wife, Kristen, a son, and his father, Lester ’60.

John J. Fagerholt ’10, Fargo, ND, on 4/16/18. An English major and an attorney, he was also a nature lover and avid hunter who composed and published articles on the sport. He is survived by his mother.

Robert “Robby” Bragg ’17, Eden Prairie, on 5/17/18. He is survived by his parents Glenn Bragg and Linda Wallenberg ’75 and a sister.

Lorie Siebels, Staff, Saint Peter, on 3/25/18. A 17-year employee of Gustavus starting in the Admissions Office, she later switched to the Office of Marketing and Communication where she was an integral part of the team. She is survived by her husband, Mark, and three children, including son Joe ’20.

GUSTAVUS QUARTERLY | FALL 2018

senior vice president and general manager for BBDO (now Omnicom Group). He is survived by his wife, Betty, two children, and a sister, Faye, ’56.

Sue Gustafson Crane ’55, Garden City, on 1/7/18. A former teacher and musician, she is survived by her husband, Donald.

Marilyn Lundell Majeska ’55, Pompano Beach, FL, on 3/20/18.

She was an English professor for many years before working for the Library of Congress editing numerous volumes. She is survived by her husband, George, and two daughters.

Dianne Nasby ’55, Plymouth, on 4/23/18. She taught for several years in Fond du Lac, WI, and in Hopkins, and is survived by a brother.

Theodore “Duane” Jensen ’56, Salt Lake City, UT, on 4/1/18. A cowboy and Lutheran minister, he is survived by his wife, Marilyn, four children, and two step-daughters.

S. Carl-Georg Martinson ’56, Skarholmen, Sweden, on 12/25/17.

He had a long career as a teacher and headmaster and is survived by his wife, Birgitta, and three children.

Jerry A. Munson ’57, Alexandria, on 4/14/18. A Navy veteran, he owned and operated, the Floor to Ceiling Store with his wife, and later a resort near Park Rapids they named “Fun to Boot.” He is survived by four of his five children.

Sidney Puppe ’56, St. Paul, on 5/9/18. He worked as a teacher and a coach before starting as career as a State Farm Insurance agent. He is survived by his wife, Susan, and two children.

Don E. Olson ’57, Miami, FL, on 12/29/15. He was the former pastor at Hope Lutheran Church in Miami

37

GUSTIES

GUSTIES GATHER— FOR REUNION WEEKEND

CLASS YEARS FROM 1948 TO 2013 JOINED TOGETHER ON CAMPUS FOR A WEEKEND OF REMINISCENCE AND REJOICING. They came from as far away as Bangalore, India, and as nearby as 7th Street in Saint Peter.

Nearly 900 alumni and their guests joined us for Reunion Weekend in June.

It was the second year in which alums from all anniversary years celebrated together on the same weekend—and immediately following graduation weekend, when the campus was the sole domain of alums, including the dorms.

In a particularly magical Reunion Weekend moment, Ruthanne Hedstrom Vos ’83 found herself staying in the very room her husband was living in when she met him on a Mystery Date back in 1981—room 109A in Norelius (Co-Ed). “Obviously I had never seen the inside of it before,” she said with a wink. “Well, I did study with the door open once or twice,” her husband, Jim Vos ’84 reminded her.

Mark your calendar if you’re in a class year that ends in a 4 or a 9.

Reunion Weekend 2019 is June 7–9, 2019.

“

I was reminded of why I chose Gustavus in the first place.”

3 DAYS

882 ALUMS AND GUESTS

THOSE ARE SOME PRETTY BIG MILESTONES, CLASS OF ’68, ’93, AND ’08.

Names are listed alphabetically and do not correspond with order in photos. Some Gusties may not have been present for class photos.

50 YEARS (The largest reunion class attendance ever!)

Ronald Ackerman, John Ahlstrom, Thomas Albrecht, Pamela (Richardson) Allen, Cindy (Tripp) Anderson, Mary Kaye Anderson, Steven Andrews, Kathy (Eaton) Asted, Walter Awada, Naomi, (Rothrock) Baker, Laurel Beedon, David Berg, Diane (Kiesau) Biederman, Kenneth Biederman, Mary (Anderson) Bohn, Kathleen (Ruthenberg) Bryant, Judy (Roehler) Buck, Barbara (Rinehart) Cameron, Anne (Berg) Carlson, Cheryl (Braunworth) Carlson, Phil Carlson, Angela (Kuper) Christmann,Dale Christoffer, Joyce (Anderson) DeGrande, Karen Mueller DeHaven, Jerome Del Pino. Donna (Widstrom) Dunn, Sandra (Silrum) Eberhardt, Bob Edstrom, Julie (Kirchoff) Edstrom, Connie (Bohn) Edwards, Marj Eisinger, Barbara (Veker) Elnes, Marilyn (Hempftling) Falksen, Jeffrey Grimmer, Lyle Halvorson, Kelly Hammargren, Loretta (Larvick) Harmatuck, Cheryl (Hamer) Hauswirth, Richard Heinze, Terre (Windsor) Holm, Carolyn (Larson) Huhnerkoch, Todd Jacobson, Richard Jaeger, Kenric Johnson, Linda (Westman) Johnson, Robert Johnson, Steve Kagol, Robert Kalberg, Maryann (Pommeranz) Kaul, Elizabeth (Vinz) Keller, Rube Kompelien, Jim Krieger, Sue (Amundson) Lennartson, Carolyn (Evenson) Leopold, Lynne (Diercks) Lind, James Lindberg, Greg Linnell, Harold Losch, Eileen (Pederson) Lund, Joan (Hedlund) Lundell, Peggy (Mitchell) Luther, Ronald Malmquist, Charlotte (Norberg)

10

YEARS

Marcelius, Ted Mays, Rebecca (Gilbertson) Merritt, Ingrid (Wilson) Molde, John Moorhead, Kristine (Lindberg)Moorhead, Diane (Ostrom) Morgensen, Carolyn Mueller, Janice (Nelson) Napier, Paula (Navarro) Navarro, Dawn Nelson, Janet (Torguson) Nelson, Paul Nick, Jack Niemi, Jean (Magnusson) Nye, Ceci (Conklin) Oberg, David Olsen, Gloria (Blaine) Olsen, Larry Ortloff, Mary (Lock) Palm, John Palmer, Julie (Biehl) Paschke, Karen (Monson) Peterson, Kathleen (Flanery) Peterson, Richard Peterson, Sharon (Hanson) Petit, Janet Quarn, Beth Rasmussen, Susan (Benson) Rettke, Marilyn (Hoecke) Rice, Karen (Isfeld) Richmond, Barbara (Howe) Rosen, Linda (Soderquist) Rosen, Patricia (Wallace) Ruble, Swenson (Marjorie) Sanborn, Valerie (Jungck) Sanders, Doug Scheunemann, James Schoenrock, Ted Schramm, Judy (Opheim) Schwakopf, Sandra (Hatch) Seilheimer, Richard Severson, Winnie (Snyder) Severson, Barbara (Munson) Sharp, Russell Sharp, Blake Shelton, Kirk Sikorowski, JanaLee Sponberg, Kitty (Hall) Stevens, Lloyd Stoel, Christine (Hestad) Tennessen, Jane (Hansen) Toftey, Karen (Bellile) Uecker, Cheryl (Kramer) Vinson, Don Waterbury, Barbi (Gray) Wenschlag, Darrell Weslander, Marilyn (Huse) Wise, Ronald Witter, Mark Youngstrom, Carl Zaar, Arvid Zenk, Jane (Dornfeld) Zenk, Rick Zweig 25 YEARS Lola (Danielson) Amendt, Craig Anderson, Jennifer (Woods) Antila, Wendi (Dressen) Arndt, Laura (Skattum) Boomgaarden, Marianne Brinda, Chris Carlson, Heidi (Rostberg) Carlson, Troy Case, Krisha (Nielsen) Crabtree, Sarah Danielson, Stephan Dunning, Heather (Hoglund) Elliott, Michael Finstad, Jen (Buckman) Fransdal, Julie (Rasmusson) Gilbertson, Heather Grunkemeyer, Jenny (Smalley) Havemeier, Nicole (Taylor) Hensley,

10 YEARS Jenny Arnfelt, Justin Aul, Meagan Bachmayer, Emily Barnard, Caity (Hughes) Bateman, Andrea (Astrup) Becker, Abigail (Wunderlich) Bubna, Danielle Burras, Kristen Burson, Adam Butler, Cara Carlson, Candace (Willson) Coates, Lydia (Davitt) Dahl, Dana (Friedline) Darling, Katie Dierkes, Adam Eckhardt, Brittany (Oslund) Fleck, Katy (Daily) Glitsos, Jennifer (Helmeke) Greife, Whitney Hohman, Lillie Hollingsworth, Ashley Houston, Luke Jeseritz, Alex Knewtson, Ashley (Millette) Koller, Matt Koller, Ben Leer, Kalley (Sikich) Leer, Kate Leibfried, Sarah (Tracy) Letich, Anna Lindquist, Krystal Long, Joy (Braband)Macheel, Mike Marcotte, Tim McDougall, Brittany (Bauer) Meyers, Katy (Yount) Michaletz, Esther Mulder, Katelyn Nelson, Emily (Pelton) Nordland, Lesa Nurse, Kira O’Bradovich, Maggie (Overman) Larson, Greg Pokorski, Caroline Rew, Addie Ryan, Maggie Sagstuen, Anne (Ellingson) Scheetz, Emily (Allen) Schmittler, Brita (Nielsen) Schwartz, Siddarth Selvaraj, Ben Smith, Lindsey (Carlson) Smith, Eva (Cornell) Stark, John Thielman, Holly (Bernstetter) Tonolli, John Tonolli, Lauren (Hansen) Toppin, Matt Toppin, Andrew Twiton, Amanda Varley, Britta (Sundeen) Walstrom, Emily (Barron) Walter, Kurt Wayne, Jessie (Woulfe) Webb, Clint Wostrel

25

YEARS

50 YEARS

GUSTAVUS QUARTERLY | FALL 2018

ANNIVERSARY CLASSES

Karen Hillerman, David Jacobson, Tara (Thomes) Keil, Mark Kleven, Bob Klindworth, Kristen Lamont, Leslie (Bloedel) Mollner, Beth (Robelia) Napton, Mark Nordberg, Mike Nordberg, Natalie Nordstrom, Chris Olson, Kristine (Robelia) Oppegard, Katie Pearson, Andrew Priadka, Paul Schiminsky, Amy (Downham) Schwanz, Mark Schwanz, Stacey (Schrock) Simonett, Carrie (Roe) Stolp, Jon Stolp, Marco Strom, Barb Larson Taylor, Matthew Thompson, Rachel Vagts, Deb (Larner) Van Hees, Wendy (Gilland) Vedeen, Steve Wiens, Jon Yocum

39

Vespers

Nigerians strive to finish first.

Study well. Work well.

Rain pushed commencement indoors for this year’s 520 graduates and their family, friends, and guests. This did not dampen the celebration, nor did it dampen their caps. A fortunate thing, as the Class of 2018 double-downed on the glitter and glue sticks and personality for their grad cap customization.

“Jump in. Don’t wait on the sidelines for someone else to take action," President Bergman told “her” class. (They were first-years during her first year as the College’s president.) “Go with confidence. Go with poise and professionalism. Go with pride.” Did they ever.

And did we ever love it. And now we can't wait to see all the other ways they will leave their beautiful mark on this world.

Go Gusties. Make your lives count.

For Alumni, Parents, and Friends FALL 2018 | VOL. LXXV | ISSUE 3 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

YOUR LEGACY.

THEIR FUTURE. Include Gustavus Adolphus in your will or trust today and make a powerful impact on tomorrow’s students.

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 Jill Adler (adlerdesignstudio.com), Sarah Hinderman ’20 Contributing Writers and Artists JJ Akin ’11, Gregory Euclide (cover artist), Mara Klein, Sophie Leininger ’18, CJ Siewert ’11, Kathi Tunheim Contributing Photographers Kylee Brimsek ’19, Nick Campbell ’18, Terry Clark Photography, Diana Draayer ’18, Annie Galloway ’15, Ben Penner, Jon Smithers (johnsmithers.com), Saint Mary’s University Sports Information 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 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.

When artist Howard Quednau broke his leg, he couldn’t climb the stairs to his printmaking studio. He began making dioramas. It’s been eight years. An exhibit of his work was featured in the Schaefer Art Gallery this spring.

Making plans to include Gustavus in your long-term financial plan allows you to: • Make a significant gift without affecting your current income.

• Support the Gustavus program or area of your choice.

• Make changes. A bequest is revocable so you can make changes as needed.

• Provide a charitable tax deduction for your estate.

• Ensure that future generations of Gusties continue to receive an excellent education.

Including Gustavus in your estate plan is easy to arrange. A simple paragraph added to your will is all it takes. Naming Gustavus as a beneficiary of your retirement account or insurance policy is another easy way to support Gustavus.

Learn how your legacy can impact future students.

Let us say THANK YOU during your lifetime by telling us if you have already included Gustavus in your plans.

Gustavus Adolphus College is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission and is a member of the North Central Association.

GUSTAVUS ADOLPHUS PLANNED GIVING plannedgiving.gustavus.edu | 507-933-6043

FALL 2018 800 WEST COLLEGE AVENUE SAINT PETER, MINNESOTA 56082

The annual senior art majors exhibition, ADIEU, featured

12

FROM THIS LAND Southern Minnesota, from our alums, profs, and people

31

CLASS NOTES What your fellow Gusties have been up to

the work of Georgia Bebler, Sara Blinn, Jenna Hansen, Lauren Ihle, Carly Maslowski, August Henry Moehrke, Rita Morgan, Caitlyn Riese, and Jane Skodje. (Bebler, Riese, and Skodjge all had pieces purchased by the art department.) Au revoir, seniors.