GUSTIES

46| Russell O. Allen, Scottsdale, AZ, has retired from the Consul of Sweden in Phoenix and has been given the title of Consul of Sweden Emeritus.

56| Mona Amundson Burns, Minneapolis, has retired as a volunteer at the Fine Arts Institute.

Reuben Carlson, Wittenberg, WI, was recently honored for his 60 years in ministry.

Bob Erdman, St. Paul, is a retired coach/counselor for Roseville Area Schools.

57| Arnold Walker, Gatlinburg, TN, has written his third book, Spirit Promptings. To date, he has raised more than $7,000 for his local clinic which serves the uninsured working poor.

61| Mary Nelson, Chicago, IL, completed a stint as interim president and CEO of the Christian Community Development Association.

66| Jean LeVander King, St. Paul, retired as president of Communi-King in St. Paul.

Bruce Mohs, St. Cloud, is retired after teaching for 33 years and serving on the St. Cloud School Board for 15 years.

Stephen A. Otto, Appleton, WI, is a retired educator of 40 years working in special education and administration. He now is a world traveler to more than 55 countries and does volunteer work as a Stephen Minister and facilitator for Community Circles of Support for recently released felons. 68| Jean Magnusson Nye, Chicago, IL, is a docent at the Oriental Institute Museum at the University of Chicago.

70| Diane Mickelson Brady, Edina, retired as an associate from Thrivent Financial in February.

Joy Arend Burdick, Champlin, is a retired sixth grade language arts teacher at Centennial Middle School.

Brian Deschneau, Arden Hills, retired as a financial representative at Country Financial.

Steve Furuseth, Rochert, is a retired educator for the White Earth Tribe.

John Greupner, Tucson, AZ, is a retired school administrator.

Karol Klint Greupner, Tucson, AZ, is a retired special events and arts coordinator for the City of Plymouth.

John Holt, Harpswell, ME, is a professor of Theravada Buddhism at the University of Chicago.

Dan Klein, Excelsior, retired from Klein Bank in 2018 after working for 44 years in the banking industry.

Carol Kingbay Kuhl, Bloomington, is a retired elementary and preschool teacher.

Pat Kindstrom LeVesque, Hopkins, has retired as the owner of the women’s clothing store Pat LeVesque Clothing Store, Cannon Falls.

Bonnie Lindgren, Sioux Falls, SD, is the director of Carol Choir (children’s choir) at First Lutheran Church.

Allen Lipke, Hibbing, is a retired outreach education coordinator at the Soudan Underground Physics Lab, University of Minnesota.

Sandy MacKenzie Madsen, Hudson, WI, is a retired teacher.

Craig Nelson, Saint Peter, is working as a field representative for the U.S. Census Bureau.

Jann Olsten, Mound, has retired as the CEO of TightKnit.

Janet Nelson Spielman, Hugo, is the manager of U.S. and international pension plans for Target Corporation.

Paul Thompson, Edina, has completed his 40th American Birkebeiner ski race that covers 55K (34 miles). Throughout the years he has raised thousands of dollars for various causes, including climate change, hunger, and poverty.

Bruce Torkelson, Tulsa, OK, is the president and a consultant of Torkelson Geochemistry.

71| Vicki Larsen Anderson, Cloquet, is the medical director of quality at Community Memorial Hospital.

Randy Beahrs, North Oaks, retired in February 2021 as a urologist for Minnesota Urology.

Bill Carroll, Clermont, FL, has retired as a plan document analyst at Mayo Clinic.

Beth Williams Dahlmeier, Minneapolis, has retired from Medtox Laboratories.

Lynn Olson Engler, Northfield, has retired as an RN assistant clinical nurse manager at Abbott Northwestern Hospital in Minneapolis.

David Fabio, Stillwater, has retired as a senior technical service engineer at 3M.

Tom Farm, Hugo, has retired as president and chairman of the CPA firm Olsen Thielen and Co.

Bonnie Friesner, Menomonie, WI, is a retired RN from the VA Medical Center who has been working as a contact tracer during the pandemic.

Linda From, Eden Prairie, retired as a flight attendant for Delta Air Lines.

Eileen Holz, Saint Peter, is a freelance graphic designer with her own business, Eholz-Graphix.

Karen Johnson, Minneapolis, is a retired obstetrician/gynecologist with Group Health.

Judy Okerman Kastelle, Hudson, WI, is a freelance costumer for community theaters and other stage venues.

Dan Kratz, St. Paul, retired as vice president/director from the Children’s Hospitals of Minnesota.

Rebecca Abrahamson Larsen, Willmar, has retired as an elementary teacher at Willmar Schools.

Jennifer Villas Lipke, Hibbing, is a retired nursing professor for Hibbing Community College.

Jim Lobdell, Inglewood, CA, has retired as pastor emeritus at Holy Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Church.

Bev Peterson McGriff, Laurens, IA, is a retired elementary teacher from Albert City.

Warren Mullen, Mill Valley, CA, is in real estate sales and investments with Compass.

David Murray, Blue Earth, has retired as a substitute teacher from Blue Earth Area Schools.

Sandra Burfeind Murray, Blue Earth, has retired as a paraprofessional from Blue Earth Area Schools.

Sue Carlson Murray, Eagan, retired in February as a psychiatric registered nurse at Abbott Northwestern Hospital.

Yoshio Okada, Brookline, MA, is the director of the magnetoencephalography program at Children’s Hospital Boston. This program is part of Fetal-Neonatal Neuroimaging and Developmental Science of the Newborn Medicine Research Center and the Division of Epilepsy of Department of Neurology at Children’s.

Bonnie Sable Peterson, Northfield, has retired as a first grade teacher at Jefferson School in Faribault.

Gary Peterson, Northfield, is a retired attorney from his private practice in Faribault.

Lynnae Hultgren Ringus, Plymouth, has retired from working as a sales manager at Mark Fisher Footwear.

Jim Rusch, Cleveland, retired as a social studies teacher and coach in February.

Carol Hamrum Rutz, Northfield, is now the executive director of the Cannon Valley Elder Collegium.

Carol Sells Sorensen, Forest Lake, has retired as a parish nurse at Hosanna Lutheran Church.

Richard Swenson, Dublin, OH, has retired as emeritus professor at The Ohio State University.

Nancy Sandeen Tarbox, Edina, has retired as an advocacy associate at the American Heart Association.

David Tente, Lake Mary, FL, is the executive director of ATM Industry Association.

Jerold Wright, Chicago, IL, retired as a CFP from Wright & Associates but continues to serve clients as an insurance broker.

Constance Baer Youngdahl, Brooklyn Park, has retired as a choral/music teacher for AnokaHennepin ISD #11 and is a yoga instructor for Lifetime Fitness.

72| Jill Starkey Anderson Lakeville, has retired , from her position as a customer service representative with Sun Country Airlines.

Mark Bennett, Sioux City, IA, has retired from his position as a U.S. District Court judge for the Northern District of Iowa.

Becky Bingea, San Rafael, CA, is a retired audiologist from the University of California, San Francisco.

Robert Sletta, Park City, UT, is owner/contractor of Sletta Construction.

73| Matthew Peterson, Coon Rapids, is retired from Leading Edge Human Resources Network.

75| Karl Blomquist, Owatonna, retired as a family physician at Mayo Clinic Health Systems.

Mary Montgomery Felvey, Enon, OH, has retired after 20 years in the Air Force and 23 years in various positions for the Veteran’s Health Administration.

Eric Mattison, Owatonna, has retired from the law firm of Einhaus, Mattison, Carver & Haberman, where he worked as an attorney and partner for 38 years.

76| Barb Davis Augustinack, Apple Valley, retired from being a travel consultant for Carlson Wagonlit Travel.

Brian Bakk, Champlin, retired as the CFO for Killmer Electric Co.

David Bonne, White Bear Lake, retired as the owner of DB Wireless.

Jean Swanson Broberg, Shoreview, has retired from her position as systems analysis supervisor for Minnesota IT Services.

Deb Miller Duffy, North Oaks, has retired as the HR director at the Minnesota Institute of Arts.

Melanie Williams Frank, Blufton, SC, retired as the business owner of Kindred Spirit Elopements and Intimate Weddings.

Gary J. Hansen, Chanhassen, is senior vice president at UBS President-Investments in Wayzata.

Sam Johnson, Red Wing, retired as the manager of a Hallmark store.

Paul Jokela, Omaha, NE, is the president of Jokela Consulting Group.

Kristen Spaude Lee, Hastings, has retired from the State of Minnesota Public Defender Office.

Donna Bergum Miller, Rochester, retired as a customer service specialist at Lands’ End Business Outfitters in Dodgeville, WI.

Bonnie Bergs Morcomb, Dayton, is assistant vice president for Optum.

Gary W. Seline, Apple Valley, retired as a broker at Erickson and Larsen in Maple Grove.

Judy Larson Slarks, Owatonna, has retired as a teacher for Medford Public Schools. She was inducted into the Medford Hall of Fame in 2019.

Rick Vanderstoep, Edgerton, retired as an owner of Vanderstoep Furniture.

Sarah Wilcox Vanderstoep, Edgerton, retired as a registered nurse at LLMP Public Health Services in Pipestone.

Laura Peterson Zollar, Soudan, retired as an English instructor at Virginia High School after 30 years of teaching.

77| Craig R. Maki, Marshall, retired after 38 years as a physician assistant at Avera Marshall Medical Center.

78| Bonnie Stein Anderson Sierra Vista, AZ, has , retired from teaching third grade at Lake Geneva School District, in Lake Geneva, WI.

79| Craig R. Anderson, Sierra Vista, AZ, has retired as the general manager at Allied Supply Company in Elkhorn, WI.

80| Dave M. Miller, Northfield, has retired after 34 years of teaching middle school band at Valley Middle School of STEM in Apple Valley. He continues to direct the Northfield High School jazz ensemble.

Merita Schollmeier, St. Paul, has retired as the director of corporate accounting from U.S. Bancorp.

Mickey Hanson Speck, Danville, CA, has retired from her position as a computer scientist at the Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory and is now involved in volunteer endeavors and singing with choirs.

Allison Waggoner, Sartell, is the director of human resources at DCI.

81| Jody Anderson, Burnsville, is a dental lab technician for the Minneapolis VA Medical Center.

KNOW SOMEONE WHO WOULD MAKE A GREAT GUSTIE?

There is a $4,000 scholarship waiting if you recommend them.

High school students who choose Gustavus under the endorsement of an alum receive a scholarship. It's that simple. Even better, now you can refer juniors AND seniors, and we'll award them the scholarship as part of their financial aid package after they apply during thir senior year!

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

Referrals must be received and students must apply by November 1 of their senior year of high school to be eligible. They must choose to attend by May 1, 2022. (Note: Students with immediate family members who have graduated from Gustavus are instead awarded a Gustavus Legacy Scholarship.)

Since the program’s inception in 2016, hundreds of high school students have become Gusties under your endorsement and with our financial aid help. Thank you for helping us shape the future of Gustavus by finding the best and brightest young people to join our community.

Jonathan Asp, Minneapolis, is an orthopedic surgeon at Twin Cities Orthopedics.

Julie Morris Betchwars, Savage, is the director of financial planning at Caiss Wealth Strategies.

Kim Luke Hakensen, Corcoran, is a retired sales associate for Dana’s Apparel.

Terri Hobson Horn, Le Sueur, is a pastor at Le Sueur United Methodist Church.

Nancy Haining Huninghake, Oak Grove, retired as an autism specialist at St. Francis School District #15.

Barb Nelson Hutson, Robbinsdale, is in prospect development and is a campaign manager for Luther Seminary.

Paul Jacobson, Cannon Falls, has retired as vice president of imports at Sullivans in South Dakota.

Kari Miller Johnsrud, Winona, has retired as a second grade teacher for Winona Public Schools, District 861.

Amy Anderson Moore, Minnetonka, is a diabetes nurse specialist at Fairview Health Services.

Beth Olsen Myren, Eagan, manages inpatient clincal documentation at Fairview Health Services.

Diane Nelson, St. Paul, has retired as a registered nurse at Children’s Minnesota.

Marci Mannella Wills, Osseo, retired as an elementary school physical education teacher in Buffalo.

82| Kathy Flory, Minneapolis, is an obstetrician-gynecologist at Voyage Healthcare (formerly North Clinic) in Crystal, Maple Grove, and Plymouth. She was named a Top Doctor by Mpls. St.Paul Magazine in 2017 and one of Minnesota Monthly’s Best Doctors for Women in 2018.

Connie Fortin, Plymouth, owns Fortin Consulting, an environmental consulting firm concerned with water protection.

83| Paul D. Erickson, Milwaukee, WI, is bishop of the Greater Milwaukee Synod, ELCA.

Jonathan M. Heller, Poughkeepsie, NY, is the principal probation officer with Dutchess County Office of Probation and Community Corrections. He has been with the department for 36 years.

Kevin Russeth, Rancho Santa Fe, CA, is president of Tek84 in San Diego.

84| Kimberly Ziesemann Ewen, Eden Prairie, is a grade school teacher at Clear Springs Elementary in the Minnetonka School District.

85| Janie Rademacher Warner, Chanhassen, is a grade school teacher at Clear Springs Elementary in the Minnetonka School District.

86| Chris Carlson, Fargo, ND, is an insurance producer for Keith Phillips Agency.

Mark S. Hanson, Edina, is a manager of brokerage services at CHS.

Tamara Wiebusch Liansi, Mahwah, NJ, is a project manager for Crossmark.

Medea Edwards Myhra, Saint Peter, was redeployed to Minnesota Department of Health in order to help with the COVID-19 response.

Laura Peterson Olson, Burnsville, is the regional director at Caravel Autism Health.

Quentin Randolph, Minneapolis, is a staff RN for the University of Minnesota Children’s Hospital, Fairview.

Judy Nakata Schmidt, Los Gatos, CA, is a flight attendant for Southwest Airlines.

Scott Sorbo, Pensacola, FL, retired from the Army as lieutenant colonel in 2007 and is now an IT technician for Pensacola Christian College.

Paul Wennberg, Rochester, is the division chair of vascular medicine in the department of cardiology at Mayo Clinic.

Stuart Widmark, Gilberts, IL, is a senior solutions architect for Columbus US.

87| Jana Krzyzaniak Swenson, Bloomington, is an associate with Kairos Christian Resource Development.

88| Jamin Johnson, Minnetonka, is a corporate marketing consultant for Ebenezer in Edina.

Christine Middlestadt Warga, Westminster, CO, is a senior data analyst for ReedGroup.

Karen Olson-Fields, Herriman, UT, is an advanced practice registered nurse and family nurse practitioner at Coast Community Health Center, Bandon, OR.

Tom Trondson, Minneapolis, a former Tennis and Life Camp coach, published his first novel, Moving in Stereo. 90| Robert O. Berdahl, Brooklyn Park, is a Realtor for Edina Realty.

Scott M. Nelson, Austin, TX, is the global co-head investor relations for Eisler Capital.

91| Robert Aitken, III, Bemidji, is an executive director/attorney at Leech Lake Financial Services in Cass Lake.

Aaron A. Bloomquist, Chanhassen, is currently the chief financial officer for Ridgeview Medical Center in Waconia.

Kristina Suneson Bloomquist, Chanhassen, is the senior director of innovation at Be The Match.

Amy Brucker, Redwood City, CA, is the founder of Dream Temple Healing Center.

Karen Pahr Cone, Fairmont, is working in surgery as a registered nurse at United Hospital District in Blue Earth.

David Detlefsen, Saint Peter, is an insurance agent for State Farm.

Steven M. Dittrich, Rochester, is an attorney and co-owner of the law firm of Dittrich & Lamers, P.A.

Patti Mitchell Duffy, Fort Pierre, SD, is the owner of Duffy Editorial & Writing Services.

Susan Engel, York, ME, is a sales manager for Eldredge Lumber & Hardware.

Troy Gies, Hallandale Beach, FL, is a budget and contracts manager for the City of Tamarac.

Kathleen Ilten Heller, Park Ridge, IL, is an office manager at Northbrook Covenant Church.

Joan Marquardt Hines, Lakewood, CO, is research administrator at Children’s Hospital Colorado.

Amy Jacobson, St. Paul, is a registered nurse at Mental Health Resources.

Gwen Kuhns Krueger, New Richland, is a media specialist at Hartley Elementary School.

Michelle Lange, Minnetonka, is an IT service management manager for Accenture.

Valisa McKinney, Inver Grove Heights, is a child support magistrate for the State of Minnesota.

Elizabeth Brown Mercier, Victoria, is the first U.S. sales manager at Hacche USA Retail (doing business as Ginger Fox) in Cheltenham, UK.

Karen Metz Hady, Farmington, is the vice president marketing strategy manager for US Bank.

Kim Osland, Maplewood, is the senior programmer analyst/ administrator for St. Catherine University.

Joseph R. Paulsen, Mankato, is the owner of Pinnacle Business Traction in Mankato.

Georgi Speliopoulos, Plymouth, is a school psychologist for the Eden Prairie School District.

Jennifer Larson Stokes, Minneapolis, is a senior business analyst for Ameriprise Financial Services.

Jeffrey Suzik, Pittsburgh, PA, has been named director of Cranbrook Schools in Bloomfield Hills, MI.

92| Annie Marshall, Baltimore, MD, is a high school English teacher at Jemicy School.

94| Alan Guthrie, Blockley, Gloucestershire, UK, is a chief transformation officer at Johnson Matthey in London.

Eric O’Denius, Burnsville, has retired after 25 years as a deportation officer with Immigration & Customs Enforcement, Department of Homeland Security at Fort Snelling.

95| Joey Anderson, St. Paul, is a self-employed jewelry fabricator.

Mark Nechanicky, Albert Lea, is a fourth grade teacher at Albert Lea Area Schools and was selected as one of ten national 2021 Betty Van Andel Teachers of Excellence.

Britta Ramseth Reierson, Loretto, is a medical director for the Well Onsite Solutions at Optum in Eden Prairie.

96| Michelle Randall Ament, Inver Grove Heights, is the senior director of personalized learning for the Eden Prairie Public Schools.

Jane Pallo Britton, Lakeville, is a senior sales planning analyst for JAMF, a software company.

Tieg B. Britton, Lakeville, is a lead data analyst at Target Stores.

Corey J. Christensen, Spicer, is a general manager at Family Marine.

Tim Gerdin, Plymouth, is operations team lead for GrandPad, a purpose-built tablet designed for seniors over the age of 75.

Joleen Giliotti, Bloomington, is a business manager at Giliotti Tax and Legal Services.

Kristen Glass Perez, Evanston, IL, is chaplain and executive director of religious and spiritual life at Northwestern University.

Stephen Henderson, Minneapolis, is a lead medical support assistant at Minneapolis VA Medical Center.

Travis Lange, San Jose, CA, is a senior mechanical engineer at Stanford University.

Kayan Lewis, Austin, TX, is a data analyst for Texas Education Agency.

Jay Ness, Woodbury, is the director of polymer research and development for SherwinWilliams.

Kim Michaelson Nohava, Hampstead, NC, is an event manager for N2 Publishing.

Chad Peterson, Minneapolis, is the director of marketing and communications at Children’s Theatre Company.

Faith Handevidt Wagner, La Crosse, WI, is a nurse practitioner at Marathon Health.

Heather Wahl, Hopkins, is a special assets risk manager for US Bank.

Kristen Richardson Wilcox, Cedar Rapids, IA, is a self employed attorney.

Rebecca Love Williams, Round Lake, IL, works as an application Consultant II for Improvizations and is an executive director, certified coach, trainer and speaker for The John Maxwell Team.

97| Erika Burge Rudin, Cave Creek, AZ, is working for the City of Phoenix as a business data analyst for the Salt River Project.

Jennifer Vickerman, Minneapolis, works in the advancement office at Gustavus as a gift planner and recently earned the certified fund raising executive (CFRE) credential from the University of St. Thomas.

98| Cari Serbus Briner, Kellogg, ID, is president of Freedom Coaching in Hayden.

Heather McClelland, Vancouver, WA, is a behavior intervention teacher at Vancouver Public Schools and has started a new business, BreatheArtCalm LLC, dedicated to supporting children’s mental health. She has also written a children’s book titled Colorful Place: Mindful Story and Art for Kids.

99| Justin Cain, Walker, is a criminal defense attorney in private practice.

Debbie Lang Chmielewski, Golden Valley, is an attorney/ partner at Halberg Criminal Defense.

Joe Kellner, Mound, is a medical endotherapy representative for Olympus America.

Heather Boyd Marx, Blaine, is part of the Customs, Imports, and Trade Remedies Practice at Cozen O’Connor. She and her partners have developed a very specialized practice group, one of only a handful in the country. Trade with China and the pandemic has put her practice front and center.

00| Mike Durfee, Lakeville, is the owner of Elkhorn Trail Wood Works.

Melanie Larsen Sinouthasy, Maple Grove, is the human resources coordinator for the Minnesota Judicial Branch.

Jason P. Stockwell, Edina, is a professional Realtor for RE/MAX Results.

01| Nathan Beran, New Ulm, is an IT supervisor for New Ulm Public Utilities.

Joel Beyer, Thornton, CO, is the owner of JIBE Enterprises.

Weston Cutter, Jr., Fort Wayne, IN, is the founder of Haven Watch Co. and an associate professor of English at University of Saint Francis.

Regan Nitz Dose, Arlington, is a quality improvement manager for Ridgeview Medical Center.

Angela Erickson, Chanhassen, was recently admitted to a PhD program in Higher Education at Azusa Pacific University and awarded the department’s Leadership Scholarship.

Tricia Niebuhr Lancaster, Northfield, is an attorney at Schmitz, Ophaug, Blumhoefer & Yahnke.

Dana J. Menard, Maple Grove, is a founder and CEO at Twin Cities Wealth Strategies.

Juanita Diller Olsen, Glen Flora, WI, is a deputy medical examiner for Rusk County.

02| Joe Carlile, Alexandria, VA, is the senior advisor to the Secretary for Budget, Policy and Programs at the Department of Housing and Urban Development.

Cory Starkweather, New Brighton, is the senior manager of analytics and implementation for Be The Match. 03| Ryan Barnick, Mantorville, is the assistant principal at Ellis Middle School, Austin School District #492.

Joshua Carter, Minneapolis, is director of public relations and communications for Shutterfly.

Josh Omang, Detroit Lakes, has been named the new Detroit Lakes High School principal and head football coach.

04| Adam Barrett, Minneapolis, has joined the Minneapolis-St. Paul office of Colliers as an occupier advisory specialist.

Hope Crenshaw, Crenshaw, MS, received her doctorate in education from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, and is the executive director of Teen Health Mississippi.

Lindsay Hadtrath Keller, Minneapolis, is a managing partner with Keller, Woods & Thompson, PA.

Marnie Nelson, Lincoln, NE, is the associate director, education abroad office, University of Nebraska, Lincoln.

05| Dave Dressler, Blue Earth, is a principal at Blue Earth Area Schools.

James Gempeler, Eden Prairie, is an attorney/partner of criminal defense and expungements at North Star Criminal Defense in Hopkins.

Meghan Lynch Heldman, Chanhassen, is a first grade teacher at Clear Springs Elementary for Minnetonka ISD #276.

Kelly Biondich Small, Minneapolis, is a senior assistant

Carver County Attorney for Carver County.

Shawna Weaver, Duluth, is a director of education at Walter Munk Foundation for the Oceans in San Diego, CA. The organization preserves the legacy of world renowned oceanographer Walter Munk and supports research and education for ocean conservation.

06| Brandon Darcy, Mazeppa, is a software engineering manager for Western Digital.

Gina Kilchenman, Celina, TX, is vice president of sales for Highgate Hotels in Dallas.

Shelli Horrigan Roberts, Lakeville, is the talent acquisition senior program manager at Amazon in Seattle, WA.

Drew Stifter, Waconia, is a district manager for United Rentals.

07| Lindsay Eastman, Naperville, IL, is a senior counsel at Upadhye Tang in Chicago.

Jon Keseley, Minneapolis, a former Gustavus hockey player, has been recognized as the greatest goal scorer in the history of U.S. Bandy.

Landon Zinda, Washington, DC, is a counselor for the United States Senate Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs.

08| Megan Deschneau Long, Brooklyn Park, is an elementary teacher at Hope Community Academy in St. Paul.

Jared D. Sieling, Maple Grove, is founder and CEO of Chanl Health, a virtual health care company that developed a cardiac rehab program.

Laura Rahm Tait, Andover, is an education product manager at Mimecast, a cyber security software company.

09| Molly Beernink Wilker, Decorah, IA, is an associate professor of chemistry at Luther College.

Joel Rindelaub, Auckland, New Zealand, was recently featured in the magazine of the University of New Zealand, Auckland. He is a research fellow in chemistry and a media personality known for his comedic style.

10| Raissa Carpenter, Minot, ND, is a staff attorney in criminal defense practice for The Legal Aid Society of New York City.

11| Jovanna Anderson, Minneapolis, is a psychotherapist and play therapist at Aris Clinic.

Cassandra Brady, St. Paul, is a second grade teacher at Cowern Elementary School.

Kiera Braun Bridley, Webster, WI, is a special education teacher at Pine City Elementary and is pursuing a masters in special education at Minnesota State University, Mankato.

Chris Golv, Hugo, and Anna Jones Golv have opened a Brazillian Jiu Jitsu academy in White Bear Lake called Higher Ground BJJ.

Collin Lehman, Blaine, is a CPA, tax advisor for Berger Financial Group.

Craig Nordquist, Jersey City, NJ, is a researcher for MLB Network.

FIRST DECADE AWARD

SAMUEL GRACE ’11

Director of Worship and Music at St. John’s Lutheran Church and Artistic Director of MPLS (imPulse), a choral ensemble that re-imagines the traditional choir through creative collaborations, narrative style programming, and engaging audiences in the diverse and unusual spaces. He is completing his doctorate in choral conducting at Indiana University–Bloomington.

MAYANTHI JAYAWARDENA ’11

An illustrator, photographer, and videographer for musicians, comedians, and events, she also works in violence prevention and diversity, equity, and inclusion. She holds a master’s in public health from University of Minnesota. At Gustavus, she studied health and physical education and peace studies.

DISTINGUISHED ALUMNI CITATION

BARBARA COBB ST. MARIE ’77

An adult, gerontology, and primary care nurse practitioner at the University of Minnesota Medical Center, Fairview. Her research is on acute and chronic pain and opiod misuse. She holds master’s from University of St. Thomas and St. Catherine University, and a PhD from University of Wisconsin–Milwaukee.

PAUL ERICKSON ’83

Bishop of the ELCA’s Greater Milwaukee Synod, he has also served the Saint Paul Area Synod, Augustana Lutheran Church in West St. Paul, and Faith Lutheran Church in Milwaukee. His doctorate is from Luther Seminary; his master’s from Lutheran School of Theology. He was a Gustavus religion major.

TIM QUADY ’91

Owner of Blue Rhino Studio, an in-house artistic fabrication studio specializing in custom work for museums, visitor centers, and zoological institutions. He has been a fabrication artist since he was a Gustavus studio art major.

SILVER ANNIVERSARY AWARD

KATHLEEN VOHS ’96

Distinguished McKnight University Professor and Land O'Lakes Chair in Marketing at the University of Minnesota Carlson School of Management. Her research is on self-control, psychology of money, and heterosexual sexual negotiations. She has authored more than 250 scholarly publications and has been the editor of nine books. At Gustavus, she majored in psychology.

GOLDEN ANNIVERSARY AWARD

MARK BERNHARDSON ’71

A Navy lieutenant who earned his master’s in public affairs from the University of Minnesota, Twin Cities. He served the cities of Edina and Orono, then became the manager of the City of Bloomington. He was on the board of directors of Group Dekko International, and chair of the Board of Directors at Hennepin Healthcare System/Hennepin County Medical Center. He also chaired the Gustavus Board of Trustees. He majored in economics.

Brendan Ringdal, Robbinsdale, is a senior accountant for Slumberland.

Noah Setterholm, San Diego, CA, earned his PhD in organic chemistry and is now a research associate for Salk Institute for Biological Studies.

12| Spencer Bonnerup, Albert Lea, graduated from St. George’s University School of Medicine (Grenada, West Indies) in January 2018 and received his master of public health from St. George’s University in December 2019.

Kelsey Swanson Erickson, St. Paul, is the senior manager of projects and strategic planning at Allianz.

Doug Frey, Hopkins, works in human resources for Xcel Energy.

David B. Johnson, Prior Lake, is a chiropractor at HealthSource of Edina Crosstown.

Hilary Bauer Kunkel, Rochester, graduated from Mayo Medical School in May.

Annabel Landaverde, Austin, TX, is a senior copywriter for amazing.com.

Tom Lany ’12, Edina, is one of six honorees statewide who received the 2020 CEO Award of Excellence from Lutheran Social Service of Minnesota, where he is a digital marketing manager. The award recognizes exceptional employees who demonstrate outstanding leadership, inspire colleagues, drive innovation, and build community.

Ryan Steele, St. Louis Park, is a business and risk consultant for Marsh McLennan Agency. 13| Adam Esselman, Cockeysville, MD, has been named manager, baseball communications for the Baltimore Orioles.

Jonathan Logas-Lindstrom, St. Paul, is a veterinarian at the St. Paul Pet Hospital.

Lisa Beacher Mekic, Ogden, UT, is a data analytics manager for Castell.

Tam Meuwissen, Richfield, skated for the U.S. Women’s National Bandy Team in the Women’s World Championships in Oslo, Norway. It was her second World Championship for the USA. She is also the seventh ranked downhill skater in the world and took third in Red Bull’s Crashed Ice Downhill Skating Competition in 2018. This is in addition to her full-time employment with Optum as a healthcare economics consultant.

Timothy J. Miller, Golden Valley, is a physical therapist at Methodist Hospital.

Laura Purdham, Fridley, received her doctorate in clinical psychology from the University of St. Thomas in October.

14| Tyler J. Bridley, Webster, WI, is a mental health program director at Dungarvin in North Branch.

Sydney Firmin, Denver, CO, is a manager, data science for Alteryx in Broomfield, CO.

Laura Flicek, Minneapolis, is a grade school teacher at Clear Springs Elementary in the Minnetonka School District.

Rebecca Hare, Bloomington, has received her juris doctorate degree from the University of Minnesota Law School.

Sasha Rieland, Vancouver, WA, is a kindergarten teacher at Banister Primary School in Southhampton, England.

15| Katie Feterl, Eagan, is the communications director for the Sustainable Farming Association.

Gavin Kulick, St. Louis Park, is a Go To Market Manager for Therabody.

Elizabeth Lutz, Wausau, WI, has been promoted to library specialist at Marathon County Public Library.

Paige Miller, Athens, GA, has completed her PhD at the University of Georgia studying infectious diseases and is working as a scientist at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in Atlanta.

Anna Tucker, Coon Rapids, is an attorney for Ranstad Legal.

16| Tyler Bishop, Minneapolis, is the founder and lead cinematographer at Tyler Bishop Studios.

Logan Boese, Hundhamaren, Norway, is in project management and implementation services for Epic.

Mitchell Elofson, Mankato, and Sidney Dirks Elofson, are owners and operators of a new pickleball facility in Mankato called The Picklebarn.

Tara Hoverstad, Miami, FL, is an intern in pediatric behavioral medicine at the Jackson Health System.

Samuel Lundberg, Saint Peter, was named the tight ends coach for Minnesota State University, Mankato football team in January.

Brynn Makela Mathis, Big Rapids, MI, is a science teacher at Baldwin Community Schools.

Tara Miller, Minneapolis, is a senior employee relations specialist for Target.

Emily Ferguson Pierce, Deltona, FL, is the fifth grade team lead at the Arbor Ridge K-8 School.

Kalyna Rieland, Vancouver, WA, is a customer service consultant at Babbel in Berlin, Germany.

Elizabeth Schutz Rodriguez, New Hope, is a grade school teacher at Clear Springs Elementary in the Minnetonka School District.

Janelle Thienes, Minneapolis, is a project manager for Creed Interactive.

17| Riley M. Abeyesekera, Brooklyn Park, is a junior project manager for Flint Group in Fargo, ND.

Elizabeth Adams, Farmington, is a day services coordinator for MRCI.

Kellen Andersen, Omaha, NE, has graduated from Creighton University School of Medicine and matched into psychiatry residency at Creighton University.

Long Hoang, Saint Louis, MO, is an analyst for Cognizant.

Janet Jennings, Chaska, is the diversity, equity and inclusion coordinator for Robins Kaplan LLP.

Andrew Lindmeier, Britt, is a graduate student at the University of Minnesota in hospital administration.

Katie Peterson, Littleton, CO, is an attorney with Whitcomb, Selinsky, P.C. in Denver. 18| Emily Craig, Rochester, is a registered nurse at the Mayo Clinic.

Bailey Montgomery, Eden Prairie, is a project coordinator for Bailiwick Company.

Jared Morningstar, Madison, WI, is founder and director of ’Alif: Traditional Wisdom in Review, a digital media collective which brings together perspectives from both classical Islamic sources and the Western intellectual tradition.

Thanh Binh Pham, Austin, TX, is the program manager for releases at Anaplan.

Tyller M. Robert, Maplewood, came back from a serious accident in 2012 that required seven surgeries to his left leg to play for the Gustavus hockey team and then for the Saints in the USA Bandy’s 1st Division. He also works for Twin City Orthopaedics.

Marissa White, London, is a choral scholar at St. Mary’s Church, Battersea and a graduate student in musicology at King’s College London.

19| Erin Peterson, Brainerd, is a program specialist for NLC Mutual Insurance Company.

Anh-Tuan Tong, St. Paul, received an Air Force scholarship to attend medical school.

20| Lanie Altmann, Olivia, is a communications specialist for UnitedHealthcare.

Sage Mathers, Golden, CO, is employed by PartnerHero.

Grant Stramer, Fergus Falls, is a paraprofessional at Rothsay Public School.

WEDDINGS

Sybil Keesbury ’96 and Steve Martin, 07/24/20, Forsyth, GA

Mark Elfstrom ’01 and Carri Jones, 06/24/18, Anchorage, AK

Jennifer Hovendick ’07 and Luke Savick, 08/22/20, Freeborn

Addie Ryan ’08 and Syam Tadavarthy, 03/06/21, Silver Spring, MD

Kelley Nemec ’10 and Sebastien Dixon, 07/31/20, White Bear Lake

Jovanna Jensen ’11 and Joel Anderson, 04/06/21, Minneapolis

Cydni Smith ’11 and Justin Moser, 04/10/21, Scottsdale, AZ

Amy Hughes ’12 and Colby Collura, 05/26/18, South St. Paul

Abbey Burkel ’12 and Brendan McBride, 12/27/20, Eagan

Anna Looby ’13 and Jimmy Vancura, 9/19/20, Waconia

Hallie Martin ’13 and Henry Fischer, 08/04/18, Crookston

Lisa Beacher ’13 and Amar Mekic, 09/05/20, Ogden, UT

Nate McNab ’15 and Rachel Hain ’17, 10/10/20, New Brighton

Evan Drantch ’16 and Alacia Drantch, 09/26/20, Shorewood

Cassandra Lindstrom ’16 and Kevin Gorman, 10/03/20, Winona

Kirsten A. Palan ’16 and Jake Schwinghammer, 09/26/20, Spicer

Emily Ferguson ’16 and Michael Pierce, 06/13/19, Deltona, FL

Allison Birnschein ’17

and Konnor Barlow, 12/23/20, Tuscaloosa, AL

Stephen Montgomery ’20 and Bailey Krumwiede ’18, 06/06/20, Eden Prairie

BIRTHS

Ava to Steven Zielske ’91 and Tiara Zielske, summer 2020

Nicolas to Sally Gramstad Casey ’97 and Frank Casey, winter 2020

Luella to Mark Elfstrom ’01 and Carri Jones Elfstrom, summer 2020

Nori to Sarah Nihart Hein ’04 and Mike Hein, winter 2021

Olivia, to Robert Hill Marshall ’04 and Matt Marshall, born fall 2017, adopted spring 2021.

Sydney to Nikki Briggs Beckmann ’05 and Marc Beckmann ’05, spring 2020

Christian to Hilary Larson Goebel ’05 and Steven Goebel, spring 2021

Lane to Joel Herrick ’10 and Lynn Moore Herrick ’08, winter 2021

Simon to Drew Yackel ’10 and Angelica Matthes Yackel ’10, fall 2020

Rory to Katie Lowery Hanson ’11 and Travis Hanson, winter 2021

Emerson to Collin Lehman ’11 and Amanda Olek Lehman, spring 2019

Emmett to Megan Myhre Grace ’11 and Samuel Grace ’11, spring 2021

Sadie to Amy Hughes Collura ’12 and Colby Collura, winter 2020

Myla to Sydney Charneski ’13 and Matt Strumpf, summer 2020

Henry to Whitney Novak Millis ’13 and Richard Millis, winter 2020

Eleanor to Christine Roering Moser ’13 and Cameron Moser, fall 2020

Blake to Marty Schmitz ’13 and Jordan Noble Schmitz ’14, spring 2021

Robert to Laura Schnell Stubenvoll ’13 and Robb Stubenvoll, fall 2020

Valerie to Emily Hansen Wieck ’13 and Bradley Wieck ’11, fall 2020

IN MEMORIAM

Mignon Carter Johnson

’41, Pomeroy, WA, on 4/23/21. A former kindergarten teacher for 23 years, a wife and mother, she is survived by three children including Dianne Johnson ’69 and Scott Johnson ’73, and a brother, Verle “Vic” Carter ’54.

Richard L. Spelbrink ’42,

Burnsville, on 6/3/17. Dick owned and operated Spelbrink’s Clothing in New Ulm and then Mankato for many years. He is survived by a son-in-law and a daughter-in-law.

Mary Gault Durbahn ’47, Farmington Hills, MI on 10/25/20. A former sales consultant for Hudson’s Department Store, she is survived by four children including Cynthia Bowers ’75.

Raymond Torgersen ’48, Estelline, SD, on 2/10/21. A retired pastor for various congregations in the Midwest, he is survived by three sons.

Virgil Juliot ’49, Geneseo, IL, on 4/15/20. A retired ELCA pastor serving various parishes in Washington, Minnesota, and Illinois, he is survived by his wife, Marilyn, and five children.

John Esbjornson ’50, Minneapolis, on 3/28/21. A former World War II veteran, he was a speech, theater, and English teacher at Willmar Senior High School as well as director of classic and modern plays and a community theater director. He is survived by four children including David Esbjornson ’75 and Karen Esbjornson ’80.

Arlene Johnson Johnson ’50, Red Wing, on 1/28/21. A wife, mother, and former real estate agent, she is survived by three children.

Donald E. Nelson ’50, Mankato, on 4/11/21. A World War II veteran and retired professor of speech communications at Bowling Green State University, he is survived by his wife, Yvette, and three sons.

Charles “Chuck” Pelzl ’50, Baxter, on 2/7/21. An Army veteran and later a family physician, he practiced medicine for 41 years. He is survived by his four children including Barbara Goochey ’77.

Arthur Vansickle ’50, Minneapolis, on 4/2/21. An Army veteran and former long-time employee of Honeywell, he retired as the manager of production support. He is survived by five children.

Norman Flaaten ’51, Brainerd, on 1/2/20. He worked for IBM and was one of the founders of CPT Corporation. His is survived by his wife, Jean, and two children.

Phyllis Naslund Jacobson

’51, Eden Prairie, on 1/22/21. A registered nurse, she was the head of the operating room technician program at Western Wisconsin Technical College. She is survived by six children.

Helen Peterson Johnson ’51, Sparta, MI, on 5/27/18. A wife, mother and volunteer, she is survived by five children.

Jeanne Hanson Peter ’51, Cloquet, on 3/21/21. A former business education teacher and telephone operator, she is survived by her three children.

Gwain Gillespie ’53, New London, on 4/17/21. His former positions included CPA and partner with Touche Ross & Company, French divisional manager with Chrysler Corporation and then president director of Chrysler Europe, chief financial officer for RJ Reynolds, executive vice president and CFO at First American Bankshares, and senior vice president, finance and administration at Heublein. He is survived by his wife, Janet, seven children, and two stepchildren.

Elizabeth “Bette” Marton-

Reese ’53, Orono, on 4/30/21. She had a long career as a kindergarten teacher in the Robbinsdale School District and is survived by her husband, William Marton.

Richard M. Tillquist ’53, Belle Plaine, on 3/26/21. An Army veteran, he owned and managed the Belle Plaine Motor Company for many years and after selling the business, ran a bus company. Dick is survived by his wife, Dara Lee, two daughters, Kristi Yee ’86 and Karin Miller ’91, and a brother, Paul Tillquist ’63.

Donald C. Arneson ’54, Prior Lake, on 4/18/20. A former teacher who moved into other educational fields, he was also a writer of published plays. He is survived by his wife, Joyce, and six children.

Ivan W. Roettger ’54, Mankato, on 3/12/21. An Army veteran, he worked his whole career with Owatonna Tool Company as a facility engineering supervisor and is survived by two daughters including Susan Fleming ’77.

Shirley Thornquest Welch ’54, Mound, on 1/15/21. A former teacher and program secretary/

gift education services at Hennepin Technical College, she is survived by two daughters.

Nelda Ullrich Abrahamson

’55, Lindstrom, on 1/16/21. A former employee of General Mills, she later farmed alongside her husband. She is survived by three sons.

Shirley Nelson Chrest ’55, Winthrop, on 1/10/21. A wife, mother and volunteer, she is survived by her husband, John, and three children including John Chrest ’80.

Herbert E. Mattke ’55, Eden Prairie, on 2/26/21. A Navy veteran, he worked his whole career for International Harvester as manager of parts, sales, and support. He is survived by three children including Gena Olson ’90 and two stepchildren.

Diana Pool Scheff ’55, Chanhassen, on 5/3/21. She was retired from Image Systems as their director of marketing and is survived by her husband, Dean, and three daughters.

Deon Gerry VandeBerg ’55, Sioux Falls, SD, on 2/13/21. She worked at various hospitals all of her working years and is survived by four children.

Melvin C. Carlson ’56, Kansas City, MO, on 3/19/21. A Korean War veteran, he was a commercial HVAC design engineer for various companies. He is survived by three children.

Carol D. Christensen ’56, Golden, CO, on 2/21/21. A former English teacher and librarian with Jefferson County Public Library in Golden, she is survived by two nieces.

Charlotte “Char” Swansson

Erickson ’56, Minneapolis, on 3/22/21. A retired speech and English teacher at various schools, she is survived by her husband, Richard ’56, and three children including Kristen Thatcher ’83 and Mark Erickson ’84.

Faith Walfrid Lindell ’56, Minneapolis, on 5/8/21. She served as a Lutheran missionary alongside her husband in Tanzania and Ghana, Africa. She is survived by her husband, Carl, four children, including Cathryn Hirst ’92, and three siblings, Lois Walfrid Johnson ’58, Ruth Dettor ’60, and Jim Walfrid ’66.

Marlys Swenson Ostrand ’56, Scandia, on 1/28/21. She served as the postmaster in Scandia until her retirement. She is survived by two sons.

Mary Ellen Rockwell Johnson

’57, Lakeville, on 10/13/20. She was the former owner of Maid with Care Inc. and is survived by her husband, Stephen and two children.

Gary Knoll ’57, Bismarck, on 4/20/21. A retired claims manager, auto and property, for CIGNA Corporation, he is survived by his wife, Joyce Kirkvold Knoll ’57, and three children.

Marlys Jonason Nordgren ’57, Forest Lake, on 6/13/20. She was a retired social worker and member of the hospice team at North Memorial Medical Center, and is survived by her husband, Reuben, and three children.

Charles Majeske ’58, Minneapolis, on 4/21/21. An Army veteran, he is survived by his wife, Florence, and three children.

Ruby Fabre Antonsen ’59, Prior Lake, on 5/5/21. A retired registered nurse at St. Francis Hospital in Shakopee, she is survived by a daughter.

Myrna Landmark Noyed

’59, Edina, on 1/15/21. A former registered nurse, she worked for Hennepin County Medical Center and Phillip’s Eye Institute. She is survived by her husband, Rodney, and two sons.

Robert L. Olson ’59, St. Paul, on 4/23/21. He was a national sales manager/strategic business plan management for 3M Company and is survived by his wife, Nancy, and two sons including Bradley ’88.

Roger L. Peterson ’59, Bemidji, on 1/27/21. He had a 34-year career as a high school math teacher at Blue Earth High School and West St. Paul Henry Sibley High School. He is survived by two sons and two stepsons.

William H. Benson ’60, Kandiyohi, on 2/10/21. He had a long career teaching physics and engineering at Ridgewater College and he ran the family farm. He is survived by his wife, Carol Hansen Benson ’61, and four sons.

Donald Hautala ’60, Newberry, MI, on 4/11/21. A former math instructor, he joined the Army and worked for the Pentagon, retiring as the chief program budget manager for all Automatic Data Processing (ADP). He is survived by his wife, JoAnn, and three children.

Gary Morgan ’60, Banning, CA, on 1/17/21. A former Peterbilt salesman, he later owned and operated Mallard Creek/Farmers Feed and Ranch Supply for more than 20 years and is survived by his daughter and two brothers.

D. Anna “Nan” Forsman

Buchanan ’62, Poland, OH, on 5/4/21. She was a freelance photographer and is survived by her husband, Robert, two children, and two sisters, Margaret Nelson ’64 and Jane Harrison ’67.

Terry Frazee ’62, Spicer, on 3/27/21. A longtime educator and retired superintendent for the Belgrade-Brooten-Elrosa school district, he is survived by his wife, Kathryn, and two daughters including Shane Illies ’89.

Reet Lind Henze ’62, Huntsville, AL, on 1/20/21. An immigrant from Estonia, she earned her doctorate in nursing and was a professor at the University of Alabama, Huntsville, until her retirement. She is survived by her husband, William, two children, and two siblings, Miriam Lagus ’61 and Mart Lind ’65.

Barbara “Barbie” Kay

Johnson ’63, Mankato, on 5/4/21. A retired registered nurse with Meritcare Health Systems, she is survived by three children including Deb Johnson ’90.

Howard C. Davis ’65, Windom, on 2/4/21. He had a long career as a high school guidance counselor at Windom High School and is survived by his wife, Rosalee Fox Davis ’66, and three children, Eric Davis ’92, Scott Davis ’97, and Lisa Young ’00.

Margaret Ims Selfridge ’66, Minnetonka, on 2/3/21. A longtime high school teacher for Eden Prairie School District, she is survived by her husband, Bill, and two children.

Stephen L. Bomgren ’68, Waconia, on 1/30/21. He was an ordained minister serving various parishes and is survived by his wife, Marian, three children, and a sister, Gail Bomgren ’78.

Kristine Lundberg Moorhead

’68, Naples, FL, on 5/3/21. A wife, mother and volunteer, she served as a Gustavus Class Officer for 14 years. She is survived by her husband, John ’68, and two children.

David Stussy ’68, Minneapolis, on 4/14/21. A chiropractor in the Twin Cities with a specialty in the motor vehicle and brain trauma, he was also owner of Brain Balance, a learning program for children with ADHD. He is survived by his wife, Zena, and two daughters.

Michael P. Wheeler ’69, Forest City, IA on 2/2/21. A former Navy veteran, he became a dentist serving the community of Laurel, MT for 40 years. He is survived by his wife, Tanya, and two sons.

Barbara Busack Hillmer ’70, Burnsville, on 7/14/20. A history major, she enjoyed traveling and is survived by her husband, Ken.

Brian H. Felt ’71, Saint Peter, on 1/24/21. He worked a variety of jobs and is survived by three siblings.

James V. McCallum ’71, Rochester, MI, on 11/16/20. The former president of McCallum Consulting, he is survived by his wife, Debbie, two children, and two siblings including Janet Maruska ’70.

Douglas M. Ewert ’72, Cambridge, on 7/3/20. A husband and father, he is survived by his wife, Darlene, and three sons.

Louis A. Gary ’72, Collinsville, IL, on 5/22/20. A retired physician, his practice spanned more than 30 years at Missouri Baptist Hospital and Touchette Regional Hospital where he was the director of the emergency department. He is

survived by his wife, Julie, four children and two stepsons.

Thomas C. Miller ’72, Mishawaka, IN, on 7/22/18. He was the former the dean of the Ernestine M. Raclin School of the Arts at Indiana University, South Bend, and is survived by his sister, Patricia Peterson ’58.

Stephen J. Lee ’73, Circle Pines, on 2/28/21. A former biology teacher turned supervisor of emergency response for the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency, as well as a volunteer firefighter, he is survived by two sons.

Mark J. Sallmen ’74, Jakobstad, Finland, on 10/9/20. An Army veteran, he was a Lutheran pastor serving various parishes and is survived by his brother, Erik-Paul Sallmen ’66.

Glenn P. Tapley ’77, Winter Springs, FL, on 2/11/21. A Navy veteran, he worked as an actor, professional poker and blackjack dealer, and technical educator. He earned an MBA and an MA in public communications and spent 40 years as a toastmaster earning two distinguished awards. He is survived by his wife, Debbie, and two daughters.

William Randall Beard ’78, Minneapolis, on 4/17/21. A Twin Cities playwright, writer and arts critic, he is survived by relatives and friends.

Debra Reed Thilgen ’79, Forest Lake, on 2/15/21. After graduating with her nursing degree, she joined the Army for four years and then the Army Reserves for many years, while working at the VA Hospital in Minneapolis. She is survived by her daughter, father, and three brothers.

John P. Johnsen ’81, Hartwell, GA, on 1/1/21. He was the former owner of JP Development and is survived by a sister.

Elizabeth Zender Sandt ’84, Lake Crystal, on 3/21/21. A registered nurse, she worked as a health facility inspector for the Minnesota Department of Health and is survived by her husband, Mike, two children, and her father.

Marc Louis Tennis ’91, Rochester, on 4/30/21. He had a long career with Wells Fargo in various positions, most recently as an outbound sales specialist and personal loan consultant in St. Louis Park. He is survived by his mother and a son.

Scott Zurn ’93, Stillwater, on 10/21/20. A former staff geologist for Bay West, he is survived by his wife, Lynn, and four children.

Derek Perushek ’95, Hibbing, on 4/14/21. He worked various positions in the St. Paul area and is survived by his life partner, Jill Kinney, her children, and his mother and stepfather.

Michael G. Ryan ’95, Minneapolis, on 4/18/21. An avid hockey player, he was the head coach for Bloomington Jefferson/ Kennedy Girls Varsity Hockey as well as a territory manager for Callaway Golf. He is survived by his wife, Julie, two daughters, and his parents.

Justin W. Friedrich ’18, Bellingham, on 3/16/21. He graduated with a degree in chemistry and was working on an organic farm near Burlington, WA. He is survived by his parents, Allen and Tammy Friedrich, two siblings, and a grandfather.

REMEMBERING

WARREN BECK ’67

(former Board of Trustees) Wayzata, on 4/26/21. A dedicated development and business manager of shopping centers and hotels, he was recognized with many awards, including 1990 Edina Businessperson of the Year, Gustavus Adolphus College Golden Anniversary Distinguished Alumni Citation, and the Greater Gustavus Award. He served on the Gustavus Board of Trustees from 1995–2016. Beck Academic Hall is named in his honor. He is survived by his wife, Donna Gabbert Beck ’66, three children including Amy Strom ’93, and a sister, Marilyn Brooks ’65.

REMEMBERING LAURIE BICKETT

(former staff) Mankato, on 3/23/21. A former special eduaction teacher with a master's degree she later worked at Gustavus as the disabilities services coordinator for more than a decade advocating for students with disabilities. She was also a talented singer performing with Toledo Symphony Choral and Minnesota Valley Choir. She is survived by three children.

REMEMBERING

RICHARD M. FULLER

(former faculty) St. Paul, on 1/20/21. He taught physics at Gustavus from 1969-1999, where he was a beloved mentor to students and colleagues alike. His primary interest was in the intersections of physics, philosophy, and human values, and he continued to explore these areas after his retirement. He is survived by his wife, Judy, children Cynthia, Christopher, and Janet, several grandchildren, and a great-grandchild.

REMEMBERING

RAMONA MUELLER STEELE

(former staff) North Mankato, on 4/2/21. A 1956 graduate of Mankato Teachers College, she worked as a high school business education teacher for several years and starting in 1979 came to Gustavus working as the administrative assistant in the education department until her retirement in 1998. Ramona is survived by three children.

2021 COMMENCEMENT

“No class deserved a perfect day more than the Class of 2021,” said Board of Trustees Chair Scott Anderson ’89 to the Gusties who spent 30 percent of their years on the hill under COVID-19 restrictions. Their commencement on May 13 was the largest campus gathering in 15 months, and happened at the very moment the Centers for Disease Control announced relaxed mask guidelines. Said President Bergman, brimming with joy, “I’m so happy we are here.”

2020 COMMENCEMENT

On May 16, members of the Class of 2020 returned to the campus that COVID-19 caused them to abruptly exit last spring. Their commencement was part triumphant reunion, part cathartic closure. “We’re finally back together again!” exclaimed class speaker Joy Dunna ’20. “Not to be dramatic, but we’ve been put through a lot.” Said President Bergman, “It has been almost a year since you took your last final. There is no test today. Treat it as a new beginning.”