Spring 2016 Quarterly

SPRING 2016

GUSTAVUS

GUSTAVUS ADOLPHUS COLLEGE

Dream Life HOW FOUR GUSTIES ASPIRED TO GREAT CAREERS—AND FOUND THEM

Renee Guittar ’12, professional dancer

THE GUSTAVUS QUARTERLY Spring 2016 Vol. LXXII, No. 2

Contents 5 On the Hill A new Anderson Hall, a new Hillstrom exhibit, and new Hall of Fame athletes

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14 Calendar MAYDAY! Peace Conference, Women in Leadership, and Swedish indigenous star Sofia Jannok

16 Working the Dream Four Gusties on their best work lives and how they got there

21 Bee Strong A pre-Title IX volleyball team from 1975 makes a comeback to campus

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28 Alumni News Where we are now, who made news, and how you can get involved

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

Performers of Love’s Labour’s Lost, the musical adaptation of Shakespeare’s play, go big. Visually enhanced by the Gustavus debut of new, state of the art LED lights in Anderson Theatre, it was a hilarious (and Instagram-able) show. More from our social feeds on page 7.

Editorial Director Stephanie Wilbur Ash | sash@gustavus.edu Alumni Editor Robyn Rost | rrost@gustavus.edu Design B D&E | bdeusa.com Visual Editor, Production Coordinator Anna Deike | adeike@gustavus.edu Contributing Writers JJ Akin ’11, Tim Kennedy, CJ Siewert ’11 Contributing Photographers and Artists B|W|B|R Architects (page 9), Terry Clark Photography (pages 4, 6, 27), Bryden Giving (page 7), John Noltner (cover and pages 16 – 20), SPX Sports (page 3, 12, 23, 25) 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.

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 is printed by John Roberts, an FSC certified printing company, using 60# Arbor Web Gloss Book paper with 30% PCW. The Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) ensures that only pulp from sustainably managed forests is used for the company’s papers and that all processes involved in production are environmentally friendly. John Roberts is audited annually by the Rain Forest Alliance to maintain FSC Certification. The company is also certified as a Sustainable Green Printer (SGP) by the Sustainable Green Printing Partnership, the leading certifier of printing facilities. John Roberts also carries the Great Printer certification from Printing Industries of the Midwest, a voluntary environmental initiative that has been in place for over 13 years. FSC monitors the paper through chain of custody and SGP and Great Printer certifications endorse that the print facility is doing all it can to be environmentally friendly.

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.

PRESIDENT’S LETTER

GUSTAVUS ADOLPHUS COLLEGE BOARD OF TRUSTEES The Rev. Jon V. Anderson Redwood Falls, MN (ex officio) Bishop, Southwestern Minnesota Synod, ELCA

Prepared for Anything In a world where American society is experiencing change at warp speed, it is no surprise that those labeled Millennials (born between 1981 – 1996) change careers frequently. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median number of years an American worker is at the same employer is 4.6 years. According to a survey conducted by Future Workplace, the majority of Millennials (91 percent), expect to stay in a job for less than three years. That means our future grads could change jobs more than 12 times over the course of their working lives.

As liberal arts colleges prepare their students for professional life in the 21st century, it is more important than ever that we continue to produce graduates that have the ability to think critically, communicate effectively, and practice lifelong learning. It is these skills that prepare them not only for their first jobs, but for their entire careers. The liberal arts are still relevant today because they prepare students to be flexible, adaptable, and equipped to embrace new opportunities.

In this issue of The Quarterly, you will meet four alumni who are living their best work lives. Each individual has tackled challenges and grown professionally, and each in their own way has relied on the skills and work ethic fostered during their time at Gustavus to navigate their vocational path and make a difference in the world. Their resilience, dedication, and innovative approaches inspire all of us to be the best we can be and to make our lives count. They are truly a testament to the lasting value and versatility of a Gustavus education.

These stories of successful Gustavus alumni are typical of the countless Gusties I have met during the last two years. I continue to be inspired by the many ways you all are living out the Gustavus mission.

Keep up the good work, Gusties!

Scott P. Anderson ’89, MBA, Eagan, MN Chairman, President, and CEO, Patterson Companies, Inc., Mendota Heights Tracy L. Bahl ’84, MBA, Greenwich, CT Executive Vice President, CVS | Caremark, Woonsocket, RI Warren L. Beck ’67, Greenwood, MN President, Gabbert & Beck, Inc., Edina Grayce Belvedere-Young, MBA, Edina, MN Founder and CEO, Lily Pad Consulting Rebecca M. Bergman, Saint Peter, MN (ex officio) President, Gustavus Adolphus College Daniel G. Currell ’94, JD, St. Paul, MN Director, Client Solutions, Novus Law LLC, Chicago, IL Bruce A. Edwards ’77, Westerville, OH Retired CEO, DHL Global Supply Chain James H. Gale ’83, JD, Washington, DC Attorney at Law Marcus M. Gustafson ’73, DDS, Lakeland, MN Former CEO and Founder, Metro Dentalcare John O. Hallberg ’79, MBA, Wayzata, MN CEO, Children’s Cancer Research Fund, Minneapolis Jeffrey D. Heggedahl ’87, MBA, Minneapolis, MN (ex officio) Past President, Gustavus Alumni Association Susie B. Heim ’83, Edina, MN Former Co-owner, S and S Heim Construction George G. Hicks ’75, JD (chair), Eden Prairie, MN Founding Partner, Värde Partners, Inc., Minneapolis The Rev. John D. Hogenson ’81, Edina, MN Senior Pastor, Mount Olivet Lutheran Church, Minneapolis Linda G. Huett ’66, Minneapolis, MN Retired President and CEO, Weight Watchers International, Inc. Linda Bailey Keefe ’69, MBA, Atlanta, GA Vice President, NAI Brannen Goddard Talmadge E. King, Jr. ’70, MD, Oakland, CA Chair, Department of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco Paul R. Koch ’87, Plymouth, MN Senior Vice President/Investments, UBS Financial Services, Wayzata Jan Ledin Michaletz ’74, Edina, MN Past President, Gustavus Alumni Association Thomas J. Mielke ’80, JD, Flower Mound, TX Senior Vice President and General Counsel, Kimberly-Clark Corporation, Irving Marcia L. Page ’82, Edina, MN Founding Partner, Värde Partners, Inc., Minneapolis

Rebecca M. Bergman, President

The Rev. Craig A. Pederson ’90, Minneapolis, MN (ex officio) Assistant to the Bishop, Minneapolis Area Synod, ELCA, and President, Gustavus Adolphus College Association of Congregations The Rev. Wayne B. Peterson ’77, Plymouth, MN Pastor, St. Barnabas Lutheran Church The Rev. Dan S. Poffenberger ’82, Stillwater, MN Senior Pastor, Shepherd of the Lake Lutheran Church, Prior Lake Christopher J. Rasmussen ’88, PhD Berwyn Heights, MD (ex officio) Vice President for Programs and Research Association of Governing Boards, Washington, DC, and President, Gustavus Alumni Association Beth Sparboe Schnell ’82, Corcoran, MN CEO, Sparboe Companies, Wayzata

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Ronald C. White ’75, Las Vegas, NV President, Sales, RC White Enterprises, Inc.

ON THE HILL

Betsy Ruth Byers, Lake Effect (detail), 2015, 48 x 83 ¼ inches, oil on canvas.

Return to the Water Inspired by the Apostle Islands of Lake Superior, faculty artist Betsy Ruth Byers exhibits a series of paintings exploring water and the creative act of painting.

Painting and water—where do they converge? In submergence, says faculty artist Betsy Ruth Byers. Her series of paintings exploring the subject are currently exhibited at the Hillstrom Museum of Art. The paintings—which Byers painted quite recently, in 2015 and this year—were heavily influenced by Byers’ childhood in Minnesota’s lake country. “The formative years of my youth were spent on and in the lakes of northern Minnesota,” Byers says.

And the influence is clear. The paintings play with the interactions between lake,

horizon, shoreline, islands, and rocks.

They depict the water, reflections, and boundaries of Lake Superior’s shoreline.

The larger works are particularly commanding, engaging your whole body with their size and intensity of color. There are 12 oils ranging in size from 3' x 3' to 4' x 8', plus seven acrylic paintings and five “quiet” watercolors. In large format, “You get a fully immersive experience,” she says.

Byers repeatedly returns to water as a way to understand human presence in a hectic and hyper-paced world. She has

been making abstract paintings centered on night swimming for almost a decade, and she has only recently taken steps towards referential creations. “My work is abstract but it’s based on images,” she says.

SUBMERGE Recent Works by Betsy Ruth Byers February 15 – April 24 Hillstrom Museum of Art

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(continued from page 5) “It’s referential abstraction—referring to something real. There is a structure that is recognizable.”

And here is where the submergence happens. “The act of submerging indicates a willingness to let go and to be consumed by something larger than oneself. Painting requires a similar fearlessness to diving under the surface. It’s a dance between imagining, observation, and the physicality of painting.”

“For me, painting is a meditation on the complicated relationship between our bodies and the landscape.”

Faith, Science, and High School Students A $589,000 Lilly grant will launch a new Gustavus summer academy for high school students interested in faith, science, and ethics.

Where there is common good, faith and science will intersect. Thanks to a grant from the Lilly Endowment, this is the intellectual and faith space high school students will explore in a new, weeklong summer academy.

The Gustavus Academy will introduce students to creative alliances between scientists and religious leaders addressing a range of global challenges, including climate change and food security. Activities will include worship, science labs, and interaction with leading scientists and theologians.

The idea (and the mission of the Lilly Endowment Inc.’s High School Youth Theology Institutes) is to encourage young people to explore theological traditions, ask questions of contemporary morality, and examine how their faith calls them to lives of service.

“The Gustavus Academy will help to dispel a common misconception among young people that the church is anti-science, and will encourage them to explore how they might use their diverse gifts and talents to contribute to the common good,” says lead grant writer Marcia J. Bunge, Gustavus religion professor and Bernhardson Distinguished Chair of Lutheran Studies.

Gustavus is one of 82 higher education institutions in 29 states participating in the initiative, including colleges rooted in Baptist, Lutheran, Methodist, Roman Catholic, and historic African-American Christian communities.

The Gustavus Academy debuts this summer, June 24 – 30.

But always it is an experience removed. Painting, Byers says, “is like seeing with two different eyes at the same time. In a literal sense, it is patch of color on patch of color. But I also want to create this emotional experience for a viewer.

“It’s a complex relationship of being immersed in the world I’m making, but also knowing it is just paint on canvas.”

The works were made possible through the generous funding of a Minnesota State Arts Board Artist Initiative Grant and a Research, Scholarship, and Creativity Grant from the College. Byers, who holds an MFA in painting from the Minneapolis College of Art and Design, joined the art and art history department in 2011.

As the host of the annual Nobel Conference, Gustavus is well-poised to serve high school students with this new Academy. The College has been a leader in conversations on religion and science for more than 50 years. Visit gustavus.edu/nobel to learn more.

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INSTAGRAM

Follow @gustavusadolphuscollege, @gustieathletics

Good News Value Noted

@gustieathletics Congrats to junior @kopptimusprime for earning her second consecutive WIAC Gymnastics Athlete of the week honor! #gogusties In January, the gymnastics team posted its highest team score since 2004. Gustavus is one of only four Minnesota institutions with women’s gymnastics. The others: Hamline University, University of Minnesota-Twin Cities, and Winona State University. @gustavusadolphuscollege “MCs and Rappers have always signified where they are from. It is spatial, about very specific communities. These are acknowledgements of the place that space has made in the cultural production of our lives.” —Dr. Rashad Shabazz on race and geography #mlkday #gustavusadolphuscollege

@gustavusadolphuscollege A prairie winter. #borgesonfamilycabin #winter #gusties #whitespace #Minnesnowta Linneaus Arboretum, in which the Borgeson Family Cabin sits, was rated among the Top Twenty Most Beautiful College Arboretums by Best College Reviews. With 125 acres of prairies, woodlands, ponds, and trails, there’s a lot to love. @gustavusadolphuscollege William Shakespeare? Contemporary musical? Sexy and irreverent? Plus new LED lights on the Anderson Theatre stage, with thousands of color combos? We doth swoon. #gogusties #whygustavus @gustavusTD

FACEBOOK

TWITTER

Two students (who wish to remain anonymous) gave Maria from the dining service dish room a brand-new laptop for Christmas. They’d seen her on the public computers in the Campus Center. Gusties love Gustavus—and Maria. #whygustavus

@pinkbrucebanner It’s really weird to see everyone’s #whygustavus posts and realizing I don’t get any more of those moments #thempostgradblues

Follow /gustavusadolphuscollege

@gustavus, @gustiealum, @gustieathletics

@heyzeus_zavala I get to watch a Pokemon episode as an assignment for my class #whygustavus

Kiplinger’s Personal Finance named Gustavus one of the top 50 best values among liberal arts colleges in the country, and 87th among all colleges and universities in its annual rankings.

ON THE HILL

CAMPUS SOCIAL

First That’s Fair After two years of collaboration between students, faculty, and staff, Gustavus is Minnesota’s first college or university to be designated a Fair Trade College. Gustavus is only the 30th college or university in the country to earn the title. The designation means the College will strive to use responsibly sourced products in its dining facilities and bookstore.

Fulbright Semifinalists Seniors Ben Dipple (Dell Rapids, S.D.), Travis Sigafoos (Champlin, Minn.), and Joey Wiley (St. Paul, Minn.) have been named semifinalists for the Fulbright English Teaching Assistant grant. If selected, they will spend the 2016 – 17 academic year teaching English abroad through the Fulbright program. The students have cleared a competitive first round of evaluations and will learn if they’ve won the Fulbright later this spring.

WHAT WOULD JOEY WILEY DO ON FULBRIGHT? “—envelope myself in a culture that has healed and transformed me while also giving back to the greater Malaysian communities through English education.”

WHAT WOULD BEN DIPPLE DO ON FULBRIGHT? “—immerse myself in Turkish society and learn a great deal more about its culture, history, and the Turkish language while teaching Turkish students about my own.”

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Fine Art for the Finest of Architecture

Two campus architectural works are now visual works of art from Minneapolis-based artist Mark Herman. An illustrator with a distinct nostalgic-contemporary style, Herman’s depictions of Minnesota landmarks (Grand Portage, Fort Snelling, American Swedish Institute) are true collectibles. Christ Chapel and Old Main are no exception. “I was impressed with the beautiful historic buildings and layout,” Herman says. On Christ Chapel: “It’s just incredible. I had to see it and go up to it and touch it.” The art is available (in limited quantities) as posters and greeting cards at the Book Mark, in store or online at gustavus.edu/bookmark.

Class with a Master When a renowned Swedish baritone comes to town, you should sing for him.

David Nelson ’17 did, in October, when he was invited to a master class with Håkan Hagegård, one of Sweden’s most recognized vocalists. (Hagegård played Papageno in Ingmar Bergman’s 1975 film of Die Zauberflöte and is a member of the Royal Swedish Academy.)

The invitation came from Philip Brunelle, founder and artistic director of VocalEssence, through Nelson’s voice teacher, Professor Michael Jorgensen. The master class, which included one-on-one instruction, took place in Minneapolis.

Nelson, a baritone, chose three movements from Robert Schumann’s song cycle Dichterliebe, as well as one

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THE GUSTAVUS QUARTERLY

of Sweden’s most beloved songs, Ragnar Althén’s “Land du Välsignade (Thou Blessed Land),” which many Swedes think of as the country’s second national anthem.

“He asked me, ‘Are you happy when you sing this?’

He told me to visualize a Swedish mountaintop, to make them believe,” Nelson says. “He was so kind-hearted and warm.

But he wasn’t afraid to tell me where I was wrong in my interpretations.”

Nelson will carry the master’s instructions

Håkan Hagegård

wherever he goes next. For this junior triple major (music, math, statistics), that means performing—again—in Minneapolis’ Mill City Summer Opera.

David Nelson ’17

The historic building is undergoing a complete renovation and will be open to students in February 2017.

President Bergman announced in January that the $8 million complete renovation of A.H. Anderson Hall would begin immediately. It will conclude in just over a year, in February 2017.

The renovation will prepare the building to house the Department of Education, the College’s Academic Support Center and Writing Center, the John S. Kendall Center for Engaged Learning, and a new multifaith center.

“Our education program has been a hallmark of Gustavus excellence and service since the College’s founding in 1862,” Bergman said. “This renovation will provide

our students with a dynamic learning environment that is designed to produce exceptional K-12 educators.”

In addition to creating inviting spaces for education, advising, and faith exploration, the renovated building will include a threestory open gathering space to encourage collaboration and group work for students and faculty.

Located on the College’s main academic mall, the historic Kasota stone building opened in 1948 and originally served as the Gustavus library. It was renamed A.H. Anderson Hall in 1973 and became the home of the social sciences.

The Anderson Hall renovation is almost exclusively funded through philanthropic gifts. Of the $8 million donated, nearly all was in short-term commitments and outright cash. For more information on ways you can give, visit gustavus.edu/giving.

Pay Attention to This Survey In conjunction with this past fall’s Nobel Conference on addiction, Gustavus commissioned a nationwide survey of college students on the use of ADHD medications as study aids.

ON THE HILL

A New Anderson Hall

Here are the national numbers:

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Percentage of students who have not been diagnosed with ADHD that say they have been offered or encouraged by someone in their life (mostly their friends) to take ADHD medication as a way to improve their academic performance.

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Percentage of students who know someone who uses ADHD medication without a prescription to help him or her study.

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Percentage of students not diagnosed with the condition who say that they, themselves, have taken ADHD drugs.

85

Percentage of those taking non-prescribed ADHD medications that say they do so to help them study or concentrate.

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Percentage of those who have been diagnosed with ADHD who say they have taken more than their prescribed dosage to help their academic performance.

54 “This renovation will provide our students with a dynamic learning environment designed to produce exceptional K-12 educators.” —President Bergman

Percentage who believe it is cheating if someone uses ADHD drugs without a prescription to help his or her academic performance.

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Calling All Campers Campus will not close during the summer.

Quite the contrary.

Students ages seven to adult come to Gustavus throughout the summer to practice sports, study their passions, and build friendships on the hill.

Sports skills camps include (but are not limited to) basketball, soccer, swimming, running, shot put and discus, tennis, hockey, golf, and gymnastics. Arts and academic camps include show choir, high altitude ballooning, yearbook, and the new Gustavus Academy for Faith, Science, and Ethics.

There are family camps for multiple generations, overnight camps, and day-camp options.

Don’t worry, day-campers—you can still enjoy the terrific dining service food, ranked seventh in the nation. In fact, the dining offerings are considered a major draw. “You can have ice cream for breakfast,” says assistant camp director Paul Matzke. “It doesn’t get any better than that.”

Pro tip: Consider saving the ice cream for dinner.

Registration is now open for the more than 50 camps to be held on campus this summer. Visit gustavus.edu/camps to browse and sign up.

History of Excellence The Gustavus Athletics Hall of Fame includes 294 exceptional individuals.

Here are nine new inductees to celebrate.

1. Lisa Broughten Monjeau ’98

3. Erica Stone Scott ’00

Known for her intelligence, kindness, and ability to grind her opponent down, she earned All-Conference honors four times and All-America honors twice, as well as the prestigious National Arthur Ashe Leadership & Sportsmanship Award. In her junior and senior seasons, she played number one singles and doubles. She helped the team post a record of 40-0 during her career. Today she is a pediatric occupational therapist and developmental specialist in St. Cloud.

A nine-time indoor and seven-time outdoor champion, and All-Conference honoree 21 times over, she still holds numerous Gustavus records. Her 200-meter time in the MIAC Outdoor Championship remains the best ever recorded in the conference.

She’s the only Gustavus women’s sprinter to earn individual All-America honors. She is remembered for her work ethic and her will to win. She is now an account director for LifeTime Fitness in Bloomington.

2. Dr. Alan Markman

4. Kevin O’Laughlin ’99

TENNIS

ORTHOPEDIC SURGEON

The beloved physician and surgeon (and co-founder of TRIA Orthopedic Center) treated and mentored Gustavus students for more than 20 years. He made at least 500 trips from the Twin Cities to evaluate injured athletes, supervise the certified athletic training program, and serve as the sideline team physician—all as a volunteer.

He was in tune with his athletes, known to be an excellent listener. Today he is retired and living in Eden Prairie.

TRACK & FIELD

SWIMMING

Considered one of the most decorated swimmers in the history of the Gustavus swimming program, he earned 25 AllConference awards and remains the program’s all-time record holder for points scored at MIAC championships. He graduated with records in seven different events. An integral part of Gustavus’s return to prominence in MIAC swimming in the late 1990s, he is now an advisor with GEN Financial Management in Plymouth.

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9. Chris Swansson ’99

SOCCER

5. Kyle Landon ’99

GOLF

Ready to compete from day one, he helped lead the team to three straight MIAC titles and 19 team titles. He earned first-team All-Conference, first-team All-District, and second-team All-America honors. His senior year, he posted eight top-10 finishes. He went on to play professional golf for four years, and today he is a finance manager for Foss Toyota in Casper, Wyo.

6. Dave Underdale ’84

HOCKEY

He’s the most productive defensive player in the history of Gustavus men’s hockey— in his final year, he scored 15 goals and registered 20 assists and was named one of only two NCAA Division III players to compete in the East-West All-Star Classic.

He never missed a game. A former head boys high school hockey coach in Michigan, he is now a senior vice president for Allied Solutions. He lives in White Bear Lake.

One of only six players in Gustavus history to be named to the NSCAA All-America team, this central defender anchored a unit that recorded 18 shutouts in 33 games during her junior and senior years. She helped the team set an NCAA Division III record of 900 consecutive minutes without allowing a goal. Known as an excellent passer with great feet, she could get things going forward with speed and accuracy.

Today she’s a literary specialist in Blaine.

8. Katie Korteum Olson ’00

Quiet, humble, and serious about his craft, he was named All-Conference in two different sports. The wide receiver graduated holding program records in career receptions, receiving touchdowns, and receiving yards. As a center fielder and lead-off hitter, Swansson started 138 of 141 baseball games and stole 56 bases —a Gustavus record that still stands. Today he teaches high school social studies in Rosemount and coaches varsity baseball and varsity football.

GYMNASTICS

She earned the highest championship score on the balance beam in the history of the National Collegiate Gymastics Associaton (NCGA). A seven-time AllAmerica selection, in 1999, she performed 15 beam routines in competition without recording a single fall. And she was on the volleyball team, too. She is still the only Gustavus gymnast to qualify for the NCGA Championships in the all-around for four consecutive years. Today she co-owns K&G gymnastics in Mankato.

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FOOTBALL AND BASEBALL

ON THE HILL

7. Tina Peterson Bross ’96

NOMINATE SOMEONE You can nominate a student-athlete, coach, or benefactor. For nomination guidelines or to nominate someone for the Gustavus Athletics Hall of Fame, please contact Gustavus Athletics Director Tom Brown at tbrown@gustavus.edu.

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SUPER GROUPIES What is the Hill Crew?

“It’s your team in the fan section,” says student leader Brady Kelley.

The Hill Crew creates an energized atmosphere for student athletes who are competing.

“They are cheering. They are rowdy. It’s contagious,” says advisor Cassie Weaver.

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joined the first three days, the Crew ran out of shirts. One-third of the student body is now Crew.

ON THE HILL

So many students

It works like this: You pay $10 and get two t-shirts and a wristband. There are prizes and halftime entertainment. For instance: Make a half-court shot during a basketball game, win $250 worth of textbooks.

The presence of the Hill Crew during the MIAC playoff championship match this fall helped break an attendance record. Attendance at all home sporting events has increased.

When the men’s and women’s cross country teams headed to the MIAC championships, the Crew put together care packages for runners and made a human tunnel for them from Jackson Campus Center to the Lund Center. They’ll do the same for any team heading to a championship event.

Student leader Kelley knocked on President Bergman’s door and asked her to join. (She did.) This winter, he presented to the Alumni Board and the Board of Trustees, generating even more excitement.

“All it takes is one or two or three people to start something great,” says Crew advisor Weaver.

“Gustavus has many rich traditions, but bad sportsmanship isn’t one of them.”

Alumni can now be members of the Hill Crew. Email cweaver@gustavus.edu to support student events (and get your shirt).

—from the Hill Crew Creed

SPRING 2016

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CALENDAR

MARCH Until April 24 Artist Series: Submerge: Recent Works by Betsy Ruth Byers, professor of art and art history; Hillstrom Museum of Art. Regular hours: Mon.–Fri., 9 a.m.–4 p.m.; Sat. & Sun.: 1–5 p.m; free. (See page 5.)

Also at the Museum: FOCUS IN/ON, B.J.O. Nordfelt’s Two Pigeons (See back cover.)

Byers’ latest oil paintings and watercolors are influenced by Minnesota’s North Shore.

23 Nafisa Farah, Somalian activist, on cultural aspects of Somali diet and health in Minnesota; Confer Hall, Room 127; 7–9 p.m.; free 25–April 3 Spring Break & Easter Recess

APRIL 9 Gustavus Wind Orchestra Home Concert, with professor James Patrick Miller conducting, following its 8-day concert tour around Lake Michigan; Bjorling Recital Hall; 1:30–3 p.m.; free 11 Lefler Lecture: Dr. Willie Jennings, associate professor of systematic theology and Africana studies at Yale University Divinity School and author of The Christian Imagination: Theology and the Origins of Race (Yale University Press, 2011); Alumni Hall; 7–8:30 p.m.; free 14–17 Endgame and Other Short Plays by Samuel Beckett, directed by professor Amy Seham; Anderson Theatre; 8 p.m.

(April 14–16), 2 p.m. (April 17); tickets online at gustavustickets.com or call 507-933-7590

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22 Moe Lecture: Kimberlé Crenshaw, cofounder of the American Policy Forum, professor of law at UCLA and Columbia Law School, and a leading authority in the area of Civil Rights, Black feminist legal theory, and race, racism, and the law; Alumni Hall; 7:30 p.m.; free

The Moe Lecture brings top feminist scholars like Crenshaw to campus, thanks to a gift from Karin and Robert Moe in honor of Kris Burke Moe ’84.

15 Matthias Wahlstrom Lecture: Max Hailperin, professor of mathematics, computer science, and statistics, on liberal arts education in the age of accountability; President Rebecca Bergmann will introduce and refreshments will be provided; Beck Hall, Room 101; 4:30–5:30 p.m.; free

23 GACAC Business Meeting and Faith Conference: “Lutheran Convictions for Creation Care” featuring the Rev. Dr. David Rhoads, emeritus professor of New Testament at the Lutheran School of Theology at Chicago; and Dr. James Dontje, director of Johnson Center for Environmental Innovation at Gustavus; Christ Chapel; 9:30 a.m.; pre-register at 800-726-6194 or church-relations@ gustavus.edu; free with $10 bag lunch available upon request

16 Alumni gathering: How are you thinking about your philosophy major NOW?, a gathering to discuss just that; Old Main Classrooms; 9 a.m.–4 p.m.; free

23 TEDx Gustavus, with up to nine speakers on the theme of “Engage!”; Wallenberg Auditorium in Nobel Hall of Science; social hour 12–1 p.m.; conference from 1–5 p.m.; $25 general admission, $5 students, tedxgustavuscollege.com

15-16 Relay for Life of Gustavus to raise funds for the fight against cancer; with music, entertainment, activities, education, and food; in association with the American Cancer Society; Lund Center Forum; 6 p.m.–6 a.m.

23 Hunter Hayes concert: 5-time Grammy nominee and CMA New Artist of the Year, Hayes will perform; Lund Arena; doors open at 6:30 p.m.; limited tickets available to the general public for $20 at gustavustickets.com

18 Swedish Film Institute CEO Anna Serner on how Sweden is working for gender equality in film production; 101 Beck Hall; Room 101; 7–9 pm.; free

27 MAYDAY! Peace Conference on divestment and reinvestment— making money count: Dr. Kathleen Dean Moore (Oregon State University) and Dr. Ove Jackobsen (Bodo Graduate School of Business, Norway) on whether divestment is an effective tool for building peace; Christ Chapel, beginning at 10 a.m.; afternoon in Alumni Hall will be teach-in style; free and the event will be live-streamed

20 Community Seder: Jews worldwide mark Passover with a ritual meal called a seder, and many Christians find the ritual meaningful as well; Alumni Hall; 6–9 p.m.

MAY 2 Department of Music Colloquium with Sofia Jannok, Swedish/indigenous Sámi singer and environmental activist; Bjorling Hall; 7:30 p.m.; free 4 Teach-In Panel with Sofia Jannok as well as regional and local indigenous activists, scholars, and musicians; Melva Lind Interpretive Center, Linneaeus Arboretum; 6:30–9 p.m.; free 5 Sofia Jannok concert: the culmination of her visit; Linneaus Arboretum; 7 p.m.; free

THE MAYDAY! PEACE CONFERENCE was founded in 1981 to inspire attendees to work for justice and peace throughout the world. This year, the Conference probes the morality and mechanics of divestment in order to inspire actions for building peace. It will examine past divestment initiatives and current strategies, and it will investigate the complexities and impact of investment power structures.

7 Honors Day: Convocation, Christ Chapel, 10:30 a.m.; free

Also: Senior Honors Recital, Björling Recital Hall, 1:30 p.m.; free 7–29 2016 Senior Studio Art Majors Exhibition: Hillstrom Museum of Art; regular hours: Mon.–Fri., 9 a.m.–4 p.m.; Sat. & Sun., 1–5 p.m. (opening reception, May 7, 4–6 p.m.); free 13–15 Next Best Steps: The Gustavus Dance Company in Concert, directed by dance professors Michele Rusinko and Melissa C. Rolnick; Anderson Theatre, 8 p.m. (May 13 and 14), 2 p.m. (May 15); order tickets online at gustavustickets.com or call 507-933-7590

Out of Scandinavia Scandinavian heritage at Gustavus is celebrated with the Out of Scandinavia Artist-in-Residence Program.

The Program enhances the College’s academic programs, fosters and develops stronger cultural ties with Nordic countries, and showcases Scandinavian art and artists to American audiences.

ON THE HILL

28 Gustavus Women in Leadership Conference focusing on change management both individually and at the organizational level; with two keynote speakers (including Beth Sparboe Schnell ’82 of Sparboe Farms) and interactive breakout sessions; American Swedish Institute, Minneapolis; 9 a.m.–2:30 p.m.; order tickets online at gustavustickets.com

• Times and dates of events listed on this page are subject to change.

Call to confirm.

• Up-to-date sports schedules may be found at gustavus.edu/athletics. For a printed schedule of the Gustie varsity athletic squads, see the website or send a self-addressed, stamped envelope to CJ Siewert ’11, director of sports information, Gustavus Adolphus College, 800 W. College Ave., St. Peter, MN 56082-1498.

• You can listen to selected Gustavus athletics broadcasts through the GameCentral live-stream portal at gustavus.edu/athletics.

• To receive a more complete fine arts schedule or more information on fine arts events noted in the calendar, contact Al Behrends ’77, director of fine arts programs: 507-933-7013 or al@gustavus.edu.

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

This year’s artist-in-residence, Sofia Jannok, is an indigenous Sámi musician and environmental activist from northern Sweden. Her recent song, “We Are Still Here,” adopts a mantra common among indigenous groups around the world. Music influences include pop, jazz, and Sámi folk.

She sings and writes in Northern Sámi, Swedish, and English.

Gustavus is one of the few colleges in the U.S. offering Swedish language at all levels, as well as many courses, a major, and a minor in Scandinavian Studies.

Sofia Jannok will also perform at the American Swedish Institute in Minneapolis on Friday, May 6.

SPRING 2016

15

These four Gusties are living their best work lives. In their own words, here’s how they did it.

(And how Gustavus helped make it happen.)

As told to Stephanie Wilbur Ash

Mary Giesler ’78 made history when she became the Minnesota Twins’ first in-house general counsel.

GROWING UP: I’m only the second of seven children to go to college. (My dad had only an eighth grade education.) Just getting to college was a big deal. The challenge for me was figuring out what to do once I did.

AT COLLEGE: Coming from a small town, Gustavus seemed like a large campus. But by my sophomore year, I was looking for a chance to study abroad. I spent the fall semester of ’76 studying in Bregenz, Austria with two Gustavus classmates.

AFTER GRADUATION: My first legal job was at Lindquist & Vennum—starting as a secretary, then as a paralegal (while attending law school at night), and finally as a lawyer. I was the only person in the firm’s history to do that.

HER NEXT FIRM: In 1997 I joined Kaplan, Strangis and Kaplan to focus on corporate transactional practice. It was there I had the chance to represent the Minnesota Twins in the building of Target Field.

16

THE GUSTAVUS QUARTERLY

PLAY TRY PERFORM CHASE STUDY EXPLORE LOVE TEACH EARN WORK TRAVEL RISK FORGE DANCE CREATE DRIVE FAIL

THE BALLPARK PROJECT: From April 2006 to April 2010, my practice was devoted to helping the Twins’ executive team with the ballpark project. On Opening Day, we stood in the upper deck of the ballpark and watched fans flood through the gates for the first time—it still gives me goose bumps. As partner in a law firm, I thought I already had my dream job, and then the Twins told us they were hiring a general counsel. Now I actually have the “dream job” I never knew I wanted!

TODAY: At the Twins I am a legal department of one. I have no idea what’s coming through the door on any given day— it is like a legal buffet. Coming here was the best decision of my life. I told someone recently that knowing how the magic happens doesn’t take away the enjoyment. I’m still a baseball fan.

HER ADVICE TO YOUNG PEOPLE: Figure out what you are good at doing and pursue a career that will allow you to use those natural talents.

ING THE DREAM

“I think of myself as a deal lawyer.”

SPRING 2016

17

BOB MOLHOEK’S DREAM CLASS

“I’ve had multiple dream jobs.”

From ad agency to ad agency to tech start-up to charitable giving (and back), Bob Molhoek ’93 has made a career out of new careers.

ON GUSTAVUS: I got recruited to play hockey. When I came out here from Grand Rapids, Mich., I just fell in love with the campus and the people.

I was going to be a lawyer like my dad. I had no comprehension of creative jobs. But I did some internships in marketing and public relations and I realized I wanted to be in a more creative environment.

AFTER GRADUATION: I set my sights on Fallon, one of the most creative and successful advertising agencies in the country.

I had just read What Color is Your Parachute? in my Uptown apartment. I called the head of account services. He answered the phone!

18

THE GUSTAVUS QUARTERLY

He asked me, “Why should I hire you over the other 99 people who applied?” All the blood left my body. I didn’t have a good answer. I did get hired there nine months later, when I had a good answer.

Fallon was brilliant about teaching you the industry. I wanted to be Pat Fallon.

NEXT STEP: I left to join the advertising agency Olson when it was just 18 people. At Olson, work was your vocation, home was your centerpiece. I was there for more than seven years.

NEXT STEP: I sold out to John Olson and joined Bite Tech. I helped raise money, and we became the only licensee for Under Armour mouthwear. I worked with a lot of professional athletes—Derek Jeter, Adrian Peterson. I thought I would never do advertising again.

NEXT STEP: I went back to Olson with the flexibility to pursue entrepreneurial opportunities.

On the first day of Molhoek’s January Interim Experience class at Gustavus, “Getting Your Dream Job,” the question was simple: “Why should I hire you?”

One month later, each student’s answers went far beyond the typical “hardworking,” “detail-oriented,” and “team player” descriptors.

The primary assignment was for students to set up eight informational interviews in industries they were interested in so they could put theory into action. Molhoek introduced concepts in sales psychology, marketing, and persuasion to help students make great impressions. He coached on “life hacks” like breathing and posture techniques to project a calm, professional demeanor.

And he brought in eight guest speakers from a variety of backgrounds to show students the decision-making that goes into business development, sales, and hiring.

The goal, Molhoek says, is for students to be able to brand, market, and sell themselves to get the job of their dreams— no matter what that dream is. —JJ Akin ’11

AND: I started iMyne, which enables consumers to earn money and support the charity of their choice while they online shop.

THE IRONY: My wife would tell you I don’t have a job. I have six jobs. I consult for financial, sports, tech, and creative businesses. I like entrepreneurship and raising money and solving problems, especially if it is for something good. The class I taught—students really need it.

Entrepreneurs don’t have this nine-tofive thing. My dream job is that I have had the flexibility to do new things and try new things and start new things.

WHAT HE TEACHES STUDENTS: Don’t wait until you’re a senior to start your career exploration. Pursue something you are passionate about. Then the actual classwork will be a way to give you a competitive advantage to get the job of your dreams.

Life is really about happiness. Our greatest driver isn’t money. Shouldn’t there be a metric of how happy we are?

Attributing his desire for excellence in part to the Three Crowns Curriculum, Ryan Hoag ’03 lives a life of adventure and service.

ON CHOOSING GUSTAVUS: I transferred to Gustavus with the intention of being a pastor. I had gone to Tennis and Life Camp with Steve Wilkinson, and I was (and still am) a member of Mount Olivet Lutheran Church in Minneapolis.

STUDENT: I shadowed an elementary school teacher for J-Term. I thought, I’m going to do this. My desire was to teach the kids teachers don’t know how to teach, or don’t want to. Sometimes kids just need to be told what they’re doing right instead of what they’re doing wrong.

Gustavus also gave me the opportunity to try playing football. It was fantastic. My hope was to play some post-collegiate football.

in Milan. I’ve acted in commercials and in my stint on reality TV [The Bachelorette, season 4]. This spring I’m travelling around the world for a new web show called Ryan’s Ridiculous. I dream up exotic stunts: running with the bulls, four-wheeling through sand dunes, snowboarding on cooled lava. I’ve jumped off the Stratosphere Hotel in Las Vegas.

PUTTING IT TOGETHER: Gustavus and the Three Crowns Curriculum allowed me to tiptoe on a ledge, and then a different ledge, and tree-branch out. When you wear a number of different hats, which Gustavus

taught me to do, you learn that things do connect to one another.

Steve Wilkinson resonates in my mind: Student comes before athlete. Let’s focus on being a student and giving full effort in everything we do.

THE DREAM: I fulfill my passion for travel.

I fulfill my passion as an educator. I am the head tennis pro for Lafayette Country Club and head tennis coach for Washburn High School, where I went to school. I focus on good sportsmanship and just being nice to people and living in a faith-based way. I am living a dream, absolutely.

“The highest level I can in anything I do.”

ATHELETE: I ran a really fast [40-yard dash] time junior year and it got me on the NFL map, and with a couple successful years of track and field, I ended up getting drafted.

I bounced around with five teams and five leagues in three different countries. I was playing the best football of my life, and for the 15th time I was told by a coach, “You’ve earned a spot, you’ve done everything we’ve asked, we’re opting not to keep you.” I thought, I think I’m done.

A person on the outside may think I’m crazy, but I was no longer playing for the love of the game and having fun.

EDUCATOR: Now I’m a teaching artist for UpStream Arts—it’s a non-profit that works to support social and communication skills for people with disabilities. I’m fulfilling a passion and making quite an impact. It couldn’t be more tailor-made for me in terms of my skill set and my desires as an educator.

PERFORMER: The teaching artists at UpStream have a background in acting. I never had an interest. Now I’ve modeled SPRING 2016

19

“Keep performing.

Keep working.”

Encouraged by her professors to commit to dance as a career, Renee Guittar ’12 has been hoofing it ever since.

ACT ONE: Coming from Lincoln, Neb., I never knew dance as a job. I was at Gustavus because it was a liberal arts school where I could still dance. But a professor said, “Renee, you could really do dance as a career, especially if you enjoy teaching and choreographing.” I dropped my psychology major so I could delve into dance.

I have told my professor many times, “You saying that to me changed my life.”

ACT TWO: I realized I wanted to teach, I wanted to live in Minneapolis—but I didn’t have any connections here. I started sending out my resume to a bunch of dance studios and looking at auditions. A dance studio in Woodbury needed a teacher.

A BIG TURN: A friend of mine who had just graduated from Gustavus sent me a call for a “modern dancer/showgirl.” It asked things like, “Would you be okay getting in

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THE GUSTAVUS QUARTERLY

small spaces for long periods of time?” I got the part and I started working with magician Jared Sherlock. We’ve been to Nantucket, Denver, Iowa, Missouri—all over.

WORK MONTAGE: I joined a dance company after I graduated—Collide. I’m working on my seventh show with them.

I started doing Fringe Festival shows with friends and professors. I’ve done burlesque shows, modern dance shows, I even danced at the Minnesota State Fair—abstract modern dance poses by the corn dog stand.

COLLEGE SUPPORT: I loved all my theater and dance professors. One class in particular showed me what it takes: Documentation. It prepares theater and dance majors to go out into the world: resume preps, audition preps. I remember my first job that I got with the magician. He said, “I think you pay attention to detail.”

That applies to any job you get.

Gustavus also hired me back after I graduated. That was so cool for my school to say, “We want you here and we want to pay you a fair wage for your skills.” As a student, you see alumni come back and they’re working in the theater and dance world and you think to yourself, they’re doing it.

ACT THREE: This summer I worked at the Guthrie Theater. I was in the ensemble of A Music Man and an understudy. It was absolutely a dream job. While at the Guthrie, I saw an audition for A Chorus Line at The Ordway and I got it. My boyfriend [Rush Benson ’13] is in it too.

We play Al and Kristine, the married couple.

We also did The Wedding Singer at the Old Log Theater together.

DENOUEMENT: My dream job is to keep doing dance, choreographing, maybe directing, maybe owning a theater. I really want to commit to this, to continue to grow and stay humble, to do more. You don’t know what’s going to happen a lot of the time, but if you trust it will happen, it will.

IS YOUR CAREER A DREAM? MENTOR. The Gustavus Mentoring program matches Gustie students with Gustie alumni, parents, or friends who can offer guidance on career and vocational journeys.

If your journey can help, visit gustavus.edu/mentoring.

BEFORE TITLE IX AND THE NCAA, BEFORE THERE WAS EVEN TOURNAMENT TRAVEL MONEY FOR WOMEN’S SPORTS, A GUSTIE VOLLEYBALL TEAM PULLED TOGETHER TO GET TO NATIONALS. FORTY YEARS LATER, THEY CAME BACK TO CAMPUS.

Bee Strong

By Stephanie Wilbur Ash

The 1975 volleyball team at Myrum Fieldhouse with coach Gretchen Koehler and the wooden official’s stand handmade by Gustavus grounds crew.

IT STARTED WITH THE ONE THEY CALL “BOSTON.”

When the Gustavus volleyball alumni game rolled around, Elaine Johnson Spangler ’76 (known as “Boston” for her hometown accent), got to thinking: “It’s been 40 years since our 1975 season.”

And what a season that was. The Bees (as they were known then) had a 31-9 record, second among Minnesota small colleges. In Regionals they finished third, earning an invitation

to the Small College National Volleyball Tournament. For a fledgling volleyball program that predated Title IX, “It was a defining moment,” Boston says. “It was something that we would remember for the rest of our lives.”

She set about recruiting her teammates for an historic reunion. Some of them had not been back to campus since graduation. Some were hard to find. But all remembered what it was like to be there.

2015 SPRING 2016

21

WOMEN’S SPORTS IN 1975

ON TO NATIONALS

Former (and first-ever) Gustavus volleyball coach Gretchen Koehler certainly remembers those early years of women’s collegiate sports. “Kids were coming in with hardly any experience. There was no concept of power volleyball,” she says.

To compete in any sport, mastery of the game was only part of the challenge. Unlike men’s teams, women had no statisticians.

There were no lockers for women, only wire baskets. The athletic training room was smack in the middle of the men’s locker room. Women could only use it after the men’s locker room was no longer in use.

There weren’t even volleyball uniforms— there was one “sport” uniform for volleyball, basketball, and softball women’s teams. “We just washed it and passed it on,” Koehler says.

It was a sign of the times, not of Gustavus specifically. Coach Koehler says Gustavus embraced women’s sports earlier than most.

“My cohorts—other coaches and assistants— we could see the inequality. You didn’t have to have Title IX to know it wasn’t right.”

On-court teamwork earned them a spot at Nationals. Off-court teamwork got them there. They’d have to pay their own expenses—including flights to Salt Lake City and car rental to get them to Pocatello, Idaho. They’d have only one month to practice and to earn the funds. They had to take all finals and turn in their final papers before they left.

There was a vote. Says Coach Koehler, “Everyone on the team voted yes and I voted no!”

The team sang and danced in the cafeteria for money. Parents of players and the Gustie community chipped in. “We raised more than $2,000,” Koehler says. It was enough to send 10 of the 14 players to the tournament. (Coach Koehler and a statistician paid their own way.) The money still didn’t cover lodging and food so the team slept in a church across the street from the tourney and cooked meals in the church’s kitchen. In Salt Lake City, Coach Koehler left her watch as collateral so they could rent a car.

Koehler laughs about it now, but then, “We didn’t think much of it. The kids were so appreciative to have an opportunity to play. And they were doing these things all together as a team.”

BACK AGAIN

This past fall, 10 of the original 14 players returned, plus Coach Koehler (who lives in Saint Peter). They came from all over— Pennsylvania, Florida, Colorado, and South Dakota, in addition to Minnesota and Wisconsin. “It was just like the old days,” Boston says. “Sometimes there are no words to express it.”

“It was unreal,” says current volleyball coach Rachelle Sherden, who helped coordinate the event and made sure the 2015 team was a part of the reunion. “It was like they hadn’t lost any time. At the Rusty Gusty volleyball match they were diving for balls.”

In addition to the alumni game, the ’75 team went to the 2015 Gustavus–St. Thomas match. Afterward, at a reception, the elders wowed the students. “One of the Bees’ high school principals wondered how she could play volleyball if she had a menstrual cycle,” Coach Sherden says. “How meaningful it was for our players to understand how much can be taken for granted.”

Volleyball senior Sarah Schuetz couldn’t believe what the Bees had to go through just to compete. “Now we get food, travel, everything is covered,” Schuetz says. “I can’t imagine playing a five-set match and then being like, okay, make your dinner.

“It wasn’t even that long ago. How could we have come so far in women’s sports? It’s amazing.”

The 1975 Gustavus Volleyball Team. All listed appear on the previous page. Reunion attendees (left) are in bold. Kneeling: Terry Braff Nicholson ’79, Audrey Anderson Fox ’79, Susan Swanson ’79, Jacky Hedman ’79. Standing, left to right: Gayle Hanson Olson ’77, Elaine Johnson Spangler ’76, Becky Rathke ’77, Nia Wronski ’79, Nancy Rohwer Symens ’79, Paula Manning Fagre ’79, Laurie Branes ’77, Martha Rueter ’77, Betsy Barnes Cochrane ’76, Cathy Cleys Tryggestad ’76, Coach Gretchen Koehler.

Opposite page: Freshman defensive specialist Brittany Luethmers celebrates the Gustie home victory over Bethel in the MIAC playoff championship.

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THE GUSTAVUS QUARTERLY

CHARTING PROGRESS WOMEN’S COLLEGIATE VOLLEYBALL THEN AND NOW

1975

And that 2015 team?

THEY CREATED SOME BUZZ TOO. Twenty-nine years later, and for only the fifth time in program history, the Gusties won the MIAC regular season championship. They then beat Bethel to claim the MIAC playoff title and an automatic bid into the NCAA tournament.

They got there on the heels of a record 27-match winning streak. The improvement from an 11-15 overall record last year to a 27-3 record this year marks the greatest turnaround in the history of Gustavus volleyball and helped earn Coach Rachelle Sherden the title of Central Region Coach of the Year from the American Volleyball Coaches Association.

“No one really expected us to be as good as we were this year. Our hard work and determination paid off,” says senior Sarah Schuetz. —CJ Siewert

TODAY

Tallest player: 5' 10"

Tallest player: 6' 2" (Alyssa Taylor)

Athletes often played on multiple teams.

Athletes mostly specialize.

A few do play two sports, but it is uncommon.

In pre-NCAA days, players paid their own travel expenses to the national tournament. When they traveled during the season, they took sack lunches from the cafeteria.

The NCAA pays for travel to the national tournament, including meals and lodging. During the regular season, the College covers travel and meal expenses.

Players traveled in an extended station wagon or a large van driven by the coach.

Teams travel by plane or chartered bus. Coaches do not drive buses or vans.

At the national tournament, players and coaches slept on church basement floors and cooked their own food.

At NCAA championships, players and coaches stay in hotel rooms and eat in restaurants or eat takeout with expenses covered by the NCAA.

At Nationals, the team competed with schools of varying sizes—from same-sized schools to large ones like University of California at Riverside.

The team mostly competes with same-sized schools in the MIAC and other Division III schools across the country.

The uniforms were worn for several women’s sports. Once the season was over, players washed the uniforms and passed them to the women’s basketball team.

Players get their own volleyballspecific uniforms, plus jerseys (2), shorts (2), socks (2 pairs), a warmup travel suit, a warmup shirt, a travel bag, and knee pads.

Players had little experience with volleyball; mostly just high school P.E.

Most players have been playing volleyball since at least middle school.

Women had metal baskets instead of lockers. The athletic training room was in the middle of the men’s locker room; women had limited use.

The athletic training room is easily accessible for everyone. Players of both genders use it freely. There are lockers for all Gustavus athletes.

There was no stand for the official.

The grounds crew and carpentry shop made one out of wood.

Official’s stands are required as part of any collegiate-level volleyball play.

For more on the 2015 season, see page 26.

SPRING 2016

23

SPORTS NOTES

By CJ Siewert ’11

Mitch Hendricks Records Program Single-game passing

504 yards

Single-game completions

33

Single-game touchdowns

7

Season yards

3,403

Season attempts

405

Season completions

271

Season touchdowns

35

200+ yard games

10

Season completion %

68%

Career

Skill + Trust = Wins Wide receiver-quarterback wonder duo Matthew Boyce ’16 and Mitch Hendricks ’16 shattered records with the strength of their sports partnership and their solid friendship.

Trailing 34-27 to Concordia College with two minutes remaining in the game, the Gustavus football team didn’t lose a shred of confidence on that sunny November day at Hollingsworth Field. Instead, the Gusties drove the ball 80 yards and scored a touchdown to come within one point.

After a succesful recovery of an onside kick, and with 20 seconds on the clock, quarterback Mitch Hendricks threw a game-winning touchdown pass, and the Gusties went on to claim their signature victory of the season and one of the greatest comeback wins in program history.

“It was a big win for a program that needed it in a bad way,” Hendricks says.

“But in the end, it is the skills you acquire and the relationships that make it all worth it.”

Hendricks’ relationship with wide receiver Matthew Boyce is certainly one that made their time together at Gustavus worth it.

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THE GUSTAVUS QUARTERLY

Over the course of their Gustavus football careers, Hendricks and Boyce were driving forces behind numerous program records.

“What made us successful was our ability to make plays on the fly,” Hendricks says.

“Even if it didn’t go as planned, we were good enough to make something work.”

The on-field partnership was only half the equation, though, as the relationship between Hendricks and Boyce extended to their time together off the field.

“We are very good friends off the field and even lived together our junior year,” Boyce says. “This was big in building trust in each other, which is why we were so good on the field. It’s all about relationships and the trust you have.”

The pair’s modesty is also worth noting and celebrating. Says Boyce, “The reason we were able to have so much success is because of the confidence and trust we have in our teammates and coaches.”

Completions

699

Touchdowns

77

200+ yard games

24

Completion %

65.6%

Hendricks transferred from Saint John’s University after his freshman year.

Matthew Boyce Records Program Season yards

1,318

Season touchdowns

17

Season 100+ yard games

9

Career Receiving yards

3,295

Touchdowns

35

Boyce, a product of Minnetonka High School, played all four years for Gustavus.

SPORTS NOTES

Football

Women’s Soccer

The 2015 football season proved to be the best in over a decade. The Gusties finished with a 7-3 overall record, marking the most victories since 2001, and their 5-3 record in the MIAC was good for third place, the best finish since 2002.

Twelve players were recognized in the MIAC postseason awards: First Team All-Conference members included Mitch Hendricks (Sr., Bemidji, Minn.), Gabriel Boyce (Sr., Excelsior, Minn.), Matthew Boyce (Sr., Excelsior, Minn.), Scott Newby (Sr., Lakeville, Minn.), and Nick Frandsen (Sr., North Oaks, Minn.). Head Coach Peter Haugen was named Co-Coach-of-theYear, becoming the first Gustavus coach to earn the award since 1987.

Hendricks and Matthew Boyce were later named to the D3football. com All-West Region Team. Boyce then was named to the D3football. com All-America Second Team, becoming the sixth Gustie football player all-time to garner AllAmerica honors twice.

After starting the season 0-3-1, the team turned its fortunes around by winning 10 of its next 11 games on its way to a 13-7-1 overall record and 8-3 mark in the MIAC. Head Coach Laura Burnett-Kurie’s squad claimed the No. 2 seed in the conference playoffs, marking Gustavus’s first-ever MIAC playoff appearance. The Gusties defeated Concordia 2-0 in the semifinals and then upset No. 1 seed St. Thomas 1-0 for the conference playoff title, earning an automatic bid to the NCAA Tournament. Gustavus lost in the opening round 2-1 to Wheaton College, but the team fought for the entire 90 minutes of the game and put the Gusties back on the map of Division III women’s soccer. Burnett-Kurie was named MIAC Coach-of-the-Year, while goalkeeper Ashley Becker (Fy., Farmington, Minn.) earned Rookie-of-the-Year honors. Joining Becker on the All-MIAC Team were Maddison Ackiss (Jr., Fairbanks, Alaska), Sophie Leininger (So., Plymouth, Minn.), and Josie Mazzone (So., Rapid City, S.D.). Becker and Ackiss were later named to the NSCAA All-North Team.

Schedules for all athletic events—home and away—can be found at gustavus.edu/athletics.

Live-streamed Gustavus and other MIAC athletic events can also be found there.

The 2015 team celebrates the greatest one-year turnaround in Gustie women’s soccer history.

Biggest. Win. EVER. To say the Gustavus women’s soccer team’s victory over the University of St. Thomas on Nov. 7, 2015 was a “big win” only begins to scrape the surface of its significance.

Not only did the Gusties’ 1-0 victory over the Tommies mark the first MIAC Playoff Championship in program history, but it also awarded Gustavus its first NCAA Tournament bid since 1998. Plus, it’s just one season removed from the team’s 2-13-2 overall record and 11th place finish in the MIAC standings. The shift from 2014 to 2015 is the greatest turnaround Gustavus women’s soccer has ever seen.

SPRING 2016

25

SPORTS NOTES

Volleyball The team finished its 2015 campaign with the best winning percentage in the 47-year history of the program: .900 with a 27-3 overall record. After dropping their first two matches of the season, the Gusties won a program-record 27-straight en route to an undefeated MIAC record (11-0), their first conference championship since 1986, as well as the conference playoff crown. The dream season came to a halt in the first round of the NCAA Tournament with a four-set loss to UW-Eau Claire, but that did little to diminish the spectacular season.

Men’s Soccer

Women’s Cross Country

The team finished its season with a 9-5-3 overall record and 3-4-3 mark in the MIAC. Despite missing the playoffs, the Gusties finished strong by winning four of their last five games. Charlie Adams (Sr., Stillwater, Minn.) capped his Gustavus career by earning AllConference honors after starting in all 17 games of the season. Over the course of his career, Adams started in 73-of-78 games and scored 18 points off three goals and 12 assists from his midfield position. Eli Bjerk (Sr., Stillwater, Minn.), Patrick Leach (Sr., Sioux Falls, S.D.), and Sam Leske (Sr., Hampton, Minn.) were named AllConference Honorable Mention.

The team ended its season with an 11th place finish at the NCAA Central Region Meet.

Marit Sonnesyn (Sr., Plymouth, Minn.) was the top runner for nearly the entire season.

She capped her collegiate career with a 15th place finish, earning All-Region honors.

Sonnesyn completed the 6k race in 22:57.4.

At the conference meet, the Gusties placed sixth as Sonnesyn took home AllConference honors with a 13th place finish in 23:18.8. Lauren Shurson (Sr., Chanhassen, Minn.) earned All-Conference Honorable Mention with a 16th place finish in 23:25.9.

The team got off to a great start by taking third place at the Saint Benedict Invite and first at the UW-Eau Claire Invitational but ended the fall season with a sixth place finish at the MIAC Championships. Ellie Brandt (Fy., Wayzata, Minn.) led the Gusties at the conference meet with a 16th place finish after shooting a 249 (+33). McKenzie Swenson (So., Buffalo, Minn.) and Mae Meierhenry (Jr., Sioux Falls, S.D.) were consistent leaders throughout the season as they averaged 81.9 and 82.3 strokes per round, respectively.

Men’s Golf

Men’s Tennis

Despite a slow fall start, the team finished the year strong as it took second out of 19 teams at the Twin Cities Classic, followed by a third place finish at the MIAC Championships. The Gusties shot progressively better throughout the threeday event, but came in just six shots behind eventual champion Augsburg. Max Savini (Fy., Anoka, Minn.) paced the team as he tied for third place with a score of 220 (+4) and Andrew Krasaway (Sr., Hermantown, Minn.) also finished in the top 10 as he scored a 225 (+9). Savini and Krasaway were named to the All-Championship Team and are automatically eligible for AllConference honors in the spring.

The fall season was brief with just a pair of tournaments, including the Drake Fall Invitational in Des Moines, Iowa and the USTA/ITA Midwest Championships in St. Peter. Mohanad Alhouni (So., Tripoli, Libya) won the Midwest Regional in convincing fashion after not dropping a single set. Alhouni then advanced to the USTA/ITA National Small College Championships where he took fourth place in the nation to earn All-America honors.

Men’s Cross Country The team capped the year with a sixth place finish at the NCAA Central Region Meet—the best finish by the Gusties at a regional meet since 1992. Thomas Knobbe (Jr., Decorah, Iowa) and Paul Nordquist (Sr., Edina, Minn.) led the Gusties. Each earned All-Region honors after placing 28th and 34th, respectively.

Knobbe finished the 8k in 26.23.5 while Nordquist crossed the line in 26:35.7.

At the conference meet, Evan Jones (Jr., Pella, Iowa) led the team for the first time all season, grabbing AllConference honors with a ninth place finish after crossing the line in 26:51.1.

Nordquist finished 22nd and garnered All-Conference Honorable Mention.

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One season removed from an 11-15 overall record, Head Coach Rachelle Sherden was named MIAC Coach-of-theYear and AVCA Central Region Coach of the Year. Alyssa Taylor (Sr., Trimont, Minn.) garnered MIAC Player-of-the-Year, AVCA All-Region, and All-America honors. Nora Holtan (Fy., Rochester, Minn.) was recognized as the MIAC Rookie-of-theYear and AVCA Central Region Freshman of the Year. Along with Taylor and Holtan, Brittany Luethmers (Fy., Prior Lake, Minn.) and Taylor Trautman (Jr., Hutchinson, Minn.) were also named All-Conference.

THE GUSTAVUS QUARTERLY

Women’s Golf

Women’s Tennis The fall season featured five total tournaments, highlighted by the USTA/ ITA Midwest Championships. Michaela Schulz (Jr., Elk River, Minn.) led the way for the Gusties as she earned a place in the singles tournament semifinals for the second consecutive year.

LEGACY A Royal Success The Gustavus Library Associates November 2015 fundraiser “A Royal Affair,” which benefited the Folke Bernadotte Memorial Library, was the most successful GLA fundraiser since 1989. Emcees Colleen Brady Lindstrom ’99 (MyTalk 107.1) and Adam Carter ’98 (WCCO Radio) led the event. Kim Fragodt ’83 performed the song titled Jewel of Discovery, written for the occasion. More than 300 items were auctioned at the event, including the highly sought-after items of a vintage Gustavus baseball uniform and a Gustavus Post Office box repurposed into a bank.

Approximately $126,000 was raised for general acquisitions, cases for the rare book collection, and a new study room.

Twenty percent of the library’s acquisition budget comes from the Gustavus Library Associates memberships and an endowment created by GLA. The biannual event has raised funds for the library for nearly 40 years.

The library’s financial needs are great.

Electronic resources alone are an annual expense of $325,000.

Because of You Campaign Gustavus surpassed its $150 million goal by $20 million, making it the largest, most ambitious fundraising campaign in the history of the college.

Here’s the fire you lit for the Gustavus community and all of its students, current and future:

MORE THAN

$170 million

$35 million

in giving commitments

earmarked just for SCHOLARSHIPS

For the ENDOWMENT: nearly

Nearly

$58 million PLEDGED

20,000

For the ANNUAL FUND:

105,000

$31 million was RAISED

INDIVIDUALS CONTRIBUTING, with

GIFTS GIVEN

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MORE THAN NEW ENDOWMENTS will support RESEARCH, FACULTY-STUDENT INTERACTION, AND SCHOLARSHIPS for Gustavus students, including:

9 new endowed FACULTY POSITIONS in 7 different ACADEMIC DEPARTMENTS EARMARKED GIFTS for the construction of WARREN & DONNA BECK ACADEMIC HALL and the RENOVATION OF A.H. ANDERSON HALL

$25 million

DONATION—the largest gift in the + AN ANONYMOUS College’s history—will serve as the cornerstone of the renovation and expansion of the Alfred Nobel Hall of Science.

Thank You.

In the late 1880s, the Gustavus Adolphus College library was open one hour per week, on Saturday mornings. Today it’s open 100 hours per week, sees approximately 220,000 visits a year, and circulates more than 23,000 items a year.

“I’m humbled by the generosity of our donors. The success of the campaign is a reaffirmation of the greater Gustavus community’s belief and trust in the College moving forward.”

—Vice President for Advancement Thomas W. Young ’88 SPRING 2016

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GEO-GUS Gustavus alumni are everywhere.

Here’s a visual reminder that Gustavus truly is a global community.

GUSTIES AROUND THE WORLD CANADA

EUROPE

ASIA

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177

81

MEXICO, 4 BERMUDA, 1 WEST INDIES, 1

6

AFRICA SOUTH AMERICA

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THE GUSTAVUS QUARTERLY

37

AUSTRALIA/NEW ZEALAND MIDDLE EAST

6

21

ALUMNI AROUND THE NATION * PACIFIC NORTHWEST + ALASKA

852

MINNESOTA

18,757

WEST + HAWAII

1,422

MID-ATLANTIC MIDWEST

3,181

629

NORTH ATLANTIC

332 SOUTHEAST

MID-AMERICA

SOUTH

1,163

629

SUBMIT YOUR NEWS Curious to know what your fellow Gusties are doing? Want to share your news with classmates? Send us your stories. We welcome news about careers, graduate school, weddings, births, volunteer work, and even random

HELP US More than 2,700 alumni do not have a valid mailing address with the College.

1,174

Do you know someone who is not receiving this magazine but should?

Encourage alumni to send current contact information to the College.

Simply email alumni@gustavus.edu or visit gustavus.edu/alumni/update.

encounters with other alumni. Go to gustavus.edu/alumni/submit to share your news and photos. *R egional designations are according to the Council for Advancement and Support of Education (CASE).

SPRING 2016

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ALUMNI ASSOCIATION NEWS The Alumni Assocation's mission is to engage current and future alumni in lifelong relationships with Gustavus and each other to actively advance their commitment to the College.

2016 Alumni Awards For a complete listing of awards, criteria, and past recipients, visit gustavus.edu/alumni/gustieforlife/awards/.

FIRST DECADE AWARDS Matt Swenson ’06, press secretary, Office of Governor Mark Dayton Dr. Dorea Ruggles ’06, biomedical engineer audiology post doctorate, University of Minnesota

DISTINGUISHED ALUMNI CITATIONS Paula Johnson ’76, curator, Smithsonian National Museum of American History, Washington D.C. Christine Morse ’77, chairman of the Board and CEO, Cargill Philanthropies Dr. Norman Quinn ’71, former director, Discovery Bay Marine Laboratory, University of the West Indies, Jamaica Dr. Carl Seashore 1891 (posthumous), psychologist

50TH YEAR DISTINGUISHED ALUMNI CITATION Dr. Edward Gustavson ’66, neonatologist, Children’s Medical Center, Tulsa, OK

GREATER GUSTAVUS AWARD Ken Westphal ’15, Gustavus vice president for finance and treasurer Warren Wunderlich, director of Gustavus Physical Plant

HONORARY GUSTIES Joanne Kendall, former First Lady of Gustavus Bob Moline, retired Gustavus professor of geography Margi Willmert, assistant director of Gustavus Dining Service Warren Wunderlich, director of Gustavus Physical Plant

Steve Zahn ’90, actor, Broadway, major movies, and television

The awards are chosen by the Alumni Board of Directors.

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THE GUSTAVUS QUARTERLY

All alumni and friends are invited to join the Alumni Association in honoring these individuals at the annual Alumni Banquet, Saturday, May 28, in the C. Charles Jackson Campus Center.

Register at gustavus.edu/ alumni or by calling 800-487-8437.

GUSTAVUS ALUMNI

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

Warm Spring Greetings New committees, new surveys, new ways to participate.

The Alumni Board has been hard at work this year. During our Leadership Retreat in June, we made the decision to change our committee structure to more accurately reflect the needs of the Alumni Association and the work of the Board. The two new committees are Volunteer/Engagement and Affinity/Diversity. The Affinity and Diversity Committee will work in parallel with the President’s Council on Diversity, Equality, and Inclusion. The two other standing committees are Philanthropy and Recognition.

This year, our work also involves ways to increase overall alumni giving participation by encouraging gifts in any amount to Gustavus. We will recognize the efforts of the Class Officers and assist them with clarified roles and responsibilities. And we will partner with the student-led Hill Crew to encourage alumni attendance at events and contests.

We received a large number of nominees from the Gustavus community for the 2016 Alumni Awards. Please join us at this year's Alumni Awards Banquet on May 28 to recognize the outstanding award winners.

We hope you took the time to complete our recent alumni survey, either the print or online version. The goal is to learn more about our alumni so that the Alumni Engagement Office and the Alumni Board can better connect with and serve you. The alumni survey also is a key component to helping the Board begin to address alumni diversity and affinity this year. We will be sharing survey findings in the coming months.

We are excited to continue our work on the behalf of the entire Alumni Association.

Our sincere appreciation and thanks to all of our alumni volunteers, as well as the staff of the Office of Alumni and Parent Engagement, for their commitment and work. We encourage and thank you for giving to, and being involved with, Gustavus!

Let’s work together to strengthen our Alumni Association.

Catherine Asta ’75 President of the Alumni Board Gordon Mansergh ’84 Vice President of the Alumni Board

ASSOCIATION OFFICERS Catherine Asta ’75, president Gordon Mansergh ’84, vice president Ed Drenttel ’81, treasurer Kara Buckner ’97, secretary

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 800-487-8437 alumni@gustavus.edu DEADLINES FOR ALUMNI NOTES September 1 for the winter issue December 1 for the spring issue March 1 for the summer issue June 1 for the fall issue

PHOTO POLICY • Due to space limitations, we do not publish wedding or baby photos.

• We welcome photos of alumni gathered anywhere in the world and will publish as many as space permits.

• Send us Newsmaker notes to announce promotions, achievements, and recognitions; send a head-and-shoulders or similar photo with your news, whenever possible.

• All photos should be high resolution (i.e. 300 dots per inch or approximately 600 KB or greater in file size) to be considered for the print magazine.

CONTACT US

alumni@gustavus.edu RALLY DAYS We're asking Gusties all over the globe to #showyourSHINE between April 2–7. What does it mean to show your shine? Above all, making a gift has the greatest impact. Then, proudly sport your finest Gustie gear online and in public. Finally, tweet, post, like, and share your Gustie experience with #showyourSHINE.

800-487-8437 gustavus.edu/alumni

SPRING 2016

31

Miriam Peterson Manfred, Minneapolis, is the oldest volunteer at the American Swedish Institute in Minneapolis. She also volunteers each Monday at the Community Emergency Service food shelf. She is an accomplished pianist and has played for the Gustavus Lucia Luncheon for many years.

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56 61

JoAnn Johnson Lundborg, Hilo, HI, is a retired educator.

SAVE THE DATE

55-Year Reunion May 28, 2016

Nita Swanson Anderson, Roseville, is retired from Macy’s.

Elsa M. Cornell, Saint Peter, is a teacher at the Area Adult Learning Cooperative in Saint Peter.

Don Fultz, Shoreview, is a retired ELCA pastor.

Gary L. Hillman, Centennial, CO, is a retired assistant professor of University of Colorado.

Marilyn Chelgren Dashiell, Carol Stream, IL, is a retired librarian of the West Chicago Public Library.

professor of educational leadership at Saint Mary’s University Graduate School in Minneapolis.

Donley H. Johnson, Forest Lake, and wife, Kathy, will celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary in May 2016.

Margaret Hall Snyder, New Brighton, retired from her staff support position at Christ Lutheran Church in Blaine.

Judy Ness Kolling, Zumbrota, is retired from the Mayo Clinic.

Melanie Wigand Sorensen, Three Forks, MT, is a retired medical technologist of the Bozeman Urgent Care Center.

Rosie Johnson Mix, Jackson, retired from Jackson County Central School District in December 2014.

Erik-Paul Sallmen, Minneapolis, is retired from his clinical social worker position at HealthPartners.

Margaret Ims Selfridge, Wayzata, is a retired high school teacher of the Eden Prairie School District.

Betty Magnuson Shytle, Lakeland, FL, is a retired elementary school teacher.

Mary Strand Slinde, Bloomington, is an educational consultant at Intermediate District 287. She also works as an adjunct

Vernon A. Victorson, Albany, NY, is a retired pastor of First Lutheran Church in Albany. He serves as a short-term transition pastor for Trinity Lutheran Church in Castleton-on-Hudson.

Paula Schendel Sallmen, Minneapolis, is a retired hospice nurse of Allina Hospital and Palliative Care.

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SAVE THE DATE

45-Year Reunion May 28, 2016

Mark Anderson, Apple Valley, is a managing shareholder with the Jacobson Law Group.

Dorion Bergstrom Macek, Minneapolis, is retired as of August 2015.

Jim Mansfield, Winston-Salem, NC, is a former ELCA pastor and Army reserve chaplain.

Lowell M. Rasmussen, Nevis, is the former president of Wadena AVTI. Doris Fitz Shennum, St. Paul, is a retired social worker of Saint Mary’s Health Clinics.

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SAVE THE DATE

50-Year Reunion May 27–29, 2016

Robert L. Bennett, Maple Grove, retired from his director of human resources position at Eureka Recycling on his 70th birthday.

Bob Burmaster, Fort Myers, FL, is president of CDA in Fort Myers.

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THE GUSTAVUS QUARTERLY

Saturday, May 28 | 50 Year Club Lunch All alumni who graduated 50 years ago or more are invited to lunch in Alumni Hall as we induct the class of 1966 into the 50 Year Club. Seating is limited; registration required. Visit gustavus.edu/alumni or call 800-487-8437.

GUSTAVUS ALUMNI

Steve Linder ’72 was inducted into the Minnesota Broadcasting Hall of Fame in September. He is the owner of Lakeland Broadcasting.

Reunion Weekend Reunion Weekend | May 27–29, 2016

We welcome the classes of 1971, 1966, 1961, 1956, and 1951 back to campus the weekend of May 27–29 to celebrate their respective class reunions. We look forward to sharing stories, memories, and time together.

• Class of 1966 50th reunion activities: May 27–28.

• Classes of 1971, 1961, 1956, and 1951 reunion activities: May 28.

• All classes welcome 2016 graduates and 2016 Commencement: May 29.

Visit gustavus.edu/alumni for detailed reunion schedules.

Dennis L. Baldus, Victoria, is a defensive line coach for the Gustavus football team.

Dennis Murphy, Meridian, ID, is currently self-employed.

Judy A. Broad, Minneapolis, is a staff RN at Hennepin County Medical Center.

Dean C. Peterson, Osceola, WI, is a financial advisor with Ameriprise Financial.

Thomas Clanton, Gainesville, FL, is a professor in the College of Health and Human Performance at University of Florida.

Mary Parkin Rasmussen, Fargo, ND, continues to enjoy church activities like singing in the Cathedral Choir, quilting, serving on the Global Missions Committee, and subbing in West Fargo Schools.

Michele Thibault Frizzell, Chesterfield, MO, is a retired special needs school social worker.

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G. Barry Anderson, Apple Valley, is an associate justice for the Minnesota Supreme Court.

Jean Swanson Broberg, Shoreview, is the systems analysis unit supervisor for the State of Minnesota, MN.IT Services.

Todd Carlson, La Vista, NE, is the executive vice president for Carlson Systems in Omaha.

Carol Hamrum Rutz, Northfield, is a senior lecturer in the English department at Carleton College.

Brad Hanson, Bloomington, is the managing director for Magni Global Asset Management.

John F. Hagberg, Sioux City, IA, is a retired pastor of Saint Mark’s Lutheran Church in Iowa.

Margie Young Sampsell, Edina, is a realtor with Edina Realty.

Pamela R. Herder, Colorado Springs, CO, is the associate general counsel for the Children’s Hospital Colorado.

Robyn Wieman Hansen, St. Paul, is a retired attorney for Stinson Leonard Street in Minneapolis.

Marjorie Aasness Schaffer, Eden Prairie, is a retired professor of nursing for Bethel University.

Cheryl Salmela Kautt, Saint Peter, is a retired kindergarten teacher of the Mankato Area Public Schools.

Cathy Howard Waldhauser, Golden Valley, is the owner of CHW Landscape and Design.

Diane Berthiaume Kokal, Orono, is selfemployed and a partner with BK Research Solutions.

Dave Miller, Inverness, FL, is retired from Property Management Wetzell.

Judd Mowry, Elk River, is the retired chief executive of Tonka Consultants.

Stan Waldhauser, Golden Valley, is selfemployed as a photographer.

Buster West, Cleveland, is a financial advisor at Principal Financial Group.

Ruth Torkelson Lynch, Lake Tomahawk, WI, is a retired professor of University of Wisconsin-Madison.

75

Julie Benson Italiano, Merriam, KS, is the communications and membership secretary for Nall Avenue Baptist Church.

Holly Watkins Johnston, White Bear Lake, is a home-care RN for Communities of Care.

Elaine M. Lilly, Mankato, is self-employed as a freelance editor.

Brian D. Myhr, Coral Springs, FL, is vice president for IT at Fairlane Financial Corporation; assistant principal contrabass for the Florida Grand Opera; co-principal contrabass for the Palm Beach Symphony; and co-principal contrabass for the Palm Beach Orchestra.

SPRING 2016

33

NEWSMAKERS In September, the Swedish Council of America (SCA) awarded its highest honor, the SCA Great Achievement Award, to Linda Wallenberg ’75 and Gustavus Professor Emeritus of Scandinavian Studies Roland Thorstensson for their lifetime work in “promoting Swedish heritage in American life and strengthening contemporary ties between Sweden and North America.”

Thorstensson, who taught at Gustavus from 1971 to 2010, was instrumental in developing the Scandinavian Studies department and affiliate programs. He and his wife, Edi, also founded Sjolunden Swedish Language Village in 1975, which currently operates out of the Concordia College Language Villages system. He was dean of Sjolunden from 1975 to 1977. Wallenberg succeeded Thorstensson as dean and has been a leader of the program ever since.

In October, Herbert Anderson ’58 was honored by the International Council for Pastoral Care and Counseling and the Association for Clinical Pastoral Education for his decades of work in pastoral care education. He also received a 2014 INDIEFAB Book of the Year award for The Divine Art of Dying: How to Live Well While Dying (Divine Arts, 2014), co-authored with Karen Speerstra. Anderson received a Distinguished Alumni Citation from the Gustavus Alumni Association in 1998 for achievement in the field of theology.

Scott E. Olson, North Mankato, is a pastor at Grace Lutheran Church.

Terry Gus Pederson, Prior Lake, is the vice president of Hometown Bank in Shakopee.

John D. Trawick, La Mesa, CA, is a research fellow for Genomatica.

Cathy Cleys Tryggestad, Cloquet, is the director of special education for the Northern Lights Special Education Cooperative.

Lynne Koester Wathen, Alexandria, VA, is the radiation biodosimetry and chemical threat diagnostics team leader for the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority.

Monica Welwert, Luxembourg, is the terminology coordinator at the European Commission in Luxembourg.

Steven R. Wiese, Forest Lake, is an associate pastor for North Heights Lutheran Church, as well as a self-employed licensed psychologist.

Steve Briggs, Eagan, was elected president of the Sibley County Historical Society, Henderson, MN, in October 2015.

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Jon A. Brunsberg, Mendota Heights, is vice president of MedeAnalytics.

SAVE THE DATE

35-Year Reunion October 1, 2016

Steve Heim, Edina, is president of S and H Realty Management in Bloomington, MN. Sue Bosch Leaf ’75 has published her fourth book, Portage: A Family, a Canoe, and the Search for the Good Life (University of Minnesota Press, 2015).

The memoir tells the story of 35 years of family water journeys, drawing on elements of natural and cultural history. Two of Sue’s previous titles were finalists for the Minnesota Book Award.

Lisa Mundstock Mansell, Circle Pines, is a kindergarten teacher at Forest View Elementary, Forest Lake Area Schools.

William J. Ross, Niigata-ken, Japan, is creative director at Dancing Snow.

Dean R. Stambaugh, New Brighton, welcomed his first grandchild in January 2015. He is entering his sixth year of coaching women's basketball and third

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THE GUSTAVUS QUARTERLY

GUSTAVUS ALUMNI

year of full-time employment with the Information Technology Services Team at Hamline University.

Sharon Malmer Thomas, Salem, SC, retired in April 2015 from a 32-year career with VA Hospital as a registered nurse.

Michael A. Zea, Onamia, retired in August 2015 as activities director for Onamia School District.

85

Karen L. Enstrom, Moscow, Russia, is an economic minister counselor for the United States Embassy.

Randy Richert, Freeburg, IL, retired from the Air Force in June 2015 after 28 years and earning the rank of Colonel.

86

manager for Fannie Mae in Washington, D.C. Bradley Johnson, Simrishamn, Sweden, has been appointed sales director for South Africa for the Financial Times. Having changed schools and hotels into residential dwellings, he is now converting a former brewery into 12 sea view residential units in Simrishamn.

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90

Doug Dittbenner, North Mankato, is a business performance advisor for Insperity.

Renee Hilmanowski Ochaya, Mentor, OH, is recreation director for the City of Mentor.

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SAVE THE DATE

25-Year Reunion October 1, 2016

SAVE THE DATE

30-Year Reunion October 1, 2016

Alec A. Burkhardt, Tucson, AZ, is a content specialist for Pearson.

Warren J. Bailey Jr., St. Paul, teaches golf on evenings and weekends at Island Lake Golf and Training Center in Shoreview, MN.

Tim Donoughue, The Woodlands, TX, is the intellectual property senior counsel for Baker Hughes.

Bill W. Barberg, Golden Valley, is president of Insightformation in Golden Valley.

Lynn Stephens Giovannelli, St. Louis Park, is the director of donor relations for Youth Frontiers in Minneapolis.

Sara B. Hansen, Lakewood, CO, is assistant city editor at The Denver Post.

Alison A. Madson, St. Louis Park, is a contracts administrator for Twin Metals Minnesota.

Sherry Keran Pedersen, Lake Elmo, is a creative services manager for Medtronic.

Troy Riley, Accokeek, MD, is a program

Stephanie Skodis Havemeier, Apple Valley, is the human resources administrator for Business Card Service.

Scott Hess, Palo Alto, CA, is a software engineer for Google.

Missy Ryan McMillan, Juneau, AK, is an instructional coach for the Juneau School District.

David Holdhusen ’96 has been named chair of the Music Department at University of South Dakota. He will continue to serve as director of choral activities at USD, and his Chamber Singers performed at the North Central ACDA Conference in February.

Todd E. Montgomery, Cedar Rapids, IA, is the district sales representative for the Iowa State Lottery.

Wendy E. Moore, Athens, GA, is the acquisitions librarian for University of Georgia, School of Law. Rachel Dahlin Nehls, Olathe, KS, is the systems analyst for Stinson Leonard Street.

Michelle Larson Stimpson, Eden Prairie, is self-employed as the owner and life coach of LifeShine.

Bill Sypura, Coon Rapids, is a family practitioner for Fairview Brooklyn Park Clinic.

Jean M. Eliason, Friendswood, TX, is the claims administrator for MDL 926 Claims Office.

Becky Tjernagel Turner, Augusta, GA, is a neonatal nurse practitioner.

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Jill Wissink McCurry, Hermosa Beach, CA, is an executive consultant for Rodan and Fields.

95

Beth Wiberg Barbosa, St. Paul, is an attorney with Hellmuth & Johnson in Edina.

Nicole Wickman Hoops, Bovey, is a therapeutic yoga instructor for Courage Kenny Rehabilitation Center in Minneapolis.

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SAVE THE DATE

20-Year Reunion October 1, 2016

Peter Eckman, St. Paul, MN, works as section head in the advanced heart failure department at Minneapolis Heart Institute.

He is also chair of the Cardiovascular Service Line Heart Failure Committee for Allina Health.

Jennie A. English, Chicago, IL, graduated from the Lutheran School of Theology at Chicago in May 2014 with a master of theology in Old Testament/Hebrew Bible.

She is pastor for Bethlehem Evangelical Lutheran Church in Chicago.

John S. Feistner, Sammamish, WA, is the senior portfolio manager for the Private Client Reserve at U.S. Bank.

SPRING 2016

35

NEWSMAKERS Jon L. Farnsworth ’04 has been named the 2014–2015 Volunteer of the Year by LegalCORPS, a not-for-profit organization that offers free legal advice to low-income small business owners. Farnsworth has provided an exceptional amount of free representation to his clients, offering his expertise on a wide array of legal issues affecting small businesses. He also participates in the LegalCORPS brief advice business law clinic and has served on LegalCORPS’s Operations Committee.

Farnsworth is an attorney at Felhaber Larson.

Gilles “Gee” Ouedraogo ’10 graduated from the University of Minnnesota Humphrey School of Public Affairs’ Master of Development Practice program in International Development.

He is now a Princeton in Africa Fellow with the Lutheran World Federation in Burundi and Uganda. He was part of a rapid response team addressing cholera outbreak through water sanitation intervention among Burundian refugees. Ouedraogo moves next to Maseru, Lesotho, for another fellowship year as a monitoring and evaluation officer with the World Food Programme.

Mark G. Gritter ’97, Eagan, was honored as one of Minneapolis/ St. Paul Business Journal’s Titans of Technology 2015 as a technology inventor. Mark is the co-founder of Tintri, a data storage firm.

Rachel Roberts Oppitz, Park Rapids, is the owner and doctor of Itasca Naturopathic Clinic.

Chad D. Peterson, Chicago, IL, is director of marketing and communication for Writers Theater in Glencoe, IL. Jeffrey W. Ross, Colorado Springs, CO, is the founder, CEO, and managing director of Vailshire Capital Management, LLC. Jill Weitzenkamp Ruehling, Arlington, is working in child protection as a social worker for Sibley County Public Health and Human Services.

Kris T. Fredrick, Lino Lakes, is the general counsel for ACS Labs and Honeywell International.

Matt Greer, Eden Prairie, is a financial advisor for Ameriprise Financial Services.

Sybil A. Keesbury, Macon, GA, is an assistant professor at Mercer University.

Steve Lautz, Auburn, AL, works as associate director of athletics for compliance at Auburn University.

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THE GUSTAVUS QUARTERLY

Deanna Kozitza Mason, Pozuelo de Alarcon, Spain, had a new book published in fall 2015. She is working for Split Rock S.L. in Madrid, Spain.

Michelle Baker Newman, New Prague, is a senior HR business partner for Post Consumer Brands in Lakeville, MN. Erika A. Olson, St. Paul, works as a staff veterinarian for Cedar Pet Clinic in Lake Elmo.

Valerie A. Ruha, Plymouth, is a director for Novus Media.

Ben Schaefer, Chaska, is a senior vice president and financial advisor for Wealth Enhancement Group in Plymouth, MN. Nathan K. Shores, Chandler, AZ, is the remarketing manager of sales and operations for Enterprise Holdings.

Katie Edwards Siekmeier, South St. Paul, is an educator at Rosemount-Apple ValleyEagan School District.

GUSTAVUS ALUMNI

Jason R. Wright, Austin, TX, is the vice president in IT and development for The Marek Group.

Michael J. Zenk, Troy, IL, moved from Scott Air Force Base to the 183rd Fighter Wing in Springfield, IL (Illinois Air National Guard). He is working as lead planner for all aeromedical evacuation missions out of United States Southern Command.

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John P. Dierkhising, Blaine, works as a partner with Bottom Line Accounting.

Ari Silkey, Burnsville, is the founder and CTO of Zubie, a leader in the emerging connected car space. Zubie was formed in 2012 as a joint venture between Best Buy and OpenAir Equity Partners, a wireless, Internet, and mobility-focused venture capital firm. Zubie is headquartered in Charleston, SC, with offices in the Minneapolis area.

Troy J. Barnes, Le Center, is the

of IT for Rubies Costume 00 director Company.

Jennifer Plath Dierkhising, Blaine, is branch manager for Pacific Union Financial.

and co-founder and CEO of a new boutique winery, Bailarín Cellars.

Wesley S. Duke, Leawood, KS, is cofounder of Insight Coffee Roasters with a roastery and four cafes in the Sacramento area, and partner of a new boutique winery, Bailarín Cellars, with fellow Gusties Chris Ryan ’01 and Mike Ryan ’03.

Brian T. Thatcher, Anthem, AZ, was promoted to lieutenant within the Phoenix Police Department, working as a shift commander in the Maryvale Precinct.

Ann Marie Giefer, St. Paul, works for Junior Achievement of the Upper Midwest.

Shannon Hogan Gorman, Carver, is senior financial analyst for Carlson Wagonlit Travel.

Becky Goughnour, Savage, works as a commercial title officer for First American Title Insurance Company.

Suzie Martin Hendrix, Mound, is a dentist at Monticello Dental Center.

Jesse Hedge Hohenstein, Frisco, TX, works as senior talent assessment consultant at 7-Eleven.

Trish Hiscock Austin, Saint Peter, works at the Minnesota New Country School.

Rachel J. Mathison, Seattle, WA, works as the director of supportive services at Imagine Housing.

Daniel D. Hohenstein, Frisco, TX, works for the Dr. Pepper Snapple Group.

Kelly Devine McGeary, Forest Lake, is a senior project manager for 3M Company.

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SAVE THE DATE

15-Year Reunion October 1, 2016

Molly Grisham Altorfer, Cedar Rapids, IA, works as director of communications and marketing at Iowa Women Lead Change (IWLC).

Erin L. Cederlind, Rego Park, NY, is the staff soprano for St. George’s Episcopal Church in Arlington, VA. Devin R. Colvin, Minneapolis, is a survey coordinator/planner for the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development.

Hal DeLaRosby, Tacoma, WA, is a director of academic advising for Pacific Lutheran University. He graduated in May 2013 with an MS degree in college student personnel from Western Illinois University.

Jackie Moen Miller, Burnsville, works as associate director in the client management relationship office at Optum.

Anna M. Nelson, Shakopee, works as a receptionist for NACR.

02

John M. Gilbert, Waconia, is a financial Analyst for 3M.

Mike Ryan, Chaska, is co-founder (with two fellow Gusties previously mentioned) of Insight Coffee Roasters with a roastery and four cafes in the Sacramento area. He is also partner of the boutique winery, Bailarín Cellars.

03

04

Karen Martinson Cherwien, Andover, is an inpatient palliative care chaplain at Allina Health.

05

Mary T. Duvall, Tacoma, WA, is the executive director of advancement for Pacific Lutheran University.

Tara Barnes Fitch, Shakopee, is a realtor with Keller Williams Preferred Realty of Minnesota.

Mark R. Schlagel, St. Paul, is employed as head welder at White Bear Lift and Dock.

Brady E. Schmidt, Minneapolis, is the communications and marketing director for the InnerCity Tennis Foundation.

SAVE THE DATE

Reunion 06 10-Year October 1, 2016

Chris S. Okey, Richfield, became a real estate agent with Keller Williams Preferred Realty, Burnsville.

Laura K. Abbott, Alexandria, VA, is a park ranger for the National Park Service. She earned an MA degree in American history at George Mason University.

Ali Ninmann Pau, Tacoma, WA, is the student leadership and involvement coordinator for Clover Park Technical College in Tacoma, WA.

Rebecka Arbin, Honolulu, HI, passed the American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP) exam. She is a civil servant for the State of Hawaii.

Chris Ryan, West Sacramento, CA, is cofounder & CEO of Shamrock Surgical, a cardiac surgical distribution business on the west coast supporting Medtronic and other technologies; co-founder & CEO of Insight Coffee Roasters with a roastery and four cafes in the Sacramento area; cofounder of Sun & Soil Juice Company;

Amie Gerhardson Ascheman, Minneota, earned a JD from University of North Dakota, School of Law. Seyward Mattson Ask, Woodstock, GA, is pastor for outreach and evangelism for Lutheran Church of the Redeemer in Atlanta.

SPRING 2016

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NEWSMAKERS Grant Boulanger ’97, a Spanish teacher for Skyview Middle School in the North St. Paul-Maplewood Oakdale District, has been selected as the recipient of the 2015 Minnesota World Language Teacher of the Year Award from the Minnesota Council on the Teaching of Languages and Cultures (MCTLC). This is one of the organization’s highest awards and recognizes outstanding all-around work in the field of world languages and cultures education. Grant earned his MEd in 2012 from the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities College of Education and Human Development.

Lena Solyntjes Mueller ’06, a fourth grade teacher for Pinecrest Elementary in Hastings, received the Thrivent Financial Personal Finance Educator Award in November. The award recognizes educators who increase student understanding of personal finance through original learning activities at the elementary and secondary levels. Winning entries were based on innovation of approach, emphasis on personal finance concepts, ease of replication, and assessment of student learning. Lena’s award-winning activity, “Tia Wants a Car: What’s the Opportunity Cost?” introduces elementary students to the concept.

Todd Kohorst ’07, a sixth grade science teacher for Boeckman Middle School in Farmington, recently participated in a space scientist training program called Project PoSSUM at Embry Riddle Aeronautical University in Daytona Beach, FL. The project goal was to study noctilucent clouds in the upper mesosphere which have been increasing over time. Scientists wonder if they are linked to climate change and if they pose an increased risk to space shuttles re-entering Earth’s atmosphere. Todd has incorporated his experience into his classroom lessons and hopes to try flying to suborbital space in the coming years.

Josh Aul, Minneapolis, is an environmental health specialist for the City of Bloomington. He earned a master of arts degree in Urban Planning at Minnesota State University, Mankato.

Megan Hoyer Bergman, Hopkins, works in social media and operations for Bercom.

Tosha Christoffer Boline, Blaine, is a supporting documentation specialist for Pediatric Home Service.

Dana Johnson Bolz, Inver Grove Heights, is the underwriting supervisor for EMC Insurance Company.

Brianna Sander Borka, Duluth, was recently interviewed by the Duluth News Tribune about her eco-craft hobby of turning cards and calendars into holiday boxes and envelopes. She teaches classes at the West Duluth Library on repurposing common materials. She is a substitute teacher for Duluth Edison Charter Schools.

Jonathan D. Carlson, St. Cloud, is a science librarian at the College of Saint Benedict/ Saint John’s University. He earned a master of science in forest ecology and management from Michigan Technological University and a master of arts in library and information studies from University of Wisconsin-Madison.

Miah Cherwien, Andover, received his master of science in computer information systems with a security emphasis from Boston University in September 2014. He currently works at Luther Seminary as director of technology.

Joe Cupka, Los Angeles, CA, is the director of strategy and communications for Eastman Music Company.

Brandon R. Darcy, Mazeppa, received a bachelor of science in May 2014, with a major in computer science and minor in business administration.

Sharon Jaffe Delcambre, Portland, OR, is an instructor for Portland Community College.

Alisha Hussong Galle, Rose Creek, is a kindergarten teacher for the Austin Public School District.

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THE GUSTAVUS QUARTERLY

GUSTAVUS ALUMNI

Connie A. Gardner, Tacoma, WA, serves as the associate director for student rights and responsibilities for Pacific Lutheran University.

Jennifer Rieke Groehler, Sun Prairie, WI, is an optometrist for Davis Duehr Dean.

She earned an OD at Pacific University of Oregon, College of Optometry.

David J. Garfunkel, Somerville, MA, is a senior consultant for FSG.

Ashley R. Palm, Bloomington, is an import compliance supervisor for Kuehne and Nagel.

Kelsey Gordon Gempeler, Plymouth, is a clinical exercise physiologist and cardiac rehab therapist for Park Nicollet-Methodist Hospital. She earned a master of science degree in clinical exercise physiology in cardiac rehab at University of WisconsinLa Crosse.

Sara Gove, St. Paul, is the communications manager for the Girl Scouts of Minnesota and Wisconsin River Valleys.

Amy E. Gratz, Macon, GA, is the instructional services librarian for Mercer University.

Jon Grimsby, Duluth, received his master's in music education at University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee in August 2013 and currently works for Duluth Public Schools as a band director.

Christina B. Gripentrog, St. Louis Park, is an apprentice for Chipotle.

Karin Hedstrom Hogen, St. Paul, is a language arts teacher for White Bear Lake Public Schools. She earned a master of arts in Scandinavian area studies from University of Washington-Seattle and a master of science in education from the College of St. Scholastica.

Jen Harry Huerd, Maple Grove, is the manager of guest insights for Target Corporation.

Peter D. Hughes, Hanover, NH, is a resident physician in anesthesiology at DartmouthHitchcock Medical Center. He earned his MD from University of Minnesota Medical School.

Mark T. Iverson, Boulder, CO, is an RF Electronics Technician for the FIRST RF Corporation. He earned an associate of applied science degree in electrical engineering technology from the Ecotech Institute.

Jennifer Burke Keener, Pittsville, MD, is a zoning administrator for Worcester County Government. She earned a master’s degree in environmental management from University of Maryland, University College.

Mark E. Kersten, Minneapolis, is a student resident in periodontology at University of Minnesota College of Dentistry.

Gina S. Kilchenman, Frisco, TX, is the associate director of sales and specialty select brands for Starwood Hotels & Resorts.

Adam D. Langenfeld, Urbana, IL, is an MD/ PhD student at University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign.

Ana Sietsema Hulzebos, Andover, is an independent director for Thirty-One.

Mike Leonard, Lakeville, is a middle school health and physical education teacher for Eastern Carver County Schools.

Mark J. Hulzebos, Andover, is a clinical data specialist for Medtronic.

Matt Lindner, Eden Prairie, is a senior software developer at Proto Labs.

Justin D. Lohmann, Hastings, is a compensation analyst for Ecolab.

Elizabeth Braun Harstad ’08, North Mankato, was recently named Greater Mankato Growth’s Young Professional of the Year. The award recognizes an individual between the ages of 21 and 39 who has made outstanding contributions to the community through demonstrated leadership and service. Harstad earned her master’s degree in social work and is employed as the community impact director for the Greater Mankato Area United Way.

Jessica Olson Melander, Maplewood, is an account manager for The Creative Partners Group.

Neal A. Meyer, Minneapolis, is the vice president and controller for Winthrop Resources Corporation.

Alex C. Nelson, Minneapolis, is a buyer/ planner at Milestone AV Technologies.

Andy Nelson, Minneapolis, is the dean of students for Minnetonka Public Schools.

Stephanie Haugdahl Nelson, Minneapolis, is an HR assistant at Prewire Specialists.

She earned an MA in marriage and family therapy from Argosy University.

Heidi L. Newbauer, Saint Peter, is an adjunct English professor for South Central College.

SPRING 2016

39

Kelsey P. Payne, Littleton, CO, is a personal heath and wealth consultant.

Alana Reetz Pearson, Elk River, is a records manager for Information Reporting Services. She earned a paralegal certificate from the Minnesota Paralegal Institute.

Anders W. Peterson, Oakland, CA, is the founder and community chaplain for Middle Circle.

Morgan T. Rapp, Burnsville, is a creative strategist for BI Worldwide.

Kate Maillette Schlagel, St. Paul, is a front-end developer at Relationship One in Minneapolis. She received her degree in web design and interactive media at Minneapolis Community and Technical College in May 2013.

Erin M. Schliep, Columbia, MO, is an assistant professor for the Department of Statistics at University of Missouri.

Trista Munk Shultz, Rosemount, is a personal trainer/group fitness instructor for Regions Hospital.

Josh Siebell, Chicago, IL, is a nurse practitioner at Rush University Medical Center. He earned an MSN degree in adultgerontology primary care nurse practitioner from North Park University.

Dan Smith, Prior Lake, is a compliance officer for Tradition Mortgage LLC. Erin Green Smith, Prior Lake, is a physician assistant in orthopedic surgery at Park Nicollet in Burnsville.

Rachel L. Meyer, Wayzata, is a physician assistant.

Stefanie Arndt Sumner, McFarland, WI, is an athletic trainer for University of Wisconsin-Madison.

Javen D. Swanson, St. Paul, earned a master of divinity from Yale Divinity School and is an associate pastor for Gloria Dei Lutheran Church.

Matt Swenson, St. Paul, is a press secretary and senior communications advisor for the Office of Governor Mark Dayton and Lt.

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THE GUSTAVUS QUARTERLY

Governor Tina Smith. He earned a master’s in public policy and communications at the Humphrey School of Public Affairs, University of Minnesota.

Brittany Northagen Van Keulen, Marshall, is a middle school language arts teacher at Holy Redeemer School. She earned a master's in education for a K-12 reading licensure at Southwest Minnesota State University.

Matt Wiebold, Northfield, is an assistant professor of physics at St. Olaf College in Northfield.

Eric S. Wilberg, Denver, CO, is working as a manager of the revenue cycle for The Claro Group. He completed an MBA in healthcare administration at University of Colorado in July 2014.

Molly McGovern Wills, Northfield, is a second and third grade teacher at Prairie Creek Community School. She opened a pick-your-own blueberry farm in Northfield in 2013.

John J. Wippler, Brooklyn Park, is a fourth grade math and science teacher.

Kirsten Worzala Dumke, Oshkosh, WI, is the hospital chaplain for Agnesian HealthCare.

Nate Zilka, Chaska, is employed at SPS Commerce.

Mitch Engel, St. Anthony, joined the tort group at Shook Law. He received his JD summa cum laude from Creighton University School of Law in 2013. Prior to joining Shook, Engel was a law clerk for Justice Gary A. Fenner, U.S. District Court, Western District of Missouri. Engel earned his master of arts in mathematics from University of Iowa in 2010.

08

Drew M. Hood, Mankato, obtained his nursing home administrators (LNHA) license and earned his MS in aging studies from Minnesota State University, Mankato.

He also teaches as an adjunct professor for Minnesota State University, Mankato, in the aging studies program.

Song Y. Thao, Minneapolis, is the education and outreach program director for InnerCity Tennis Foundation.

Christine M. Dornbusch, St. Paul, is the recruiting solutions specialist with the talent acquisition team for Ameriprise Financial in Minneapolis.

09

Laura A. Dummer, Crystal, received her doctorate in Veterinary Medicine from University of Illinois Champaign/Urbana in May 2015. She is now in practice with All Pets Clinic in Columbia Heights.

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11

SAVE THE DATE

5-Year Reunion October 1, 2016

Marla Menne Zitelman, Centerville, is working as a tennis instructor.

Justin E. Anderson, Cambridge, MA, is a PhD Candidate at University of Minnesota.

Pam Bechtle Jacobson, Montevideo, received her doctorate in clinical psychology in 2013 from Argosy University and works for Woodland Centers in Montevideo as a licensed clinical psychologist.

Aubrey Austin, Minneapolis, is the director of member engagement for The Urban Land Institute Minnesota.

07

Lillia K. Benson, Minneapolis, is the RN care coordinator for University of Minnesota Physicians.

Collin S. Meierbachtol, Los Alamos, NM, is a postdoctoral researcher at Los Alamos National Laboratory.

Andy A. Boersma, Spicer, is a financial associate for Thrivent Financial.

Krista Cruse Meierbachtol is a staff scientist at Los Alamos National Laboratory.

Maria T. Brown, St. Louis Park, is an administrative assistant for Cambria Surfaces.

Emily K. Bull, Eagan, is a tax accountant in transfer pricing for St. Jude Medical.

GUSTAVUS ALUMNI

Haley M. Carpenter, Ashburnham, MA, is a physician assistant for Heywood Medical Group.

Phil Cleary, Willmar, is a research analyst for Christianson & Associates.

Kirsten S. Engel, Wichita, KS, is in the student PhD clinical psychology program at University of North Dakota.

Alayna K. Osborne, Mankato, is an assistant for the Mayo Clinic.

Michelle Tanner, Hopkins, is a project manager for UnitedHealth Group.

Kirstin A. Peterson, St. Paul, is a DPT student.

Sean W. Tessmer, Minneapolis, is an associate consultant for SPS Commerce.

Katy Sandberg Pitts, St. Louis Park, is a training coordinator for Trane.

Logan Haglund Ulstad, Buffalo, is an accounting and support services assistant for GradStaff.

Jamie Reimann, Eagan, is an attorney product developer for Thomson Reuters.

He completed his JD at Hamline University in January 2014.

Emily Wendorff Umbreit, Eden Prairie, is an occupational therapist for Park Nicollet Methodist Hospital.

Claire B. Sagstuen, Eagan, is an ESL teacher for Higher Ground Academy in St. Paul.

Lindsay Sawatzky Vogel, Saint Peter, is a technology support specialist for Belle Plaine Public Schools.

Sam Grace, Minneapolis, is a director of music for University of Minnesota-Twin Cities. He earned his master of music from University of Minnesota-Twin Cities in 2014.

Joe Sams, Dallas, TX, is a professional medical representative for Exact Sciences in Madison, WI.

Megan Lundgren Weber, Maple Grove, is the marketing coordinator for Kennedy Doors & Hardware.

Radonna Gasior Griesman, St. Paul, is the lease/rental billing clerk for Metro Sales.

Jill M. Scheel, Minneapolis, is a pharmacy intern at HealthEast St. Joseph’s Hospital.

Laura M. Janzen, Minneapolis, is a graduate student at the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities.

Denise A. Stein, Chicago, IL, works in item management for Information Resources.

She earned her master of fine arts in dance from Arizona State University.

Jessica M. Gjerde, St. Paul, is an education program director for University of St. Thomas. She earned her master of arts in leadership in student affairs from University of St. Thomas in May 2015.

Lauren A. Johnson, Waukesha, WI, is a physician assistant student at Carroll University.

Kristin Mead Klun, Bloomington, is selfemployed as a freelance lighting technician in the Minneapolis metro area.

Katie Martinson, St. Paul, is the catering sales manager for MHC Culinary Group.

Rachel Guptill Strehlow, Lino Lakes, is a fourth grade teacher for Forest Lake School District.

Meghan R. Stromme, Kasson, is the customer relations manager for Rochester Toyota.

12

Steve Dow, Edina, is a business development consultant for Oracle.

Amy C. Hughes, Billings, MT, graduated in December from University of MinnesotaDuluth with a master of environmental education degree. Her graduate thesis research was on educational communities’ beliefs toward students’ cold weather outdoor play opportunities in Northeast Minnesota.

Brian J. Westerbur, Appleton, WI, is the youth and young adult ministry coordinator for Our Saviour’s Lutheran Church in Appleton.

Patrick J. McDougle, San Francisco, CA, is a software engineer for POPSUGAR. Mike Mohs, Andover, is a cost analyst for Valspar in Minneapolis.

Megan J. Myhre, Minneapolis, is the operations and sales coordinator for Dale Carnegie Training.

Bergit L. Nerheim, Minnetrista, is the manager of marketing and communications for the St. Paul Area Chamber of Commerce.

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

SAVE THE DATE | OCTOBER 1 Homecoming & Fall Reunion Weekend Celebrating the 5th through 40th reunions for classes ending in 1 and 6 SPRING 2016

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13

Madison D. Wroge, Winsted, is a design engineer for Innovent Air Handling Equipment.

14

Clinton R. Dixon, Round Rock, TX, is a senior default service specialist for Assurant in Austin.

Anna Dobbelstein, Ann Arbor, MI, is working in environmental causes for nonprofit organizations.

Adam Olson-Bouchareb, Maplewood, is a chemist for Pace Analytical Life Sciences in Minneapolis.

Dana Boerboom Peterson, Cottonwood, is a third grade teacher for Holy Redeemer School in Marshall.

15

Josh Detwiler, St. Louis Park, is an accountant with Enestvedt & Christensen, LLP.

Andrea M. Gruver, Roseville, is working for Chicago Botanic Garden in Glencoe, IL.

WEDDINGS Ann L. Bergstrom ’81 and Gay Wilker, 5/17/14, St. Paul, MN Lynn Scheevel ’94 and Steve Rothmeier, 7/31/15, Albert Lea, MN Rachel J. Mathison ’01 and Caleb Stengel, 8/2/14, Seattle, WA Chris Ryan ’01 and Amanda Copenhaver, 6/26/15, West Sacramento, CA Britt Forsberg ’05 and Joel Nelson, 8/29/15, St. Paul, MN Jonas P. Herrell ’05 and Arielle Singh, 8/8/15, Redwood City, CA Jessica Nelson ’05 and Tyson Bartell, 11/28/15, Herman, MN Sonja Aune ’06 and Praven Bontu, 8/23/14, Chicago, IL Jennifer Burke ’06 and Dennis Keener, 9/27/14, Pittsville, MD Sara Gove ’06 and Michael Laninga, 6/28/14, St. Paul, MN Dana Johnson ’06 and Peter Bolz, 1/10/15, Oakland, MN Jessica Olson ’06 and Derek Melander, 10/30/15, Maplewood, MN Morgan T. Rapp ’06 and Tiegan Rapp, 8/1/15, Burnsville, MN Meagan Bachmayer ’08 and Neal A. Meyer ’06, 5/16/15, Minneapolis, MN Patrick J. Riordan ’08 and Mara Riordan, 8/30/14, Lakeville, MN

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THE GUSTAVUS QUARTERLY

Briana Lindenberg ’09 and Patrick Ryan, 9/9/15, Farmington, MN Tania Schueller ’09 and Jack Delehanty, 8/29/15, Minneapolis, MN Lauren Collett ’10 and R. Scott Price, 2/21/15, Durango, CO Eric R. FitzSimmons ’11 and Tiana Woitas, 10/17/15, Good Thunder, MN Kacie Johnson ’11 and Matthew Schugel ’11, 8/15/15, Lino Lakes, MN Natalie Lindberg ’11 and Steve Lundberg ’11, 9/15/15, Apple Valley, MN Kristin Mead ’11 and Matthew Klun ’11, 10/31/15, Bloomington, MN Lindsay Sawatzky ’11 and Hannah Vogel ’14, 5/30/15, Saint Peter, MN Emily Wendorff ’11 and Zachary Umbreit ’11, 9/26/15, Eden Prairie, MN Emily Green ’12 and Mark Schumacher, 10/10/15, Northfield, MN Sarah Lucht ’13 and Justin E. Anderson ’11, 6/20/15, Cambridge, MA Megan Schroepfer ’14 and Tyler Koenigs, 10/3/15, Jackson, MN Dana Boerboom ’14 and Tyler Peterson, 9/19/15, Cottonwood, MN Ariana Olson ’16 and Adam Bouchareb ’14, 11/1/14, Maplewood, MN

BIRTHS Henry, to Molly Juntunen Weinrich ’99 and Cory S. Weinrich ’00, 2/22/15 Austin, to Troy J. Barnes ’00 and Heather Kaatz Barnes, 12/5/15 Josi, to Jennifer Plath Dierkhising ’01 and John P. Dierkhising ’99, 3/7/14 Hazel, to Matt Iverson ’01 and Kristine Kohorst Iverson, 10/12/15 Ireley, to Bobby Johnson ’01 and Melissa Watson Johnson, 11/4/15 Sylvie, to Kathryn Galloway-Thoele ’01 and Owen J. Thoele ’01, 4/27/15 Brecken, to Anna Felkey Lovas ’03 and Nicholas D. Lovas ’03, 7/20/15 Cora, to Jonah B. Evenson ’04 and Erin Krempel Evenson, 5/14/15 Rosemary, to Amie Gerhardson Ascheman ’06 and Trevor Ascheman, 4/15/15 Brooklyn, to Seyward Mattson Ask ’06 and Justin Ask, 5/31/15 Roy, to Roy G. Bryan, Jr. ’06 and Brittany Bryan, 12/17/14 Eleanora, to Brandon R. Darcy ’06 and Elyce J. Darcy, 9/16/15 Harrison, to Leah Amundson Gilbert ’06 and John M. Gilbert ’02, 7/14/15 Haaken, to Erin Crimmins Grimsby ’06 and Jon Grimsby ’06, 5/22/15

Lola, to Peter D. Hughes ’06 and Marot Eales Hughes, 4/17/15 Orion, to Kelsey P. Payne ’06 and Jennifer Erwin, 4/26/15 Violet, to Courtney Noecker Schubert ’06 and Zachary Schubert, 7/19/14 Colin, to Trista Munk Shultz ’06 and Brett Shultz, 2/12/14 Grady, to Rachel L. Meyer ’06 and Judd Stevens, 3/17/14 Walter, to Matt Wiebold ’06 and Natalie Wiebold, 3/4/14 LuElla, to Molly McGovern Wills ’06 and Aaron Wills, 3/8/14 Soren, to Kirsten Worzala Dumke ’06 and John Worzala Dumke, 6/20/2015 Alyssa, to Marla Menne Zitelman ’06 and Michael Zitelman, 4/4/14 Alexander, to Pam Bechtle Jacobson ’07 and Allen Jacobson, 4/1/15 Twins Hannah and Lucy, to Krista Cruse Meierbachtol ’07 and Collin Meierbachtol ’07, 11/6/15 Hazel, to Caitlin Revier Millman ’07 and David Millman, 10/7/14 Gabe, to Shanna Dawson Hood ’08 and Drew M. Hood ’08 Ryan, to Patrick J. Riordan ’08 and Mara Riordan, 9/18/15 Audrey, to Anne Ellingson Scheetz ’08 and Brett Scheetz, 8/22/15 Taylor, to Melissa Lee Schuelke ’08 and John Schuelke, 9/27/15 Wesley, to Jenna Rusnacko Johnson ’10 and T.J. Johnson ’09, 9/16/15 Andora, to Radonna Gasior Griesman ’11 and Andrew Griesman ’12, 1/29/14 Blake, to Allison Schulte Michaelis ’11 and Ryan A. Michaelis ’10, 9/20/15 Molly, to Mike Mohs ’11 and Chelsea Mohs, 7/15/15

IN MEMORIAM Norman Magnuson ’41, Minneapolis, on October 30, 3015. A retired pastor of First Lutheran Church of White Bear Lake, MN, he is survived by his wife, Veda, and four children.

Marlys Gjervik Meyer ’44, Blue Earth, on October 24, 2015. A former high school teacher, she is survived by three sons.

Phyllis Goettelman Londgren ’47, Braham, on November 17, 2015. A former teacher, she is survived by her husband, Jim, and two children.

Betty Anderson Lindstrom ’49, Luverne, on October 16, 2015. A former child case social worker, she is survived by two children.

GUSTAVUS ALUMNI

Ellery O. Peterson ’49, Saint Peter, on November 18, 2015. A World War II veteran, former mayor of Saint Peter, and a retired member of the accounting faculty at Gustavus where he taught for 35 years, he is survived by his wife, Carol, and five children.

Wendell Johnson ’53, formerly of Ames, IA, on Oct. 18, 2015. Born in Raruma, Tanganyika Territory, East Africa, he was the third of a five-generation Gustie family. A retired ophthalmologist with the McFarland Clinic in Ames, he is survived by his wife, Marilyn (Brust ’55); his children Julie (Eiden ’82), David ’84, and Anne (Podratz ’88); and seven grandchildren, including four Gusties.

Charles W. Anderson ’50, Norwood Young America, on October 9, 2015. An Eagle Scout and Navy veteran, he taught biology, chemistry, and physics for 44 years. He is survived by his wife, Faith, and two children, including David ’73.

Edward Wick ’50, Saint Peter, on October 28, 2015. Ed served in the Army Air Corp during World War II where he was shot down and became a German prisoner of war for 20 months. Later he served in the Air Force during the Korean War and retired as a Lieutenant Colonel. He is survived by five children.

Roger L. Benson ’51, Sioux City, IA, on December 27, 2014. An Army veteran, he served 32 years on active duty, reserve, and guard and worked as an elementary school teacher. He is survived by his wife, Betheen, and six children.

Anne Carlberg ’51, Little Canada, on November 24, 2015. A self-employed watercolor artist and framer, she is survived by her nieces and nephews.

Elmer Luke ’51, Minnetonka, on December 3, 2015. A veteran of World War II, and member of Gustavus Athletics Hall of Fame, he went on to teach and coach high school swimming, track, cross country, and basketball. He is survived by his four children.

Robert Channer ’52, St. Paul, on November 23, 2015. A Navy veteran of the Korean War and retired dean of students at South St. Paul, he is survived by his wife, Pat, and four children.

Odean Hokenson ’53, LeSueur, on November 27, 2015. A retired tilling contractor, he is survived by his wife, Myrtle (Lindquist ’49), four children, including Rebecca ’73, and three siblings, including Rodney ’53.

Jean White Danielson ’54, Minneapolis, on November 14, 2015. A former x-ray technician, she is survived by her husband, Richard, and three children.

Joan Peterson Langseth ’55, Lake Nebagamon, on December 6, 2015. A wife and mother, she is survived by her three children.

Donna Anderson Eastman Piper ’55, Vernon Center, on October 10, 2015.

A former long-time bank employee in Vernon Center, she is survived by three children.

Philip C. Hall ’55, Moorestown, NJ, on November 2, 2015. A Marine veteran of the Korean War, he became a teacher, coach, high school guidance counselor, and basketball official. Phil is survived by his wife, Pat (Johnson ’55), and daughters Kristin ’80, and Greta ’86.

Yvonne Anderson Casserly ’56, Bloomington, on December 20, 2014.

A retired psychiatric social worker, she is survived by two children, including Sarah (Maveus ’91).

Dawn Warnke Raymond ’56, Minneapolis, on October 13, 2015. The owner/operator of various small retail businesses, she is survived by her husband, John, and two children.

Clemmer Wait ’56, St. Paul, on December 8, 2015. A retired freelance technical writer, he is survived by his wife, Bonnie, and four daughters.

Richard Gastler ’57, Duluth, on October 15, 2015. A retired high school teacher, he is survived by his wife, Peggy, three children, and three stepchildren.

Ralph “Whitey” Hixon ’57, Willmar, on October 19, 2015. A retired national sales manager for Carolina Turkeys, he is survived by his wife, Wanda (Ahl ’56), and two children.

Laurel Western Peterson ’57, Vancouver, WA, on November 11, 2015. A former travel agent, she is survived by her husband, Barry, and three sons.

John Malmborg ’61, Saint Peter, on October 25, 2015. A former member of the Army National Guard, John owned various local businesses, including the Pizza Villa. He is survived by his wife, Judi, three children, and three stepchildren.

Norman S. Anderson ’62, Delano, on December 6, 2015. A former sales manager and realtor, he is survived by his daughter.

Art Cavara ’64, Minneapolis, on August 12, 2015. A former superintendent at the Ramsey County Correctional Facility, he is survived by his wife, Susan, and three sons.

Kenneth Wilson ’64, Willmar, on October 2, 2015. A veteran and former chemical dependency counselor at Woodland Centers, he is survived by three children.

Howard Senske ’66, Jordan, on December 1, 2015. A former high school science teacher, he is survived by his wife, Charlotte (Peterson ’66), and children Peter ’93 and Heather ’97.

Gerald Prouty ’69, Bismarck, ND, on September 1, 2015. An accomplished artist and the former president of Prouty Travel and Tours, he is survived by a sister and extended family.

James Blasko ’70, Lake Elmo, on October 16, 2015. A long-time employee of 3M, he is survived by his wife, Eileen, and two children.

MariJane Loken Dummer ’76, Crystal, on August 7, 2015. A long-time employee of Hopkins School District in computer technical support and a musician, she is survived by her husband, Lee ’76, daughter Laura ’10, and sister Kristen ’80.

Laurie Pengra ’78, Mankato, on December 4, 2015. A retired U.S. Air Force Lieutenant Colonel, she was stationed in several locations around the world. She is survived by two brothers, including Michael ’80.

Mikael S. Steene ’84, Stockholm, Sweden, on May 3, 2015. A corporate attorney for Birka Energi, he is survived by his wife, Ase, two children, and his mother.

David Church ’89, Owatonna, on October 14, 2015. He worked as a bartender and accountant and is survived by a sister.

Terry “TJ” Morrison, For. Fac., Saint Peter, on October 8, 2015. Former longtime Gustavus professor of mathematics, TJ was selected by students as the winner of the Swenson-Bunn Memorial Award for Teaching Excellence in 1998 and described by his colleagues as “the rock of the MCS department.” He is survived by his wife, Kathleen, and two daughters.

Nadine Zuhlsdorf, For. Staff, Kasota, on October 24, 2015. A 32-year Gustavus employee in the chemistry department, she is survived by her husband, Art, and two children.

SPRING 2016

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GUSTIES GATHER

3

1

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1.

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Jim Donicht ’60 took a break from the Florida-Georgia Senior Tour to capture the Pritchard Cup, which goes to the winner of the annual Bob Krough Invitational. Players include long-time Gustie friends whose stories reportedly become more unbelievable each year. The two-day event was held at Brookview Country Club in Golden Valley, MN. Pictured from left are Chuck Smith ’59, Arlan Burmeister ’60, Byron Helgeson ’60, Jerry Thrall ’60, Jim Donicht ’60, Jim Krough ’61, Doug Pritchard ’59, and Bob Krough ’60.

2.

Nurses from the class of 1963 gathered in November to mark more than five decades of friendship. Present were (front) Gloria Saffel Mueller, Chris Swenson Wilmot, (back) Barb Berry Leonard, Rose Omodt Jost, Char Lundahl Norris, Pat Findley Casto, and Sharon Shaveer Pinney.

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Several Gustie couples cruised the New England/Canada coast in September. On board were (front) Al Henderson ’62, Susan Henderson, Margaret Lawrence, Rick Hokanson ’64, (back) Tom Hirsch ’64, Sonja Alvheim Hirsch ’60, Joyce Wallinder Johnson ’64, and John Johnson ’64.

THE GUSTAVUS QUARTERLY

4.

A group of Gustie friends from the classes of 1984 and 1985 gathered for brunch in Roseville in October. The occasion was a visit to the Cities by Eva Gustafsson Lindh ’84, who lives in Gothenburg, Sweden. Back (l to r): Eva Gustafsson Lindh ’84, Jessie Brown Lusardi ’85, Beth Bean Fritz ’85, Tracy Berglund ’85, Carole Arwidson ’84. Front (l to r): Mary Mansour ’85, Heather Tideman ’85, and Kris Flaa ’85.

5.

Peter Ford ’84, Rio Olympic security coordinator for the U.S. Department of State, and Stephanie Paro ’09, USSOUTHCOM lead and contract support to the Defense Threat Reduction Agency, met while working in Rio de Janerio and Brasilia coordinating training for the Brazilians in preparation for the 2016 Summer Olympics.

6.

Former and current villagers, staff members, and friends of the Sjölunden Swedish Language Village gathered at the American Swedish Institute (ASI) in November for heartfelt reminiscing. Here they pose excitedly outside of Gustavus’s Lindell Office Suite at ASI. Pictured (l to r): Henrik Nordstrom ’88, Charlotte Pratt Nordstrom ’86, Elise Peters ’91, Aaron Zietz, Margaret Dorer ’08, Roland Thorstensson (ret. fac.), Linda Wallenberg ’75, Cynthia Carlson ’83, and Leif Hagen ’88.

GUSTAVUS ALUMNI

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7.

Gusties from the class of 1989 found one another at the Academy of Holy Angels vs. Orono High School football game in September. Pictured are Scott Anderson, Jeff Weiland, Dean Kraus, and Mike Erickson.

8. & 9. At their fall class reunion, some of the class of 2005

who lived in Norelius 4A freshmen year gathered to have their picture taken. At left is their original section photo from 2001.

At right, front (l to r): Laura Palzer Dahlstrom, Megan Fehlandt D’Agostino, Karin Gustafson, Jessica Nelson Bartell, and Jen Lemmage Nowacki. Back (l to r): Alyssa Tjosaas George, Laurie Decknatal, Anne Tupy Mundell, Katrina Kleinwachter Fortney, and Kelly McGillivray Kley.

10 & 11. Wheelin’ Gusties: Several Gustie cyclists proved their

mettle last summer. At left are Brent Kath ’04, Chris Van Hoven ’05, and Andrea Wellman Kath ’04, posing with their finisher belt buckles after August’s Leadville, CO, 100 Mountain Bike Race in the Rocky Mountains. At right are Paul Kienberger ’05, Joe Mundell ’05, James Sorenson ’05, and Brent Magnusson ’05 who participated in the Lutsen 99er Mountain Bike event in June along Minnesota’s North Shore.

12. Gustie 2009 alumni gathered before the wedding of

Brett Johnson to celebrate. From left to right: Kyle Friend, Brandon Knoll, Shawn Rancourt, Brett Johnson, Brandon Preuss, and Nick Kleinwachter.

13. Three staff members from the Committee Against

Domestic Abuse (CADA) in Mankato were pretty excited to discover they all graduated from Gustavus. From left to right: Samantha Maranell ’10, Julie Hanson Roessler ’97, and Margit Bren ’13.

14. Karen Anderson Willyard ’76, Tom Bessinger ’89,

Michele Kewitsch Johnson ’91, and Pastor Peter Johnson ’92 recently made a two-week trip to the Holy Land. Peter and Michele helped lead 34 members of St. Andrew Lutheran Church of Eden Prairie across Israel, Palestine, Jordan, and Cairo. Here they are pictured near the Temple Mount in Jerusalem.

SPRING 2016

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VESPERS

Young Birch A chance meeting in a Saint Peter grocery store led to the discovery of 150 handwritten compositions from Norwegian-American composer Theodora Cormontan, one of the first Norwegian women to have her music published. Vocal music professor Michael Jorgensen and his wife, Bonnie, were ecstatic with the find, which had been in a friend's family for generations.

Cormontan immigrated to the area in 1887 from Arendal, Norway. In May, 2015, the Jorgensens and friends traveled to Norway to perform some of the works and donate the scores to the National Library in Oslo, Norway.

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THE GUSTAVUS QUARTERLY

You beautiful birch, you dear one, How like you I long to grow.

God make my vision a clear one To see what you gently show: Your branches spread ever higher The more your roots sink down; A humble heart I desire, And God will provide the crown. —text from poet Jørgen Moe translated by professor Jorgensen

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ON (TWO) PIGEONS

Much can be said about them.

Consider the mind and brain of pigeons. The birds possess selfawareness and the ability to find their way back home from hundreds of miles away. They can distinguish each letter of the alphabet from the others, and can match objects to similar objects, too.

And, of course, consider this particular work of art, Two Pigeons,

by B.J.O. Nordfelt. Consider his Swedish homeland, his Chicago training, his Minneapolis connection, and his highly lauded abstract approach and careful compositions.

The FOCUS IN/ON series engages the expertise of Gustavus Adolphus College community members across the curriculum to consider a single work from the Hillstrom Collection.

From multiple angles, Neuroscience Program director Michael Ferragamo and museum director Donald Myers have considered these two pigeons.

They have co-authored an essay on the subjects using the painting—a gift of the Reverend Richard L. Hillstrom himself—as a launching point.

An exhibit featuring the painting opened at the Hillstrom Museum of Art in February. This and other Nordfelt works are currently on display at the Museum. (The exhibit closes April 24.)

The essay is available at the Museum in a brochure produced in conjunction with the exhibition.

B.J.O. Nordfelt (1878 – 1955) Two Pigeons, oil on canvas, 16 x 22 inches, gift of the Reverend Richard L. Hillstrom.