SPRING 2019 800 WEST COLLEGE AVENUE SAINT PETER, MINNESOTA 56082
SUPER FUNNY MICHAEL SIELAFF ’08 + OTHER COMIC GUSTIES ON LIFE, LAUGHTER, AND THE LIBERAL ARTS
8
HOW WE’RE ACTING Two years into the Gustavus Acts Strategic Plan
31
CLASS NOTES What your fellow Gusties have been up to
December is that most wonderful time of the year when we eat lutefisk, or perhaps just smell it. Gustavus Dining Services serves 250 pounds of the stuff, including at the luncheon following the St. Lucia service. That’s where the Lucia Court gathered this year to try it, or pretend to. “It’s not that bad,” said Kristie Olson ’20 (far right). Compared to the others’ reactions, it was a ringing endorsement. The 2018 Lucia Court is (l to r) Ellie Croonquist, Meg Nipe, Signe Jeremiason, Holly Fitterer, the 2018 St. Lucia Tyra Banks, and Olson. See page 31 for the star children and the tomte.
From a gigantic puppet that spanned the stage to smaller shadow puppets to bunraku puppets controlled by multiple actors, a fresh take on a Shakespeare’s Measure for Measure comedy brought new perspective to the themes of power dynamics and manipulation—plus collaboration with Heart of the Beast Puppet and Mask Theatre. These weren’t your childhood puppets, but as you can see here with Tommy Self ’19 (on left), they were certainly fun.
Your first job
For Alumni, Parents, and Friends SPRING 2019 | VOL. LXXV | ISSUE 1
This is a great time to name Gustavus as a beneficiary of your retirement plan and an easy way to join the Gustavus Heritage Partnership (GHP). GHP is a giving society recognizing alumni and friends who have made future commitments to Gustavus.
LIFE IS FULL OF FIRSTS.
STA F F Chair, Board of Trustees The Rev. Dan S. Poffenberger ’82 President of the College Rebecca Bergman Vice President, Marketing and Communication Tim Kennedy ’82 Vice President, Advancement Thomas Young ’88
part of all of them.
Your first reunion Another perfect moment to include Gustavus in your estate plans and help your class achieve its goals for future gifts to the College.
Director, Alumni and Parent Engagement Angela Erickson ’01 Managing Editor Stephanie Wilbur Ash | sash@gustavus.edu Alumni Editor Philomena Kauffmann | pkauffma@gustavus.edu Visual Editor, Production Coordinator Anna Deike | adeike@gustavus.edu Design Jill Adler | adlerdesignstudio.com
Your first kid Family comes first, and as you make plans to take care of your bundle of joy, consider adding a bequest provision for Gustavus.
Contributing Writers Mara Klein, CJ Siewert ’11, JJ Akin ’11 Contributing Photographers and Artists JJ Akin ’11, Priscilla Briggs, Kylee Brimsek ’20, Nick Campbell ’18, Stella Hadjiyanis ’21, Corbyn Jenkins ’20, Steven Lang, CJ Siewert ’11, Sharon Stevenson, Evan Taylor ’12, Nick Theisen ’15, Ryan Weber ’22, Gustavus Adolphus College Archives, Gustavian Weekly Printer John Roberts Company | johnroberts.com Postmaster Send address changes to the Gustavus Quarterly, Office of Alumni and Parent Engagement, Gustavus Adolphus College, 800 W. College Ave., Saint Peter, MN 56082-1498 GUSTAVUS ADOLPHUS COLLEGE Saint Peter, MN 56082 507-933-8000 | gustavus.edu Articles and opinions presented in this magazine do not necessarily reflect the views of the editors or official policies of the College or its Board of Trustees.
You can make Gustavus
Your first day of retirement Looking for steady retirement income? Check out gift annuities, charitable remainder trusts, and other life income plans that will benefit you and Gustavus.
Your first look back 50 years already? Your 50th reunion is when you will rekindle old friendships, cherish warm memories, and make plans to leave a lasting legacy at Gustavus.
The Gustavus Quarterly (USPS 227-580) is published four times annually by Gustavus Adolphus College, Saint Peter, Minn. Periodicals postage is paid at Saint Peter, MN 56082, and additional mailing offices. It is mailed free of charge to alumni and friends of the College. Circulation is approximately 42,800. Gustavus Adolphus College is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission and is a member of the North Central Association.
GUSTAVUS ADOLPHUS PLANNED GIVING plannedgiving.gustavus.edu | 507-933-6043
Learn how you can include Gustavus in your life plans.
IN THIS ISSUE
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29
27
ROOTED AND OPEN
Lutheran intellectual tradition seeks insights from other faiths. We proudly welcome Dr. Samuel Kessler, the new chair in Jewish Studies in the Department of Religion.
8 14
WE ARE ACTING
Two years into the Gustavus Acts Strategic Plan, here’s a look at our biggest accomplishments. A FUNNY THING HAPPENED ON THE WAY TO BECOMING MICHAEL
The journey of comic actor Michael J. Sielaff ’08 from Fridley to your television has been, well, kinda funny.
18
THE LAUGHS KEEP COMING
More Gusties in comedy on laughter and the liberal arts, with Peter Breitmeyer ’87, Kevin Kling ’79, Chloe Radcliffe ’12, and more.
IN EVERY ISSUE 2 FEATURE PHOTO 4 VÄLKOMMEN 5
ON THE HILL
11 SHINE PROFILES SPORTS
24
FINE ARTS
26
GRATITUDE
27
HERITAGE
31 GUSTIES 40
VESPERS GUSTAVUS QUARTERLY | SPRING 2019
20
22
1
For Whom Are The Flowers? Not you, says photography and digital arts professor Priscilla Briggs. “That aroma is for the gods, not for mere human beings.” This image, from a wholesale flower market in Varanasi, India, is a metaphor for the caste system itself, Briggs says. “If you are of a higher caste, you are somehow more deserving of a better life.” Her most recent works, now showing at the Hillstrom Museum of Art, were created in India, where she spent part of her sabbatical. This project
GUSTAVUS QUARTERLY | SPRING 2019
is a continuation of her previous work in China,
3
addressing themes of globalization, the environment, and the connectedness of contemporary civilization. “Never before have so many people been so interconnected, and so dependent on one another,” Briggs says. And yet there is still so much distance between those who get to smell the flowers and those who do not. The exhibit runs through April 18.
GUSTAVUS QUARTERLY | SPRING 2019
For the Gods, 2017 20” x 30”, art archival print
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Välkommen WORK HARD. PLAY HARDER
My father, who was a Lutheran bishop and exceptional preacher, also loved to tell jokes. In fact, he had an exceptionally good memory for jokes, and it was a frequent occurrence at family gatherings that he would say, “That reminds me of a joke…”, and off he would go on a joketelling spree. Unfortunately, I did not inherit the genes for remembering jokes, but his sense of humor helped me appreciate the power of a good laugh. Gusties are a good-humored group. We work hard, even tirelessly sometimes, and we take our work seriously. But we don’t take ourselves too seriously. As I have heard many a Gustie say, “Work hard. Play hard.” Especially up here on this frozen hill, if you can’t laugh at yourself—individually or as a group— it’s going to be an even longer winter. The Gusties in this issue are not just some of the funniest folks to have graced our campus, but some of the funniest people in the world. While they’re working for your laugh, they’re also working to end injustices, change perceptions, create a more engaged citizenry, deepen your understanding of life, and develop empathy. Each has had a unique path to their special comedic take on life, and each credits Gustavus liberal arts with making that path possible. The world is often in turmoil. Yet, we laugh. We must, if we are to live a fully realized life. Light and darkness are inseparable. I think of James 5:13: Is anyone among you in trouble? Let them pray. Is anyone happy? Let them sing songs of praise. When the days are dark, we must remember that light is the other side of that darkness. We must seek it, and celebrate it. Light and laughter fill us up and remind us of all that is good in the world. Are you bringing your own gifts to the world? Our vision statement urges us, as Gusties, to live purposeful lives and act on the great challenges of our time. Whatever you have to offer, in whatever means you are able, I hope you are working for good in the world. And I hope you’re having fun doing it.
GUSTAVUS QUARTERLY | SPRING 2019
Sincerely,
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G U S TAV U S A D O L P H U S C O L L E G E B OA R D O F T R U S T E E S The Rev. Jon V. Anderson (ex officio), Bishop, Southwestern Minnesota Synod, ELCA Scott P. Anderson ’89, MBA, Special Advisor, Patterson Companies, Inc. Catherine Asta ’75, JD, Attorney at Law and Past President, Gustavus Alumni Association Tracy L. Bahl ’84, MBA, Executive Vice President, CVS | Caremark Grayce Belvedere-Young, MBA, Founder and CEO, Lily Pad Consulting Rebecca M. Bergman (ex officio), President, Gustavus Adolphus College Suzanne F. Boda ’82, Senior Vice President, Los Angeles, American Airlines Robert D. Brown, Jr. ’83, MD, Staff Neurologist, Professor of Neurology, Mayo Clinic College of Medicine, and John T. and Lillian Matthews Professor of Neuroscience, Mayo Clinic Edward J. Drenttel ’81, JD, Attorney/Partner, Winthrop & Weinstine Bruce A. Edwards ’77, Retired CEO, DHL Global Supply Chain James H. Gale ’83, JD, Attorney at Law John O. Hallberg ’79, MBA, CEO, Children’s Cancer Research Fund Susie B. Heim ’83, Former Co-owner, S and S Heim Construction The Rev. Peter C. Johnson ’92, Executive Pastor, St. Andrew Lutheran Church Paul R. Koch ’87, Private Wealth Advisor, Senior Portfolio Manager, Koch Wealth Solutions, RBC Wealth Management Dennis A. Lind ’72, Chairman, Midwest Bank Group, Inc. Jan Lindman, MBA, Treasurer to the King, The Royal Court of Sweden Gordon D. Mansergh ’84, PhD, Senior Behavioral Scientist, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and Past President, Gustavus Alumni Association Jan Ledin Michaletz ’74, Past President, Gustavus Alumni Association Thomas J. Mielke ’80, JD, Retired Senior Vice President and General Counsel, Kimberly-Clark Corporation Marcia L. Page ’82, Founding Partner, Värde Partners The Rev. Craig A. Pederson ’90 (ex officio), Assistant to the Bishop, Minneapolis Area Synod, ELCA, and President, Gustavus Adolphus College Association of Congregations The Rev. Wayne B. Peterson ’77, Pastor, St. Barnabas Lutheran Church
Rebecca M. Bergman President, Gustavus Adolphus College
The Rev. Dr. Dan S. Poffenberger ’82 (chair), Senior Pastor, Shepherd of the Lake Lutheran Church Beth Sparboe Schnell ’82, President and CEO, Sparboe Companies Ronald C. White ’75, President, RC White Enterprises The Rev. Heather Teune Wigdahl ’95, Senior Pastor, Our Savior’s Lutheran Church
ON THE HILL
“When people from different faith traditions come together, we can work together by recognizing our shared humanity.” —Dr. Samuel Kessler, the new chair in Jewish Studies at Gustavus
ROOTED AND OPEN
As an ELCA college, Gustavus is deeply
Kessler. A native of New York who
rooted in the Lutheran intellectual tradition
holds a doctorate from the University
while remaining open to insights from
of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Dr.
of Skara in the Church of Sweden,
other religious and secular traditions. It’s
Kessler is an expert on Jewish modernity
actively works to promote interfaith
this grounding and message of inclusivity
and 19th-century Jewish history.
dialogue. He and Kristina were on
that called Bishop Åke Bonnier and his wife,
His work explores the intersections
campus in October for the reception
Kristina, to create the Bonnier Multifaith
of Judaism, postmodern theory, the
welcoming Kessler. As the community
Center in Anderson Hall.
Holocaust, and literature.
celebrated Kessler’s appointment,
“I’m a European historian at heart,
Rev. Bonnier, who serves as the Bishop
the crowd felt the weight of the mass
step towards multifaith education and
but the story of Judaism in Europe has
shooting at the synagogue Tree of Life—
understanding when the Bonniers
become the story of the Jewish people in
Or L’Simcha in Pittsburgh, which had
committed a gift to create a new endowed
the United States,” says Dr. Kessler. He
occurred just days before.
chair in Jewish Studies in the Department
sees his role as a teacher in more than
of Religion. This fall, the Gustavus
just the classroom. “I want students to
that work in our local, domestic, and
community welcomed Dr. Samuel
come to me about questions of values,
global communities remain.
That act of hate served as a reminder
GUSTAVUS QUARTERLY | SPRING 2019
The College recently took another
background, and identity,” he says.
5
UPCOMING
ON THE HILL
APRIL 16
WED. MAY 1
and Deputy National Security Advisor
Barry Anderson ’76, Associate
MAYDAY! Peace Conference
for Iraq and Afghanistan; for more, visit
Justice of the Minnesota
(see page 27)
gustavus.edu/events/lindau
Supreme Court, will speak on WED. MAY 8
campus at the Ronald S. and Kathryn
Lindau Residency in
K. Christenson
Conservative Thought
Lectureship in Politics and Law. APRIL 26 Gustavus Women in Leadership
Meghan O’Sullivan
Speaker’s Event and
MAY 7 & 9 Out of Scandinavia Artist-in-Residence
Meghan L. O’Sullivan is
Dorthe Nors will present “From the
the Jeane Kirkpatrick
Danish Outskirts via Sweden to the
Professor of the
World” at the American Swedish
Practice of International
Institute on May 7, and on May 9 at
Affairs and the Director of the Geopolitics of Energy Project at Harvard
Gustavus. She is the author of several books, including Mirror, Shoulder, Signal (2016), a finalist for the 2017 Man Booker
Leadership Conference; Sheraton
University’s Kennedy School. Between
International Prize. For more, visit
Bloomington Hotel; for more, visit
2004 and 2007, she was special
gustavus.edu/scand-studies/out
gustavus.edu/leadership/women
assistant to President George W. Bush
CLIMATE CHANGED FACING OUR FUTURE
and as a society. Tickets on sale now at gustavus.edu/nobel. Guest experts will include: Richard Alley, glaciologist, Penn State University Amitav Ghosh, novelist, historian, essayist Gabriele Hegerl, statistical climatologist, University of Edinburgh Mike Hulme, climatologist/ geographer, University of Cambridge
GUSTAVUS QUARTERLY | SPRING 2019
David Keith,
6
climate geoengineering physicist,
SEPT. 24 AND 25, 2019
available, what research efforts do
Nobel Conference 55 (2019):
we require, and what kind of people
Climate Changed: Facing Our Future
do we need to be to conceptualize
The changes to the earth’s climate
and address global climate changes?”
system are vast, without precedent,
Join us as we grapple with the
Sheila Watt-Cloutier,
and of such magnitude and scale as
causes and consequences of climate
Canadian Inuit advocate and
to potentially alter life itself. Nobel
change, and with our responses to the
political representative
Conference 55 asks, “What tools are
challenges it presents us as individuals
Harvard University Diana Liverman, geographer, University of Arizona
PRETTY GOOD NEWS Kathi Tunheim has been
More than 300 mentor-
Support of Education Gold Award, its top
mentee pairs met for
honor for Region V. The video—which he
President for Mission,
the first time at the
produced, shot, and edited while he was
Strategy, and Innova-
kickoff reception
a student—is titled, “You Are Welcome
tion—a newly created
for the Mentoring
Here.” It can be seen on the Gustavus
role on the President’s
Program. Nine years
Adolphus College YouTube channel.
named the inaugural Vice
Kathi Tunheim
Cabinet. A member of the faculty since 2007, she has served as the Special Assistant to the President for
Strategy since June of 2016. Prior to
ago, there were 12 pairs. Part of the growth can be attributed to Gusties Connect, an online platform that helps close the
Gustavus, she had a 25-year corporate
communication gap between mentors
career managing employee training and
and mentees. The Mentoring Program
development.
assists in preparing students for the transition to professional life upon Curtis Kowaleski was named the
graduation. Curious about becoming a mentor? Visit gustavus.edu/mentoring.
College’s next Vice President
Sam Vong, the inaugural Bruce Gray
for Finance,
Postdoctoral Fellow (2013–2015) was appointed Curator of Asian Pacific
In October, the last beam was raised
Chief Financial
American History at the Smithsonian’s
on the Nobel Hall Expansion and
Officer. He joined
National Museum of American History.
Renovation project. Work now centers
Treasurer, and Curtis Kowalski
Nick Campbell ’18
Gustavus from St. Norbert College.
on the interior of the building. Classes Working with Gustavus marketing and
will begin in the new part of the building
The College received a $1 million grant
communication, Nick Campbell ’18 won
in September 2019, with the project
to support continuing education and
a Council for the Advancement and
completed in the summer of 2020.
leadership development of ELCA pastors in southern Minnesota. The grant is part of the Lilly Endowment’s Thriving in Ministry initiative. The grant will greatly expand the
New Views: Faculty and staff tour the Nobel Hall expansion.
GUSTAVUS QUARTERLY | SPRING 2019
College’s Pastor-to-Pastor program.
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ON THE HILL
WE ARE ACTING
WE ARE JUST TWO YEARS INTO IMPLEMENTATION OF THE GUSTAVUS ACTS STRATEGIC PLAN AND LOOK HOW FAR WE’VE COME. HERE ARE OUR BIGGEST ACCOMPLISHMENTS TO DATE. AND THIS IS JUST THE BEGINNING.
Earlier in 2018, the College established seven priorities to guide the College’s first actions during the next three years of the Gustavus Acts Strategic Plan. They are (in no particular order) facilities; access and affordability; diversity, equity, and inclusion; curricular and co-curricular experiences; student readiness for next career step; alumni and friend engagement and giving; and valuing employees. Here’s a visual of our most significant accomplishments to date related to those priorities—our first big wins. They’re connected, collaborative, and communal leaps forward, growing and feeding into each other as only a plan developed within the Gustavus community can do.
EVERY STUDENT now has access to an academic adviser and a career adviser. Opportunities for internships, career exploration, and research have increased TO SUPPORT STUDENTS from historically
exponentially.
underrepresented groups, the new Connections Program for Pell Granteligible, historically underrepresented, multilingual, and first-generation Gusties. Such
GOAL
students have a team of mentors behind them that include peers, professors, and staff.
DELIVER A DISTINCTIVE A N D INT EGRAT ED L I BERAL ARTS EDUCAT ION
A $10 MILLION GRANT greatly
GUSTAVUS QUARTERLY | SPRING 2019
expands Center
8
for Career THE MENTORING PROGRAM now
Development
serves three times more students
staff and
than it did in previous years,
programming.
connecting students with alumni THE FRAMEWORK FOR A NEW CURRICULUM—the Challenge Curriculum— has been approved by the faculty.
mentorship and career opportunities.
MORE THAN 20 PERCENT OF CURRENT STUDENTS are from historically underrepresented groups— a record high. Our number of international
GOAL DIVERSIFY A ND E X PAND T HE G U STAV U S CO M M U NI TY
students is also at a record high.
NEW TRUSTEE, PROMISE, AND HERITAGE SCHOLARSHIPS focus on high-potential students from a variety of backgrounds.
THE NUMBER OF NATIONAL MERIT SCHOLARS attending has increased dramatically, raising the academic experience,
THE ARTHUR L. JOHNSON
profile, and reputation of the entire College.
RESEARCH FELLOWSHIPS provide more undergraduate
2017 AND 2018 saw
research opportunities.
a tremendous leap A NEWLY DEVELOPED WASTE-STREAM
forward in financial
SYSTEM focuses on reducing, recycling,
commitments to the
and reusing College waste, from sorting to
College—from the
composting to a greenhouse and Big Hill Farm
percentage of peo-
and (back to) dining services. Students have
ple giving (including
been leading and managing many of these
new donors), the
efforts, from the classroom and beyond.
number of gifts received, and the total amount committed.
THE NOBEL HALL OF SCIENCE PROJECT nearly doubles the existing footprint and completely renovates the existing facilities. It will rival any science facilities in the nation in our College’s class and attract It also creates a new Lab Theatre, literally connecting the sciences and the arts.
GOAL AC HIE V E FIN A N C IA L, IN ST IT U T ION A L, A N D E N V IR ON M E N TA L SU STA IN A BILIT Y
Join in. Let’s work together to live into the Gustavus Acts Strategic Plan. Visit gustavus.edu/gustavusacts.
GUSTAVUS QUARTERLY | SPRING 2019
the nation’s best students in the sciences.
9
ON THE HILL
CAMPUS SOCIAL @gustavusadolphuscollege @gustieathletics
@gustavustheatredance Deus Otiosus is a comparative look at mythologies from all over the world, incorporating tales from the likes of the Iliad, The Children of Odin, and the Contendings of Horus and Set. It tells a tale of the All-Mother, a figure of legend, and her fantastic journey, a quest for wisdom. Here’s a sneak peak from the costume shop! @gustavus @gustieathletics
After the final 2018 worship service
On 12/1/18, the Gustie men’s hockey team remains
the Gustavus choir thanks Dr. Gregory
undefeated at Don Roberts Ice Rink. #GustiesWin
Aune for his 24 years of conducting at Christmas in Christ Chapel. #CinCC #whygustavus
Follow /gustavusadolphuscollege
@gustavusadolphuscollege For the first time ever, Gustavus has been selected as a host for a NCAA Division III Women’s Volleyball Regional. Go Gusties!
@gustavus Sunrise at Gustavus, courtesy of math professor Jacob Siehler. #whygustavus
GUSTAVUS QUARTERLY | SPRING 2019
10:00 a.m. Time for Reflection
10
“You can only have unity if the members are diverse, otherwise you only have uniformity.” —Rev. Dr. Luke Powery, Duke Divinity School, at our annual MLK Memorial Lecture
SHINE: PHILLY KAUFFMANN Always a Reason to Stay KAUFFMANN HAS BEEN YOUR WISE, WONDERFUL VOICE AT THE OTHER END OF THE PHONE FOR NEARLY 40 YEARS.
Philly wasn’t her original name. Her first birth certificate read Mary Katherine Bach. “My mom renamed me at baptism,” Kauffmann says, to honor Philomena Wiewel, an elderly osteopath who was a friend of the family. She was the last of her parents’ 13 opinionated children. “My siblings thought Philomena was a terrible name,” she says. “So Philly stuck.” At Gustavus, the name is loaded with love, synonymous with service to alumni. As the administrative assistant for the alumni and parent engagement and institutional advancement offices, Philly is the one you meet first when you reach out there. If you’ve called sometime between 1981 and now, chances are pretty good you’ve talked to Philly. She was here when Gustavus still had a switchboard—with only two long-distance lines for students. “They would line up at 7 a.m. in the Student Union to use it,” she says. She then transferred to the alumni office, where, she says, “I was fortunate to have met the legends: Evelyn Young, Ren and Sylvia Anderson, Chester and Marian Johnson, Chaplain Elvee, Cec Eckhoff…” She remembers the great champagne parties at Cec’s, and his incredible work ethic: “You knew Cec was on vacation when he wore shorts to work.” What does Philly want you to know about her? She’s not a graduate, but most of her family is. Husband Mark is an ’88. Her daughter, Megan ’16, met her future husband, Michael Bullert ’16, at the Flame, which is also where her son, Mark, met his wife, Brittany Corson ’13. “In our family, it’s the Flame of Love,’” she says. She’s proud to have had one workplace her whole career. “There was always a reason to stay.” What else should you know? “That I care, I am interested in your lives, your accomplishments really elevate our work and our college.”
job: “Getting to see alumni again. When I go to a reunion, or an alumni function,
COMMUNITY
favorite part of the This year’s Reunion Weekend will be June 7–9, for classes ending in 4s and 9s. For more information, see page 28. To register, give Philly
I get a lot of hugs.
a call at 800-487-8437 or an email
And usually I hear,
at pkauffmann@gustavus.edu.
‘Are you still here?’”
GUSTAVUS QUARTERLY | SPRING 2019
Oh, and her
11
ON THE HILL
SHINE: NORA HOLTAN ’19 Setting Expectations EXCELLENCE IS A BALANCING ACT FOR THIS ALL-AMERICAN ON THE COURT AND IN THE CLASSROOM.
Her athletic resume is a laundry list of superlatives: three-time American Volleyball Coaches Association (AVCA) First Team All-America selection, a three-time MIAC Player of the Year, and the first-ever volleyball player from Gustavus to be named the AVCA Central Region Player of the Year. A threat from anywhere on the court, Holtan holds the program record for assists (4,527), and is the only Gustavus player ever with at least 4,000 assists, 1,000 digs, and 500 kills. She’s won recognition as the Gustavus Female Student Athlete of the Year. Twice. She’s also a two-time Academic All-American and is on track to graduate magna cum laude as an exercise physiology and psychological science double major with a cumulative grade point average of 3.87 heading into her last semester on campus. The second oldest of nine children, Holtan built strong bonds with her siblings as they were homeschooled through eighth grade. (Brother Will ’19 and sister Kate ’21 also chose Gustavus.) It was an active household, with parents Doug and Betsie carting Nora and her siblings to volleyball, hockey, baseball, and tennis practices and games in their hometown of Rochester, Minn., and across the region. While many elite volleyball players seek club teams where they can compete in front of college recruiters, Holtan chose to stay and play for Mayo High School with her younger sister, Kate. Overlooked by bigger programs, she chose Gustavus after connecting with head coach Rachelle “Ro” Sherdan. “Coach Ro talked about volleyball teaching lessons that are bigger than just sports,” Holtan says. “Liberal arts taught me the importance of finding balance, of being a student-athlete and a servant-leader.” As she continues on her path to working as an occupational therapist, she looks forward to the next balancing act—a career, happiness, family, and health. “Excellence is being better today than you were yesterday,” says Holtan. “It’s about building the
12
E XC E L L E N C E
GUSTAVUS QUARTERLY | SPRING 2019
expectations as you go.”
“I always wanted to be a setter,” Holtan laughs. “Probably because you get to touch the ball on every volley.” The three-time captain was a leader on and off the court as the Gusties went 104-21 over the past four seasons. “There are so many great memories, but I’ll miss playing with my sister the most.”
SHINE: ARTURO LOPEZ-LEVY Being the Bridge THE CUBAN-BORN EXPERT IN LATIN AMERICAN RELATIONS TEACHES RESPONSIBLE CITIZENSHIP IN THE MOST POWERFUL, MOST SCRUTINIZED COUNTRY IN THE WORLD.
Growing up in the center provinces of Cuba, between the Latin American and Caribbean parts, “we were a bridge,” says Lopez-Levy. His family had been split by the politics of the 1959 Communist revolution, with many relatives living in the U.S. Still, his mother kept communication open. “I am the son of my time,” he says, “but first I am the son of my mother.” He joined the Young Communist League at 15 and studied at the Cuban Diplomatic Academy where, openly critical of the Soviet Union, he was expelled. He was sent (by Raúl Castro) to work in the military unit surrounding Guantanamo Bay Naval Base. While there, the Soviet Union collapsed. The following crisis in Cuba changed his views. “It was clear to me that people and their food, their medicines, their attention, should always be ahead of any ideological reasoning,” he says. He resigned from a prestigious position with the Cuban Ministry of the Interior because, he says, “If I wasn’t a communist, I shouldn’t be working for a communist government.” The Jewish community took care of him and his family during that time, impressing upon him the importance of caring for something larger than oneself. Also part of his formation: 9/11. He showed up for his PhD at New York City’s Columbia University 12 days before the attack. “My American experience is marked by that,” he says. “It is a trauma that I have.” He has since lived in Colorado, California, Texas, Washington, D.C., and now, Saint Peter. A frequent commentator in world media, he is often called upon to interpret Cuban and Latin American international relations. The U.S., as he sees it, is a country both great and worthy of criticism. In that dichotomy, students learn engaged citizenship. “If you say you love this nation, then you need to advocate for the positions and the ideas that make it great.” And so here he is again, the bridge. This time as an educator, connecting knowledge “between societies and generations, between what has been accumulated by many before and those who are now receiving it, between forms of thinking,” he says. “People Lopez-Levy is the Bruce Gray Postdoctoral
because they have
Fellow, named for Gustavus administrator Bruce
different experiences.
Gray ’61, known for his efforts to recruit more
Pluralism is not
JUSTICE
have different views
students of color to Gustavus. Past Fellows include
something to fear.
scholars in Muslim-American gender and inclusion,
It is something
and Asian-American history.
to expect.”
14
GUSTAVUS QUARTERLY | SPRING 2019
A FUNNY THING HAPPENED ON THE WAY TO BECOMING AT GUSTAVUS, IT WAS FAITH, JUSTICE, AND BASKETBALL. WHERE WAS THE COMEDY? EVERYWHERE, SAYS MICHAEL SIELAFF ’08. AND IT STILL IS. BY ST EP H A N I E W I L B U R AS H | PH OTOS OF S I ELAFF BY EVAN TAYLOR ’12 pretty cool. “There’s a weird prestige to making people laugh,” he
seemingly elastic face that erupts with genuine enthusiasm to
says. In middle school, Michael and a friend were so funny singing
meet you. This is Michael, and he has already made you feel
the songs of “Sounds of the 70s” that a teacher gave them space to
good simply by shaking your hand.
do it every day. He did a few plays, and was the shoe-in for Class
He will look familiar to you. And later, while you’re watching
a TV commercial for Pringles, or Geico auto insurance, or Hotels.
Clown at Fridley High School. Sports outweighed comedy and acting though, and Michael
com, you will point—There he is!—and realize you’ve seen him a
chose basketball, and Gustavus, “because the people seemed really
hundred times, maybe more. Michael Sielaff is That Guy from That
happy,” he says. “It felt very community oriented.” And, he says,
Commercial that always makes you laugh.
“Coach Hanson (see page 22) felt like someone who wasn’t going
“I like to think I’ve been funny since the first grade,” he says. His childhood story is a common one for comedians and comedic
to B.S. you. The sincerity was at Gustavus.” But right before Move-In Day, he was diagnosed with Marfan
actors: “I could see people’s enjoyment when I made them laugh,
syndrome, a genetic disorder that can affect the heart and the
but it was a defense mechanism too, so I wouldn’t get bullied. I
aorta. He didn’t play basketball that first year, and when he was
would make fun of myself before anyone else could. Once you
cleared to play his sophomore year, he didn’t make varsity. “That
take the power away from the person who is making fun of you, it
was humbling. I realized basketball wasn’t going to be a successful
makes them stop, and it makes you cool.”
career for me,” he says. “So I thought, well, Gustavus is a big place.
And in his hometown of suburban Fridley, Minnesota, he got
Maybe I can try this acting thing again.”
➜
FOR OTHER GUSTIE ACTOR-STORYTELLER-COMEDIANS ON LIFE, LAUGHTER, AND THE LIBERAL ARTS, SEE PAGE 18
GUSTAVUS QUARTERLY | SPRING 2019
T
here is no mistaking him. He is 6' 7", with an expressive,
15
The campus became Sielaff’s playground.
At Gustavus, the class clown in him
social injustice. When I was in India, I
He canvassed every corner, from the
found other class clowns. Through
saw global injustice,” he says. Both
mailroom to the classroom to the Caf,
collaborating with others in improv,
opened his eyes to how often unjust
seeking anyone he could make laugh.
filmmaking, Proclaim, Gustavus Youth
systems define how we live. As a
He became the loudest, most creatively
Outreach, and KGSM radio, Michael
performer, he saw “how so much can
G-rated sports heckler in the MIAC. All
found ways to tell stories and make people
happen in interpersonal communication
comedians will tell you that stories are
laugh through a variety of mediums
between two people, between a family,
the root of good comedy, and “the seed
and for a variety of audiences. “I got to
between people in a community. I learned
for storytelling was planted for me at
explore, try things, fail, try other things,”
that my voice is important, and that I
Gustavus,” Sielaff says.
he says. (That includes Lutheranism and
should leave space for other voices
other faiths—he graduated as a religion
too, to listen.”
Particularly in his first year, in the 4A pod of Co-Ed (Norelius), where he lived
major and toyed with becoming a pastor.)
That, he says, is when he felt
with a disparate but warmly communal
“Getting your head out of the books and
the true call of comedy. “I thought
group of guys. “I could always go back
into the lives of people, and your own
about my ability to offer hospitality
to that community and be like, oh, Karl?
life, Gustavus does a good job incubating
and community. I thought about the
I know Karl. He plays the bagpipes and
that,” he says.
collaborative nature of comedy, the
is in the Army Reserves. I could say
Two major events helped him really dig
ability to offer something in a story, to
something like that about every person in
into his own life. He began performing
make people laugh—that’s the unique
4A. Living together, hearing them talk, it
with I Am We Are social justice theatre,
way I am benefitting the world.”
was a great incubator for sharing stories.”
using improv techniques to confront
“I’d much rather talk to someone, than do my schoolwork,” Sielaff told writer Sam Grace ’11 in a 2008 issue of the Gustavian Weekly.
About a year after graduating, he
inequities and inequalities in society
packed his things and moved to Los
and culture. And he went to India for a
Angeles. Within a week, he was playing
semester on a Gustavus study away trip,
a zombie (for the first time, he’s up to
where he was confronted with the caste
11 now). A year later, he was acting
system. “Through I am We Are, I saw
in a sitcom.
16
➜ AT COMEDY SPORTZ L.A. where two
➜ THROUGH LAUGHTIVISM, where
teams of comedians are pitted against
he creates, curates, and champions
each other in improv competition,
social issue comedy. Get involved at
cszla.com
@laughtivism on Twitter and Instagram.
➜ ON COMMERCIALS for Geico auto
➜ MORE UPDATES at michaeljsielaff.
insurance, Hotels.com, FuboTV, Pringles
com (“Actor ~ Writer ~ Freelance
(with Bill Hader) and more
Dancer”), on Twitter and Instagram:
➜ IN EXCELSIOR! AT SECOND CITY, HOLLYWOOD doing long-form improv, dates through June, secondcity.com/ hollywood
@michaeljsielaff
PHOTO BY ALEX MESSENGER (LEFT)
GUSTAVUS QUARTERLY | SPRING 2019
where to see michael right now
COMEDY OPENS PEOPLE UP TO YOU, AND WE COULD ALL USE A LITTLE MORE OPENNESS. LAUGHTER COMES FROM A PLACE OF TRUTH. WE COULD ALL USE A LITTLE MORE OF THAT TOO.”
Nell Scovell (creator of Sabrina the Teenage Witch): “Comedy requires empathy. A joke works because it builds off a shared feeling or perspective.” In other words, Sielaff says, “We want to know that we’re not alone.” But to do it well, he says, you have to spots, recent appearances
comedy comes when the performer is
include The Eric
willing to showcase their powerlessness. “My comedy was initially very goofy. It
and The Rookie. He started “One of
make them believe. Truly powerful
Andre Show, The Orville, the popular improv team the things you
show the audience something authentic,
WASP (White American Straight Protestants), and recently produced
became nuanced over time,” he says. “I have, through Gustavus and living in L.A., gotten to know myself. It’s been an evolution to be vulnerable with people,
learn in L.A. is if
and performed in the comedy show,
to be authentic. That requires the ability
you want to act, act!”
Witch Hunt, which explores the
to be comfortable in your own skin.”
Sielaff says. Now in his 10th
#MeToo movement.
year there, he balances film, television,
He loves laughtivism—comedy
Life is funny like that. “We are all in the middle of a story,” Sielaff says.
and commercial work with teaching
with the intent to create social change.
“We’re always in process. I’m in process.
and performing improv comedy and
“People can be educated through
And my strides forward help me as a
other collaborative live performance.
comedy without it being an after school
person and a comedian. That’s never
In addition to his big-brand, national
special,” he says. He quotes writer
going to end. And that’s the beauty.”
GUSTAVUS QUARTERLY | SPRING 2019
commercial
17
THE LAUGHS KEEP COMING MORE GUSTIES IN COMEDY ON HOW (AND WHY) THEY GOT SO FUNNY.
PETER BREITMAYER ’87 DIGGING IN
You may know him as Gilbert Bingley in Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them, or Lt. Ben Schmidt in the first season of the Fargo TV series, or (if you are of a certain Minneapolis age), from the Brave New Workshop or Triple Espresso. You have certainly seen him in those Progressive auto
KEVIN KLING ’79
the two clueless agents from A-Nother
LOGICAL OUTCOMES
Insurance Company.
He came in as pre-med, “but
commercials with Flo: He’s Bill, one of
You likely have not read his senior religion thesis on Process Theodicy, though. But studying religion, through the liberal arts, was instrumental to this
right away, I got in the theatre building and that just did it,” Kling says. “And I started writing stories.” Five books and many plays,
comedic actor. “History, theology,
adaptations, and commentaries
philosophy, how and why people
later, Kling’s humorous,
believe, digging in and being guided
poignant work has been
by professors to see things you would
received all over the world,
never see on your own—that’s critical
often via National Public
to seeing the world widely instead of
Radio’s All Things Considered. “I
narrowly,” he says. “To me, that’s what
couldn’t have dreamed a better
Gustavus was about.”
education for what I do,” he says.
Plus, he says, performing simply
He may have gone kicking and
for “the intrinsic value of doing it.” He
screaming into professor Doug Huff’s
was in the G Choir, and nearly every
logic course, but now, he says, “I use
Gustavus theatre production. His
that all the time! What is a play but
pursuit has become his life and career.
a categorical syllogism in an if/then
And the connections to his alma mater
scenario!
remain. “I still feel like I’m connected to
“A liberal arts education takes you in
a Gustavus family.”
all kinds of different directions,” Kling
Twitter @brightman65
says, “and that’s what life is. If you’re curious and excited about that, it makes a big difference in how you tackle the
GUSTAVUS QUARTERLY | SPRING 2019
world and enjoy it.”
18
A little help from your Gustie friends doesn’t hurt either—like the show Kling
“WHEN YOU HAVE A GOOD LIBERAL ARTS EDUCATION, THE WAY YOU LOOK AT PEOPLE CHANGES. YOUR COMMENTARY AND PERFORMANCES REACH GREATER DEPTHS.” —Peter Brietmayer ’87
once did with David Esbjornsen ’75 in Seattle. “We had Gustavus night. It was a full house! And I didn’t even know most of them. You run into a Gustie and you talk like you’ve known them your whole life. You can count on that.” kevinkling.com
CHLOE RADCLIFFE ’12 PROVING A POINT
She came to Gustavus for speech and debate. In classic liberal arts fashion, she ended up a math major, theatre minor. “I loved being able to swing between two disciplines,” she says. After Gustavus, she took a “big-kid job” but was laid off. “I decided to do the performance stuff I had always promised myself I would do,” she says, including standup comedy. She got a three-minute spot, “and a minute-and-ahalf into it, I thought, I love this.” That was five years ago. She’s now a TBS Comic to Watch, doing full-time standup around the country (including at ACME Comedy Club in Minneapolis). Gustavus, she says, taught her “to structure arguments, consider multiple viewpoints, and not be precious about my work. Distilling a thesis is really what standup is doing. I like to make a claim the audience won’t agree with, then make watertight arguments so they say, ‘Huh. She has a point.’” Twitter @klowhey, Instagram @chloe.radcliffe, Facebook @chloe.radcliffe.14
On teaching (good) comedy Yes, and… It’s the basic tenet of improvisational acting. One player starts a scene, and the other player agrees with the reality that their partner has created and then adds something to it by saying, “Yes, and—.” Theatre professor Amy Seham, whose work focuses on the intersection of improv comedy, with gender, race, and power uses improvisation to encourage spontaneity in scripted roles, to help new actors find confidence, and to help create a more equitable, just world. (Her upcoming book is tentatively titled, Yes, and Metoo.) Liberal arts learning “is absolutely critical” to students’ artful rendering of comedy. “Comedy doesn’t require a depth of understanding, schlock comics who get laughs from sexist, racist, and homophobic jokes. But if we want comedy that is human, we need to understand the nuances of the human spirit.” Liberal arts teaches students to understand many ways of being. Improv teaches students to explore nuance. With no script, “Improv is very parallel to daily interaction,” Seham says. “If we see life in only one way, we’re not getting a full understanding of the human experience.”
GUSTAVUS QUARTERLY | SPRING 2019
good comedy does,” she says. “There are plenty of
19
BRANDON BOAT ’08 + TANE DANGER ’07 THE THEATER OF PUBLIC POLICY
for the Nobel Conference), toured the
The goal is to use improv comedy
into a live improv event, and hosted both
“to unpack hard thinky things,” says
Minneapolis and St. Paul mayoral
Danger. The show happens like this:
election forums. “That is 100 percent
a smart person who’s an expert in an
what we want to be doing—talking about
important but dry or wonky subject
important things in a way that makes
(the state demographer or the world’s
people actually want to be there.”
foremost bee and pollinator researcher,
be there? “It broadens understanding
Then, a team of improvisers transforms
and helps people to feel more comfort-
the conversation into live, unscripted
able taking part in conversations that
comedy. Said the Star Tribune, “Imagine
they might not otherwise take part in,”
C-Span being suddenly swarmed by the
Boat says. He credits Gustavus liberal arts
cast of Saturday Night Live.”
with developing in him a wide variety of “We’re not experts in road construction
Danger started LineUs (the Gustavus
or water quality, but because of Gus-
improv group that still exists today),
tavus, we understand what’s presented
where he met Boat. They learned improv
to us,” he says. Says Danger, “You might
together, “just by doing it at Gustavus.
not be excited about a two-hour presen-
There was an independent spirit in the
tation about the Farm Bill. But if there
air,” says Danger. Their first show was
was an improv show about the Farm Bill,
at the Courtyard Café. It was packed.
you would at least be curious.” See the
They slayed.
show every Monday in April and May at
graduation, both bringing backgrounds in mission-driven nonprofit work, and in 2011 they formed T2P2. They’ve since performed more than 400 shows (including as companion programming
Tane Danger and T2P2 at the 53rd Nobel Conference
interests and the tools to create comedy.
it’s from the brains of these two Gusties.
The two reconnected a few years after
GUSTAVUS QUARTERLY | SPRING 2019
Why does comedy make you want to
for instance) is interviewed by Danger.
It’s a surprising model, but no surprise
20
nation, turned the entire city of St. Paul
Bryant Lake Bowl; T2p2.net
HUMOR ALLOWS US TO PROCESS INFORMATION DIFFERENTLY, TO ENGAGE WITH DIVISIVE OR DIFFICULT THINGS IN WAYS THAT ARE MORE FRUITFUL, TO ENTER INTO CONVERSATIONS WE MIGHT NOT OTHERWISE BE A PART OF, AND WITH A SENSE OF JOY.” —Tane Danger ’07
GAIL MATTHIUS ’75 + SCOTT NOVOTNE ’75 PRETTY COOL KIDS
1970s—all of them men,” she says.
They owe a lot to each other—two
She moved to Los Angeles, and
Gusties who formed the Amalgamated
a year later was called on for
Amusement Company shortly after
season six of Saturday
college, got an agent, and began
Night Live. It was a short-
traveling to other colleges doing
lived stint, and she returned
the impossible: getting paid to do
to L.A., married Gustie John
sketch comedy. “Gail was influential in
Wirth ’75 (a writer, director, and
helping me go to where I was going to
producer), and had a long, successful
be,” Novotne says. “We had a similar
voiceover career on animated shows
comedic sensibility,” Matthius says.
like Tiny Tunes, Animaniacs, and Bobby’s
Novotne went on to work at
World. Today she’s in a rock
Brave New Workshop, open
band as well as the same
the Comedy Cabaret in
improv troupe she’s had for
Minneapolis, and tour doing
more than 20 years—the
stand-up for more than 25
Spolin Players, the last group
years. He now teaches at a
coached by the legendary
Matthius says. “Gustavus was super
humor institute in Sarasota,
Viola Spolin. Her most recent
supportive and let me find my wings and
Florida, including the show
television work includes the
fly.” Says Novotne, “To perform comedy,
Kick the Bucket List-The
shows Hap and Leonard and
to make people feel good, it’s a calling,
World According to AARP.
the upcoming Wu Assassins,
like being a pastor. I may never be rich,
“At some point, I will be the
both directed by her
but I’ve led a rich life. To make people
right age for the shows,”
husband. “I had to sleep with
laugh is a pretty cool thing to do.”
Novotne says, “and I will
the producer for 36 years
never have to retire from
but it’s finally paying off,”
thius plays Valley Girl Vicki—in Novotne’s
comedy.”
she says.
Gustavus Gamma jacket. Talk about cool.
Matthius did standup too. “It was
“If it hadn’t been for Gustavus, I would
surprising how many Minnesotans
not have had the career that I’ve had,
wanted to do standup comedy in the
experimented to find what I loved,”
Also, in that sixth season of SNL, Mat-
Find Novotne at scottnovotny.com and mccurdyscomedy.com
Looking for laughs isn’t a frivolous pursuit. “It is a great release and a relief to some of the weightiness of our current world,” says Matthius. It also a truth serum, an antidote to hatred, a counterpoint to painful drama, and a funhouse mirror that exposes injustice. Each of the Gusties in these pages advances, through humor, a fuller understanding of what it means to be human, and in doing so, they’re making their hilarious lives count. “It’s not about getting laughs, it’s about giving laughs,” says Novotne. “When it’s a gift that you have, give it. Because people want it, and people need it.” It’s essential to the many worlds we live in that we stand up to speak, in safe ways, the truths we know and see. Says professor Seham, “Teachers of improv often say, ‘Don’t try to be funny. Try to be truthful and it will be funny.’ And being truthful, honest, and open to others—that’s kind of what we’re all working on right now, isn’t it?”
GUSTAVUS QUARTERLY | SPRING 2019
MAKING THE LAUGHS COUNT
21
SPORTS
Coach Mark Hanson ’83, almost smiling, after racking up his 500th career win. Right: With the 2018 team and coaching staff.
“SURE, I’LL TRY IT FOR A YEAR.”
When Athletic Director Moose Malmquist
“And I’ve had some outstanding young
III coaching has remained a consistent
called Mark Hanson ’83—a former
men who have won a lot of games.”
and beloved challenge for Hans. So
GUSTAVUS QUARTERLY | SPRING 2019
record-setting player—and asked if he’d
22
What’s not an understatement is the
have the suits he wears on the bench
be interested in an assistant coaching role,
impact Hans has had on his players and
and his self-proclaimed “timeless” Jerry
Hanson responded, “Sure, I’ll try it for a
students throughout the years. Whether
Garcia ties.
year.” After four years as an assistant, he
he’s teaching canoeing, kayaking, and fly
then tried being head coach, which turned
fishing, or game planning for the next
approach to teaching and coaching
into a 29-year career.
challenge in the MIAC, Hanson enjoys
students at Gustavus.
On December 5, Hans (as we all
his roles. “I like teaching and interacting
Also timeless: His all-encompassing
“Even on nights when I think ‘why do
call him) became the 16th active NCAA
with students who don’t know or care
I do this?’ I wake up the next day excited
Division III men’s coach to capture
that I’m a basketball coach, and those
to get going again,” Hans says. “The
500 victories in a decisive 87-50 win
who are surprised that I’m a basketball
accumulation of the ups and downs—and
at Macalester.
coach with other passions that show
fortunately more ups than downs—the
through.”
interactions with people and love of this
He was his usual understated self after the milestone achievement. “This means
Throughout his career, despite some
I’ve been coaching a long time,” he said.
changes in recruiting processes, Division
place… That’s more of what my life is than simply a love of coaching.”
(Sr., Manikin Sabot, Va.) won the men’s doubles regional title and went on to take third at the ITA Cup, while Ginger Valentine (So., Delano) won the women’s singles regional title and took eighth at the ITA Cup. All three earned All-America status.
Men’s Soccer In Tudor Flintham’s first season as head coach, the Gusties won their MIAC-record 15th conference championship with an 8-1-1 record in the league. They ended the season
Football
at the NCAA Central Region meet.
with an appearance in the NCAA
After starting the season 1-3, the Gusties
Andrew Stumbo (So., Boone, Iowa)
tournament, finishing the year
won five of their final six games to finish
earned All-Conference for the second
14-4-1 overall. Matthew Gibbons
fourth in the MIAC at 5-3 (6-4 overall).
straight season. He then finished eighth
(So., Minneapolis) earned the
Four Gusties were named First Team All-
at the region meet to capture All-Re-
program’s 14th All-America award
Conference—Matt Berkner (Sr., Sleepy
gion honors and took 98th at the NCAA
after leading the MIAC with 25 points.
Eye), Brayton Finch (Jr., Mount Morris,
Championships.
Arthur Parens (Sr., Wayzata) and Anders Severson (Sr., Woodbury)
Michael Veldman (Jr., Becker). Finch
Women’s Cross Country
was also named D3football.com All-
The Gusties competed in eight meets
Region Team. Flintham was named
West Region First Team.
throughout the fall, taking sixth place
MIAC Coach of the Year.
Volleyball
at both the MIAC Championships and
joined Gibbons on the All-North
NCAA Central Region meet. Tierney
Women’s Soccer
The Gusties won both the MIAC
Winter (Jr., Waterville) and Iliana
The Gusties finished the season 5-10-3
regular season and playoff titles to
Ramon (Fy., Fairmont) took 27th and
overall and 2-6-3 in the MIAC. Emily
reach the NCAA tournament for the
29th, respectively, at the region meet
Skogseth (Sr., Burnsville) earned
fourth straight season, but were upset in
to earn All-Region honors.
All-Conference honors, while Chase
the opening round at home. Nora Holtan (Sr., Rochester) added to her long list
Tennis
of accolades (see page 12). Kate Holtan
Both the men’s and women’s tennis
(So., Rochester) and Brittany Luethmers
team hosted the annual ITA Midwest
(Sr. Prior Lake) joined Nora on the AVCA
Regional and both saw championship
All-Region Team. In her ninth season,
performances. Chase Johnson (Sr.,
Rachelle Sherden was named both
Golden Valley) and Patrick Whaling
Miller (Sr., Brooklyn Park) and Lauren Johnson (So., Woodbury) were named honorable mention.
MIAC and AVCA Central Region Coach
Men’s Cross Country The Gusties competed in eight meets throughout the fall, taking sixth place at the MIAC Championships and ninth
HOME OPENERS
of the Year. March 16 & 17 | Baseball v. UW–Stout, 1 p.m. March 31 | Softball v. Concordia, time to be determined April 13 | Men’s & Women’s Track & Field, beginning at 10 a.m. Visit gustavus.edu/athletics for more.
GUSTAVUS QUARTERLY | SPRING 2019
Ill.), Brice Panning (Jr., Hamburg), and
23
FINE ARTS
Visiting jazz musician Ron McCurdy brought to multimedia life Langston Hughes’ epic poem, “Ask Your Mama: 12 Moods for Jazz.”
GUSTAVUS QUARTERLY | SPRING 2019
WELCOME, ARTISTS
24
Each year, Gustavus welcomes phe-
working with student musicians and
University of Southern California, also
nomenal guest musicians to campus to
speaking with them about music, life,
spoke with English and theatre classes
perform for and work with students.
and their experiences after college in the
and spent time with students in the
This fall’s artist roster was no exception,
professional world.
Diversity Center.
thanks to the Gustavus Artist Series. Its
The Department of Fine Arts also
mission is to broaden students’ exposure
collaborated with the Diversity Center
spring, including internationally-acclaimed
to significant artistic scholarship and
to bring Ron McCurdy’s “Langston
organist David Briggs, pianist William
world-class performers and artists.
Hughes Project,” based around Hughes’
Chapman-Nyaho, and Chicago Symphony
poem “Ask Your Mama: 12 Moods of
principal cellist John Sharp performing
professional artist-performers, from the
Jazz,” to Björling Recital Hall. The
with Grant Park Symphony Orchestra
smooth sounds of the Lazarus Band
performance featured an audiovisual piece
violinist Liba Schact. Performances are
to the vocal power of artists from the
detailing the life and work of Langston
open to the public. For more information,
Minnesota Opera. Each artist spent time
Hughes. McCurdy, a music professor at
please visit gustavus.edu/finearts.
Visitors included a wide range of
More performers are on tap for this
Music
Theatre/Dance
The Theatre and Dance Department
James Patrick Miller, Douglas Nimmo
Gustavus Adolphus College present-
held its annual fringe-style festival
Professor of the Gustavus Wind
ed Measure for Measure, a Shakespeare
of theatre and dance performances
Orchestra, was featured as a guest
piece that utilized not only traditional
Dec. 7–9 featuring several student-
conductor of the United States
actors, but also puppets. (see inside
produced and directed performances
Coast Guard Band on November 18.
front cover)
across both disciplines.
Miller’s program featured a piece by alum Katherine Johns Bergman ’07 titled “Dream Machine.” Gustavus Wind Symphony students Jessica Logue (Fy., Chaska, bass clarinet), Jenny Golding (Fy., Vadnais Heights, piccolo/flute), and Megan Zamow (Fy., Roseville, clarinet) were accepted into this year’s Minnesota College Band Director’s Association Honor Band
Art/Art History The Schaefer Art Gallery showcased the Art Minor Spotlight Exhibition featuring the work of Ashley Studsdahl (Sr., Northfield), Brenna Tuttrup (Sr., Waseca), Caden Killion (Jr., North Mankato), Cassie Juberien (Sr., St. Peter), Emma Gasterland-Gustafsson (Sr., St. Paul), Emma Jones (Jr., St. Paul), Signe Jeremiason (Soph., Saint Peter), and Yesenia Hidalgo (Sr., Inver
March 16 | Gustavus Wind Symphony and Chamber Winds Concert, 1:30 p.m. in Björling Recital Hall March 24 | Gustavus Symphony Orchestra High School Concerto Concert, 1:30 p.m. in Björling Recital Hall April 13 | Gustavus Wind Orchestra Minnesota Tour Home Concert, 7:30 p.m. in Björling Recital Hall April 26-28 | Suspended Between the Worlds: The Gustavus Dance Company in Concert, April 26-27 at 8 p.m. and April 28 at 2 p.m. in Anderson Theatre Through April 14 | Transfer of Memory, a photo exhibition of Holocaust survivors living in Minnesota, at home and in full collor, Schaefer Art Gallery Through April 18 | For the Gods: Photographs of India by Priscilla Briggs (see page 2)
GUSTAVUS QUARTERLY | SPRING 2019
NEXT
Grove Heights).
Christmas in Christ Chapel’s theme, “Visions of Divine Mystery,” wove a tapestry of music, dance, spoken word, and visual art to proclaim the wonder and relevance of the incarnation as revealed to us through angels and prophets. Soon after the live event, it was broadcast throughout the country in media markets from Alaska to Orlando via public television. It was also Gregory Aune’s last CinCC as artistic director. He retires from Gustavus at the end of the academic year.
25
Gratitude MAKING THE CONNECTION
ONE SCHOLARSHIP. TWO FELLOW GUSTIES. SO MUCH TO SHARE.
FOUR FACTS ABOUT HERITAGE SCHOLARSHIPS
1
They are new. Now in their third year; about 80 students
on campus are recipients.
2
They are aimed at high achievers, with strong aca-
cemic records, who need help meeting the gap between need-
A recent on-campus meeting between former religion professor Darrell Jodock and current student Megan Morris ’21 was a warm and welcoming one. Both spent childhoods in North Dakota. Both value the arts, the power of a small-college experience, and Gustavus. Something else they share: a Heritage Scholarship. Jodock and his wife, Jan, are the donors, Morris is the recipient. Morris was delighted to meet one of the people responsible for making her first-choice
based and merit aid.
3
They are named, for anyone or any group of folks.
Gustavus staff have created the “We Believe Scholarship.” There
college financially possible. “I’m thankful every day,” she says. Gustavus has been the right
is the Class of 2013 Heritage
choice—she knew the moment she entered the theatre and dance costume shop. “At a bigger
Scholarship. Morris is the
school, I wouldn’t have had that immediate one-on-one with the costume shop manager.
recipient of the Darrell and Jan
Right away I felt like I fit in. It felt like home.” She’s now majoring in theatre and costume
Jodock Heritage Scholarship.
design and creation. Jodock was delighted to meet the poised and driven student, and to hear how Gustavus is shaping and challenging her. “As a professor, I really found a home here too,” Jodock says. “I think it’s important for students to have extra personal connections, encouragement, care.
4
Giving commitments start at $3,000 per year for four
years. That may seem relatively
This is a way to feel personally connected to the recipient of your giving. You can see the
small, but it makes a big impact.
difference it is making in a person’s life.”
Says gift officer Bruce Berglund, “It means that students can go to their first-choice school, and Gustavus is their first choice. They don’t have to give up that choice due to their family’s financial situation.” To learn more, contact Bruce Berglund, 507-933-7003,
GUSTAVUS QUARTERLY | SPRING 2019
bberglund@gustavus.edu
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Many students have merit scholarships, but that isn’t enough. This scholarship levels “When I got the acceptance letter from Gustavus, I was so excited I was crying,” says Megan Morris ’21. Donor Darrell Jodock, the retired Dell and Adeline Bernhardson Distinguished Professor of Religion, helped make her first-choice college possible.
the playing field.” —Darrell Jodock, Heritage Scholarship donor
After sitting on the “Hill” for a time, you begin to realize that another world, a real world, exists apart from your own.” So wrote a Gustavian Weekly staff member in the Nov. 21, 1969 issue. A group of Gustie journalists had traveled to Washington D.C. to attend the March Against Death, joining 45,000 other Americans in bearing placards with names of those who had died in Vietnam. The Weekly devoted three pages to their democratic participation, including these photos by Norman Quinn ’71. The Class of 1969 celebrates their 50-year reunion this year (see next page). In May, the annual MAYDAY! Peace Conference celebrates the role of a free press in promoting peace and human rights. Three-time Pulitzer Prize-winning New York Times journalist and author Thomas Friedman will speak. Miriam Sponberg Kagol ’67, Friedman’s high school English teacher, connected him to the College. Friedman will share his thoughts on interpreting large-scale trends, making sense of accelerating change, and providing reasons for hope in a complex and volatile world. It is a timeless subject, but particularly relevant in an era of Fake News and polarized politics. As that 1969 Weekly staff member wrote, “We gathered as Americans, not to undermine the power of the government, but as a ‘speaking majority’ who cannot bring themselves to support their ‘country right or wrong,’ but rather who are concerned enough to attempt to change it for the better.”
Join us May 1 for MAYDAY! With journalist Thomas Friedman. The event is free and open to the public, but pre-registration is required. Visit gustavus.edu/events/ mayday.
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Heritage
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G USTIES
COME AND ENJOY • A performance by Kevin Kling ’79, a playwright, storyteller, and commentator for NPR (see page 18) • A community concert with professional alumni musicians, featuring music for all generations • A nature walk through the Linnaeus Arboretum, led by certified nurse and forest therapy guide Kathleen Giese ’69 • Class dinners and gatherings to spend time catching up and making new memories • Remembrance service to honor classmates who have passed, featuring music from the alumni choir • Campus tours where you can revisit your past haunts and learn about changes that have been
Welcome Back to
REUNION WEEKEND JUNE 7–9, 2019
made since your time on campus • Alumni College sessions to engage with faculty, staff, and alumni in lifelong learning • A donor appreciation reception that recognizes and celebrates the generosity of Gusties • And so much more… Discounted three-day weekend package includes all meals, snacks, activities, and transportation
COME HOME, CLASS OF ’49, ’54, ’59, ’64, ’69, ’74, ’79, ’84, ’89, ’94, ’99, ’04, ’09, AND ’14
Half-day block options for Friday, Saturday morning, Saturday evening, and Sunday options include
The dorms. The Arb. The Caf. The Dive. Even going to class. Reunion Weekend means you’ll re-engage with everything you love about being a Gustie—and all during a weekend when the campus is your playground. Join your classmates from years ending in 4s and 9s for a weekend away at your home on the hill.
select meals, activities, and transportation
YOU CAN GO BACK TO CLASS “Alumni College” classes and Master Classes are sessions taught by current and former Gustavus
For specific packages, pricing, and frequently asked questions,
professors and staff member, on subjects
visit gustavus.edu/reunionweekend.
ranging from China’s economic power to baking Scandinavian treats.
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Alumni Association
CLASS NEWS and information to be included in the Alumni section of the Quarterly should be sent to: Office of Alumni and Parent Engagement, Gustavus Adolphus College, 800 West College Avenue, Saint Peter, MN 56082-1498 alumni@gustavus.edu | 800-487-8437 | gustavus.edu/alumni
It really felt like I went home.”
attendees came last year
different countries were represented (including India, Sweden, and Tanzania)
Kara Buckner ’97, (president), marketing consultant Michael Bussey ’69, (vice president), senior consultant, Donor by Design Group, LLC Dan Michel ’90, (treasure), digital content manager, Feeding America Esther Mulder ’08, (secretary), public defender, Hennepin County J.C. Anderson ’82, partner/attorney, Gray Plant Mooty Rick Barbari ’91, head of enterprise data management, US Bank Mark Bergman ’79, president/owner, Bercom International
SPEND TIME WITH CURRENT STUDENTS
STAY IN THE RESIDENCE HALLS
Student ambassadors mix, mingle,
Now that Reunion Weekend happens
help, and hang out with alumni all
in the summer after Gustravus
weekend. Get to know the Gustie
commencement, alumni literally take
students of today!
over the campus, with class members staying on floors together.
HERE’S YOUR DECADE-SPECIFIC PACKING LIST
Mary Booker ’91, assistant vice provost– student financial services, University of San Francisco Jen Brandenburg ’02, pharmacist, Abbott Northwestern Hospital Sara Schnell Elenkiwich ’10, operations, Sparboe Farms Theresa Gienapp ’97, director of planned giving, Macalester College Cathy Villars Harms ’85, vice president of marketing, Tecmark LLC Stephanie Kendall ’76, executive consultant, Smarter Workforce, IBM Corporation Peter Kitundu ’92, general counsel, Blue Cross Blue Shield Todd Krough ’85, Sr. investment officer, Tealwood Asset Management Damon Larson ’84, librarian/research coach, Chaparral High School Bill Laumann ’66, retired school teacher/ librarian, Albert Lea ISD 241
DID YOU GRADUATE…
BRING…
IN THE ’50S
your Elvis records, kitten heels, and wingtips
IN THE ’60S
your tie-dye, lava lamps, and horn-rimmed glasses
IN THE ’70S
your macramé wall hangings, bellbottoms, and disco balls
IN THE ’80S
your legwarmers, Air Jordans, and Prince t-shirts
Daniel Sellers ’06, executive director, EdAllies
IN THE ’90S
your hair scrunchies, giant flannel shirts, and teen spirit
Vidya Sivan ’02, digital communications specialist, Harvard Kennedy School
IN THE ’00S
your Crocs, Razor scooters, and Livestrong bracelets
IN THE ’10S
your yoga pants, selfie sticks, and longboards
AT ANY TIME
your lawn chairs, yard games, Griblys, and a fan for your room—those items are always in style!
Ginny Kirkegaard Leppart ’76, teacher, retired Jason Mischel ’96, vice president of sales and marketing, Valley Queen Cheese Kay Rethwill Moline ’56, (emeritus member), retired Gustavus nursing faculty Karl Self ’81, clinical associate professor/ director of division of dental therapy, University of Minnesota School of Dentistry
Marcia Stephens ’73, financial advisor, retired Gordon Mansergh ’84, (immediate past president), senior behavioral scientist, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
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2018–19 ALUMNI ASSOCIATION BOARD OF DIRECTORS
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GUSTIES
MY GUSTAVUS Brian J. Evans ’07, Dance “I REALLY FOUND MYSELF THROUGH DANCE AT GUSTAVUS. I GOT THE CONFIDENCE AND SELF-AWARENESS AND PERMISSION TO TALK ABOUT MY RELEVANCE WHEREVER
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I WAS.”
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In high school, Gustavus was on the periphery—I had track meets in Saint Peter. I was shocked that the Gustavus football coach, Jay Schoenebeck, called me. I didn’t think I was smart enough to go there. My senior year, I blew out my knee. They took a chance on me. As a boy growing up in rural Minnesota, I was told that dance and boys didn’t really mix. In my first year, I was looking to fill the arts requirement and it was between drawing and dance. I can’t draw, so I took dance—the first dance class I ever had. I took the next dance class offered. The professor, Maria GomezTierny, said, “Have you ever thought about dance as a major, as a career?” And I was like, “Uh, no.” She said, “You should. Just dive into it.” And I did. As I discovered dance, I also discovered social justice work. I was learning every day about things I had never even considered, things that ran contrary to who I was and what I represented. Then I would go to dance class with all of those thoughts and ground them to the floor. Dance was the physical manifestation of what it meant to be wrestling with all of those ideas. It allowed me to move through them in a very literal way. I left Gustavus super lucky. Another professor, Laura SelleVirtucio, mentioned the Stuart Pimsler Dance & Theater to me. I danced with that company, and I was a waiter, and I was a singer and dancer at Valley Fair. I picked up a teaching gig. My mentality was: I don’t know what’s going to happen, but I have the capability to figure it out. I think Gustavus prepared me for that. Now I am passionate about reengaging people with their bodies. I went into teaching because I see so many people that can benefit from the skills that come from dance: finding your voice, being confident, embodiment. From the get-go, the arts helped me—it offered a space where I could step on stage and transform into anything, then I could start to rearrange, for them and myself, what that story means. Dance has been instrumental in me going through this life in a positive and healthy way. Art works because it connects to our human capacity to love. If I can get at that with the people I interact with, that’s what it means to make my life count.
The Next Move Evans is in the MFA program at the University of Washington. The program takes mid-career dance artists/performers and gives them teaching and performance opportunities that transition them into careers as professors.
Dennis Lofstrom, Overland Park, KS, submitted an article to Minnesota Medicine for publication entitled “Circadian Collagen Solubility Immunologic Connective Tissue Compartmentilazation Theory.” The theory was derived from work done as a member of the NASA Minnesota Physiology Research Team that Dennis was assigned to as a freshman medical student in 1950 at the University of Minnesota Medical School. Dennis continues his affiliation with this NASAsponsored research group via his association with the chronobiology department at the University of Minnesota Medical School.
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David A. Gillis, Milwaukee, WI, has been a retired advertising manager for 27 years. He plays golf and enjoys his family.
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Mary Kendall Dick, Edina, sings and maintains a studio in her home teaching voice. Arne Walker, Gatlinburg, TN, has written two books of which 100 percent of the proceeds support projects. The first book, Even I Will Learn to Dance, supported AFFIRM, a week of spiritual enrichment of the ELCA Southeastern Synod, and the second book, A Trail Less Hiked, supported a young adult global mission participant in Australia.
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John E. Schroeppel, Hutchinson, KS, was recently recognized by Emanuel Lutheran and the Central States Synod for 50 years of ordained ministry.
Jerry Rice, Mesa, AZ, is a certified mentor at SCORE in greater Phoenix. It is a volunteer organization of retired executives that help clients to start or grow new businesses at no charge.
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Joan Hedlund Lundell, Granite Falls, was honored at the annual ACDA Minnesota banquet for her years of support for the local high school choirs.
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Jack Bergman, Watersmeet, MI, was re-elected to the U.S. House of Representatives for Michigan’s First District. Pat Gabrielson Thomas, is retiring after 20 years as director of Marshall Southwest Adult Education Learning Center.
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Arla Walton Prestin, Eau Claire, WI, is retired after teaching elementary education for 23 years at Chippewa Falls Public Schools.
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Linda Bergstrom, Rockford, IL, is retired as an associate professor emeritus at University of Utah. Steve Rouch, Woodbury, has been a master portrait photographer for 45 years.
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Paul M. Torkelson, Hanska, was re-elected for a second term to the Minnesota State House of Representatives.
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David J. Esbjornson, New Brunswick, NJ, returned to
New York City in November to direct Red Hot Patriot: The Kick-Ass Wit of Molly Ivins starring Kathleen Turner. William “Monty” Reichert, Hillsborough, NC, was selected as the Theo C. Pilkington Distinguished Professor of biomedical engineering and global health at Duke University.
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LaVonne Carlson Moore, Belle Plaine, is a parttime adult English Language Learning teacher.
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Peter Ruggles, Marshfield, WI, celebrated 30 years in ordained ministry in the ELCA and is currently serving at Good Shepherd Lutheran in Marshfield.
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CHILDLIKE WONDER This year’s star children and tomte brought (as always) added joy to the Festival of St. Lucia. Here they are, surrounded by the 2018 St. Lucia and her Court. The star children are, from top to bottom Lincoln Otto, Peter Schroeder, Julia Nienow,
Mary Jo Dusek Briggs, Shoreline, WA, is director of quality for Community Health Plan of Washington in Seattle.
Charlotte Conners, and Tessa Moe. The tomte, in
Paul Cole, Naperville, IL, became a faculty member of the Politecnico di Torino, the technical university in Turin, Italy. He is also working with the Energy Department on an assessment of China’s Belt & Road Initiative (BRI). Following the Trump-Kim summit, he was interviewed by several media outlets concerning the return of the remains of service members who went missing during the Korean War.
Jill Martinson Zweber, Lakeville, is a retired kindergarten teacher.
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Mary Doby Baker, Delta, BC, retired from the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency in 2017 and is now working as a substitute preschool teacher in British Columbia.
front, is Simon Carlin. (see back cover for Lucia Court names).
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Betsy Schaller, Eagan, has retired from Securian Financial.
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Sue Johnson Sweeney, Keene, NH, is a transformational life coach and life mastery consultant certified and trained by Mary Morrissey’s Mastery Institute.
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Lois Langer Thompson, Marysville, WA, is executive director for Sno-Isle Libraries in Snohomish and Island Counties.
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Jan Jetland Murphy, Minneapolis, is a senior property manager for Cushman & Wakefield.
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Jamin Johnson, Minnetonka, is the engagement director for PACER Center—National Bullying Prevention Center Champions for Children with Disabilities in Bloomington.
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Bradford Gran, Hopkins, is a physical education teacher at Lionsgate Academy in Minnetonka.
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Margaret Anderson Kelliher, Minneapolis, is the Commissioner of the Minnesota Dppartment of Transportation.
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Nicole Menz, Vero Beach, FL, was elected as a County Court Judge for Indian River County.
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Mike Downing, Des Moines, IA, is chief actuary for Athene USA. Wendy Moore, Athens, GA, is associate director for Collection Services at University of Georgia Law Library. She was also elected chair of the Technical Services Special Interest Section of the American Association of Law Libraries for 2018–19.
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Shari Tyree Howell, Lakeville, is the intern pastor at Grace Lutheran Church in Saint Paul. Brenda Bennett Weyhrauch, DuPont, WA, received her principal certification at Saint Martins University in Lacey, and is the vice principal at Valley View Middle School in Snohomish.
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Nels Pierson, Rochester, was re-elected to the Minnesota State House of Representatives.
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Eric Gilbertson, Bemidji, is a podiatric surgeon at Sanford Health.
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Toby Hatlevig, Mazeppa, is working in sales at Stonhard, a flooring company.
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Janelle Roy Hatlevig, Mazeppa, has been an occupational therapist at Mayo Clinic for more than 10 years.
Josh Stevens, Richmond, IN, has been appointed director of admission for Ohio Wesleyan University. Jonathan Truitt, Midland, MI, has recently released his book, Sustaining the Divine in Mexico Tenochtitlan: Nahuas and Catholicism, 1523-1700. Jonathan is associate professor of colonial Latin American history at Central Michigan University and coeditor of Native Wills from the Colonial Americas: Dead Giveaways in a New World.
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Teresa Angier, St. Louis Park, is a physician assistant in Minneapolis. Amy Berger, Fergus Falls, is a communications specialist for the organizational change management department at Patterson Companies. Brady Horn, Albuquerque, NM, is an associate professor in the department of economics at the University of New Mexico, Albuquerque.
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Maggie Berndt, New York, NY, was named communications director for The Juilliard School. Justin Dinger, Barnum, is a youth services librarian at Cloquet Public Library. Chris Greavu, Los Angeles, CA, is vice president-sales for 20th Century Fox Home Entertainment and was recently featured in Media Play News as one of the top 40 under 40 executives in the home entertainment industry.
Joanna Olson Kroschel, Forest Lake, is the clinical data abstractor for the stroke program at United Hospital. Chris Wagener, Boise, ID, was elected in November to City Council for Barnum, MN. Rachel Willson-Broyles, St. Paul, is a freelance translator of many literary works from Swedish to English, she is currently translating a play at the Interrobang Theatre in Chicago entitled I Call My Brothers.
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Jen Moses Bailey, Shoreview, is the compensation consulting director at McLagan, a division of AON.
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Karen Martinson Cherwien, Ham Lake, is a staff chaplain at Regions Hospital and Gillette Children’s Hospital in St. Paul.
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Sarah Schueffner Borgendale, Minneapolis, is the diversity & inclusion manager for Robins Kaplan LLP. Matthew Hentges, Gibsonia, PA, is an attending foot and ankle surgeon at West Penn Hospital of Allegheny Health Network. He is also the externship director for the Foot and Ankle Surgery residency training program. Audrey Joslin, College Station, TX, is an assistant professor at Kansas State University in the department of geography. Kristin Kolich, New York, NY, was promoted to business director and vice president of client management at Christie’s Auction House in Manhattan.
Andrea Busch Lieser, New Ulm, is an assistant public defender at Fifth Judicial District Public Defender’s Office in Mankato, serving Brown and Blue Earth counties, representing financially challenged clients in misdemeanor, gross misdemeanor, and felony criminal proceedings.
School of Medicine and Health Sciences and completed her residency in emergency medicine at the University of Pennsylvania. She is now an attending physician at the University of Kentucky and completing an ultrasound fellowship.
Daniel M. Sellers, Minneapolis, was named a finalist for National Teach for America’s Peter Jennings Award. He currently works as the executive director for EdAllies in Minneapolis and previously worked as a math teacher in North Carolina with Teach for America.
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Courtney Caswell, Grand Forks, ND, is a charge nurse on the family care unit at Altru Hospital in Grand Forks. Jon Grau, Chaska, was elected to the Chaska City Council.
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Amy Waldner Zeidan, Lexington, KY, graduated from George Washington University
Cara Evanson, Davidson, NC, is an information literacy librarian at Davidson College. She co-authored and published her first peer-reviewed article, Information Privilege Outreach for Undergraduate Students in the September 2018 issue of College & Research Libraries.
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Alysha Dicke, Minneapolis, is a technology specialist for Fish & Richardson P.C. Jordan Klitzke, Lisbon, ND, is the executive director of the Ate9 dance company, currently performing in Los Angeles at the Temple Israel of Hollywood.
Mark S. Apfelbacher ’04 and Ed Rudberg ’01 won the Minnesota Cup Energy/Clean Tech/Water division with their CD3 waterless cleaning system designed to reduce the spread of invasive species. There were 1,661 creators, dreamers, and innovators from around Minnesota that participated.
Nick Murray, Palo Alto, CA, is a neurocritical care physician at Stanford Hospital in Stanford. Annie Opseth, Columbia, SC, is a chemist II with Badger Technical Services. Katelyn Pedersen, Minneapolis, is in graduate school at the University of Minnesota pursuing a degree as a family nurse practitioner, DNP. Alice Schwantes, Bloomington, is a forensic scientist for the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension.
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Justin Johnson, Statesboro, GA, has his own company called No Sweat and recently won the 2018 Minnesota Cup, general division, for entrepreneurship sponsored by the University of Minnesota Carlson School of Management. His idea was hatched when he was attending an upperlevel business class at Gustavus. The main goal was for the students to create business plans for potential products/companies they believed in. Justin took this task home with him to discuss with his close friends and family. The idea for NoSweat was conceptualized around the dinner table that weekend. Linnea Schmidt, Minnetonka, completed her PhD in physiology from the University of Colorado and is now a
FOUNDERS DAY AWARDS THREE OUTSTANDING EMPLOYEES WERE CELEBRATED AT THE ANNUAL FOUNDERS DAY IN OCTOBER, WHICH RECOGNIZES THE 1876 DEDICATION OF OLD MAIN.
DR. KATE KNUTSON FACULTY SERVICE AWARD This is the College’s highest recognition for distinguished service activities across campus. Outside of the classroom, the political science professor’s work has touched nearly every corner of Gustavus, supporting students as a head resident in a residence hall, as the interim director of the Center for Academic Resources and Enhancement, and leading the College’s First-Term Seminar program. She has been a member of the Gustavus faculty since 2005.
DEB SWANBERG AUGUSTA CARLSON SCHULTZ AWARD This award recognizes an outstanding support staff employee who has demonstrated exceptional service and dedication to the College. It is named for an employee of the Gustavus Dining Service in the late 1800s. Swanberg began her work in the Department of Campus Safety in 2003, then transferred to the Dean of Students office, where she coordinates schedules for student life division leadership, serves as first-contact for students of all backgrounds and needs, and performs the administrative tasks that allow the Deans to focus on student interaction.
AMY BROWN ERIK NORELIUS AWARD FOR THE OUTSTANDING ADMINISTRATIVE EMPLOYEE Named for the College’s founder and first teacher, this award honors an administrative employee who exemplifies vision, dedication, and service. Brown serves as the office manager for the College’s Physical Plant, where she supports the work of 74 full and part-time employees as they care for the 53 buildings on the 340-acre campus. She has been a member of the Gustavus community since 1997, serving in the Finance Office, Dining Service and Summer Programs, and Physical Plant.
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Stephen Grimsby Solie, Saint Louis Park, is a pediatric dentist at Pediatric and Adolescent Dentistry in Mankato.
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GUSTIES
regulatory, quality, and engineering (CRQE) specialist at Frestedt Incorporated in St. Louis Park.
Brittany Corson Kauffmann, Richfield, is an RN-case manager at the Minneapolis VA Health Care System.
Eric Kunkel, Rochester, is an auditor II for the Mayo Clinic in Rochester.
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Sarah Strand, Minneapolis, is an RN at The Mother Baby Center at Abbott Northwestern Hospital.
Chloe Radcliffe, Minneapolis, performs as a stand-up comic and made the Thrillist list of top undiscovered comics for Minnesota. Thrillist named one comedian from each of the 50 states.
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Allison Zard Bauer, Caledonia, is an occupational therapist at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester. Lydia Benge Cloeter, Minneapolis, is the solution manager for Boom Lab in Minneapolis.
library coordinator and archivist at Theodore Roosevelt Center at Dickinson State University.
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Joshua B. Mason, Dekalb, IL, is a graduate student in jazz studies at Northern Illinois University.
Daniel W. Venn, Cannon Falls, is the public relations manager for minor league baseball team the Pensacola Blue Wahoos.
Andrea M. Oleson, Inver Grove Heights, is an environmental health and safety specialist for Pace Analytical.
Dan Bradt, St. Louis Park, is an associate chemist for Upsher-Smith Laboratories.
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Elizabeth Johnson, Kalmar, Sweden, is attending Linnéuniversitetet in Kalmar for a master’s in business administration specializing in international business strategy.
Alexa Giebink, Sioux Falls, SD, is director of communications for Great Bear Ski Valley in Sioux Falls. Kyle Krzmarzick, Minneapolis, is an auditor for Deloitte Touche in Minneapolis.
WEDDINGS
Erik A. Johnson, Dickinson, ND, graduated with a MLIS and a master’s in history from UWMilwaukee and is the digital
Samantha Vang, Brooklyn Center, was elected to the Minnesota State House of Representatives.
Matthew J. Murakami, Eden Prairie, is a private equity analyst for Granite Equity Partners.
Kristina M. Nordstrom ’93 and Eric Radovich, 09/03/17, Seattle, WA Beth Boser ’04 and R. Brandon Anderson, La Crosse, WI Amy Waldner ’08 and Ronnie Zeidan, 05/28/16, Lexington, KY Kathleen Mathison ’12 and Luke Sabbann, 10/27/18, St. Louis Park
YEARS OF SERVICE AWARDS
Kendra Braegelmann ’13 and Jordan Lund ’13, 06/16/18, Minnetonka Brittany Corson ’13 and Mark Kauffmann, II 10/13/18, Richfield Amy Beck ’13 and Matthew Sellman, 06/01/18, Denver, CO. Paige Hoehn ’13 and Joshua Zimmerman, 09/01/18, North Mankato Jamie Lichy ’15 and Jeffrey Halvorson ’15, 09/29/18, Champlin Ashley Welp ’13 and Jordan Wilmes, 8/4/18, Saint Paul Caroline Van Cleve ’17 and Alexander Dill, 07/07/18, Ames, IA Marissa Bogdansky ’18 and Lacy Beatley, 08/08/18, Rockaway Beach, OR
BIRTHS Heneric, to Eric Gilbertson ’97 and Tamra Gilbertson, 04/29/16 Tabitha Faye, to Heather Crosbie Krier ’97 and Ron Krier, 04/05/18
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CONGRATULATIONS TO GUSTAVUS STAFF CELEBRATING 20 YEARS OR MORE OF SERVICE TO THE COLLEGE. 1 (From l to r) 20 years, top: JoAnn Vaughn in Building Services,
Susan Walter in Building Services, and Barbara Rodning in Health and Exercise Science/Athletics; (l to r) bottom: Scott Meyer in Campus Safety and Paul Becker in Maintenance Services. (Not pictured is Keshava O’Brien in Building Services). 2 From the departments of Economics Management and Communication
GUSTAVUS QUARTERLY | SPRING 2019
Studies, Jane Chouanard celebrated 25 years of service. Others
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celebrating anniversaries who are not pictured included Duane Clementson who celebrated 30 years of service in Landscape Services and Marilyn Marsh who celebrated 35 years in Dining Service. 3 Retiring staff include Todd Block in Maintenance Services and Phyllis Kuhlman in the Office of the Registrar. Retirees not pictured include Pat Keinz, Gloria Koester, LaDona Lange, Sharon-Unander-Miller, and Eugene Thorson—all in Building Services. Also not pictured is retiree Sue Myhra in Residential Life and retiree Tim Schroer in Dining Service.
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IN MEMORIAM Irma Olson Lundquist ’40, Bloomington, on 11/22/18. She was homemaker and active volunteer and is survived by four children including Karen Meyer ’62. Lewis Judd ’47, Rochester, on 9/22/18. A World War II veteran, he later worked as a manufacturing and quality engineer at IBM for 28 years before retiring in 1984. He is survived by two sons. Leota Botker Moberg ’48, Clinton, on 11/07/18. She was very
involved in the community and had various jobs over the years. She is survived by her five children. Janet Englin Janzen ’49, Mountain Lake, on 10/21/18. Amongst years and hours of volunteer work, she spent 25 years working at the Land O’Lakes in the USDA Lab. She is survived by four children. Calvin J. Anderson ’50, Wellfleet, MA, on 10/22/18. A Navy veteran, Cal had an illustrious career with Mobil Oil and Union Carbide, and as a little league umpire, receiving Umpire of the Year in 1984. He is survived by his wife, Nina, and three children. Gordon P. Anderson ’50, Silver Spring, MD, on 3/28/18. He is survived by his wife, Laurice Crawford, and five children including Laurice E. Anderson ’81. Irving Anderson ’50, Clarkfield, on 11/12/18. A lifelong farmer, Irving also enjoyed officiating basketball and football games. He is survived by his two sons. Dorothy Anderson Colburn ’50 Edina on 9/16/18. Dorothy spent time directing church choirs, singing in chorales, and performing for seniors in nursing homes. She is survived by four children including Tim ’74 and Carla (Tollefsrud ’83). Joyce Rydell Johnson ’50 Sun City West, AZ on 8/26/18. A former airline stewardess who then became a teacher, she is survived by a daughter. Violet Fossum Anderson ’51 Clackamas, OR, on 5/10/18, a wife and mother, she is survived by a daughter. Donald L. Berg ’51, Superior, WI, on 11/01/18. He held a doctorate in theology and was a Lutheran pastor for many years before retiring in 2009. Don is survived
REMEMBERING CLAIR MCROSTIE Clair McRostie ’52, Saint Peter, on 10/06/18. He served as a professor of economics at Gustavus Adolphus College from 1958–1996. He was the chair of the Department of Economics and Management from 1967– 1984. Clair chaired the 1979 Nobel Conference. He was a Research Fellow of the Federal Reserve Bank in Chicago in 1962–63 and he shared a Blandin Foundation fellowship in 1990, studying the causes of small business failures in Minnesota. He was a Certified Financial Planner, a registered investment advisor, and member of the Institute of Certified Financial Planners. In 1954–56, Clair served in the United States Army as a special agent for Military Intelligence. He is survived by his wife of 50 years, Ursula.
by six children including Scott ’77, Laurie ’79, Lynnae ’80, Kristin (Cochran ’84), and Jonathan ’87. Clarence Budke ’51, Waynesville, NC, on 10/24/18. A World War II veteran and Lutheran pastor, he served many years as a missionary until accepting a call in Waynesville, IN, retiring in 1992. He is survived by his wife, Ruth (Larson ’52), and three children. John A. Peterson ’53, Rio Verde, AZ, formerly of Edina, on 8/20/18. John spent his 34-year career as an anesthesiologist at Abbott Northwestern Hospital in Minneapolis. He is survived by his wife, Joyce, and four children. Marilyn Nyberg Rinke ’53, Forest Lake, on 11/05/18. She was a long-time employee for Honeywell and is survived by her husband, Charles, and two children. Nancy Pringle Ellingson ’54 Minneapolis, on 10/14/18. A wife and mother, she is survived by two children including David Ellingson ’86. Karolynn “Kay” Carlson Gritton ’59, St. Louis Park, on April 27, 2018. Kay was a retired director of volunteers at the Jones Harrison Care Center in Minneapolis. She was also an antique dealer, art
instructor, and jewelry designer and is survived by two stepchildren and a sister, Jacquelynn Carlson ’55. Edwin Hallsten Jr ’56 Bonita Springs, FL, on 11/01/18. A veteran of the Korean War, Ed retired as a clinical psychologist, a pastor, and a Lt. Colonel (Chaplain) in USAR. His work focused on various types of pastoral care. He is survived by his wife, Patricia, and three children. James Kittlesen ’56 Faribault, on 2/19/18. An Army veteran, Jim had a career in finances, retiring as director of finance for North St. Paul-Maplewood School District. He is survived by his wife, Karen (Stewart ’57), and four sons. Ann Russell Johnson ’57, Denton, TX, on 10/22/18. Ann served for many years as a secretary in the public school system and is survived by two children. Roger G. Krantz ’57, Hutchinson, on 9/13/18. An Airforce veteran, he had a long business career with 3M and with Minnesota Power. He is survived by his wife, Lois (Oleson ’52), and two daughters. Norita Anderson Lundgren ’57, Cedar Rapids, IA, on 9/8/18. Norita was the director of music and youth
choirs at First Lutheran Church in Cedar Rapids and is survived by her husband, Larry, and two children. Joan Carlberg Nordenstrom ’57, Cambridge, on 9/8/18. She had a long career teaching high school English at North Branch High School and is survived by three sons. William Binger ’58, Minnetonka, on 11/01/18. A longtime director of purchasing for Hennepin County, he is survived by three daughters including Bonnie (Musgjerd ’79), Holly (Radziej ’82), and Wendy (Morris ’84). Peggy Gotfredson Delong ’58, Minneapolis, on 9/26/16. She is survived by a daughter. Sandra J. Anderson '59, Bloomington, on 10/21/18. A former elementary school teacher, she later served as an adjunct faculty member for the University of St. Thomas and is survived by her sister, Sonia '59. Karen Carlson Danielson ’60, Eau Claire, WI, on 8/27/18. She was employed as a registered nurse in a variety of healthcare organizations and held memberships in numerous professional organizations. She is survived by her husband, Jerald, and two children.
GUSTAVUS QUARTERLY | SPRING 2019
Liv Solveig, to Chad Gustafson ’01 and Katie Erickson Gustafson ’02, 10/1/18 Ethan, to Seth Guggisberg ’02 and Allison Kramer Guggisberg ’02, 08/10/17 David, to Matt Schwartz ’04 and Kristina Harter Schwartz ’03, 10/29/17 Mia, to Kyle Tollefson ’03 and Laura DeBraal Tollefson, 06/05/18 Cato, to Beth Boser ’04 and R. Brandon Anderson, 9/19/18. Elliot, to Jana Grim ’04 and Andrew Grim, 05/30/16 Evan, to Christa Harrison Heupel ’05 and Paul Heupel ’05, 03/02/18 Evelynn, to Jenny Vigoren Risdal ’05 and Jason Risdal, 06/29/18 Cecelia, to Erika Hitchcock Ferraro ’06 and Steve Ferraro, 04/02/18 Margaret, to Elizabeth McGinn Maus ’06 and Patrick Maus, 03/10/18 Westley, to Erik Mestnik ’06 and Kathryn Heim Mestnik, 09/22/18 Laszlo, to Greg Boone ’09 and Danielle Harms ’09, 08/24/18 Keira, to Kristen Holsten ’09 and Jacob Holsten ’09, 07/02/18 Hannah, to Sara Schnell Elenkiwich ’10 and Ross Elenkiwich ’10, 08/03/18
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GUSTIES
LONDON
GERMANY
TWO INCREDIBLE TOURS. TWO INCREDIBLE FORMER PROFESSORS. COME ALONG! Join fellow Gusties—and favorite professor emeriti—for some of the best performances in Europe and England. Stay in Four Star and premium accommodations, travel in private, deluxe motorcoaches, see world-class performance in storied cities, all with the ease and comfort of knowing that theatre tickets, entrance fees, gratuities, and many meals are taken care of. Theatrical London: Playing Across the Pond
A Symphony of Music, Culture, and History:
September 21–30, 2019
Oberammergau Passion Play and Central Europe
With professor emeritus Rob Gardner
September 13–24, 2020
Travel under the leadership, teaching, and hospitality of
With professor emeritus David Fienen
Dr. Gardner and be immersed in the rich theatrical world
Experience the enrichment, education, and fellowship in
of London and Stratford-Upon-Avon. Attend six theatre
this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity experiencing the 2020
performances plus behind-the-scenes theatre tours and
performance of the Oberammergau Passion Play, plus musical
lectures. You will visit Stratford-upon-Avon for two nights
performances in Salzburg, Prague, and Berlin. Learn about
and London for six nights.
local culture and history from Dr. Fienen, plus an English-
For 36 years Dr. Gardner directed plays and taught
GUSTAVUS QUARTERLY | SPRING 2019
courses in acting, directing, and theatre history at Gustavus.
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speaking European tour manager and local guides. Dr. Fienen served as cantor of Christ Chapel and professor
Besides his activity in the Department of Theatre and
of music at Gustavus for 38 years, traveling numerous times
Dance, where he often collaborated with colleagues in other
to Central Europe with the Gustavus Band and Gustavus Brass
departments, he worked with many outstanding students
Ensembles. He has also taken several solo performance tours in
and in 2003 was honored with the Edgar M. Carlson Award
Germany, and research trips to Hanerau-Hademarschen, Lübeck,
for Distinguished Teaching. Rob and his wife, Judy, have
and Berlin, studying with the composer Jan Bender. He recently
been to London many times and he has twice led student
played recitals at Castle Church in Lutherstadt-Wittenberg (where
groups on January explorations of theatre in England.
Sarah Herzer ’99, his former student, is a cantor).
For more on each trip, including approximate costs, see gustavus.edu/president/tours.
Patricia Rodning Powers ’76, Mankato, on 7/5/18. She was an elementary school teacher for 31 years and is survived by her husband, Mike, and three daughters. Julie Driscoll Potter ’79 Rochester, on 9/17/18. A former programmer/analyst for Gustavus and later for Pace Financial Corporation, she is survived by her husband, John, and two children. Michael Corcoran ’80, Forest Lake, on 9/29/19. He worked at Ford for 30 years and finished his career at Graybar Electric. He is survived by his wife, Julie, and three sons. Dale Martin ’81, Naperville, IL, on 11/09/18. Dale’s career included positions in executive leadership and mentoring in areas of international business, information technology, and organizational development for Sperry/Unisys, Cargill, and Temple and Associates. He is survived by his wife, Betsy (Johnson ’82), two children, and a brother, Earl “Marty” ’78. Marc Phibbs ’81, St. Paul, on 9/9/18. He was the former vice president of Herman Miller and is survived by his sister, Nancy Rogneby ’83. Rebecca Helgeson Grassau ’84, Green Bay, WI, on 9/14/18. She lived in Germany for 10 years as a researcher and translator before moving back to Wisconsin where she worked as an analyst for Humana. She is survived by her husband, Henning, a daughter, and her mother. John Morris ’84, Imperial Beach, CA, on 9/27/18. He had a successful career as a sales
and marketing executive for a number of tech firms. He is survived by his wife, Wendy (Binger ’84), and three children. John Jankowski ’85, St. Cloud, on 9/24/18. A former business consultant for CPC, he is survived by two children. Krista Witty Amos ’87, Saint Peter, on 10/31/18. She was the director of human resources for the City of Mankato and provided human resources leadership for Blue Earth County. She is survived by her husband, Paul, and a daughter. Royce Jackson ’89, Minneapolis, on 9/6/18. He worked as the technical
director/lead carpenter at The Cowles Center for Dance and Performing Arts and is survived by his wife, Jayme Masek, and two stepchildren. Susan Boeder Hoheisel ’95, Pierz, on 6/23/18. She was an occupational therapist at the Brainerd Hospital for more than 20 years. Susan is survived by her husband, Jess, three children, and her parents. Verna Anderson, xstaff, Saint Peter, on 9/22/18. A former deputy clerk of court for Nicollet County for many years, she later worked in the Gustavus Food Service and is survived by two children.
Marilyn Bresnahan, xstaff, Saint Peter, on 8/19/18. She was a former secretary for the Gustavus career development office and enjoyed being a mentor to many students. She is survived by four children. Robert C. Butler, xstaff, Three River, MI on 10/1/18. Bob was a 1st Lieutenant in the army, Dean of Students at Gustavus, and director at Sioux Trails Mental Health Center. He is survived by two children. Donna Frey, xstaff, Mankato, on 9/22/18. A former employee in the housekeeping department at Gustavus, she is survived by five children.
BOLD VISIONS, DARING DREAMS A new book celebrates the life and legacy of Edgar M. Carlson, Gustavus Adolphus College’s legendary president who served from 19441968. Bold Visions, Daring Dreams, authored by his daughter, Joanna Carlson Swanson ’64, explores Carlson’s term as president and active theologian, his subsequent work for the Minnesota Private College Council, and his impact on higher education nationwide. It was under his watch that Gustavus developed the campus that generations of students and staff recognize today, including Anderson Hall (originally the first library), the Nobel Hall of Science, and Christ Chapel. Other achievements involved a revitalization of the College’s connection with Sweden, the creation of the Nobel Conference, the implementation of the January Interim Experience, and a larger, more diverse student body. “As a highly principled and respected theologian and educator, Dr. Carlson embodied the values of peace, excellence, inclusion, and faith, which we continue to live on campus every day,” says President Rebecca Bergman. The book can be purchased at the Gustavus Book Mark, on campus or online at bookmark.gustavus.edu. All proceeds will be directed to the College’s Edgar and Ebba Carlson Scholarship Fund and the Christ Chapel Endowment.
GUSTAVUS QUARTERLY | SPRING 2019
Duane Erickson ’60, Detroit Lakes, on 10/04/18. He had a 34year career with the Minnesota Department of Corrections and is survived by his wife, Annabelle, and three children. Charles Jerabek ’62, Billings, MT, on 10/19/18. A former detention officer for Yellowstone County who in retirement worked as ski patrol for Red Lodge Montana. He is survived by a son. Rickard “Rick” Joseph ’62, Edina, on 8/25/18. He had a 42-year career as a realtor and football coach. He is survived by his wife, MaryJane Meehan, a daughter, and three stepchildren. Lawrence Lundgren ’63, Cedar Rapids, IA, on 10/11/18. A retired business administrator of First Lutheran Church, he is survived by two sons. Rudd Thabes ’64, Bagley, on 9/2/18. A former Navy lieutenant and helicopter pilot, he went on to medical school and was a family practice physician at the Clearwater Clinic. Rudd is survived by his fiancé, Suzanne Frambers, and two children including Marte Kitson ’96. John E. Jonas ’67, Anoka, on 1/17/18. Former president of Audit/Control Systems, he is survived by his wife, Dolores, and two sons. Rodney C. Brown ’70, Picayune, MS, on 10/26/18. Rodney was a veteran of the United States Navy and is survived by three sisters. Daniel Gronseth ’71, Scottsdale, AZ, on 9/19/18. A former educator, entrepreneur, and banker, he is survived by his wife, Debbie, and three children.
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GUSTIES
GUSTIES GATHER
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1. The nursing Class of 1960 gathered for a reunion in August. Back , l to r: Carol Berg White, Lois Swanson Johnson, Carol Schumacher Vamvakias, Lois Lindahl Miller, Karin Olson Brown, Rita Piepgras Dague, Diane Fahlberg Anderson. Front, l to r: Jo Jensen Tollefson, Yvonne Harvey Daily, Carolyn Anderson Kvam-Hansman, Char Benjamin Schoen, and Margo Pinney Cotton. The cake says “Happy 80th to a group of first-class nurses.”
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2. At the 2018 Community Health Services conference, Rose Omodt Jost ’63 was given the Award for Outstanding Dedication to Local Public Health in Minnesota. She taught medical surgical nursing at Gustavus from 1964–1966 and now teaches public health. She sits on the City of Richfield Community Health Advisory Board. Here she is with fellow Gusties. Back, l to r: Kay Christianson Schell ’80, Louise Kunnari Anderson ’80, Deb Landberg Burns ’80, Sue Hedlund ’79, Molly Herbert Snuggerud ’85, Gina Pletan Schield ’95, Aletha Werner Elbert ’99. Front, l to r: Amy Dewey Westbrook ’96, Jost, Mary Bredemeier Hildebrandt ’80, Bonnie Madsen Brueshoff ’79.
3. At the 2018 Annual Bob Krough Invitational, Jim Donicht ’60 and Bryon Helgeson ’60 shot less than their age at Dahlgreen Country Club in Chaska. Pictured l to r: Donicht, Jim Krough ’61, Peter Nyhus ’60, Arlan Burmeister ’60, Helgeson, and Jerry Thrall ’60. 4. The 2018 R. Baldy Golf Outing was held in the Brainerd Lakes in September, named for late classmates Ross “R” Handahl ’75 and Steven “Baldy” Baldwin ’74. Low gross belongs to Craig Senn ’73. Pickle Ball champion went to David Bohline ’74. L to r: Bob Bonne ’74, Kirk Swanson ’74, Carl Wicklund ’74, Bohline, Doug Cramblit ’74, Rob Linner ’74, Greg Lundgren, Peter Patten ’76, Chuck Schweiger ’74, Senn, Richard Black ’75, David Hann ’73, Bill Lunz ’74, Steve Olsonoski ’75, Bob Hobart ’73. Not pictured: Kurt Deter ’74.
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5. Members of the Class of 1995 and the women’s basketball team gathered for their 24th Annual “Gusties Gone Gull” weekend. Missing this year was Susie Boeder Hoheisel, who passed away from colon cancer in June. Back, l to r: Sarah Cox Bowman, Gina Kronback Sazama, Jenna Peik Peters, Shannon Rafftery Treichel, Shanna Behrens Fink. Front, l to r: Katie Olstad Gilles, Jennie Hainlin Lindstrom, Sarah Reed Schreiner, Roxy Wagener Myhre.
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6. Former cross-country teammates got together to participate in a mountain bike race at the Chequamegon Fat Tire Festival in Cable, Wisconsin. L to r: Sara Frykman Cowles ’98, Faith Eskola ’00, Ann Fletchall Frazier ’00, Daisy Schmidt Christopherson ’00, Teresa Angier ’01. 7. Women from the Class of 2002 gathered in New York City to celebrate the 20 years since they met in Norelius 4A! L to r: Sara Hultgren Blazek, Katie Linde Robinson, Molly Brusman Moede, Erin HalliganHanson Tait, Brita Hansen Burke, Anne Nelson Sheridan, Angela Lundeen Wold.
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8. College roommates, Marcy Moorcroft Capell ’91 and Debbie Curran McGarity ’91 met up in Las Vegas after a work conference and celebrated their 50th birthdays together in Las Vegas, with a stop in their Gustie Wear at the Hoover Dam. 9. In November, Katie Peterson ’10, a PhD candidate in biology at the University of Idaho, traveled to Vancouver, BC, to attend the conference of the Entomological Society of America and to receive the President’s Prize for Outstanding Achievement in Primary Education through the society. While there she met a fellow Gustie, Jule Carlson Cameron ’60!
GUSTAVUS QUARTERLY | SPRING 2019
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Vespers
Racing Through this Beautiful Life of Ours I spot this very large brown and white Hawk perched high atop A tree, and for miles and miles Around I imagine he can now Clearly see, perched above Busy Highway 169, just as Renée and I drive past, and I Think does he ever wonder as He watches all these cars zooming by, Why we humans choose to race Through this often beautiful Life of ours, so damned fast?
GUSTAVUS QUARTERLY | SPRING 2019
—Philip S. Bryant ’73, The Promised Land, published by Nodin Press in 2018
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In addition to his new collection of poetry, The Promised Land, Philip S. Bryant is the author of three other poetry collections: Blue Island, Sermon on a Perfect Spring Day, and Stompin’ at the Grand Terrace: A Jazz Memoir in Verse. Bryant graduated from Gustavus in 1973 and is a professor of English and African Studies in the same halls and rooms where he began his writer’s life.
From a gigantic puppet that spanned the stage to smaller shadow puppets to bunraku puppets controlled by multiple actors, a fresh take on a Shakespeare’s Measure for Measure comedy brought new perspective to the themes of power dynamics and manipulation—plus collaboration with Heart of the Beast Puppet and Mask Theatre. These weren’t your childhood puppets, but as you can see here with Tommy Self ’19 (on left), they were certainly fun.
Your first job
For Alumni, Parents, and Friends SPRING 2019 | VOL. LXXV | ISSUE 1
This is a great time to name Gustavus as a beneficiary of your retirement plan and an easy way to join the Gustavus Heritage Partnership (GHP). GHP is a giving society recognizing alumni and friends who have made future commitments to Gustavus.
LIFE IS FULL OF FIRSTS.
STA F F Chair, Board of Trustees The Rev. Dan S. Poffenberger ’82 President of the College Rebecca Bergman Vice President, Marketing and Communication Tim Kennedy ’82 Vice President, Advancement Thomas Young ’88
part of all of them.
Your first reunion Another perfect moment to include Gustavus in your estate plans and help your class achieve its goals for future gifts to the College.
Director, Alumni and Parent Engagement Angela Erickson ’01 Managing Editor Stephanie Wilbur Ash | sash@gustavus.edu Alumni Editor Philomena Kauffmann | pkauffma@gustavus.edu Visual Editor, Production Coordinator Anna Deike | adeike@gustavus.edu Design Jill Adler | adlerdesignstudio.com
Your first kid Family comes first, and as you make plans to take care of your bundle of joy, consider adding a bequest provision for Gustavus.
Contributing Writers Mara Klein, CJ Siewert ’11, JJ Akin ’11 Contributing Photographers and Artists JJ Akin ’11, Priscilla Briggs, Kylee Brimsek ’20, Nick Campbell ’18, Stella Hadjiyanis ’21, Corbyn Jenkins ’20, Steven Lang, CJ Siewert ’11, Sharon Stevenson, Evan Taylor ’12, Nick Theisen ’15, Ryan Weber ’22, Gustavus Adolphus College Archives, Gustavian Weekly Printer John Roberts Company | johnroberts.com Postmaster Send address changes to the Gustavus Quarterly, Office of Alumni and Parent Engagement, Gustavus Adolphus College, 800 W. College Ave., Saint Peter, MN 56082-1498 GUSTAVUS ADOLPHUS COLLEGE Saint Peter, MN 56082 507-933-8000 | gustavus.edu Articles and opinions presented in this magazine do not necessarily reflect the views of the editors or official policies of the College or its Board of Trustees.
You can make Gustavus
Your first day of retirement Looking for steady retirement income? Check out gift annuities, charitable remainder trusts, and other life income plans that will benefit you and Gustavus.
Your first look back 50 years already? Your 50th reunion is when you will rekindle old friendships, cherish warm memories, and make plans to leave a lasting legacy at Gustavus.
The Gustavus Quarterly (USPS 227-580) is published four times annually by Gustavus Adolphus College, Saint Peter, Minn. Periodicals postage is paid at Saint Peter, MN 56082, and additional mailing offices. It is mailed free of charge to alumni and friends of the College. Circulation is approximately 42,800. Gustavus Adolphus College is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission and is a member of the North Central Association.
GUSTAVUS ADOLPHUS PLANNED GIVING plannedgiving.gustavus.edu | 507-933-6043
Learn how you can include Gustavus in your life plans.
SPRING 2019 800 WEST COLLEGE AVENUE SAINT PETER, MINNESOTA 56082
SUPER FUNNY MICHAEL SIELAFF ’08 + OTHER COMIC GUSTIES ON LIFE, LAUGHTER, AND THE LIBERAL ARTS
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HOW WE’RE ACTING Two years into the Gustavus Acts Strategic Plan
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CLASS NOTES What your fellow Gusties have been up to
December is that most wonderful time of the year when we eat lutefisk, or perhaps just smell it. Gustavus Dining Services serves 250 pounds of the stuff, including at the luncheon following the St. Lucia service. That’s where the Lucia Court gathered this year to try it, or pretend to. “It’s not that bad,” said Kristie Olson ’20 (far right). Compared to the others’ reactions, it was a ringing endorsement. The 2018 Lucia Court is (l to r) Ellie Croonquist, Meg Nipe, Signe Jeremiason, Holly Fitterer, the 2018 St. Lucia Tyra Banks, and Olson. See page 31 for the star children and the tomte.