Spring 2022 Quarterly by Gustavus Adolphus College

SPRING 2022 800 WEST COLLEGE AVENUE SAINT PETER, MINNESOTA 56082

FAMILY

Legacy From 1911 to today, stories of parents, siblings, friends, and other family that share Gustavus with each other.

Lights in a dark season. The 2021 St. Lucia Court included sophomores Tania Monse Perez Barrios, Claire Lind, Kathryn Lillemon, Lluvia Infante, Claire Schoenfield, and Abigail Neptun, who was crowned St. Lucia on December 9. Shortly after,

+ The Langsjoens and the Hers: big families, many alumni

they all made an honest attempt to eat lutefisk.

BIKES AND BENCHES The latest in campus sustainability

CLASS NOTES What your fellow Gusties have been up to

LEGACY STORED This nightstand has been in five generations of dorm rooms!

You met in the dorm. You studied together in the library. You sat together at games. You sang together in the choir. You ate together in the caf. You shared rides and you shared rent. You introduced each other to future business For Alumni, Parents, and Friends

partners, future spouses, and lifelong friends. You celebrated each other’s

SPRING 2022 | VOL. LXXVIII | ISSUE 1

first jobs. You helped pack the car after graduation.

STA F F Chair, Board of Trustees Scott Anderson ’89

Now, you can give back together.

President of the College Rebecca Bergman Vice President, Marketing and Communication Tim Kennedy ’82 Vice President, Advancement Thomas Young ’88 Director, Alumni and Parent Engagement Angela Erickson ’01 Director, Editorial Services 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 | adlerdesign.com, Anna Deike, Sydney Stumme-Berg ’22 Contributing Writers Sara Cronk ’22, Rachael Hanel, Rachel McCarthy, CJ Siewert ’11 Contributing Photographers Nick Campbell ’18, Lucy Johnson ’24, David Kelly, CJ Siewert ’11, SPX Sports, Sydney Stumme-Berg ’22, Ryan Weber ’22, Jesse Yeakle, Gustavus Adolphus College Archives Printer John Roberts Company | johnroberts.com Postmaster Send address changes to the Gustavus Quarterly, Office of Alumni and Parent Engagement, Gustavus Adolphus College, 800 W. College Ave., Saint Peter, MN 56082-1498 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.

In-person Christmas in Christ Chapel returned, with caveats. Audience members ages 12 and over showed proof of COVID-19 vaccination or negative test results. Capacity was capped at 75 percent to allow for some physical distancing. Audience members wore masks. Performers were tested routinely leading up to services. No buffet dinner was served. And it was divine. Through the hope of the nativity, we journeyed to a place of inspiration and good courage, knitting ourselves back together in defiance of the forces that seek to tear us apart. We went forth, singing.

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 32,500. Gustavus Adolphus College is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission and is a member of the North Central Association.

A class endowed scholarship is the perfect way to celebrate the connections you made years ago. By combining gifts with your classmates, you can support Gustavus students today and for years to come. Together, you will create a lasting legacy.

FOR MORE INFORMATION on joining your classmates to create a class endowed scholarship, contact Karla Leitzman ’13, Special Gift Officer/Coordinator for Reunion Giving, kleitzm2@gustavus.edu gustavus.edu/give

IN THIS ISSUE

2 10

KILLIN’ IT Gustie volleyball has made it to NCAA Nationals five out of the past seven seasons. Including this one. ALL IN THE GUSTIE FAMILY Gustavus family legacies are forged in the footsteps of one pioneering Gustie. Here are sibling and offspring stories from the Langsjoens and Hers, and other families too.

SHORT GAME. LONG GAME. Trailing by 15 strokes in the final round of the MIAC

IN EVERY ISSUE

Championships, the men’s golf team set the Gustavus

VÄLKOMMEN

and MIAC Championship record for lowest 18-holes.

ON THE HILL

SHINE PROFILES

WHY COLLEGES ARE ALWAYS ASKING FOR MONEY

SPORTS

Most likely, many of you have asked this question.

FINE ARTS

Here are some answers. They may surprise you.

GUSTIES

VESPERS

GUSTAVUS QUARTERLY | SPRING 2022

GUSTAVUS QUARTERLY

WINTER 2019

Killin’ It When the Gustavus volleyball team beat St. Olaf 25-19, 25-19, and 25-18 at home, they swept their way into the MIAC Championship game. Then they beat Bethel, also at home, and headed to the national tournament. They beat the University of Chicago in the first round and fell to eventual national champion UW-Eau Claire in the second. On the way, Kate Holtan ’21 (#2) broke the Gustavus kills record, held for 35 years by Val Flom ’86. Speaking of records, Kate’s sister and former teammate, Nora Holtan ’19, is the first player in the program’s history to record at least 4,500 career assists, 1,000 career digs, and 500 career kills. Gustie volleyball has made it to NCAA Nationals five out of the past seven years, with four MIAC Volleyball Playoff titles—two shy of the conference record.

GUSTAVUS QUARTERLY

SPRING 2022

Talk about a legacy.

Välkommen OPENING THE DOOR

Rebecca M. Bergman (ex officio), President, Gustavus Adolphus College

professors, and staff. It wasn’t long before I was engaged with the College in my own ways, giving talks on women in leadership and STEM career opportunities, then serving

Suzanne F. Boda ’82, Retired Senior Vice President, Los Angeles, American Airlines Robert D. Brown, Jr. ’83, MA, MD, Staff Neurologist, Professor of Neurology, Mayo Clinic College of Medicine, and John T. and Lillian Matthews Professor of Neuroscience, Mayo Clinic Kara K. Buckner ’97, President/Chief Strategy Officer, Fallon Worldwide, and Past President, Gustavus Alumni Association

on the Board of Trustees, and now as your president. My

Janette F. Concepcion, PhD, Clinical Psychologist, Concepcion Psychological Services

daughter, Laura ’17, joined the Gustie family. And my

Edward J. Drenttel ’81, JD, Attorney/Partner, Winthrop & Weinstine

daughter-in-law, Katherine Johns Bergman ’07 is also a Gustie. When we talk about what our alumni give back to Gustavus, we often talk about

Bruce A. Edwards ’77, Retired CEO, DHL Global Supply Chain

time, talents, and treasures. I would like to add family to the mix. Gusties, when you

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

talk about your relationship to Gustavus, you demonstrate through words and example

John M. Harris ’92, PhD, Associate Director, Protiviti

what it means to be a Gustie. You open the door to Gustavus, leading people to

Mary Dee J. Hicks ’75, PhD, Retired Senior Vice President, Personnel Decisions International

opportunities to learn and grow as you did. In doing so, you give the College the most wonderful gifts: your siblings and children, your cousins and neighbors, the people you most want to succeed in the world. The people you love become part of the Gustie community—as students would say, “the Gustie fam.” For those of you who have given financial gifts to the College—particularly scholarships—in honor of your own family legacies, you have opened the door to Gustavus even wider, providing social and economic mobility for whole new families and generations of Gusties. Gustavus was the first college experienced by the Langsjoen

The Rev. Alicia A. Hilding ’08, (ex officio) Co-pastor, Holy Trinity Lutheran Church; President, Gustavus Adolphus College Association of Congregations Keith N. Jackson ’89, JD, Assistant General Counsel, Aon The Rev. Peter C. Johnson ’92, Executive Pastor, St. Andrew Lutheran Church Paul R. Koch ’87, Retired Managing Director–Private Wealth Advisor, Senior Portfolio Manager, Koch Wealth Solutions, RBC Wealth Management Dennis A. Lind ’72, Chairman, Midwest Bank Group, Inc.

family and the Her family, as well as other Gusties in this issue. What an incredible

Jan Lindman, MBA, Treasurer to the King, The Royal Court of Sweden

honor it is to be the College home for them.

The Rev. Dr. David J. Lose, Senior Pastor, Mount Olivet Lutheran Church

There are so many ways to make a family. We make it by household and proximity, by friendship and affinity, by relationships near and far, by a shared love of a place, a culture, a way of being. I am forever grateful to my son for introducing me to Gustavus, and I am proud to be a member of this one-of-a-kind family. Yours in community, SPRING 2022

Catherine Asta ’75, JD, Attorney at Law

the family way. My son, Matthew ’07, led me here. In

community, the deep connections between students,

Scott P. Anderson ’89, MBA (chair), Head, Carlson Private Capital Industry Executive Council

Grayce Belvedere-Young, MBA, Founder and CEO, Lily Pad Consulting

place—the integrated liberal arts, the incredible, supportive

GUSTAVUS QUARTERLY

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

Like many of the Gusties in these pages, I came to Gustavus making his college choice, he showed me the best of this

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

Gordon D. Mansergh ’84, MA, MEd, PhD, Senior Behavioral Scientist, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (serving in a personal capacity) and Past President, Gustavus Alumni Association Mikka S. McCracken ’09, Program Manager, WW CSPXT, Amazon Jan Ledin Michaletz ’74, Past President, Gustavus Alumni Association Thomas J. Mielke ’80, JD, Retired Senior Vice President and General Counsel, Kimberly-Clark Corporation Bradley S. Nuss ’97, Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, Nuss Truck & Equipment Marcia L. Page ’82, MBA, Founding Partner, Värde Partners

Rebecca M. Bergman President, Gustavus Adolphus College

The Rev. Dr. Dee Pederson (ex officio), Bishop, Southwestern Minnesota Synod, ELCA The Rev. Dr. Dan. S. Poffenberger ’82, Senior Pastor, Shepherd of the Lake Lutheran Church Karl D. Self ’81, MBA, DDS, Associate Professor, University of Minnesota School of Dentistry Kent V. Stone ’08, MBA, Retired Vice Chairman, U.S. Bancorp The Rev. Heather Teune Wigdahl ’95, Senior Pastor, Our Savior’s Lutheran Church

ON THE HILL Physics professor Chuck Niederriter atop Olin Hall with one of six electric bikes recently added to the Gustavus bike rental program, and next to Olin’s solar panels.

BIKES AND BENCHES

Ride a bike around campus and you’ll

behind it. “Our students drive so much of

now much easier to bike up the hill. And

also notice three new benches outside The

environmental action here. The students

there are more places to sit and rest when

STEAMery. They represent more than two

have a lot of inspiration, and they bring

you get there.

thousand pounds of recyclable plastic saved

good energy into all of these projects,”

from landfills by members of the Gustavus

says Wallin.

In 2016, a group of student-athletes led the push for a bike rental program.

community. Through a partnership with

Last summer, with the Johnson Center for

TREX, a company which builds deck

adds Chuck Niederriter, physics and

Environmental Innovation, the program

materials from recycled plastic, the College

environmental studies professor and co-

expanded to include six electric bikes.

receives one bench per every 500 pounds

director of the Johnson Center. “They get

Electric bikes offer a sustainable alternative

of recycled plastic it collects.

us thinking about how we can reduce our

to driving around town, says Kari Wallin,

Such programs feed into the College’s

“The students are what inspire me,”

energy and waste.”

the College’s Compost, Waste, and

goal to divert 90 percent of waste away

Environmental Sustainability Manager.

from landfills. It’s a bold challenge,

campus are surrounded by tangible proof of

And they’re especially useful for students

but with the committed leadership of

how their individual actions can aggregate

without vehicles on campus.

talented Gusties, there is a lot of energy

into real good.

Whether at rest or on the go, Gusties on

GUSTAVUS QUARTERLY | SPRING 2022

Thanks to sustainably minded Gusties, it’s

ON THE HILL

THE 2021 AND 2020 CARLSON TEACHING AWARD WINNERS: PHIL BRYANT ’73 AND KATE KNUTSON This past May, both the 2021 and 2020 award were given. Gustavus faculty, staff, administrators, and students nominate professors for this award, the highest teaching award given at Gustavus. English and African Studies professor Phil

they’re so surprising in what they bring

Bryant ’73 received the 2021 award. After

to the classroom,” Bryant says. “Not just

graduating from Gustavus,

information, but a part of

Bryant went on to earn his master’s in creative writing from Columbia University before returning to the hill as a faculty member in 1989. He bases his teaching on student-

themselves.”

I had teachers that when they saw me, they said ‘you belong here.’ That’s what I try to follow and mimic, to get students to recognize what some people 50 years ago recognized in me.” —professor Phil Bryant ’73

students, with a unique blend of wisdom and humor. “I have never

met another professor who

laughter in me,” a student nominator wrote.

Political science professor Kate Knutson

topics intersect with many different

was named the 2020 recipient. “I love

aspects of life. “Every course I teach

teaching at a residential liberal arts college

feels timely and relevant. The things

because we focus on supporting the whole

students learn in political science will

student—developing their intellectual gifts,

make them educated, informed, and active

discerning who they want to be and what

citizens who are prepared to engage in

they want to do in the world, and equipping

the world.” “Kate asks her students to engage critically and thoughtfully with complex topics, and she does so with compassion

study trips to Washington D.C. and Hawaii

and grace,” a student nominator wrote.

and was previously awarded the College’s

“She pushes all of her students to examine

Faculty Service Award, appreciates

their opinions and back them up with

teaching political science because the

evidence.”

MAYDAY! PEACE CONFERENCE, IN PERSON AND ONLINE. This year’s conference, Growing SPRING 2022

he mentors faculty and

learning and connections. “The students,

Knutson, who has led January Term

books of poetry. Today,

laughs so much and can inspire so much

those goals.”

GUSTAVUS QUARTERLY

Bryant has authored four

centered discussions that foster genuine

them with the skills to be able to achieve

Beyond the classroom,

Peacebuilders, will feature Maya Soetoro and Kerrie Urosevich ’93, peace educators and the founders of Ceeds of Peace, a nonprofit aimed at raising peacemakers and educating communities on sustainability, justice, and peacebuilding. By planting the “ceeds” of compassion, commitment, collaboration, and more, Ceeds of Peace hopes to provide individuals with the tools they need to work towards positive change and remain resilient while doing so. Soetoro and Urosevich will share these tools with the Gustavus community through a presentation and a variety of interactive workshops. Wednesday, April 27; presentation in Christ Chapel at 10 a.m. Workshops throughout the day. Visit gustavus.edu/events/mayday for more information.

CAMPUS SOCIAL INSTAGRAM

Follow @gustavus, @gustiealum

TWITTER

@cj_zino

@gustavus

Beautiful day! #gustavusadolphuscollege

They met through @Gustieswhockey, and their

#gustavusfamily

resulting friendship carried them through ice rinks around the world. Meet the Gustavus Eight. #whygustavus @gustavus #FutureGusties and their families are meeting with current students, faculty, and staff at today’s Picture Yourself at Gustavus admission event at International Market Square in Minneapolis! #whygustavus #Gusties26

@gustiesoccer This team is amazing!! This year, we

Follow /gustavusadolphuscollege /gustavusfinearts

FACEBOOK

made 50 tie blankets to donate to the University of Minnesota Children’s

“Carlos Balbuena ’21 recently played the Minnesota Opera with the mariachi band,

Hospital! #gogusties #tieblankets

Mariachi Mi Tierra.” —Ópera Afuera, the opening performance of the Minnesota Opera’s 2021-2022 season, was held outside at Allianz Field. A celebration of the Latinx opera and music tradition, Balbuena and Mariachi Mi Tierra accompanied Vanessa Alonzo as she performed, “La Cigarra” and “La Malagueña”.

Follow @gustavusadolphuscollege

“We need you to break the silence because the stakes are actually life and death. What we believe about one another leads to grave harm. We must find ways of speaking honestly and intelligently about our past. We need more people opening up conversations, removing the taboo and changing the culture of silence by breaking the silence.” —Dr. Carolyn Roberts, historian of medicine and science at Yale University, from her lecture as the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Speaker on January 17

GUSTAVUS QUARTERLY | SPRING 2022

10:00 a.m. Time for Reflection

ON THE HILL

SHINE: EMELIA LARYEA ’24 Blending Two Worlds MORE THAN 6,000 MILES FROM GHANA, AND ONLY 600 STEPS FROM HER SISTER, SHE’S FOUND GUSTIES WHO ARE HER “HOME AWAY FROM HOME.”

“You’re not Black until you come to America.” Laryea learned this at the age of five, when her family left their small village in Ghana for a new life in Minneapolis. She’s lived most of her life in the States, but her identity is a blend of two worlds, always shifting. “If I were to go back to Ghana I’d be an American,” she says. “Here, I’m African-American, but in Ghana, I’m not a Black American. When I’m in Ghana, I’m just a person.” When the plane from Ghana touched down in Minneapolis, the first shock to her system was physical. Not realizing the difference between Celsius and Fahrenheit, she wore a tank top in the middle of winter. There were other key differences. In school in the suburb of Columbia Heights, she found that her teachers weren’t as focused on discipline, and the bland cafeteria food left much to be desired. She followed her older sister, Abby ’23, to Gustavus. Life on the Hill has brought its own cultural changes. For the first time, Laryea found herself the only Black student in a classroom. “It was very weird,” she remembers. Starting college during COVID-19 only added to the weirdness. Now, as a sophomore, Laryea has found herself a solid friend group, including many fellow Ghanaians. Laryea hasn’t visited Ghana since leaving in 2006, so meeting Ghanaian students at Gustavus offers a rare chance to celebrate her culture with others. “It’s like you get Ghana in the United States,” she says. “It’s like home away from home.” Sometimes they celebrate in big ways, like cooking family recipes in Co-Ed or donning traditional clothing for PASO’s annual Africa Night. Other times it’s the little things that matter to Laryea—the blend of accents among her Ghanian friends, the friendly waves from across campus. “People need to feel like they belong in the space they’re in, and they need to feel like they have

For Laryea, a diverse campus community brings new ideas that heighten the liberal arts experience. “It’s really boring when you see the same kinds of people every day. When people come from all different places, I think it changes the whole atmosphere. You can learn from other people’s customs and then mesh them with your own.”

COMMUNITY

GUSTAVUS QUARTERLY | SPRING 2022

people they can depend on.”

SHINE: MADDALENA MARINARI How We Got Here INFORMED BY LIVED EXPERIENCES AS AN IMMIGRANT, THIS PROFESSOR’S WORK BRINGS LESSONS FROM ITALIAN AND JEWISH IMMIGRANT HISTORY TO THE PRESENT.

In Marinari’s Italian hometown, “everyone had someone who left.” Her parents were leavers too—except they came back. After living in Switzerland, Marinari’s father had an extremely positive experience as an immigrant, while her mother struggled and felt more at home in Italy. “I grew up with these two different narratives about what it means to leave your country.” The desire to understand her parents’ experiences planted an intellectual curiosity which led her to the United States and the study of immigration history in the U.S.. When the first migrant waves from Italy and Eastern Europe arrived in the U.S. in the late 19th century, America was already passing restrictive policies to preserve the country’s white, Anglo-Saxon, Protestant identity. Later, instead of targeting Irish and German immigrants, anti-immigrant feelings centered on Chinese, Italian, and Jewish immigrants. Marinari’s book Unwanted (University of North Carolina Press) traces how Italian and Jewish immigrant communities endured years of discrimination in the U.S. A path to citizenship was crucial for securing basic rights, but at the time, only “white” immigrants were eligible. “The discrimination Italians and Jews faced doesn’t really compare to immigrants of color,” she says. That America is a nation of immigrants is declared proudly in high school civics classes, enshrined in national landmarks. In practice, however, new arrivals have faced systemic oppression in a cycle which continues today. “Sometimes I read these quotes in newspapers and I think, ‘What year is it? Is it 2022 or 1922?’” Marinari asks. Her co-directed project “Immigrants in COVID America” is documenting the impact of COVID-19 on immigrants and refugees in the United States. The results have already led to a better understanding of vaccine hesitancy among these populations, in addition to preserving immigrant voices. Marinari shares such immigrant voices from then and now in class. The realities are shocking to many. That, she says, is where critical thinking sharpens. “We have to be comfortable with being

Marinari is a key organizer of #ImmigrationSyllabus, an JUSTICE

accessible collection of historical resources that put our modern immigration debates in context. The project’s original target audience was activists and journalists, but K-12 teachers have since latched on. Says Marinari, “It’s exciting to hear that we’re making a difference.”

GUSTAVUS QUARTERLY | SPRING 2022

uncomfortable.”

E H T N I L AL

E I T S GU Y L I M A F

GUSTAVUS QUARTERLY | SPRING 2022

ND MANY A , S T N A BY IMMIGR D E D N U O F RATION E S N A E W G S T U S IR GUSTAV R S WERE F E T A U D A R AND OTHE , G N T E S R IR D F IL OF ITS LINGS, CH IB S . S T N E STUD COLLEGE OFTEN S R E B M E FAMILY M N INITIAL A W O L L STIE FO U G G GUSTIE ORE ILIES IN R M E E N T IO P EE FAM E M R A Y E R C E . ILL. H LEGA AGE 20 TO THE H P GUSTIE F O S IE R STO MMUNITY, O C , Y IL M FA E. AND PRID

Per “Flit” Langsjoen Class of 1943

Leif Langsjoen Class of 1947 Trudy Langsjoen Class of 1950

Arne Langsjoen Class of 1942 Odin Langsjoen Class of 1944

Alma “Doopy” Langsjoen Class of 1953 Ralph “Tonk” Langsjoen Class of 1950

Nels Langsjoen Class of 1911

Sven “Beanie” Langsjoen Class of 1948

A LEGACY OF LANGSJOENS

FROM THE FIRST CHILD OF AN IMMIGRANT FAMILY TO GO TO COLLEGE TO ALL EIGHT OF HIS OWN CHILDREN, AND MORE. IT’S A GUSTAVUS LEGACY MORE THAN A CENTURY OLD. BY RACHAEL HANEL

GUSTAVUS QUARTERLY

SPRING 2022

t all started with Nels.

in language studies, and married Alma

Gustavus. For a brief time, four of them

He was the son of Norwegian

Matson, a first-generation Swedish

were there together.

immigrants. His parents, Peder and

immigrant. He served as president

The legacy filters down, as several of

Gertrude, met in Dalton, Minnesota, when

of Northwestern College in Fergus

Nels and Alma’s grandchildren, and even

Peder was a hired hand on Gertrude’s

Falls. When it closed during the Great

great-grandchildren, attended Gustavus.

family farm. The oldest of nine children

Depression, Nels and Alma returned to

born in the U.S., Nels enrolled at

Gustavus where Nels would teach German,

faculty member helped ease the financial

Gustavus in 1907 and graduated in 1911,

French, and Spanish.

burden of college for eight children. Pete

salutatorian of a class of around 100

Certainly Nels’ position as a Gustavus

It would prove hard to find a landlord

Langsjoen ’69, grandson of Nels and son of

students. As far as is known, none of his

that would rent to them; with them were

Arne (who became a professor of chemistry

siblings attended college.

their eight children: Arne, Per, Odin, Leif,

at Gustavus), also benefited from this

Sven, Ralph, Gertrude, and Alma.

advantage. “But I would have gone there

Nels made much of his Gustavus education. After graduation, he taught

All of those children would attend

and coached high school sports in

Gustavus. Between 1938 and 1950, there

Pelican Rapids, earned a master’s degree

was at least one Langsjoen child attending

anyway,” says Pete. “Where else would I go?” Pete documented the unusual family story in a book published for family

members titled Langsjoen: Building a Legacy. According to his research through the Gustavus Adolphus College Archives, including yearbooks, photos, and Gustavian Weekly articles, the eight Langsjoen kids thrived at Gustavus— athletically and academically. “Initially they were reported like anyone else. So-and-so tried out for football, or joined a certain fraternity, or was elected a class officer,” Pete notes in the book. “But gradually the narrative changed

trained for chemical warfare and

from discussing the accomplishments

also taught soldiers how to protect

of the individual to discussing the

themselves against gas attacks. Leif

accomplishments of the family, and

and Sven were part of the Navy’s

always in glowing terms.” There were

V-12 program, in which graduates

valedictorians, editors of TheWeekly and

of the program were commissioned

Student Senate leaders, and a Frosh

as officers. (The Gustavus campus

Queen. Their athleticism was legendary.

was home to a V-12 program from

Together, the Langsjoen men earned a

1943 until 1946. During that

total of 30 letters. (It would have been

time, 213 marines and 739 sailors

more if it hadn’t been for WWII.) And

lived in Rundstrom and Uhler

all six earned the Myrum Memorial Key,

Halls.) Ralph graduated from

awarded to the senior athlete with the

high school early and joined the

highest academic record. It could be

Navy, attending Gustavus after

argued that Gustavus athletics was built on

his service. Two of the Langsjoen

Langsjoen effort.

brothers earned Purple Hearts.

—GUST AVUS P ROFESS LANGS OR NEL JOEN 19 S 11, IN A ARTICL 1958 E FROM THE MIN NEAPO LIS STA

All six of the boys—

many of the family stories, but not all of

members of Phi Alpha while

them. “I knew a lot of the good things,

at Gustavus—earned advanced degrees.

but the more I looked at it, the better it

Arne became a chemistry professor at

Depression, which proved to be formative

got,” he says.

Gustavus. Sven (“Beanie”) joined Arne

for the Langsjoens (as well as millions of

Nels’ children grew up during the Great

and his father as a professor at Gustavus.

others in America). It certainly factored

matriculated, the Minneapolis Tribune

He taught modern languages like his dad.

into the family’s Gustavus legacy; Nels

ran a story with the headline “Poor Old

Per (“Flit”) and Ralph (“Tonk”) became

could send all eight children to Gustavus

Gustavus—No More Langsjoens.”

medical doctors. Odie became a dentist.

for free. The children all came of age

When all the siblings finally

Leif became a lawyer and judge. Gertrude

during World War II, which made them

during World War II, with all of their

(“Trudie”) became a teacher and Alma

all part of “the greatest generation.” The

names inscribed on the Saint Peter Area

(“Doopy”) worked in a variety of jobs after

war, especially the V-7 and V-12 programs,

Veterans Memorial. Per was part of a

raising six children.

also may have had something to do with

All six boys served their country

V-7 Naval Reserve program. When he

inspiring confidence in the Langsjoen boys

graduated from Gustavus in 1943, he

who participated, Ross Langsjoen, son of

was commissioned as a deck officer. Odie



Leif, notes. “The point of the programs

graduated from Gustavus early in 1943

Though Pete cannot say for sure what

was to take very young men and give them

and was commissioned as an ensign in

exactly contributed to the family’s success,

the skills and confidence they needed to

the Navy. Arne entered the Army and

he says it was likely a combination of things.

lead during wartime.”

GUSTAVUS QUARTERLY | SPRING 2022

As the oldest grandchild, Pete knew

“The kid s were s mall the stuffed n. I them all into our and we old Buic left Ferg k us Falls about nine tha t mornin g. We to lunch alo ok our ng. We couldn’t restaura afford a nt. Mrs. Selma L arson, a friend o f ours, t ook us t o her ho in Saint use Peter fo r suppe r. I neve apprecia r ted a m eal so m uch in my life .”

Clockwise, from left: “Flippin” Flit ’43 was basketball team, co-captain; Sven “Beanie” ’48 (“Mr. Football) and Leif “Doc” ’47 (Weekly Sports Editor) were both in the Naval V-12 program. Trudy ’50, was Frosh Queen.

Doopy, the Homecoming Queen of Saint Peter, 1948 And there was the work ethic of

models. “The parents had to have a lot to

their immigrant great grandparents and

do with it. I wish I knew what their secret

grandparents. Erik ’72, son of Odie,

was,” Pete says with a laugh. Says Ross, “It

says Alma was of Swedish heritage, and

was a special group. Their dad is the head

the combination of Swedish (Alma) and

of a language department at the college,

Norwegian (Nels) placed an importance

they all are physically competitive and

on both having fun and having a drive to

good at athletics, they have a desire to be

succeed. Ross says he especially admired

special. All of that added together.” Even

his Grandma Alma. “She worked like a

if there was some competitiveness, “they

campus for homecoming and other events

dog. She had that whole brood of kids

all did get along very well,” Pete says. The

as a kid. His uncle, Arne, was instrumental

to take care of, ran the food service

eight Gustie siblings remained close all

in the planning of the Nobel Hall of

[at Gustavus for a time], and was very

of their lives.

Science and the entire family went to see it

determined to do what she needed to do. She was the glue that held the outfit together.” Clearly Nels and Alma were good role



upon completion. Ross also remembers meeting the

Gustavus was deeply woven into the

legendary sculptor Paul Granlund ’52.

family’s fabric. Ross remembers visiting

When Ross was a boy, his Grandma Alma took him to campus where Granlund rendered a cast of his head. Ross’s grandma completed the sculpture and Ross still has it today. Erik has fond memories of family gatherings in Saint

Six of the eight Langsjoen kids as adults

Clockwise, from left: Modern Languages professor Sven “Beanie” ’48. Arne ’42, valedictorian of his class. Odie ’44 and his future wife, Mavis McClure ’44. He graduated early to join the Navy.

Tolga and Roros, Norway A NORWEGIAN AT A SWEDISH SCHOOL?

Peter, particularly at the Langsjoen house



at 410 N. Fourth Street. (It was occupied

undreds of thousands of Swedes and Norwegians came to the U.S. between

by a Langsjoen until it was destroyed by

Nels and his children—the first two

the tornado in 1998.) He remembers his

generations of Langsjoens—are long gone.

Norwegians Peder Nilson Langsjoen

grandfather, Nels, as an “iconic figure”

The youngest, Doopy, died in November

and Gertrude Swenson, the parents of

holding court. “I weaseled into sitting

at the age of 90.

the first Gustie Langsjoen.

on his lap, and he’d feed me sugar cubes

Pete still attends college reunions

1850 and 1930. Among them were

Glenn Kranking ’98, professor of

dipped in his coffee,” Erik says. He

and frequently comes to Saint Peter to

History and Scandinavian Studies,

describes Nels as a consummate teacher,

visit his sister Karen. “It’s great,” Pete

says Scandinavians at the time valued

quiet and determined. The siblings were

says of returning to Gustavus. “Every

education. “What is striking is that

close and Erik was a little in awe. “All

year there’s a reason for me to come

[Peder and Gertrude] would send

of the brothers and sisters were pretty

back to campus.”

their son to a very Swedish school.”

impressive figures to a little kid. They

So many more of Nels Langsjoen’s

In Norway, the Langsjoen family

were clever and glib and sure of

descendants have chosen Gustavus.

lived near Tolga and Roros, near the

themselves,” he says. When it came time

It’s at least 15, according to Pete’s

Swedish border. They may have been

for college, “Gustavus was the only place

records and college records, including

familiar with Swedish culture. Or

I wanted to go,” he says.

at least three that are Nels’s great

Dalton, Minnesota, where they settled,

grandchildren. New legacies are

may have been a mixed community of

continuously being built.

Swedes and Norwegians.

Pete also attended Gustavus, as did his sister, Karen ’67, and brother, Thor ’72. Karen served as the bookstore

And a family of eight children who all

The Langsjoen legacy of public

manager at Gustavus for many years.

attended Gustavus? Like the Langsjoen

service careers also correlates.

Erik met his spouse at Gustavus (a

siblings themselves, that’s pretty special.

“Scandinavian immigrants saw the

common occurance among Langsjoens).

Skål to their father, Nels, who opened

value in public service,” Kranking says.

Erik’s sister, Linnea ’68, attended, as

the door.

Service remains a Gustavus core value.

did his daughter, Maria (Mia) ’05. His son, jokingly called “the black sheep,” attended Northwestern University in

BEFORE THERE WERE EUROPEAN SETTLERS southern Minnesota was home to

Evanston, IL. Ross attended Gustavus for

the Dakota for thousands of years. Throughout the 1800s, as settlers moved west,

one year. His sister, Linda ’73, graduated

the U.S. government made and broke treaties with the Dakota. These broken

from Gustavus.

promises escalated into the U.S.-Dakota War of 1862 and resulted in the forced removal of the Dakota from their homelands. We live in the shadow of this history.

Elizabeth Her Class of 2019

Yeng Her Class of 2010

Adriana Her Class of 2026

Amy Her Class of 2013

Emily Her Class of 2020

Pang Her Class of 2010

THE HER HERITAGE

WHEN THE ELDEST OF THE HER KIDS ENROLLED AT GUSTAVUS, SHE UNLOCKED THE DOOR TO COLLEGE FOR HER SIX SIBLINGS.

GUSTAVUS QUARTERLY

SPRING 2022

BY STEPHANIE WILBUR ASH

t started with Kee. She is the daughter of Hmong immigrants Wang and Yeng Thao,

family of four landed in Rhode Island in

to do everything new—learn English,

December of 1987, “with nothing but

navigate driving—on top of raising

the clothes on our backs,” Kee says.

three young kids,” says Pang. Not an

refugees of the Vietnam War and a

“A zip-up jacket—that was my coat at

easy task, especially when Kee and

CIA-sponsored secret operation that

the time.”

Yeng, who did not yet speak English,

destroyed their homelands in Laos. Kee

A third sibling, Pang ’10, was born

struggled at daycare. There were no

’06 was born in Laos. Her brother,

in the U.S. less than a year later. Their

Hmong resources there at the time, and

Yeng ’10, was born in a Thai refugee

parents spent a decade working labor

ultimately the two were removed. More

camp. After sponsorship from an aunt

jobs in suburban Boston while living and

daughters would come, including Amy

and the Roman Catholic Church, the

parenting in a new country. “They had

’13 and Elizabeth ’19, before the parents

packed them all into two vehicles and

At Gustavus, the support was there. “I

a U-Haul and moved to southwestern

remember walking into the financial

Gustavus was pretty much their

Minnesota.

aid office asking, what do I do? And

foregone conclusion. “We dragged them

Mark Anderson ’66 [then vice president

everywhere on campus when they were

hobby farm outside of Marshall. “We

for admission and financial aid] said,

little,” Kee says. “They wanted Gustavus

were so happy on the farm!” says Pang.

‘Let’s sit down.’ I had so many friends,

t-shirts for Christmas.” (They got them.)

The family grew close in the country, in

advisers, professors who made me feel

“We encouraged them to look around,

a community of their own making, with

at home. I knew if I went to somebody,

but ultimately they had to build their

three more Her kids (for a total of 10,

they would help me.”

own legacy,” Pang says.

They settled near family, on a six-acre

For three more Her siblings,

including Emily ’20) and a menagerie of

Yeng followed Kee. “He’s the one

“I set out to be different,” Amy says.

family pets that included a pony named

who left Gustavus with the most friends,”

“I was like, this is my chance!” She looked

Ponius and a peacock named Kevin.

Pang says. Then it was Pang’s turn.

Gustavus entered their lives through

“Gustavus was one less decision for

Kee, who saw a flyer about Gustavus at

me. Dad would get off my case!” she

her high school. As a first-generation

jokes. She, still forged her own path.

prospective college student, “I knew

“I had to say, ‘I’m not Kee.’ I got set

I wanted to go to college but I didn’t

up with a mentor. We sat down my

know what it meant to get there,” she

first year and mapped out all four

says. The Gustavus admission counselor

years and a pivot plan.

who visited with her, Yvonne McGee,

“That’s not a resource we had

“we just clicked.” The feeling continued

at home,” she notes. “I couldn’t sit

on her campus visit, with the entire

down with my parents and do that.

family in tow. “My parents were super

We were extremely dependent on

active participants in the college search

the resources that were available at

process,” says Pang. “We had that dad

Gustavus.”

“About refugee and immigrant fam ilies in general—it is very early on instilled that there is no limit to your capacit y to learn.” —KEE HER ’06 , THE ELDEST OF SEVEN GUST IE SIBLINGS

with the camcorder and an opinion on every campus.” Kee’s opinion was favorable. “There are colleges that will tell you that you will fit there and colleges that will make you feel that. I had the feeling that I could be a part of Gustavus,” she says. Choosing Gustavus was the easy part. Leaving home was harder. “I remember my mom dropping me off, and Emily and Elizabeth crying. I was terrified. I had come from a community where we and Emily, four. They cried for the entire two-hour car ride home. Kee brought war-torn Laos, a refugee camp in Thailand, suburban Boston, rural Minnesota, and a culture of resilience with her to Gustavus. “It was drilled into us as kids that if you don’t know the answer, you step up and ask.”

GUSTAVUS QUARTERLY | SPRING 2022

didn’t leave home.” Elizabeth was five,

Left: Six Her sisters, all Gusties, with their mother, Yeng Thao.

Above: Kevin, the beloved family peacock. Below: the family hobby farm just outside of Marshall where the siblings were raised. Left, six of the nine Her women.

Above and right: Emily ’20 and Elizabeth ’19 (photographed twice on the Paul Granlund ’52 sculpture, Luna Moth Matrix) were raised on frequent visits to campus.

at colleges in urban areas, but when she

parents, ‘I’m not going for fun.’ I had to

“I remember making a slideshow in the

got down to it, “it just became evident

give them an entire presentation.”

fourth grade about Gustavus and I had

that Gustavus was a better fit. I felt

Elizabeth toured other schools too.

to ask how to spell ‘college’. I sent my

comfortable. I had everything I needed.”

“But did I apply? No,” she laughs. “Since

ACT score to a few different places but I

She did, however, break the mold by

I was little, Gustavus was the dream

don’t even know why.” Pang remembers

studying abroad. “I had to tell our

because I was so attached to my older

being amazed at the questions one of

siblings.” The same holds true for Emily.

her younger sisters asked on college tours. Credit transfers, study abroad— they were the questions of a someone who had inherited a knowledge of how college works. “I didn’t even know those

GUSTAVUS QUARTERLY | SPRING 2022

questions existed when I toured,” Pang

Kee and Yeng with their parents in their ﬁrst year in the U.S.

Top left: The Her Gustie sisters with their mother at a wedding in Lakeville. Bottom left: Baby Adriana ’26 and Elizabeth ’19 with their mother at the farm in Marshall.

Laos Elizabeth ’19 (in Gustie gear) and Emily ’20 at the sign.

HMONG IN MINNESOTA AND AT GUSTAVUS

mong immigrants came to the United States, and Minnesota, from Laos

says. If you’re among the first in your

to become a Gustie, Anjolie Kue ’21.) In

family to go to college, “you fake it ’til

the Her parents’ living room is a framed

St. Paul metro area is home to the

you make it.”

photo of six Gusties standing at the sign,

largest concentration of Hmong in

And here they are now. Kee is a

beginning in 1975. The Minneapolis-

though some of the heads have had to be

America, a migration spurred by the

physician’s assistant working in critical

photoshopped in by Elizabeth because

sponsorship of organizations such

care. Yeng works for the U.S. Postal

the COVID-19 pandemic has prevented

as the U.S. Catholic Conference and

Service. Pang manages a process

them from being together for recent

Lutheran Social Services.

improvement team for Pace Labs. Amy

graduations. The last of the Her sibling

works with her as a quality analyst.

crew is a sophomore in high school.

Elizabeth is a pediatric nurse on a medical and surgical floor. Emily just finished her first year teaching elementary school

Six Gusties at the sign, yet there are seven Gustie Her siblings. This September, Adriana, born in

The first Hmong graduate of Gustavus, Chia Vang ’94, is now a professor of history at the University Wisconsin-Milwaukee. “We were refugees,” she told Gustavus history

art. (The Her siblings also influenced a

2004 during Kee’s sophomore year, joins

professor Greg Kaster on the

cousin’s daughter from North Carolina

the Gustavus Class of 2026.

College’s Learning for Life podcast. “Obviously, that’s a very different experience than immigrants who

“MY DAD IS THE BIGGEST CHAMPION OF EDUCATION BECAUSE HE NEVER HAD THE OPPORTUNITY TO PURSUE IT HIMSELF. FOR US, IT WAS NEVER AN OPTION NOT TO PURSUE COLLEGE.”

status, people are fleeing for their

—PANG HER ’10

and multicultural awareness.

lives.” Early Hmong students helped start an organization for Asian cultures. Today, there are several orgs, including the Hmong American Cultural Outreach (HACO), which promotes unity, culture, and heritage

GUSTAVUS QUARTERLY | SPRING 2022

prepared to leave. With refugee

MEET THE NEW LEGACIES THE LANGSJOENS AND THE HERS ARE JUST TWO FAMILIES WHOSE MEMBERS HAVE FOLLOWED EACH OTHER TO GUSTAVUS. HERE ARE MORE.

THE THIERHOFFS

THE KUBISAS

graduated from White Bear Lake High School and was an

comes from an alumni connection. Originally from the French-

international student at Gustavus. (He and his family were

speaking Democratic Republic of Congo, the Kubisas moved

German citizens; his father worked at 3M). Ruth Mason and

to Minnesota in 2016. At church, they met former Gustavus

Marianne Keswani ’53 in the International Center helped to

President Jim Peterson and his wife, Susan. (See page 39.)

Sven ’88 came to Gustavus as a top-ranked tennis player. He

GUSTAVUS QUARTERLY | SPRING 2022

For sisters Ingrid ’21 and Reidun ’21, the Gustavus legacy

create a sense of community for him and other international

The Petersons helped the sisters look at various colleges

students. His tennis coach, Steve Wilkinson, and wife, Barb,

around Minnesota but Gustavus stood out. A campus tour in

became like second parents.

their native tongue showed Gustavus was the place for them.

“I felt part of the tennis family at Gustavus and have come

and Ingrid n’21’21 Reidu

Says Ingrid, “We felt welcomed by the community since the

back many times,” Sven says. He is still involved with Tennis

first day we visited campus.” Ingrid—a political science major

& Life Camps today. His son, Can ’19, who was raised in

with a double minor in African studies and peace studies, and

Germany, was familiar with Gustavus because of his many

Reidun—a psychology major—were the first Congolese

visits to campus for TLC. Can chose Gustavus because of that

students to enroll at Gustavus. “We felt valued when

familiar feeling and, like his dad, was an international student

[international student adviser] Jeff Anderson put our flag in

who played varsity tennis.

the cafeteria.”

Can now works in sports performance and management

Today, Ingrid is a research, education, and advocacy

in Germany. Sven also lives in Germany, where he runs the

assistant at the Advocates for Human Rights in Minneapolis,

brand licensing business for Endeavor/IMG. He can envision

and Reidun is working as an autism behavior technician at

other members of his family choosing Gustavus. “I have not

Fraser in Eden Prairie. The Kubisa sisters have a goal of getting

experienced a more positive environment for families and

more Congolese students to consider Gustavus, starting with

kids,” he says.

their sister, Melysa ’25.

FIRST-FORWARD NETWORK

This initiative aims to provide guidance, direction, and resources for first-generation students. It does so as students transition from high school to Gustavus, and as they navigate their journey through college, whether they meet the formal definition of first-generation or simply recognize the need to fill hidden academic, institutional culture, or networking gaps.

THE JAYAWARDENAS

Brother-sister pair Asitha ’09 and Mayanthi ’11 both received the Gustavus First-Decade Award. Asitha, a pediatric ENT surgeon at Children’s Minnesota in Minneapolis, also found Gustavus through tennis, through a friend of his father’s who convinced Asitha to visit. Asitha was so impressed with Steve

Anthony ’24 a Hernándnedz Jesús

THE HERNÁNDEZES

A first-generation college student, immigrant, and Army

Wilkinson and how he brought Buddhist concepts into his

veteran who attended public colleges, Jesús Hernández Mejía

coaching style. “Coach Wilk is one of those people who has

knew little about Gustavus growing up in Butterfield. His son,

had the greatest influence on my life,” he says.

Anthony ’24, knew quite a bit more. He worked in the Caf

Mayanthi followed. She vividly recalls one weekend she spent visiting Asitha. She loved the energy and beauty of the campus. But, “most importantly, I remember seeing [Asitha]

while in high school, and attended Tennis & Life Camps. And his dad works here as Dean of Financial Aid. The finances were on Jesús’s mind as Anthony chose a

celebrating our culture and finding places where it was

college. For Anthony, “it’s more like I picked a school and my

celebrated and I think that turned the tide for me,” she says.

dad happens to work here. Sometimes it’s like we’re not even

She is now a multi-disciplinary artist and small business owner

on the same campus.” (They do grab lunch on Fridays.) Jesús says the key factor for first-generation and immigrant

in Durham, N.C. Asitha hopes his children will one day choose Gustavus.

siblings is support from Gustavus. “How does the first sibling

“I’ve been lucky enough to have experienced a wide variety of

feel they are treated? If that first sibling feels like they got

top-ranked universities and I legitimately couldn’t think of a

the support they needed, the other siblings will feel like it’s a

better place for my daughters,” he says.

good fit for them.” That includes academics. “Our professors do a phenomenal job of going the extra mile,” he says. And it includes financial aid. “Prospective students know the same opportunities their sibling had will be applied to them as well.”

GUSTAVUS LEGACY AWARDS

FIRST-GENERATION SCHOLARSHIPS HERITAGE SCHOLARSHIPS

and 9 0 ’ a h t i As yanthi ’11 Ma

In response to the Gustavus Acts Strategic Plan, the College awards 50 of these each year to students with high academic achievement who have financial need. A four-year commitment of $3,000 per year is awarded to the student in their first year and remains with them all four years. Like more than 400 endowed scholarships (supporting more than 1300 students), Heritage Scholarships are named by their donors.

GUSTAVUS QUARTERLY | SPRING 2022

These awards, which help reduce the cost of Gustavus, are given to students whose siblings are current students or alumni, or whose parents or grandparents are Gustavus alumni.

SPORTS

This fall, Jacob Pedersen ’22 set the MIAC and Gustavus record for lowest score in the final round of the MIAC Championships.

SHORT GAME. LONG GAME.

Trailing by 15 strokes entering the

GUSTAVUS QUARTERLY | SPRING 2022

(1976, 77, 78), Mike Maras ’87 (1985,

we needed to get after it while still

86), Jon Lindquist ’92 (1990, 91),

Championships, the Gustavus men’s golf

being smart in order to have a chance,”

Scott Moe ’95 (1992, 93, 94), and J.P.

team knew the overall title was likely not

Pedersen said. “I think it freed us all up

Prenevost ’00 (1996, 98).]

within reach.

a little bit knowing that we were already

But there was still plenty of work to

“We all had the game plan of knowing

third and final round of the MIAC

In addition to Pedersen’s performance,

down. We didn’t need to worry about

Max Ullan (Sr., Blaine) and Wyatt

do. And they sure did it. The team set the

losing a lead. All we could do was try to

Wasko (Jr., Lake Elmo) also earned All-

Gustavus and MIAC Championship record

climb back. I think that’s what allowed us

Championship Team honors by finishing

for lowest 18-hole score at 277 (-11).

all to play so well that day.”

third and fourth, respectively.

Leading the charge was Jacob

Pedersen’s record day was highlighted

“We’re all super excited for where

Pedersen (Sr., Minnetonka) who fired

by a chip-in eagle and seven birdies.

we’re at right now knowing we’ve set

a seven-under par (65), setting the

Having won MIAC medalist honors in

ourselves up for a fun spring,” Pedersen

Gustavus and MIAC individual record for

2018 and 2021, Pedersen joined an elite

says. “We’re all just focused on the

lowest 18-hole score while claiming his

group of only six Gusties to win multiple

main goal of competing for a national

second MIAC individual championship.

conference titles. [Dan Prochnow ’78

championship.”

Football The Gusties finished with their best record since 1998, going 8-2 overall and 6-2 in the MIAC. Eight athletes were named MIAC First Team AllConference. Joining Jakes (right) on the All-MIAC team were Dalton Thelen (Sr., Cold Spring), Mitchell Borchardt (Sr., Le Sueur), Gunnar Johnson (Sr., St. Cloud), Carson Dekam (So., Owatonna), Kaleb Scott (Sr., Los Angeles), Ezekiel Sundberg (Sr., Lakewood, Colo.),

Zach Jakes (Sr., Mankato), #16, was voted the recipient of the Mike Stam Award, given to the MIAC Lineman of the Year.

and Andrew Abegglen (Jr., Mound). Abegglen and Thelen were also named

the No. 4 seed in MIAC playoffs where

program history. Villalobos received the

CoSIDA Academic All-District, and Jakes,

they went on to defeat Augsburg 1-0

MIAC Elite 22 Award.

Dekam, Sundberg, and Abegglen earned

in the quarterfinals before losing to

D3football.com All-Region honors.

St. Catherine in the semis. The Gusties

Women’s Golf

finished 11-9 overall and 7-4 in the

The Gusties took second at the MIAC

league. Katie Ashpole (Sr., Chaska) and

Championships. Erin Ericson (Sr.,

Page Cocchiarella (Sr., Owatonna) were

Onalaska, Wis.) led the team with a

selected to the MIAC All-Conference

runner-up individual finish. Ericson

Team, while Cocchiarella was selected

also earned the MIAC Elite 22 Award.

United Soccer Coaches All-Region.

Joining Ericson on the All-Championship

The Gusties finished the season 14-5 overall and 8-2 in the MIAC. Jared

Team was Emily Kratz (Sr., Edina), who

Hecht (So., Apple Valley) was named

Cross Country

MIAC Defensive Player of the Year and

The Gustie women took third place

in six events during the fall, finishing in

United Soccer Coaches Second Team

at the MIAC Championships while the

the top four in all but one event.

All-America. Matthew Gibbons (Sr.,

men placed fourth. Elizabeth Donnelly

Minneapolis) earned All-Region and

(Sr., Langley, Wash.) finished 10th and

Tennis

All-Conference honors after setting

Evelyn Villalobos (So., Crystal) took

The Gustie men hosted the ITA Midwest

the Gustavus record for careers assists

15th to earn All-Conference honors for

Regional Championships on Oct. 1-4,

with 39, breaking a record held by Larry

the women, while Andrew Stumbo (Sr.,

and although the Gusties did not

Shelhammer ’76. Otis Anderson (So.,

Boone, Iowa) took 12th and Garet Grant

make the finals in either singles or

Minneapolis) joined the All-Conference

(Sr., Winona) finished 13th, earning

doubles, the doubles team of Nick

Team. Cole Schwartz (Sr., Jakarta,

All-MIAC as well. Stumbo is the first

Aney (Sr., Rochester) and Alex Budde

Indonesia) was selected CoSIDA

Gustavus men’s cross country runner

(Jr., Menomonee Falls, Wis.) received

Academic All-America for the second

to earn All-Conference all four seasons.

an at-large bid to the ITA Cup where

season, while Trace Dobson (Sr., Sioux

Villalobos, Stumbo, Grant, and Henry

they defeated the No. 1 seed in the first

Falls, S.D.) was selected Academic All-

Hinchcliffe (Jr., Austin) all finished in

round to earn All-America status. The

District for the second time.

the top-35 at the NCAA North Region

Gustie women traveled to Whitewater,

Championships to earn All-Region

Wis. for the ITA regional where Simona

Women’s Soccer

finished seventh. The Gusties competed

honors. Stumbo qualified for the NCAA

Potockova (Sr., Nova’Dubnica, Slovakia)

The Gusties won seven of their last eight

Championships where he took 109th

highlighted the weekend by reaching

games of the regular season to earn

place with the third fastest 8k time in

the singles quarterfinals.

SPRING 2022

Men’s Soccer

See page 2.

GUSTAVUS QUARTERLY

Volleyball

FINE ARTS

“Gustavus students are so actively involved in their classes and their learning and are responsible for what they want to get out of their coursework,” says visiting assistant professor Kimberly Braun ’11. “Having that curiosity that the liberal arts sparks in you, I think it’s invaluable.” Students, left to right: Sam Peters ’23, Aurora Schelmeske ’24, Spencer Quiram ’23

A BIT OF FLEX. A LOT OF FUN.

Gustavus theatre & dance made the

directed the fall workshop production,

has taught at the Guthrie and CalArts.

return to live performance this fall with

solstånd, and is directing the spring

She has also acted professionally at

its production of The Misanthrope by

mainstage production Gloria.

Folger Theatre, Barter Theatre, and

GUSTAVUS QUARTERLY | SPRING 2022

Molière in the Rob and Judy Gardner

With all productions taking place

Texas Shakespeare Festival. “Gustavus is

Laboratory Theatre November 11–14.

in the Gardner Lab Theatre, Braun

the foundation of all of that, and is with

Returning to direct the production was

says she’s excited to try new audience

me still, as are all the other teachers I’ve

visiting assistant professor and alum

configurations, such as theatre in the

had throughout my life,” Braun says.

Kimberly Braun ’11.

round. The Misanthrope utilized several

“It’s just so fun to bring all of those

Braun is filling in for her former

new possibilities in the theatre, including

elements together and to have the shared

professor, Henry MacCarthy, who is

special effects for the wedding at the end

vocabulary with the Gustavus theatre &

on sabbatical. “He told me, you can’t

of the show. “I think that really, they were

dance department,” she says. And with

change the world, but you can change

able to flex with those a little bit on this

numerous COVID-19 protocols in place,

yourself, and by doing that, you change

show,” she says.

“Everyone was willing to play and have

the world. And I think that’s had a pretty big impact on me,” she says. Braun also

Braun earned an MFA in acting from the University of South Carolina, and

fun. It was so delightful to be back doing live theatre again.”

Arts & Art History

Theatre & Dance

Creative Summer

The Gustavus Department of

November 15–December 8

Theatre & Dance presented En

The Schaefer Art Gallery displayed

Masse: The Choreographers’

recent work by the art and art history

Gallery, which included individual

department’s recipients of project

student choreographers Cascade

grants during the summer. The

Oppitz ’23, Park Rapids, MN,

Music

participants included award winners

Elyse Doeden ’23, Waconia, MN, Tessa

Winds of Christmas

from the Presidential Faculty Student

Longshore ’22, Faribault, MN. Student

The Gustavus Wind Symphony

Collaboration Grant and Gustavus Studio

choreographers explored themes of

and the Gustavus Wind Orchestra

Art Summer Project Grant. Anna-Olivia

gathering, sharing time and space,

gathered together to perform favorite

Machado ’22, Philadelphia; PA Sanjeeda

and the ups and downs of the human

Christmas songs, complete with holiday

Shutrishba ’22, Dhaka, Bangladesh

experience.

adornments!

UPCOMING February 14– April 24 | Fevzi Yazici: DARK WHITE

This year’s concert features work by faculty choreographers

Hillstrom Museum of Art

Sarah Hauss, Jill Patterson, Melissa C. Rolnick, and Michele

Fevzi Yazici: DARK WHITE, features 45 drawings by imprisoned

Rusinko, guest choreographers Karla Grotting and Jeffrey

Turkish journalist and artist Fevzi Yazici (b. 1972). The artist

Peterson, and selected students.

served as the design director of Istanbul’s Zaman newspaper until 2016, when the Turkish government closed down the paper

April 20–May 11 | Junior Studio Arts Major Exhibition

and Yazici and colleagues were imprisoned as part of that

Hillstrom Museum of Art

crackdown on freedom of the press following a coup attempt

The junior studio arts majors will present their spring

against the government party. Yazici was originally sentenced

exhibition.

to life in prison on terrorism charges but in 2019 the Turkish Supreme Court reduced his sentence.

May 5–May 8 | Gloria

Branden Jacobs-Jenkins’ Pulitzer Prize finalist, Gloria, is a

After a kickoff performance at Crooner’s Supper Club in Fridley,

modern workplace comedy with biting humor and devastating

the group will cruise down the Mississippi River, making stops

consequences. Tensions are high as a group of aspiring writers

in famous river towns that were prevalent steamboat hubs. The

face the boredom of their desk jobs. Dealing with social

ensemble is spending the year exploring the ways in which the

exclusion, competition, and toxic work environments Gloria

riverboats helped migrate jazz musical culture up the river all

raises the question: after trauma, who owns the story?

the way from New Orleans to St. Paul. May 6 | Choral Showcase, Christ Chapel April 7–10 | To Love the World Harder: The Gustavus Dance

The Choral Showcase features a variety of music performed by

Company in Concert

the Gustavus Choir, the Chapel Choir, and the Lucia Singers.

Directed by Melissa C. Rolnick and Michele Rusinko Rob and Judy Gardner Laboratory Theatre Grief and gratitude, anxiety and relief, despair and hope—all imprinted into our

For the most up-to-date information on our

somatic memories—provide the raw materials for our inquiries.

calendar, visit gustavus.edu/finearts.

Rob and Judy Gardner Laboratory Theatre

April 2 | Home Concert

GUSTAVUS QUARTERLY

March 19–27 | Gustavus Jazz Ensemble Tour

SPRING 2022

Directed by visiting assistant professor Kimberly Braun ’11

WHY COLLEGES ARE ALWAYS

asking alumni for money Most likely, many of you have asked this question. It’s an important one. Here are some answers.

75% 75% OF DONORS TO GUSTAVUS ARE ALUMNI

NON-ALUMNI DONORS

lumni are indispensible for American higher education. Looking at both private and public institutions nationwide,

fees alone do not fully meet the costs

percent. Then we bounced back quickly.

of educating, housing, and feeding a

In 2021, the number of alumni donors

college student, not to mention the costs

was more than 10 percent higher than the

of maintaining science labs, orchestras,

previous year. Even more alumni gave to

alumni giving historically has been a major

computer networks, sports teams, and

the College that year than in 2019.

source of monetary support. In 2020,

more.

alumni gave over $11 billion to colleges and universities. That number doesn’t tell the whole story

Gustavus beats the national trends

That’s why colleges are always asking

in another important marker of alumni

their alumni for money.

giving: donor retention. In each of the last

Gifts are a vital source of support for

five years, between 65 and 70 percent of

of alumni giving. A large share of voluntary

Gustavus’ operating budget. Each year,

Gustavus Fund donors renewed gifts they

giving to higher education comes from

funds that originated from philanthropic

made the previous year. By comparison, the

foundations and other organizations, such

gifts—whether to the Gustavus Fund,

retention rate for colleges and universities

as donor-advised funds––over $23 billion

designated gifts, or the endowment—

nationwide is between 55 and 60 percent.

in 2020. In many cases, though, the person

meet more than a quarter of the College’s

who established the foundation or donor-

operating costs. And how much of that

statistic. It shows that Gusties are loyal.

advised fund is a graduate of the particular

giving comes from alumni? More than 75

The past year and a half gave proof that

school it supports. For instance, Michael

percent of people who give to Gustavus

the College’s broad base of committed

Bloomberg made his record-setting $1.8

each year are graduates of the College.

supporters provides Gustavus with a strong

billion gift to Johns Hopkins University,

Donor retention at Gustavus is a telling

Over the last five years, alumni giving

financial foundation. The College withstood

where he earned a degree in electrical

rates have steadily dropped at colleges

the tremors caused by the COVID

engineering, through his foundation.

and universities across the country. The

pandemic thanks to a dedicated community

COVID-19 pandemic brought an even

of donors.

For a university like Johns Hopkins, alumni gifts are just one slice in the

steeper decline. Nationwide, there was a

budgetary pie. A large research university

13 percent drop in the number of alumni

is an invitation to join this community.

counts revenue from student tuition,

donors in 2020. For private institutions, the

Throughout its history, Gustavus has relied

research grants, patent licenses, vendor

decline was even more pronounced––over

on those committed to the College’s mission

contracts, state appropriations, and sales

16 percent.

who have established a legacy of giving.

When we ask our alumni to give, it

and fees. (Think of patient billing at the

In contrast, the number of alumni who

university hospital, or tickets for football

gave to Gustavus last year, during the height

games). For scale: a Big Ten university

of the pandemic, dipped less than two

Thank you to those who have heeded the call. As inheritors of this legacy, we will carry it forward to future generations. •

brings in anywhere from $100 to $200 million in sports revenue per year, while 60%

70%

50%

60%

40%

50%

30%

40%

in tens of millions rather than billions of

20%

30%

dollars. And while Gustavus researchers

10%

20%

10%

Of course, a liberal arts college like Gustavus has a different financial model. First, the operating budget is counted

do win major grants and the College sells tickets for campus events, those sources of revenue are much smaller. Student tuition and fees still account for the bulk of operating revenue. Yet tuition and

$1.5 billion.

2019 Public Institutions

2020 Private Institutions

Gustavus Fund

GUSTAVUS QUARTERLY

70%

SPRING 2022

DONOR RETENTION

research grants at those schools can reach

WH Y WE G IVE :

Bruce Monke ’72 and Becky Lind Monke ’74 “THERE ARE A LOT OF GUSTAVUS MEMORIES FOR US. A LOT OF MEMORIES FOR OUR FAMILIES.”

BRUCE: The first graduate in my family was my grandfather, Adolph Annexstad. He finished the two-year program in business in 1907. Becky’s grandfather, Marvin Larson, also went to Gustavus, graduating in 1922. BECKY: My grandfather later taught German at the College for 20 years. My grandmother was also here around 1920. My mom went here for a year before she got married. And of course, there are all the uncles and aunts and cousins, in both my family and Bruce’s, as well as Bruce’s brother, Joel ’76. BRUCE: I was a townie from Saint Peter. My cousin would come down to our house for dinner when she was a student. I

Bruce and Becky both received Gustavus scholarships which made the College more affordable for them than public institutions. Scholarships are now a part of their long tradition of giving to Gustavus. “Even when we were in graduate school, we gave back to Gustavus, out of gratitude. You can’t just take. You need to give back. Now that we are able, we can give more.”

remember dropping her off at the dorm. Later, when I was a student, I had a girlfriend in that same dorm. started the careers of more than 30 entomologists: all former BECKY: Was that me?

Gustavus students he steered to different graduate programs.

BRUCE: No, you were in a different dorm. But I didn’t know

BECKY: After we moved to Lincoln, I worked at the

you then.

University of Nebraska Research State Museum. My liberal different things at the museum and eventually served as the

after he had graduated. He was working at the Le Sueur

Registrar and Archivist. I eventually got back into teaching

Foundry and taking education classes. We got married after I

when we moved to Florida.

finished student teaching. BRUCE: We are both strong believers in liberal arts

GUSTAVUS QUARTERLY

SPRING 2022

arts education was great preparation for this. I did a lot of BECKY: Actually, Bruce and I didn’t meet until the summer

BRUCE: I didn’t stay long in education. One of my professors,

education––that’s a big reason why we give to the College.

Dr. Charles Hamrum, suggested that I go to graduate

It’s trite to say that Gustavus teaches you how to think, but

school for entomology at the University of Nebraska. He

it’s certainly the case that the College puts you in a position to

recommended me for an assistantship there. Charlie probably

better evaluate and analyze, no matter what your field.

WH Y WE G IVE :

Peter Kitundu ’92 “GUSTAVUS GAVE ME MY PARENTS. WHY WOULDN’T I GIVE BACK?”

My mom, Mary Ellen ’65, came to Gustavus from Lakefield, a small town in southern Minnesota. She grew up on a farm. When she was a girl, a lamb even followed her to the school bus. But she was born to travel, and she loved to help people wherever she went. My dad, Peter ’64, came to Gustavus from Tanzania. At the time, there were a number of Tanzanian students at the College.

Years later you appreciate all the things the community gives you: a great education, friendships, teammates, wonderful experiences.” —Peter Kintundu ’92

Kitundu spent his childhood in Tanzania, where his parents did medical missions service, his father as a physician, his mother as a nurse. “I was always running around Dar es Salaam with my friends, playing soccer with anything we could find for a ball.” Kitundu recalls. “I grew up speaking English and Swahili, with a

A recent Gustavus graduate, Denny Lofstrom ’51, was serving

smattering of French.” Kitundu’s parents returned to

there as a doctor, in connection with the Lutheran Church.

Tanzania after he and his siblings, Walter and Ancina,

Denny recommended my dad for a scholarship.

finished school in Minnesota. Their mother, Mary Ellen

My parents met when my mom decided to visit Tanzania, to

Tordsen Kitundu, was honored by the Gustavus Alumni

learn about the work that Denny and other medical missionaries

Association for her work as president of International

were doing. She reached out to my dad just to get some

Health Partners in Tanzania.

have those experiences going to a big university. Years

I had a connection to Gustavus before I even knew what

later you appreciate all the things the community gives

Gustavus was about. My parents had their yearbooks and records

you: a great education, friendships, teammates, wonderful

of the choir singing, and people with Gustavus connections

experiences.

would regularly visit. After we moved to St. Paul, my mom would

I still come to campus and wonder what it was like when

bring me to campus when she taught nursing classes. I didn’t

my parents were here, now that they have both passed away.

apply to any other college.

Hopefully, new generations of students will have the kinds of

Going to a school like Gustavus shapes the kind of person you become. When I was a student, there were professors

experiences they did, and I did. That’s why I give, to make sure that mission continues.

who remembered my dad as a student. My sister didn’t

thing led to another, and they were married in 1965.

GUSTAVUS QUARTERLY

she came home, she wanted to learn more about his home. One

SPRING 2022

information about Tanzania and maybe learn some Swahili. When

No one in my family ever said we had to go to school here. I certainly never said that to my kids. We all found Gustavus on our own.” —Scott Anderson ’89

“MY GRANDFATHER LOVED SEEING CHANGES AT THE COLLEGE.” SCOTT ANDERSON ’89, CHAIR OF THE GUSTAVUS BOARD OF TRUSTEES, ON PLAYING CATCH WITH FORMER COLLEGE PRESIDENT FRANK BARTH, THE SURPRISE LEARNING THAT HAPPENED AT A GUSTAVUS HOCKEY GAME, AND HOW GUSTAVUS AND ITS ALUMNI CAN ENSURE THE COLLEGE LEGACY MOVES

GUSTAVUS QUARTERLY | SPRING 2022

FORWARD WITH CHANGE WHILE RETAINING THAT INDOMITABLE GUSTIE SPIRIT.

Can you give us an overview

Anderson ’63, were here in the early 60s.

be the one to go somewhere other than

of your family tree and how it

My sister Becky and I were in the classes

Gustavus. But I remember her saying, “I

connects with Gustavus?

of ’87 and ’89. My wife, Kari, graduated

saw the strong relationships our parents

SA: I can start with my great-

in ’92, and our three children––Monica

and grandparents had with their Gustavus

grandmother, Mabel Anderson. She

’18, Linnea ’20, and Cole ’22––all came

friends, and I wanted those for myself.”

didn’t go to Gustavus, but her sister and

here. Cole is a senior now. All three of my

brothers did. One of her brothers was

sister’s children went to Gustavus as well.

Luther Youngdahl ’19, who served as governor of Minnesota. My grandparents, Ren ’34 and Sylvia

The main thing that drew my sister and

Gustavus also offers an incredibly full experience for students. That’s what I wanted when I came here. I played a little

me were the deep friendships our parents

bit of basketball––not very successfully.

and grandparents had. Our family lived in

I was on the golf team and was involved

Benzon Anderson ’36, were students

California when we were in high school,

in student government. I watched my

here in the early 1930s, and then my

and my sister had opportunities to go to a

kids and their friends do the same. This

parents, Jim ’60 and Diane Hammargren

lot of great schools. I thought she would

has always impressed me about Gustavus

students: they’re involved in such a

time and effort our Board members put

College. If you think of how forward-

diversity of activities. And there’s no

into their service. To a person, they care

thinking Christ Chapel was at the time,

rhyme or reason to all the things students

deeply about the institution, whether

just from an architectural standpoint, that

do. I’ve always thought that’s part of the

they are an alum, a parent, or a non-alum

gives a sense of how Gustavus has been

secret sauce of the Gustavus experience.

who believes in the Gustavus mission.

open to new things. You don’t want an

They work to ensure that Gustavus

institution that is so rooted in tradition it

You had the Gustavus experience

remains a great place to educate

never changes. One of the unique things

even when you were very young.

students.

about Gustavus is that there is a willingness

SA: My grandparents both worked here

to change, while at the same time there is

in the Advancement Office. You hardly

Given your family’s history with

a continuous Gustie spirit. I saw that with

saw one without the other. They were

the College, are there aspects of

my kids and their friends. The bonds they

really a team. It was unique at the time

Gustavus that you feel especially

made, and the impact faculty members

to have a grandmother who worked full-

called to uphold, as the Board

had in their lives, were similar to my

time. That was neat to see.

chair.

own experience––and my parents’ and

SA: The pandemic has shown we can

grandparents’ experiences.

It was always a treat for Becky and me to be sent down to Saint Peter to stay

be incredibly efficient with virtual

with the grandparents. There were days

connections. But person–to–person

Where does that spirit come from?

when we just roamed campus. Eventually,

learning is still so important in preparing

SA: Great institutions are great

we’d end up back at the Student Union

students. When we think of the soft

storytellers. If we truly love the place,

and see [dining service legend] Evelyn

skills they gain, in terms of emotional

it’s important that we tell the whole,

Young ’33. Or we’d play catch with

intelligence and resilience, the residential

unvarnished history. That’s one of the

[president] Frank Barth.

liberal arts experience is incredibly

responsibilities of the Board, along with

valuable.

all of the alumni.

I also went to a lot of Gustavus events with my dad. I learned my first swear word at a Gustavus hockey game.

That’s why student engagement is

Let’s turn to the Board of Trustees.

such a key part

What are your responsibilities?

of Gustavus––not

SA: The main task of any board, be it

only experiences

public or private, is to support the

in the classroom,

institution. It serves as the fiduciary of

but also their

the institution: the caretaker for all

involvement in

stakeholders. The Board doesn’t manage

theatre or music

the day-to-day operations; that’s the

or athletics. We

responsibility of the president and

have to continue

administration. But because the Board’s

delivering those

members have a variety of professional

opportunities to a

backgrounds, we can provide counsel

changing student

Scott, newly graduated, with grandparents Ren Anderson ’34

for President Bergman and the cabinet

population.

and Sylvia Benzon Anderson ’36, parents Diana Hammargren

in long-range planning and resource allocation. I have always been impressed with the

My grandfather loved seeing changes at the

Anderson ’63 and James Anderson ’60, sister Becky Anderson ’87, and her husband, Lee Fahrenz ’87.

G USTIES SURVEY SAYS

THE EXPERIENCE OF FIRSTGENERATION GUSTIES WAS DIFFERENT THAN THAT OF THOSE WHO WERE NOT FIRST-GEN. 29%

The 2021 Alumni Survey yielded important information about the Gustavus experience. Over 3400 alumni responded, and from class years as fresh as 2020 and as seasoned as 1945. Here’s just some of what we learned from you.

50% studied abroad

44%

TOP 5 THINGS GUSTAVUS DID WELL IN PREPARING SURVEY RESPONDENTS FOR THE WORLD.

34% joined a frat/sorority

5. Work effectively as a member of a team 4. Acquire broad knowledge in the arts, sciences, and humanities 3. Write clearly and effectively 2. Think analytically and critically 1. Acquire new skills and knowledge on my own

51% 71% students held a leadership role on-or-off campus

first-generation respondents non-first-generation respondents

MOST OF YOU ARE CURRENTLY WORKING IN THE FIELD OR MAJOR IN WHICH YOU STUDIED. BUT NOT ALL OF YOU.

36%

31%

Working in a field related to major

Working in same field

TIME ON THE HILL IS FONDLY REMEMBERED. 80

Working in field not related to major

of alumni survey respondents are satisfied or highly satisfied with their Gustavus student experience overall.

70 60

92% 91%

of alumni survey respondents are satisfied or highly satisfied with their Gustavus academic experience.

50 40 30

88%

of alumni survey respondents are satisfied or highly satisfied with their Gustavus non-academic experience.

Alumni Association

CLASS NEWS and 10 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

0 | 800-487-8437 | gustavus.edu/alumni alumni@gustavus.edu

J. C. Anderson ’82 , (vice president) partner/ attorney, Lathrop GPM Esther Mulder Widmalm-Delphonse ’08 , (secretary) attorney, labor law, United States Department of Labor

No tests. No papers. No stress. Just fun with old friends and new ones, too. Reunion Weekend offers you the opportunity to spend time surrounded by friends without having to stress about food, activities, or hotel rooms. We’ll take care of you.

Jessica Martinez ’15 , (treasurer) Academic Dean for Grade 9, assistant to the principal, Cristo Rey Jesuit High School

All your meals are included with your registration fee. Your reunion committee helps decide the what, where, and when of meals. Gustavus will handle the rest.

Mark Bergman ’79 , president and owner, Bercom International, LLC

Shuttle service is provided to off-campus venues and golf cart transportation gets you swiftly across campus as needed. Stay in the dorms! We provide bed linens, pillows, and bath towels for those who do. Older Gusties get airconditioned rooms. Use campus like a nostalgic, much-loved resort. Fitness, enrichment (from beloved professors and staff), and relaxation are all part of the package, including access to the brand new Lund Center expansion, the arboretum, and yes, adirondack chairs to sit back and relax. Off campus, enjoy beer and wine tastings at area wineries and breweries, shop downtown Saint Peter, take in a round of golf, and more. It’s all part of what’s being planned for you.

Rick Barbari ’91 , head of IT economics, US Bank Melinda Moen Batz ’86, business manager/ partner, Good Leadership Enterprise s

Mary Booker ’91 , executive director, student financial services, University of Delaware, Newark Sarah Schueffner Borgendale ’06 , managerrecruiting, inclusion and diversity, Fredrikson and Byron, P.A. Jen Brandenburg ’02 , pharmacist, CVS Pharmacy Torin Dougherty ’16 , solution architect, Minnesota Mining & Manufacturing Bruce Ensrud ’90 , senior financial consultant, Parable Wealth Partners Rebecca Wold Freeman ’98 , associate pastor, Mount Olivet Lutheran Church Jillian Hiscock ’05, director of college and career success, Genesys Works Twin Cities Amy Zenk James ’94 , sales and outreach director, Meadow Woods Assisted Living Todd Krough ’85 , senior investment officer, Tealwood Asset Management Bill Laumann ’66 , retired schoolteacher/ librarian, Albert Lea ISD #241 Katherine Medbery-Oleson ’02 , professor, speech communications, Bellevue Community College John Moorhead ’68 , retired co-owner, Lindskoog Florist Craig Nelson ’70 , retired, teacher on special assignment, LeSueur/Henderson ISD Jace Riggin ’16 , assistant director of admissions, Macalester College Deb Johnson Rosenberg ’79 , director of retirement plan consulting, Stiles Financial Services, Inc. Alissa Fahrenz Rowley ’13 , analyst, Excelsior Energy Capital Mary Anderson Rothfusz ’83 , retired attorney Mark Scharmer ’77 , retired executive vice president, insurance operations, Federated Mutual Insurance Company Marcia Stephens ’73 , retired financial advisor Matt Swenson ’06, director of CEO communications, Cargill, Inc.

For specific packages, pricing, and frequently asked questions, visit gustavus.edu/reunionweekend.

April Valentine ’92 , assistant director for immigration, Purdue University Northwest

SPRING 2022

June 3–5, 2022 | Classes of ’57, ’62, ’66, ’67, ’70, ’71, ’72, ’77, ’82, ’87, ’92, ’95, ’96, ’97, ’02, ’07, ’10, ’11, ’12, ’17

Michael Bussey ’69 , (president) senior consultant, Donor by Design Group, LLC

And we’re ready to welcome you home—including those whose reunions were postponed due to COVID-19.

GUSTAVUS QUARTERLY

Reunion Weekend is back!

2021–22 ALUMNI ASSOCIATION BOARD OF DIRECTORS

GUSTIES

60|

Les Schuft, Hutchinson, was elected to the Minnesota Music Hall of Fame. He has had his own band, the Country Dutchmen, for 63 years. In addition to traveling nine states with the band, he has played for the old Minnesota North Stars and at Aquatennial events. He practiced dentistry for 30 years and then worked for a radio station in Hutchinson. He is also a lay minister in the Southwest Minnesota Synod of the ELCA.

62|

Steve Hanson, Bloomington, retired as a family practitioner at the Osakis Medical Center. Sue Schreiber Kear, Cary, NC, is a self-employed private tutor.

GUSTAVUS QUARTERLY

SPRING 2022

65|

Louise Carlson, Glencoe, a retired German teacher, volunteers at a local hospital, sings in the choir, and is a bell ringer at her church. Dave Jordahl, Appleton, WI, a retired associate professor of music at the University of Wisconsin, Superior, volunteers tutoring first graders in reading and at the public library. Tim Robinson, Sarasota, FL, a retired professor of psychological science at Gustavus, continues to play trumpet in numerous groups and venues in Florida and Minnesota. Michael Sponberg, North Mankato, a retired community college professor, raises organic apples which he gives to the food shelf and serves as secretary of the Mankato Paddling and Outdoors Club.

66|

Dick Edstrom, Stillwater, retired from Life Transitions Services. Jan Williams Stephen, Denver, CO, sells real estate and works with seniors in transition.

68|

John Ahlstrom, St. Paul, published his first book, The First Book of John in March. It’s available at the Book Mark. Elizabeth Logan Sulik, Howard Beach, NY, retired after many years in healthcare, most recently at Joseph P. Addabbo Family Health Center as information technology, media coordinator. Carl Zaar, Franklin, WI, returned from a trip to Iceland in early October.

69|

Greg Benson, Stillwater, is retired president and CEO of First State Bank and Trust in Bayport. He serves on the boards of First State Bank and Trust and The Fred C and Katherine B Andersen Foundation. He has recently retired from the board of the Andersen Window Corporation.

70|

Mindy Rittenhouse Greiling, Roseville, is serving as president of the National Alliance on Mental Illness, Ramsey County. John L. Martinson, Galena, IL, has been owner and artist at West Street Sculpture Park in Galena since 1986. Craig Nelson, St. Peter, is the author of The Time of Strangeness Haiku, which came out of a project in which he posted on social media more than 100 original haiku with his photography. It is available on Amazon.

71|

Terri Behrends-Singer, Edina, is retired and volunteers two days a week at VEAP (Volunteers Enlisted to Assist People), the largest food shelf in Minnesota. Marge Aasness Schaffer, Eden Prairie, has published a book titled, Journey Through the Mental Health Illness Maze: How Families Find Hope and Acceptance. It is available on Amazon.

72|

Barbara Moore Stransky, Afton, retired in 2016 after 44 years of teaching special education in the North St. Paul-Maplewood Oakdale School District. She keeps busy with her volunteer activities.

73|

William Beslock, White Lake, MI, a former social sciences and science teacher, is still guest teaching. Linda Thomas Harper, Columbus, GA, has retired after more than 33 years with the Division of Family and Children Services as the first Black director in Muscogee County, Georgia. Mark Zeise, Lakeville, retired as a science teacher and baseball coach for the Lakeville School District. He is now a volunteer baseball coach for Farmington High School and a personalized earth/space science instructor.

75|

Steven J. Griffith, White Bear Lake, is on the Board of the Celtic Junction in St. Paul and Out of the Mist Celtic Theatre in St. Paul. He is also teaching Irish drama courses at Celtic Junction Arts Center.

Mark Helgeland, Thief River Falls, is serving as an interim pastor at Zion Lutheran Church. Ron Rude, Tucson, AZ, has published a book, Amending the Christian Story: The Natural Sciences as a Window into Grounded Faith and Sustainable Living. It can be found through the publisher at wipfandstock.com and Amazon.

76|

Melanie Williams Frank, Blufton, SC, is a retired U.S. Navy nurse working part time at a boutique in Old Town Bluffton. Bruce Olson, Brooklyn Park, is president-elect of Audio Engineering Society in New York, NY. The Society counts over 12,000 members throughout the U.S., Latin America, Europe, Japan, and the Far East. Scott E. Olson, North Mankato, is the interim senior pastor at Good Shepherd Lutheran in Wells. David Petersen, Lewiston, ID, has retired after 37 years of family practice medicine with Catalyst Medical Group. He also served on the Board and was past president of the Idaho Medical Association.

77|

Nancy Beahrs Oster, Fifty Lakes, retired as an oncology nurse at Health Partners-Park Nicollet in Minneapolis. James L. Thompson, Osseo, WI, retired as president and CEO of Brickwell Community Bank.

78|

Jon R. Bakken, Waterville, has spent the last two years as the tight end coach for St. Olaf College and offensive coordinator for Lakeville South High School.

79|

Scott Flom, Eden Prairie, was inducted into the Kenyon-Wanamingo Athletics Hall of Fame in October 2021. Charly Skalbeck, Plymouth, a captain at Delta Air Lines, has retired after 42 years and over 26,000 hours aloft. His retirement coincides with the retirement of the Boeing 737NG. Janelle Schnuckle Turinetti, Duluth, retired from Aspirus Wausau Hospital after a 40-year career as an RN. Harry Van Gelder, Belleville, MI, is the social studies department head at Summit Academy North High School.

81|

Gretchen Johnsen, Woodbury, continues as a family physician at the Allina Medical Clinic in Cottage Grove. Tom Mobeck, Chaska, retired as a quality assurance IT at Prudential. Jon Najarian, Chicago, IL, former NFL linebacker turned trader on the Chicago Board Options Exchange, is regularly featured on CNBC. He is founder of Mercury Trading, and later co-founded with his brother Pete, optionMONSTER, an options news and education firm, and TradeMONSTER, a leading online brokerage firm. He has also authored four bestselling books. You can read his market observations and trade ideas at marketrebellion.com, his financial education and newsletter services company.

82|

Angie Huse Benda, Kenyon, retired from Reproductive Medicine and Infertility Associates.

86|

Wes Beedon, Roseville, is a senior vice president/ commercial lender for Key Community Bank in Inver Grove Heights. He also plays guitar and bass professionally for a band signed to Tinderbox Records.

Joe Eischens, Parkville, MO, is co-founder, mediator, and attorney at Eischens + Vogel Mediation Solutions. Terry Haley, Lakeville, teaches at Rosemount-Apple Valley-Eagan School District. Gretchen Roble Hudacek, Fall Creek, WI, is a vice president and commercial loan officer at Royal Credit Union. Kristi Multhap, Davidson, NC, is Vail professor and chair of the psychology department at Davidson College.

88|

Mark T. Anderson, Woodbury, has been promoted to global business vice president, polymers and specialty chemical business unit at 3M.

89|

Tom Bessinger, Eden Prairie, is vice president and commercial team leader at Huntington Asset Finance. Alison McDonald, University Park, IL is a web production specialist at HUB International in Chicago.

90|

Pam Eggler, Rochester, is a senior analyst for IBM and received a Major Outstanding Technical Achievement Award in 2021 for helping to enable delivery of critical nodes to the Oak Ridge National Lab’s Summit Computer, a supercomputer used for COVID19-related research. Pam Carle Siebert, Oakdale, is vice president of community

91|

Deb Jenks, Oregon, WI, recently returned from Tokyo. She was part of the medical staff for Team USA at the 2020 Paralympics. Anne Sammelson Noonan, Orono, is an independent writer contractor. Ward Swanson, Eden Prairie, has been named president and CEO of Barr Engineering, an engineering and environmental consulting firm.

92|

Shelley Wagner Beazley, Menomonie, WI, is an electronic services analyst at WESTconsin Credit Union. Maret Freeman, Portland, ME, is a business development director at Maximus in Maine. Sarah Morrison Kostial, Orono, is a private banking group manager at Associated Bank.

93|

Deb Thomas Olsen, Worthington, has been promoted to finance director for the City of Worthington.

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Tiana Bey, Derwood, MD, is an attorney/ associate with the law firm of Mitchell Silberberg & Knupp in Washington DC. Greg Munson, Mendota Heights, has been appointed executive managing director, Midwest region for Transwestern Real Estate Services.

Founders Day On Oct. 29, Founders Day 2021, the College honored three dedicated employees who have upheld the College’s founding mission of service. Left to right: JJ Akin ’11 received the Eric Norelius Award for Outstanding Administrative Employee; Dwight Stoll is the winner of the Faculty Service Award; and Dale Flemming is the recipient of the Augusta Carlson Schultz Award.

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Brian Brekke, Apple Valley, is a medical device professional for Relievant Medsystems. Jeff Holmberg, Savage, is the interim superintendent for Centennial School District, Circle Pines. Scott Hoss, Rochester, is a vice president of business banking at Think Bank.

and accommodated testing coordinator at Macalester College.

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Sara Huntley, St. Paul, is director of global customer advocacy at Nuance Communications. Sheryl Filby Williams, Duluth, is a vice president and senior hydrogeologist for Barr Engineering.

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Jack Sikora, Wauconda, IL, is a senior director program management at Pyxis Oncology in Cambridge, MA. Melissa LeVesque-Piela, Edina, is a real estate agent for Coldwell Banker. Jason McDonald, Shakopee, is a department coordinator

Jennifer Carlson, Edina, is a financial advisor at Thrivent Financial. Corey Bartlett, Sartell, is president/CEO at Automotive Parts Headquarters.

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Karla Johnson Beck, Saint James, is director of teaching and learning for Redwood Area School District.

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experience at National Youth Leadership Council. Paula Sammon Wright, Lakeville, has been promoted to vice president of client services at Tunheim.

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David Knoll, Plymouth, is director of finance and operations at Wayzata Community Church.

Brian Hays, Prescott, WI, retired after 36 years in the field of probation, mental health, and correction services.

GUSTAVUS QUARTERLY

Autumn Rilling Hilger, Athol, ID, is a nurse administrator at A Compassionate In-Home Care in Coeur d’Alene. William Michael, Tonka Bay, is a shareholder, co-chair, and trial practice attorney with Greenberg Traurig Law Firm. Mary Davis Mobeck, Chaska, retired as an elementary teacher at Eastern Carver County Schools. Dwight Rudquist, Lindstrom, is a pastor at First Evangelical Lutheran Church. Mike Solbrack, Litchfield, is a practicing dentist at Litchfield Family Dentistry and was recently inducted into the Litchfield High School Hall of Fame. Eric Timm ’82, Willowbrook, IL, has been appointed chief executive officer of its recently established Neuromod USA, the US entity of Neuromod Devices, headquartered in Ireland. Neuromod makes a medical device for tinnitus treatment.

GUSTIES

Gusties Around the World In London Provost Brenda Kelly helped then-senior, Hailey Concepcion ’21, make connections with alumni in London upon her move there. Here is Concepcion lunching with Amy Thompson ’87 and Ann DeLaHunt Burniston ’88.

In Sweden and Norway Christopher Moylan ’90 completed a

GUSTAVUS QUARTERLY

SPRING 2022

30-day pilgrimage on St. Olavsleden,

In India

a 360-mile trail that traces the

Former roommates Brad Nuss ’97

1030 route of St. Olav, Norway’s

and Ashok Banerjee ’98 climbed the

patron saint, from Sundsvall, Sweden

high-altitude trek of Kanchenjunga

to Trondheim, Norway. It is the

National Park in Sikkim.

northernmost pilgrim trail in the world.

Jeff Von De Linde, Dayton, OH, is an athletic trainer and the coordinator of athletic training service at Kettering Health in Dayton.

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Rebecca Kiesow Knudsen, Sioux Falls, SD, has been appointed president/CEO of Lutheran Social Services of South Dakota.

Dave Savage, Berkeley, CA, is an associate professor at the University of California, Berkeley, and was appointed an investigator in the Howard Hughes Medical Institute. Julie Bexell Sieben, Hastings, is a kindergarten teacher in the Farmington School District. Becky Smith, Urbana, IL, received the Presidential Medallion

from the University of Illinois for her leadership of the system’s COVID-19 response. She has also been appointed a member of the Environmental Protection Agency’s Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act Scientific Advisory Panel. She is an assistant professor, department of pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine at the

University of Illinois, Urbana. Heather Walker, St. Paul, is an executive director II at Brookdale Senior Living in West St. Paul.

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Erin Hoffman Austin, Fort Collins, CO, is a French teacher at Poudre High School. She recently published a book with Routledge Press called The Ultimate Guide to Selling Your Original World Language Resources: How to Open, Fill, and Grow a Successful Online Curriculum Store. Julia Stein Dittberner, St. Paul, is a contract attorney in the aviation group at the law firm of McAfee & Taft, Oklahoma City, OK. Ben Follis, Belmont, CA, is an applications engineer for Machinify in Palo Alto, CA and has co-founded his own startup company called Uclusion located in San Jose. Vidya Sivan, Boston, MA, is the communications specialist, Alumni Relations and Resource Development for Harvard Kennedy School in Cambridge, MA.

been named the assistant dean of students in the physical sciences division at the University of Chicago. Katie Swenson Mark, Minnetonka, is a licensed independent clinical social worker at On the Mark Therapy in Minnetonka. Zosia Stanley, Seattle, WA, is the associate general counsel for Washington State Hospital Association in Seattle.

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Jessica Nelson Bartell, Herman, is a purchasing manager for ProMach-Brenton Engineering in Carlos. Laura Johnson Stelter, Faribault, completed her Minnesota school administrator’s license and is the executive director of Arcadia Charter School in Northfield.

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Andy Traetow, Fairmont, has been hired as the new school superintendent for Fairmont School District.

Kris Apfelbacher, West St. Paul, is a business development manager for Dascom Systems Group. Carrie Joines, Woodbury is a medical analyst for Robins Kaplan. Andrea Busch Lieser, New Ulm, was recently appointed judge for the Fifth Judicial District, Blue Earth County Courthouse.

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Ann Humburg Crofton, Blue Earth, is a licensed school nurse and COVID coordinator at Blue Earth Area Schools. She has also been volunteering with local public health to administer the COVID-19 vaccine. Jill Hubers Haspert, St. Paul, is CEO of Foxtrot Marketing Group in New Brighton, Minnesota. Sarah Lippert, Chicago, IL has

Jo Ellison, Fargo, ND, is completing her psychiatry residency as the director of psychotherapy training at the University of North Dakota, Fargo, School of Medicine and Health Sciences. She is also the section chair for Behavioral Health in the West market at Essentia Health.

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Christine Dornbusch, Waterloo, IA, is an assistant director of college counseling at Verto Education. Luke Garrison, Goodyear, AZ, is a communications director for the Liberty Elementary School District. Kavan Rogness, Lakeville, is a discipleship director at Faith Covenant Church in Burnsville.

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Casey Enevoldsen, Minneapolis, is vice president of employee experience for Lunds Food Holdings. Lauren Bennett McGinty, Minneapolis, has been appointed by Governor Tim Walz as the new director of Explore Minnesota Tourism. Gilles Amadou Ouedraogo, Bonn, Germany, is the monitoring officer for the Great Green Wall Accelerator at the United

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Eric Cronin, St. Paul, is the senior data analystimplementation manager for Blackbaud. Jake Peymann, Inver Grove Heights, is a accounts receivable specialist for Business Capital in Edina.

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Steve Dow, Minnetonka, is a mortgage loan officer for Tradition Mortgage. Mike Jirik, Lonsdale, completed his PhD from the University of Massachusetts, Amherst and is now a faculty fellow at the Charles Warren Center for Studies in American History at Harvard University. Helena Shanks, Moorhead, is a manager and co-owner of River Rock Coffee & Tea in St. Peter.

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Molly Gillen Birkeland, Stillwater, started her own business, Molly Birkeland Wellness, a holistic health coaching private practice specializing in helping individuals with stress, mood, food, body image, and perinatal health. Brittan Duffing, Lake City, is the advising coordinator for the international and off-campus studies program at St. Olaf College.

In Cancun, Mexico Peter Nyhus ’60 with former Gustie football players at the wedding of Sergio de Pablos Vele ’17. L to r: Andrew Allen ’17, Nick Frandsen ’15, Iker Ortiz Hildago ’17, Jacob Gonzalez ’18, Nyhus, Vele, and Gabe Boyce ’16. Nyhus is the recipient of the 2021 Gustavus Athletics Making a Difference Award, given to those highly supportive of Gustavus Athletics.

Kristen Campbell Miller, St. Paul, is a research instructor at the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus in Aurora, CO. Lucy Tongen, Portland, OR, is a veterinarian for Banfield. Jered Wolbeck, Bethel, is a plant manager for Teleflex.

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Caitlin Dow, Burnsville, is a project manager I for Boston Scientific. Sam Warburton, Saint Peter, is the administrative and programs specialist for the Gustavus Arboretum. Michael Soderlind, Minneapolis, is a financial consultant for Optum.

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Gunnar Boettcher, Mankato, is owner and muscle activation technique specialist and personal trainer of Gunstorm Muscle Health.

Libby Larson, Grand Marais, is a grants manager for North House Folk School.

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Katlynn Alm, Savage, is OVW grant coordinator in the PATH to Care office at the University of California, Berkeley. The office provides support to victim-survivors of sexual violence. Rojonaina Andriamihaja, Minneapolis, is communications and volunteer programs coordinator for Tubman in Minneapolis. Caroline David, Montreal, Quebec, is a postdoctoral researcher at McGill University. Britta Johnson, Minneapolis, is a media producer at University of Minnesota Masonic Children’s Hospital in Minneapolis. Robert Rasmussen, Richfield, is an accounting manager for Airborne Athletics.

Tyler Stoltzman, Farmington, has started a master’s of nursing program at St. Catherine’s University. Janelle Thienes, Minneapolis, is the digital marketing specialist for the Science Museum of Minnesota. Charles Box, Merrifield, is a technology specialist at Deer River Public Schools. Sean Hinnenkamp, Duluth, is a payroll auditor for WilsonMcShane Corporation. Laura Isdahl, Plymouth, is a program manager for Reading and Math, Inc. Elizabeth Readel, Arlington, TX, a graduate student in analytical chemistry at the University of Texas, is currently serving a nine-month internship with Roche Pharmaceuticals in Basil, Switzerland. Annalise Wolff, Minneapolis, is a veterinarian at the Eagan Pet Clinic.

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SPRING 2022

Chelsea Becker, Maple Grove, is a principal regulatory affairs specialist for Medtronic. Tim Bergman, Denver, CO, is a county manager for Lake County. Stacy Sheldon, Memphis, TN, is a business applications advisor at FedEx. Ben Smith, Apple Valley, is director of corporate giving for Scholarship America, Minneapolis.

Gusties Around the World

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Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD). Christina Sorensen, Eagle Lake, is a dentist at Mankato Family Dental. Vincent Stephan, Helena, MT, is an executive chef for Touchmark on Saddle Drive, a senior living community. Susie Kramer Wold, St. Paul, is assistant director of admissions and diversity, equity and inclusion at the University of Minnesota.

GUSTAVUS QUARTERLY

Grant Jerich, Waconia, is a process implementation manager at Cargill in Wayzata. Ben Levy, St. Louis Park, is completing his diagnostic radiology residency at the University of Minnesota Medical Center. Derek Martin, Crookston, is a funding specialist for Widseth Smith Nolting.

GUSTIES

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Tenzin Choenyi, Chicago, IL, is a commercial banking officer at CIBC. Jacob Herd, St. Louis Park, is a registered client associate for RBC Wealth Management. Joseph Huff, Minneapolis, is a platform account executive for Yardstik and is in an MBA program at Southern Methodist University. Kristen Matthews, Chaska, is the director of youth and family ministries at Faith Lutheran Church. Hubert Ngabirano, St. Louis Park, is an adviser in commercial real estate for IAG Commercial.

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Vanessa Case, New Brighton, is a clinical unit assistant for Nucleus Network. Haley Pesik Dawson, St. Louis Park, is a software developer for ProtoLabs. Grace Love, Finlayson, is a paraprofessional, environmental emphasis at CHOICE Technical Academy. Hailey Mattson, Princeton, is a CIA team lead for Americorps. Bailey Van Den Heuvel, Mondovi, WI, works for the Alma School District.

GUSTAVUS QUARTERLY

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Grace Arnold, Huntsville, AL, is the community editor for The Zebra. Amy Rose, Minneapolis, works for Ovative Group as an analyst, talent services. Brayton Finch, Chattanooga, TN, is an IT recruiter for TEKsystems.

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Amelia Bjorklund, Bloomington, is an investment analyst at NAI Legacy. Hannah Gronseth, Edina, is a

community account executive for SPS Commerce in Minneapolis. Carter Grupp, Burnsville, is an American Connection Corps Fellow to serve Otter Tail County to increase broadband access and digital literacy. Miranda Johnsen, Madison, WI, is a film and digital media mentor and supervisor at Camp Createability and is a contributing TV critic for Twin Cities Geek. Emma Neus, Philadelphia, PA, is a staff accountant for BBD.

WEDDINGS Leann Morsching ’95 and Luis Garcia, 08/17/19, Eagan Sara Sertich ’02 and Jon Albert, 09/28/19, Ponte Vedra, FL Maggie Chambers ’03 and Eric Wagner, 07/09/21, Minneapolis Kelly Keith ’05 and Marcus Bohlemann, 05/30/21, Addison, TX Eric Risland ’07 and Julia Gervais, 06/26/21, Pine City Becky Strobel ’09 and Stephen Lake, 08/21/21, St. Louis Park Alex Lair ’10 and Katie Murgic, 08/21/21, Rochester Jake Peymann ’11 and Kelsey Rehome, 05/29/21, Inver Grove Heights Rachel Chase ’13 and Kyle McManus, 06/26/21, Minneapolis Kristen Campbell ’13 and Phil Miller, 09/04/21, St. Paul Laura Purdham ’13 and Wesley Seaberg, 08/21/21, Fridley Coby Rowley ’13 and Alissa Fahrenz ’13, 07/31/21, Hopkins Lucy Tongen ’13 and Cory Gieseke, 06/26/21, Portland, OR Samuel Warburton ’14 and Juan Mendoza, 08/28/21, Saint Peter Alexandria Ceranske ’14 and Eric Tallus, 10/16/21, Indianapolis, IN

Makayla Seeley Korbel ’15 and Michael Buckman, 06/06/21, Minneapolis Anna Galloway ’15 and Nicholas Gersch ’15, 07/10/21, Minneapolis Katherine Schulze ’15 and Michael LaNasa, 05/16/21, Bemidji Griffin Reed ’16 and Ika Kovacikova, 08/21/21, Mantorville Laura Bergman ’17 and Lee Cunningham, 08/14/21, St. Paul Tessa Semerad ’17 and Erik Johnson ’17, 09/25/21, Otsego Alexandra Kopp ’17 and Samuel Majka ’17, 10/18/19, Minneapolis Mae Meierhenry ’17 and Gavin Pochop, 09/25/21, Sioux Falls, SD. Joseph Satek ’17 and Karolina Stark ’17, 09/17/21, Jordan. Marilin Benn ’18 and Noah Hanson, 07/16/21, New London. Jacob Herd ’18 and Anna St. Dennis ’18, 12/31/20, Saint Louis Park. Joseph Huff ’18 and Mariah Schulte ’18, 05/08/21, Minneapolis. Jennifer Williams ’18 and Jake Kahn, 09/25/21, Plymouth. Hubert Ngabirano ’18 and Kathryn Von Edeskuty, 07/10/21, Saint Louis Park. Matthew Berkner ’19 and Claire Laakso ’18, 03/13/21, Hopkins. Danann Mitchell ’20 and Noah Hardman ’20, 06/19/21, Minneapolis.

BIRTHS Clara to Jessi Lewis Archbold ’07 and Samuel Archbold ’07, fall 2021 Ocean to Ambryn Melius ’03 and Alexandria Kewitt, summer 2021 Grace to Martha Diedrichsen Mason ’04 and James D. Mason,

fall 2020 Zosia to Crystal Gildea Polski ’04 and Matthew Polski ’05, summer 2021 Maya to Laurie Leonard ’05 and Tyler Leonard, winter 2021 Olivia to Matt Swenson ’06 and Sara Thatcher Swenson, summer 2021 Monica to Sonya Hysing Pickett ’07 and David Pickett, summer 2021 April to Nicole Klaustermeier Fiala ’08 and James Fiala, fall 2021 Miriam to Esther Mulder Widmalm-Delphonse ’08 and Johannes Widmalm-Delphonse, fall 2021 Sylvie to Tania Schueller Delehanty ’09 and Jack Delehanty, winter 2021 Oscar to Amber Hanson Glaeser ’10 and Scott Glaeser, spring 2021 Nora to Emma Strand Knooihuizen ’11 and Joe Knooihuizen, summer 2021 Elliott to Bergit Nerheim Mars ’11 and Kyle Mars, summer 2021 Hudson to Molly Gillen Birkeland ’13 and Jordan Birkeland ’13, summer 2020 Harriet to David Buckley ’13 and Lauren Carlson Buckley ’13, summer 2021. Henry to Sarah HundHagemeyer ’13 and Ryan Hagemeyer, summer 2021 Everleigh to Paige Hoehn Zimmerman ’13 and Joshua Zimmerman, summer 2021 Aniston to Kaitlin Kwasniewski Biteler ’16 and Derek Biteler, fall 2021 Nora and Jacob to Isabel Carlson Carter ’17 and Scott Carter, summer 2019 and spring 2021

IN MEMORIAM Mary Ann Peters Anderson ’45, Minneapolis, on 8/17/21. A former high school biology, history, and primarily English teacher, she is survived by two children, Steven Anderson ’79, and Karin Anderson ’80. Doris Johnson Briere ’46, Fremont, CA, on 8/15/21. A former social worker for Lutheran Social Services, she is survived by two children including David Briere ’80. Russell Crosby ’48, Bagley, on 9/5/21. He co-owned and operated a tire recapping business in Alexandria and is survived by his four children. Marilyn Smith Douglass ’48, Groton, CT, on 10/10/21. A former member of the Cadet Nurse Corps, she and her husband (who had a career in the Navy submarine service) lived in many different locations. She is survived by her husband, Robert, and two sons. James L. Dye ’49, Longmont, CO, on 10/8/21. A U. S. Army veteran, he was a pioneer in chemistry, teaching at Michigan State University. He was elected to the National Academy of Sciences and American Academy of Arts and Sciences, receiving two Guggenheim Fellowships, a Fulbright Fellowship, and the American Chemical Society National Award. He is survived by his wife, Angeline, and three children Joanne Lind Hoogland ’50, Anchorage, AK, on 8/17/21. A former teacher at Seward High School, she also worked in the many shared business with her husband. She is survived by three children.

REMEMBERING JAMES PETERSON ’64, former president Minneapolis on 10/29/21. He served as the College’s 15th president from 2003-2008. The son of a Lutheran pastor, Peterson followed his parents and older brother to Gustavus. After graduating, he worked as a high school science teacher before pursuing a doctorate in entomology from the University of Nebraska, Lincoln. He became a research associate at the University of Wisconsin, Madison before moving to Washington, D.C. to serve as a staff ecologist for the National Commission on Water Quality. From 1976–1984, Peterson served the Academy of Natural Sciences in Philadelphia in various capacities. He returned to Minnesota in 1984 where he was president of the Science Museum of Minnesota for 19 years. He and his wife, Susan, were honored with the Greater Gustavus Award, and in 2010, Peterson was awarded the Royal Order of the Polar Star by the Swedish crown in recognition of his service to Gustavus and work to foster relationships and strengthen ties with Sweden. He is survived by his wife, Rev. Susan Pepin Peterson ’65, children Erika Eklund ’94 and Hans,

Roy R. Johnson ’53, Eden Prairie, on 9/3/21. He was a classification records manager at Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory and is survived by his wife, Martha Johnson, two daughters, and a brother, Lennart Johnson ’67. Beverly Jacobson NestingenLundeen ’53, Northfield, on 9/29/21. She taught special education in the Mound School District for 20 years and later went to seminary and became an ordained pastor. She is survived by four children. Verle V. Carter ’54, Rising Sun, MD, on 9/2/21. He worked for 37 years at E.I. DuPont in construction and control. Later becoming a chartered financial consultant. Vic is survived by his wife, Janet Carter, and three children.

Dolores Ketola Coulson ’54, Tasmania, Australia, on 6/12/21. She was a teacher and librarian at Brooks High School in Tasmania and is survived by her husband, John Coulson, and three children. Paul W. Olson ’54, Paoli, PA, on 9/10/21. A Korean War veteran, he had a career in sales and marketing, owning several small firms in the laboratory testing business. He is survived by his wife, Andrea Olson, and three children. Ellen Togikawa Ryusaki ’54, Honolulu, HI, on 8/7/20. She was a retired student activity coordinator at Kalani High School and is survived by two children. Allen E. Carlson ’55, Eden Prairie, on 8/1/21. He was the chief plant accountant for Timesavers and is survived by his wife, Shirley Carlson, and two daughters.

Dean L. Lovold ’55, New London, on 6/18/21. A U.S. Army veteran, he had a long career as a dentist with the Willmar Regional Treatment Center and is survived by his wife, Mariette, three children, and two stepsons. Theodore F. Anderson ’56, Woodbury, on 8/10/21. He had a long career as a science instructor at Albert Lea School District and is survived by three children including Mark T. Anderson ’88. Lester Biermann ’56, Livonia, MI, on 9/11/21. A US Army veteran, he had a long career teaching mathematics and English for Clarenceville School District in Michigan. He is survived by wife, Lois Biermann, and three children. Eva Martinson Drometer ’56, Cannon Falls, on 10/30/21. She worked as a bank teller and later managed the Countryside Antique

SPRING 2022

grandchildren Peter and Samuel, and brothers Paul ’62 and Tim.

four children and two brothers. Donald R. Peterson ’52, Roswell, GA, on 9/16/21. A U.S. Navy veteran and classic car enthusiast, Don was the former president/ owner of Car Collector magazine and was owner of Classic Car Appraisal Service. He is survived by his wife, Edie Peterson, five sons including Ryan ’08, and a brother, Jerry Peterson ’60. Jerome Roettger ’52, Duluth, on 8/9/21. A U.S. National Guard veteran, he was a longtime employee of Minnesota Power, retiring as their general manager of the Central Division. He is survived by his wife, Anna Roettger, and two daughters. Roger Rotvig ’52, Biddeford, ME, on 9/10/21. He was a former Lutheran pastor at various locations, served as an Air Force Chaplain, and later worked for Lutheran Brotherhood. He is survived by his wife, Helen Johnson Rotvig ’55, and three children. Paul Swedberg ’52, Osseo, on 8/22/21. He was a former Lutheran pastor who started and served most of his career at Lutheran Church of the Master, in Brooklyn Center. He is survived by his wife, Carol Swedberg, and five children. John Edward Wright ’52, Buffalo, on 9/13/21. A retired agricultural teacher at Worthington High School and Community College he is survived by three sons and a sister. Francis John Dale ’53, New London, on 10/29/21. He was a Lutheran pastor who later went into private counseling. He is survived by his wife, Elizabeth “Betty” Ness Dale ’53, and four children.

GUSTAVUS QUARTERLY

Phyllis Carlson Sucher ’50, Perham, on 10/13/21. A minister’s wife, she complemented her husband’s work by playing organ, piano, singing solos, and directing several choirs. She is survived by four children and a brother. Adele Lund Brown ’51, Seal Beach, CA, on 4/30/21. She was a home economics teacher at Montclair High School for over 35 years and is survived by a daughter. Mary Wanstrom Franzman ’51, Monticello, on 10/1/21. A long-time elementary school teacher at various schools, she is survived by six children and a brother, DeMar Wanstrom ’55. G. Robert Isenberg ’51, Saint Peter, on 8/17/21. A Korean War veteran, Bob worked for AMPI Regional Office in New Ulm. He is survived by his wife, Leona “Onie” Isenberg, and two daughters, Naomi Isenberg Quimby ’81 and Lisa Isenberg ’83. Marie Olson Wright ’51, Buffalo, on 9/10/21. She worked as a stenographer and typist and is survived by her husband, John Wright, and three sons. Carol Lunstead Ahlstrom ’52, Green Valley, AZ, on 7/19/21. She was a registered nurse supervisor for The Homestead of Fair Oaks and is survived by five children including Karen Ahlstrom ’86. Mary Iverson Anderson ’52, Weston, MA, on 10/27/21. A wife and mother, she is survived by her husband, Gerald, and three children. Tsugio “Tug” Ikeda ’52, Great Falls, MT, on 10/28/21. A World War II Army veteran, he became an elementary teacher and principal. He is survived by his wife, Enid,

GUSTIES

REMEMBERING CLAUS P. BUECHMANN, former faculty Mankato, on 10/7/21. Born in 1935 in Klein Schlamin, Germany he moved to the United States on a Fulbright Scholarship to attend the University of Kansas, where he studied English literature. In 1968 he accepted a position at Gustavus Adolphus College where he taught English for 35 years. He is survived by his wife Margie Ann Buechmann, two daughters, and three sisters.

REMEMBERING Richard Martin, former faculty Tucson, AZ, on 9/3/21. After attending St. John’s University, he went on to earn his PhD in developmental psychology at the Institute of Child Development, University of Minnesota. He came to Gustavus in 1970 as a teacher and researcher in the psychological science department. Well respected by his colleagues he also served as department head and chairman of the faculty senate, retiring in

GUSTAVUS QUARTERLY

SPRING 2022

2014. He is survived by his wife, Kathie, and three children.

Mall with her husband. She is survived by sisters-in-law. Corrine “Reenie” Rhyne Holm ’56, Minneapolis, on 7/20/21. A former physical therapist and owner of Custom Design Windows, she is survived by her husband, Gordon Holm ’55, four sons including Donald ’79, Eric ’82, and Gregory ’87, and two sisters including Marilyn Rhyne Herr ’57. Carol Rylander Farrell ’57, Greeley, CO, on 9/16/21. A watercolor artist, her works hung in galleries and art shows in Northern Colorado. She is survived by her husband, James Farrell, four children, and a sister, Dorothy Rylander Johnson ’59. Marilyn Rhyne Herr ’57, Newark, NJ, on 7/22/21. A practicing attorney who previously served in the Pentagon, Marilyn was appointed to the Superior Court of New Jersey in 1989 as the first female judge in Hunterdon County, New Jersey. She received

a Distinguished Alumni Citation from Gustavus in 1991 and is survived by three children and a sister. Barbara Churchill Stangler ’57, Mankato, on 9/10/21. A former schoolteacher and owner of Hometown Travel, she is survived by her husband, Bill Stanger, three children, and a brother, Donald Churchill ’55. Beverly Duncan Anderson ’58, Ventura, CA, on 7/12/21. An elementary educator who later held positions at California Lutheran University in the development office and was their first Director of Church Relations, she also held positions as regional coordinator for the ELCA. Beverly is survived by her husband, J. Roger Anderson ’57, and three children including Craig Anderson ’82. Ellen Maus Boler ’58, Amelia Island, FL, on 9/6/21. A wife and mother she is survived by three sons.

G. Barry Coulter ’58, Saint Peter, on 4/21/21. He was a human services technician at the Saint Peter Regional Treatment Center and is survived by his wife, Donna Coulter, and a sister, Donna Coulter Carpenter ’60. Roger Roettger ’58, Northfield, on 5/7/21. An Army veteran, he spent his career in the automotive industry as an executive vice president in corporate sales and management and is survived by his wife, Judith Roettger, five children, and a brother, Jerome Roettger ’52. Dennis A. Anderson ’59, Omaha, NE, on 9/23/21. A Lutheran pastor, he became the Bishop of the Nebraska Synod and later served as president of Trinity Lutheran Seminary in Columbus, OH. He is survived by his wife, Barbara Anderson, and two children. Joyce Ford Anderson ’59, Eugene, OR, on 10/30/21. She

taught high school chemistry and math at schools in Richfield, MN; Spokane, WA; and Portland, OR. She is survived by her husband, Dick Anderson ’53, two children including Kristin Anderson ’94, and a sister, Barbara Ford Olson ’57. Deane D. Nelson ’59, Alexandria, on 8/22/21. He was a psychologist and guidance counselor with his own private practice as a consultant for various businesses and organizations. He is survived by his wife, Lois Anderson Nelson ’60, and two sons. Dwayne Layton “DL” Smith ’59, Minneapolis, on 8/21/21. A standout basketball player, he was drafted by the Minneapolis Lakers and played briefly. He was also inducted into the Gustavus Athletics Hall of Fame. Later he coached and taught school, then became a financial planner opening D. L. Smith & Associates. He is survived by his wife, Catherine Vilipski, and three daughters including Stephanie Smith ’88. John A. Peterson ’60, Hastings, on 9/29/21. A U.S. Army veteran, he later spent most of his career as a design engineer for 3M. He is survived by his wife, Jan, and three children. Paul V. Serenius ’60, Centerville, OH, on 9/4/21. He was a dentist and chair of the Resident Dental Program at the Dayton VA Hospital. He is survived by his wife, Kathryn Dahlquist Serenius ’61, and three children. David Wold ’60, Saffle, Sweden, on 10/18/21. He was the owner of a publishing company, English Language Services, and is survived by his wife, Inger Wold, and two sons.

Theodore C. Johns ’61, Phoenix, AZ, 9/19/21. After receiving his master of divinity degree, he was ordained and served as pastor at many various locations across the country and in England as well as an Army Chaplain. He is survived by his wife, Marietta Bittrich Johns ’63, three children, Kristin Johns Young ’86, Karin Johns Hausman ’88, and Derek Johns ’92; six siblings, Paul ’56, Peace Johns Finlayson ’57, Daniel ’59, Mary Johns Miller ’62, Philip ’65, and Ruth Johns Niemi ’69. Carolyn Wedin ’61, St. Paul, on 7/28/21. She was a prolific author and commentator, with a PhD in writing and literature. She taught at Shaw University in Raleigh, NC, and the University of Wisconsin– Whitewater, retiring in 1996. She is survived by her husband, Anthony, and three children. Rosemary Eklund Saur ’62, Rio Rancho, NM, on 7/17/21. She was a faculty member at the National Technical Institute for the Deaf at the Rochester Institute of Technology in Rochester, NY. She is survived by her husband, Warren, and three children. James Skogen ’62, Albuquerque, NM, on 8/5/21. A U.S. Army paratrooper, he worked as a parts manager for Stewart and Stevenson for 25 years and later was a teacher for Albuquerque Public Schools. He is survived by his wife, Rita Anna Skogen, and four children. Lloyd Jafvert ’63, Albert City, IA, on 8/8/21. He was president of Jafvert Mueller Architects and is survived by his wife, Gay Jafvert, two daughters, and a sister, Lorna Jafvert Reed ’61.

owner/operator of Double Play Sports Bar and Grill in Elmore. He is survived by three children. John G. Erickson ’81, Woodbury, on 10/8/21. He was the system director, employee and labor relations for Fairview Health Services and is survived by his wife, Gloria, and three sons, including Dane Erickson ’13 and Evan Erickson ’19. Allison McCormack Lee ’81, St. Paul, on 8/11/21. A former physical therapist at Park Nicollet Medical Center, she is survived by three daughters including Linde Lee ’10. Brian Paulsen ’81, Osseo, on 8/20/21. He worked as a computer programmer throughout his career, most recently at Lifetouch, and is survived by his parents and two siblings. Jeffrey B. Lund ’83, Tuolumne, CA, on 9/27/21. A U.S. Air Force veteran and accomplished skydiver, he was working as an Uber driver. He is survived by his wife, Tamara Lund, four children, his parents, Donald Lund ’62 and Susan Appelquist Jorgensen ’60, and three siblings including Michael Lund ’84. Marcio Barbosa ’85, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, on 9/17/21. He was a business development manager for IBM Corporation and is survived by his spouse, Jonas Rodrigues. Beth Haen Orlowsky ’85, Minneapolis, on 9/16/21. She was a high school French teacher at various Twin City locations and author of Fearless and Free: Living with Peace and Joy through Stage 4 Cancer. She is survived by her parents, Victor and Diane Haen, he husband, David Orlowsky, three children and three sisters

including Julia Haen Morton ’84. Douglas T. Rogers ’86, Shakopee, on 9/10/21. He was co-owner of Genesis Fitness and Nutrition and is survived by his parents, Lynn and Janice Rogers, his wife, Wendy Rogers, four children, and two sisters. Douglas Magee ’87, Two Harbors, on 7/29/21. He worked for Hedstrom Lumber Company in the lumber procurement area and is survived by three siblings. James Russell ’86, Carver, on 10/30/21. He was a QA automation manager for United Health Networks, and survived by his wife, Lisa Russell, two daughters, his parents, James and Joan Russell and three siblings. Steven Waldor ’92, Edina, on 10/30/21. He was an accomplished hockey player and is survived by his parents, Matt Waldor and Jane Matthies, and a brother. Brady Cotton ’05, Minneapolis, on 7/14/21. He was a sales manager for Maverick Wine Company in Bloomington and is survived by his parents, Curtis Cotton ’72 and Karen Amundson Cotton ’74, and two siblings, Brandon ’04 and Kelsey Cotton Milbert ’07. Spencer Leuthold ’09, Minneapolis, on 9/21/21. He was a financial analyst with Ameriprise and is survived by his parents, Peter and Susan Leuthold, his partner, Abbey, and a brother. Dennis Nygard, former staff, Mankato, on 8/3/21. An Army veteran, he worked for 34 years for the Saint Peter Post Office, first as a carrier then as a window clerk. In retirement, he worked part-time for Gustavus in the custodial department.

SPRING 2022

educator, she taught French and adult literacy, and with her husband operated the Odegard family businesses until his death. She served on various education boards. She is survived by her husband, Harlan Cavert, and two stepchildren. Jean Rebischke Wolff ’72, Burnsville, on 10/22/21. She was a retired mental health nurse clinician from Abbott Northwestern Hospital and is survived by a son. Gerald Bakke ’73, Buffalo, on 9/25/21. A former Gustavus star wrestler, Gerald taught social studies and coached at Buffalo High School. He is survived by his wife, Linda Bakke, and six children including Heather Bakke ’95. Nancy B. Nordgren ’76, St. Paul, on 7/12/21. She was a copy editor and layout editor for the Minneapolis Star Tribune and is survived by two sisters and two sons. John R. Michelsen ’77, Rochester, on 7/20/21. He worked as a service representative for Qwest International and is survived by his wife, Debra, and a sister. Paul D. Anderson ’78, River Falls, WI, on 10/10/21. He was a longtime psychiatric nurse at the VA Hospital in Minneapolis and is survived by his wife, Synneva, three sons, and a sister, Janet Anderson Carter ’77. Karen Osell ’78, Monticello, on 10/23/21. She had a career as a licensed social worker, correctional officer, and probation officer for Anoka County and is survived by many friends and cousins. Douglas Nave ’80, Elmore, on 9/12/21. He was a farmer and

educator and assistant manager of an arts and crafts store. She is survived by a son. David E. Dovenberg ’66, Wayzata, on 5/10/21. He had a long career, most recently as the chief executive officer at Universal Hospital Services, and is survived by his wife, Jean Sieveke Dovenberg ’69, two children, and two siblings, Ann Dovenberg Zweig ’70, and Richard Dovenberg ’73. Jack Gerlinger ’68, North Port, FL, on 9/29/21. He was a branch manager and sales representative for various companies, most recently for Mobile Mini, and is survived by his wife, Linda Gerlinger, and two sons. Cheryl Kramer Vinson ’68, Eden Prairie, on 8/8/21. She worked as a public health nurse as well as a school nurse and is survived by two children. Mary Ann Johnson ’70, Litchfield, on 5/15/21. A homemaker and teacher’s assistant at Lake Ripley Elementary School, she is survived by three children. Allen Magnuson ’71, Fergus Falls, on 9/25/21. A retired pediatrician, he practiced for 40 years at the Fergus Falls Medical Group. He is survived by his wife, Sandra Dickmeyer Magnuson ’71, and two children, Lane Magnuson ’97 and Candace Magnuson Barton ’99. Suzanne Zenk Miller ’71, South Bend, IN, on 5/10/21. She was director of the department of continuing education at Indiana University, South Bend and is survived by four sisters including Jane Zenk Kollofski ’81. Linda Carlson Odegard ’71, Minneapolis, on 9/14/21. A lifelong

GUSTAVUS QUARTERLY

Erling G. Lindstrom ’63, British Columbia, Canada, on 10/12/21. He was a Lutheran pastor at various locations in Canada. He is survived by his wife, Myrna Nelson Lindstrom ’65, and two sisters. Sylvia Mellroth Brooks ’64, State College, PA, on 9/17/21. She worked as a secretary and office manager for several companies and is survived by a stepson. Marjorie Rawhouser Crosby ’64, Bay St. Louis, MS, on 7/28/21. She was employed for several years with the Naval Oceanographic Office in Washington, DC before leaving to be a homemaker. She is survived by her husband, Spurgeon Crosby, two sons, and a brother. Lynne McKenzie Thompson ’64, St. Paul, on 9/12/21. Along with her first husband, she ran a family-owned insurance agency in Grove City until his passing. She is survived by her two children. Norma Schneider Miller ’65, Deerwood, on 10/23/21. She was school nurse for Monticello Public Schools and is survived by her husband, Bruce Miller ’64; three children, Hans Miller ’93, Karin Miller Wagner ’95, and Britt Miller Dewey ’99; and two siblings including Marlys Schneider Swenson ’63. Mary Kohlmeyer Tauer ’65, Albuquerque, NM, on 4/28/21. She was a public health nurse with the Indian Health Service on reservations in North Dakota, Montana, South Dakota and New Mexico. She is survived by her husband, James, and a sister, Jean Witter ’67. Alice Schuft Ward ’65, Waterloo, IA, on 7/16/21. She worked as an elementary

GUSTIES

GUSTIES GATHER

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GUSTAVUS QUARTERLY

SPRING 2022

1. Gals from the Class of 1982 celebrated lifelong friendships with dinner in Minnetonka. L to r: Sherrie Swanson, Tracy Koeger Heitner, Anne Juhl Legeros, Camille Clausen Ehrich, and Lisa Martinson Buchal

2. Members of the Black Student Organization from the 1970s gathered in the home of Shirley Gholston Key ’71 in Memphis, Tennessee. L to r: Victor Shaffer ’73, Pearl Seabrooks Fuller ’71, Chet Fuller ’72, Christine Justice Holloway ’73, Jamesetta Harwell Rowls ’74, Ardis Saulsberry Bridges ’71, Peggy Seymour Cole ’73, Johnny Broughton ’73; seated: Gholston Key 3. A Sand Lake, WI gathering of Gustie pontooners. L to r: Rob Gamm ’84, Morli Johnson Gamm ’87, Ann Torgerson, Dave Torgerson ’84, and Greg Mazanec ’84 4. 1958 classmates gathered for a luncheon this fall. L to r: Jan Thomas Pritchard, Claudette Anderson McCollar, Sonya Harbo Talus, Martha Banke Curtis, and Barbara Jensen Olson

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5. A very Gustie golf outing. Back, l to r: Keith Hedlund ’79, Charlie Larson ’77, Chris Halden ’78, Willie Rossbach ’77, Bob Dayton ’79, Steve Hanson ’77, Mark Bergman ’79, Mark Bowell ’77, George Hicks ’75, Rad Royer ’77, Charlie Wold ’77, Tom Parnell ’78, and John Dwyer ’77; middle, l to r: Dave Gunderson ’80, Steve Howells ’79, Mark Scharmer ’77, Scott Severinson ’77, and Brad Perlich ’79; front, l to r: Bob Nickleby ’77, Pete Henry ’77, Willie Horn ’77, Scott Gislason ’77, Charlie Wirth ’78, and Bruce Edwards ’77 6. Teammates on the Gustavus men’s hockey team between 1994 and 1998 reunited on Lake Okoboji in August. Pictured are Brent Staples ’98, Shawn Reid ’98, John Hirsch ’98, Scott Grabham ’98, and Peet Moseley ’00, with Anna Hemberger Reid ’98, Ellie Trocke Moseley ’00, Nicole Nesseth Staples ’04, Tracy Rameil, Christine Collins, and a gaggle of future Gusties

SPRING 2022

8. Gustie Nurses of 1964 gathered in McCordsville, IN. Their trip included volunteer work. Seated, l to r: Char Olson Jerney, Diane Kvols Schweizer, Karyl Krantz Blair; standing, l to r: Carla Johnson Stoneberg, Ruby Monson Englund, Barb Nelson Kroll, Sharron Anderson Erickson, Helen Marie Hesli Jacobson

9. Members of the 1976-77 Men’s Hockey MIAC Champions and National Runner-Up team were on campus for a 45th anniversary reunion. Front, l to r: Jim Williams ’78, Chris Middlebrook ’79, Brad Austin ’78, Mike Kemp, ’75, assistant coach Mike Cody ’78, Bruce Edwards ’77, Tom Lindsey ’77; middle, l to r: Bob Greenberg ’77, sports information Steve Hansen ’78, Warren Loken ’78, Tim Bohan ’80, Mark Weber ’78, Brad Perlich ’79, Paul Rutt ’79, Brian Parr ’77, Craig Miller ’77, Keith Hedlund ’79, Doug Coombe ’79, manager Ray Lewis ’78; back, l to r: Dave Gunderson ’80, Dan Horecka ’79, Dave Kunz ’79, Steve Howells ’79, Chris Halden ’78; not pictured but attended was Don Ellwood ’80, team Zamboni driver

7. Eight Gusties who served as “Christ’s Ambassadors” to Japan in 1970 zoomed together from England, California, and Minnesota. They are Susan Kibler ’72, Dennis Timmerman ’71 and Jane Feddersen Timmerman ’70, Linda Janisch Ziegler ’71, Jeanne Sielaff ’71, Kent Anderson ’71, Jim Lobdell ’71, and Jan Hartsook ’70

GUSTAVUS QUARTERLY

Vespers

LEGACY STORED

This little dresser first belonged to Luther Kindstrom ’32, who moved it into Uhler during the residence hall’s inaugural year. Thirty-eight year later, his daughter, Patricia Kindstrom LeVesque ’70, took it with her to Wahlstrom, then Rundstrom, then Valley View. Twenty-seven years after that, her daughter, Melissa LeVesque-Piela ’97, moved it to Sorenson, then back to Uhler. Yeah. This dresser gets around.

GUSTAVUS QUARTERLY

WINTER 2019

This year, it’s in Norelius (CoEd), with fourth-generation Gustie Lauren Piela ’25. “At first I didn’t want to take it,” Piela says, citing the mismatched knobs and chipped paint. But her mother gave it a fresh coat—painting it is part of the tradition as it’s passed from alumni to student. Now, not only is it cute and useful addition to her room in 1A, “it is so meaningful for me to have a little piece of my family here at Gustavus.”

partners, future spouses, and lifelong friends. You celebrated each other’s

SPRING 2022 | VOL. LXXVIII | ISSUE 1

first jobs. You helped pack the car after graduation.

STA F F Chair, Board of Trustees Scott Anderson ’89

Now, you can give back together.

SPRING 2022 800 WEST COLLEGE AVENUE SAINT PETER, MINNESOTA 56082

FAMILY

Legacy From 1911 to today, stories of parents, siblings, friends, and other family that share Gustavus with each other.

+ The Langsjoens and the Hers: big families, many alumni

they all made an honest attempt to eat lutefisk.

BIKES AND BENCHES The latest in campus sustainability

CLASS NOTES What your fellow Gusties have been up to

LEGACY STORED This nightstand has been in five generations of dorm rooms!

Spring 2022 Quarterly

Articles inside

SHINE PROFILES

GUSTIES

VESPERS

SPORTS

ON THE HILL

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