SPRING 2021 800 WEST COLLEGE AVENUE SAINT PETER, MINNESOTA 56082
HOW TO TELL STORY WITH ALUMNI WHOSE LIFE WORK DEPICTS LIFE
Though it has been a challenging academic year, the Gustavus St. Lucia Court still shined their light on the world. Top, l to r: Zoe Schuck ’23, Renee Troutman ’23, Abbie Doran ’23 (crowned the 2020 St. Lucia). Bottom, l to r: Bella Nduwayezu ’23, Leah Nelson ’23, Amy Haney ’23. To hear from the 2019 St. Lucia, Hanna Alhosawi ’22, see page 7.
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PULITZER PRIZE WINNER James McPherson ’58: “You have to hold your readers.”
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PIONEERING FILMMAKER Cheryl Downey ’66: “Be resilient. Have faith in yourself.”
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GRAMMY AWARD WINNER Kurt Elling ’89: “Secrets are the best stories.”
Gustavus Adolphus College
For Alumni, Parents, and Friends SPRING 2021 | VOL. LXXVII | ISSUE 1 STAFF Chair, Board of Trustees The Rev. Dan S. Poffenberger ’82 President of the College Rebecca Bergman Vice President, Marketing and Communication Tim Kennedy ’82 Vice President, Advancement Thomas Young ’88 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
Class Endowed Scholarships
Class Endowed Scholarships give alumni classes the opportunity to connect with a current Gustavus student and establish a legacy of support for future students. Once a class endowment is fully funded, the named scholarship is awarded to an incoming student and typically remains with that student until graduation. Alumni class members are able to get to know the student during their time at Gustavus—linking Gusties across generations.
Design Jill Adler | adlerdesignstudio.com, Sharon Stevenson | stevenson.creative@me.com, Sydney Stumme-Berg ’22 Contributing Writers Bruce Berglund, Sarah Cronk ’22, Emma Myhre ’19, Emma Nelson ’22, Marie Osuna ’21, Sheila Regan, Corinne Stremmel ’21, CJ Siewert ’11, Sydney Stumme-Berg ’22 Contributing Photographers and Artists JJ Akin ’11, Terry Clark, Will Clark ’20, Princeton University/Denise Applewhite, Corinne Stremmel ’21, CJ Siewert ’11, Sydney Stumme-Berg ’22, Evan Taylor ’12, Stan Waldhauser ’71, Anna Webber 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.
Apogee (1980) covered in January ice, frozen in time. “When I thought of placing Apogee at Gustavus, I considered the time spent here by young people. It is here that relationships often begin, which develop into new families.” —Paul Granlund ’52.
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 32,000. Gustavus Adolphus College is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission and is a member of the North Central Association.
FOR MORE INFORMATION reach out to Karla Leitzman ’13, Special Gift Officer for Reunion Giving, at kleitzm2@gustavus.edu
IN THIS ISSUE
2
17
FROM WHERE WE BUILD
The Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Ecosystem Project identified existing capabilities that can help move the College forward with its anti-racism work.
10
HOW TO TELL A STORY
During this historic, homebound winter, we asked expert Gustie storytellers for advice on turning experiences and memories into memorable stories.
24 26
HERITAGE: FIRETHORN/E
All the covers, representing nearly half a century of the student-run art and literarly journal.
IN EVERY ISSUE
GIVING DURING THE TIME OF THE PANDEMIC
4 VÄLKOMMEN
Philanthropic giving increased during COVID-19.
5 ON THE HILL
Who taught you to give? Donors—and our college’s
8 SHINE PROFILES
president—pay homage to the role models.
22
SPORTS
23
FINE ARTS
24
HERITAGE
26
GRATITUDE
34
GUSTIES
44
VESPERS
22
EXCELLENCE | COMMUNITY | JUSTICE | SERVICE | FAITH
FROM WHERE WE BUILD
THE DIVERSITY, EQUITY, AND INCLUSION ECOSYSTEM PROJECT IDENTIFIES EXISTING CAPABILITIES THAT CAN HELP MOVE THE COLLEGE FORWARD WITH ITS ANTIRACISM WORK. HERE ARE OUR MULTIPLE, INTERCONNECTED STARTING POINTS.
In the wake of George Floyd’s killing last summer, Gustavus
has been remodeled as the new home for the Center for
outlined a plan for a deepened commitment to diversity,
Inclusive Excellence (formerly the Diversity Center). In lieu
equity, inclusion, and antiracism. The President’s Council on
of a public Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Lecture,
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI), formed by President
students, faculty, and staff focused on learning together as
Rebecca Bergman in her first year at Gustavus, set about
a campus community this year. And plans are developing
discovering where strides are being made to advance DEI
to hire for a cabinet-level position focused on diversity,
and antiracism efforts on campus.
equity, and inclusion.
The Council learned there are strong pockets of
An ecosystem is a complex, interconnected, interacting
dedicated efforts throughout campus. Growth means—in
network. Having a diverse, equitable, inclusive, and
part—strategic coordination, leadership, and innovation
antiracist ecosystem here at Gustavus means all Gusties
across these areas.
thrive within it.
Despite the constraints of COVID, this work has progressed in significant ways. Since June of last year, 19 listening sessions have been held with various campus constituencies to better understand the gaps that exist in the current Gustavus culture with respect to equity and inclusion. Two new counselors have been hired in the Counseling Center to increase support for students who are Black, indigenous, and people of color. And The Dive
President’s Council on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion | Center for Inclusive Excellence (formerly the Diversity Center) | Faculty Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee
OFFICES + GROUPS + COMMITTEES From first-years to seasoned faculty to alumni near and far, individuals have joined together in groups to advance diversity, equity, and inclusion on campus and wherever Gusties gather.
| Indigenous Relations Working Group (through the Office of the President) | Center for International and Cultural Education GUSTAVUS QUARTERLY | SPRING 2021
| Student Diversity Leadership Council & 27 student organization
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members | Bias Response Team | Title IX Compliance | Student Senate Inclusive Excellence Chair | Student Senate Antiracism Committee | Within the Chaplains’ Office: Multifaith Advisory Board & Interfaith Strategic Plan, Bonnier Multifaith Center & Multifaith Leadership Council | Americans with Disabilities Act Human Resources Accelerator Group | Accessibility resources in the Academic Support Center | ABIDE (Alumni Belonging, Inclusion, Diversity, and Equity) liaison on Alumni Board | Faculty Associate for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in the Kendall Center for Engaged Learning | Queer & Questioning Support Group | Achievement Allies | Global Engagement Committee | BIPOC Minds Matter
30+ DEI-focused scholarships for students | Pronouns in database records | College Possible partnership (empowering students from
EVENTS There is an event celebrating or advancing diverse cultures, communities, and ideas virtually every month at Gustavus (mostly held virtually right now).
underserved backgrounds) | Airfare reimbursement for college visits for Pell-eligible students | Membership and participation in Minnesota Admission Counselors of Color college fairs | OutFront Minnesota College Fair sponsorship and participation for LGBTQ high school students | Specific recruiting of high school students from historically underrepresented groups and those outside of the U.S. | First Forward (a first-generation networking group for students) | Bruce Gray Postdoctoral
Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Lecture | Raoul Wallenberg Memorial Lecture (focused on issues of refugees, migrants, and immigrants) | Moe Visiting Lectureship (bringing top feminist scholars to campus) | Building Bridges Conference + Diversity Achievement Summit | MAYDAY! Peace Conference | Diversity Week (student led) | Nobel Conference programming focused on DEI | Critical Dialogues Series (bringing
Fellowship (to increase faculty diversity at liberal arts colleges) | Gustavus Residential Life Experience curriculum | Service activities across various student groups | Let’s Talk series (making career counseling more accessible) | Courageous Conversations (opportunities for the Gustavus community to discuss
OUTREACH + RECRUITMENT
challenging topics) | Crossroads (bringing together international and domestic students curious about language and culture) |
How are we reaching and recruiting prospective students from diverse backgrounds? How are we connecting with diverse communities outside of our own? Wherever we can, and in surprising ways.
GAIN Summer Institute (firstyear students of color and from historically underrepresented groups participating in a week of early accesss and engagement)
the Gustavus community together to discuss difficult questions) | Womxn of Color Summit | Rosh Hashanah, Iftar, and other religious holiday celebrations | Out
“Diversify and Expand the Gustavus Community.” —Goal One of the Gustavus Acts Strategic Plan
of Scandinavia week | Day of the Dead | Dozens of events from student-led
Latin American, Latinx,
Diversity Film Series | Hispanic Film Festival | DEI events during Homecoming and Reunion Weekend
For more information on antiracism work at Gustavus, visit gustavus.edu/ racialjustice.
ACADEMIC EXPERIENCE In addition to these interdisciplinaryprograms, departments are reviewing curricula and pedagogy through a DEI lens. And through the new general education Challenge Curriculum, every student studies global affairs and cultures, and U.S. identities and difference.
& Caribbean Studies | Gender, Women, & Sexuality Studies | African Studies | Peace, Justice, & Conflict Studies | Japanese Studies | Scandinavian Studies
GUSTAVUS QUARTERLY | SPRING 2021
organizations | Linguistic
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Välkommen
B OA R D O F T R U S T E E S The Rev. Jon V. Anderson (ex officio), Bishop, Southwestern Minnesota Synod, ELCA
TELL YOUR STORY.
Scott P. Anderson ’89, MBA (chair), Senior Advisor, TPG Capital
I am an engineer. I am trained to ask questions, make
Tracy L. Bahl ’84, MBA, President and Chief Executive Officer, OneOncology
hypotheses, conduct experiments, and measure results. I have spent my working life understanding processes—in our bodies, in machines, and in organizations.
Storytelling? That’s not traditionally been “my story.”
That’s why this particular issue of The Quarterly is so
fascinating and engaging for me. The Gustie storytellers in this issue are master-level. I am in awe of their attention and commitment to their craft. I learned so much from them that I will use going forward, such as the importance of keeping an audience engaged, the need to begin your story from a place of integrity, and the connections we build when we tap into universal emotions. These insights all resonate with me. As I read this issue, I was prompted to think deeply about how I will tell my story of 2020 and 2021. It will be a whopper of a tale. There’s so much to say about the past year. We will talk about it for generations to come. If I were to make a hypothesis, it would be this: The stories we tell about this time will have tremendous significance in the future. Our stories will shape hearts and minds and policies. They will teach our children what our values are, and what they should be. Because of this, I believe we all have a responsibility to tell our
Grayce Belvedere-Young, MBA, Founder and CEO, Lily Pad Consulting The Rev. Kevin D. Bergeson ’02 (ex officio), Senior Pastor, Trinity Lutheran Church and Schools; President, Gustavus Adolphus College Association of Congregations Rebecca M. Bergman (ex officio), President, Gustavus Adolphus College Suzanne F. Boda ’82, Former 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, Managing Director/Chief Strategy Officer, Fallon Worldwide Janette F. Concepcion, PhD, Clinical Psychologist, Concepcion Psychological Services Edward J. Drenttel ’81, JD, Attorney/Partner, Winthrop & Weinstine Bruce A. Edwards ’77, Retired CEO, DHL Global Supply Chain James H. Gale ’83, MA, JD, Attorney at Law John O. Hallberg ’79, MBA, Retired CEO, Children’s Cancer Research Fund Susie B. Heim ’83, Former Co-owner, S and S Heim Construction
stories during this time. I feel the weight of it on me, our college, our communities,
Mary Dee J. Hicks ’75, PhD, Retired Senior Vice President, Personnel Decisions International
and our country.
The Rev. Peter C. Johnson ’92, Executive Pastor, St. Andrew Lutheran Church
And I am reminded—again—the power Gustavus liberal arts has to take on such responsibility. These accomplished storytellers come from all corners of Gustavus academics: history, religion, English, dance, theatre, management, athletics, visual art. Their voices and disciplines are diverse, yet their challenge is the same: how to
Paul R. Koch ’87, Managing Director–Private Wealth Advisor, Senior Portfolio Manager, Koch Wealth Solutions, RBC Wealth Management Dennis A. Lind ’72, Chairman, Midwest Bank Group, Inc.
artfully and effectively communicate the human experience, foster understanding,
Jan Lindman, MBA, Treasurer to the King, The Royal Court of Sweden
and facilitate connection and empathy.
The Rev. Dr. David J. Lose, Senior Pastor, Mount Olivet Lutheran Church
Gusties, please tell your stories—to your family, your friends, and the world; in writing, in song, in movement, in image. In whatever ways your stories can be heard, let them be heard. Your voices matter. Use them for good. Use them to inspire. Use them for change. GUSTAVUS QUARTERLY | SPRING 2021
G U S TAV U S A D O L P H U S C O L L E G E
Yours in community,
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, Executive Director for Innovation/Director, ELCA Leader Lab, Evangelical Lutheran Church in America 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. 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 Ronald C. White ’75, President, RC White Enterprises The Rev. Heather Teune Wigdahl ’95, Senior Pastor, Our Savior’s Lutheran Church
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ON THE HILL The mass campus testing event on November 13, pictured here, yielded a 1.5% positivity rate. The Minnesota Department of Health had warned Gustavus to expect a rate of between 10 and 15 percent. “That was when we realized what we had done worked,” says COVID response coordinator Barb Larson Taylor ’93.
A SEMESTER OF COVID-19: HOW WE ROAR-ED
there were no best practices, and the
the fall semester and in January, they did. It helped that first-year students (and
classes transitioned back and forth between online and face-to-face learning
criteria we were trying to implement kept
select returning students) moved in first,
while students and faculty navigated
changing.”
essentially for a three-week trial basis,
contact tracing and positive COVID-19
before all students were invited back
cases. When students moved home for
response coordinator (and associate
to campus. It required sacrifice. “One
winter break as scheduled, there had been
vice president for marketing and
of the biggest challenges was showing
no documented cases of transmission in a
communication) Barb Larson Taylor ’93.
first-years the culture of Gustavus when
Gustavus classroom.
COVID has truly been among the great
no one else was around,” says Lauren
challenges in Gustavus—and world—
Hecht, psychological science professor
rewarded for their decisions,” says Dale.
history. Gustavus students have risen
and director of the First Term Seminar
As was the whole campus. Consider the
to meet it.
program. For their first weeks of college,
positive test rate on campus. Gustavus
first-year students met for only one in-
Health Services administered 946
campus to rely heavily on the community
person class. All students were asked to
COVID-19 tests in the on-campus
to have the Gustie spirit and do the right
stay six feet apart and avoid gathering
clinic, along with 1,923 additional tests
thing,” says Heather Dale, director of the
indoors.
during three mass testing events. Fewer
Those are the words of COVID
“We made an intentional decision as a
Gustavus Health Service and a member of
There were only 16 confirmed cases of
“Students that made safe choices were
than 200 positive cases were recorded
the COVID Response Leadership Team.
COVID-19 in September—those students
between September and December,
The College asked students to ROAR—
set the tone for the rest of the semester.
making the cumulative positive rate 6.8
Respect Others and Act Responsibly. In
As the semester progressed, many
percent total.
GUSTAVUS QUARTERLY | SPRING 2021
“Nobody in the world had done this,
5
ON THE HILL
FROM THESE HANDS:
Big Data REvolution
GUSTAVUS ADOLPHUS COLLEGE OCTOBER 5 & 6, 2021
FIBER ART AND POETRY BY GWEN WESTERMAN Hillstrom Museum Art February 15 through April 18 This Hillstrom exhibit features the work of Dakota scholar, artist, and poet Gwen Westerman, a faculty member in the English department at Minnesota State University, Mankato.
BIG DATA (R)EVOLUTION
The exhibit includes important loans
Oct. 5 and 6, 2021
in St. Paul and The Heritage Center at
How is big data changing our lives, and what challenges and opportunities does
Red Cloud Indian School in Pine Ridge,
this transformation present? In less than a generation, we’ve witnessed nearly
South Dakota.
every piece of personal, scientific, and societal data come to be stored digitally.
from The Minnesota Historical Society
Westerman has collaborated with
Stored information is both an intellectual and an economic commodity; it is used by
the Museum in the past when she
businesses, governments, academics, and entrepreneurs. The velocity with which it
served as co-curator and artistic
accumulates and the techniques for leveraging it grow at a pace that is remarkable
contributor to the Museum’s 2012–
and often intimidating. But this revolution also promises hope as it facilitates the
2013 exhibition Hena Uŋ kiksuyapi: In
development of targeted treatments for disease, uncovers patterns in the cosmos,
Commemoration of the Dakota Mass
and optimizes agricultural efficiency to create sustainable food sources.
Execution of 1862. That exhibit was
The decision on having an in-person audience will be made in July. Learn more, at gustavus.edu/nobelconference.
occasioned by the 150th anniversary of the largest mass execution in U.S. history, in which 38 Dakota were hanged in Mankato on December 26,
AN ACTIVE AND URGENT TELLING
1862, following the end of the U.S.-
Schaefer Art Gallery
Dakota War.
February 11 through March 17 This exhibition features contemporary
View the exhibit virtually at
artists working with photography to honor
gustavus.edu/finearts/hillstrom.
the weight of lived experience through an intersectional lens. It was organized by Strange Fire Collective (SFC), a group of
GUSTAVUS QUARTERLY | SPRING 2021
interdisciplinary artists, curators, and writ-
6
ers focused on work that engages with current social and political forces. Stemming from SFC’s mission, the exhibition centers artists for whom questions of identity deeply affect their relationship to representation. The works engage with ideas of visibility and invisibility, the reality of lives that exist outside of—or in opposition to— expected and enforced social norms, and the social and political power of speaking one’s truth. View the exhibit virtually at gustavus.edu/art/schaefer.
CAMPUS SOCIAL INSTAGRAM
Follow /gustavusadolphuscollege
This year, in lieu of a public lecture, students, faculty, staff, and trustees looked inward— focusing on their own learning facilitated by a racial equity training firm.
@davidyoungs Newest member of the Pawstavus Class of 2025! #whygustavus #letsgoGA Follow @gustavus, @gustiealum
@mark_tarello SPECTACULAR! Sunrise seen this morning from Gustavus Adolphus College in Saint Peter, Minnesota.
@carrollgoalieschool Back at practice with the Gustavus Adolphus College women’s hockey team. Follow @gustavusadolphuscollege
“He thought that because she did not want to marry him that she must be a witch. So he reported her to the government and ... it ended up horribly—because she stood up for what she believed in and because a man just couldn’t handle a rejection.” —Hanaa Alhosawi ’22, 2019’s St. Lucia, recounting the legend of St. Lucia at the 2020 virtual Festival of St. Lucia service. You can watch the service, including the crowning of Abbie Doran ’23, the 2020 St. Lucia, at gustavus.edu/events/stlucia.
GUSTAVUS QUARTERLY | SPRING 2021
10:00 a.m. Time for Reflection
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ON THE HILL
SHINE: MULA LAY ’22 “All you need is a microphone,” —TO MAKE A PODCAST. AND SOME EDITING SOFTWARE. AND SOME STORIES. AND A STUDENT CHAMPION WITH A GREAT VOICE FOR RADIO.
His first major was computer science. But like so many Gusties before him, Lay questioned his first choice when the poetry and stories he was writing were competing with his computer science internship for his time. Now an English major with an emphasis in film studies, he’s focused on a future in documentary film work and journalism. And radio—particularly podcasts. As a student employee at the Center for Inclusive Excellence (formerly the Diversity Center), Lay has been creating, producing, and voicing the Center’s Stories and Culture podcast. “I wanted to do something creative, artsy, fitting in my major,” he says. It wasn’t hard to get off the ground. With podcasts, “all you need is a microphone and editing software.” And, of course, stories. “The highlight of the podcast is culture and how we portray cultural importance through storytelling,” he says. The first episode, which debuted this fall, featured traditional ghost stories from southeast Asia. For November—Native American Cultural Heritage Month— Lay researched Ojibwe and Dakota creation stories. Future episodes won’t all be Lay relaying stories from other cultures. There will also be interviews (including one of the new Center for Inclusive Excellence assistant director, Kareem Watts). He hopes to make an episode about his own ethnic group, the Karen people. He’s prepping for Black History Month, in February, with poetry from prominent Black poets read by Gustavus students. And for Poetry Month in April he’s seeking faculty and student poetry. He finds poetry as a form of storytelling particularly moving as a writer and performer, and as a reader and listener. He’s fascinated by poetry’s history, back to ancient Greece, its prevalence among all cultures, its relationship to song, and how it moves us emotionally. “I love how words can be formed in such a short amount time and space but also express so much,” he says. “It’s so powerful. It’s such an
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Lay was born in a refugee camp. His family left Myanmar because of persecution by the Burmese government and a civil war that has been going on for 70 years now. “We’re a tight-knit ethnicity but also divided right now,” Lay says. “I want to tell stories about what my people have gone through, our customs and traditions, and our hopes and dreams for the future.”
COMMUNITY
GUSTAVUS QUARTERLY | SPRING 2021
amazing form of expression.”
SHINE: BECKY FREMO “All writing is creative writing.” INSPIRED BY HER STUDENTS AND GIVEN ROOM TO GROW AT GUSTAVUS, FREMO PRACTICES WHAT SHE TEACHES.
When Fremo came to Gustavus, she didn’t define herself as a creative writer. She had a background in rhetoric and composition. While teaching here she began again to write her own poems. Her first collection, Moving This Body, was published in 2019. “Sometimes at universities there’s a hierarchy, and the creative writers can be the wild and crazy ones while rhetoric and composition folks spend our time researching in the basement,” Fremo says. “At Gustavus I was given total freedom to be a creative writer.” Fremo has been teaching ENG 256: Writing Creative Nonfiction for 15 years now and is still greeted with a new experience each time. “There is a diversity of voices in Minnesota that I am always being introduced to. We’re living in a very exciting time,” she says. Whenever she teaches a familiar reading in class, she hears new interpretations. “It depends on the constellation of students in the room. The reading is always reshaped by the students.” Fremo is all about the process of writing, with highlighting and cutting and pasting students’ work in order to help them tell their story. “I love being able to say to a student ‘Look what you did here. Look how you got from this exercise in October to this gorgeous paragraph in November to this wonderful piece of writing in December.’” She believes that all writing is creative writing. In her FTS, Stories, Selves, and Communities, she teaches students that stories are the most persuasive tools we have for connecting with other people. Fremo emphasizes that writing is not just telling stories but about showing students’ experiences to your readers. And that it shouldn’t happen in a vacuum. Student-teacher collaboration is the foundation of Fremo’s philosophy on writing. “I see my classroom as a lab, a place that is safe for trial and error, and the
Teaching creative writing online has changed the nature of the feedback process. Though classes have been just as interactive, Fremo looks forward to writing comments on paper and working with students face-to-face again. “When you have a physical paper and can write in cursive on that paper, it’s almost like a love letter going back and forth,” she says.
GUSTAVUS QUARTERLY | SPRING 2021
E XC E L L E N C E
whole time I am practicing with them.”
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HOW TO TELL STORY
T
HERE ARE MORE STORIES THAN WE CAN KNOW, YET UNIVERSAL EMOTIONS FLOW THROUGH ALL—LOVE, SORROW, JOY, FEAR, LONGING, PEACE. DURING THIS
HISTORIC, HOMEBOUND WINTER, WE ASKED GUSTIES WHO KNOW HOW TO SPIN A GOOD YARN TO HELP US KNIT OUR EXPERIENCES INTO MEMORABLE STORIES, FOR NOW AND FOR POSTERITY.
ONCE UPON A TIME… By Bruce Berglund, Emma Myhre ’19, and Stephanie Wilbur Ash
“Consider the significance of the seemingly trivial or mundane. As you tell stories of your pandemic, ask yourself: What is my daily life like? What do I think, do, and feel?” —Professor Greg Kaster
GUSTAVUS QUARTERLY | SPRING 2021
(there were Gusties telling stories)
11
Union and Confederate states.” As a student at Gustavus in the 1950s, McPherson gained an interest in the past from historian Rodney Davis’s course on Western civilization and English professor Gerhard Alexis’s course on American culture. At the same time, a more surprising class also steered him toward history. “I took two terms of geology to finish my science requirement,” McPherson explains. “The second semester dealt more with the historical dimension of geology, such as the Ice Age and glaciation. I found it fascinating and thought that maybe human history would likewise be of interest.” Above all, it was McPherson’s attention to contemporary events that spurred his interest in history. “My awakening understanding of world events at the time––the Cold War, the presidential elections, the emerging Civil Rights Movement––all that spurred a need to have a knowledge of the past,” he remembers. After beginning graduate studies at Johns Hopkins University, McPherson saw firsthand how a historian’s understanding of past events can be applied to current issues. His adviser, C. Vann Woodward, was an acclaimed scholar whose book on Jim Crow laws was recognized by Martin Luther King, Jr. as “the historical bible of the Civil Rights Movement.” McPherson recalls that when he visited Woodward’s office for the first time, the professor was
PULITZER PRIZE WINNER JAMES MCPHERSON ’58
“YOU HAVE TO HOLD YOUR READERS.”
not there. He had been called away from campus to testify before a Congressional committee on school integration in Little Rock. “That was eye-opening,” McPherson recalls. “Here was a historian who had reached a broad audience with his research, who had made an enormous impact, and he was being consulted by Congress as an expert on contemporary issues. That shaped my perspective of what a historian should try to achieve.” To become a historian whose work had that kind of influence, McPherson recognized that he had to write in a way that would reach a broad audience. Key to this approach was telling stories. “History is really the story of the past,” he insists. “As a historian who wants to gain people’s attention, you have to be able to hold
Some stories entertain us. Others define us. They shape our
your readers. You must be able to tell a story. A historian has to
identity, our sense of character and community, our understanding
present an account of the past as a narrative, with a beginning,
GUSTAVUS QUARTERLY | SPRING 2021
of right and wrong. Stories from the past have this power, which
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is why history is often so contested. Historians conduct their work under a weight of this charge. As one of the most respected historians of the Civil War, James
LOOK FOR THE DETAILS. “I am always on the lookout for a bright
McPherson is aware of this responsibility. Today, this turbulent
quotation, a story, or even a joke,”
period still has echoes in American politics and culture. “So many
McPherson says. “This is what catches the
issues continue to be relevant today,” says McPherson. “When
reader’s attention. And if you can do that,
you look at the pattern of red states and blue states on today’s political map, it’s striking how it replicates the Civil War map of
if you can make the reader respond to your writing, you are making a more effective argument.”
THREE GREAT WORKS
Battle Cry of Freedom: The Civil War Era (Oxford University Press, 1988) “One of my best works in terms of presenting an interpretation of the past through narratives.” It won a Pulitzer. The Struggle for Equality: Abolitionists and the Negro in the Civil War and Reconstruction (Princeton University Press, 1964) His first book, it reached a broad audience for a young professor. For Cause and Comrades: Why Men Fought in the Civil War (Oxford University Press, 1997) “Research for this book was some of the most exciting of my career.”
middle and end, with causes and consequences.” After earning his PhD at Johns Hopkins, McPherson joined the history department at Princeton University in 1962. In a career spanning four decades, he earned the highest accolades in the academic field of history, included terms as president of the American Historical Association and the Society of American Historians. Yet McPherson’s approach to writing history is
ASK A GOOD QUESTION. “How and why did certain things happen? How did the developments relate to what happened before, and later?” Then, McPherson says, weave your answers together in an engrossing way.
sometimes at odds with the more analytical practices of fellow scholars. “A lot of rewards in the academic world go to people who use new methodologies and cutting-edge research,” he points out. “Young historians shy away from narrative history, for fear of being branded as someone not breaking new ground.” In McPherson’s view, the analytical historian and narrative historian should work together. “Metaphorically speaking, we can say that people doing more analytical or theoretical research create the bricks,” he explains, “while those who take a more
PROFESSOR GREG KASTER
narrative approach put those bricks together into walls. They
As a historian teaching history, he helps students
add the roof and windows. They create a whole structure.”
develop their capacities for crafting stories about
McPherson insists, however, that storytelling is also a
the past through the skills of historical thinking,
sophisticated means of interpreting history. “In going to the
research, and writing. “History, of course, contains
sources to answer questions, you find stories that illustrate a
the word ‘story.’ I encourage students to be
point better than any analytical passage you could write. In my
attuned to the historical complexity, or messiness.”
research, I am always on the lookout for a bright quotation, a story, or even a joke. This is what catches the reader’s attention. And if you can do that, if you can make the reader respond to
A GREAT CLASS FOR STORIES
✒ His American Lives course on Abraham Lincoln,
your writing, you are making a more effective argument.”
Frederick Douglass, and Harriet Beecher Stowe.
Of course, an essential requirement for the historian as
“Learning how these individuals found and used
storyteller is to present a reliable account of the past, “a sixth sense for what it is plausible and implausible,” McPherson
their powerful voices is an instructive and inspiring way for students to develop their own.”
says. All historians can be lured by a stirring yet apocryphal anecdote. It is their responsibility to verify the truth of those stories, to ensure the accuracy of the stories they use. “Admittedly, ‘truth’ is a somewhat slippery concept. Still, the historian must be a fanatic for
USING A NEW FORM
✒ Last spring, with the help of Will Clark ’20, JJ Akin ’11, and Matt Dobosenski ’99, Kaster launched the podcast, Learning for Life @ Gustavus.
ferreting out the truth.”
13
Her job was always to help directors tell their story. “My career was about getting the director’s version and vision of the story on the screen,” Downey says. “Both as assistant director and production manager, it was always about what the director saw or how he wanted to see it. And I say ‘he’ because in my 40 years of DGA work, I never assisted a woman director.” Her role in the collaborative storytelling of movie-making was in the details. “We have a job to do within a certain amount of time, and we want to get everything the director imagines onto that screen,” she says. Money is a major factor. She wrangled budgets to get things done. Need a crane? Downey would cut back on extras for a particular scene. “I could almost always come up with a way for the director to get what he wanted on the screen,” she says. To make her way in the movie business, Downey adopted an unassuming way of interacting with her co-workers. “Ultimately, crews worked with me wonderfully. And partly, I’m sure it was my style, which was not authoritative,” she says. That’s not to say she wasn’t powerful. Downey was a founding member of the DGA Women’s Committee, whose research persuaded the larger DGA to bring a class action suit on behalf of women and minority members against Warner Brothers in 1983. The judge ruled the suit couldn’t go forward, but individual
AWARD-WINNING FILMMAKER CHERYL DOWNEY ’66
“BE RESILIENT. HAVE FAITH IN YOURSELF.”
members could sue. “Naturally that would be career suicide for a woman or minority director,” she says. “Litigation basically ended until #MeToo.” Later, in 2000, she was the first woman on the west coast to be honored with a Frank Capra Achievement Award from the DGA, the highest honor an assistant director/production manager can receive. Downey’s first career plan was to become a high school English teacher. Her Gustavus mentors—English professor Larry Owen (whom she would end up marrying much later in life when they reconnected at a Gustavus reunion), and Evelyn Anderson (“Mrs. A”)—encouraged her to dream big. “Evelyn said, ‘Oh, you must
“I was very aware of being a pioneer,” Downey says. One of
apply for graduate school and not to any school, one of the best
the first women in the Directors Guild of America two-year
in theater,’” Downey says. She won the Chancellors Fellowship at
GUSTAVUS QUARTERLY | SPRING 2021
apprenticeship program, she started as the second assistant director
14
for the 1976 Western The Missouri Breaks, starring Marlon Brando worked with. “The crews’ willingness to work with and support
CONTRIBUTE TO THE COMMUNITY. With both the
me was critical for women who would be coming after me,” she
DGA and the A.D. Training Program,
says. To borrow language from Westerns, she blazed a trail—and
Downey served in many leadership roles.
spent the next four decades making movies in male-dominated
She is currently very involved with SMI
and Jack Nicholson. She was the first woman the crew had ever
Hollywood, relying on her sense of humor, no-nonsense problem solving skills, and quick thinking to bring stories to life.
(Serious Mental Illness) advocacy, in honor of her son, Christopher Bandasch ’09.
THREE GREAT WORKS
Ice Castles [1978] This heart-warming ice skating movie was shot in Minneapolis (until they ran out of snow, when it was finished up in Colorado.) “It’s a good inspiring story and I have special affection for it,” Downey says. ’Night
Mother [1986] This intensely dramatic film, based on a play by Marsha Norman, features actor Sissy Spacek at her finest. Four Friends [1981] “It was honest about the turmoil of Vietnam,” Downey says. “[Screenwriter] Steve Tesich and [Director] Arthur Penn were very much in sync, and Arthur was very good at letting me know exactly what he wanted.”
UCLA and earned both her masters and doctorate there. Though she had a PhD, she couldn’t get a teaching job in L.A. She was asked, “When are you planning to start your family?” in interviews. She felt lucky to get a job as secretary for a movie company. There, “I fell in love with the film business,” she says. “I loved the fact that every day was new and completely different.” The next year, she was accepted into the DGA training program, where she was interviewed by a long table
DON’T TAKE NO FOR AN ANSWER. On the movie, The Winds of Kitty Hawk, “The producer was a challenging man named Larry Schiller. When Larry would come screaming to the camera, my phrase was, “But nevertheless, Larry...”
of white men. “And at the foot stood a very tall bearded huge presence—a fellow named Wally Worsley,” Downey recalls. “He said, “What makes you think a little girl like you can run a crew of 100 men?” She was assigned to Universal, the only woman on Worsley’s film crew. He said he wanted to see if she would sink or swim. She swam, and the two became lifelong friends. Visiting the Gustavus campus back in February, Downey met up with students who thanked her for paving the way. “They
PROFESSOR SEAN COBB
said, we are aware we are standing on your shoulders. And I
“COVID is an unusual time, but writers can learn from
think I had that consciousness all the way along that I didn’t
it,” says this English prof. It lays bare the essential
want to screw anything up and make a bad name for women.
storytelling elements: character, setting, and conflict.
It was such a small number of us at the beginning, and I’m
(And if we’re all at home with each other day and
delighted that these Gustavus women felt that way.”
night, there’s conflict.) There is also time, “to work
Since retiring in 2012, Downey has also been organizing her archive and is in talks with her daughter about doing a podcast
on understanding how COVID brings these elements into stark relief and can reflect our current history.”
(@ladycaprahollywood, on Instagram) to share stories about her career. Like the one about knocking on actor Doug McClure’s trailer. He said, “Don’t ever knock on my door when I have a hangover,” and then picked her up by her ankles and shook her upside down. She got him some Alka Seltzer, tapped gently on the window of his trailer and poured him the hangover
A GREAT CLASS FOR STORIES
✒ Screenwriting, because of the formulaic expectations. “Students are shocked. It goes against their sense of ‘creative’ writing,” he says. “But great creativity comes from limitations.”
treatment into two glasses through the window. She’s heartened to see all the changes in the film and TV
TIPS FOR TELLING
industry. “If you look at the credits, you’re going to see so
✒ “Create a compelling enough character with
many women now. There’s a real commitment to change.
a rich backstory and the story’s action
Women are finally getting a break.”
and conflict will issue from them.”
15
whatever direction you take them. The highest good is that people lose themselves in the music. When I’m preparing a song, I study the material and work with a collaborator on an arrangement that propels the thing into refreshing territory. But then, when I’m in front of an audience, the main thing is to embody the song. You can give a successful delivery by staying in tune and singing with good technique and collaborating with the other artists on stage. But you have to embody the song––not physically, but emotionally. GQ Jazz has a reputation for being about the artist’s creativity, not necessarily the audience’s experience. Yet you emphasize the listener?
KE First of all, I’m a singer. Singers are a gateway drug for jazz. The singer’s role has historically been as the translator, an avenue of emotional revelation to the audience. Just as you can hear in someone’s voice when they’re about to cry, even when they’re smiling, I am able to express something to a listener that an instrumentalist cannot. If I do my job right, I will tell you some extraordinary stories, with music written by some of the most far-searching composers of the contemporary age. My job is to translate their music for you.
GRAMMY AWARD WINNER KURT ELLING ’89
“SECRETS ARE THE BEST STORIES.” For Elling, the jazz musician’s task is not to get lost in abstract improvisations but to share stories. Our interview:
GQ Your most recent album is titled Secrets Are the Best Stories. What does that title mean?
KE Man, it was a cool thing one of my daughters said. She was maybe nine, playing with one of her friends, and I said to them, “You two have a lot of secrets.” My daughter said, “Yeah, secrets are the best stories.” And I thought, “Okay then, there’s a title.” With this album, I was trying to address things that leave a bit to be revealed. When you get a raw diamond, it doesn’t have any shine on it––it’s just a rock. If you don’t know what you’re looking for, you’ll toss it away. You’ve got to chip away at that stone with precision, polish it, put it in a setting. That’s a secret that ends up telling a beautiful story. In our emotional lives we have stories that are revealed in time,
GUSTAVUS QUARTERLY | SPRING 2021
whether joyful or painful or exciting or transcendent. Memories are
16
GUSTAVUS QUARTERLY Many jazz standards you have
like that, a kind of hidden story you take along with you. You’re
recorded have a narrative structure. When you approach one
not necessarily trying to keep it secret, but the tides of time cover
of these tunes, what part does expressing the story play in
it up. Then it’s not until you see someone again, or you see a
your interpretation?
photograph, that the story is revealed again. I’m always interested in the ghosts we have.
KURT ELLING You can play music as great as you can, but if you have an audience, you want them to understand the story.
GQ You wrote most of the lyrics for that album. How do you
You want to put them in such a state of mind that they go in
work as a songwriter?
THREE GREAT WORKS
Secrets are the Best Stories [2020] The song “Stays.” With music based on a Wayne Shorter solo, the lyric recounts when Elling learned why an elderly neighbor was frightened of him. Nightmoves [2007] The song, “A New Body and Soul.” After studying versions of the standard “Body and Soul,” Elling had a revelation as it played during his daughter’s birth. Dedicated to You [2009] The song “It’s Easy to Remember (A Jazz Story Memory)” Part of a live tribute to a classic album, Elling’s poetic interlude introduces the landmark collaboration of John Coltrane and Johnny Hartman.
KE There is pain around us, and things need to be addressed that go beyond the stereotypical themes in a jazz singer’s repertoire––especially these days, when things are so fraught. I tend to keep my eyes and ears and mind geared toward the question: What can I say? What is the best thing that I can present? Sure, that sometimes means creating a diversion by singing a love song. There’s not a night that doesn’t go by without straight-up romance in the set.
SERVE THE ROOM. “To have people in the room in the first place is such a privilege,” Elling says. “As a musician, you owe these people something. It’s not a showcase for your id. Musicians are here––I’m here––in the service to the music itself and to the audience.”
As far as the process goes, there are many ways of writing a song. One is that the heavens open, the muse sings a song in your ear, and you write it down. That is not my gift. I have a habit of writing longer-form lyrics tailored to the rhythms of previously existing solos. This is called “vocalese.” It’s open season in terms of the number of stories I’m able to tell. GQ Do you ever think of your career as a story—the history major who enrolled in divinity school and then became a
PROFESSOR ERIC VROOMAN Fall was a wrenching semester in Professor
jazz singer?
Vrooman’s Introduction to Creative Writing class.
KE It definitely surprises me, which leads me to intense gratitude.
“Students experienced COVID, mono, a Tigrayan
I came to Gustavus against my will. At first, all I talked
uprising in Ethiopia, quarantine, dislocation, and
about was transferring someplace else. But I fell in love with
fear,” he says. In a testament to how telling our
the prairies and the Minnesota River Valley. And of course,
stories can help us heal, “They kept their Zoom
there were the people. I was fortunate to spend three
cameras on and wrote some of the most heart-
remarkable years trying to understand what was in [Chaplain
wrenching, honest, and uplifting poems.”
Richard] Elvee’s head. He was as generous with me as with anybody who was questioning; a real intellectual and spiritual inspiration. And being a part of the Gustavus Choir was a
CURRENTLY WORKING ON
✒ His short fiction, with unusual human moments
marvelous arena of growth for me, falling in love with the
of connection, loss, and humor. “In a story I’m
bass section and the beautiful girls and the sounds and the
working on now, a 12-year-old girl drops worms from
camaraderie.
a drone onto unsuspecting highway drivers below.”
After Gustavus, I went to divinity school to try to get a map. I found instead that I was being taken further away
TIP FOR TELLING
from what I wanted to become, which was a much better
✒ “Start with a tense situation and then make
educated, fairly well spoken, erudite poetic-
the trouble worse, and then worse yet.”
delivery system.
17
“Set a timer for one minute and free write. Lean into whatever words, thoughts, or feelings come to mind without thinking to strengthen a storytelling muscle.” —Dolo ’14
A STORY TO MOVE
PATRICK JEFFREY ’10
“Dance has the ability to compel an audience member to move while they watch, often unaware of the energy flowing from one
How do you tell a story
part of their body to another.” He hopes that other storytellers can
through dance without
be open and vulnerable. He recommends being present in your
touching other dancers? That
voice and experiences throughout your story. “Find yourself in the
was the challenge this fall
story you are telling,” he says. It will shine through.
for Jeffrey and the company members of The Black Label Movement. How Do We Touch, When Touch is Gone premiered
A STORY TO REMEMBER
COMFORT DOLO ’14
Dolo had big plans after
on October 23 in a virtual
she finished her master of
TEDxMinneapolis conference.
fine arts in acting from Case
While filming under strict COVID safety guidelines, the piece
Western Reserve University
illustrated isolation during the pandemic. Jeffrey says telling this
this spring. But when the
story through dance gives viewers the chance to fill in their own
pandemic hit, her plans to
blanks. “Dance allows for more variation in experiences from each
move to one of the world’s
audience member.”
acting capitals (New York City, Los Angeles) took a
Jeffery auditioned for The Black Label Movement in January
detour. She came back to
of his senior year. He spent seven years with the company, and
Minnesota and took it as an
rejoined in 2019. He’s performed professionally with other organizations in the Twin Cities, including Collide Theatrical and
opportunity to connect with herself and her art. She’s appeared on stage with the Guthrie Theatre, Illusion
the Ordway. Jeffrey recently moved to Arizona, and his passion for dance
Theatre, and the Playwright’s Center (in addition to Gustavus
and storytelling remain the same. He’s finding other ways to get
stages). In her last year of grad school, she wrote a solo show
creative on TikTok and YouTube until the stages are open again.
called Diary of an Unapologetic Negro. It tells stories of her life
Even during a pandemic, movement is a natural part of the way we
growing up as an African-American woman and how Black
share stories, Jeffrey says.
culture is perceived. “I’ve been revisiting some of the borrowed spoken word poems and created my own versions shared by
GUSTAVUS QUARTERLY | SPRING 2021
cultural experiences.”
18
As she scrolls through TikTok, binges Netflix shows, and searches for new baking recipes, Dolo is also fascinated by how she will remember this part in her life and history. “I’ll look back at
“IF YOU CAN SPEAK YOUR TRUTH FROM A PLACE OF INTEGRITY, I THINK THAT’S A GOOD PLACE TO START.” —JEFFREY ’10
this time and have stories about how people behaved when they thought the worst could happen to their loved ones; how we all share a common memory but with different points of view.” She sees theatre the same way. To her, it is an intimate and dynamic way to experience a different life story. “There isn’t any
and a half in recovery, working as an ER doctor, throwing himself into a blossoming art career, and setting ambitious goals to
“WATCH THINGS THAT YOU LOVE, STUDY THEM, AND FIND OUT HOW THEY WERE CREATED.” —FITZLOFF ’06
return to surfing. Last year, Fitzloff was also the editor for Robin’s Wish, a documentary that dives into actor and comedian Robin Williams’ last days. It interweaves news reels, interviews with directors like Shawn Levy, and personal tales from Robin’s friends and family. “Our process involved many outlines, rough cuts, and long discussions about the best way to tell this important story,”
one way to perform it,” she says. And as theatre becomes more inclusive to audiences and creators alike, she’s excited about the boundless stories that will represent all backgrounds. Dolo encourages storytellers to share what they know and tell
Fitzloff says. As a student at Gustavus, Fitzloff says he became a lifelong learner. Historical studies and challenging projects in his art classes inspired meaningful work in his future career.
it with confidence. “If you care about what you’re saying, other
Fitzloff advises storytellers to be enthusiastic learners and take
people will be more inclined to listen,” she says.
inspiration from anywhere.
A STORY TO INSPIRE
SCOTT FITZLOFF ’06
Fitzloff’s adventurous creativity is always present in his work, from sharp, bright commercials to thoughtful, intimate documentaries. The California-based filmmaker stays busy in many film production roles—director, editor, and photographer. Whether he’s brainstorming stories or
making the final cut, Fitzloff knows film has nearly-endless
PROFESSOR MELISSA ROLNICK Dance professor Rolnick strives for classrooms that are safe environments where students are empowered to “trust their bodies and the information that arises... They grow to understand that the body is a resource and guide, which contains the stories of their lived and living
possibilities. He says that countless different films could be made
experience.” Sharing “story” in movement can feel
from the same source of footage. But when he is crafting films, he
vulnerable, yet it also encourages empathy.
focuses most on building tension and obstacles to tell a story.
GREAT CLASSES FOR STORIES
impossible-seeming obstacles,” he explains. “I think it inspires us
✒ Whether teaching Dance Composition 1 or the
in our daily lives as we face challenges.”
FTS Cultivating Practice: Unleashing the Creative,
Scott is currently editing a documentary about Matthew
the intention is similar: “Create an environment
Wetschler, a doctor and artist who died for 10 minutes after a
that is a safe container for students to feel heard
bodysurfing accident. The film focuses on Dr. Wetschler’s year
and seen, so they become comfortable exploring, sharing their work—telling their personal stories.”
The way we move tells a story. This is both a creative and learning opportunity. “The body is a necessary locus of investigation from which personal stories can emerge.” —Rolnick
GUSTAVUS QUARTERLY | SPRING 2021
“We like to vicariously experience someone pushed up against
19
Find the universal elements all people can connect with. “Look for ways to tap into emotions like love, joy, excitement, and even pain or fear.” —Curtis ’15
A STORY TO TRANSPORT
STEPHANIE PEARSON ’92
of Minnesota. Reading National Geographic was her portal to another world. She says writing has long transported people
When Pearson arrived at
to different places, even before photography. “Visuals have
Gustavus, she didn’t have a
added to the power of writing. But a good writer can transport
direction for her career. As
you to any place.”
she bounced from major to major, she ignited her natural passions for story-seeking and thrilling adventures. “I just had a vision to go exploring in
A STORY TO BUILD TRUST
DONTE CURTIS ’15
“Storytelling connects us to others in the most human
a kayak,” she says. She manifested that vision.
way possible,” Curtis says.
After graduation, she moved
He has a unique talent for
to Colorado, launching many trips throughout the Rockies and
bringing people together in
the Southwest. She went on road trips with her friends across the
positive ways, even during
country, and on international escapades in the great outdoors.
difficult conversations. As
After graduating with a master’s degree in journalism from
founder of the Twin Cities-
Northwestern University, Pearson started an internship at Outside
based consulting firm, Catch
magazine, where she fell in love with the bold work of uncovering
Your Dream, he helps clients
astonishing places and people. She is now a contributing editor,
learn to speak their stories.
and three of her Outside stories have been anthologized in The Best
journey towards an equitable world, and his energy is
Awards from the Society of American Travel Writers Foundation.
infectious. He partners with local governments, non-profits,
The process of trusting her voice and her writing can be
Ramsey Counties, to bridge connections between staff and
journalism before the internet. To fact-check a story, we had to get
take practical steps towards equity. He hosts highly-interactive
on the phone and call people and research at the library. I read a
workshops on diversity, equity, inclusion, and justice. He
lot of good books written by people I wanted to emulate.”
also works with local organizations to design community
As a freelance travel writer, Pearson is driven by curiosity. In her
GUSTAVUS QUARTERLY | SPRING 2021
and businesses, such as the Bush Foundation and Carver and
tedious. She says telling a story is a work of passion. “I came into
childhood, she didn’t have the opportunity to travel outside
20
Curtis wants each person to be enthusiastic about their
American Travel Writing. She’s also received four Lowell Thomas
conversations where everyone’s voice can be heard. Curtis is an engaging public speaker, addressing topics from breaking the cycle of white supremacy to unleashing your inner activist. In an address to 1,500 students at The Student Conference in Minneapolis in 2019, he shared tools for building values and visions for future students. “Your visions have to be
“GOOD WRITING CAN TAKE YOU ANY PLACE.” —Pearson ’92
bigger than yourselves,” he told them. “The work that we’re doing today, you won’t be here to see.” Storytelling is at the heart of his work. He says it’s the best tool to bridge the gaps between different experiences. In the
“TELLING STORIES IS CHALLENGING WORK. MAKE SURE IT’S ALSO SOULSATISFYINGLY FUN.” —Trondson ’88
PROFESSOR KRISTEN LOWE
fast-paced businesses Curtis works with, his firm works to build humanity. “It’s hard to argue with a story,” he says. Especially
As a multimedia artist working in documentary
those you share from your own life, those you are passionate
film, wood carving, and charcoal (see page 44),
about telling. “When it comes to building trust, there is no
her take on storytelling is both grand and granular.
better tool than storytelling.”
In narrative filmmaking, for instance, there are dramatic arcs, “dangers, things at stake. This taps
A STORY TO STICK WITH
TOM TRONDSON ’88
into values and motivations,” professor Lowe says. In visual art, colors and textures evoke mood and drama. “There’s so much more going on
Trondson first thought
that we subconsciously take in.”
about pursuing a career
CURRENTLY WORKING ON
in writing when he was a student at Gustavus, but his
✒ Wood carvings based on Scandinavian
life took a unique journey. A
ballads and inspired by northern Minnesota,
former Tennis & Life Camps
particularly the red fox.
coach, Trondson went on
GREAT CLASSES FOR STORIES
to teach tennis all over the world—including at the Nick Bollettieri Tennis Academy when Andre Agassi and
✒ “Ask yourself: What makes a protagonist want to live? What makes them want to work hard? What are the things that matter to them?
Monica Seles trained there in the late 1980s. He got married,
What is at stake?”
started a family, moved back to Minneapolis… When he finally committed to writing his debut novel, Moving in Stereo, it would take him 15 years to complete. “I made a pact with myself to work on it to the end,” he says.
close, but lose out in the end?” His protagonist, Richard Blanco,
“That meant creating a cohesive, absorbing read which worked on
is a talented journeyman tennis player. But he’s searching for the
many levels. Many, many drafts were written.”
same things we all are: acceptance, happiness, and love. Trondson was profoundly influenced by the late Steve
1980s novels Less Than Zero and Bright Lights, Big City, and his
Wilkinson, Gustavus tennis coach and founder of Tennis & Life
aim to “demystify this idea that world-class athletes are gods we
Camps. He spent two life-changing summers coaching at the
mere mortals genuflected to,” he says. He found few novels about
camps. “Wilkinson worked us hard,” he says. “Doors suddenly
professional athletes, and got excited about “exploring what it
opened.” That work ethic—and other TLC life lessons—stuck,
was like being inside the head of an athlete while thousands (or
and his takeaways for tennis and life and telling stories reflect that
millions) tuned in. What went through a player’s head on match
Gustavus-honed foundation: “Step outside your comfort zone,
point with so much on the line? Why did so many athletes come
take chances, be open to where an experience might lead you.”
Know of other good books, movies, TV shows, radio, or other storytelling made by a Gustie and currently available? Reach out, we’re making a list. Email editor@gustavus.edu.
GUSTAVUS QUARTERLY | SPRING 2021
The novel draws upon his passion for tennis, his admiration for
21
SPORTS
Defender Sophia Coltvet (Fy., Arden Hills) watches the puck during the women’s hockey team’s first game of the 2021 season. The Gusties lost 4-2 to Bethel but rebounded with a 4-0 win over Augsburg in the next game. College hockey players aren’t required to mask up during games but coaches and staff are. There are testing protocols in place for all.
A N D W E ’ R E B A C K . S O M E W H A T.
Go (winter) Gusties!
up to four non-conference contests.
waiver, this academic year, student-
Indoor track and field and swimming
athletes may compete up to the dates
their conference seasons the first week
and diving programs will be able to
of competition maximums without
of February. Under the direction of the
participate in regular season meets at the
being charged a season of intercollegiate
MIAC Presidents’ Council, basketball,
discretion of each institution—there is no
participation. For all sports, Gustavus will
hockey, indoor track and field, and
assigned conference schedule for these
follow the safety guidelines of the NCAA
swimming and diving were permitted to
sports—however, the typical postseason
Medical Advisory Board and Minnesota
compete in a “regular season” competition.
conference championship meets will not
Department of Health, outlined in MIAC
be held this winter.
COVID-19 Competition Plan—all 18
GUSTAVUS QUARTERLY | SPRING 2021
Gustavus winter sports teams began
22
Some pandemic-induced caveats: no winter-sport playoffs, no conference
Gustavus gymnastics, which competes
pages of it.
postseason championships, and no in-
in the Wisconsin Intercollegiate Athletic
person spectators. Colleges in the MIAC
Conference, will compete in four meets
viewership of Golden Gusties sports.
can compete at their discretion.
throughout its regular season with no
You can still catch Gustie sports via
postseason events.
livestream on each team’s schedule page
At Gustavus, there will be seven MIAC contests for basketball and hockey, and
Per October’s NCAA Division III
No fans in stands does not mean no
at gustavus.edu/athletics.
FINE ARTS
Art and art history professor Betsy Byers collecting audio from the glacier on Volcan Cayambe in Ecuador during the summer of 2019 while on a field research expedition led by a Gustavus science professor and including Gustavus student researchers.
S O L O A R T E X H I B I T I O N . C O L L A B O R AT I V E S C I E N C E .
Associate Professor of Art & Art History
Jol ’20 and filmmaker Evan Taylor ’12
having the financial support a grant can
Betsy Byers has been awarded one of the
also joined the excursion.
provide,” she says. “I’ve been wanting
inaugural $10,000 “Project Space” grants
The grant award has a simple
to work with a livestream component,
through the Kolman & Pryor Gallery that
imperative: support artists in doing
and I’ve also been really intrigued by
will support a solo multimedia exhibition
whatever work they haven’t done before.
installation-based work.”
inspired by glacial loss and climate change.
Byers’ proposal was for a solo, full-scale installation piece focusing on glacial melt.
painting of a glacier that viewers will
exhibition was conducted during a
She’s been working on projects focusing
experience alone, surrounded by blackout-
field expedition to Ecuador in June
on climate change and glacier loss for the
curtains and lighting. She also intends
2019. During the trip, Byers and Emily
past few years and has done collaborative
for a livestream or animated element, and
Dzieweczynski ’19 joined Gustavus
multimedia projects, but never a solo
sounds, smell, and touch for a full sensory
geography and environmental studies
multimedia project.
experience. “I really want a viewer to have
professor Jeff La Frenierre and team as
“I’m excited about having the
this memorable moment,” she says. “I’m
they collected data about glacial melt on
opportunity to learn some things I’ve
trying to create a sense of connection to
Volcan Cayambe. Student researcher Bri
been wanting to learn for a while and
these landscapes we’re losing.”
GUSTAVUS QUARTERLY | SPRING 2021
Research for this upcoming solo
Her plan is for a large-scale installation
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Heritage Whether you worked on or were published
in Firethorn or Firethorne (or Spring 1990’s Somewhat Scurrilous Essays), you live in the annals of campus literary history. Student-run, with entirely student work, a walk through the
GUSTAVUS QUARTERLY | SRING 2021
covers is a journey of student life through art.
25
Giving Pandemic IN THE TIME OF THE
Are we in dark times? Yes. Are we shining through it? Yes. Nationally, philanthropic giving has increased during the pandemic. So has giving to Gustavus—in a state already known for its generosity. When the College tells its pandemic story decades from now, it will include this: Gusties gave.
Those who made a gift of $60 or more to the Gustavus Fund on Give to Gustavus Day (Oct. 29) received this mask. A record $544,285 was given that day, a seven percent increase over last year. Earlier, in July, the College received an anonymous $45,000 gift that significantly lowered the cost of a COVID Safety Care Package— including face masks and hand sanitizer—for 2,200 or so returning students. A call to the Gustie community to cover the rest of the cost was answered in full in about a week.
deduction, many people rolled back their giving in 2018. Total philanthropy was essentially flat, the number of individual donors declined. But the following year, total philanthropic giving in the United States reached an all-time record, breaking the mark set before the tax law changes. Though it’s a nice benefit, Americans’ desire to give does not correlate with a tax break. We learn to give when we’re young. But we need to be reminded of these lessons. When asked what prompts them to make a gift, more than a third of Americans say they respond to a letter or email from an organization. Twenty percent of us are led to give after reading a news story about an area of need. Almost 40 percent of those who give are spurred to do so by a request from a
HOW DO WE LEARN TO GIVE?
I
t doesn’t come naturally. “You need to share” is an instruction parents constantly give their toddlers. “No, you have to give
that back” is also often used. The Gospels’ teaching on giving speaks directly to our innate
family member or a friend. And more than 50 percent of us give to a cause or organization with which we have a personal connection. Just as we learn to give from the example of our families, we are reminded to give by the people and communities that are most meaningful to us. And amidst the tumult of 2020, we saw how people put the
tendency to clutch tight at what is ours. “Anyone who has two
lessons of giving into practice, across the country and in the
tunics should share with one who has none,” we are told. But
Gustavus community.
that’s just John the Baptist speaking, the locust-eating radical. What does Jesus have to say on the matter? “Go, sell all you possess,” he tells the rich young man, “and give to the poor.” For most of us, the lessons of giving come from more immediate teachers. Not many toddlers respond positively to the words “You
M INNES OTA’S LEAD ER SHI P
need to share,” but as children grow, they do learn to give, partly
The state of Minnesota and the twin cities
by seeing it modeled. Those who give generously as adults point
of Minneapolis and St. Paul outrank almost
to habits of generosity they observed in their family’s household––
all others for philanthropic giving.
bringing food to the food shelf, slipping an envelope into the
TOP 5
Studies show that adolescents and young adults are more likely to give or volunteer if their parents have made donations or served in the previous year. Researchers find that in families where giving is modeled, children learn that donating money and time is not simply something they do as an act of service. Instead, philanthropy is part of who they are. They see their personal talents as something to be used for the greater good. Thankfully, the lessons of giving stick. People who give regularly do so not because they’re compelled to, but because
STATES FOR GIVING
CITIES FOR GIVING
1 Utah
Minneapolis 2 St. Paul
2
Minnesota
1
3 Maryland
3 Portland, OR
4 Oregon
4 Salt Lake City, UT
5 Ohio
5 Vancouver, WA (the largest suburb of Portland, OR)
they want to. When the 2017 federal tax law raised the standard deduction, the effect was, as many expected, a drop in giving. Without the benefit of claiming donations as an itemized
TOP 5
Source: wallethub.com
GUSTAVUS QUARTERLY | SPRING 2021
collection basket, volunteering for a community organization.
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GIVING DURING THE PANDEMIC After the record-breaking philanthropy totals of 2019, initial
the donations were the most ever in the event’s 12-year history. At Gustavus, supporters have done their part in last year’s
statistics for last year show even greater giving in the United
surge of philanthropy. From the immediate, generous support
States. In the second quarter of 2020—the months when
for the Student Emergency Fund last spring to October’s
COVID swept around the world—total giving increased more
record-setting totals for Give to Gustavus Day, alumni, parents,
than 12 percent over the previous year, with the biggest jump
and friends of the College met the challenges 2020 brought to
coming in the number of small donations. During the first half of
Gustavus and its students.
2020, total philanthropy for COVID relief passed $7.5 billion. Minnesota maintained its standing as one of the most
People across the country have shown their generosity in other ways as well. Nearly half of all Americans took steps to
generous states in the country. According to statistics from 2018,
support local businesses and service workers last year, purchasing
individual Minnesotans give $5 billion per year while private
takeout and giftcards and supporting housecleaning and daycare
and corporate foundations give another $2.2 billion. Areas that
providers. Although not counted with the donations to non-
receive the most support from Minnesota donors and foundations
profit organizations, this philanthropy has been essential to
are education, human services, and health care. During 2020, this
people whose work was disrupted by COVID.
giving increased. Nearly two-thirds of grantmaking organizations
We all have stories of how we first learned to give. Those who
planned to increase their giving, according to the Minnesota
give to Gustavus understand the importance of supporting the
Council on Foundations. Individual donors set a record on
teaching, learning, research, and growth that happens at a liberal
November 19, 2020, by giving more than $30 million for Give
arts college. Because of these gifts, Gustavus can offer its students
to the Max Day. Directed to over 6,000 different organizations,
what they need to move forward as the world moves forward.
U. S . AN D G U STI E S R E S P O N D TO CR I S I S Though the pandemic affects us all in difficult ways, giving in the U.S. and giving to Gustavus actually increased in 2020 over 2019.
GUSTAVUS QUARTERLY | SPRING 2021
U.S. GIVING
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GIVING TO GUSTAVUS
7.5 %
12.6%
7%
7.5%
Increase in all giving in the U.S. during the first half of 2020 compared to the first half of 2019
Increase in the number of U.S. donors across all philanthropical giving
Increase in total gifts and pledges to Gustavus from March 2020 through January 2021 compared to the same period in 2019–2020.
Increase in the number of unique donors to Gustavus, March 2020 through January 2021 compared to the same period in 2019–2020
WH Y WE G IVE :
Mike Johander ’99 “THE TOURING EXPERIENCE GALVANIZED LIFELONG FRIENDSHIPS AND A CURIOSITY ABOUT THE WORLD.”
My path to Gustavus was a whirlwind. Pardon the pun, but as a tornado-era Gustie, I couldn’t help myself. After two wonderful but humbling years at the Lawrence University Conservatory of Music, I was ready for a change. I was passionate about music, but I realized that a career as a professional musician was not the right track for me. The summer after my sophomore year, I met Jon Kietzer when he hired me for his charter boat company on Lake Minnetonka. Jon is not only a professional musician and a successful entrepreneur, but also a longtime Gustavus supporter who has generously endowed the cantor position at Christ Chapel. Naturally, when I told Jon I was considering transferring to a new school and asked for his thoughts, he said only one word: “Gustavus!” Meanwhile, my lifelong friend and rhythm section partner Ben Anderson ’98 was about to begin his junior year as a Gustie. Ben had arranged numerous gigs on campus for our band, Inflatable Date, so I experienced firsthand the warmth we all know and love about the Gustavus community. When I asked him what he thought about my move to Gustavus, he used the term “no-brainer.” The final proof that I was destined to be a Gustie came when my dad and I visited campus and met the band director,
When he was a kid, Johander’s parents quietly covered the cost of summer band camp for students whose families needed help. Now, as manager of Echo Bay Investments in Excelsior, his own gifts have helped the Gustavus Friends of Music establish the touring endowment. The endowment allows students to gain the life-changing opportunity of ensemble touring.
[professor emeritus] Doug Nimmo. “Johander…from Duluth?” Dr. Nimmo asked. My dad lit up. As it turned out, the Nimmos and the Johanders had lived blocks apart in Duluth, and my dad to admire the beauty of a Nordic sunrise from a ferry crossing
Days later, I had a room in Pittman Hall, a schedule full of
a Norwegian fjord, hear one of my favorite guitarists in a tiny
diverse classes, and seats in the Gustavus Wind Orchestra under
club in Stockholm, record in a Nashville recording studio, and
Dr. Nimmo, the string orchestra under Dr. Julian Shu, and Dr.
engage in late-night shenanigans with my bandmates and some
Steve Wright’s Gustavus Jazz Lab Band. A whirlwind, indeed!
locals in rural Louisiana. The touring experience galvanized
My time at Gustavus was punctuated with life-changing experiences, none more impactful than the music ensemble
lifelong friendships and a curiosity about the world. It is an honor for me and my wife, Holli, to contribute to
tours. While touring is certainly about performing great
the Gustie community. If there is a corner of Gustavus that
concerts, it is also about the richness of the downtime and
you’re especially passionate about, those are areas where giving
homestay experiences. On different tours, I had the opportunity
can go a long way.
GUSTAVUS QUARTERLY | SPRING 2021
and Doug’s older sister had run in the same circles.
29
WH Y WE G IVE :
Deb Johnson Rosenberg ’79 and Bob Rosenberg “BOB AND I FIRST LEARNED HOW TO GIVE FROM WATCHING OUR PARENTS.”
I found out just how much money my parents gave from helping with their tax returns in high school. When I got my first job, my dad decided that I should learn how to fill out a tax return. I figured out my own taxes, and then he had me help with theirs. I was stunned at how much they gave. When I had my first job out of college, they gave away more than I made. Still, today, they donate their Social Security benefits every month. When Bob and I got married, we put these lessons of giving into practice. We heard from so many organizations, it would have been easy to give to a million different charities. We had to sit down and decide: What are our priorities? We chose a few
A Donor Advised Fund helped the Rosenbergs
organizations that we felt passionate about, and then gave larger
focus their giving. “We were fortunate that several
gifts that would have more of an impact.
companies where I previously worked allowed me
Gustavus came back into the picture for us when our
to buy stock,” Deb says. They took some of the
daughter made the decision to enroll. I had been a bit
appreciated stock and established the Fund. In
disconnected, but we rediscovered the College in our
addition to other benefits, it has allowed the
visits to Saint Peter. We enjoyed sporting events and the
Rosenbergs to fund a Gustavus Heritage Scholarship.
Nobel Conference. I got involved with Gustavus Women in Leadership, the mentoring program, and the alumni board. I was even a guest lecturer in Kathi Tunheim’s classes a few times.
GUSTAVUS QUARTERLY | SPRING 2021
When it was time for my 40th reunion, I was asked to be on
30
the planning committee. A Class of 1979 scholarship fund had
gifts in our estate. We have been fortunate, and our kids won’t
been started earlier, but it was not as large as we wanted. We
need all of our money. We wanted to make sure that when we’re
decided that our class should commit to making this fund more
gone there will be something going to organizations we care
meaningful. We were excited to make this a key part of our
about, Gustavus included.
reunion communications, and the new donations have allowed us to award scholarships to students. Bob and I also made a planned gift to Gustavus at that time.
We feel very fortunate that we are able to give, especially after last year. We’re so thankful we didn’t experience job loss and loss of income. Our expenses have actually gone down, since I work from
The kids were grown and out of the house, so we decided to
home and we can’t travel. As a result, we are happy to continue
revisit our will. We were intentional about putting charitable
living out the giving lessons we learned when we were younger.
TO GIVE IS A GIFT ITSELF PRESIDENT BERGMAN ON THE LESSONS SHE’S LEARNED ABOUT GIVING AS A CHILD AND AS A COLLEGE PRESIDENT: “IT’S A JOY TO GIVE, AND EVEN BETTER TO SHARE IN OTHERS’ JOY.”
Who taught you to give?
Where are their lessons about giving in your life today?
RB: My parents. One of my earliest memories dates back to
RB: Once I was in college, I found ways to volunteer in the commu-
about age five. My dad was pastor of a Lutheran church in
nity. From those experiences, I learned that giving of yourself brings
Fleetwood, Pennsylvania. Every Sunday, during the service, my
great joy. It brings you closer to God. This is still true for me when
mother would let me put her offering envelope in the basket.
I give to causes I care about and communities I live in. Like my
I was also responsible to contribute part of my weekly allow-
parents did for me, I have always tried to be a positive role model for
ance to the Sunday school offering. Each week, I would put a
my children. Tom [Bergman, her husband] and I modeled giving
Sunday school, and drop it in the basket. I learned that we give our time and talent, too. My mother was a traditional pastor’s
but rarely made it a topic of dinner conversation. My kids did put a quarter in the Sunday school envelope each week. I guess it’s true that we’re destined to repeat what our parents did. In this case, it’s been a
wife––she was a full-time volunteer in-
positive. When people remark on a gift that Tom
volved with various projects in the church
and I have made to Gustavus [$4 million, in
and the community. She was my role mod-
support of the Gustavus Acts Strategic Plan], I
el for giving time. My dad was my model
tend to get uncomfortable. I don’t particularly
for giving talent. Owing to his speaking ability and leadership talents, he was always being invited to help somewhere. Did your parents explain their reasons for
like having it pointed out. I believe that being generous is part of being a good person. Our giving comes straight from the heart. As a college president, how have your ideas
giving?
about giving changed?
RB: My parents never talked much about giving. They modeled
RB: I had been involved in fundraising campaigns in the past,
generosity and service to others through the example of their good
thinking strategically about the future direction and key priorities
works, not their dinner conversations. In fact, I only knew what
for an organization. But now, as president, I have the privilege of
was inside their offering envelope because I saw my dad write the
sitting with people as they talk about making gifts to the College.
check. By the time I was in high school, my parents’ example was
I hear their life stories and learn about the interests and passions
pretty well ingrained. When I was applying to college, I was strug-
that motivate their philanthropy. It’s an honor to be at the table
gling to find a topic for my essay. My dad must have picked up on
with someone as they decide to give to Gustavus. I’m smiling now
that. He left a Bible on my desk opened to a passage in Luke—“To
because these are some of the most precious moments I have had
whom much is given, much is required.” That passage resonated
as president. It is inspiring to see alumni and friends of the College
with me and became the theme for my essay.
invest in today’s students and the College’s future success.
When my dad was retired and my parents were giving electronically, he would take the offering plate and put his hand in it. He didn’t allow it to just go by. This small gesture was his way of demonstrating that the offering is a meaningful and important act of worship.”
GUSTAVUS QUARTERLY | SPRING 2021
dime in the little printed envelope, bring it with me to
31
2020–21 ALUMNI ASSOCIATION BOARD OF DIRECTORS
G USTIES
Michael Bussey ’69 , (president) senior consultant, Donor by Design Group, LLC
HELP US UNDERSTAND YOU TELL US WHAT’S WORKING, WHAT’S NOT, AND HOW WE MIGHT BEST CONTINUE TO SERVE YOU AS YOU NAVIGATE YOUR LIFE AND CAREER. TAKE OUR 2021 ALUMNI SURVEY.
In 2016, thousands of Gusties just like you answered the first-ever Gustavus Alumni Survey. In doing so, you helped us understand how you characterize your time as a student, and how connected to the College you feel as a graduate. The information helped inform changes in our programming and volunteer opportunities to best meet you where you are. We’re inviting you to share your thoughts again. Some questions will be the same. New questions will ask about learning outcomes, communication preferences, and career mobility. We’re also expanding our demographic questions to gain a better understanding about how those factors influenced your experience as a student and impact your relationship with Gustavus today.
J. C. Anderson ’82 , (vice president) partner/ attorney, Lathrop GPM Dan Michel ’90 , (treasurer) director, digital media, Evangelical Lutheran Church in America Esther Mulder Widmalm-Delphonse ’08 , (secretary) attorney, labor law, United States Department of Labor Rick Barbari ’91 , head of enterprise data management, US Bank Mark Bergman ’79 , president and owner, Bercom International, LLC
2021 Survey
We want to hear from you! Alumni Association
Check your email for your invitation to the survey or visit gustavus.edu/alumni/ survey and share your thoughts before May 31. As always, responses are confidential.
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, Sara Schnell Elenkiwich ’10 , sourcing manager, Sparboe Farms Bruce Ensrud ’90 , wealth advisor, Thrivent Financial Alissa Fahrenz ’13 , analyst, Excelsior Energy Capital Amy Zenk James ’94 , sales and outreach director, Meadow Woods Assisted Living Peter Kitundu ’92 , vice president, chief compliance and privacy officer, Blue Cross Blue Shield Todd Krough ’85 , senior investment officer, Tealwood Asset Management
REUNION WEEKEND
ALUMNI COLLEGE WHEREVER YOU ARE
Despite progress
Learn synchronously (in real-time) and asyn-
toward inocu-
chronously (at your leisure) online with religion
lation against
professor emeritus Darrell Jodock and music
COVID-19, contin-
professor Ruth Lin, among others. Find them on
ued travel disrup-
Facebook: /GustavusAlumni.
tions and restric-
Jessica Martinez ’15 , academic dean for grade 9, Cristo Rey Jesuit High School John Moorhead ’68 , retired co-owner, Lindskoog Florist Jace Riggin ’16 , admissions officer, Macalester College Deb Johnson Rosenberg ’79 , director of retirement plan consulting, Stiles Financial Services, Inc. Mary Anderson Rothfusz ’83 , retired attorney
make our plans to
UPCOMING VIRTUAL PROGRAMMING
hold reunions on
Gustie Virtual Faire: a virtual event showcasing
campus unfeasable this
Gustie-owned businesses | Life Beyond the
summer. Reunion Weekend
Hill: a series for our recent alumni featuring
Vidya Sivan ’02 , digital communications specialist, Harvard Kennedy School
2021 (scheduled for June 4–6) will not take place in
topics like financial literacy, wellness, home-
Marcia Stephens ’73 , retired financial advisor
person. We believe reunions are not the same with-
ownership, and more | The Dive: deeper
out hugs, handshakes, and Gustie hospitality, and
conversations about social justice based on the
Matt Swenson ’06, director of CEO communications, Cargill, Inc.
we look forward to the time when we can accom-
Learning for Life @ Gustavus podcast series.
plish all of that while keeping our community safe.
Visit gustavus.edu/alumni/ to learn more.
tions on gatherings
32
Bill Laumann ’66 , retired schoolteacher/ librarian, Albert Lea ISD #241
Alumni Association
Mark Scharmer ’77 , retired executive vice president, insurance operations, Federated Mutual Insurance Company Daniel Sellers ’06 , executive director, Ciresi Walburn Foundation for Children
Ann McGowan Wasson ’82 , homemaker, volunteer
CLASS NEWS and information to be included in the Alumni section of the Quarterly should be sent to: Office of Alumni and Parent Engagement, Gustavus Adolphus College, 800 West College Avenue, Saint Peter, MN 56082-1498 alumni@gustavus.edu | 800-487-8437 | gustavus.edu/alumni
MY GUSTAVUS Martin Lang ’95 SPEECH COMMUNICATION AND ENGLISH MAJORS "I DIDN'T LEAVE GUSTAVUS A FLAG-WAVING GUSTIE. MY PERSPECTIVE ON GUSTAVUS REALLY CHANGED AFTER I STARTED GRAD SCHOOL."
I am a first-generation college student, so when I was applying to schools, I wasn’t quite sure what I was getting into. I wanted to play soccer at a big state school, but I soon found out that wasn’t going to happen. At the same time, I had a friend who went to Gustavus who convinced me to apply by telling me about Hello Walk, which sounded like a good way to meet people. I was pretty shy and introverted, so the small community was really appealing to me. I began to find my way at Gustavus through soccer, and I made friends here and there while living in Sohre, but I really began to have a better understanding of who I was through academics, especially through the English and communication studies departments. I knew I wanted to be a writer, and professors like Ann Brady really challenged me to be my best. I have memories of being in her class and seeing my papers getting marked up by her TAs. Deborah Downs-Miers was another professor who was willing to tolerate all my questions and never made me feel embarrassed for asking. I’m a feminist because of Deborah Downs-Miers. Similarly, my communication studies adviser, Bill Robertz, made me feel like I had a place to fit in. He took me seriously which helped me take myself seriously. Relationships like these were the things that helped me see that there was this interconnectedness among people at Gustavus that gets talked about on campus tours but is hard to recognize until you are up to your elbows in it. I didn’t realize until I left college how good I had it—maybe excluding the bitter winds of J-Term and the smell of Potato Bar which is burned into my olfactory memory forever. After teaching an FTS this fall semester, I found myself back in the shoes of the first-year students in my class. It made me think of the lessons I learned at Gustavus and now carry with me: be open to hearing critiques, have humility, and only good things come from asking questions as long as you are open to the answers.
More Than One Story “My perspective on Gustavus really changed after I started grad school,” Lang says. “I was glad to have been exposed to a social most important takeaway from Gustavus is the awareness that, “my way of seeing the world isn’t everyone’s way of seeing the world.” He's been a professor of communication studies since 2005.
GUSTAVUS QUARTERLY
justice lens. I started to recognize my privilege as a white man.” His
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GUSTIES
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Miriam Manfred, Minneapolis, at 103 is our oldest living alum. Miriam still lives independently and is an accomplished pianist. She has played for the Gustavus St. Lucia luncheon and reunions for many years.
Cherie Harkenrider, Winona, is the owner of CH Consulting. Jayne Rydland Radel, Eden Prairie, is retired from the role of substitute, preschool teacher for Burnsville/Eagan/Savage ISD 191. Ralph Yernberg, Northfield, is a retired ELCA pastor.
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Arlene Johnson Johnson, Red Wing, is mother of three, grandmother of six and great grandmother of five. She volunteers and crafts silver jewelry.
53|
Darlene Hill Barke, Mandeville, LA, lives in a senior residence and is still quilting for charities.
61|
Jim Wiberg, Austell, GA, after retiring 15 years ago from the ministry, and skiing the five major resorts in Colorado, has moved with his wife to a retirement village in Cobb County, Georgia.
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Dick Edstrom, Stillwater, is a partner with Life Transitions Services.
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Daniel Sundahl, Greer, SC, is retired from Hillsdale College as the Russel Amos Kivk professor in English and American studies.
34
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Randy Chase, Elgin, TX, has retired from his position as customer service manager/supply chain specialist for 3M and now has an antique business called Antique Chasers, with three locations in central Texas.
Marcia Bomgren Bussey, Woodbury, is the varsity tennis coach at New Life Academy. Susan Mortenson Gavle, Crystal Lake, IL, is a retired elementary educator for District 47. Dale Isaacson, Dassel, is a retired warehouse supervisor at Saunatec. Billee Kraut, Hopkins, is the retired president of AABACA. Pachi Lopez, Cotacachi, Imbabura, retired in 2014 and moved back to Ecuador where he divides his time managing his own sweet pepper farm, photography, and writing. Gail Polk Mitchell, Kerrville, TX, is a retired teacher who taught adult English as a second language through various community programs and college settings. Greg Myhr, Maple Grove, is a retired sales representative for Liberty Carton Company (now Liberty Packaging). Ronald Olsen, Circle Pines, is a retired high school band director and golf coach. He was a band director for 36 years and even returned to Gustavus in 1976 as an interim adjunct professor. Carol Hamrum Rutz, Northfield, retired as director of writing programs at Carleton College in 2017.
Margie Young Sampsell, Edina, is a retired realtor for Edina Realty. Maggie Ista Swanson, Saint Paul, is a retired nurse and investigator for the Minnesota Attorney General's Office. Natalie Peterson Torkelson, Tulsa, OK, is a retired administrative director, CV services at Oklahoma Heart Institute at Hillcrest Medical Center. Roger Volk, Eagan, is a retired accounting supervisor for the State of Minnesota.
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Nancy Forman Keay, Tacoma, WA, is an independent business owner of PNW Medical Records Review. Paul Torkelson, Hanska, was reelected to the Minnesota State House of Representatives, Dist. 16B. It is his third term.
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Scott Fichtner, Saint Peter, has retired as the environmental service director for Blue Earth County. Mike Kemp, Omaha, NE, who is the senior associate athletic director for the University of Nebraska, Omaha and has recently been selected to serve as chair of the NCAA Division I Men’s Hockey Committee for the 2020–21 season.
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Doug Dunn, Woodbury, has retired from his position as senior research specialist for 3M. LaVonne Carlson Moore, Belle Plaine, retired after teaching adult basic education English for 12 years at Carver-Scott Educational Cooperative, prior to that, she taught German for 30 years.
Nancy Nordgren, Saint Paul, retired from her position as copy editor/multiplatform editor for the Minneapolis Star Tribune. John D. Trawick, La Mesa, CA, is a senior research fellow for Genomatica.
Julie S. Johnson, Netherlands, is founder and managing director of Julie Johnson Consulting, an international consultancy focused on executive coaching. Charlie Wirth, Excelsior, is owner/manager of Valutec.
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Scott Gislason, Minneapolis, is a financial advisor for North Star Resource Group. Wayne Peterson, Plymouth, is a retired pastor for St. Barnabas Lutheran Church in Plymouth.
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Jan Johnson Dick, Minnetonka, is the chief talent, strategy and education officer for the Minneapolis Heart Institute Foundation. Ann Onkka Leuer, Virginia Beach, VA, has retired from the Eagan School District #196 after teaching elementary education for 41 years.
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Teri Carter Anderson, Maple Grove, has retired after working 40 years at Prudential Insurance in various leadership and project director roles. Mary Jo Dusek Briggs, Shoreline, WA, is an ambulatory care manager–RN for Virginia Mason Health System. Lauren Swanson Ellingson, Powder Springs, GA, works as a sales consultant for Tupperware. Renee Rule Greer, San Antonio, TX, is the branch chief of military orthopaedic trauma for the Department of Defense Trauma Registry and was the chief nursing officer for the World Scout Jamboree in the summer of 2019.
Brian Johnson, Valparaiso, IN, has been named executive director of the Grunewald Guild in Leavenworth, WA. The Grunewald Guild is an arts education retreat center nestled in the Cascadian woodland. Michael Kincade, Weymouth, MA, has been elected Chairman of the Health Services Board of Directors for the Dimock Center in Boston. Lori J. LeCount, British Columbia, Canada, is a financial clerk for San Juan County, a group of islands off the coast of Vancouver and Washington. Amy Dunlevy Odgren, Walker, was elected in August to serve a six-year term as bishop of the Northeastern Minnesota Synod of the ELCA. She has served as assistant to the bishop and director for evangelical mission in the Northeastern Minnesota Synod since 2016.
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Terri Quale Cope, Victoria, is the president and owner of Mojo. Raymond Marron, Maple Grove, is senior vice president at Kate-Lo Tile & Stone. Nancy Fleming Nelson, Woodbury, is a principal at Cirdan Health Systems and Consulting. Tony Randgaard, Minneapolis, writes aviation and travel articles for Minnesota Connected and
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Connie Silver Crowl, Broken Arrow, OK, along with her husband, Gary, continue to do mission work in China, Thailand, India, and Albania.
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Ross Gustafson, Golden, CO, is a research and development chemist at Emp Research and Manufacturing/ Norwex. Scott Hagen, Tampa, FL, is the deputy command chaplain for the Army Reserve Medical Command. Dan McGinty, New Brighton, is principal of Dan McGinty Consulting, and is a professor at the University of Minnesota. Paul C. Nelson, Golden Valley, is an Allstate insurance agency owner.
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Susan Johnson Chwalek, Monticello, is a school psychologist at Madison Elementary and Westwood Elementary Schools in the St. Cloud School District. Jann Eichlersmith, Richfield, is the director of the social enterprise division and GC at the Venn Foundation. Carron Harris, Vancouver, WA, is senior director product innovation at Papa Murphy’s International.
David Steiner, Plymouth, is president of Real Avid.
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Chris J. Carlson, Fargo, ND, is an insurance agent/producer for Farmers Insurance Group, he also continues to teach communication and public speaking as an adjunct instructor at Concordia College in Moorhead. Jackie Hunt Christensen, Minneapolis, who is a health activist, volunteer and author for Parkinson's disease has made a training video for Home Care Assistance, a company that provides in-home caregiver services.
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David D. Flaten, Ithaca, NY, has received a Fulbright U.S. Scholar award to Colombia. Flaten will teach at the Technological University of Pereira as part of a project to teach graduate and undergraduate courses. He is currently a history professor at Tompkins Cortland Community College. Gretchen Roble Hudacek, Fall Creek, WI, is the vice president of commercial banking at Prevail Bank.
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John Tengwall, Woodbury, is president of EcoWater Systems.
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Kitty Hart, Chaska, is the vice president of client engagement at Denamico. Dean Kraus, Eagan, is an IT manager at Delta Airlines. Erika Hendrickson Lage, Waconia, is the assistant banking center manager at Old National Bank, Waconia.
Steve Mau, Brainerd, is the president of Brainerd General Rental. Brad Putney, Cloquet, is the owner of True North Consulting. John West, Otsego, is director of digital operations for Slumberland Furniture in Oakdale. Jeff Sorenson, Minneapolis, is the owner, president of Lighthouse Technology Solutions.
Consumer Work, and Travel Journalist of the Year (silver). The Lowell Thomas awards recognize excellence in the field of travel journalism. Grady St. Dennis, Edina, is a chaplain and director of church relations at Gustavus. Andrea Vedanayagam, Santa Clara, CA, is a marketing consultant of her own company, Veda Communications, Sunnyvale, CA.
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Tim Donoughue, The Woodlands, TX, is the product company counsel for Baker Hughes Incorporated. Paula S. Engstrom, Sturgeon Lake, is a program manager for UnitedHealthcare. Terry Iverson, Prior Lake, is the president of Rocket Imprints. Michelle Larson Stimpson, Minnetrista, is owner and life coach of LifeShine. Ward Swanson, Eden Prairie, is vice president at Barr Engineering Company. John Harris, Tyrone, GA, is associate director–predictive modeling and advanced analytics at Protiviti, in Atlanta.
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Wendy Schreiber Osterberg, Hamel, is the director of planning & administration/chief of staff at Ameriprise Financial. Stephanie Pearson, Duluth, is a contributing editor to Outside magazine and has had stories appear in The New York Times. In the past year she has received three Lowell Thomas awards in the categories of Environmental Tourism, Service-Oriented
Bryan Haines, Eden Prairie, is vice president of United Bankers Bank. Kristina Nordstrom, Seattle, WA, is senior manager, product management & technology buying experiences for Amazon. Marco Strom, Minneapolis, is an expense reduction consultant at Schooley Mitchell.
Andrew Voorhees, Saint Paul, is the vice president of business development at Majestic Medical. Jonathan Yocum, Stillwater, is a financial advisor at Merrill Lynch Wealth Management.
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Dan Currell, Saint Paul, is a senior advisor for the U.S. Department of Education. Erik Hendrikson, Edina, is president of Tradition Mortgage. Chad Hunt, New Praque, is a financial advisor at Wealth Management Solutions. Kristin Fisher Lamoureux, Mankato, is the owner of Restorative Vacations.
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David Berg, Rochester, was recently called as senior pastor of Gloria Dei Lutheran.
GUSTIES DIDN’T GATHER Where's that spread of fun photos sent in by Gusties who have gathered around the world? You know, those pages of smiling Gustavus alumni you usually find at the end of this magazine? In the midst of the pandemic, your core value of community kicked in. You didn't gather physically but rather in ways that did not harm the greater good. Thanks for thinking of others and not gathering together in person, Gusties. We look forward to the photos you will send us when you can.
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Minneapolis Star Tribune and his recent book, Unpremeditated, is now available on Amazon. Beth Onkka Stuckey, Saint Peter, is a visiting instructor in the nursing department at Gustavus Adolphus College. Darcy Winter, Minneapolis, is president/owner of D.E. Winter & Associates, Inc.
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Matthew Cadwell, North Quincy, MA, is vicar-in-charge, the senior priest, at The Old North Church in Boston. The Old North Church (officially Christ Church) is the oldest church in Boston and a national landmark, built in 1723. Tresja Denysenko, Valparaiso, IN, is the deputy disaster relief for the United States Agency for International Development (USAID). Andrea Fannemel, Chanhassen, is the director of recruitment at RBC Wealth Management. Kirsten Frazee, Carbondale, CO, is a classroom teacher at the Waldorf School on the Roaring Fork. Anastasia Kitsul, San Juan, PR, owns her own import and travel company, Rutrex Russian Trade and Exports. Peter K. Wahl, Dallas, TX, an attorney for Jackson Walker, was selected for inclusion in the 2021 The Best Lawyers in America list. Best Lawyers listings are based on a peer review survey of thousands of attorneys who vote on the legal abilities of others in their practice areas.
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Viktoria Larson Davis, Madelia, is an optometrist and the owner of Madelia Optometric. Matt Eppen, Rosemount, is a high school social studies teacher in Burnsville. Kris Fredrick, Lino Lakes, is a technology specialist for the Mounds View School District. Ben Hadden, Nevis, is a retired principal IT specialist for Hennepin County. Lance Hampton, Alexandria, VA, is a foreign policy specialist for
the U.S. Department of Defense. Brent Harrold, Burnsville, is a senior development engineer for Donaldson Company, Inc. David Jones, Minneapolis, is an academic advisor for the College of Nursing and Health Sciences at Metropolitan State University. Heather Sharp Knutson, Whitefish, MT, is the vice president of marketing at Ascent360. Sara Mattson Mayfield, Lakeville, is a recruiting consultant at Wells Fargo Bank. Michelle Baker Newman, New Prague, is a senior HR director for Post Consumer Brands. Heidi Jacobsen Simons, Shoreview, is a social studies teacher in Bloomington. Nancy Peterson Wilhelmi, Brooklyn Park, is a registered nurse at the University of Minnesota Masonic Children’s Hospital.
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Sarah Luedtke-Jones, Minneapolis, is director of student affairs at Luther Seminary. Jason Quam, Kenyon, is vice president at TCF Bank. Scott Tricker, Omaha, NE, is the vice president, director of business development at Olsson. April Valentine, Hammond, IN, is an immigration counselor for Purdue University, West Lafayette. Patrick Wilson, Kalamazoo, MI, is an assistant professor of sculpture and integrated media at Western Michigan University. He is also opening a new exhibit of his work in October after receiving a Fulbright Fellowship to travel to China in 2012 where he stayed and studied for many years.
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Heidi Anderson Bonner, Wilson, NC, is an associate professor and chair for the Department of criminal justice at East Carolina University in Greenville. Glenn Kranking, Saint Peter, is an associate professor of history and Scandinavian studies at Gustavus Adolphus College and was a featured participant in the webinar Propaganda Everywhere: Teaching Propaganda Across the Disciplines, hosted by Media Education Lab. Amanda Paulson Laden, Plymouth, a teacher at Wayzata High School in Wayzata Public Schools was the recipient of a 2020 WEM Outstanding Educator Award. Jennifer Nelson Tricker, Omaha, NE, is an attorney/partner at Baird Holm.
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Nathan Hanel, Mankato, is program coordinator of Southern Minnesota Agricultural Center of Excellence at South Central College in North Mankato. Tricia Otterblad Kohanski, Hermantown, is an employee health supervisor at Essentia Health.
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Kara Bunde-Dunn, Lincoln, NE, is the senior vice president of sales, marketing and customer success at the Nebraska Book Company. Mike Durfee, Lakeville, is a managed repair representative for Progressive Casualty Insurance. Larry P. Engelhardt, Florence, SC, was named Francis Marion University’s J. Lorin Mason Distinguished Professor for the 2019-20 academic year. Larry
is a professor of physics at the University. Brent Kompelien, Maple Plain, is the owner of Perfect Tix. Kelly Colvin Smith, Eugene, OR, is the alumni communications and marketing manager for the Said Business School at the University of Oxford, United Kingdom. Angela Erickson, Chanhassen, who is the alumni director for Gustavus Adolphus College, was recently elected to the Eastern Carver County School Board, which serves Chaska, Chanhassen, Carver, and Victoria.
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Sean K. O'Brien, Saint Paul, is chief financial officer at Alliant Engineering in Minneapolis.
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Kevin Bergeson, Hawthorne, CA, is the senior pastor at Trinity Lutheran Church. Joel Johnson, Minneapolis, is a shareholder and senior associate attorney at Winthrop & Weinstine. Eric Mueller, Woodbury, is owner and web designer of Pixeleric. Lucien H. Truong, Lynnwood, WA, is manager, AWS SecurityAWS SOC (Security Operations Center) at Amazon Web Services.
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Elizabeth Johnsrud Devins, Menomonee Falls, WI, is a senior intellectual property counsel member at GE Healthcare. Andrew Nelson, Shakopee, is a client program manager/account manager for Pearson VUE. Megan Schliep, Watertown, MA, was awarded in August, a
PhD in rehabilitation sciences from MGH Institute of Health Professions, Boston. Jing Ni Soh, Saint Peter, works as an import/export specialist for Taylor Corporation.
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Britt Forsberg, Saint Paul, is a program coordinator for Minnesota Master Naturalists. Rosa Hermoza, Woodbury, is a global process analyst-ITF, for H.B. Fuller in Minneapolis. David Mitchell, Wayzata, has been named the chief operation officer for MackayMitchell Envelope Company. Janet Jansen Moen, Champlin, is the senior vendor manager for Ameriprise Corporation. Nick Weiler, Apple Valley, is a senior internal wholesaler at AdvisorNet Insurance.
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Kristi Forsythe Mahn, Mendota Heights, is a special education teacher at Grey Cloud Elementary in the South Washington County School District in Cottage Grove.
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Adam Eckhardt, West Palm Beach, FL, is an in-store marketing specialist in electronics for Target and a professional development manager for Sonic Management Group. Nicole Klaustermeier Fiala, Williams, is a reading teacher at Lake of the Woods School. Jenna Kellerman, Saint Paul, is a director of workforce solutions at LeadingAge Minnesota. Amanda Lindholm Lucas, Forest Lake, is a self-employed realtor.
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Jennie Andersen, Minneapolis, is a tax and treasury manager at ABILITY Network. Ethan Armstrong, Chicago, IL, works in development at the Pat Tillman Foundation. Conor Bennett, Shakopee, is a client relationship manager at US Bank Home Mortgage. Britta Bolm, Saint Louis Park, is an event manager at Jostens. Lisa Brown, Idaho Falls, ID, is a bike patrol officer at Grand Targhee Resort.
Jenna Zimmer Carlson, Milaca, is the activities assistant for Milaca School District. Rachael Click, Avon, is the head softball coach at College of Saint Benedict. Shauna Cropsey, Bloomington, is a program manager of community engagement services at the Community Involvement Programs. Laura Danielson, Saint Louis Park, is an investigator at the Minnesota Department of Human Rights. Aryn Bell DeGrood, Saint Peter, is the head women’s gymnastics coach at Gustavus. Ashlee Robb Delaney, Lacey, WA, is an executive legislative assistant for the Washington State Senate. Alli Linn Delheimer, Fargo, ND, is an associate veterinarian at North Wind Equine. Mike DesLauriers, Edina, is a senior manager at Grant Thorton. Chris Edelbrock, Seattle, WA, is a senior manager at the Boeing Company. Erin Koppang Edelbrock, Seattle, WA, is a grants administrator for the Apex Foundation. Laura Lundorff Eich, Elk River, is a registered nurse at Fairview. Amy Erickson, Minneapolis, is an attorney at Gray Plant Mooty. Carly Ernst, Scottsdale, AZ, is an internal medicine physician at Abrazo Medical Group. Andrew Evenson, Minneapolis, is a senior associate at Grant Thornton. Dan Foley, Duluth, is a senior geologist at Teck American.
Kayla Ricksham Foley, Duluth, is an editor for Steele Compliance Solutions. Gwendolyn Gillson, Jacksonville, IL, is a visiting assistant professor of religion and East Asian studies at Oberlin College. Sara Guthrie, Pine City, is a community liaison office coordinator at the Department of State. Maggie Hedlund Forster, Shakopee, is the coordinator of donor relations and stewardship at the Minneapolis Heart Institute Foundation. Laura Hansen Hegland, Chaska, is a senior fitness specialist at TC Fit. Ben Hilding, New Prague, is a pastor at Holy Trinity Lutheran Church. Leah Hogdal, Chicago, IL, is a clinical biomarkers lead for AbbVie. Brett Howells, Excelsior, is a commercial loan officer at Choice Bank. Sarah Hulke, Robbinsdale, is an associate compliance officer at Rasmussen College. Andrea Hunter, Tucson, AZ, is an RN at southern Arizona VA Healthcare System. Nicole Parris Jacobs, Saint Robert, MO, is an assistant activity director at Parc Provence. Asitha Jayawardena, Edina, is a pediatric otolaryngologist at Children’s Minnesota. Ashok Jethwa, Toronto, Ontario, is a clinical fellow-head and neck surgical oncology and microvascular reconstruction at the University of Toronto.
Emily Johnson, Louisville, NE, is a pastor at Christ Lutheran Church. Erik Johnson, Plymouth, is a packaging engineer at General Mills. Daniel O. Johnsrud, Milwaukee, WI, is a cardiology fellow at Aurora Health Care. Maren Meyer Johnsrud, Milwaukee, WI, is a campaign manager for the Mayo Clinic. Christine Askham Kamin, Lakewood, CO, is a high school science teacher. David Lick, Saint James, is a pastor at First Presbyterian Church. Erik Mahon, Sioux City, IA, is an assistant professor at Morningside College. Megan Willaert Martin, Farmington, is a senior account manager at the Line Up. Amanda Harman Marzinske, North Mankato, is a registered nurse at Allina. Ryan Mather, Chicago, IL, is a postdoctoral fellow/staff therapist at Chicago Counseling Collective. Maureen McNary Campion, Prairie Village, KS, is a reading teacher at Olathe West High School. Jenny Berglund Noennig, Minnetonka, is an account supervisor at 160over90. Lindsay Norgaard, Prior Lake, is an assessment project management lead at Huron Consulting Group. Laura Ofstad, Reno, NV, is a senior editor for Recyclist. Rachel Ogilvie, Forest Lake, is an inpatient nursing director at Fairview Lakes Hospital. Ashley Gibbs Paul, Plymouth, is the school principal for Wayzata Plymouth Creek Elementary.
Dara Pemble, Saint Paul, is a revenue tax specialist senior at Minnesota Department of Revenue. Nate Peterson, Maple Grove, works in sales at Tintri. Marisa Schloer Prachar, Savage, is an online business owner. Jennifer Pusch, Minneapolis, is an attorney at Fredrikson and Byron. Emilirose Rasmusson, Tracy, works in government and social services. Lynsi Espe Romportl, Mantorville, is a nurse practitioner at Mayo Clinic Health System in Owatonna. Theodore Roth, Brooklyn, NY, is a collections manager for the Center for Book Arts. Kirsten Ruser Boeh, Milwaukee, WI, is an administrative assistant to the department of biological sciences at Marquette University. Brittani Seagren, Bourbonnais, IL, is a nurse practitioner at Riverside Medical Group. Taite Smith, Lakeville, is a senior deployment manager at Best Buy. Nicole DuCane Spencer, Saint Paul, is vice president of sales at Wisdom Gaming Group. Rita Stevermer, Denver, CO, is a self-employed mental health therapist. Rebecca Swanson Stolba, Minneapolis, is a quote specialist at Parker Hannifin. Lena Sulpovar, Washington, DC, is a projects coordinator at Unity Productions Foundation. Jill Suurmeyer, Minneapolis, is a research analyst for the Association of Minnesota Counties.
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Shawna MullenEardley, Duluth, was awarded the Spirit Award by The Woman Today magazine, Duluth Media Group for her many initiatives promoting alternative transportation, like Bus Bike Walk. Brady Pettis, Farmington, is a client relations manager at Wolters Kluwer. Greg Pokorski, Minneapolis, is a physics teacher at Edina Public Schools. Shea Roehrkasse, Saint Peter, is a middle school health teacher at Saint Peter Public Schools. Melissa Lee Schuelke, Elko, is an associate manager for Accenture. Laura Rahm Tait, Andover, is a product manager at Infor. Anhthi Tran, Eden Prairie, is a national bank examiner for the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency, United States Department of the Treasury. Jennifer Von Lehe, Le Sueur, is a registered nurse at Mayo Clinic Health System–Mankato. Sammi Costumbrado Winkler, Brooklyn Park, is the manager, market analysis for Novus Media.
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Stephen Thorkildson, Champlin, is a strength and conditioning coach at Twin Cities Orthopedics. Stephen Titcombe, Minneapolis, is a senior claims analyst at Prime Therapeutics. Erica Dobson Toppin, Plymouth, is a social studies teacher at Lakeville Area Schools. Amanda Capelle Wahlander, Minneapolis, is an associate principal at EAB. Alex Wauck, Saint Paul, is a self-employed computing consultant. Hannah Spitzack Weiers, Lonsdale, is a special education teacher at New Prague Schools. Steph Peterson Weldon, Delano, is an occupational therapist for A Chance to Grow. Andy Winn, Eagan, works for US Bank. Shannon Zinken, Avon, is a school counselor for the Sartell-St. Stephen Schools in Sartell.
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Justin E. Anderson, Dusseldorf, Germany, is a quantitative geneticist for BASF Vegetable Seeds. Kevin Anderson, White Bear Lake, is a dentist and owner of All Family Dental in Oakdale. Brittany Bauer, Washington, DC, is a senior international trade analyst for the US International Trade Administration. Holly Bohlen, Mankato, is teaching kindergarten in the Mankato School Dist. Meghan Stromme Culverson, Kasson, is a medical secretary, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, orthopedic surgery department. She is also the assistant varsity coach for the
KoMettes dance team in Kasson and a Sunday school teacher. Leah Goss Ellis, Hudson, WI, works in logistics and transportation for Andersen Corporation. Sara Schroeder Geurink, Grand Island, NE, is a teacher for the Grand Island School District. Anna Jones, Hugo, is a fitness director at EXOS. Matthew Leeb, Los Angeles, CA, is a senior personal trainer at Ultimate Performance. Lindsay Lelivelt, Minneapolis, is a content strategist for Silverline. Annie Lincoln, Hampton, is a senior event planner for Thomson Reuters. Anne Betcher Madyun, Minneapolis, is a brokerage associate for Davis Healthcare Real Estate. Luke Olson, Plymouth, is an investment product specialist for Galliard Capital Management. Jennifer Ewert Schmidt, Saint Peter, is a human resources office manager at Gustavus Adolphus College. Kacie Johnson Schugel, Lino Lakes, is a teacher for the Centennial Public School District. Cydni Smith, Scottsdale, AZ, is an operations administrator for Mayo Clinic in Phoenix. Katie Martinson Smith, Chanhassen, is a catering sales manager for Graves Hospitality. Lacey Squier, Ely, serves on the board of the Ely Folk School. Sarah Cartwright Tailowright, Windom, is a teacher for Mountain Lake Public Schools. Lyntrell Wilson, Minneapolis, is CEO of HerbanMeals.
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Serena Elthon Oelfke, Lakeville, is an implementation project manager for Avionte Software. Colby Peterson, South Saint Paul, is the senior project manager at Century Construction Company.
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Ashley Hansen Asuncion, Savage, is a program technician for the United States Department of Agriculture, Farm Service Agency in Farmington. Katie Barta, Minneapolis, after graduating from Creighton University Medical School is now practicing with University of Minnesota Physicians in family medicine. Sarah A. Lucht, Dusseldorf, Germany, is finishing her PhD in environmental epidemiology. Cassandra Quam, Saint Paul, is an assistant to the superintendent and secretary to the Board of Education of Richfield Public Schools.
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Brogan Barr, Niskayuna, NY, is the head swim coach for NCAA Division I Sienna College in Loudonville, NY. Antonio Gomez, Le Sueur, is a senior business intelligence analyst for Taylor Corporation. Dasha Grishina, Minneapolis, is a dentist for Aspen Dental in St. Paul. Alecia Woods Hooper, Eagan, is a licensed school nurse for the Rosemount-Apple Valley-Eagan School District 196. Lauren Kauffman, Madras, OR, is an associate attorney with the Law Office of Jered Reid. Molly K. King, Le Sueur, is a physical therapist for Inspired Athletx in Plymouth.
Niyi Olayinka, Oakdale, is a bookkeeper for Metro Social Services. Katie Schlangen, Saint Paul, is a kindergarten teacher for Kids World International and is a graduate student at London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine in London, England. Grace Balfanz Starns, Baxter, is a 7th grade math teacher at Pequot Lakes Middle School.
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Donte Curtis, Saint Paul, is the CEO of Catch Your Dream Consulting. Gavin Kulick, Saint Louis Park, is a merchant for Best Buy. Christina Paulsen, Winfield, IL, graduated with her master's degree in marriage and family therapy from Wheaton College and is now an associate marriage and family therapist at Cedar Tree Counseling. Christine Shoemaker, Woodbury, is a self-employed forest therapy guide and music teacher. Taylor Wasvick, Marine on Saint Croix, is a visiting instructor in the Department of Education at Gustavus.
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Megan Kauffmann Bullert, Gaylord, received her master’s in social work from Boston University and is working for Minnesota Valley Action Council. Keri Rojas, Maplewood, is a general education paraprofessional for the Stillwater Area Schools. Sofia Huitron Martinez, Washington, DC, is a bilingual business analyst at UnitedHealth Group.
Collin Knoploh, Denver, CO, is a systems, applications, and products (SAP) Change Agent for Patterson Companies. Rachel Meier, Westminster, CO, is a sustainability consultant for Lotus Engineering & Sustainability. Alba Murillo Quiroga, Windom, is a lab supervisor for HyLife Foods in Windom. Amelia Napiorkowski, Takoma Park, MD, is a strategic analyst at the Department of Homeland Security in Washington, DC. Andrea Scott, Columbus, OH, is a Yardi software support specialist for Yardi Software Support Companies.
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Zachary Anderson, Villa Park, IL, is a band director for U-46 Elgin. Zachary Brown, Portland, OR, works in commercial real estate for Walker & Dunlop. Amanda Downs, Saint Paul, is a financial aid counselor for Hamline University. Riley Viner Felton, South Saint Paul, is a paraprofessional for South St. Paul School District. Bjorn T. Kjelstad, Washington, DC, is a threat finance analyst for Sayari Labs. Alexandra Kopp Majka, Minneapolis, is a digital marketing analyst at ThreeBridge Solutions. Mae Meierhenry, Sioux Falls, SD, is an associate attorney with Meierhenry Sargent. Katie Peterson, Centennial, CO, graduated from Creighton University, School of Law. Abbie Swenson, Paynesville, is an advisory services consultant at Optum.
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Alison Baker, Minneapolis, is the program and engagement coordinator for the Fred Wells Tennis and Education Center. Shelby Pankratz Boche, Eden Prairie, is a learning and professional development business partner for RSM. Muhammad Ahmed Bahram Khan, Washington, DC, works for Tesla as a Tesla advisor. Matthew J. Murakami, Eden Prairie, is senior analyst of corporate development at Cargill. Margaret Willis, Saint Peter, is an assistant athletic trainer at Gustavus.
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Oluwatamilore Adeola, Huntstown, Ireland, is a junior credit analyst and graduate trainee with Zenith Bank (UK) Limited in London. Muhammad Rafay Arshad, Rawalpindi, Pakistan, is the chief marketing and product officer for Leather Make. Vanessa Case, New Brighton, is a patient services coordinator for Hennepin Healthcare. Megan Eide, Bloomington, is a graduate student at Luther Theological Seminary and a pastoral intern at Family of Christ Lutheran Church in Lakeville. Karley J. Lind, Winthrop, is a senior court clerk for the Minnesota Judicial Branch.
Emily Skogseth, Shakopee, is an employee health & benefits consultant at Marsh & McLennan.
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Sarah B. Anderson, Roseville, is studying horticulture at the University of Minnesota. Tanner H. Anderson, Minneapolis, is working for the CDC as a contact tracer. Elliot Arens, Princeton, is a math teacher at St. MichaelAlbertville Middle School East. Max G. Aufderheide, Minnetrista, is attending law school at the University of St. Thomas School of Law. Logan J. Bican, Monticello, is attending graduate school for mechanical engineering. Cody A. Billins, Farmington, is a tax associate at RSM. Erin Bornholdt, Shakopee, is studying at the University of Minnesota for a doctorate of physical therapy. Andrea Brodkorb, Saint Peter, is a housing and aftercare advocate for Women's Advocates in St. Paul. Jerry Calengor, Minneapolis, is an intern at the U.S. House of Representatives. Stephanie Coe, Minneapolis, is a registered nurse in the bone marrow transplant unit at the University of Minnesota Masonic Children's Hospital. Brooke Copeland, Scandia, is studying counseling psychology at St. Mary's University. Amy Crawford, Minneapolis, is a research technician at the University of Minnesota. Joy Dunna, Saint Paul, is attending the University of Minnesota for her master's in
social studies teaching. Anna Duong-Topp, Apple Valley, is studying divinity at the University of Chicago. Reann Eidahl, Farmington, is an internal sales consultant at Allianz Life. Jessica Erskine, Rosemount, is studying professional psychology at St. Thomas Amelia Espinosa, Wyoming, is studying Latin American studies at Georgetown University. Brayton L. Finch, Saint Peter, is an assistant football coach for Gustavus. Aly Freeman, Omaha, NE, will be attending medical school at the University of Nebraska Medical School. Elizabeth Geerdes, Rochester, is a financial analyst for Arch Insurance Group. Shelby Geertsema, North Mankato, is a floor manager for Pet Expo Distributors. Kolt J. Gorg, Blue Earth, is working at the Mayo Clinic. Jordan Grovum, Cottage Grove, is working for Associates in Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, PA, in Mankato. Ryan Guenther, Owatonna, is a PE and health teacher at Prairie Winds Middle School. Jacob Gunderson, Columbus, is studying for a doctorate in chiropractic practice at Northwestern Health and Sciences University. Tatiana Gust, Luverne, is working with the JET program in Japan teaching English as a second language. Nicole Hansen, Chaska, is a sales support administrator for PURE Humidifier.
Kristina Harder, Longville, is in a marketing internship through the Shepherd of the Lakes Church. Ezekiel Haugen, Saint Peter, is studying biomedical engineering at Vanderbilt University. Leah Heilig, Tempe, AZ, is working for UnitedHealth Group. Carter Hemstock, North Mankato, is studying clinical mental health counseling at the University of Wisconsin-Stout. Megan Hill, Denver, CO, is a portfolio analyst for the Cortland Capital Market Services. Sarah Hinderman, Saint Paul, is a marketing and communications specialist for the Livio Health Group in Minneapolis. Adam Hoff, Saint Francis, is a sales development representative for the UnitedHealth Group. Aleese Holst, Eyota, is studying at the Mayo School of Health Sciences. Justin Hruby, Lake Crystal, is a senior acquisitions manager for the Welfront Companies in Florida. Bailey Jackson, Eden Prairie, is a financial analyst through the financial leadership development program for Ameriprise Financial. Evan Jasnoch, Northfield, is a graduate student at Hamline University. Ella Johnson, Paynesville, is studying occupational therapy at St. Catherine’s University. Mitaya Johnson, Kasson, is studying family and child services at the University of Central Oklahoma. Brianna Jol, Eau Claire, WI, is studying to be a naturalist at the Wolf Ridge Environmental Learning Center. Shelby Klomp, Maplewood, is working towards her PhD
in physics at Northwestern University. Sophia Kortemeier, Cedar, is a certified nurse assistant at the Arbor Oaks Senior Living Center. Grace Kranz, Lake Crystal, is working for Americorps. Jessica Lang, Burnsville, is studying health psychology. Amber Lange, Somerset, WI, is a dance instructor for Just For Kix and Hudson Dance Academy. Kelsey Larson, Le Sueur, is an accountant at Abdo, Eick & Meyers. Parker Lindberg, Forest Lake, is an emergency response team member for Americorps. Emily Logan, Cambridge, is a shift lead/photo finishing team for White House Custom Color. Jayden Luikens, Savage, is a senior customer sales associate at Men’s Warehouse. David Lynum, Apple Valley, is studying counseling psychology at the University of Minnesota. Taylor R. MacDonald, Wayzata, is a graduate student at Minnesota State University, Mankato. Hannah Mahr, Northfield, is a theatre and dance instructor for the Northfield Arts Guild, and interned with The Moving Company. Devin Makey, Trenton, MI, is studying analytical chemistry at the University of Michigan–Ann Arbor. Kailey Maroney, Montevideo, is a sales and distribution intern at Allianz Life. Marissa Marsolek, Savage, is working in a children's therapeutic services and support (CTSS) position at Nystrom and Associates. Samuel F. Maruska, Mound, is a mechanical engineering student
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Natalie Watkins, Minneapolis, is an employee health and benefits consultant for Marsh & McLennan Agency. Jena Willis, Kalispell, MT, is a mental health therapist at Altacare of Montana.
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at Minnesota State University, Mankato. Katherine Mattinen, Bayport, is a medical scribe at Minnesota Eye Consultants. Allie Mayfield, Two Harbors, is a human resource officer for the United States Army. Carrlin Meier, North Mankato, is studying applied economics at the University of Winnipeg in Canada. Austyn Menk, Le Center, is a student in jazz studies at Northern Illinois University. Carly Miller, Merrifield, is an education coordinator for the Abbott Northwestern Hospital. Madeline Miller, Northfield, is a company member at Borealis Dance Theatre and is an instructor at Division Street Dance. Kyle Mugica, West Covina, CA, a financial planner at Northwestern Mutual. Mitch Munson, Lino Lakes, is an associate buyer for Target. Hanna Mutschelknaus, Brandon, SD, is a registered nurse at Sanford Health. Ella Napton, Rochester, is a communication arts and literature teacher at Worthington High School. Madeline Nee, Bloomington, is a medical scribe for Clinical Scribes. Christiana Nelson, Eau Claire, WI, is teaching English in Kyrgyzstan for the Peace Corps. Chelsey O'Donnell, Buffalo, is working in the ICU of Fairview Northdale Hospital in Edina. Chase Olson, Monticello, is a credit analyst for the Toro Company. Emma Overbye, North Mankato, is a private pediatric
nurse for Adara Home Health Care. Sarah Pederson, Blaine, is a physical therapy aide for Allina Health. Hollie Peterson, Saint James, is a student nurse technician for the Veteran’s Association in Minneapolis. Bella Pike, Duluth, is a student at the Universidad de Buenos Aires. Emily Pratt, Moorhead, is a Swedish language counselor at the Concordia Language Villages. Dede Quevi, Richfield, is volunteering as an educator in the Peace Corps. Paige Reiners, Stillwater, is attending the University of Minnesota School of Dentistry. William J. Richards, Hudson, WI, is an ophthalmic technician with Minnesota Eye Consultants. Jenna Rieth, Fargo, ND, is studying physical therapy at the College of St. Scholastica. Gabby Rosati, Eagan, is a catastrophe claim coordinator for American Family Insurance. Trevor Sanders, Dexter, is a pumpman and welder for Coats Pump and Supply. Josie Schieffert, Sleepy Eye, is a marketing assistant for the August Schell's Brewery. Lindsey Schmidt, Bloomington, is working as a registered nurse at United Hospital. Emily Scroggins, Fort Collins, CO, is studying communications at Colorado State. Blake Sikes, Las Vegas, NV, is working for the United Johnson Brothers of Alabama. Madison Sinclair, Blaine, is teaching abroad in Spain. Gracelyn Skoog, Eagan, is interning at Advanced Oral
Surgery in Lakeville. Trevon R. Sladek, Orono, is teaching secondary English education. Kayla Smith, Albert Lea, is a behavior technician at the Caravel Autism Health Center in Mankato. Grant Stramer, Robbinsdale, is studying music therapy at Montclair State University. Mike Such, Deerfield, IL, is a tax associate at RSM. Amelia Thompson, Rochester, is a climbing arborist trainee with the Maier Tree and Lawn Service. Alejandra Trapero, Saint James, is a registered nurse at the New Ulm Medical Center. Cole Trebelhorn, Nerstrand, is a project manager at Custom Craft Builders. Michael Veldman, Saint Peter, is an assistant football coach for Gustavus. Amelia Vosen, Nowthen, is studying business analytics at the University of St. Thomas. Alyssa Wallace, Saint Paul, is moving to Munich, Germany to become an au pair. Lexi R. Weierke, New Brighton, is an audit associate at Clifton, Larson, Allen. William P. Weikle, Andover, is an elementary school teacher. Sidney Welp, Madison Lake, is a first grade teacher in Cleveland, Minnesota. Frances Wetherall, Saint Paul, is an emergency response staff member for the AmeriCorps. Megan Witte, Cloquet, is an instructor for Shooting Stars Dance. Katelyn Yee, Decorah, IA, is teaching English in Indonesia through the Peace Corp.
WEDDINGS Renee Rule ’79 and Mike Snell, San Antonio, TX Kristen Tibben ’89 and Karin Krieger ’92, 03/23/20, Elk River Sheila Tuel ’03 and Austin Bly, 10/10/20, Saint Ansgar, IA Megan Schliep ’04 and Jeremy Shaw, 06/20/20, Watertown, MA Heather Meyers ’05 and Michael Mendiola, 08/29/20, Minneapolis Audrey Joslin ’06 and Michael Tyburski, 07/25/20, Cambridge Monica Ramirez ’06 and Dave Lee, 08/29/20, Blaine Stephanie Peterson ’09 and Jeff Weldon, 02/22/20, Delano Emily Allex ’10 and Joe Bresette, 06/19/20, Fountain City, WI. Jennifer Forrest ’10 and Anthony Hunt, 09/19/20, Washington, DC Victoria Hidalgo Gonzalez ’10 and Abigail Juelfs, 06/17/20, Farmington Kevin Anderson ’11 and Josalan Sullivan, 09/21/20, White Bear Lake Rebecca Krocak ’11 and Nick Costigan, 07/10/20, Roseville Keisha Bates ’11 and Patrick Indenbaum, 05/19/19, Lanham, MD. Janey Helland ’11 and Logan Skelley, 07/25/20, Helena, MT. Liana Lien ’13 and Jacob Long, 07/02/20, Moorhead Grace Balfanz ’14 and Benjamin Starns, 08/08/20, Baxter Tara McGuigan ’14 and Steven Weber, 11/30/19, Minneapolis Aimee Cichon ’15 and Ian Stitt ’13, 09/20/20, Denver, CO. Samuel Fischer ’16 and Kaitlyn Bicek ’16, 09/19/20, Northfield
Luke Rudberg ’16 and Laura Sease ’15, 10/10/20, Saint Paul Riley Viner ’17 and Matthew Felton, 08/17/18, South Saint Paul Preston Schlueter ’17 and Laura Peasley ’17, 06/06/20, Minneapolis Ezra Koetz’'18 and Molly Johnston ’18, 10/03/20, Minneapolis Sarah Knutson ’19 and Connor Bolduc, 09/19/20, Eagan Nicole Willis ’20 and Zachary Beckner, 06/27/20, Martinez, GA.
BIRTHS Sons, Anders on 08/11/18, and Soren, on 07/31/20, to Jess Luce ’99 and Jill Verchota VerchotaLuce ’08. Twins, Daphne and Josefine to Erica Coady ’00 and Neil McMahon, 5/12/20 Benjamin to Ruth Robinson ’02 and Larry A. Holmgren Jr. ’00, 08/08/19 Isabelle to Abby Simon ’04 and Rob Kelley, 06/29/20 Noah to Beth Andersen Christianson ’05 and Douglas Christianson, 08/06/19 Madeline to Julie Miller Goodmundson ’05 and Charles Goodmundson, 09/14/20 Max to Melissa Laine Holman ’05 and Patrick Holman, 06/18/20 Remy to Heather Mendiola ’05 and Michael Mendiola, 10/16/20 Jack to Nichole Petersen Porath ’05 and Nathan C. Porath ’05, 06/04/20 Jacob to Marissa Wold Uhrina ’05 and Joe Uhrina, 11/12/19 Elliott to Justin D. Lohmann ’06 and Tracy Lothenbach Lohmann, 05/28/20 Madison to Katie Fillius
and Hanna Schutte Linngren ’11, 10/02/20 June to Justin E. Anderson ’11 and Sarah A. Lucht ’13, 06/01/19 Walker to Lillia Benson Budd ’11 and Alexander Budd, 3/9/19 Russell to Logan Burnside ’11 and Elizabeth Nolan Burnside ’11, 06/28/19 Eleanor to Katie Kaderlik Coder ’11 and Robert Coder, 8/14/19 Georgia to Sarah Crean ’11 and Bill Crean, 8/12/20 Odis to Keisha IndenbaumBates ’11 and Patrick Indenbaum, 6/7/20 Jessica to Kristin Mead Klun ’11 and Matthew T. Klun ’11, 6/16/20 Opal to Annie Kleinschmidt Martin ’11 and Matthew J. Martin ’12, 04/28/20 Greta to Amy Pedersen ’11 and David J. Pedersen ’12, 08/20/18 Eleanor to Melissa Wygant Mokry ’12 and William Mokry Jr., 07/28/20 Logan to Blake J. Wilking ’12 and Alyssa McGinty Wilking ’12, 11/01/20 Adelaide to Katie Bowell ’13 and Maxwell Bowell, 09/28/20 Lennon to Kyle Edelbrock ’13 and Shannon Tschida Edelbrock ’13, 06/29/20 Elliana to Mike Holmberg ’13 and Carley Holmberg, 12/17/19 Beau to Jenni Lindner ’14 and Scott A. Lindner, 09/06/20 Orville to Hannah Vogel ’14 and Lindsay Sawatzky Vogel ’11, 10/22/20 Alexander to Breanna VonBank ’14 and Brett VonBank, 10/10/20 Ethan to Cory J. Ellis ’15 and Kayla Ingbretson Ellis ’13, 01/17/20 Eleanor to Kallie Orpen ’15 and Benjamin J. Orpen ’14, 06/16/20
IN MEMORIAM Nancy Gunn Nordlund ’42, Minneapolis, on 10/11/20. A wife, mother, and grandmother, she is survived by three children including Susan Morrison ’65 and Linda Pedersen ’71. James C. Breneman ’43, Kalamazoo, MI, on 8/3/20. A World War II Army veteran, where he was a medical officer and earned the rank of Captain. He went on to practice medicine for 51 years and earned a Distinguished Alumni Citation from Gustavus in 1997. He is survived by two children. Genevieve Jensen Deggendorf ’43, Ocean City, MD, on 10/7/20. During World War II she worked for the Navy Department and War Assets Administration in Washington, DC. She is survived by three children. Robert Brocker ’45, Norridge, IL, on 8/15/20. The former vice president and controller for Montgomery Ward & Company, he is survived by three children. Audrey Egerstrom Peterson ’45, Weslaco, TX, on 8/10/20. A former English and business teacher she is survived by two children. Virgil Everson ’46, Duluth, on 10/8/20. A U.S. Marine veteran, he served in both World War II and the Korean War, obtaining the rank of Captain, before starting his dental practice. He is survived by five children. Hiram M. Drache ’47, Moorhead, on 10/17/20. A World War II Army squadron navigator, Hiram went on to earn his PhD and was a long-time professor of history at Concordia College. He was a prolific writer authoring 19 books and numerous articles and
book reviews. He is survived by three children. Elaine Erickson Peterson ’49, Bonners Ferry, ID, on 7/25/20. She served a lifetime of missionary service in Tanzania along with her husband and is survived by her four Gustie children, Daudi ’73, Rebecca Peterson-Davis ’76, Thad ’78 and Michael ’82. Burdett “Ted” Stoen ’50, Minneapolis, on 8/1/20. An Army veteran, he worked in the insurance industry as a partner of Service Associates and is survived by two children. Alvin Berglund ’51, Cambridge, on 8/7/20. An Army veteran, where he was a medical officer, and later went on to family practice medicine/obstetrician in his hometown for nearly 40 years. He is survived by six children. Donn R. Larson ’51, Duluth, on 7/30/20. He had a career in media and public relations and was the former Chairman of the Board for Westmoreland, Larson & Webster. He is survived by his wife, Donna, and two children. H. Harvey “Sonny” Schwandt ’51, Colorado Springs, CO, on 5/18/20. A U.S. Army veteran, he continued in his civilian life to work for the federal government in the U.S. Army Materiel Command. He is survived by his wife, Doris, four children and a stepson. John M. Solensten ’51, St. Paul, on 9/17/20. A Korean War veteran who earned a Bronze Star for valor, he continued his education earning his doctorate. He taught American literature at Mankato State University and was director of humanities at Concordia University he is survived by his
wife, Brenda, a daughter, and a stepson. D. Elaine Bjorklund Steffenson ’51, Plymouth, on 9/17/20. A retired, long-time mathematics teacher at Robbinsdale High School she is survived by two children. John Mielke ’52, Lawrenceville, GA, on 7/30/20. A Korean War veteran, he had a long career with US Steel in sales and with Industrial Chemicals and is survived by his wife, Patricia, and three children including Matthew ’82. Delbert Anderson ’53, Palatine, IL on 10/3/20. He was a pastor with the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America and is survived by his wife, Betty, and four children including Maelene Krig ’84. Marvin Gunderson ’53, Winona, 9/11/20. A former U.S. Airborne Infantry paratrooper, he was inducted into the Gustavus Athletics Hall of Fame in 2003 and the Minnesota State Football Coaches Hall of Fame in 1996. Marv is survived by his wife, Bergetta, and two children. David C. Halvorson ’53, Northfield, on 9/19/20. He was a dedicated physician and general surgeon at the River Valley Clinic in Northfield and is survived by his wife, Joan (Warner ’53), and four children. Ronald C. Horn ’53, San Diego, CA, on 8/27/20. A U.S. Navy veteran, where he mastered electronics and radar maintenance and later earned a mechanical engineering degree. He worked for various companies in the aerospace industry until mid-life when he went to seminary and
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McClave ’06 and Graham McClave, 07/30/20 Bradley to Scott B. Engel ’07 and Angela Bauman Engel ’07, 09/27/20 Cameron to Erica Brown Ramer ’07 and John Ramer, 04/17/20 Simon to Adam Butler ’08 and Kayla Flynn Butler ’09, 04/18/20 Noah to Ben Smith ’08 and Lindsey Carlson Smith ’08, 11/01/19 Leo to Mark Stuckey ’08 and Breanne Staples Stuckey ’07, 11/13/19 Hadassah to Esther Mulder Widmalm-Delphonse ’08 and Johannes Widmalm-Delphonse, 02/13/20 Desi to Colette D. Brandt ’09 and Martin G. Lipchik, 03/10/20 Skylar to Asitha D. Jayawardena ’09 and Gretchen Libbey Jayawardena ’09, 05/04/20 Julian to Maren Johnsrud ’09 and Daniel O. Johnsrud ’09, 12/04/17 Natalie to Marisa Prachar ’09 and Chad Prachar, 05/01/20 Emmett to Jessica Sussman ’09 and Brendan Cummins, 05/01/20 Charles to Stephen Titcombe ’09 and Molly Titcombe, 06/21/20 Brooks to Steph Weldon ’09 and Jeff Weldon, 04/08/20 Miles to Shannon Zinken ’09 and Andrew Zinken, 05/13/20 Rhyan to Amy Anderson ’10 and Michael T. May ’10, 01/02/20 Lily to Ben Brandt ’10 and Lauren Gooley Brandt, 06/08/20 Luke to John Degerness ’10 and Carrie Gundersen Degerness ’10, 08/01/20 Paige to Jeff Linngren’10
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became a Lutheran minister. He is survived by five children. Fred F. Penrod ’53, Bonita Springs, FL, on 6/1/20. An Army veteran, business owner, published writer and patented inventor. He is survived by his wife, Barbara (Stanger ’54), and two children including John ’79. Roy E. Daumann ’54, Minneapolis, on 7/21/20. A U.S. Army medic, he went on to medical school and had a career as an anesthesiologist for Fairview Hospitals, Minneapolis, and St. Luke’s Hospital, Duluth. He is survived by his wife, Laura, and two children including Mark ’86. Donald G. Bauer ’55, Prescott, WI, on 2/6/20. After completing his master’s degree, he worked for 20 years for FMC Corporation as their industrial relations manager. He is survived by his wife, Naren, and four children including Susanne Skarolid ’82. Ronald Bergquist ’55, Princeton, on 10/6/20. A Navy veteran, he earned his master’s of divinity degree and served as a Baptist minister for several years and later worked for Reell Precision Manufacturing Corp. He is survived by his wife, Mona, and two sisters, Mary Jo Koos ’51 and Nancy Bell ’61. Norman A. Carlson ’55, Goodyear, AZ, on 8/9/20. After receiving his master’s degree in criminology, Norm began working
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in corrections, rising through the ranks until 1970 when he was chosen by the U. S. Attorney General to be the Director of the Bureau of Prisons. In that position he served four U.S. Presidents and 11 different Attorney Generals. Norm received a Distinguished Alumni Citation from Gustavus in 1971 and is survived by two children, Lucinda Gustafson ’80 and Gary ’82. Arlene Kolander Washa ’55, Waterville, on 9/22/20. She was an RN working for medical providers in the Montgomery area, retiring from Green Giant/Seneca. She is survived by three children. Russell Thomsen ’55, Hopkins, on 9/5/20. A U.S. Army veteran, he had a long career as a guidance counselor at Minnetonka High School and is survived by a daughter. Marilyn Lundberg Boyce ’56, Golden Valley, on 10/3/20. A former RN at Chapel View Care Center she is survived by three daughters including Lori Thomsen ’85 and Patricia Leaf ’87. Lois Ledin Anderson ’56, Minneapolis, on 8/25/20. A former staff psychologist for the Minnesota State Services for the Blind she is survived by a son, and two siblings, Ralph Ledin ’59 and Jan Michaeltz ’74. Kay Anderson Furlong ’56, Pengilly, on 9/15/20. She worked
ERRATUM The Winter 2020 issue included a regretful error in the In Memoriam item for Robert Gamm Sr. ’54. Here is the correct memorial: Robert Gamm Sr. ’54, Circle Pines, on 6/9/20. A former schoolteacher and coach, he is survived by his wife, Marlys Setterholm Gamm ’54, and two children, Cynthia Gamm Nadeau ’82 and Robert Jr. ’84. He was preceded in death by his son, David ’86.
REMEMBERING STEWART FLORY (former faculty) Minneapolis, on 11/27/20. Flory joined the faculty in 1978, where he served as the inaugural chair of the Department of Classics. In addition to his teaching, he won two National Endowment for the Humanities research fellowships and authored numerous publications in a variety of formats. Stewart was one of the co-founders of the Faculty Shop Talk series, a Gustavus tradition that continues to this day. Stewart was preceded in death by his first wife and Classics colleague Marleen Boudreau Flory, and is survived by his wife, Ellie ’99, and children Alexandra, Noah, and Katya.
as a medical technologist with Fairview and is survived by her four sons. Eleanor Erlandson Stenoien, Edina, on 7/8/20. She was a wife, mother, and volunteer, and is survived by her husband, Dan and three children. Mary Swanson ’56, Washington, DC, on 6/7/20. She was a long-time curriculum coordinator for Montgomery County Public Schools in Rockville, MD, and a home economics educator for the State Department of Maryland. Carroll Vomhof ’56, Minnetonka, on 5/6/20. He was the former director of community education facility for the Robbinsdale, ISD #281 and is survived by his wife, Judy, three children and a brother, Walter ’52. Janice Peterson Hanson ’57, Hallock, on 10/12/20. She was a social worker at various facilities, retiring from Northwestern Mental Health Center in Crookston and is survived by three children and many foster children. Herman “Lou” Schroedel ’57, Johnston, IA, on 9/7/20. A U.S. Navy veteran who was an
aviation mechanic for the Blue Angels, he later began a career with Iowa Farm Bureau Mutual Insurance Company, retiring as their chief executive officer. He is survived by his wife, Hazel, and two daughters. Susan Soldin Thorsheim ’57, Norwalk, CT, on 2/10/20. A former English teacher, who later worked in the publishing business with Greater Media Newspapers, she is survived by two sons. Jeanne Colvard Ristrom ’58, Inver Grove Heights, on 9/2/20. She retired from the Inter Faculty Organization and is survived by her husband, Carl, and four children. Barbara Swanson Swenson ’58, Hoffman, on 9/5/20. A former business education teacher at Independent High School, Dist. #622, she is survived by her husband, Wilton, and two daughters. Clarence Wickstrom ’58, Grand Rapids, on 8/5/20. A Korean War veteran, he earned his master’s in education and had a long career teaching high school math in Grand Rapids. He is survived by his wife, Kay, and two sons.
Barbara Flueger Jackson ’59, St. Paul, 8/11/20. She graduated in medical technology and worked at several places over the course of her career, retiring as chemistry supervisor for the Health East Hospital Systems. She is survived by her husband, Carl, and two sons. Stephen R. Johnson ’59, Eagan, on 2/21/20. A retired, longtime, marketing administrative manager for 3M, he is survived by his wife, Helen (Hannover ’60), and their three children. Sally Henderson Provenzano ’60, Florence, CO, on 8/18/20. She was a high school English teacher and later a guidance counselor, and travel agent. Sally is survived by her husband, James, and two daughters. Donal Ward ’60, Hudson, OH, on 9/10/20. He was a partner in an aluminum fabrication business called Excel Extrusions and is survived by his wife, Catherine. Curtis E. Benson ’61, Holstein, IA, on 8/6/20. He spent 55 years as a minister in the Evangelical Lutheran Church of America, and is survived by his wife, Marilyn, and four children.
legal department for Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Minnesota and is survived by two sons, and a brother, Donald Person ’60. Brent N. Nelson ’65, Eden Prairie, on 10/30/20. He had a career in real estate and owned a Tires Plus. He is survived by his wife, Dianne, and two children including Karma Lindell ’90 and a brother, Rolf ’62. David C. Johnson ’66, Phoenix, AZ, on 7/7/20. He was a vice president in sales and marketing for several food service businesses and is survived by his wife, Wendee Forsberg Johnson ’66, and two siblings. John Ronning ’66, Lenexa, KS, on 8/15/20. He worked for Ronning Engineering Company both as a draftsman and a pilot and later for Unistrut Corporation. He is survived by his wife, Judy, and eight children. Catherine Anderson Schoonover ’66, Mahtomedi, on 9/24/20. She had a long career as an RN, most recently as a supervisor for Cerenity Residence of White Bear Lake. She is survived by her two sons including William ’99. Barbara Busack Hillmer ’70, Burnsville, on 7/14/20. She had a degree in history and enjoyed traveling. She is survived by her husband, Ken. Eric H. Pietz ’70, Tabernash, CO, on 9/19/20. Eric excelled in multiple careers, including legendary ski patroller, director of snow safety, international sales rep for Winter Park Resort, renowned fly-fishing guide, and river restoration expert. He is survived by his wife Kathy, and
REMEMBERING KEITH “JOE” CARLSON ’60 (former faculty) Saint Peter, on 10/8/20. Following Joe’s graduation from Gustavus, he continued his studies at Iowa State University and the University of Chicago, where he earned his PhD. He returned to Gustavus in 1967 and taught paleontology and geology for 36 years. He was an avid fisherman and a gardener and volunteered with the Mankato Area Lifelong Learners. He also organized a weekly gathering for Gustavus staff and faculty retirees (lovingly nicknamed the “Geezers”). Joe is survived by his wife, Marjorie, and two children.
his sister Pam Pietz ’73; preceded in death by his father, Reuel Pietz ’43. Thomas J. Swanson ’73, Osseo, on 8/26/20. He had a career as a civil engineer, last working for Ibberson Engineering and is survived by a son, and four siblings including, Susan Foster ’68, David ’69, and Nancy Tischbein ’80. Twylla L. Erickson ’76, Minneapolis, on 10/4/20. She had a career in social work, mainly at North Memorial Hospital and Pillsbury Elementary School and is survived by her husband, Doug Nienhuis, and a daughter. Thomas E. Mode ’78, Minneapolis, on 9/14/20. He was owner of Edison Day & Associates and is survived by his wife, Carol Engel ’77, and a son. David G. Seely ’81, Albion, MI, on 9/3/20. After completing his master’s and PhD, David taught physics at Albion College for 28 years and is survived by his wife, Debbie, a son, and a sister, Laura Rydholm ’79. Gregory E. Raymond ’85, Duluth, on 8/23/20. He worked in management, sales, and project
management at Superior Entrance Systems and is survived by his father and a sister, Lynn Grisez ’83. Andrea Rime ’87, Boston, MA, on 8/25/20. She spent her career teaching English to speakers of other languages and served two years in the Peace Corps, at the time of her death she was a professor of academic English with the international study program INTO at Suffolk University. She is survived by her parents and two siblings, Robyn ’84 and Kent ’91. Steven Lufkin ’88, Rosemount, on 10/13/20. A beloved math teacher and coach at Henry Sibley High School in West St Paul, he is survived by his wife, Stacy (Johnson ’90), two sons, his mother and a brother. Michael Bendel-Stenzel ’88, Edina, on 9/25/20. A pediatric nephrologist/hospitalist at Children’s Minneapolis and an adjunct assistant professor at the University of Minnesota. He is survived by his wife, Dr. Ellen Bendel-Stenzel, and two children. Mark A. Westberg ’94, Brainerd, on 9/4/20. He worked as a mental health clinician for Northern Pines Mental Health
Center and is survived by his wife, Tina, his parents, Vernon ’60 and Janet Westberg, and three siblings including Kristin LaPorta ’88 and Karl ’96. Trisha Niemi Haapoja ’97, Minnetonka, on 9/21/20. She worked as an RN caring for children on the oncology unit before she went on to become a pediatric nurse practitioner at Children’s Hospital. She is survived by her husband, Matthew, two children, her parents, Cynthia Niemi and Bruce Niemi, and two sisters. Monica B. Ramos ’09, Greeley, CO, on 8/21/20. She was in a student master’s program for design and merchandising at Colorado State University, Pueblo, and is survived by her parents, David, and Juanita Ramos and two brothers. Ty Schoenbauer ’21, Pittsburgh, PA, on 8/23/20. He attended one year at Gustavus, with interest in languages, astronomy, and music. He is survived by his parents, Steve and Connie Schoenbauer, and four siblings.
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Karen M. Larson ’61, Eden Prairie, on 8/18/20. A longtime assistant vice president at Thrivent Financial, she is survived by many cousins and friends. Ronald Zaniewski ’61, Stillwater, on 10/28/20. A U.S. Air Force veteran, and an outstanding competitive swimmer. His squad went undefeated and he earned a place in the Gustavus Athletics Hall of Fame. He went on to teach junior high sciences and coached for 32 years. He is survived by his wife, Eloise, and two children including Lisa Blevins ’89. Joan Eckberg ’62, Minneapolis, on 8/15/20. She was an accomplished sculptor and photographer and is survived by her husband, Paul Johnson, and two children and two stepchildren. Rosemary Eklund Saur ’62, Pittsford, NY, on 10/5/20. After obtaining her PhD in educational psychology, Rosemary joined the National Technical Institute for the Deaf at the Rochester Institute of Technology where she retired as Chairman. She is survived by her husband, Warren, and three children. Vail Peterson Farnell Parsons ’62, Atlanta, GA, on 8/18/20. A former nurse, wife, and mother, she is survived by two children, Allan ’86 and Ada Suneson ’90. Shirley Oltmans Bishop ’63, Mankato, on 9/28/20. The former program director of Minnesota Valley Action Council/Head Start, she is survived by two children and three siblings including Dennis ’67. Douglas M. Person ’64, Fargo, ND, on 8/11/20. He worked as a senior analyst/contracts in the
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Vespers
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Where are the creatures when we can’t see them? What stories can we not see?” Kristen Lowe, RI Need to Get Airborne (detail), 2016, Charcoal, 30" x 30"
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Gustavus Adolphus College
For Alumni, Parents, and Friends SPRING 2021 | VOL. LXXVII | ISSUE 1 STAFF Chair, Board of Trustees The Rev. Dan S. Poffenberger ’82 President of the College Rebecca Bergman Vice President, Marketing and Communication Tim Kennedy ’82 Vice President, Advancement Thomas Young ’88 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
Class Endowed Scholarships
Class Endowed Scholarships give alumni classes the opportunity to connect with a current Gustavus student and establish a legacy of support for future students. Once a class endowment is fully funded, the named scholarship is awarded to an incoming student and typically remains with that student until graduation. Alumni class members are able to get to know the student during their time at Gustavus—linking Gusties across generations.
Design Jill Adler | adlerdesignstudio.com, Sharon Stevenson | stevenson.creative@me.com, Sydney Stumme-Berg ’22 Contributing Writers Bruce Berglund, Sarah Cronk ’22, Emma Myhre ’19, Emma Nelson ’22, Marie Osuna ’21, Sheila Regan, Corinne Stremmel ’21, CJ Siewert ’11, Sydney Stumme-Berg ’22 Contributing Photographers and Artists JJ Akin ’11, Terry Clark, Will Clark ’20, Princeton University/Denise Applewhite, Corinne Stremmel ’21, CJ Siewert ’11, Sydney Stumme-Berg ’22, Evan Taylor ’12, Stan Waldhauser ’71, Anna Webber 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.
Apogee (1980) covered in January ice, frozen in time. “When I thought of placing Apogee at Gustavus, I considered the time spent here by young people. It is here that relationships often begin, which develop into new families.” —Paul Granlund ’52.
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 32,000. Gustavus Adolphus College is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission and is a member of the North Central Association.
FOR MORE INFORMATION reach out to Karla Leitzman ’13, Special Gift Officer for Reunion Giving, at kleitzm2@gustavus.edu
SPRING 2021 800 WEST COLLEGE AVENUE SAINT PETER, MINNESOTA 56082
HOW TO TELL STORY WITH ALUMNI WHOSE LIFE WORK DEPICTS LIFE
Though it has been a challenging academic year, the Gustavus St. Lucia Court still shined their light on the world. Top, l to r: Zoe Schuck ’23, Renee Troutman ’23, Abbie Doran ’23 (crowned the 2020 St. Lucia). Bottom, l to r: Bella Nduwayezu ’23, Leah Nelson ’23, Amy Haney ’23. To hear from the 2019 St. Lucia, Hanna Alhosawi ’22, see page 7.
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PULITZER PRIZE WINNER James McPherson ’58: “You have to hold your readers.”
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PIONEERING FILMMAKER Cheryl Downey ’66: “Be resilient. Have faith in yourself.”
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GRAMMY AWARD WINNER Kurt Elling ’89: “Secrets are the best stories.”
