Summer 2020 Quarterly by Gustavus Adolphus College

SUMMER 2020 800 WEST COLLEGE AVENUE SAINT PETER, MINNESOTA 56082

“

They want to be there.” Lynnea Myers ’05 leads nursing students eager to serve the world.

+ More Gustie

The 2020 NCAA Division III Indoor Track & Field Championships, which were to be

Millennials

held in March, were cancelled, dashing several Gusties’ opportunities to compete. Star hurdler Taylor Rooney ’21 snuck one in early. In February, he became the first Gustie to compete at the USA Track & Field Indoor Championships, stepping into the blocks next to world-class athletes in Albuquerque, N.M. “Watching those guys day in and day out, following them on Instagram, just tracking all their results and now to be here with them in the blocks, standing shoulder to shoulder. . .It’s just startling that I’m even here,” Rooney said the day of the race. The gun sounded and 8.06 seconds later Rooney crossed the finish line in fifth place. With 22 competitors in three heats, he finished the prelims in 17th place, just one spot away from qualifying for semifinals.

RESPONSE TO A PANDEMIC Thoughtful, swift, coordinated— this is how the College handled it

THE YOUNG ONES Gustie Millennials in healthcare, the arts, and entrepreneurship

CLASS NOTES What your fellow Gusties have been up to

For Alumni, Parents, and Friends SUMMER 2020 | VOL. LXXVI | ISSUE 2 STA F F Chair, Board of Trustees The Rev. Dan S. Poffenberger ’82 President of the College Rebecca Bergman Vice President, Marketing and Communication Tim Kennedy ’82 Vice President, Advancement Thomas Young ’88 Director, Alumni and Parent Engagement Angela Erickson ’01 Director, Editorial Services Stephanie Wilbur Ash | sash@gustavus.edu Alumni Editor Philomena Kauffmann | pkauffma@gustavus.edu Visual Editor, Production Coordinator Anna Deike | adeike@gustavus.edu Design Sharon Stevenson | stevenson.creative@me.com, Brian Donoghue | bdesigninc.com, Jill Adler | adlerdesignstudio.com, Sydney Stumme-Berg ’22 Contributing Writers JJ Akin ’11, Corbyn Jenkins ’20, Mara Klein, Sarah Asp Olson, CJ Siewert ’11 Contributing Photographers Ackerman+Gruber, BD&E, Zander Boettcher ’20, Corbyn Jenkins ’20, CJ Siewert ’11, SPX Sports, Sydney Stumme-Berg ’22, Evan Taylor ’12, Gustavus Adolphus College Archives Printer John Roberts Company | johnroberts.com Postmaster Send address changes to the Gustavus Quarterly, Office of Alumni and Parent Engagement, Gustavus Adolphus College, 800 W. College Ave., Saint Peter, MN 56082-1498 GUSTAVUS ADOLPHUS COLLEGE Saint Peter, MN 56082 507-933-8000 | gustavus.edu Articles and opinions presented in this magazine do not necessarily reflect the views of the editors or official policies of the College or its Board of Trustees.

Building Bridges celebrated its 25th year in March with a conference titled Climate Justice: Unearthing the Climate Crisis as an Issue of Human Suffering. The goal was to understand how climate change is rooted in systems of oppression that reinforce injustice on a global scale. Here, in the interpretive walkthrough, Aviva Meyerhoff ’22 is immersed in unwanted clothing. Between 2000 and 2014, global clothing production doubled, with the average consumer buying 60 percent more. Each item is now kept half as long. The fashion industry contributes 10 percent of global greenhouse gas emissions.

With a gift to the Gustavus Fund, you offer a supportive hand to today’s students, showing you understand their concerns and their commitment to doing good in today’s uncertain world. When our Gusties return to campus this fall, your gift to the Gustavus Fund will have helped prepare the way—ensuring they gain the experience and education that will shape their future.

GIVE BY MAY 31 TO HAVE YOUR GIFT MATCHED! The generous $100,000 match is provided by Warren Beck ’67 and Donna Gabbert Beck ’66.

The Gustavus Quarterly (USPS 227-580) is published four times annually by Gustavus Adolphus College, Saint Peter, Minn. Periodicals postage is paid at Saint Peter, MN 56082, and additional mailing offices. It is mailed free of charge to alumni and friends of the College. Circulation is approximately 42,800. Gustavus Adolphus College is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission and is a member of the North Central Association.

GIVE TODAY! The Gustavus Fund | gustavus.edu/give

IN THIS ISSUE

RESPONSE TO A PANDEMIC

The past four months have presented the world with waves of uncertainty. At Gustavus, we’ve met them with swift, reasoned actions based on years of planning.

THE YOUNG ONES

Gustie Millennials take and make leadership in powerful

and unique ways. Here are some of the best—including four of our freshest from the historic Class of 2020.

10,000 MILES, SOUNDS, AND MEMORIES

The Gustavus Symphony Orchestra and Jazz Ensembles tour through Singapore and Malaysia was a chance to share music across the world. (See also page 2.)

IN EVERY ISSUE 4 VÄLKOMMEN

GENERATIONAL GIVING

6 ON THE HILL

How do different generations give, in general and to

SHINE PROFILES

Gustavus? The answers may surprise you.

SPORTS

FINE ARTS

HERITAGE

GRATITUDE

GUSTIES

VESPERS

GUSTAVUS QUARTERLY | WINTER 2019

Sound and Scene “Malaysia and Singapore manifest the word diversity,” says Gustavus Symphony Orchestra Conductor Dr. Ruth Lin, who, along with Gustavus Jazz Ensemble director Dave Stamps, shepherded 70 Gusties (and their violins, saxophones, trumpets…) on a 16-day music and performance journey this winter. The ensembles, along with their alumni and friend companions, made their way through the two Southeast Asian countries, experiencing the weather, food, people, culture, religion, landscape, and languages. There was variety in all aspects, including the performance venues, like this one: the Shaw Foundation Symphony Stage in Singapore. “These are countries of complexity, contradiction, beauty, and harmony,” Lin says. From lowlands to high-rises, through a repertoire of classics and new works, it was a vibrant, exciting music and culture exchange. For more on the tour,

GUSTAVUS QUARTERLY | WINTER 2019

see the Fine Arts section, page 28.

Välkommen

The Rev. Jon V. Anderson (ex officio), Bishop, Southwestern Minnesota Synod, ELCA Scott P. Anderson ’89, MBA (chair), Senior Advisor, TPG Capital

That’s how I have been signing my letters and emails.

Tracy L. Bahl ’84, MBA, President and Chief Executive Officer, OneOncology

’89 on March 17, the College had already announced a transition to online learning. Initially, we thought it would be a short-term adjustment. Since suspending in-person classes

Grayce Belvedere-Young, MBA, Founder and CEO, Lily Pad Consulting The Rev. Kevin D. Bergeson ’02 (ex officio), Pastor, Bethlehem Lutheran Church; President, Gustavus Adolphus College Association of Congregations

on March 13, our Cabinet had met daily, evaluating different

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

scenarios that would allow us to deliver our signature high-

Suzanne F. Boda ’82, Senior Vice President, Los Angeles, American Airlines

quality education while providing for the wellbeing of our community members and the broader public. It became clear that despite the incredible disruption to our normal practices,

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

the safest option was to ask the vast majority of students to leave campus and

Kara K. Buckner ’97, Managing Director/Chief Strategy Officer, Fallon Worldwide

continue online learning for the rest of spring semester. As I explained the situation

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

to Chair Anderson, he listened carefully, then said something that has stuck with me throughout this crisis: Let’s do this the Gustavus way. Simple. Humble. Clear. We would pay all employees full salary and benefits throughout the academic year. We would give generous room and board credits and

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

refunds to students who left campus mid-semester. We would always think, first and

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

foremost, about the people who make up this community.

Susie B. Heim ’83, Former Co-owner, S and S Heim Construction

One day, as more decisions loomed, I checked my email between meetings. There was a message from a Gustavus junior. “I just wanted to say thanks...that made my heart smile,” she wrote, referring to a video message I sent to students a few days before. “Hope you are staying well and finding lots of positives during this time.” I will be honest: The past two months have been exhausting. And yet, we have a

Mary Dee J. Hicks ’75, PhD, Retired Senior Vice President, Personnel Decisions International The Rev. Peter C. Johnson ’92, Executive Pastor, St. Andrew Lutheran Church Paul R. Koch ’87, Managing Director–Private Wealth Advisor, Senior Portfolio Manager, Koch Wealth Solutions, RBC Wealth Management

history at Gustavus of responding in times of crisis. In 1998 and now, our response

Dennis A. Lind ’72, Chairman, Midwest Bank Group, Inc.

to adversity reveals the best of the Gustie spirit. From the students and faculty who

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

took up the challenge of remote learning, to the alumni who generously donated to the student emergency fund, to the staff who solved problem after problem, I have been awestruck by the things our community will do to keep the College strong and our students safe and learning. From the Chair of the Board of Trustees to the student who lifted my spirits with a simple message of gratitude on a stressful day, our community is one of compassion, resilience, and unbridled optimism. More challenges lie ahead. I say bring them on. We will face them like we always GUSTAVUS QUARTERLY | SUMMER 2020

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

YOURS IN COMMUNITY.

When I called Board of Trustees Chair Scott Anderson

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

have—together. Yours in community,

The Rev. Dr. David J. Lose, Senior Pastor, Mount Olivet Lutheran Church 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 The Rev. Dr. Dan. S. Poffenberger ’82, Senior Pastor, Shepherd of the Lake Lutheran Church

Rebecca M. Bergman President, Gustavus Adolphus College

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

RESPONSE TO A PANDEMIC

SMART, SWIFT, COORDINATED. HERE’S WHAT WE DID THROUGH MARCH. FOR THE LATEST: GUSTAVUS.EDU/HEALTHSERVICE/CORONAVIRUS.

(start here, read down)

’06

Nobel Conference 42, Medicine: Prescription for Tomorrow, includes U of M infectious disease expert Dr. Michael Osterholm offering a prescient look at how the U.S. would respond to a global pandemic. The H1N1 epidemic causes Gustavus to rethink and modernize its pandemic response policies. An outbreak of 2019 Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) is identified in Wuhan, China.

DEC

Gustavus activates its Infectious Disease Committee (IDC) as public awareness of COVID-19 grows. The crossdepartmental working group begins to meet regularly.

JAN

Dean of Students JoNes VanHecke ’88 and Director of Health Service Heather Dale email students, faculty, and staff about coronavirus, including tips on hygiene.

JAN 30

The MN Department of Health begins hosting weekly informational calls for higher education institutions. Gustavus Health Service publishes a frequently asked question document. The College adds additional hand-sanitizing stations on campus and increases the frequency of cleaning in high-traffic areas.

FEB 13

The College inventories its supplies of personal protective equipment, hand sanitizer, and cleaning supplies. Gustavus Health Service is in regular contact with the MN Department of Health, Nicollet County Public Health, and the South Central Healthcare Coalition.

LATE FEB

’09 ’19 ’20

MAR 10

President Bergman and Heather Dale testify at the Minnesota State Capitol about COVID-19 readiness alongside University of Minnesota President Joan Gabel and Minnesota State Chancellor Devinder Malhotra.

MAR 11

The College begins posting a Daily Update on its website. The U.S. Department of State elevates travel advisories to Global Health Level III, triggering the College to recall all study away students.

MAR 12

CICE Interim Director Bryan Messerly works with study away students to return home. President Bergman meets with the Cabinet and the IDC executive group to discuss options for all students going forward.

MAR 13

After talking to the MN Department of Health and working with faculty leadership, President Bergman announces a transition to online course delivery through April 14. Spring Break is changed as faculty prepare. All campus events are canceled or postponed. Students begin to leave campus.

MAR 14–15

College leadership meets to discuss operational continuity. Gustavus prepares for employees to work from home as much as possible. Minnesota Governor Tim Walz announces the closure of K-12 schools.

MAR 13–29

Faculty gear up for online course delivery, balancing excellence in teaching with issues of access, equity, timezones, and course goals.

MAR 17

Gustavus announces that online courses will continue through the semester. Students must leave campus with the exception of a small group. All staff work from home except those essential to campus. President Bergman announces that all staff will receive full wages and benefits through the academic year.

MAR 20

The Gustavus Board of Trustees holds its first-ever fully virtual board meeting.

There are still no confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Minnesota. Gustavus Health Service emails the community with updates, including College travel restrictions to China, South Korea, and Italy. A small number of study away students are affected. The IDC is meeting twice a week.

MAR 4

The first case of COVID-19 is confirmed in Minnesota.

MAR 6

(back to top, right)

Governor Walz announces a “Stay at Home” order through April 10.

MAR 30

Online course delivery begins. Approximately 70 students remain on campus.

ON THE HILL

Alumni panelists on campus to celebrate the new lab theatre space. L to r, top row: Robert O. Berdahl ’90, Cheryl Downey ’66, Peter Breitmayer ’87, Sara Brown ’01, Christian DeMarais ’11; l to r, second row: Britta Joy Peterson ’08, Nicholas Dillenburg ’09, Betsy Maloney ’97. Their credits include the Guthrie, the Met, the Kennedy Center, the Shakespeare Theatre Company, the Director’s Guild of America, and numerous movie, television, and Broadway productions. They are talented, and they are Gusties. “Talent will get you a ways, but being a good person will take you so much farther,” said Peterson.

GUSTAVUS QUARTERLY | SUMMER 2020

INTRODUCING THE ROB AND JUDY GARDNER LABORATORY THEATRE

It was a who’s who of notable Gustavus

and off,” he said. Britta Joy Peterson ’08

Many in the crowd had taken classes or

Adolphus College Department of Theatre

(Director of Dance, American University

performed with Gardner during his 36

and Dance alumni as supporters and friends

in Washington, D.C.) cited the support

years at Gustavus. After the name unveiling,

gathered in February to open the Rob and

of faculty members Michele Rusinko and

Gardner spoke warmly about his time at

Judy Gardner Laboratory Theatre, the new

Melissa Rolnick even after leaving Gustavus.

Gustavus as well as the role Judy played: She

3,000-foot flexible space between Anderson

“I invested in my body, I invested in my

was present for every evening production.

Theatre and the addition to the Nobel Hall

mentors, and I invested in my craft,”

of Science.

she said. Peter Breitmayer ’87 (the TV

showing of You’re Invited! A New Creation

The evening kicked off with a panel of

The evening was capped by a special

series Fargo, the movies Fantastic Beasts

by the Moving Company. It was devised

alums from across the decades. Christian

and Where to Find Them and the Coen

by a team of students and the professional

DeMarais ’11 (Netflix series Maniac)

brothers’ A Serious Man) honored professor

theatre group, led by Steve Epp ’80.

talked about successes, failures, and the

emeritus Gardner, who gave him a sense of

importance of community instilled in him

stability as a student. “He was a professor,

support of Linda Gulder Huett ’66, whose

at Gustavus. “You can’t get through this

but he was also like a father,” he said.

generosity was instrumental in the creation

without people around you, both on stage

Rob and Judy were the stars of the event.

President Bergman recognized the

of the theatre.

CAMPUS SOCIAL TWITTER

@gustavusadolphuscollege @gustieathletics

INSTAGRAM

@gustavusadolphuscollege It’s the 25th anniversary of @gacbuildingbridges. This year’s theme was Climate Justice: Unearthing the Climate Crisis as an Issue of Human Suffering. Visit gustavus.edu/go/streaming to watch keynotes Dave Archambault II and Nnimmo Bassey. @gustavusadolphuscollege Two pieces of #gustavusearthday news: 1. The @gustavus

city of Saint Peter presented the College with a

The Gustavus Women in Leadership

check for $186,388 in energy rebates, reflecting

student co-directors at the 10th annual

over 1,000,000 kilowatt-hours of energy savings

conference. #whygustavus

—the result of the College’s good work managing the Nobel Hall expansion and renovation project with an eye toward energy efficiency. 2. The tulips

Follow @gustavus @gustiealum

Follow /gustavusadolphuscollege /gustavusathletics

are coming up in the Class Tulip Field.

/gustavusfinearts

/gustavusalumni

FACEBOOK

The New York Times visited the Hillstrom Museum of Art’s most recent exhibit. The Secret World of Art Forger Elmyr de Hory: His Portraiture on Ibiza, is a first glimpse at the artist underneath

10:00 a.m. Time for Reflection “Regardless of how glorified or villainous the character to be portrayed may appear at first glance, there is always a human being to be found inside that person.” —Actor Max von Sydow, who passed away in March. He visited Gustavus in 1995 as the Out of Scandinavia Artist-in-Residence.

GUSTAVUS QUARTERLY | SUMMER 2020

the forger. #whygustavus

ON THE HILL

NOBEL CONFERENCE 56

CANCER IN THE AGE OF BIOTECHNOLOGY Oct. 6 and 7, 2020 | gustavus.edu/nobel

The complexity and specificity of

STAY TUNED FOR TICKETS

biological mechanisms that cause

these drugs increases effectiveness,

As concerns over COVID-19

cancer cells to grow? How can our

as well as expense in developing,

continue throughout the summer,

own immune system protect against a

producing, and administering them.

the College will update its website

disease that originates from our cells?

Advances also increase the number

with the most current information

of people living with cancer, raising

on how the Conference will be

What causes cancer? What are the

Researchers have made great strides in understanding both the

questions about how to effectively

delivered. For updates, visit

progression of cancer and the ways

support long-term patients.

gustavus.edu/nobel.

in which an individual’s immune

Nobel Conference 56 will explore

system responds to it, including

the science of new treatments and

the development of therapies that

address structural and societal factors

strategically target cancer cells.

that influence who gets access to them.

MOM’S CANCER BY BRIAN FIES

CALL FOR SUBMISSIONS

THE 2020 READING IN COMMON

The Hillstrom Museum of Art contin-

Setting the stage for the 2020 Nobel

ues to accept submissions for its ju-

GUSTAVUS QUARTERLY | SUMMER 2020

Conference, this graphic novel follows

ried fall exhibition Cancer Never Had

the author as he faces his mother’s

Me: Views by Artists, which coincides

cancer diagnosis and treatment. It is

with the 2020 Nobel Conference.

an unflinching, sometimes funny look

Works related to cancer, or by artists

at the effects of serious illness, and it

who have been affected by cancer,

raises important concerns about cancer treatment. Gustavus incoming students will read and discuss the book, and the whole

Gustavus community is invited to read along. The book is available at the Book Mark: bookmark.gustavus/edu.

are welcome submissions. The extended deadline is June 15. More at gustavus.edu/finearts/hillstrom.

PRETTY GOOD NEWS In February, the Gustavus Wind Pulitzer Prize-winning Civil War

Orchestra performed at the College

historian and Gustavus alumnus

Band Directors National Association

James McPherson ’58 endowed a new

North Central Division Conference at

professorship in American History with a

DePaul University in Chicago. In April,

$1 million gift. An acclaimed historian of

GWO released the album, Awakening.

the Civil War, McPherson is a professor

“From destruction comes healing;

emeritus at Princeton University and

from death, rebirth; from separation,

one of the most respected and widely

reconciliation; and from the end we must

read scholars of American history. He

“Alleluia” along with other sacred and

begin anew,” writes conductor James

won the Pulitzer Prize for the best-

contemporary pieces.

Patrick Miller in the album’s notes.

selling Battle Cry of Freedom, regarded

The recording is available on digital

as the preeminent single-volume history

Maicy Vossen ’21 won the Barry M.

platforms, including iTunes and Spotify.

of the Civil War.

Goldwater Scholarship, the United

A CD can be purchased through the

States’ premier undergraduate award

Book Mark. bookmark.gustavus/edu.

The Gustavus Choir traveled

for students pursuing research careers

the Midwest in February

in the sciences, mathematics,

with performances in the

and engineering. A biology

Twin Cities, Mankato, and

major and public health minor,

Alexandria before heading to South Dakota, Nebraska,

Her research builds on that of

repertoire featured the premiere of

another Gustavus Goldwater winner,

composer Elaine Hagenberg’s new work

Katie Aney ’18.

#whygustavus

JUST A REMINDER OF OUR EXCELLENCE OVER THE PAST FOUR YEARS

Best Value Liberal Arts

year’s first-years, the Class of 2023;

in the nation) —U.S. News &

the high school achievement doesn’t

World Report

end there—they also boast an average

Division III Best

College for Sports Lovers —MONEY magazine/ Sports Illustrated

92%

in the nation in

five categories —MONEY magazine average ACT score of this

College in Minnesota (#22

Top 30

$10 million

grant expands the Center for Career

high school GPA of 3.66

Development

$60 million

$70 million

Center on the horizon

Hall of Science, near completion

renovation and expansion of Lund

expansion and renovation of Nobel

first-to-second year retention rate—higher than the average of Minnesota Private Colleges, Minnesota State Colleges and Universities, and national peer institutions

GUSTAVUS QUARTERLY | SUMMER 2020

Iowa, and Kansas. The

Vossen is one of 396 U.S. students to receive the award.

ON THE HILL

SHINE: CJ SIEWERT ’11 Young Alum. Lifelong Sports Lover. TECHNOLOGY DRIVES CHANGE IN COVERAGE. A LOVE OF GUSTAVUS SPORTS DRIVES COMMUNITY.

A Saint Peter native, Siewert says he “basically grew up at Lund.” He’s not exaggerating; his mom worked at the information desk. “Almost every day I’d rent out a basketball and shoot around,” he says. “This was home for me.” While a Gustie student, professor Terry Morrow recommended an internship in the Gustavus sports information office, which led to two internships with the Minnesota Vikings, covering all aspects of the team for the website and public relations team. Then, like a lot of sports writers, Siewert bounced around. He came home to Lund in 2015 as the Gustavus director of sports information. “As a kid, I would read the newspaper box scores and calculate what the Twins needed to clinch a spot in the playoffs,” he says. Now, he brings that detailed obsession to Gustavus’s 23 varsity sports. He strongly believes in the Gustavus mission, core values, sense of community, and the high performance of student-athletes. “Throughout our history, we have shown excellence on the playing field and in the classroom. I want people to know.” Five years into the job and Siewert has already ushered in major change in Gustavus sports coverage. For instance: how the College livestreams events. It used to be a single camera plugged into a computer with a play-by-play announcer. Now, he says. “We use high-definition video with replay, multiple cameras, and live statistics.” And social media keeps the conversation going 24–7. The love for sports—and the Gustie community— remains unchanged and abiding. So does the Donut Friday tradition in the sports information office. “It’s important to take time to just talk to people about life,” he says. In Lund, “that almost always circles back to a

GUSTAVUS QUARTERLY

COVID-19 forced a sadly truncated spring season. (See

page 22.) But as they say in sports, there’s always next year. “There’s a lot of excitement,” Siewert says. Some of that surrounds the expansion and renovation of Lund Center, of course. “I really think we’ll have one of the finest Division III facilities in the country,” he says.

COMMUNITY

passion for sports.”

SHINE: ReANN EIDAHL ’20 All-Around Excellence FROM CHAPEL CHOIR TO HABITAT FOR HUMANITY TO THE CAMPUS ACTIVITIES BOARD AND BEYOND, THIS GUSTIE WOMAN HAS SEIZED THE LEAD.

Gustavus had a very pragmatic advantage over other colleges Eidahl considered: She was able to sing in a choir without being a music major. During her four years on the hill, Eidahl has been a part of the Chapel Choir, “and I’ve loved every second,” she says. In May, she will graduate as a communication studies major. She plans to gain experience in a project management role and eventually start her own cosmetics company. When she’s not singing or in class, Eidahl can be found giving tours to prospective students, planning events with the Campus Activities Board, and serving as the Gustavus Women in Leadership (GWIL) Conference vice president. She’s also a member of the Guild of St. Lucia and has served on the Diversity Leadership Council. But wait! There’s more! She completed an internship in Prague. She traveled to South Carolina for a Habitat for Humanity trip—easily one of her top Gustavus memories. “There were 25 of us packed into two vans,’” she says. “Putting a roof on a house together with Gusties was amazing.” Her pursuit of a multifaceted excellence has been buoyed by the supportive community around her. “Without it, I wouldn’t have had the opportunities to work with the type of women that I have through GWIL,” she says. “If it weren’t for my professor, David Obermiller, I wouldn’t have persued a semester abroad.” Even her faith journey has been touched by her Gustavus experience. “My roommate and friends inspired me to dig into this part of my life,” Eidahl says. She was baptized in Christ Chapel her sophomore year. Eidahl immigrated to the United States from China with her mother when she was nine. Her mother models all that a strong, exceptional woman in the world can be. Gustavus too has helped define Eidahl’s view and pursuit of excellence. “Being here has opened up so many doors and opportunities. The Gustavus community has shaped my passion for empowering women and others,

E XC E L L E N C E

and it has given me a good stepping stone to where I want to go with the future.”

Gustavus Women in Leadership is a community of alumni, students, and friends meant to inspire and advance women in their personal and professional leadership. The organization hosts a variety of alumni networking and education events, capping off with the GWIL Conference in March featuring alumnae Elizabeth (Truong) Jenson ’05 and Chloe Altman ’16 (see page 34). For more, visit gustavus.edu/leadership/women.

GUSTAVUS QUARTERLY | SUMMER 2020

The Young Ones

From a generation well known for their convictions and desire to serve, Gustie Millennials lead in powerful and unique ways. Whatever challenges the world faces, these alums will face them and remake them for the better.

The Simulation is Real

NURSING PROFESSOR LYNNEA MYERS ’05 IS HELPING TO LEAD GUSTAVUS AND OUR STUDENTS THROUGH THIS DEFINING PUBLIC HEALTH CRISIS. BY STEPHANIE ASH In January, professor and alum Lynnea Piotter Myers received an email from Rose Jost ’63, who was teaching the public health nursing course while Myers was on leave. Jost noted in the email a new novel coronavirus popping up in China. “I’m sure there are some very anxious public health folks these days,” she wrote. It was already going to be a busy spring. Myers was just back to the U.S. from Sweden with her husband, David Myers ’05, a toddler, a new baby, and a new PhD. There were so many other things to worry about, including her return to fulltime teaching. Myers took pause anyway. “She’s a wise woman,” Myers says of Jost, who is also the retired family health manager for the City of Bloomington. “I thought, maybe I should pay attention to this virus.” When another email showed up shortly after, this time from the leadership of the Gustavus Infectious Disease Committee asking Myers if she’d join, she paused again, then quickly said yes. A few short weeks later, Carol Brewer, director of Campus Safety at Gustavus, pulled out the College’s long-prepared pandemic plan at a committee meeting. “At that point I knew we were going to be teaching in a very different way this semester,” Myers says. The rest, as they say, is history, and it’s still in the making. >>>

Catch up with some of the latest Millennial alumni from the classes of 2020 and 2019, pages 20 and 37.

GUSTAVUS QUARTERLY | SUMMER 2020

This is the time to teach our students what’s happening in real life.

Myers’ academic pedigree is exceptionally decorated: one master’s, two doctorates, plus published research in public health, neuroscience and genetics, early childhood development, and nursing education. She’s also a first-generation college student from Gaylord, Minnesota, a rural community of just 2,000 people 25 miles north of Saint Peter. Gustavus was the only college she applied to, and like thousands of Gusties before her, “I thought I wanted to be pre-med,” Myers says. But the liberal arts worked its magic, and she found herself in a summer public health internship, and loving it. One day—in a cliché, made-forTV sort of way—she happened into the Career Center. “I literally read a brochure on nurse practitioners and thought, that’s what I’m going to do,” she says. Myers knew little about nursing, but each step solidified her passion. “The major appeal was the ability to see patients right away,” she says, “and faculty in so many different areas encouraged me.” She had clinicals in diverse settings, from a pediatric medical-surgical unit at Children’s Hospital, Minneapolis to a public health rotation in Blue Earth County to a senior capstone at St. Francis Hospital in Shakopee. And then there was the undergraduate research she did with professor Barb Zust ’76, a study Myers designed herself and presented nationally.

Myers (center) with friends, clockwise from top left: Katrina Kleinwachter Fortney, Laura Palzer Dahlstrom, Amanda Olson Petersen, Megan Wille Miller, Anna Gutman Fisher, and Kelly McGillivray Kley.

“That’s what piqued my interest in pursuing a PhD,” she says. But first there was her master’s program at Duke, begun the same year she began nursing—an unusual acceleration. She became a very young pediatric nurse practitioner at clinics, Carver County Public Health, and the Minnesota Department of Health. She was only 28 when she returned to Gustavus to teach in 2011, where her old mentors simultaneously welcomed her and pushed her to think even bigger. The past eight years, she taught Gustavus courses in public health, nutrition, nursing concepts, medical-surgical nursing, pediatric nursing, clinical rotations and research in health sciences, and earned a PhD in Nursing

There are so many positive images of nursing and healthcare right now— people doing all they can to help others. Nurses are so passionate about their jobs and compassionate in their care, and our students are embracing those values.

Science at Vanderbilt University and a PhD in Developmental Neuroscience at Karolinska Institutet in Stockholm, Sweden. She returned to Gustavus in January. And, well, we all know what happened next. GUSTAVUS QUARTERLY | SUMMER 2020

the culmination of her career so far and an immersive learning experience. “When I worked in public health at the county and

•••

seat to the Gustavus response to a global pandemic is both

state level, we talked about how disaster plans operate within

It is mid-April. Governor Tim Walz has asked all Minnesotans

different structures. It’s been so interesting to see how Gustavus

to stay home. The vast majority of students have left campus. All

has been planning for this all along.” The choices Gustavus has

but essential employees work from home. Professors teach from

made, and their consequences, illustrate the importance of the

home. The Infectious Disease Committee members meet from

public health imperative to keep people and communities healthy.

home, via Google Meet, at least three times a week.

Decisions cascade into other decisions: Which buildings to keep

Myers represents the faculty on the committee and provides

open, where to potentially quarantine a group, how to safely

public health insight and expertise as well. “Everything changes

serve food, how to mitigate negative economic impact. It is a

by the minute,” she says. She finds it all fascinating. Her front

constant reminder, Myers says, of the need for a public health

lens on infectious disease, of “how you can’t just approach the medical and health side of a pandemic. You have to look at all of the things that affect an individual and a community.” ••• That’s exactly what her nursing and public health students are doing in her classes this semester. “Right now my thoughts are, how can I integrate this pandemic into learning experiences?” Myers says. Take, for instance, her Public Health Nursing class. “Our disaster simulation used to be a flood,” she says with an ironic chuckle. “We’re going to change that now.” Mining her deep contacts, Myers has engaged both her public health and senior-level nursing students in real-life, real-time COVID-19 response conversations with epidemiologists, public health nurses, even a health insurance expert. Gustie alum Gordon Mansergh ’84, a senior behavioral scientist at the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, joined class one day. So did the disease prevention and control coordinator leading Nicollet County’s professionals would need to do to execute mass vaccinations,” Myers says. “That was eye opening for students.” Final exams in Intro to Public Health will have students collecting powerful images from the media that illustrate the current pandemic and reflecting on how various elements of public health have been influenced by the pandemic and influence the response to it. Senior nursing students will do a telehealth simulation for their finals—a virtual visit like many real-world providers are doing right now. Those senior nursing students in particular are eager to be a part of the healthcare workforce, to respond to the challenge of this global pandemic with innovation and compassionate care. Since all students in the nursing program are Certified Nursing Assistants, some have been working as CNAs throughout the program. Others are going into CNA or student (pre-boards) nurse jobs right now, or registering for such jobs, particularly at places where they are needed most, which also happen to be among the riskiest: nursing homes and long-term care facilities. “In challenging situations, I like to talk about the innovation that will come out of this, how people will approach life, jobs, education, health,” Myers says. “This will change how healthcare looks, how higher education looks. This will prepare students to be thinkers and leaders in their communities. This will move our students forward.” • For more Millennial Gustie alumni in healthcare, see page 18.

NETWORK IN ACTION Here’s who shaped Myers, and whom she’s shaping now. • Barb Zust ’76 Myers had an undergraduate scholarship to conduct research with Zust, which led her to pursue advanced degrees and return to Gustavus to teach alongside her. • Amy Leval ’97 A PhD nurse at the Karolinska Institutet in Sweden, Leval mentored Myers through her second PhD. She’s now Director of Alliance Partnership at Janssen Pharmaceutical Companies of Johnson & Johnson in Sweden. • Eva Miller Christensen ’05 Roommates their first and second years, the two told each other they were going to apply for the nursing major on the same night in their room in Co-Ed (Norelius). Christensen now works in a cardiac clinic in the metro area. • Today’s nursing majors Each cohort numbers around 30 students, so faculty and students develop close, meaningful relationships. Like Myers, all full-time faculty have PhDs; students conduct research with them and often present it nationally. Grads of the program go on to work in all areas of nursing.

GUSTAVUS QUARTERLY | SUMMER 2020

response to COVID-19. “She brought up what public health

Hands-On Living

JON SCHMIDT ’11—AKA JON THE POTTER—IS PART CERAMIC ARTIST, PART ENTREPRENEUR, PART YOUTUBE STAR, AND ALL GUSTIE. BY SARA ASP OLSON “What’s up guys? I’m Jon the Potter.” It’s Jon Schmidt’s signature opening line, and it signals the start of a clay-throwing good time over on the Waconia, Minnesota native’s YouTube channel, where 115,000 subscribers regularly tune in to watch him craft mugs, bowls, and plates from his home pottery studio, which he then sells on Etsy and uses (and sells) at his other businesses, a chain of coffee shops in and near Waconia called Mocha Monkey, which he bought when he was still a student at Gustavus. That’s a lot of seemingly incongruent activity. But when you see Schmidt in action—long, unruly hair; friendly, laid-back manner; next-day stubble; maybe a slouchy beanie—it all makes sense. He definitely looks like your supercool, coffeeshop-owning buddy who throws pottery on his YouTube channel. That’s the thing about a liberal arts education: You come in thinking you’re just one thing—an athlete, an academic, an artist—and come out with a completely different understanding. That’s what happened to Schmidt. Growing up, Schmidt had been all about athletics, “basketball in particular,” he says. “That was really my whole story about myself.” When he arrived at Gustavus, he assumed that story would continue uninterrupted. It did not. Schmidt jumped into his management major, taking classes and building lasting relationships with the guys in Co-Ed (Norelius). He stayed sporty with JV basketball for a year, then intramurals and club volleyball and ultimate frisbee. He got better at writing—something he’d never been great at in high school— and began to develop a more complete picture of himself. Then he went to India. GUSTAVUS QUARTERLY | SUMMER 2020

“It was a trip called Social Justice, Peace, and Development,”

he says. It had nothing to do with his management major, but he felt compelled. And when he came back, “I had a whole new perspective—about living a life that you love, about not chasing the most money, about seeking adventure and carving your own path.” Engaging that sense of adventure, he signed up for a ceramics class. There, with encouragment from a professor who gave him free reign on studio time and materials, “I realized that I had something that I wanted to do for the rest of my life.”

Schmidt has been growing Mocha Monkey for nearly a decade while throwing pottery part-time and selling in his coffee shops. Now, with the recent success he’s had on his YouTube Channel, and more recently his TikTok, the pottery is really hot. He can’t keep his Etsy shop in stock. Find him and his work on all three platforms as jonthepotter.

••• By the time senior year rolled around, Schmidt had moved away from his sporty high-school persona, picked up some business skills, traveled to India and back, and developed a passion for pottery. Then it all came together. “I walked into this coffee shop near my hometown, Mocha Monkey. [They were] using handmade pottery every day behind the counter: mugs, plates, bowls…” he says. There, in the basement, was ample room for a pottery studio. “Everything kind of collided for me: my passion around ceramics, a vibrant business in a community that I really love. “So, I got a job there.” Schmidt was still taking classes at Gustavus when he became a Mocha Monkey barista. Then, in December 2010, six months before graduation, the owners wanted to sell. Schmidt was 21. He had few financial resources. That didn’t stop him. “When I have a vision for something I really stop at nothing to go after it,” he says. Plus, “My Gustavus experiences gave me the confidence to jump in.” Still, there was his senior year to finish. “I went to some of my business professors and asked, ‘is there any way I don’t have to actually be at Gustavus, that I can be running this new business?’” he recalls. Absolutely, they said. What better way to practice hands-on business skills then owning a real-world business? He secured a loan, worked out independent studies based on his business launch, and dug in. The support was immense. Schmidt’s new venture became a learning lab for himself and his fellow students too. “Gusties helped me make logos and branding for Mocha Monkey. My business showed up as case-study projects in all sorts of classes. Gustavus as a community was able to actually help me start this business and get it off the ground.” ••• Mocha Monkey now has three locations in and around Waconia, including an innovative location inside a local bank (complete with a drive-thru). Schmidt just earned his silver YouTube button for six figures worth of subscribers. His Etsy inventory regularly sells out. This guy who learned how to write while at Gustavus year Gustie Jon Schmidt envisioned for himself—there’s narry a basketball hoop to be found. “Gustavus allowed me to discover things within myself that I never would have found otherwise,” Schmidt met his wife, Elise Biewen ’11, in the first week of their first year. The two were seated next to each other at the President’s Dinner. “I was definitely intrigued, I thought he was very good looking,” she says. “I found out very soon that he was also a basketball player and that was the immediate attraction to each other. The rest is history, I guess.” The couple now have two young sons, Ryder and Rory, Class of 2039 and Class of 2042.

he says. The outcome almost 10 years later is the best of all his worlds: “a life that I’m ridiculously passionate about.” • For more Millennial Gustie alumni in the arts, see page 19.

GUSTAVUS QUARTERLY | SUMMER 2020

just landed a book deal. This is nothing like the life a sporty, first-

Healthcare

MILLENNIAL GUSTIES:

Ben Biewen ’13 Biology major, Emergency

Cheers to these Millennial alums caring for us. (And thanks to all other Gusties doing the same.) BY JJ AKIN ’11

Medicine Resident, Bellevue Hospital/NYU Langone, New York City

Stephanie Hardel Krautkremer ’11 Biology major/neuroscience minor,

After moving to NYC last June, he’s been in month-long rotations

Nurse, cardiac/surgical ICU (now a

in different emergency units at

COVID-19 ICU) at North Memorial

Bellevue and NYU. He was in pediatric

Hospital in Robbinsdale

emergency in January when he began hearing about the novel coronavirus, and rotated into ICU, “right as things were ramping

As of April 13, her unit was completely filled with patients who were positive for COVID-19 or likely so. She’s been using

up,” he says. Pretty quickly, the work was strictly taking care of COVID-19 patients in negative pressure rooms, or suspected cases waiting for test results. As of mid-April, he was in ER. His

her undergraduate coursework in my biology and physiology

Gustavus-honed work ethic has kicked in hard. “My head’s still

daily, as well as the leadership and critical problem solving

down, just working day to day to do whatever I can to provide

skills she developed at Gustavus, which are needed to adapt to

the best possible care for my patients.” It’s tough, but this Gustie

the current pandemic. And then there’s her desire to create a

chose emergency medicine for a reason. “I like that we’re always

sense of belonging among her coworkers. “Building close-knit

asked to use high-acuity problem solving,” he says. Plus: “Being

relationships at work like the ones I built at Gustavus have helped

the first person the patient sees is an opportunity to care for them

prepare me for this crisis,” Krautkremer says. “Now, more than

by being knowledgeable and comforting in a difficult time.”

ever, we have leaned on each other for help and support.” Brian Berglund ’08 Biology major, Chief internal medicine resident, Abbott Northwestern Hospital, Minneapolis

“People are scared,” Berglund said in mid-April. His focus is split between treating COVID-19 patients to protecting hospital personnel. As a chief resident, he takes care of admitted patients and performs administrative duties such as communicating

FOR RECENT ALUMNI As a group within the Gustavus Alumni Association, they are graduates of the past 10 years. These Gusties have distinct needs and interests, defined by the generation and their particular time at Gustavus. And they have their own leadership. The Gustavus Recent Alumni steering committee offers programming throughout the year in the Twin Cities, providing opportunities to connect socially with one another and the College. For those living outside of the metro area, the College offers additional resources to help recent alums connect to the greater Gustavus community. Are you a recent alum? Join the Gustavus Recent Alumni Facebook Group.

policy and providing education on guidelines. Through Gustavus football, Berglund learned “the strength gained from being part GUSTAVUS QUARTERLY | SUMMER 2020

of a team working towards a common goal,” he says. Through

the academic rigor at Gustavus, he learned to be steadfast. “That’s been helpful in piecing together the things required to understand and treat this illness.” The Gustavus sense of community gave him respect for the needs of the group over the needs of the self. “We’re all in this together now. This isn’t just about doctors and nurses—everyone has to come together to make this work.”

FOR ALL GUSTIES Gusties love helping other Gusties, and that extends to career support and networking. Our long tradition has become more formalized recently. Gusties Connect facilitates professional connections through peerto-peer career assistance for current students and graduates of all ages. From resume review and mock interviews to discussion forums and one-on-one connections, Gusties in any industry and career stage can benefit. Join in: gustiesconnect.peoplegrove.com.

MILLENNIAL GUSTIES:

The Arts

Gustavus gave these creators a foundation for excellence, and innovation in creative expression. BY MARA KLEIN Alex Messenger ’10

Samuel Grace ’11 Music performance major, Artistic Director, MPLS (imPulse) and doctoral student in choral conducting at Indiana University

Studio art and English major Marketing and communications specialist at St. Luke’s Hospital,

Grace is re-inventing the traditional concept of a “choir” with his innovative,

Duluth and author, The Twenty-Ninth

semi-professional ensemble, MPLS (imPulse).

Day

Founded by Grace in 2014, the group brings choral music to surprising venues—a planetarium, a local swimming pool, and

Messenger was on day 29 of a 600-mile canoe trip in the Canadian wilderness when he was mauled by a grizzly bear. Last year, he released a memoir

a cooking class where participants create food paired to the pieces. Some of his biggest supporters includes Gusties who have performed in the choir, served on the board, and packed the audience at concerts. Grace’s liberal arts background has

of the attack and the quest for survival that followed. The Twenty-

provided him with a leg-up beyond musicianship. “Don’t

Ninth Day has been met with much acclaim as a finalist for the

underestimate the power of a liberal arts education,” he says. “I

2020 Minnesota Book Award, an Outside magazine Pick of Best

feel better prepared for my graduate studies in music because of

Winter Books, and a Midwest Indie and Wall Street Journal

the Latin, geography, French, and world religions courses I took

Bestseller. Telling such a personal story was

at Gustavus.”

an enormous challenge and one that his liberal arts education prepared him well for.

McKayla Murphy ’16

“Regardless of the task that comes up, I feel

Communication studies major,

I have the vision, skills, experience and the

dance minor, Girl Scouts River Valleys,

problem-solving ability to take it on,” he says.

Program Manager for the Girl Scout

“The opportunity to apply those skills comes

Leadership Experience

up more than you’d think.” Murphy has paired the Department of Theatre and Dance’s focus on social change

Current students benefit from a $10 million grant to the Center for Career Development, which has implemented and augmented several programs during the past four years. Gustie students receive counsel on life beyond the hill while still on the hill, in the form of more than 200 career events and fairs, 77 faculty and staff trained as career and vocation champions, and a Career Interest Clusters model that provides individualized guidance based on students’ areas of interest (business, education, health professions, government and social services, arts and communication, and STEM). Of the Class of 2019, 73 percent selected a cluster, and 76 percent completed some form of experiential learning. Thirty percent participated in the Gustavus Mentoring Program, which pairs a student with an alum in their area of interest. At the time of their graduation, the average, self-reported career readiness score of the Class of 2019 was 3.87 out of 4. How are they doing now? Find out on page 37.

and inclusiveness with curriculum creation from her communication studies major and merged it into a career that includes both. As a racial justice development specialist at the YWCA in Mankato, she helped facilitate dialogue around racial equity through events and programming. Now she is a program manager for the Girl Scouts, leading civic engagement programming for young women. She also teaches dance in a community education setting, expanding access to new dancers and focusing on creative expression. She sees her many roles—teacher, communicator, mentor, leader— as part of a whole self. “It didn’t ever feel like dance and communication studies were competing with each other; it felt like they were expanding one another,” she says. It’s real-life evidence of the benefits of a liberal arts approach. “My areas of study overlapped all the time at Gustavus, and they continue to overlap all the time in my life now.”

GUSTAVUS QUARTERLY | SUMMER 2020

FOR SOON-TO-BE ALUMNI

Aleah Felton

Four years ago: She was wow-ed by the Gustavus Choir and

excited for her role in Sweeney Todd. She tried the Caf snack her Gustie brothers liked (chocolate ice cream with chocolate sauce and a banana), and made friends in her FirstTerm Seminar. Unsure of a major, she was “excited to be on this journey.” Today: That first year she juggled Felton, Bachman, Nguyen, Araya, and Coe as first-years in fall of 2016.

choir, the musical, and an a cappella group—all on top of classes. “Like a

THE YOUNGEST ONES, FROM THE HISTORIC CLASS OF 2020 We’ve followed these five since they were first-years. Welcome to the other side of the Gustiehood, new alums!

Alice Lan Nguyen Four years ago: Her friend base was mostly fellow international

true Gustie, I said yes to everything. But I learned from my mistakes!” she says. Her sophomore year, she honed in on education as a major and is now focused on teaching high school literature. Though her student teaching was cut short, “I’m definitely excited to be in my own classroom,” she says. “I love the discussions you get to have with students. I just got to grade 33 ninth grade research papers and these students went all in.” She still holds onto those group chats from her FTS, and she is still besties with the first person she met on campus, but friendships are more purposeful now—fellow

students. She was surprised by how much her professors cared. Her dream job was in hotel management and her student employment in audio-visual production. She eagerly awaited her first snow.

choir members, education majors, and

The world? It’s huge. —Aleah Felton

Collegiate Fellows. She is most proud of her academic success. “Being on the Dean’s List multiple times, being a part of the International Honor Society for

Today: She will graduate with a financial

education, I achieved higher than I thought I would.” And G

economics major and a statistics minor;

Choir? “It still shocks me on that first day of rehearsal. We’re the

her dream job is now equity analysis. She’s

Gustavus Choir for a reason,” she says. Her signature Caf creation

worked in the Office of Advancement as

is warm chocolate cookies with vanilla ice cream. Still excited to

well as the English, Modern Language, and

be on this journey, she’d next like to be hired.

Scandinavian Studies departments. She’s also an economics tutor. Her profs still impress her. “But I am

Words for next year’s first-years: “It’s okay to say no. At the

a lot more active now in class. Freshman year I would be quiet

end of the day, if you’re not taking care of yourself, you can’t take

if I didn’t understand but I had courage to go to office hours

care of others. You have to be a priority in your own life.”

GUSTAVUS QUARTERLY | SUMMER 2020

to ask. Now I talk in class, put a question right out there.” Her

friendships are mostly interest-based and American now, and she

Words for alumni: “I’ll be one of those alums at CinCC who

has an American boyfriend. “As I’ve settled in, the way I talk to

sits as close to the front as possible, holding your hand, singing

others, share, has also changed. I understand more.” That first

‘O Come All Ye Faithful.’”

snow? “It was beautiful and magical. And then…” (She laughs.) “Well, I still think snow is beautiful to look at.” A message for next year’s first-years: “Pay attention from the

beginning. Don’t let that first year just drip away. If you don’t seize opportunities, you miss out.”

NOT THE FINALE THEY EXPECTED “I never imagined having my spring semester cancelled because of an epidemic,” Bachman says. Yet by mid-March, most students had gone home and online, with all sports, performances, and activities cancelled. A month later,

Stephanie Coe

Four years ago: She was a competitive figure skater from

Washington state looking forward to getting to know Minnesota. She delighted in being able to study music and explore

Avery Bachman

Four years ago: He was pumped to compete in football and had

tentative plans to pursue a physics major and participate in the Fellowship of Christian Athletes. Between class and practice, he was also looking for a nap.

her faith while pursuing pre-med. Her boyfriend’s cousin was her roommate.

Today: He’s a three-year starter on a

team that took it to the fourth quarter in Today: “I got hired!” says this

nursing major. She’ll be at University of Minnesota Children’s, where she did

every game. “My biggest takeaways from football are the mentorships from coaches and others and countless opportunities to

her senior year clinical. “Having a job in the Cities is going to

lead everyday—even as a sophomore.” He will

be awesome,” she says, “though my parents are a little sad I

leave connected to more than 200 teammates. As for

won’t be heading home.” She will take grad-level courses while

that physics major: “I had a reconsider moment,” he says. The

she works, and continue her collaborative research with the

work was more intense than his commitment. “There were many

Gustavus nursing and dance departments, creating a science-art

other things I could do to be equally as happy,” he says.

support and connection and guidance that I did,” she says. The

As grads, we’re prepared to get a job, but we’re also ready to lead, be innovative, attack change, and keep swinging.

bumps in the road? She’s better for them. “Just navigating this

—Avery Bachman

importantly, he says, he

performance piece for the upcoming Nobel Conference. She’s still skating, still with an eye on Disney on Ice. The figure skating club, which has been a unifying source of diverse friendships, has gained numbers. As far as other relationships, “I don’t have the same boyfriend, but I still have the same roommate,” she says. In fact, she’s still close with many of her first-year friends. And she’s close with her professors. “I never imagined I would have the

whole journey has allowed me to see these strengths in myself, to

He switched to management with a physics minor and has no regrets. Though he didn’t keep up with the Fellowship of Christian Athletes, he did participate in devotionals held by coaches. Most learned to love the process

have confidence that I can lead, and in a productive and genuine

of improving, not the outcome, and to find common ground

and compassionate way. It’s a unique leadership personality that

with all different kinds of folks. “The impact of that didn’t

comes out of Gustavus. It’s real leadership.”

resonate with me until junior and senior year,” he says. “Just understanding where people come from, why they think what

Words for next year’s first-years: You will change, but you will

they think. It was a challenge, but it was awesome. You don’t

remain the same. You don’t have to give anything up and you

know what any new relationship can do for you.”

shouldn’t. You will become more of who you were meant to be.

Words for next year’s first-years: “It’s easy to be passive, but

you’ll never be more immersed in knowledge and people who care about you then when you’re at Gustavus.” Words for fellow alumni: “I don’t think the school could

have done a better job preparing me for life to come. I’m ready to kill it.”

Commencement was postponed. Still, these are Gusties. They can frame their disappointment as a path toward growth. “I am stronger than I thought and weaker than I thought,” says Nguyen. Hardship “makes life more memorable.” Even though it’s temporary, “It was hard to say goodbye to my friends,” says Felton. “But the memories, the bonds—they don’t end at graduation.” And then there’s the long-game perspective on this global pandemic. “It’s history in the making,” Felton says. “And we have the opportunity to plant ourselves in the middle of it, to document it, to show that we were here.”

GUSTAVUS QUARTERLY | SUMMER 2020

* We weren’t able reach Christian Araya > before he left campus, but we know that in four years he kept the same roommate, changed majors from biology to psychological science and political science, and discovered a love of visual art.

SPORTS

Here’s who would have competed at Nationals. Clockwise: Birgen Nelson (Fy., Edina, track), Ellen Hofstede (Fy., Hopkins, swimming), Dutch FrankoDynes (So., Minneapolis, swimming), Annie Corbett (Fy., Brookfield, WI, gymnastics), Taylor Rooney (Jr., Andover, track), Matt Allison (Jr., Grand Rapids, swimming), Andrew Becker (Fy., Northfield, swimming), Erik Small (Fy., Hudson, WI, swimming), Tierney Winter (Sr., Waterville, track), Josh Muntifering (Jr., Buffalo, swimming), Steven Orzolek (So., Darwin, field), Nolan Larson (Jr., West Des Moines, IA, swimming).

ON A SEASON INTERRUPTED From CJ Siewert, sports information director

quiet goodbye. My heart sunk for his

definitely fuels the fire for next season.

athletes, and the seven swimmers and

There is motivation that is gained from

The night the NBA announced it was

one gymnast scheduled to compete on

taking something like this from a student-

suspending its season, I was at the

the national stage in the coming weeks.

athlete.”

University of Wisconsin-River Falls

“Seeing the disappointment in my

covering Gustavus women’s hockey in

teammates’ and coaches’ eyes was the

view on the future. “This is a lot bigger

an NCAA opening round tournament

hardest part,” says Tierney Winter (Sr.,

than gymnastics, and sports in general,”

game. As I tweeted game updates, I

Waterville), a contender for All-America

says Annie Corbett (Fy., Brookfield,

scrolled through my feed reading all

status in the mile. Still, “Gustavus track &

Wis.). “I am very lucky in that I am still

the disheartening news, and I realized

field is my home away from home; they’re

only a freshman, and have three more

the hockey game being played in front

my family. I immediately received support

years to try again. Canceling nationals

of me would likely be the last sporting

from many teammates and alumni. I was

allowed me to put even more focus on

event I would cover in person for quite

overwhelmed by the amount of people

school and get back into the gym to

some time.

who reassured me that everything would

prepare for next season.”

GUSTAVUS QUARTERLY | SUMMER 2020

The next day, while on the phone

The gymnastics team also has a bright

with track & field head coach Aaron Lund (in North Carolina preparing four

be okay and that the season was without a doubt a success.” “As a team, we handled this

The MIAC announced March 13 that the spring sports season was canceled, immediately ending collegiate athletic

Gustie student-athletes for the Division

disappointment well because we know

careers for 34 senior Gustavus student-

III Indoor Championships), we both

we have until next year to prepare and

athletes. To those seniors: Thank you

received an email announcing the NCAA

the training can start now,” says swimmer

for representing Gustavus with pride

was immediately canceling all remaining

Nolan Larson (Jr., West Des Moines, IA),

and class. Your pursuit of excellence

winter and spring championships. There

who was set to swim in the 200 freestyle,

in athletics will no doubt translate to

was a long pause between us, then a

400 free relay, and 800 free relay. “This

whatever you choose to do in life.

Men’s Basketball

a 3-0 win over Augsburg. Coach Mike

The Gusties finished the season 8-17

Carroll earned MIAC Coach of the Year,

Women’s Swimming & Diving

overall and 8-12 in the MIAC for eighth

while Hailey Holland (Fy., Aberdeen,

The Gusties took second place at

place. Jake Guse (So., Waseca) was

SD), Molly McHugh (Fy., Minnetonka),

the MIAC Championships. All-MIAC

selected to the MIAC All-Defensive

Kristina Press (So., Cottage Grove), and

honorees included Ellen Hofstede

Team after leading the league with 51

Kristen Cash (Sr., Roseville) earned All-

(Fy., Hopkins), Sophia Steinberg (Jr.,

blocks, marking the fourth most in a

Conference. Holland and McHugh were

Faribault), Abby Yartz (Fy., Bemidji),

single season in program history, and

named All-Rookie, as was Katie McCoy

Madeline Westendorp (Sr., Saint

most since Luke Schmidt ’99 blocked a

(Fy., Grafton, WI).

Michael), Alyssa Lokensgard (Sr., Saint

Women’s Basketball

Men’s Swimming & Diving The Gusties captured their second

Peter), Annika Johns (Fy., Stillwater), Amelia Bjorklund (Jr., Bloomington), and Alyssa Kohorst (Sr., Sauk Centre).

The Gusties reached the MIAC

consecutive MIAC championship and

playoffs for a conference-record 20th

23rd in program history. Jon Carlson

Gymnastics

consecutive season after taking fourth

was named MIAC Men’s Coach of the

The team competed in 10 events during

place at 13-7. They defeated Hamline in

Year, while Nolan Larson (Jr., West Des

the season, culminating with an eighth-

the quarterfinals before losing to Bethel

Moines, IA) earned Co-Swimmer of the

place finish at the WIAC/NCGA West

in the semifinals, finishing the year 18-9

Year, and Logan Bican (Sr., Monticello)

Regional. The team set a program

overall. Caitlin Rorman (Fy., Blue Earth)

earned Co-Diver of the Year. All-MIAC

record on the beam during a quad

and Ava Gonsorowski (Jr., Esko) earned

honorees included Matt Allison (Jr.,

at Lindenwood. Annie Corbett (Fy.,

All-Conference. Rorman was also named

Grand Rapids), Andrew Becker (Fy.,

Brookfield, Wis.) earned two NCGA All-

MIAC and D3hoops.com West Region

Northfield), Dutch Franko-Dynes (So.,

America honors.

Rookie of the Year.

Minneapolis), Dane Hudson (Fy., Eden Prairie), Farrque Hussein (So., Fridley),

Men’s Indoor Track & Field

Josh Muntifering (Jr., Buffalo), Erik

The Gusties took sixth at the MIAC

The Gusties took fifth in the MIAC with

Small (Fy., Hudson, WI), and Callen

Indoor Championships. Taylor Rooney

a record of 7-7-2 and were ousted in the

Zemek (Fy., Victoria).

(Jr., Andover) won conference titles in

Men’s Hockey

first round of the conference

the 60-meter hurdles and high

playoffs to finish 11-12-3

jump. Steven Orzolek (So., Darwin)

overall. Caleb Anderson (Jr.,

earned All-Conference in the

Sioux Falls, SD) earned MIAC

shot put.

Player of the Year and Second compiling a league-leading

Women’s Indoor Track & Field

34 points and 16 goals.

The Gusties placed fifth at the

Will LeNeave (Jr., Medina)

MIAC Indoor Championships.

joined Anderson on the All-

Tierney Winter (Sr., Waterville)

Conference team.

won the mile and then teamed

Team All-America after

Women’s Hockey

with Haley Anderson (Sr., Eden Prairie), Birgen Nelson (Fy., Edina),

The Gusties claimed their 16th

and Elizabeth Donnelly (Fy.,

MIAC regular season title after

Langely, WA) to win the distance

posting 15-1-2 league record,

medley relay. Nelson also earned

then claimed the program’s

All-Conference in the 60-meter

12th MIAC playoff title with

hurdles.

GUSTAVUS QUARTERLY | SUMMER 2020

program record 54 in 1998-99.

FINE ARTS

10,000 MILES, SOUNDS, MEMORIES FROM SAINT PETER TO MALAYSIA

schools jamming to Stevie Wonder’s “I

AND SINGAPORE, WITH THE

Just Called to Say I Love You.” Another

GUSTAVUS SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA

highlight: the city of Ipoh, where three

AND JAZZ ENSEMBLES

ensembles made up of musicians from multiple generations joined together to

Exchanging music across cultures—

share music with the Gustie ensembles.

playing for each other, playing each

“When we finished “Star Wars”, the note

other’s music, playing together—is a

barely had a chance to ring before they

transformative experience for musicians.

started clapping and cheering,” says cellist

It was also a main goal of the 2020

Katelyn Yee ’20. “It’s a special feeling

international music tour.

to share something that transcends any

I was greeted by brightly lit food stalls

It happened in more ways than can be

language.” Yet another: an impromptu

filled with food that has been perfected

counted, but one perfect example: GSO

jam sesion using traditional instruments at

over generations,” says Tyler Del Main

and GJazz wind players became the first

the Penang House of Music.

’22. At the world’s tallest indoor waterfall

American college musicians to work

Beyond music and language, there

in Singapore, which laid bare the

was even more to share. Approximately

consequences of climate change, Tessa

Institution, the best public high school on

60 percent of Malaysians practice Islam,

Dethlefs ’21 approved of Singapore’s

the island of Singapore. It was a day filled

but Hinduism was at the forefront as

reputation as “the country of the future.”

with cross-cultural saxophone quartets,

Gusties conquered the steps to the Batu

“It values the futures of humans and

flute trios, and students from both

Caves. In Penang, “Everywhere I turned

irreplaceable ecosystems alike,” she says. In Malacca, says Grace Tobin, “We saw a lot of the colonial influences from the Portuguese, Dutch, and British. When

4. Malacca Made batik at a Kampong Village, explored Jonker Walk Night Market

1. Kuala Lumpur Ascended the Petronas Towers (tallest twin towers in the world), ate night market ice cream, met monkeys at Batu Caves

GUSTAVUS QUARTERLY | SUMMER 2020

—Dave Stamps, director, Gustavus Jazz Studies

with students from the renowned Raffles

ON THE ROAD

It is quite the undertaking to move more than 70 people in tandem across a foreign landscape. But, we did it together, leaned on each other, and learned a lot of lessons about the human condition.

2. Penang Formed a jazz combo using traditional instruments at Penang House of Music, rode the funicular up Penang Hill, performed at Dewan Sri Penang 3. Ipoh Benefit concert, visited the cave Gua Tompurong, musical exchange with the all-ages Kinta Valley Symphonic Society

5. Singapore Laid in the grass and watched the evening Supertrees show at Gardensby-the-Bay, made music with students at the prestigious Raffles Institution, visited a soy sauce factory, performed at the Singapore Botanic Gardens

2 3

we walked a short distance to the night market, all influence of the past colonizers disappeared and we entered a world that was seemingly purely Malaysian.” It was so many worlds, seen and discovered through music.

COUNT IT OUT

27 hours in transit one way 30+ number of dignitaries and

ambassadors in attendance at the first concert in Kuala Lumpur

number of families contributing funds to make the trip a possibility for Gustie musicians

$35,000

4 5

amount of money raised for people in need during a benefit concert for Lighthouse Hope Society (an organization for those in need)

SHARING MUSIC AND MORE FOOD, CULTURE, LANGUAGE, LANDSCAPE, SPIRITUAL PRACTICE, AND ARTISTIC INTERPRETATION—IT WAS A MUSICAL IMMERSION, PLUS.

ON A SEASON INTERRUPTED From Mara Klein, director of fine arts, and Lynnea Eckhoff, manager of tours

We are so sorry our seniors won’t have work displayed this spring in the Hillstrom Museum of Art or experience their final home concerts, recitals, and performances Although we cannot celebrate these “This is what I’d been waiting for: to make music

milestones in person, faculty and staff have

with my best friends and share it with people on the

worked to find innovative ways to bring

other side of the world.” —Cellist Katelyn Yee ’20

Gustie students together across the world to make art happen. Difficult times often lead to the greatest innovation. Gustie artists of all ages rise to the challenge. We are grateful to our students for sharing their talent and—more importantly—their love and care for one another. We miss our students, but we know they leave this place headed for great things. Please drop by Gustavus Fine Arts online and see what they’re up to, and show us what you’re up to too. Facebook /gustavusfinearts Twitter @gustiearts gustavus.edu/finearts

Heritage “We are no longer our own niche. We must see ourselves as part of the ecosystem.” So said Jonas Salk, the physician and researcher who led the development of the polio vaccine, at the 1992 Nobel Conference on Immunity: The Battle Within. Polio was a scourge in the first half of the 20th century. In 1952 alone, more than 57,000 Americans contracted it. More than 3,100 people died, mostly children. The parallels to this summer and the summers of the worst polio outbreaks are eerie: Swimming pools, movie theaters, even the 1946 Minnesota State Fair were all closed. Folks avoided playgrounds, stores, and birthday parties. Salk refused to patent his polio vaccine; he believed it belonged to the world. As a result, polio has been effectively eliminated, and Salk’s research has ushered in other life-saving vaccines. “I have discovered here in this little corner of Minnesota a place of great intellectual curiosity reaching into the future,” Salk said of Gustavus. He was forever changed by the flu pandemic of his childhood. How will today’s pandemic influence a generation of

GUSTAVUS QUARTERLY | SUMMER 2020

Gusties to change things for the betterment of all?

Dr. Jonas Salk

Giving Across

Generations HOW DO BOOMERS, XERS, AND MILLENNIALS GIVE IN GENERAL, AND TO GUSTAVUS?

Next time you have a meeting at work, look around the table (or the little video boxes on your screen). It’s likely most of your colleagues represent three different generations: Millennials (1981–1996), Generation X (1965-1980), and Baby Boomers (1946-1964). To be sure, people of different ages see the world in different ways. Unfortunately, misunderstandings

and miscommunication between generations can turn into negative stereotypes. “Millennials are lazy” complain some of among the older generations. Millennials’ response is infamous: Ok, Boomer. What about when it comes to giving? When we look at how members of each generation give of their money and time, the stereotypes break down.

The three generations that form

of the nation’s wealth. In contrast, the

or Millennials. Millennials give the least

the bulk of today’s workforce each give

much-smaller Generation X first entered

amount. Still early in their careers, they face

generously, in their own way.

the workforce in the recession of the early

the financial obstacles of student-loan debt

Boomers give the most, as a percentage

1990s. Their careers have gone through

and high housing costs. They hold only

of all philanthropy. This makes sense, since

the dot-com boom and then the downturns

three percent of the nation’s wealth. But

there are a lot of them. More than 79

of the early 2000s, 2008, and now 2020.

this generation donates and volunteers at a

million babies were born in the United

Today, they make up 20 percent of the US

greater percentage than the other two.

States between 1946 and 1964. By 1990,

population, but they hold only 16 percent

when they were the same age as today’s

of the nation’s wealth. Yet Gen Xers give

distinctive ways, stepping up to meet the

Millennials, Boomers owned 21percent

more per person, on average, than Boomers

opportunities and challenges of our time.

Each generation supports Gustavus in

HOW THE GENERATIONS GIVE Boomers Have Given the Most to Gustavus BOOMERS

(classes of 1967–1986)

GEN X

(classes of 1987–2002)

$290 M $22 M

MILLENNIALS

Boomers

(classes of 2003–2018)

Gen X

$2.6 M

Millennials

Generation X Gives the Most Per Person Nationally GEN X

GUSTAVUS QUARTERLY | SUMMER 2020

$1,212

BOOMERS

MILLENNIALS

$732

$481

Millennials are Most Likely to Give

Millennials Volunteer

Nationwide, Millennials are more likely to give than members of other

Millennials don’t separate charity from other parts

generations, despite high student loan debt and higher levels of

of their lives. They are more likely to volunteer

unemployment/underemployment than other generations.

(70% volunteer at least one hour for a charity) and they seek employers that are involved in charities or social initiatives.

84% of Millennials 72% of Boomers 59% of GenXers give to charity

give to charity

70%

of Millennials volunteer for a charity

WHY I GIVE:

Derek Holm ’10 “I’M PROUD TO GIVE BACK, AND TO SERVE AS A CLASS OFFICER.”

I definitely resonate with many of the traits that are associated with the Millennial generation. Being a digital native who grew up with computers, I’m like others of my generation in having a more global and socially engaged viewpoint. My job at 3M allows me to put this global outlook into practice every day. I spend my day collaborating with colleagues around the world to identify and develop features that will meet the needs of our customers and help the business grow. I enjoy this international aspect of my role. It’s always fun to meet colleagues from new countries, even if it means taking a conference call a little earlier in the day than I would normally prefer. The more socially engaged trait of my generation is shown in the giving commitments that I make with my husband, John. We support several non-profit organizations that are significant to us. We also make a point to support causes or specific initiatives that are meaningful to our friends and family. Gustavus has been part of my annual giving ever since I

Like many alumni, Derek usually contributes to the Gus-

graduated. Contributing to the College was important to me

tavus Fund. “But don’t forget about giving back to support

because I received financial support as a student, which was made

the programs that you participated in as a student,” he says.

possible by donations from alumni.

Whether it’s the arts, athletics, or an academic department,

I am a firm believer in supporting the institutions and causes that

Gusties can direct their giving to specific programs. Many

are meaningful to you––and that you personally benefitted from.

Gustavus alumni and friends also join affinity organizations,

Gustavus is a part of that mix for me. I had a great experience as

which provide essential support to vital parts of the College.

a student at Gustavus. With my class now getting ready for its 10-

Contact the Office of Advancement to learn about joining

year reunion, I encourage my classmates––and other alumni––to

the Friends of the Arboretum, Friends of Music, Friends of

reflect on their experience at Gustavus, and to make the decision to

the Library, and G Club: advancement@gustavus.edu.

Millennials are now the largest demographic group in the US workforce: Source: Pew Research 2018

35%

33%

25%

GEN Z

MILLENNIALS

GEN X

BOOMERS

2% MATURES

GUSTAVUS QUARTERLY | SUMMER 2020

support the College in the way that’s most meaningful for them.

WHY I GIVE:

Mariah Bierl Norberg ’10 “THERE ARE SO MANY PEOPLE OF MY GENERATION WORKING TO MAKE THE WORLD A BETTER PLACE.”

My giving to Gustavus began when I was a junior, working for Guslink, now the Phonathan. As I called alumni and told them how important it was to give, I decided that I couldn’t simply talk the talk. I had to give as well. That first gift was small, maybe $10, but it tells an important story. I realized that it was not the size of the gift that mattered, but getting into the habit of giving. If I didn’t go for coffee for two days, I had my $10 gift. It didn’t need to break the bank. My experience with Guslink and then serving as co-chair of the Senior Legacy Committee left a lasting impression. After graduating, it was important for me to make giving back a priority, even if the gifts were small. I loved my time at Gustavus. I met some of the best people in my life there, and it’s by design

Along with a match from her employer, Xcel Energy, Mari-

that I continue to surround myself with Gustie friends. I want

ah’s giving helped establish a named Heritage Scholarship

others to have that same opportunity.

for a student with demonstrated financial need. “I wanted

My husband, Chad, and I are deliberate in supporting causes

to give to something under my name,” she said, “not for

that directly impact us or those close to us. He played basketball

the recognition, but to establish a legacy. It was important to show that someone from the Class of 2010 helped establish a scholarship.” Other young alumni—as recent as 2014 grads—have joined with classmates to create Heritage

GUSTAVUS QUARTERLY | SUMMER 2020

Scholarships. If your reunion year is coming up, check with

Some of the hardest-working people I know are Millennials. I see so many people from my generation who are chasing their dreams and working to make the world a better place. —Mariah Bierl Norberg ’10

your class officers about giving to your class scholarship, or reach out to advancement@gustavus.edu.

also wanting to have a good work/life balance. My generation is very intentional. They act upon their beliefs by supporting or volunteering for organizations, and by how they live their lives in general.

at St. Olaf, so he gives to the team. We also support our church and the Alzheimer’s Association, to name a few. In deciding to give, I think we are like others of our gener-

Looking back at my first 10 years out of college, I appreciate the full experience that Gustavus gave me––the community, the valuable education, and the supportive professors and staff. All

ation. I see people my age who are working to have a career

of these things make Gustavus great. My husband doesn’t know

they believe in, wanting to be challenged in their work and

it, but our son will defiinitely be a Gustie.

THE POWER OF 10 YEARS

That decade after college brings great change to a person’s life. A decade of the Gustavus Acts Strategic Plan will bring great change to our college. President Bergman reflects on both.

much Tom Bergman and I grew as professionals, as people, and

MEET PRESIDENT BERGMAN

as a family. We graduated from college on a Tuesday, got married

She’s online

What did your first decade out of college look like? RB: When I look back at those first 10 years, I am amazed at how

that Saturday, and then soon moved to Minnesota for graduate school (me) and medical school (Tom), at the University of Minnesota. We lived in a small one-bedroom apartment, and we were very conscious of our student loans. In a nutshell, we were poor married students. We clipped coupons for groceries and got entertainment from a small black and white television. I remember

engaging with Gusties around the country and the world. Visit gustavus.edu/ showtheworld.

walking to Dinkytown for an occasional ice cream cone, debating whether or not we could afford the extra 20 cents for Tom to get

education. We volunteered to serve on a Princeton Alumni

two scoops. By the time we sold our old orange Datsun station

Schools Committee to help recruit Minnesota students. Each

wagon, you could see the road under the floorboards.

year, we interviewed a number of prospective students in person,

Biomedical engineering was an emerging field. There were

particularly those who could not afford to visit campus.

very few women students and hardly any female professors in the discipline. That had a lasting impact on me. When I got a job as a

How have your decades of experience as an engineer

consultant with Medtronic, it was a bonanza. It was my first real

and executive shaped your presidential leadership?

job, and our first real paycheck. Meanwhile, Tom was in medical

RB: I see clear similarities among all three roles. While

school and residency, and he seemed to be working around the

institutional context is important, I can confirm that leadership is

clock at the hospital. By the time we got to our 10-year college

transferable and relationships are important to the success of every

reunion, we had a 3-year-old and were expecting our second child.

leader. There are inventors and curious people and independent

It was a very busy time of our lives.

thinkers and strategists. As I transitioned from the business world to academia, it was particularly helpful that I had previously been

those years? What principles did you hold firmly to?

exposed to the principles of shared governance. In my career at Medtronic in research and development, our

RB: My graduate school advisers and mentors at Medtronic were

planning horizon for new-to-the-world products was always at

incredibly supportive. I always felt they were looking out for me

least 10 years out. It is intentional that the Gustavus Acts Strategic

and helping me succeed. Throughout my career, I was committed

Plan has a 10-year outlook. To me, it’s an excellent timeline in

to paying it forward by mentoring other eager and talented young

which to imagine and implement clear, impactful, lasting change.

people. Tom and I had a close group of college friends that we

We are about to pass the four-year mark on Gustavus Acts,

stayed in touch with regularly, and we made it a priority to attend

and I couldn’t be more pleased. Every indicator you can think of

our college reunions at Princeton every five years.

points in the right direction for our college. I am reminded of the

Tom and I stayed true to our values with regards to service.

growth and achievements of our young alums, and of Tom and

We gave to the church, no matter our financial situation. We

myself, in our first decade. With so much potential ahead it’s an

supported causes we cared about, including access to higher

exciting, busy, and transformative time for Gustavus. Go Gusties!

GUSTAVUS QUARTERLY | SPRING 2020

Who and what was especially helpful to you during

2019–20 ALUMNI ASSOCIATION BOARD OF DIRECTORS

G USTIES

Kara Buckner ’97, (president), managing director and chief strategy officer, Fallon

Greetings, Gusties

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

WHEN WE CONSIDER THE TRAJECTORY WE’VE BEEN ON AS WE USHERED IN THE NEW YEAR, IT’S APPARENT THAT GUSTAVUS ALUMNI, PARENTS, AND FRIENDS ARE PREPARED TO BRING AN INSPIRING LEVEL OF COMMITMENT TO ONE ANOTHER AND THE COLLEGE INTO THE NEW DECADE.

Over the past nine months alone, we celebrated the successful launch of a major fundraising campaign, the opening of a new theatre space and science building, and a record-breaking giving day. We stepped up to mentor students, to share our gifts and talents, and to support our fellow Gusties. And we adapted to changing needs and an evolving sense of what “community” means. Now, the world compels us to evolve even more. It is with heavy hearts that we report Reunion Weekend 2020 has been postponed due to continuing concerns surrounding COVID-19. It’s unfortunate, but we hope it provides some certainty in otherwise uncertain times. Know that we are committed to giving our alumni in classes ending in 5s and 0s a full reunion celebration in the summer of 2021. Looking ahead, we remain steadfast in our belief that we can, and should, lean on one another in times of need, both personal and professional. Only then will we emerge even stronger on the other side of the challenges we face. We’re also mindful of our core values of service and justice, that the world calls us to leverage our Gustie spirit for good in our communities. As we move forward, we renew our pledge to make a difference in others’ lives. Now more than ever, Gusties are called to join together as a community, especially for our

current students. Seniors in particular are finishing their time at Gustavus on the virtual hill, without having had opportunities to say in-person goodbyes to friends, classmates, professors, coaches, conductors, supervisors, and mentors. We must do our part to give them special care as they join the community of alumni. The spirit of friendship and connection means even more during times of uncertainty, as we Gusties know all too well. We have a history of coming together, supporting each other, and rising stronger. As just one example: This spring, Warren Beck ’67 and Donna Gabbert Beck ’66 doubled their year-end matching gift to empower more members of the Gustavus community to maximize their giving impact. We are grateful for the entire Gustavus community. Thank you for reaching out to the Gusties in your life and for all the ways you support our current students––through mentorship, philanthropy, volunteerism, networking, and more. Even though we are now navigating significant uncertainty in the world, our enthusiasm for Gustavus’s next decade is not diminished. We look forward to what the years ahead have in store for all of us.

Dan Michel ’90, (treasurer), director of digital media, Evangelical Lutheran Church in America Esther Mulder Widmalm-Delphonse ’08, (secretary), trial attorney and assistant to the Chicago regional solicitor of labor J.C. Anderson ’82, partner/attorney, Gray Plant Mooty Rick Barbari ’91, head of enterprise data management, US Bank Mark Bergman ’79, president/owner, Bercom International Mary Booker ’91, assistant vice provost– student financial services, University of San Francisco Jen Brandenburg ’02, pharmacist, Abbott Northwestern Hospital Sara Schnell Elenkiwich ’10, operations, Sparboe Farms Cathy Villars Harms ’85, vice president of marketing, Tecmark LLC Amy Zenk James ’94, sales and outreach director, Meadow Woods Assisted Living Peter Kitundu ’92, general counsel, Blue Cross Blue Shield Todd Krough ’85, senior investment officer, Tealwood Asset Management Damon Larson ’84, librarian/research coach, Chaparral High School Bill Laumann ’66, school teacher/librarian, Albert Lea ISD #241, retired Jason Mischel ’96, vice president of sales and marketing, Valley Queen Cheese John Moorhead ’68, co-owner, Lindskoog Florist, retired Deb Johnson Rosenberg ’79, director of retirement plan consulting, Stiles Financial Services, Inc. Daniel Sellers ’06, executive director, EdAllies Vidya Sivan ’02, digital communications specialist, Harvard Kennedy School Marcia Stephens ’73, financial advisor, retired Ann McGowan Wasson ’82, homemaker, volunteer

Katie Ackert Schroeder ’03 Director of the Gustavus Fund

28 32

Alumni Association

Angela Erickson ’01 Director of Alumni and Parent Engagement

Gordon Mansergh ’84, (immediate past president), senior behavioral scientist, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

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

COMMUNITY, WHEREVER WE MEET WE’VE BUILT A ROBUST WEB OF SOCIAL CHANNELS SO WE CAN STAY CONNECTED WITH

WATCH THE LIVESTREAM

ONE ANOTHER AND WITH THE COLLEGE.

gustavus.edu/go/ streaming

SOCIAL MEDIA

A little physical distance can’t dampen our social connection. In fact, we're

meeting and organizing in all sorts of ways. Gusties by class? Check. Gusties by state? Double-check. Gusties by affinity? Yes, we’ve got that too. Meet up with your friends and your class. Join in! /gustavusalumni

school/gustavus-

250+ Gustavus-related

adolphus-college/

groups and pages

19,000+ alumni

on Facebook.

Use our #s

Search "Gustavus Class of" and

#gustieforlife

your year, or "Gustavus Alumni"

#gogusties

and your state

#whygustavus

Experience keystone events live or on archive wherever you are. Events ranging from CinCC to sports

/gusties

competitions to concerts, lectures, and more, there’s

/gustavusalumni

opportunity almost every day to tune in.

/gustiealum

• The Nobel Conference • Christmas in Christ Chapel

GUSTIE VIRTUAL BOOK CLUB gustie.pbc.guru Our virtual book club for students, staff, alumni, and friends covers a range of professional development and personal growth topics. Members connect online to discuss the current book. Weekly e-mail reminders keep participants on pace and include questions to guide discussion, plus additional information and resources germane to the book’s topic. It’s free—you just have to get a copy of the book to enjoy! Currently reading: Know My Name by Chanel Miller.

• Winds of Christmas • Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Lecture • MAYDAY! Peace Conference • Commencement • Building Bridges keynote speakers • Festival of St. Lucia • Honors Convocation • musical performances

If you have registered for Reunion Weekend 2020, you can expect a refund. Please contact

• athletic events

alumni@gustavus.edu for assistance. Visit gustavus.edu/reunion for updates on rescheduled dates.

• and many more

DRESSING THE PART The third of every month is Gustie Gear Day. All you need to show your connection to other Gusties is pull out that well-loved fleece, hoodie, baseball cap, or scarf. Then send us a photo via social media, or email alumni@gustavus.edu. As you know: Black and gold never gets old.

GUSTIES

MY GUSTAVUS Chloe Altmann ’16 COMMUNICATION STUDIES MAJOR, MANAGEMENT MINOR “PUTTING IN THE TIME TO FORM AND BUILD A NETWORK AT GUSTAVUS OPENED DOORS. TO THIS DAY I AM CONNECTING WITH FOLKS FROM GUSTAVUS.”

Coming from a high school of 200 students in Olivia, Minnesota, I always knew I wanted to go to a private liberal arts school in Minnesota. Golf was my thing, and I had been playing all my life. During my senior year of high school, one of my friends from high school, Sam Falk ’15, was playing on the Gustavus golf team and encouraged me to consider playing at Gustavus. One thing led to another and I was on campus in August as a first-year. Not sure if I was totally ready to take on the four, 18-hole qualifying rounds at the challenging Le Sueur Country Club, though! After diving head-first into golf and spending most of my time with the team, I quickly learned there was so much more Gustavus had to offer. Like a whole section of friends in 2H (Norelius Hall/Co-Ed)! One of the other highlights included Gustavus Women in Leadership. I was fortunate enough to co-lead the GWIL Conference in 2016 as well as go on a business adventure to London and Stockholm with professor Kathi Tunheim, Board of Trustees member Grayce Belvedere-Young, and College administrator Barb Larson Taylor ’93. My four years at Gustavus taught me relationships truly matter. If I think about my time at Gustavus, I think about the close connections I had with professors, coaches, and staff. I actually enjoyed stopping by their offices in between classes, just to say hi and catch up. Relationships and connection continue to be valuable to me in my work at Optum as a senior healthcare consultant. It’s a position I would have never learned about if I hadn’t attended that Career Info Session the fall of my senior year. I am often asked, “What do you want to do for your career?” Or, “Where do you want to be in five years?” What do those questions mean? Do you stop growing once you know what you want to do? Honestly, I don’t think anyone should be required or expected to have it all figured out. Almost four years after graduation, I still am searching for answers to those questions, and I believe that is perfectly human.

Typical Millennial Altmann doesn’t hesitate when describing Gusties her age. “We have drive. We have passion. We also feel like we can use our voice more than other generations might.” It’s indicative of her generational cohort, and particularly of her fellow Gustie grads. “Gustavus instilled in us that we all have a voice. I don’t think we’re afraid to use it either.”

visit gustavus.edu/alumni for more information

Jim Donicht, Chaska, is a retired financial planner.

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Carol Woods Blaeser, Eagan, has retired as a registered nurse for Integrated Home Care. Jane Chelgren McFadden, Groveport, OH, continues as assistant organist and member of the bell choir at Christ Lutheran Church in Columbus. Caryl Albrecht Peterson, Spicer, has retired as a technician at Peterson Bros. Funeral Home.

65|REUNION YEAR visit gustavus.edu/alumni for more information

Dian Ring Norby-Vinion, Missoula, MT, is a retired French and English teacher for Missoula County Schools.

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Duane C. Johnson, Newberg, OR, works for Penske Truck Leasing part time and is a mountain host/ski patrol at Mt. Hood during the winter.

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Sandra Hatch Seilheimer, New Auburn, WI, sold her Clear

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visit gustavus.edu/alumni for more information

Charlotte Holian Ophaug, Solvang, CA, is an administrative assistant for Shepherd of the Valley in Santa Ynez, CA.

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Suzanne Zenk Miller, South Bend, IN, has retired from her position as director of continuing education at Indiana University.

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Marlys Rupprecht Wollschlager, Madison, works at Centracare Medical Supplies in corporate social responsibility.

75| REUNION YEAR visit gustavus.edu/alumni for more information

Julie Jacobson Anderson, Minneapolis, retired as an ECFE Family Educator for Minneapolis Public Schools. Gary and Marcia (Watson) Ernst, Dassel, are co-owners of Ernie’s Eatery & Ice Cream in Forest Lake.

Byron H. Hanson, Minneapolis, is the director of deli operations for Jerry’s Enterprises, Inc. Heidi Hayda Jensen, Waconia, retired from working as an RN for the Hopkins School Dist.

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Chris Middlebrook, Minneapolis, has authored the book, The Bandy Chronicles – My Pursuit of a Forgotten Sport. It’s 199 short stories/ vignettes about the sport and his experiences from 1980 to the present.

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REUNION YEAR

visit gustavus.edu/alumni for more information

Stephen P. Blenkush, Pequot Lakes, is pastor at Our Savior’s Lutheran. Kim Dykstra Boase, Bothell, WA, is a research scientist at Harborview Medical Center. Julie Anderson Braun, Wayzata, retired as chief operating officer and partner for Castlelake LP in Minneapolis. Cindy Carlson Gustafson, Tahoe City, CA, is the chief executive officer for North Lake Tahoe Chamber/CVB/Resort Association. Beth Rosendahl, Hopedale, MA, is a project manager for MultiPlan Inc. in Bedford, MA.

Karen Vangness Schultz, Mankato, works as a behavioral health surveyor for Joint Commission Resources.

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David Knoll, Plymouth, is president/CEO of Prairie Restorations in Princeton.

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Randy A. Lee, Minnetrista, has retired from his position as senior vice president of global sales at Seagate Technology.

85|REUNION YEAR visit gustavus.edu/alumni for more information

Char Ecklund Altman, Excelsior, is managing director for Ascent Private Capital Management. Jean Koep Rumbaugh, Overland Park, KS, is vice president of operations at Centene Corporation.

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Kerstin Hammarberg, Minneapolis, is manager, property/evidence unit for the Minneapolis Police Dept. and works at Buck Hill as the ski patrol director.

90|REUNION YEAR visit gustavus.edu/alumni for more information

Rob Cully, Forest Lake, is director, enterprise project management office, for Delta Dental of Minnesota. Lynn Schutte McKern, Zumbrota, is a desk operations specialist at Mayo Clinic in Rochester. B. Douglas Mostrom, Newark, DE, is director of sales for 6 Star Fundraising. Scott B. Tempel, Lakeville, works for Altisource as a regional field services manager.

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Julie L. Haiwick, Mesa, AZ, is a benefits specialist for Boeing. Sarah Evenrud Kerbeshian, Plymouth, senior director of human resources for Delta Dental of Minnesota. Eric Lennartson, Mankato, created a unique children’s hands-on sculpture for the Ipswich (MA) Children’s Museum. More than 115,000 meters of packing tape wrapped around scaffolding created an interactive, multi-sensory playground. He is also creating one for the Children’s Museum of Southern Minnesota.

GUSTAVUS QUARTERLY | SUMMER 2020

60| REUNION YEAR

Lake Resort in Rusk County, this past summer and is now fully retired.

GUSTIES

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Kate Good Breiter, Mankato, is a travel consultant/agency owner for Kate’s Travel. Amy Zenk James, Eden Prairie, is sales and outreach director for Meadow Woods Assisted Living.

95|REUNION YEAR visit gustavus.edu/alumni for more information

Jodi Holley Hudson, Sterling Heights, MI, works as a reporting analyst for Metro by T-Mobile.

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Kerstin Forstrom-Merrill, Saint Louis Park, is a reading specialist for Minneapolis Public Schools.

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Andy Gunsaullus, Saint Paul, is the owner of Uptown Fitness in Minneapolis.

KNOW SOMEONE WHO WOULD MAKE A GREAT GUSTIE? There is a $4,000 scholarship waiting if you recommend them. High school students—particularly juniors—who choose Gustavus under the endorsement of an alum receive a $4,000 scholarship from the College. It’s that simple. How do you refer someone? Go to gustavus.edu/alumni/referral, or call 507-933-7676. Students must apply by November 1, 2020. They must choose to attend by May 1, 2021. (Note: Students with immediate family members who have graduated from Gustavus are instead awarded a Gustavus Legacy Scholarship.) So far, more than 300 high school students in three years have become Gusties under your endorsement and with our financial aid help. Thank you

Adam C. Bjork, Atlanta, GA, is an epidemiologist for the Center for Disease Control (CDC) and Prevention. Matthew Grussing, Silver Spring, MD, was recently promoted to associate manager, server storage and infrastructure at The Pew Charitable Trusts in Washington, DC. Colleen Brady Lindstrom, Minneapolis, is a radio talk and podcast host at myTalk 107.1. She has won four Gracie Awards, which are given for exemplary programming created by women, for women and about women in all facets of media and entertainment. Brian J. North, Omaha, NE, is a biomedical researcher at Creighton School of Medicine.

for helping us shape the future of Gustavus by finding the best and brightest young people to join our community.

00|REUNION YEAR visit gustavus.edu/alumni for more information

GUSTAVUS QUARTERLY | SUMMER 2020

Lana R. Johnson, Placitas, NM, is a staff CT technologist at Presbyterian Hospital in Albuquerque, NM. Jen Lelinski Oliver, Norfolk, MA, is a membership specialist for Girl Scouts of Eastern Massachusetts. Brandi Frazier Rogers, Apple Valley, is a director for OptumRx. Brian J. Smith, Eugene, OR, is an associate professor

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of physics at the University of Oregon. Kristin M. Unzicker, Atlanta, GA, is the director of academic programs and faculty development at Emory University School of Medicine. Daniel T. Vanorny, St. Paul, is vice president of software engineering at ImageTrend.

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Hal DeLaRosby, Minneapolis, is the director of student services for the University of Minnesota College of Food, Agricultural, and Natural Resource Sciences in St. Paul. Brian T. Thatcher, Anthem, AZ, is vice president of the Phoenix Police Sergeants & Lieutenants Association and a lieutenant with the Phoenix Police Department, as well as an attorney for the State Bar of Arizona.

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Andrea Wentzel Dalton, Kansas City, MO, was voted vice president-elect of the American Music Therapy Association. Her two-year term as Vice President will commence on January 1, 2022. Amy Sommer Rosevear, Englewood, CO, received an Excellence in Teaching Award from the Society for Classical Studies. She has been teaching at Cherry Creek High School in Greenwood Village, CO, since

05|REUNION YEAR visit gustavus.edu/alumni for more information

Marie Woog Baker, Cottage Grove, is director of Children and Family Ministry at Resurrection Lutheran Church in Woodbury. Ben Boline, Minneapolis, works at InFaith Community Foundation as an attorney and Charitable Gift Planner Alyssa Tjosaas George, St. Paul, is a physical therapist at Motion. Laurie Decknatel Leonard, Bloomington, is working as an interior designer for Alternative Business Furniture in Eden Prairie. Reed R. Petersen, Ely, is an instructor and coach at Vermilion Community College. Maisie Stish Reynoldson, Brainerd, is a physical therapist for Edgewood Healthcare in Hermantown. Greg Viland, St. Paul, works in commercial real estate for Hempel Companies in Minneapolis. Suzie Lange, Minneapolis, is a nurse practitioner at the University of Minnesota Physician’s Group.

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Keisha Husby Dokken, Chaska,

is a middle school math teacher at Chaska Middle School West in Eastern Carver County Schools. Jon Scott, Phoenix, AZ, was recently promoted to sergeant within the Phoenix Police Department.

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Sam Eckberg, Champlin, received his master’s in music education in the spring of 2019 and is the choir director at Rogers High School.

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Abby Chapman Little, St. Paul, is the operations administrative associate/CFANS mentor program manager for the University of Minnesota. Mikka McCracken, Chicago, IL, has been named the executive for innovation and director of the ELCA Leadership Lab.

10| REUNION YEAR visit gustavus.edu/alumni for more information

Tyler M. Brigger, New Ulm, works for Southpoint Financial Credit Union. Brianne Ruedy Eldred, Janesville, is a health, physical education, and AVID teacher for Nicollet Public Schools. Marcus Traetow, Savage, is a marketing manager for EMC Insurance.

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Chloe Radcliffe, Brooklyn, NY, has been hired as a writer for NBC’s, The Tonight Show.

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Caitlin Fitzchowan, Prescott, WI, is an emergency room technician at Regions Hospital/Health Partners in St. Paul. Hayley A. Lofquist, East Providence, RI, is a practicing dentist. Joe Poblocki, East Providence, RI, is the lead strategic planning analyst for Deloitte, Boston, MA.

15| REUNION YEAR visit gustavus.edu/alumni for more information

Austin N. Conrad, Saint Peter, is night youth counselor at the Leo A. Hoffmann Center. Brad Entwistle, Omaha, NE, an attorney, has joined the law practice of Walentine O’Toole as an associate in its commercial litigation practice group. Heather R. Goff, Eau Claire, WI, is a physician’s assistant at Envision Healthcare. Kristine Molde, Minneapolis, is an environmental health specialist for the City of Minneapolis. Eric Pothen, Albertville, is a choir teacher at St. Michael-Albertville Schools. Bryden G. Giving, St. Paul, is a pediatric occupa-

tional therapist for Fairview Health Services and a lab instructor for the Master of Occupational Therapy program at St. Catherine University.

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Nathaniel X. Kraft, Fargo, ND, completed his master’s in museum studies last spring and is now the director of the Bix Biederbecke Museum in Davenport, IA.

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McKenzie R. Swenson, Buffalo, is the volunteer coordinator for the 3M Open Golf Tournament.

SPEAKING OF YOUNG ALUMS HERE’S WHAT LAST YEAR’S GRADS ARE UP TO ONE YEAR OUT.

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Jason Alper, Nipomo, CA, is working for the St. Paul Fire Department. Alexandra Anderson, Sioux Falls, SD, is a public affairs intern at Sanford Health. Samuel S. Archer, Zimmerman, is an international tax associate for RSM. Hannah Armstrong, Stanton, is a substitute teacher.

Mallory Arnold, Alexandria, is a development and services coordinator at Explore Alexandria Tourism. Adam Bakken, Seoul, South Korea, is an English teacher at SLP Gwan-AK in Seoul. Madelyn Bakken, Mayer, is starting 8:20 Dance Company and will freelance as an artist/choreographer. Ashley Beise, Greenfield, is attending graduate school at Opus College of Business, University of St. Thomas. Madison A. Bergren, Mahtomedi, is a health and physical education teacher. Matthew Blomquist, Madison, WI, is pursuing his PhD in biomedical engineering at University of Wisconsin-Madison. Ellie Brandt, Medina, is a medical scribe at Twin Cities Orthopedic. Tyler R. Brau, Ogilvie, is a research assistant for the chemistry department at Gustavus. Hailey Campbell, Chanhassen, is working at Andrew Residence as a mental health worker. Noah Carlson, Viroqua, WI, is working in emergency medical services. Marina Chapman, South Haven, is a registered nurse at Saint Cloud Hospital. Sarah Chatfield, Apple Valley, is a revenue accountant at Newscycle Solutions. Linh Chu, Boston, MA, is a technical research assistant at Brigham and Women’s Hospital.

GUSTAVUS QUARTERLY | SUMMER 2020

2004, and is also the world languages coordinator for the school district.

GUSTIES

ALUMNI AND FRIENDS STUDY TOUR TO THE HOLY LAND October 9–22, 2021 Gustavus invites you to travel to the Holy Land with alumni and friends, led by professor emeritus Darrell Jodock and Chaplain Rev. Grady St. Dennis ’92. From their own travels, they've crafted a journey to engage your mind, body, and spirit. Daily devotional thoughts and educational sessions accompany and enhance each experience. Visits to biblical places bring alive the teachings recorded there and inspire you to understand them differently. Hearing from contemporary Israelis and Palestinians will add significant insights. We look forward to having you along. Registration opens this

GUSTAVUS QUARTERLY | SUMMER 2020

summer. Visit gustavus.edu/president/tours.

Stephanie Collins, Esko, is a summer camp counselor for True Friends. Emily Cox, Savage, is an entrepreneurial leadership rotation analyst at Kipsu. Paul Dahlen, Zumbrota, is an RN at Mayo Clinic Rochester. Jayna C. Davis, Stillwater, is a health and wellness specialist for CampFire Minnesota. Nicole Derke, Bloomington, is a mental health behavioral aide at Secure Base Counseling Center

Matthew Dietz, Japan, is an assistant language teacher, teaching English in Japan. Kristen Eggler, Hayfield, is attending graduate school for industrial organizational psychology. Riley Fairbanks, Saint Peter, is the water treatment operator for the City of Mankato. Laine R. Fischer, St. Paul, is an inside sales representative for Andersen Corporation.

Kierstyn Fjoser, Prairie du Sac, WI, is completing an internship at Tracey Wood and Associates. Meghan Gallagher, Chanhassen, is currently employed at New Horizons Academy pending a move out of state. Isabel M. Gerencer, Gardiner, ME, is an Army Field Artillery Officer. Shaun Gilyard, Morgantown, WV, is pursuing a PhD in economics at West Virginia University. Elena I. Gottlick, Knoxville, TN, is attending graduate school for speech and language pathology at University of Tennessee, Knoxville. Eric Haffley, Litchfield, is a producer, help desk development program at UnitedHealth Care. Sydney Hallmark, Cedarburg, WI, is a financial advisor at Mutual of Omaha. Leigh Hanefeld, Cedar Falls, IA, is pursuing school psychology at the University of Northern Iowa. Kaitlin Hannagan, Edina, is an elementary teacher. Lauren K. Hanson, Redwood Falls, is a tax associate at RSM. Lillian Hartman, Minneapolis, is a sales associate at Marsh and McLennan Agency. Matt Hastings, Eden Prairie, is working for Optum at the UnitedHealth Group in the consulting development program.

Michael Hensch, North Branch, is attending Concordia St. Paul for physical therapy. Hunter Hiemstra, Prior Lake, is a registered nurse and is serving as 2nd Lieutenant in the Minnesota Army National Guard Medical Services. Katelyn Holman, Faribault, is a member relations associate at Lifetime Fitness. Nora Holtan, Rochester, is a personal trainer at Discover Strength. Jacy A. Jacobson, Grand Meadow, is pursuing her master’s degree in social work at University of St. Thomas. Evan Jakes, Minneapolis, is an accountant executive at Loffler Companies. Tenzin Jangchup, Columbia Heights, is a medical scribe at Abbott Northwestern Hospital. Tommy Jech, Chatfield, is a trainee at V. King Electric. Alex Jeon, Apple Valley, is attending dental school at Loma Linda University College of Dentistry. Jordan Johnson, Yokohama, Japan, is working at Interac ALT in Yokohama. Cassaundra Juberien, Le Sueur, is attending graduate school for veterinary medicine at the University of Minnesota. Jordan Kahlow, Le Sueur, is an insurance sales representative for Nesbit Agencies.

Katie Kelly, Bloomington, is a K-6 teacher. Bryan W. Khoo, Morgantown, WV, is pursuing his PhD in public economics at West Virginia University. Rachel Larson, Eagan, is completing a year of service through the Lutheran Volunteer Corps. Justine M. Lee, Dawson, is going into the accelerated nursing program for BSN, Rassmussen. Brooke Lemke, Delano, is working in elementary education. Hannah Lemke, Glencoe, is a registered nurse. Mycah Lerum, Coon Rapids, is working at Bureau of Land Management, American Conservation Experience. Alicia Lhotka, Eden Prairie, is a middle school math teacher at Jordan Public School. Hayley Lhotka, Ann Arbor, MI, is pursuing her PhD in analytical chemistry at University of Michigan, Ann Arbor. Karley Lind, Winthrop, is a staffing coordinator at Mayo Clinic. Addie J. Lokken, Litchfield, is the human resources manager for D & K Powder Coating. Grace Love, Greenfield, WI, is an environmental education intern with the Audubon Center of the North Woods. Rachel E. Lund, Rochester, is a clinical lab technologist at the Mayo Clinic.

Kitty O’Connell, Tempe, AZ, is attending law school at University of Arizona. Tess Olinger, Minneapolis, IA, is attending law school at University of Minnesota. Alexandra Orta, Bloomington, is a space and presentation business partner for Target Corporation. Fernanda Pèrez, Burnsville, is an internal audit intern at Allianz. Andres Perez, Minneapolis, is an audit associate at Clifton Larson Allen. Andrew Peters, Montevideo, is a tax associate at Deloitte. Ryan Pfeifer, Apple Valley, is a financial analyst for Peerless Plastics. Benjamin Rengel, Saint Peter, is a technical recruiter at TEKsystems. Erik Rischmiller, Chanhassen, is working as a nursing assistant at Auburn Homes and Services. Jordyn Roemhildt, St. Paul, is pursuing professional school at University of Minnesota’s College of Pharmacy. Hunter Rommes, Chanhassen, is a sales representative at TruGreen. Tyler Rooks, Rogers, is a marketing specialist in the medical device industry. Ben Rorem, Ann Arbor, MI, is pursuing his PhD in applied physics at University of Michigan. Anastasia Rutz, Minneapolis, is a behavior technician for Fraser.

Emma Santa, Madison, WI, is attending graduate school for chemistry at the University of Wisconsin, Madison. Karl Satterlund, Tempe, AZ, is pursuing graduate studies in electrical engineering at Arizona State University. Michael Scheie, Saint Louis Park, is a software engineer at General Dynamics. Lotus Schifsky, Bloomington, IN, attends graduate school at Indiana University School of Optometry. Brecklyn Schmidt, Bloomington, is a sales analyst at Torit Donaldson Company. Colton Schmidt, Belle Plaine, is a financial analyst at UnitedHealth Care. Carson P. Scholberg, Apple Valley, is pursuing his BA in information technology at Metropolitan State University. Annika Schroder, Puerto Rico, is a researcher at Titus Lab. Prabhjot Singh, Columbus, OH, is attending graduate school for environmental science at Ohio State University. Harrison Smith, Chanhassen, is a business development representative at Cargill. Brandon Snoberger, Rice, is an athletic training grad assistant at St. Cloud State.

Kennedy Sommerfeld, Litchfield, is a human resource coordinator for RITALKA in Montevideo. Amy Specker, Vadnais Heights, is completing a St. Mary’s University program in data mapping. Kalley Spreiter, Litchfield, is attending Concordia University, St. Paul for her doctorate in physical therapy. Adam Stockwell, Apple Valley, is a business management analyst at Peerless Plastics. McKayla Stowell, Le Sueur, is pursuing her master’s degree in sports management at Minnesota State University, Mankato. Harry Sullivan IV, Denver, CO, is a sales consultant for Home Advisor in Denver. Thomas D. Sullivan, New York City, is attending graduate school at Tisch School of the Arts. Alex Theship-Rosales, Chanhassen, is completing a service year abroad through ELCA’s program YAGM. Spencer Tollefson, New Richland, is an IT recruiter for TEKsystems. Kristie Tunheim, Long Lake, is a business analyst within the consulting development program at Optum. Bailey Van Den Heuvel, Glenwood, is a teacher at Minnewaska Area Secondary School. Robert Verchota, Hastings, is pursuing a master's in education at Minnesota State University, Mankato.

Alec Wall, Elk River, is working in sales/finance at Apple Valley Ford Lincoln. Noah Weiers, Le Center, is a mental health behavioral aid at Secure Base Counseling. Cody Weisel, Farwell, is attending medical school at University of North Dakota. Matthew Williams, Hastings, is an athletic trainer at TRIA Bloomington. Damian Winkelmann, Buffalo, is attending dental school at University of Minnesota School of Dentistry. Alex G. Wischnack, Mankato, is a 5th grade teacher at Kennedy Elementary. Andrew Wischnack, Norwood Young America, is a staff tax accountant at Baker Tilly. Emily Woodard, Minneapolis, is a staff professional with accounting and reimbursements for Antea Group. Xiaoqi Yu, Pittsburgh, PA, is pursuing a PhD in physics at Carnegie Mellon University.

WEDDINGS Brad Austin ’78 and Gail Erickson ’82, 09/28/19, Eden Prairie Paul A. Schauer ’83 and LeeAnn Domonoske-Kellar, 12/28/19, Wilton, ND Lisa Klass ’12 and Darin Wagner ’12, 11/16/19, Richfield Megan Ozolins ’13 and Tyler Lapic ’15, 08/03/19, Minneapolis

GUSTAVUS QUARTERLY | SUMMER 2020

Cristhian Martinez, Henrico, VA, is in the graduate research education program at the Mayo Clinic. Perry McGhee, Charleston, WV, is attending West Virginia University, school of physical therapy. Asia McMurphy, Wauwatosa, WI, is attending graduate school for social work at University of Wisconsin, Milwaukee. Hayden Meyer, Waconia, is a marketing and events intern for Red Bull. Melinda Meyer, Princeton, is an audit associate at KPMG LLP. Erin Moes, Hastings, is completing an internship at Northern Technologies, LLC. Jack C. Morri, Los Angeles, CA, is working for RSM. Kayla Mortenson, Ramsey, is working for Minneapolis Radiology. Morgan Muldoon, Madison Lake, is completing an internship with Scott County Historical Society and Americorps. Alijah Nelson, Minneapolis, was the winner of the Southern Minnesota Initiative Entrepreneurial Bridge Student Business Competition with his D-Up robotic basketball defender. Hannah Nolte, State College, PA, is pursuing her doctorate in industrial engineering at Penn State University. Emma Noren, Lincoln, NE, is a health and physical education teacher.

GUSTIES

REMEMBERING HERBERT CHILSTROM He moved to Saint Peter in 1970, called to be the senior pastor at First Lutheran Church. In 1976, he was elected bishop of the Minnesota Synod of the Lutheran Church in America (LCA). Following the churchwide merger in 1987, he was elected the first presiding bishop of the newly-formed 5.2 million-member ELCA. He served for eight years. He was an active volunteer in Saint Peter and at Gustavus, serving as the interim director of the Linnaeus Arboretum and later GUSTAVUS QUARTERLY | SUMMER 2020

as a gardener. He

is survived by his wife, Corinne (also a Lutheran pastor), a daughter, and a son. A service was held in Christ Chapel in February with Bishop Elizabeth Eaton presiding.

Carolyn Miller ’13 and Collin Plummer, 12/13/19, Saint Paul Jessica A. Weber ’13 and Adam Rosell ’13, 10/12/19, Eden Prairie Joe Poblocki ’14 and Hayley Lofquist ’14, 09/07/19, East Providence, RI Jake Tone ’14 and Erin Tollefson ’14, 12/31/19, Minneapolis Cameron W. Cropsey ’15 and Addy Nelsen ’16, 11/02/19, Minnetonka

BIRTHS Lucinda, to Jeffrey Bipes-Timm ’95 and Robyn Bipes-Timm ’96, 11/07/19 Levi, to Jacquie Schultz Hawkinson ’98 and Matthew Hawkinson, 11/08/19 Vivian, to Matthew Grussing ’99 and Valerie Johnson Grussing, 08/28/19 Lucy, to Ben Brueshoff ’05 and Rochelle Brueshoff, 08/22/19 Graham, to Laura Palzer Dahlstrom ’05 and Robert Dahlstrom, 11/17/19 Valerie, to Mandy Olson Petersen ’05 and Reed Petersen ’05, 07/12/18 Charlie, to Sarah Schueffner Borgendale ’06 and Kevin Borgendale ’07, 11/27/19 Grace, to Suzie Lange ’06 and Steven Shane, 07/20/18 Maya, to Greg Dokken ’07 and Keisha Husby Dokken ’07, 11/04/19

Alden, to Ashley Gibbs Paul ’09 and Ian Paul, 03/08/19 Bailey, to Brianne Ruedy Eldred ’10 and Aaron Eldred, 10/06/18 Briggs, to Kirsten Thisius Guentzel ’10 and Chad Guentzel ’05, 08/17/18 Charles, to Brittany Bohlig Trask ’10 and David Trask, 06/03/19 Greer, to Hanna Manitz Olinger ’14 and Drew Olinger ’14, 05/31/18 Addilyn, and Amelia to Steven Zehms ’15 and Kayla Zehms, born on 1/24/18 and 8/20/19 Emery, to Kaitlin Kwasniewski Biteler ’16 and Derek Biteler, 10/05/19

IN MEMORIAM John Robert Nyberg ’42, St. Paul, on 1/5/20. John lived to be 100 years old. He worked as a reporter and news editor most recently for the Lutheran Standard Magazine. He is survived by three children including J. Timothy ’75. Constance Nelson Walker ’45, Danvers, MA, on 12/31/19. She was a social worker for Family Services of Greater Lawrence, as well as church organist and choir director. She is survived by two sons. Marilyn Roth Jesse ’46, Houston, TX, on 12/31/19. A wife and mother, she is survived by three children. C. Joyce Flink Mortensen ’49, Naples, FL, on 12/12/19. She spent

her career teaching in the Jefferson County School District in Colorado. James B. Mortensen ’49, Naples, FL, on 12/28/19. He lived just 16 days after losing his wife, Joyce. A World War II veteran, he spent his career teaching and then in administration for Jefferson County Schools in Colorado, ending his career as superintendent. James and Joyce have a school named for them there. They are survived by two daughters including Jill ’78. Eldon C. Johnson, Jr. ’50, Torrington, WY, on 12/10/19. A World War II veteran and career Army man, he later worked for Burns & McDonnell Engineering Company. He is survived by four children. Rita Hale Elmen ’53, Sioux Falls, SD, on 11/30/19. A wife and mother, she is survived by three daughters including Brenda Ordal ’76 and Julie ’78. Norma Johnson Hein ’53, Charlotte, NC, on 12/23/19. A former schoolteacher and Gustavus Chapter Agent, she is survived by her husband, Arnold, and a daughter. Donna Norlund Holmgren ’54, Emily, on 11/22/19. A former recreational therapist for the Lutheran Home in Mankato, she is survived by her husband, Gordy, and five sons including Paul ’79 and Richard ’80.

Paul Kaus ’54, Overland Park, KS, on 12/29/19. An Army veteran, he then had a career as an investment ban ker and vice president of sales for ERA Real Estate. He is survived by two children and a sister, Marjorie Jenkins ’53. Beverly Sellberg Benson ’55, Burlington, CT, on 1/9/20. She had a long career as a physical therapist for convalescent homes. She is survived by three sons. Donald Dahlstrom ’56, Minneapolis, on 12/22/19. A former Army Major, he had a career as a radiologist, retiring as chief of radiology at St. Francis Regional Medical Center, Shakopee. He is survived by four daughters including Deirdre Hultgren ’85 and Alissa Canfield ’87. Byron “Louie” Akerson ’58, Rosholt, SD, on 1/2/20. A career Army veteran, hardware store owner, and estate manager for various properties, he is survived by two children and a sister, Marlys Chase ’51. David V. Matson ’59, Pelican Rapids, on 12/21/19. A retired professor and department chair of electronics at the Milwaukee Area Technical College, he is survived by two sons and a sister, Beverly Gustafson ’56. Karen Enderson Gustafson ’61, Manitowoc, WI, on 12/15/19. A former elementary and preschool teacher, she is survived by her husband, Jack, and two children.

Vermilion Private Equity Group, he is survived by his wife, Joan, five children, and a sister, Judy Kastelle ’71. John Gantzer ’69, Lunas, NM, on 12/11/19. John spent his career as a chartered property casualty underwriter in various states and is survived by his wife, Beth. Mark A. Anderson ’71, Apple Valley, on 11/22/19. A lawyer based in St. Paul with a focus on tribal law, Mark worked with Ojibwe tribes throughout Minnesota. He is survived by wife, Jill Starkey Anderson ’72, and three children including Leah Anderson ’16. Richard Forsman ’71, Lincoln, NE, on 5/2/19. A Marine veteran with two tours of duty in Vietnam, he worked in labor relations for Burger King, Donovan Companies, and National Car Rental. He is survived by his wife, Terry, and three children. Thomas Walstrom ’74, Rochester, on 11/20/19. He worked as a legislative auditor for the State of Minnesota and as a global network IT manager for Benchmark Electronics. He is survived by his wife, Deborah, and two children including Richard ’07. Kurt A. Legred ’78, Minneapolis, on 12/25/19. He worked in the field of grain marketing for CHS (formerly GTA) and is survived by his wife, Susan, two sons, his father, and three siblings including Judy Radke ’90.

Kathleen Antonsen ’83, Apple Valley, on 12/23/19. A nurse who worked as the supervisor of member services for the National Marrow Donor Program, she is survived by her parents, Peter Antonsen ’55 and Ruby Fabre Antonsen ’59, and a sister. Prassana Guneratne ’85, Eden Prairie, on 2/5/18. The former owner and managing director of Lifespring In-Home Care, he is survived by his wife, Rebecca Holt Guneratne ’86 and two daughters. Linda Houser-Marko ’92, Columbia, MO, on 1/9/20. She had worked as a senior researcher for Johnson O’Connor Research Foundation in Chicago. She is survived by her husband, Shaun, and two daughters. Alicia Cerwick Daugherty ’94, Minneapolis, on 11/13/19. She was a lead category account manager for Media Network and is survived by her finance, Marcus Strom ’93, a daughter, and her parents. Helen Dumdei, Saint Peter, former staff, on 12/25/19. She and her husband, Vince, both worked on campus for many years. She was in the Food Service for 37 years and is survived by her son, Paul ’81. Mary Thompson, Wworthington, former faculty, on 11/16/19. She taught in the Gustavus art department and is survived by three children.

RAN INTO A GUSTIE AT A BAND AND ORCHESTRA CONFERENCE IN CHICAGO They performed in concert with the Grand Symphonic Winds. L to r: Amy Koskela Gullikson ’04, Kari Mattson Ball ’88, Andy Jensen ’08, and Justin Schramm ’07.

IN A PRODUCTION OF GODSPELL (L to r) Kari Grundmeier ’16, Ruth Lunde ’74, and Jessica Halverson ’07 all found themselves cast in the musical at Chaska Valley Family Theater. Lunde had never been in a play before; it was on her bucket list. “How delightful to form new friendships with Gusties,” she says.

IN RUSSIA

Kristine Haataja ’73 and Suzanne Tank ’76 met while on a Roads Scholar tour of St. Petersburg and Moscow, Russia. Since there were only 18 people on the tour, it's pretty amazing that two were Gusties.

IN UGANDA 1978 classmates and Gustavus roommates Liz Walker Anderson and Sue Davis Steen found themselves in Mbale, Uganda. Liz and her husband were there with the Peace Corps. Sue, an RN, was there with her program Birth With Dignity which educates and supports Ugandan nurses and midwives.

GUSTAVUS QUARTERLY | SUMMER 2020

Robert Schwartz ’61, Chanhassen, on 1/8/20. He had a long career with Green Giant/Pillsbury retiring as director of international operations and development. He is survived by his wife, JoAnn, and a daughter. Richard C. Hane ’62, Duluth, on 11/11/19. He had a long career as a Lutheran pastor for various parishes in Minnesota and is survived by his wife, Judy Samuelson Hane ’62, and three children including Jennifer Grand ’91 and Brian ’94. Alain Holt ’62, Waupun, WI, on 10/24/19. The former school superintendent for Waupun Public Schools, he is survived by his wife, Joyce, and four children. Wayne Burmeister ’63, Madison, WI, on 1/11/20. He was a long-time employee of American Family Insurance and is survived by his wife, Constance, and two daughters. Joyce Harrington Hegstrom ’66, Wayzata, on 11/26/19. A registered nurse, she retired from Golden Valley Health Center and is survived by her husband, Robert, and two children. Jon K. Murphy ’68, Minneapolis, on 11/27/19. He had a long career in the Minnesota Attorney General’s Office as an assistant attorney general. He is survived by three children. Gerald A. Okerman ’68, Minneapolis, on 11/12/19. The former principal for

GUSTIES

GUSTIES GATHER

GUSTAVUS QUARTERLY | SUMMER 2020

1. Gusties gathered at the home of Margaret “Peg” (Bronkala) Skold ’74 in Minneapolis for an early 2019 New Year’s Eve party. Some of these classmates hadn’t seen each other since college! Front, l to r: Sandra Wheat Ingaldson ’79, Sue Swanson Kimitch ’74, Cherie Wheat Schweiger ’74, Bronkala Skold. Back, l to r: Bill Ingaldson ’79, Chuck Schweiger ’74, Susan Johnson Fox ’74, Sue Card ’74.

2. The USA Women’s National Bandy Team and men’s elite team Bandolier played their second annual holiday game. Team Bandolier has seven former Gusties. The WNT has eight former Gusties. The coach of both Bandolier and WNT is a Gustie. The head referee is a Gustie. The founder of USA Youth Bandy is a Gustie. Front, l to r: Jenna Christensen ’13, Maddie Bergh ’14, Meagan Wanecke ’13, Alli Schwab Johnson ’12, Mitch Cowger ’13, Evan Erickson ’19. Back, l to r: Nancy Nelson ’78, Sam Blaisdell ’13, Tam Meuwissen ’13, Kelsey Kennedy ’13, Marah Sobczak ’14, Dane Erickson ’13, Mollie Carroll ’12, Kevin Bowen ’83, Wyatt Wenzel ’14, Chris Middlebrook ’79. Not pictured: Mike Fabie ’18, Jack Blaney ’19.

3. Three Gustie alumni who work together at Delta Dental showed their Gustie pride recently. L to r: Kevin Davidson ’82, vice president, corporate development; Sarah Evenrud Kerbeshian ’92, senior director, human resources; Rob Cully ’90, director, enterprise project management office.

4. These 1992 classmates gathered at 300 First in Rochester to celebrate the 50th birthdays of Lisa Decker Cone and Gina Souder Wolleat. Front, l to r: Tracy Griffin Collander, Decker Cone, Souder Wolleat, and Renee Rasmusson Anderson. Back, l to r: Nichole Anderson Kauls, Jen Maether Kissell, Val Tate Qualley, Kristin Yetke Schmidt.

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5. This year represents the 30th anniversary of the 1970s Gustavus Guys Christmas Lunch. The group has grown from five to approximately 25 recurring attendees. They record their predictions for the upcoming year in economics, sports, or politics, with results revealed at the lunch, and to much laughter. Front, l to r: Craig Senn ’73, Rob Linner ’74, Denny Trooien ’74, Carl Wicklund ’74, Steve Ogren ’73, Erik Hendrikson ’94; Second row l to r: Kyle Litwin ’74, John Nord ’72, Gary Hansen ’76, John Otteson ’73, Gary Petersen ’72, Denny Lind ’72, Tom Richards ’71; Back, l to r: Kirk Swanson ’74, Bill Hartman ’73, Bill Jackson ’71.

6. 1987 grads Kelly Opheim Gordon and Kristine Lund met up in Iceland in September. Kris lives in Lyon, France and Kelly lives in Portland, Oregon. Thirty years after graduating from Gustavus, they still laughed like giddy college kids.

7. Gusties in the Dallas, TX, area gathered at the home of Deborah Hanson McMurray ’75. L to r: Joe Huff ’18, Adam Vahl ’02, Bruce Johnson ’69, Carl Malmberg ’77, Deborah Hanson McMurray ’75, and Shawn Wescott ’08.

GUSTAVUS QUARTERLY | SUMMER 2020

Vespers

We will be here. Everyone's lives are a bit upside down, true. Campus summer gatherings—Commencement, Reunion Weekend, Gustie Gear Up—are on hold. Though we GUSTAVUS QUARTERLY | SUMMER 2020

at the College are saddened, we remain faithful. Our College has existed for 158 years. It has survived wars, tornadoes, and other epidemics and economic crises. Through it all, Gusties have responded with resilience, innovation, prudent stewardship, and can-do spirit. Even now, Gusties continue to meet on campus—with help from our favorite Zoom backgrounds. Students, parents, alumni: It's not the same here without you. But we're Gusties, so we'll work while we wait, and we'll be ready for you. photo by Sydney Stumme-Berg ’22

GIVE BY MAY 31 TO HAVE YOUR GIFT MATCHED! The generous $100,000 match is provided by Warren Beck ’67 and Donna Gabbert Beck ’66.

GIVE TODAY! The Gustavus Fund | gustavus.edu/give

SUMMER 2020 800 WEST COLLEGE AVENUE SAINT PETER, MINNESOTA 56082

“

They want to be there.” Lynnea Myers ’05 leads nursing students eager to serve the world.

+ More Gustie

The 2020 NCAA Division III Indoor Track & Field Championships, which were to be

Millennials

RESPONSE TO A PANDEMIC Thoughtful, swift, coordinated— this is how the College handled it

THE YOUNG ONES Gustie Millennials in healthcare, the arts, and entrepreneurship

CLASS NOTES What your fellow Gusties have been up to

Summer 2020 Quarterly

Articles inside

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HERITAGE

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SPORTS