WINTER 2018 800 WEST COLLEGE AVENUE SAINT PETER, MINNESOTA 56082
Tickets for Christmas in Christ Chapel are selling fast, but here’s a wonderful blessing: What was once only experienced on campus is now shared far beyond. Can’t be in the Chapel audience? Watch a performance live
THE CASE FOR THE L I B E R A L
via web broadcast or any time after; the performance is archived online. Or catch it on national public television. This year’s
Arts
program will be shown in a variety of markets and timeslots in December. Join us here, join us there, join us anytime and anywhere you celebrate the season. For more details, visit gustavus.edu/events/cincc.
WHY WE TEACH IT. HOW WE USE IT. WHY WE CHOOSE IT.
18
HERE TO EVERYWHERE Airline exec Suzanne Boda ’82 on the liberal arts as a world lens
30
CLASS NOTES What your fellow Gusties are up to, including new legacy families
For Alumni, Parents, and Friends WINTER 2018 | VOL. LXXIV | ISSUE 4 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
Students in professor Kristen Lowe’s Drawing Techniques and Theories class have been drawing the Nobel Hall of Science renovation as it happens. At semester’s end, the top renderings will be selected as historical record. “Weather has been challenging,” Lowe says in classic Minnesota understatement. “Ninety-two degrees one day, 50 degrees and raining a week later.” That’s the luck of the draw, as no matter the weather, the semester and building continue.
Vice President, Advancement Thomas Young ’88 Director, Alumni and Parent Engagement Angela Erickson ’01 Managing Editor Stephanie Wilbur Ash | sash@gustavus.edu Alumni Editor Philomena Kauffmann | pkauffma@gustavus.edu Visual Editor, Production Coordinator Anna Deike | adeike@gustavus.edu Design Jill Adler | adlerdesignstudio.com, Brian Donahue | bdesigninc.com Contributing Writers Brenda Kelly, Mara Klein, CJ Siewert ’11, Kathi Tunheim Contributing Photographers and Artists JJ Akin ’11, Callie Benge ’19, Kevin Bowen ’83, Nick Campbell ’18, Diana Draayer ’18, Kristen Lowe, MD Design, Erika Nelson, Randall Nelson, Becca Sabot, Lorie Siebels, SPX Sports, Evan Taylor ’12, Nick Theisen ’15, 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
be bold &GOLD
GUSTAVUS ADOLPHUS COLLEGE The Black and Gold Society recognizes the College’s most loyal donors, who consistently support our mission and vision through annual contributions. The amount of the gift doesn’t matter, giving consistently to Gustavus does. Members who achieve the Black and Gold Society have given every year for five years based on the College’s fiscal year. After five years, your membership renews each year when you make your gift. Donors who have given consecutively for 25 years are recognized as lifetime members. Black & Gold Society
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. 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.
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IN THIS ISSUE
2 12
WHERE THEY’RE COMING FROM
Thirty-five states. Seventeen countries. One college. A (soil) sampling of home for the Class of 2022. THE CASE FOR THE LIBERAL ARTS
It’s who we are, but why? Our professors, students, and alums explain what it means to teach at, attend, and graduate from a world-class liberal arts institution.
18 30
FROM HERE TO EVERYWHERE
The long flight of Suzanne Boda ’82 from rural Minnesota to one of world’s largest airports. THE LEGACY CONTINUES
Find out which Gusties returned for Move-In Day to settle in their very own Gustie first-years.
IN EVERY ISSUE 4 VÄLKOMMEN 5 ON THE HILL 9 SHINE PROFILES 22
SPORTS
24
FINE ARTS
26
GRATITUDE
27
HERITAGE
28
GUSTIES
40
VESPERS
18
26
Where They’re Coming From In interdisciplinary partnership with the 54th Nobel Conference (Living Soil: A Universe Underfoot), students from the incoming Class of 2022 brought to campus a sample of the earth from their “home place”—land or physical space to which they feel connected, where they feel rooted. This sample became the groundwork for their first college discussion, about environment, influence, perspective, and change. This year’s incoming class is one of the largest, most academically accomplished, and most diverse in the College’s history. Students hail from 35 states and 17 countries. Twenty-two percent hold a high school GPA of 4.0 or greater. Twentythree percent are from historically underrepresented groups. All are planted here for the next four years. It’s a rich ecosystem. We’re going to grow from it. Top row, left to right: Oxboro Library, Bloomington; Grand Rapids; Stillwater gas station; YMCA Camp Kitaki, Louisville, NE; Huntersville State Forest; Cape May, N.J. Second row: Adirondack, NY; the Arb; “Grandma’s House,” Harrisonburg, VA; Cook County; “Where I was born” Third row: “Where my heart will always be”; Fairbanks, AK; Voyageurs National Park; Hartford, SD; Grantsburg, WI; Plymouth. Fourth row: “Papa’s Cabin”; Chicago, IL; Delaware, NY; Louisville, KY; “Backyard,” TX; Rapid City, SD Bottom row: “Home/Farm,” New Ulm; “The breathtaking mountain”; Tucson, AZ; Lutsen; Omaha, NE; Atlanta, GA
Välkommen SHINE ON.
As per usual, it has been a busy semester on campus, filled with visitors from around the globe. We welcomed performers, scholars, and teachers, from the Minnesota Opera, the Thornton School of Music, the International Trauma Healing Institute in Raanana, Israel, and AgroParisTech among many others. Plus, we enjoyed a visit from the Swedish ambassador to the United States, Karin Olofsdotter, with whom we discussed U.S.-Sweden relations. Music, dance, science, history, politics, culture—we immersed ourselves in all. And as we all busily conjure the magic of our holiday performances (including Christmas in Christ Chapel), our students thrive at the center, engaged in an integrated liberal arts experience like no other. During our Homecoming activities, we recognized several alums. I was struck
The Rev. Jon V. Anderson (ex officio), Bishop, Southwestern Minnesota Synod, ELCA Scott P. Anderson ’89, MBA, Special Advisor, Patterson Companies, Inc. Catherine Asta ’75, JD, Attorney at Law and Past President, Gustavus Alumni Association Tracy L. Bahl ’84, MBA, Executive Vice President, CVS | Caremark Grayce Belvedere-Young, MBA, Founder and CEO, Lily Pad Consulting Rebecca M. Bergman (ex officio), President, Gustavus Adolphus College Suzanne F. Boda ’82, Senior Vice President, Los Angeles, American Airlines Robert D. Brown, Jr. ’83, MD, Staff Neurologist, Professor of Neurology, Mayo Clinic College of Medicine, and John T. and Lillian Matthews Professor of Neuroscience, Mayo Clinic Daniel G. Currell ’94, JD, Managing Director, Advance Law Edward J. Drenttel ’81, JD, Attorney/Partner, Winthrop & Weinstine Bruce A. Edwards ’77, Retired CEO, DHL Global Supply Chain
personality, an Emmy-award winning actor and playwright, a hospital chief of staff
James H. Gale ’83, JD, Attorney at Law
(all on page 17), and an airline executive (page 18). We recognized a nurse, a school
John O. Hallberg ’79, MBA, CEO, Children’s Cancer Research Fund
issue of the Quarterly, multiple Gusties make the case for liberal arts. We could have used one hundred more pages to deliver the evidence. I must share one more piece of evidence, an excerpt from a thank you letter. “The 54th Nobel Conference…is a role model in terms of the academic quality and the modus operandi of addressing issues of global significance,” wrote Conference presenter Rattan Lal, Professor of Soil Science at the Ohio State University and member of the 2007 Nobel Peace Prize winning Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change. He cited the inclusion of music, theatre, dance, and visual art as a unique and impressive feature of the Conference. That’s us. That’s Gustavus. In our rouser, we declare that “Gusties will shine!” Through this season’s warmth and reflection, in anticipation of the promises 2019 will bring, know that I see and cherish your bright lights shining. Your College is proud of you, Gusties, and for the next generation who will light the way wherever they go.
GUSTAVUS QUARTERLY | WINTER 2018
B OA R D O F T R U S T E E S
by the varied outcomes of Gustavus liberal arts education. We honored a television
principal, and four (yes, four!) tennis professionals (page 23). The list goes on. In this
4
G U S TAV U S A D O L P H U S C O L L E G E
Sincerely,
Susie B. Heim ’83, Former Co-owner, S and S Heim Construction The Rev. Peter C. Johnson ’92, Executive Pastor, St. Andrew Lutheran Church Paul R. Koch ’87, Senior Vice President/Investments, UBS Financial Services Dennis A. Lind ’72, Chairman, Midwest Bank Group, Inc. Jan Lindman, MBA, Treasurer to the King, The Royal Court of Sweden Gordon D. Mansergh ’84, PhD, (ex officio), Senior Behavioral Scientist, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Jan Ledin Michaletz ’74, Past President, Gustavus Alumni Association Thomas J. Mielke ’80, JD, Retired Senior Vice President and General Counsel, Kimberly-Clark Corporation Marcia L. Page ’82, Founding Partner, Värde Partners The Rev. Craig A. Pederson ’90 (ex officio), Assistant to the Bishop, Minneapolis Area Synod, ELCA, and President, Gustavus Adolphus College Association of Congregations The Rev. Wayne B. Peterson ’77, Pastor, St. Barnabas Lutheran Church
Rebecca M. Bergman President, Gustavus Adolphus College
The Rev. Dr. Dan S. Poffenberger ’82 (chair), Senior Pastor, Shepherd of the Lake Lutheran Church Beth Sparboe Schnell ’82, President and CEO, Sparboe Companies Ronald C. White ’75, President, RC White Enterprises The Rev. Heather Teune Wigdahl ’95, Senior Pastor, Our Savior’s Lutheran Church
ON THE HILL
Thomas Flunker and Janet Jennings are the new leads behind the Diversity Center.
GROWING THE NETWORK With more students at Gustavus from
endeavors. “There are organizations on
This year, 63 students have a team of
groups and identities underrepresented in
this campus doing so many good things,”
mentors behind them that include peers,
higher education than at any other time in
Flunker says. “We want to support them
professors, and staff. “These students are
our College’s history, the Diversity Center
to become even better.” Empowering
responding to their mentors well,” says
has become an increasingly important hub.
others to leadership in issues of diversity
Jennings. “They know the CARE (Center
and inclusion has allowed Flunker and
for Academic Resource and Enhancement)
Jennings to undergo new initiatives.
is there for them, their CFs and Greeters
Jennings ’17, the D-Center’s director and
Among the most promising: a Critical
are there for them, and that we are too.
assistant director, respectively.
Dialogue Symposium for the campus
Flunker joined in February of 2017,
“Interacting with this group of students
community, a Women of Color Summit
is amazing—they bring so many different
having come from Bethany Lutheran and
that brought college-aged women from 11
talents and mindsets,” says Jennings.
a long career in education. Jennings—a
institutions to Gustavus, and a Courageous
New student opportunities are popping
Gustavus student leader in issues of
Conversations series with faculty and staff.
up, such as Oxfam (a global anti-poverty
diversity, equity, and inclusion—joined the following August shortly after graduating. “We had an incredible jumpstart to
Flunker and Jennings, in partnership
organization) and First Forward (a student
with other staff, have also been sewing
network for first-gen students). Says
together strong support networks through
Flunker: “We help mentor our students
the year,” says Flunker. Together, the two
the Connections program for Pell-grant
through those processes, and bring new
have sharpened the support role of the
eligible, historically underrepresented,
elements, too. We ask: What can we bring
Diversity Center while launching new
multilingual, and first-generation Gusties.
light to? How can we partner?”
GUSTAVUS QUARTERLY | WINTER 2018
And there, at the center of the Center, is a new duo: Thomas Flunker and Janet
5
#whygustavus
ON THE HILL
43
Our national ranking in U.S. News and World Report for “Best Value Schools” which considers a school’s academic quality and the cost of attendance for a student receiving average need-based aid.
mate—we’ve been friends the whole time.” Looking forward to: “Some solid A’s. And meeting new Ethiopian students.”
KALENDAR NOV. 30–DEC. 2 Christmas in Christ Chapel
Aleah Felton
(see page 25)
Major/Career Change: From elementary ed-
DEC. 6
ucation to secondary
Festival of St. Lucia
English Education. “I took literary studies
10 a.m., Christ Chapel, free, livestreamed,
last semester with Professor Becky Fre-
and archived
mo and I was like, I’m finally here!”
CHECK-IN WITH THE FIRST-YEARS
Learned: “Every test score that doesn’t work is a moment of self-discovery. You don’t have to be passionate about every
IN OUR WINTER 2016-17 ISSUE, WE
single thing.”
INTRODUCED YOU TO FIVE FIRST-
Looking forward to: “The G Choir tour. It
YEARS. HERE’S WHAT’S UP WITH THEM.
is going to be my first time being outside of country borders.”
Alice Nguyen
The 2017 St. Lucia Court: Carly Miller, Joyce Amakoue, Nicole Willis, Sarah Anderson, Joy Dunna (see page 11), and Greta Dupslaff.
Major/Career Change:
Stephanie Coe
from a career in hotel/
The Same: Still a nursing
hospitality management
major, religion minor
to finance. “A professor
with plans to become a
saw something in me that I didn’t see: I
nurse practitioner.
JAN. 21
am good at this!”
Other Changes: “I’m now living with
Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Lecture:
Learned: “I am more in control
four of my best friends in Uhler. I’m the
Rev. Dr. Luke Powery, Dean of Duke
with scheduling, and how to talk to
president of the figure skating club. We
University Chapel and Associate Professor
professors in class.”
have doubled in size.”
of Homiletics at Duke Divinity School.
Looking forward to: “Joining some
Goal: “I’m actually dreaming of doing
He is a national leader in the theological
clubs, like Finance Club and Investment
Disney on Ice.”
study of the art of preaching (homiletics).
Club and Data Analysis Club. I would like
Looking forward to: “Balancing ice
10 a.m., Christ Chapel, free, livestreamed,
to study abroad in Germany and do
skating with school. I feel like I have
and archived
an internship.”
found a way.”
GUSTAVUS QUARTERLY | WINTER 2018
THROUGH FEB. 1
6
Christian Araya
Avery Bachman
Charles Burchfield: Oh My Heavens
Major/Career Change:
Major/Career Change:
The Hillstrom Museum of Art
from biology to
From physics to
(see page 25)
psychology and political
management. “My
science with plans to go into
parents, friends, and professor Kathi
MARCH 2
occupational therapy.
Tunheim helped me see my talents and
Building Bridges Conference
Changes: “I am taking sculpting with
abilities, particularly my sales experience.”
An Immigration Nation by Design:
professor (Stan) Shetka. He says there is
The Same: “I kept a physics minor.
Demolishing the Legacy of Bigotry in the
no bad art.”
And I’m still playing football—praying
Land of Opportunity
The Same: “I am still with my same room-
for no injuries!”
PRETTY GOOD NEWS First-year Gena King
presented annually to a Teach For
The Swedish Ambassador to the
’22 (Indianapolis)
America alum “who embodies our
United States, Karin Olofsdotter,
won the Black
core values and whose work has led to
visited Gustavus in September. As the
Women’s Agenda’s
significant change on a broad scale.”
United States and Sweden celebrate
Bright Futures Award
Sellers is the founding executive
200 years of international relations,
and scholarship. She
director of education nonprofit EdAllies
Olofsdotter updated the Gustavus
met Congressman
in Minneapolis.
community on the state of affairs in
John Lewis, the Rev. Al Sharpton, and
Europe today.
entrepreneur Tina Knowles-Lawson
Jason Pruitt has been
(who is also Beyoncé and Solange’s
hired as the executive
mom).
director of the Gustavus Adolphus
Gustavus alum Daniel
College Center for
Sellers ’06 was
Career Development.
named one of three
The newly-created role is the result
finalists for Teach
of a $10 million grant last November
For America’s Peter
that endowed the Gustavus Center for
Jennings Award,
Career Development.
UPDATE: GUSTAVUS ACTS STRATEGIC PLAN We are well into our second full
fully enclosed by December 1. Christ
year of the implementation of the
Chapel now has a main level accessible
Gustavus Acts Strategic Plan. We have
bathroom. New scholarship funds
established plans and Key Performance
helped recruit our large, academically
Indicators for our seven priority
strong, and diverse first-year class.
strategies. They are the guidelines by
More than 45 students conducted
which we stay the course, infusing
research with Gustavus faculty during
new energy into the process. Cross-
the summer. The list goes on. And at this very moment, faculty
work on big goals that will benefit the
are working through the details of a
entire institution. We have learned that
new general education curriculum—
achieving excellence is a true feat, and
the Challenge Curriculum—to be
that as Gusties we do not let up.
implemented in Fall 2020.
We have accomplished more than
When people ask “Why Gustavus?”,
we expected; it is a long and inspiring
we answer with these tremendous
list. The Nobel Hall expansion and
leaps forward, with the knowledge
—Kathi Tunheim, special assistant to the president for strategy
renovation project superstructure is
that even more is on the horizon.
To learn more or join in, visit
in place, and the new building will be
Go Gusties!
gustavus.edu/gustavusacts.
GUSTAVUS QUARTERLY | WINTER 2018
functional teams are now hard at
7
ON THE HILL
CAMPUS SOCIAL @gustavusadolphuscollege @gustieathletics
@gac_physics Beautiful photo of the orange moon taken by physics major Peter Varanasi ‘19 from the Olin Hall Observatory. #astrophotography #whygustavus
@cataliie Only one more day to go until I get to @gustavusadolphuscollege
flock back to GAC and let me tell you
Just going to #Hamilton tonight NBD.
when I see the almighty crane I may
#gogusties #gustavus
burst into tears. @gustavusadolphuscollege
Student ID Backpack
Follow /gustavusadolphuscollege
Books
Gustavus Adolphus College
Desire to think critically. write clearly,
What a day! Move-In Day, 2018.
care deeply, and act on the great challenges of our time?
You’re ready for the first day of school at Gustavus! Welcome to the College’s 157th academic year! #WhyGustavus Follow @gustavus, @gustiealum
GUSTAVUS QUARTERLY | WINTER 2018
10:00 a.m. Time for Reflection
8
“All students who study music at Gustavus have experiences that consistently affirm the transformational nature of music in a liberal arts education, which in turn promotes a passion for lifelong engagement with music and learning.” — Gustavus choir director Greg Aune, who retires at the end of the year. Excerpted from Rooted in Heritage, Open To The World: Reflections on the Distinctive Character of Gustavus Adolphus College
SHINE: KATI WILLIAMS The Wow Summer UNDERGRADUATE RESEARCH LEADS TO A FUTURE FILLED WITH POSSIBILITY.
Williams came to Gustavus thinking about becoming a psychiatrist. Then, after her very first chemistry class (ever), she thought about a PhD in chemistry. Then it was summer. How would she spend her first summer as a college undegrad? Here on campus conducting research, that’s how. And, “Wow,” she says. “It’s really validating to be told you’re smart enough to research.” Williams and other Gustie undergraduates spent the summer with professor Scott Bur using E. coli to grow proteins with metabolically incorporated fluorines and then extracting and purifying them for later testing. “The research question we are trying to answer is: Can we ‘drug’ protein-protein interactions?” she says. “Can we create a drug that works almost like an enzymatic inhibitor would, that could prevent a protein from binding to other proteins?” The scientific implications of doing so could mean treating or even preventing diseases at the source, where DNA is being transcribed. Like all summer jobs, this one wasn’t without its pains. “The medium we grow it in and what we grow smells awful—like beef jerky in liquid form,” Williams says. The machine the student researchers used broke down, and they spent several days repairing it. “That was actually really fun,” she says. “A lot of the work was tedious, but I really take joy in activities that require a high level of perfectionism.” Perhaps this chemistry research thing could work for her in the long term. “I’m actually a French major,” she says with a laugh. But because of her summer, she is switching to a biochemistry, chemistry, and French triple major. “I love learning. It’s my favorite thing,” she says. “Being in an environment where I’m challenged every day, where I have to try my hardest to attain the goals I want, can be taxing. But when you accomplish something you never thought you would be able to, it’s so fulfilling. “I hadn’t even taken chemistry before coming here, and I
E XC E L L E N C E
Wow.”
There are ample opportunities for undergraduate students to conduct research at Gustavus, through the First Year Research Experience program and other awards. Williams will conduct research in Bur’s lab throughout the 2018-2019 academic year, plus prep protein samples. Then the native Coloradian heads to Seattle for an internship at Fred Hutch Cancer Research Center.
GUSTAVUS QUARTERLY | WINTER 2018
was able to succeed in organic chemistry and do research in it?
9
ON THE HILL
SHINE: MATT BERKNER All In WHAT HAPPENS WHEN YOU COMMIT TO BEING UNCOMFORTABLE? GROWTH. AND WINS.
Berkner had a solid plan: He would go to the University of Minnesota and become a dentist. Then one day in high school, in his hometown of Sleepy Eye, a Gustavus football coach approached him after a game and asked him to consider Gustavus. “I was always one of those guys where my favorite sport was the one I was in,” Berkner says, but he hadn’t considered college sports, or Gustavus. Maybe it would be fun. As a Gustie two-sport athlete (football and baseball), “It was a grind that first year,” Berkner says. He almost didn’t return. But baseball coach Brad Baker called him during the summer. “He said, ‘Let’s have a lot of fun the next three years and get you a great job afterwards.’” Berkner decided to switch his major to accounting—a better fit. He went all in on Gustavus, and suddenly he couldn’t wait to get back. Since then, it’s been a journey of great growth. He’s a senior football and baseball captain and has started in both the past three years. Berkner has led the football team in tackles every game this season with a total of 57 (as of Oct. 22). He also started 28 games on the baseball team last season. He’s a member of the finance club and the investment club, on the Hill Crew executive board and the Student Athlete Advisory Committee, and vice president of the Tau Psi Omega fraternity. As a leader, “I’m seeing things from a different and bigger perspective. When you’re a first-year, you’re just floating around. As a senior, you want to have influence, to help people set themselves up to grow,” he says. “You need to encourage them, influence them to be smart off the field, and ask them to go all in.” His biggest take away from senior year so far: “I’ve learned is how to lead people that come from all parts of the world. Being able to establish common ground, that’s definitely going to help me in the future.” So will his time management skills. “Yeah,” he says. “I
That Gustie network is real. Coach Baker helped Berkner get his first internship. At his second internship, with international accounting firm Grant Thornton in Minneapolis, he met Mike DesLauriers ’09 who was also a two-sport athlete at Gustavus. Grant Thornton has offered Berkner a full-time position as an audit associate. He’ll play baseball this spring, then start his new job after graduation.
COMMUNITY
learned that right away freshman year.”
SHINE: JOY DUNNA With Great Appreciation THE 2017 ST. LUCIA ON WHAT THE HONOR HAS MEANT TO HER.
“I hadn’t heard of St. Lucia before Gustavus,” Dunna says. “I vaguely remember voting as a first-year.” But fellow Gustie women were eager to fill her in. “They talked about the service and leadership aspects. And when I looked at the amazing women on the court, I wasn’t surprised.” But she never imagined she would be up there. Instead, Dunna, who is from St. Paul, simply went about the business of being a great first-year Gustie. She worked with the Women’s Action Coalition, and at the end of the year she was nominated for every position. (She prefers the background, she says, so she became the secretary, a job she loves.) She was on the events committee for Building Bridges. She had originally planned for a nursing major, but her work with justice issues, “made me realize I had a burning passion for it,” she says. Now she’s a history and gender, women, and sexuality studies double major. “I want to go into women’s counseling,” she says. “So I decided to make the change.” A year later—surprise!—she was on that St. Lucia court. Then, she was wearing the crown. “That was humbling,” she says. “I have no words for that feeling.” Her words now are all about how St. Lucia has changed her. “Avery Bather (St. Lucia 2016) told me, ‘You will always think about your actions, and become a better person,’” Dunna says. Her roommate gave her a St. Lucia pin last Christmas as a reminder “that I can continue to be the person that I am, but also make a conscious effort to stop and say hello, to ask someone how they are doing. Being St. Lucia solidifies in you. It pushes you to care about people and care about the community.” She didn’t need a whole lot of pushing—she was crowned St. Lucia for a reason. Dunna’s other activities include Feminist Bible Study, Intergreek Senate (she is an Alpha Sigma Tau), Senior Week co-chair, Gustie Greeters, and Cribbage Club. In her upcoming St. Lucia homily, “I plan on recognizing and appreciating the invisible labor that women do in society and highlighting how women in all of our lives complete necessary tasks daily, but at times go
The St. Lucia Festival will be celebrated Dec. 6. All are invited to Christ Chapel for a service that features the St. Lucia Court and the SERVICE
St. Lucia Singers. As the previous year’s St. Lucia, Dunna will provide the homily, including the telling of the legend of St. Lucia. The event is free and open to the public. The event will also be livestreamed. Visit gustavus.edu/events/stlucia.
GUSTAVUS QUARTERLY | WINTER 2018
unnoticed,” she says. “Can you tell I’m working on a GWSS major?”
11
THE CASE FOR THE
L I B E R A L
Arts
In technology driven, fast-paced, global economies, and in increasingly diverse yet often polarized societies, Gusties remain bolstered by liberal arts ideals. Cross-discipline thinking, lives lived with purpose, proudly taking on challenges—that’s what we’re known for, that’s what we teach here. The world will always change. And our professors will teach to the greater lessons of change. Our students will strive to discover their purpose buried within. Our alums will act on those lessons and sense of purpose. Here’s the case for the liberal arts at Gustavus, as told by them.
4
Percentage of undergraduates nationwide who attend a liberal arts college, yet such colleges have produced nine percent of Fortune 500 CEO’s, 23 percent of U.S.-educated Nobel Laureates, 27 percent of U.S. Presidents, and 14 percent of tenured Harvard Law Professors.
F R O M
THE PROVOST
DR. BRENDA KELLY Provost
Before I joined the Provost Office in 2015, I was a full-time faculty member in
are empowered to accept social responsibility, to consider how they can meaningfully
NEW CURRICULUM, STILL THE LIBERAL ARTS
contribute to and reshape the world. Here students develop the intercultural awareness and
The U.S. Bureau of Labor
understanding essential to an interdependent economy and world, as well as the nimbleness
Statistics defines the liberal arts
and flexibility to successfully navigate it. They learn to recognize what they know, identify
as, “an approach to learning that
and seek out what they do not know, and effectively communicate throughout.
involves diverse coursework ...
faculty member and Provost perspective, I can attest that the role of the liberal arts here extends far beyond requiring nine courses from nine different disciplinary areas. Here students practice listening, discussing, and constructively disagreeing. They
When I was in the classroom, I enjoyed delivering the best of a liberal arts education here
designed to prepare students
at Gustavus: interjecting interdisciplinary concepts into my disciplinary courses, mentoring
for a variety of career options.”
students to help strengthen their communication, critical thinking, and problem-solving
This spring, in alignment with
skills, learning and growing with my students and my faculty colleagues. I relished opportu-
the Gustavus Acts Strategic Plan
nities to draw upon the liberal arts experiences of my students to inform and enhance their
and our vision to deliver “an
work and our work together—through collaboration in the classroom and laboratory; by re-
innovative liberal arts education
searching, synthesizing, and integrating information; by using multi-disciplinary perspectives
of recognized excellence,”
and approaches to consider questions that are relevant to the great challenges of our time.
College faculty endorsed a
Why does this matter? Almost all of these challenges require an interdisciplinary
framework for a new curriculum.
approach. Professionals today are asked to learn new techniques,
The Challenge Curriculum will
to delve into areas outside their disciplines, and to work
emphasize student initiative
collaboratively with individuals who have very different expertise
in academic discovery and
and perspectives. Just one example: Many cancers involve
exploration, interdisciplinary
changes in gene expression, protein folding, cellular function,
collaboration and learning, and
physiological function (to name a few); it is only through
expanded opportunities for
understanding of the whole will we identify effective cures.
students to ethically engage
At Gustavus, we are producing such professionals.
the world in its diversity. It is
Through their liberal arts experiences as Gusties, our
a more global curriculum, and
students gain the depth of their primary discipline and
more project-based, culminating
its dominant technologies, and the breadth of cross-
in a senior capstone in which
discipline thinking. Combined, this is the outcome of
students will address a question
the Gustavus liberal arts: Our students can access a
or challenge from multiple
multitude of careers both within and outside of their
perspectives. It builds upon
major discipline. They leave here well-prepared
the strengths of our past and
for a life of learning and action that benefits the world,
pushes us forward.
a life of leadership and service, a life of progress and purpose.
GUSTAVUS QUARTERLY | WINTER 2018
the biology and chemistry departments at Gustavus for 13 years. From both a
13
W H Y
WE TEACH IT
GUSTAVUS PROFESSORS ON WHAT THE LIBERAL ARTS MEAN AS EDUCATORS AND MENTORS.
DEB PITTON
PASCHAL KYOORE
HEIDI MEYER ’98
BETSY BYERS
Education
Modern Languages, Literatures, and Cultures; African Studies; Latin American, Latinx, and Caribbean Studies
Nursing
Art and Art History
It connects us all. “As a
It’s a great foundation for
nurse, you never practice
artists. “If it weren’t for my
alone and are an integral
liberal arts undergraduate
says, “and the ability of
It has meaning and impact.
part of the healthcare
education, I would have
our education majors
Says Kyoore, “What I enjoy
team,” says Meyer. “Our
never become an artist,”
to learn across subjects
most about teaching at a
students bring arts and
says Byers, who started
makes them strong,
small liberal arts institution
humanities perspectives
painting with oil to fulfill
knowledgeable, and
is, first and foremost, the
into a healthcare discipline
a liberal arts general
effective teachers.”
feeling that what I do has
heavily focused on
education credit. “Making
What’s the role of the
a meaningful, palpable,
evidence-based practice.”
art is essentially a liberal
professor? “Often that
impact on students, and
As nurses, they provide
arts endeavor,” she says.
of ‘guide on the side’—
that this is recognized
holistic care. “Having
“We use creative problem
providing resources and
and cherished by the
a broader perspective
solving to address concerns
ideas, and supporting
College. Also, it is a great
develops our nursing
that live in the cultural,
student research, projects,
feeling to know that people
graduates to safely care
social, historic, economic,
and investigations.”
really mean it when they say
for individuals, families,
political, and ecological
that their mission is to build
communities, and the
realms. There is no better
a community spirit.”
greater global society.”
place to begin.”
It’s in our history. “Gustavus was established for teachers
GUSTAVUS QUARTERLY | WINTER 2018
and preachers,” Pitton
14
LISA HELDKE ’82
Physics
Philosophy and Gender,
It creates excellent communicators. At Gustavus, “students will not only receive a great
DARÍO SÁNCHEZGONZÁLEZ
Women, and Sexuality
Modern Languages,
Studies plus Nobel
Literatures, and Cultures;
74
Conference Chair
Gender, Women, and
liberal arts as “the best way
Sexuality Studies; Latin
to prepare for success in
American, Latinx, and
today’s global economy”*
education in their chosen
It’s liberating. “‘Liberal arts’
field(s),” says Niederitter,
isn’t some property that a
“they will be able to speak and
discipline has, or doesn’t
write with confidence, have a
have, by nature,” says Heldke.
It helps us to become more
good understanding of their
“It is an approach to a sub-
human, and humane. “When
place in the world, the con-
ject matter; a way of thinking
I describe what the liberal
nections between seemingly
that liberates. Gustavus is
arts mean for me I often use
disparate concepts.” In his
a liberal arts college not
a quote by Terence: ‘I am hu-
particular disciplines, “Phys-
because it has departments
man; nothing human is alien
ics and astronomy students
of classics and philosophy
to me,’” he says. “Liberal arts
study other sciences as well,
and English, but because
students build adaptability,
and maybe more importantly,
it teaches those subjects—
resilience, and—more import-
learn about other ways of
as well as communication
ant than anything else—care
studying and understanding
studies, nursing, and health
for others. Mere knowledge
the universe. They also learn
fitness, and others—in ways
or skills do not mean much
to be better communicators
that encourage students to
without responsibility and
than students who study at
understand themselves as
ethical reflection. This ap-
other kinds of institutions.”
interpreters of, and trans-
plies to any discipline.”
formers of, the world.”
Caribbean Studies
Percentage of surveyed employers who
would recommend the
11
Number of times a person will change jobs
in their life—bringing new technology, challenges, and learning opportunities**
2,000
$
Amount those with liberal arts degrees earn on average over their peers with professional or pre-professional degrees
during peak earning years*
40
Percentage of students with de-
grees in humanities or social sciences who hold an advanced graduate or professional degree. Adding such degrees adds an average of $20,000 in yearly earnings* *Association of American Colleges and Universities/ National Center for Higher Education Management Systems, ** U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, statistic on page 12 from LiberalArtsColleges.com
GUSTAVUS QUARTERLY | WINTER 2018
CHUCK NIEDERITTER
THE SUPPORTING D ATA
15
W H A T
WE’RE LEARNING
HOW GUSTIE STUDENTS ARE BENEFITING FROM THAT “DISTINCTIVE AND INTEGRATED” EXPERIENCE RIGHT NOW.
KYLEE BRIMSEK ’20
EMMA MYHRE ’19
EHSAN ALI ASGHAR ’19
BEN ROREM ’19
Nursing major
Theatre and Communication
Economics major, Political
Physics major, Three Crowns
Studies majors, English and
Science minor
Curriculum
Everything is connected.
Arts Administration minors
No stone is left unturned.
We become well-rounded.
until a Tanzania J-Term
Passions are lit. “I wanted
There aren’t liberal arts
He came to Gustavus to
with nursing majors. Then,
to explore what I was
colleges in his native
study hard science. But the
a public health class. “It
interested in,” Myhre says.
Pakistan, so Asghar takes
Three Crowns Curriculum
opened my eyes to how
She ignited her love of
full advantage here. He’s
lured him with the big
health care is related to
theatre—“I wouldn’t have
learned from classes in
question, “What does it
everything—communication
declared my theatre major
human anatomy, statistics,
mean to be human?” The
and economics and business
if I hadn’t been able to
golf, sports philosophy, and
writing skills, he says, were
and language,” she says.
audition while not a theatre
the Bible. “I’m a finance guy.
a bonus. “I know that will be
“We talk about patients’
major.” She can’t imagine
I love my field, but at the
necessary in a career.” So will
cultural backgrounds, and
college any other way.
end of the day I will have no
interpersonal communication
respecting them. Because
“Where else do you get
regrets. I’ve tried all these
and critical thinking skills.
of my theology and cultural
such a direct line of learning
things, met all these people
“People who study science
anthropology classes, I have
about everything happening
from different backgrounds.
can get narrowly focused in
a leg up.”
around us in such an
It has made me more
their field. I think liberal arts
interconnected way?”
culturally aware.”
and the humanities make
Nursing wasn’t on her radar
GUSTAVUS QUARTERLY | WINTER 2018
well-rounded people.”
16
H O W
W H AT A COINCIDENCE
WE USE IT
Here are 2017’s top five
THESE ALUMS HAVE PUT THE LIBERAL ARTS TO WORK.
attributes employers want to see on students’ resumes,
MARTA HEMMINGSON VANBEEK ’93
MICHAEL MARCOTTE ’08
STEVEN EPP ’80
according to the National
Producer and on-air
Actor, playwright, director,
outcomes of a Gustavus
Chief of Staff, University of
personality, KSTP TV
Theatre de la Jeune Lune
liberal arts education.
“I know those Gustavus
and The Moving Company
and Employers. They’re all
1. Problem-solving skills and the ability to work in a team (tied)
“Gustavus had a profound
grads have good qualities,” a
The liberal arts define Epp’s
implication in how I practice
hiring manager told him when
theatre training at Gustavus.
medicine,” she says. “It
he was short on experience.
“Everybody did everything,”
2. Written communication skills
helped me be a better
In Marcotte, those qualities
he says. “It was very disci-
listener, to understand and
include, “a diverse wealth of
plined.” He carries it with him,
3. Leadership
value the varied interests
knowledge,” he says, partly
and the lesson of intentional
of others.” When hiring,
gleaned through co-curricular
storytelling too. “There was a
she looks for “well rounded
activities like Student Senate.
great emphasis on ‘What are
interests. Is the person
“I learned how to effectively
you putting into the world,
interested in other things
say no, and so many other
why are we telling that story
outside of medicine?” And
skills that apply today.” When
now?’ That’s been the bottom
she looks for a willingness
a Gustavus résumé crosses
line of any piece of theater
THANKS TO A $10 MILLION GRANT
to accept a challenge.
his path, he takes notice. “I
I’ve been involved in.” In new
the Gustavus Center for
“At Gustavus, we were
look for people who want
talent, he seeks, “people who
Career Development’s
encouraged to ask the hard
to learn and aren’t afraid of
use their own imaginations,
already-strong programming
questions and to relish the
stepping out there. Gusties
are open to other ways of
is growing, fully integrating
difficult conversation.”
show up. ”
thinking, and can engage with
post-graduate preparation
what’s going on in the room.”
into academic and co-
4. Strong work ethic 5. Analytical/quantitative skills, verbal communication skills, and initiative (all tied)
curricular life. Says new director Jason Pruitt, “We will have all the tools to assist students in making choices, and we will be collaborating with employers, alumni, faculty, and staff to provide a synergy throughout the entire campus to think about careers.”
JOIN IN Sit on panels, visit campus, and be there for students who want to network, be mentored, and launch careers. Visit gustavus.edu/career.
GUSTAVUS QUARTERLY | WINTER 2018
Iowa Hospitals and Clinics
Association of Colleges
17
FROM HERE TO
EVERYWHERE How does Suzanne Boda ’82, American Airlines’ senior vice president for Los Angeles, measure the distance between tiny Le Center, Minnesota, and the West Coast epicenter of international travel? In languages, the liberal arts, and a few long flights. By Stephanie Wilbur Ash. Photo by Nick Campbell ’18.
T
wenty miles east of Saint Peter on the shores of little Lake Volney is the Boda family cabin. Like many in Minnesota, it is humble and homey, filled with ancient coffee cups, friendly dogs, and grandma’s yellow stepstool chair.
Sometimes you’ll find American Airlines senior vice president Suzanne Boda there too. You may think she’s out of place. An American Airlines exec hanging out at in a rural
Minnesota cabin? Boda and her husband live in Los Angeles and Winter Park, Colorado, far from south central Minnesota and much closer to major airports. Plus, she may seem out of place simply because there are so few women executives in the airline industry. There’s a whole lot of culture and country to traverse from Le Center to Los Angeles. But Boda—liberal arts evangelist and lifelong culture explorer—has it covered. She may be flying to Memphis in a couple of hours, then somewhere else, then somewhere else, “but I’m still going to get out on that boat today,” she’ll say with an enthusiasm gleaned from
GUSTAVUS QUARTERLY | WINTER 2018
years of engaging with whatever or whoever is in front of her. “That’s what it’s like when
18
you’re a small-town pastor’s kid. You never know who’s going to knock on your door.”
EVERYONE IN THE WORLD is really the same—despite customs that may differ. Respect, inclusion, and doings one’s best in life are universal concepts.”
Welcoming every person who walked through that door was a basic tenet of the Boda household. “We were taught that everyone has value,” she says. “That’s how Jesus looked at people, and that’s who we were as a family.” In the church bulletin, her mom wrote a column called “Over the Coffee Cup.” “She would use something going on in the community or the world to illustrate how we sometimes see things differently than others.” Though they rarely traveled, her parents often hosted exchange students from other
GUSTAVUS HELPED ME BECOME A GLOBAL CITIZEN:
countries through Rotary International and AFS. During high school, Boda signed up to
comfortable in
in northern Japan, the Lutheran pastor’s daughter fell in love with everything Japanese:
diverse settings,
How people interact with each other and respect and care for each other.” When she
be hosted, choosing Scandinavian countries as preferred travel destinations because her mother was Swedish, and Spain because she had studied Spanish. Her options came back as Japan or Argentina. There had just been a coup in Argentina. But, says Boda, “My dad had been to Japan during the Korean Conflict. He said, ‘Go. You’ll learn a language and culture you will never learn anywhere else.’” Pastor Boda was right, and then some. In the tiny community of Kesennuma, Miyagi, “The culture, the language, the art. The flower arranging, the dance, the tea ceremonies.
appreciative of
came back a year later, she insisted her college have two things. “A Japanese language
different opinions,
program, but more importantly it had to build on the principles of diversity, of inclusion
aware that diversity
and spiritual tolerance,” she says. One week after her return from Japan, she landed at Gustavus.
of thought,
•
culture, ethnicity, religion, and sexual
It was a bumpy reentry. “I came back to a place where people were talking about going
orientation are
world is only as big as Minnesota?” she says with a laugh. She gamely immersed herself
back to high school for Homecoming. I remember thinking, does everyone believe the
important if
in the college experience she’d signed up for, becoming a language tutor, a Lucia singer,
we are to make
and a teammate on the newly formed women’s soccer team even though she had never
this world a better place.”
played. In her coursework, “right away I had Japanese, Spanish, and world religions. I was studying new concepts, debating ideas in a safe environment.” She took on the role of helping others understand that Minnesota was only one place in a world of multitudes. In accepting that role, “I was challenged again to see things through another lens. I figured out how to fit in.” Of course, she got to Japan again—through Gustavus’s partnership with Kansai Gaidai University. Then, Madrid. Unlike Japan, “there are so many cultures there, so much
ethnic diversity because of the history of the country,” she says. “That opened my eyes to how everyone could live and work in integrated ways.” By graduation, she was fluent in Japanese and Spanish, and had spent more than two and a half years overseas.
• Stateside, the East Asian Studies and Spanish major found herself unemployed. A friend driving to Phoenix dropped Boda off in Colorado. In Winter Park, the self-described ski bum sold a lot of gear to Japanese and Latin American tourists. But she wanted to get back to Japan, and to travel. In Minneapolis, she filled out a job application at Northwest Airlines. Within a week, she was a Japanese interpreter at the airline lounge at Minneapolis-Saint Paul International Airport. Two NWA moves later, she was launched back to Japan, where she stayed for eight years. “That’s where I really saw the value in what I had learned at Gustavus,” she says. “I was working with people from many different cultures on a daily basis, learning how you can make better decisions if you have diverse people at the table.” Her liberal arts training was a huge advantage, she says. “Complete business majors were more apt to stay in their lane. I had no business degree. I barely got through calculus. What Gustavus and liberal arts gave me was the ability to open my mind to ideas and concepts, to explore opportunities I never thought possible.” Those opportunities grew to include stints as vice president of Northwest Airlines’ inflight services, customer service station operations, and the Memphis hub, as well as senior vice president of US Airways customer service, international, and cargo operations. When American Airlines and US Airways merged, Boda became senior vice president of Asia, Canada, and cargo. Always seeking ways to create an inclusive workspace, she also became executive co-sponsor of American Airlines’ PRIDE Employee Business Resource Group. She has also served as executive sponsor of AA’s Women’s Leadership Program. In May of 2017, she was named to her current position leading all things American Airlines in Los Angeles. AA is the largest carrier at LAX, with some 200 daily flights and 7,300 team member. “AA is commited to delivering excellent customer service to all customers and team members, and supporting the communities in which we live and work,” Boda says. As a gateway to Asia, Los Angeles is one of the fastest-growing travel markets in the world, requiring a deep understanding of myriad cultures and a sharp eye for conducting business with all of them. Speaking of opportunities she never thought possible: It’s a position that was created specifically for her. •
Boda, Suzanne F., LeCenter, MN; East Asian Studies, Spanish; Gustavian Weekly; Campus Activities Board; Homecoming Committee; Lucia Singers; Women’s Soccer; Academic Assistant
SPORTS
Not many college students worry about the prospect of being diagnosed with any form of cancer, but when that became a reality for Trina Rinke ’19, she took on the challenge with the same competitive mentality she uses on the soccer pitch. Insert: Trina’s roommates paid a visit during her rehabilitation.
GUSTAVUS QUARTERLY | WINTER 2018
THE BIGGEST COMEBACK
22
Last summer, Gustavus women’s soccer
be on the team and in the atmosphere
were throughout her treatment, but the
player Trina Rinke (Waconia) received
with all of my best friends.”
Gustavus community really awed her. “When
shocking news: She had ovarian cancer. Five
Those team members are the kind of
I see people who I don’t know at all walking
days after her diagnosis, surgeons removed
folks we’d be lucky to have as best friends.
around in Team Trina shirts it’s just wild. It
cancerous tumors. After receiving four
They came up with the Team Trina game,
goes to show how amazing Gustavus is.”
rounds of chemotherapy, she was cancer
played in 2017 and again this year, when
free in the fall of 2017.
the Gusties hosted Nebraska-Wesleyan
“You never want it to happen, but if it
This fall, Rinke ran back onto the field.
(Gusties won, 1-0). There was a voluntary
was going to happen to someone, Trina
It wasn’t easy, she says. “The first
donation to enter the game plus a silent
was the best one because of her person-
time I got back on a treadmill, I ran for
auction with all proceeds going to Rinke’s
ality and because of her strength. And I
two minutes before I started to lose my
charity of choice, First Descents. It pro-
have to give a shout-out to the Gustavus
legs, and then I remember getting to five
vides life-changing outdoor adventures
community. So many people would come
minutes, so the process was really slow.
for young adults impacted by cancer.
up and ask what they could do to support
But it was totally worth it. It didn’t matter if I played or if I didn’t, I just wanted to
Rinke acknowledges how supportive her family, friends, teammates, and boyfriend
Says head coach Laura Burnett-Kurie,
the team and that showed a lot about the community we have here.”
NEW TO THE ATHLETICS HALL OF FAME NINE GUSTIES WERE HONORED AT HOMECOMING, SEVEN WERE CLASS OF 2003.
is principal at Fairmont Junior/Senior High School, where he lives with his wife, Michelle (Welshons) ’03, and their four
Renee Beaudry ’03 was
Ryan Hoag ’03 ranks in
the face of Gustavus
the football program’s
women’s soccer at the
top-four in career
Jerry Washington ’03
turn of the century as a
receiving touchdowns,
is the most decorated
four-time All-Conference
yards, and receptions. As
sprinter in Gustavus
performer and two-time MIAC Player of
a sprinter on the track, Hoag garnered
history, having earned
the Year. She was twice named NSCAA
three All-America honors and still holds
All-America honors in the 100-meter
All-Central Region First Team and ranks
three school records. Since Gustavus,
three consecutive years. Washington
second in program history with 114
Hoag has been an NFL football player,
won seven MIAC championships and
career points. Today, she is a cardiac
a teaching artist, dean of students at
still holds six school records. Today, he
nurse at Fairview Southdale and lives in
Minneapolis Roosevelt High School, boys
owns General Fitness Company, lives in
Apple Valley with her husband, Chris,
head tennis coach at Minneapolis Wash-
Philadelphia, PA, and has a
and their two children.
burn High School, head tennis profession-
three-year-old son.
children.
al at Lafayette Country Club, and model Eric Butorac ’03 was
and actor. He lives in Minneapolis.
a five-time All-Ameri-
Kevin Whipple ’03 guided Gustie men’s ten-
can tennis player who
Luke Speltz ’03 is one
nis team to four straight
claimed the 2003 NCAA
of the greatest throwers
top-four finishes at the NCAA Champi-
singles and doubles championships.
in Gustavus history. He
onships during his career. Whipple was
After Gustavus, he played professional
was a six-time All-Amer-
a five-time All-American, won the 2003
tennis, winning 18 ATP tournament titles
ican and named NCAA Indoor Champi-
NCAA doubles championship, and fin-
in doubles. Today, he is Director of Pro
onships Field Athlete of the Year in 2003.
ished runner up twice in the NCAA sin-
Tennis Operations and Player Relations
Speltz won 14 MIAC championships be-
gles championship. Since 2009, he has
at the USTA and lives in Greenwich,
tween the shot put, weight throw, discus,
run PAES Tennis which includes many of
CT, with his wife, Maggie, and their two
and hammer, and still holds three school
the top junior players in the Twin Cities.
children.
records. Today, he is team Leader of Net-
He lives in the Twin Cities.
work Economics at WellMark Blue Cross Meghan Donley ’00
and Blue Shield in Des Moines, where he
Al Molde ’66 was the
earned three All-Amer-
lives with his wife, Tona (Schmidtke) ’04,
Athletic Director from
ica honors leading the
and their four children.
1997-2012. During his
women’s tennis team to three MIAC championships. She re-
Andy Traetow ’03
Department posted 14 top-25 finishes in
ceived All-Conference honors all three
earned All-America hon-
the NACDA Directors’ Cup, highlighted
years she was on the team, and finished
ors as a running back
by a sixth-place finish in 2002-03 and six
57-1 combined in MIAC singles and dou-
and return specialist
MIAC All-Sport titles. Molde oversaw the
bles. Today, she is the girls’ assistant
for the Gusties. He was also an exempla-
construction of the $4.6 million football
tennis coach at Duluth East High School
ry student, earning CoSIDA Academic
stadium in 2007, and he started women’s
and a tennis instructor at Duluth Indoor
All-America honors his senior season. He
hockey as a varsity program. Today, Al
Sports Center and Longview Tennis
was a three-time All-Conference per-
and his wife Ingrid (Wilson) ’68 travel the
Club. She and her husband, Ken, live in
former and ended his career with nearly
world from their lake home and spend
Duluth with their four children.
5,000 all-purpose yards. Today, Traetow
time with their eight grandchildren.
GUSTAVUS QUARTERLY | WINTER 2018
career, the Athletics
23
FINE ARTS
Bits and Bobs: An Evening of Short Stories, was one of nine shows featuring Gusties. It comes from writer/designer Kevin Bowen ’83.
GUSTAVUS QUARTERLY | WINTER 2018
FRINGE WORTHY
24
Astronauts, Christmas in August, and
town in rural Minnesota. Raghu, who
of Short Stories, is his seventh production
talking butter sculptures—Gusties
also comes from a small, rural Minnesota
in the Fringe Festival.
represented in the Minnesota Fringe
community, identified with the piece.
Festival this year in nine shows. The
“The goal of the producers was to
business double major who was too shy
Festival is the largest performing
spread awareness about diversity and
to audition for any theatre productions.
arts festival in the Midwest, filling
acceptance,” he says. “At Gustavus, our
But his Gustavus education prepared him
nearly 50,000 seats for 10 days in
theatre/dance mission is to promote
well to explore other creative mediums
August. Gusties had roles as writers,
justice, so being able to do that outside
and make the leap to performance-based
directors, actors, choreographers, dancers,
of Gustavus is what drew me to this
work later in life. “Throughout a liberal
and crew, and ranged from the Class of
particular show.”
arts education, the most important thing
1983 to current students and professors. Brandon Raghu ’19 performed in
As a writer, Kevin Bowen ’83 says
At Gustavus, Bowen was an art and
you learn is that your whole life is a
that the Fringe Festival experience is
learning process. It’s not like at any point
his first Fringe Festival as part of the
important because it lowers the risk in
in your life you have all the experience
cast of Saree-ously Speaking? Uff-Da!
putting together a production in terms of
you need to know to be ‘done.’” That’s
The comedy features a wealthy family
cost and overhead. A graphic designer by
a very Gustie spirit, and a very Fringe
of Indian descent that moves to a small
day, his piece, Bits and Bobs: An Evening
Festival spirit too.
Upcoming: Music
Upcoming: Theatre/Dance
the Burchfield Penney Art Center in
NOVEMBER 30–DECEMBER 2
DECEMBER 7–9
Buffalo, New York, is the first stop on a
Christmas in Christ Chapel 2018:
Shared Space: Molding Integrity,
nationwide tour and features more than
Visions of Divine Mystery,
Theatre Gallery, and Buried Child,
50 works by Burchfield focused on the
Christ Chapel This year’s program weaves
Kresge Dance Studio and Black Box Theatre A weekend festival of intimate
skies and stars. The Museum received a $12,000 grant from the Carl and Verna Schmidt Foundation and a $1,000
a compelling
shows featuring the work of
grant from the Saint Peter Chamber of
tapestry of music,
several theatre/dance students.
Commerce in support of the exhibit.
dance, spoken word, and visual art to proclaim the great wonder and
Each show is performed three to four times at rotating intervals to allow multiple audiences to see all three productions.
Tours JANUARY 24–FEBRUARY 8, Gustavus Choir “Music Capitals
timeless relevance of the
of Europe” Tour
incarnation as revealed to us through
The Gustavus Choir travels to Vienna,
angels and prophets. Tickets are selling
Prague, Berlin, and Stockholm, with
fast, but you can also watch this year’s
stops in Bratislava, Dresden, Leipzig,
program via livestream, and on PBS
and Wittenberg. Repertoire includes
stations throughout the U.S. Will it be in
pieces for choir and organ, with cantor
your market? Find out at gustavus.edu/
Chad Winterfeldt accompanying the
events/ccc/PBS.
ensemble. Of the 50 alumni companions on the tour, 35 will perform alongside
DECEMBER 4
the Gustavus Choir for part of the
Winds of Christmas, 10 a.m.,
program. This is Dr. Greg Aune’s final
Christ Chapel
tour with the choir. He holds the
The Gustavus Wind Orchestra and
distinction of the Jon and Anita
Gustavus Wind Symphony, conducted
Thomsen Young Distinguished Endowed
by James Patrick Miller and Heidi
Chair, and retires at the end of the year.
Johanna Miller, ring in the holiday season. This chapel service is a favorite—
FEBRUARY 1–9
it includes Christmas carols and
Gustavus Symphony Orchestra and Charles E. Burchfield (1893-1967), Song of the Tree Cricket, 1959-1960, watercolor, gouache, white chalk and black charcoal on wove paper, 44 x 27 inches, Burchfield Penney Art Center, purchase and partial gift from anonymous donors and Albert M. and Raquel R. Wasserman, 2003
Upcoming: Art/Art History
Gustavus Jazz Ensemble Colorado Tour The two ensembles will tour to Denver, Colo., passing through South Dakota en route and returning through Nebraska and Iowa. They will work with school music programs along the way and perform in churches. Repertoire includes pieces
THROUGH FEB. 1
where the ensembles combine to form
Charles E. Burchfield: Oh My Heavens
a studio orchestra—a unique musical
The Hillstrom Museum of Art
experience.
Twentieth-century American master
Dust off your holiday finery for the Winds of Christmas concert.
painter Burchfield is best known for
For more information on tours and
his individualistic, ecstatic landscape
other performances, visit gustavus.
watercolors. This exhibit, organized by
edu/finearts.
GUSTAVUS QUARTERLY | WINTER 2018
(sometimes wacky) holiday attire.
25
Gratitude
Sid Selvaraj ’08
THE GIFTS THAT CONNECT US
connects his gifts to the world. “Less than 10 percent of the world’s
We asked donors to the Gustavus Fund to
Coleden Wedge ’20
population has a college
tell us what they’re thinking about when
connects his gift to
degree. What is our
they give. How do their gifts connect to
the next generation
responsibility to ensure
their experiences and to others?
of students. “I give
that we can give it to as
to help benefit future
many people as possible?”
generations of Gusties.”
Mike Bussey ’69 and Marcia Bomgren Bussey ’71 connect their gifts to other alums. “We all carry with us Gustavus memories and gratitude that needs to be activated.”
Adwoa Afreh ’14 connects her gifts to the Financial Aid Office. “I am grateful for [associate dean of financial aid] Kirk Carlson ’95 every day.’”
Your gifts to Gustavus are
GUSTAVUS QUARTERLY | WINTER 2018
an act of gratitude and
26
Grady St. Dennis ’92
connection to the past,
Erwin and Janette
connects his gifts to his
and an act of confidence in
Diane Hammargren
Concepción connect
mentors. “I wouldn’t be
the College and students
Anderson ’63 and Alissa
their gifts to parents
who I am without those
of today. How can you
Fahrenz ’13 connect
like themselves. Says
Gusties.”
honor your connection
their gifts to history.
Janette, “what
to Gustavus with a gift?
Says Hammargren
you see at Gustavus is
For one, you can send in
Anderson, “It still feels
real.”
the Gustie Gold envelope
like the same Gustavus
(found in this magazine).
through multiple
For many more ways, visit
generations.”
gustavus.edu/give.
Heritage
IN 1969, THREE YEARS BEFORE TITLE IX BECAME FEDERAL LAW, women’s volleyball became a Gustavus varsity sport.
2017
During the next 49 years, the program compiled an all-time record of 915-650-11, including five MIAC league championships, eight NCAA Division III Tournament bids, and two trips to the national quarterfinals. The very early days of Gustavus women’s volleyball reflected the early days of women’s varsity collegiate sports in general. For instance, in 1975, players paid their own expenses to the national tournament, traveling by station wagon, sleeping on Coach Rachelle Sherden
1975
church basement floors, and cooking their own meals. The volleyball uniforms were also worn by the basketball and softball teams. The athletic training room was in the middle of the men’s locker room. We’ve seen such progress the past five decades. Happy 50th birthday, Gustavus women’s volleyball. Here’s to many more.
Coach Kari Eckheart
1985
1969 GUSTAVUS QUARTERLY | WINTER 2018
2008
Coach Gretchen Koehler
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2018–19 ALUMNI ASSOCIATION BOARD OF DIRECTORS
G USTIES
Kara Buckner ’97, (president), marketing consultant Michael Bussey ’69 (vice president), senior consultant, Donor by Design Group, LLC
28,000 Strong Greetings from the Gustavus Alumni Association Board of Directors, The Gustavus Alumni Association is a diverse and talented group of 28,000 Gusties. We reside in all 50 states and 58 different countries. Our members include Emmy, Grammy, and Pulitzer Prize winners. We’ve served as CEOs and state governors, played in Wimbledon and the NFL, and led research on electroluminescent, polycrystalline cadmium selenide nanowire arrays (but please don’t ask the rest of us what that means). Together, we can be a force for good—for the College, for each other, and for the world. But we’ve come to realize that many Gusties don’t know the Gustavus Alumni Association exists, or that they’re members of it, and most importantly, why it matters. We’re working to change that. Here’s how... CLARIFYING MEMBERSHIP There is no cost or application process to be part of the Gustavus Alumni Association. Membership is granted automatically to all graduates, any student who completed at least one semester, and recipients of honorary degrees. DEFINING A VISION In 2016, the College adopted a 10-year vision: the Gustavus Acts Strategic Plan. We believe there’s an opportunity to do the same for the Alumni Association. Based on your feedback from the
Kara Buckner ’97, President, Alumni Association Board of Directors
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Alumni Association
J.C. Anderson ’82, partner/attorney, Gray Plant Mooty
Alumni Survey, we’ll begin shaping this vision in the coming months and thinking about what we can become, as well as how we can harness the power of our 28,000 members. Stay tuned. HOSTING A TOWN HALL CALL: FEBRUARY 21, 2019, 7–8 p.m. We’re exploring new ways to listen and communicate with you, including through an annual Town Hall Conference Call. We’re delighted to have President Bergman slated as our special guest. GUSTIE GEAR DAY Beginning in 2019, the Alumni Board has declared the 3rd day of every month as Gustie Gear Day. Wear your Gustie gear, like hats, sweatshirts, jackets, and G rings. Share your photos and stories using #gustiegearday. Good things are happening in the Gustavus Alumni Association, and we hope you’ll join in. With 28,000 Gusties working together, there’s no limit to what we can achieve.
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 Theresa Gienapp ’97, director of planned giving, Macalester College Antonio Gomez ’14, senior analyst, UnitedHealth Group Cathy Villars Harms ’85, vice president of marketing, Tecmark LLC Erik Hendrikson ’94, president, Tradition Mortgage, LLC Stephanie Kendall ’76, executive consultant, Smarter Workforce, IBM Corporation Peter Kitundu ’92, general counsel, Blue Cross Blue Shield Todd Krough ’85, vice president/financial advisor, Bernstein Private Wealth Management Damon Larson ’84, librarian/research coach, Chaparral High School Bill Laumann ’66, retired school teacher/ librarian, Albert Lea ISD 241 Ginny Kirkegaard Leppart ’76, teacher, retired Dan Michel ’90, digital content manager, Feeding America Jason Mischel ’96, vice president of sales and marketing, Valley Queen Cheese Kay Rethwill Moline ’56, (emeritus member), retired Gustavus nursing faculty Esther Mulder ’08, public defender, Hennepin County
Stay Connected Facebook: /gustavusalumni Twitter: @gustiealum #gogusties #whygustavus
Angela Erickson ’01, Director, Office of Alumni and Parent Engagement
Karl Self ’81, clinical associate professor/ director of division of dental therapy, University of Minnesota school of Dentistry Daniel Sellers ’06, executive director, EdAllies Vidya Sivan ’02, print and online communications specialist, Harvard Kennedy School Marcia Stephens ’73, financial advisor, retired 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
GUSTIES
MY GUSTAVUS Rev. Dr. Jerome King Del Pino ’68 ENGLISH, LITERATURE, AND HISTORY
For me, Gustavus was a time of coming to terms with how learning is a serious enterprise. It’s not something that should be pursued frivolously—notwithstanding frat parties, beer busts, and the like. I learned this through the faculty that was present at the time, along with an administration that endeavored to not make cause célèbre of being a churchrelated school, where faith was integral to one’s formation without being suffocating. I was eager, after four grueling years, to continue that learning. I journeyed to Boston with my new bride (Kathleen Joy Peterson Del Pino ’68) and made a life of—seemingly—becoming a professional student. I entered the masters of theology program at the Boston University School of Theology. It would qualify someone to pastor a local church. It was also the only theology school in the country that afforded study at other locally based seminaries affiliated with the Boston Theological Institute. I received my PhD from Boston University in church history with specialization in the Protestant Reformation. I am strongly persuaded that there are fundamentally two things that one carries away from a liberal arts education. There is the ability to write. But I would submit that preceding the ability to write is the awareness of the connection between thought and word. Without that understanding, I don’t think it is possible to have a lifelong trajectory of communication as a basis for influencing individuals and institutions. At Gustavus I was able to see, at least in embryo, what it is like to have the power of word and thought brought to bear on changing not only individuals (or providing context for them to make change) but also participating in the inner workings of an institution with the confidence that one can bring a vision that will help it foment change. Today, I am pastor emeritus within the New England Conference of the United Methodist Church. This does not mean that I’m footloose and fancy free. The bishop can call me back at any time, though I am getting further out to pasture, and therefore he or she will have to really want me and, dare I say, shout pretty loud to get my attention.
At the Great Gustie Gathering Rev. Dr. Del Pino received the 50 Year Anniversary Award. Last summer he presided over the worship and remembrance service during Reunion Weekend. Save the date for Reunion Weekend 2019: June 7–9. We welcome classes ending in “4” and “9”. Visit gustavus. edu/alumni/gather for more.
GUSTIES
WELCOME BACK, GUSTIE FAMILIES! The legacy continued for 70 families with parents or grandparents who studied on the hill. Here are just some of those who came back to campus to usher forward their newest Gustie.
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Dick Bublitz, Woodland Hills, CA, continues in business with his eldest son, Rick, who is the technician for Fibrenew-WeFixLeather. For the past seven years Dick also served on the board of directors for West Valley Warner Center Chamber of Commerce and was named Director of the Year in 2018.
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Richard S. Lippert, San Clemente, CA, published the book One Niner, based on his service as a chaplain attached to the Marines in Vietnam. Lippert saw some of the fiercest fighting of the war. Carolyn Wedin, Frederic, WI, has published two books on Amazon's Create Space. Land of Suspended Sun is on travel and teaching in Scandinavia; Teacher: Step Outside is a life memoir about being a teacher and parent.
GUSTAVUS QUARTERLY | WINTER 2018
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Darlene Youngquist Kress, Joliet, IL, a member of the Oak Lawn senior women’s amateur tennis team, competed and won the United States Tennis Association’s League 65 & Over national championship in Surprise, AZ.
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John Floreen, Denville, NJ, retired from Rutgers University in 2015. Before retiring he went twice to China to establish a Western-style choral program, and was named an honorary professor of the Sichuan Conservatory of Music.
Arlyn Tolzmann, Elgin, IL, just published Whimsically Biblically, a continuation of his earlier work, Whimsical Biblical. The cover art is by Nathan Tolzmann ’92. Jeanne Mingus Tolzmann ’67 served as editor. Proceeds from book sales are used to support youth ministry.
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Laurel E. Beedon, Arlington, VA, retired at the end of June and is a volunteer working with low-income women for a small non-profit called WISER (Women’s Institute for a Secure Retirement) in Washington, DC. Barbara Rinehart Cameron, Chanhassen, a retired principal of Chaska High School, is now a snowbird and volunteers with her husband in program development for state and national parks in California, New Mexico, Mississippi, and Texas. She also accompanies her therapy dog, Nata Lux, as the Golden Retriever brings comfort and joy to many. Julena M. Lind, Santa Monica, CA, retired after working 31 years as the associate dean of the graduate school at the University of Southern California (USC). Lars Lagerman, Phoenix, AZ, continues in his law practice. Wally Obinger, Hastings, is a pastor at St. Paul Area Synod– ELCA in St. Paul. He last served as pastor at Luther Memorial in South St. Paul.
Deborah Jean Templin, New York, NY, performed at the Penguin Repertory Theatre in August and September for their production of Souvenir, where she played the part of Florence Foster Jenkins.
Scouts Mexico, and the Boy Scouts of America. Professionally, she continues to support combat casualty care research and performance improvement for the United States Armed Forces.
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James Reinholdz, Minnetrista, retired from his position as chief financial officer with the Minnesota House of Representatives in the spring of 2018.
Brent E. Larson, Roseville, is the 2017-18 presidentelect of the American Association of Orthodontists. He is a professor and director of the Division of Orthodontics at the University of Minnesota School of Dentistry and a practicing orthodontist.
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Renee Rule Greer, San Antonio, TX, was selected to serve as the chief nursing officer of the 2019 World Scout Jamboree to be hosted by Scouts Canada,
Deb Ritz Manley, Hugo, is the owner/operator of Decorating Wizards, an interior design studio, and Manley Ministries. Tony Randgaard, Minneapolis, published the book Unpremeditated–A Murderous Caribbean Travelogue. He retired from marketing for United Airlines four years ago and now has an active writing career.
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Brenda Boughey DeHaan, Wagner, SD, has published two books recently: The Craft Fair Vendor Guidebook: Ideas to Inspire and Crafty Decluttering. The books are available in paperback or as e-books.
Mark E. Erson, New York, NY, a pastor of St. John’s Lutheran Church in New York, was awarded a 2018 Carlo Annoni Prize in playwriting for his play, Marc in Venice. This contest was hosted by a group in Milan, Italy, to promote LGBTQ-themed plays in the name of celebrated actor and activist Carlo Annoni.
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Brenda Wilcox Abraham, Roseville, is a family medicine and sports medicine physician at Health Partners, Como Clinic. Reginald Penner, Newport Beach, CA, was recently promoted to Distinguished Professor of Chemistry at University of California, Irvine. Beth Swanson Pursley, Minnetonka, is a president at On-Target Public Relations and Supernova LLC. She also fixes and flips houses.
Jamesetta Alexander Newland ’72, White Plains, NY, was inducted as a Fellow of the American Academy of Nursing. Fellows are nursing’s most accomplished leaders in education management, practice, and research. Newland is a clinical professor at New York University Rory Meyers College of Nursing and a nurse practitioner at a NYU Langone Health Clinic. She is a Fulbright Specialist recently returned to Lithuania to help continue to develop an advanced nursing practice program there.
Lois Langer Thompson, Minneapolis, former Hennepin County Library Director, is now the Executive Director of Sno-Isle Libraries in Washington State.
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Peter D. Ford, Arlington, VA, retired after almost 33 years in State Department Diplomatic Security. His last posting was in Caracas, Venezuela.
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Barry O’Neil, Rosemount, was elected to a second two-year term on the board of the law firm Lommen Abdo. He represents professionals in malpractice claims with an emphasis in legal malpractice, plus complex commercial disputes, employmentrelated issues, and insurance claims.
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Joy Zielske McElroy, St. Paul, is director of the Cherish All Children program for Lutheran Social Services.
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Kelly Morrell, Willmar, was the official fishing guide for Governor Mark Dayton during 2018’s fishing opener. He also hosted Majority Leader Paul Gazelka, Speaker of the House Kurt Daudt, and Minority Leader Melissa Hortmann. In May, he competed in the Mr.
Petersen Wagner: Josh ’20, Jessica ’22, Jordan; Back: Mark ’89, Anita, Elroy x'53 and Julie ’89
Natural Minnesota Body Building Competition, winning the Masters class, the Novice class, and placing 4th in the 40-and-over North American Pro Qualifier. Kelly Christensen Putney, Minneapolis, is chief operating officer and co-chair of Bassford Remele Professional Liability Practice Group. She is a liability litigator, navigating and preventing malpractice actions. She is also a Fellow in the Litigation Counsel of America and serves as a Hennepin County Conciliation Court Judge.
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Gordon Reid, Eden Prairie, is the national tennis manager at Life Time Fitness.
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Nathan Tolzmann, Chicago, IL, created a daily comic series about his and Matt Bergstrom’s ’91, bike trip from San Francisco to Chicago in 1998. You can find it at nathantolzmann.com/ hotdogdiary.
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Erin L. Azer, Roseville, is a second-term school board member for the Roseville Area Schools and a member of the Minnesota State Board of Teaching.
Dammeyer Sweeney: Matthew ’99, Toby, Henry ’22, Ella, and Danelle
Sisters Michaela Zachman ’19 and Alexandra Zachman ’22
RAN INTO A GUSTIE— —AT A SUMMER MUSIC CAMP. Lots of Gusties ran into each other while working at Lutheran Summer Music Camp, including (l to r): Gustavus choir director Brandon Dean, Michael McKenzie ’19, Katie Peroutka ’18, Rev. Craig Mueller ’82, and Brian Johnson ’80.
—IN A CHURCH IN CEDAR RAPIDS, IA. Ken Kirby ’45 was wearing his truly vintage choir letter sweater at a performance of the Gustavus Quartet at First Lutheran Church in Cedar Rapids. Pictured with Ken is Gustavus choir director Greg Aune and Kristen Richardson Wilcox ’96.
—HELPING OUT AT A SCHOOL PICNIC. While serving food for a sports booster picnic in Nicollet, four volunteers realized they were all Gusties. L to r: Nate Friedley ’15 (volunteer), Carlie Hedlund ’15 (Reading Corps Tutor), Karen Holt ’16 (2nd grade teacher), and McKenna Jones ’15 (3rd grade teacher).
GUSTAVUS QUARTERLY | WINTER 2018
Rieke Gust: Tim ’91, Anika ’22, and Karis ’90
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GUSTIES
Peterson Hammer: Paul ’65, Carolyn, Leif ’22, Kristine ’95, and Lars ’95
Charlotte Nichols Gunnufson, Cedar Rapids, IA, has authored a second picture book, Prince and Pirate, published in 2017 by Penguin. She is a frequent speaker at schools, libraries, and conferences.
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Kris and Kristina Hultgren Fredrick, along with their family, have moved to Stockholm, Sweden, where Kris has taken a position as a contract attorney with the KTH Royal Institute of Technology in Stockholm.
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Christy Anderson, Claremont, CA, is a director at Claremont Canopy, an organization that supports refugee resettlement in southern California. She was recently named one of the California 41st Assembly District Women of Distinction. Last year, she led a dedicated team of translators and a dozen or so volunteers to enable nine families to resettle in Claremont.
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ERRATUM On page 39 of our Fall issue, the photo of those celebrating their 25th anniversary (Class of 1993) was misprinted as the Class of 2003. Here is the true Class of 1993.
Anderson Swanson: Mark ’92, Kjerstin ’22, and Marcia ’91
Bryan R. Cox, Dover, DE, is instructor of chemistry for Delaware Technical and Community College. Molly Milinkovich, Excelsior, is owner and leadership coach of Moment Leadership Coaching.
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Jennifer McNamara Byrnes, Victoria, a business relationship coach, has authored a book, We’re All Nuts. It describes five simple skills to crack the nut on relationships. Michelle Beissel Heath, Kearney, NE, is an associate professor of English at the University of Nebraska, Kearney, and recently published her first book, Nineteenth Century Fictions of Childhood and the Politics of Play. Marshall Lichty, Minneapolis, is editor of Lawyerist.com, a tribe of small-firm lawyers building sustainable law practices focused on client-centric services, future-oriented technology, profitoriented business models, and access to justice. He is also chief
Nelson: Bruce, Donna, Tim ’89, Emma ’22, and Erika
growth officer and general counsel at groundsource.co, a tech startup delivering its mobile-messaging platform to brands. Debbie Dahl Otto, Maple Grove, completed her masters in strategic leadership at Bethel University in July 2018.
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Anna-Marie Bergstrom Rieffer, Eagan, is the clinic supervisor for the Lions Children’s Eye and ENT Clinics for the University of Minnesota Physicians in Minneapolis.
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Angela Follett, Plymouth, has been named a recipient of the Profiles in Diversity Journal’s 2018 Women Worth Watching award, singled out for “leading the way to excellence in the workplace, marketplace, and the world” and for helping develop the next generation of women leaders. She is a principal with Fish & Richardson. She also does
pro bono work with Immigration Equality and is a member of the Board of Directors of Qué Tal, a non-profit Spanish language program.
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LisaBeth Barajas, Minneapolis, was named new director of community development for the Metropolitan Council. Barajas has been with the council for more than 10 years and has experience in land planning for urban, suburban, and rural communities. Laura Beres Bristle, Montevideo, obtained a graduate certificate and Minnesota licensure in school counseling from Minnesota State Moorhead and accepted the position of high school counselor at MACCRAY High School in Clara City. Karen Ostergaard Schaar, Rochester, is majority owner of Roca Climbing and Fitness, a state-of-the-art fitness facility with a world class 40-foot tall indoor rock climbing wall and a broad range of classes. It was given the federal 2018 Minnesota Women Owned Small Business of the Year Award by the Small Business Administration, Minnesota District Office.
Kodet Dalluge: Sarah ’91, Samantha ’22, and Joseph ’91
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Andy Meyer, New Berlin, WI, was promoted to associate professor of economics at Marquette University in Milwaukee, WI. Kristen O’Connell, Eagan, was promoted to education director at Minnesota Correctional Facility, Stillwater. Josh Omang, Detroit Lakes, is a teacher and head football coach for Detroit Lakes School District.
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Emily Kofoed Brisse, Excelsior, was a 2018 recipient of a Minnesota Arts Board Artist Initiative Grant. She recently had a long form essay published by Creative Nonfiction’s True Story as its own chapbook; the subject was the abduction of Jacob Wetterling. Emily is also an English teacher for the Watertown-Mayer school district. Chris Renne, Mankato, is the operations manager for surgical specialties department for six Mayo Clinic Health System hospitals in southern and central Minnesota.
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Erin R. Gebhart, Burtonsville, MD, is working on a master of science in cybersecurity management and policy at the University of Maryland. Janie Hanson, Mankato, is co-founder of Connect the Grey, which recently launched
Payne Paulson: Charles, Matt ’22, and Beth ’86
the Rural Renaissance Project (RRP), a new, Minnesota-based non-profit to spark cultural, educational, and economic development through creative and entrepreneurial investment in rural communities. The pilot site is in Blue Earth. Andy Madson, Rochester, is a private practice maxillofacial surgeon.
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Jon Hagedorn, Houston, TX, completed an anesthesiology residency at Baylor College of Medicine in Houston. He then transitioned to a fellowship in chronic pain medicine at Mayo Clinic, Rochester.
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Gregg A. Fuerstenberg, Plymouth, is vice president of business and economic incentives at the Minneapolis office of JLL and has been named a Rising Young Professional by Finance & Commerce magazine.
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Rachael Chaska, Shakopee, started medical school at the University of South Florida, Morsani College of Medicine in the SELECT leadership development program. Lisa Johnson Sansgaard, Bloomington, is a neurology clinical education specialist for University
Kratz: Emily ’22 and Michael ’92
of Minnesota Medical Center, Fairview Southdale Hospital, and St. Joseph’s Hospital.
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Christine Dornbusch, Waverly, IA, is the senior recruiting solutions specialist for Ameriprise Financial. Mandy Patel, De Forest, WI, was promoted to customer experience manager at Propeller Health in Madison, WI. Matt Pennington, St. Paul, is a consultant for Accenture. Veronica G. Taylor, Ann Arbor, MI, is an American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) fellow at the National Institute for Justice.
Fredrick Hultgren: Owen ’22, Kristina ’96, and Espen ’21
RAN INTO A GUSTIE— —AT THE SWEDISH EMBASSY IN WASHINGTON DC. In September, Dan Murray ’86 attended his 7th Kraftskiva (or “Crayfish Party”) at the Swedish embassy in DC, which celebrates the late summer harvesting of crayfish in Scandinavian countries. Recognizing that the Swedish Ambassador, Karin Olofsdotter, would be visiting Gustavus within weeks (on September 17), he presented her with a Gustavus pullover in case the weather called for it. (As the old Scandinavian saying goes, “There is no bad weather, only bad clothes.”)
—AT THE MINNESOTA STATE CAPITOL. During the Day at the Capitol event last March,
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Tom Oelfke, Savage, is an associate veterinarian with Scott Lake Veterinary Center in Prior Lake. Marc A. Polacco, Lebanon, NH, will be completing a five-year residency in otolaryngologyhead and neck surgery at Dartmouth next summer and will begin a fellowship in facial plastic surgery at the University of California, San Francisco.
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John Rasmussen, Minneapolis, received a full tuition scholarship and is
Swanson Anderson: Kari ’92, Monica ’18, Cole ’22, Linnea ’20, and Scott ’89
approximately 80 Gustie alumni and students gathered to discuss political topics with state representatives. Pictured here with Gustavus President Rebecca Bergman are four Gusties who are also current Minnesota state representatives. L to r: Paul Torkelson ’74, Nels Pierson ’95, Roz Johnson Peterson ’87, President Bergman, and Mike Goggin ’85.
—IN THE MIDDLE OF A DESERT. While hiking in a remote area of Arizona, three members of the Class of ’74 happened upon each other. What are the odds? L to r: Kevin Maehling, Jeff Pinkham, and Rita Ferguson Maehling.
GUSTAVUS QUARTERLY | WINTER 2018
Neuman: Rebecca, Peter ’22, and Bob ’80
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GUSTIES
Brown Weber: Eric ’95, Jennifer ’93, Ryan ’22, and Tyler
Sommerness: Ann ’92, Julia ’22, Michelle ’19, and Daniel Simms
a first-year law student at the University of St. Thomas School of Law. Jill M. Scheel, Rochester, obtained her PharmD in 2016 from the University of Minnesota, and after two years of pharmacy residency is now an inpatient hematology/oncology clinical pharmacist at Mayo Clinic.
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Serena Elthon Oelfke, Savage, works for Roomlt by CWT as an associate project manager.
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Laura Goebel, Shoreview, is a RN at Fairview Southdale Hospital in Edina and is a graduate student at Saint Catherine University, studying for a doctorate in nursing practice. Nathan Olson, White Bear Lake, is CEO/Owner of K & N Labs in Fridley.
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Rebecca E. Hare, Bloomington, is a law student at the University of Minnesota Law School. Leif Runia-Bade, Albert Lea, graduated in May with a pharmacy degree from Creighton University
Dalin-Aaby: Sandra ’90, Alexis ’22, and John ’59
School of Pharmacy and Health Professions. He is employed as a staff pharmacist at River’s Edge Hospital and Clinic in Saint Peter. Kayla C. Warner, New Prague, works for the University of Minnesota Physicians’ Smiley’s Family Medicine Clinic and recently was awarded The Rising Star Award by Minneapolis St. Paul Magazine, given to a nurse with less than five years since board certification.
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Tana K. Larsen, Rice, is a national project manager at Network Design Incorporated in
Zenk: Cameron ’94, Allison ’22, and Amy ’94
Plymouth. Daniel Ly, Bloomington, is a medical student at the University of Minnesota Medical School. Christina Paulsen, Eden Prairie, is pursuing a degree in marriage and family therapy at Wheaton College in Wheaton, IL. Nate Paulsen, Eden Prairie, will be starting an MBA program at University of Chicago, Booth School of Business. Jennessa Runia-Bade, Albert Lea, graduated in May 2018 with a masters in teaching from the University of Southern California Rossier School of Education and is a high school science teacher at Albert Lea High School.
GUSTAVUS QUARTERLY | WINTER 2018
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Rojonaina Andriamihaja, Minneapolis, is a communications and volunteer programs coordinator for Tubman. Morgan R. Timm, West Peoria, IL, received a full tuition scholarship to medical school at Washington University in St. Louis, MO.
Eight Gustavus alumni represented the USA Women’s National Bandy Team at the Bandy World Championships this past January in Chengde, China. Back, l to r: coach Chris Middlebrook ’79,
Meagan Wanecke ’13, Kelsey Kennedy ’13, Maddie Bergh ‘14, Jenna Christensen ’13. Front, l to r: Tam Meuwissen ’13, Marah Sobczak ’14, Mollie Carroll ’12.
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Marilin Benn, Clearwater, is a first-grade teacher at Roosevelt Elementary in the Willmar Public School District. Jordan Lovestrand, Bloomington, is employed as a dance performer with Ate9 in
Karp: Kathleen ’89, Jared Czech ’22, and Paul Czech
Minneapolis, performing nationally and internationally. Devan Mellgren, Columbia Heights, departed for Peace Corps service in Namibia. Kyle Sassenberg, Winthrop, a tax associate at Olsen Thielen CPAs and Consultants, won the 2017 Elijah Watt Sells Award, which honors top performers on the CPA exam. Out of nearly 100,000 testtakers in 2017, Kyle was one of only 58 to receive the award. Emily Syverud, St. Paul, received a full tuition scholarship to the University of Minnesota Medical School.
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Mae Grigsby, Colorado Springs, CO, is a fourth grade teacher at Fountain Fort Carson School District, in Fountain, CO. Clay Sletta, New Ulm, is performing one of the leads in The Korean Drama Addict’s Guide to Losing Your Virginity at Theater Mu at Park Square Theatre in St. Paul. Theater Mu is dedicated to presenting the Asian American experience onstage.
WEDDINGS Caroline Anderson ’80 and John Foley, 06/30/18, Evanston, IL Lisa McCally ’80 and Laura Sprague, 10/28/17, Windsor, CA Lynn Currie ’91 and Tracy Hamm
Lange Nyholm: Steve ’92, Axel ’22, and Ingrid ’91
Nietz Magnuson Damson: Anna’22, Dane, Bretta ’92, Stefan, Dan, Hans, Maren
Warnecke, 06/23/18, Madison, WI Bretta Magnuson ’92 and Dan Nietz, 06/15/18, Zumbrota Sarah Volz ’04 and Samuel Claussen, 05/26/18, Santa Clarita, CA Laurie Decknatel ’05 and Tyler Leonard, 08/11/18, Bloomington Rebecca Carlson ’09 and Colton Borg, 05/05/18, St. Paul Sonja Andersen ’09 and Brett Bossmann, 10/07/17, Fridley Kira Bellolio-Murillo ’09 and Wayne Twymon, 05/27/18,
Philadelphia, PA Laura Baden ’11 and Alexander Birgetta Martin ’12 and Jacob Faugstad, 05/28/17, Climax Eric Kunkel ’12 and Hilary Bauer ’12, 04/21/18, Minneapolis Kendra Braegelmann ‘13 and Jordan Lund ‘13, 06/16/18 Minnetonka Kirstin Erickson ’13 and Tom Huepenbecker ’15, 08/11/18 St. Augusta Sarah Stanek ’14 and Lee
Weber Trebil: Joey, Hayley ’22, Gregory ’93, and Stefanie ’92
Bystrom ’14, 04/07/17, Saint Louis Park Darcy Coulter ’14 and Dustin Clark, 03/17/18, Minneapolis Hailey Donae Moen ’15 and Dylan Fenton, 09/30/17, Coon Rapids Kaitlin Kwasniewski ’16 and Derek Biteler, 07/08/17, Pierre, SD Samuel Francis ’16 and Maisong Lee ’16, 07/07/18, Plymouth Whitney Willaert ’16 and David Krebs ’14, 06/09/18, Saint Peter
Caitlin Clause ’18 and Tyler Substad, 07/14/18, Mankato
BIRTHS Erica, to Brian Hane ’94 and Stephanie Hane, 01/29/18 Beatrice, to Jill Buhse Anderson ’97 and Todd R. Anderson, 02/09/18 Auna, to Brita Johnson Schemmel ’99 and Shawn Schemmel, 11/22/17 Emilie, to Craig Pladson ’00 and Kristin Ronneberg Pladson
Carol Wood Baeser ’64 and Ben Cleary ’22, Beth Cleary, and Brynn
’99, 10/11/17 Lyla, to Leslie Newman ’01 and Aaron Smith, 12/11/17 Ozwald, to Michael Hom ’02 and Quyen Hom, 06/07/18 Syva to Rena Hartman Rothauge ’02 and Brandon Rothauge, 06/18/18 Twins, Claire and Margaret, to Laura Owen Wilsey ’02 and Robert Wilsey, 7/1/18 Myles, to Sarah Keiser Teich ’03 and Robert Teich, 05/01/18
2018 SERVICE AWARD RECIPIENTS 25 YEARS OF SERVICE Diane Christensen, acquisitions and cataloging, Library Paul Saulnier, professor, Physics Terena Wilkens, continuing lab instructor, Theatre & Dance
30 YEARS OF SERVICE Laurent Dechery, professor, Modern Languages, Literatures, and Culture, and Philosophy Lisa Heldke ’82, professor, Philosophy (see page 15 ) Colleen Jacks ’79, professor, Biology Daniel Mollner, assistant professor, Library Tami Linton Aune ’82, interim chief technology officer, Michele Rusinko, professor, Theatre & Dance
35 YEARS OF SERVICE Lawrence Wohl, professor, Economics (not pictured)
RETIREES Patricia Branstad, instructor, German (not pictured) Laurie Dietrich ’80, planned gift marketer and administrator Lynne Johnson, director of prospect research (not pictured). Retiree professors Florence Amamoto, Patrick Giesler, and Kate Wittenstein were honored in our Summer issue; Joyce Sutphen in our Winter 2017–18 issue.
GUSTAVUS QUARTERLY | WINTER 2018
Gustavus Technology Services
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GUSTIES
Welbaum Iverson: Katie ’90, Annika ’22, and Ingrid ’20
Estep Geissler: Lily, Abigail ’22, and Kristen ’89
Katherine, to Alison Dunn Hach ’04 and Robert Hach Jr., 06/12/18 Benjamin, to Rebekah Towner Hodder ’04 and Andrew Hodder, 06/06/18 Polly, to Megan Hoyer Bergman ’06 and Christopher M. Bergman ’05, 06/11/18 Lillian, to Logan Martin ’06 and Ashley Riles Martin ’07, 01/14/18 Nola, to Jacqueline Kovarik ’07 and David Longsdorf, 07/02/18 Dahlia, to Kristin Skoglund ’07 and Lorin Skoglund ’08, 03/25/18 Peyton, to Stephanie Buresh Heitz ’08 and Michael Heitz, 03/28/18 James, to Lisa Johnson Sansgaard ’08 and Jeffrey Sansgaard, 05/15/18 Silas, to Mandy Patel ’09 and Vikash Patel, 05/27/18 Graham, to Trevor Stromme ’15 and Abigail Tobiason Stromme ’16, 07/01/18
GUSTAVUS QUARTERLY | WINTER 2018
IN MEMORIAM
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Sarah Gruss ’43, Bettendorf, IA, on 5/19/18. Having obtained her graduate degree in physical therapy during World War II, she served as a second lieutenant for the U. S. Army and later continued with a long career as a physical therapist in hospitals and medical centers. Aina Anderson Boraas ’47, Elkins Park, PA, on 9/1/18. She was
Avenson Thiele: Cheryl ’90 and Clara ’22
a teacher, wife and mother and is survived by three children. E. Ross Hanson ’47, Savannah, GA, on 6/3/18. He was a second lieutenant in the Marines during WWII and the Korean War, received an MBA from Harvard, and had a long career with Ford Motor Company. Ross is survived by his first wife and three daughters. Lael Dahl Bjella ’48, Springfield, MO, on 8/14/18. A former English and drama teacher, she is survived by her six children. Bernice Johnson Hanson ’48, Saint Paul, on 5/29/18. She was a wife and mother and is survived by three children. Estelle Uleberg Swanson ’49, Madelia, on 8/2/18. A former nurse at the Madelia Community Hospital, she is survived by four daughters. Harold Williams ’49, Valentine, NE, on 6/11/18. A WWII Navy veteran, he became an English teacher and taught both in the United States and overseas. He is survived by two sisters. Merle W. Lynne ’50, Minneapolis, on 6/26/18. An Army staff sergeant during the Korean War, he is survived by eight children. Lewis E. Peterson ’50, Coon Rapids, on 8/19/18. A former assistant principal at Coon Rapids High School, he is survived by his four children, including Kathryn Vail ’86.
Surprise! It’s your friends from the alumni and advancement teams at Gustavus: Philly P’15, Ann ’83, Ben ’13 and Katie ’03
Hugh “Art” Brink ’51, Cody, WY, on 7/17/18. A U.S. Navy veteran, he worked as a DJ and later owned and operated Brink’s Stage Station in Cody. He is survived by his wife, Celeste, and three children including Elizabeth ’77. Lowell “Bud” Erickson ’51, Vancouver, WA, on 8/2/18. A former Lutheran pastor who served various parishes and is survived by his wife, Clare, and two children. Lois Hesselroth Hovland ’51, Bloomington, on 5/6/18. A former long-time teacher and school librarian for Breck School in Minneapolis, she is survived by two sons. James K. Whitney ’51, Minneapolis, on 8/10/18. A WWII veteran, he had a long career as an educator and coach with the Hopkins School District. He is survived by three children. Z. Samuel Gault ’52, Saint Peter, on 5/29/18. A Korean War veteran, he was the third generation in the family business at Nicollet County Bank and is survived by his wife, Theresa, and four children including Rebecca ’81 and Lisa ’83. Richard R. Pedersen ’52, LeSueur, on 6/17/18. A former Navy veteran, he was an award-winning insurance agent and is survived by twin daughters, including Wendy ’77.
Reynold J. “Red” Rehwaldt ’52, Apple Valley, on 8/23/18. The former superintendent of schools for the Mankato School District and Rosemount/Apple Valley/ Eagan School District, Red was also the recipient of two Gustavus distinctions in 1986—Athletics Hall of Fame and a Distinguished Alumni Citation. He is survived by his wife, Mary( Edlund ’53), and three children including Bruce ’81. Donald A. Anderson ’53, Ames, IA, on 6/22/18. A senior materials inspector in the soils lab for the Iowa Department of Transportation, he is survived by his wife, Marie, and three children. Betty Rueber Baumgartner ’53, Columbia, SC, on 7/31/18. A retired licensed practical nurse who had worked at the Strawberry Point Lutheran Home in Strawberry Point, IA. She is survived by her daughter. Faith Chell Gose ’53, Minnetonka, on 6/25/18. A former kindergarten and piano teacher, she is survived by two children and three brothers: James ’56, Theodore ’59, and Jonathan ’62. Richard Dean ’53, Bloomington, on 8/10/18. He was a chemical engineer for Honeywell, Sperry Univac, and various companies and is survived by two children. Suzanne Anderson Lund ’53, Deephaven, on 6/9/18. A
Peterson Merton: Eva ’96,
kindergarten teacher turned manufacturer’s representative, she is survived by three children including Mark ’83 and Peter ’87; and two sisters, Jo Linnes ’53 and Pauline Dee ’56. Douglas A. Nygard ’53, Saint Peter, on 8/24/18. A former Naval Commander and aviator, he later worked as an engineer for Sperry Univac and a clinic administrator. He is survived by his wife, ReVae, and two children, including Donald ’90. John A. Peterson ’53, Rio Verde, AZ, on 8/20/18. He had a long career as an anesthesiologist at Abbott Northwestern Hospital and is survived by his wife, Joyce, and four children. Willis G. Swanson ’53, Virginia, on 7/7/18. Willis had a long career as a social worker in various counties in Minnesota. He is survived by his wife, Marlyn, two sons, and two stepsons. Arne E. Peterson ’54, Harvard, IL, on 2/4/18. A retired Lutheran pastor who served various parishes, he is survived by his wife, Phoebe (Granquist ’54) and three sons, including Steven ’82 and Erik ’83. Sidney J. Puppe ’56, Lillydale, on 5/9/18. He worked as an insurance agent for State Farm Insurance Company and is survived by his wife, Susan, and two children.
Stumme-Berg: John ’92 and Sydney’22
Nancy Johnson Peterson ’58, Edina, on 6/3/18. A former registered nurse with the University of Minnesota, she is survived by her husband, John “Buddy” Peterson ’57, and three children, including Nels ’85 and Kia ’90. Larry F. Baker ’59, Nisswa, on 7/22/18. He was a former sales representative for Flint Ink Corp. and is survived by his wife, Sharon, and three children. Elizabeth Sandquist Brown ’59, Henderson, on 7/2/18. A retired teacher and educator, she is survived by her two daughters and a brother, John Sandquist ’54. Curtis M. Christensen ’59, Slayton, on 5/29/18. A retired farmer and owner of a John Deere dealership, he is survived by three children and two stepchildren. Allen Peterson ’59, White Bear Lake, on 4/3/18. An Air Force veteran, he worked as a lab technician for 3M and is survived by his wife, Mavis, and three children. Marion Johnson Sansted ’59, Fargo, ND, on 8/4/18. Disabled by polio as a child, she was an advocate for the disabled and later recognized by the governor of North Dakota. She also worked for Merit Care. She is survived by her husband, LaVerne, two sons, and a sister, Kathryn Hanson ’63.
Moore: Brian ’91 and Lukas ’22
Sally Nordstrom Sarff ’59, Plymouth, on 7/13/18. She was a retired school teacher for the Robbinsdale School District. Sally is survived by three sons. Charles A. Smith ’60, Eden Prairie, on 5/23/18. A life-long farmer and a realtor, he is survived by his daughter. Harland J. Sandberg ’60, Golden Valley, on 6/23/18. He was the treasurer/CFO of Brede Exposition Services and is survived by his wife, Judy (Fairbanks ’61), and three daughters, including Stacey Wickman ’88 and Betsy Borseth ’89. Jeanne Dahlen Lewis ’61, Broomfield, CO, on 5/17/17. A long-time physician in Boulder and Lafayette, CO, she made several mission trips to the Ukraine and Nicaragua. Jeanne is survived by her son, and two sisters. Gayland Hokanson ’62, Minneapolis, on 7/1/18. He worked as a software developer for air traffic control systems for the FAA and later worked for IBM for many years. He is survived two children. Fredric E. Thunhorst ’63, Ely, on 5/14/18. A Navy Air Intelligence Officer, he later had a 33-year career as the Ely Area Wildlife Supervisor. He is survived by his wife, Dianne (Skalbeck ’62), and two children.
Jackson Redding: Matthew ’93, Sophia ’22, and Kari ’92
Eugene G. Fromm ’64, Minneapolis, on 4/7/18. A former programmer and artist, he is survived by his wife, Peggy, and four children. Annemarie Kliner Hoban ’65, El Lago, TX, on 5/19/18. She had a long teaching career and is survived by three children. Richard B. Whitlock ’65, Bloomington, on 6/12/18. He was a retired vice president of university advancement for Illinois Wesleyan University and is survived by his wife, Susan Steinkamp ’67, and two sons. Kent Rosenblum ’66, Alameda, CA, on 9/5/18. A former veterinarian turned wine maker, he started Rosenblum Cellars and won “Best in Show” for his Zinfandel wine. Kent is survived by his wife, Kathy, and two daughters. Patricia Messman Scotson ’66, Great Falls, MT, on 5/24/18. She was a teacher and principal of Blessed Trinity School and a mother and foster mother. She is survived by her husband, Dave, and four children. Natalie Jaquette ’69, Littleton, CO, on 8/1/18. She worked for Venoco Inc. and is survived by her husband, Jan Peterson, and two sons. Dennis C. Moore ’69, Mankato, on 11/26/17. He was a long-time car salesman and independent
Larsen Swan: Brian, Maura ’22, Michelle ’83, and Brennan
contractor and is survived by his wife, Susan (Johnson ’71) and two sisters. Charles D. Jacobson ’72, Alexandria, on 6/24/18. An Army Veteran, he was a farmer and later worked in social work until his retirement in 1994. He is survived by wife, Eileen. Thomas C. Miller ’72, South Bend, IN on 7/22/18. He was the former dean of the School of Arts at Indiana University and is survived by a sister, Patricia Peterson ’68. Patricia Rodning Powers ’76, North Mankato, on 7/5/18. She was a retired school teacher in the Mankato School District. She is survived by her husband, Mike, and three daughters. Barbara Wolle Lorenzsonn ’78, Stillwater, on 7/8/2018. She became one of the pioneering women members of Washington County Bar Association and worked as a partner of Lawson Law Firm until her retirement in 2012. She is survived by her husband, Elgar, and two stepchildren. Barbara Ellingboe ’79, Kandiyohi, on 6/9/18. She worked as a Russian translator and later in office work, most recently at Designated Environments in Willmar. She is survived by her husband, Steve. Jeanne Pollman Knutson ’79, Owatonna, on 7/10/18. She
retired from a career at Federated Insurance after 39 years. She is survived by her husband, Kelly, a son, one brother, James ’78, and two stepdaughters. Robert Pellikka ’79, Ely, on 10/24/17. He taught private music lessons and worked for the U.S. Census Bureau. He is survived by his sister, Patricia Pellikka ’79. Kristin Peterson Oehlke ’82, on 7/19/18. She was a genetic counselor for the Minnesota Department of Health. She is survived by her husband, Paul, and two siblings. Jacalyn Fleming ’84, Minneapolis, on 7/15/18. A practicing attorney, she is survived by her mother and a sister. Jennifer Koehn Thomas ’89, Apple Valley, on 2/6/18. She formerly worked in management at the Mackin Library Media and is survived by her husband, Sean, two children, her parents, and two siblings. Susan Boeder Hoheisel ’95, Pierz, on 6/23/18. She was an occupational therapist at the Brainerd Hospital for more than 20 years and is survived by her husband, Jess, and three children. Mary Jean Richter xStaff, St. Peter, on 6/18/18. She was the health service nurse at Gustavus for more than 31 years, retiring in 1996. She is survived by three children and a sister.
GUSTAVUS QUARTERLY | WINTER 2018
Keldi ’91, Avia ’22, and Michael
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GUSTIES
GUSTIES GATHER
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GUSTAVUS QUARTERLY | WINTER 2018
1. More than 70 Gusties were at the wedding of Jenni Harms Lindner ’14 and Scott Lindner.
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2. Class of ’61 Gusties Bruce Warner, Doug Holmen, Jim and Pat Maedl Krough, and David Wettergren gathered for a overdue luncheon.
2 4
3. A group of 1970 classmates gathered to celebrate their 70th birthdays and the life of their friend Nancy Preston Endsley who passed away last year. Front, l to r: Gail Linnell Ehlen, Cindy Langen Patterson, Dee Johnson Henderson, Mary Kaye Springer, Karol Klint Greupner. Back: Beth Englund Anderson, Susan Shearer, Diane Mickleson Brady, Linda Fran Bovy, Linda Gilkey Lichty.
4. This past June, a memorial tree was planted in memory/honor of Sam Carlson ’68 (son of former president Edgar Carlson ’30). It was organized by (former president) Axel Steuer and Lori Steuer. In addition to the Steuers and Carlson’s widow, Barb (Zakariasen ’70), most of Sam and Barb’s kids and grandkids were in attendance, many of who are Gusties or will be Gusties.
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5. This group of mostly ’98 grads gathered for their 10th annual “Camp Gustie” in Baraboo, WI. Families travel from Chicago, Denver, and Minneapolis. Those pictured here include Peter Vickerman ’99, Erika Jeffrey Vickerman ’98, Michael Thiede ’99, Stephanie Johs Thiede ’98, Becky Moen Pirius ’98. Jen Breutzmann Fornier ’98, Molly Bohn Lee ’98, Sarah Meyer Korreck ’98. 6. The sixth-annual luncheon for women of the Class of ’66 who are primarily in the Twin Cities area. There was food, conversation, and catching up at Mount Olivet Lutheran Church. Front row, l to r: Vicki Brown Johnson, Pam Romness Jambeck, Ada Karlsson Kirscher. Second row: Marsha
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Bystrom, Diane Hayenga Foote, Margaret Raedeke Holste, Trudy Enlund Johnson. Third row: Sue Tillman Hallin, Loel Johnson Kuehne, Char Peterson Senske. Fourth row: Donna Gabbert Beck, Luanne Nelson Bachman, Sue England Hendrickson. Back row: Kay Olson Erickson, Mary Stand Slinde. 7. Six Gusties gathered at the Minnesota Valley Country Club as part of the Heritage Classic Golf Tournament. L to r: Rick Clevette ’80, Cathy Henderson Clevette ’80, Judson Heitner ’80, Tracy Koeger Heitner ’82, Anne Juhl Legeros ’82, and Nick Legeros ’77. Judson was the defending champion, having won the tournament in 2017.
8. Six Golden Gusties from the early ’70s got together at Café Barbette in Minneapolis. Some had not seen each other for 35 years! Seated, l to r: Lee Youngdahl ’75 (Lake Mary, FL) and Steven Oates ’75 (Minneapolis). Standing: John Hasselberg ’74 (Minneapolis), Carl Youngdahl ’70 (Woodbury), Mark Matuseski ’73 (Duluth), and Steve Balach ’73 (Ashburn, VA). 9. There were lots of Gusties at the wedding of Kirstin Erickson ’13 and Tom Huepenbecker ’15.
GUSTAVUS QUARTERLY | WINTER 2018
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Vespers
GUSTAVUS QUARTERLY | WINTER 2018
This one’s for you, Emma.”
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When Tim Nelson’s daughter Emma was touring colleges around
In the end, Tim says, if he has to have a tattoo, he’s glad it’s
the country, he made what he figured was a far-fetched deal: If
the Three Crowns. Gustavus was exceptional preparation for his
she chose to attend his alma mater, Gustavus, he would get a
career as a reporter and writer. “When I talked to my daughter
Three Crowns tattoo.
about college, I told her that what you really need to do is be
Emma ’22 moved into Norelius (Co-Ed) this August.
prepared for change—to figure out how to solve the puzzle over
Tim ’89 is a reporter for Minnesota Public Radio. His story on
and over again. That’s been the real skill that Gustavus and the
his promise is the second most popular of his career. (First is his
liberal arts has given me, knowing that some way or another, I
coverage of the raccoon that scaled and squatted on the build-
have the ability to figure it out.”
ing across from MPR headquarters.) He doesn't care for tattoos. “He tried to buy me off,” Emma says. She could not be bought.
Says, Emma: “I’m here and I love it. And I can tell he’s really excited about having me here too.”
For Alumni, Parents, and Friends WINTER 2018 | VOL. LXXIV | ISSUE 4 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
Students in professor Kristen Lowe’s Drawing Techniques and Theories class have been drawing the Nobel Hall of Science renovation as it happens. At semester’s end, the top renderings will be selected as historical record. “Weather has been challenging,” Lowe says in classic Minnesota understatement. “Ninety-two degrees one day, 50 degrees and raining a week later.” That’s the luck of the draw, as no matter the weather, the semester and building continue.
Vice President, Advancement Thomas Young ’88 Director, Alumni and Parent Engagement Angela Erickson ’01 Managing Editor Stephanie Wilbur Ash | sash@gustavus.edu Alumni Editor Philomena Kauffmann | pkauffma@gustavus.edu Visual Editor, Production Coordinator Anna Deike | adeike@gustavus.edu Design Jill Adler | adlerdesignstudio.com, Brian Donahue | bdesigninc.com Contributing Writers Brenda Kelly, Mara Klein, CJ Siewert ’11, Kathi Tunheim Contributing Photographers and Artists JJ Akin ’11, Callie Benge ’19, Kevin Bowen ’83, Nick Campbell ’18, Diana Draayer ’18, Kristen Lowe, MD Design, Erika Nelson, Randall Nelson, Becca Sabot, Lorie Siebels, SPX Sports, Evan Taylor ’12, Nick Theisen ’15, 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
be bold &GOLD
GUSTAVUS ADOLPHUS COLLEGE The Black and Gold Society recognizes the College’s most loyal donors, who consistently support our mission and vision through annual contributions. The amount of the gift doesn’t matter, giving consistently to Gustavus does. Members who achieve the Black and Gold Society have given every year for five years based on the College’s fiscal year. After five years, your membership renews each year when you make your gift. Donors who have given consecutively for 25 years are recognized as lifetime members. Black & Gold Society
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. 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.
BE BOLD. GIVE TODAY! The Gustavus Fund | gustavus.edu/give
WINTER 2018 800 WEST COLLEGE AVENUE SAINT PETER, MINNESOTA 56082
Tickets for Christmas in Christ Chapel are selling fast, but here’s a wonderful blessing: What was once only experienced on campus is now shared far beyond. Can’t be in the Chapel audience? Watch a performance live
THE CASE FOR THE L I B E R A L
via web broadcast or any time after; the performance is archived online. Or catch it on national public television. This year’s
Arts
program will be shown in a variety of markets and timeslots in December. Join us here, join us there, join us anytime and anywhere you celebrate the season. For more details, visit gustavus.edu/events/cincc.
WHY WE TEACH IT. HOW WE USE IT. WHY WE CHOOSE IT.
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HERE TO EVERYWHERE Airline exec Suzanne Boda ’82 on the liberal arts as a world lens
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CLASS NOTES What your fellow Gusties are up to, including new legacy families