Hillcrest Connection Summer 2007

Summer 2007 - Volume 69 - Number 2

Hillcrest A MAGAZINE FOR FRIENDS AND ALUMNI OF HILLCREST ACADEMY

Inside this Issue:

Feature: Grad 2007 Curt Kavlie: HLA Alumnus of the Year Charitable Connection: Stock Gifts Campus Improvements Alumni News & Reunion Pics

CONNECTION

2

GREETING Dear Alumni and Friends,

This summer issue of the Hillcrest Connection focuses on the close of this past school year, culminating in Graduation weekend.

Families, friends and alumni once again descended on the small city of Fergus Falls for this annual tradition, a fast paced weekend of planned events and socializing. For the students, it included the added pressures of packing, signing yearbooks and saying goodbye, making every minute count, and talk of future get-togethers. It truly is an intense but wonderful weekend.

But the pace quickened much earlier than graduation. A Choir tour to the southwest, an auction fund-raiser, a Mexico mission trip, an accreditation team visit, a student-

produced musical, a softball, baseball, and track season all packed the spring schedule leading up to grad weekend. Not to mention completing coursework, writing papers, finishing projects, taking exams…

This is campus life. And in the midst of the pace, we continue believing that God is working, creating faith in the lives of students. We trust that He is directing the steps of our graduates. We pray that each one will trust the Lord in all their plans for all the days of their lives. We know that this is the key to a meaningful and blessed life.

Thank you for your encouragement through prayer and financial support. We have experienced God’s faithfulness in another school year.

May the Lord bless you richly!

Sincerely,

Steven J. Brue, HLA President p.s. –The list of Club Memberships in support of the Annual Fund continues to grow. Will you help us meet our goal of 100 members by December 31st?

iChanged Visit www.ffhillcrest.org/ichanged and hear why students from all over the world are living, learning and growing at Hillcrest.

Are you ready for the

life-changing Hillcrest experience?

Hillcrest

CONTENTS

CONNECTION

Summer 2007

Feature

4

Finance

6

Campus News

8

Alumni News

10

Class of 2007 The Hillcrest Connection is published quarterly by Hillcrest Academy.

KNOWN OFFICE OF PUBLICATION Hillcrest Lutheran Academy 610 Hillcrest Drive Fergus Falls, MN 56537-2699 STEVE BRUE | President Contributing Editor sbrue@ffhillcrest.org RYAN ERICKSON Graphic Design rerickson@ffhillcrest.org

Hillcrest Academy Board of Directors DWIGHT SCHMIDT | Chair Jamestown, ND RICH HEGGLAND | Vice Chair New Port Richey, FL

Charitable Connection • Financial Update

Mexico Recap • School Improvement Plan

Reunion Photos • Alumus Of The Year Summer 2007 - Volume

On the Cover

69 - Number 2

Hillcrest A MAGAZ INE FOR FRIENDS AND ALUMNI OF HILLCRE ST ACADEM Y

CONNECTION

Class of 2007 celebrates on the front steps after the commencement ceremony.

Photo by C. Brue

ROD SCHEEL | Secretary Fergus Falls, MN IRV BERGSAGEL Minnetonka, MN

Inside this Issue

:

Featur Curt Kavlie: HLA Alumn e: Grad 2007 us of the Year Charitable Conne ction: Stock Gifts Campus Improvement s Alumni News & Reunio n Pics

RICH IVERSON Barnesville, MN GLADYS MOLINE Wahpeton, ND J. BURDEAN ROGNESS Eden Prarie, MN LISA SCHULTZ Dalton, MN MARTY VALDER Everett, WA

Hillcrest Academy Parent Advisory Team LISA SCHULTZ | HLA Board Rep CARY AASNESS ANDY LACEY TRENA MARTINSON AMY TAYLOR

Mission Statement The mission of Hillcrest Lutheran Academy, a Christ-centered secondary school (grades 7-12), of the Church of the Lutheran Brethren, is to provide a quality academic, social, and extracurricular program in which Christ is exemplified in the lives of those who teach and lead, and in which Christ is nurtured in the lives of those who learn and follow.

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FEATURE

It began in predictable fashion for those familiar with the weekend. Families, friends, and alumni had arrived sometime on Friday, most of them in time for the concert at Bethel Church.

Class of

2007 Graduates

The seniors were well rehearsed on the sequence of events, although one can never really know if all the times and places to meet were sinking in their tired and anxious minds.

Friday night’s concert featured the Hillcrest band, jazz ensemble, Vocalise ensemble, and choir, led by Mr. Roger Sandstrom, band director and Rev. David Strom, choir director. Following the concert various alumni reunions met (see group pictures on Alumni page of this issue), as well as a few senior open houses.

On Saturday morning, HLA Alumni gathered for the annual Alumni Brunch in the HLA Student Activities Center.

During the program, Alumnus of the Year Curt Kavlie was announced and honored. His family participated in various musical selections. A Senior Awards Ceremony honoring the graduates was held in the afternoon, followed by an Honors Banquet for graduates and their parents. The evening concluded with Senior Class Night in the HLA Student Activities Center. This event featured testimonies, speeches, and musical selections from members of the Class of 2007.

A beautiful sunny Sunday morning greeted the 41 graduates as they met in red cap and gown for the last time together. In scripted format, they entered a full auditorium of family and friends to find their places front and center, with the big screen in full view for all to see their smiling faces. The Commencement Address was given by former HLA graduate Dr. Elling Halvorson (H’50). Dr. Halvorson’s moving personal stories of faith and persistence in the face of difficulties ministered to young and old alike. President Steve Brue, Principal Jeff Isaac, and Board Chair Dwight Schmidt awarded the HLA diplomas, and the ceremony concluded as the Graduates marched out to stand in front of the Hillcrest building to receive worthy congratulations and sing their Class Song together on the front steps.

Hillcrest administration, faculty and staff congratulate and wish God’s rich blessing to each of the graduates of the Class of 2007!

FEATURE

Thank You!

5

Thank you, Parents and Grandparents of the Class of 2007, for the special love offering of $6,000 that was received in honor of the graduates!

The class of 2007 poses on the front steps of Hillcrest.

CLASS OF 2007

Matthew Stedjan, Valedictorian Lois Quam, Valedictorian Rachel Boerner, Salutatorian

Yeeun Baek Rachel Boerner Justine Botner Calvin Brue Jimmy Burke Brielle Burns Albert Chang David Christenson Emily Christenson Melissa Christenson Chelsea Clark Tajahn Cloud Alexandra Corbett

Daegu-si, S. Korea Bergenfield, NJ Fergus Falls, MN Fergus Falls, MN Erhard, MN Pleasantville, NY Kyeougki-do, S. Korea Mount Bethel, PA Fergus Falls, MN Fergus Falls, MN Jupiter, FL Fergus Falls, MN Eagan, MN

Kathryn Crabtree Linda Dahl Carrie Dau Kelsey Erickson Randi Jacobsen Alex Jennen Nathan Jensen Ashley Kalleberg Hans Kristiansen Sara Joy Kristinsson Jacob Kwon Sunah Lee David Listor Karsten Nash Reid Ouse Sung Yong Park Justin Quam Lois Quam Jeff Risbrudt Dave Ruppert Jr. William Sandnes Matthew Scheid Kevin Schmidt Kelly Soenksen Matthew Stedjan Nate Thompson Amy Tolbert Anthony Zane

Fergus Falls, MN Kunkletown, PA Wahpeton, ND Fergus Falls, MN Succasunna, NJ Fergus Falls, MN Fergus Falls, MN Succasunna, NJ St. Paul, MN Littleton, CO Seoul, S. Korea Seoul, S. Korea Mt. Bethel, PA Fergus Falls, MN Rothsay, MN Ulaanbaatar, S. Korea Fergus Falls, MN Fergus Falls, MN Fergus Falls, MN Florida, NY Mt. Bethel, PA Fargo, ND Fergus Falls, MN Fergus Falls, MN Huntington, NY Fergus Falls, MN Breckenridge, MN Elk Grove Village, IL

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FINANCE

Charitable CONNECTION On May 27, 2007 our youngest daughter Kathryn graduated from Hillcrest Lutheran Academy. She chose Galatians 5:6b as her class verse. It states “Nothing counts but faith expressing itself through love.”

Our trust in God and love for others will make an eternal difference.

This past year a number of friends of HLA have gifted stock as part of their charitable contribution in support of the school. This is a wonderful and very smart plan of giving as a charity can receive appreciated stock and is not required to pay tax on the gain. The individual gifting the stock directly to the charity may take the full value of the stock as a tax deduction. However, if the individual redeemed the stock themselves they would be required to pay tax on the gain.

In recent years many individual stocks have enjoyed substantial gain. For example, a stock earning 7.2% a year will double in value in 10 years. If you have individual stocks in your investment portfolio now may be a good time to consider using them as a gifting tool.

Having our last daughter of three graduate from Hillcrest was an eventful moment in our lives. When we take stock of all the benefits our family has received from the HLA experience we believe supporting the school in its continued endeavors is a natural result of gratitude. Gifting stock may be a good way for you to say you support academic excellence in a Christ centered education afforded by Hillcrest.

New Way to Use Your IRA

If you are 70 ½ or older, recent legislation benefits YOU! Under the Pension Protection Act of 2006, you can make a gift to a qualified charitable organization using funds transferred from your IRA, without paying taxes on your distribution. Your gift can be accomplished simply, and enable you to jump-start your legacy and enjoy the impact of your generosity to Hillcrest Lutheran Academy.

HOW MUCH CAN I GIVE FROM MY IRA? You can give up to $100,000 in this 2007 tax year. If a donor has a spouse who is 70 ½ or older, and has an IRA, he or she can also give $100,000.

MAKE USE OF THIS GIFT IF: • You are age 70 ½ or older • The gift is $100,000 or less • You make the gift on or before December 31, 2007 • You transfer funds directly from an IRA or a Rollover IRA to Hillcrest Lutheran Academy The Hillcrest Development Office wants you to be aware of this unique opportunity. Please contact Keven Crabtree at 1-888-844-7324 with any questions.

THE HILLCREST FINANCIAL CORNER 2006-07 Year End Summary

YTD Actuals Budgeted Support & Revenue Contributions $350,000 265,000 Operations (Tuition, Room, Meals) $1,525,000 1,611,000 Other Revenue $58,000 55,000 Total Support & Revenue

$1,933,000

1,931,000

Expenses Payroll & Personnel Operations SAC Debt Service (Net Transfers)

$1,155,000 $736,000 $99,000

1,082,000 734,000 116,000

Total Expenses

$1,990,000

1,932,000

LINE OF CREDIT SUMMARY

Amount Amount of LOC Based on HLA Endowments Held $850,000 Amount of LOC Borrowed $850,000 Available LOC

Keven Crabtree RFC, CSA 1-888-844-7324

$0

STUDENT ACTIVITIES CENTER LOAN INFORMATION

Total Loan Amount Due on SAC Monthly Payments made to Lender Principal Paid against Loan to Date

As of 6/30/07 $1,180,390.00 $8,420.00 $169,600.00

FINANCE

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Thrivent Financial for Lutherans GivingPlus® program benefits Hillcrest Academy!

Program has provided $88,000.00 in supplemental funds since June of 2003 Hillcrest President Steve Brue recently announced to the HLA Board of Directors that Thrivent’s GivingPlus® program has presented over $88,000 to Hillcrest Lutheran Academy as part of a one-of-akind gifting program in support of Lutheran organizations.

Lutherans, Thrivent Asset Management, LLC or Thrivent Life Insurance Company will add $1 for every $2 contributed, up to a maximum supplement of $300 per organization per year.

The GivingPlus program is offered individually byThrivent Financial and two of its subsidiaries. The program supplements donations to Lutheran early childhood centers, elementary schools, high schools, colleges, seminaries, outdoor ministry centers, campus ministries, social ministry organizations and Lutheran independent organizations that have enrolled in the program.

About Thrivent Financial for Lutherans Thrivent Financial for Lutherans is a not-for-profit Fortune 500 financial services organization helping 2.8 million members achieve their financial goals. Thrivent Financial and its affiliates offer a broad range of financial products and services including life insurance, annuities, mutual funds, disability income insurance, bank products and more.

As a not-for-profit organization, Thrivent Financial sponsors national outreach programs and activities that support congregations, schools, charitable organizations and needy individuals. For more information, visit www.thrivent.com.

Individuals age 16 or older who are benefit members of Thrivent Financial for Lutherans, or who own Thrivent Mutual Funds accounts and/or Thrivent Life Insurance Company products can give gifts (up to $600) to two enrolled Lutheran organizations of their choice each year. Thrivent Financial for

GOAL: 100 MEMBERS BY DECEMBER 31 5000-1000-500-120 Club Membership Roy & Marie Barsness Kirkland, WA Irv & Kay Bergsagel Minnetonka, MN Tim and Mary Bigelow Erhard, MN Paul & Olive Blikstad Dalton, MN Benjamin Brue Fergus Falls, MN Charlie & Carrie Brue Fergus Falls, MN Matthew Brue St. Louis Park, MN Steve & Linda Brue Fergus Falls, MN Titus Brue Fergus Falls, MN Thor & Edna Bugge Willow Street, PA Lorraine Burt Woodbury, MN John & Larissa Campbell Vermillion, SD Keven & Debbie Crabtree Fergus Falls, MN Lane & Lori Christopherson Lynnwood, WA Thelma P. Dalene East Hartland, CT John N. Endrud Rockford, IL Spencer Endrud Fargo, ND Richard & Jeanene Engebretson Edina, MN Gerald and Sheri Erickson Mukilteo, WA Ryan Erickson Chandler, AZ Carol Featherstone New Hope, MN Lori Fedje Beaverton, OR Gay & Carol Folden Fergus Falls, MN David & Ruthann Forland Huntington , NY E. Thor & Lillian Foss Succasunna, NJ Mark & Joanne Foss Glastonbury, CT Dennis & Sharon Fuhrman Fergus Falls, MN Wayne & Ruth Goats Scottsdale, AZ GT & Ann Gunhus Underwood, MN Elling & Barbara Halvorson Woodinville, WA Evelyn Hansen Snohomish, WA Kim Hazel Eden Prarie, MN Amanda Heggland Gainesville, FL Rich & Linda Heggland New Port Richey, FL Diane Ihrke Fergus Falls, MN Jeff & Missi Isaac Fergus Falls, MN

Fred & Elsie Johnson Tim & Karen Johnson Vaughn and Deb Kavlie John & Janet Kilde Kermit & Grace Kvamme Jack & Sharon Lacey Frank & Elaine Legerat Lawn Pro of Fergus Falls Patricia Linson Lloyd & Thelma Listor Steve & Heidi Listor Harry Ludvigsen Brad & Trena Martinson Melinda Masson Luther & Adeline Mathison Tom & Gladys Moline Alice Monson Peter & Lillian Nilsen William & Marcia Nilsen John & Donna Olson Wesley & Ruth Orrestad Graham & Priscilla Parker Rollin & Beverly Pederson Frank & Karen Pellegrino Gregg and Marie Preston Burdean & Kay Rogness Darren Rogness Glenn & Vonnie Rogness Eugene & Rhoda Rubey Ron and Barbara Samuelsen Jack and Rochelle Sand Olav & Gina Sandnes Dwight & Gwen Schmidt Nick & Danielle Schmidt Lisa Schultz Ewald & Alice Sems Norma Senum Ed & Shirley Smith

Boone, IA Little Falls, MN Eden Prairie, MN Fergus Falls, MN Fergus Falls, MN Wendell, MN Fairbanks, AK Fergus Falls, MN Fargo, ND Brooklyn, NY Mt. Bethel, PA Kerhonkson, NY Fergus Falls, MN Laguna Beach, CA Maddock, ND Wahpeton, ND Minneapolis, MN Brewster, NY East Hartland, CT Fergus Falls, MN Bellevue, WA Richland, WA Billings, MT Mt. Bethel, PA Fergus Falls, MN Eden Prairie, MN Fergus Falls, MN Fergus Falls, MN Eugene, OR East Hartland, CT Moorhead, MN Mt. Bethel, PA Jamestown, ND Jamestown, ND Fergus Falls, MN Chardon, OH Mt. Bethel, PA Laquey, MO

Eleanor Sollie James & Pauline Stalsberg Arna Stedjan Robert and Lorrette Strack Wai Nam Tam Gary & Dorinne Thompson Rosemary Traina Marvin & Opal Undseth Steve & Lois Undseth Marty & Mim Valder Ruth Vall James VerSteeg Bettee Woodburn

Brooklyn, NY Viroqua, WI Fergus Falls, MN Rochester, MN Flanders, NJ Fergus Falls, MN Roxbury, NJ Salem, OR Fergus Falls, MN Everett, WA Aitkin, MN Fergus Falls, MN Rolling Hills, CA

The HLA $1000 Club, initiated in 2004, now includes the $500 Club, $120 Club, and the $5000 Club.

Currently there are 53 members of the $1000 Club, 14 members of the $500 Club, 15 members of the $120 Club, and 6 members of the new $5000 Club, for a total membership of 88 members.

The addition of this giving program has made significant impact on the Annual Fund of HLA, which subsidizes the operations of the school.

The Club provides financial assistance for student scholarships, classroom enhancements, and campus improvements.

We’re shooting for 100 total members by December 31, 2007. Join one of the 4 Clubs offered! Your annual gift can be distributed over 12 months, given quarterly, or in one lump sum. Use the envelope provided in this issue and join a club!

GOAL: 100 TOTAL MEMBERS BY DEC 31ST

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CAMPUS NEWS

HLA

Hillcrest Academy’s Weekly News Update

Today

Friendships to Remember

Hillcrest students visit soup kitchens and orphanages on their Mexico Mission Trip.

By Emily Christenson

more On Tuesday the group visited an or- for lunch. After the eating was done “I want to drawing event played, with that bring all of them phanage. The day began with a soccer tour- soccer was people. The day ended with the of most in versus kids the being out nament. It started back home with me,� said Tawneke Cloud. games chalk drawing but that turned into a chalk Many students felt this way after leaving the Hillcrest students. After a few new teams dust fight. Kids were running around covered the orphanages and soup kitchens during like that the teams mixed and By the end were formed. While the soccer games were in chalk trying to tag each other. the Mexico Mission Trip. e Cloud, Tawnek all, of the day Dave Christenson, The first Monday of the trip the students being played there was also a lot basketb able, recogniz to talk to and Sunah Lee were no longer spent 15 minutes on the bus traveling to a lo- bracelet making, and just trying chalk. in since they had been covered Hillcrest Academy’s Weekly News Update cal soup kitchen. On the way there many kids the kids.

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Hillcrest students visit soup kitchens and orphanages on their Mexico Mission Trip.

By Emily Christenson The 41 took place March 30-21, 2007 in Fergus Falls. Sixty-four teams st Annual Hillcrest Invitational Basketball Tournament “I want to bring all of them back area and talked

with theCongratulations totaling 645 players participated from churches in Minnesota, North Dakota, South Dakota, and Wisconsin. different people home with me,� said Tawneke Cloud. inviting them to the soup kitchen.

If you areofintereste DSFTU d

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HIT Recap

per year.

tions that they live in.

Once there the group was split into three groups. One group of six girls stayed and actually helped make the food that was going to be served. Another group

painted little girls nails. The day ended, kids said their good-byes, and loaded the bus.

On Tuesday the group visited an

CAMPUS NEWS

HILLCREST IMPROVEMENT PLAN School Improvement Plan 2007-2013 Hillcrest will follow a detailed improvement plan over the next 7 years in its accreditation affiliation with Minnesota Non-public Schools Accrediting Association. The plan includes the following 6 goals: The school will broaden its curriculum opportunities, implement project based field experience in grades 7-8, and strengthen services and course offerings for early college credit acquisition.

The school will enhance communication procedures, reconfigure its web site, enhance printed publications, and provide conferences, forums, and gatherings.

The school will formalize an all-school safety plan, modernize all necessary safety equipment & related facilities, and communicate compliance of state regulations concerning school safety.

The school will expand and restructure to complete the reorganization process of offices of the President, Principal, and Finance.

The school will strengthen its financial base, initiate a new capital campaign, implement a marketing campaign, and grow endowments and scholarship funds.

The campus environment will be enhanced through remodeling, beautification, and expansion projects, beginning with various feasibility studies and strategic timelines.

2007 Summer Improvements The following improvements were made during the summer: • The “Stu” in the Hillcrest main hall was remodeled, and 2 new computers were added.

• A new textbook room was created for the academic center.

• Air conditioning was installed in the Computer Lab and Library Center.

• Boys’ dorm lounge received new flooring, new lounge furniture, and a new iPod compatible sound system.

• Girls’ dorm received new room furniture for additional needed rooms.

• Junior High received new hearing enhancement sound system in 1 classroom, and a new mini-computer lab.

• Installed 10 new computers with flat screens in Computer Lab, upgraded 3 faculty computer stations, and installed new gigabit network switches for greater speed and efficiency, including 3 terabytes of new server capacity.

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Annual Auction FundRaiser For the third consecutive year, the HLA Parent Advisory Team hosted the spring auction in the Hillcrest Student Activities Center on campus. With this year’s ingathering of $15,000 designated for a locker project and for financial aid for student tuition, the total amount raised through these 3 auctions now exceeds $50,000. The previous auction proceeds helped pay for the gym floor and the second set of bleachers in the Student Activities Center.

Many thanks go out to Aasness Auctioneers (Cary and Anita) for donating their time, to local businesses and individuals for donating goods and services, and to attendees who purchased the bidding items. The HLA Kitchen staff also provided a chili and corn bread supper at the event. Soft drinks were donated by Pepsi Co. The HLA Campus Ministries Office provided espresso and other coffee products.

Attendees also enjoyed eating some of the auctioned food products during the event. Hillcrest is blessed with the generous support provided for these outstanding events!

Plans are in place for the 4th Annual Auction to be held in the spring of 2008.

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ALUMNI NEWS

ALUMNI CLASS REUNION PHOTOS

1947

1952

1957

Back row: Jane (Borchardt) Rosentreter, Stuart Watson, Morris Larson, Bert Egstad, Bob Overgaard, Sally (Stephenson) Overgaard | Front row: Darlene (Embertson) Stokes, Adeline (Beaver) Otteson, Alice (Helgesen) Aase, Agnes (Lomeland) Rogness, Lavonne (Erickson) Nerge, Lavona (Bridston) Sather, Jeanne (Paulson) Thompson

Back row: Ray Seaver, Glenn Rogness, Ken Vesta, Leland Erickson | Front row: Marjorie Boe, Alice Monsen, Mabel (Benson) Helland, Ardis (Olsen) Jacobsen, Ragna (Johansen) Tetamore

Back row: Curtis Kavlie, Philip Berge, John Monsen, Henry Omland, Kathryn (Vigesaa) Lipke Front row: Betty Jo (Powell) Berge, Arna (Jacobsen) Abrahamsen, Elsie (Sollie) Stoutland, Astri (Erickson) Matson, Jane (Osland) Foss, Solveig (Windahl) Nelson, Vangie (Olsen) Hanson, Jackie (Pearson) Jorgensen

1962 Back row: David Pedersen, Ron Powell, Glennis (Egge) Endrud | Front row: Carol (Underdal) Folden, Lois (Fosmark) McNeill, Marilyn (Foss) Martinson

1967

The Class of 1957 contributed over $8,000 to an HLA Alumni Endowment as part of its 50th reunion celebration. The HLA Alumni Endowment will provide scholarships for future HLA students on a financial need basis.

Additional contributions to the endowment may be made by other alumni classes or individual donors. Contact the President’s Office at 218-739-3371 for more information.

Back row: Lynn (Soderquist) Malvig, Steve Christianson, Rick Raimo, William Nilsen, Mark Soholt, Roger Jacobson | Middle row: Beverly (Soma) Hanson, Lorna (Tonneson) Pommrehn, Margaret (Vorvick) Strand, Karen (Walker) Nelson, Connie (Christopherson) Renneke, Doreen (Simonson) Lazicki, Diane (Askeland) Christianson, Diane (Frey) Sutton | Front row: Crystal (Overland) Veum, Shirley (Egge) Johansen, Becky (Sandberg) Hall, Anita (Balkan) Thompson, Priscilla (Blikstad) Parker, Janet (Salvesen) Soholt

ALUMNUS OF THE YEAR Curtis Kavlie Curtis Kavlie was born in Bottineau, ND and raised on a farm in the Turtle Mountains of ND in a Christian home with 3 other brothers. Curt’s parents heard about Hillcrest Lutheran Academy in Fergus Falls and made it a priority for their sons to receive a Christ-centered education at Hillcrest.

Curt came to HLA as a freshman in 1953, and remembers the long train rides from Rugby to Fergus and back again throughout his high school career. Other great memories include his Christian teachers, classmates, roommates, chapel services, Prayer Days, City Mission work, and various fun times. He is most grateful for the teaching of God’s Word and its personal impact on his calling to serve the Lord all the days of his life.

Following graduation from Hillcrest, Curt married his high school sweetheart, Elaine Johnson, from Osakis, MN. In the first year

of their marriage Curt worked at Johnson Furniture Company in Fergus Falls. In the Fall of 1971, Curt opened Kordel Furniture business in Fergus Falls, and managed the store until 1985. He is currently a sales rep for a Minnesota mattress company.

Curt and Elaine have three children, Lori, Jolene, and Vaughn, all graduates of Hillcrest. During Grad weekend, Curt celebrated his 50th year reunion, Lori, her 30th, Vaughn his 25th, and granddaughter Tara, her 5th class reunion at Hillcrest.

Curt and Elaine live about 25 miles from Fergus Falls on Pickerel Lake. They remain active in their home church, Bethel Lutheran Brethren. Curt is grateful to the Lord for the blessings in his life. He remains dependent on God’s promises and direction, and claims as his testimony these words from Proverbs 3:5-6, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will direct your paths.”

ALUMNI NEWS

1977

1987

Back row: Jody (Christenson) Brasel, Liz (Peterson) Hoagland, Glenn Johnson, Scott Kvamme, Ethan Bjornlie | Front row: Sherri (Thompson) Peterson, Vicki (Christenson) Morgan, Lori (Kavlie) Tysver

Back row: Eric Strom, Jim Folden, Jana (Aune) Deach, Tara Salmon, Missi (Kvamme) Isaac, Naomi (Schmatz) Morris, Toby (Ryerson) Seland, Melissa (Rogness) Koppinger | Front row: Scott Colbeck, Rob Egge, Judy (Norby) Eng, Becky (Lunde) Burfeind, Dawn Mjelde

CLASS UPDATES 1950’s

My husband, George H. Lindquist (H’51) passed away on February 11, 2007. We attended graduation last year with two others of the Class of 1951. Audrey Lindquist, Lancaster, CA

1970’s Are there any Sabbath keeping Alumni out there? I’ve been attending the Plentywood Seventh Day Adventist Church. I just love it. I still work less than part-time at the Westby Post Office. Beverly Pederson H’71), Westby, MT

1980’s

Dan Strack (H’85) wrote Literature in the Crucible of Translation: A Cognitive Account (University Education Press, 2007). He is an associate professor teaching comparative literature and Japanese-English translation at the University of Kitakyushu in Japan.

He lives in Fukuoka with his wife, Margaret, and their two daughters.

I married Kristine Campbell on July 1, 2006.

We have four children, Samantha (10), Jared (8), Sarah (6), and Conner (5). Mike Stensland (H’88), Rochester, MN My kids and I will be moving to Watertown, MN in August, 2007, so we are busy getting ready to go. Finally, a house big enough for all of us! Jeremy is 13, Jessica is 10, Rose is 6, and Samuel and Caleb are 2 year old twins. God is truly faithful to his word that

he will never leave us or forsake us! What a blessed Savior we have in Jesus! I look forward to our 20th reunion back at HLA, it can’t be 20 years already, can it? Praise God that his mercies are new every morning and I pray for each of my classmates that God is holding you close to his heart and that you are letting him! God bless. Brenda (Kjos) Nikunen (H’88), Watertown, MN

1997 Back row: Andrew Olson, John Olson, Darren Rogness, Andrew Foss | Middle row: Ryan Langlie, Cara (Jordahl) Langlie, Michelle (Sorenson) Thompson, Naomi (Hacking) Van Batavia, Kim (Carlson) Monsen, Beth (Turner) Bichel, Lisa (Detert) Downing, Carla (Hushagen) Deibert, Caristy (Dalene) Olson. | Front row: Shannon (Overland) Erickson, Kirsten O’Brien, Melissa (Rud) Shol, Kim (Nelson) Rauckman, Hallie (Voorhees) Metcalf, Karen Ramse.

2002

1990’s We’d like to announce the birth of Thor Charles Ewan, born March 23, 2007. He joins big sisters Augusta and Audra , and big brother, Owen. Eric and Catherine (Eastvold-H’93) Ewan, Fergus Falls, MN Bryan and I had our first baby girl, Cameron Addison, on May 20, 2006. We are expecting our 2nd child in Nov. 07.

Kristina (Salvesen) Dollar (H’93), Fort Myers, FL

2000’s

Vanessa (Malecha) Jacobson (H’02) writes, On May 18, 2007 my husband Christopher and I welcomed into our hearts a little girl, Zoelle Grace.

She weighed 8 lbs.

15 oz. and was 21 inches long. We are constantly amazed at this gift of Life and Grace that God has given us to cherish.

11

Back row: Nick Hanson, Jeff Valder, Joel Suiter. | Middle row: David Sunde, Josiah Larson, Tim Larson, Allison (Christensen) Wyatt, Sarah Walker, Ellen Hanaher, Laura Skaret, Rachel Dorenkamp. | Front row: Rebekah Henrickson, Brent Christopherson, Julie Gunderson, Steve Moline, Lisa Broen, Jane Gunderson, Raina Tungseth, Tara Tysver, Kristin Bjornlie, Liv Ronnevik.

ALUMNI UPDATE

Complete this form and mail it to Hillcrest Connection, 610 Hillcrest Drive, Fergus Falls, MN 56537, or email your update to connection@ffhillcrest.org

Name Grad Year Address City, State, Zip Phone Email News

Picture Caption

Three ways to

Make a Difference at Hillcrest

Create an endowment.

You can do this now with cash or stock, or later with an estate gift. Your fund will make a lasting difference by producing income every year for the stated purpose.

Leave a bequest.

Designate an amount or percentage of your estate for a specific purpose or for unrestricted use. Such gifts provide encouragement and always make a difference.

Give “obsolete” insurance.

You may no longer need the protection of a life insurance policy and can transfer ownership to Hillcrest Lutheran Academy, thereby making a significant difference to us and providing yourself with an income charitable deduction now.

Contact Steve Brue at 281-739-3371 or sbrue@ffhillcrest.org for more information

PAID

School Year Begins Homecoming Week End of 1st Quarter Thanksgiving Break

Non-Profit US Postage

Aug. 20 Sept. 17-22 Oct. 19 Nov. 21-25

Fergus Falls, MN Permit #14

Fall Schedule

Coming Next Issue...

• Homecoming Highlights • Fall Sports Updates • Campus News • Campus Ministries Update

Hillcrest Lutheran Academy 610 Hillcrest Drive Fergus Falls, MN 56537

As a reminder, all donations designated to Hillcrest must be made payable to Hillcrest Lutheran Academy. If you plan to bequeath a gift to Hillcrest Lutheran Academy in your will, please state Hillcrest Lutheran Academy in your paperwork. If you have questions, please contact the HLA President’s Office, at (218)739-3371.

CONNECTION

HLA alumni and friends have asked for clarification on their gifting to Hillcrest Lutheran Academy since the reorganization process in 2003. Previous to 2003, gifts that were designated to Lutheran Brethren Schools (LBS) were distributed among the Seminary, LCCL, and Hillcrest. Currently, any gifts that are written to LBS go directly to Lutheran Brethren Seminary.

Hillcrest

Giving Clarification: