HILLCREST FALL/WINTER 2015
CONNECTION
welcome to the
P L U S
8 BUILDING SANTA FE 12 ANNUAL REPORT 20 GRAD WEEKEND SCENES 25 REUNION PHOTOS
2
GREETING
Dear Alumni and Friends, Greetings from Hillcrest! It is my privilege to welcome you to this issue of the Hillcrest Connection. A lot has happened since we last went to print, so let me highlight just a few things before you read on. First of all, you may be wondering who I am. My name is Todd Mathison and I am new to the Hillcrest Todd Mathison '79 staff, serving as Chief CHIEF ADVANCEMENT OFFICER Advancement Officer. It’s a new position both for me and for Hillcrest. My primary responsibilities are in the areas of Alumni Relations and Development. I had previously served over three years on the Hillcrest Board of Directors, and am glad to be working directly with President Steve Brue and the administrative team. You may have already heard from me this summer bringing news about something entirely new on the Hillcrest campus: the Student Union. Read on about this truly transformative ministry resource.
2 GREETING
Included in this issue is information about two graduations and alumni gatherings that have occurred since we last published the Connection. We also celebrated the 25th anniversary of the ongoing relationship between Hillcrest and the Danielsen School of Bergen, Norway. And the Lord has been at work in and through our students and alumni. Be sure to read those stories! I extend a sincere word of thanks to everyone who has supported Hillcrest with your prayers and financial gifts. We are entering into our 99th year of ministry. Ultimately, this school belongs to the Lord Jesus, and it is for His glory that we all invest in each of our students and their families. Thank you for your partnership in Christian education! Finally, as you read through this issue, you will find insider information in the annual report from President Steve Brue, updates on the Heritage and Legacy clubs, and a financial report from our Business Manager, Brad Martinson, who has been serving in that role now for over two years. Like I said, a lot has happened since our last issue, so read on and let’s catch up on what God is doing in and through Hillcrest Lutheran Academy. Sincerely in Christ,
Todd Mathison, Chief Advancement Officer
HILLCRESTCONNECTION
| FALL/WINTER 2015 |
IN THIS ISSUE
4 Feature Student Union
12 Annual Report President's Report Financials & Recognition
15 Campus News
Hillcrest Shares Tech Philosophy 25 Years of Danielsen & HLA
18 Profile
Ryan Garvin Crossing Cultures: JK Lee
20 Scenes
8 Focus
Classes of 2014 & 2015
Building Santa Fe Erick Sede Profile
23 Alumni News Alumnus of the Year 2014 & 2015 Reunions In Memory
Fall/Winter 2015 TODD MATHISON '79 | CAO Editor-in-Chief advancement@ffhillcrest.org STEVE BRUE '76 | President Contributing Editor sbrue@ffhillcrest.org
Hillcrest Lutheran Academy 610 Hillcrest Drive Fergus Falls, MN 56537 www.ffhillcrest.org
RYAN ERICKSON '03 Managing Editor/Graphic Design rerickson@ffhillcrest.org WAYNE STENDER '02 Contributing Editor wstender@ffhillcrest.org
HILLCREST ACADEMY BOARD OF DIRECTORS JAHN DYVIK '79 | Secretary Long Lake, MN
ANNIE JACOBSEN '79 White Bear Lake, MN
ERIC EWAN '92 Fergus Falls, MN
VAUGHN KAVLIE '82 Eden Prairie, MN
KATHERINE HEGGLAND '00 Brooklyn, NY
OLAV SANDNES | Chair Mt. Bethel, PA
MARK SOHOLT '67 Cape Coral, FL
MISSION STATEMENT The mission of Hillcrest Lutheran Academy is to equip students in a Christ-centered, Bible-based environment for a life of eternal significance.
4
FEATURE
Generations of Hillcrest students well remember waiting in the food line leading down the stairway toward the kitchen. The doors would finally open and they would press forward through the food line to receive breakfast, lunch or dinner. For some, just walking down that stairway can bring to mind the smell of food and the chatter of friends. That kitchen and cafeteria served thousands of Hillcrest students. Sure, the ceiling was a little low and cluttered with pipes and posts, but many alumni have precious memories eating there together with friends. Well, something new has happened on our campus.
welcome to the BY TODD MATHISON '79 4 FEATURE
FEATURE
5
Thomas Martinson and Ellen Jacobs share a conversation while seated in the comfortable Commons area of the Student Union. The Lutheran Brethren Seminary expanded their ministry and built a new building across the football field. This provided a vacant building right in the middle of our campus just waiting to be re-purposed. We have known for quite some time that we were due for a change to our dining facilities here at Hillcrest, so it is really an answer to prayer that God has provided a solution for our dining hall and kitchen. In God’s perfect timing, this has become a tremendous opportunity for Hillcrest. On Saturday, September 26, 2015, an historic event occurred when Hillcrest Lutheran Academy dedicated a new facility on our campus: the Student Union. The building is not new—it was built in 1975— and it has been, for the past 40 years, a training center for church pastors, leaders and missionaries. This training mission continues today as this facility, now part of the Hillcrest campus, becomes a place to equip and shape the lives of Junior and Senior High School students in a Christ-centered, Bible-based environment so that they may live lives of eternal significance. There are many benefits to having this new resource on campus. We are grateful for our relationship with the Minnesota Department of Health who worked with us over the years with our former kitchen and dining facilities. The commercial-grade Kitchen provides necessary upgrades to not only to meet local health codes, but to improve the preparation, serving and enjoyment of food and drink. The new
Dining Hall features Students put in some study time wide-open space around the commons fireplace. and plenty of windows and natural lighting, providing a great location for our students to eat and to enjoy visiting together. As important as physical nourishment is, there is even more! Inside the south end of the building sits the new Student Commons, providing much-needed public space where students – boarding and local, girls and boys - can gather to relax, study, talk and connect as they process and integrate what they are learning in the classrooms and living in the dorms. It creates common gathering space where meaningful relationships can flourish, an important component of campus life. This new Student Union also provides common space where
The beautiful new dining hall features light wood and brushed metal tones. All lighting in the building is energy-efficient LED.
HILLCRESTCONNECTION 5
6
FEATURE Residential Life staff can visit and meet with students, and offers a welcoming meeting point with potential students and their families. Hillcrest Lutheran Academy is blessed by our minModern, spacious & codeistry partnerships with the compliant kitchen facilities Lutheran Brethren Semiare a key benefit of the Student nary and the Church of the Union building. Lutheran Brethren, our parent organization. The purchase of the building helped the LB Seminary build its new facility across the football field, the CLB deeded Hillcrest the land and buildings we were leasing, and Hillcrest now has an upgraded Kitchen and Dining Hall, as well as a public Student Commons. Blessings abound throughout the relationships with our ministry partners.
We wish to publicly express appreciation to: Our Contractors: • Kurt Frustol, our General Contractor, and Precise Carpentry of Fergus Falls, MN • Eric Ewan and Coatings Unlimited of Fergus Falls, MN • Bill Biewer and Dakota Plumbing of Wahpeton, ND • Art Christenson and Hy-Tek Foam Brothers of Fergus Falls, MN • Donald Jacobson and Lakes Area Acoustical of Underwood, MN • Manley and Joshua Olsoe and Olsoe Painting of Fergus Falls, MN • Mike Richards and Otter Electric of Fergus Falls, MN • Bill Nelson and Nelson Plumbing of Fergus Falls, MN • Andy Nordick and Nordick Construction of Fergus Falls, MN • Todd Olson and Premier Restaurant Equipment of Brooklyn Park, MN • Rich Seland and Seland’s Abbey Flooring Center of Fergus Falls, MN • Tom and Steve Moline and ServiceMaster of Fergus Falls, MN • Brian Berg, Steve Gehrtz, Leah Fagerland and Zerr Berg Architects & Gerhtz Construction Services of Fargo, ND
Our Student Union Building Committee: • Eric Ewan, Mark Soholt, Nick Roberts, and Brad Martinson
Our Student Union Design Committee • President Steve Brue, Ryan Erickson, Annie Jacobsen and Todd Mathison
Our Partners: • Bill Benzick, Perry Rynders, Troy Thomson and A’viands Food & Services Management of Roseville, MN and Fergus Falls, MN • Lutheran Brethren Seminary and the Church of the Lutheran Brethren—ministry partners who made this a win-win-win proposition • Hillcrest Administration and Staff; in particular: Brad Martinson, Ryan Erickson, Craig Nersten, Pete Narvesen, Byron Miller and Jason Walkup • The larger Hillcrest Community who contributed financially to the Student Union project
6 FEATURE
Now, as wonderful as the new Student Union is, in the end, this building is but a resource to be used for the greater purpose of Hillcrest Academy: transforming students so that they may engage their world with God’s grace and truth. It is to that vision that this facility is dedicated. We are grateful to so many who diligently worked and selflessly gave to make this new Student Union the reality we see today. The Hillcrest Class of 1965 is representative of the generous contributions of our alumni and friends toward the Student Union. The Class of ’65 were celebrating their 50th class reunion during Grad weekend where they heard, along with everyone else, about a generous donor who offered to match cash gifts made to the Student Union while we were remodeling the building. The Class of ’65 stepped up to the challenge and, over the summer, raised $11,620 with 33 percent participation from their entire class. With the match, this Hillcrest Class helped contribute $23,240 to their alma mater—blessing future generations of Hillcrest classes 50 years after they had graduated. What a gift! President of the Class of ’65, John Molstre, was present at the dedication, along with many other ’65 classmates, and made a presentation to President Steve Brue during the dedication. We extend our sincerest gratitude to everyone who contributed to the Student Union Project this past summer. We will yet be working together in the future to complete the payment for this facility, but we are already witnessing the transformative impact the Student Union has on the ministry and mission of Hillcrest LuThe Commons was used for a panel theran Academy. To discussion and worship space during God be the glory, great things He has done! a recent spiritual formations day.
FEATURE
112
ONE DAY in the
7
CUPS OF COFFEE BREWED Doors open @ 7:15am
350
MEALS SERVED
675
ENTRY TRAFFIC COUNT
Video chat helps students stay connected with home
235
CUMULATIVE STUDY HOURS The Dining Hall offers expanded selection
105
GIGABYTES OF WI-FI DATA Union closes @ 9:30pm
See these images and more in the Student Union gallery at www.ffhillcrest.org/union HILLCRESTCONNECTION 7
8
FOCUS
BUILDING SANTA FE
BY WAYNE STENDER '02
8 FOCUS
FEATURE
FOCUS
9
Members of the 2014 Dominican Republic Mission team work on landscaping the Santa Fe school courtyard.
The dirt road was overgrown on both sides and occasionally blocked by random goats making a meal out of the many piles of refuse. Dust billowed around the bus as it finally came to a stop in front of a makeshift wall in a rural Dominican Republic community. Fifteen students and chaperones gingerly stepped out and made their way towards the tall metal gate. This was the Santa Fe school entrance six years ago. When the gate opened for Hillcrest’s senior mission team, the students carefully navigated around broken glass bottles. They walked along a worn path that carved through piles of t-shirts, old shoes, and cardboard boxes. The path cut through knee high grass, where corrugated metal sheets marked the property line in the distance. A barbed-wire fence draped six feet above the metal demarcation. It is difficult to imagine that this was the home of one of the highest achieving grade schools in the Dominican Republic. A barn-turned-classroom stood precariously in the courtyard. It was leaning painfully to the left, defying gravity. Small, curious faces peered through gaps in the wood panels and one-by-one they began piling out of the crowded classroom. On the other side of the courtyard was a crude cement structure. Three large cut-outs in the cement walls marked classroom entrances. Hillcrest students ventured into the rooms, whispering spanish greetings to children who were studying in desks that didn’t have seats. Some desks didn’t have platforms for textbooks to rest. This was the Santa Fe school six years ago. The Santa Fe school grew out of the passion of a man named Pastor Freddie to impact his community for the Gospel. He felt called by God to provide a place that would educate and minister to the local population. Through discipline and hard work, Freddie and his team of teachers are educating students to respect themselves, honor their parents, and love God. Hillcrest has come alongside Freddie in support of the important mission of Santa Fe. Since 2009, consistent visits from Hillcrest seniors have been helping to transform this small school. Today the courtyard is groomed. Crushed rocks mark walking paths be-
Local liaison Elson Jones, HLA Instructor Gregg Preson, Pastor Freddie & HLA Principal Jeff Isaac tween classrooms and cement planters house trees that drape the landscape. The leaning building is no more. It was torn down as part of a ten year plan to build an orphanage on the site. The three classroom cement structure now stands three stories tall, housing nine classrooms that educate students in the love of Jesus (see photo of Santa Fe school building under construction on page three). In the evening, the classrooms fill with adults who learn job skills. The property the school sits on, once rented and in danger of being lost, has now been purchased thanks in large part to money raised by Hillcrest students. The Santa Fe school has been equipped for a long future of effective ministry to the community it serves. Through this mission partnership, Hillcrest students have had the opportunity to make an eternally significant impact in the Dominican Republic and in their own lives.
HILLCRESTCONNECTION 9
10
FOCUS
found
IN TRANSLATION “I plan to help the CLB open their Spanish department,” Erick Benjamin Sede explained, sipping coffee in Hillcrest’s new Student Union. Erick is the first Dominican to attend the Church of the Lutheran Brethren (CLB) seminary. His road from serving as Hillcrest’s translator to seminary student is delicately written. Racism and social class threatened his dream to attend seminary and work at Hillcrest Academy. “I look like a Haitian, but I am Dominican,” Erick recounted, remembering the tensions surrounding his grade school years. With students filing into the Union, Erick focused on our conversation. He leaned forward in an effort to avoid distraction, explaining the racial bias between Haitian and Dominicans that defined his childhood. Pressures in grade school led Erick to live for Jesus on Sundays, when his parents were watching. Erick strived to fit in with friends, causing him to reject the faith he was trained to accept during the week. At a church service after Erick’s fourteenth birthday he resolved to follow Jesus. The decision redirected his life. In Erick’s freshman year of high school a door opened for him. He started to attend a catholic school, one of the most prominent in the area. “Technically, I didn’t belong to that social class,” Erick explains, “they were rich people there, and I was not.” Erick’s actively missional lifestyle began to cause problems with the school leadership and it wasn’t long before the pushback began to challenge his commitment to follow Christ. “One day I invited all of the boys from my class to meet in the chapel to pray,” started Erick, a smile starting to wash over his face as students opened books on surrounding tables in the Union. Erick paused his story, greeting students before he looked into his cof-
10 FOCUS
fee cup and continued, “When the nun saw me in the chapel with the boys praying, she got mad at me.” Erick remembers sitting in the principal’s office. Hands sweating, his mind raced. All the hard work that brought him to the prestigious school was in jeopardy because of his faith. The principal told Erick that he can’t preach the Gospel at the school. If Erick didn’t obey, he would be kicked out. The smile on Erick’s face got bigger as he continued his story. “Ma’am,” he protested, “I just invited them to pray.” Sitting up straight, Erick played the part of the Principal, “No, I am telling you. If you do it again, you will be kicked out.” His story grew dramatic, with his hands waving as if he was making the case again. The principal was not interested in his reply. Nevertheless, he continued to pray. He found favor in the Lord, who provided a path for him to continue his education. Erick worked hard to develop his English. He spoke Creole with his grandparents and Spanish in church. His daily conversations were void of English. This was a problem. He applied for jobs where speaking English was essential, something he hoped to develop as he continued working, but his interviews left him unemployed. He applied for a visa to attend school in the United States, but found only rejection letters on his mailbox. The letters said his economic class and racial background raised concern that he would never return to his home country. Dominican officials believed Erick was a flight risk because of his ancestry. Rejection did not deter Erick. He pulled together his resources, starting a job that paid him $3 an hour. After work, Erick’s desk greeted him. His lamp glowed over English books that he studied
FOCUS
11
in preparation for tests that he needed to pass in order to attend seminary in the United States. At $160 for each test attempt, the price of Erick’s dream was steep, especially considering his meager wages.
Erick Benjamin Sede serving as translator during HLA's 2012 Dominican Republic Mission. Erick has provided translation services for Hillcrest groups since 2011.
BY WAYNE STENDER '02
Erick’s hard work eventually earned him a position translating for a mission organization, the same organization Hillcrest instructor Gregg Preston partnered with for the senior class mission trip. Erick’s bright smile and winsome personality created deep bonds with students and staff. When Preston heard Erick’s passion for seminary, he arranged a special visit to Minnesota in 2012 for Erick, who was in the country as an international staff for the Boy Scouts of America. During his visit Erick met with officials from the seminary. He watched graduation at Hillcrest and fell in love with the culture of the school. It resonated with his own passion, to know Jesus and make Him known to the world. Erick would attend the CLB seminary, and work at Hillcrest. The marriage of the two options fortified his calling and birthed a new vision to encourage the CLB to consider Latin America in future expansions. Erick didn’t qualify for the Catholic school that trained him to study. His financial status and racial background were obstacles. He applied five times for work with the company that eventually hired him to a $3 an hour position. He didn’t qualify because of his abilities, but God opened the door. His visa application was denied because of his ancestry, but God opened the door. Erick’s trust in God is making possible an opportunity few in his hometown could imagine. Now Erick is developing deep theological foundations as a seminarian and his position at Hillcrest provides a platform to impact student lives daily. “The Lord opened the door for me to come to Seminary.” Erick said as the conversation closed. “He made a miracle. He did it, I am here.”
Erick's seminary education is sponsored through a partnership between Hillcrest Academy, the Lutheran Brethren Seminary and many generous supporters. Visit www.ffhillcrest.org/erick to hear more of his story or get involved with his support team.
HILLCRESTCONNECTION 11
12
ANNUAL REPORT
President's Report The vision of Hillcrest Lutheran Academy is to be a leading Christian boarding and day school known for transforming students through a dynamic educational experience to engage their world with God’s grace and truth. The mission of the school is to equip students in a Christ-centered Bible-based environment for a life of eternal significance. These two statements speak clearly about what Hillcrest does and where it is going. But beyond these statements is a confession of faith, that this is the Lord’s ministry and that He is sovereign over this ministry. We build on this foundation as we seek a mission and a vision that honors and serves him. Sixteen countries are represented by our student body this year. The resident halls are full. God’s call to go into all the world and preach the gospel has taken an interesting turn in recent years. We are honored as a school to be able to reach so many parts of the world as the Lord brings these students into this Bible-based environment.
Steve Brue '76 HLA PRESIDENT
Hillcrest is in good standing with the Minnesota Non-public Schools Accrediting Association (MNSAA). The school is in its second year of following a seven-year strategic plan for improvement. This is an excellent process of accountability and sustainability. Recently, HLA hired the firm Gonser-Gerber to prepare a Readiness Study testing ongoing initiatives for campus and program improvement. One of the outcomes of that study was to establish the position of Chief Advancement Officer, and in May 2015, we hired Dr. Todd Mathison to serve in this position that allows us greater attention to Alumni Relations and Development.
This summer a transformational project, the Student Union, was completed on the campus. The Church of the Lutheran Brethren, the Lutheran Brethren Seminary and HLA agreed on a plan to benefit each ministry. Hillcrest acquired the LB Seminary building and converted it into a student commons and dining hall/kitchen facility. What a blessing it has been! We marvel at the speed in which this transformation took place, and in the denomination’s generosity to bless the Hillcrest organization with its own campus. Praise God from whom all blessings flow! Hillcrest is governed by the HLA Board of Directors. Current board members include: Mr. Olav Sandnes (Mt. Bethel, PA), Acting-Chairman, Mr. Jahn Dyvik (Long Lake, MN), Secretary, Mrs. Annie Jacobsen (White Bear Lake, MN), Mr. Vaughn Kavlie (Eden Prairie, MN), Mr. Mark Soholt (Cape Coral, FL), Mr. Eric Ewan (Fergus Falls, MN), and Ms. Kathy Heggland (Brooklyn, NY). We thank Dr. Todd Mathison (Minneapolis, MN) for his service of 4 years on the HLA Board, and Mr. Nick Roberts (Stillwater, MN) for his service of 3 years on the HLA Board. Both board members resigned mid-year. I also express my thanks to the HLA Board for their desire and commitment to see Hillcrest used for the glory of God. From the students and families of Hillcrest, and with over 50 employees serving the Lord in this ministry, I say thank you for your financial and prayer support for the ministry of Hillcrest Lutheran Academy. We rejoice in the 209 students that the Lord has sent to Hillcrest this year, and trust the Lord for his work in the lives of each student enrolled. Thank you for your partnership in the ministry of Hillcrest Lutheran Academy! Respectfully submitted,
Steven J. Brue, HLA President
12 ANNUAL REPORT
Madelyn Veum, '15, plays with a student from the Santa Fe School during the 2015 Dominican Republic Mission Trip
13
ANNUAL REPORT
Above (L-R): Student Union under construction; 2015 Dominican Mission team shares the Gospel and prays with a group of local basketball players; The 2014 Christmas Concert. Opposite page (L-R): Comet fans at basketball playoff; Steve Undseth lectures in his classroom; Norwegian students march in Minneapolis Syttende Mai parade; Jacob Steinle stands ready on the football sidelines.
HLA
Heritage society
Legacy club Stanley Arlton Estate
Roy & Barbara Heggland Hillside Lutheran Brethren Missions
Nicholas & Leann Roberts
Interstate Inc.
J. Burdean & Kay Rogness
Steve Benjamin Irv & Kay Bergsagel Steve & Linda Brue William Colbeck Estate Keven & Debbie Crabtree Lane & Lori Chrisopherson Evelyn Ebner Estate David & Val Egge
Robert Lokkesmoe Myrtle Nilsen Estate John & Donna Olson Kevin & Linda Patch Glenn & Yvonne Rogness LaWayne & Beverly Rogness Dwight & Gwen Schmidt Lisa Schultz-Fred Norma Senum Ethan Windahl
We would love to include any who have named Hillcrest in their estate plans. Please contact President Steve Brue at 218-739-3371 to discuss this further.
The HLA Legacy Club acknowledges individuals and groups whose cumulative giving reaches $25,000 or above.
Kenneth & Mavis Austin John & Cheryl Backstrom
The HLA Heritage Society acknowledges those who have named Hillcrest in an estate gift. Stanley Arlton Estate Irv & Kay Bergsagel William Colbeck Estate Keven & Debbie Crabtree Evelyn Ebner Estate Joel & Barbara Egge Marian Egge Estate Mabel L. Foss Estate Rich & Karen Iverson Selma Langeland Estate
HLA
Joel & Barbara Egge Marian Egge Estate Lori Fedje First State Bank of Alex-Carlos
Gladys Jensen
Darren Rogness
Elmer & Julia Kaardal
LaWayne & Bev Rogness
Andrew & Brenda Lacey
Olav & Gina Sandnes
Jack & Sharon Lacey
Security State Bank
Matthew & Sue Leach
Rodney & Jo Scheel
Paul & Ruth Lindholm
Dwight & Gwen Schmidt
Brad & Trena Martinson
Ewald & Alice Sems
Marine Nutriceuticals
Norma Senum
Minnie Nelson
Mark & Janet Soholt
Nordic Contracting Co, Inc.
Dean & Doreen Stoutland
Olsoe Charitable Remainder Trust
Mabel L. Foss Estate
Donald & Marie Roberts Charitable Foundation
Eleanor Sollie Gary & Dorinne Thompson Thrivent Financial for Lutherans
Clara Olsoe
Lisa & Kevin Fred
John & Donna Olson
Agnes Freeland Charitable Trust
Randy & Diane Trettevik
Wesley & Ruth Orrestad Otter Tail Power Co.
Adleide Gunhus
Frank & Karen Pellegrino
G. T. & Ann Gunhus
Marvin & Opal Undseth Victory Lutheran Brethren Church
Irving & Helen Peterson
Elling & Barbara Halvorson
Ron Powell
Richard & Linda Heggland
Viking Construction Corporation
Hillcrest Lutheran Academy Consolidated Income Statement July 1, 2014 - June 30, 2015 (audited)
Operations School Activities Aid & Endowment Prop, Plant & Eqp TOTALS Support & Revenue $ 2,771,653 $ 174,732 $ 121,466 $ 2,346,579 $ 5,414,430 Expenses 2,771,023 185,687 84,257 117,642 3,158,609 Transfer Out (In) (30,155) 29,847 15,247 (14,939) -
Net Surplus (Deficit) 30,785 (40,802) 21,962 2,243,876 2,255,821
Hillcrest Lutheran Academy Consolidated Balance Sheet
As of June 30, 2015 (audited) Operations School Activities Aid & Endowment Prop, Plant & Eqp TOTALS Total Assets $ 384,646 $ 92,168 $ 1,833,116 $ 7,063,570 $ 9,373,530 Liabilities 1,549,077 7,600 1,417,153 2,973,830 Fund Balance: Unrestricted (1,164,431) 5,433,574 Temporarily Restricted 84,598 89,967 212,843 Permanently Restricted 1,743,149 Total Fund Balance (1,164,431) 84,598 1,833,116 5,646,417
Total Liabilties & Fund Balance
$
384,646
$
92,198
$
1,833,116
$
7,063,570
4,269,143 387,408 1,743,149
6,399,700 $
9,373,530
HILLCRESTCONNECTION 13
14
ANNUAL REPORT
CLUB MEMBERSHIP Club|120 Club|250 Club|500 99 Club Members
27 Club Members
54 Club Members
Club|1000 81 Club Members
Club|2500 Club|5000 Club|10000 15 Club Members
8 Club Members
Anonymous (4) Dawn Aandahl LaVerne, CA George & Alice Aase Fergus Falls, MN Paul & Phyllis Aasness Fergus Falls, MN Peter & Katie Aasness Fergus Falls, MN Kathi Abel Fergus Falls, MN Hans & Kari Andersen East Wenatchee, WA William & Miriam Aune New Brighton, MN Philip & Joyce Aune Underwood, MN Joseph & Susan Battillo Mount Bethel, PA Liesl Rogness Beck Eden Prairie, MN Irv & Kay Bergsagel Minnetonka, MN Muriel Bergsagel Wayzata, MN Tim Bigelow Erhard, MN Allan & Judy Bjerkaas Fergus Falls, MN Ethan & Carla Bjornlie Fergus Falls, MN Marjorie Boe Ottawa, IL Joyce Boehland Arvada, CO Roger & Kay Borowski Campbell, MN John & Ellen Borseth Rockford, IL John & Colleen Both Lake Shore, MN Doug & Nancy Bounds Jamestown, ND Timothy & Lynnette Brennan Fergus Falls, MN Benjamin Brue Fergus Falls, MN Calvin & Hillary Brue St. Paul, MN Charlie & Carrie Brue Fergus Falls, MN Hans & Larissa Brue St. Paul, MN Matthew & Faith Brue St. Louis Park, MN Nick & Dahlia Brue St. Paul, MN Steve & Linda Brue Fergus Falls, MN Titus & Ashley Brue Lino Lakes, MN Tom & Kari Brue Bloomington, MN Arlen Brunsvold Naperville, IL John & Larissa Campbell Edmonton, OK Capture Studios Minneapolis, MN David & Tonya Cardin Winona Lake, IN Luke & Tara Carlson Moorhead, MN Mario & Anne Castro Armonk, NY Art & Betty Christenson Fergus Falls, MN David & Dagney Christenson Lynnwood, WA David & Eunice Christenson Fergus Falls, MN Joel & Liz Christenson Fergus Falls, MN Scott & Val Christenson Fergus Falls, MN Lane & Lori Christopherson Everett, WA Countless Energy Wahpeton, ND Keven & Debbie Crabtree Fergus Falls, MN Dan & Lita Crowley Marysville, WA Clair & Sharon Daines Bozeman, MT Leif & Sonja Dalen Mt. Bethel, PA Thelma P. Dalene East Hartland, CT George & Janice Davis Thief River Falls, MN Angela Dillon Fostoria, OH Steve & Kathy Doering Fergus Falls, MN Torbjorg Donoch Scotch Plains, NJ Michael & Dee Eastvold Fergus Falls, MN David & Val Egge Alexandria, MN Joel & Barbara Egge Fergus Falls, MN Chuck & Penny Eidem Altadena, CA Spencer Endrud Fargo, ND John Endrud Loves Park, IL Rich & Jeanene Engebretson Edina, MN Elroy & Judy Erickson Fargo, ND Gary & Cynthia Erickson Dalton, MN Jim & Marilyn Erickson Fullerton, Ca Ryan & Kristin Erickson Fergus Falls, MN Eric & Katherine Ewan Fergus Falls, MN Lori Fedje Beaverton, OR Lawn Pro of Fergus Falls Fergus Falls, MN Dr. Allan Fischer Hillsboro Beach, FL Paul Flugstad Bothell, WA Mark & Joan Folden San Jose, CA Gay & Carol Folden Fergus Falls, MN David & Ruthann Forland Huntington, NY E. Thor & Lillian Foss Southold, NY Mark & Joanne Foss Glastonbury, CT Masson Family Foundation Laguna Beach, CA Kevin & Lisa Fred Fergus Falls, MN Kurt & Anne Frustol Fergus Falls, MN Roger & Gloria Fuller Lancaster, WI Ron Fuhrman Moorhead, MN Doug & Judy Ganyo Jacksonville, FL Grande Lake Trust Lake Park, MN Wayne & Ruth Goats Scottsdale, AZ Darren & Robin Golden Nisswa, MN Norman & Pat Gunderson Fergus Falls, MN Richard & Diane Gunhus Blue Earth, MN Victoria Hackett San Francisco, CA Roy & Heather Haegeland Lake Stevens, WA Elling & Barbara Halvorson Woodinville, WA Evelyn Hansen Snohomish, WA Tore & Vivian Hansen Mt. Bethel, PA Luke & Angela Hansen Edina, MN Les & Sandy Hanson Fergus Falls, MN Donald & Saundra Haugen Marysville, WA Kim Rogness Hazel Eden Prairie, MN Joy Headrick Denver, CO David & Beverly Heggen Rothsay, MN Katherine Heggland Brooklyn, NY Rich & Linda Heggland New Port Richey, FL
14 ANNUAL REPORT
3 Club Members
Don & Cathy Heitkamp Hillside LB Missions Paul & Sheri Hohncke Diane Ihrke Gary & Renee Isaac Jeff & Missi Isaac Rich & Karen Iverson Walter & Sonja Iverson Martha Jacobs Herb & Helen Jacobsen Elizabeth Jacobsen John & Annie Jacobsen Roger Jacobson Armin & Cheryl Jahr Ken & Ann Jensen Gladys Jensen Edgar & Myrtle Jensen Dennis & Kathleen Johnson Fred & Elsie Johnson Richard & Carol Johnson Tim & Karen Johnson Brent & Ruth Juliot Curtis & Elaine Kavlie Vaughn & Deb Kavlie John & Janet Kilde Doug & Karin Kugel Grace Kvamme Kevin Kvamme Scott & Becky Kvamme Philip & Marilyn Labrosse Andy & Brenda Lacey Jack & Sharon Lacey Solveig Lande Paul & Jane Langseth Morris & Myrt Larsen Josiah & Lauren Larson Luther & Joann Larson Paul & Bee Larson Matthew & Sue Leach Frank & Elaine Legerat Brian & Jennifer Leivestad Carol & Michael Lewin Patricia Linson Lloyd & Thelma Listor Steve & Heidi Listor Elaine Loeschner Robert Lokkesmoe Harry Ludvigsen Jeffrey & Eileen Mahn Curt & Cheryl Markland Krista Marshall Bill & Marilyn Martinson Brad & Trena Martinson Luther Mathison Todd & Anne Mathison John & Lisa McAteer Paige & Janet McConkey Lois McNeill Daniel & Arlene Mikkelson Tom & Gladys Moline Alice Monsen Kyle & Nicole Nash Wallace & Audrey Ness Ed & Krista Newman Evan & Michelle Newman William & Marcia Nilsen Peter & Lillian Nilsen Scott & Lois Norton Kristofor Okita Joseph & Berit Olafson Clara Olsoe Manley & Janet Olsoe John & Donna Olson Wesley & Ruth Orrestad Dan & Ruth Ostergaard Graham & Priscilla Parker Kevin & Linda Patch Frank & Karen Pellegrino Irv & Helen Peterson Ed & Elaine Peterson Gaylen & Kristen Peterson Richard Pickett Wayne & Dianne Preston Gregg & Marie Preston Brad & Melissa Pribbenow Lowell & Paula Quam LeRoy & MaryAnn Quernemoen Rachel Quernemoen Cory & Erika Reinertson Nick Roberts Donald & Marie Roberts Trust Les & LeAnn Rogness Darren Rogness Loran & Lois Rogness Burdean & Kay Rogness Lee & Lavonne Rogness LaWayne & Bev Rogness Kevin & Brooke Rogness Glenn & Vonnie Rogness
Mooreton, ND Succasunna, NJ Fergus Falls, MN Fergus Falls, MN Denver, CO Fergus Falls, MN Barnesville, MN Toronto, SD Seatonville, IL Mt. Bethel, PA Minnetonka, MN White Bear Lake, MN Fargo, ND Fergus Falls, MN Huntington, NY Staten Island, NY Mt. Bethel, PA Fergus Falls, MN Boone, IA Willow City, ND Little Falls, MN Fergus Falls, MN Richville, MN Eden Prairie, MN Fergus Falls, MN Fergus Falls, MN Fergus Falls, MN Williston, ND Fergus Falls, MN Saint Paul, MN Wendell, MN Wendell, MN Sioux Falls, SD Fergus Falls, MN Fergus Falls, MN Minneapolis, MN Bottineau, ND Fergus Falls, MN Naperville, IL Fairbanks, AK Loveland, CO Keizer, OR Fargo, ND Brooklyn, NY Mt. Bethel, PA Westland, MI Salinas, CA Kerhonkson, NY Albuquerque, NM Raleigh, NC Minot, ND Fargo, ND Fergus Falls, MN Maddock, ND Minneapolis, MN Mt. Bethel, PA Sauk Rapids, MN Lincoln, NE Palm City, FL Erhard, MN Richfield, MN Fargo, ND Fergus Falls, MN Fergus Falls, MN Fergus Falls, MN East Hartland, CT Brewster, NY Fergus Falls, MN New Castle, DE Louisville, KY Seattle, WA Fergus Falls, MN Fergus Falls, MN Bellevue, WA Olathe, KS Richland, WA Fergus Falls, MN Mt. Bethel, PA Menomonie, WI Wahpeton, ND Lake Park, MN Fergus Falls, MN Fergus Falls, MN Fergus Falls, MN Fergus Falls, MN Fergus Falls, MN Fergus Falls, MN Fergus Falls, MN Fergus Falls, MN Stillwater, MN White Bear Lake, MN Fergus Falls, MN Moorhead, MN Fergus Falls, MN Eden Prairie, MN Fergus Falls, MN Fergus Falls, MN Fergus Falls, MN Underwood, MN
Ryan Rogness Eugene & Rhoda Rubey Ron & Barbara Samuelsen Delores Sandberg Jack & Rochelle Sand Will Sandnes Olav & Gina Sandnes Lynn & Matthew Scarfo Danny & Diane Schatz Rod & Jo Scheel Ernie & Cathie Scheid Nick & Danielle Schmidt Dwight & Gwen Schmidt Larry Seaver Lois Seaver Ray & Ardith Seaver Security State Bank Margaret Seland Marvill & Eleanor Selvig Ewald & Alice Sems Paul Senum Norma Senum Arlen & Julianne Severson Jane Shulstad Leland Sjule Ed & Shirley Smith John & Tess Soholt June Soholt Eleanor Sollie Elwood Sollom Donald & Janet Sorenson Judith Spinnanger Arna Stedjan Wayne & Nancy Stender Doug & Carol Stender Dan & Eleanor Stenoien Robert & Rhoda Stenson Dean & Doreen Stoutland Robert & Lorrette Strack Barry & Darlene Stratton Carol & Aaron Stucker Doug & Margarethe Swanson Kevin & Lindsey Swedin Wai Nam Tam Guy & Amy Taylor Justin & Phyllis Thompson Gary & Dorinne Thompson Borgny & Stan Thompson Nancy Thompson Brent & LeAnn Torkelson George & Julie Townsend Rosemary Traina Randy & Diane Trettevik Cordelia Trones Julie Trones Glenn Troness Mark & Cathy Tungseth Roger & Amy Twedt Lois Tweten Bruce & Lori Tysver Steve & Lois Undseth Marty & Mim Valder Ruth Vall Dave & Mary VanGrinsven Rebecca Van Veen James & Lucinda VerSteeg Elroy & Evalee Vesta Dale & Leanne Vesta David & Lynn Vettrus David & Crystal Veum Krisjohn & Lindsey Veum Victory LB Church Jason Walkup Les Watson Steve & Cynthia Whalen Andy & Margaret White Kaare & Turid Wick Arthur & Marion Wickstrom Rosalie Williamsen Jim & Cheryl Wold Richard & Oddny Wolderich Bette Woodburn Fred & Julie Ystebo Paul Ysteboe
Fergus Falls, MN Eugene, OR East Hartland, CT Fergus Falls, MN Moorhead, MN Mt. Bethel, PA Mt. Bethel, PA Island City, OR Fargo, ND Fergus Falls, MN Fargo, ND Jamestown, ND Jamestown, ND LeSueur, MN Edgerton, WI Fergus Falls, MN Fergus Falls, MN Fergus Falls, MN Blue Earth, MN Lehigh Acres, FL Brooklyn, NY Mt. Bethel, PA Esko, MN Pelican Rapids , MN Springfield, MO Laquey, MO Golden Valley, MN Minneapolis, MN Brooklyn, NY Rancho Palos Verdes, CA Vancouver, WA Williamsburg, VA Fergus Falls, MN Fergus Falls, MN Fergus Falls, MN Minneapolis, MN St. Peter, MN Northridge , CA Rochester, MN Fergus Falls, MN Paradise Valley, AZ Burnsville, MN Roseville, MN Flanders, NJ Fergus Falls, MN Antler, ND Fergus Falls, MN East Hartland, CT Boca Raton, FL Foxhome, MN Mt. Bethel, PA Roxbury, NJ Mill Creek, WA Edina, MN Wayzata, MN Camino, CA Fergus Falls, MN Fergus Falls, MN Helena, MT Fergus Falls, MN Fergus Falls, MN Everett, WA Aitkin, MN Savage, MN Mission Viejo, CA Richfield, MN Fergus Falls, MN Sycamore, IL Watertown, MN Fegus Falls, MN Fergus Falls, MN Jamestown, ND Fergus Falls, MN Fergus Falls, MN Fullerton, CA Toccoa, GA Huntington Station, NY Fergus Falls, MN Medical Lake, WA Fergus Falls, MN Bangor, PA Rolling Hils, CA Moorhead, MN Kent, WA
MEMORIAL GIFTS This year Hillcrest Lutheran Academy has been honored to receive gifts in memory of several alumni and friends: Alice Anderson Joel Berglund Bruce Bjerkaas Estelle Dunderland Milton Erickson Allen Foss Carol Jean Friberg Ruby (Olson) Halverson Thomas Heggland Harland Helland Martin Holoien Bert Hovland Edgar Jensen Ruth M. Johnson Wayne Jorud Kermit Kvamme
Joel Lunde Esther Markland Lorraine Martinson John McNeill Seth Nelson Alice Ronnevik Don Salvesen Ruth Shirk Eric Simonsen Mary Jane Soholt Jon Spinnanger James W. Stay Doris (Wick) Thompson David Thompson Valborg Tungseth Fred Valder
CAMPUS NEWS
15
HLA President Steve Brue accepts property deeds from CLB President, Paul Larson during Commencement.
HILLCREST ACCEPTS GIFT OF LAND AND FACILITIES FROM CLB HLA Principal Jeff Isaac presents at MISF technology workshop.
HILLCREST LEADERSHIP SHARES TECHNOLOGY PHILOSOPHY AT MINNESOTA INDEPENDENT SCHOOL FORUM WORKSHOP In early 2015, Hillcrest was asked by the Minnesota Independent School Forum to present on its unique approach to technology in the classroom.
“I believe there are platform independent skills students need, meaning skills that students must master independent of technology,” Stender said.
Principal Jeff Isaac shared some key points during the presentation.
Stender’s class uses iPads, Chromebooks, and Canon DSLR cameras in the program, but he says that comes after some teaching.
“We look at technology from the standpoint of what is the effect it will have on our campus…Running a dormitory, we see the students 24-7 and get a better feel of what their relationship is with technology,” Isaac said. Hillcrest initiated a one-to-one laptop program for their freshman class four years ago. After surveying the use of the laptops, the school pulled the program and instead made the laptops available as a classroom set which could be checked out as needed. “I walked into the mezzanine in our new gym about two months after we started the program,” Isaac said. “I saw students sitting staring at their computer screens where they used to work on homework together and visit about things from class. As the gatekeeper, I saw there was something wrong with this picture. We heard from parents that it changed their home-life, so we pulled things back-in.” The presentation highlighted how Hillcrest makes technology available, but not obligatory, for teachers. Journalism instructor Wayne Stender shared his class’ use of technology with the forum.
A tremendous gift was made to Hillcrest this past May. In 2003, Hillcrest was reorganized as a subsidiary of the Church of the Lutheran Brethren, since then, HLA has leased the land and buildings from the CLB. This is the largest single gift made to Hillcrest to date, and we are extremely grateful to the CLB for entrusting us with not only the ongoing ministry of Hillcrest, but now with ownership of the property on which the Castle and other buildings stand.
“I’ve seen computers and iPads be greater amplifiers than tools for many students,” Stender said. “They just amplify whatever skills the students have, or don’t have. So teaching them to reason, think, and formulate a cohesive thought is more likely to happen without the distraction of technology, in my opinion.” Hillcrest was asked to present at the panel following significant adjustments which were implemented in the classroom remodel two years ago. The school has a wifienabled campus for approved school-owned devices, Chromebook laptop sets for teachers to use in their classrooms, and large public monitors in the computer lab and library which display the screen of every student computer in the lab. “As a private school, we still get to operate in the form of a gatekeeper,” Isaac said. “Education, a lot of times, operates with mandates. I want to be careful because I assess technology differently from someone who is a digital native. It is easy to assume that students have a similar foundation and know how to appropriately integrate these tools into their lives, but often times they don’t. So, we use technology, but with a very calculated approach.”
HILLCREST NAMED IN TOP 30 Hillcrest is honored to receive recognition as one of the top 30 Christian boarding schools in America. The award details Hillcrest's Christian commitment through a Biblically-based environment with an emphasis on a Christian apologetic in every academic discipline. The recognition comes from thebestschools.org, a website dedicated to connecting students with the best secondary and post-secondary educational resources. Read more at: www.ffhillcrest.org/top30
HILLCRESTCONNECTION 15
16
CAMPUS NEWS
DANIELSEN 16 CAMPUS NEWS
Members of the 25th Danielsen Class at HLA, Per Christian Hjellum, Sigrid Indrebø Haga, Andreas Aurlien. Photo by Zoey Schweitzer, '14
CAMPUS NEWS
“I believe by God’s grace that this relationship will continue into the next quarter of a century and beyond.” - STEVE BRUE, HLA PRESIDENT Hillcrest Lutheran Academy is privileged to enjoy a partnership that has taken place for over a quarter of a century with the Danielsen School of Bergen, Norway. In the fall of 1989, the first group of Danielsen School students enrolled in a one-year Hillcrest experience that has flourished to this day, bringing over 650 students to Hillcrest from Norway to live and learn on the HLA campus. This partnership has been transformational for both schools! One year ago, a significant 25th anniversary celebration took place here with representatives from the Danielsen School. We shared memories and celebrated with our entire student body. A special banquet was held in the Hillcrest chapel for our guests from Norway. Former School Head Lars Danielsen and InLars Danielsen and structor Asbjorn Asbjorn Ystebo describe the Ystebo brought origins of the Danielsen/ greetings and acHillcrest partnership. knowledgements of a successful collaboration between the two schools. The twoday celebration proved to be a very meaning-
ful tribute to a relationship that the Lord had clearly brought together and was blessing. As I reflect on the blessings of the Hillcrest/ Danielsen program, I am thankful for the common desire among the leadership of both schools to provide the best experience for students of both schools. A wonderful camaraderie exists between our administrations. But the most powerful blessing to me has been in the testimonies of students over the years who shared about the great personal value this experience gave them. They spoke of the classrooms, the instructors, the athletics, the music, the dorm life, the friendships, the worship, the prayer times and bible studies. Numerous testimonies recalled a new or revitalized faith in Jesus Christ. So while I thank the Lord for the additional enrollment each year, the skills and talents these students bring to Hillcrest’s program, the cultural richness, and the network of academic leaders across continents, I praise him for the work he continues to do in this Christ-centered environment in the lives of our students! I believe by God’s grace that this relationship will continue into the next quarter of a century and beyond. May God continue to protect and strengthen the Hillcrest/Danielsen program!
17
A twenty-two member contingent of Danielsen representatives was present for the 25 year celebration.
SECOND GENERATION BEGINS Merete and Are Strand met at Hillcrest Academy in one of the first years of the Danielsen partnership. Twenty-six years later, the two traveled across the ocean to visit their daughter, Matilde, who is the first second-generation student to be a part of the Hillcrest /Danielsen exchange program. Merete and Are visited during homecoming week, where they watched their daughter play volleyball with Cory and Kathy Thompson’s daughter, Kayla. Cory and Kathy were classmates of Merete and Are. The four alumni gathered with friends throughout homecoming weekend, recalling memories at Hillcrest and celebrating new memories made through their children’s friendships.
HILLCREST
CELEBRATING
YEARS HILLCRESTCONNECTION 17
18
PROFILE Ryan Garvin's passion for history started in a desk in Mr. Preston's classroom. “I was mentored by Mr. Preston without him really knowing it,” recalls Ryan. His road back to Hillcrest as a teacher has developed faith, built his family, and reshaped his idea of student formation. Ryan, a 1999 Hillcrest alumni, attended the University of Minnesota, where he graduated with a degree in Social Studies. He stayed in Minneapolis, building a family with his wife, Amy (Synstelien H'01). Their family expanded to include three beautiful daughters, Paisley, Veda, and Waverly, during their ten years in the Twin Cities. Ryan and Amy grew closer together, stepping into leadership roles in their church. A subgroup called Married For Life in their home church gave Ryan and Amy a unique place to blossom as a family. They loved their work in the Cities, blessed by a tight-knit community with whom they shared meals, practiced accountability, and grew in their faith. The Garvins experienced God's presence in their marriage ministry, but God’s plan wasn’t complete. Ryan started feeling called to something different. A shot-in-the-dark email connected Ryan with Wayne Stender, and conversations sprouted about a position at Hillcrest, where Mr. Garvin might teach history. Talks over coffee with Wayne turned into an interview with Principal Isaac. Months later, Mr. Garvin packed-up his family to walk the path God laid out for them as Hillcrest's newest staff members. The decision wasn't easy, change never is, but Ryan and Amy trusted God through the process. “We wanted to trust that what God had planned for us was even better than what we had, or what we were planning," Ryan explains.
“We wanted to trust that what God had planned for us was even better than what we had, or what we were planning.” — RYAN GARVIN Mr. Garvin’s three passions are: history, mentorship, and ministry. He lives out his “big three” everyday. History, taught from a Christian worldview, is a primary love. He teaches in such a way that his students begin to think for themselves. Recently, Ryan halted his lesson-plans to talk about current events, directing students to think about the recent shootings in Oregon. Their discussion led to a project where students are communicating their perspective on the second amendment. Mr. Garvin directs his students to lay down a foundation for why they believe what they believe. He is helping them build their own perspective using logic, reason, and the Bible. It is a training that will build their Christian faith to stand firm in a secular classroom. Mr. Garvin loves mentorship, mostly because of the strong mentors he has in his life. He wants to be available for his students, dropping everything to focus on messy situations by offering prayer, raising bigger life questions, and simply praising God. He desires deep relationships; meaningful interaction that causes students and faculty to live life together. “I am in the mission field.” Mr. Garvin explains, seeing mission opportunities everywhere as he lives his life as an ambassador for Christ. He is now seeing everyday as a new opportunity to love others.
BY SOPHIA IVERSON '17 18 PROFILE
Walking Hillcrest's halls, the same ones he walked 20 years ago, Mr. Garvin is seen in a tie instead of his high school Converse. He isn't Ryan any longer, now it is Mr. Garvin, and he stands in front of desks that he sat in years ago. His life journey prepared him for this job at Hillcrest, and God's plan is still not done yet.
PROFILE
19
CROSSING CULTURES JK LEE'S STORY
BY JULIE KASULIS '15
Jongkyu (JK) Lee stepped into Hillcrest not knowing how God would change him. He left South Korea focused on academic performance, choosing Hillcrest Academy as his path to an American university. He arrived with his sister in January of his sophomore year. JK’s wry smile and mischievous personality instantly made him the center of fun, but sarcasm and wit didn’t overshadow his true desire to learn. It wasn’t long before Hillcrest’s distinct Christian program and a new group of friends began to present a Biblical perspective which called JK’s atheistic reasoning into question. JK’s Junior year brought on an impasse in his worldview. Concepts from english, history, and biology began to connect with his biblical studies, spurring questions about human origins and suffering. JK’s background in atheism had trained him to approach these questions with logic and reason, which ultimately pointed him towards a deeper investigation of Christianity. Dorm in-hours provided many opportunities for weighty conversations with friends. Even after lights-out, JK found his mind turning, often sneaking down the hall to continue discussions he started earlier. He was conflicted. He knew Christianity made sense, but he wasn’t swayed. The restlessness in JK’s heart revolved around one verse, Psalm 14:1, heard in his Proverbs class. “The fool says in his heart, ‘There is no God.’” He didn’t believe he was a fool—he was intelligent. JK’s senior Bible class forced action on his haunting thoughts. Principal Isaac introduced profound ideas to the class on a daily basis, calling for original thoughts as they wrestled to make sense of the world. The Kalam Cosmological Argument led JK to shudder. His rational mind raced to make sense of the complexity of the universe. The naturalistic explanations he used to embrace no longer offered satisfactory answers. JK kept his slow slide towards Christianity silent for much of his senior year. Close friends noticed a gentle softening in his spirit. He treated staff with more respect. He grew chivalrous and cared deeply for his female friends in the dorm. He signed-up for the Dominican Mission experience most seniors look forward to. His friends didn’t know, but the senior mission was logical for JK after the Holy Spirit’s work in forming his faith. During the second day of the Senior class’ Dominican Mission, Gregg Preston asked the group for a volunteer to share a testimony at the evening church service. Students were busy packing backpacks with ministry resources when JK confidently walked to Mr. Preston’s bedside and said, “I’ll do it, Coach.” Startled, Mr. Preston looked JK in the eyes. Unsure of JK’s testimony, Gregg said, “JK, remember when we left that we said there is a difference between a testimony and sharing the Gospel. A testimony is telling someone the work of God in your life.” JK nodded his head with a resolute look that gave Mr. Preston confidence. The two boarded the bus to the church where JK would grab a mic and stun his classmates in sharing his testimony. Later in the week JK was baptized in the ocean, another public declaration of the Holy Spirit’s work in his life. “Christianity was the most consistent to its teachings and went along with the morals I have so I could accept it well,” JK recalls as he thinks back to his conversion. He notes that Christ has remade him and his desires during his time at Hillcrest. “I had to give up pursuing pleasure. That was the main struggle...we don’t want to give up stuff Christianity doesn’t agree with.”
HILLCRESTCONNECTION 19
1
2
3
GRAD WEEKEND 2015
4
1 Steve Undesth presents the Joseph Undseth memorial award to Kara Nash. 2 Shelly (Han Min) Choi beams while receiving her blessing at the Senior Honors Banquet. 3 Julie Kasulis shares a senior response at the Honors Banquet. 4 Emily Pribbenow sings "Whenever You Remember" during the Class Night offertory. 5 Graduates smile during a lighthearted moment at Commencement. Visible faces (L-R): Madelyn Veum, Kevy Konynenbelt, Jacob Isaac, Mackenzie Dunsmore, Jonathan Eckhart. 6 7 CLB President Paul Larson delivers the Commencement address. 8 President Brue presents certificates of completion to the 2015 Danielsen Class. 9 (L-R) Co-Salutatorians Mackenzie Dunsmore & Jonathan Eckhart; Co-Valedictorians Jacob Isaac & Kevy Konynenbelt. 10 Adrienne Schultz & Yubin Kim embrace friends in the receiving line following Commencement. 11 The Class of 2015 celebrates together on the front steps after singing their class song. 12 Danielsen students congratulate the Class of 2015 in the receiving line following commencement.
5
7
20 SCENES
6
8 9 12
10 11
ROW ONE: Madelyn Veum, Fergus Falls, MN Anna Hoops, Madison, MS Mackenzie Dunsmore, Wharton, NJ Abigail Taylor, Fergus Falls, MN Kelly Dzialo, Denville, NJ Kevy Konynenbelt, Fergus Falls, MN Adrienne Schultz, Fergus Falls, MN Kari Wheeler, Fergus Falls, MN ROW TWO: Alexandra Larson, Fergus Falls, MN Jingyi Luo, Shiyan, China Laura Tungseth, Fergus Falls, MN Kara Nash, Fergus Falls, MN Jinhe Zhu, Shiyan, China Yuk Wai Chu, Hong Kong Grace Cao, Edina, MN ROW THREE: Julie Kasulis, Sterling, VA Yubin Kim, Seongnam-si, South Korea Amanda Doiron, Marysville, WA Emily Pribbenow, Fergus Falls, MN Kari Simonsen, Fergus Falls, MN Lu Zhao, Shanghai, China Victoria Famuyiwa, Lagos, Nigeria
ROW FOUR: Han Min Choi, Seoul, South Korea Tara Leach, Naperville, IL Kristina Kvamme, Fergus Falls, MN Shilpa Martin, Knjirapally, India Janaya Caines, Bermuda Jongkyu Lee, Gyeonggi-do, South Korea Jae Won Lee, South Korea ROW FIVE: Zhuting Wang, Korla Xinjiang, China Zhuoshan Jiang, El Segundo, CA Sung Sue Choi, Seoul, South Korea Michael Battillo, Mt. Bethel, PA Evan Malmstrom, Battle Lake, MN Jacob Kugel, Fergus Falls, MN ROW SIX: Luke Jennen, Fergus Falls, MN Nathan Doering, Fergus Falls, MN Joshua Brandon, Fergus Falls, MN Jacob Isaac, Fergus Falls, MN Seongwoo Park, Seoul, South Korea Kristian Tonnesen, Flemington, NJ Jee Hoon Park, Gyeonggi-do, South Korea Micah Jones, Alexandria, MN Jared Christenson, Fergus Falls, MN Jonathan Eckhardt, Fergus Falls, MN NOT PICTURED: Nathan Christenson, Fergus Falls, MN
HILLCRESTCONNECTION 21
CLASS OF
2014
Blessed is the one whose sin the Lord will never count against them.
1 3
ROMANS 4:8 2 4
5
6
7
8
ROW ONE: Yeseul Che, Seoul, South Korea Chelsea Kong, Hong Kong Feven Tadesse, Ethiopia Kelsey Nersten, Fergus Falls, MN Bethany Hemmila, Fergus Falls, MN Yujin Jang, Gyeonggido, S. Korea
22
SCENES
ROW TWO: Rena Fedorova, Kiev, Ukraine Britta Iverson, Fergus Falls, MN Eva Fleischer, Bangor, PA Elisabeth Peterson, Lake Park, MN Zoey Schweitzer, Colfax, WI Kathryn Senum, Brooklyn, NY
The Class of 2014 waits to be seated following the Commencement procession. 2 President Brue presents certificates of completion to the 25th Danielsen class at Hillcrest. 3 4 Yujin Jang and Quincy Undseth deliver their Co-Valedictory addresses during Class Night. 5 Erik Ferenczy, Eva Fleischer, Matthew Filippini & Han Gao pose for a photo together in the receiving line following Commencement. 6 Graduates celebrate after singing their class song on the front steps. The Class verse is inset. 7 The Class of 2014 (named below). 8 Co-Valedictorians Yujin Jang & Quincy Undseth (front); Co-Salutatorians Brandon Doering & Derek Lillestolen (back). 1
ROW THREE: Quincy Undseth, Fergus Falls, MN Kristofer Lein, Fergus Falls, MN Jason You, Seoul, South Korea Han Gao, Urumqi, Zin China George Lai, Yongkang, Taiwan ROW FOUR: Matthew Filippini, Lebanon, NJ Christopher Pellegrino, Mt. Bethel, PA Luke Joy, Fergus Falls, MN Caleb Mathison, Minneapolis, MN
ROW FIVE: Connor Aasness, Fergus Falls, MN Brandon Doering, Fergus Falls, MN Gustav Anderson, Mayville, ND Anthony Preston, Fergus Falls, MN ROW SIX: Erik Ferenczy, Lebanon, NJ Daniel Nersten, Fergus Falls, MN Evan Newman, Fergus Falls, MN Derek Lillestolen, East Hartland, CT Quincey Circo, Fergus Falls, MN
ALUMNI NEWS
23
2014
ALUMNI
The following bios are adapted from the spoken words of President Steve Brue introducing each recipient at the 2014 Alumni Brunch.
Roy & Barbara HEGGLAND
James
ERICKSON
ROY & BARBARA HEGGLAND
JAMES (JIM) ERICKSON
Barbara Olsen was born in Brooklyn, NY and attended 59th Street Lutheran Brethren Church. Roy Heggland was born in Teaneck, NJ (to parents who first met on the bus to Hillcrest) and baptized in Calvary Lutheran Brethren Church in Bergenfield, NJ. When he was two years old he moved to East Hartland, CT where he attended and was confirmed at Bethany Lutheran Brethren Church.
Jim was raised in Chad and Cameroon for the first 14 years of his life, the son of LB missionaries Earnest and Miriam. Taking high school in Africa via correspondence did not work well for him, so his parents sent him to Hillcrest, beginning with his sophomore year in the fall of 1961.
From a family with many ties to Hillcrest, Roy decided to go there at the beginning of his sophomore year. Barbara was the first in her family to attend when she went as a junior (with some encouragement from Pastor John Kilde). They began dating each other during their senior year, graduated in 1969, and returned home to attend college. She graduated from Wagner College in Staten Island, NY and he graduated from the University of Hartford in West Hartford, CT, both in 1973, both with degrees in mathematics. Barbara and Roy were married on December 30, 1972 and made their home in East Hartland, CT. In 1976 their son Matthew was born. Later that year they moved to Succasunna, NJ where they became members of Hillside LB Church where both were involved in teaching ministries and Roy became an Elder. In 1979, their second son Andrew was born, and in 1982 their daughter Kathy. Roy graduated from Rutgers Law School in 1980 and practiced corporate commercial law in a small law firm until becoming a staff attorney with AT&T in 1983. In 1986, Barbara and Roy and their three children moved to Longwood, FL where Roy became general counsel for Auxton Computers. In Longwood they attended a CMA church where Barbara was a part of the women’s and children’s ministries and Roy taught Sunday School and led a building committee. With the sale of Auxton to Cincinnati Bell Information Systems in 1987, Roy became general counsel of CBIS which led to their move to Cincinnati, OH in 1990. There they attended an independent Bible church where they were blessed with opportunities to worship, to fellowship, and to serve. But their hearts were still with their “home church” and in 1991 Roy became a member of the Trustee Board of the CLBA and was Chair of that Board until becoming Chair of the Council of Directors in 2009. In 2001 Roy and Barbara moved to Florida where they were glad to be able to again be a part of a Lutheran Brethren congregation, Living Faith Church in Cape Coral. Roy is once again serving as an Elder as well as a teacher and Barbara continues to be involved in teaching women’s Bible study and being part of the Discipleship Team. In 2011 Roy was called to be the Associate for Biblical Stewardship of the CLBA, teaching stewardship and doing estate planning for Lutheran Brethren congregations. Barbara is now working with him in that ministry. Roy also serves as general counsel for a national food service distributor. Barbara and Roy’s three children (and their daughter-in-law) all graduated from Hillcrest Academy, continuing the family tradition started by their grandparents. They love spending time with friends and family, especially their four grandsons in East Hartland, CT.
Following Hillcrest, Jim moved to California where he attended Pasadena City College and Cal-State Los Angeles. After graduation from college in 1969, Jim moved back to Fergus Falls and graduated from seminary in 1972. That June, Jim married the love of his life, Marilyn (Trochmann), whom he had met during his first year of seminary when she attended Bible school for one year. Their first two years of marriage were lived in Minneapolis while Marilyn finished her nursing degree. During this time, Jim served as youth pastor in Ebenezer LB Church in Minneapolis until the Lord called and sent them to Africa. Also during this time, Jim filled the pulpit at Bethesda LB Church in Eau Claire, WI for six months. Jim & Marilyn served in Cameroon for 20 years, translating the Tupuri New Testament, teaching, preaching, and doing administrative work for the mission and African church. It was early during this time on the mission field when Jim’s parents were murdered. This event profoundly affected Jim and Marilyn’s ministries in a very positive way. God continues to use this event for His honor and glory. During their time in Africa, Jim had the difficult task of translating the whole Bible into the native language there. And when he was leaving he asked the church, “What will you remember about us?” The reply was a surprise. The African church said, “We will remember you not only for this translation work, but more so that you stayed here after your parents were murdered here.” Good words, praise God. In 1995, Jim & Marilyn returned to the US and served Ebenezer LB Church in Mayville, ND for the next 5 years. While serving in Mayville, Jim was again called by LBWM, this time to serve as assistant to the Director for LB missions in Africa. Jim began this ministry in January of 2001. He helped launch the effort to reach unreached Muslim people groups in Chad, Africa. Jim remained in that position for 6 years. In November 2006, Jim & Marilyn moved to Fullerton, CA where Jim has been serving as lead pastor at Calvary Community Church (LB) for the past 7 years. Jim has also served on the LB Board of World Missions and more recently as a member of the Council of Directors for the Church of the Lutheran Brethren In all of these ministries, the glory and the honor goes to God who called Jim and Marilyn, equipped, enabled and strengthened them to minister in ways they could never have done by their own abilities. All they ever did was to obey and follow and trust Jesus to go and do what he led them to do. Jim writes, “What an honor to be called by God to be a servant of the Lord Jesus Christ!” Jim and Marilyn have 4 married sons, all of whom attended Hillcrest. Jim & Marilyn also have 5 grandchildren.
HILLCRESTCONNECTION 23
24
ALUMNI NEWS
2015
ALUMNUS
Leland ROGNESS Leland (Lee) Rogness was born to LaVern & Eileen Rogness in Mason City, Iowa. He was raised with his 3 brothers and 2 sisters on a family farm in North Central Iowa near the town of Joice. Lee attended a country school, and later the Lake Mills Community School in his elementary years. He then enrolled at Hillcrest Lutheran Academy and graduated in 1965. Lee attended the Lutheran Brethren Bible School the following year. In the summer of 1966, the Rogness family moved from Iowa to Fergus Falls, MN.
Dealers Association, as well as the North America Equipment Dealers Advisory Board. Lee and Lavonne continue to live and serve in the Fergus Falls area. Their daughters are all married, and they enjoy the family time together with their 6 grandchildren. They have been faithful supporters of Hillcrest Lutheran Academy over the years, for which we are very grateful.
Lee continued his college education at the Fergus Falls State Jr College, graduating in 1968. In 1971 Lee founded Interstate Inc., a farm equipment business in Fergus Falls that was his primary career focus. Lee and his wife Lavonne raised their three daughters, LaShawn, Leisha, and Lynae, in the Fergus Falls community, attending Bethel LB Church. All 3 of their girls are also Hillcrest graduates. As an active member of Bethel Church, Lee served on the Trustee Board, the Elder Board, various Building Committees, and is part of the new Bethel Church campus in Battle Lake, MN, a community 20 minutes east of Fergus Falls. Lee has also been very active with Lutheran Brethren Homes, an affiliate of the Church of the Lutheran Brethren, serving as Chairman and Board member. In 2008, Lee sold the majority of his business operations, but has continued working for the new owner to the present. He is involved in other family farming partnerships as well. In 2009, Lee was elected Ottertail County Commissioner, and continues to serve a second term. He has also served on the FF Chamber of Commerce, FF School District Ag Advisory Board, Ottertail County Ag Advisory Board, FF Port Authority, FF Public Safety Advisory Committee, and the United Way. On the national level, Lee served as President and Board member of the Minnesota & South Dakota Farm Equipment
24
ALUMNI NEWS
The family of Lee & Lavonne Rogness.
ALUMNI NEWS
25
2014 REUNION PHOTOS
CLASS OF 1944 Elmer Kaardal; Valborg Tungseth, Julia (Christenson) Kaardal, Thelma (Norby) Walstad, David Christenson
CLASS OF 1949 Luella Helland, Arne Bjelland, Joe Christenson, Ronald Pedersen, Ruth (Raun) Shiell
CLASS OF 1954 Front Row: Joyce (Windahl) Aune, Roy Johnson, John Kilde, Ruth (Gauslaa) Goats; Back Row: LaVonne (Sjule) Johnson, Verle Habberstad, Stan Kristiansen
CLASS OF 1959 Front Row: Rosanne (Raygor) Herman, Chloe (Rangen) Koslowsky, Marilyn (Bjordahl) Vorvick; Back Row: Harold Vorvick, Joel Egge
GOLDEN ALUMNI
CLASS OF 1964
Frirst Row: Patricia Johnson, Judy (Egstad) Bjerkaas, Shirley (Hanson) Smith, Roy Erdahl, Bob Walla, Jim Erickson, Paul Christenson, Miriam (Bergsagel) Erdahl, Mary (Johnson) Ott; Second Row: Marit (Lero) Bell, Joanne (Valder) Austin, Melodee (Werdal) Dyrud, Arlene (Roinestad) Hale, Janice (Nilsen) Christiansen, Marlys (Roath) Aus, Sylvia (Hexom) Vigesaa, Becky (Huss) Larsen, Marilyn (King) Naseth; Third Row: Ken Fry, Arnold Nordaas, Bill Erdahl, Darwin Paulson, Maurice Foss, Bonnie (Soderquist) Moore, Rebecca (Skrede) Beuger, Margaret (Vold) Powell; Fourth Row: Philip Hansen, Neil Norman, Bjorn Leiren, Gerry Erickson, Jerry Kavlie, David Naugle, Rhoda (Norheim) Tuit, Judy (Simonson) Lazicki
HILLCRESTCONNECTION 25
26
ALUMNI NEWS
CLASS OF 1969 Frirst Row: Ellen (Vesta) Borseth, Mary Beth (Trones) Carlson, Sonja (Amberson) Kendall, Margarethe (Erickson) Swanson, Cheryl (Venberg) Anderson; Second Row: Renae Paulson, Barbara (Olsen) Heggland, Jeanene (Erickson) Engebretson, Linda (Skjei) Swenson, Lynne (Olson) Hemen, Angela (Anfinson) Dillon; Third Row: Cheryl (Soderquist) Brockmann, Sharon (Swensen) Hansen, June (Jensen) Bentson, Karin (Lundeen) Hill, Nancy (Gilbertson) Overland, Margaret (Omland) England; Fourth Row: Roy Heggland, John Langager, Les Rogness, David Simonson, Gary Lenander, Arne Vetrhus
CLASS OF 1979 Frirst Row: Dan Brue, Ruth (Peterson) Juliot, Robyn (Rogness) Barnett, Lindy (Olsoe) Freeman, Holly (Wold) Vigesaa, Kevin Patch; Second Row: Annie (Smalley) Jacobsen, Jolene (Kavlie) Kowalski, Kathie (Johnson) Seaver, Barb (Seaver) Mundis; Third Row: Mark Selvig, John Jacobsen, Brian Jensen, Todd Mathison, Jahn Dyvik
CLASS OF 1974 Frirst Row: Bob Eltrevoog, Jim Swensen, Tom Moline, Charlie Brue, Ricky Stoutland, Jeff Erickson, Mark Finnesgard, Dave Patch; Second Row: Heidi (Christianson) Mortenson, Elayne (Hanson) Michaelis, Becky (Jensen) Braisted, Loran Rogness, Steve Magstadt, Cindy (Holoien) Karlstrom, Barbara (Bleivik) Wilmot; Third Row: Rebekah Trochmann, Mary Ann (Werdal) Olson, Mim (Rangen) Patch, Gladys (Stedjan) Moline, Ginger (Strom) Reimers, Karin (Sabo) Olsoe, Lorraine (Moskeland) Mork
CLASS OF 1994 Frirst Row: Michelle (Soholt) Newman, Monica (Koslowsky) Collins, Kari (Swanson) Andrews; Second Row: Sara (Stumbo) Nelson, Brenda (Thompson) Ryan, Krista (Anderson) Fling, Becky (Kilde) Schultz, Naomi (Benjamin) Tofibam, Nichole Mundis; Third Row: Aaron Schultz, Jon Tengesdal, Evan Newman, Brooks Walter, Joel Synstelien, Chris Buttke, Corey Synstelien, Jeremy Whalon, Steve Gundersen. Not Pictured: Sarah (Voorhees) Thacker, Brent Backstrom.
Dave Jones, former HLA Choir Director, introduces an Alumni Choir selection at the 2014 Alumni Brunch.
2014 Golden Alumni (Class of 1964) receive special recognition from President Brue during the Alumni Brunch.
26
ALUMNI NEWS
240 Alumni & Friends gathered for the 2014 Alumni Brunch, the largest such gathering to date.
ALUMNI NEWS
27
2015 REUNION PHOTOS
CLASS OF 1945 Verna Mae (Haverly) Brue, Omar Gjerness (Seminary), Delores (Erickson) Sandberg
CLASS OF 1950 Elizabeth (Reynolds) Simonson, Don Raun, Junice (Slattum) DeGroot, Ardith (Kilde) Seaver
CLASS OF 1955 Front Row: Joyce (Osmundson) Boehland, Roseanne (Jorgenson) Smith, Anne (Sollie) Haegeland, Genelle (Osland) Blomquist, Ramona (Pedersen) Settergren, Helene (Ryen) Tostenson; Back Row: Gladys (Sandnes) Handeland, Phil Wold, Gordon Omland, Irv Peterson, Helen Peterson
CLASS OF 1960 Front Row: Nanci (Tryggestad) DeSmet, Ragnhild (Salte) Olsen, Linda (Lee) Mortenson, JoAnn (Aarhus) Gundersen, Barbara (Olsen) Salvesen; Second Row: Virginia (Nix) Stowbridge, Shirley (Osmundson) Henderson, Sharon (Erickson) Daines, Lois (Berglund) Thomsen; Third Row: Kenny Venberg, Verdeen Backstrom, David Thompson, Les Hansen, Ken Berge
GOLDEN ALUMNI
CLASS OF 1964
Frirst Row: Jean (Loge) DeVries, Carole (Sand) Gabrielson, Priscilla (Wold) Dutcher, Mary (Egge) Soltysik, Dawn (Gudim) Johnson, Jude (Walla) Heringer, Marlene (Klemetson) Dang, Ruth (Aarhus) Vallevik; Second Row: Gary Williams, Ruth (Lee) Ostergaard, Rachel (Quernemoen) Anderson, Claudia (Moline) Pryor, Jeanne (Vigesaa) Foss, David Larson; Third Row: James Walker, George Solberg, Mike Erickson, Dan Ostergaard, Dennis Erickson, Marvin Solberg, John Molstre; Fourth Row: Charles Orrestad, Denis Olson, David Sorensen, Chuck Eidem, Lee Rogness, Elroy Vesta, Richard Gunhus, LeRoy Tysdal
HILLCRESTCONNECTION 27
28
ALUMNI NEWS
CLASS OF 1970 Mark Olsoe, Sheri (Fuhrman) Erickson, Joel Nordvedt, Sue (Madsen) Schmeling, Cheryl (Bjornlie) Olsen, Gaylen Mathiesen
CLASS OF 1975 Front Row: Mark Tungseth, Rhonda (Shiell) Hermanson, Myron Olsoe, Deborah (Abel) Gill, Joel Rogness; Back Row: Rolfe Sunwall, Martha (Thorson) Jacobs, Lois (Minchinton) Rogness, Dan Christenson, Marci (Ysteboe) Weisenberger
CLASS OF 1980
CLASS OF 1990
Front Row: Pete Gjerness, Delight (Werdal) McKnight, Tonia (Olsoe) Rubeo, Brian Halbakken; Back Row: Kevin Kvamme, John Stensrud, Paul Senum
Front Row: Cory Thompson, Brian Boss, Karen (Finlay) Curry, Sarah (Westby) Schultz, Dawn (Williams) Anderson, Joel Shiffer; Back Row: Darin Pasch, Russ Gravley, Chris Vall, Mark Everswick, Karsten Anderson, Chad Strand, Peter Foss
CLASS OF 2000 Alonna Johnson, Christine (Gundersen) Lawson, Joshua Sawyer, Matt Brue, Stacy Nilsen, Katherine Heggland
An Alumni Choir performs at the 2015 Alumni Brunch, directed by former HLA Choir Director, Dave Jones.
28
ALUMNI NEWS
Dennis Erickson (H’65) and Mark Tungseth (H’75), honor Vererans in song at the 2015 Alumni Brunch, accompanied by Cathy (Brue) Tungseth (H’82).
2015 Golden Alumni (Class of 1965) receive special recognition from President Brue during the Alumni Brunch.
ALUMNI NEWS
Ken Austin was a familiar face on the Hillcrest campus for many years. He served in the LBS Alumni Office from 1990 - 2002. Chaplain Kenneth “Ken” Austin (S'90), 76, of Underwood, MN died Tuesday, October 27, 2015, at Sanford Medical Center in Fargo, North Dakota. Ken was born on December 11, 1938, in Minot, ND the son of Theodore and Frances (Ewen) Austin. He grew up in Minot and graduated from Minot High School in 1957. He served his country in the National Guard from 1956 to 1962. On February 15, 1959, he married Mavis Field in Minot, ND. He started working at the age of 8 at a vegetable farm. Over the years he worked for Broten Lumberyard in Minot, foreman at Peavy lumAllen John Foss (H'54, S'63), 77, passed away Wednesday, April 23, 2014 at the Henderson House. Allen was born June 24, 1936 on the family farm at Maddock, North Dakota to Johnnie and Florence (Skovholt) Foss. He attended school in Hesper and Maddock, North Dakota and graduated from Hillcrest Lutheran Academy in Fergus Falls, MN in 1954. Allen graduated from Concordia College in 1959 and taught high school science for a time. He graduated from the Lutheran Brethren Seminary in Fergus Falls Allen Foss in 1963. He was married to Goldie Stueckle of Dusty, Washington on August 24, 1959. Allen was first called to serve the Bethel Lutheran Brethren Church in Aitkin, MN and continued to serve churches in Bottineau, ND, Ottawa, IL, East Hartland, CT, Everett, WA and Yuma, AZ from 1963 to 2000 before retiring in Everett, WA. He served as President for both Eastern and Western Districts of the Church of the Lutheran Brethren. Allen also served on various Synod boards and authored two books for Christian instruction. After retiring in 2000 he served as interim pastor in Marysville and Lynnwood, WA. He also enjoyed wood-working during his retirement years. Allen and Goldie built a home and moved to Colfax, WA in 2011. Artt E. Christofferson (H'54), 78, went home to his heavenly Father, March 25, 2014, surrounded by his family in Billings, MT.
Artt Christofferson
Artt was born November 12, 1935 to Harold and
beryard in Glen Ullin as well as an International dealer. While in Glen Ullin he traveled to Dickinson every Sunday where he helped start a church. In 1972 Ken moved to Bismarck to help start Grace Lutheran Brethren church. He went into real estate from 1972 to 1987. In 1987 he moved to Fergus Falls to attend The Lutheran Brethren Seminary and graduated in 1990. After seminary he worked for Hillcrest in the Alumni and Home Missions department. During that time he also served Aurdal and Messiah Lutheran churches in the Fergus Falls area. In 2002, he became the fulltime chaplain for Lutheran Brethren Homes (Broen Memorial Home) and served until his death. He was a member of the Underwood Lions and over the years was very active in the churches he attended. He loved gardening, coin collecting, metal detecting; time spent with his family, and loved to tell tall tales with his brothers. He so loved his family and was very proud of them all. Some of his greatest joys were officiating at many weddings and baptisms for his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Ovedia (Solberg) Christofferson in Malta. He grew up on the family farm. Artt’s father, Harold, passed away in October of 1949 when Artt was 14. That was a very long hard winter and he and his brother, Arve, stayed home to help their mother care for the cattle. When fall came and it was time to go back to school, he did not want to be a year behind his friends. Three of his siblings were already attending Lutheran Brethren Schools in Fergus Falls, Minnesota, so he decided that was where he would like to attend high school. He enjoyed playing basketball and when he was a senior he was elected Student Body President. Upon graduation in 1954 he returned to the family farm in Malta. Artt married Joan Hendrickson on December 21, 1956. To this union were born three children, Ross Everette, Bruce Allan and Jan DeVere. He was an active member of Elim Lutheran Church, serving as Elder for 25 years and various other boards. He was a member of Gideons and enjoyed passing out Bibles for 30 years. He also served on the Malta School Board for 6 years, Malta Hospital Board and Malta Opportunities. David Eugene Erdahl (H'71) passed away on January 22, 2014 in Gresham, Oregon. He was 60 years of age. David was born on May 26, 1953 in Bellingham, Washington, the son of Gene and Gertie (Larsen) Erdahl. He grew up in Ferndale, Washington and graduated from Hillcrest Lutheran Academy in Fergus Falls, Minnesota. On June 9, 1972, he married Ordell Bjordahl in Grand Forks, North Dakota and in 1976 David Erdahl they moved to
29
IN MEMORY Gresham. David worked for 34 years for Boeing retiring in 2011 as a Production Supervisor. Family was David's life. He was a devoted husband, dad and grandpa and adored his many friends. He enjoyed fishing, hunting, camping and boating and enjoyed trips to Mexico. Carol Jean (Anderson) Friberg (H'52), age 80 of Chicago passed away on Sunday November 30, 2014. She is survived by ten children: David (beloved late Jody Conrad), Dan (Carol), Steve, Tim, Sharon (Larry) Schnoor), Debbie (Randy) Spradlin, Paul (Melissa), Martha (Terry) Whalen, Phil (Julio Babian), and Peter (Tara) and 15 grandchildren: Johnathan, Josh, Dana (Dan) Hendrickson, Carol Friberg Tom, Alison (Enrique) Cook, Tina, Jacob, Rachel, Mariah, Kyle, John, Sarah, Pricilla, Katie and Tyler. Mrs. Friberg was preceded in death by her husband Stanley. Jeanette (Halvorson) Jacobson was born on December 9, 1923 in Northwood, ND to Jentoft and Josephine (Hanson) Halvorson. She was their second daughter, following her older twin sister, Jeanive, into the world by about four minutes. Jeanette also had one younger sister, Judy. When Jeanette was about five years old, the Halverson’s moved to Grand Forks, ND, where her Dad worked as a barber. Jeanette was confirmed on May 29, 1938 and graduated from high school on May 29, 1941. After graduation, Jeanette attended Lutheran Brethren Bible College in Fergus Falls, MN. Jeanette Jacobson There, in the fall of 1941, she met her future husband, Gaylord Jacobson, who was attending seminary. They were married on May 29, 1943. The Lord blessed this marriage with five children: Gayolyn Annette, Gwendolyn Jeanive, Roger Jerome, Cheryl Jeanette and Charlene Joy. All five of their children graduated from Hillcrest Lutheran Academy. Jeanette ministered with Gaylord for 44 years in several churches. Jeanette’s many roles included organist, pianist, choir director, choir and string band member, Sunday School teacher and superintendent as well as Vacation Bible School Director. During this time, she also taught private piano lessons, worked as an EMT and as a home health care provider.
HILLCRESTCONNECTION 29
30
ALUMNI NEWS
MEMORIALS CONTINUED The Jacobson’s retired from full-time ministry in 1986 and moved to Platte, SD. In 1991, Jeanette’s twin sister and brother-in-law, Jeanive & Gordy Solheim, also retired and moved to Platte, placing the twins in the same location once again. They saw or spoke to each other several times a day and often showed up unintentionally dressed alike. Jeanette enjoyed music, board games, jigsaw puzzles, scrapbooking, reading, baking, entertaining guests, visiting the elderly and having members of her large family around her. On Tuesday, March 17, 2015, at the age of 91 years, 3 months and 8 days, Jeanette met Jesus face to face. Her last words spoken on this earth were “I see angels,” and then they escorted her Home. Jeanette leaves an incredible legacy of a woman of great faith and trust in Jesus, whom she declared was her best friend. Kermit L. Kvamme, 77, was born February 26, 1938 to Ludvig and Olga (Haarstad) Kvamme on the family farm near Rollag, MN. The family moved to Minneapolis when Ludvig and Olga became employed at Augsburg College in 1946, so young Kermit grew up on the campus of Augsburg. Kermit met his best friend and high school sweetheart, Grace Anderson, at Minnehaha Academy. They sang in Kermit Kvamme the Minnehaha Singers
Joel Lunde was an institution at LBS. He served on the faculty from 1963 - 1995. Rev. Joel S. Lunde (H'45), 88, passed away Thursday, March 26, 2015, at Lake Region Healthcare in Fergus Falls. He was born on December 13, 1926 to Jens and Elizabeth (Bakken) Lunde in Rochert, MN. He attended a rural school, and graduated from Hillcrest Academy in 1945. Joel continued his education at Concordia College in Moorhead, MN, graduating in 1948. He then entered the National Guard for a short time before going to Seminary, graduating in 1951. Joel married Alice Nordtvedt on June 18, 1954 in Ferndale, Washington. They went to Paris, France, where they studied French before going to Africa as missionaries. Joel was involved in translation work and spent time in the villages with the people. He was also director of the seminary before coming home. Due to illness, they left Africa in 1961.
30
ALUMNI NEWS
together, were engaged before graduation, and married on February 8th, 1958. They had four children, Scott, Kevin, Billi Jo, and Missi, all born in MN. Kermit's lifelong career in sales started in Minneapolis but ended up taking him and the family all over the United States with stops in Central Minnesota, Minot, Bismarck, Billings, Denver, and Phoenix. After retirement, Kermit and Grace moved to Fergus Falls, MN in 2004 to be near their kids and grandkids. Kermit trusted Christ as His Lord and Savior and led his own family to know and trust in Jesus. He and Grace were very active as a team in numerous Lutheran Brethren congregations. Many people have been blessed by Kermit's enthusiastic song-leading, whether at the pulpit or around a campfire, and his heart and home was always open to friends and family. Kermit believed that a Christian education was a valuable gift to his children, sending all four of them to Hillcrest Academy in Fergus Falls. In recent years, Kermit was involved with fundraising for Hillcrest, which he loved. He was a faithful fan at Hillcrest sports events, where his booming "DEFENSE Red!" will surely be missed. Kermit was a man of many talents and interests, with a larger-than-life personality. He was known for his hearty laugh, encouraging words, generous & tender heart, spiritual leadership, kindness, and loyal friendship. He loved singing and playing his guitar, hunting, golfing, fishing, boating, camping, auto racing, classic cars, NFL football, going to concerts and events, dinners out with friends, and spending time with his grandchildren. Joel served as Senior Pastor of the 59th Street Church in Brooklyn, NY, until 1963, when he accepted a call to teach at the Lutheran Brethren Seminary, Bible College and Hillcrest Academy in Fergus Falls, retiring in 1995. Throughout the years, Joel served churches in North Dakota, New Jersey, New York and Minnesota, serving in interim pastorates while teaching at the schools. Joel had a deep love for his Savior and expressed that love in many ways, including his love for the people in Africa, for his students, and in his chalk drawings which he did using black lights and a tape to enhance them. He did these in many churches and organizations and many are still found in some of the places where he drew them. He also founded and directed the Bible School Choir (Good News Singers) and toured Norway in 1981. In retirement, Joel drove school bus and motor coach for OtterTail Coaches. He loved to hunt, fish, chop and sell wood, collect stamps, and had a very large garden every year. Most of all, Joel was a devoted husband, father and grandfather. He loved us all and prayed for each of us by name.
Throughout his life, until the hour of his passing, Kermit would state that he trusted Christ for his salvation, believed that his sins were forgiven, and took comfort that God knew the number of his days here on earth. He passed peacefully at home, early Sunday morning, August 16, 2015. Esther (Monsen) Markland (H'48), 84, went home to be with the Lord on Friday, August 29, 2014. Esther was the eldest daughter born on January 13, 1930 in Milwaukee, WI, and was preceded in death by her parents Andy and Beda and step-mother, Elna (Norman) Monsen. As a pastor's daughter, and pastor and missionary's wife for 56 years, Esther lived in many places: WI, MT, ND, MN, NY, CT, FL, France, Chad & Cameroon (Africa). Esther's greatest joy was being wife and helpmate to her husband, Finn, mother of four children, grandmother of 10, servant of God, prayer warrior and Esther Markland Bible student & teacher. She was musically talented and enjoyed playing the piano or singing in church. She was an exemplary model of Christian faith, demonstrating grace, love and hospitality to all. Her gentle spirit and strength of character were a lesson of faithfulness that influenced many in their walk with Christ. Her favorite indulgence was any kind of ice cream, usually taken from Finn's bowl. Philip R. Olson (H'48), the son of Elmer and Amelia (Pederson) Olson was born April 10, 1925 in Eleva, WI. He graduated from Hillcrest Lutheran Academy. Philip then attended Bible College for a year, before going on to attend Seminary. On October 22, 1949, Philip was united in marriage with Evelyn Philip Olson Wartdal in Brooklyn, NY. After their marriage the couple lived in Conrad, MT before moving to Sioux Falls in 1962. Philip was employed as a carpenter with Swift Brothers, Ken Olson Construction, and then Gordon Carlson Construction, retiring in 1999. Evelyn died November 14, 2013. Philip was a member of First Evangelical Free Church, the Norse Glee Club, and a lifetime member of the Lowell Elementary PTA. He greatly enjoyed singing, and sang for over 60 years. Philip traveled with a singing quartet that performed in over 42 states, Norway, and Denmark. Ruth Helene (Lokkesmoe) Shirk (H'39) was born on Oak Street in Red Wing, Minnesota on
ALUMNI NEWS September 15, 1922 to Julius and Alpha (Sunde) Lokkesmoe. In a first grade play she dressed the part of a nurse and determined to one day be that person. She did—completing her RN training at Swedish Hospital in Minneapolis in 1945. Her forty year nursing career carried her primarily to Deaconess Hospital in Spokane, WA and Newport Community Hospital in Newport, WA. Ruth met Charles Shirk in 1949 at Simpson Bible College in Seattle. They were married August 27, 1950 in Berkeley, CA. Ruth and Chuck had two children—Carol (1952) David (1955). After Charles died in 1978 mom’s role as beloved family matriarch increased to grandmother of seven and great-grandRuth Shirk mother of eighteen—the newest baby girl born six weeks before her passing. Mom’s heartfelt prayers for our family remain solid ground beneath us. From her early years Ruth answered the invitation to know God through His Son. Her unwavering faith inspired family and friends. She was eager to meet Jesus face to face and gain eternal life. Once again her pure soprano rises in song. Eric Simonsen (H'82), 50, died Sunday, April 26, 2015, at his home. He was born December 12, 1964, in Staten Island, NY to Peter and Janice (Jensen) Simonsen. He attended school at Coronado High School in Colorado Springs, CO and graduated from Hillcrest Academy in Fergus Falls in 1982. He then attended Bethel College in St. Paul and graduated with an Associate degree in 1986. On August 7, 1993, he married Elisabeth Bronson in Bunker Hill, NJ. Eric was a Master carpenter and owner of Simonsen Construction, working in New York, New Jersey, Minnesota and North Dakota. In 2012-2013, he did shoreline restoration and in 2014, he worked as a framer with Precise
Carpentry and was a painter with Newman Painting.
quartets, lovely duets with Helen, and as a soloist to bring praise to his Lord. He was a voracious reader and avid golfer, and could always be seen supporting his family and all church events.
Eric’s faith was very important to him. He has most recently been a member of Bethel Lutheran Brethren Church of Fergus Falls. He enjoyed spending time with his family, auto Eric Simonsen repair and restoration of classic cars and hunting and gardening. Reverend Robert Magnus Sletta (H'46, S'53), 86, went home to be with his Lord on September 27, 2014, his 62nd wedding anniversary. Born in Chicago, IL, he spent 5 years of his childhood in Norway and then returned to the United States. He graduated high school from Hillcrest Lutheran Academy, then received his Bachelor of Arts from Augsburg College. He went to seminary at Church of the Lutheran Brethren, Fergus Falls, MN, was ordained in 1953, served on the Board of the Church of the Lutheran Brethren and was editor of the Faith and Fellowship. He later obtained a Master of Arts in History from California State University. Robert served as a Lutheran Brethren pastor in churches in Wisconsin, Minnesota, New Jersey, New York, and California. He also served as Chaplain for the Norwegian Christian Home in Brooklyn, NY and for the Griggstown Volunteer Fire Department. Following his retirement, he served as Interim Pastor for Griggstown Reformed Church and Windsor Chapel. Robert Sletta He was much loved in every church he served especially with his gift for visitation. He used his beautiful tenor voice in church choirs, traveling
ALUMNI UPDATES 1960’s
Bertha (Westerman) Williams (H'62) writes: I recently moved from Ohio to South Dakota and would love to reconnect with classmates. Please feel free to contact me by mail or phone at: PO Box 164, Sisseton, SD 57262 or 605-268-1590. Jeff Richards (H'68) recently spent time preaching & teaching in Ukraine and the Congo through his mission organization, Global Teaching and Preaching (globalteachingandpreaching.com). In the Congo 405 pastors were present for the teaching and preaching which was held every day from 9 a.m. until 5 p.m. at the Free Methodist Church of Baraka. "We taught them leadership, Bible study methods, the book of Romans and theology. I had a capable interpreter who translated very well, though there were a few times he gave me a look which said he did not understand. It is impossible for them to obtain theological education in this part of the Congo, so we come to them." Read more at: http://tinyurl.com/congotrip and http://tinyurl.com/kievmission
31
Palmer Valder (H'39) was born April 16, 1919, in Honan Province, China, where his parents, Peter and Olga (Tungseth) Valder were Lutheran Brethren missionaries. Palmer lived there for seven years and became fluent in Chinese, though later in life he had forgotten it all, except one song, "Into my Heart, Come Palmer Valder into my Heart, Lord Jesus." From China the family traveled back to Norway and then to Mayville, ND, before settling in Ferndale Washington. His father continued to make several more trips back to China and Taiwan during his missionary career. Palmer attended school in Ferndale until his sophomore year when he transferred to LBS. It was at LBS that he met the love of his life, Wava Lorene Ramsey who was from Joice, Iowa. They both graduated in 1939. Palmer and Wava were happily married on Valentines Day in 1942, soon after WWII began. Later that year, Palmer enlisted in the Army Air Corp and served for nearly 4 years until the war ended in 1945. Palmer and Wava lived in Cedar Falls, IA, while he attended Iowa State Teachers College, then in Waterloo, IA where he worked in furniture sales. In 1957, they moved with their three daughters, Sharon, Joanne and Marilyn, to Minneapolis, MN, where they lived for the next 35 years and were actively involved in Ebenezer LB Church. Palmer loved music! In his youth he was involved in a string band, and continued on to enjoy various Memorials continued on the back cover...
1970’s
Deborah (Abel) Gill (H'75) writes: Although my time with classmates was brief, I really was happy to be at the Alumni Brunch in May. I spent 4 weeks in Minnesota visiting my parents- John and Ruby Abel and 5 of my children, now living in Minneapolis. I am back in Brazil with my husband Fred and 6 children. Two are married and work here. The Lord is faithful and I hope to get back for more Alumni reunions. I'll look forward to getting the Alumni news and pictures.
We LOVE Hearing From You! (so do your classmates)
Big News? New Baby? Address Change? Let us know! Send your updates to connection@ffhillcrest.org or submit them online at www.ffhillcrest.org/update
HILLCRESTCONNECTION 31
PAID
forms of music in church, community sings, and with his family at home. One of his great delights was listening to Wava's beautiful voice and gifted piano playing. One of the special ministries he loved was going to the VA hospital in Minneapolis with his good friend, Vernon Blikstad, and sharing the gospel with the veterans and giving away Bibles.
FERGUS FALLS, MN PERMIT #14
CONTINUED FROM PG 31
NON-PROFIT US POSTAGE
MEMORIALS
After they retired, Palmer and Wava moved back to Iowa and settled in Joice. Most recently, he and Wava lived together in Pioneer Cottages Assisted Living in Fergus Falls. They attended Bethel LB as often as possible, and enjoyed the visits of dear friends until he went to be with the Lord.
After basic training at Lackland Air Force Base in Texas, he spent time as a flight line mechanic in the North Dakota Air National Guard. He was involved in beginning the Inspiration Lutheran Brethren Church in Breckenridge, MN, serving as elder there as well as an elder later at Bethel Lutheran Church, Fergus Falls. In his spare time, Maynard enjoyed golfing, horseshoes, traveling, and meeting with morning coffee men ("The Senate") at his repair shop. One of Maynard's greatest enjoyments in his later years was to get up early, drive to the shop, and fire up the wood stove. "The Senate" would then gather for an hour of fellowship and coffee. He and Pat have volunteered at the Broen Memorial Home for over 12 years, assisting with music and helping each week with Sunday services.
Hillcrest Lutheran Academy 610 Hillcrest Drive Fergus Falls, MN 56537
Maynard Walvatne
On June 24, 1961, Maynard married Patricia Bjerkebek at Bethel Lutheran Brethren Church in Fergus Falls.
HILLCREST
Maynard O. Walvatne (H'55) was born on July 4, 1937 in Fergus Falls, Minnesota, the son of Otto and Martha (Sethre) Walvatne. He attended school in Fergus Falls, graduating from Hillcrest Lutheran Academy in 1955. Maynard went on to attend the Wahpeton State School of Science, graduating in 1957 in auto repair. After graduation, Maynard worked at Fergus Nash Motor Company, Southside Repair, and managed the Conoco gas station. In 1959 he operated Walvatne Sinclair Service. He opened his own business, Walvatne Auto Repair, in 1963.
CONNECTION CONNE CTION
Palmer will be lovingly remembered for his cheerful, optimistic attitude toward life, his strong faith in Jesus Christ, and for his emphatic exclamation "Praise the Lord!" after a particularly moving song at church.
2016 Alumni Brunch May 28, 2016 | 10 am If this is a reunion year for your class, keep an eye on your mailbox for the latest info.
Sam Stensrud and Levi Chase show off their team's robot and explain the competition process to the student body. Hillcrest students participate in a team called Central Lakes Robotics.
HILLCREST STUDENTS ARE TAKING HOME AWARDS IN MATH & ENGINEERING - Winner of the Tri-College math competition 6 of the last 7 years. Students individually placed 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 5th, 7th and 8th out of 2000 students in the upper level high school competition. - Hillcrest’s robotics and engineering class recently won the regional competition, cleaning off the awards table earning 13 of 16 possible awards.