Hillcrest Connection Fall 2009

Fall 2009 • Volume 70 • Number 4

Hillcrest A MAGAZINE FOR FRIENDS AND ALUMNI OF HILLCREST ACADEMY

Inside this Issue:

Graduation Highlights Alumnus of the Year Reunion Pictures HIT Golf

CONNECTION

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GREETING Dear Alumni and Friends,

A new school year is here! And with it comes the amazing energy of returning and new students meeting after a quick summer break. But not everyone thought it went quick. Some parents complained to me how slow the summer seemed to go and how happy their child is to be back at school again. What??

of this school environment, doing his work among the students. No doubt this will impact the relationships that develop here. It will also impact students’ understanding of the world and their place in the world. It will equip them for a life of significance. That’s what we pray will happen.

And we believe that God answers those prayers.

mis- sion minded . I will make a mar k. a life of significanc e. I will be mission I will make a mark.

I will live a life of sigce. I will be mission minded. I will learn to be e like Jesus. I will make a mark. I will live a life significance. I will b e mission minded. I will learn o be more like Jesu s. I will make a ma rk. I will live a life of significanc e. I will be mission minded. I wil learn to be more lik eLIVE. JesuLEARN. s .

I w i l l make a mark. I GO. will live a life of s ignificance. I will be mission m ed. I will lear There’s a special community relationship that exists, and always has, at Hillcrest. Kids talk about friendships, but I think it’s much deeper than that. “Friendships” is the quick answer. But those friendships are created from within an environment that allows positive peer relationships to flourish. Our mission statement calls it a “biblical, Christcentered environment.” God is in the center

This fall issue of the Hillcrest Connection features the Class of 2009, Graduation weekend, and various HLA Alumni reunions. Next issue will provide a glimpse of this current school year in progress. I covet your prayers for a meaningful year as students engage in study, activity, worship, and service. Thank you, alumni and friends, for your partnership with us in this ministry. Your support and encouragement is greatly appreciated!

Steven J. Brue, HLA President

Any school can prepare students for a life of excellence...

We’re more concerned about a life of significance.

WWW.FFHILLCREST.ORG

Hillcrest CONNECTION

CONTENTS 4 Feature Class of 2009

7 Focus

Herman Engebretson at Anzio

8 Finance

Charitable Connection Financial Update

10 Campus News Auction HIT Basketball HIT Golf Recap

14 Alumni News Alumnus of the Year Reunion Photos Alumni Updates

Fall 2009 The Hillcrest Connection is published quarterly by Hillcrest Academy.

Hillcrest Lutheran Academy 610 Hillcrest Drive Fergus Falls, MN 56537-2699 STEVE BRUE | President Editor-in-Chief sbrue@ffhillcrest.org CONNIE JENSEN Managing Editor cjensen@ffhillcrest.org RYAN ERICKSON Graphic Design rerickson@ffhillcrest.org STEVE HOFFBECK Contributing Writer KEVEN CRABTREE Contributing Writer

HILLCREST ACADEMY BOARD OF DIRECTORS DWIGHT SCHMIDT | Chair Jamestown, ND RICH HEGGLAND | Vice Chair New Port Richey, FL ROD SCHEEL | Secretary Fergus Falls, MN DAVE EGGE Alexandria, MN RICH IVERSON Barnesville, MN KATHY JOHNSON Fergus Falls, MN

J. BURDEAN ROGNESS Eden Prarie, MN

MISSION STATEMENT

LISA SCHULTZ-FRED Fergus Falls, MN

The mission of Hillcrest Lutheran Academy is to equip students in a Christ-centered, Bible-based environment for a life of significance.

OLAV SANDNES Mt. Bethel, PA

HILLCREST ACADEMY PARENT ADVISORY TEAM LISA SCHULTZ-FRED | HLA Board Rep CARLA BJORNLIE LORI HESTENES ANDY LACEY LESLIE JENNEN

Cover photo courtesy of Bob Olson, father of 2009 graduate Bethany Olson.

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FEATURE

f o s s a l c

FEATURE

A sunny and pleasant Sunday greeted the graduates and guests of Hillcrest’s 5th graduation ceremony in the Student Activities Center on the Hillcrest campus. Family and friends filled the auditorium to honor the 35 seniors graduating as the Class of 2009. In addition, the HLA Golden Alumni of the Class of 1959 received their recognition pins. Twentynine Danielsen students received HLA Certificates of Completion for their one-year educational experience.

The commencement address was given by Mr. Lars Danielsen, Rector of the Danielsen School of Bergen, Norway, in celebration of the 20 year school relationship between the Danielsen School and Hillcrest Lutheran Academy.

Weekend festivities included various class reunion gatherings which brought alumni from all over the nation. Guests enjoyed a Friday evening Concert featuring the HLA Band, Jazz Ensemble, Choir, and Vocalise Ensemble. The Hillcrest Alumni Brunch

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was held Saturday morning, and a Senior Honors Program and Banquet later that afternoon. At the Senior Class Night on Saturday evening, Hans Brue gave the Valedictory address, and John Choi gave the Salutatory address.

Special appeals were made throughout the weekend to invest in the future of Hillcrest Lutheran Academy through the Giving Clubs, with positive responses received.

Many thanks also to the parents and grandparents who participated in a special gift honoring the 2009 graduates!

God’s rich blessings to the Class of 2009!

First Row – Kori Mathison-Minneapolis, MN, Soo Jin Chang-Kyeongki-do, S. Korea, Kaitlyn Kraakmo-Edmonds, WA, Maria Ferkingstad-Woodway, WA, Bonae Twedt-Fergus Falls, MN, Kirsten Miller-Mount Bethel, PA, Mary Christenson-Mount Bethel, PA, Bethany Olson-Shoreline, WA, Nicole OlsoeSeattle, WA, Tristyn Roe-Succasunna, NJ, Allison Murphy-Fergus Falls, MN. Second Row – Hwan Hee Jeong-Chungcheongnam, S. Korea, Greta Tungseth-Fergus Falls, MN, Abby Corbett-Eagan, MN, Caitlyn BowersDresser, WI, Ye Lynn Shin-Kyeong Ki-do, S. Korea, Brita Endrud-Buxton, ND, Hilary Ouse-Rothsay, MN, Jessica Schmidt-Fergus Falls, MN, Mary HoffbeckBarnesville, MN. Third Row – Michael Christenson-Fergus Falls, MN, James StedjanHuntington, NY, Tyler Lacey -Wendell, MN, Hans Brue -Bloomington, MN, Nehemiah Choi -Shaanxi, China, Steven Fawcett -Mount Bethel, PA, Yi Chu -Hudien City, Taiwan.

Fourth Row – Andrew Crowser -Fergus Falls, MN, Cody Gonzalez Bangor, PA, Kurtis Vestol -Dunellen, NJ, Joshua Johnson -Fergus Falls, MN, Dae Hyun Lee -Qingdao, China, Tae Hyun Kim -Gwacheon City, S. Korea, Nolan Erickson -Fergus Falls, MN. Not pictured – Kayla Castro -Airmont, NY

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FOCUS

Herman Engebretson at Anzio

by Steve Hoffbeck

Who knows what goes on in the heart and soul of a soldier during a battle? Only he knows. And God knows. The combat soldier can tell a little of that universe of battle to others who have not been there, but they don’t understand very much of it.

Herman Engebretson was in the middle of combat at Anzio in 1944. He played a small role in the military in this world war as a chaplain’s assistant. The job was seemingly safe, helping a unit’s chaplain set up worship services and then passing around the Communion bread and cup. However, in the maelstrom of combat operations, chaplains and their assistants faced death directly, praying with gravelywounded soldiers, mourning at funerals, counseling and consoling GIs who were far from home and far from the ones they loved in the most harrowing times of their lives.

Herman Engebretson was left deeply marked by his battlefield experience, for it was during the fighting in Sicily in July of 1943 where he did his most difficult duty. And it was in Sicily, half a world away from his family, where he had to come to grips with God and God’s calling for him.

Born in the village of Antler, North Dakota, on December 9, 1918, Herman was the first-born son of Hans and Sophia (Huss) Engebretson. Hans was a Lutheran Brethren pastor who served a small congregation of Norwegian Americans just miles from the U.S. border with Canada where farmers were bound together by the Norwegian language and their pietistic Lutheran faith.

When Herman was born, his father “dedicated him to the service of the Lord.” As Herman grew up he was constantly under the influence of Christian teaching in the home and also in the Church. After he was told of his dedication to the Lord, he rebelled at such a thought. In his teenage years, he saw the effects of the Depression, emotionally, socially, and financially, and even more so through the pocketbook of a pastor, and longed for something different.

At age sixteen, in 1934, when the Great Depression was still creating hard times, Herman was enrolled in the high school department of the Lutheran Brethren Schools, the forerunner of Hillcrest Academy, at the time when the schools were still located in Grand Forks. He had agreed to go to such a school, with its Christian foundation, mostly because of the adventure involved in getting out a little in the world.

When his high school days ended, he pondered what he should do next, a problem that most young people faced, and one that posed more gnawing anxiety now than in other times because of the Depression. It seemed to him

FOCUS

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that every door was shut but the one that led him back again to Bible School in Fergus Falls. Engebretson went back not so much to prepare for the ministry, but to satisfy his conscience and the echo of the memories of how his father had dedicated him to God’s service. It wasn’t long before he was at yet another crossroads, and felt that he only had two alternatives; one was to go directly into the ministry, and the other was to be drafted into the Army. Congress had authorized the selective service draft in September of 1940, as the world had become engulfed in war.

Herman thought it would be a good experience to spend a year or so in the Army and put off the idea of serving as a pastor. It was a fateful decision, for, just three days later; the forces of the Empire of Japan attacked the U.S. naval base at Pearl Harbor, Hawaii. On December 8, President Franklin D. Roosevelt asked Congress to declare war on Japan and the U.S. had to fight on the European Front as well when Germany and Italy declared war on the U.S. two days later. These momentous events occurred when Herman Engebretson was just newly arrived in basic training. With the potential combat looming in front of him, the newly minted GI found the door open into the chaplain’s assistant position, which made some use of his seminary education, but, since he had not been ordained, he was not eligible to be a chaplain.

Night after night, battle after battle, gunshot after gunshot, and prayer after prayer, Engebretson served faithfully in the heart of wars. U.S. losses in the Sicilian Campaign totaled 2,237 killed and 6,544 wounded and captured. Total enemy losses came to about 29,000 soldiers killed or wounded, with 140,000 captured.

The losses are merely numbers until these figures are turned into actual soldier’s lives. For Herman Engebretson, he became intimately involved in these human losses as his duties as chaplain’s assistant included locating and collecting the bodies of American and enemy dead. One American soldier wrote, “The battle seems like something in a faraway land. The roar is even as bad as the movies have it. The cries of the wounded are pitiful. The dead seem forsaken. Things rage on all around them, but they are still and quiet. It makes you feel mighty small, helpless and alone . . . without faith, I don’t see how anyone could stand this.”

It was his faith that carried Herman Engebretson through the Sicilian valleys of the shadow of death. Having sustained a physical wound himself, Engebretson was in a crisis of faith, a time of deep soul-searching.

One evening while recovering in a hospital in Sicily, he seemed extremely uneasy and in spiritual darkness. He walked out

Herman Engebretson in uniform.

into the darkness of the night and found a place where he could be alone and began to pour out his heart to God.” It was clear to him he had been disobedient to the call of God. That evening he promised God that should he be permitted to live through the war and to return to civilian life he would be obedient to the dedication of his father to the Lord’s service upon his birth and go into full time service for the Lord.

Engebretson faced two more years of war. His faith in Christ carried him through. When he dug a foxhole for protection while on his missions within the besieged beachhead, as he told of his mission later in life, other U.S. soldiers wanted to dig their foxholes close to his. They hoped that Engebretson’s closeness to Christ would protect both Engebretson and those near to him.

In the following days, 125,000 Germans had encircled 100,000 American and British troops at Anzio, but the Germans could not destroy the Allied forces. The breakout from Anzio came finally in late May, 1944, just prior to the D-Day invasion at Normandy in France on June 6, 1944.

Engebretson and his Third Division compatriots helped Continued on Page 11

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FINANCE

Charitable CONNECTION

HLA

Legacy club The HLA Legacy Club acknowledges individuals whose accumulative giving reaches $25,000 or above.

Luke 6:38 says, “Give and it will be given to you. A good measure pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.”

I’m not advocating that we give to receive. I think God is looking at our hearts and our giving should be motivated by love for Him and others. It is however amazing to see how God keeps His promise in peoples’ lives today.

I want to discuss the Charitable Remainder Trust as in some situations this is an excellent way to give. With this trust you can name the charity as the sole beneficiary, or you can name a non-charitable beneficiary as well, splitting the beneficial interest. This is referred to as making a partial charitable gift. The income from the trust is payable to you, your family members, or other heirs for a period of years, then the principal goes to your favorite charity.

A charitable remainder trust can be beneficial because it provides you with a stream of current income- a desirable feature if there won’t be enough income from other sources.

Example: Jane, age 80 creates and funds a charitable remainder trust with real estate currently valued at $1 million, and a cost basis of $250,000.The trust provides that fixed quarterly payments be paid to her for 20 years. At the end of that period, the entire trust principal will go outright to her chosen charity. Using IRS tables and assuming a 4.8% annual fixed rate, Jane receives $50,000 each year, avoids capital gains tax on $750,000, and receives an immediate income tax charitable deduction of $354,903, which can be carried forward for five years. Further, Jane has removed $1 million, plus any future appreciation, from her gross estate.

Giving can be a great estate planning tool but most importantly, “God loves a cheerful giver.”

Keven Crabtree RFC Securities offered through USAllianz Securities • Member NASD, SIPC, Registered Investment Advisor 5701 Golden Hills Drive, Minneapolis, MN 55416 888.446.5872

Adleide Gunhus Agnes Freeland Charitable Trust Clara Olsoe David & Val Egge Donald & Marie Roberts Charitable Foundation Dwight & Gwen Schmidt Edward D. Jones & Co. Eleanor Sollie Elling & Barbara Halvorson Evelyn Ebner Estate First State Bank of Alex-Carlos G. T. & Ann Gunhus Gladys Jensen Interstate Inc. Irv & Kay Bergsagel J. Burdean & Kay Rogness Joel & Barbara Egge John & Cheryl Backstrom Kenneth & Mavis Austin

Lori Fedje Mabel L.Foss Estate Marian Egge Estate Minnie Nelson Nordic Contracting Co Inc Norma Senum Olav & Gina Sandnes Olsoe Charitable Remainder Trust Otter Tail Power Company Richard & Linda Heggland Ron Powell Roy & Barbara Heggland Security State Bank Stanley Arlton Estate Steve & Linda Brue Steve Benjamin Victory Lutheran Brethren Church Viking Construction Corporation Wesley & Ruth Orrestad

HLA

Heritage society The HLA Heritage Society acknowledges those who have named Hillcrest in an estate gift.

Annual Fund Goal 08-09 $375,000.00

Contributions as of 6/30/09 Actual YTD Budgeted YTD Shortfall YTD

$363,516.11 $375,000.00 ($ 11,483.11)

STUDENT ACTIVITIES CENTER LOAN INFORMATION

Original Loan Amount Total Loan Amount Due Principal Paid against Loan to Date Monthly Payments (Interest & Principal)

As of 6/31/09 $1,326,565.00 $1,118,976.79 $207,588.21 $8,150.00

FINANCE 10000-5000-1000-500-120 Club Membership George & Alice Aase Fergus Falls, MN Kathi Abel Fergus Falls, MN Guy & Beth Adams Naperville, IL Roy & Marie Barsness Kirkland, WA Irv & Kay Bergsagel Minnetonka, MN Tim and Mary Bigelow Erhard, MN Paul & Olive Blikstad Dalton, MN Roger & Kay Borowski Campbell, MN Doug & Nancy Bounds Jamestown, ND Harold & Cathy Brokke Minneapolis, MN Benjamin Brue Fergus Falls, MN Charlie & Carrie Brue Fergus Falls, MN Lindsey Brue Fergus Falls, MN Matthew & Faith Brue St. Louis Park, MN Nick & Dahlia Brue Minneapolis, MN Steve & Linda Brue Fergus Falls, MN Titus Brue Fergus Falls, MN Thor & Edna Bugge Willow Street, PA Lorraine Burt Woodbury, MN John & Larissa Campbell Vermillion, SD Keven & Debbie Crabtree Fergus Falls, MN David & Dagney Christenson Lynnwood, WA Lane & Lori Christopherson Lynnwood, WA Sharon Daines Bozeman, MT Thelma P. Dalene East Hartland, CT David & Val Egge Alexandria, MN Joel & Barbara Egge Fergus Falls, MN John N. Endrud Rockford, IL Spencer Endrud Fargo, ND Rich & Jeanene Engebretson Edina, MN Elroy and Judy Erickson Vancouver, WA Gary & Cynthia Erickson Dalton, MN Gerald and Sheri Erickson Mukilteo, WA Micah Erickson Redding, CA Ryan & Kristin Erickson Fargo, ND Carol Featherstone New Hope, MN Lori Fedje Beaverton, OR Gay & Carol Folden Fergus Falls, MN Mark & Joan Folden San Jose, CA David & Ruthann Forland Huntington , NY Allen & Goldie Foss Everett, WA E. Thor & Lillian Foss Succasunna, NJ Mark & Joanne Foss Glastonbury, CT Lisa Schultz-Fred Fergus Falls, MN Sharon Fuhrman Fergus Falls, MN Grand Lake Trust Lake Park, MN Wayne & Ruth Goats Scottsdale, AZ Adleide Gunhus Fergus Falls, MN GT & Ann Gunhus Underwood, MN Victoria Hackett San Francisco, CA

Elling & Barbara Halvorson Evelyn Hansen Greg & Rita Hayek Kim Hazel Joy Headrick David & Beverly Heggen Amanda Heggland Rich & Linda Heggland Diane Ihrke Gary & Renee Isaac Jeff & Missi Isaac Rich & Karen Iverson Martha Jacobs Elizabeth Jacobsen Herbert & Helen Jacobsen John & Annie Jacobsen Gladys Jensen Ken and Ann Jensen Tim & Connie Jensen Dennis & Kathleen Johnson Fred & Elsie Johnson Tim & Karen Johnson Curtis & Elaine Kavlie Vaughn and Deb Kavlie John & Janet Kilde Kermit & Grace Kvamme Andy & Brenda Lacey Jack & Sharon Lacey Josiah Larson Lawn Pro of Fergus Falls Frank & Elaine Legerat Brian & Jennifer Leivstad Patricia Linson Lloyd & Thelma Listor Steve & Heidi Listor Harry Ludvigsen Joel & Alice Lunde Dennis & Dorothy Madsen Jeffrey & Eileen Mahn Brad & Trena Martinson Jerry Martinsen Masson Family Foundation Luther & Adeline Mathison Bruce & Irene Miller Jr. Tom & Gladys Moline Alice Monson Peter & Lillian Nilsen William & Marcia Nilsen Clara Olsoe John & Donna Olson

Make a Difference at Hillcrest

Join the Club!

Club Giving Levels

Woodinville, WA Snohomish, WA Fergus Falls, MN Eden Prarie, MN Denver, CO Rothsay, MN Gainesville, FL New Port Richey, FL Fergus Falls, MN Denver, CO Fergus Falls, MN Barnesville, MN Seatonville, IL Minnetonka, MN Mt. Bethel, PA Succasunna, NJ Staten Island, NY S. Huntington, NY Fergus Falls, MN Fergus Falls, MN Boone, IA Little Falls, MN Richville, MN Eden Prairie, MN Fergus Falls, MN Fergus Falls, MN Wendell, MN Wendell, MN Minneapolis, MN Fergus Falls, MN Fairbanks, AK Loveland, CO Fargo, ND Brooklyn, NY Mt. Bethel, PA Kerhonkson, NY Fergus Falls, MN Fergus Falls, MN Albuquerque, NM Fergus Falls, MN Fargo, ND Laguna Beach, CA Maddock, ND Mt. Bethel, PA Wahpeton, ND Minneapolis, MN Brewster, NY East Hartland, CT Seattle, WA Fergus Falls, MN

Wesley & Ruth Orrestad Bellevue, WA Graham & Priscilla Parker Richland, WA Rollin & Beverly Pederson Billings, MT Kenneth & Norma Peeders Richville, MN Irv & Helen Peterson Menominee, WI Frank & Karen Pellegrino Mt. Bethel, PA Gregg and Marie Preston Fergus Falls, MN LeRoy & MaryAnn Quernemoen Fergus Falls, MN Burdean & Kay Rogness Eden Prairie, MN Darren Rogness Fergus Falls, MN Glenn & Vonnie Rogness Fergus Falls, MN LaWayne & Bev Rogness Fergus Falls, MN Eugene & Rhoda Rubey Eugene, OR Ron and Barbara Samuelsen East Hartland, CT Jack and Rochelle Sand Moorhead, MN Olav & Gina Sandnes Mt. Bethel, PA Will Sandnes Minneapolis, MN Matthew & Lynn Scarfo Island City, OR Rod & Jo Scheel Fergus Falls, MN Dwight & Gwen Schmidt Jamestown, ND Nick & Danielle Schmidt Jamestown, ND Security State Bank Fergus Falls, MN Ewald & Alice Sems Lehigh Acres, FL Norma Senum Mt. Bethel, PA Ed & Shirley Smith Laquey, MO Alf & June Soholt Bloominton, MN John & Tess Soholt Golden Valley, MN Eleanor Sollie Brooklyn, NY James & Pauline Stalsberg Viroqua, WI Arna Stedjan Fergus Falls, MN Robert and Lorrette Strack Rochester, MN Shawn & Amy Stroud Basehor, KS Wai Nam Tam Flanders, NJ Guy & Amy Taylor Fergus Falls, MN Borgny Thompson East Hartland, CT Gary & Dorinne Thompson Fergus Falls, MN Justin & Phyliss Thompson Antler, ND Nancy Thompson Boca Raton, FL Rosemary Traina Roxbury, NJ Randy & Diane Trettevik Mill Creek, WA Lois Tweten Helena, MT Marvin & Opal Undseth Salem, OR Steve & Lois Undseth Fergus Falls, MN Fred & Mayling Valder Moorhead, MN Marty & Mim Valder Everett, WA Ruth Vall Aitkin, MN James VerSteeg Fergus Falls, MN Victory LB Church Jamestown, ND Les Watson Fergus Falls, MN Bettee Woodburn Rolling Hills, CA

How do I join?

Joining a Hillcrest giving club is simple. Just fill out the attached envelope and send it in with your gift. Make sure to check the box next to the club you would like to join. Gifts may be given monthly or in one lump sum. Please contact the President’s office at 218-739-3371 if you have any questions.

Club|120

Club|500

Club|5000

Club|1000 Club|2500 Club|10000

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CAMPUS NEWS

HIT Basketball Tournament 2009 Fifty six teams competed in the Hillcrest Invitational Tournament (HIT) on March 27-28, 2009. In spite of the flooding of the Red River in Breckenridge, Fargo/Moorhead and Grand Forks, the tournament was completed with no missed games.

Teams came from Minnesota, North Dakota, South Dakota, New York and Pennsylvania. The majority of teams are Lutheran Brethren Church teams, but many alumni teams participated as well, organized by class year or by family.

The following teams won championship plaques in their division: Division 1A Our Redeemer’s Lutheran Brethren Church - Minot 1 Division 1B Triumph West Lutheran Brethren Church - West Fargo Classic Oak Hill Lutheran Brethren Church - Bloomington Division 2A Hillcrest Lutheran Academy Plus - Fergus Falls Division 2B Ebenezer Lutheran Brethren Church - Minneapolis Division 3A Good Shepherd Lutheran Brethren Church - Fergus Falls

HIT Golf 2009 104 participate in golf fundraiser.

By Charlie Brue

Hillcrest held its 5th annual golf scramble on June 12th at Pebble Lake Golf Course. 104 golfers participated in the event which raised about $7500 for a new press box for the football field.

On one of summer’s first warm and sunny days (only a brief rain shower), the 26 teams enjoyed each other’s company as they swung their clubs, using their best team strategy though 18 holes of golf on the beautiful Pebble Lake course. In a scramble, each team member drives and then all four go to the spot of the best shot, where they all hit again, continuing in this fashion until the ball is in the hole. Truly a team effort, this type of play results in some very low scores. The winner of the Gross Score Award was a team from Fergus Falls consisting of John Hatling, Ted Burrington, Grant Colling and Aidan Colling, with a score of 60 (12 under par). They each received a “red” jacket. The winners of the Net Score Award was the American Federal team from Fergus Falls with a handicapped score of 54 (18 under par). They also received jackets.

Division 3B Zion Lutheran Brethren Church - Cooperstown Jacob Stroud won the slam dunk competition during the Division I half-time.

The date for the 2010 HIT basketball tourney is April 16-17.

Information will be going out to churches and managers in January of 2010. Any new teams (alumni or LB church) should contact the Hillcrest Athletic Department (218-739-1208) for registration information. Information is also available on the Hillcrest website at www.hlacomets.org/HIT.

After the golfing, everyone was treated to a fabulous steak and chicken dinner at the Hillcrest Student Activity Center.

This meal was prepared and donated by A’viands, Hillcrest’s food service provider. Awards were presented after the dinner and over 80 prizes were given away in a drawing. The prizes included rounds of golf, Twins tickets, hotel overnights, golf balls, meals, shirts, and golf drivers, etc., all donated by local businesses and golf courses in Minnesota and North Dakota.

A wide variety of teams were represented at the golf tournament. There were family teams, business teams, alumni teams, and teams of friends from the area. About half of the golfers were alumni of Hillcrest.

Each team paid $400 to participate in the tournament. Through hole sponsorships and other donations, 80% of the costs of the tournament were covered, allowing most of the entry fee to go toward the fundraising goal. About $7,500 was raised towards the football field press box.

HIT Golf 2010 will be held again next summer in June very close to the time of the Annual Convention. The date will be announced as soon as it can be finalized with the golf course.

CAMPUS NEWS

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Generous Donors to Thank for Another Successful Auction The 5th Annual Hillcrest Auction was held in the HLA Student Activities Center on Saturday, April 18th. Tickets were sold for a catered dinner event with over 150 guests in attendance. Expenses for the event were at a minimal, with special thanks to the donated services of Cary and Anita Aasness of Aasness Auctioneers. Aviands Food Service also catered the meal at a very reasonable cost.

The auction was very successful! Donors raised $20,000 to support scholarship, academic, and development needs for the school. Included in the amount raised was a $2,000 grant from Thrivent Financial for Lutherans.

The auction included about 80 items ranging from homemade jams and jellies to vacation weeks in Barbados.

A volunteer auction committee of 5 members planned the entire event. (Kathy Johnson, Brenda Lacey, Carol Folden, Sharon Lacey and Cathy Tungseth), with hands-on assistance from their spouses during the auction event.

Hillcrest thanks all who donated and purchased items, as well as all who attended the fun event! Everyone helped to make this a great success for the school.

Plans are in place for the 6th Annual Auction to be held on April 24, 2010.

Engebretson at Anzio (continued from page 7) liberate Rome and then carried out the final phases of the war in France. Engebretson finished his war service in the fighting in Germany and got to go home again in September of 1945, after Japan had been defeated in August. The Army awarded Engebretson with the Good Conduct Medal and he was recommended for a Bronze Star for his service from July 9, 1943, through May of 1945. After earning his B.A. degree in 1948, he met and courted and married Lois Haverly, a Hillcrest Academy graduate, in 1949.

the Lutheran Brethren. Engebretson later became the pastor of churches in Lake Mills, Iowa; Mayville, North Dakota; Staten Island, New York; West Union, Iowa; and Clearbrook, Minnesota.

The night of decision for Herman Engebretson came on the darkest of dark nights on the island of Sicily, when he turned from his rebellion and accepted his vocation, his calling in life, to serve as a pastor in the Lutheran Brethren Church.

In every church he served, Herman Engebretson’s love for God and people was evident in his ministry.

Pastor Engebretson was ordained into the Christian ministry at Bethesda Lutheran Brethren Church in Westby, Wisconsin. He was ordained by Rev C.E. Walstad, who had served as a chaplain in World War II and who was the president of the Church of

Herman and Lois eventually had three sons, Rich and Dan and Tim. He retired from the active ministry in 1989, and he and Lois lived in Fergus Falls, close to the Hillcrest School, where he had experienced his conversion to Christ and where he had graduated from the seminary.

At his funeral, the opening hymn was “It is Well With My Soul.”

The soldier’s soul within Herman Engebretson, so filled with the trauma and pain of battle in Sicily in 1943, and brought to peace through Christ, became a pastor’s soul once he became reconciled with his calling in life. May it be for all who are restless within themselves.

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ALUMNI NEWS

Alumnus of the Year Joel Egge Joel Egge was born March 29, 1941 in Grand Forks, North Dakota to Joseph and Blenda (Rosholt) Egge. He was baptized and raised in Ebenezer Lutheran Brethren Church, Mayville, North Dakota. He grew up in rural Buxton, North Dakota, attended a country elementary school and Mayville (ND) High for one year before transferring to Hillcrest Lutheran Academy for the last three years of high school.

He is a member of the Class of 1959.

He has been involved in Hillcrest in several ways serving on the dean and custodial staff, a part-time history and Bible teacher and, later, as a member and chair of the LBS Board of Education.

He received a Bachelor of Science in history from Minot (North Dakota) State University and was graduated from the Lutheran Brethren Seminary (Fergus Falls, MN) in 1966.

He was ordained into the Christian Ministry in September 1967.

Joel married Barbara (attended LB Bible College in ’61-62) Olsen, daughter of Olav B. and Inger (Salvesen) Olsen, in 1963 in Succasunna, NJ. The Egges have three sons, James (Ann Arbor, MI); Douglas, married to Julie (Fishers, IN); and Robert; married to Leslie, (Falls Church, VA) and six grandchildren. Their son, Robert, graduated from Hillcrest Academy in 1987.

Joel Egge’s first pastoral call was from the CLB Department of Home Missions in 1966 to serve

ALUMNI NEWS

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in Marysville, Washington. He was the founding pastor of Word of Life Lutheran Brethren Church, Marysville, WA. It was while serving that congregation that he was ordained to the Christian ministry on September 3, 1967 at the Rock of Ages Lutheran Brethren Church in Seattle, Washington.

In 1973, he became the pastor of Immanuel Lutheran Brethren Church, Pasadena, CA. After six years, he accepted a call to serve the Faith Lutheran Brethren Church, Briarcliff Manor, NY, which he served from 1979 to 1989.

In 1989, Rev. Egge was called to be an instructor at Lutheran Brethren Bible College in Fergus Falls, MN and was elected President of Lutheran Brethren Schools in June, 1990.

Elected in 2001, Joel Egge is currently serving as the President of the Church of the Lutheran Brethren.

He and his wife, Barbara, live in Fergus Falls, MN. Editor’s note: The Hillcrest family is grateful for the encouragement, support, and leadership that Joel has given, and continues to give to the ministry of the school. It is an honor to recognize Joel R. Egge as this year’s HLA Alumnus of the Year.

Joel Egge accepts the Alumnus of the Year award at the 2009 Alumni Brunch.

In Memory: Inez Tweed Inez Nelson Tweed was born on June 8 1922 in Blumenhoff, Saskatchewan, Canada to Jacob and Agnes (Austring) Nelson, Norwegian was her first language. She learned English after her brother Jim went to school.

After finishing grade 12, she went on to “Normal School” or teacher training in Moose Jaw, Saskatechewan. She taught school for 2 years.

Inez went to Bible school in Fergus Falls MN. She came to Iowa during the summer to help her brother and sister-in-law Jim and Helen Nelson with their two handicapped boys. While in Joice she met Elvin Tweed. She graduated from Bible School in the spring of 47 where she acquired many life long friends.

Inez and Elvin were married on 7-7-47 on her parents’ 30th anniversary. Inez and Elvin had 3 children, Nancy, Peter and Pamela.

Golden Alumni honored at the 2009 Alumni Brunch.

While their kids were in grade school, Inez finished her college education at Moorhead State College. She received her teaching certificate there. She wanted to finance her children’s Hillcrest tuition and their college education. Inez taught 6th grade math Continued on Page 15

14

ALUMNI NEWS

1984

2009 Hillcrest Class Reunion Photos

1999

1944

1949

Front Row L-R: Corky (Kilde) Trones, Julia (Christenson) Kaardal

Front Row L-R: LaVonne (Erickson) Nerge, Minnie Mary “McKay� Merrill, Luella Helland, Ruth (Abrahamson) Beason, Lorraine (Erickson) Wentz

Back Row L-R: David Christenson, (Gustafson) Reutter, Elmer Kaardal

Arlyss

1959

1959

Front Row L-R: Rhoda (Vettrus) Rubey, Joanne (Moline) Freeland, Marilyn (Bjordahl) Vorvick, Arlene (Walvante) Jorud, Chole (Rangen) Koslowsky, Lavonne (Ragen) Johnson

1949

2nd Row L-R: Diane (Nilsen) Lindgren, Rosanne (Raygor) Herman, Charlotte (Kittelsen) Anderson, Betty (Osmundson) Jacobsen, Sharon (Egge) Nelson 3rd Row L-R: S. Harlod Vorvick, Joel Egge, Glenn Freeland

1989

1979

Back Row L-R: Joe Christenson, Ronald Pedersen

1964

1964 Front Row L-R: Marge (Vold) Lane, Becky (Huss) Larsen, Arlene (Roinestad) Hale, Marilyn (King) Naseth, Patricia Johnson Back Row L-R: Bonnie (Soderquist) Moore, Neil Norman, Janice (Nilsen) Christiansen

1969

1974

Front Row L-R: Karen (Walle) Diehl, Cheryl (Venberg) Anderson, Mary Beth (Trones) Carlson, Margarethe (Erickson) Swanson, Lynne (Olson) Hemen, Priscilla (Thompson) Amberson, Inez (Birkeland) Abrahamsen

Front Row L-R: Gladys (Stedjan) Moline, Bob Eltrevoog, James Swenson.

2nd Row L-R: Roy Heggland, Barbara (Olsen)Heggland, Linda (Skjei) Swenson, Jeanene (Erickson) Engebretson, Nancy (Gilbertson) Overland, June (Jensen) Bentson, Karin (Lundeen) Hill, Ellen (Vesta) Borseth, Sonja (Amberson) Kendall, Donn Veum

2nd Row L-R: Rondi (Bergstad) Hovdestad ,Mary Ann (Werdal) Olson, Ginger (Strom) Reimers.

1969

3rd Row L-R: Tom Ysteboe, Cheryl (Soderquist) Brockmann, Margaret (Omland) England, Angela (Anfinson) Dillon, Darlene (Rogness) Tjelta, Gayle (Hoaglund) Smith, Mark Schauland, David Larson, Duane Vesta 4th Row L-R: Arne Vetrhus, Ned Johnerson, Sharon (Swenson) Hansen, Dale Westvig, David Abel, David Simonson, John Borseth, Leslie Rogness, Steve Raimo

Back Row L-R: Mark Helland, Tom Moline, Loren Rogness, Charlie Brue, Ricky Stoutland.

2004

ALUMNI NEWS

15

1979

1984

1999

Front Row L-R: Kevin Patch, Annie (Smalley) Jacobsen, Michael Strand, Brent Jacobus

Front Row L-R: Rick Johnson, Barb (Lunde) Johnson, Rhonda (Berge) Monteiro, Don Walvatne, Nick Mundis, Fred Vargas

Front Row L-R: Bethany Duenow, Cathy (Selvig) Johnson, Megan (Matthews) Berge, Gretchen Ronnevik, Mindy Swenson, Kim Draxten, Nicole Pearson, Sonja Amberson, Lynae Rusch

Back Row L-R: Ruth (Peterson) Juliot, Jeanne (Gruber) Hamilton, John Jacobsen, Mark Selvig

Back Row L-R: Leisl (Rogness) Beck, Janet (Townsend) McConkey, Carol (Stoutland) Anderson, Karin (Olson) Gulbrandson, Barb (Aune) Jefferis, Renee (Habberstad) Bovold, Mary (Mattson) VanGrinsven, Jewel Rogness, Sara (Dyrud) Bryan, Jolene (Dietsche) Wester

Back Row L-R: Dan Puralewski, Vern Smith, Knut Ronnevik, Ryan Garvin, Daniel Berge, Jess Arbuckle, Doug Rogness, Andrew Spidahl, Nick Schmidt, Ben Burrington, Kevin Rogness

Inez Tweed (continued from page 13)

CLASS UPDATES 1990’s

at Northwood-Kensett Schools for 18 years. She retired in 1982 shortly after Elvin’s death in 1981.

2000’s

Inez always loved kids and took as many as she could to Bible Camp at Inspiration Point near Fergus Falls MN. She picked up neighboring kids for Sunday School. She loved God, the Lutheran Brethren Synod, Bethel LB Church, her own family, and especially her 9 grandchildren.

Larissa (Fossum) Campbell (H’99) My husband John and I are happy to announce the arrival of our beautiful baby girl, Dakota Grace. Born March 1, 2009, she is our first child. She is truly a blessing from God and a great joy in our life.

Natalie (Newman) Muth (H’01) married Carson C. Muth in Detroit Lakes, MN on August 16th, 2008. Natalie and Carson met while completing the Doctor of Chiropractic Program at Palmer College of Chiropractic in Davenport, Iowa. They moved to Grand Forks, ND in May 2009 and opened Plains Chiropractic & Acupuncture in early May. They welcome any visitors to stop in while in Grand Forks or visit them online at www.PlainsChiropractic.com Vanessa (Malecha) Jacobsen (H’02) writes: On May 19, 2009 we welcomed into our home another girl, Meridian Piper. She was 8 lbs. 5 oz. and 21 inches long. She is joined at home by big sister Zoelle Grace (2 years old).

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

Hillcrest CONNECTION

Inez lived for 50 years on the family farm south of Joice, Iowa. She spent 6 years at Mills Harbor and the last 2 years and 5 months at the Lake Mills Care Center. The most important activity in her life was attending church at Bethel. She loved to bring flowers from her garden and to provide special music when she was able.

She loved to work in the garden, tend to her flower beds, play Scrabble and work crossword puzzles.

Inez is preceded in death by her husband, her parents, a sister and brother in childhood, and a brother. She is survived by her children, Nancy (Michael) Osmundson Oakdale CA, Peter (Wanda) Tweed of Ossian lA, Pamela (Kenneth) of Lakeville MN, 9 grandchildren and 9 great-grandchildren.

Blessed be the memory of Inez Tweed.

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CONNECTION

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

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