Hillcrest Connection Summer 2010

Summer 2010 • Volume 71 • Number 3

CONNECTION

A MAGAZINE FOR FRIENDS AND ALUMNI OF HILLCREST ACADEMY

Inside this Issue: Graduation Highlights Construction of the Castle Campus News Alumni of the Year Reunion Photos

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GREETING

Dear Alumni and Friends, At about 11:30am on Sunday, May 30th, forty-three teenagers received their Hillcrest diplomas. It was probably the same time that seniors the year before received their diplomas… and the year before, and the year before that. There’s nothing surprising about this. Students attend high school and graduate with a diploma in their hand.

Recently, Hillcrest has been using a new slogan, “so much more than a diploma.” The truth is, students who attend Hillcrest receive much more in their high school experience than just a piece of paper recognizing an academic accomplishment. They receive an experience that centers on the ultimate reality of God as Creator, Provider, Protector, Sustainer, Redeemer, Savior and Counselor, to name just a few of his powerful attributes. Students study from a Christian worldview approach, and interact with truths about living that stem from the absolutes found in God’s Word. We bank our lives on these truths. We can live significant lives based on these truths.

This summer issue of the Hillcrest Connection focuses on recent activities at Hillcrest Lutheran Academy, culminating in a wonderful graduation weekend. We pray for these graduates, that the Lord will use them in significant ways in their life journeys. Another focus found in these pages is on Hillcrest alumni. We pray for our alumni, too, whom God uses each day to bring truth, love, and hope to needy lives and situations.

Hillcrest Lutheran Academy is blessed to be a place where God’s truth explains our lives and where God’s love blesses our lives. It is a place where students receive “more than just a diploma.”

Wishing you a wonderful summer!

Steven J. Brue, HLA President

SO MUCH MORE THAN A DIPLOMA LIVE. LEARN. GO. NOW ENROLLING FOR 2010-2011

Hillcrest CONNECTION

CONTENTS 4 Feature The Class of 2010

7 Focus Constructing the Castle

10 Finance Charitable Connection Financial Update

12 Campus News HIT & Auction Recap HLA in the Press

14 Alumni News Alumni of the Year 2010 Reunion Photos Alumni Updates

Summer 2010 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 RYAN ERICKSON Managing Editor/Graphic Design rerickson@ffhillcrest.org LINDA PATCH Alumni Relations lpatch@ffhillcrest.org STEVE HOFFBECK Contributing Writer KEVEN CRABTREE Contributing Writer

HILLCREST ACADEMY BOARD OF DIRECTORS DWIGHT SCHMIDT | Chair Jamestown, ND DAVE EGGE | Vice Chair Alexandria, MN ROD SCHEEL | Secretary Fergus Falls, MN RICH IVERSON Barnesville, MN ANNIE JACOBSEN Succasunna, NJ KATHY JOHNSON Fergus Falls, MN

J. BURDEAN ROGNESS Eden Prairie, 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 signiďŹ cance.

OLAV SANDNES Mt. Bethel, PA

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

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FEATURE

But God demonstr his own love for us While we were stil

Christ died

CLASS

FEATURE

rates s in ths: l sinners,

d for us.

R Romans omans 5 5:8 :8

S OF

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FEATURE

It was a beautiful and busy end-of-May weekend on morning with a very good turn-out of alumni in the the Hillcrest campus as family and friends attended Student Activities Center. President Brue closed Hillcrest’s graduation festivities. The sixth graduation the program informing the alumni in attendance of ceremony was held in the Student Activities Center an exciting strategic plan that will bring upgrades on Sunday morning with guests filling the auditorium to the campus and strengthen the school’s future.

Plans will be publicized in to honor the 43 graduates of the Fall of 2010. A Senior the Class of 2010. In addition, Honors Program and the HLA Golden Alumni of the Banquet took place at Bethel Class of 1960 received their Church later that afternoon recognition pins. Twentyfor the graduates and their eight Danielsen students families.

At the Senior received HLA Certificates of Class Night on Saturday Completion for their one-year evening, Sophia Undseth educational experience. The and Talya Tysver gave the commencement address was Valedictory addresses, and given by Mr. Steve Undseth, Jared Schultz provided the Hillcrest English and Bible Salutatory address. instructor, and father of one of the graduates.

(L-R) Sophia Undseth, Co-Valedictorian; Jared Schultz, Salutatorian; Talya Tysver, Co-Valedictorian As part of the weekend celebration, parents and There were various Class reunion gatherings hosted throughout the weekend, grandparents of the graduating class were bringing alumni from all over the nation. The largest invited to honor their graduates with a special class on school record, the class of 1970, boasted love offering. Many thanks to the parents and an excellent turn-out for their 40th reunion at grandparents who participated in this special gift Inspiration Point Bible Camp. Guests also enjoyed honoring the 2010 graduates! a Friday evening concert featuring the HLA Band, Jazz Ensemble, Choir, and Vocalise Ensemble. God’s rich blessings to the Class of 2010!

The Hillcrest Alumni Brunch was held Saturday First Row– Rebecca Churchill, Omaha, NE; Larissa Patch, Fergus Falls, MN; Abigail McWaters, Rochester, MN; Elisabeth Listor, Mount Bethel, PA; Kari Battillo, Mt. Bethel, PA; Cristina Gomezcoello, Ecuador; Alicia Connelly, Fergus Falls, MN; Paige Stier-Jensen, Fergus Falls, MN. Second Row– Jie-Won Yeo, S. Korea; April Abel, Brazil; Yu-Jin Kim, S. Korea; Rachel Sandnes, Mt. Bethel, PA; Grace Jacoby, Eau Claire, WI; Sophia Undseth, Fergus Falls, MN; Elisa Salmonson, Aitkin, MN. Third Row- Abigail Feist, Pelican Rapids, MN; Michele Kalleberg, Succasunna, NJ; Talya Tysver, Fergus Falls, MN; Amanda Schnyders, Fergus Falls, MN; Hannah Juel, Fergus Falls, MN; Kari Anne Iverson, Barnesville, MN; Sarah Bigelow, Erhard, MN; Christina Lackey, Fergus Falls, MN. Fourth Row- Chrystian Ulrich, Fergus Falls, MN; Brett Quernemoen, Fergus Falls, MN; Warren Dillon, Fostoria, OH; Gabriel Jennen, Fergus Falls, MN; Elias Christofferson, Belgrade, MT; Kevin Castro, Airmont, NY; Seung-Ho Lee, S. Korea; Kyle Mitchell, Ledgewood, NJ. Fifth Row– Jeffrey Schmidt, Fergus Falls, MN; Joseph Ommundsen, Fair Lawn, NJ; Peter Rogness, Fergus Falls, MN; Sung Hyun Park, S. Korea; Hasun Jeung, S. Korea; Tzu-Hsuan Feng, Taiwan.

Sixth Row– Andrew Dysthe-Weaver, Fergus Falls, MN; Devon Apgar, Ledgewood, NJ; Jared Schultz, Fergus Falls, MN; Justin Olsoe, Huntington Station, NY; Richard Martinson, Fergus Falls, MN; Andrew Hohncke, Fergus Falls, MN.

FOCUS

CONSTRUCTING THE CASTLE

by Steve Hoffbeck

The Hillcrest school building is one of the most beautiful school buildings in Minnesota.

Built in 1901 as the main building for a college, this “Old Castle� stands on the top of one of the twenty-seven hills located within the city limits of Fergus Falls.

Four-and-one-half stories in height, with roof spires that reach almost seven stories high, the Hillcrest Academy building has become an architectural landmark in Otter Tail County.

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FOCUS

building in 1901.

Sensing an opportunity to lure the school away from Fergus Falls, community leaders of the nearby towns of Battle Lake and Ashby brought offers of free land, free labor, inexpensive bricks, and cash as inducements to build a new building in their town.

Fergus Falls, “anxious to retain the school,” offered to donate a site for a new building and also guaranteed $10,000 in cash pledges to Park Region Luther College to help with the costs of the new construction.

The mayor and “several of the leading Americans of the city” made “short talks setting forth the advantages of Fergus Falls” as the “permanent location for the school.”

With such support, the Park Region board of trustees resolved “that we permanently locate the Park Region Luther College in Fergus Falls,” if Fergus Falls would “furnish at least $10,000 and a free site.”

Let’s take a closer look at the original construction of this brick and sandstone structure that has become so beloved to the students who have attended Hillcrest Academy--over three thousand total since 1935 when Lutheran Brethren Schools moved from Grand Forks to Fergus Falls.

Way back in 1892, leaders of the Norwegian Synod of Lutherans decided to open a new high-school academy in Fergus Falls.

They called it Park Region Luther College, although it was not a college, yet. This high school was to be an offshoot of its mother school, the well-known Luther College of Decorah, Iowa.

The school’s leaders explained their educational goals in a dedication service held in October, 1892. A minister from Minneapolis, called Pastor Wangsnes, delivered a sermon on the text, “the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom (Proverbs

1:7), telling of the “need for Christian schools.” He stressed four points-preserving “Christian and family tradition; giving instruction under “Christian-minded and confessing teachers;” following “evangelical life principles” and evangelical teaching methods; and he rated “Christian instruction as paramount” over all other manner of instruction.

At first it was a three-year academy, or high school, which taught ‘fourRs’---reading, writing, arithmetic, and religion. Students also took classes in Norwegian for all three years because “an acquaintance with the language of his forefathers” was adjudged to “be a very important part of the education of every person of Norwegian descent.”

The school grew in its rented quarters over the next nine years, so that Park Region Luther College was ready to build its own permanent

Fergus Falls city officials fulfilled the promise of cash and it also provided a prime site for a new school building. The city gave Park Region College 15 acres of land “bordered with fine shade trees” which was “beautifully situated” on the banks of the Otter Tail River--a setting the made the campus a “natural park.”

The property was called the “James J. Hill land,” for the famous owner of the Great Northern Railway held title to the acreage. Mr. Hill, known as the “Empire Builder,” agreed to sell the site for just $1,200 in order to help build-up the city of Fergus Falls.

The land lay just “about half a mile from the center of the city,” and was located a short quarter-mile west of the large and stylish houses of the Vernon Avenue section of town where many of the community’s most prominent citizens resided.

The school’s trustees hired an architectural firm from St. Paul to design a suitable and beautiful

FOCUS

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structure to house its classrooms, offices and dormitory rooms.

Architects Omeyer and Thori submitted penciled renderings of a magnificent four-and-one-half story building for the approval of the Park Region Luther College administration in 1900.

The plans for the proposed college main building came from the designing mind of architect Martin P. Thori, born in Norway in 1864. Mr. Thori immigrated to Minnesota when he was age 3 in 1867 and moved to St. Paul in 1880 when he was age sixteen. His background made him a natural choice for drawing the plans for a Norwegian-American academy.

Omeyer and Thori also served as architects for other Lutheran colleges in Minnesota in the early 1900s.

The architectural firm designed Steensland Hall on the campus of St. Olaf College in Northfield (built 19001902), originally a library and now used for classrooms. At Augsburg College in Minneapolis, Omeyer and Thori designed a New Main building for construction between 1899 and 1901. Both buildings were placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1982.

Park Region College called for bids for the construction of its new headquarters in 1901.

From six bidders—three from the Twin Cities, one from Stillwater, and two local firms--the trustees selected Lauritzen Brothers, a Fergus Falls company.

John Lauritzen, the senior member of the firm, had submitted the low bid of $33,000 for the large brick building.

Bids for installing the heating plant and radiators came in from ten contractors and ranged from $7,000 on the high end to “a little over $5,300” for the winning bid from Fergus Iron Works, another local company. The steam plant was to be “of the latest design,” being “constructed on the suction plan” which allowed for “no escape of steam” that produced “that disagreeable hissing sound” that made “so many steam heating plants objectionable.”

Lauritzen Brothers workers laid the foundation in May, 1901, just after the spring thaw of the ground, and

by July 10, 1901, the first full story of brickwork had been completed.

When the work was done, the new Park Region Luther College building was a structure that an observer really had to see in person, not just in a photograph, in order to comprehend its “real magnificence.” The edifice brought “expressions of admiration from citizens and astonishment from visitors” when they saw it on its hillcrest in the distance and when they approached more closely, more wonderment followed.

A writer for the Fergus Falls Weekly Journal captured the essence of the building’s beauty of form and setting: “Looming up from the riverbordered eminence, constructed in accordance with the most up-todate plans, faced on all sides with Menominee red pressed brick, and virtually five stories in height---the basement being partially above ground and finished throughout as a full story---it is the largest and most complete college building in the northwest.”

The Norwegian Lutheran Synod had “heretofore taken just pride in the fine college at Decorah,” but the

Decorah visitors admitted that the new building surpassed anything that Decorah had to offer.

The tan-toned sandstone front steps directed one’s eyes to the main entrance to the building in the form of a “massive brick archway.”

The archway arose from a floor made of tile, with “polished tile wainscoting” and oak door surrounds creating an “impression of good taste everywhere displayed.”

Once inside the “double set of doors” in the main hall, a visitor encountered another archway that led him to the chapel---a “room capable of seating four or five hundred persons.”

“The first door to the right” on the main floor led to reading room, while to the left, one entered “a neat reception room,” from which a door led into the principal’s private office.

At each corner of the first floor was a classroom, “each capable of seating 70 or 80 students.” The principal also had rooms for his living quarters on the first floor. The floors were all of maple and first story was finished with birch woodwork.

The second story floor plan had “two music rooms” and dormitory rooms. All of the third and fourth stories consisted of “students’ living Continued on Page 17

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FINANCE

Charitable CONNECTION A Special Greeting President Steve Brue

from

For the past two years, Hillcrest has retained the services of a consulting firm in Illinois to strengthen the ways we achieve our financial goals as an institution. We’ve spent time thinking about what makes Hillcrest unique, and looked at it from a different angle, asking “Would it matter if Hillcrest ceased to exist?” After discussing, writing, and refining our narratives, a case statement was adopted for the school and its future. The case statement includes Hillcrest’s history, its current status, and its vision for the future.

The case statement was tested on about 50 alumni and friends spread out from Washington State to Arizona, Florida to New York, and the Midwest states of North Dakota, Wisconsin and Minnesota.

In the summer of 2008, with the findings of our consultant from those 50 interviews, a Readiness Study was prepared by the consultant with 23 recommendations, urging the school to engage in an active advancement program. One of those recommendations was to hire an Alumni Assistant.

Another recommendation was to begin a “Quiet Phase” in a major capital campaign, to be followed by a “Public Phase” when 60% of the goal had been committed to the campaign.

The capital campaign is called, “Fresh Breeze: a Campaign of Hillcrest Lutheran Academy.”

The name describes a gentle wind that has been stirring on the Hillcrest campus, carrying with it an optimism of a strong future, and carrying the clear message that teenagers thrive in body, mind, and spirit within the context of a caring Christian community. This breeze is affecting how we view our campus, showing areas of need that will make our school a stronger and more vital institution for many years to come.

The scope of the campaign is five million dollars.

It includes retiring the remaining one million dollar debt on the Student Activities Center. It includes the renovation of the Classroom Section in the Hillcrest building, and installing a new heating and

HLA HL H LA

Legacy club c lub b The HLA Legacy Club acknowledges individuals and groups whose accumulative giving reaches $25,000 or above.

Stanley Arlton Estate Kenneth & Mavis Austin John & Cheryl Backstrom Steve Benjamin Irv & Kay Bergsagel Steve & Linda Brue Keven & Debbie Crabtree Evelyn Ebner Estate Edward D. Jones & Co. David & Val Egge Joel & Barbara Egge Marian Egge Estate Lori Fedje First State Bank of Alex-Carlos Mabel L. Foss Estate Agnes Freeland Charitable Trust Adleide Gunhus G. T. & Ann Gunhus Elling & Barbara Halvorson Richard & Linda Heggland Roy & Barbara Heggland Hillside Lutheran Brethren Missions Interstate Inc.

Gladys Jensen Minnie Nelson Nordic Contracting Co Inc Olsoe Charitable Remainder Trust Clara Olsoe John & Donna Olson Wesley & Ruth Orrestad Otter Tail Power Company Ron Powell Donald & Marie Roberts Charitable Foundation J. Burdean & Kay Rogness LaWayne & Bev Rogness Olav & Gina Sandnes Security State Bank Dwight & Gwen Schmidt Ewald & Alice Sems Norma Senum Eleanor Sollie Thrivent Financial for Lutherans Victory Lutheran Brethren Church Viking Construction Corporation

air conditioning system in that area, as well as in the entire Hillcrest building. It includes adding endowments for ongoing student scholarships, academic programs, and facility costs. It includes funding for professional development of staff, salary increases, and curriculum development. And it includes the Annual Fund, the gifts each year that subsidize the operations of the school to help keep tuition costs affordable.

We’ve shared this information with between 50-60 people in this quiet phase. We’ve asked them to be part of this campaign with us. They’ve responded with excitement and generosity, two very powerful ingredients for success. The campaign has already received over $3.1 million dollars in cash and pledges!

Hillcrest is now ready to begin its “Public Phase,” which is to publicly invite everyone that we can think of to participate in these advancement initiatives. Plans for this upcoming school year include hosting events around the country that will inspire as many alumni and friends to help meet the goal of this campaign.

These are exciting days as we consider a strong future for Hillcrest Lutheran Academy!

FINANCE Club Membership Club|120 Club|500

Club|5000

56 Club Members

36 Club Members

7 Club Members

Club|1000

Club|2500

Club|10000

80 Club Members

8 Club Members

3 Club Members

Club members become partners in the ministry of Hillcrest Academy by helping to support the school’s annual operational budget. As a result, they assist in keeping tuition rates low, making a Hillcrest education attainable for more students.

Additionally, member support helps to secure Hillcrest’s financial foundation into the future, ensuring that it will remain able to provide quality, Christian education for years to come. There is no limit to the term of your enrollment provided your continued desire to participate in the club each year. As personal circumstances change, club members may opt to move up to a new giving level.

Anonymous George & Alice Aase Kathi Abel Guy & Beth Adams Joseph & Susan Battillo Roy & Marie Barsness Irv & Kay Bergsagel Tim and Mary Bigelow Olive Blikstad Joyce Boehland Roger & Kay Borowski Doug & Nancy Bounds Harold & Cathy Brokke Benjamin Brue Charlie & Carrie Brue Lindsey Brue Matthew & Faith Brue Nick & Dahlia Brue Steve & Linda Brue Titus Brue Thor & Edna Bugge Lorraine Burt John & Larissa Campbell Keven & Debbie Crabtree Dan & Lita Crowley David & Dagney Christenson Lane & Lori Christopherson Sharon Daines Leif & Sonja Dalen Thelma P. Dalene David & Val Egge Joel & Barbara Egge John N. Endrud Spencer Endrud Rich & Jeanene Engebretson Elroy and Judy Erickson Gary & Cynthia Erickson Gerald and Sheri Erickson Micah Erickson Ryan & Kristin Erickson Eric Ewan Carol Featherstone Lori Fedje Dr. Allan Fischer Gay & Carol Folden Mark & Joan Folden David & Ruthann Forland Allen & Goldie Foss E. Thor & Lillian Foss Mark & Joanne Foss Lisa Schultz-Fred Sharon Fuhrman Grand Lake Trust Wayne & Ruth Goats Adleide Gunhus

(3) Fergus Falls, MN Fergus Falls, MN Naperville, IL Mt.Bethel, PA Kirkland, WA Minnetonka, MN Erhard, MN Dalton, MN Arvada, Co Campbell, MN Jamestown, ND Minneapolis, MN Vadnais Heights, MN Fergus Falls, MN Fergus Falls, MN St. Louis Park, MN Minneapolis, MN Fergus Falls, MN Vadnais Heights, MN Willow Street, PA Woodbury, MN Vermillion, SD Fergus Falls, MN Marysville, WA Lynnwood, WA Everett, WA Bozeman, MT Mt. Bethel, PA East Hartland, CT Alexandria, MN Fergus Falls, MN Rockford, IL Fargo, ND Edina, MN Vancouver, WA Dalton, MN Mukilteo, WA Redding, CA Fergus Falls, MN Fergus Falls, MN New Hope, MN Beaverton, OR Hillsboro Beach, FL Fergus Falls, MN San Jose, CA Huntington , NY Everett, WA Southland, NY Glastonbury, CT Fergus Falls, MN Fergus Falls, MN Lake Park, MN Scottsdale, AZ Fergus Falls, MN

GT & Ann Gunhus Richard & Dianne Gunhus Victoria Hackett Elling & Barbara Halvorson Evelyn Hansen Greg & Rita Hayek Kim Hazel Joy Headrick David & Beverly Heggen Amanda Heggland Rich & Linda Heggland Hillside LB Missions 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 Dennis & Kathleen Johnson Fred & Elsie Johnson Tim & Karen Johnson Brent & Ruth Juliot Elmer & Julia Kaardal Curtis & Elaine Kavlie Vaughn and Deb Kavlie John & Janet Kilde Kermit & Grace Kvamme Kevin Kvamme Philip & Marilyn Labrosse Andy & Brenda Lacey Jack & Sharon Lacey Paul & Jane Langseth Morris & Myrt Larsen Josiah Larson Lawn Pro of Fergus Falls Frank & Elaine Legerat Brian & Jennifer Leivstad Carol & Michael Lewin Patricia Linson Lloyd & Thelma Listor Steve & Heidi Listor Harry Ludvigsen Joel & Alice Lunde Dennis & Dorothy Madsen Jeffrey & Eileen Mahn Brad & Trena Martinson Masson Family Foundation Luther & Adeline Mathison John & Lisa McAteer Bruce & Irene Miller Jr. Tom & Gladys Moline

Underwood, MN Blue Earth, MN San Francisco, CA Woodinville, WA Snohomish, WA Fergus Falls, MN Eden Prairie, MN Denver, CO Rothsay, MN Farmington, CT New Port Richey, FL Succasunna, NJ 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 Boone, IA Little Falls, MN Fergus Falls, MN St. Paul, MN Richville, MN Eden Prairie, MN Fergus Falls, MN Fergus Falls, MN Williston, ND St. Paul, MN Wendell, MN Wendell, MN Fergus Falls, MN Fergus Falls, MN Minneapolis, MN Fergus Falls, MN Fairbanks, AK Loveland, CO Keizen, OR Fargo, ND Brooklyn, NY Mt. Bethel, PA Kerhonkson, NY Fergus Falls, MN Fergus Falls, MN Albuquerque, NM Fergus Falls, MN Laguna Beach, CA Maddock, ND Mt. Bethel, PA Mt. Bethel, PA Erhard, MN

Alice Monson Wallace & Audrey Ness Peter & Lillian Nilsen William & Marcia Nilsen Clara Olsoe John & Donna Olson Wesley & Ruth Orrestad Graham & Priscilla Parker Kevin & Linda Patch Rollin & Beverly Pederson Kenneth & Norma Peeders Ed & Elaine Peterson Irv & Helen Peterson Frank & Karen Pellegrino Gregg and Marie Preston Wayne & Diane Preston Lowell & Paula Quam LeRoy & MaryAnn Quernemoen Donald & Marie Roberts Trust Nick & Leann Roberts Burdean & Kay Rogness Darren Rogness Glenn & Vonnie Rogness Kevin & Brooke Rogness LaWayne & Bev Rogness Les & Leann Rogness Loran & Lois Rogness Eugene & Rhoda Rubey Ron and Barbara Samuelsen Jack and Rochelle Sand Olav & Gina Sandnes Will Sandnes Lavona Sather Matthew & Lynn Scarfo Rod & Jo Scheel Ernie & Cathie Scheid Dwight & Gwen Schmidt Nick & Danielle Schmidt Security State Bank Ewald & Alice Sems Norma Senum Leland Sjule Ed & Shirley Smith Alf & June Soholt John & Tess Soholt Eleanor Sollie James & Pauline Stalsberg Arna Stedjan Wayne & Nancy Stender Dan & Eleanor Stenoein Dean & Doreen Stoutland Robert and Lorrette Strack Shawn & Amy Stroud Wai Nam Tam Guy & Amy Taylor Stan & Borgny Thompson Gary & Dorinne Thompson Justin & Phyliss Thompson Nancy Thompson Rosemary Traina Randy & Diane Trettevik Lois Tweten Marvin & Opal Undseth Steve & Lois Undseth Fred Valder Marty & Mim Valder Ruth Vall James VerSteeg David & Lynn Vettrus Shawn Veum Victory LB Church Jason Walkup Les Watson Arthur & Marion Wickstrom Rosalie Williamsen Jim & Cheryl Wold Bettee Woodburn

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Minneapolis, MN Fergus Falls, MN Brewster, NY East Hartland, CT Seattle, WA Fergus Falls, MN Bellevue, WA Richland, WA Fergus Falls,MN Billings, MT Richville, MN Wahpeton, ND Menomonie, WI Mt. Bethel, PA Fergus Falls, MN Chippewa Falls, WI Fergus Falls, MN Fergus Falls, MN White Bear Lake, MN Houlton, WI Eden Prairie, MN Moorhead, MN Fergus Falls, MN Fergus Falls, MN Fergus Falls, MN Fergus Falls, MN Fergus Falls, MN Eugene, OR East Hartland, CT Moorhead, MN Mt. Bethel, PA Minneapolis, MN Los Angeles, CA Island City, OR Fergus Falls, MN Fargo, ND Jamestown, ND Jamestown, ND Fergus Falls, MN Lehigh Acres, FL Mt. Bethel, PA Springfield, MO Laquey, MO Bloomington, MN Golden Valley, MN Brooklyn, NY Viroqua, WI Fergus Falls, MN Fergus Falls, MN Minneapolis, MN Northridge, CA Rochester, MN Moorhead, MN Flanders, NJ Fergus Falls, MN East Hartland, CT Fergus Falls, MN Antler, ND Boca Raton, FL Roxbury, NJ Mill Creek, WA Helena, MT Salem, OR Fergus Falls, MN Moorhead, MN Everett, WA Aitkin, MN Richfield, MN Watertown, MN Fergus Falls, MN Jamestown, ND Fergus Falls, MN Fergus Falls, MN Fergus Falls, MN Medical Lake, WA Fergus Falls, MN Rolling Hills, CA

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CAMPUS NEWS

HIT Basketball 2010 The following teams won championship plaques in their division: Division 1A Division 2A Classic A Classic B Division 2B Division 3A Division 3B

Bethel LB Church, Fergus Falls, MN Ebenezer LB Church, Rolette, ND Berea Lutheran Brethren Church Victory Lutheran Brethren Church Blom Prairie, Toronto, SD Hillcrest Alumni - Ottertail Area Word of Life Lutheran Brethren Church

Fergus Falls 3 Rolette 1 Alexandria Jamestown 2 Toronto Youth FF - Ottertail LeSueur 2

Sam Larson won the slam dunk competition during the Division 1 half-time. always the same, but getting from gym to gym was also very pleasant.

Sixty teams competed in the Hillcrest Invitational Tournament (HIT) on April 16-17, 2010. After surviving the blizzards and floods of the previous two springs, this year's tournament was played in perfect Minnesota spring weather.

Of course, the gym's environment is

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

The date for the 2011 HIT basketball tournament is April 8-9. Information will be going out to churches and managers in January of 2011. Any new teams (alumni or LB Church) should contact Hillcrest Academy at 218-739-3371 for registration information. Information will also be available on the Hillcrest website at www.ffhillcrest.org/hit.

HIT Golf Scramble 2010

Hillcrest held its 6th annual golf scramble on June 18th at Pebble Lake Golf Course. 101 golfers participated in the event which raised nearly $10,000 that will benefit the Hillcrest athletic program.

Although it was one of the windiest days this year, 25 teams enjoyed each other’s company as they swung their clubs, using their best team strategy through 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 Nelson Auto consisting of Brian Quernemoen, Elliot Thompson, Kevin Swenson and Jason Anderson. They finished 18 holes with a score of 61 (11 under par) and each received a “red” jacket. The winners of the Net Score Award were Pete Draxten, Terry Malingen, Marlen Malingen, and Adam Hanson from the Fergus Falls Floor to Ceiling team. Their handicapped score of 56 (16 under par) also earned them the coveted Hillcrest-red jackets.

After the golfing, everyone was treated to a fabulous steak 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 75 prizes were given away in a drawing. The prizes included a week stay in a Keystone, Colorado

condo, rounds of golf, Twins tickets, hotel overnights, golf clubs, gift certificates, and apparel, 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.

The HIT Golf Scramble will be held again next summer in June. A date will be announced as soon as it can be finalized with the golf course.

Thank you to all the golfers, sponsors, and volunteers for your support of Hillcrest Academy!

CAMPUS NEWS

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2010 Hillcrest Auction raises nearly $28,000 The 6th Annual Hillcrest Auction was held in the HLA Student Activities Center on Saturday, May 1st. Tickets were sold for a catered dinner event with nearly 200 guests in attendance. Once again, Cary and Anita Aasness provided their superb auctioneering services and A'viands Food Service catered the meal at a very reasonable cost, helping to keep expenses to a minimum.

The auction included about 85 items ranging from homemade jams and jellies to a vacation week. A volunteer auction committee of 7, including Kathy Johnson, Brenda Lacey, Sharon Lacey, Katie Aasness, Elaine Kavlie, Curt Kavlie and Rod

Scheel, planned the entire event in conjunction with the Hillcrest President's office.

The auction was very successful!

Donors raised nearly $28,000 to support scholarship, academic, and development needs for the school.

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.

Comets receive rousing sendoff

By Tom Hintgen Article reprinted courtesy of the Fergus Falls Daily Journal

the team has bonded well this year while providing encouragement to one another.

Excitement passed from one person to another inside the Hillcrest gymnasium Wednesday morning during a pep rally for the Comet basketball team, just prior to their departure by bus to the state high school boys basketball tournament in the Twin Cities.

“We give thanks to God for not only our team, but for all the teams that will participate in this week’s state boys basketball tournament,” said Brue.

“This team has put in a lot of time, hard work, energy and sweat to get to where they are today,” said head coach Gregg Preston to students (including band members and cheerleaders), faculty, staff, parents and fans in general who filled the east section of the gymnasium’s bleachers.

Preston emphasized that while making the state tournament is indeed an exciting time, basketball is still just a game.

“Basketball is part of my players’ lives, but it’s not their entire lives,” he said.

“They have a faith in Christ. When we play basketball we give thanks to the honor and glory of God.” Hillcrest Superintendent Steve Brue said Wednesday’s pep rally was a big “family event.” He added that

Speaking on behalf of the team, and thanking fans for their support throughout the year were senior center Jeff Schmidt and junior guard Grant Stroud.

After the pep rally, people waited outside the Hillcrest gymnasium as the Comets’ team prepared to leave by bus for the Twin Cities, close to 10:30 a.m. One of those was Schmidt’s mother, Cindy.

“What a fun week,” she said. “We as parents are so appreciative of the support our teams, both boys and girls, have received from many people throughout the community of Fergus Falls.”

Another parent waiting for the bus to depart was Mark Tungseth. His son is junior guard Daniel Tungseth.

Mark Tungseth, currently pastor at Good Shepherd Church in Fergus Falls, played on the Hillcrest 1974 national title team, when the Comets

played an independent schedule and were not yet part of the Minnesota State High School League.

“Yes, this is an exciting week here at Hillcrest,” he said.

Tungseth reflected on the team from 36 years ago, coached by Bill Colbeck. The starting guards were Tungseth and Tom Moline, center was Dan Haakenson and the forwards were Al Nilsen and Paul Overland.

“We look forward to a fun time when we play Thursday at state,” said Tungseth. “This has been a fun year for Hillcrest.”

14

CAMPUS NEWS

Park looks to Wall Street

By Ryan Howard, Article reprinted courtesy of the Fergus Falls Daily Journal the cutthroat world of American finance, his chances would be better if he went to high school and college in America, or at least somewhere where he could learn how to succeed in the states.

His first choice was an international school in Korea, but he failed the entrance exam. But, according to Park, the rejection turned out to be a blessing in disguise. “My mom is a really devoted Christian, and she wanted me to go to a Christian school, so I ended up here (as a foreign exchange student),” he said.

He’s glad he did. Park, who boasts a 3.9 GPA, said that the academic balance in the U.S. is very different from the way people do things in Korea. While he said his Korean friends always felt the need to study, “(Hillcrest students) can have some fun together.”

When Sung Hyun Park graduates from Hillcrest Academy this Sunday, he’ll be leaving behind three years of learning, music, sports, fun and a whole lot more. Park, who dreams of being a heavy hitter on Wall Street, will be attending Emory University in Atlanta, Ga. in the fall.

That’s not to say Park hasn’t studied.

In addition to his stellar GPA, Park has taken every single AP course offered through Hillcrest and has even taken a few more through independent study.

However, he added, one of his favorite things about his Hillcrest experience has been the opportunity to try so many different activities. Actually, he laughed, “I did too many things, and I didn’t study as much as I expected.”

Born and raised in South Korea, Park went to a boys school during much of his upbringing. He knew, however, that in order to work in

Some of those “too many things” that he ended up doing included singing in choir, playing clarinet in band, playing soccer and track,

hanging out with friends and recreationally reading lots and lots of books, from literature to self-help to a volume or two on neuroscience, which Park finds fascinating.

Park wants to cultivate the broad experience he had at Hillcrest into even more learning at Emory. While he knows he’ll probably major in something related to finance (what exactly, he isn’t sure yet), he’s looking forward to the electives just as much as the core classes. “I really want to study philosophy and math,” he said, adding that he also wants to learn how to play the piano and guitar during his college years.

A job on Wall Street will remain his ultimate goal as those years go by.

While Park has learned a lot (citing Greg Preston’s Historical Literature class as one that “widened my perspective”), played hard (“Track is painful to play, but you feel good after you’re done”) and had fun (he loves mentoring the junior high students, saying, “I think we have the same mental age”), he thinks the best thing about his time at Hillcrest is that he’s become a better person.

“People here are really unselfish,” he said, adding that when he went to school in Korea, all he cared about was getting ahead. The teachers and the other students at Hillcrest have changed that. “They care about other people ... Here, relationships are very important.”

VISIT THE NEW HILLCREST WEBSITE WWW.FFHILLCREST.ORG

CAMPUS NEWS

15

By Trisha Marczak, Article reprinted courtesy of the Fergus Falls Daily Journal Hillcrest Academy students traveled this spring to the Dominican Republic to carry on the school’s tradition of reaching out to the world.

While the intent of the trip is to share the Gospel with those living within the country, students also look at the journey as a learning experience.

“Hillcrest is a training ground,” said Gregg Preston, a Hillcrest teacher and coach who oversees the school’s missions program. “We are teaching and training so that our young people will go out there and live the Gospel wherever they go.”

While students had in the past traveled to Mexico each year, the destination was changed to the Dominican Republic last year for safety reasons. For the second year in a row, the school has paired with Christian Outreach International to help develop communities in the Dominican Republic.

Beginning last year, students have spent time working in the schools.

Through interpreters, students have had the chance to bond with students from the country.

“They talk about serious and deep issues that teens are dealing with in both countries,” Preston said.

Last year, students helped raise funds for the school to purchase land and build classrooms.

Fundraising efforts also continued this year, allowing this year’s class to continue on with Hillcrest’s contribution to education in the Dominican Republic. As students continue to make the trip year after year, the overall impact of Hillcrest’s dedication to the mission will be evident through the progress and impact of donations, Preston said.

Aside from helping those in the Dominican, Hillcrest students also walked away from the experience with new perspectives.

“Most students look back and say it was the most defining, life changing, impactful weeks they’ve spent,” Preston said.

Taking students out of their comfort zone and allowing them, for one week, to see how people in developing countries live. “It really gives them a chance to verbally share their faith and talk about their faith to others. Even though it’s for a week, they see the strengths and weaknesses of our own culture, too,” Preston said.

One aspect of the culture that students recognized was the importance placed on friends and families.

“They value people and relationships and there’s a richness they have there that (students) would like to bring back to the U.S.,” Preston said.

Preston also said it allows students to be thankful for what they have, and to use their lives to impact those who are in need.

16

ALUMNI NEWS

Augsburg College, University of Virginia and graduated from the University of Minnesota. He married Julia Christenson, a high school classmate, in 1950. In all of the congregations Elmer has worked with, he strives to know Christ and to urge the congregations to work on evangelism to make Christ known. His year of LBS Bible College served him well in Sunday school teaching.

Julia (Christenson) Kaardal was born on a farm near Doran, MN on April 8, 1926. Her parents were Martin and Lillian Christenson. Her elementary education was in a one room school. She graduated from Hillcrest in 1944 and later from Moorhead State University. Julia taught for 5 years in one room country schools in Wilkin and Ottertail counties. In every congregation, she had taught Sunday school and has been active in women’s groups and Bible studies. Along with Elmer, she has been active in Boy Scouts for over 50 years. Both Elmer and Julia have been awarded the Silver Beaver award and Lutheran Lamb Scouting award.

Elmer & Julia Kaardal Elmer Kaardal was born to Sofie and Jetmund Kaardal on January 20, 1927 under a tree in Kosi, Cameroon.

As was common for missionaries in those days, he was left with foster parents who lived in Canada. In 1936, at age 9, Elmer moved with his foster parents back to the USA. Elmer did not see his parents until after his 11th birthday, in 1938.

Elmer’s elementary education was received entirely in one room country schools, until his enrollment at Hillcrest Lutheran Academy. Elmer graduated from Hillcrest Academy in 1944 and then attended LBS Bible College for one year.

He was drafted into the army and performed occupation duty in Japan and Germany. He served in the army on active duty, in the National Guard and Army reserve for about 30 years and retired as a Colonel. He attended

Elmer and Julia have eight children. All six of their sons are Eagle Scouts and their two daughters received the highest rank in Girl Scouts. Four of their 19 grandchildren are also Eagle Scouts. They also have 5 great-grandchildren.

Recently, Elmer and Julia worked with the LBS Alumni Association to create The Class of l944 Good Samaritan Endowment of over $25,000 to meet emergency needs of Seminary students. Elmer and Julia also created an endowment for the Lutheran Brethren Seminary Library in memory of missionaries Sofie and Jetmund Kaardal for books, periodicals and equipment to support evangelism and homiletics.

Most recently, Elmer and Julia created a "mustard seed" endowment with an initial amount of $2000 for Hillcrest to support the teaching of the Social Sciences.

Hillcrest Lutheran Academy is honored to have Elmer and Julia Kaardal among its alumni family.

Congratulations, Elmer and Julia on receiving this award as Alumni of the Year.

ALUMNI NEWS

Constructing the Castle (continued from page 9) and study rooms” which were “really model apartments.” Two students occupied each dormitory room and each of the rooms was “fitted out with two single iron beds and a neat little table and chairs.” It must have been “a pleasure,” concluded a news reporter, “to study in such apartments.”

The basement was “an establishment in itself” with the “huge boiler” of the steam heating plant in one corner, with a gymnasium and shower baths beyond it. Another section of the basement contained the “spacious dining room, capable of seating about two hundred at one time.” Adjacent to the dining room was “a model kitchen and bakery.” In another portion of the basement was the laundry with “excellent apartments” for the “janitors and female help.”

Summing up, the contemporary writer gushed about the construction of the “whole structure” reflected “credit upon the architect who designed it, upon Lauritzen Brothers who constructed it,” and the school administration that had the “energy and foresight” to carry the project through to its completion.

The cornerstone on the northeast corner was engraved with “1901,” firmly establishing the foundation of the Lutheran school in the glowing promise of the first year of the Twentieth Century. The official dedication of the new school building came in the first week of June in 1902 with over five hundred friends in attendance on the lawn next to the school. Classes in the magnificent school building began in the autumn of 1902.

In May of 1909, the Park Region Luther College trustees resolved to make the school a full college and the Norwegian Lutheran Synod approved its request for full-college status. College classes began there in the fall term of 1909.

Park Region Luther College did well until World War I when various Lutheran synods combined into a larger body and the powers-that-be decided that a competing college in Moorhead, Concordia College, would

be the new synod’s choice as its regional college. And so, in 1917, the Fergus Falls school lost its role as a college, yet continued in its role as a preparatory high school. It also was a teacher training school.

Park Region College struggled to keep going as a school for another fifteen years before it went bankrupt in the devastating times of the Great Depression, finally closing in 1932. In 1935, the Lutheran Brethren Church of America bought the old college building at a very good price and moved its schools from Grand Forks to Fergus Falls.

And so the building has stood since 1901 and Hillcrest Academy has carried on the mission of providing a Christian high-school education that began there under the name of “Park Region Luther College.”

The Hillcrest Academy building has been listed on the National Register of Historic Places for its role in the education of Norwegian Americans and for its distinctive architectural features designed by Martin Thori, the famous Norwegian American architect from St. Paul.

The “Old Castle on the Hill” still stands tall with its spires, its architecture, its long history and its mission in Christian education.

In Memory: Grant Hammond Grant Everson Hammond was born to Winifred and Elmer Hammond on May 28, 1941 in Minneapolis. He was unofficially adopted by Alida and Henry Stensland, his foster parents, in 1955. After graduating from Hillcrest Lutheran Academy, Fergus Falls, MN in 1960, Grant lived much of his adult life in Southern California where he married and his son, Jeffrey, was born in 1965. He returned to Minneapolis in 2003.

Grant loved children and they were naturally drawn to him. He enjoyed telling stories of his grandchildren’s latest accomplishments and playing with his great niece and nephew.

Grant gave whatever he had to any child in need.

17

Grant was a sports fan. His favorite teams were the Yankees and USC football.

He coached Little League teams and raced motorcycles in the desert with his son. Grant loved the fact that he was in attendance at Super Bowl I held in the Rose Bowl.

Grant also served others. He looked forward to Ebenezer’s senior luncheon where he always left the kitchen and went from table to table chatting with the seniors. Grant cared for his neighbors and always had a friendly greeting for everyone he met.

Every conversation was an opportunity to showcase his dry sense of humor. Grant was wonderful with sarcastic remarks that left you smiling long after you had parted.

We are still smiling. He often used humor as a way to express his love, such as when family was blamed with a “it’s all your fault!” because he was enduring another cold winter.

Grant passed away on May 29th, the day after his 69th birthday at the home of Joan & David Thompson from esophageal cancer.

In Memory: James Stalsberg James P. Stalsberg, age 75 of Viroqua, died on Monday, April 26, 2010 at Vernon Memorial Hospital.

He was born on May 5, 1934 in Westby to Orrin and Lilah (Buros) Stalsberg.

He married Pauline Berg on June 3, 1961 at Ebenezer Lutheran Church in Minneapolis.

Jim graduated from Westby High School in 1952. Following graduation he was employed at the Chevy plant in Janesville.

In 1953 Jim joined the US Air Force and was stationed in England from 1954 to 1957. Jim then attended (continued on back cover)

18

ALUMNI NEWS

CLASS OF 1945 Lois (Haverly) Engebretson, Verna Mae (Haverly) Brue, Delores (Erickson) Sandberg

CLASS OF 1955 Back Row L-R: Maynard Walvatne, Front row L-R: Helen (Ryen) Phil Wold, Irv Bergsagel, Gordon Tostenson, Joyce (Osmundson) Omland Boehland, Ramona (Pedersen) Settergren, Rosanne (Jorgenson) Smith

CLASS OF 1965

2010 Back Row L-R: Leland Rogness, Daniel Ostergaard, Gary Williams, Elroy Vesta, Daniel Haakenson, Mike Erickson, Richard Gunhus

Front Row L-R: Gwen (Jacobson) Meyerink, Ruth (Lee) Ostergaard, Dawn (Gudim) Johnson, Janet Fry, Marlene (Klemetson) Dang, John Molstre, Marvin Solberg

CLASS OF 1950 Back Row L-R: Harland Helland, Donald Raun, Paul Larson, Robert Gjerde, Irving Nygren, Arthur Pederson, Elling Halvorson

Front row L-R: Ardelle (Skovholt) Quanbeck, Ardith (Kilde) Seaver, Sonja (Helgesen) Vesta, Junice (Slattum) DeGroot, Elizabeth (Reynolds) Simonson

CLASS OF 1960 Back Row L-R: Robert Nesland, Jon Spinanger, Kenneth Venberg, Verdeen Backstrom, O. David Thompson, Ronald Tonneson, Gary Bothun, Lester Hanson

(Osmundson) Henderson, Sharon Simonson, Nancy (Tryggestad) DeSmet

Front Row L-R: Linda (Lee) Mortenson, Ragnhild (Salte) Olsen, Middle Row L-R: Janet (Gahre) Katherine (Gravley) Magee, Ambjor, Joann (Aarhus) Gundersen, Virginia (Nix) Strowbridge, Dorothy Sharon (Erickson) Daines, Lois (Anderson) Steigenga, Barbara (Berglund) Thomsen, Shirley (Olsen) Salvesen

CLASS OF 1970 Row one: Sue (Madsen) Schmeling, Louise (Udden) Burton, Mary (Langager) Vojtko, Sheri (Fuhrman) Erickson, Faith (Lindgren) Richardson, Mary (Rinden) Tonneson, Marilyn (Valder) Erdahl Row two: LuAnn (Karevold) Hanson, Melinda (Nelson) Masson, Steve Vethrus, Cheryl (Bjornlie) Olsen, Jeanne (Revne) Hoilien, Faith (Bergstad) Tysver, Janell (Thompson) Power, Martha

(Rinden) Jarvinen.

Row three: Rollin Tonneson, Mark Levang, Joan (Christianson) VerSteeg, Randa (Rud)Delyria, Mark Olsoe, Dean Norman, Robbie Overgaard, Ken Olson, Phil Simonson, Lori Fedje.

Row Four: Jim Olson, Gaylan Mathiesen, Sandy (Sather) Westley, Dale Christenson, Joe Nordtvedt, Dave Tungseth, Ken Roed, Naomi (Moline) Larson, Steve Halvorson.

ALUMNI NEWS

CLASS OF 1980 Back Row L-R: Mike Boyum, Peter Gjerness, Kevin Kvamme, Michael Loewen

Middle Row L-R: Betty (Watson) Christenson, Carrie (Christenson) Brue, Cindy (Carson) Holoien, RoxAnn (Hauge) Showaker, Lynn (Rasmussen) Jenkins

CLASS OF 1985 Back Row L-R: Steve Strom, Bill Aune, Kevin Berge, Lance Brunkow, Jerry Christensen, Dale Rogness, Julie (Brue) Jundt, Tom Seaver, Rob Erdahl, Rich Seland

CLASS OF 1990 Back Row L-R: Brian Boss, Chris Vall, Russ Gravley, Cory Thompson, Chad Strand

Front Row (L-R): Dawn Anderson, Karsten Anderson, Mark Everswick, Jason Christenson, Marc Christenson, Jeff Olson, Karen (Finlay) Curry

CLASS UPDATES 1950's Ruth (Bunny) Vall (H'56) writes: I was widowed 4 years ago after 45 years of marriage to Wesley Vall. For years Wes and I traveled to Port Isabel, Texas to spend our winters in a warm climate. After he passed away, I still travel to Texas for the winter but am in Harlingen, which is 30 miles inland from Port Isabel. I have the privilege of playing in a bell choir, do lots of singing and lots of activities I've never done before. Our 4 children all graduated from Hillcrest and are married and are raising their families. None live in Minnesota so I get to travel often. I continue to Praise God for His watchcare over me and look forward to the next "adventure" He has for me.

1960’s Jeffrey Richards (H'68) writes: After graduating from Dallas Theological Seminary, Th.M., I received a Ph.D. from Drew University in Madison, NJ in 1985. I was just awarded on Oct. 29, 2008, a Dr. Theol. degree from Philipps-Universitaet Marburg, Marburg, Germany with a dissertation on Dietrich Bonhoeffer. It was a long

19

Front Row L-R: Jim Bothun, Gaye (Thompson) Brunkow, Karen (Senum) Pellegrino, Heidi (Haugen) Doiron, Billi Jo (Kvamme) Larson, Carla (Christenson) Rudie

CLASS OF 2000 Back Row L-R: Josh Johanson, Mike Evans, Hickory Smith, Josh Sawyer.

Grigsby, Erica (Christenson) Kube, Alonna (Johnson) Johnson

Middle Row L-R: Elizabeth (Barton) Lund, Jake Carr, Kathy Heggland, Tami (Hardyman) Vigesaa, Tina (Asche) Duske, Jenna (Monsen)

Front Row L-R: Genevieve (Malecha) Rostad, Julia Sleen, Christine (Gundersen) Lawson, Ronda (Erickson) Clark, Stacy Nilsen, Jen (Auseth) Stumbo

process, but a positive one. I continue to pastor New Covenant Church in Charlotte, NC as well as teach college and seminary students and write books. My wife, Debbie, and I will celebrate our 36th wedding anniversary on Dec. 31 of this year. Our twin daughtes, Emily and Lauren, graduated from UNC-Chapel Hill in 2005 and both are working full-time. I recently released a book entitled War Time Preaching and Teaching.

1980’s Melissa (Stokes) Pribbenow (H'88) writes: Our family is moving to St. Louis this summer for Brad to attend Concordia Seminary. Three years there will earn him a Phd in Biblical Studies and then we hope to return to Fergus Falls to teach at the LB seminary.

1990’s Betty (Gundersen) Hargan (H'92) writes: I am married to Ryan Hargan of Jackson, MN. We just had a baby boy, Jack, on Valentine's Day. What a blessing!

Shelly Domke (H'93) writes: This last year I've been hired as the Praise Worship Coordinator at Family of Christ Lutheran in Ham Lake, MN and I've been hired at (continued on back cover)

August 23

First Day of School

September 6

Labor Day - No School

Sept. 27 - Oct. 3

Homecoming Week

PAID

Move-in Day for Sports Week

Fergus Falls, MN Permit #14

August 15

Non-Profit US Postage

Upcoming Events

November 20-26 Senior Mission Trip November 25-28 Thanksgiving Vacation December 16

End of First Semester

Dec. 17 - Jan. 2

Christmas Vacation

Jim was proud of his children and grandchildren.

He enjoyed golfing and wintering in Phoenix, AZ. Jim was a member of the Viroqua Lions for many years and held the office of president, secretary, treasurer and zone chairman. He received the Melvin Jones Award for distinguished service.

Blessed be our memory of Jim.

CLASS UPDATES (cont.)

Medtronic as a Sr Customer Service Rep full time, both huge answers to prayer. I'm still singing in the band Kerns and the Hemispheres - our album is available on iTunes. I'm also hosting karaoke in the northern suburbs of the twin cities with Margarita Mary's karaoke. Definitely keeping busy!

Happily married to Dave Thomas, a professional drummer and wonderful husband. Picture attached is of myself and my 2 sisters, both alumni of Hillcrest as well, from my wedding in September of 2008!

Heidi (Whalon) Groesbeck (H'96) writes: TWINS! Tony & Heidi Groesbeck and big brother Jack (3) welcome their new twin girls Elizabeth Dawn and Mary Esther, born 4/2/10.

Andrew & Allison (Reinertsen) Olson (H'97, '96) write: We are still living in Fergus and have three girls ages 2,3 and 4. Allison stays home with the girls and Andrew has just started working at Security Insurance.

2000’s Christine (Gundersen) Lawson (H'00) is happily living in Fergus Falls married to Daniel Lawson along with their two children, Isaiah (2) and Isabelle (7 mo.) Daniel is a math teacher in the Fergus Falls school district and Christine is a stay-at-home mom and teaches evening pottery classes in the community.

CONNECTION

LBS and graduated from the University of WI-La Crosse with a degree in teaching & masters degree in professional development. Jim taught school in Edgerton, Wis. from 1963 thru 1967 when he moved to Viroqua and taught school in Viroqua for 21 years retiring in 1990.

Hillcrest Lutheran Academy 610 Hillcrest Drive Fergus Falls, MN 56537

(continued from page 17)

Hillcrest

Stalsberg

Samantha Anne McElroy (H'01) married Tobias Owen Person at 5 o’clock in the evening of June 26, 2010 at the brides family home near Seattle, Washington, surrounded by 175 of their closest friends and family, The couple then took a short honeymoon to Monterey California, before returning to their home in Charlottesville, Virginia, just south of Washington DC. Stella Anne Moline, born to Steve (H'02) and Sarah Moline Feb 3, 2010.

J.P & Julie (Hein) Stender (H'03, both) write: In the last year we have welcomed two beautiful babies into our life, Aaleigha Mya and Aaveah Marie.

Shonelle (Randall) Edenloff (H'05) writes: Well, I'm married to a millitary man, Shane Edenloff. We live in Minnesota and have a 2 1/2 year old daughter.

Jeff Risbrudt (H'07) writes: I am currently at NDSU pursuing Civil Engineering and am a member of the champion intramural basketball team. I have also been serving as a confirmation small group leader at Triumph Church in Moorhead, MN.

WE LOVE HEARING FROM YOU! Send your updates to connection@ffhillcrest.org or submit them online at www.ffhillcrest.org/update