Hillcrest Summer/Fall 2011 • Volume 72 • Number 3
CONNECTION
A MAGAZINE FOR FRIENDS AND ALUMNI OF HILLCREST ACADEMY
THE CLASS OF
2011
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GREETING
Dear Alumni and Friends, I remember a book I read some years ago for a seminary course on apologetics, entitled “Faith Founded on Facts.” I like that title. Faith, as defined by the writer of Hebrews is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see. (Heb. 11:1) Our Christian worldview is centered on faith, which is based on facts that are found in the truth of God’s Word.
Christ. It is a privilege to be part of a mission statement in a high school setting where students receive so much more than a diploma.
This year’s graduation weekend gave solid evidence that Hillcrest graduates have been equipped to not only share their faith, but to defend their faith. Seniors, through video vignettes, shared personal testimonies of how their faith had been grounded in the facts of God’s Word. They expressed a growing confidence “to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have.” (1 Pet. 3:15)
Sincerely,
This issue of the Hillcrest Connection features the Hillcrest Graduation Weekend, and provides an update on the Fresh Breeze capital campaign. God continues to provide for the needs of the school, evidenced in the steady support from alumni, churches, and friends. Thank you for your partnership!
Steven J. Brue, HLA President
Hillcrest Lutheran Academy seeks to equip students for a life of significance. Much of this training includes sharing, articulating, and defending our faith in Jesus
SO MUCH MORE THAN A DIPLOMA
LIVE. LEARN. GO.
Hillcrest CONNECTION
CONTENTS 4 Feature
Grad Weekend 2011
7 Focus
Lieutenant Colonel Shawn Stroud
8 Finance
HLA Heritage Society HLA Legacy Club Club Members
10 Campaign
Fresh Breeze Update
11 Campus News HIT Basketball & Golf
12 Alumni News
Summer/Fall 2011
Alumni of the Year 2011 Reunions Alumni Updates
Hillcrest Connection is published triannually by Hillcrest Academy. Hillcrest Lutheran Academy 610 Hillcrest Drive Fergus Falls, MN 56537 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
HILLCREST ACADEMY BOARD OF DIRECTORS
J. BURDEAN ROGNESS Eden Prairie, MN
DWIGHT SCHMIDT HLA Board Chair
RANDY TRETTEVIK Alumni ‘76
DWIGHT SCHMIDT | Chair Jamestown, ND
LISA SCHULTZ-FRED Fergus Falls, MN
LISA FRED HLA Board Member
KEVEN CRABTREE Business Leader
DAVE EGGE | Vice Chair Alexandria, MN
OLAV SANDNES Mt. Bethel, PA
BURDEAN ROGNESS HLA Board Member
KERMIT KVAMME Alumni Parent
STEVE BRUE HLA President
STEVE UNDSETH Faculty Representative
NICK ROBERTS Alumni ‘05
MISSION STATEMENT
ROD SCHEEL | Secretary Fergus Falls, MN RICH IVERSON Barnesville, MN ANNIE JACOBSEN Succasunna, NJ KATHY JOHNSON Fergus Falls, MN
FRESH BREEZE CAMPAIGN CABINET OLAV & GINA SANDNES Campaign Co-Chairs ELLING & BARBARA HALVORSON Honorary Co-Chairs
CAROL STUCKER Alumni ‘81 DEAN STOUTLAND Alumni ‘76
The mission of Hillcrest Lutheran Academy is to equip students in a Christ-centered, Biblebased environment for a life of significance.
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FEATURE
THE CLASS OF
2011
TRULY MY SOUL FINDS REST IN GOD; MY SALVATION COMES FROM HIM. TRULY HE IS MY ROCK AND MY SALVATION; HE IS MY FORTRESS, I WILL NEVER BE SHAKEN.
2011 GRADUATION HIGHLIGHTS •
Seventh Baccalaureate/Commencement Service to be held in the HLA Student Activities Center Sunday morning, May 29.
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53 graduates of the Class of 2011 received the Hillcrest Diploma.
PSALM 62:1-2
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HLA Golden Alumni of the Class of 1961 received their recognition pins.
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Twenty-eight Danielsen students received HLA Certificates of Completion for their one-year educational experience.
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Lieutenant Colonel Shawn Stroud, father of one of the graduates, and Director for Communications of NATO Training Mission, serving in Kabul, Afghanistan gave the commencement address.
FEATURE The class of 2011 looks on as LTC Shawn Stroud, father of 2011 graduate Grant Stroud, delivers the commencement address.
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WATCH VIDEO TESTIMONIES FROM THE CLASS OF 2011 ONLINE AT WWW.FFHILLCREST.ORG/SIGNIFICANT
First Row - Allison Steinle, Fergus Falls, MN; Anna Saufferer, Mill Creek, WA; Laura Basile, Succasunna, NJ; Marisa Monacelli, Mt. Arlington, NJ; Angela Holmen, Fergus Falls, MN; Heather Furuseth, Rochester, MN; Kylee Haegeland, Lake Stevens, WA; Joo Hee (Olivia) Choi, S. Korea; Annalise Boyum, Ossian, IA.
Fourth Row – Tae-Gyu Park, S. Korea; Christopher Christenson, Fergus Falls, MN; Daniel Tungseth, Fergus Falls, MN; Grant Stroud, Moorhead, MN; Zachary Taylor, Fergus Falls, MN; Ye Chen (David) Baek, S. Korea; Seong Nyeon (David) Kim, S. Korea; Ju Chan Kim, S. Korea; Christina Hardie, Fairmount, ND.
Second Row – Carley Fabian, Fergus Falls, MN; Ahna Lacey, Wendell, MN; Lauren Abel, Fergus Falls, MN; Talia Pearson, Fergus Falls, MN; Rachel Olson, Beaumont, AB; Jenna Barkey, Succasunna, NJ; Mollie Jacobsen, Succasunna, NJ; Taylor Brue; Fergus Falls, MN; Catherine Jacoby, Eau Claire, WI; Calli Thiel, Wendell, MN.
Fifth Row – Cody Joy, Fergus Falls, MN; SooBin Kim, S. Korea; Wilner Twedt, Fergus Falls, MN; Ye Chen (Chris) Ryu, S. Korea; Seong Won Choi, S. Korea; Tory Brue, Bloomington, MN; Younghak Jang, S. Korea; Jae-Heum Hwang, S. Korea; Joshua Simpson, Chester, NJ.
Third Row – Siqi Feng, China; Chloe Ell, Fergus Falls, MN; Heather Frustol, Budd Lake, NJ; Krista Kugler, Erhard, MN; Julia Miller, Mt. Bethel, PA; Andrea Christenson, Fergus Falls, MN; Rhoda Christenson, Fergus Falls, MN; Sara Christianson, Fergus Falls, MN.
Sixth Row – David Asche, Milnor, ND; Andrew Stender, Fergus Falls, MN; Joshua Wolderich, Ferndale, WA; Andrew Twedt, Fergus Falls, MN; Jacob Jones, Walker, MN; Tore Falch, Brooklyn, NY; Ye Ram Cho, S. Korea; Michael Stilwell, Fergus Falls, MN.
•
President Brue announced that the remaining $977,000.00 debt on the Student Activities Center would be paid in full in 2 days, on May 31.
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A Senior Honors Program and Banquet took place at Bethel Church on Saturday afternoon for the graduates and their families.
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Various Class reunion gatherings hosted throughout the weekend, bringing alumni from all over the nation.
•
•
Guests enjoyed a Friday evening Concert featuring the HLA Band, Jazz Ensemble, Choir, and Vocalise Ensemble.
At the Senior Class Night on Saturday evening, Cody Joy gave the Valedictory address, and Marisa Monacelli and Rhoda Christenson provided the Salutatory addresses.
•
Many thanks to the parents and grandparents who participated in a special love offering honoring the 2011 graduates.
•
The Hillcrest Alumni Brunch was held Saturday morning with a record turnout of alumni in the Student Activities Center. President Brue gave an update on the Fresh Breeze campaign to alumni in attendance.
Congratulations, Class of 2011!
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SCENES 6
FEATURE
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FROM GRAD WEEKEND 2011
ALUMNI BRUNCH
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The 2011 Alumni Brunch was a blast. Over 200 HLA & LBS alumni and friends gathered together to enjoy great food, music and fellowship. The continuing ministry of Hillcrest Academy was celebrated as guests recalled plenty of fond memories.
VALEDICTORIAN & SALUTATORIANS Congratulations to Cody Joy, Valedictorian, and Rhoda Christenson & Marisa Monacelli, Co-Salutatorians. Cody will be studying electrical engineering at LeTourneau University; Rhoda will attend M-State in Fergus Falls; Marisa will attend Eastern University.
NORWEGIAN STUDENTS 28 students from the Danielsen School in Bergen, Norway received completion certificates for their one-year exchange program with Hillcrest. The 2010-2011 school year marked the 22nd anniversary of this exchange program.
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LIFELONG FRIENDSHIPS A student-led Bible study group from the class of 2011 stops to get a picture together. (L-R) Jacob Jones, Rhoda Christenson, Chris Christenson, Annalise Boyum, Rachel Olson, Catherine Jacoby, Chloe Ell, Christina Hardie, Siqi Feng.
FOCUS
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LIEUTENANT COLONEL
SHAWN STROUD
HILLCREST FATHER TAKES A BREAK FROM THE FRONT LINES TO DELIVER THE 2011 COMMENCEMENT ADDRESS of military science and now director for strategic communication. He has received numerous awards and decorations throughout his military career. The Stroud family has a long Hillcrest history. Shawn's wife, Amy (Throdahl), is a '82 HLA graduate, along with each of their four children, Ryan ('02), Jake ('05), Amanda ('07), and Grant ('11). In his address, Colonel Stroud shared the commitment he and Amy made while watching their eldest son graduate that each of their chldren would have the opportunity to attend Hillcrest. In fulfillment of this commitment, Shawn handed a diploma to Grant, his youngest son, as he walked across the stage this year.
If there was an award for the longest distance traveled to speak at a Hillcrest graduation ceremony, it would have to go to Shawn Stroud. Lieutenant Colonel Stroud has been serving our nation in the military for over 25 years. He is currently the Director of Communications for the NATO Training Mission – Afghanistan, headquartered in Kabul, Afghanistan. Lt. Col. Stroud’s military experience includes serving as a platoon leader, a company commander, an intelligence officer, instructor, public affairs officer, professor
Colonel Stroud shared three biblical truths with the class of 2011, each of which had an accompanying visual aid from Afghanistan to help illustrate. The first was "you are never alone," represented by an Afghani shepherd's staff which provides both assistance and protection for the owner. The staff was inlayed with gems for each year of the shepherd's life to symbolize the transition from young boy to village elder. Stroud recalled Psalm 23, where David says "I will fear no evil, for You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me." The second illustration was a special stone intended to remind the graduates that they are always loved. Colonel Stroud shared a necklace carrying a stone called watermelon tourmaline, a rare gem found only in a certain Continued on next page
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FINANCE
Stroud
(continued from previous page)
province of Afghanistan. This stone is special because it derives its distinct coloring from the minerals and soil surrounding it. Normally this would be considered a aw, but in this case, the beauty of the final result is what gives it value. Stroud drew a comparison to the way Hillcrest students have been created by Christ with a unique makeup and design and placed in unique surroundings to be formed into "one-of-a-kind, priceless jewels that radiate His beauty."
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The final truth Colonel Stroud shared with the class of 2011 is that "our strength is found in Him." As a symbol of God's strength, Stroud showed a unique Afghani sword. The students were reminded that the true strength of the
sword is found not in its design or materials, or even the hands of the warrior. Its strength is found in its maker, who masterfully blends all of the required elements. Colonel Stroud exhorted the students to find their strength in Christ using Paul's words in 2 Corinthians 12:9-10. At the close of his address, Colonel Stroud presented the Afghani shepherd's staff as a gift to Hillcrest on behalf of the over one hundred thousand service men and women serving in Afghanistan. A custom presentation case is being created for this wonderful gift and it will be displayed in the Hillcrest building. Hillcrest would like to thank Lieutenant Colonel Stroud for his service and his willingness to bring the 2011 commencement address.
AFGHANI SHEPHERD'S STAFF
HLA
Heritage society The HLA Heritage Society acknowledges those who have named Hillcrest in an estate gift.
The Fresh Breeze campaign Stanley Arlton Estate provides an opportunity for Irv & Kay Bergsagel Keven & Debbie Crabtree friends of Hillcrest to name the Evelyn Ebner Estate school as a beneficiary in their Joel & Barbara Egge estate plans. This is one of the Marian Egge Estate ways that donors may participate Mabel L. Foss Estate in the campaign, through a Rich & Karen Iverson Selma Langeland Estate deferred gift. Already, the John & Donna Olson campaign has on record over $1 Glenn & Yvonne Rogness million that will be gifted through LaWayne & Beverly Rogness estate plans. While estate Dwight & Gwen Schmidt amounts that are designated for Lisa Schultz-Fred Norma Senum Hillcrest are not included in the campaign goal, a record of these future gifts helps to ensure future support for the school. It also gives Hillcrest the opportunity to thank families who choose to name Hillcrest in their estate planning. We would love to include any who have named Hillcrest in their estate plans. Please contact President Steve Brue at 218-739-3371 to discuss this further.
HLA
Legacy club 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 Jack & Sharon Lacey
Minnie Nelson Nordic Contracting Co, Inc. Olsoe Charitable Remainder Trust Clara Olsoe John & Donna Olson Wesley & Ruth Orrestad Otter Tail Power Company Frank & Karen Pellegrino Ron Powell Donald & Marie Roberts Charitable Foundation Nicholas & Leann Roberts J. Burdean & Kay Rogness Darren 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
FINANCE Club Membership Club|120 Club|500
Club|1000
84 Club Members
46 Club Members
84 Club Members
Club|2500
Club|5000
Club|10000
12 Club Members
7 Club Members
4 Club Members
A wonderful way to participate in Fresh Breeze is by joining a Hillcrest giving club. Club members support the school's annual fund, a vital initiative of the $5 million Fresh Breeze campaign. Anonymous George & Alice Aase Peter & Katie Aasness Kathi Abel Guy & Beth Adams Erik & Janet Ambjor Hans & Kari Andersen Roy & Marie Barsness Joseph & Susan Battillo Irv & Kay Bergsagel Tim & Mary Bigelow Ethan & Carla Bjornlie Olive Blikstad Joyce Boehland Roger & Kay Borowski Doug & Nancy Bounds Cathy Brokke Nick & Dahlia Brue Charlie & Carrie Brue Benjamin Brue Hans Brue Matthew & Faith Brue Lindsey Brue Steve & Linda Brue Tom & Kari Brue Titus & Ashley Brue Arlen Brunsvold Thor & Edna Bugge Lorraine Burt John & Larissa Campbell Art & Betty Christenson David & Dagney Christenson David & Eunice Christenson Joel & Liz Christenson Scott & Val Christenson Lane & Lori Christopherson Countless Energy Keven & Debbie Crabtree Dan & Lita Crowley Dave & Vicki Crowser Clair & Sharon Daines Leif & Sonja Dalen Thelma P. Dalene Steve & Kathy Doering David & Val Egge Joel & Barbara Egge Chuck & Penny Eidem Spencer Endrud John Endrud Rich & Jeanene Engebretson Gerald & Sheri Erickson Elroy & Judy Erickson Ryan & Kristin Erickson Micah Erickson Gary & Cynthia Erickson Eric Ewan Carol Featherstone Lori Fedje Lawn Pro of Fergus Falls Dr. Allan Fischer Mark & Joan Folden Gay & Carol Folden David & Ruthann Forland E. Thor & Lillian Foss Mark & Joanne Foss Allen & Goldie Foss Masson Family Foundation Kevin & Lisa Fred Sharon Fuhrman Wayne & Ruth Goats GT & Ann Gunhus
(4) Fergus Falls, MN Fergus Falls, MN Fergus Falls, MN Lexington, KY Succasunna, NJ East Wenatchee, WA Kirkland, WA Mount Bethel, PA Minnetonka, MN Erhard, MN Fergus Falls, MN Fergus Falls, MN Arvada, CO Campbell, MN Jamestown, ND Minneapolis, MN St. Paul, MN Fergus Falls, MN Fergus Falls, MN Bloomington, MN St. Louis Park, MN St. Paul, MN Fergus Falls, MN Bloomington, MN Lino Lakes, MN Naperville, IL Willow Street, PA Chicago, IL Edmonton, OK Fergus Falls, MN Lynnwood, WA Fergus Falls, MN Fergus Falls, MN Fergus Falls, MN Everett, WA Wahpeton, ND Fergus Falls, MN Marysville, WA Fergus Falls, MN Bozeman, MT Mt. Bethel, PA East Hartland, CT Fergus Falls, MN Alexandria, MN Fergus Falls, MN Altadena, CA Buxton, ND Loves Park, IL Edina, MN Mukilteo, WA Fargo, ND Fergus Falls, MN Banning, CA Dalton, MN Fergus Falls, MN New Hope, MN Beaverton, OR Fergus Falls, MN Hillsboro Beach, FL San Jose, CA Fergus Falls, MN Huntington, NY Southold, NY Glastonbury, CT Everett, WA Laguna Beach, CA Fergus Falls, MN Joice, IA Scottsdale, AZ Underwood, MN
Richard & Diane Gunhus Adleide Gunhus Victoria Hackett Roy & Heather Haegeland Elling & Barbara Halvorson Evelyn Hansen Tore & Vivian Hansen Luke & Angela Hansen Les & Sandy Hanson Donald & Saundra Haugen Greg & Rita Hayek Kim Hazel Joy Headrick David & Beverly Heggen Rich & Linda Heggland Amanda Heggland Paul & Sheri Hohncke Diane Ihrke Gary & Renee Isaac Jeff & Missi Isaac Rich & Karen Iverson Martha Jacobs Herb & Helen Jacobsen Elizabeth Jacobsen John & Annie Jacobsen Ken & Ann Jensen Gladys Jensen Edgar & Myrtle Jensen Richard & Carol Johnson Tim & Karen Johnson Fred & Elsie Johnson Dennis & Kathleen Johnson Brent & Ruth Juliot Elmer & Julia Kaardal Curtis & Elaine Kavlie Vaughn & Deb Kavlie John & Janet Kilde Kermit & Grace Kvamme Kevin Kvamme Scott & Becky Kvamme Philip & Marilyn Labrosse Andy & Brenda Lacey Jack & Sharon Lacey Paul & Jane Langseth Morris & Myrt Larsen Josiah Larson Victory LB Church Hillside LB Missions Matthew & Sue Leach Frank & Elaine Legerat Brian & Jennifer Leivestad Carol & Michael Lewin Patricia Linson Lloyd & Thelma Listor Steve & Heidi Listor Harry Ludvigsen Joel & Alice Lunde Dorothy Madsen Jeffrey & Eileen Mahn Brad & Trena Martinson Luther & Adeline Mathison John & Lisa McAteer Bruce & Irene Miller Jr. Tom & Gladys Moline Tom & Bobbi Monacelli Alice Monsen Solveig Nelson Wallace & Audrey Ness William & Marcia Nilsen Peter & Lillian Nilsen Joseph & Berit Olafson
Blue Earth, MN Fergus Falls, MN San Francisco, CA Lake Stevens, WA Woodinville, WA Snohomish, WA Mt. Bethel, PA Edina, MN Fergus Falls, MN Marysville, WA Fergus Falls, MN Eden Prairie, MN Denver, CO Rothsay, MN New Port Richey, FL Farmington, CT Fergus Falls, MN Fergus Falls, MN Denver, CO Fergus Falls, MN Barnesville, MN Seatonville, IL Mt. Bethel, PA Minnetonka, MN Succasunna, NJ Huntington, NY Staten Island, NY Mt. Bethel, PA Willow City, ND Little Falls, MN Boone, IA Fergus Falls, MN Fergus Falls, MN Saint Paul, MN Richville, MN Eden Prairie, MN Fergus Falls, MN Fergus Falls, MN Williston, ND Fergus Falls, MN Saint Paul, MN Wendell, MN Wendell, MN Fergus Falls, MN Fergus Falls, MN Minneapolis, MN Jamestown, ND Succasunna, NJ Omaha, NE Fairbanks, AK Loveland, CO Keizer, OR Fargo, ND Brooklyn, NY Mt. Bethel, PA Kerhonkson, NY Fergus Falls, MN Fergus Falls, MN Albuquerque, NM Fergus Falls, MN Maddock, ND Mt. Bethel, PA Mt. Bethel, PA Erhard, MN Mt. Arlington, NJ Richfield, MN Fergus Falls, MN Fergus Falls, MN East Hartland, CT Brewster, NY Louisville, KY
Clara Olsoe Manley & Janet Olsoe John & Donna Olson Wesley & Ruth Orrestad Graham & Priscilla Parker Kevin & Linda Patch Rollin & Beverly Pederson Kenneth & Norma Peeders Frank & Karen Pellegrino Irv & Helen Peterson Ed & Elaine Peterson Wayne & Diane Preston Gregg & Marie Preston Lowell & Paula Quam LeRoy & MaryAnn Quernemoen Nick & Leann Roberts Donald & Marie Roberts Trust Les & LeAnn Rogness Darren Rogness Loran & Lois Rogness Burdean & Kay Rogness Lee & Lavonne Rogness LaWayne & Bev Rogness Kevin & Brooke Rogness Glenn & Vonnie Rogness Eugene & Rhoda Rubey Ron & Barbara Samuelsen Dee Sanberg Jack & Rochelle Sand Will Sandnes Olav & Gina Sandnes Lavona Sather Lynn & Matthew Scarfo Rod & Jo Scheel Ernie & Cathie Scheid Nick & Danielle Schmidt Dwight & Gwen Schmidt Lois Seaver Ewald & Alice Sems Paul Senum Norma Senum Arlen & Julianne Severson Jane Shulstad Leland Sjule Ed & Shirley Smith John & Tess Soholt Alf & June Soholt Eleanor Sollie Elwood & Marie Sollum Security State Bank Arna Stedjan Wayne & Nancy Stender Doug & Carol Stender Dan & Eleanor Stenoien Dean & Doreen Stoutland Robert & Lorrette Strack Shawn & Amy Stroud Carol & Aaron Stucker Doug & Margarethe Swanson Wai Nam Tam Guy & Amy Taylor Justin & Phyllis Thompson Gary & Dorinne Thompson Borgny & Stan Thompson Nancy Thompson George & Julie Townsend Rosemary Traina Randy & Diane Trettevik Cordelia Trones Grande Lake Trust Mark & Cathy Tungseth Roger & Amy Twedt Lois Tweten Bruce & Lori Tysver Marvin & Opal Undseth Steve & Lois Undseth Marty & Mim Valder Ruth Vall James & Lucinda VerSteeg Dale & Leanne Vesta David & Lynn Vettrus Shawn Veum Jason Walkup Les Watson Andy & Margaret White Arthur & Marion Wickstrom Rosalie Williamsen Jim & Cheryl Wold Richard & Oddny Wolderich Bette Woodburn
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Seattle, WA Fergus Falls, MN Fergus Falls, MN Bellevue, WA Richland, WA Fergus Falls, MN Billings, MT Richville, MN Mt. Bethel, PA Menomonie, WI Wahpeton, ND Fergus Falls, MN Fergus Falls, MN Fergus Falls, MN Fergus Falls, MN Houlton, WI White Bear Lake, MN Fergus Falls, MN Moorhead, MN Fergus Falls, MN Eden Prairie, MN Fergus Falls, MN Fergus Falls, MN Fergus Falls, MN Underwood, MN Eugene, OR East Hartland, CT Fergus Falls, MN Moorhead, MN Mt. Bethel, PA Mt. Bethel, PA Los Angeles, CA Island City, OR Fergus Falls, MN Fargo, ND Jamestown, ND Jamestown, ND Edgerton, WI Lehigh Acres, FL Brooklyn, NY Mt. Bethel, PA Esko, MN Pelican Rapids , MN Springfield, MO Laquey, MO Golden Valley, MN Minneapolis, MN Brooklyn, NY Rancho Palos Verdes, CA Fergus Falls, MN Fergus Falls, MN Fergus Falls, MN Fergus Falls, MN Minneapolis, MN Northridge , CA Rochester, MN Moorhead, MN Paradise Valley, AZ Burnsville, MN Flanders, NJ Fergus Falls, MN Antler, ND Fergus Falls, MN East Hartland, CT Boca Raton, FL Mt. Bethel, PA Roxbury, NJ Mill Creek, WA Edina, MN Lake Park, MN Fergus Falls, MN Fergus Falls, MN Helena, MT Fergus Falls, MN Salem, OR Fergus Falls, MN Everett, WA Aitkin, MN Richfield, MN Sycamore, IL Watertown, MN Fergus Falls, MN Fergus Falls, MN Fergus Falls, MN Toccoa, GA Fergus Falls, MN Medical Lake, WA Fergus Falls, MN Bangor, PA Rolling Hils, CA
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CAMPAIGN
CAMPAIGN UPDATE Hillcrest unveiled a significant visionary step this past year by announcing a major capital campaign called the “Fresh Breeze” Campaign. With this unveiling in October of 2010 came the remarkable news of God's provision of a core of significant lead gifts already secured to set the course for a successful campaign. It was announced then that 64% of the $5 million goal had previously been raised. Today, 10 months later, the campaign has exceeded 75% of the goal. The Campaign Cabinet and the HLA Board of Directors have established a timeline of closing the campaign at the end of this current school year, in June of 2012. Already, gifts received through this appeal are being used to meet each of the campaign’s objectives. The remaining $977,000.00 debt on the Student Activities Center, which was built in 2004-05, was retired on May 31st of this year. Endowment accounts have grown so that more student scholarships will be awarded this year. Professional development funds are providing assistance to three HLA employees enrolled in Master’s programs over the summer. Club memberships have doubled since pledges were first made to the campaign, with 230 members now supporting the Annual Fund. The old gym roof has been replaced. Acoustical panels were installed in the Music Room in August, just in time for the return of students. The final thrust of the campaign will be to secure funds for the renovation of the academic center above the old gym, and the installation of an efficient heating and cooling system. With the ten months that remain to secure the final 24%, please consider your involvement. God has blessed the gifts already given, as campaign initiatives are being met. There remains an expectant joy of good things to come for Hillcrest in this final year of the campaign.
The roof above the classroom section of the Hillcrest building was replaced this summer. A new layer of insulation is already providing noticable relief for classroom temperature in the summer heat.
Much-needed acoustical treatments have been installed in the music room at Hillcrest.
$1.2 Million 24% Remains $3.8 Million 76% Received in Cash and Pledges $5 Million Goal
Renovation of classrooms and the HVAC system remain as the last unfunded initiatives of the Fresh Breeze campaign.
CAMPUS NEWS
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HIT Basketball 2011 The following teams won championship plaques in their division: Division 1A Division 2A Classic A Classic B Division 2B Division 3A Division 3B
Triumph LB Church, Moorhead, MN Blom Prairie, Toronto, SD Victory LB Church, Jamestown, ND Newman Family Hillcrest Alumni & Friends Living Word Fellowship, Dickinson, ND LB Fellowship Church, Williston, ND
A total of 595 players on 60 teams competed in the 45th annual Hillcrest Invitational Tournament (HIT) on April 7-8, 2011. Pulling off the tournament is always a bit of a logistical challenge for HIT director, Charlie Brue, but it's well worth it. "My favorite part of the tournament is seeing some teams come back year after year," said Brue. This year, 94 games were played on
Triumph NDSU Toronto 3 Jamestown 1 Newman's FF Ottertail Dickinson Williston Youth
8 courts in 5 different gyms across Fergus Falls. HIT 2011 Division 1A Champions
Teams came from Minnesota, North Dakota, South Dakota 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 scheduled date for the 2012 HIT basketball tournament is March 23-
24. Information will be going out to churches and managers in January of 2012. 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 2011 Hillcrest held its 7th annual golf scramble on June 17th at Pebble Lake Golf Course. Sixty-eight golfers participated in the event which raised nearly $8,000 that will benefit the Hillcrest athletic program. After a short-lived downpour at the beginning of the tournament, beautiful weather made for a great afternoon of golf. Seventeen teams enjoyed each other’s company as they swung their clubs, using their best team strategy through 18 holes 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 Thrivent Financial consisting of Kurt Nygaard, Nick Kuehl, Lincoln Kallenberg and Mike Westergard. They finished 18 holes with a score of 60 (12 under par) and each received a “red” jacket. The winners of the Net Score Award were Burdean Rogness,
Armin Pipho, Rob Johnson, and Joe Johnson. Their handicapped score of 57 (15 under par) also earned them the coveted Hillcrest-red jackets. After the golfing, everyone was treated to a grilled 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 70 prizes were given away in a drawing. The prizes included a week stay in a Keystone, Colorado condo, rounds of golf, 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,
(L-R) John Kilde, Aidan Colling, Grant Colling, Kevin Patch
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!
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ALUMNI NEWS
ALUMNUS
J. BURDEAN ROGNESS Joseph Burdean Rogness grew up on a farm in Joice, IA. He came to Hillcrest as a freshman at the age of 14, and received his Hillcrest diploma in the spring of 1956. The phrase under his class picture in the Beacon yearbook stated “He doesn’t break rules, he just bends them a little,” followed by “He lends humor and embarrassment to Hillcrest life.” Following a short stay in the Fargo/Moorhead area, he returned to Iowa to further his education at North Iowa Community College, and also attended Metallurgical Trade School. A door opened for Burdean to enter a Machinist Trade, which occupied the next five years. Burdean married his high school girlfriend, Kay Soderlund in 1959. Kay was also a graduate of the class of 1956. Burdean attended a Sales Training Institute which led him into a Career in Sales & Sales Management with Pitney Bowes, Inc. Another door opened up for Burdean to create a company, called Midwest Mailing Systems, which he owned and operated for 24 years and then sold to investors.
Burdean and Kay have lived in the Twin Cites most of their married life with a three year stay in Portland, OR in the late 1960’s. In Portland they attended Rose of Sharon LB Church and became good friends with Pastor Don Brue and his family. Burdean and Kay have four children, Kim, Jody, Liesl, (all three Hillcrest graduates) and a son Joey. They are also proud grandparents of 12 grandchildren, who all enjoy spending time together at their summer cabin complex at Pickerel Lake, northeast of Fergus Falls. Burdean served on the Board of Trustees of the CLB for nine years. He and Kay have been involved in eight LB congregations. Burdean now serves as a member of the Hillcrest Board of Directors, and is one of our biggest cheerleaders for ensuring financial stability for the school so that the doors stay open for decades to come. In Burdean's own words, “I thank God for Hillcrest and have been in love with the school since my first Hillcrest days to the present, collecting a ton of great friends with great Christian fellowship now for fifty five years.”
ALUMNI NEWS
IN MEMORY: Pauline (Berg) Stalsberg (H'55), age 74, of Viroqua, WI passed away on Friday, April 22, 2011 at Vernon Memorial Hospital in Viroqua. She was born on April 7, 1937 in Minneapolis, MN to Olaf and Helene (Berge) Berg. Pauline graduated from Hillcrest Lutheran Academy in 1955. Following graduation she was employed by Trane Co in La Crosse, WI and later moved back to Minneapolis where she was employed by the Minneapolis Star Tribune. She married James Stalsberg on June 3, 1961 at Ebenezer Lutheran Church in Minneapolis.
15 years of service in the emergency room at Vernon Memorial Hospital. Pauline was proud of her children and grandchildren. She enjoyed traveling to New York to attend Broadway shows, and wintering in Phoenix, AZ. She was known for her hospitality and generosity. She loved to chat with her two sisters online and enjoyed playing games with friends and family. Pauline was a member of the Viroqua Lionettes for many years. She served on the Friends of Vernon Memorial Hospital, and was a member of Bethesda Lutheran Church in Westby, WI.
Pauline was a stay-at-home mom, raising her four children. In 1980 she went back to work as a receptionist, including
Blessed be our memory of Pauline.
Peter O. Tungseth (H'47), 82, of Fergus Falls died on Monday, May 30, 2011 at the Pelican Valley Health Center Nursing Home.
Duluth, MN. They made their home in Buse Township where Peter lived until 2005. He was involved in farming for 53 years. He served on the Buse Township Board for 25 years. Peter was a member of Bethel Lutheran Church, sang in the church choir, and served on the Trustee Board. Farming was Peter’s life and he enjoyed spending time with his family and his Sunday visits with friends.
Peter Ole Tungseth was born on July 29, 1928 near Hawley, MN, the son of Anton and Thea (Halvorson) Tungseth. Peter moved with his family to Fergus Falls in 1939. He was confirmed at Bethel Lutheran Church and graduated from Hillcrest Lutheran Academy in 1947. Peter served in the United States Army from 1951 to 1952 when he was honorably discharged. Peter then returned to the Fergus Falls area where he farmed in Buse Township. On July 4, 1964 Peter was united in marriage to Irene (Leland) at the Salem Lutheran Brethren Church in
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Peter Tungseth's senior portrait from the 1947 Beacon
2011 REUNIONS
CLASS OF 1941 Bernard Egstad
CLASS OF 1946 Front Row: Iola (Nelson) Stenoien, Corrine (Blikstad) Nelson, Eleanor Sollie, Evelyn (Sather) Olson.
Back Row: Dagney (Trettevik) Christenson, Thelma (Pederson) Dalene, Richard Pederson, Ruth (Olson) Fostvedt
SEMINARY 1951 James Olson
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ALUMNI NEWS
CLASS OF 1956
CLASS OF 1951 Front Row: Lois (Habberstad) Seaver, Eleanor (Erlandson) Stenoien, Margaret Drechsel, Angie (Poppenhagen) Vikesland,
Bette (Lloyd) Christenson. Back Row: Dave Hagen, Rollin Rogness, Jeff Christenson, Dan Stenoien, James Johnson, Edgar Jensen
Front Row: Audrey (Pedersen) Back Row: Luther Mathison, J. Chase, Adeline (Rolfsen) Mathison, Burdean Rogness, Harold Aasby, Kay (Soderland) Rogness, Marilyn Bunny (Helgesen) Vall Kesler, Adeline (Hanson) Shjerve
CLASS OF 1961 First Row: Sandra (Hill) Stensland, Lila (Remmen) Holets, Carmen (Johnson) Thompson, Karen (Huss) Mundis, Barbara (Fry) Shiffer, Erma (Thompson) Hammond, Marilyn (Nilsen) Gundersen, Susan (Johnson) Sandland Second Row: Marion (Erdahl) England, Sharon
(Valder) Dahl, Kay (Huss) Borowski, Anne Marie (Dalene) Olsen, Carol (Christensen) Bothun, Marie (Rangen) Rhuby, Sandra (Berg) Hanson Third Row: Frank Dahl, Les Norman, Cornell Svaren, David Hogan, Jack Storry, David Oxendahl Fourth Row: Don Salvesen, David Thompson,
CLASS OF 1971 Front Row: Barbara (Christenson) Back Row: Joel Hanson, Mike Ysteboe, Marie (Sunwall) Barsness, Ysteboe, Roy Barsness, Rick Allan Underdal, Darlyne (Pederson) Thompson, David Dunning Roed, Sandra (Christenson) Ward
CLASS OF 1981 (L-R) Irene (Sabo) Miller, Carolyn (Mattson) Buesgens, Tracy (Taylor) Siemon, Kristina (Ambjor) Barkey, Sarah (Saufferer) Kaufman, Pam (Walvatne) Kerber
CLASS OF 1966 (L-R) Marilyn (Pederson) Hanson, Karen Skrede, Nancy (Thompson) Rosendahl, Mary Ann (Veum) Clark LeRoy Hammond, Arthur Gundersen, Chester Habberstad
CLASS OF 1976 Front Row: Diane (Stoutland) Trettevik, Faith (Peterson) Tasker, Ann (Revne) Rupnow, Marty Valder, Deborah (Olsoe) Lunde,
Julie Trones. Back Row: Randy Trettevik, John Aanden, Ken Dalen, Steve Brue, Manley Olsoe, Armin Christofferson, Dean Stoutland
CLASS OF 1986 Front Row: Karen Zicafoose, Barb (Walvatne) (Johnson) Neseth. Back Row: Amy (Brue) Erickson, Linda (Kjos) Hoffman, Beth (Bronson) Taylor, Greg Fuhrman, Rick Salvesen, Gaylen Simonsen, Anne (Jensen) Frustol, Liza Peterson, Steve Foss, Bonnie (Korsmo) Clark
ALUMNI NEWS
CLASS OF 1991
CLASS OF 1996
CLASS OF 2001
(L-R) Jimmy Barton, Ryan Erkenbrack (L-R) Tyler Tysver, David Heggland, Adam Front Row: Krista (Sandland) Johnson, Roxanne Krog, Kurt Lysne (Walvatne) Larson, Melissa (Sand) Fabian Middle Row: Ellen (Fareth) Brideweser, Jennifer (Miller) Brown, Becky (Erickson) Lacey, Alissa (Sandland) Amundson, Erik Carl, Brad Christenson Back Row: Tammy (Shaner) Torgerson, LeeAnn (Chilson) Roberts, Carrie (Levang) Bjorndahl, Paula (Monson) Christenson, Dave England
Memorial Gifts Hillcrest Lutheran Academy has been honored to receive gifts in memory of several alumni and friends. This list will continue to be updated with new gifts as they are received. In 2011, gifts have been received in the name of: Janet (Monsen) Aasby of Fergus Falls, MN C. Lloyd Bjornlie of Fergus Falls, MN Russell Christopherson of Seattle, WA Margaret Drechsel of Fergus Falls, MN Marilyn Endrud of Mayville, ND
Adleide C. Gunhus of Blue Earth, MN Walter Halvorson of Fergus Falls, MN Grant Hammond of Minneapolis, MN Ida Hanson of Fergus Falls, MN Fern Liechty of Jamestown, ND Beverly Loge of Valley City, ND Dennis Madsen of Fergus Falls, MN Myrtle Nilsen of Bloomington, MN Andrea Nix of Eugene, OR Toralv Ostensen of Fort Myers, FL Wendell Patch of Billings, MT Alan Ryan of Sunburst, MT Pauline Stalsberg of Viroqua, WI Peter Tungseth of Fergus Falls, MN Joseph Undseth of Fergus Falls, MN
ALUMNI UPDATES 1960’s Liz Mercer (H'62) writes: Calling all members of the class of '62 to our 50th reunion to be held memorial day weekend 2012. It will be the biggest, best and most meaningful activity in 50 years! Email now to save your place. Don't be left out...do it now! mercer_elisabeth@yahoo.com Correction: In the last issue, Karen (Backstrom) Kargel (H'66) was incorrectly listed as a member of the class of 1965. Judi Nordaas (H'66) writes: I have been with New Tribes Mission in Sanford, FL since 1999 working in the NTM bookstore and sorting mail. I was overseas working for 16 years before moving to Florida. Jeff Richards (H'68) writes: My wife, Debbie, and I recently returned from a missioary trip to Merida and Cenotillo, Yucatan, Mexico where I preached in various churches and also assisted with a newlyconstructed seminary. Yucatan Seminary is now
The new Thrivent Choice Program requires Thrivent members to designate “Hillcrest” as a recipient of Thrivent’s charitable grant dollars. This past year, Hillcrest received $5,127.00, an average of $425.00 per month through this program. Please contact us at 218739-3371 for more information on how you can participate.
completed and is situated in Cenotillo. We were also in Merida, a large city of over one million. The pyramids are very fascinating, especially Chickten Itza and Uxmal. This area as all of Mexico is primarily Roman Catholic, and it is wonderful that there is now an evangelical Protestant seminary located in the heart of the Yucatan.
1970’s Keith Markland (H'76) writes: My wife Amy and I would like to announce the adoption of our daughter Lia Anne Lulou. Lia was born on October 22, 2009 in Jiangxi Province, China. We traveled to China and adopted her on August 16, 2010. We thank and praise God for His blessing upon us! We live in Hyde Park, NY and love being parents. Happy 35th reunion to fellow classmates.
1980’s Ronald Samuelsen (H'86) writes: I was hired in April 2011 as a GS-07, Insurance Specialist Trainee with the (continued on back cover)
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Homecoming Concert
Nov. 18 - 24
Dominican Republic Mission Trip
Nov. 24 - 27
Thanksgiving Vacation
Dec. 2
Christmas Banquet
Dec. 10 & 11
Christmas Concert
Dec. 17 - Jan. 3
Christmas Vacation
PAID
Homecoming Week
Oct. 1
FERGUS FALLS, MN PERMIT #14
Sept. 26 - Oct. 1
NON-PROFIT US POSTAGE
Upcoming Events
GO TO WWW.FFHILLCREST.ORG/COKEREWARDS TO DONATE POINTS TO HILLCREST
CLASS UPDATES (cont.) United States Department of Veterans Affairs Regional Office and Insurance Center. Thanks be to God. I am now living in the East Falls section of Philadelphia, PA. Sorry I missed the 25th anniversary. Maybe the East Coast gang could get together at Tuscarora Inn in Mt. Bethel, PA? Jill (Dyrud) Wiese (H'86) writes: I missed our 25th reunion but was able to return to HLA in June and get a tour -- thank you Mr. Undseth! Our summers are filled with swimming and work around the house. Our kids are Mark (12) and Isaiah (12), Rachel (8), and Naomi (4). I teach English Language Learners in middle school and my husband David home-schools our 8 year old, cares for our 4 year old and keeps up with our middle schoolers. David is also a student. That's a sneak-peek into our lives. God is gracious and merciful.
1990’s Krista (Anderson H'94) and Dennis Fling write: On December 23rd, 2010 we welcomed Terrian DeRay Fling,
CONNECTION
Coke rewards points can be found on the packaging & bottles of most Coca-Cola products, including Sprite, Dasani Water, Minute-Maid, Powerade, Barq's, Fanta, Mello Yello, Nestea & Seagram's. These points can translate into big rewards for Hillcrest.
Hillcrest
Hillcrest Academy is participating in the My Coke Rewards program for schools.
Hillcrest Lutheran Academy 610 Hillcrest Drive Fergus Falls, MN 56537
for schools
our fourth child, into the world. He weighed 6 pounds 3 ounces. He is welcomed home by big sisters Lael (8), Kyria (3), and big brother Trey (7). Larissa (Fossum) Campbell (H'99) writes: Happy to be back in the north! Early February, my family and I moved back to North Dakota after being away for about six years. We are living just outside of Grand Forks and happy to be close to family and friends again. We are still trying to sell our house in Oklahoma, please pray that a new owner will come along soon.
2000’s Ryan (H'03) and Kristin (Bjornlie H'02) Erickson are happy to announce the birth of Mollie June Erickson, April 9, 2011.
WE LOVE HEARING FROM YOU! And so do your classmates! Send your updates to connection@ffhillcrest.org or submit them online at www.ffhillcrest.org/update.