Hillcrest Connection Winter 2007

Winter 2007 • Volume 69 • Number 3

Hillcrest A MAGAZINE FOR FRIENDS AND ALUMNI OF HILLCREST ACADEMY

Inside this Issue:

Feature: Donated Wheels The Man Behind Campus Ministries Charitable Connection: Stewardship Author Pens the Ten Best HLA Stories Homecoming 07 Recap

CONNECTION

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GREETING Dear Alumni and Friends,

Sounds of Christmas music from the HLA Music Room remind us that the half-way mark of the year is fast approaching.

God has blessed Hillcrest’s ministry, with students eager to learn and grow, and a professional staff eager to lead and nurture these students in the faith.

God’s hand of blessing also includes the rich network of alumni and friends who are advancing the school mission with financial and prayer support.

I’ve been reading a book that identifies the rapid pace of change our world is experiencing. With advances in technology and communications, the world is flattening.

I write this greeting from a hotel in Byglandsfjord, Norway. This document will be e-mailed to Ryan Erickson, who will add layout and design to a virtual publication that

will be sent camera-ready over the internet to a printer. You are reading the end product. Wow! When I attended HLA 30+ years ago, I would have never imagined this. Today, it’s standard procedure.

While Hillcrest seeks to be current as an educational center amidst this sometimes overwhelming new worldwide pace, we know that the core values of Hillcrest have not changed. In Psalm 75 the Lord says, “When the earth and all its people quake, it is I who hold its pillars firm.” God remains sovereign even in a rapidly changing world. Students are taught to know and understand this truth. They are called to be still and know that he is God.

May each of you experience that stillness during this Advent time. I wish you God’s peace and joy.

Sincerely,

Steven J. Brue, HLA President p.s. –Your gift to HLA at the close of this calendar year is greatly appreciated.

Thank You!

thank you... for your generous support of the mission and ministry of Hillcrest Academy. We wish you and yours a Merry Christmas.

Hillcrest CONNECTION

CONTENTS 4 Profile

Wayne Stender

6 Feature

Donated Wheels The Ten Best

8 Finance

Charitable Connection Financial Update

10 Campus News Homecoming Recap Band Tour 2008 New Faces

14 Alumni News

In Memory of Silas Bergstad Alumni Update Alumni Update

Winter 2007 The Hillcrest Connection is published quarterly by Hillcrest Academy.

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

HILLCREST ACADEMY BOARD OF DIRECTORS DWIGHT SCHMIDT | Chair Jamestown, ND RICH HEGGLAND | Vice Chair New Port Richey, FL ROD SCHEEL | Secretary Fergus Falls, MN IRV BERGSAGEL Minnetonka, MN RICH IVERSON Barnesville, MN GLADYS MOLINE Wahpeton, ND

J. BURDEAN ROGNESS Eden Prarie, MN

MISSION STATEMENT

LISA SCHULTZ Dalton, MN

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

MARTY VALDER Everett, WA

HILLCREST ACADEMY PARENT ADVISORY TEAM LISA SCHULTZ | HLA Board Rep CARY AASNESS ANDY LACEY TRENA MARTINSON AMY TAYLOR

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PROFILE

Wayne Stender 20 minutes with

The Hillcrest Connection staff recently sat down with HLA Campus Ministries Director Wayne Stender to find out just what it is that makes him tick.

HC: Wayne, what’s your story? Why Hillcrest and why Campus Ministries?

WS: Well, I have amazing parents who made it a commitment to send their kids through private Christian education. They realized that we spend more time at school and with our friends than we possibly could spend at home, considering that we go to school at 8:00 a.m. And have sports practice until 6:00 p.m. With homework and the business of life they understood that in High School their corner of influence in our lives was getting cut shorter. So they thought what better people for us to be around than like-minded Christian educators who would care for us almost like their own child.

From this experience, Hillcrest has had an amazing impact in my life. Through different opportunities at the school I was able to mold my mind to think missionally and have had some incredible opportunities to grow in my relationship with Jesus. I guess I have a desire to reinvest in the school, to sort of be the truth behind my parents’ philosophy, by providing a sacrificial service with the talents that God has given me. Campus Ministries is where God has enabled me to serve and it’s where I am right now.

HC: Describe Campus Ministries at Hillcrest. What is its purpose and impact at HLA? WS: I think the main purpose of Campus Ministries is to make sure that our students have an opportunity to know who Jesus is, what He has done to redeem us, and what our response should be. I think Campus Ministries ends up being the visible spiritual life at Hillcrest. Students are able to serve in various mission activities, but they also are taught and encouraged through spiritual emphasis times. I think it’s really hard to pin point what its impact is at HLA... get back to me in 50 years at the golden reunion of the class of ‘08 and I’ll fill you in then.

PROFILE

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HC: What is your role as Director?

WS: I am responsible for the chapel services, small group student and faculty huddle group curriculum, Prayer day, Spiritual Emphasis Weeks, our month of missions called M-Term, the Senior Mexico Missions trip, campus visit days, summer camp service options, local missions, cross-cultural missions, state-wide missions, operation of the campus coffee shop “the stu”, and there’s probably more, that’s just what’s on my desk right now...

HC: Hillcrest has made several mission trips to Mexico in the past few years. Will you be doing that again this year?

WS: We will be doing that again this year to the same community in Chihuahua, Mexico. It’s interesting because 2 families from the school that have gone on the Senior Mexico trip have adopted children from the orphanage that we work with. This is a trip that I’m discovering has really been used by God to establish the need for a missions program at Hillcrest. Someone on the trip our first year said, “It’s like you’re getting 4 years of education in 10 days.” There is so much spiritual formation that happens on this trip that I think it would be hard to think of a year without it.

HC: Leading a group of students around and outside the country can be no easy task. What have you learned from your mission trip experiences as a leader?

WS: I think the biggest thing I’ve learned is the effectiveness of preparing for a trip Spiritually. I’ve learned that I can’t always plan for every single aspect of a trip, but that in aligning my heart with God I am prepared to handle issues that would normally be frustrations with a God’s eye-view so to speak.

HC: You graduated from HLA in 2002, how has the school’s approach to mission changed in the last 6 years?

WS: That’s a great question. I think what we’ve seen is a new face to some old concepts within the school. From what I understand, Hillcrest has always been an outward thinking school. What I’ve found is that we’re doing ministries now with a new flavor that have been accomplished in the past through the many alumni that have gone here. From 2002 until now I can say that as a whole the school has a much more concentrated missions emphasis. I feel that the administration sees the value in missions and they have given me a number of liberties to communicate the concepts of living a missional life instead of everyone becoming missionaries. I know there are some students that feel called to the mission field, but not all of our students will go down that road. So I think the change over the years has been a move away from speaking

Wayne Stender mans the counter of the Stu during a break period.

just to those called to cross-cultural missions and an emphasis in living missional lives.

HC: What’s your favorite part of your role as Campus Ministries Director?

WS: Probably the fact that I have the opportunity to work with kids on a 24/7 basis. That I have the opportunity to speak into their current struggles with their culture, parents, resident life directors, or teachers and point them to a biblical understanding. My desire is to train our students to think first in terms of who God is and then how that should affect how we interact with His creation.

HC: What impact on the local community and world do you see the Hillcrest Campus Ministries department having 5 years down the road?

WS: In the community I see our students interacting and loving people that are not like them. I see them ministering to a community with needs, dreams, and desperation at their doors.

I see Hillcrest being the hands and feet of the life of Jesus Christ.

In the world I see our students being the missional body of believers. I don’t see all of our students as missionaries, but instead I see all of our students being missional in their jobs.

I don’t necessarily see it just being Hillcrest students either. I see it being students in our community who are able to be encouraged through spiritual emphasis times held on our campus. I see students understanding the gospel by way of our resources and our staff. I guess I don’t just see Hillcrest, but I see the effect of a student body, staff, and administration that desires to see the message of the Cross forthright.

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FEATURE

dorm students find new freedom in

donated wheels

by Lauren Radomski Perhaps you’ve seen them along Union Avenue, outside Coffee Cabin or even approaching WestRidge Mall. They are biking-riding students from Hillcrest Lutheran Academy, young people benefiting from the donation of nearly a dozen new and used bicycles.

The brain behind the bikes is Fergus Falls businessman Keith Olson, who encountered two Hillcrest students outside his furniture store along Lincoln Avenue about two months ago. After giving the girls directions to area bakeries, Olson contacted Hillcrest president and fellow Rotarian Steve Brue, learning the school provides no formal transportation for its residential students.

(Left to Right) Kirsten Miller, Nicole Olsoe, Hannah Lee

“It just occurred to me that if people need transportation, there’s something that we as a community can do to help them,” Olson said.

Olson brought up the idea of bikes at a Rotary meeting, offering to repair and revitalize donated cycles for use by Hillcrest students.

Since then, he’s collected six bikes — including two original Schwinn cycles from the 50s and 60s — which he’s turned over to Hillcrest after making minor tune-ups. Following Olson’s lead, Wal-Mart donated three bikes to the school.

The bikes are often parked outside the main academic building and are available to all students, said Diane Ihrke, girls resident life director.

FEATURE

“If the bikes are available, they jump on a bike and go,” she said, “and I have to say, they’ve been used a lot.”

One of Hillcrest’s Korean students, Ihrke said, rode a bike for the first time on one of the donated cycles.

But the project isn’t finished yet: Olson is still collecting bikes, hoping to bring the total to 15.

“This is where the rubber meets the road, no pun intended,” he said. “I would like nice, serviceable bikes. They don’t need to be brand new but they need to be serviceable, not something the mailman ran over.”

Anyone interested in donating a bike can contact Olson at 736-7588.

Article reprinted courtesy of the Fergus Falls Daily Journal

FROM THE COVER (left to right): Lindsey Brue, Maggie Jacobsen, Katherine O’Sullivan, Tim Borrowski, Kylie Howe and Elizabeth Crowley enjoy the dontated bicycles.

Award-Winning Author To Write About Hillcrest

What is the essence of an education at Hillcrest Academy?

What do Hillcrest students gain from a Christian education?

What Biblical lessons best stick with the graduates? What are the “Ten Best Stories of Hillcrest Academy?”

These are the questions that intrigue Steve Hoffbeck, who is embarking upon a calling to write the stories of Hillcrest alumni and to try to capture something of the meaning of a Hillcrest education. The book will be published to promote the work of Hillcrest and to preserve these remembrances so that the living archive of memories might become a written record of this academic jewel of a school.

Hoffbeck is requesting that Hillcrest students, graduates, teachers (and parents of Hillcrest students) nominate their choices for “The Ten Best” stories about the school.

The stories might be about dormitory life at Hillcrest, or about the careers of alumni in the missionary field or in the business world. There are great tales of Norwegian students or Korean students who came to America that might be included, or recollections of athletic glory on the nine-man football fields or the basketball courts; or musical messages from choir that reverberate through the years. Nominations might include testimonies of how continued on page 13

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FINANCE

Charitable CONNECTION I am concerned about how we manage our money and the example we are setting for our children and grandchildren.

According to a 2006 US Commerce Department study reported by CNN Money and Managing Your Money, the average family in America spends 1% more than they earn. Nationally, this resulted in $41.6 billion of debt in 2006. Today, the average American family has $8,400 of credit card debt.

Financial planners encourage families to follow a course of action that will give them financial freedom. A great way to start is to give 10% of one’s income and to save 10%. Tithing is not only a commandment established by God but also an act he faithfully promises to bless. Giving and saving certainly require some careful planning and discipline but are well worth it. I recently read Psalms 37:21: “The wicked borrows and does not pay back, but the righteous is gracious and gives.”

Let’s honor God with our wealth and set a positive example for our children.

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

IRA Gifting - Time is running out

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

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

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

THE HILLCREST FINANCIAL CORNER 2007-08 Year End Summary

Support & Revenue Contributions Operations (Tuition, Room, Meals) Other Revenue

YTD Actuals

Total Support & Revenue

$611,000

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

$360,000 $270,000 $36,000

348,000 288,000 34,000

Total Expenses

$666,000

670,000

Total Net Income

(55,000)

(56,000)

$94,000 $491,000 $26,000

YTD Budget

96,000 479,000 39,000

614,000

LINE OF CREDIT SUMMARY

Amount Amount of LOC Based on HLA Endowments Held $850,000 Amount of LOC Borrowed $700,000 Available LOC

$150,000

STUDENT ACTIVITIES CENTER LOAN INFORMATION

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

As of 10/31/07 $1,326,565.23 $1,168,272.00 $158,293.00 $8,420.00

FINANCE

At Hillcrest, we believe in the vision and plans God gives us for the future, but we also realize that ministry efforts can be expensive.

God’s resources are abundant, and he invites us to trust his provision. To trust is to be still and know that he is God and is in control of everything.

You can help to advance the ministry of Hillcrest as we end the calendar year. Please use the remittance envelope attached in this issue. Thank you for being one of the ways that God meets needs!

Be still and know

Why support Hillcrest Academy as a club member?

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.

Every club member will enjoy the following annual benefits: • Be listed as a Club member in the HLA Annual Report and every issue of the Hillcrest Connection.

• Receive a Season Pass for home sporting events each year the club membership amount is received.

• Receive a complimentary subscription to the school news letter, HLA Today (during the school year).

• Additional benefits are available at each club giving level.

How do I join?

President Steve Brue accepts a gift from Adeleide Gunhus, charter member of the $10,000 club.

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

10000-5000-1000-500-120 Club Membership George & Alice Aase Fergus Falls, MN Roy & Marie Barsness Kirkland, WA Irv & Kay Bergsagel Minnetonka, MN Tim and Mary Bigelow Erhard, MN Paul & Olive Blikstad Dalton, MN Benjamin Brue Fergus Falls, MN Charlie & Carrie Brue Fergus Falls, MN Matthew & Faith Brue St. Louis Park, MN Steve & Linda Brue Fergus Falls, MN Titus Brue Fergus Falls, MN Thor & Edna Bugge Willow Street, PA Lorraine Burt Woodbury, MN John & Larissa Campbell Vermillion, SD Keven & Debbie Crabtree Fergus Falls, MN Lane & Lori Christopherson Lynnwood, WA Thelma P. Dalene East Hartland, CT John N. Endrud Rockford, IL Spencer Endrud Fargo, ND Richard & Jeanene Engebretson Edina, MN Gerald and Sheri Erickson Mukilteo, WA Ryan Erickson Chandler, AZ Carol Featherstone New Hope, MN Lori Fedje Beaverton, OR Gay & Carol Folden Fergus Falls, MN David & Ruthann Forland Huntington , NY E. Thor & Lillian Foss Succasunna, NJ Mark & Joanne Foss Glastonbury, CT Sharon Fuhrman Fergus Falls, MN Wayne & Ruth Goats Scottsdale, AZ Adeleide Gunhus Fergus Falls, MN GT & Ann Gunhus Underwood, MN

Elling & Barbara Halvorson Evelyn Hansen Greg & Rita Hayek Kim Hazel Amanda Heggland Rich & Linda Heggland Diane Ihrke Jeff & Missi Isaac Fred & Elsie Johnson Tim & Karen Johnson Vaughn and Deb Kavlie John & Janet Kilde Kermit & Grace Kvamme Jack & Sharon Lacey Frank & Elaine Legerat Lawn Pro of Fergus Falls Patricia Linson Lloyd & Thelma Listor Steve & Heidi Listor Harry Ludvigsen Dennis & Dorothy Madsen Brad & Trena Martinson Melinda Masson Luther & Adeline Mathison Joy Meadrick Tom & Gladys Moline Alice Monson Peter & Lillian Nilsen William & Marcia Nilsen John & Donna Olson Wesley & Ruth Orrestad

Woodinville, WA Snohomish, WA Fergus Falls, MN Eden Prarie, MN Gainesville, FL New Port Richey, FL Fergus Falls, MN Fergus Falls, MN Boone, IA Little Falls, MN Eden Prairie, MN Fergus Falls, MN Fergus Falls, MN Wendell, MN Fairbanks, AK Fergus Falls, MN Fargo, ND Brooklyn, NY Mt. Bethel, PA Kerhonkson, NY Fergus Falls, MN Fergus Falls, MN Laguna Beach, CA Maddock, ND Denver, CO Wahpeton, ND Minneapolis, MN Brewster, NY East Hartland, CT Fergus Falls, MN Bellevue, WA

Graham & Priscilla Parker Rollin & Beverly Pederson Frank & Karen Pellegrino Gregg and Marie Preston Burdean & Kay Rogness Darren Rogness Glenn & Vonnie Rogness LaWayne & Bev Rogness Eugene & Rhoda Rubey Ron and Barbara Samuelsen Jack and Rochelle Sand Olav & Gina Sandnes Dwight & Gwen Schmidt Nick & Danielle Schmidt Lisa Schultz Ewald & Alice Sems Norma Senum Ed & Shirley Smith Eleanor Sollie James & Pauline Stalsberg Arna Stedjan Robert and Lorrette Strack Wai Nam Tam Gary & Dorinne Thompson Rosemary Traina Marvin & Opal Undseth Steve & Lois Undseth Marty & Mim Valder Ruth Vall James VerSteeg Bettee Woodburn

Richland, WA Billings, MT Mt. Bethel, PA Fergus Falls, MN Eden Prairie, MN Fergus Falls, MN Fergus Falls, MN Fergus Falls, MN Eugene, OR East Hartland, CT Moorhead, MN Mt. Bethel, PA Jamestown, ND Jamestown, ND Fergus Falls, MN Chardon, OH Mt. Bethel, PA Laquey, MO Brooklyn, NY Viroqua, WI Fergus Falls, MN Rochester, MN Flanders, NJ Fergus Falls, MN Roxbury, NJ Salem, OR Fergus Falls, MN Everett, WA Aitkin, MN Fergus Falls, MN Rolling Hills, CA

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CAMPUS NEWS

HLA

Hillcrest Academy’s Weekly News Update

Today

Dress to Impress Students show off their homecoming spirit!

by Lindsey Brue

There has been a different style for ts at Hillcrest lately. Because studen the was Homecoming week, week past this up days. The student dress came it with the daily styles that follow to was body student council. the by chosen were O n M o n d a y, t h e t h e m e w a s ninjas Wedne sday was “Decad es day.” from astronauts to gangsters to “Unne cessar y safety equipm ent.” said, an O’Sulliv ine own decade. The to rock stars. Kather Many students dressed in yellow and Each class had their time!” with the faculty “It was a rocking good orange and bright neon vests could junior high along Friday was “Spirit day.” Because of freshmen had the the stic”, be seen dotting the hallways during were “Futuri ts dresse d fifties, the sophomores had the sixties, the footba ll game, studen passing times.

Red and spirit. ies, and up to show their Comet On Tuesday, the theme was “Class the juniors had the sevent s. eighties. Maggie white filled the hallway color day.” Each class wore the color the seniors had the Each day, teachers counted how always my dream was “It said, en picked out for them by the studen t Jacobs s, and now my many students dressed up according to council. The junior high wore orange, to live in the eightie grade and classes were awarded points a reality!” freshm en wore black, sopho mores dream has became Thursday was “Character Day.” It based on participation. sporte d pink, juniors were lookin g the opportunity to dapper in blue, and seniors showed- gave the students ity. There creativ inner their show off in green. ers, charact of variety wide was a

CAMPUS NEWS

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Pep up the Spirit!

Students get pumped up for the big game by participating in pep

by Katherine O’Sullivan

All the classrooms and hallways were bare, there was only one place Comet fever could be found. The new gym hustled and bustled with excitement; it was time for Pep Fest 2007. The students eagerly anticip ated the start of the program.

Finally it started with a welcome by MC’s Amanda Stroud and Tim Erickson.

At The Pep Fest there was a variety of games played, sport teams introduced, and skits put on by each class. Among the games played were a pie eating contest, doughnut on a string, football relay, and a marshmallow eating contest.

Each event was a competition between individual classes and the faculty. The

seniors were victorious in two events, but a total sweep was prevented by the faculty and freshmen, who each won an event.

Between each of the games and sports introdu ctions were the skits.

The junior high started off. In their skit Comet fever had spread and a cure had to be found; the cure was found and the football game was won. Next the freshmen went, incorporating fairies into their skit about Comet fever. After that, spy music blared from the speakers.

The sophomores performed their skit about three agents trying to find the cure for Comet fever and had to go through many obstacles to do so.

fest.

The juniors surprised everyone with a rap off between the nations ending with “This is Why We’re Hot”. Then came time for the senior skit: Team Hillcrest was trying to find Comet fever and found it at Hillcrest ending with a dance to “We’re All in This Togeth er” from Disney’s High School Musical.

The judges finally made their decision and the junior class had won.

“It was exciting to win the skit contest, we worked pretty hard and it paid off,” said junior Kirsten Miller. The afternoon was geared to pep up the student body for the big game on Friday.

Not Just For the Boys Powder Puff Football, a Hillcrest Homecoming tradition.

By Tim Borowski Homecoming Friday is all about footVictory was also claime d by the The game was tied six to six going into ball, but not just for the boys. The annual seniors who beat the juniors , twelve the second half. That was soon to change.

Powder Puff Football games were held at points to six.

The opening play of the second half Hillcrest on Friday September 21.

“The seniors came out with lots was a big one, to say the least.

Senior Two games were played on Friday, of energy and enthusiasm,” said senior Amanda Stroud intercepted a junior one between the sophomores and fresh- coach, Nick Tungseth. The enthusiasm pass and returned it all the way to the man, and the other between the juniors showed when Cari Hohnck e scored on end zone. Those would be the last points and seniors. a reverse within the first couple minutes scored in the game. The final score: SeThe freshman came out victorious of the game. niors, twelve, Juniors, six. this year in the game between the unThe juniors tied up the game by “The senior girls played really hard, derclassmen. They defeated the sopho- completing a touchdown pass from Brita and with a lot of emotion, I am very mores 12-6.

Endrud to Hilary Ouse. proud of them,” said coach Tungseth.

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CAMPUS NEWS

new faces at HLA

Jared Erickson

Residence Life Staff Fergus Falls, MN

Meet the several new faculty & staff members joining the team at Hillcrest this school year.

Sheri Hohncke

Physical Education Fergus Falls, MN

Armin Jahr

Science Fergus Falls, MN

Jason Rogness

Residence Life Staff Toronto, SD

Connie Jensen Registrar Fergus Falls, MN

Cheyenne Tedesco Residence Life Staff Bangor, PA

Amanda Jensen

Residence Life Staff Fergus Falls, MN

Danielle Ystebo

Residence Life Staff Moorhead, MN

Ryan Erickson

Publications Manager Residence Life Staff Chandler, AZ

Annette Ihrke

Residence Life Staff Nomad--last stop Delaware

Brad Pribbenow Worship Arts Fergus Falls, MN

CAMPUS NEWS

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HLA BAND HITS THE ROAD THIS SPRING ON BIENNIAL TOUR The Hillcrest Academy band department is pleased to announce its 2008 spring tour through the midwest. Eleven concert dates are scheduled, including a finale performance back home in Fergus Falls at Bethel Church on April 6, 2008.

According to Director Steve Doering, the purpose for touring is twofold. Primarily, it allows the band to minister through music to local congregations throughout the country. It also provides valuable opportunities for students to gain performance experience in front of varied audiences.

In addition to musical growth, students grow in their friendships as they travel in close quarters on the tour bus and spend the night in host homes.

With the steadily increasing transportation costs in recent years, tours have become more and more financially challenging. However, Hillcrest is committed to continuing its long tradition of musical ministry. Please pray for safe

travel and provision for the band as they tour this spring.

The Hillcrest choir department is also tentatively planning a short tour this year on the weekend of March 15-16, 2008.

2008 HLA Band Tour Itinerary 3/23 Jamestown, ND 3/24 Antler, ND 3/25 Minot, ND 3/26 Bismarck, ND 3/27 Travel Day 3/28-30 Kansas City, KS 3/31 West Union, IA 4/1 Ottawa, IL 4/2 Chicago, IL 4/3 Eau Claire, WI 4/4 Eagan, MN 4/5 LeSueur, MN 4/6 Fergus Falls, MN

Hoffbeck (continued from page 7) the teachers, advisors, and coaches inspired students and mentored them---or how the Gospel message was furthered by the best words spoken in the halls and classrooms at HLA. There are echoes that emanate from within those strong brick walls and these memories are in the hearts and minds of the graduates. It is a good thing to write down these remembrances and share them.

Dr. Steve Hoffbeck, Professor of History at Minnesota State University Moorhead since 1998, teaches U.S. History classes concentrating on the period from 1877 to the present.

Prior to teaching at Moorhead, Hoffbeck taught history at Minot State University in North Dakota from 1992-1998. Dr. Hoffbeck has published numerous articles in Minnesota History magazine and in North Dakota History journal on regional topics. Additionally, he has written articles about baseball and agricultural topics for regional magazines, such as Minnesota Monthly, Farm & Ranch Living, and Lake Country Journal. Originally from Morgan, Minnesota, where he grew up on a dairy farm five miles from town, he went on to become a high school social studies teacher in Minnesota for nine years, and then earned a Master of Arts and a doctorate in history in his late thirties.

Specializing in the regional history of the Upper Midwest, Hoffbeck has written about topics such as the history of root beer stands, aviation, baseball, street pavements, and fishing.

Hoffbeck’s most recent book, Swinging For The Fences: Black Baseball in Minnesota, won the Sporting News/SABR

Baseball Research Award for 2005. Both a chronicle of forgotten baseball teams and a repository of crisp baseball biographies, Swinging For The Fences traces the stories of sixteen ballplayers over the last 150 years. Hoffbeck and a team of writers told the stories of black athletes who tried to overcome the “color line” or their own weaknesses to find fulfillment on the ball diamonds of Minnesota. Both books were published by Minnesota Historical Society Press.

Hoffbeck and his wife, Dianne, live in Barnesville, Minnesota, with their four children—Leah, Katie, Mary and Johnny. Mary is currently a junior at Hillcrest Academy.

Since 1998, Hoffbeck has been a member of Hope Lutheran Brethren Church. During that time, he has served as the youth group leader for three years, has taught several Adult Sunday School classes and has been a long-term member of the Christian Education Board.

Please nominate your choice of a “Best Hillcrest story” to Professor Hoffbeck, either by writing to him at: Dr. Steve Hoffbeck, History Department, Minnesota State University Moorhead, 1104 7th Ave. S., Moorhead, MN, 56563; or by emailing a story idea to him at: hoffbeck@ mnstate.edu. The target date for publication is 2008, and author Hoffbeck has been busy investigating, interviewing, and writing about what has happened in the four-story, brick-walled, creaky-floored architectural gem located on the banks of the Otter Tail River.

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ALUMNI NEWS

WELCOME HOME! Hickory(H’00) and Libertie(H’05) Smith

Thank you for your service!

IN MEMORY Silas Bergstad, 1911-2007 Silas Bergstad, 96, of Fergus Falls, died Thursday, Sept. 13, 2007, at Broen Memorial Home in Fergus Falls.

Silas Elliot Bergstad was born on April 18, 1911 in Spruce Grove Township near Menahga, the son of Norwegian immigrants Knute and Anna (Skaug) Bergstad. He grew up in Lake Park and attended high school at the Lutheran Brethren Bible School in Grand Forks, N.D. (now Hillcrest Academy in Fergus Falls).

After graduating from high school in 1929, he received his teacher’s certificate from Moorhead State Teacher’s College.

Sensing a call to the ministry, Silas attended and graduated from Lutheran Brethren Schools (LBS) Seminary in Fergus Falls in 1937.

He was called to serve the Lutheran Brethren (LB) church in Mayville, N.D., in which he was ordained into the ministry on Sept. 4, 1938. He also attended Mayville Teacher’s College during this time.

Having met at Lutheran Brethren Schools, Silas married Solveig Rolfsen in Brooklyn, N.Y., on June 1, 1940. She joined him in the parish ministry in Staten Island, N.Y., and later in Manhattan, N.Y. During this time, Silas attended Biblical Seminary in New York and graduated from Wagner College there.

Moving to Fergus Falls in 1948, Silas taught at LBS until 1953. In 1952, they were blessed with their first daughter, Faith. Silas then served the LB church in Faribault, from 1953-1956, moving on to serve the LB church in Succasunna, N.J., from 1956-1961.

In 1956, they were blessed with a second daughter, Rondi.

During this time Silas also obtained his master’s and Ph.D from New York University.

In 1957, and from 1961-1964, Silas was a professor at Shelton College in Ringwood, N.J. While pastoring the LB church in Briarcliff Manor, N.Y., from 1964-1967, he also taught at King’s College in Briarcliff Manor, N.Y., and Nyack Missionary College in Nyack, N.Y. In 1967, Silas moved his family back to Fergus Falls to teach at LBS. Solveig died in December of 1968.

In July of 1970, Silas married Ione Haverly in Fergus Falls. They then moved to serve the LB church in Eugene, Oregon in 1976.

Retiring in 1978, the Bergstads moved to Silverton, Ore., where they enjoyed their ministry of hospitality. After his retirement, they also ministered in Pasadena, Calif., and Minot, N.D. In 1990, they moved back to Fergus Falls where they continued their ministry of hospitality. Ione died in October of 1998.

Everyone who knew Silas knew he loved the Lord first and foremost, and he loved his family. He also had a passion for the fields of Christian Education and music, which he used in all areas of his ministry. In addition to studying, reading, and writing, Silas’s favorite pastimes included taking walks, traveling, gardening, and visiting with family and friends.

He loved families, his students, teaching, and his parishioners.

His grandchildren and great grandchildren brought a smile to his face even in his last days.

ALUMNI NEWS

CLASS UPDATES

1990’s

1950’s

Attention class of 1958. In preparation for our 50 year reunion this spring, we need to refresh our database of contact information.

If you have a new mailing or email address, please contact the Hillcrest office at 218-739-3371 to update your record. Thanks!

1970’s

Terry and I have 3 daughters, 1 sonin-law and live in Minneapolis. My husband is the author of a book called Surprise Me (NavPress). If you want to know more about our lives (and help us pay those crazy college fees) buy the book. :) Check out our website at www.surprisemeGod.com.

Mary (Soholt) Esau (H’73)

We are so thrilled to announce the birth of our baby girl, Anna Louise Christenson! She was born on October 22, 2007. She weighed 7 lbs., 3 oz. and was 19 3/4 in. long. She joins big brothers - Daniel (12), Joshua (9), and Jacob (3). Of course, big sister, Sarah (7) is so glad that she’s not the only girl anymore! We thank God for giving us these precious kids. Psalm 126:3 - “The Lord has done great things for us, and we are filled with joy!” Jon (H ‘83) and Barb (Lowe, H ‘89) Christenson

Name

Grad Year Complete this form and mail it to Hillcrest Connection, 610 Hillcrest Drive, Fergus Address Falls, MN 56537, or email your update to City, State, Zip connection@ffhillcrest.org Phone Email News

CONNECTION

Nathan Endrud (H’93) writes: On September 25, 2007, my wife Kirsten and I welcomed the birth of our second son, Elias Alexander Endrud, who joins three-yearold Theodore. I am set to graduate from Harvard Law School this spring and begin work at a Minneapolis law firm in the fall. I hope to see my ’93 classmates at the 15 year reunion!

Ryan Erickson (H’03) and Kristin Bjornlie (H’02) would like to announce their engagement. They are planning a June wedding.

Attention class of 1983. Our 25th reunion is coming up in May 2008--can you believe it? Mark it on your calendars now and please plan to attend. I miss seeing you all. We had an excellent time at the 20th and I am really looking forward to being out there for this one, and rembering all the great times we had at Hillcrest. God bless!

Jennifer (Brackin) Schneider (H’83)

Hillcrest

Robert, Hunter (3), Giovanni (1) and I are now living in Greensboro, NC. We are enjoying the mild winters and not so much the HOT summers. I would love to hear from you; email me at jhindri@mac.com. We love visitors, call if you are ever in the area. Jody (Lang) Indri (H’92,AW’94)

2000’s

1980’s

ALUMNI UPDATE

15

Picture Caption

Note from the editor: The class of 1982 reunion photo was mistakenly omitted from the summer issue of the Hillcrest Connection. We apologize for the error.

1982 Back row: Vaughn Kavlie, Tom Battillo, Eric Simonsen, Jeff Dyrud, Paul Fylling, Wes Borowski | Front row: Sheri (Davis) Fylling, Dawn (Christenson) Nelson, Sheila (Davis) Borowski, Amy (Throldahl) Stroud, Lois (Backstrom) Cheeseboro, Sharon (Larson) Poore, Cathy (Brue) Tungseth

Three ways to

Make a Difference at Hillcrest

Create an endowment.

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

Leave a bequest.

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

Give “obsolete” insurance.

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

Contact Steve Brue at 218-739-3371 or sbrue@ffhillcrest.org for more information

PAID

Christmas Vacation Auction (tentative) Graduation Weekend Homecoming 2008

Non-Profit US Postage

Dec. 21 - Jan. 6 April. 19 May 23-25 Sept. 29 - Oct. 4

Fergus Falls, MN Permit #14

Upcoming Events

Coming Next Issue...

• Winter Sports Updates • Campus News • Profile: Gregg Preston

Hillcrest Lutheran Academy 610 Hillcrest Drive Fergus Falls, MN 56537

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

CONNECTION

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

Hillcrest

Giving Clarification: