Hillcrest connection fall 2016 final by Hillcrest Academy

HILLCREST FALL/WINTER 2016

CONNECTION

Feature C ON EMPATHY MINNIE NELSON

METS IN STEM

BRAINS + BRAWN

GREETING

Dear Alumni and Friends, Welcome to this issue of the Hillcrest Connection! In the following pages, you will learn how God is using the Hillcrest education and experience to make a huge impact in the lives of students today, across generations, and amongst diverse cultures. Snapshots from Hillcrest reveal the joy and energy in our halls and classrooms, with reflections from former grads shining the beacon of light and hope of Jesus Christ in a world full of darkness and need. The Christcentered, Bible-based banner still waves at the Castle on the hill, and for this, we thank the Lord. This year, Hillcrest celebrates its centennial! This issue contains an excerpt from a forthcoming book of 24 stories showcasing episodes from each decade of the past 100 years. I am reminded of these words of scripture from Hebrews 13:8: "Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever." You may know that verse by heart. What we may not remember is the preceding verse (7): Remember your leaders, who spoke the word of God to you. Consider the outcome of their way of life and imitate their faith. We are in a season of transition, with Rev. Joel Egge serving as Interim President as the Board of Directors conduct a search to select our new president. Please remember to uphold the Board in your prayers for this important endeavor.

I wish to express deep gratitude for the many Hillcrest alumni and friends who support this vital ministry with your continued prayers and generous financial gifts. Each prayer, and each gift, is important! May I also encourage you to “save the date” for Memorial Day weekend next spring to make plans to join with us when we host an all-class reunion in concert with the graduation of the Class of 2017. Meanwhile, we have a lot of living and learning to do during this current school year. Read on, and enjoy! God’s best,

Todd Mathison '79 CHIEF ADVANCEMENT OFFICER

LIVE. LEARN. GO.

EQUIPPING HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS FOR A LIFE OF ETERNAL SIGNIFICANCE

2 GREETING

HILLCRESTCONNECTION

| FALL/WINTER 2016

IN THIS ISSUE Feature

Beyond the Classroom - Minnie Nelson

Focus

Preparing the Way | Joel Egge Centennial Insight | From Grand Forks to Fergus Falls

Annual Report

President's Report Financials & Recognition

Campus News

Q Conference | Hayley Filippini and Scott Erickson Brains and Brawn

Current

On Empathy

Profile

Crossing Cultures | Kyle

Alumni News

Comets in STEM Alumna of the Year | Barb Halvorson 2016 Class Reunions

Graduation Weekend 2016

Fall/Winter 2016

HILLCREST ACADEMY BOARD OF DIRECTORS

WAYNE STENDER '02 | Dir. of Mktg. Editor-in-Chief wstender@ffhillcrest.org

JAHN DYVIK '79 | Secretary Long Lake, MN

VAUGHN KAVLIE '82 | Vice Chair Eden Prairie, MN

ERIC EWAN '92 Fergus Falls, MN

JOSIAH LARSON, '02 Minneapolis, MN

KATHERINE HEGGLAND '00 Brooklyn, NY

SUE LEACH Naperville, IL

AMANDA PORRITT '05 | Creative Dir. Managing Editor/Graphic Design aporritt@ffhillcrest.org

Hillcrest Lutheran Academy 610 Hillcrest Drive Fergus Falls, MN 56537 www.ffhillcrest.org

Scenes

TODD MATHISON '79 | CAO Contributing Editor advancement@ffhillcrest.org DAWN SYNSTELIEN | Exec. Assistant Contributing Editor dsynstelien@ffhillcrest.org

OLAV SANDNES | Chair Mt. Bethel, PA MARK SOHOLT '67 Cape Coral, FL

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

FEATURE

Min

Minnie built life-long friendships in the Grand Forks dining room.

Minnie has pictures from LBS hanging on her wall to this day.

Flags flew atop the Castle at Grand Forks regularly. The 1925-26 String Band: the highlight of Minnie's LBS experience.

4 FEATURE

LBS tours covered crude countryside bringing the String Band to area churches.

FEATURE

nnie Nelson HILLCREST’S OLDEST STUDENT

{106}

BY WAYNE STENDER '02 “My dad asked me to go to Hillcrest, so I went,” Minnie started, explaining her Hillcrest experience as the oldest living person who attended. Three strokes in her 106 years haven’t damaged her memory, easily reminiscing on a year at Hillcrest that set a solid foundation for her faithful life. Minnie’s bags plopped down on Belmont Avenue in Grand Forks, North Dakota in the fall of 1925. After the long trip to Lutheran Brethren Schools from her family’s farm in North Dakota, Minnie climbed the castle steps as a 16 year old. Stomach ailments cut her time at Hillcrest short, but it didn’t keep her from building fond memories of a year in the Castle in Grand Forks. “They called it a castle,” Minnie explained, leaning forward to add emphasis on her instructive time in Hillcrest’s classroom. “It was a beautiful home.” Minnie’s year in the Castle was the final year before President E.M. Broen took leave to focus on an evangelistic ministry. Minnie was greatly impacted by the 67 year old father of what would become Hillcrest Lutheran Academy. “We called him Daddy Broen,” Minnie noted. “He was taking care of us kids, so far from home.” Broen’s position as father was a bridge for both Hillcrest students and his own family, calling all to rest in the grace of Jesus Christ. Following the martyr death of his son-in-law in China, Broen took special care of his daughter, Hannah. She noted the special guidance her father gave as she buried her husband. Broen’s guidance is documented in Hannah’s book, The Bridge. Broen’s figure as a father of the schools impacted the staff and students at Hillcrest to follow suit. During Minnie’s Christmas at Hillcrest, illness and distance kept her from traveling home for the holidays. A friend’s family invited her to their farm in Minnesota. The care of her friend’s mother stayed her during a trying time. “I enjoyed being there since I couldn’t go home. If I would’ve went home I wouldn’t have went back,” Minnie said, leading the conversation to her battle with illness. Minnie fought for her life from childhood through early adulthood. At the age of nine Minnie had a near death experience. Sitting in her bedroom connected to the dining room in her large childhood home, Minnie overheard the doctor tell her parents that she might soon die.

Minnie recalled a book, Mirror of the Heart: Casting out Sin and Satan. The book was Norwegian, written at the turn of the century. Her father saw her holding the book, looking at a picture of a heart with words written inside the heart. She told of an image she saw after holding the book. “The room opened up where the dining room was, and there sat Jesus in the dining room with a whole bunch of angels. And oh, I was so happy!” Minnie’s foundational peace in Jesus propelled her to drink from the well of Bible training she received at Hillcrest seven years later. “We studied the books in the Bible, it helped me a lot,” Minnie said, focusing on the training she received in one year at Hillcrest. She said the staff told them to study the scriptures the same way a cow chews her cud. An apt analogy for the midwest students. In addition to Bible training, playing in the string band was another image that popped readily to Minnie’s mind. The group would travel to area churches in the modest bus Hillcrest used for tours. Weathered roads posed an obstacle for the band’s delicate instruments. “I played the harp,” Minnie noted, waving her hand in time with hymns she called from memory.

THE IMPACT OF THE MUSIC AND BIBLE TRAINING IS REAPING A HEAVENLY HARVEST AFTER MINNIE’S 106 YEARS.

The nursing home in Mohall, North Dakota was graced with her singing voice and Bible memory when she wheeled from room to room in encouragement. Time has taken its toll on Hillcrest’s oldest student, who now has her arm pressed tightly against her chest, a result of one of the strokes she survived. Her faith is expressed best now to those who visit her. Bible memory and hymns are readily on Minnie's lips, mixing with a bit of humor from time to time, "I imagine He (Jesus) is getting tired of hearing from me." As our time together fades, so does the smile on Minnie's face and the twinkle in her eye. There is a bond Hillcrest students feel, even if there is 76 years separating their experience. Parting words are broken by a raising of Minnie’s hand as she emphasizes her thoughts on her time at Hillcrest’s campus in Grand Forks in 1925. “I wouldn’t have missed it for anything. It made a great impact on me.”

“I could see the devil coming across the floor for me,” Minnie started, fear gripping her face as she recalled the memory of the incident. “He wanted to take my heart and put it in a box. I said no, and turned away from him.” HILLCRESTCONNECTION 5

FOCUS

Preparing The Way JOEL EGGE '59 BY WAYNE STENDER '02

Joel's parents, younger brother, David (H'62), and Grandfather, John

Straw fell from the boy’s overalls as he stood from where he’d been kneeling between two milk cows in stanchions. He said a solemn prayer that dealt a death blow to his 12 year-old self and arose a new man. God was calling a young Joel Egge from holsteins to humans, from a harvest of grain to a harvest of souls. Joel was tending crops on his parents' farm four years after his milkroom conversion. Dust clouds billowed up from the lonely Buxton road outlining the field he was working. From his vantage point atop the red International H tractor he could see the curvature of the earth and track the progress of a fast moving car that stopped at the far end of his field. Joel finished the row, took the tractor out of gear, and walked to shake hands with the driver of the car, a man who was calling him to attend Hillcrest Academy. Joel’s loam-stained hands traded the tractor’s wheel for an armload of books, exchanging the planting of earthbound seeds for seeds of eternal fruit.

"UNLESS A SEED OF WHEAT DIES," Joel started, stopping to gaze out the second story window of the President's office at Hillcrest.

“THE HARVEST CAN’T COME.”

Joel’s recollection of his boyhood commitment to Christ lends a soft cadence to his speech. The stones the Lord used to bury Joel’s childish dreams of fire engines and airplanes are now the foundational pillars marking a lifetime of leading organizations of eternal significance. Now, as he shifts to remember his time at Hillcrest, he chooses his words thoughtfully. Martin Holoien stood out as someone who could explain complex concepts, recalled Joel who first met Mr. Holoien as a sophomore at HLA. Prayer times and dorm prayer meetings led Joel to significant spiritual formation. Quiet hours before bed drew him to deep reflection. But one story lingers slightly longer in Joel’s mind as he looks back. 6 FOCUS

Joel on the Egge family farm

“In 12th grade we took an aptitude test,” a little smirk flitted across Joel’s face as a rush of old emotion seemed to distract him for a moment. “When we got the results back, and I looked at the score sheet, I was pleased with myself.” Joel’s hands shook a bit with emphasis as he held aloft an imaginary paper. “J.H. Levang was interpreting the test for us, each in individual interviews. When I came in he said, ‘Well Joel, you have a lot of maturing to do.” A chuckle escaped from Joel at the recollection of this summary. Hillcrest’s Interim President laughed at the teenage version of himself and the awakening that took place in President Levang’s office that day. “He said, ‘This profile should have highs and lows...you have a curiosity in almost everything.’” The poignant moment was humbling for Joel. It started him on a path of focus. He took a year at the Bible School to continue his maturation. The extra time at Hillcrest fortified a love for the school and his calling to ministry. Following Joel’s undergraduate studies, he attended the Lutheran Brethren Seminary. His training propelled him into the pastorate, where he learned lessons of faithfulness and what it means to serve others.

FOCUS

“PASTORAL WORK IS SORT OF LIKE DOING FARM WORK.

Doing the repetitive things. Picking eggs every day. Milking cows everyday.” Joel combined his past experiences with insight he gleaned from studying the work of Eugene Peterson. "Reverend Peterson told about having a list of things to do, that he was impatient to finish, in order to get to the 'real pastoral work.' As he was throwing his list in the basket it dawned on him: 'Hey, this is my work.'" Joel gained perspective as he grew in what God was calling him to do. He started to focus on blooming where he was planted. When Joel was serving a church in California he met a man whose Sunday school class was larger than the fellowship Joel pastored. Joel felt he was wasting kingdom resources at his small church. In a Bible study with the pastor of a large congregation Joel confessed his feelings. The friend responded, "Joel, your congregation will reach people that we will never touch." Joel’s demeanor grew confident as he entoned. “I was called to do routine things and serve a church of 105 people.”

“I don’t think we can imagine the harvest...the seed doesn’t know that the gardener sees and has an expectation of the harvest. There has been a harvest, but the coming one may be larger.”

This attitude greatly shaped Joel’s outlook for Hillcrest. In his first weeks as Interim President Joel was impressed at how the staff continues to faithfully carry on the ministry of the school. “There is something eternal going on here that’s better than boasting 400 students,” he stated, speaking to the idea that Hillcrest would be better if it were larger. “We have this ministry because of God’s mercy.” Joel closed by sharing his vision of Hillcrest. “If I said, 'we have this ministry because of heritage.' Gone. Tradition? Gone.” Joel notes significant changes in the school. An increase in international students, increases in domestic students outside of the Lutheran Brethren church, and a decrease in the traditional east coast and west coast stream of students present a changing face of Hillcrest after 100 years of ministry. But, Joel notes there is a distinct future for Hillcrest that is fulfilling God's design. He is starting to see a different future for God’s work at Hillcrest. “I don’t think we can imagine the harvest...the seed doesn’t know that the gardener sees and has an expectation of the harvest. There has been a harvest, but the coming one may be larger.”

HILLCRESTCONNECTION 7

FOCUS

CHAPTER 4

Turbulence of the GREAT DEPRESSIO 1935

GRAND FORKS

FERGUS FALLS

The difficult times of the Great Depression (1929–1940) tested the FAITH and DETERMINATION of individuals and institutions alike.

BY STEVE HOFFBECK President E.M. Broen of the Lutheran Brethren Schools continually faced cash flow troubles throughout the 1920s and 1930s. For President Broen, upkeep on the aging Grand Forks school building and its grounds proved to be a challenge. The campus was nice enough. It had two main buildings and ample space—more than two square blocks, which provided room for future growth. Its location next to Lincoln Park provided access to tennis courts, a golf course, and picnic grounds, as well as toboggan slides and skating rinks. President Broen considered a new men’s dormitory to be a necessity, to be built “as soon as the necessary funds” could be obtained. The main building, constructed in 1891, required constant upkeep. The women’s dormitory, built in 1900, had room for fifty young ladies.

8 FOCUS

President Broen had to work on fundraising immediately upon the school’s arrival in Grand Forks in 1918. The “immediate needs of the Bible School” amounted to roughly $17,000. In 1919, the school’s administration held a major fundraising campaign to cover the building and renovation costs, as well as to pay off some of the debts incurred from the purchase of the Grand Forks site. The money-raising committee, made up of members of the Grand Forks Commercial Club (like a modern-day Chamber of Commerce) and church members, garnered pledges worth $10,000 within a short time. Lutheran academies in general declined in numbers in the 1920s. Public high schools were perceived as having improved both the quality of their buildings and of their instruction from

former years, and some parents became averse to sending their children away to boarding schools in their midteen years. Of the roughly ninety-nine Lutheran academies that existed in the United States in 1920, just fiftyfive remained in operation by 1930. The Lutheran Brethren school administration faced a crossroads in 1926. Bills at the school kept piling up, and yearly deficits kept growing larger from 1919 to 1926. By the end of that span, the total debt surpassed $26,000. The school, despite its vital spiritual mission in Christian education, was on the road to ruin. In that fateful year, at the national church convention, the school’s Board of Trustees reluctantly advised the convention delegates to close either the Bible School or the high school, in order for the school to survive the financial crisis.

FOCUS

ON:

The convention prayerfully vowed to keep both schools in operation, and then hired Reverend R.S. Gjerde, a 1910 Bible School graduate and the synod president at the time, to be a serious fund-raiser who would wipe out the accumulated debts. When Pastor Gjerde contacted the faithful people of the synod, they responded, soberly and sacrificially, with $27,000 in “cash and pledges” by 1927. The Lutheran Bible School and academy became debt-free, but only for a short time. The Stock Market crashed in 1929, a symptom of deeper economic troubles both nationwide and worldwide. In the 1930s, enrollment at the high school declined, as families who might have sent their children to the private Christian school faced reduced income from farms, businesses, or other work as the economy fell apart. Fewer students meant less revenue for the school; it was a time of financial crisis. E.M. Strom, who taught Bible classes and Norwegian language classes at the school, witnessed all of the fiscal troubles during the Grand Forks years. “The trying years” of the Great Depression, wrote Pastor Strom, “caused our synod to pass through painful trials and agony. The financial burdens

were so heavy that it seemed humanly impossible to continue our school and our mission program.”

A solution seemed “humanly impossible” and “all doors were closed,” Strom wrote, “the leaders of our synod called together the Christians from far and near to spend a few days in prayer and study of the Word.” At the prayer day that took place in Grand Forks, they prayed for a way to navigate through their financial crisis. At another meeting, held in Fergus Falls, Minnesota, the synod had to “decide whether or not [they] could continue to carry on the work of the school.” The problems seemed “insurmountable.” As E.M. Strom recalled, “When most of us were almost ready to vote in favor of closing the doors of the school,” then Pastor Broen, who had helped found the school

HILLCRESTCONNECTION 9

FOCUS

way back in 1903 and who had led it through turmoil and triumphs, with an investment of faith, prayer, and energy, stood to address their fainting hearts.

With tears in his eyes, Pastor Broen said, “Brethren, I believe that the Bible School has a mission to perform. I dare not vote to lay it down.” The churchmen determined to keep the schools open. And the teachers helped—they wrote a letter. They gave the letter to Pastor Strom to deliver to the church leaders with a promise to “continue as the Lord provided.” Some of the teachers “cancelled their salaries,” and all taught without full salary in order to help the school operate from 1929 through 1935. All understood that the school was in danger of closing. In 1931, the teachers agreed to keep on teaching “even without a guaranteed salary.” In the 1932-1933 school year, the teachers and administration had a total of $1,930 of salary left unpaid. In the 1933-1934 school year, they were paid less than half of their contracted salaries. They had been paid a total of $4,776.32, but $5,871 had been left unpaid. In the 1934-1935 school year, the teachers were paid a total of $5,647.40, with a total of $4,196.44 left unpaid. A glimmer of hope came at the 1935 national convention of the Lutheran Brethren Church. Delegates from Brooklyn, Chicago, Seattle, and from other Lutheran Brethren congregations heard the school committee report on deficits and declining enrollments, and came to understand that the “present building [was] very inadequate and sadly in need of repair.” John Kilde, a businessman from Fergus Falls, Minnesota, and a man of deep faith, gave information about a unique opportunity available in his city. Kilde said that a beautiful and commodious building located there, a former college, could be bought for a “very reasonable” price.

10 FOCUS

The building was made of red brick and had been built on a hilltop in southwestern Fergus Falls. Four and one-half stories in height, with roof spires reaching even higher in the sky, the brick structure had been an architectural landmark in the area since its construction in 1901. The building also had a 1926 addition, when the Park Region Luther College had added locker rooms, an auditorium, and twelve more classrooms, at a total cost of $32,175. The building was available because its original occupant went bankrupt in 1932. It had carried too much debt in the depths of the Depression. The price was extremely low—the $26,000 price tag was less than the cost of the 1926 addition to the original college building. The convention voted to appoint a committee to look into the possibility. The committee acknowledged that it would take some money to get it ready for occupancy, and that it would be costly to move from Grand Forks to Fergus Falls. The synod leaders asked all of its member churches to “discuss the matter and make their decision known to the president of the synod.” The people of the church discussed it and voted “approximately three to one in favor of the move.” The synod’s board members deliberated for several hours and finally voted in favor of the proposed purchase, again by a three to one count. The school’s Board of Trustees met in Mayville, North Dakota. There, the trustees hired two carpenters, Nic Anderson and John Erickson, to carefully tear down the old school building in Grand Forks and sell the scrap lumber and materials, splitting the profits 50-50. This brought in $2,000 for the church. Then, the trustees divided the two square blocks of property in Grand Forks and sold off the building lots, bringing in substantial cash as the lots sold. John Kilde and E.J. Blikstad of Fergus Falls went to visit their fellow businessmen on a fundraising mission. The response was overwhelming. Businesses saw the good sense in bringing the Lutheran school to Fergus Falls: Otter Tail

FOCUS Power Company contributed $15; Norby’s Department Store also gave $15; Minnesota Motor Company donated $10; and Fossen Grocery chipped in $10. Other companies and individuals gave a little, from the little they had: Matt’s Service Station contributed one dollar; as did Jensen’s Auto Wrecking and Olson Electric Shop. Together, the people of Fergus Falls raised $2,500 to “defray the expenses incurred in putting the college building in shape for occupancy.” In the summer of 1935, the “new home of the Lutheran Bible School” and high school became “a place of bustling activity” as workmen under the supervision of master carpenter Gust Overgaard renovated and repaired the schools’ new home. Even the teachers lent a hand in helping with the renovations. Classes in the remodeled school began with opening exercises on September 17, 1935, with the formal opening of the thirty-second year of the Bible School and the nineteenth year of the high school. In late October, nearly a thousand friends of the school gathered from far and near for a day of festivity and a Dedication Day service at the Lutheran Bible School and high school. President E.M. Broen, who had led the schools from the beginning, delivered the dedication sermon. In it, he told of the “aim and purpose” of the school—it was to do more than just educate the students, “it would strive to help young people to get . . . a spiritual vision.”

Broen judged that Christian parents from coast to coast would send their children, at great expense, to the Bible School, because these parents were “desirous that their boy and girl [would] receive a spiritual vision in addition to highschool education.” Some of these young men and women would then be enabled to become “missionaries to China and Africa,” or “pastors and evangelists” in the Lutheran Brethren churches; but even greater numbers would go “forth as homemakers, useful church members, and loyal and efficient citizens.” The dedication service concluded with another hymn, entitled “Now Thank We All Our God,” which told of the Lord— “who wondrous things hath done” and who “hath blessed us on our way.” The school, through the words of the song, called upon God to “be near us,” and to “cheer us,” to “keep us in his grace,” to “guide us when perplexed,” and to “free us from all ills, in this world and the next.”

As President Broen said, “It was an afternoon long to be remembered.” It ushered in a new chapter in the history of the Lutheran Brethren Schools, in its Fergus Falls home.

HILLCRESTCONNECTION 11

ANNUAL REPORT

INTERIM PRESIDENT'S REPORT This is the first HLA Annual Report without President Steve Brue’s column. He resigned after carefully guiding Hillcrest through transformative enhancements these past 15 years. He is still an ambassador for Hillcrest, and we thank him for his effective leadership and continuing partnership. The Hillcrest Board of Directors has appointed a search committee to gain the wisdom of the larger Hillcrest community, develop a calling assignment, receive applications for the position, and recommend candidates to the Board of Directors. The Board plans to conduct interviews and appoint the next president in the Spring of 2017. To allow adequate time for a careful selection process, the Directors appointed Joel Egge to serve as Interim President through June 2017. Three administrators, together with the President, compose the HLA Executive Team. They are Brad Martinson, Business Manager; Jeff Isaac, Principal; and Todd Mathison, Chief Advancement Officer. Todd Mathison reports HLA has 204 full-time students enrolled in this fall semester, with others already indicating interest to enroll for the second semester. He adds: “Our admissions people work diligently to enroll students who will benefit from the Lord’s ministry at Hillcrest.” Todd is developing regional alumni cabinets to enhance alumni relations, student recruitment, and financial support, all of which are vital to fulfilling our God-given ministry. Jeff Isaac tells how everyone, students and staff alike, agrees that the new Hillcrest Student Union, which houses a new kitchen in full compliance with Minnesota Department of Health standards, a dining hall, and a student commons has been a transformational addition to the campus! He is delighted with the qualified and eager people who are stepping into the positions left by faithful people who moved elsewhere this summer. It illustrates how the Lord sustains His vision of building His kingdom through the ministry of Hillcrest Lutheran Academy.

12 ANNUAL REPORT

Brad Martinson summarizes the fiscal year end (June 30) financial report saying: “We are grateful to have received the full Annual Fund 2016-17 contribution goal. Because of generous givers, a good enrollment, and expenses within the budget, the Operations income exceeded annual expenses.” He is positive about the technological, building, and campus enhancements that serve our mission of guiding our students to live fully in the love and will of God. The Executive Team is deeply grateful to everyone who prayerfully and joyfully participates in this excellent mission to young people, their families, and congregations. Hillcrest Lutheran Academy is an educational ministry of the Church of the Lutheran Brethren (CLB). The HLA Board of Directors is accountable to the Church of the Lutheran Brethren Council of Directors, and we thank the Council for its encouragement. Leading Hillcrest Lutheran Academy and serving on the Board of Directors this past year were, Steven Brue, HLA President; Olav Sandnes, Board Chair; Vaughn Kavlie, Vice Chair; John Dyvik, Secretary; Eric Ewan; Katherine Heggland; Susan Leach; Josiah Larson; and Mark Soholt. Respectfully Submitted,

Rev. Joel R. Egge '59 INTERIM PRESIDENT

ANNUAL REPORT

HLA

STUDENT 2015-16

SNAPSHOT

GRADUATING SENIORS

COUNTRIES REPRESENTED

DORM STUDENTS

USA Canada Mexico Norway Russia China Korea Vietnam Thailand Ethiopia Nigeria Turks and Caicos Brazil Iran

INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS

208

111

DAYTIME STUDENTS

STUDENTS ATTENDING FROM COUNTRIES RESTRICTING CHRISTIAN EVANGELISM

STUDENTS TAKING BIBLE AS A PRIMARY SUBJECT

STUDENTS FROM AN LB CHURCH

STUDENTS ATTENDED CHURCH FOR FIRST TIME WHILE AT HLA

STUDENTS WHO HEARD THE GOSPEL FOR THE FIRST TIME

STUDENTS PLACED FAITH IN JESUS

Hillcrest Lutheran Academy Consolidated Income Statement July 1, 2015 - June 30, 2016 (Audited) Hillcrest Lutheran Academy Consolidated Income Statement July 1, 2015 - June 30, 2016 (Audited)

General Restricted Aid & Prop, Plant, Grand Operating Accounts Endowment & Equip Totals Support & Revenue 3,067,643 328,490 163,653 1,200 3,560,986 Expenses 3,059,974 254,152 115,824 219,471 3,649,421 Transfer Out (in) (39,721) Hillcrest 32,127 (7,345) Lutheran 14,939 Academy Net Surplus (Deficit) 47,390 42,211 32,890 (210,926) (88,435) Consolidated Balance Sheet

as of June 30, 2016 (Audited)

Hillcrest Lutheran Academy Consolidated Balance Sheet As of June 30, 2016 (audited)

Total Assets Total Liabilities Fund Balance: Unrestricted Temporarily Restricted Permanently Restricted Total Fund Balance Total Liabilities & Fund Balance

General Operating 422,704 1,539,745 (1,117,041) (1,117,041) 422,704

Inter-Fund Restricted Aid & Prop, Plant, Due to/Due From Grand Accounts Endowment & Equip Elimination Totals 129,196 1,866,006 7,283,995 (1,875,054) 7,826,847 2,387

126,809 126,809 129,196

77,300 1,788,706 1,866,006 1,866,006

1,848,504

(1,875,054)

1,515,582

(1,875,054)

4,167,827 354,732 1,788,706 6,311,265 7,826,847

5,284,868 150,623 5,435,491 7,283,995

HILLCRESTCONNECTION 13

CAMPUS NEWS

I'M HAYLEY FILIPPINI S ...and I'm a senior this year at Hillcrest. I'm so excited for my senior year. Right now, I'm at home dealing with a few health issues. But I'm soon to be back at Hillcrest.

I was diagnosed with Pinoblastoma, a type of brain cancer, in 2011. I've relapsed, and the doctors told me that I would always show tumor in my scans. But it has gone away, a miracle the doctors struggle to explain. Right now, there is a little, but that's ok. My cousins were the ones who introduced me to Hillcrest. It has been this chain in our family that, if you like it, you can go. So I went out to visit, absolutely fell in love with it, and am currently attending Hillcrest now. Last year I had many MRIs, which are things you get where they put you in a big magnet scan. I get those every three months just to check how I'm doing. I'm doing well right now. I have to come back to New Jersey a lot through the year to get the MRI scans. When I'm getting ready to go, the day that I'm leaving, everyone wears these Team Hayley t-shirts. So when I come to school I see all my friends wearing the white and yellow shirts and I feel a little left out, like, â&#x20AC;&#x153;I didn't get the memo to wear mine.â&#x20AC;? But I love that. They chant and cheer for me as I'm going to get my scans. The community at Hillcrest is so great. There is so much of God's love at Hillcrest. The greatest thing about Hillcrest is being able to talk about Jesus and what he's done in your life. I love that. That's one of my favorite aspects of Hillcrest.

14 CAMPUS NEWS

Since I've been home getting my most recent treatments I've been a little upset. I'm not at my favorite place in the world. But my cousins, Tara and Faith, collected over 180 letters from my friends during my last trip to New Jersey. I got home one day after being at the hospital and there was a box at our door. My mom opened it and found 180 letters. She started reading the letters and it was just the two of us sitting there crying, reading these letters realizing how much love there is and how much people love me.

MY CONSTANT PRAYER IS THAT GOD WILL HEAL ME. THAT HE WILL USE ME TO GLORIFY AND PRAISE HIM. TO SHOW PEOPLE, THE BELIEVERS AND THE NONBELIEVERS, HOW AMAZING JESUS IS. HOW WE DON'T HAVE TO SEARCH FOR LOVE BECAUSE GOD IS LOVE AND WILL LOVE US ALWAYS. It's truly amazing how Hillcrest is. That we have this place we can come together as a body of believers to talk about Him and to glorify and worship God. I love Hillcrest, and I'm just so thankful that I get to go there.

CAMPUS NEWS WHEN I WAS IN THE 6TH GRADE, at the end

of the year, before we would graduate and go across the street to the Junior High, somebody devised a rite of passage. That rite of passage was to play a softball game between the teachers and the students. At this moment I thought this was the point I could give back something to my student body, because I had been trained in the art of little league. I figured out a way to never get off the field. I made myself the base coach for both teams. One of the teachers hit a pop-fly ball, and because I was highly trained in the art of little league, I instinctively ran towards the ball. I was so excited that I think I leapt a little bit as the ball came down and bounced off my hands and fell to the ground. And that’s when I heard the yelling from my classmates. I moved back into the crowd and the game continued on. Without anyone noticing, I walked to the classroom and sat there for the rest of the day. That’s the first time I remember that feeling of not belonging.

crush with her boyfriend. They asked how the poster was coming, and I explained it to them. They looked at it, flirted with each other, and left me all alone in the art room. I asked myself, “Why can’t I be more like the guy with the girl?” A really strong thought came into my head that asked, “What if you could choose? You could choose to be you, or you could choose to be super sporty sport guy?” And I didn’t even have to think about it. It was right at that moment, the first time in my life, that I realized that this art and creativity was put in me. I like to say that when we have a discussion about vocation and what God is doing in our lives, the first place we start is noticing what is already there. There is intentionality before we even come into the world.

All your questions about what’s ahead of you, will be answered. If we are to be great beacons of light in this world we will need to trust the great Creator. To not lose heart, but to walk with Him. There is no trying to belong. We’ve always belonged to Him. So may you see and call out the light of this world.

I SCOTT ERICKSON In my academic career something very important happened to me at Hillcrest. It had to do, as do a lot of good stories, with love. Twenty-one years ago it was homecoming and I was designated, as the art guy, to do the senior homecoming poster. One night during homecoming week I was in the artroom working on the poster by myself and in walked my

The Q-conference is a Centennial initiative outlining THE FIVE

QUINTESSENTIAL ELEMENTS

of the Hillcrest experience. Scott and Hayley gave presentations, which were adapted for print here. View a video of their presentations at www.ffhillcrest.org/qconference.

HILLCRESTCONNECTION CONNECTION 15

CAMPUS NEWS RO BOTICS on their way to repeat after taking top honors in the regional competition.

Hillcrest cooperates with Central Lakes Robotics, taking 1st place in regions this year.

Hillcrest’s engineering class joined with local home school students to form Central Lakes Robotics for the second year this fall. After running away with most awards last year, the team is well

Hillcrest’s engineering class works through theory and basic fabrication concepts for the robot during the school day. The class joins local home school students in the evening to complete requirements for competition. At the regional competition the team ran away with awards, pulling out 1st place overall to move into the next round of the Bison BEST (Boosting Engineering, Science and Technology) competition at North Dakota State University (NDSU).

NICO LE DEKOK , NAT IONAL MERIT SCHOL A R Principal Jeff Isaac announced in early September that Nicole DeKok is named as a Commended Student in the 2017 National Merit Scholarship Program. Commended Students placed in the top three percent of more than 1.6 million students who entered the 2017 competition by taking the 2015 Preliminary SAT/ National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test (PSAT/NMSQT). "We celebrate with Nicole on this achievement," noted Principal Isaac. "Her knowledge and abilities are valued in our diverse student body. We are honored to have Nicole as one of our many outstanding students."

John came to Hillcrest as a sophomore in 1964 from Littleton, Colorado. He participated in numerous high school activities, but football was his favorite. He played all three years on the football team as an outstanding offensive and defensive lineman. On May 18, 1967, while on a senior class overnight trip,

16 CAMPUS NEWS

The team is continuing competitions this fall and winter as they move into the area competition.

BRAI

Nicole Dekok finished in the top 3% of 16 million students in the PSAT.

J O H N LUCKEY FIELD The Class of 1967 announced their sponsorship of the naming of the Hillcrest Lutheran Academy football field as the "John Luckey Field” during homecoming weekend in October 2016.

The team earned the Top Gun Award for most points in a single match, best computer-aided design, best team website, best spirit and sportsmanship, and best team exhibit and interview. They also scored top three in the robotics competition, t-shirt design, and team mascot.

John tragically drowned when a storm came up with strong winds, causing the canoe he was in to capsize. With the water temperature at 34 degrees, and with the windy conditions, he was not able to make it to safety. His classmates were devastated beyond belief and have not forgotten John or the grief of his passing. As a remembrance, the “John Luckey Award” was established in 1967 to be given out to an outstanding senior football player. In addition, this year, in honor of the class’s 50th graduation, the

Hillcrest’s football field was named the John Luckey field during homecoming.

“John Luckey Memorial Scholarship” endowment fund was created that currently has OVER $70,0 0 0 in contributions and is expected to continue to grow. It will be used to help students desiring to attend Hillcrest Academy. The scoreboard and naming of the field are the visual reminder of the gifts made by John's classmates to honor his memory. Hillcrest is grateful to be able to honor his memory through these gifts. Blessed be the memory of John Luckey.

CAMPUS NEWS

FO OT BALL STATE R UN Hillcrest ended their football season November 11th after making a run at State. The disappointment wasn’t in hanging up pads, but seeing their field vacated of what they call the brotherhood. The Comets were impressive this year. The Comets lost twice in twelve games. They outscored opponents 376-179 with a formidable passing attack that paired with a wishbone running option that left many in the conference scratching their heads. But when the final buzzer sounded the team wasn’t heartbroken to not pick up the pigskin. Their tears were shed because it meant the end of meeting together.

First-year Coach Evan Newman stood over his team in the locker room after their early exit from the State tournament. He didn’t speak to statistics or officiating. The only comments about the game were how impressed he was in how the team handled disappointment. He called his three captains to reflect on the season, the first march into State playoffs for the Comets since 2004. Senior captain Sean McGuire spoke to the team’s unity. “I’m not crying because we lost,” McGuire started. “It’s just a football game. I’m sad because we won’t get together like this again.” Fellow captain, Kyler Newman, resonated the unifying sentiment, “When I came to Hillcrest in 8th grade I didn’t want to be here. Now, there isn’t a team I would rather play for.” Closing the captains' final message, Reggie Undseth gave a whole perspective.

INS + BRAWN

The 2016 football team earned a State bid that extended their formative time together.

“Boys, this brotherhood doesn’t end here. We’ve got heaven to look forward to.” Coach Newman echoed Undseth’s words, “When we get to heaven I’m looking forward to finding you guys and thinking back on this season.” Newman’s first year coaching the Comets was very successful. But some of the successes don’t translate to paper. The boxscore doesn’t hold a place for faith formation. The Spiritual grit developed in the Comet’s football season made an impact that few will forget.

H ANS HOLZNER, C ROSS COUN TRY STAT E Hans Holzner is a gamer. His 16:30 finish in New London, MN, propelled Holzner into the state meet. Pushing through pain and displaying resolve in running a more difficult, more hilly course with aggression, Holzner finished 23rd overall at the State Cross Country meet at St. Olaf College in Northfield, Minnesota, with 16:42. Last year, Hans finished 32nd overall with a time of 17:03. This year his preparation propelled him to a different outcome. The unusual 63 degree temperature on the November morning was in Hans’ favor. Through the first mile he ran a fiveminute split. As he entered the second third of the course he encountered more hills, slowing his split to 5:30. Closing in on

the final mile in the 5k race, Hans pushed his split to 5:12, finishing 23rd with an even split of 5:23 in the 3.11 mile race. Hans beat his previous year placement by nine slots with friends and family surrounding him at the meet. Posing for pictures with Hans stood two members of the section favorite 4x800m team for Hillcrest. While Hans’ cross country career came to a close with a placing of 23rd in the state, he and his friends are looking forward to their training to make state with their 4x800m track team in the spring. Hans finishes his high school career with a personal record of 16:21 in the 5k. The time is the standing time in Hillcrest’s record books.

Hans is a two-time state qualifier for crosscountry, holding Hillcrest’s best time at 16:21. HILLCRESTCONNECTION 17

CURRENT

A STUDENT’S PERSPECTIVE OF

PHILOSOPHY “Sometimes the dorms can get really lonely and you can get really homesick,” one girl shared after reading Night by Elie Wiesel in Hillcrest’s Philosophy and Religion class. “But God is always there for you...No matter how dark or lonely the situation feels.” Mr. Preston’s class drives students to live deeply.

As students file in and take their seats, Daniel Preston hands Mr. Preston a chocolate muffin to signify the start of class. “Alright, let’s calm our bodily functions. I have a word from the Lord today,” Mr. Preston announces. After his devotional, students dive into books that stir deep thought. Stories like Night and The Hiding Place cause gears to churn in students’ minds, awakening thoughts and ideas that would previously go unnoticed. After their reading time, one student shares how the power of God is made perfect in weakness. Anxiety followed her to Hillcrest this year. She was frightened at the thought of living in the dorms. Not being able to see her parents before bed each night was a difficult reality for her, but she also knew God had her in His hands. Corrie Ten Boom’s story in The Hiding Place is providing perspective. The student shares how she is resting in the fact that God placed her at Hillcrest in new surroundings, guiding her every bit as much as he guided Corrie in the heart of Nazi Germany. God was her strength, even when she felt weak. “Many times we ask ourselves, ‘Where is God in all of this?” Mr. Preston comments, addressing the class. He references Night when discussing how how challenging it is to see God in situations that seem so dark. One student addresses the topics by contrasting both books. He speaks of the power of hope in God. When people don’t have God’s hope, life becomes shrouded in darkness. The young man observed the uplifting spirit found throughout The Hiding Place, compared to the heavy, somber tone permeating Night. “We don’t have to live with the despair that Elie had,” he concludes. “We have hope in Christ, just as Corrie did. So we can live freely and joyfully in that hope.” As students saunter out of the classroom, they go with minds full of new understanding and hearts surging with the ultimate hope found only in Jesus. Philosophy and Religion brings life back into perspective for many students, reminded daily of the beacon of hope that is Jesus Christ.

18 CURRENT

+ RELIGION

BY SAMUEL ISAAC '17

CURRENT

On Empathy It is not enough to feel bad.

Jesus changes one’s view of empathy. Jesus does not feel for us.

JESUS FEELS. BY HANS HOLZNER '17 A classmate, a friend, so resilient, abounding with courage and joy, is plagued with the heavy burden of cancer. Our hearts quiver with grief and confusion. Overwhelmed, our tender heartstrings are plucked like a tearful harp. Notes of sorrow resound. This is empathy.

EMPATHY IS NOT SYMPATHY.

Empathy is more than seeing grief, acknowledging it and attempting to comfort, to restore. It is not pity, it is not even sorrow. Empathy is tearing. Empathy is an irrational anguish toward injustice. When we hear the inconsolable cry of a mother, robbed of her life’s treasure, as a child is senselessly laid to rest. When our bones scream with a confused anguish toward the wrongs of the world; when this essence of who we are moans for a grief that is not our own. Hearts stop beating. Time stands still.

The same hands that molded galaxies, moved with love, touched the leper’s brow. His heart went out to all: the blind, the deaf, the lame, the pharisee, the tax collector, the prostitute, the woman at the well, the rich, the poor. He felt them. He felt the ache of hunger. The weariness of the traveller, and the confusion of the refugee he knew. He was the man of sorrows, familiar with suffering. He felt the warmth of welcome, and the bitterness of rejection. He took our transgressions and bore our infirmities. He was crushed. He was bruised. He was ultimately betrayed. He died. But in the resurrection we see Jesus’ glorious victory, and few words ring truer: “For we have not a high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted as we are, and yet was without sin. Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.” (Heb 4:15-16)

So when tragedy clouds joy, don’t just feel bad. Feel. And remember,

CHRIST FELT IT FIRST.

The Jews know empathy. Sitting Shiva is a vivid example. “Weeping aloud they tore their robes and sprinkled dust on their heads. Then they sat there with him on the ground for seven days and seven nights. No one spoke a word…” (Job 3:12). Throughout the seven-day tradition of grief, called Shiva, not a single word is spoken. No utterance of pity, no consoling sentiment. Mourners sit together and grieve as one. This is empathy.

HILLCRESTCONNECTION 19

PROFILE

CROSSING CULTURES BY AMY MICHAEL '17 “Attending a Christian school in Kansas was very different than Hillcrest.” This isn’t Hy Tran’s first time in the United States. Coming from Vietnam, he described his former American school experience as very exclusive. “At my old school I had two friends,” Hy Tran, known as Kyle to students at Hillcrest, said, looking at his hands before cracking a smile. The shift to his Hillcrest experience gave him joy. “I feel like I have everyone on my side here.” Kyle waited gallantly in the Student Union, excited to give his interview. He stood, hands on his hips as I walked to the table. He slid his chair to the table while I got settled. He speaks with bright eyes and a blinding smile. Kyle isn’t shy. Conversation is always light and easy with Kyle, ten gallons of laughing gas is included with each conversation. The room sparked with electricity as he anticipated my questions. His eyes narrowed with laughter as he started describing his Hillcrest experience. Coming to America after growing up in a predominantly Buddhist nation, Kyle is hearing the truths of the Bible for the first time at Hillcrest. His Biblical Overview class taught by Mrs. Foss is answering many questions he is asking as he attends church, chapel services, and dorm devotions. Kyle said he is feeling more open to hear about Jesus because of the freedom to express his ideas in Hillcrest’s classrooms and dormitory. “Everyone at my old school was so closed, so I just shut them out and didn't even want to hear what they had to say.” When Kyle isn’t fluttering around campus as the social butterfly, or listening to music with friends, he is busy helping Hillcrest’s Boys Soccer team as their manager. He mentioned that one of his favorite parts of being with the team is seeing all the players from both teams gather in a large huddle to pray together after each match, something HLA always initiates with their opponents. Such simple actions are meaningful to Kyle. He spent a few minutes exclaiming how teams stand in honor of the American flag. Kyle is impressed with the devotion of Hillcrest’s students, and his time at Hillcrest is shaping up to be a life-changing experience that will likely have eternal consequences. Kyle doesn’t profess a saving faith in Jesus Christ. But he said he feels comfortable expressing his thoughts and asking questions with his many friends and teachers at Hillcrest. Feeling accepted and being heard is a fine place to begin a journey of faith.

20 PROFILE

HY TRAN'S STORY [AKA KYLE]

ALUMNI NEWS

PRESIDENTIAL SEARCH ANNOUNCEMENT The Board of Directors has initiated a search for the next president of Hillcrest Lutheran Academy in Fergus Falls, Minnesota. Since 2003 Hillcrest has been led by former President Steven Brue and is presently led by interim President Joel Egge. The selection of the next president is expected to be announced in the spring of 2017 and the new president installed in July 2017. The mission of Hillcrest Lutheran Academy is to equip students in a Christ-centered, Bible-based environment for a life of eternal significance. Its goals are:

To give every student a sound foundation in the Word of God. We believe that in the teaching of the Christian faith, we must recognize the admonition of scripture: â&#x20AC;&#x153;Test everything; hold fast to what is good.â&#x20AC;? (1 Thes. 5:21). Therefore, we encourage students to think with as much integrity and rigor in matters of faith as in other academic disciplines.

2 students in their private lives to actively use 3 Totheirencourage talents and abilities in spreading the gospel and

To challenge every student to perform at their highest level.

furthering the work of the kingdom of God.

quality Christian education that engages the 4 Toheartprovide and mind.

APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS Mail or e-mail application materials to the attention of Mr. Mark Soholt, chair of the search committee, at HLA Search Committee, PO Box 439, Fergus Falls, MN 56538-0439 or searchcommittee@ffhillcrest.org by December 15, 2016. Include the following: 1.

A cover letter explaining interest and qualifications to be the President of Hillcrest Lutheran Academy.

2. A current resume, including phone numbers and e-mail address. 3. A one-or two-page personal essay of faith testimony, cultural world view, educational philosophy and how your leadership would enrich Hillcrest Lutheran Academy. 4. Provide three written references from a former employer, a colleague and a person who reported to you. Include full name, mailing and e-mail addresses, and a phone number. Receipt of applications will be acknowledged and all materials, inquiries, and nominations will be held in the strictest confidence. No photographs please. For more information on Hillcrest Lutheran Academy and our search, please visit:

www.ffhillcrest.org.

FOR MORE INFO: www.ffhillcrest.org/presidentsearch

HILLCRESTCONNECTION CONNECTION 21

ALUMNI NEWS

C Kurt Lysne ' 01 “Academics had always come easily to me, so I was shocked when my first chemistry test was handed back and I saw I had failed,” Kurt recalled, laughing. “Clearly, here was a subject I could not just slide by intuitively.”

Kurt Lysne is a 2001 Hillcrest graduate. He recalled his rude academic awakening by phone from his office. He is now an engineer who received the Young Engineer of the Year award by the National Society of Professional Engineers in North Dakota. God is using Kurt in powerful ways after Kurt’s Hillcrest experience. “I actually had to study chemistry. I needed to work to understand it. And when I succeeded, it really boosted my confidence in my ability to learn something difficult.” This was the first step in Kurt’s interest in the science.

METS IN STEM

BY DAWN SYNSTELIEN

After Hillcrest, Kurt attended MSCTC in Fergus Falls for three semesters. He had a wide range of interests and dabbled in everything from accounting and criminal justice to business, psychology, and history. He didn’t have a single math or engineering class on his schedule. When he transferred to NDSU the seriousness of his indecision hit him college was too expensive to keep drifting. Remembering his chemistry class at Hillcrest, Kurt said he was driven to science. After college, Kurt married Melissa Synstelien (HLA ‘01). He chose civil engineering as a field of study and set to work for the city of West Fargo as a Certified Floodplain Manager and Water Resources Group Leader. When historic flooding hit the Red River Valley in 2009, ‘10, and ‘11, Kurt was uniquely placed to manage the crisis. “It was crazy working 100 hour weeks,” Kurt recalled, “The city was ordered to evacuate (in the 2009 flood), but people stayed. 50 miles of dikes were built in three weeks with millions of sandbags filled by volunteers. The moment we knew the flood had peaked was unforgettable.”

22 ALUMNI NEWS

Kurt’s focus shifted from the details to an overarching theme. “We should have lost the city, but we didn’t.” Kurt explained the civil engineers technical competency, code of ethics, and concern for safety. He stopped to highlight that, with all the best human effort, the final result rested with God. Kurt says God spared the city, and it is something he will never forget. “I don’t blatantly share my faith,” Kurt says. “I am sincere. Relationships matter. How I respond at meetings matters. I try not to internalize anger, but diffuse situations.” Kurt built dams during his time with the City of West Fargo, but he sees his role as a Christian to build bridges. “Trying to understand another’s perspective is important. And love, it has to be God’s love, because I don’t always feel like it.” Kurt is now a father of three, and he and his wife are actively involved in Triumph Lutheran Brethren Church in the Fargo-Moorhead area. He works for Moore Engineering out of West Fargo. Kurt’s experience at Hillcrest gave him much more than a simple love for science. He shared how his relationship with God was fortified at the school, and this love for Jesus enables him to be a loving engineer impacting his community.

ALUMNI NEWS

Cody Joy ' 11

Cody discovered a love of science participating in Hillcrest Academy’s robotics team. At Hillcrest Cody was mentored to pursue a career in engineering. He chose LeTourneau in Longview, Texas, for the next step in his engineering path. God used Cody’s Hillcrest experience in a powerful way at LeTourneau. Dr. Sung Kim, Cody’s advisor, invited Cody to join a research project creating a device to detect cancer by analyzing blood samples, much like a blood sugar test with diabetes. Dr. Kim is Korean. Cody had a lot of Korean friends at Hillcrest. Cody's undergraduate engineering classes were diverse, the United States is well represented in bachelors and masters programs according to Cody. "By the time you get to research and doctorate degrees, many of the participants who are left are of Asian descent," Cody explained. Cody gained more than a diploma from Hillcrest. Because of the intercultural experience at HLA, Cody was familiar with the Korean accent and speech patterns, finding it easy to interact with non-native English speakers in his research at LeTourneau. Cody holds a key spot on Dr. Kim’s research team. He is called in to translate complex concepts in meetings and interactions with the team. The research project requires a lot of communication with scientists and news outlets. Cody explained that Dr. Kim relies on Cody’s ability to translate intent, with respect to the intricacies of their specific project, something an editor or writer could not do as Dr. Kim works to publish the team’s findings. Cody is an adjunct professor at LeTourneau. Dr. Kim recently took a position at Baylor University, and is working with Cody to transfer to Baylor to continue their work. Cody is completing his PhD while continuing his work with Dr. Kim, a mentor-friend who is conducting groundbreaking work with a Hillcrest graduate to glorify God.

Taylor Filippini ' 13 Taylor Filippini was in high school when her 11-year-old sister, Hayley, was diagnosed with cancer. Hayley’s battle is impacting Taylor’s future.

“I think that I always knew I wanted to go into some medical realm. Hayley’s cancer... it changes you, when your free time is spent in hospital rooms.” Taylor said, noting a struggle to choose a career path in high school. Taylor said conversations with respected mentors like Gregg Preston and Steve Undseth calmed her searching heart in the maze of college applications. “I learned to follow God step by step and trust him to reveal my path.” Classes at Hillcrest in physics, anatomy, and chemistry laid a basic foundation for Taylor. She said teachers gave her an eternal perspective. She found herself drawing closer to God, noting spiritual growth bolstered her academic strengths while at HLA. Taylor is now flexing her administrative muscles in a fellowship program at Duke University Medical Center. She was chosen as one of five, out of 150 applicants, to assist in grant management for federal and foundation grants, contracts, and industry clinical trials in groundbreaking research. Miracles happen frequently in Taylor’s work. One of the doctors she routinely sees performed the first hand transplant. Others are Nobel Laureates. “I am the middleman between research and funding. But I love this academic world that is constantly changing and challenging,” Taylor noted. Her Christian witness, a concept fostered through many mission experiences at Hillcrest, is strong in her research work. “I am in a secular environment – very different from my high school and college...People are watching. Your life is a light and witness for Jesus.”

HILLCRESTCONNECTION 23

ALUMNI NEWS

GRAD W E E KE N D 2016

HATS, H U GS AND H O N O R S

Lucas Holzner + Grandma

Alyssa Shilson + Thor Foss

Kris Lein + Matt Lein

Salutatorian Megan Aasness Valedictorian Vanessa Konynenbelt

Steve Brue speaking

T H E GR A DUAT E S 24 ALUMNI NEWS

ALUMNI NEWS

2 0 1 6

ALUMNA

Barb (Tweed) HALVORSON '51 When the choir from Fergus Falls came to our little Lutheran Brethren church in Joice, Iowa, I idolized them. I thought they were angels from heaven. Little did I know I would have the thrill of singing in the same choir for three years in high school. I am so grateful for the sacrifice my parents made to send me to Hillcrest. My parents dropped me off on the steps of Hillcrest when I was thirteen. What a solid, Christ-centered foundation for life. I fell head-over-heels in love with my husband, Elling, at Hillcrest. We have been married sixty-three years, and there has never been a dull moment. Elling is writing a book of all his experiences and memories. People tell me I should write a book too. I can’t get past the title “Dwelling With Elling.” My emotions were all over the place the day the doctor told me and Elling that we were having twins early in our marriage. I was thrilled and honored. God was giving us a double blessing. Then the reality set in. We would have five children in four years. Lonnie wasn’t even a year old yet. How was I going to care for all these children, and Elling too? The twins, Randy and Rod, learned to pray at a very young age. I knew God was grinning. It is amazing what comes out of the mouths of babes. One memory that stands out is when the two were having a heated argument over whether the birds outside were blue jays or stellar jays. I never said a word, standing there in amazement at how angry they could be. Blood vessels popped from their necks. Then all of a sudden Rod stopped, folded

his hands and looked up. “Dear God, are these blue jays or stellar jays?” He unfolded his hands, looked Randy in the eyes and said, “He said stellar jays and He knows!” Randy looked at Rod, and then walked away. It was all over. You can’t argue with that. We will never forget the day we went back to the Child Study Clinic at the University of Washington. Duchenne’s Muscular Dystrophy was the last thing in the world we expected to hear from the tests done on the twins. Life expectancy was late teens. We drove out to the Arboretum and cried like babies. We were afraid to go home and look at Randy and Rod. But God made it clear to us that we had five children to love and nurture. The next few months were a real spiritual journey for me. We never felt God was punishing us, because that was not the Lord we knew. But we certainly asked the question “Why?” I read one book after another, a book in one hand and the Bible in the other, making sure I was on spiritual ground. Then one day it came on me quite suddenly. There was a real peace and calm as I realized I didn’t have to understand everything God was doing. I had to accept what God was permitting. He has been with us every step of the way, one day at a time. Randy and Rod have always been huge sports fans. They started coaching basketball and softball teams when they were in the tenth grade. Randy and Rod would go to PE class, and before they knew it they were keeping statistics and blowing whistles for games. They found a way to participate in the games they loved.

On their last day of Junior High they rolled into the house in their wheel chairs. I looked on their laps and had to go into the other room to hide my eyes. I couldn’t let them see me out of control. There they sat in their wheelchairs each with an athletic letter. They were rather humble about it, but their mother was overwhelmed. Through the years since those days they’ve coached hundreds of teams, advancing as far as regional national tournaments, and we now have trophies all over the house. Randy and Rod are the oldest living persons with Duchenne’s Muscular Dystrophy in the world at 58 years old. They are on life support systems and the only thing they can move is their tongue, which they use to run the computer. It’s very difficult for them to speak now, but their spirits are great. We’re so thankful that God has blessed us with the ability to care for them at home. There have been many ups and downs through the years. We have experienced so many miracles, the most recent being last year. Elling spent three months in the hospital, three weeks in an induced coma. His cardiologist calls him Lazarus. God isn’t done with him yet, and neither am I. As I look back over the years there are several things that God used to prepare me for my responsibilities in life. My father had polio when I was three weeks old, so I have known what handicapped meant. My parents had over 90 foster children in our home, so our five didn’t seem like so many. And then there was Miss Skovholt, my physiology teacher at Hillcrest, who taught the textbook and then added her own nursing notes. I understood all the doctors much better.

HILLCRESTCONNECTION 25

SECTIONNEWS ALUMNI TITLE

1946

201 6 REUNIONS

Richard Pederson

1951

1956

1961

Barbara (Tweed) Halverson, Elsie (Wold) Johnson, Lois (Seaver) Thomason

Front Row: Lillian Johnson Viksness, Addie Shjerve, Kay (Tweed) Bergsagel, JoAnn (Gillies) Kallas Second Row: Kay (Soderlund) Rogness, Anna Ruth (Olsen) Paddon, Audrey (Pedersen) Chase Third Row: Burdean Rogness, Luther Mathison, John Endrud, Richard Vettrus

Front Row: Sandy Stenslund, Barbara Shiffer, Erma (Thompson) Hammond, Carol (Christensen) Bothun, Susan (Johnson) Sandland Second Row: Ed Sandnes, Anna Marie Olsen, Sharon (Valder) Dahl, Sandy (Berg) Hanson, Cornell Svaren Third Row: Art Gundersen, Leroy Hammond, David Hogan, Chet Habberstad

1966

1971

1976

Front Row: Judith Nordaas, Marilyn (Pederson) Hanson, Carol (Moline) Schiesser, June (Erickson) Bergsagel, Rachel (Backstrom) Streifel, Irene Hanson Second Row: Wayne Blikstad, Maryann (Veum) Clark, Terry Oxendahl, Nancy (Thompson) Rosendahl, James Brekke

Joel Backstrom, Carole (Bugge) Skaret Andersen

Front Row: Faith (Peterson) Tasker, Diane (Stoutland) Trettevik, Deborah (Olsoe) Lunde, Ann (Revne) Rupnow, Beth (Sundby) Young, Julie Trones Second Row: Evelyn Hammer, Manley Olsoe, Victor Kraakmo, Randy Tretevik, Dean Stoutland, Alfred Ostrander, Lourie (Swensen) Gillich Third Row: Marty Valder, Steve Brue, Mark Vesta, John Aanden, Armin Christopherson, Dave Christenson, David Young

1986

1996

2006

Front Row: Steven Foss, Gaylen Peterson, Peter Woyen Second Row: Amy (Brue) Taylor, Linda (Kjos) Hoffman, Anne (Jensen) Frustol, Barb (Walvatne) Erickson Third Row: Lori Rogness, Beth (Bronson) Simonsen, Karen Zicafoose, Robin (Steen) Bolyard

Front Row: Ryan Erkenbrack, Adam Berge, Darren Albertson Second Row: Renae (Levang) Long, Andrew Larsen, Jimmy Barton, Melissa (Nordlund) Pevestorf

Front Row: Andrew Abel, Armin Jahr III, Daniel Anderson, Trevor Undseth, Brock Beithon, Aaron Juliot Second Row: Matti Grotte, Leanne Fawcett, Mark Rangen, Whitney (Apgar) Trujillo, Crystal Owens

SECTION TITLE

In Memory ALUMNI NEWS

OBITUARIES:

GAYLORD T. (G.T.) GUNHUS (H’57) PASSED AWAY SEPTEMBER 27, 2016.

ARDEN SLATTUM (H’52) PASSED AWAY SEPTEMBER 29, 2016.

Arden attended a small country school near Joice, Iowa in his youth. Through Bethel Lutheran Brethren Church Arden was compelled to attend Hillcrest Academy for three years, graduating in 1952. Arden stayed connected with his Hillcrest friends in college, rooming with Rollin, Glenn, and Burdean Rogness at Mason City Junior College. The four shared countless memories, including coming home to a flooded apartment. Arden served his country in the U.S. Army, spending most of his service in Germany where he took time to visit relatives in Norway, ski the Alps, and take in the sights of Europe. Arden would later return to Norway with a men’s choir from Lutheran Brethren Schools. Arden’s love for singing was evident by his deep bass voice that he used for the glory of God. He continued singing in church, joining a group called, “Sixteen Singing Men.” Arden and his wife, Marlyss, served their church faithfully together throughout their 60+ years of marriage.

NORMA (SOLLIE) SENUM (H’48) PASSED AWAY SEPTEMBER 8, 2016 Norma’s faith grew in Bronxville and at 59th Street Church in Brooklyn, NY. She attended Hillcrest Lutheran Academy, graduating in 1948, with long-lasting friendships she maintained throughout her lifetime. The Lord instilled in Norma a passion for mission and service in the church. Together with her husband, Odd Reidar Aas, who changed his last name to Senum, she helped establish the ministry of Tuscarora Inn and Conference Center in the early 1970s. Norma was a charter member of Mt. Bethel Lutheran Brethren Church (LBC) in Mt. Bethel, Pennsylvania. She served as a Deaconess and was active in the Women’s Ministries at Mt. Bethel LBC, calling her and Reidar to permanently relocate to Mt. Bethel, Pennsylvania so she could better serve. Norma was active in supporting both the Church of the Lutheran Brethren and Hillcrest Lutheran Academy. In 2008, Norma received the Alumna of the Year Award from Hillcrest. Blessed be the memory of Norma Senum.

Gaylord, known as G.T. to friends, grew up in Seattle, Washington and attended Kings Garden before enrolling for his senior year at Hillcrest in 1956. After graduation, G.T. attended Seattle Pacific University and entered the Lutheran Brethren Seminary on his path to joining the Army Chaplains in 1967.

Chaplain Gunhus served in the army for 36 years, pulling two tours in combat during Viet Nam. In 1999 he was appointed the Chief of Chaplains of the U.S. Army. He served in that role until retiring from active duty in 2003. In 2001 his office was hit by the 9/11 terrorist attack on the Pentagon. Chaplain Gunhus was in Minnesota at the time. Upon returning to the Pentagon, Gunhus led an initiative to build a chapel where the plane crashed. In retirement Chaplain Gunhus served as a consultant for Guideposts Outreach Ministry, forming supportive materials for Military Chaplains worldwide. He and his wife, Ann, also created a ministry to pastors of the Church of the Lutheran Brethren, taking them on a five-day retreat in the San Juan Islands aboard a boat to refresh and encourage the ministers. Chaplain Gunhus received the Distinguished Service Medal, the Legion of Merit with Oak Leaf Cluster, the Bronze Star Medal with Oak Leaf Cluster, the Meritorious Service Medal with two Oak Leaf Clusters, the Air Medal, the Army Commendation Medal with Oak Leaf Cluster, and the Parachutist Badge during his military service. Chapter 13 of Hillcrest’s Centennial book documents Gaylord Gunhus’ life, service, and ministry. The book will release at the Hillcrest Invitational Tournament, April 8-9, 2016.

AMANDA LUNDEEN (H’13) PASSED AWAY SEPTEMBER 7, 2016. Amanda participated in many mission experiences during her time at Hillcrest. Frequent trips to Ebenenzer Lutheran Church in Minneapolis resonated with Amanda’s heart for people. As Amanda ministered to people in the Phillips Neighborhood, her face would beam. In returning home she begged Hillcrest administrators to take another trip to share the Gospel in Minneapolis. After Hillcrest, Amanda ventured to Concordia College in Moorhead, Minnesota where she continued sharing her faith with others. She led Bible studies on campus as she continued to develop her heart for Jesus and the world in her studies. Amanda’s life was unexpectedly cut short in college. In her years on earth Amanda built many deep and formative relationships through her love for music, art, and writing. Many of her writings spoke to challenges in this life that were made whole in an understanding and relationship with Jesus Christ. Blessed be the memory of Amanda Lundeen.

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27 10am C entennial A ll School R eunion – H Activities C illcrest Stud enter ent 1pm R ibbon Cutti ng on J.H. Le vang Archi Reception ve – Former Room in H 6:30pm Se LA Main Hal nior Class N l ight – Hillcr est Studen t Activities Center SUNDAY, M AY 28 – 10am B accalaurea te & Comm encement Activities C – Hillcrest enter Student 1pm Pre sident Rec eption – Hill crest Studen t Union

Hillcrest Lutheran Academy 610 Hillcrest Drive Fergus Falls, MN 56537

10am- 3pm

2017 All School Alumni Reunion May 27, 2017 | 10am

If this is a reunion year for your class, keep an eye on your mailbox for the latest info.

2001 Football Champs

100 years of ministry

HILLCREST IS COMMEMORATING 2 SPECIAL CREATIONS THAT RELEASE THIS SPRING. Hillcrest is publishing an historical sketch of 20+ stories that mark 100 years of

ministry. Historian and author Steve Hoffbeck curated some of the best stories of Hillcrest from the past 100 years. The book includes an historical overview of Hillcrest’s founding, the trying times surrounding the first three decades of Hillcrest, the work of E.M. Broen as ounder of the high school, and the work of many graduates during wartime, along with the impact of others in professional careers. The book includes stories from each decade, with special segments that tie Hillcrest to the founding of Inspiration Point Bible Camp along with a retelling of the 2001 championship football team and a special retelling of Joseph Undseth’s life by his father, Steve Undseth.

The book is releasing at the Hillcrest Invitational Tournament, April 8, 2017. To reserve a copy, email Sheri Hohncke in the Alumni Office (shohncke@ffhillcrest.org) or visit www.ffhillcrest.org/hla100.

Class of 1920

WITH

The J.H. Levang Archive will house

meaningful artifacts from Hillcrest’s 100 years. A special display will hold all composites from the nearly 100 senior classes that have graduated. Other artifacts in the library will guide friends and families of Hillcrest to see how God has used Hillcrest to form faith in the Lutheran Brethren's high school ministry. Pictures of past leaders will will hang beside artifacts displayed in Hillcrest’s front hall in what used to be known as the reception room,(years ago it was the teacher’s lounge) in the main building on Hillcrest Academy's campus. The J.H. Levang Library will open graduation weekend, May 26-29, 2017.

ALUMNI NEWS

CLASS OF 1969 Frirst Row: Ellen (Vesta) Borseth, Mary Beth (Trones) Carlson, Sonja (Amberson) Kendall, Margarethe (Erickson) Swanson, Cheryl (Venberg) Anderson; Second Row: Renae Paulson, Barbara (Olsen) Heggland, Jeanene (Erickson) Engebretson, Linda (Skjei) Swenson, Lynne (Olson) Hemen, Angela (Anfinson) Dillon; Third Row: Cheryl (Soderquist) Brockmann, Sharon (Swensen) Hansen, June (Jensen) Bentson, Karin (Lundeen) Hill, Nancy (Gilbertson) Overland, Margaret (Omland) England; Fourth Row: Roy Heggland, John Langager, Les Rogness, David Simonson, Gary Lenander, Arne Vetrhus

CLASS OF 1979 Frirst Row: Dan Brue, Ruth (Peterson) Juliot, Robyn (Rogness) Barnett, Lindy (Olsoe) Freeman, Holly (Wold) Vigesaa, Kevin Patch; Second Row: Annie (Smalley) Jacobsen, Jolene (Kavlie) Kowalski, Kathie (Johnson) Seaver, Barb (Seaver) Mundis; Third Row: Mark Selvig, John Jacobsen, Brian Jensen, Todd Mathison, Jahn Dyvik

CLASS OF 1974 Frirst Row: Bob Eltrevoog, Jim Swensen, Tom Moline, Charlie Brue, Ricky Stoutland, Jeff Erickson, Mark Finnesgard, Dave Patch; Second Row: Heidi (Christianson) Mortenson, Elayne (Hanson) Michaelis, Becky (Jensen) Braisted, Loran Rogness, Steve Magstadt, Cindy (Holoien) Karlstrom, Barbara (Bleivik) Wilmot; Third Row: Rebekah Trochmann, Mary Ann (Werdal) Olson, Mim (Rangen) Patch, Gladys (Stedjan) Moline, Ginger (Strom) Reimers, Karin (Sabo) Olsoe, Lorraine (Moskeland) Mork

CLASS OF 1994 Frirst Row: Michelle (Soholt) Newman, Monica (Koslowsky) Collins, Kari (Swanson) Andrews; Second Row: Sara (Stumbo) Nelson, Brenda (Thompson) Ryan, Krista (Anderson) Fling, Becky (Kilde) Schultz, Naomi (Benjamin) Tofibam, Nichole Mundis; Third Row: Aaron Schultz, Jon Tengesdal, Evan Newman, Brooks Walter, Joel Synstelien, Chris Buttke, Corey Synstelien, Jeremy Whalon, Steve Gundersen. Not Pictured: Sarah (Voorhees) Thacker, Brent Backstrom.

Dave Jones, former HLA Choir Director, introduces an Alumni Choir selection at the 2014 Alumni Brunch.

2014 Golden Alumni (Class of 1964) receive special recognition from President Brue during the Alumni Brunch.

ALUMNI NEWS

240 Alumni & Friends gathered for the 2014 Alumni Brunch, the largest such gathering to date.

ALUMNI NEWS

2015 REUNION PHOTOS

CLASS OF 1945 Verna Mae (Haverly) Brue, Omar Gjerness (Seminary), Delores (Erickson) Sandberg

CLASS OF 1950 Elizabeth (Reynolds) Simonson, Don Raun, Junice (Slattum) DeGroot, Ardith (Kilde) Seaver

CLASS OF 1955 Front Row: Joyce (Osmundson) Boehland, Roseanne (Jorgenson) Smith, Anne (Sollie) Haegeland, Genelle (Osland) Blomquist, Ramona (Pedersen) Settergren, Helene (Ryen) Tostenson; Back Row: Gladys (Sandnes) Handeland, Phil Wold, Gordon Omland, Irv Peterson, Helen Peterson

CLASS OF 1960 Front Row: Nanci (Tryggestad) DeSmet, Ragnhild (Salte) Olsen, Linda (Lee) Mortenson, JoAnn (Aarhus) Gundersen, Barbara (Olsen) Salvesen; Second Row: Virginia (Nix) Stowbridge, Shirley (Osmundson) Henderson, Sharon (Erickson) Daines, Lois (Berglund) Thomsen; Third Row: Kenny Venberg, Verdeen Backstrom, David Thompson, Les Hansen, Ken Berge

GOLDEN ALUMNI

CLASS OF 1965

Frirst Row: Jean (Loge) DeVries, Carole (Sand) Gabrielson, Priscilla (Wold) Dutcher, Mary (Egge) Soltysik, Dawn (Gudim) Johnson, Jude (Walla) Heringer, Marlene (Klemetson) Dang, Ruth (Aarhus) Vallevik; Second Row: Gary Williams, Ruth (Lee) Ostergaard, Rachel (Quernemoen) Anderson, Claudia (Moline) Pryor, Jeanne (Vigesaa) Foss, David Larson; Third Row: James Walker, George Solberg, Mike Erickson, Dan Ostergaard, Dennis Erickson, Marvin Solberg, John Molstre; Fourth Row: Charles Orrestad, Denis Olson, David Sorensen, Chuck Eidem, Lee Rogness, Elroy Vesta, Richard Gunhus, LeRoy Tysdal

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ALUMNI NEWS

CLASS OF 1970 Mark Olsoe, Sheri (Fuhrman) Erickson, Joel Nordvedt, Sue (Madsen) Schmeling, Cheryl (Bjornlie) Olsen, Gaylen Mathiesen

CLASS OF 1975 Front Row: Mark Tungseth, Rhonda (Shiell) Hermanson, Myron Olsoe, Deborah (Abel) Gill, Joel Rogness; Back Row: Rolfe Sunwall, Martha (Thorson) Jacobs, Lois (Minchinton) Rogness, Dan Christenson, Marci (Ysteboe) Weisenberger

CLASS OF 1980

CLASS OF 1990

Front Row: Pete Gjerness, Delight (Werdal) McKnight, Tonia (Olsoe) Rubeo, Brian Halbakken; Back Row: Kevin Kvamme, John Stensrud, Paul Senum

Front Row: Cory Thompson, Brian Boss, Karen (Finlay) Curry, Sarah (Westby) Schultz, Dawn (Williams) Anderson, Joel Shiffer; Back Row: Darin Pasch, Russ Gravley, Chris Vall, Mark Everswick, Karsten Anderson, Chad Strand, Peter Foss

CLASS OF 2000 Alonna Johnson, Christine (Gundersen) Lawson, Joshua Sawyer, Matt Brue, Stacy Nilsen, Katherine Heggland

An Alumni Choir performs at the 2015 Alumni Brunch, directed by former HLA Choir Director, Dave Jones.

ALUMNI NEWS

Dennis Erickson (H’65) and Mark Tungseth (H’75), honor Vererans in song at the 2015 Alumni Brunch, accompanied by Cathy (Brue) Tungseth (H’82).

2015 Golden Alumni (Class of 1965) receive special recognition from President Brue during the Alumni Brunch.

ALUMNI NEWS

Ken Austin was a familiar face on the Hillcrest campus for many years. He served in the LBS Alumni Office from 1990 - 2002. Chaplain Kenneth “Ken” Austin (S'90), 76, of Underwood, MN died Tuesday, October 27, 2015, at Sanford Medical Center in Fargo, North Dakota. Ken was born on December 11, 1938, in Minot, ND the son of Theodore and Frances (Ewen) Austin. He grew up in Minot and graduated from Minot High School in 1957. He served his country in the National Guard from 1956 to 1962. On February 15, 1959, he married Mavis Field in Minot, ND. He started working at the age of 8 at a vegetable farm. Over the years he worked for Broten Lumberyard in Minot, foreman at Peavy lumAllen John Foss (H'54, S'63), 77, passed away Wednesday, April 23, 2014 at the Henderson House. Allen was born June 24, 1936 on the family farm at Maddock, North Dakota to Johnnie and Florence (Skovholt) Foss. He attended school in Hesper and Maddock, North Dakota and graduated from Hillcrest Lutheran Academy in Fergus Falls, MN in 1954. Allen graduated from Concordia College in 1959 and taught high school science for a time. He graduated from the Lutheran Brethren Seminary in Fergus Falls Allen Foss in 1963. He was married to Goldie Stueckle of Dusty, Washington on August 24, 1959. Allen was first called to serve the Bethel Lutheran Brethren Church in Aitkin, MN and continued to serve churches in Bottineau, ND, Ottawa, IL, East Hartland, CT, Everett, WA and Yuma, AZ from 1963 to 2000 before retiring in Everett, WA. He served as President for both Eastern and Western Districts of the Church of the Lutheran Brethren. Allen also served on various Synod boards and authored two books for Christian instruction. After retiring in 2000 he served as interim pastor in Marysville and Lynnwood, WA. He also enjoyed wood-working during his retirement years. Allen and Goldie built a home and moved to Colfax, WA in 2011. Artt E. Christofferson (H'54), 78, went home to his heavenly Father, March 25, 2014, surrounded by his family in Billings, MT.

Artt Christofferson

Artt was born November 12, 1935 to Harold and

beryard in Glen Ullin as well as an International dealer. While in Glen Ullin he traveled to Dickinson every Sunday where he helped start a church. In 1972 Ken moved to Bismarck to help start Grace Lutheran Brethren church. He went into real estate from 1972 to 1987. In 1987 he moved to Fergus Falls to attend The Lutheran Brethren Seminary and graduated in 1990. After seminary he worked for Hillcrest in the Alumni and Home Missions department. During that time he also served Aurdal and Messiah Lutheran churches in the Fergus Falls area. In 2002, he became the fulltime chaplain for Lutheran Brethren Homes (Broen Memorial Home) and served until his death. He was a member of the Underwood Lions and over the years was very active in the churches he attended. He loved gardening, coin collecting, metal detecting; time spent with his family, and loved to tell tall tales with his brothers. He so loved his family and was very proud of them all. Some of his greatest joys were officiating at many weddings and baptisms for his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Ovedia (Solberg) Christofferson in Malta. He grew up on the family farm. Artt’s father, Harold, passed away in October of 1949 when Artt was 14. That was a very long hard winter and he and his brother, Arve, stayed home to help their mother care for the cattle. When fall came and it was time to go back to school, he did not want to be a year behind his friends. Three of his siblings were already attending Lutheran Brethren Schools in Fergus Falls, Minnesota, so he decided that was where he would like to attend high school. He enjoyed playing basketball and when he was a senior he was elected Student Body President. Upon graduation in 1954 he returned to the family farm in Malta. Artt married Joan Hendrickson on December 21, 1956. To this union were born three children, Ross Everette, Bruce Allan and Jan DeVere. He was an active member of Elim Lutheran Church, serving as Elder for 25 years and various other boards. He was a member of Gideons and enjoyed passing out Bibles for 30 years. He also served on the Malta School Board for 6 years, Malta Hospital Board and Malta Opportunities. David Eugene Erdahl (H'71) passed away on January 22, 2014 in Gresham, Oregon. He was 60 years of age. David was born on May 26, 1953 in Bellingham, Washington, the son of Gene and Gertie (Larsen) Erdahl. He grew up in Ferndale, Washington and graduated from Hillcrest Lutheran Academy in Fergus Falls, Minnesota. On June 9, 1972, he married Ordell Bjordahl in Grand Forks, North Dakota and in 1976 David Erdahl they moved to

IN MEMORY Gresham. David worked for 34 years for Boeing retiring in 2011 as a Production Supervisor. Family was David's life. He was a devoted husband, dad and grandpa and adored his many friends. He enjoyed fishing, hunting, camping and boating and enjoyed trips to Mexico. Carol Jean (Anderson) Friberg (H'52), age 80 of Chicago passed away on Sunday November 30, 2014. She is survived by ten children: David (beloved late Jody Conrad), Dan (Carol), Steve, Tim, Sharon (Larry) Schnoor), Debbie (Randy) Spradlin, Paul (Melissa), Martha (Terry) Whalen, Phil (Julio Babian), and Peter (Tara) and 15 grandchildren: Johnathan, Josh, Dana (Dan) Hendrickson, Carol Friberg Tom, Alison (Enrique) Cook, Tina, Jacob, Rachel, Mariah, Kyle, John, Sarah, Pricilla, Katie and Tyler. Mrs. Friberg was preceded in death by her husband Stanley. Jeanette (Halvorson) Jacobson was born on December 9, 1923 in Northwood, ND to Jentoft and Josephine (Hanson) Halvorson. She was their second daughter, following her older twin sister, Jeanive, into the world by about four minutes. Jeanette also had one younger sister, Judy. When Jeanette was about five years old, the Halverson’s moved to Grand Forks, ND, where her Dad worked as a barber. Jeanette was confirmed on May 29, 1938 and graduated from high school on May 29, 1941. After graduation, Jeanette attended Lutheran Brethren Bible College in Fergus Falls, MN. Jeanette Jacobson There, in the fall of 1941, she met her future husband, Gaylord Jacobson, who was attending seminary. They were married on May 29, 1943. The Lord blessed this marriage with five children: Gayolyn Annette, Gwendolyn Jeanive, Roger Jerome, Cheryl Jeanette and Charlene Joy. All five of their children graduated from Hillcrest Lutheran Academy. Jeanette ministered with Gaylord for 44 years in several churches. Jeanette’s many roles included organist, pianist, choir director, choir and string band member, Sunday School teacher and superintendent as well as Vacation Bible School Director. During this time, she also taught private piano lessons, worked as an EMT and as a home health care provider.

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ALUMNI NEWS

MEMORIALS CONTINUED The Jacobson’s retired from full-time ministry in 1986 and moved to Platte, SD. In 1991, Jeanette’s twin sister and brother-in-law, Jeanive & Gordy Solheim, also retired and moved to Platte, placing the twins in the same location once again. They saw or spoke to each other several times a day and often showed up unintentionally dressed alike. Jeanette enjoyed music, board games, jigsaw puzzles, scrapbooking, reading, baking, entertaining guests, visiting the elderly and having members of her large family around her. On Tuesday, March 17, 2015, at the age of 91 years, 3 months and 8 days, Jeanette met Jesus face to face. Her last words spoken on this earth were “I see angels,” and then they escorted her Home. Jeanette leaves an incredible legacy of a woman of great faith and trust in Jesus, whom she declared was her best friend. Kermit L. Kvamme, 77, was born February 26, 1938 to Ludvig and Olga (Haarstad) Kvamme on the family farm near Rollag, MN. The family moved to Minneapolis when Ludvig and Olga became employed at Augsburg College in 1946, so young Kermit grew up on the campus of Augsburg. Kermit met his best friend and high school sweetheart, Grace Anderson, at Minnehaha Academy. They sang in Kermit Kvamme the Minnehaha Singers

Joel Lunde was an institution at LBS. He served on the faculty from 1963 - 1995. Rev. Joel S. Lunde (H'45), 88, passed away Thursday, March 26, 2015, at Lake Region Healthcare in Fergus Falls. He was born on December 13, 1926 to Jens and Elizabeth (Bakken) Lunde in Rochert, MN. He attended a rural school, and graduated from Hillcrest Academy in 1945. Joel continued his education at Concordia College in Moorhead, MN, graduating in 1948. He then entered the National Guard for a short time before going to Seminary, graduating in 1951. Joel married Alice Nordtvedt on June 18, 1954 in Ferndale, Washington. They went to Paris, France, where they studied French before going to Africa as missionaries. Joel was involved in translation work and spent time in the villages with the people. He was also director of the seminary before coming home. Due to illness, they left Africa in 1961.

ALUMNI NEWS

together, were engaged before graduation, and married on February 8th, 1958. They had four children, Scott, Kevin, Billi Jo, and Missi, all born in MN. Kermit's lifelong career in sales started in Minneapolis but ended up taking him and the family all over the United States with stops in Central Minnesota, Minot, Bismarck, Billings, Denver, and Phoenix. After retirement, Kermit and Grace moved to Fergus Falls, MN in 2004 to be near their kids and grandkids. Kermit trusted Christ as His Lord and Savior and led his own family to know and trust in Jesus. He and Grace were very active as a team in numerous Lutheran Brethren congregations. Many people have been blessed by Kermit's enthusiastic song-leading, whether at the pulpit or around a campfire, and his heart and home was always open to friends and family. Kermit believed that a Christian education was a valuable gift to his children, sending all four of them to Hillcrest Academy in Fergus Falls. In recent years, Kermit was involved with fundraising for Hillcrest, which he loved. He was a faithful fan at Hillcrest sports events, where his booming "DEFENSE Red!" will surely be missed. Kermit was a man of many talents and interests, with a larger-than-life personality. He was known for his hearty laugh, encouraging words, generous & tender heart, spiritual leadership, kindness, and loyal friendship. He loved singing and playing his guitar, hunting, golfing, fishing, boating, camping, auto racing, classic cars, NFL football, going to concerts and events, dinners out with friends, and spending time with his grandchildren. Joel served as Senior Pastor of the 59th Street Church in Brooklyn, NY, until 1963, when he accepted a call to teach at the Lutheran Brethren Seminary, Bible College and Hillcrest Academy in Fergus Falls, retiring in 1995. Throughout the years, Joel served churches in North Dakota, New Jersey, New York and Minnesota, serving in interim pastorates while teaching at the schools. Joel had a deep love for his Savior and expressed that love in many ways, including his love for the people in Africa, for his students, and in his chalk drawings which he did using black lights and a tape to enhance them. He did these in many churches and organizations and many are still found in some of the places where he drew them. He also founded and directed the Bible School Choir (Good News Singers) and toured Norway in 1981. In retirement, Joel drove school bus and motor coach for OtterTail Coaches. He loved to hunt, fish, chop and sell wood, collect stamps, and had a very large garden every year. Most of all, Joel was a devoted husband, father and grandfather. He loved us all and prayed for each of us by name.

Throughout his life, until the hour of his passing, Kermit would state that he trusted Christ for his salvation, believed that his sins were forgiven, and took comfort that God knew the number of his days here on earth. He passed peacefully at home, early Sunday morning, August 16, 2015. Esther (Monsen) Markland (H'48), 84, went home to be with the Lord on Friday, August 29, 2014. Esther was the eldest daughter born on January 13, 1930 in Milwaukee, WI, and was preceded in death by her parents Andy and Beda and step-mother, Elna (Norman) Monsen. As a pastor's daughter, and pastor and missionary's wife for 56 years, Esther lived in many places: WI, MT, ND, MN, NY, CT, FL, France, Chad & Cameroon (Africa). Esther's greatest joy was being wife and helpmate to her husband, Finn, mother of four children, grandmother of 10, servant of God, prayer warrior and Esther Markland Bible student & teacher. She was musically talented and enjoyed playing the piano or singing in church. She was an exemplary model of Christian faith, demonstrating grace, love and hospitality to all. Her gentle spirit and strength of character were a lesson of faithfulness that influenced many in their walk with Christ. Her favorite indulgence was any kind of ice cream, usually taken from Finn's bowl. Philip R. Olson (H'48), the son of Elmer and Amelia (Pederson) Olson was born April 10, 1925 in Eleva, WI. He graduated from Hillcrest Lutheran Academy. Philip then attended Bible College for a year, before going on to attend Seminary. On October 22, 1949, Philip was united in marriage with Evelyn Philip Olson Wartdal in Brooklyn, NY. After their marriage the couple lived in Conrad, MT before moving to Sioux Falls in 1962. Philip was employed as a carpenter with Swift Brothers, Ken Olson Construction, and then Gordon Carlson Construction, retiring in 1999. Evelyn died November 14, 2013. Philip was a member of First Evangelical Free Church, the Norse Glee Club, and a lifetime member of the Lowell Elementary PTA. He greatly enjoyed singing, and sang for over 60 years. Philip traveled with a singing quartet that performed in over 42 states, Norway, and Denmark. Ruth Helene (Lokkesmoe) Shirk (H'39) was born on Oak Street in Red Wing, Minnesota on

ALUMNI NEWS September 15, 1922 to Julius and Alpha (Sunde) Lokkesmoe. In a first grade play she dressed the part of a nurse and determined to one day be that person. She did—completing her RN training at Swedish Hospital in Minneapolis in 1945. Her forty year nursing career carried her primarily to Deaconess Hospital in Spokane, WA and Newport Community Hospital in Newport, WA. Ruth met Charles Shirk in 1949 at Simpson Bible College in Seattle. They were married August 27, 1950 in Berkeley, CA. Ruth and Chuck had two children—Carol (1952) David (1955). After Charles died in 1978 mom’s role as beloved family matriarch increased to grandmother of seven and great-grandRuth Shirk mother of eighteen—the newest baby girl born six weeks before her passing. Mom’s heartfelt prayers for our family remain solid ground beneath us. From her early years Ruth answered the invitation to know God through His Son. Her unwavering faith inspired family and friends. She was eager to meet Jesus face to face and gain eternal life. Once again her pure soprano rises in song. Eric Simonsen (H'82), 50, died Sunday, April 26, 2015, at his home. He was born December 12, 1964, in Staten Island, NY to Peter and Janice (Jensen) Simonsen. He attended school at Coronado High School in Colorado Springs, CO and graduated from Hillcrest Academy in Fergus Falls in 1982. He then attended Bethel College in St. Paul and graduated with an Associate degree in 1986. On August 7, 1993, he married Elisabeth Bronson in Bunker Hill, NJ. Eric was a Master carpenter and owner of Simonsen Construction, working in New York, New Jersey, Minnesota and North Dakota. In 2012-2013, he did shoreline restoration and in 2014, he worked as a framer with Precise

Carpentry and was a painter with Newman Painting.

quartets, lovely duets with Helen, and as a soloist to bring praise to his Lord. He was a voracious reader and avid golfer, and could always be seen supporting his family and all church events.

Eric’s faith was very important to him. He has most recently been a member of Bethel Lutheran Brethren Church of Fergus Falls. He enjoyed spending time with his family, auto Eric Simonsen repair and restoration of classic cars and hunting and gardening. Reverend Robert Magnus Sletta (H'46, S'53), 86, went home to be with his Lord on September 27, 2014, his 62nd wedding anniversary. Born in Chicago, IL, he spent 5 years of his childhood in Norway and then returned to the United States. He graduated high school from Hillcrest Lutheran Academy, then received his Bachelor of Arts from Augsburg College. He went to seminary at Church of the Lutheran Brethren, Fergus Falls, MN, was ordained in 1953, served on the Board of the Church of the Lutheran Brethren and was editor of the Faith and Fellowship. He later obtained a Master of Arts in History from California State University. Robert served as a Lutheran Brethren pastor in churches in Wisconsin, Minnesota, New Jersey, New York, and California. He also served as Chaplain for the Norwegian Christian Home in Brooklyn, NY and for the Griggstown Volunteer Fire Department. Following his retirement, he served as Interim Pastor for Griggstown Reformed Church and Windsor Chapel. Robert Sletta He was much loved in every church he served especially with his gift for visitation. He used his beautiful tenor voice in church choirs, traveling

ALUMNI UPDATES 1960’s

Bertha (Westerman) Williams (H'62) writes: I recently moved from Ohio to South Dakota and would love to reconnect with classmates. Please feel free to contact me by mail or phone at: PO Box 164, Sisseton, SD 57262 or 605-268-1590. Jeff Richards (H'68) recently spent time preaching & teaching in Ukraine and the Congo through his mission organization, Global Teaching and Preaching (globalteachingandpreaching.com). In the Congo 405 pastors were present for the teaching and preaching which was held every day from 9 a.m. until 5 p.m. at the Free Methodist Church of Baraka. "We taught them leadership, Bible study methods, the book of Romans and theology. I had a capable interpreter who translated very well, though there were a few times he gave me a look which said he did not understand. It is impossible for them to obtain theological education in this part of the Congo, so we come to them." Read more at: http://tinyurl.com/congotrip and http://tinyurl.com/kievmission

Palmer Valder (H'39) was born April 16, 1919, in Honan Province, China, where his parents, Peter and Olga (Tungseth) Valder were Lutheran Brethren missionaries. Palmer lived there for seven years and became fluent in Chinese, though later in life he had forgotten it all, except one song, "Into my Heart, Come Palmer Valder into my Heart, Lord Jesus." From China the family traveled back to Norway and then to Mayville, ND, before settling in Ferndale Washington. His father continued to make several more trips back to China and Taiwan during his missionary career. Palmer attended school in Ferndale until his sophomore year when he transferred to LBS. It was at LBS that he met the love of his life, Wava Lorene Ramsey who was from Joice, Iowa. They both graduated in 1939. Palmer and Wava were happily married on Valentines Day in 1942, soon after WWII began. Later that year, Palmer enlisted in the Army Air Corp and served for nearly 4 years until the war ended in 1945. Palmer and Wava lived in Cedar Falls, IA, while he attended Iowa State Teachers College, then in Waterloo, IA where he worked in furniture sales. In 1957, they moved with their three daughters, Sharon, Joanne and Marilyn, to Minneapolis, MN, where they lived for the next 35 years and were actively involved in Ebenezer LB Church. Palmer loved music! In his youth he was involved in a string band, and continued on to enjoy variMemorials continued on the back cover...

1970’s

Deborah (Abel) Gill (H'75) writes: Although my time with classmates was brief, I really was happy to be at the Alumni Brunch in May. I spent 4 weeks in Minnesota visiting my parents- John and Ruby Abel and 5 of my children, now living in Minneapolis. I am back in Brazil with my husband Fred and 6 children. Two are married and work here. The Lord is faithful and I hope to get back for more Alumni reunions. I'll look forward to getting the Alumni news and pictures.

We LOVE Hearing From You! (so do your classmates)

Big News? New Baby? Address Change? Let us know! Send your updates to connection@ffhillcrest.org or submit them online at www.ffhillcrest.org/update

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MEMORIALS

CONTINUED FROM PG 31

ous forms of music in church, community sings, and with his family at home. One of his great delights was listening to Wava's beautiful voice and gifted piano playing. One of the special ministries he loved was going to the VA hospital in Minneapolis with his good friend, Vernon Blikstad, and sharing the gospel with the veterans and giving away Bibles. After they retired, Palmer and Wava moved back to Iowa and settled in Joice. Most recently, he and Wava lived together in Pioneer Cottages Assisted Living in Fergus Falls. They attended Bethel LB as often as possible, and enjoyed the visits of dear friends until he went to be with the Lord. Palmer will be lovingly remembered for his cheerful, optimistic attitude toward life, his strong faith in Jesus Christ, and for his emphatic exclamation "Praise the Lord!" after a particularly moving song at church. Maynard O. Walvatne (H'55) was born on July 4, 1937 in Fergus Falls, Minnesota, the son of Otto and Martha (Sethre) Walvatne. He attended school in Fergus Falls, graduating from Hillcrest Lutheran Academy in 1955. Maynard went on to attend the Wahpeton State School of Science, graduating in 1957 in auto repair. After graduation, Maynard worked at Fergus Nash Motor Company, Southside Repair, and managed the Conoco gas station. In 1959 he operated Walvatne Sinclair Service. He opened his own business, Walvatne Auto Repair, in 1963.

Maynard Walvatne Falls.

On June 24, 1961, Maynard married Patricia Bjerkebek at Bethel Lutheran Brethren Church in Fergus

After basic training at Lackland Air Force Base in Texas, he spent time as a flight line mechanic in the North Dakota Air National Guard. He was involved in beginning the Inspiration Lutheran Brethren Church in Breckenridge, MN, serving as elder there as well as an elder later at Bethel Lutheran Church, Fergus Falls. In his spare time, Maynard enjoyed golfing, horseshoes, traveling, and meeting with morning coffee men ("The Senate") at his repair shop. One of Maynard's greatest enjoyments in his later years was to get up early, drive to the shop, and fire up the wood stove. "The Senate" would then Sam Stensrud and Levi Chase show off their team's robot and explain the competition process to the student body. Hillcrest students participate in a team called Central Lakes Robotics.

HILLCREST STUDENTS ARE TAKING HOME AWARDS IN MATH & ENGINEERING - Winner of the Tri-College math competition 6 of the last 7 years. Students individually placed 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 5th, 7th and 8th out of 2000 students in the upper level high school competition. - Hillcrestâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s robotics and engineering class recently won the regional competition, cleaning off the awards table earning 13 of 16 possible awards.

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CAMPUS NEWS

Seasons Change but Christ Remains the Same Hillcrest celebrates Christmas as a family. By Wil Twedt “Will you take a picture with me?” seemed to be the statement most said at the Christmas banquet. The banquet was held in the old gym

and was followed by a Late Night Variety Show hosted by Craig Nersten. The Christmas banquet is a formal gathering of students,

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teachers, and staff to celebrate Christmas as a school and family. The evening began with the school’s string ensemble playing music as the students and teachers mingled and found their seats. After prayer, the meal was served to the guests. When everyone was done eating the program was opened with the Norwegian and Korean students each singing a traditional song from their culture. This year's banquet speaker was Dean Erkenbrack, who has worked at Hillcrest for over 30 years. He spoke of how, although many years have passed, the school remains Christ-centered. He shared stories of students who have changed his life, and whom he has had the opportunity to minister to over the years. “This Christmas Banquet was the best ever,” said Mr. Peterson,

student council advisor. "Hillcrest staff members and the student council worked together to create a very festive atmosphere, complete with special lighting, decorations and plenty of Christmas trees. The junior high did a great job helping out with the serving of food and cleaning. The Late Night Show was also very well put together.” (Left) Dean Erkenbrack speaking at the Christmas Banquet (Below, Clockwise from left) Danielsen students sing a Norwegian Christmas carol. Cody Joy and Christina Hardie enjoy the banquet. A group of Norwegian, Korean and American students pose for a picture after the banquet. Josh Wolderich and Hanne Hove pose for a picture at their table.

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CAMPAIGN REPORT CARD AS OF MARCH 1, 2011

Florida Fresh Breeze Gathering

89 Pledges Received

$3.65 Million Thomas & Esther Thorkildsen, Steve Brue

$1.35 Million 27% Remains

73% Received in Cash and Pledges

Gifting Table

Remaining Gifts Needed to Complete Goal 1 1 1 1

- $500,000 - $250,000 - $100,000 - $75,000

5 - $50,000 5 - $25,000 6 - $10,000 Many - < $10,000

Fresh Breeze Initiatives Allan & Betty Fischer, Nancy Thompson

Andy & Margaret White

• Gym debt of $1 Million will be paid off on May 31, 2011. • Scholarship awards will begin next school year.

$5 Million Goal

Elsie & John Helgesen, June Karlsen

Fresh Breeze is Already Making a Significant Impact at Hillcrest

 Eliminate remaining debt on the Student Activities Center - $1.1 Million  Renovation of classroom section and installation of new HVAC system - $1.8 Million  Adding endowments for ongoing scholarships, academic programs and facility costs - $300,000+  Funding for professional development, salary increases and curriculum development - $200,000  Five year Annual Fund support - $1.6 Million

• Campaign has enhanced annual fund support with significant Club membership growth. • Tuition is able to remain competitive. The annual fund provides a tuition subsidy of almost 20%.

Fresh Breeze Gatherings are Happening Across the Country Oct. 2010 - Fergus Falls Oct. 2010 - Pennsylvania Feb. 2011 - Florida Feb. 2011 - California Mar. 2011 - Washington Mar. 2011 - Arizona Jun. 2011 - East Coast

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WHERE DO THEY COME FROM? DEREK LILLISTOLEN East Hartland, Connecticut Derek’s father pulled almost half of the Hillcrest Band aside when they visited his church in April, 2011. Derek’s dad wanted to make sure that what he heard and read regarding Hillcrest was accurate. Following the exploration, Derek attended as a Junior and made an impact at Hillcrest in his first year. He was granted the position of student body chaplain by the faculty and administration and has taken on a leadership role in praise and worship chapel services.

SUZY HOOPS Jackson, Mississippi Suzy traveled to Hillcrest with her parents last winter to visit. Despite the chilly weather, the Hoops family found Hillcrest warm and the faculty and staff with a special heart of care and concern. Suzy came to Hillcrest looking for a different high school experience. During her first semester in the castle Suzy has developed life-long friendships and continues to step out of her comfort zone by leading worship and joining the cheerleading squad.

ALEJANDRO GARCIA Mexico City, Mexico The first few hours at Hillcrest can be overwhelming, unless you’re Alejandro Garcia. Arriving at Hillcrest with his Father in August, Alejandro took to the dorms right away. While his Father settled matters, Alejandro began to explore and had made life-long friendships within the first week. Alejandro’s attitude has remained positive. His understanding of Jesus Christ is increasing as he spends time in Bible classes and with dormitory mentors.

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JANAYA CAINES Pagent, Bermuda A transition to Minnesota from Bermuda would wipe the smile off anyone’s face, unless you’re Janaya Caines. Raised by her parents to know Jesus Christ, Janaya came to Hillcrest to increase her GPA while also rebuilding her relationship with Jesus. After her first semester at Hillcrest she is well on her way to achieving those goals.

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THIS YEAR, HILLCREST STUDENTS COME FROM 14 STATES AND 13 COUNTRIES INCLUDING BERMUDA, CHINA, ETHIOPIA, HONG KONG, MEXICO, NORWAY, RUSSIA, SOUTH KOREA, TAIWAN, THAILAND, UKRAINE AND VIETNAM.

OLEG CHERNYSHOV St. Petersburg, Russia Oleg applied to Hillcrest this past summer, and as the seasons changed from fall to winter, he didn't seem to be phased by the precipitous fall into negative temperatures. Apparently, Oleg is no stranger to weather extremes. Attending school at Hillcrest is much different than his native Russia, but Oleg has committed to a spiritual search during his time at Hillcrest. Thankfully there is no shortage of friends and mentors to provide deep answers for serious questions that have arisen throughout Oleg’s first semester at Hillcrest.

JASON YOU Seoul, South Korea Attending school in Fergus Falls feels like a trip to Narnia for Jason You. He describes Seoul as a concrete jungle, while Hillcrest’s surrounding community with trees, lakes and farm fields is a treasured landscape that has been appreciated during his 3 years at Hillcrest. Through his holistic education in Hillcrest’s classrooms, dormitories and mission experiences, Jason is convinced of the truths of the Bible. His mission now is to communicate Jesus Christ to his parents, and he is finding a host of support from his mentors and friends at Hillcrest.

FEVEN TADESSE Adaba, Ethiopia Feven came to Hillcrest after a year in Kentucky. Facing some obstacles, Feven looked for a warm and loving dormitory environment. She found it at Hillcrest. Her goals of building community and growing close to influential young women have been evident. She is excelling both in her academic achievement and cross-cultural communication at Hillcrest.

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