Westwind, Spring 2011

Westwind wallawalla.edu/westwind

The Journal of Walla Walla University Spring 2011

In Their Words

What it means to be a nurse

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Contents

Building for Today and Tomorrow Chris Drake

14

Westwind Spring 2011, Volume 30, Number 1 Editor Rosa Jimenez Writers Ally Collins, Jennifer Jorgenson, Becky St. Clair, Kevin Waite Cover Photo Stephen Funk Design Robert Car Graphics About the cover Lynae Moor is a 1978 nursing graduate.

Photo above Nursing students attend core classes in a new classroom at the university’s School of Nursing campus in Portland, Ore.

4

Campus Current

9

In Their Words

14

Building for Today and Tomorrow

16

Here’s Looking at You, Gary

20

Alumni Interview

23

Alumnotes

29

In Memory

30

Calendar

31

From My Point of View

32

College Avenue Crossings

Walla Walla University is a community of faith and discovery committed to – Excellence in thought – Generosity in service – Beauty in expression – Faith in God Westwind is published three times a year for alumni and friends of Walla Walla University, a Seventh-day Adventist institution. It is produced by Marketing and Enrollment Services/University Relations. This issue was printed in March 2011.

Third-class postage is paid at College Place, Wash. © 2011 by Walla Walla University.

Westwind/University Relations 204 S. College Ave. College Place, WA 99324 Telephone: (509) 527-2397 Toll-free: (800) 541-8900 E-mail: westwind@wallawalla.edu Online: westwind.wallawalla.edu

Spring 2011 Westwind 3

Campus Current

Tax Team

Pastor Mentors

wwudrama

Art in the Laboratory

S

students earlier in the quarter. Once the pigments dried, the pigment was mixed with a binder to hold it on whatever media the artist chooses. In this lab, the students applied the pigment to paper.

“Further reading following the workshop last summer led me to use dyes used in early pigment lakes and binder materials that were realistic to the world of art, but quick-drying enough to use in a three-hour lab setting,” says Lee. Since only a small portion of Lee’s general chemistry students are actually chemistry majors, Lee often finds himself explaining to students the practical applications chemistry lab has.

“This experiment provides one answer by connecting what we do in the laboratory with materials used by artists,” says Lee. “Ever since the days of alchemists, artists have worked with chemists to get the colored substances for their artwork. For chemistry majors, this connection with art provides a view of how a professional chemist might work with or even for artists.” Q

Chris Drake

cience and the arts don’t always intersect. However, Steve Lee, professor of chemistry at Walla Walla University, has found a new way to help his students see how science and the arts can and often do work together.

“I’m always looking for opportunities to connect chemistry to other disciplines,” says Lee. “At a workshop last summer I saw what other professors are doing in general education chemistry courses built around the chemistry involved in art materials. I was able to do a few of the syntheses and decided to craft the process to work in my own laboratories.”

In his fall quarter general chemistry laboratory, Lee’s students synthesized two agents: a Prussian Blue pigment and a pigment lake. The lake is a pigment created by coprecipitating a dye in a solid precipitate, in this case using a substance synthesized by

4 Westwind Spring 2011

Campus Current

Biologists to the Rescue

David Cowles

Photo courtesy of Olympic National Park Visitor Center

Dam Removal Project Initiates Protection of Mussel Species

O

n Washington State’s Olympic Peninsula, the Elwha River flows north into the Strait of Juan de Fuca.

“Testimony of Indian tribes and early settlers describe an Elwha River abundant with several species of salmon,” explains David Cowles, professor of biology at Walla Walla University. “However, fish runs collapsed after dams without fish passages were constructed in the early 1900s.”

While fish passages were required for dams built during this period, enforcement of these requirements was lax. In the 1980s, dam operators, after learning the dams would not be recertified unless fish ladders were constructed, opted to sell the dams to the U.S. government. Federal officials then decided that the most cost-effective solution would be to remove the aging dams.

“This is the largest dam removal project ever attempted in the United States,” says Cowles.

“Experts have determined that 16 million cubic yards of mud and sediment will scour out some places and accumulate heavily in others, quite possibly destroying much of the life in the river. The river is even expected to change course in some places due to sediment buildup.”

Though scientists and government agencies have studied the fish, birds, forest, invertebrates, and the ocean at the river’s mouth, Cowles discovered no one had considered the river’s freshwater mussels—a species he and a graduate student had recently studied.

“Mussels are one of the largest native invertebrates likely to be found in the river,” he says. “The United States is actually the world center for mussel diversity.”

The species found in the Elwha River, the western pearlshell, is particularly finicky, often dying when the stream it lives in is disThe western pearlshell, the species of mussel found in the Elwha River, range in size from 5.5 to 9 centimeters.

turbed. Its life cycle is closely tied to salmon because the larvae ride on salmon gills to reach a new location in which they will grow.

Cowles and WWU biology graduate student Layla Cole designed a study to see whether there were any freshwater mussels left in the river or its tributaries, and, if so, where and in what condition. In addition to a snorkel survey of the river from the upper dam to the ocean, Cowles and Cole conducted a foot survey of some of the river’s side streams and a boat survey of the reservoirs.

Their research unexpectedly turned into a rescue mission when they inspected an area of the river that had been drained as part of the dam removal process last July.

“Over 200 mussels were beginning to dry out in the sun, so we asked the bulldozers to stop and began collecting mussels from right under the dozer blades,” recalls Cowles. “Soon our hands were full so I took off my coat, which we also filled with mussels.”

Upstream they found a population of mussels which Cowles suspects could be over 100 years old.

Since the mussels were located in an area almost certain to be smothered by sediment when the dams are removed, Cowles returned with

The removal of the Elwha River Dam, which was constructed nearly 100 years ago, is the largest project of its kind in the United States.

biologists from the Washington Department of Ecology and Olympic National Park. Together they removed all the mussels they could find and transplanted them to a side stream that is expected to escape the flow of sediment.

The project is projected to take several years, pausing only when migrating salmon or salmon fry (young salmon) are in the river.

Scientists hope to let the water level drop and the sediment flow at a time when there are few, if any, salmon fry in the river.

“Much of the river is in pristine National Park land, but the dam has blocked normal fish migration for nearly 100 years,” Cowles says.

“Because of this, it is expected that removal of the dams has a great potential for restoring healthy conditions in the river.” Q Spring 2011 Westwind 5

Campus Current

Steps to the Ministry

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early 400 students have earned theology degrees at Walla Walla University.

For many of these graduates, their degree was the first step to becoming a Seventh-day Adventist pastor.

And for some of these graduates, the road to becoming a pastor also included a real-life ministry experience as a college student.

In the late 1990s, the Upper Columbia Conference of Seventhday Adventists partnered with WWU to create a mentoring program for aspiring pastors.

“The purpose of this program is twofold,” says Dave Thomas, dean of the School of Theology.

“First, it is to give students who think they are sensing a call to ministry an opportunity to clarify that sense of calling. The second purpose is to allow those who find themselves confirmed in their calling to get real-life exposure to ministry. They get to see and do pastoral work for themselves.”

Thanks to the university and church partnership, 10 paid pastor internship positions are available every year, with additional students occasionally going through the mentorship program without pay.

“I have watched students sort out their sense of calling in the program,” says Thomas. “This adds a very valuable practical dimension to undergraduate work in theology.”

All pastor mentors must be employed in ministry and spend an hour each week in direct dia-

6 Westwind Spring 2011

logue with the student.

Students are expected to spend seven hours each week in local church work, and craft a “soul-winning” project for the year, on which they are expected to report following their year of mentorship.

Due to travel constraints, participating churches are based in the Walla Walla Valley. To take part in the program, students are encouraged to visit local churches, take time to talk with the pastors, and select the one with whom they wish to work. Local pastors are also encouraged to visit the WWU campus and seek out students whom they would like to mentor.

John Bradshaw, recent pastor of the Village Seventh-day Adventist Church in College Place, mentored sophomore theology major Andrew Abbott.

“Whatever I did, he did with me,” says Bradshaw, who is now the speaker and director for the television ministry It Is Written.

“Nothing he did was contrived, artificial, abstract, or detached from what he’d actually be doing as a pastor. We anointed the sick, visited the dying, participated in funeral services together, attended board and committee meetings together, brainstormed for sermons, and talked at length about

Austin Nystrom, senior theology and Spanish major, leads a mid-week youth group meeting. Pastor Doug Brown of the Walla Walla City Church is mentoring Nystrom.

all kinds of aspects of pastoral ministry. There’s no question that one day Andrew would be doing the same things in his own ministry, so whatever there was to do on a given day, that’s what we did—together.”

Bradshaw saw Abbott develop-

ing and growing as he continued through the mentoring program.

“I have learned a lot from Pastor Bradshaw,” says Abbott. “His advice and personal coaching in combination with my observation of his work both in and out of the pulpit have given me a great store of pastoral knowledge and have really helped me mature as a student pastor.”

Abbott is enthusiastic about the mentorship program, and appreciates the chance to get practical experience in preparation for full-time pastoral ministry.

“Hands-on learning is a crucial factor in a theology student’s development, and this program provides the students with an experience that is challenging, rewarding, and that encourages growth,” he says. “It’s as close to full-blown pastoring as a student can get.”

But the students aren’t the only ones affected by this experience.

“In reality, I’ve probably gained more from the program than any student has,” says Bradshaw.

“Being involved in the development of a young minister is a wonderful experience, and I have truly been blessed in the process.

It is a highlight of my career, no question.” Q

Chris Drake

Theology Students Take Notes From Pastor Mentors

Campus Current

A Round of Applause Drama Program Celebrates Milestone

T

Darin Berning

he 2010–11 season marks the 50th anniversary of Walla Walla University’s drama program. Directors, actors, and producers opened the celebration season in December with a performance of “The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe” adapted from the classic C. S. Lewis book. The performance garnered four awards and two Irene Ryan Nominations by the Kennedy Center American College Theatre Festival (KCACTF).

Most notable: The show was completely student-directed.

“It is incredibly intimidating to be a student director for a main stage show at a university,” says student director Shane Wood.

“Fifty years of quality drama is always looming over my head,

“The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe” earned accolades for direction, stage management, makeup design, and costuming.

but I love what I do and I love my cast and crew, so I continue to do it,” says the senior psychology major.

The show was entered as an associate show in the KCACTF. Associate shows are not eligible to tour, but are adjudicated by a KCACTF representative from another university. The representative attends a performance of the show and watches from an interpretive, artistic, and technical standpoint, evaluating the show accordingly.

In addition to Wood’s award for directing, three other students received awards: graduate education student Amy Shine for stage management, senior English major Darcy Sturges for makeup design, and junior international

communications major Caitlin Stoodley for costuming.

Each show entered also receives two Irene Ryan Nominations, which represent the two students the adjudicator, director, and producer see as most deserving of the opportunity to compete for a scholarship. Nominations from the university’s C. S. Lewis production were awarded to graduate education student Shauna Fletcher for her performance as the White Queen, and senior communications major Sarah Corley for her performance as Lucy Pevensie.

This is the second award-winning show Wood has directed.

He also directed Shakespeare’s “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” last year, which was also entered into the KCACTF as an associate show and won six awards, including the rarely granted ensemble award.

WWU has a strong tradition of quality drama, initiated 50 years ago

by Donnie Rigby, a beloved

speech professor and drama director. Rigby produced the university’s first show, “Heidi,” in 1961, one year after she began teaching speech at WWU. She soon introduced courses in drama and play production. Rigby directed one or more productions annually until her retirement in 1992. The university’s Black Box Theatre, located on the main floor of the Canaday Technology Center, is named the Donnie Rigby Stage as a tribute to her teaching legacy.

Drama became a more formal area of study in 1993 when a drama minor was added to the university’s academic programs.

Now named “wwudrama,” the drama program has produced 126 shows since its inception, each with several performances.

The spring 2011 production is a musical, “My Fair Lady,” and will open April 23, with two performances during WWU’s Alumni Homecoming Weekend.

Courtney Crook, junior social work major, stars as Eliza Doolittle.

For more information about this year’s 50th anniversary season of wwudrama, visit drama.walla walla.edu.

Alumni are invited to a 50th Anniversary Drama Reunion Reception during Homecoming Weekend on April 22 from 6 to 7:30 p.m. in the Donnie Rigby Black Box Theatre. Special guests for this event include Donnie Rigby. To RSVP, send a message to alumni@wallawalla.edu. Q Spring 2011 Westwind 7

Campus Current

Slow Down: Fast Students Accept Forty-day Challenge Project Prompts Outpouring of Support

A

sk college students to do less? To slow down? In January, students were challenged to do just that.

The “Slow Down: Fast” 40 Days Challenge, organized by the Associated Students of Walla Walla University, asked that stu-

dents examine excess in their lives.

“We also asked them to consider what was getting in the way of their relationships with Christ,” explains Garrett Speyer, 40 Days organizer and ASWWU spiritual vice president.

While fasting typically means abstaining from food, student leaders encouraged students to expand that definition. Fasting could mean giving up Facebook, television,

video games, movies, texting, or even behaviors such as gossiping, holding grudges, or taking revenge. Though leaders didn’t discourage students from trying food fasts, they encouraged participants to follow healthy guidelines.

While giving something up, students were encouraged to add something positive to their routines. “For example, you can give up coffee every day and instead donate that money to the homeless,” Speyer says. “Or give up Facebook and spend more time reading the Bible and praying.”

Student leaders launched the challenge at ASWWU’s Week of Worship when students received

colored wristbands: white to represent purity and red to represent the blood of Jesus. At each day’s gathering, students could choose a white rock, write on it what they were giving up, and put it at the foot of a cross set up in the University Church. Students were also encouraged to write their thoughts on chalkboards positioned around campus throughout the week.

“We wanted people to see that others were struggling with things just like they are,” says Speyer. “It was really powerful to see what the issues are and that the students were willing to lay these things down as a means of growing closer to Christ.” Q

In January, two teams from Walla Walla University’s School of Business participated in the annual tax competition at University of Washington.

One team took second place at the event, sponsored by UW’s Foster School of Business.

“The two teams did a great job again this year,” says JoAnn Wiggins, dean of WWU’s School of Business.

At the last competition, a WWU tax team placed first.

The members of this year’s winning team were Kaitlyn Fitch, junior accounting major; Brittany Smith, 8 Westwind Spring 2011

senior international business major; Linda Stecker, senior accounting and business The winning WWU tax team (from left): Linda Stecker, administraKaitlyn Fitch, Donovan West, and Brittany Smith. tion major; and At the event, teams work for four Christmas break to do most of Donovan West, senior accounting hours on a tax problem, using only their preparation. “It is difficult to major. Other teams represented their tax books for reference. The get motivated to do a tremendous University of Washington, Oregon problems are graded, and the top amount of studying over the holiState University, and Southern three teams make it to the finals to days,” says Norman Anderson, facOregon University. be held the following day. Q ulty sponsor of the WWU tax teams, The event was announced “but the students were dedicated.” in December, giving students

Chris Drake

WWU Team Places Second in Tax Competition

In Their Words

Under a critical care nurse’s watchful eye, the cardiac monitor traces electrical activity of a patient’s

What it means to be a nurse Grace Hiner 1986 Graduate Nursing Educator Walla Walla Community College Walla Walla, Wash.

Chris Drake

In my senior year

of college I had a troubling feeling that nursing wasn’t for me. However, that changed after a clinical rotation in the nursery. I fell in love with the babies and then went into neonatal nursing for 17 years, working as a neonatal nurse practitioner for 10 of those years. I tell my students this story sometimes. I know what it’s like to have doubt. Now I teach nursing, and I love it. I’ve always had a passion for learning; I think that is why I enjoy teaching so much. I tell my students this is an exciting time for nursing. Change in healthcare policies are on the horizon.

Nursing education is changing to meet educational needs and needs of changing demographics.

And the explosion of scientific and medical knowledge is unbelievable. A successful nursing professional is inquisitive and has that drive to keep learning. But the basic core of nursing is caring.

Beyond the rewards of knowledge in and of itself, I think it is that desire to provide the best care for individuals that drives the nursing professional to actively take part in lifelong learning.

Spring 2011 Westwind 9

heart. In a surgical suite, a nurse anesthetist checks blood oxygen levels. At a university, a research nurse

Crystal Kandoll 2008 Graduate Pediatrics Intensive Care Unit Nurse Loma Linda University Children’s Hospital Loma Linda, Calif.

In nursing school,

James Ponder

there was very little question of what I wanted to do when I graduated. I enjoyed nearly all of my rotations, but it was always pediatrics for me. When I graduated, I moved to Loma Linda and started working at the Children’s Hospital. The first two years of my career I worked on the basic “med-surg” floor. Now I work in the Pediatric ICU. I never dreamed that I would be an ICU nurse. ICUs were big and scary, a place I never wanted to go. On “basic,” I loved playing with my kiddos: holding them, feeding them, and just loving on them. Now I am in a very different environment and everyday I come to work praying, “God, let me be your hands today, give me wisdom and guidance.” Some days are busy with hardly a moment to breathe and require me to call on all my resources. After all, I am caring for someone’s precious child. Some days are filled with laughter, joy, and hope. I have played with my patients, I have cried with my patients, I have prayed with my patients, and I have had to say good-bye to some precious little ones. However, despite the hard times, I know I am in the spot God has called me. I don’t know what tomorrow holds, but for today I am called to care and to love.

10 Westwind Spring 2011

prepares a grant proposal for the study of cancer. Despite the profession’s complexity, nursing might be

Lynae Moor 1978 Graduate Administrative Director Family Birth/Women’s Services Adventist Medical Center Portland, Ore.

I love variety.

Stephen Funk

That is why I like nursing. As a staff RN, one shift is never the same as the other. There could be an emergency, and you are running. The next hour you could be in the nursery rocking a baby to sleep. My current job as director is never the same either. I enjoy people, solving problems, creating solutions, and being part of decision-making teams. I have seen my staff come together as if they were one and save the life of a baby or mother. They are a professional team of nurses who will only settle for excellence. That is why my favorite part of this job is mentoring new staff, challenging them to grow in their skills and personal development.

People are at the heart of everything we do. At the end of the day, perhaps the project I set out to do that morning isn’t done, but I did take time to call a staff member who just lost a family member, I did take time to talk to the new staff member and welcome her to her first shift, I did stop in the hall and talk to a tired-looking doctor and hear about his day. It’s all good if it involves people.

Spring 2011 Westwind 11

summed up in three words: brains, hands, hearts. Round the clock, nurses care, listen, comfort, assess,

Sherilyn Holm 1985 Graduate Clinical Case Manager Adventist Health Clinics Portland, Ore.

Even though

Gary McClain

we know we shouldn’t, most of us become emotionally attached to patients. We laugh and cry with them. We learn to see things from their point of view. We go home and stay awake for long hours worrying about a patient, trying to figure out what else we can do to help them. After they leave the hospital or doctor’s office, we know that many patients will have a difficult time making lifestyle changes or keeping up with their medical appointments. I am working as a case manager in a pilot program to help patients with those issues. I work with patients and their doctors to aid good communication, make sure they are getting the help they need, and making sure their follow-up treatments and appointments don’t fall through the cracks. If a treatment plan isn’t working, I sit with the patient and help them work out a new plan that he or she can incorporate into daily life. Working one-to-one with patients, I can see the changes that have brought happiness back to their lives, such as feeling in control of their lives again, and feeling connected to supportive people. Feeling like I made a positive difference is my favorite part of nursing.

12 Westwind Spring 2011

treat, teach—and learn. Here is what the profession means to some of our graduates.

Todd Titus 1987 Graduate Nurse Anesthetist Yakima Valley Memorial Hospital Yakima, Wash.

Trust.

Lisa Johns

It is the foundation of any relationship between nurse and patient.

Nowhere is that more true than the operating room. As a nurse anesthetist, it is both rewarding and humbling to be responsible for the life of a person having surgery.

Many times I ask God to be present with the team as we help patients through their crises.

Looking back on my career, I have trusted God’s help while caring for all of my patients. As a new graduate in 1987, I would care for the medical and post-surgical patients while working the night shift. Prior to going home, I would often pray with my patients. When I moved my career to the intensive care unit in 1990, I found myself caring for very sick patients and their families. Some patients and their families will be in my memory for life. Although my bedside contact with the patient is now limited, my responsibility for the life of the patient has intensified. Whether I am doing a general anesthetic or placing an epidural, my goal is to help reduce the patient’s stress and be as comfortable as possible. Whether we work in a nursing home, school, office, or hospital, nurses understand the foundation of our relationship with God and fellow man is trust. It is a privilege to work in a profession that closely reflects our relationship with God.

Spring 2011 Westwind 13

Building for Today and Tomorrow Portland nursing campus undergoes renovation and expansion

14 Westwind Spring 2011

Loud,

“

” is how nursing student Jon Schaffer describes a $1.5 million remodeling and new construction project on the Portland campus.

Schaffer recalls what it was like two years ago when he opted for the accelerated nursing program—a decision that placed him on campus just as renovation was beginning.

“We were in class eight hours every day during the summer,” he says. “It was hard not to doze off or daydream for a few minutes. But every time I did that, there would be a loud thud from a ham-

mer or the sound of a drill. Everyone on that side of the room would quickly pull their chairs to the center, because we didn’t know if something might come through the wall.”

The construction project included: - Renovating existing classroom space.

- Creating a 24-seat computer lab in the library.

- Adding more restrooms and making Expansive windows provide a welcoming entrance to a lobby that connects the new classroom with the original building.

Chris Drake

By Kevin Waite

the existing men’s restroom wheelchairaccessible.

- Adding a 3,500-square-foot classroom addition.

- Creating a hallway to connect new construction to the existing building.

On Nov. 1, 2010, an open house celebration was held on the Portland campus. An estimated 150 people attended the event.

“It has been a long process—exciting and frustrating all at the same time,” says Lucy Krull, dean of the School of Nursing. “Before construction started we spent many, many hours with the architect. He created a wonderful design that really meets our needs and will continue far into the future.”

The project was necessary because applicants to the nursing program routinely exceeded the space available. The existing classrooms sat only 50 students.

“Portland was a bottleneck. We were packed to the gills,” Krull says.

The expansion will allow a total enrollment of 140 junior and senior nursing students at Portland, up from the previous capacity of 100. Freshmen and sophomores are at the College Place campus.

The centerpiece of the addition is the new classroom, which can fit all 140 nursing students enrolled at the Portland School of Nursing.

to meet in an auditorium in the hospital—and I’m not sure that even an auditorium would fit all of the students we have this year. I also like the patio, which was built right outside the classroom.”

The James F. and Marion L. Miller Foundation, Lindgren Foundation, Adventist Medical Center, and individual donors were all instrumental in making the expansion project happen.

The James F. and Marion L. Miller Foundation, founded in 2002, is an independent private foundation based in Portland, Ore. James, a native Oregonian, and his wife of nearly 68 years, Marion, lived in New York City most of their lives. James rose to prominence in the financial services sector, becoming president of Blyth & Co. (predecessor to USB Financial Services) in the early 1960s. He returned to Portland in 1998 where he continued his interest and support of the arts and education until his death in 2004.

Foundation representatives Charlie Walker and Martha Richards were in attendance the open house celebration held on the Portland campus.

“It was the Miller Foundation that actually helped us think an expansion could be possible,” says Krull. “One day, I received a phone call from them saying they had heard there was a national nursing shortage and asking if there was anything they could do to help us

“Before, we could only take 50 new students per year. Now we can take 70,” Krull says.

“Having a classroom large enough to fit all of the students is the biggest benefit I see,” says nursing student Karly Winslow. “Prior to the remodel, we had

educate more baccalaureate-prepared nurses. It was an incredible miracle.

Foundations don’t usually volunteer their support to schools they have had no prior connection with before.”

The Lindgren Foundation, founded by 1935 chemistry graduate Clarence

The new computer lab, located in a separate room adjacent to the library, accommodates 23 students.

“Spizz” Lindgren and his wife, Rubie, is dedicated to supporting Adventist education. The Lindgren’s children now manage the foundation. Eric is a 1965 biology graduate, and Paul is a 1966 history graduate. With this gift to the nursing expansion project, the foundation continues its longtime support of university projects, including scholarships for history students and support of the Faith in the Vision capital campaign. Brooke Lindgren, a foundation board member and daughter of Paul Lindgren, represented the foundation at the celebration event.

Another major donor to the expansion project, Adventist Medical Center, serves as “home base” for the School of Nursing. The school is located on the campus of the medical center and serves as one of the locations in the Portland area where nursing students practice skills learned in the classroom. Adventist Medical Center is part of Adventist Health, a nonprofit network of hospitals, clinics, and other health care services across the western United States.

“Thank you to the donors who felt that our education was worth investing in,” nursing student Karly Winslow says.

Classmate Jon Schaffer echoes the sentiment.

“To those who provided the finances to make this all possible, I cannot thank you enough,” he says. “You are helping hundreds of future nurses have the facilities needed for their education.”

Prospective nursing students looking to enroll in the nursing program at the Portland campus are encouraged to apply early. Student rosters continue to fill up quickly. Q Spring 2011 Westwind 15

Chris Drake

Hereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Looking at You, 16 Westwind Spring 2011

“I came here as a young, eager, insecure teacher,” says Gary, “and I’m leaving as an old, tired, happy retiree.

And I don’t regret a minute of it.”

Gary

I

t has been 45 years since Gary Wiss walked through the doors of Walla Walla University as a new professor. Today, he is an accomplished professor, a mentor, and an inspiration to his colleagues and students. In June, Wiss will conclude his last year at Walla Walla University as he heads for retirement.

“I came here as a young, eager, insecure teacher,” says Gary, “and I’m leaving as an old, tired, happy retiree. And I don’t regret a minute of it.”

By Jennifer Jorgenson

Spring 2011 Westwind 17

It is no joking matter when he says that he has done everything. Wiss joined the WWU campus in 1953 as a student of English. He studied for three years here before heading to Portland State University for one year. In 1958, he left school to join the Army. His Army days were spent as a technical team leader on an open-heart research team. During his six years in the Army he earned his Sergeant stripes.

“I am as proud of my Sergeant stripes as I am of my doctoral degree,” says Wiss. But this was not the career path for him.

In 1966, Wiss graduated from WWU. One month prior to graduation, Helen Zolber, former chair of the English department, offered him a teaching position in the department.

“He was a serious scholar but lots of fun,” Zolber says.

“He’s maintained that. It will be a loss when he retires.

He accepts people and respects them just as they are and kind of cherishes them. He loves people, and he has a deep love for his students.”

For the next 10 years Wiss spent his summers studying at the University of Oregon to receive both masters and doctoral degrees in English by 1976.

During the school year he led the College Writing program and taught English and literature classes.

“I think I am the best example of what I tell students,” says Wiss. “You earn the right to get up every morning and do what you like to do and what you’re good at doing. That’s what your college degree is for.”

It wasn’t long before he was beginning to make ripples in the department in the form of what would come to be a minor in film studies.

18 Westwind Spring 2011

Making ripples “At that time, students were suspended for going to the theater downtown,” he remembers, so adding films into a literature class was a risky idea. In 1978, Wiss began to integrate films into an Introduction to Literature course as complements to the written literature students studied.

By 1985, the class was extremely popular, and the focus had switched from written literature to film literature. Wiss met with the university’s Board of Trustees to unveil his new curriculum for a film literature class, and the board agreed to the continuation of the course.

Students today experience a film

The senior summer class of 1975 chose Gary Wiss as their class sponsor. Class officers were, front row from left: Arthur Slagle, Carol Ann Albertsen, Challis Casebolt, Gary Wiss. Top row from left: Douglas Van Denburgh, Lester Matheson, and Tom Rowsell.

course with Wiss in the Administration Building with a classroom designed specifically for the viewing of films.

Theater seating, a large screen, Bose speakers and light control are all part of this film classroom. But it wasn’t always like that.

Wiss began with the musty dungeon of the academy chapel as his film classroom. It was dark and had a broom closet in the back perfect for positioning the projector to shine on the screen.

In the beginning he used 16 mm films and a reel-to-reel projector for class in this old basement, a far cry from the newly designed classroom and DVDs he uses now.

“Gary was quick to understand the importance of film as a new genre of literature, one the English department needed to prepare itself to teach,” says Bev Beem, one of WWU’s English professors. “The development of the new film minor is the direct result of Gary’s skill in curriculum design and his ability to appeal to students and challenge them with a new area of study.”

The study of film at WWU has grown from that one introduction class into a minor. Gary has developed various upper division courses over the years to supplement the introduction course such as the study of Science Fiction films, Western films, films by genre, and the development of film literature. In his final year, he is teaching a course long-awaited by students: Film Studies: Super Heros.

He has been developing this course for years as a specialized study within Film Literature.

Many titles On the first day of most film classes taught by Wiss, there is a discussion of titles. He requests that rather than calling him Doctor, Mister, Professor,

Photo courtesy of WWU Archives

The beginnings of a legacy

Sergeant, or any other fancy title, you they are something he enjoys sharing simply call him Gary. We are equals, with students and colleagues. he will say. We are always learning, so Other stories you might hear when we are both students. He laughs when you visit his office are of the “redhead,” he says that he earned his doctorate his wife, and how she won his heart, more than three decades ago, so it is stories of his children, and fond memoreally unnecessary to mention it. He ries of his time spent on the coast with laughs, but he is serious, so everyone family. Wiss loves to tell stories of his calls him Gary.

He is remembered by many titles to current and former students, colleagues, and friends. To many he is a favorite professor, caring boss, or a respected instructor. Others appreciate his advice and his ability to push students to be their best.

“He is a pillar of the department,” says Kellie Bond, chair of the English Department. “So many people view 1. Stagecoach: My earliest him as their mentor. He makes people ÅTU UMUWZa I\ IOM 2WPV feel important.” Bond describes Wiss ?IaVM¼[ ÅZ[\ UIRWZ IXIXMIZIVKM as reliable, consistent, hard-working, IVL \PM ÅTU 1 ][ML _PMV 1 JMOIV and charismatic.

Ua ÅZ[\ ÅTU KTI[[ “He has a good sense of the history of the department,” she says. “He under2. Citizen Kane" ) \MZZQÅK Ua[stands what works and what doesn’t. \MZa _PQKP WVTa \PM ^QM_MZ He is an invaluable resource and makes solves, and consistently chosen all of our jobs easier.” as No. 1 in “The Best Films of All To Dan Lamberton, once a student Time” lists. of Wiss and another member of the English Department faculty, Gary is a 3. Casablanca: Usually chosen as writer.

No. 2 in “Best Films” lists, and “When I was taking poetry from XIKSML _Q\P OZMI\ TQVM[ TQSM him, long ago, he once opened his “Here’s looking at you, Kid,” and desk drawer and showed me a pile ¹?M¼TT IT_Ia[ PI^M 8IZQ[ º of notes and drafts of things he was working on,” says Lamberton. Some The Lord of the Rings: Great of his most memorable pieces of writNIV\I[a MXQK [MZQM[ _Q\P IV QV\MZing are the notes Wiss wrote when he racial unity theme. was chair of the department.

In 1978, Wiss became chair of the 5. Memento: A challenging plot English Department, a task that he experiment that immerses the remembers well. He missed teaching, ^QM_MZ QV \PM ÅTU and the administrative duties pulled him out of the classroom further than he would have chosen. After seven years, traditions in Walla Walla, visiting taco he wrote a letter to administration, trucks or trying the latest and greatest much like the ones he was famous for restaurants. writing within the department, resigning from his position as chair with flair.

Though he has many other titles, ultimately, Wiss is a storyteller. When you enter his office or his classroom, expect Even now, after 45 years, he isn’t slowto be entertained by a story. Connecting ing down. open-heart surgery to poetry analysis “One never sees Gary Wiss idle,” may seem impossible to some, but he says Lamberton. “I never pass his office does it each quarter during his Literary without seeing one of the following: 1) Analysis course. The lessons he has Students present and past are talking to learned on his journey are not a secret; him, often about films; 2) Gary is grad-

Gary’s Top 5 Film Picks

Finishing touches

ing papers or adjusting his syllabus; and 3) No matter what else he’s doing, he’s often singing under his breath.

He’s a basso profundo if ever there was one, and he has a strong preference for Big Band songs. These songs fill the hallway sometimes, especially on Friday afternoons.”

“Gary has had a remarkable life,” Lamberton says. “I hope in his retirement, which seems very premature to me, he writes stories of his family and his escapades here as well.”

“Gary has a big and reassuring presence in the university,” says Beem. “His colleagues will miss the wise words and laughter he brings to staff meetings and quiet conversations in his office. But all that only hints of his sense of history that keeps us aware of who we are and where we have been and his vision of what we can yet be.”

His legacy stretches further than the doors of the classroom or his office. He has also served the campus as a whole on many committees and boards throughout his career. Wiss also leaves his mark on this publication, Westwind, which he named in 1981. In the WWU school song, one line, “out where the west winds blow …” seemed to Wiss the perfect fit for the name of our alumni publication.

So, what’s next for this soon-to-be retired professor? Relaxing. Though he loves the busy schedule and frequent interactions with students and colleagues, Wiss is looking forward to some time to settle down. He has plans to continue the renovation of his Walla Walla home, visit the coast for some tasty fish ’n’ chips and spend time with his wife. He also aims to write the genealogy of his family so it can be passed down for generations.

Retirement is something Wiss has looked forward to for many years, though he will miss some things too.

“Students who are mature, humane, intelligent, and curious—that’s what I will miss the most,” he says. “They have kept me young and alive.” Q

Spring 2011 Westwind 19

Interview

Solving Transportation Challenges in a New Era

By Rosa Jimenez

If you live in a sizable city, getting from Point A to B is not a minor matter. Transportation costs, commuting times, and traffic gridlock challenge both city dwellers and city leaders.

In the Portland, Ore., region, Dan Kaempff looks for sustainable solutions for some of these transportation challenges. Since 2006, the 1987 mass communications graduate has served as principal transportation planner at Metro regional government.

How does transportation contribute to the “livability” of a city?

What most people will define as “livability” is usually centered on the idea of driving less and being able to have more “access” instead of more “transportation.” It’s about traveling as little as necessary, using as little energy as possible, in order to accomplish life’s daily tasks. In much of America, however, the transportation system doesn’t foster this way of life.

It’s very much a “chicken or egg” question. Transportation directly affects the shape, size, and density of an urban area. And those elements, in turn, impact how humans interact with their environment.

Take, for example, buying groceries. In much of America, we’ve lost the ability to walk to a nearby store to buy food and other necessities. The “mom and pop” corner store has been replaced by 200,000-square-foot superstores with huge parking lots serving neighborhoods five miles away.

20 Westwind Spring 2011

Those superstores require the ability to have 53-foot tractor-trailer trucks make daily deliveries. So that requires wide roads and big intersections so trucks can make easy turns.

As a result, walking to the store now means a trudge along a sixlane, 50 mph arterial street, running for your life to cross it, then making your way through a busy parking lot before finally arriving at the front door. Not too appealing. This is why most people drive instead of walking for that trip.

The transportation system, and subsequently the land use design and architecture reflect the fact that you are supposed to be driving to the store, not walking there.

How is Portland unique among major metropolitan areas?

It’s a lot of things, but I believe Oregon’s agrarian roots have a lot to do with it. Back in the 1970s, the desire to preserve farmland and forests led to passage of a series of progressive state land use laws. Every city in Oregon has an

Urban Growth Boundary, which means that sprawl is contained and certain areas are preserved for farms or natural spaces.

Portlanders really love being outdoors and being active. We have a reputation for having a lot of rain, and it’s true. But people are out and about, no matter the weather. Within city limits lies the largest urban natural area in the country, Forest Park.

We’re less than two hours from the Pacific Ocean, the Cascades, the Columbia River Gorge, or the desert. Portlanders ski, surf, windsurf, cycle, walk, hike, climb, camp, and more. With those opportunities, Portlanders also realize that there comes a responsibility to be good stewards of their part of the world, and to limit their actions that run counter to that responsibility. So we recycle, we buy locally made products, we ride our bikes more and use our cars less, we support farmer’s markets.

To that last point, this city has a rich history of saying “no”

to more roadway expansions.

We ripped out a downtown riverfront freeway and replaced it with a park. We fought the state and federal Departments of Transportation and started a light rail system with funds that had been earmarked for a freeway. We elected a mayor who thought people ought to be able to ride bikes around their city, as well as drive their cars. There’s no “anti-car” bias in Portland, as some assert. Over 95 percent of self-identified cyclists are also car owners. There are cars all over the place here, but you see bikes everywhere you turn as well. The idea is to create choices.

What change in thinking has helped people consider public transit or other modes of transportation?

Building light rail was the gamechanger. It began getting people to “connect the dots” about where they live and work. So instead of buying a three-bedroom ranch house in a subdivision 30 miles

Interview Photo courtesy of Dan Kaempff

If I lived in Portland, what major transportation projects would I see over the next 20 years?

If you want to affect change in your city’s transportation planning, get involved, advises Dan Kaempff, principal transportation planner for the Portland, Ore., metropolitan region.

from the office, people began making the choice to live in a smaller home or condo closer to work and near a rail line. “Quality of life” was no longer defined as a large house in the suburbs; it became about spending 30 minutes a day traveling to work, instead of 90, and spending that time with family. Light rail really functions as much as a place-making tool as it is a transportation device. Most of the inner neighborhoods of Portland were originally built around streetcar lines and their stops.

With regards to cycling, it’s been about overcoming people’s fears that it’s not safe. We’ve done that by building over 600 miles of bikeways to create a network of safe cycling routes. As a result, the growth in cycling is ahead of the growth of the cycling network, and injuries per capita have gone down. But 60 percent of residents still say they’re interested in cycling—or cycling more—but have concerns for their safety. So part of that is helping people get the knowledge and confidence they need to ride. The other part is building more bikeways that are completely separated from auto traffic.

We’re embarking on a new strategy for transportation in the region, focusing on building out complete travel corridors, including high-capacity bus or rail transit, bicycle and pedestrian trails, and a full network of roads and streets.

Specifically, we’re beginning a new light rail line to Milwaukie from downtown Portland next summer.

It will include a new bridge over the Willamette River, dedicated to transit, bikes, and pedestrians only—no cars. And, we were just awarded federal funds to begin planning for the Southwest Corridor, out Barbur Boulevard to Tigard and Sherwood, which will incorporate a new transit line as well as improved cycling and walking.

Those plans sound ambitious.

What is the greatest challenge in making them a reality?

It’s always funding. There are always more great ideas than there are resources to do them all. So that requires the willingness to say “no,” or stop doing one thing in favor of another. Easier said than done, though, as people tend to want to maintain the status quo.

I think too, there are those who feel that the region has gone too far with its transportation strategy, to the point where it has created a negative environment for business. In reality, a recent study found that Portlanders travel about four miles less per day than the average American. As a result, they spend less than the national average on transportation, which frees up income to be used on other things.

And, more and more companies are choosing to locate in the region primarily because of our commitment to environmental stewardship. Vestas, a leader in wind turbine technology, is building its world headquarters here.

Intel just annouced they’re building a new fabrication plant. Nike, Columbia Sportswear and Adidas are all headquartered here.

What are you most proud of having accomplished?

Most of what I do is behind the scenes, but I’ve put a lot of work into building relationships and coalitions. By working together, I’ve helped to create a mass marketing campaign for Oregon, and to implement a multi-state ridesharing website. I am amazed, sometimes, about where my career path has led, because I never dreamed of transportation planning when I was considering what to do. But it’s mainly about communication with people and having a curiosity about how they make decisions. So my college degree has been perfect, in retrospect.

What is one small thing each of us could do to contribute to the livability of our cities?

Drive cars less. Consider this: In most cities, around half of all trips made by car are less than five kilometers in distance. Surely some of those trips could be made on a bike or by foot. Getting out of the car connects you with your city. You greet your neighbors, you stop for a scone and a cup of coffee, you see the small things of life that you miss at 40 mph. By doing that, you take a car off the road, resulting in less pollution and congestion, and exercise for your body and relaxation for your mind.

If a person wants to affect change on a larger scale, what can he or she do?

Get involved. It can be something as direct as serving on a committee, attending a planning commission or city council meeting, getting involved in your neighborhood association, or even a run for office. Q Spring 2011 Westwind 21

â&#x20AC;&#x153;Jesus Among Usâ&#x20AC;?

Sculpture Dedication Ceremony 12:45 P.M. Sabbath, April 23, 2011 Alumni Homecoming Weekend University Church front lawn Celebrating the tradition of generosity of service at Walla Walla University.

Bronze sculpture, by eminent artist Alan Collins, given to Walla Walla University on behalf of alumni and friends. wallawalla.edu/sculpture

22 Westwind Spring 2011

Alumnotes

1950s

Mary have two children, Paulette Nelson and Gregory, who is deceased.

Victor Boyle ’56 and his wife, Arlene (Birchell) att., live in Colbert, Wash. He is a retired doctor. His favorite memories of WWU were flying his Mooney 200 E and conducting surgery in the animal lab. He and Arlene have two children, Tab, and Beverly Doerfler.

Barbara Hircock ’56 is retired and now lives in Paola, Kan. Over the years she

Wilton Bunch ’56 and his wife, Victoria, live in Vestavia Hills, Ala. He is a professor of ethics at Samford University in Birmingham. He is also serving as an interim pastor at St. Andrews Episcopal Church.

Gordon Henderson ’56 and his wife, Mary, live in Casper, Wyo. He is a retired

pastor. He started his ministry as a singing evangelist and has pastored churches in Michigan, California, and Florida.

He has served as church administrator and worked in ministry for Voice of Prophecy. Upon his retirement, Gordon was the interim pastor for 19 churches in the Rocky Mountain Conference. He and

Leland Wilson, Sr. ’56 and his wife, Halcyon, live in Riverside, Calif. He is teaching chemistry part-time at La Sierra University and University of California Riverside. His favorite memories of WWU were Friday sundown worship at the dorm, intramurals, and working on the farms. He and Halcyon have four children, Jancie Clark, Leland Jr., Laurie, and Kifford.

ing. For the past 12 years she has been a caregiver. Her favorite memories of WWU are living in Conard Hall when Helen Evans was dean. She also enjoyed being in Dr. Stoehr’s Spirit of Prophecy class and chapel services in Columbia Auditorium. She and Thomas have three children, Robert ’90, Ann Barrios-Ruiz, and Marilyn.

Delvin Zopf ’56 and his wife, Julie, live in Golden, Colo. He is an ophthalmologist

Burton Briggs ’61 and his wife, Carol, live in Emmett, Idaho. He is a retired professor and chair for the Department of Anesthesiology at Loma Linda University.

His hobbies include motorcycle riding and astrophotography. He and Carol are currently managing and running a 5-acre apple orchard in Idaho. His favorite memories of WWU were all the good friends, winter ice-skating on the tennis courts, and tennis in the spring. He and Carol have two children, Susan Chapman att. and Cynthia ’93.

has worked for Castle Hospital in Kailua, Hawaii; Boulder Memorial Hospital in Boulder, Colo.; and Avista Hospital in Louisville, Colo. Her favorite memories of WWU were of choir under Fessor Dartch and English classes under “Dad” Applington. She has a son, Lee. Donald Weaver ’56 and his wife, Valerie, live in Walla Walla. He is a retired geriatric physician and is enjoying his retirement while being a mechanic and fix-it man. His pride and joy is his 1930 Model-A Ford Deluxe Roadster.

His favorite memory of WWU was Lilah Schlotthauer’s math classes where he and the pre-med students competed vigorously with the engineering students for the top grades. He and Valerie have six children, Gerald ’86, Joel, Jill Hargreaves, Jennifer, Marc Schelske ’95, and Beth Schelske-Miller ’99.

at his own practice, Denver Eye Surgeons, which now employs six doctors. He has instructed a residency program at Colorado University School of Medicine. Delvin has a heart for mission and has set up eye clinics all over the world. He and Julie have five children, Terri, Traci, Troy, Todd, and Tandi.

1960s Mary (Richards) Aaron ’61 and her husband, Thomas att., live in Shelton, Wash. She retired from 35 years of teach-

Kenneth Carr ’61 and his wife, Ellamae (Kurtz) att., live in Woodburn, Ore. He is retired and enjoying playing golf, as well as working on Maranatha projects and other volunteer work. His favorite memories of WWU were Dr. Westenmeyer’s annual State of the Union message, chapel, and Donnie Rigby’s dynamic teaching.

He and Ellamae have two children, Dan and Don.

Alumni Currents

THE WWU ALUMNI ASSOCIATION E-NEWSLETTER

Stay current on the latest events and news!

Sign up at www.wallawalla.edu/enewssignup Spring 2011 Westwind 23

Alumnotes Ruth (Chen) Davis ’61 and her husband, Timothy, live in Northport, Wash.

She is retired and enjoys being a parttime colporteur and playing the organ for her church. Her hobbies include reading the Bible and Spirit of Prophecy books, cooking, baking, and taking biology classes. Her favorite memories of WWU were morning and evening worships in Conard Hall, speaking at Student Week of Prayer, church and chapels, and music recitals. She and Timothy have six children, Rae Anne Kinney, Rebecca Seet, Rochelle Seet, Rhoda Seet, Peter, and John.

John Dawes ’61 lives in Grandview, Wash. He retired from teaching after 40 years. His hobbies include gardening and woodworking. His favorite memories of WWU were becoming acquainted with fellow students when he worked in the College Store and the helpfulness of Orpha Osborne in getting his records straight to graduate. John has four children, Terri ’83, Gary, Larry, and Barry.

Marietta Deming ’61 lives in Charleston, Ill. She is professor emeritus at Eastern Illinois University. Her major hobbies include bird-watching, traveling, and conducting workshops. Marietta remembers living with her parents off-campus in a house where the Rigby Hall is now located.

William Dickerson ’61 and his wife, Beth (Ernest) ’92, live in Milton-

Freewater, Ore. He is enjoying retirement after working for 51 years as a teacher and administrator in the Seventh-day 24 Westwind Spring 2011

Adventist school system. His hobbies include playing the piano and playing in a local gospel bluegrass group. His favorite memories of WWU were the two summers he spent studying at Rosario Beach. He and Beth have four children, David att., Becky Greenlaw, Cyndy Aichele att., and Ann Cockerham.

Lynn Heath ’61 and his wife, Margaret “Peggy,” live in Redlands, Calif. He recently

retired from medical technology. His hobbies are woodworking and blacksmithing. He enjoys making knives and ornamental ironwork. He and Peggy have two daughters, Monica and Andrea.

Laurine (Wright) Kites ’61 lives in Pendleton, Ore. She is a relief office nurse.

Her hobbies include gardening and traveling, which has included a 35-state, 10week trip with her brother and his wife.

Laurine fondly remembers the friends she made at WWU. She has three children, Vern ’86, Lynnette att., and Kenneth.

David Russell ’61 and his wife, Maylene (McCartney) att., live in College Place. He

is retired from Adventist Health. He and Maylene like to volunteer and travel. His favorite memory of WWU was meeting the lady who is now his wife of 54 years, and all the many helpful, understanding, Christian teachers. He and Maylene have three children, David ’79, Cheri Wolcott att., and Jon. Roger Vanatta ’61 and his wife, Lydia (Faul) att., live in Weippe, Idaho. He is retired from Seventh-day Adventist

education at Mile High Academy. His hobbies include mountain-climbing, mission trips, cross country and downhill skiing, and riding ATVs. His favorite memories of WWU include ski classes, campus days, gymnastic trips and programs, camping class, and many technology courses. He and Lydia have three children, Richard, Schantel Yearous, and Kristopher.

Marcia Wehtje ’61 lives in College Place.

She is a retired elementary teacher. Her hobbies include reading, sewing, bird-watching, camping, and traveling. Her favorite memories of WWU were the teachers and staff who showed by example what it meant to be committed to Christ. She has four children, Steven ’79, Ronald, Diane ’83, and Curtis.

Sandra (Leach) Zaugg ’61 lives in Gresham, Ore. She is a retired teacher.

She sometimes goes to Asia to teach English and is a published writer with 14 books for kids. Her favorite memories of WWU were living in a big house with 20 freshman girls while she was a senior, working for Mrs. Faster, German class with Elder Stoer, and getting engaged. She has a daughter, Kimberly att., and a son, Edwin att., who is deceased.

Darold Bigger ’66 and his wife, Barbara (Messinger) att., live in Walla Walla. He is a professor of social work and religion at WWU. He was a U.S. Navy chaplain for nearly 30 years but still supports returning warrior workshops, helping veterans reintegrate into their families and communities. He and Barbara have two daughters, Hilary Catlett ’97 and Shannon ’95, who is deceased.

Keith Colburn ’66 lives in Yucaipa, Calif.

He is a professor of medicine, associate chair for research, and chief of rheumatology at Loma Linda University.

His hobbies are golfing, bird-watching, photography, and traveling. His favorite memories of WWU are intramural sports, summers at Rosario Beach, pie-feeds at Sittner Hall, “bull sessions” with the guys in Sittner, and classes in the Biology Department. He has two children Jeffrey ’97 and Jonathan.

Twyla (Reimche) Gimbel ’66 lives in Kelowna, British Columbia, Canada. She is retired after teaching nursing in Canada and Africa.

She also worked on a staff development project with Loma Linda University in Afghanistan for more than three years. She is now a companion and assistant to her parents, ages 90 and 93. He favorite memories of WWU were lyceums, girls’ dorm worship with Helen Evans, and Evensong to close the Sabbath.

William “Bill” Johnson ’66 and his wife, Dorothy (Tanner) ’62, live in Tillamook, Ore. He is a retired family nurse practitioner. He and Dorothy have four children, Darrin ’91, Kevin, Ron Hockley ’89, and Carla Hockley.

Annette (Cornforth) Stanwick ’66 and her husband, Clay att., live in Calgary, Alberta, Canada.

She is the vice president for medical affairs for Gimbel Eye Center. She and her husband created a seminar for men and women serving life sentences in prisons. She is also a published author and international speaker. Her hobbies include interior decorating, reading, writing, and riding her motorcycle. Her favorite memory of WWU was Helen Ward Evans Thompson and her inspiring worship services. She and Clay have two children, Mona Dury and Shelann McQuay.

Alumnotes John Stedman ’66 and his wife, Linda (Jones) att., live in Boise, Idaho. He is enjoying retirement from Hewlett-Packard.

He serves on several venture capital, education, and nonprofit boards. His hobbies include gardening, skiing, and hiking. His favorite memories of WWU were the support of Helen Evans in his relationship with Linda, and Professor Edward Cross and his staff for their guidance, support, and excellence in education, enabling him to pursue a career that he enjoys. He and Linda have two children, Janet Hoffman and Leslie Mandigo.

Edward Turner ’66 lives in Annapolis, Md. He is the founder and president of High Performance Group. His favorite memory of WWU was working on the construction crew that built the new College Church. He has three children, Alexi Liebelt, Chad, and Adam.

1970s George Fullerton ’71 and his wife, Janet (Mills) att., live in Moyie Springs, Idaho. He is an elementary teacher. His favorite memories of WWU were the summers he spent studying at Rosario.

He and Janet have five children, Bryan ’95, Brenda Reimche-Vu att., Alex ’98, Alina, and Nicole.

Brenda (Dury) Grovet ’71 and her husband, Erling, live in Lacombe, Alberta,

Canada. She is a retired public health nurse of 30 years. She helped raise four step-children and now has 11 grandchildren that bring great joy to her life. She enjoys spending her winter months in Arizona and summer months camping in

Canada with family. Her favorite memory of WWU was the close family feeling between the students and faculty on the Portland campus.

Jeanne (Beck) Jarnes ’71 and her husband, Dave, live in Caldwell, Idaho. She is

the purchasing director for Pacific Press Publishing. Her hobbies include walking, cooking, entertaining, reading, music, teaching kindergarten Sabbath school, being chair of her church’s music committee, and being a grandma to her two

grandchildren. Her favorite memories of WWU were Friday night vespers and Sabbath morning church services in the sanctuary with the beautiful music. She and Dave have two children, Kristen Browning att. and Todd.

LaVerne Lawhead ’71 and his wife, Judith, live in San Marcos, Texas. He is the senior superintendent for Lawhead General Contracting. His favorite memories of WWU are taking classes from Malcolm Maxwell, the help from the chief financial officer in keeping him at school, and his Greek teacher. He and Judith have four children, Randall, Trevor, Seth, and Joella.

Ruth (Gilliland) MacKenzie ’71 and her husband, Edward, live in Yakima, Wash.

She is retired and is now a homemaker.

Her hobbies include bird-watching and gardening. She is co-president of Mission Projects Inc., which works with La Loma Luz Adventist Hospital in Belize. She and Edward have four children, Vaughn ’92, Lawana Balance att., Jonathan ’01, and Richard ’01.

Clifford Walters ’71 and his wife, Carmen (Atwood) att., live in Redlands, Calif. He is president and CEO of Walters Consulting & Coaching, LLC. He loves spending time in Cannon Beach, Ore. His

Montana Minister Creates Connections

F

rom his start in college as a physical education major to becoming a pastor, it’s been an interesting journey for Alvaro Sauza.

Today, Alvaro’s work is with two Montana churches— Missoula and Superior Seventhday Adventist church—where he is the head pastor and shares the ministry there with his wife, Judy.

Alvaro, who attended Walla Walla University in the ‘70s, came to college as a transfer student, where he says God led him into the ministry. “I was a physical education major when I started college,” says Alvaro. “Athletics was what came easy and natural to me. But God intervened in my life and showed me a different path I needed to take. I would have never been happy doing anything else.”

One of Alvaro’s favorite ministries has developed in Missoula over the past two years. Two members of the church had a dream for a hay bale maze focused on the autumn season rather than the usual scary holiday décor.

With the help of the church family, they have created a popular activity for community and church members in the area. The maze is growing in popularity with close to 1,300 people attending the maze in one day during the 2010 season.

“We have received a lot of comments from parents about how they appreciate not having the Halloween emphasis. It’s a fall

emphasis,” says Alvaro.

There is more to this maze than just the winding switchbacks.

There is also a pumpkin patch, petting zoo, and a booth where church members hand out literature about Seventh-day Adventist beliefs.

“It’s an opportunity to sow seeds,” says Alvaro. “We build bridges between the church and the community.” Q Spring 2011 Westwind 25

Alumnotes

Artist Ventures Into Toymaking

F favorite memories of WWU were walking the “Hello Walk” and the friendliness of all the students and professors. He and Carmen have three children, Chad, Jamie, and Mindy.

Carolyn (Mehrer) Winter ’71 lives in College Place. She is a nurse at Adventist

Health Personal Care. She likes to travel.

Her favorite memories of WWU are Evensong with Loren Dickenson and Melvin West, and the pipe organ on Sabbath with Melvin West. She has three children, David Wisbey, Erin Martin, and Paige Loewen.

Carey Carscallen ’76 and his wife, Dorothy (Crumley) ’76, live in Berrien Springs, Mich. He is the dean in the School of Architecture at Andrews University. He enjoys taking annual trips to Italy and mission trips to Bolivia with his architecture students. Dorothy is an administrative assistant. Carey and Dorothy have three children Jeremy ’06, Peter, and Kristin Parker.

Donald Fletcher ’76 and his wife, Karen (Merchant) ’75, live in Auburn, Wash. He works as a doctor of emergency medicine. He enjoys his family and being a grandparent. He and Karen have three children, Kristin Fletcher-Ruckle att., Derek ’02, and Bryan ’04.

Tom Gladden ’76 and his wife, Karen, live in Otis Orchards, Wash. After working 24 years as a captain for Horizon Air, he is now privately contracting pilot services. He just completed two years 26 Westwind Spring 2011

or Joel Henriques being a stay-at-home dad means more than cooking and cleaning. The 1997 art graduate has a knack for creating simple toys that are fun for kids. What started out as a fun hobby for himself as a child, and eventually entertainment for his children, has transformed into his job as a toymaker, author, and blogger.

In their Portland, Ore., home, Joel and his wife, Shannon (Jackson) att. have created an upstairs studio where Joel’s creates his paintings and drawings.

Downstairs with their 3-year-old twins is where the fun creations take place.

Joel began his blog as a way to share his crafts with friends and family, but it has become so much more than that. After being featured on BloesemKids blog, his blog became hugely popular. Last fall he posted an entry about his interest in making wooden toys and shortly after was contacted by Made in Me, a London-based company interested in producing his toys.

Though he admits he would probably still be making toys with or without his connection in London, Joel loves getting paid for what he enjoys doing.

“It’s pretty much a dream job,” he says. “I really love it. I can’t imagine anything I would rather be doing.”

Along with his other endeavors, Joel has written a book entitled “Made to Play: Handmade toys and crafts for growing

living and working in Yemen and is now doing training throughout Europe. His favorite memory of WWU was Alden Thompson and Old Testament theology. He and Karen have four children, Natalie Smith ’09, Nicholas, Whitaker, and Elliott curr. att.

imaginations.” The book includes many handmade craft instructions with hand-drawn illustrations to help parents work with their children to create. Each idea is designed to be simple and have open-ended play so that children can use them in multiple ways.

As he was writing the book he aimed for simple design. If it was too hard for him to create, no parent would take the time to create it either.

“I think it’s refreshing for kids to be able to play with something that they can play with in multiple ways,” says Joel. “Having a

Edward Harris ’76 and his wife, Sarah, live in Poulsbo, Wash. He is a police officer for the Seattle Police Department. His favorite memory of WWU was serving as a resident assistant under Dean Loewen.

He looked forward to their nightly meetings because he had motivating and

minimal modern design toy also makes it doable for anyone to make. It makes it very easy for people to make the toys that I make out of cardboard or paper or whatever.”

The book came together in less than six months, a feat Joel remembers as challenging.

“I didn’t get much sleep, but I was so excited to be working on such a huge project,” Joel says.

“It was pretty intense.”

“Made to Play” is scheduled for release in the fall of 2011.

Visit Joel’s blog at www.madeby joel.com. Q

interesting leadership tips for them. He and Sarah have four children, Megan Buckman-Ocampo, Lindsey, Michael, and Brian.

Rollin Hixson ’76 and his wife, Kathleen (Goodman) att., live in

Alumnotes Bozeman, Mont. He is a finish carpenter for Martel Construction. He and Kathleen have formed a nonprofit organization called “Morning Joy Ranch Ministries,” a place to bring healing and recovery from grief, divorce, and abuse. His favorite memories of WWU was meeting and dating his future wife, and a concert by Van Cliburn and having him autograph his record album.

Gary Jepson ’76 and his wife, Deidre, live in San Marcos, Texas. After nine years serving as president/CEO of Central Texas Medical Center and 35 years in various health care related positions, he is currently spending time traveling with family. He enjoys reading and following waterfront real estate. His favorite memory of WWU is playing basketball and hanging with friends in the dorm.

He and Deidre have two children, Bryan, and Bethany Farrel.

Mima (Burgher) Roberts ’76 and her husband, Jim, live in Bonnells Bay, New South Wales, Australia. She is a retired associate professor of nursing from Andrews University. Her favorite memories of Walla Walla University were the classes that she took and returning to teach at WWU. She married Jim in 2005, and his family has made a huge impact on her life.

climbing the stairs to the classroom on the fourth floor of the Ad Building, and graduating with honors. He and Julie have two daughters, Becky and Rachel.

1980s Dede (Elsom) Anderson ’81 and her husband, Brian, live in College Place. She is an administrative assistant at WWU. She and Brian recently married, and they are enjoying their life together. In their spare time they love to travel, ride motorcycles, scuba dive, go to the river, and spend time with their kids. Dede and Brian have a blended family of four grown children and one grandson. One of Dede’s sons, Tyler Steffanson, curr. att., is a WWU student.

Jocey (Quaile) Botimer ’81 and her husband, Patrick ’87, live in Groton, N.Y. She is busy homeschooling their son Alex. Her favorite memory of WWU is Sabbath afternoons.

1990s Daniel Darrikhuma ’91 lives in Staunton, Va. He is a pastor for the Potomac Conference of Seventh-day Adventists. He loves working for his small church in the Shenandoah Valley.

He enjoys hanging out with family and playing the accordion. He plays occasionally with a gospel bluegrass band called Heaven’s Mountain Band and for his church. His favorite memories of WWU are working in the dorm as a RA and student dean.

Barbara (Spencer) Frohne ’91 and her husband, Rob ’83, live in Walla Walla.

James Dick ’81 and his wife, Ellen, live in Angwin, Calif. He is the principal at Pacific Union College Elementary School.

He and Ellen have three children, Stefaan, Emily, and Reuben.

Reg Maas ’81 and his wife, Karen (Matthews) ’82, live in Newberg, Ore. He

Jim Trude ’76 and his wife, Julie, live in Corvallis, Ore. He is the assistant director

for the General Conference Auditing Service, having held the position for 25 years. He also serves as editor of the Adventist church accounting procedures manual, which is published for use by 2,600 denominational entities around the world. He and Julie recently celebrated their 30th wedding anniversary. His favorite memories of WWU includes surprising teachers who did not know he had an identical twin, getting a workout

her church as a musician; she plays the organ and piano. She is also learning to play the violin. Her hobbies include reading, exercise, Bible study, family, baking, and music.

is an engineer at CorsTek Oregon where he has worked for 23 years. He did the finish work on the NirSpec instrument on the James Webb Telescope. His favorite memories of WWU are meeting Karen in physics class and Sabbath hikes. He and Karen have two children, Laura ’10 and Lisa att.

Gloria Owen-Clarke ’81 and her husband, Richard, live in Albany, Ore. She is a retired nurse and is now a housewife and caregiver for her parents. She is active in

She is a full-time mom and educator. She enjoys photography, watercolor painting, sewing, and quilting, and is learning to play the harp. Her favorite memories of WWU are talking with friends in the cafeteria, singing at After Glow, skiing near Tollgate, leadership conferences in Florida, Bible Conferences, Student Missions, being an RA, and the great friends she still has from WWU. She and Rob have two children, Araya and William.

Cecily Beth (Williams) Geschke ’91 and her husband, Grant att., live in Happy Valley, Ore. She is a controller for Adventist Health. She loves spending time with her family and biking and living in the Northwest. She and Grant have a daughter, Annika.

Kelly Jones ’91 and his wife, Ella, live in Wenatchee, Wash. He is a senior engineer for Cunningham Engineers. He enjoys traveling around the world. He and his family enjoy camping, backpacking, gardening, and being a part of their local church family. His favorite memory of WWU was going sledding and inner tubing in the mountains in the winter.

He and Ella have two children, Anthony and Katya.

Michelle (Bronsert) Kaiser ’91 lives with her husband, Kevin, in Brighton, Colo. Michelle and Kevin have a daughter, Hannah, who was born in 1999.

Michelle currently works as a family nurse practitioner at Fort Lupton Medical Team.

Renee (Erhart) Karel ’91 lives in Eagle, Idaho, with her husband, John. She is currently in her second year of law school at the University of Idaho. In her free time, Renee enjoys spending time with her husband and their three children, James, Krista, and Joshua.

Eric Oakley ’91 and his wife, Dawn, live in Yuba City, Calif., where he is a selfemployed periodontist. He served at Guam and Saipan Adventist clinics for eight years. His hobbies include hiking, scuba, and traveling. His favorite memories at WWU are pinging at Whitman College, Mudbowl, apple pie at Tollgate Bridge, spiritual retreat weekend at Panorama Ski Resort, winning College Bowl, and rafting South Fork after a thunderstorm. He and Dawn have three children, Graham, Alec, and Chad.

Patrick Sawyer ’91 and his wife, Sonya, live in Lincoln, Calif. Patrick works as an IT analyst for Inland Business Systems. Before becoming an analyst, Patrick worked in the automotive field. After college, he worked as a mechanic at an independent shop and then worked for 15 years at a Mitsubishi dealership in parts, service, and warranty administration. The Sawyers have three children, Blake, Haley, and Spring 2011 Westwind 27

Alumnotes Gracie. Patrick’s favorite WWU memory is driving through the Blue Mountains to get away from school stress.

2000s Ivan Barzallo ’01 and his wife, Laura (Ginsburg), live in Hermiston, Ore. He is a telecommunications field engineer for Bonneville Power Administration. He loves playing chess and hopes to learn how to ski. He and Laura have two children, Ayla and Elena.

Jeff Colburn ’01 and his wife, Brooke (Porter) ’00, live in Spokane, Wash. He

is a pediatric ophthalmologist for the Spokane Eye Clinic. His favorite memory of WWU was taking his future wife out on a first date to the Walla Walla Symphony.

He and Brooke have three children, Elise, Zion, and Wyatt.

Renée Harms ’01 lives in Siloam Springs, Ark. She is currently working as a staffing specialist for 1st Employment Staffing.

Nicole Elizabeth (Soderstrom) Quick ’02 lives in Denver, Colo., with her husband, Bryon.

Andrea (Pierce) Horlacher ’01 and her husband, Jess, live in Bozeman, Mont. She is a bookkeeper.

She also enjoys dirt-biking, skiing, and her family. Her favorite memories of WWU were Evensong and organ lessons with Kraig Scott.

Shane Reiswig ‘01 and his wife, Rebekah, live in Walla Walla. Shane currently works as the lead pilot for Metro Aviation. He remembers all the time he spent flying as one of the best parts of his WWU experience.

Warren Libby ’01 and his wife, Cynthia, live in Loma Linda, Calif. Warren and Cynthia have a 5-year-old, Ellison Tate.

Some of Warren’s favorite college memories are of the times he attended Evensong.

Richard MacKenzie ’01 and his wife, Jill (Duncan) ’01, live in Vancouver, Wash. He is an electrician for Parsons Electric. His favorite memory of WWU is going up in the mountains every weekend to enjoy the snow, mud, or nice views. He and Jill have three children, Daisy, Liliana, and Paxton.

David Royer ’01 lives with his wife, Jennifer, in Pasco, Wash. David and Jennifer have two children, Emily and Damon. David worked as an engineer at Hanford in Richland for two years after he graduated. Around that time, he met his wife, quit his job, and went back to school to study dentistry. He is currently working as a dentist. Some of his favorite memories from WWU include bike rides, going to the mountains, studying in the Fishbowl, late-night runs to the DX, sports games, The Awakening, vespers, Improv, and concerts.

International. This last year he passed his professional engineer exam and became licensed in the state of Montana. His favorite memories of WWU were graduation day and getting his diploma, and Friday afternoons getting together with friends.

Wesley Zinke ’01 and his wife, Christine (Gill) att., live in Lodi, Calif. He is a

transportation engineer. His favorite memory of WWU was meeting his wife and asking her out to the symphony and the CAN-AM hockey game. He and Christine have one child, Brett.

Andrew Lee ’06 lives in Vancouver, Wash., where he works as director of finance. He recently launched a website to assist students in studying for the CPA exam. It has become so popular that Lee is being approached by publishers who want their materials on his site.

Corey Waller ’01 lives in Stevensville, Mont. He is a project engineer for Rigging

Message On A Bottle Quench your thirst with a Walla Walla University water bottle—and show your school pride.

Visit the “U-Shop” for a great selection of mugs, water bottles, and more.

Clocks X T-Frames X Notecards X Sweatshirts and other clothing X

Walla Walla University Shop Visit our website wallawalla.edu/store Save 20% by keying in “Westwind” in the Customer Notes box 28 Westwind Spring 2011

In Memory

Carter—N. Lyle ’62 was born Aug. 31, 1925, in Bowling Green, Ohio, and died March 20, 2010, in Cheyenne, Wyo. Surviving: daughter Dona Cowan of Cheyenne; and sister Evelyn Hetzer of Pope Valley, Calif.

Hackett—Gordon ’41 was born Dec. 21, 1915, in College Place, and died Feb. 20, 2010, in Woodlake, Calif. Survivng: sons Richard of Woodlake, Calif., and Earl of Cookeville, Tenn.; daughter Gwyneth Binder of McKenzie, N.D.; and sister Bette Carleton ’46 of Grand Terrace, Calif.

Hallock—Howard ’47 was born April 15, 1920, in Briggsdale, Colo., and died Sept. 4, 2010, in Walla Walla. SurvivIng: son Kenneth ’75 of Buckley, Wash.; and daughters Judy Schneider of Gentry, Ariz.; and Brenda Mulder of Shafter, Calif.

Man of Many Talents

E

dward Zbaraschuck was born in Prince Albert, Saskatchewan, Canada. Edward was raised in a home where he and his family spoke both English and Ukrainian. Edward attended Canadian Union College for his high school years and then worked for Prince Albert’s newspaper, first as an apprentice printer, and then as foreman of the shop. While mastering the printing business, Edward married Melvina “Mel” Zary, and the couple began their family. Edward

Hazen—Stanley ’75 was born Oct. 6, 1951, in Yakima, Wash., and died Sept.

12, 2010, in College Place. Surviving: wife Kathryn att. of College Place; brother Bruce ’85 of West Linn, Ore.; and sister Jani ’73 of Gresham, Ore. Iwasa—Elsie ’53 was born Feb. 26, 1928, in False Bay, British Columbia, Canada, and died Sept. 9, 2010, in Ontario, Ore. Surviving: husband George of Payette, Idaho; sons Steve ’77 of Weiser, Idaho; Bruce ’86 of Payette; Doug ’86 of Ontario; Daniel att. of Payette; and David ’90 of Caldwell, Idaho.

Michaelson—Frank ’50 was born Aug. 23, 1916, and died April 10, 2010, in Lakeport, Calif. Surviving: sons Robert and Frankie of California; and daughter JoAnn Loren Stanger of Texas.

Patzer—Arthur ’43 was born June 1, 1920, in Kulm, N.D., and died Oct. 10, 2010, in Walla Walla. He was president of the Walla Walla College Alumni Association in 1992. He was preceded in death by his wife Pearl att. and his only

son, Jere. Surviving: daughter-in-law Susan att. of Battle Ground, Wash.; grandchildren Darin Patzer ’96 of Spokane, Wash.; Troy Patzer ’99 of Spangle, Wash.; and Carissa Britcliffe att. of Fresno, Calif.

Richert—Rhonda ’68 was born Feb. 2, 1946, in Spokane, Wash., and died Aug. 30, 2010, in Spokane, Wash. Surviving: brother Marc Richert att. of Spokane.

Riffel—Adeline att. was born March 25, 1928, in Forbes, N.D., and died May 22, 2010, in Spokane, Wash. Surviving: husband Gordon ’51 of Spokane; son William att. of Spangle, Wash.; daugh-

continued to work as a printer when he became a chemistry student at Walla Walla University.

After Edward graduated in 1964, the family moved to the northern California, where he worked for Diamond Alkali, a large chemical manufacturer. The family returned to the Northwest, first to Port Townsend, Wash., and then to College Place. When Edward’s employer, Boise Cascade, wanted to promote him, he was hesitant to work on Saturday so Edward decided to enter the medical profession. Edwards graduated from the School of Dentistry at Loma Linda University in 1974, and established a professional practice in Sequim, Wash.

Edward Zbaraschuk was born June 6, 1936, and died Aug. 9, 2010 in Sequim. He is survived by his wife Melvina; son Richard att., daughters Cindy Robinson, Tracy Reynolds att., and Lori Thordarson; and brothers Dennis ’63 and Ivan ’64.

ters Krista Woodruff, Debbie Shrock, and Karen Marshall, all of Spokane.; and sisters Helen Hartley of Windsor, Calif.; Lydia Spies of Yuba City, Calif.; Viola Williams of Cheyenne, Wyo.; Shelly Kuninobu of Escondido, Calif.; Emma Johnson of Ellendale, N.D.; and Ruth March of Macon, Miss.

Ore., and Nadine Hale ’64 of Port Ludlo, Wash.

Shearer—Raymond ’56 was born April 11, 1933, in Seattle, Wash., and died July 15, 2010, in Walla Walla. Surviving: son Jeffrey att. of West Richland, Wash.; daughters Donna Spencer att. of Walla Walla, Barbara Dunlap of Walla Walla, and Renee Schroetlin att. of Walla Walla; father Frank of Sunnyside, Wash.; brother Douglas of Toppenish, Wash.; and sister Marilene Foster of Toppenish.

Shenk—Paul ’62 was born Jan. 21, 1941, in Yelm, Wash., and died Oct. 25, 2010, in Morton, Wash. Surviving: wife Kaye Shenk of Woodland, Wash.; daughters Susan Willard ’85 of Walla Walla; Lisa Pollock of Lake Oswego, Ore.; Hannah Nohrenberg of Woodland, Wash.; and Rachel Shenk of Woodland, Wash.; mother Della Durant of Yelm, Wash.; brother Chas of Newport Beach, Calif.; and sisters Joan Richman of Yelm, Wash., and Dearah Hettik of Tenino, Wash.

Sonnenberg—Esther att. was born Dec. 5, 1911, in Winside, Neb., and died March 18, 2010, in Loma Linda, Calif. She was preceded in death by her parents Fred and Minnie Sonnenberg; sister Lydia; and brothers Henry att. and Alvin.

Weis—Marilyn att. was born Dec. 25, 1929, in Loma Linda, Calif., and died July 29, 2010, in Walla Walla. Surviving: husband Vernon of College Place; and sister Marjorie Fellows ’72 of College Place.

Rippey—Anieta att. was born Dec. 1, 1948, in Harvey, N.D., and died Oct. 22, 2010 in Damascus, Ore. Surviving: husband William ’50 of Damascus; son Wesley att. of Damascus; daughters Linda Henry ’73 of Clackamas, Ore., and Beverly Foster ’78 of Beaverton, Ore.; sisters Lillian Ringering att. of Hubbard, Spring 2011 Westwind 29

Calendar Campus Events Alumni Events

APRIL

d-f

April University Days For more information, go to wallawalla.edu/udays

1( APRIL

2!-2$ Alumni Homecoming Weekend

Walla Walla Sweets Alumni Night, Walla Walla

3) Alumni Reception, Hope Camp meeting, British Columbia, Canada

1) North Pacific Regional Robotics Challenge Grade school students present LEGO models and projects.

1%, 1^

Weekend of Worship Pastor Jon Talbert

JUNE

1* Alumni Reception, Upper Columbia Camp meeting, Spangle, Wash.

2%

1^ Service Day

Alumni Reception, Washington Camp meeting, Auburn, Wash.

1# Spaghetti Factory Alumni Night, Boise, Idaho

2^-2& Rosario Alumni Weekend, Anacortes, Wash.

2#, 2$, 2*, 3); May b wwudrama Spring Show â&#x20AC;&#x153;My Fair Ladyâ&#x20AC;?

AU G U S T

J U LY

1^

To register or for more information, visit alumni.wallawalla.edu.

Alumni Reception, Oregon Camp meeting, Gladstone, Ore.

JUNE

1@ Commencement

Volunteers Needed The Walla Walla University Alumni Association needs volunteers to help with events, mailings, and other tasks. If you can help, please contact Nicole Batten at nicole.batten@wallawalla.edu or call (509) 527-2644 or (800) 377-2586.

30 Westwind Spring 2011

From My Point of View

Our Journey Why a Couple in Their 50s Adopted a Teenager Autism Ambassadors

I

n 2007, my wife Ronda and I, both in our 50s, took stock of our lives.

In our home life, we were wiser but also humbled by our years of real-world parenting. We had children who had navigated the teen years and were now young adults.

Professionally, I had job security, and we had a measure of financial security. Yet we felt something was still missing. What were we doing with our hard-earned parenting experience?

We prayed, “Lord, what can we do at this stage of life to make a real difference in the world?”

Soon after this prayer, I read an article about teenage orphans, most of whom are never adopted.

In just one country, Ukraine, more than 70 percent of the orphans available for adoption are teenagers. Every year, thousands “age out” of orphanages and are thrust into society to sink or swim. Many sink. They spiral down into desperate, lonely lives often cut short. Many end up in prison or choose suicide. Many teen girls turn to prostitution just to survive.

The need was big, but our willingness was small. We argued with ourselves, “Yes, there are needy teenagers in the world but what about the risks, and what about the effect on our other children?”

We rationalized. Maybe we should just send a donation to help out in an orphanage somewhere. But in our hearts, we kept coming back to one simple truth. To make

a real difference for someone, you need to take a real risk.

“Are you nuts?” Our friends let us know what they thought when we told them we were considering adopting a teenager. “What about the abuse he may have experienced?” “Who is going to help you if he turns defiant?”

These were questions we had also wrestled with. However, as we read more about adopting teenagers, we came to understand that despite the negative stereotypes attributed to teenagers in general, most orphaned teens want a home. As adoption advocate Kristean Thompson says: “They want a family, and dinner at 6 p.m., a part-time job, trips to the mall with a mom, and fishing trips with a dad. They want to be part of a real family with chores, and homework, and Christmas dinner.”

We found an adoption agency seeking a home for a 15-year-old boy in an Ukrainian orphanage.

We talked to a North Carolina family who had hosted this boy in their home for a month the previous year. We took a deep breath and plunged. Eight months and a 2-inch stack of paperwork later we flew to Ukraine, went to the orphanage, and met our soon-to-be son for the first time. It took us 40 more days in Ukraine to complete the adoption, and we flew home in October 2008.

He chose the American name “Ian” for himself. Ian had huge adjustments to make. One day he

was immersed in life at an orphanage, and a few days later he was on the other side of the world, living with brothers and sisters, trying to understand a strange language, adjust to strange food, and strange family rules.

Big adjustments take time.

Ian had learned survival skills in the orphanage that didn’t work very well in our family. He had a very hard time doing household chores. He worked diligently to avoid working. He applied creativity to avoid schoolwork. There was some anger and some tears, especially during the first year, but Ian always stopped short of open defiance. He let us know he was committed to making things work, even though he thought many of our family rules were unjust, stupid, or both.

As Ian adjusted, so did we. We kept reminding ourselves that Ian had spent 16 years being raised by someone else, and we couldn’t magically mold him into someone just like our birth children. And then there were the unexpected joys. We liked his sly smile and his sense of humor – which quickly pierced the language barrier.

We watched Ian’s English skills bloom, and we cheered him on at soccer games. It wasn’t long before we found ourselves falling in love with this boy.

Two years have passed since Ian came to our home. Ronda is trying to be the mother he never had, and I’m working to be the father he needs as he grows into

A 2008 snapshot at an Ukrainian orphanage captures the moment when Art King, a 1981 engineering graduate, and his wife, Ronda King, meet their adopted son for the first time. Ian has since earned his driver’s license, learned to snowboard, and was elected captain of his soccer team.

adulthood. I taught him to drive a stick-shift and cheered when he passed his driver’s test. Ronda taught him to make bread and provided rewards when he earned a good grade in English class.

We have only a few short years with Ian. He will soon launch himself into independent adulthood. In this brief window of time we can introduce him to Jesus. We can give him a stable base of family love, and pray that he makes good decisions.

Looking back, we are glad we didn’t let the risks and fears overwhelm us. We are happy that we took that deep breath and plunged. We are now in the midst of helping this new son of ours grow into adulthood. He is part of our family forever.

If you are in your 50s, your time window will soon close. Find a teenager to adopt. Take your own deep breath and go make a real lifelong difference for someone. Q Spring 2011 Westwind 31

Westwind

Walla Walla University 204 S. College Ave. College Place, WA 99324-1198

College Avenue Crossings

T

he months of gray skies and brisk winds are over. The clouds are breaking up, revealing that longed-for, vibrant, blue sky. Students are leaving the warmth of corner cafes and filling the parks to study under the bright sun, which has been hidden for so long. Just a few weeks are left in the quarter and the buzz around campus is about summer vacation.

This is spring at Walla Walla University.

One of the ways the Walla Walla Valley ushers in spring is the Balloon Stampede. Lindsay Kelstrom, senior biology engineering student, attends this distinctive event every spring. She snapped this picture at last year’s event.

“I love spring in Walla Walla. It starts getting warm, and I have the opportunity to get out and go to things like the Balloon Stampede,” says Kelstrom. “It’s such a unique event—you don’t get things like this in other places. I’ve never been there to see them take off in the morning, but I’m definitely planning to be there this year.” Q

Nonprofit Org. US Postage PAID College Place, Wash.

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