Winter 2005-06 Bethany Report

WINTER 2005-06 the magazine of bethany lutheran college

6Volleyball takes UMAC title again

8Opportunities abound for Christian growth

151940 grad shows love for teaching

Bethanyreport

After chapel one day we assembled current students who are sons and daughters of Bethany alumni for a group picture (page 16). The event

has been an annual tradition for many years. It seems that this group grows in size each year. While this isn’t a surprise to me, it did cause me to wonder, “Why do students come to Bethany?” Certainly the parents of those assembled for the photo believed enough in their own education that they wanted their children to have a similar experience at Bethany. Of course with a student body of over 500, there is a significant number that come here for other reasons. Some come for a specific major, while others for a particular co-curricular activity. Each of these is an impor-tant consideration, but there is an additional factor that draws students

to Bethany—one which has been the same across genera-tions, although the mode of communication has changed over the years.

Forty some years ago, for example, a young man found himself trying to figure out what he should do after he had been discharged from the military. He met a nurse who told him that Bethany would be a good place for him to get an education. He never learned her name, but he took her suggestion and it changed his life. Now fast-forward to the present. A young woman from sub-Saharan Africa wanted to study in the U.S. and began searching for colleges on the Internet. An email found its way to an empathetic member of Bethany’s staff. After a few email

exchanges and a few thousand mile journey, she found herself on our campus and quickly became an active member of the Bethany commu-nity. Similarly a recent high school graduate from the Atlantic seaboard discovered a few current Bethany students, not in person, but through an online discussion group. She knew nothing about Bethany prior to this. The students told this individual what their experiences at Bethany have meant to them, apparently quite convincingly, since she arrived on campus to begin the second semester. All three of these students came to Bethany because someone took the time to convince them that the mission of the college, our very essence, would make a difference for each of them.

One thing for sure is that each of them found that Bethany provides a special educational experience. A liberal arts education coupled to a solid Christian foundation is a powerful combination. Bethany has known this for nearly eight decades. Recent articles in the news media have indicated that more and more students are seeking out Christian higher education. This is a good thing and we are pleased that we can have a role in helping to meet this need.

editor | Lance Schwartz design, photography | David Norris proofreaders | Sarah Harstad Jon Kovaciny Elayne Luiken Shannon Reichel Tami Tillman

Please direct all correspondence, letters, news, corrections, and comments to: Bethany Lutheran College Bethany report 700 Luther Drive Mankato, MN 56001-6163Email: [email protected] | www.blc.edu507.344.7000 | 800.944.3066FAX: 507.344.7417

ISSUE: CIV

The Report is published quarterly by the Bethany Lutheran College public relations office and distributed free of charge to the college’s students, faculty, staff, alumni, and friends.

All contents © COPYRIGHT 2006 Bethany Lutheran College. Articles, images or photographs may not be reproduced without written permission.

Mission: Bethany Lutheran College, owned and operated by the Evangelical Lutheran Synod, is a private, residential, liberal arts college committed to the teachings of the Bible as set forth in the Lutheran Confessions. Bethany provides studies culminating in a bachelor of arts degree. The college serves Lutherans and others by offering a challenging, student-centered approach to education that fosters spiritual development, intellectual and creative growth, self-understanding, and responsible citizenship. In keeping with its heritage, Bethany aspires to produce students with a clear understanding of Christian vocation, which calls for people to make the most of their God-given talents in whatever walk of life they pursue.

Bethany Lutheran College Board of Regents:Rev. John A. Moldstad, Sr., ChairHarold A. Theiste, Vice ChairRev. Kenneth V. Schmidt, SecretaryWillis Anthony, Ph.D.Rev. Mark BartelsJon C. BrussPaul T. ChamberlinRev. Herbert C. HuhnerkochJames MinorRoland ReinholtzRev. J. Kincaid Smith, D.Min.Rev. Joel Willitz Advisory Members: Pres. Dan R. Bruss, Ph.D.Rev. Lawrence A. BurgdorfLyle FahningRev. John A. Moldstad, ELS PresidentWilliam Overn

On the cover: Bethany students (from left) Paul Webber, Natalie Skogen, and Leah Rider take a break from digging out the inside of their quinzee (a pile of snow, packed and hollowed out inside) on the campus green after a March snow storm. Leah said she learned how to make a quinzee on a recent Bethany trip to the Boundary Waters in Northern Minnesota. (Photo by David Norris)

President Dan Bruss

The common threadBethanyreport

from the president

2 report | winter 2005-06

January 20, 2006Genesis 29:9-12—“Now while he was still speaking

with them, Rachel came with her father’s sheep, for she was a shepherdess. And it came to pass, when Jacob saw Rachel the daughter of Laban his mother’s brother, and the sheep of Laban his mother’s brother, that Jacob went near and rolled the stone from the well’s mouth, and watered the flock of Laban his mother’s brother. Then Jacob kissed Rachel, and lifted up his voice and wept. And Jacob told Rachel that he was her father’s relative and that he was Rebekah’s son. So she ran and told her father.”

Jacob rolled the stone from the mouth of the well and watered the flock.

What difference does it make? When we read the story of the patriarchs, Abra-

ham, Isaac, and Jacob, we are reading the story of our salvation. How interesting that this story is full of so many of the simple, mundane activities of life! How inter-esting that this eternal story involves people who struggle to make a living, to support a household; how interesting that this story is full of human beings who eat and drink, and laugh and weep, human beings who make simple, everyday human choices about their actions.

Jacob is a newcomer in a strange land. He has made a long and difficult journey; a journey made necessary by his own deceitful actions. Now he finds relatives, and a promise of some degree of stability. He weeps—in relief, exhaustion? He kisses Rachel, and her presence gives him great hope. It may be that, even in this moment, a love was kindled for the shepherdess. He rolled the stone from the mouth of the well and watered the flock.

Now Jacob’s story is important, of course, because in it we hear of how God keeps his covenant with Abraham, and with the entire world, alive. But Moses could have passed that on to us without the details. But the details are there, to teach us and to comfort us.

God is a God of the details. He was there with Jacob on his journey, and He was there with Rachel and her father’s sheep. When we see how God deals with the saints in the details of their everyday exis-

tence we are reminded how much He cares for us, for the little details in our own lives. Even though it is preposterous to think about, given the millions and millions of people and the billions and billions of details, we know that the omniscient God is aware of all of the detailed circumstances of our lives.

God is a spirit—we know that from a conversation that Jesus had with a woman at another well—and He desires that every human spirit would find rest, eternal rest, near His heart. But He is also a carnal God, who has redeemed our bodies as well as our souls.

His mind is incarnational; we see that in His first miracle at Cana in Galilee. His mind is incarnational, that is to say that He knows our physical needs and desires even better than we. He is at our side, in every change and circumstance of life, making our choices work together for His glory and our good. This is why the Holy Spirit wants us to look carefully at Jacob, and at Rachel at that well, and at those thirsty sheep.

As a community we spend a lot of time looking forward. Sometimes we are anxious, sometimes we worry. There are assignments, projects, tests, dead-lines, and hurdles to jump so that we can get on with life. God is here, in all of that, helping us to find and fulfill our vocations, helping us through the little activities of each day which may, in fact, have a profound outcome in our future, and in the future of those around us.

This week we have been talking about marriage.

from the chapeL

Rev. Dennis Marzolf

Chapel continued on page 5

Now Jacob’s story is important, of course, because in it we hear of how God keeps his covenant with Abraham, and with all of the world, alive. But Moses could have passed that on to us without the details. But the details are there, to teach us and to comfort us.

education that lasts beyond a lifetime 3

By Tami TillmanInstitutional Advancement

For thirteen years, Bethany art professor, Bill Bukowski has led groups of serious art students on a trip to New York City

to view and experience some of the world’s foremost art muse-ums. The trip is a whirlwind—a brief four days at mid-term break each fall. Seeing an opportunity to benefit from the trip, last October the business administration department traveled with the art department for a trip to the Big Apple. For both departments there were many things to do, see, and learn in so little time.

Though each of the disciplines spent a lot of time together, the first day was spent separately with each department making planned visits to sites that complemented their studies. The art group headed to the Frick Museum and the Museum of Modern Art while the business group visited the investment firm, Lehman Brothers, and received insight into the financial world learning the challenges and joys of being a New York executive. The business group also met with alum-nus John Born (JC ’90) who is an advertising executive for the pharmaceutical industry.

Some of the highlights that the departments experi-enced together included many New York “must sees” such as attending Verdi’s Falstaff at the Metropolitan Opera, enjoying a stroll through Central Park, visiting the Metropolitan Museum of Art, visiting Times Square and Rockefeller Center, the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island among others. A favorite of many was attending Phantom of the Opera on Broadway.

Not surprisingly, a trip to the 9-11 Ground Zero site was filled with emotion. There was complete

silence at the site. The group was fascinated and uplifted by the cross shape cut out of some remaining building beams and stood in the center of the fenced area where the World Trade Center towers once stood. St. Paul’s church, situated next to Ground Zero, was the site where many affected by the tragedy came to pray, where workers came to eat and rest, and where others left notices in an attempt to find missing loved ones. The church has now become a place for visitors to mourn those who died and to

give thanks for the survivors. A security guard at the church asked if the Bethany group was a college choir that wished to

sing at the church. The group, although not a choir, sang at the church that day bringing tears to many visitors in

the pews. Through a variety of experiences, the Bethany group

learned much during the trip. From a new apprecia-tion for jazz music after attending the Blue Note Jazz Club, or simply learning the tricks of navigating the New York transit system, everyone benefited from the trip. Jennifer Soost (BA ’05—Business Administra-tion) just “enjoyed discovering a city you see mostly through your television. It made it real.”

Dr. Janet Moldstad (Business Administration) noted that the trip was “part of an overall effort to enhance the business curriculum. One unique benefit of the New York trip was that it brought students together from different disciplines to learn about each other’s interests, in addition to its purpose of exposing them to a variety of world-class fine arts and business activities.”

Lance Schwartz contributed to this article.

student travel

Mid-term break in the

Photo courtesy of Bill Bukowski

Students and faculty from the art and business departments took advantage of last fall’s mid-term break to learn more about their respective disciplines in New York.

Big Apple


You may, someday, have the vocation of a spouse or you may not. Some in this room will have the vocation of parenting, others will not. Some may be called to a vocation of the single life. In all of these things, the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob is interested and active.

As we learn that God is involved in the intimate affairs of our lives we learn to make decisions that reflect His presence and our calling. We may make the wrong decisions. We know that the patriarchs did that plenty of times. Yet we walk by faith, armed with God’s clear Word, and are invited to pray that God’s will might be done in our lives.

In this light we begin to see that all we say and do is an epiphany of the greater glory, which is His, active in our lives to accomplish greater things than we can imagine or see. In this knowledge we can grow in patience, realizing that the work we have to do is given to us by One who will see it through to its own conclusion in His own time, in His own way.

Don’t be afraid to help water the thirsty sheep. You never know who you might meet at the well.

Chapel continued from page 3

Photo by David Norris

Christmas concert broadcast on televisionFor the first time ever, the Bethany Lutheran College choirs and band were featured on broadcast television during the Christmas season. A half-hour special featuring select pieces from the 2005 “Christmas at Bethany” concert was aired Christmas Eve on the Mankato CBS affiliate KEYC. “For a larger audience to get a taste of ‘Christmas at Bethany’ was a tremendous opportunity,” said Bethany’s Director of Public Relations, Lance Schwartz.

campus news

Faculty and staff anniversaries observed in 2006Back row from left: Dean Shoop, Business-25 years; Dr. Thomas Kuster, Eleanor Wilson Chair and Communication-15 years; Rev. Adolph Harstad, Seminary-15 years; Jonathan Marozick, Information Technology-10 years; Tatjana Durand, Spanish-15 years; Mark Wiechmann, Psychology-25 yearsFront row from left: Ann Fredrickson, Music-10 years; Adrian Lo, Music-10 years; Patricia Lussky, Health-15 years; Judith Miller, Resident Manager-15 years; Lois Jaeger, Fine Arts Director-15 years; Laura Matzke, Music-15 years; Audrey Winkler, Information Secretary-20 yearsNot pictured: Paula Baumberger, Library-10 years; Linda Loge, Admissions-10 years

fall festivalSept. 22–24, 2006

Mark your calendar and

join us for


Back-to-back titles for volleyballBy Adam HoltzAssistant Sports Information Director

The Bethany Lutheran College volleyball team proved that its 2004 championship in the Upper Midwest Athletic

Conference (UMAC) was no fluke, claiming a share of the UMAC title again in 2005. This year’s Vikings posted a 22-10 record, including 12-2 against conference opponents, and also won the season-ending conference tournament.

Head coach Marcia Eggen reflects on the season fondly. “We had our first senior in the program’s history, and we played against some quality opponents—both in and out of the UMAC.” The Vikings claimed victories over established programs like Buena Vista, Waldorf, and Gustavus Adolphus, among others.

Eggen recalls a number of challenges emerging during the year. “The first week of conference play, we lost a key player to injury, but everyone put together a remarkable team effort to pull out three wins. We needed to start out the conference schedule with that kind of momentum.”

Numerous athletes also received honors for individual success. Kelsey Black, Leslie Bremer, and Kristen Goebel were named to the UMAC All-Conference First Team, while Black and Goebel were also honored by the National Christian College Athletic Association with All-Region awards.

In 2006, the future looks bright for Bethany Volleyball. “I have a lot of confidence that we will continue to be competitive,” Eggen says, “and there will be a lot of experience to be found on future teams.”

Golfers improve in second UMAC seasonThe 2005 Bethany golf team saw significant improvement

during its second season in the UMAC, placing well in a number of meets. The team’s best finish of the season, a third-place showing at the UMAC Showcase Tournament, was encouraging to head coach Rick Jeddeloh. “Having a number of freshmen on the team, it was good to see them do well,” he said.

Jeremy Cole led the way as the Vikings’ best finisher in the majority of the season’s events. After the season, Blake Nelson and Daniel Tyrrell were named UMAC Academic All-Confer-ence honorees.

Jeddeloh knows that experience will be a factor in upcoming seasons. “Having seen many of the courses now, our returning golfers should be able to improve even more next fall.”

Dramatic finishes highlight men’s soccerIn 2005, the Bethany men’s soccer team tallied a record of

5-13-2, but in the end, the Vikings narrowly missed out on a postseason berth. Head coach Rob Pipal knows how tight the UMAC really is. “All the teams were very competitive,” Pipal said. “Regardless of which team we played, they were all

Photo by Sport PiX

Kesley Black (16) and Kristen Goebel (8) were two of the three Bethany players named to the UMAC All-Conference First Team. The duo also took home All-Region awards from the National Christian College Athletic Association.

athletics

Sports continued on page 7


By Jim WallDirector of Alumni Relations

It could be said that the Bethany Lutheran College basketball program

has a rich and storied tradition. For years, part of that tradition has been the annual alumni basketball game where the current varsity basketball men and women’s teams are pitted against a team made up of BLC basketball alumni. The alumni games are always spirited, fun, and competitive.

Since Bethany is now a provisional NCAA Division III member, the format of the alumni basketball games has changed. For the first time ever, the

alumni games now feature alumni vs. alumni teams. This year the games were played on Saturday, January 28, 2006.

Many former players were back for the first year of the new format. Those who participated had a great time lacing up their sneakers and trying to rekindle some of their favorite moves on the court. Classes from 1979 to 2004 were represented. For a few, the quickness and jumping abilities may not have been what they once were, but all involved enjoyed being part of a great event.

It was also exciting to have two legend-ary Bethany coaches—Art Westphal and Ron Younge on the sidelines once again.

After the games, the group enjoyed a pizza party and the opportunity to catch up with their former coaches and team-mates reliving the “glory days.” The day proved to be a great opportunity to welcome alumni back on campus and to the gym where they once played.

Everyone at Bethany would like to thank the alumni who took time out of their busy schedules to participate. As a former basketball player at Bethany and now the director of alumni relations, it is heartwarming for me to witness the wonderful support we receive from our alumni. I hope to see you on the court next year!

Format modified for alumni basketball game

hard-fought matches.”A highlight of the season was a match

against Northwestern. The Vikings prevailed in a 2-1 thriller despite being outshot 34-6. “That match was a state-ment,” said Pipal, “that on any day, any team in this conference can win.”

The excitement continued all the way through the final match of the season, in which Bethany was tied with Northland late in regulation. A Viking win would have sent Bethany to the UMAC tourna-ment, but Northland pushed through a goal during the last minute of regulation to seal the win and eliminate Bethany from playoff contention.

Many players were honored by the UMAC for superior performances. Junior Mike Colago and senior Oliver Lundquist were named to the All-Conference First Team, while freshman Jason Plow-man was named Honorable Mention. Juniors Martin Boucek, Ales Ters, and Nik Schultz were named Academic All-Conference.

“There were opportunities for everyone to play—and we had sixteen freshmen,” Pipal says, meaning that developing lead-

ers from this year’s team will be key to next year’s success. “The next two years are critical to the program,” Pipal says. “We need to have some key roles filled next year. If they can be the backbone of the team, the future will be very bright.”

Women’s soccer bolsters roster with new talent

The Bethany women’s soccer team featured many freshmen this year, tally-ing a 3-14-3 record during the season. “We were definitely competitive,” said head coach Rob Pipal, “but since we were so young, other teams frequently wore us down toward the end of games.” Despite going winless in conference play, the team proved it could compete with its UMAC rivals—three of the seven conference matches went to overtime.

A high point during the season was a comeback victory over Waldorf. “We were losing by two goals at halftime,” Pipal said, “but using that as a wake-up call—to play to the best of our ability—we ended up winning the match. Everyone was pleased with the effort and results.”

“The most important thing is stability,” said Coach Pipal, who is encouraged at having almost every player back next year, including First Team All-UMAC selec-tion Stephanie Pipal. “Bringing in addi-tional quality players to complement their experience and make us a deeper team will be keys to future success.”

Sports continued from page 6

Photo by Sport PiX

Defenseman Nikolaus Schultz works against a player from the University of Wisconsin–Superior on September 6, 2005. UW Superior went on to win the match 1-0.


lifeEvery aspect of

ecently one of our professors returned to his office immediately

after preaching for chapel, and found this e-mail note from a student: “Thank you very much for the chapel devotion today. I needed that. ... some-thing about today really made this one hit home.” Only five minutes after leaving the building, this young man had taken the time to send off a ‘thank you’ to the preacher.

This fall, about three months into the semester, a young student approached me and said, “I have been in chapel every day this year. It is so great to be able to come and hear God’s Word every day.” It is easy for us to take this blessing for granted. My return to the campus has really helped me appreciate our special and unique mission. It is such a privilege to sit in chapel every

school day and meditate on God’s truths. As one of the newest faculty members

on the campus, I am more and more impressed with the wonderful opportuni-ties we have before us at Bethany. There continues to be a solid core of students who have chosen Bethany for the sake of growing and remaining in their Christian faith. There are others who know little about Christianity and some who know nothing at all. This can certainly make classroom instruction challenging, but it also makes it very exciting and intrigu-ing.

The college years can often be some of the most formative years for people when it comes to matters of their faith. It is also exciting to see students, who are well grounded in Christ, taking the time to talk with others. Students have asked me,

By Rev. Donald MoldstadChaplain, Religious Studies

R

8

“How can I get my roommate to come to chapel or church?” Others have directed friends to me who need spiritual guid-ance and help. In addition to providing students with a strong Christian educa-tion, Bethany also serves as a wonderful mission field. I presently have two young students in adult instruction classes due to the concern of others at the college.

Following an evening Bible class, I frequently have students stay around to discuss spiritual matters. Lately, we have been studying what God’s Word says regarding marriage and starting a family. These are some of the most important events in a person’s future and discussion will help a student to better understand what God’s Word requires of them. One

day, there were at least five students wait-ing after a religion class to find out how the teachings of Scripture we had discussed in class apply to them personally in certain situations. This is not uncommon for other teachers on the campus.

Across the hall from my office, I can often hear the instructors talking about Biblical teachings from the Old Testa-ment, or regarding the two natures of Christ. Even teachers from departments other than religious studies will come to me with spiritual and biblical questions they are discussing in classes with their students. Coaches have approached me with spiritual questions and concerns. A theatre director has asked me to come in and talk to the actors regarding the

theology included in an upcoming play. Resident managers and their assistants deal with matters of our Christian faith each night in the residence halls.

One of my seminary professors once said, “God has something to say about every aspect of my life.” How true that is. Everything in life has something spiri-tual about it. What a blessing to serve at a college where these wonderful truths are taught so clearly and openly. I appreci-ated Bethany as a child, growing up near the campus, and as a student when I was attending in the late 1970s, but I appreci-ate Bethany even more now as an adult. How grateful we should be that God has provided us with such a Christ-centered institution.


Chaplain Moldstad talks with students during a recent Bible Study on marriage and family.

9

theatre

A unique performance opportunity for ‘Miracle Worker’By Lance SchwartzDirector of Marketing and Public Relations

A recently staged theatre production at Bethany Lutheran College took on

special meaning during a weekday mati-nee performance in the Ylvisaker Fine Arts Center Theater.

In the audience for the The Miracle Worker, a play about Helen Keller and her teacher Anne Sullivan, were students from the Minnesota State Academy for the Deaf and elementary and high school students from south-central Minnesota enrolled in American Sign Language (ASL) classes.

The matinee-performance was the brainchild of Bethany alumna, Crista Browne-Krosch. Browne-Krosch is an ASL instructor for Project Socrates, a program of South Central Service Coop-erative, in North Mankato. Browne-Krosch contacted the Bethany Theatre Department about the idea, and then helped to coordinate the performance. Bethany provided two interpreters for the deaf students in attendance.

The production was received warmly by the matinee attendees as well as the general public during six sold-out perfor-mances.

Sign language interpreters Tina Mowrey

(bottom left) and Pam Guerrero translated

actor’s dialogue for the audience. Actors pictured are Captain Arthur Keller

(Andrew Umphrey), Helen Keller (Helena

Langr) [left], and Kate Keller (Keri Drew).



advancement

Mickelsen helps others achieve educationBy Lance SchwartzDirector of Marketing and Public Relations

Leonhard Mickelsen understands the value of a collegiate education based

on Christian values and principles and he has established an endowed scholarship at Bethany Lutheran College.

Mickelsen was born during the Great Depression in Jackson County, Minne-sota. He grew up in Grant County, Minnesota, and graduated from Elbow Lake High School. Mickelsen now resides in Mankato, Minnesota.

Mickelsen earned both bachelor’s and master’s degrees from St. Cloud State University in the disciplines of business education and social science. He also earned a doctorate in business education and business administration from the University of North Dakota at Grand Forks.

Leonhard Mickelsen is an educator. He began his career as a business educa-tion teacher at Foley High School, Foley, Minnesota. While pursuing a degree at St. Cloud State University, he taught as a

graduate assistant. Mickelsen began teach-ing at Mankato State University in 1964, working through the ranks to full profes-sorship in the area of business education. He retired from full-time teaching in 1991 but continued as an extended campus professor for six additional years.

Mickelsen is an active member of Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Mankato where he volunteers and assists with various activities. His belief in higher education has motivated him to also establish scholarships at Minne-sota State University, Mankato, St. Cloud State University, and the University of North Dakota. Mickelsen’s motivation for his generosity is summed up humbly in his own words, “I have reaped much, and enjoy sharing my bountiful harvest with young people in pursuit of educa-tion.”

When asked why he established an endowed scholarship at Bethany, Mick-elsen talks about how he financed his education. “I went through my bachelor’s and master’s degree programs on a GI bill that paid $110 per month,” says Mick-elsen. “Without this, I would never have been able to get an education. “Bethany represents, in my mind, a utopia for getting a Christ-centered education in a secular society.”

Mickelsen has some advice for the students receiving funds derived from the scholarship he established at Bethany Lutheran College. “We are all born with family genetical traits as well as societal advantages or disadvantages, but greater than these are the factors of motivation and initiative. Reach outward and upward for goals that seem just beyond you, and with God’s help, you’ll be surprised at what you can accomplish.”

Bethany Lutheran College thanks Leonard Mickelsen and the hundreds of others who have established scholarships at Bethany Lutheran College.

Leonhard Mickelsen

CONCERT DATES

May 12: First English Lutheran, Spring Valley, Minn.

May 13: Lime Creek Lutheran Church, Lake Mills, Iowa

May 14: Western Koshkonong Lutheran Church, Cottage Grove, Wis.

St. Paul Lutheran Church, Ixonia, Wis.

May 15: Lakeside Lutheran High School, Lake Mills, Wis.

May 18: Salem Lutheran Church, Stillwater, Minn.

May 19: Bethany Lutheran Church, Princeton, Minn.

May 20: Zion Lutheran Church, Tracy, Minn.

May 21: Rock Dell Lutheran Church, Belview, Minn.

May 25: Home Concert, Trinity Chapel, Mankato, Minn.For more information, go to www.blc.edu/choirtour

11

Outside Inputacademics

By Dr. Thomas Kuster, Communication | Silas Born, Coordinator of Christian Education | Dr. Eric Woller, Chemistry

Bethany’s academic programs and students benefit from the input of community and alumni leaders. A few of the

departments have established advisory boards which help in many ways, from tendering career advice to current students to offering input on curriculum development.

CommunicationBethany’s communication students found new opportunities

to connect with their futures through campus visits by members of the newly formed Communication Advisory Group. These professionals, prominent in communication-related careers, provided students a taste of life beyond school—and primarily the tastes were of lives of service.

Advisory Group members were invited to perform two tasks: to review the program—suggesting improvements, and to interact with students—advising and inspiring them.

Each member planned two campus visits during the year. First, during the fall semester, each visited as an individual, spending part of a day speaking with faculty and students. In the second visit, planned for spring, all Advisory Group members will gather, meet each other, and interact with students and faculty.

The Advisory Group offers several benefits to the Bethany communication program. Members provide expertise on

Outside Input continued on page 13

12

improving the communication program, they are guest speak-ers in classes and they offer support for program development, grant applications, and research efforts. They become contacts, resources, and references for internships and placements, and their involvement enhances the program for prospective students and their parents.

Advisory Group members realize benefits from their involve-ment as well. All seem eager to assist the development of prom-ising students, and they seem to enjoy interacting with students and faculty.

Current Advisory Group members include: David Durenberger, former U. S. Senator from Minnesota,

is a highly sought-after specialist in health care systems, with views of particular value to students interested in public service and health communication.

Renee (Wiechmann ’86) Jackson, an attorney from the Fair Isaac Corporation in Minneapolis, spoke to students about careers in law and especially about the management of intel-lectual property.

Kay Olson, Editorial Director at Capstone Press in Mankato, gave students an encouraging and realistic vision of a service-oriented career in print publishing.

Robert Weiss, Director of the Immanuel-St. Joseph’s Hospital Foundation, enriched students through his extensive experience in public relations, entrepreneurship, and public service.

Barry Wortel, broadcasting and community activity special-ist with radio station KTOE, provided students with a model of a broadcasting professional with healthy priorities grounded in community service.

EducationThe Education Department has

also established a Community Advi-sory Council. The Council assists the College in developing and maintaining an education major that incorporates the educational ideals of the state of Minnesota and reflects the best prac-tices for training teachers to meet the needs of all children. The Community Advisory Council meets regularly with Bethany’s Education Major Commit-tee and student representatives to discuss current educational theory, research, practice, and consider options for effectively translat-ing those discussions into teacher-training practices. The meet-ings include a report on how Bethany’s education department has incorporated the Advisory Council’s suggestions into the teacher-training curriculum and clinical experiences. Meetings also include evaluative reports on the impact of implementing

the suggestions of the Community Advisory Council. A recent sample of some of the ideas and suggestions from the Council included the following ideas:

• Recognize and understand that each gift a student has is a gift from God.

• Learning styles: A teacher must respect that students learn in many different ways. Lack of respect for differences in learn-ing style could “squash the joy of learning” for students.

• Teachers need ability to be flexible and have a sense of humor.

• Teachers need to be gifted in order to teach the diverse students in our culture today.

• The education program at Bethany must demonstrate, by the experiences it provides, just what the elementary education teacher is expected to provide for his/her students: joy of learn-ing, thrill of discovery, success at each level, excitement, and new challenges.

Mathematics and ScienceThe Division of Mathematics and

Science has established a Science Advi-sory Board, which met for the first time in the fall of 2005. The main purpose of the board is to assist the department in the ongoing curriculum planning to meet the needs of today’s students and employers. While the programs in science and mathematics were built on the foundation of the original two-year programs, the new courses and majors have been developed by the faculty from the ground up. Input from those in the private sector is of great value when additional courses are considered.

The board is made up of several BLC alumni that have found careers in science, engineering, and medicine. The College interviewed many qualified alumni and choosing just six was not easy. The members of 2005-06 board include Dr. Carol Lehtola (agricultural engineering), Dr. Wayne Dorband (biol-ogy and business), Dr. Michael Van Norstrand (medicine), Dr. David Theiste (chemistry), Mr. Jonathan Brassow (engineer-ing), and Dr. Carrie Ketel (biology).

Five of the six members were able to travel to Bethany’s campus for the inaugural meeting in November 2005. Dr. Lehtola was unable to attend, but will be a keynote speaker at the College’s Science Symposium in April 2006.

The group discussed the science programs at Bethany, iden-tifying strengths and weaknesses of the major’s curricula. The day ended with a panel discussion for Bethany students with the members discussing where the Lord has led them since leaving Bethany. This proved to be very interesting to current students and a definite highlight of the weekend.

Outside Input continued from page 12


Prof. William Bukowski (Art) had two public exhibitions of his work recently. The first, called Garden Paintings, was at the Art Center of St. Peter, located in St. Peter, Minnesota, from August 4- September 11, 2005. The second was at the University of Wisconsin Extension Campus in Marshfield, Wisconsin, from August 25 to October 25, 2005. Bukowski also gave lectures in connection with each exhibition.

Bukowski’s painting depicting Manka-to’s Sibley Park called Summer Morning #1 was exhibited at the 2005 Minnesota State Fair.

On October 17, 2005, Bukowski presented a lecture and led a tour for a senior seminar from Gustavus Adolphus College. The group was studying religious art and Bukowski showed his works The Creation Fresco in Meyer Hall and the Life of Christ Altarpiece from Trinity Chapel.

Prof. Tim Tollefson (Music) has been

commissioned by Northwestern Publish-ing House to write two short organ preludes for publication in the periodical Worship Music: A Resource for Lutheran Keyboard Musicians. The first prelude appeared in the January 2006 issue and the second will appear in the fall of 2006.

Dr. Steven L. Reagles (Religious Studies, Communication) delivered the keynote address titled “Media Ecol-ogy and Poetry: Surfing on Oral, Liter-ate and Visual Waves through Time” at the annual convention of the League of Minnesota Poets meeting at Good Coun-sel Retreat Center, April 23, 2005, in Mankato, Minnesota. He also delivered a paper titled “Doctus orator of a Five-Sense or Three-Sense Sensorium?: Marshall McLuhan’s Media Ecology Bias and ‘Big Rhetoric’” at the Annual Conven-tion of the Media Ecology Association of

America meeting at the Manhattan Lincoln Center Campus of Fordham University in New York City, June 22-26, 2005, and also delivered a paper titled “Visuality’s Reason versus Tactility’s Ratios: A Provocation about Religious Premises in Postman and McLuhan’s Media Ecology” at the Annual Conven-tion of the National Communication Association meeting, November 16-20, 2005, in Boston, Massachusetts.

Prof. Mark Harstad (Religious Studies) was the guest preacher at the October 23, 2005, Mission Festival of the Scarville-Center Lutheran Parish, rural Lake Mills, Iowa.

Dr. Jennifer Wosmek (Psychology) attended the first meeting of the Minne-sota Association for Behavior Analysis and co-chaired a symposium on teaching psychology.

Bukata Hayes (Multi Ethnic Center) and Wosmek have laid the ground work to start First Forward, a group for students who are the first in their fami-lies to attend college. The kickoff will be in Spring 2006. The objective is to help these students become connected with one another and to enhance their college experience.

Sarah Harstad, Lance Schwartz, Jim

Wall, and Art Westphal attended the Council for Advancement and Support of Education (CASE) District V Conference in Chicago, Ill., in December 2005. The conference featured presentations about alumni relations, fund raising, and public relations issues.

Prof. Judy Kresnicka (Music) attended a conference entitled Bach in the Church: Adding Value to Modern Worship at Luther Seminary, St. Paul,

Minnesota, in February 2006. Topics included: J.S.Bach in Worship Today: Yes, No, Why, Why Not; Bach for All Seasons; Vocal concerto principle used in the chorale settings, and Bach’s Cantatas in Worship. The lectures focused on the relevance of Bach’s music to worship and demonstrated how to make his music more accessible to choirs.

Dr. William B. Kessel (Geography, Religious Studies, Sociology) has been published in many journals recently, including the Encyclopedia of Native Amer-ican Wars and Warfare, New York: Facts on File. Vida de Cristo. In Cristo Piedra del Angulo. Tr. David y Ruth Haeuser. Lima: Evangelical Lutheran Synod in Peru. (Spanish edition of The Life of Christ, in the Christ the Cornerstone series), and White Mountain Reflections, in Journal of the Southwest. Vol. 47, No. 1, pp. 57-69.

He also delivered a paper to the ELS General Pastoral Conference, October 4-6, 2005, titled “River of Muddy Waters: The Qur’an in Perspective.” Kessel is also serving as the social science editor of jour-nal Charis, The Institute of Wisconsin Lutheran College, Milwaukee, Wiscon-sin.

Dr. Ron Buelow (Math, Science) spoke to Lutheran High School math teachers in October 2005 at the WELS Associa-tion of Lutheran Educators Conference in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. The talk was titled “Approaching Infinity.”

Man’s Mimicry written by Buelow in 1991 and published in the January-Febru-ary 2006 issue of the Lutheran Science Institute Journal was referenced during the Creation Moments international radio broadcast on January 24, 2006. Creation Moments is heard worldwide on over 1,300 stations and outlets. Each program features scientific evidence of nature that points to God’s marvelous designs.

Faculty and staff news


Jeppessen displays love for teachingalumni profile: Ada Jeppessen, Class of ’40

By Lance SchwartzDirector of Marketing and Public Relations

How does a former Los Angeles County teacher-of-the-year enjoy

retirement? Perhaps basking in the warm sun amidst the natural beauty of South-ern California or maybe watching the waves crash along the beaches of Malibu. Sounds logical, but not for Ada (Stokes) Jeppesen, a 1940 graduate of Bethany Lutheran College. Jeppesen moved to the Great Plains town of Blair, Nebraska.

Jeppesen, and her husband Paul, were both high school teachers in the Los Angeles area—Paul in Ontario, Califor-nia, and Ada in Pomona. They both loved their work. Visiting with Ada recently, I found her love for teaching immediately evident as she passionately referred to her days in the classroom.

So how did Ada Jeppesen decide to call Blair, Nebraska, home? Step back to 1997 when Jeppesen’s husband, Paul, passed away. Paul Jeppesen was a graduate of Dana College, which is located in Blair, Nebraska. After Paul’s passing, Jeppesen debated between relocating in Blair or Mankato, but for her it came down to the weather. After many years of Califor-nia sunshine she was not quite ready to commit to the sometimes-harsh weather of Minnesota. “In Mankato I could enjoy reminiscing with my classmates, Rudy Honsey, Juul Madson, and other Bethany friends, but I simply wanted to be in a place where the weather was a little milder,” said Jeppesen. Additionally, some of her closest family members live in or near Blair so she decided that rather than spend her retirement years amid the hustle and bustle of Los Angeles it made sense to move to this quiet college town just north of Omaha.

During her teaching years in Pomona, Jeppesen was elected president of the Pomona Unified School District Teach-er’s Union as well as earning the County

Teacher of the Year award. As the teacher’s union president, Jeppesen was responsible not only for effectively communicating the needs of faculty and staff in the large Pomona district, but also with elected offi-cials. Jeppesen’s Teacher of the Year award was earned for her creativity in the class-room—something she says she learned the most about during her Bethany days. She really loves the classroom and she possesses a gift for motivation.

That gift earned Jeppesen a trip back to the classroom recently. During a visit to the Dana College library in Octo-ber 2005, at the age of 85, Jeppesen was approached about a move into a Dana College classroom. It seemed that there was a need for an inspirational instruc-tor to take over an English class that had lost its professor mid-semester. Jeppesen possessed the teaching and academic credentials required for the job, and two

hours later she was in the classroom.“They basically handed me the class

roster and grade book and wished me luck,” said Jeppesen. It was a unique class-room—thirteen male students who just happened to be Dana athletes, and one female, a cheerleader. “I think they were wondering just who this person teaching them was,” says Jeppesen. “Perhaps it was the canes I use that had them curious.”

Jeppesen connected with these students in a way that perhaps a less-seasoned professor could not. She earned the respect of these students and was able inspire them to become better writers.

Ada Jeppesen fondly recalls her years at Bethany as both a high school and college student and is inspired by Bethany’s recent growth. Bethany Lutheran College is inspired by Ada Jeppesen’s love for teach-ing and salutes her for stepping back into the classroom at the age of 85 years!

Photo courtesy of Dana College

Ada Jeppesen added to her long list of academic success stories by stepping back in the classroom to teach English at Dana College in Blair, Nebraska.


alumni news

Alumni Legacies 2005-06

Pictured are students who have at least one parent who went to Bethany Lutheran High School, College, or Seminary: Britta Anderson (Mark Anderson ’83); Hallie Anderson (Thomas Anderson ’79); Casey Barnes (Deborah Zimmermann ’75); Jesse Becker (Barbara Bloedel ’74); Meredith Browne (Crista Meyer-Browne-Krosch ’84); Elisabeth Bruss (Dan Bruss ’73, Kathryn Moldstad ’79); Paul Burgdorf (Doug Burgdorf ’79); Jason Costello (Gregory Costello ’76, Janet Nelson ’81); Jeremy Costello (Gregory Costello ’76, Janet Nelson ’81); Jessica Costello (Cynthia Hall ’77, John Costello ’77); John Dvorak (Amy Kopacek Dvorak ’79); Jeremiah Erickson (Timothy Erickson ’71); Sarah Ernst (Micah Ernst ’83); Benjamin Faugstad (Emily Trier ’76, James Faugstad ’76); Jacob Faugstad (Daniel Faugstad ’73, Julie Sorenson ’77); Jesse Faugstad (Mark Faugstad ’85, Marlene Heller ’85); Mark Faugstad (A. Faugstad ’57, Adela Halverson ’59); Rebekah Faugstad (Mark Faugstad ’85, Marlene Heller ’85); Samuel Faugstad (Daniel Faugstad ’73, Julie Sorenson ’77); Amanda Fehr (Lee Fehr ’80, Linnette Mundfrom ’80); Laura Fehr (Lee Fehr ’80, Linnette Mundfrom ’80); Leah Fehr (Roger Fehr ’76); Danielle Geistfeld (Jon Geistfeld ’81, MaryJo Leverenz ’82); Andrew Greibrok (Patricia Newgard Greibrok ’77); Elizabeth Gullixson (Norman Gullixson ’69); Anna Handberg (Marilynn Nickerson ’79, Noel Handberg ’79); Peter Harstad (Mark Harstad ’74, Peggy Sorenson ’72); Jonathan Homan (Bradley Homan ’75, Julie Koenen Homan ’77); Martha Hougan (Elizabeth Nickerson ’75, Paul Hougan ’76); Jeffrey Huber (Kathleen Holmen ’74); Jessica Huber (Kathleen Holmen ’74); Erik Hughes (James Braun ’84); Jacob Jaeger (Lois Olson ’71, Steven Jaeger ’72); Richard Jones (Steven Jones ’77); Thomas Kessel (William Kessel ’78); Amanda Knudson (Kathy Goetzke ’73); Jessica Kruse (Ronald Kruse ’75); Brandon Londgren (Elisa Boniek ’79, Jeffrey Londgren ’79); Jerusha Londgren (Elisa Boniek ’79, Jeffrey Londgren ’79); Trevor Londgren (Elisa Boniek ’79, Jeffrey Londgren ’79); Karyn Lussky (Glenn Lussky ’78, Rebecca Madson ’80); Kristin Lussky (Glenn Lussky ’78, Rebecca Madson ’80); Amanda Mattson (Bruce Mattson ’80, Patricia Bremseth ’81); Rachel Mellon (Kenneth Mellon ’78); Brandon Meyer (Timothy Meyer ’79); Laura Mielke (Mary Laue ’77); Angela Moldstad (Donald Moldstad ’78, Gina Hassler ’80); Michael Moldstad (John Moldstad ’74); Chellsea Nelson (Harland Nelson ’69); Nicklaus Ollrich (August Ollrich ’79, Susan Lawson ’79); Megan Paggi (Mary Stuebs ’76); Julie Quist (Allen Quist ’64); Cassandra Scherer (Brenda Black ’79); Nikolaus Schultz (Nathan Schultz ’78, Shelly Hein ’78); Kristen Scislow (James Scislow ’81, Karen Harstad ’81); Joshua Skogen (David Skogen ’67); Natalie Skogen (David Skogen ’67); Kirsten Sparley (Janice Hoyord ’74, Steven Sparley ’74); Sarah Taylor (Kathleen Overn ’76); Benjamin Wiechmann (Ann Monson ’81, David Wiechmann ’81); Katie Wiechmann (Ann Monson ’81, David Wiechmann ’81); Terri Wiederhoeft (Joni Baarts ’78, Keith Wiederhoeft ’73); William Zager (Linda Roth ’77, Paul Zager ’77)

Not Pictured: Nathanael Abrahamson (Harvey Abrahamson ’85); Jessica Bartels (Timothy Bartels ’78); Elizabeth Bloedel (Karl Bloedel ’75); Melissa Boyd (Cynthia Budach ’80); Robert Bruss (Dan Bruss ’73, Kathryn Moldstad ’79); Jennifer Bukowski (Sherri Goetzke Bukowski ’74); Jennifer Cachiaras (David Peoble ’91); Peter Faugstad (Emily Trier ’76, James Faugstad ’76); Rebekah Fehr (Roger Fehr ’76); Seth Ferkenstad (Craig Ferkenstad ’74, Teresa Kletscher ’78); Kari (Lillo) Fletcher (Ernest Lillo ’61, Margaret Otto ’63); Benjamin Geistfeld (Jon Geistfeld ’81, MaryJo Leverenz ’82); Kristen Goebel (Kurt Goebel ’81, Pamela Niermann ’81); Joshua Guelker (Douglas Guelker ’77); Eric Gullixson (Connie Warrant ’76, James Gullixson ’77); Sarah Gullixson (Connie Warrant ’76, James Gullixson ’77); Nathan Harstad (Mark Harstad ’74, Peggy Sorenson ’72); Kjersten Haugen (Elyse Olson ’75, Jeffrey Haugen ’75); David Hicke (Robert Hicke ’80, Valerie Marquardt ’81); Mark Huber (Kathleen Holmen ’74); Benjamin Hughes (James Braun ’84); Lance Johnson (Mark Johnson ’72); Kristen Jones (Lyle Jones ’80, Lynette ’80); Whitney Klebel (Letetia Baker ’83); Kimberly Kruse (Ronald Kruse ’75); Sarah Loe (Daniel Loe ’77); Christina Madson (Karen Hougan ’69); Jeffery Merseth (John Merseth ’99); Jessica Merseth (Juel Merseth ’69); Thomas Metzger (Daniel Metzger ’74); Stephanie Meyer (Connie Kjenslee ’77, Joe Meyer ’76); Jacob Moldstad (Donald Moldstad ’78, Gina Hassler ’80); Andrew Olsen (Oren Olsen ’76); Corey Olsen (Oren Olsen ’76); Jacqueline Pemble (John Pemble ’68); Gregory Pipal (Lori Degner ’76, Robert Pipal ’76); Stephanie Pipal (Lori Degner ’76, Robert Pipal ’76); Robert Reagles (Steven Reagles ’77); Stephanie Reagles (Steven Reagles ’77); Andrew Shoop (Dean Shoop ’75, LuAnn Larson ’75); Sarah Sohre (Arthur Sohre ’71); Laura Sparley (Janice Hoyord ’74, Steven Sparley ’74); Amanda Spreeman (Edward Spreeman ’76); Daniel Stavig (Jennifer Tobias ’76); Nicole Strackbein (Philip Strackbein ’71); Courtney Ulmen (Mark Ulmen ’80); Brian Wegner (Kay Johnson ’70); Daniel Wiechmann (Mark Wiechmann ’76, Nancy Dickert ’76); Jordan Wright (David Wright ’78, Julie Baarts ’80); Sarah Wright (David Wright ’78, Julie Baarts ’80)


alumni news

1948Charles Anderson and his wife, Rose,

celebrated their fifty-fourth wedding anniversary on September 30, 2005. They both retired in 1985. They enjoy fishing, metal detecting, panning for gold, and traveling. Charles also enjoys playing a round of golf twice a week.

1951Hazel (Knutson) Schweiger and her

husband, Kenneth, have been residing in Wisconsin for over thirty years. They enjoy traveling to Minneapolis, Minne-sota, to visit four of their children and two grandchildren. Each year they also spend three weeks at the home of their daugh-ter, Cynthia and her husband George, in Danita Springs, Florida.

Dick Bode attended his fiftieth year college reunion at Concordia University in 2005. Dick is working as an assistant track coach at Racine Lutheran High School and is the announcer for their football games. He and his wife, Doris, also recently celebrated their fiftieth wedding anniversary. They both stay active by attending school and church activities. They also enjoy traveling south for a month during the winter to visit two of their children.

1954Wayne Lee married Joan Schweim

on January 15, 2005. They reside in Mankato, Minnesota.

1955Pauline Anunciacion Richter married

William Huffman on August 26, 2005. After combining both of their families Pauline and William have seven children and nine grandchildren.

1957Mildred Christenson married Russ

Dickinson on July 18, 2004, on the shores

of Lake Bemidji in Minnesota with the Rev. Shawn Stafford (’94) officiating. Mildred and Russ are the oldest couple Rev. Stafford has married. Mildred has two daughters Darla (LaRoque) Hasel-tine (’80) and Wendy LaRoque (’84) and granddaughter, Michelle, who hopes to also attend Bethany.

1958Glen Mehrkens retired in 1998 from

public education after thirty-four years

as a math teacher, computer coordinator, and athletic director. He and his wife, Millie, have been volunteering since 2003 at Alaska Christian College in Soldotna, Alaska. Glen is the director of facilities and Millie is the administrative assistant to the president of the college.

1959Karolyn (Klammer) Hanna is teach-

ing nursing courses at Santa Barbara City College, California, and is very active in two national nursing organizations. On a trip to Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, in August 2005 Karolyn met with Jim Hall (’59 and ’61) and his wife Betty, Phil Teigen (’59 and ’61) and his wife Marlene.

1967Kenneth Keat has been a chaplain at

Arizona State Prison Complex in Doug-las, Arizona, for fifteen years.

1976Tychicus Landon retired from the

United States Postal Service in Mankato, Minnesota, in November 2005.

1985Wayne Anderson was appointed the

examiner of titles for the Second Judicial District after working as their deputy examiner since 2000. Wayne will marry Lita Playle on September 9, 2006, at the Chapel of St. Croix Lutheran High School in West St. Paul, Minnesota.

1986Shelly (Anderson) Dritz resides in

Minneapolis, Minnesota, with her two sons Dalton (11) and Wyatt (6).

Amy (Bergemann) Weseloh, her husband Matt (’85), and their two sons Joseph (14) and Isaac (10) reside in Water-town, South Dakota. Amy homeschools their two sons and teaches music in her free time. Matt continues to work from home for Electronic Data Systems.

1988Dale Kelm and his wife Jesi announce

the birth of a baby girl, Claire Evelyn Kelm, on October 1, 2005.

1990Ruth (Armstrong) Berglin and her

husband Joel moved back Mankato, Minnesota, after being away for twelve years. Ruth homeschools their two

alumni news


alumni news

daughters and enjoys writing stories. Her book “Dear Big, Mean, Ugly Monster” has recently been published as a picture book by Child and Family Press. Joel is enrolled in the nursing program at MSU, Mankato. Ruth would enjoy hearing from Bethany friends. She can be reached at (507) 387-5417.

1993Nate Birkholz accepted a position

at the law firm of Lathrop and Clark in

Madison, Wisconsin. He and his wife Sara (Goehring) (’94) have two chil-dren: Salem (4) and Foster (1).

1994Kelly (Behnke) Schleper and her

husband Gary celebrated their first

wedding anniversary on November 20, 2005. They have a Weimaraner dog named Wuxie. Kelly continues to teach health and physical education at Jordan High School.

1995Jenny (Hoeper) Heckman and

husband Mike have three sons: Ryan (6),

Matthew (4), and Adam (2). They reside in Truman, Minnesota. Jenny works for Fairmont Medical Center in Fairmont, Minnesota. She enjoys scrapbooking, attending summer pedal pulls, and other activities with their children. Mike works for Truman Public Utilities, the fire department, and ambulance squad. This past summer Ryan won the South Dakota state pedal pull and advanced to nationals in Mitchell, South Dakota.

1996Rachel Bell married Richard Tuttle

in September 2005. They reside in Ada,

Minnesota. Rachel works at the elemen-tary school in Ada and caters during her free time. Richard teaches band for grades seven through twelve and teaches ninth grade choir at the high school in Ada. They have four children: Alex (15), Evan (12), Dex (8), and Zach (6).

Erin (Neve) Monsrud and her husband, Jeremy, announce the birth of a baby boy, Cooper John Monsrud, on July 14, 2005. Erin is working as an in-home daycare provider and Jeremy continues to work for Best Buy Corporation.

1997Rev. Jesse Kauffeld and his wife, Jodi,

announce the birth of their fifth child Elijah Dimitri Kauffeld. They reside in Eau Claire, Wisconsin.

David Skaaland earned his master’s of science degree in reading education in June 2005 from University of Wisconsin, Oshkosh. He is an elementary special education teacher in Eden, Wisconsin.

Marty Schmidt and his wife, Jenny, announce the birth of a baby boy, Tobias Martin Schmidt, on September 21, 2005. Marty is working as the youth director at Third Reformed Church in Pella, Iowa.

2002Antoinette (Smith) Koelpin resides

in Stanton, Nebraska, with her husband Dave, eighteen-month-old boy Thomas, and a Wheaten Terrier puppy named Zona. Antoinette welcomes anyone trav-eling near Stanton to stop for a visit.

Andrew VanLoy married Wendy Lyle on September 3, 2005. They reside in St. Cloud, Minnesota. Andrew continues to coach the softball team at St. Cloud State University and is completing his master’s degree in sports management. Wendy is a field clinical technician for Rehabilicare in St. Cloud.

Tammy Wiltsey resides in Princeton, Minnesota, and is a supervisor at Taco John’s.


alumni news

2003Sarah Dale married Jon Bakken on

December 31, 2003. They announce the birth of a baby girl, Brenna Elizabeth Bakken, on January 19, 2005. They reside in Albert Lea, Minnesota.

2005Aleaha Cummings has completed

an internship with the Walt Disney Company. She was hired as a Disney planning center coordinator.

In memoriamMartin H. Tonn passed away Monday,

December 5, 2005, at Immanuel-St. Joseph’s Hospital in Mankato, Minne-sota. Tonn was born on May 11, 1934, in Amboy, Minnesota. He attended paro-chial school at St. John’s Lutheran School in Willow Creek and Amboy High School. He graduated from Bethany High School in 1952 and received his associate in arts degree from Bethany Lutheran College in 1956. Martin married Lorraine Urban on June 17, 1956, at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Willow Creek. Martin was Secretary/Treasurer of Pleasant Mound

Insurance Company and held numerous offices in the church. He will be especially missed by his family and friends with whom he loved to visit.

Walther C. Gullixson was born on December 28, 1913, in Chicago, Illinois. He graduated from Bethany Lutheran College in 1934 and from Concor-dia Lutheran Semi-nary in St. Louis, Missouri, in 1940. On January 25, 1946, he married Mildred Reese. The Lord blessed the both of them with six children. Gullixson first served at Parkland Lutheran Church in Tacoma, Washington, for sixteen years. He also served at East and West Paint Creek Lutheran Church in Waterville, Iowa; Our Savior’s and Bethany Lutheran Church of Princeton, Minnesota; Bethel Lutheran Church in Sioux Falls, South Dakota; and Oslo Lutheran Church of Volga, South Dakota. He served as secretary to the Evangelical Lutheran

Synod from 1953-1973. In 1980, Gullix-son retired and moved to Mankato, Minnesota. He then served seven church vacancies, various boards for the synod, served the AARP 55 Alive driver safety program for Southern Minnesota, and was the secretary of the Golden Kiwanis. Gullixson passed away Saturday, January 7, 2006, at Immanuel-St. Joseph’s Hospi-tal in Mankato, Minnesota. His love of music was spread throughout his life. He will always be remembered in the hearts of everyone that knew him and whose lives he touched.

James L. Meyer was born in Hampton, Iowa. In 1953, he was confirmed at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Latimer, Iowa. He graduated from junior college at Beth-any Lutheran College in 1959 and from Mankato State in 1961. In 1993, Meyer moved to Florida from Roseville, Minne-sota. Meyer worked for Pinellas County School District in Florida and was a mili-tary policeman in the National Guard. Meyer passed away Friday, January 20, 2006, at his home in Indian Rocks Beach, Florida.

Bethany friend, Jay Roth, called to eternal homeBy Steve JaegerVice President for Enrollment Management

Jay Roth, a faithful servant and friend of the College, was called to his eternal

rest on Monday, February 6, 2006. Jay died suddenly of a stroke at his home in Queens Creek, Arizona. Funeral services were held at Pilgrim Lutheran Church in Mesa, Arizona, with Christian burial also in Mesa. He is survived by his wife Cheryl; children Rachel (John) Erkkila of Apple Valley, Minnesota; Randy of Queens Creek, Arizona; Tara of Mankato, Minnesota; and granddaughter Lilly Erkkila.

A memorial service was held on Friday, Febru-ary 24, in Trin-ity Chapel on the Bethany campus. A reception was held for family, friends, and students imme-diately following the service.

Jay began his work at Bethany in 1988 as the Associate Director of Admissions. In 1994, he became the International Student Director and in 1998, added the position of Director of Internships and

Placement. Jay served briefly in other capacities in student services and coach-ing.

The Lord preserved Jay in the faith and he now enjoys everlasting happiness in his heavenly home. May we hold fast to the faith we have in our Lord and Savior so that one day we can be reunited with all of our loved ones in heaven. “Then I heard a voice from heaven saying to me, “Write: Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord from now on.” “Yes,” says the Spirit, “that they may rest from their labors, and their works follow them.” (Rev. 14:13 NKJV)

Jay Roth


700 Luther DriveMankato, Minnesota56001-6163

education that lasts beyond a lifetime

Non ProfitOrganizationU.S. Postage

PAIDMinneapolis, MNPERMIT No. 4656

aDDreSS Service requeSteD

Key: SFC—Sports and Fitness Center; YFAC—Ylvisaker Fine Arts Center. Dates and times are subject to possible changes. Please call in advance to confirm dates and times of events before traveling: 800.944.3066 or 507.344.7000.

Printed on recycled paper

Calendar of Events

april18 Baseball @ Martin Luther New Ulm, Minn., 2 p.m. 18 Softball @ Martin Luther New Ulm, Minn., 3 p.m. 19 Speech Team Home Concert Meyer Hall, 7 p.m.21 Softball - UMAC Crossover Home, 2 p.m.21 Baseball vs. UM-Morris, Home, 3 p.m. 21 Men’s/Women’s Tennis vs. UM-Morris Home, 3 p.m. 22 Baseball vs. UM-Morris, Home, 12 p.m. 23 Women’s/Men’s Tennis @ St. Scholastica Duluth, Minn., 9 a.m./ 12 p.m.24 Baseball @ St. John’s University Collegeville, Minn., 3 p.m. 24 Softball @ Bethel, St. Paul, Minn., 4 p.m. 26 Men’s/Women’s Tennis vs. Martin Luther Home, 3 p.m.27 Men’s/Women’s Tennis vs. Northwestern Home, 3 p.m. 27 Annual Spring Art Reception & Awards YFAC, 7 p.m.28 Softball @ UMAC Crossover Ashland, Wisc., 4 p.m.28 Baseball @ St. Scholastica Duluth, Minn., 3 p.m.29 Luthapalooza Sibley Park, Mankato, 10 a.m.29 Baseball @ St. Scholastica Duluth, Minn., 12 p.m. 30 Spring Semester Honors Recital Trinity Chapel, 2 p.m.

may3 Baseball @ Waldorf Forest City, Iowa, 2:30 p.m. 3 Softball vs. Gustavus Adolphus Home, 4 p.m. 4 Spring Student Film Festival Meyer Hall, 7:30 p.m.5 Softball @ UMAC Conference Tournament, New Ulm, Minn.

For more calendar events, visit: www.blc.edu

The Athletic Hall of Fame was established at Bethany Lutheran College to recognize those individuals or teams that best exemplify the Christian spirit, integrity, and philosophy of the College and the athletic department. Former players, coaches, and other individuals who have made significant contributions and brought honor to the College and the athletic program are eligible for selection to the Athletic Hall of Fame.

Bethany is currently seeking nominations for induction to the Athletic Hall of Fame in the fall of 2006.

For eligibility information or to submit nominations, direct correspondence to:

Bethany Athletic Hall of Famec/o Karl Fager, Athletic Director700 Luther DriveMankato, MN 56001

or via email at: [email protected]

Wanted: Hall of Fame Nominations

about Bethany Lutheran collegeBethany Lutheran College, owned and operated by the Evangelical Lutheran

Synod, is a private, residential, liberal arts college with a commitment to the teachings of the Bible as set forth in the Lutheran Confessions. The college serves Lutherans and others by offering a challenging, student-centered approach to education that fosters spiritual development, intellectual and creative growth, self-understanding, and responsible citizenship. In keeping with its heritage, Bethany aspires to produce students with a clear understanding of Christian vocation, which calls people to make the most of their God-given talents in whatever walk of life they pursue.

Location: Bethany is located in Mankato, Minnesota, an area of approximately 52,000 residents (eighty miles southwest of Minneapolis/St. Paul).Campus: Overlooking the beautiful Minnesota River Valley, the campus occupies fifty acres with thirteen buildings and two athletic fields.Enrollment: While Bethany is continually growing, the average full-time enrollment is 515 students, with approximately thirty additional part-time students. Bachelor of Arts degree: Sixteen majors and seventeen minors are offered. For more information, please visit www.blc.edu.

Winter 2005-06 Bethany Report

Documents

current bethany students

daughters of bethany

bethany community

current students

christian higher education

liberal arts education

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