70-Year Reunion

Class of 1938

Reunion dates ― May 30-31, 2008

 

November 2007

 

Dear Class of ’38:

 

This school year will culminate in the 70th anniversary of our college graduation at Gustavus.  Congratulations on reaching this august point in life, and double congratulations if you are able to represent our class at recognition ceremonies during the 50-Year Club reunion next May.

 

Since Alva Anderson Wellington still is going strong in St. Peter’s “Wilds of Sand Prairie,” I trust that she’ll attend.  I certainly hope that those of you in the Twin Cities area can make it– Ebba Lundquist Bergquist, Ralph Bolmgren, Jo (Mrs. Stan) Erickson, Rick Hillstrom, Helen Quist Johnson, and Chet Nelson―and the two of you in northwestern Minnesota― Dolores Ekern Seaberg and Marjorie Sealander.  You nine Minnesotans are half of our 18 classmates still going strong.  You’re exceptionally durable, considering your rigorous Minnesota habitat.

 

The remaining nine of us are scattered from coast to coast―Wilbur Lund in Virginia and Robert E. Olson in Florida, Eunice Backen Blomberg and Gertrude Nelson Iverson in Illinois, Eunice Cofran Jensen in Wisconsin, Carl Freberg and Doris Dominick Gustafson in California, Don V. Anderson in Oregon, and I’m in Washington.  Some of us should be able to demolish the distance barrier to St. Peter for our 70th!  It would be quite a thrill to celebrate our 70th with classmates.

 

When you decide you’re going, let the Alumni Office know; we’ll get the word around, and that will be an extra incentive for the rest of us.

 

In the meantime, this is Thanksgiving month.  I hope you will enjoy celebrating it with family or friends.  We’re looking forward to eating turkey with four of our six progeny.

 

It’s a time when we remember how richly blessed we’ve been, not only in years―which are far beyond my expectations―but in countless other ways.  It’s also a good time to remember how fortunate we are to have gotten a college education long ago when it was relatively rare.

 

One very appropriate way to acknowledge our good fortune this Thanksgiving would be to help students of this day get their chance at a college foundation for lifetime success.  A check to the Gustavus Fund would accomplish that.

 

Sincerely,

 

Francis C. Gamelin

1938 Class Agent

 

P.S.  Now for some news from campus:

 

Campus News

President Peterson Announces Retirement

President Jim Peterson ’64 announced in August that he plans to retire at the conclusion of the current academic year, capping a five-year term.  His early announcement will provide the Board of Trustees enough time to undertake a thorough search process and assist in a smooth transition to new leadership.  Peterson will serve through June 2008 and has offered to assist in an orderly transition beyond that date if needed.

 

Moes provide gift for Kendall Center

Gustavus parents Robert and Karin Moe have made a $1 million commitment to the John S. Kendall Center for Engaged Learning. This leadership gift brings the College closer to its goal of fully endowing the center, which is dedicated to advancing active and interdisciplinary learning across the campus. When fully funded, the endowment will generate funds to support two main areas: faculty development and student-faculty research.

 

New football stadium opened

On September 8, the football team played its inaugural game at the College’s new football stadium.  The synthetic-surfaced field is recessed below ground level and features an earthen berm surrounding the entire field.  The field will continue to be named Hollingsworth Field after the late Lloyd Hollingsworth, who served as the College’s football coach from 1942-1960 and athletic director from 1961-1978.

 

Athletics Hall of Fame Induction

On Saturday, November 3, Gustavus inducted the following people into the Athletic Hall of Fame:  Tim DeJarlais ’91 (golf), John Erickson ’81 (hockey), Dave Hultgren ’92 (baseball), Craig Miller ’91 (cross country), Mindy Mayerchak Oosten ’88 (softball & soccer), Mike Schumacher ’91 (football), Ann Sommerness Simms ’92 (swimming), and Ryan Skanse ’92 (tennis).

 

Twin Cities Gustie Breakfasts

Join other Minneapolis/St. Paul area Gusties for a once-a-month morning cup of coffee and breakfast while getting an update on Gustavus. The group meets the third Wednesday of each month at the Doubletree Hotel, Minneapolis-Park Place, 1500 Park Place Boulevard (Hwy. 394 & Hwy. 100), 8:00-9:30 a.m., $10 per person.  Reserve by calling Don Swanson ’55 at 763/533-9083

Wednesday, November 21

Winter sports coaches – Jon Carlson ’88 (men’s and women’s swimming & diving), Mark Hanson ’83 (men’s basketball), and Brett Petersen (men’s hockey)

Wednesday, December  19

Margaret Kelliher ’90, speaker of the Minnesota House of Representatives

 

Alumni Fund

The 2008 Alumni Fund has a goal of $1.95 million from 8,000 donors.  Continue a Gustie tradition ― join other alumni to reach the goal with your participation in the 2008 Alumni Fund.

 

Calendar of events:

Nov. 30, Dec. 1-2  Christmas in Christ Chapel

December 6           St. Lucia Day celebration on campus