Class of 1949
October 2007
Dear ’49ers,
Last year I was giving excuses about being late. This year I have none. My heart surgery went well, but it has taken
time to get my strength back. I did get
to Orchestra Hall last November for the concert given by five
At our class agents meeting on September 15, we received the results of last year’s Alumni Fund. The total amount of unrestricted gifts was $1,095,000―over a million for the first time. When you add other gifts the grand total for 2007 was $1,600,000. Our class gave $18,630. Thank you on behalf of Gustavus for your gifts!
Louis ’46 and Ardis (Swanson) Almen have written that their main residence is now in central Florida―about eight miles from their daughter, Mary. Their address is:
Cell phone: 407-579-0269
Two of my classmates from seminary have died this past
year. Allen C. Nelson died suddenly
after leaving his part-time job at St. Mark’s
Our classmate, Betty
Engebretson Holmquist died on
I want to give a special word of thanks to Ron Timmerman ’75, who is a member of the Alumni staff at Gustavus. One of his tasks is to review the letters of class agents and correct mistakes and make additions. Knowing he is there―and having experienced his good work makes it easier for me to get these letters off.
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
Gustavus parents Robert and Karin Moe have made a $1 million
commitment to the
New football stadium
opens
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 will induct 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,
Wednesday, October 17
Professor Jeff Jeremiason, recap of Nobel Conference
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
Inaugural “A
Royal Affair” Online Auction
“A Royal Affair,” the biennial fundraiser for the Gustavus library, is October 27. New to A Royal Affair this year is an online auction that will be activated the week of October 22. This online auction will have unique items available only for bidding online and not at the evening event. These items can be viewed through the Gustavus website and bidding will close prior to the October 27 Razzle Dazzle*A Royal Affair. Also, the online auction is open to everyone – parents, alumni, students, faculty, and friends of Gustavus – even those unable to attend Razzle Dazzle*A Royal Affair. Watch the Gustavus Library Associates website at gustavus.edu/gla/ for up-to-the-minute details on the online auction.
Alumni Fund
The 2008 Alumni Fund has a goal of $2 million from 8,000 donors. Continue a Gustie tradition ― join other alumni to reach the goal with your participation in the 2008 Alumni Fund.
Refer a Gustie
As the school year starts, many high school seniors are
getting serious about their college selection. If you know of high school
seniors or juniors who may be a good fit at Gustavus, please send their names
to the Office of Admission at Gustavus to help recruit the next generation of
Gusties. Contact the Admission Office at
800/GUSTAVU(S).
Calendar of events:
October 13 Homecoming & Family Weekend
October 27 Razzle Dazzle*A Royal Affair, Gustavus Library Associates
November 3 Athletics Hall of Fame Induction Banquet
Nov. 30, Dec. 1-2 Christmas in Christ Chapel
December 6 St. Lucia Day celebration on campus
Having looked at the smaller participation of our class in the Alumni Fund has caused me to do some thinking. Many of us, living on fixed incomes, are living on relatively small incomes. As costs for gas, food and medical expenses increase it gets harder to meet all the needs. I also looked at our class members, 120 classmates have died or have taken their address off the list or the college no longer knows where they are.
That becomes 124 classmates (about half) who continue to take part. And we can assume at our ages that may be a trend that will continue. The good news is that new classes are stepping up each year.
Sincerely,
Pete Erickson
1949 Class Agent