Class of 1955

March 2008

Dear Classmates:

This morning I took my walk in rain. There was still some snow on the ground and the weatherman says we are going to get dumped on soon. I have had enough of winter and I am sure you have too. It seems the national news is as bleak as the weather. Be not discouraged. The sun will shine and Spring will soon blossom. Keep that old Gustie spirit of optimism burning bright.

My thanks go to Joan Bonn Wright for her excellent “Epiphany” guest letter. I plan to ask others of you to be guest letterists in the future. Don’t fear it. It is nice to get other view points of what is going on.

Betty Malmborg Malm wrote me that Char Sodergren Tangwall died suddenly. Our thoughts and prayers for comfort go out to Art ’54 and the family.

Don “Swannie” Swanson has received another significant honor. The football and soccer field at Patrick Henry High School is now called, “Don Swanson Field.” Swannie, who spent most of his 30 plus year teaching career at Patrick Henry, has been a major influence in athletic programs in Minneapolis and the entire State. Congratulations, Swannie!

I am sure many of you are eagerly waiting to hear about our new Gustavus President. I am sorry I have no current information, only that the search committee has extended the deadline of their search.

Please send me information on your lives. Even the smallest bits are welcome and I am sure of interest to the class. Keep up your generous gifts to the College.

All the best,

Dick DeRemee

1955 Class Agent

Campus News

World Renowned Primate Expert Speaks in the Twin Cities

Frans B.M. de Waal, a Dutch psychologist, primatologist, and animal behavior expert, will present two public lectures as part of a residency through the Rydell Professorship at Gustavus Adolphus College funded by Drs. Robert E. and Susan T. Rydell. His first lecture is on campus the second presentation, Human Nature as Seen by a Primatologist” will be at 7 p.m. April 8 at the Great Clips IMAX Theater at the Minnesota Zoo in Apple Valley. DeWaal’s research centers on primate social behavior, including conflict resolution, cooperation, inequity aversion, and food-sharing. In 2007, de Waal was named to the “TIME 100”—a list of the 100 men and women whose power, talent, or moral example is transforming the world according to Time magazine. As part of his residency at Gustavus, de Waal is also co-teaching the course “Neuroscience Capstone” with Gustavus Professor of Psychology Janine Wotton.

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 8-9:30 a.m. at the Doubletree Hotel, Minneapolis-Park Place, 1500 Park Place Boulevard (Hwy. 394 & Hwy. 100) $10 per person. Reserve a spot by calling Don Swanson '55 at 763-533-9083. Upcoming dates:

April 16 - featuring Linnaeus Arboretum Director, Cindy Johnson-Groh

May 21 - featuring Sports Information Director, Tim Kennedy

Alumni Awards Announced

The Alumni Association announces the following 2008 awards selected by the Alumni Board of Directors.

Greater Gustavus Award - Given to those who by deed, have notably advanced and aided Gustavus Adolphus College:

Jim and Susan (Pepin) Peterson ’64 ’65

Distinguished Alumni Citations - Recognizing outstanding and exceptional professional achievement:

Craig Johnson ’69, bishop, Minneapolis Area Synod, Evangelical Lutheran Church in America.

Talmadge King ’70, chair, Department of Medicine, University of California San Francisco School of Medicine.

Barbara Berry Leonard ’63, nursing professor, University of Minnesota.

First Decade Awards - Recognizing early professional achievement:

Miho Ihara, senior consultant, CPCS Transcom Limited.

Jason Smerdon, Barnard Environmental Science/Mellon Postdoctoral Fellow, Department of Environmental Science, Barnard College.

The Greater Gustavus Award and Distinguished Alumni Citations will be presented at the Alumni Banquet on Saturday, May 31 and the First Decade Awards will be presented during Homecoming Weekend, Oct. 4.

Athletics

The women’s hockey team became the first team to finish the MIAC women’s hockey season undefeated. The men’s tennis team claimed its fourth ITA Division III Team Indoor Title in the eight year history of the tournament. The men’s and women’s swimming and diving teams both won the MIAC Championship.

Upcoming Alumni Events

“Our Inner Ape: Human Nature as Seen by a Primatologist,” Rydell Lecture - April 8 at Minnesota Zoo

Seattle Chapter Gathering – April 13

Austin, TX Chapter Gathering – April 13

Class Reunions - for 50-Year Club, 1958, and 1963 - May 30 and 31