March 2002
Winter Greetings to the Class of ’68!
Since the fall letter and with the events that have transpired since September 11th we certainly hope that this winter letter finds you all in good health, good spirits and a good sense of optimism for what lies ahead. Having said that, unfortunately I have to start out our 2002 letter on a very sad note.
On November 5, 2001, Dave Sorenson passed away. David had had a heart attack several years ago, but was managing his health and he told me in October that he was feeling just fine. In fact, he had just been to the Mayo Clinic and been given a “clean bill of health,” so there was reason to be optimistic. Along with that news and a new grandchild that had arrived in the fall, he and Connie were enjoying life. After spending the weekend with the family and returning home after a trip to town, David suffered a fatal heart attack and died on the 5th. David is survived by his wife, Connie, of 35 years, and his three sons: Brad ’89, Scott and Steve ’94 and seven grandchildren. For those of you who would like to express your condolences to Connie and the family. Her address is: P.O. Box 625, Renville, MN 56284.
As we stare into another milestone in ’03 (35th Class Reunion) some of us are taking the step into the BIG “R”, as in retirement. How about this: JanaLee Sponberg in December ’01 from the United States Department of Defense, Dawn Nelson in January ’02 from the Department of Education, Ron Malmquist after teaching 35 years in the State of Illinois, Chuck Boline after teaching 34 years in the Rochester, MN school system and Steve Gundberg has been retired for several years from his dental practice. Who else out there? If the big “R” is in your future, drop us a note so we can pass along your good news! We did get a chance to catch up with a few of you during fall Phonorama and, along with messages that some of you have sent, I can pass along these notes:
Jim Lindberg is still in banking and just finishing up on building a new house in Scandia, MN where he and his wife, Kristen, have been for over 30 years. Along with the new house, the Lindberg’s are enjoying their two grandchildren.
The Zenk’s are still in Mankato with Arv still working for the basketball guy (Glen Taylor) but not at point guard, rather as a troubleshooter for Taylor Corporate Consulting. Jane (Dornfeld), I think, has retired from Carlson Craft or is real close!
Chuck Lewensten is in the process of transitioning out of his business, Twin Cities Gold and Silver Exchange. He and his wife, Cynthia, have just gotten themselves a spot in Arizona for the winter. Getting into the warmer climate certainly makes Minnesota winters more pleasant, plus Chuck can devote even more time to his tennis game!
Pastor Jim Schoenrock is still in the pulpit in North Hollywood, but he tells me that his church gives him three months off a year for “personal growth”? Sounds like a vacation to me!
Marlin "Rudy" Rudebusch has found a new career home at another medical start-up company, MicroNet Medical. Rudy, his wife, Heather, and 13-year-old daughter live in Shoreview.
At the Naples, FL Gustie get together, hosted by the Glen ’50 and LaVonne Johnsons on February 16 at the Naples Beach Club, there were a few ’68ers. Kris was there along with Barbie Veker Elnes and husband, Rick, and Jack Niemi. We all know that Jack and Ruth (Johns ’69) are back in Minnesota don’t we? This fall, Jack accepted a position at Gustavus as vice president of church relations and I know the college and the class welcomes you both back home! However, Jack, can you help us on the job description and the responsibilities of church relations?
Mary Kaye Anderson Anderson and Linda Soderquist Rosen participated in last years G.I.V.E. workday in the Twin Cities which is a community service project by Gustie Alumni that addresses community betterment.
Cheryl Kramer Vinson emailed us this fall regarding some addresses she was looking for so that she could complete her mailing list for her annual nurses' newsletter. For the last 33 years Cheryl and a series of “guest writers” have put this newsletter together to keep in touch with the 33 nurses in our class. Congratulations to all of you for keeping this going!
The class has responded nicely to this year's fund raising campaign, but we still have a way to go! Our goal was to hit 57 percent participation by the end of this year's fund drive (May) and we are currently just over 50%! Spring Phonorama is scheduled for April 22-25 at the Radisson South Hotel, Bloomington. How about coming out and making a few calls to help us meet our challenge?
As you might already be aware of, Dr. Steuer will be stepping down as President of the College effect the end of this academic year. Dr. Steuer will continue to work with the college for an additional year, but will ultimately be looking ahead to getting back into teaching. For all the accomplishments Dr. Steuer has achieved at Gustavus, his most noted will probably be sub-titled the “Tornado President.” With his leadership, hard work and complete dedication to Gustavus, he brought the college back and truly paved the way for “Building A Greater Gustavus!” For all their tireless efforts Axel and Loreli will be missed and we thank them for contributing greatly to the Gustie Spirit.
Take good care and we would love to hear from you with any news, notes or thoughts. Email us, Kris & John at klmoorhead@aol,com or Paula at aftonalps@juno.com!
John and Kris (Lundberg) Moorhead and Paula Navarro
1968 Co-class Agents
P.S. Now for some campus news that was written by a current Gustavus student:
Campus News
Hi! My name is Tracey Hanson. I’m a senior, double majoring in Communication Studies and Business Management. I’ve worked in the Alumni Office all four years and can hardly believe that I’m now starting my final semester! Instead of taking a class (and doing homework) this J-Term, I spent my time slaving away in the Alumni Office. It was great to have the extra time to relax and do other activities that J-Term allows. Having unlimited time at home each night made for some great cooking! And getting to watch “Friends” without worrying about the homework you should be doing instead was also a plus! The start of the spring semester (thus, the start of homework) has been a sudden shock to my system!
The campus is full of life and excitement. A successful and busy J-Term just ended, and spring semester is now underway. The theme for J-Term 2002 was "Our Global Village," and the month was a celebration of cultural diversity as we grappled with social, political, economic and philosophical aspects of our ever-shrinking world neighborhood. Faculty offered 29 different classes that tied into this global theme, many of which were travel courses. Examples include Islam and Culture, and Chinese Cooking and Culture. This year, 2319 students enrolled in J-Term courses, with many who studied abroad, participated in internships, student taught or studied at other domestic institutions. I got very jealous when I read e-mails from my roommates who were studying in warm, sunny Australia. J-Term themes for the coming years include “Service-Learning” (2003) and “Undergraduate Research.” (2004).
Gustie winter sports teams are having a great year, as all are near the top in the MIAC.
Gustie music ensembles just returned from their tours. The Gustavus Band embarked on an international tour this J-Term. The band toured Sweden and Norway, presenting “Music from America.” The tour dates were January 16 through February 10. The tour concluded with a homecoming performance on Feb. 10 in Christ Chapel. The Gustavus Choir toured the Midwest during Touring Week in February, concluding with their home concert Feb. 16 in Christ Chapel. The Gustavus Orchestra toured Minnesota, the Dakotas, Colorado, Kansas and Iowa. The orchestra concluded their tour with a home performance Feb. 17 in Christ Chapel.
The Alumni Association is on the road this winter and spring connecting alumni to each other and the College. Director of the Linnaeus Arboretum and Instructor of Environmental Studies, Jim Gilbert ’62, will travel along to provide an interesting and informative program. Complete information is listed on our web site under events. If you need more information, give us a call at 800-487-8437.
March 7 San Diego Chapter event
Dinner hosted by John and Paula Penrod ’79, ’79
March 8 Tucson Chapter gathering
Dinner - Warren and Donna (Gabbert) Beck ’67, ’66 residence
March 9 Phoenix Chapter gathering
Dinner at Pera Club, Tempe
March 10 Sun City Chapter gathering
Dinner at Bella Vista Restaurant, Peoria
April 5 Bay Area Chapter event
April 6 Seattle Chapter event – Luncheon at Buca di Beppo Restaurant
April 7 Denver Chapter event
More information will be sent to alumni and friends in these chapter areas.
RSVP to Alumni Office at 800-487-8437 or e-mail alumni@gustavus.edu.
As I prepare to graduate in June, I find it increasingly hard to think about leaving this place. It hardly seems possible that four years have flown by, and that in six months I, too, will be considered an alum. I will always carry with me fond memories of my four years here. GO GUSTIES!!!