The Yellow Sheet for Dec. 4, 2003December 4, 2003 | Volume 36, Number 11

Volume 36, Number 13

News & Announcements
Upcoming Events
Off-Campus Events
Extraordinary People
Obituaries

New Faces
Gustavus Tidbits
Funding Opps
In the Media
Telecommunications Updates
Book Mark Bits
Weekly Web Weavings
Plugs
Calendar of Events
Submit an Item Online

News & Announcements

Mission Feedback Sought... Vice President John Mosbo (administrative liaison to the Board of Trustees' Mission Effectiveness Committee) invites all employees, as well as board of trustee and alumni board members, to provide comments on the College's mission statement. An institution should review its mission statement periodically; the last review of the College mission statement occurred about 10 years ago. This year, the board of trustees established a standing committee to examine the mission statement and to evaluate how well the College is achieving its mission. This committee is the only standing committee of the board that includes members of the faculty, student body, staff, and St. Peter community. The charge of the committee includes the following:

  • Review and make recommendations regarding the adequacy and sufficiency of the mission statement of the College;
  • Examine and evaluate the achievement of the College in fulfilling its mission; and
  • Provide an annual report to the Board of Trustees.

The Mission Effectiveness Committee seeks input about the existing mission statement and other materials that describe the College. The committee finds that the existing statement is overly detailed, including statements of how the College goes about achieving its mission, rather than focusing on the mission itself. The committee appreciates those descriptions but believes they would be better suited to attendant material rather than be included in the mission statement itself. Consequently, the committee believes a revision of the mission statement is in order and is seeking input regarding the attributes that should be found in a revised mission statement. Additionally, the faculty and staff on the committee seek input regarding attributes that should be included in attendant materials. Provide input using the online form at gustavus.edu/provost/survey/missionsurvey.pdf . Comments should be provided to the Office of the Vice President for Academic Affairs by Jan. 5.

View Nativity Display... Nativity scenes from around the world are on display and available for public viewing from Dec. 4-7 in the Presidents Dining Room. These nativities have been lent to the College by Nativity Lutheran Church in St. Anthony and are a part of this weekend's Christmas in Christ Chapel celebration.

Gustavus 4th in Study Abroad... According to Open Doors 2003, a report published by the Institute of International Education, Gustavus ranked 4th in the number of students studying abroad (baccalaureate institutions) during the 2001-02 school year. Other ranked Minnesota schools include St. Olaf College (1), College of St. Benedict/St. John's University (12), and Carleton College (14). The academic year of 2001-02 saw a 4.4 percent increase in U.S. students studying abroad, illustrating the growing importance of study abroad programs for students and institutions of higher learning.

Market Place Study Results... The Effective Use of the Market Place Committee recently determined that there is sufficient student traffic to justify keeping the Market Place open in the evening. Committee members were student Austin Sponsel, Judy Douglas (alcohol and drug education), Kevin Birr (dining service), John Lammert (biology), and Chair Ryan Yunkers (student activities). The committee found that on average, 359 students frequent the Market Place each night between 8 and 11 p.m. The average sale is $3.31. This was one of the task forces formed after last year's Community Conversation.

Newsletter Break... Due to the Christmas recess, The Yellow Sheet will not be published Dec. 18, Dec. 25, or Jan. 1. Publication will resume January 8.

Lucia Court Named... Hannah Johnson, Marisa Mancini, Gina Quiram, Lindsey Reimnitz, and Kristy Wilke have been named to the Lucia Court. The 62nd annual Festival of St. Lucia will take place Dec. 11. The annual celebration features early morning caroling by St. Lucia and her court, a special ceremony to crown St. Lucia at 10 a.m. in Christ Chapel, a holiday sale at the Book Mark, and a traditional Scandinavian luncheon at 11 a.m., which is sold out. Jazz pianist George Maurer will provide entertainment at the luncheon. Gustavus Library Associates sponsors this annual event, which also includes a holiday bake sale beginning at 8 a.m. at Trinity Lutheran Church in St. Peter.

Mark Your Calendars... Starting next year, homecoming will be moved to later in the fall to coincide with Family Weekend. The change will provide student organizers more time to plan homecoming activities and maximize resources by providing more activities for current students, parents, and alumni. The weekend will include sporting events, music ensemble performances, worship services, and seminars. This weekend will fall on Oct. 1-3 in 2004 and Oct. 7-9 in 2005.

Mileage Rate Increase... Effective Jan. 1, 2004, the standard business mileage rate will increase to 37.5 cents per mile (from 36 cents). The rate, established by the IRS, is used to determine how much an employee's travel expenses (when using his or her own car) are deemed substantiated when the employer provides a mileage allowance under a reimbursement or other expense allowance arrangement.

Update on Vans... The delivery date for the new 10-passenger College vans has been changed to Feb. 9, 2004. Accordingly, the 15-passenger vans will be available through January Term.

Sprint Cellular Plans for Employees... Once again telecommunications has made arrangements with Sprint PCS to provide plans with various discounts and special offers for College employees. Anyone purchasing and activating phones at the Sprint Store's (458 Raintree Rd., Mankato) holiday open house Dec. 6-7 will receive free activation and the charge for the first month of service will be waived. Contact Laura McCabe (x6261) or Becky Barnes (x7025) for more information.

Yearbook Info... Those who have not yet picked up their 2003 Gustavian yearbook can do so in the alumni office located in the lower level of the Carlson Administration Building. A limited number of yearbooks are available for purchase at a cost of $45 per book. Also, orders are now being taken for the 2004 Gustavian yearbook. The cost per copy is $48, plus $5 if the yearbook needs to be mailed off campus (include address). Checks should be made payable to the Gustavian yearbook; or interdepartmental invoices may be sent to the alumni office; or credit card orders may be made at www.shop.jostens.com.

UPCOMING EVENTS:

Chapel Schedule... All are invited to the worship services at 10 a.m. weekdays and 10:30 a.m. Sundays in Christ Chapel. The upcoming schedule is as follows:

  • Dec. 5 -- World AIDS Day Speaker;
  • Dec. 7 -- Ivy Borgstrom ('98) speaking, Chaplain Brian Johnson presiding;
  • Dec. 8 -- Casey Ellege;
  • Dec. 9 -- Winds of Christmas;
  • Dec. 10 -- Morning Praise;
  • Dec. 11 -- Festival of St. Lucia; and
  • Dec. 12 -- Carol Sing.

Cancer Support Meeting Wednesday... The campus Cancer Support Group will meet at noon Dec.10 in the Leadholm Room. Bring a lunch and join the conversation. This group is open to anyone on campus.

Phonathon Wednesday and Thursday... The Gustavus Fund office is hosting a St. Peter alumni/Gustavus community phonorama from 6-9 p.m. Dec. 10 and 11 in the telemarketing room located in the lower level of Olin Hall (room 30). Volunteer for one (or both) of the sessions to help the advancement team reach its goal of achieving 50 percent alumni participation in the fund by May 31, 2004. Currently, more than 700 additional donors have pledged since last year and alumni giving is up 37 percent from what it was last year at this time. To volunteer, contact Joyce Welling-Prahm (x6664 or jprahm@gustavus.edu).

Administrator Meeting Dec. 17... A meeting for all administrators has been scheduled for 10:30 a.m. Dec. 17 in the Heritage Room (Banquet Room B). Submit suggestions for agenda items to Jolene Christensen (jolene@gustavus.edu).

OFF-CAMPUS EVENTS OF INTEREST:

Breakfast with Santa Saturday... Little Saints Preschool of St. Peter will hold its 22nd annual "Breakfast with Santa" from 7:30-11 a.m. Dec. 6 at the Church of St. Peter Social Hall, 1801 W. Broadway Ave., St. Peter. The menu will include pancakes, eggs, sausage, and fruit. Advance meal tickets are $5 for adults and $3 for children ages 3-10; free to children under 3. Each child will choose a small gift from Santa's Workshop. Families may have pictures taken with Santa. The event is sponsored in part by Thrivent Financial for Lutherans, St. Peter Area Chapter. To purchase tickets, contact Sara Orth (x7502).

Breakfast Fundraiser Sunday... The Minnesota Foster Care Association will hold a breakfast from 8:30 a.m.-1 p.m. Dec. 7 at Trinity Lutheran Church in St. Peter. The menu will include a choice of biscuits and gravy or pancakes, sausage, eggs, and a beverage. The cost is $5 for adults and $3 for children ages 3-10; children under 3 eat free. All proceeds will support the Foster Care Association.

Film Presented Tuesday... The St. Peter Public Library, in association with RB Publishing and Film Movement, will show Daniele Luchetti's Ginger and Cinnamon at 7 p.m. Dec. 11 in the St. Peter Community Center, room 217. The film tells the story of 2 women's self-discovery while vacationing on a Greek isle, where the repressed 30-year-old Stefania reluctantly plays chaperone to her precocious 15-year-old niece, Meggy. This film is not rated and is intended for adult audiences only.

Kling Holiday Show Dec. 15... Actor, storyteller, and playwright Kevin Kling's annual holiday show, titled "Tales From the Charred Underbelly of the Yule Log," will be presented at 7:30 p.m. Dec. 15 at the Guthrie Theater. Tickets may be purchased online at www.guthrietheater.org or by calling the Guthrie box office toll-free at 877/447-8243 or 612/377-2224. Tickets are $25 per person for the general public and $20 per person for senior citizens and students.

Business After Hours Dec. 16... The St. Peter Area Chamber of Commerce diplomats invite all Gustavus employees to attend Business After Hours from 5-6:30 p.m. Dec. 16 at Ruttles (605 S. Minnesota Ave., St. Peter). Come for fun, fellowship, networking, and door prizes. There will be hors d'oeuvres and a cash bar. To make a reservation, call the chamber office (934-3400). Business After Hours is held the 3rd Tuesday of each month.

EXTRAORDINARY PEOPLE:

Nancy Baker, Lloyd Hollingsworth, Gretchen Koehler, Dennis Raarup, Don Roberts, and Steve Wilkinson all appear in Legends and Legacies: Celebrating a Century of Minnesota Coaches, a book written by Ross Bernstein and published by Nodin Press.

Kathryn Bode and Debra Pitton, both education, recently presented a session, titled "Why Won't They Talk? Creating a Participatory Class," at The Collaboration's November conference. The Collaboration is an organization dedicated to the advancement of college teaching and learning. The presentation focused on understanding why students are reluctant to speak in class, sharing some processes that help develop an atmosphere where interaction is the norm and presenting ideas for extending and enhancing classroom discussion and student involvement.

Ryan Hoag ('03) signed a contract Nov. 18 with the New York Giants and has been assigned to the practice squad.

John McKay, music, and Stephen Carlson ('92) presented a recital of music for 2 pianos Nov. 14 on campus. The duo also performed Nov. 16 at the Owatonna Arts Festival, Nov. 18 at St. John's University, and Nov. 22 at Coker College, Hartsville, SC. The program included Sonatas by Dussek and Brahms, the area premiere of Lowell Liebermann's Variations on a Theme by Mozart, op. 42, and Three Slavonic Dances by Dvorak.

Terence Morrow (communication studies) and Lisa Perry, a faculty member at Minnesota State University, Mankato, led a continuing legal education seminar, titled "The Art of Legal Argument," Nov. 12 in Minneapolis.

Paula Swiggum, nursing, presented a 2-hour in-service, titled "Culture Care in Nursing," to the case management nursing department at Healthpartners corporate office in Bloomington on Nov. 20.

Obituaries

  • Brian Fazio, spouse of Dawn Fazio (faculty development), died Nov. 22 in East Longmeadow, MA. Funeral services were Dec. 1 at Holy Rosary Catholic Church in North Mankato. Memorials are preferred to the education fund for the Fazios' son, Riley.
To inform the campus community of the loss of a current student or employee or trustee, an emeritus professor or trustee, or an immediate family member of a current employee, contact the president's office (x7538).

NEW FACES:

The following people have recently joined the Gustavus community:
    New Administrators
    Noreen Buhmann, Community Service
    Jonathan Kraatz, News and Information

    New Support Staff
    Cassandra Nelson, Student Activities
    Christi Schauer, Dining Service

GUSTAVUS TIDBITS:

  • The first Christmas in Christ Chapel celebration was staged in 1973.

To submit items (questions or answers) for consideration in this section, contact Stacia Senne (x7510 or ssenne@gustavus.edu).

FUNDING OPPS:

The Office of Corporate and Foundation Relations' weekly program or funding opportunity highlight:
  • New issue of Grant Information... The November issue of Grant Information can be found at gustavus.edu/cfrelations/fundingsources/BlueSheet/November2003.pdf. For those not familiar with this e-newsletter, it provides information about funding programs sponsored by various government agencies and private funders and includes both programmatic and fellowship opportunities. This issue lists grant programs with deadlines from February through July.
For more information on grants or proposal preparation, contact Bob Weisenfeld in the Office of Corporate and Foundation Relations (x7049 or bweis@gustavus.edu).

IN THE MEDIA:

Here are some noteworthy Gustavus-related stories that recently appeared in print or broadcast media around the nation:
  • The December 2003 issue of Mpls.St. Paul magazine named Kevin Kling ('79) "Actor of the Year." A follow-up feature story will be published in the January issue of the magazine.
  • On Nov. 30, The Free Press of Mankato ran a story on Christmas in Christ Chapel that included a black and white photograph of Brian Johnson (chaplain). The page B5 story was titled "Music packs them in a Gustavus chapel" and included quotes by Greg Aune (music), Johnson, and Dean Wahlund (marketing and public relations/special events).
  • On Nov. 26, the Duluth News-Tribune published an article on Ken Simberg ('77), who was appointed provost of Hibbing Community College effective Jan. 2, 2004.
  • On Nov. 25, The Free Press of Mankato featured a story on the play "Lilly's Purple Plastic Purse," which will be performed at Minnesota State University, Mankato. The adaptation from 3 books was written by Kevin Kling ('79). The article, titled "Mouse with an attitude," appears on the front page of the Currents section.
  • On Nov. 24, the Minneapolis Star Tribune published a story on StrengthCon, an Eden Prairie training center, that included quotes from Jay Schoenebeck (football and health and exercise science). The story appeared in the Nation/World section and was titled "StrengthCon offers complete package for prospective college athlete."
  • On Nov. 23, The Free Press of Mankato published a story on the Gustavus Student Investment Club with quotes from Bruce Johnson (economics and management) and students Johan Eriksson and Karl Tsuchiya. The page B5 story included 2 black and white photographs and was titled "GA investors hone skills."
  • Following are more stories written about Hunger and Homelessness Week at Gustavus:
    • On Nov. 22, The Free Press of Mankato published a "thumbs up" to the activities taking place during the week. The story appeared on the Opinion page "Our View" column on page A6.
    • On Nov. 18, KTOE/KDOG radio (1420 AM/96.7 FM, both in Mankato) aired a story about Gustavus students sleeping outside during National Hunger and Homelessness Week.
    • On Nov. 16, the St. Paul Pioneer Press published a story on Gustavus students participating in "Night Without a Home" Nov. 20 in St. Paul. The article was titled "Helping the homeless."
  • On Nov. 13, the St. Peter Herald published an article on the Colombian women who gave a presentation Oct. 21 on campus. The page 11 article was titled "Colombia's politics oppress."
  • Also in the Herald, an article on Helen and Paul Baumgartner (both music) appeared. The page 8A story was titled "Couple continues building piano dynasty" and included a black and white photograph of the Baumgartners and quotes by them. The article also included quotes by Julie Moberg Gilbert ('99 and Book Mark) and Janet Jensen (theatre and dance).
  • On Nov. 2, WDIO-TV (Ch. 10, Duluth) aired a story on its 9 a.m. Environmental Journal on the "Krisco Kid," the environmentally friendly diesel pickup converted by Aaron Crowell and Phil Graeve (both '03).
  • The College Sporting News website published an interview with Jen Skalko ('04) as part of its MIAC Profiles of Excellence. View it online at www.collegesportingnews.com/article.asp?articleid=51063.

Anyone who has suggested additions for this list, suggestions for potential future media stories, or interest in being a media source should contact News and Information Director Jonathan Kraatz (x7510 or jkraatz@gustavus.edu).

TELECOMMUNICATIONS UPDATES:

The following are changes and additions for the "Personnel Phone Directory 2003-04":
  • Noreen Buhmann, Community Service, x6011, nbuhmann@gustavus.edu (addition)
  • Jonathan Kraatz, News and Information, x7510, jkraatz@gustavus.edu (addition)
  • Cassandra Nelson, Student Activities, x7598, cnelson2@gustavus.edu (addition)
  • Sharon Riesgraf, Dining Service, x7608, stlougan@gustavus.edu (name change from Tlougan)
For further information or corrections, contact Laura McCabe in telecommunications (x6261 or
lmccabe@gustavus.edu).

BOOK MARK BITS:

  • The Book Mark's annual Christmas sale runs Dec. 8-23. Customers will receive a 20 percent discount throughout the store. Some exceptions apply.
  • Store hours during Christmas in Christ Chapel are 8:30 a.m.-7 p.m. Dec. 5; 11 a.m.-7 p.m. Dec. 6; and 1-7 p.m. Dec. 7.
  • Local author Schelli McCabe will sign her just released book The Great Bird Adventure from 12:30-2:30 p.m. Dec. 11 at the Book Mark.

WEEKLY WEB WEAVINGS:

Nobel Conference Lectures Online... Lectures from the 2003 Nobel Conference are now online and may be accessed at gustavus.edu/events/nobel/thisyear/index.cfm?pr=webcast.

PLUGS:

Video Rental Certificates Available... Campus Video, the on-campus video rental store in the Dive, is selling gift certificates and suggests these as a gift idea for student employees. Store hours are 4:30-9 p.m. Monday-Thursday, 4:30-11 p.m. Friday, and 6-11 p.m. Saturday. If questions, contact the store (x7602 or campusvideo@gustavus.edu).

For Rent: Three-bedroom, 1-bathroom apartment near the St. Peter Community Center. Available Dec. 1 for $700 per month plus electricity; water and gas included. Call 931-7936 after 5 p.m.

For Sale: A Kenmore stackable washer and dryer. Bought new in June 2003 for $800; selling for $600. For more information, contact Jennifer Ringler (x6365 or jringler@gustavus.edu).


CALENDAR OF EVENTS:

Upcoming events
Date Event
Today Bards in the Arb: Philip Bryant Reading and Book Launchhttps://gustavus.edu/calendar/bards-in-the-arb-philip-bryant-reading-and-book-launch-2
Book Mark Hourshttps://gustavus.edu/calendar/book-mark-hours-5
CICE GLOBAL PHOTO CONTESThttps://gustavus.edu/calendar/cice-global-photo-contest
Library After Darkhttps://gustavus.edu/calendar/library-after-dark-2
November Holiday Giving Eventhttps://gustavus.edu/calendar/november-holiday-giving-eventCommunity Engagement Center and Christ Chapel
Tri Sigma Krispy Kreme Fundraiserhttps://gustavus.edu/calendar/tri-sigma-krispy-kreme-fundraiser
Voting early in St. Peter? Need a ride to the Courthouse?https://gustavus.edu/calendar/voting-early-in-st-peter-need-a-ride-to-the-courthouse
79 p.m. Gustavus Wind Orchestra: Fall Concerthttps://gustavus.edu/calendar/gustavus-wind-orchestra-fall-concertChrist Chapel
711:59 p.m. Masquerading Murdererhttps://gustavus.edu/calendar/masquerading-murderer-2Arboretum
Tomorrow Bards in the Arb: Philip Bryant Reading and Book Launchhttps://gustavus.edu/calendar/bards-in-the-arb-philip-bryant-reading-and-book-launch-2
CICE GLOBAL PHOTO CONTESThttps://gustavus.edu/calendar/cice-global-photo-contest
Library After Darkhttps://gustavus.edu/calendar/library-after-dark-2
November Holiday Giving Eventhttps://gustavus.edu/calendar/november-holiday-giving-eventCommunity Engagement Center and Christ Chapel
Tri Sigma Krispy Kreme Fundraiserhttps://gustavus.edu/calendar/tri-sigma-krispy-kreme-fundraiser
Voting early in St. Peter? Need a ride to the Courthouse?https://gustavus.edu/calendar/voting-early-in-st-peter-need-a-ride-to-the-courthouse

To add or change items on the calendar, please fill out and submit a College Calendar event form. View the entire College Calendar online.



The Yellow Sheet is a newsletter for Gustavus Adolphus College employees produced by the news and information staff in the Office of Marketing and Public Relations. It is published weekly during the academic year (except during Thanksgiving, Christmas, Touring, Spring/Easter breaks). Anyone may submit items by filling out an online submission form. While online, e-mail submissions are preferred, items may also be submitted typewritten on a letter-sized sheet of paper. Send "snail mail" items to: The Yellow Sheet, Office of Marketing and Public Relations. Items must reach the office no later than 4:30 p.m. on the Tuesday before publication. The week of Nobel Conference the deadline is 4:30 p.m. Monday. For more information, contact Barb Booren (bbooren@gustavus.edu or x6213).
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