The Yellow Sheet for April 17April 17, 2008 | Volume 40, Number 28

Volume 40, Number 28

• News & Announcements
• Campus Happenings
• Off-Campus Events
• Extraordinary People
• Student News
• Congregational Outreach
• Funding Opps
• In the Media
• Hours
• Postal Pointers
• Plugs
• Calendar of Events
• Submit an Item Online

News & Announcements

Esbj Memorial Service Reminder... A memorial service and celebration of the life of Robert Esbjornson (religion, emeritus) will be held in Christ Chapel on Saturday, April 19, at 1:30 p.m. The Rev. Dennis Johnson (college relations, ret.) is officiating.

Budget and Strategic Planning Discussion... Join President Jim Peterson and administrative leadership for our annual meeting to update the community on the current status of the College, the strategic plan that directs us to the future, and the operating budget for next year that will support this work. The one-hour session will start promptly at 3:30 p.m. Thursday, May 1, in Alumni Hall.

Upcoming Holiday... Memorial Day (Monday, May 26, 2008) is one of the College's official holidays. "All regular full-time employees and regular part-time employees who have completed one year of continuous service are eligible for up to eight hours of holiday pay for each holiday based on the number of hours regularly scheduled to work, provided the employee concerned must work the scheduled work day before and the scheduled work day following the holiday, unless on an approved paid leave of absence."

Campus Happenings

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:

• Friday, April 18 - Center for Vocational Reflection
• Sunday, April 20 - Chaplain Brian Johnson
• Monday, April 21 - Martha Serpas, poet-in-residence
• Tuesday, April 22 - The Right Rev. John Shelby Spong
• Wednesday, April 23 - Morning Praise
• Thursday, April 24 - Arbor Day
• Friday, April 25 - Recognition of Newly Tenured Faculty

Arboretum to Mark Arbor Week with Trees and Nature Topics... Linnaeus Arboretum will host its second "Trees for Heart, Trees for Mind, Trees for Spirit" program, a series of short presentations over the lunch hour on Wednesday, April 23, through Friday, April 25, to celebrate Arbor Week. Topics will focus on ways that trees and nature fuel our physical, educational, and spiritual lives. Attendees will receive a native tree sapling for each session they attend. Some lunch items will be available for purchase. If you have any questions, contact Emily (x7199). The schedule is as follows:

• Wednesday, April 23, 11:30 a.m. - “Yoga in the Arboretum” - Kari Lipke (chaplains' office, Community Service Center)
• Wednesday, April 23, noon - “The Importance of Play and Chance to Dance” - Michele Rusinko (theatre & dance)
• Wednesday, April 23, 12:30 p.m. - “Negative Effects of Nature Withdrawal” - Bonnie Reimann (HES) and Aaron Banks (HES)
• Wednesday, April 23, 1 p.m. - “Local Biking Routes” - Brian Koeneman (Career Center)
• Thursday, April 24, 11:30 a.m. - “Expanding the Arboretum: Coneflower Prairie” - Emily Hoefs (biology, Linnaeus Arboretum)
• Thursday, April 24, noon - “Birding with Bob” - Bob Dunlap (senior student)
• Thursday, April 24, 12:30 p.m. - “Geology of the St. Peter Area” - James Welsh (geology)
• Thursday, April 24, 1 p.m. - “Interpreting the Spring Landscape” - Jim Gilbert (environmental studies)
• Friday, April 25, 11:30 a.m. - “Tai Chi in the Arboretum Meditation Area” - Gretchen Koehler (HES, emerita) - meet in the Natural Meditation Area of the Arboretum
• Friday, April 25, noon - “Natural Labyrinths” - Rachel Larson (chaplains' office)
• Friday, April 25, 12:30 p.m. - “Sewing the Seeds of Vocation” - Chris Johnson (CVR)
• Friday, April 25, 1 p.m. - “Finding Musical Inspiration” - Karl Anderson (bagpipes)

Spanish Song Recital... The Departments of Music and Modern Foreign Languages collaborate this Friday, April 18, to present a recital of Spanish songs in Jussi Björling Recital Hall. The recital, featuring soprano Ana Adams (Spanish) and pianist Esther Wang (music) begins at 7:30 p.m. Presented entirely in Spanish, it includes works by Rodrigo, del Castillo, Granados, Garcia Leoz, and Obradors.
     Although Adams spends most of her time in the classroom teaching language, literature, and Spanish culture, she has been actively involved in professional music-related activities. In 1996, she performed as a soprano in the chorus for Puccini's Madame Butterfly, a Covent Garden production, at the Maestranza Theater in Seville, Spain. Since moving to Minnesota in 1998, she has performed with the Minnesota Opera and is currently performing in Dvorák's Rusalka.

Jazz Lab Band Home Concert Set... The Gustavus Jazz Lab Band, under the direction of Steve Wright (music), will perform its annual spring concert in Jussi Björling Recital Hall on Saturday, April 19. The concert starts at 6:30 p.m., a change from the originally scheduled time to accommodate the Ben Folds concert on campus later that evening. The band will play a variety of works reflecting the wide range of its repertoire, including compositions by Sammy Nestico, Quincy Jones, and John Fedchock; a set of Miles Davis tunes arranged by Mark Taylor and Gordon Goodwin; and the Johnny Mercer and Hoagy Carmichael classic "Skylark." The concert is open to the public without charge.

Making the Bible Live in the 21st Century... The Right Rev. John Shelby Spong, bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of Newark, N.J., for more than twenty years, will lecture on campus on Monday, April 21, at 7 p.m. in Alumni Hall. Bishop Spong, a liberal theologian who has taught at Harvard and at the Graduate Theological Union in Berkeley, Calif., has lectured at universities, conference centers, and churches in North America, Europe, Asia, and the South Pacific. He is the author of 15 books, including Living in Sin? (1988), the best-selling Rescuing the Bible from Fundamentalism (1991), Liberating the Gospels (1996), Why Christianity Must Change or Die (1998), and most recently Jesus for the Non-Religious (2007). His lecture is open to the public without charge.

Moe Visiting Lectureship Program... Anne Fausto-Sterling, professor of biology and gender studies in the Department of Molecular and Cell Biology and Biochemistry at Brown University, will present the 2008 Moe Lecture at the College on Tuesday, April 22, beginning at 7 p.m. in Alumni Hall. The talk of her title is "Emergent Difference: how to avoid the nature/nurture trap while maintaining respect for biology, psychology, sociology, history and anthropology, et cetera." An open session with Professor Fausto-Sterling has also been scheduled earlier in the day, at 2:30 p.m. in Linner Lounge.
     Author of scientific publications in developmental genetics and developmental ecology, Professor Fausto-Sterling has achieved recognition for works that challenge entrenched scientific beliefs while engaging with the general public. Until recently her laboratory work has focused on the evolution of regeneration and sexual reproduction in a group of flatworms known as Planaria. Her new work applies dynamic systems theory to the study of human development. Dynamic systems theory permits us to understand how cultural difference becomes bodily difference. Professor Fausto-Sterling's current case studies in this area examine sex differences in bone development and the emergence of gender differences in behavior in early childhood. Her most recent book, titled Sexing the Body: Gender Politics and the Construction of Sexuality (2000), examines the social nature of biological knowledge about animal and human sexuality. It received the Distinguished Publication Award in 2001 by the Association for Women in Psychology and was chosen as one of the Outstanding Academic Books of 2000 by CHOICE magazine, published by the American Library Association.

Black Holes and Galaxies... On Thursday, April 24, Paul Nulsen, an astrophysicist at Harvard's Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics, will be lecturing on "The Cosmic Symphony: How Black Holes Orchestrate Galaxies" in Olin Hall, Room 103, starting at 7:30 p.m. Nulsen, who earned his undergraduate degree at the University of Western Australia and his Ph.D. from the University of Cambridge, has been observing galaxy formation using the Chandra X-ray satellite. The biggest galaxies are surrounded by vast amounts of hot gas, which was expected to cool and form stars, so their lack of new stars was surprising. Nulson's lecture posits a solution to this puzzle, that supermassive black holes at the galaxy centers have an important role in galaxy formation.

Faculty Shop Talk... Margaret Bloch Qazi (biology, SOTL coordinator), Brenda Kelly (chemistry, biology), and Leila Brammer (communication studies) will present the next Faculty Shop Talk of the 2007-08 academic year. Their talk, titled "SOTL Projects: 'Innovations in the Biochemistry Laboratory Curriculum' and 'Public Discourse and Civic Engagement: The introductory communication course as training for citizenship,'" will be presented on Friday, April 25, at 4:30 p.m. in the Interpretive Center. Feel free to arrive any time after 4:15 p.m. Abstract for this and future talks may be viewed at gustavus.edu/events/shoptalks/.

Library Exhibition Complements MAYDAY! Conference... In conjunction with the 2008 Mayday! Peace Conference at Gustavus (see below), Folke Bernadotte Library is holding a public reception to introduce "Native Waters: Sharing the Source Traveling Exhibit" on Monday, April 28, from 2:30 to 4:30 p.m. on the library's first floor. Using a variety of art forms, such as hands-on activities, interviews with tribal people, and a film, "Native Waters: Sharing the Source" presents cultural and scientific ways of learning about water. The exhibition was designed by the Native Waters project at Montana State University in cooperation with the Science Museum of Minnesota.

And a Film Prelude to MAYDAY!... On Tuesday evening, April 29, the new groundbreaking documentary film Thirst: Fighting the Corporate Theft of Our Water will be shown in the Heritage Banquet Room of the Jackson Campus Center. The film, slated to begin at 7 p.m., focuses on the question, "Is water a human right or a commodity to be bought and sold in a global marketplace?"  Thirst is one of three films that will be part of the MAYDAY! Conference film series. An American Nile and The Last Oasis from the Cadillac Desert series will be shown throughout the day on MAYDAY! (April 30) at the Resource Fair (Heritage Room) and again in Olin, Room 103, at 8:30 p.m.

MAYDAY! Conference Focuses on Politics of Water... "Troubled Water" is the topic of Gustavus Adolphus College's 28th annual MAYDAY! Peace Conference, to be held Wednesday, April 30. Oregon State University geoscientist Aaron Wolf, a leading expert on international water politics, opens the daylong conference at 10 a.m. in Christ Chapel. The featured afternoon speaker is Wenonah Hauter, executive director of Food and Water Watch, a consumer advocacy organization based in Washington, D.C., who will speak in Alumni Hall. Conference organizers are planning several topic-related workshops, a resource center, the touring "Native Waters: Sharing the Source" exhibition at the Folke Bernadotte Memorial Library, a film series, and other social-action activities. The conference, an annual event designed to educate the campus community and beyond about issues related to peace, human rights, and social justice, is open to the public at no charge. For more information, contact the Office of Marketing and Communication at Gustavus (933-7520 or collegerelations@gustavus.edu). 

Swim, Bike, and Run on May 11... A "Sprint Tri" triathlon, featuring a 500-yd. swim, 12.5-mile bike ride, and a 3.3-mile run, will be held on campus on Monday, May 11. This event is open to the public, and individuals as well as teams of two or three are able to enter. The race will begin at 10 a.m. on May 11, with registration starting at 9. You can register online at www.insulindependence.org/gusti_tri.asp.

Off-Campus Events of Interest

Boy Scout Turkey Dinner... St. Peter Boy Scout Troop 58 will hold its eighth annual turkey dinner on Saturday, April 19, from 5 to 7 p.m. at First Lutheran Church (1114 Traverse Rd., St. Peter). Turkey, mashed potatoes, vegetable, cranberry sauce, and pie are on the menu. Tickets (adults $7, children 6-12 years $5, children 5 and under free) are available from any Boy Scout, or call Wayne Balbach (507-317-2017).

Eat a Steak for Habitat... Help raise money for the St. Peter Chapter of Habitat for Humanity by eating at the Mankato Timberlodge Steakhouse on Friday, April 18. Mention "Habitat" to your server and 15 percent of your total check will be donated to the St. Peter Chapter. The current Habitat home is being built at the high school for a Gustavus employee.

Jewelry Party Fundraiser... All are invited to a Lia Sophia Jewelry Party fundraiser for the Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure. The open house will take place on Friday, April 18, 5-7 p.m. at the St. Peter Red Men's Club, hosted by Candy Witte (Dining Service) and family. On Mother's Day (Sunday, May 11) Witte and her family will once again put on their walking shoes and participate in the Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure at the Mall of America, walking in support of those battling breast cancer, to celebrate those who have survived, and to honor those who have been lost. But more importantly, they walk to raise money for education, screening, treatment, and research programs. If you can't make it to the party but would like to make a donation, contact Candy in the Dining Service.

Women's Expo 2008... "Time for You, " the 2008 Women's Expo, is scheduled for Saturday, Apr. 26, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Jesus Assembly in St. Peter (722 Sunrise Drive). Admission is free and there is shopping galore, with door prizes at every booth. A grand prize drawing for a "Church Basement Ladies" Stay & Play Package valued at over $160 highlights the event (need not be present to win). Coffee cart and lunch are also available.

Extraordinary People

Kate Stenger (political science) and Mikka McCracken (junior student) presented a co-authored paper, titled "Sharing the Faith: How Religious Interest Group Build Media Strategies,"at the annual meeting of the Midwest Political Science Association.

Pamela Kittelson (biology) will have a paper in the May issue of Ecology titled “Invasive knapweed differentially affects the physiology of two native grassland species across a gradient of diversity.” Co-authors John Maron and Marilyn Marler from the University of Montana provided field and lab support, while Sanjive Qazi (biology) served as a statistical consultant. The research was supported by the National Science Foundation and the Gustavus Research, Scholarship, and Creativity (RSC) and sabbatical leave programs.

Patricia Freiert (classics, emerita) will be showing her hand-dyed shibori silk scarves at the American Craft Show at RiverCentre in St. Paul April 18-20. Details about this national show, which features more than 240 artists from across the country, are available at www.craftcouncil.org/stpaul.

Patric Giesler (sociology & anthropology) presented a paper at the meeting of the Central States Anthropological Society concerning his research on the ritual performative induction of belief. The paper was titled "Touched by Death: Psychocultural Dynamics, Belief, and a Frightening Event in the African-Brazilian Secret Society of the Babá Eguns." He also chaired the session, Anthropological Studies of Religious Behavior and Religious Worlds, which included a paper presented by Gustavus senior and anthropology honors society member Caitlin Hughes on "Transcultural Symbols for Society-Specific Fears: The Case of the Living Dead." Giesler reports that Caitlin fielded many questions from the audience, "masterfully."

Student News

The Gustavus chapter of Order of Omega, a national organization founded in 1959 to recognize individuals in college and university greek communities for service to their schools and greek systems, inducted 13 new members on April 14. There are now more than 300 chapters in the United States and Canada; the Gustavus chapter, Upsilon Omicron, was chartered in Spring 2006. Inducted as the chapter's third class were Laura Danielson, Amanda Dillenburg, Christopher Edelbrock, Ashley Gibbs, Kaylee Munson, Alexandria Prahl, Tracyanne Saunders, Sara Scholin, Erik Splett, Marlinda Tyson, Laura Vannelli, Jacquelynn Williams, and Connor Ziegler.  

Although Gustavus isn't mentioned in the newspaper account, it was one of our biology grads, Edgar Rudberg '01, who won in the entertaining appetizer category at this year's Pillsbury Bake-Off. See www.startribune.com/lifestyle/taste/17804084.html.                             

Congregational Outreach

Partners in Education... On Sunday, April 20, the Rev. Grady St. Dennis (church relations) will be at Hayward Lutheran Church in Hayward, Minn., speaking on the topic of Lutheran higher education at 9:30 a.m. Darrell Jodock (religion) will be presenting an adult forum at 9:30 a.m. Sunday, April 20, at Trinity Lutheran Church, St. Peter. Partners in Education is a program coordinated by the Office of Church Relations where participating faculty and staff members prepare topical presentations for adult forums, workshops, and seminars in congregations of the ELCA.

Preaching in Congregations... Sarah Dille (religion) will be preaching and presiding over worship at LaSalle and Hanska Lutheran Churches on Sunday morning, April 20, where the pastors and congregation are experiencing loss with the unexpected death of Helena Folkerds, daughter of the Revs. Aaron and Mary Suomala Folkerds. The Rev. Grady St. Dennis will be preaching at 10:30 a.m. at Hayward Lutheran Church, Hayward, Minn.

Synod Assemblies... The Rev. Grady St. Dennis (church relations) will be representing the College at the Southeastern Minnesota Synod Assembly, to be held at the Mayo Civic Center in Rochester on April 18 and 19. A table will feature information about the College, and he will be at hand to discuss faith and life at Gustavus, to chat with pastors and congregational members, and to talk about the Association of Congregations and Gustavus as a resource for congregations.

Retreats... The Office of Church Relations will host a confirmation retreat for Faith Lutheran Church of Winona on Saturday-Sunday, April 19-20, led by the Rev. Mark Dumke. The Association of Congregations Retreat Center, coordinated by the Office of Church Relations, will host a women's retreat for All Saints Lutheran Church of Norwood-Young America, Minn., on Saturday-Sunday, April 19-20.

Gustavus Youth Outreach... A GYO team will be assisting in worship at Hayward Lutheran Church, Hayward, Minn., on Sunday, April 20, at 10:30 a.m. This program, coordinated by the Office of Church Relations, consists of student team members who develop relational youth ministry programs in congregations, including church services, family night programs, and leading lock ins.

Funding Opps

The Office of Corporate and Foundation Relations' weekly program or funding opportunity highlight:

• National Endowment for the Humanities Summer Stipends... The National Endowment for the Humanities Summer Stipends program provides individuals with an opportunity to pursue research in the humanities that contributes to scholarly knowledge or to the public's understanding of the humanities. Each stipend provides $6,000 for two consecutive months of full-time independent research and writing. Summer Stipends support projects that can be completed during the tenure of an award or those that are part of a long-term endeavor. Applicants must be nominated by their institutions; only two faculty members may be nominated by a single institution each year, at least one of whom should hold the rank of instructor or assistant professor. The online application deadline is October 1. For more information, please see http://www.neh.gov/grants/guidelines/stipends.html. * Faculty interested in submitting an application should send an e-mail so indicating to Bob Weisenfeld (bweis@gustavus.edu) by July 1. In the event that more than two faculty wish to be nominated, Bob will follow up in July with those interested regarding the nomination process.

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 Star Tribune printed a story on April 10 about the corpse flower at the Como Zoo. Gustavus and professor Brian O’Brien were mentioned in the article. Startribune.com featured links to a video and a photo gallery from last year’s blooming of the Gustavus corpse flower.
• KARE-11 mentioned Gustavus in a story about the Como Zoo corpse flower on its 6 p.m. newscast on April 9.
• KSTP-5 mentioned Gustavus in a story about the Como Zoo corpse flower on its morning newscast on April 10.
• The St. Paul Pioneer Press mentioned Gustavus in a story about the Como Zoo corpse flower in an April 9 article.
• FOX-9 News mentioned Gustavus and professor Brian O’Brien in a story about the Como Zoo corpse flower on its April 9 newscast.
• MinnPost.com mentioned Gustavus in a story about the Como Zoo corpse flower in an April 9 article.
• MPR broadcast a corpse flower story in its news cycle on April 10 and 11.
• The Mankato Free Press printed three color photos and a short story on the front of its April 13 Valley section about the Gustavus Chemistry Club's "Science on Saturday" program, which does experiments and demonstrations for elementary school children.
• The Star Tribune printed a front-page story on April 12 about fewer companies giving out student loans. Gustavus's participation in the direct loan program was mentioned.
• KTTC-TV (Rochester) mentioned Gustavus's participation in the direct loan program in an April 14 story.

Anyone who has suggested additions for this list, suggestions for potential future media stories, or interest in being a media source should contact Marketing and Communication (x7520 or ga_news@gustavus.edu).

Hours

Extended Art Museum Hours... The Hillstrom Museum of Art will be be open additional hours on Monday, April 21, from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. (versus to 4 p.m.). Museum staff anticipate interest from those attending the Spong lecture that evening, and that is the last evening before the final day of the Rodin exhibition. 

Postal Pointers

Postage Increase... On May 12, postal prices will be adjusted based on the rate of inflation as measured by the Consumer Price Index (CPI). A first-class stamp will become 42 cents. "Forever" stamps can be purchased at the College Post Office through May 11 at 41 cents each. As of May 12, the stamps may be used for first-class mail at 42 cents.

Plugs

Part-time Nanny Wanted... Eric Elias (biology) and his wife, Betsy, are looking for a responsible, caring individual to come to their home in New Ulm and care for their three children (Will, 3; Iris, 2; and newborn). The position is for approximately 20 hours per week, and the schedule is regular (may have some flexibility regarding days/hours). Start date is late summer and runs indefinitely. For more information please call Eric or Betsy at 507-382-3482 (cell) or 507-359-3331 (home).

For Sale... 4-piece bedroom set (dresser, chest, night table, headboard), in good condition, $100. You haul. Contact Carol Lawrence at carol@gustavus.edu or 931-3860.

House for Sale... 1309 S. Washington Ave., St. Peter. Three bedrooms. Living/dining room with wood-burning stone fireplace. New wood floors. New interior and exterior paint. Full bath. Kitchen with new cabinets, appliances, floor; with eating area. Great room for den, study, studio, or family room. New energy-saving windows. New screens. New boiler and water heater. Lower-level walkout one-bedroom apartment. Tuck-under garage. Beautifully treed back yard. Close to Gustavus and South Elementary School. Call 507-931-1678 or 507-351-8540, or e-mail dpalmgre@gustavus.edu.

For Rent... One-bedroom apartment with a full kitchen and bath for faculty or staff member. The bathroom has a tub, but no shower. Asking $550/month, all utilities included. Phone Craig at 934-5878. Apartment had same tenant for 21 years through 2007 and another for the past nine months, but it is now available again.

For Sale: It's called "The Mountain," an all-in-one bunk bed with seven drawers, desk, computer hutch, shelves, and a pull-out trundle bed. Honey maple finish. For $500, will include one twin mattress and deliver. Contact Angie at archer@gustavus.edu.

For Lease: A beachfront two-bedroom home on Lake Washington is available for lease to a Gustavus staff member for the 2008-09 academic year. The lease is $800 per month. Heat, electricity, cable tv, refuse, washer/dryer, storage space, and insulated garage are all included in lease price, as well as many other amenities. Available partly or totally furnished. Telephone 952-758-3430 or e-mail mbiehn@comcast.net.

"Plugs" is maintained as a forum by which members of the Gustavus community may offer goods and services to others in the community, or seek the same from them. It is not meant to accommodate ads or announcements from area businesses such as real estate agents and retailers, although from time to time such announcements may be published when deemed to be of particular interest to the community.

 



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

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The Yellow Sheet is a newsletter for Gustavus Adolphus College employees produced by the Office of Marketing and Communication. It is published weekly during the academic year (except during the week of Thanksgiving, the Christmas break, Touring Week, and the Spring and 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 Communication. 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 Steve Waldhauser (ga_news@gustavus.edu or x6413).

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