The Yellow Sheet for May 15May 15, 2008 | Volume 40, Number 32

Volume 40, Number 32

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

News & Announcements

Introducing Gustavus Global Insight... In September 2008, Gustavus Adolphus College will inaugurate an annual, campuswide program for its students, faculty, and staff that will focus on a single country, region, or global issue during the academic year. The program, named Gustavus Global Insight, will feature invited speakers, fine arts events, special presentations, common reading, and service-learning opportunities, as well as class time dedicated to discussions relating to the focus topic.
     In 2008-09, the theme of Gustavus Global Insight will be “China.” In addition to continuing to pursue their own major courses and electives, students will acquire new knowledge of this vast, 3.7 million-square-mile country and gain new perspectives on its 1.3 billion inhabitants. Class offerings and invited presentations will delve into China’s history, culture, economy, environment, government, current trends, future outlook, and more. Already scheduled events include a theatre production of Nobel Prize-winner Gao Xingjian’s The Other Shore in Spring 2009, two Artist Series performances, and a film series. The Reading in Common book committee has selected Chinese Lessons: Five Classmates and the Story of the New China, by Washington Post journalist John Pomfret, as its common reading for the Gustavus community this fall, and Pomfret will be visiting the campus in September. For a sampling of China programming already scheduled and to stay current with updates as thematic planning continues, visit gustavus.edu/academics/globalinsight/.
     The tentative schedule for Gustavus Global Insight topics in the next few years is “Mexico” in 2009-10, “Food/Nutrition” in 2010-11, and “The Circumpolar Year” (Scandinavia, Northern Canada, Greenland, and Russia) in 2011-12. For more information about the coming year’s China focus or the program in general, contact Tom Huber (physics), chair of the Gustavus Global Insight planning committee.

And If You Can't Wait to Get Started on China... Join a Global Insight China reading group and read works that address China through the lens of food. The group's first reading selection is Feeding China's Little Emperors, edited by Jun Jing. The group will meet semi-monthly on Mondays at 5:30 p.m., over dinner. Contact Lisa Heldke to join; all members of the community are most welcome! (heldke@gustavus.edu; x7029)

Strategic Planning Document Approved... The Board of Trustees has adopted this document to affirm the Gustavus community's commitment to these goals and to the process by which we will discern the means to achieve them. Our collective vision as expressed in this document will serve as a focal point for our work of continued planning (strategic, campaign, marketing, and budget) for next year and into the next decade. The on-going work of strategic planning for our academic community is important work that will call for additional participation by all members of the community to provide the tactics by which these goals will be met, the budget implications for each, and the rubrics by which we will assess our success. You may read the new strategic plan in its entirety by going online to gustavus.edu/strategicdirections.

Annual Employee Picnic on June 3... The annual all-employee picnic is scheduled for June 3, starting at 11 a.m. at the President's House. This year's gathering will be in honor of President Jim and Susan Peterson.  All community members are invited and encouraged to attend. Invitations will be sent soon.

Book Sale... The Folke Bernadotte Memorial Library is holding a special science fiction/comic book sale on May 19-23 in the library lobby. Items will be priced at $.50 each. The book sale cart is also loaded with great bargains for only $.50.

Arboretum Help Needed... Arboretum staff are seeking four van drivers for the Linnaeus Arboretum Summer Solstice Garden Tour on Sunday, June 22. The tour will be leaving the Lind Interpretive Center at 10 a.m. and returning around 3 p.m. The tour includes two gardens in New Ulm, the August Schell Brewery and a private garden. Drivers will receive free tour admission, lunch, refreshments, and music by the Linnaeus String Quartet. Drivers must be van certified. Come and enjoy a great day of 'Garden Hopping' and help the Arboretum. Contact Shirley Mellema at 933-6181 or e-mail shirley@gustavus.edu if interested.

Commencement on June 1... Nearly 600 students will graduate with bachelor of arts degrees from Gustavus during commencement exercises at 2 p.m. on Sunday, June 1, on Hollingsworth Field (or Lund Arena if the weather is inhospitable). The commencement procession will begin at 1:45 p.m. (from Eckman Mall if the weather is nice, and from the Lund Center Forum if not). Click here to view the Commencement Weekend schedule and information.

Hosts Needed for Commencement Exercises... Hosts are needed to assist at commencement exercises. To sign up, contact Dana Lamb at x7550 or dlamb@gustavus.edu. Volunteers should arrive at Hollingsworth Field (or Lund Arena if inclement weather) by noon on Sunday, June 1. Hosts are welcome to stay for the ceremony itself or may leave immediately after it starts at 2 p.m.

Carlson Award Nominations Due... The Provost's Office invites all members of the Gustavus community to nominate a faculty member for the Edgar M. Carlson Award for Distinguished Teaching. Nominations are due by Friday, May 16.

Last YS Next Week... The final Yellow Sheet of the 2008-09 academic year will be published on Thursday, May 22.

Research Paper Competition... The Patricia Lindell Prize for Research Papers is open for submissions. Awarded every other year, the prize of $400 is funded by Gustavus Library Associates. Papers written during the 2006-07 and 2007-08 academic years will be accepted for the current competition. A “research paper" is defined as a paper written on any topic for any Gustavus course that clearly demonstrates the use of primary or secondary print and/or electronic resources. A faculty panel will select the winning paper in the fall of 2008, with announcement of the winner to be made at the annual St. Lucia luncheon next December.
     The competition is open to Gustavus students from all disciplines who have written for a Gustavus course. Members of the faculty are asked to encourage their students to enter their work. Application forms are available at the Library Circulation Desk. Previous prize winners include Adrienne Donath '06 for "Silence in the Cloister: A Study of the Future of the Sisterhood in the American Church" and Daniel Pioske '04 for "American Protestantism and Its Impact upon the Desire of Its Members to Seek Congressional Office."

Check Out Local Food Options... Anticipating that first ripe Minnesota strawberry? Start scoping out your local berry options with the 2008 Minnesota Grown Directory, published by the Minnesota Department of Agriculture. The directory lists agricultural products and services that are available directly from growers. To get your free copy (while supplies last), contact Lisa Heldke (heldke@gac.edu; X7029).

State Fair Booth... Gustavus is again planning a booth at the Minnesota State Fair, Aug. 21-Sept. 1, 2008. The booth, in the Education Building, will be "personed" by staff, faculty, student, and alumni volunteers from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily. Four-hour shifts are available each day of the 12-day fair—9 a.m.-1 p.m., 1-5 p.m., and 5-9 p.m. Two or three people are needed for each shift. To sign up, call or e-mail Bob Neuman (x7681, bneuman@gustavus.edu). Times will be filled on a first-come, first-served basis. Prior to the fair, training will be provided. Training meeting information will be announced at a later date.

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, May 16 - Trish Wheelock (religion)
• Sunday, May 18 - Chaplain Brian Johnson, Choir of Christ Chapel
• Monday, May 19 - Taizé
• Tuesday, May 20 - TBA
• Wednesday, May 21 - Morning Praise
  
• Thursday, May 22 - Clint Wostrel (senior student)
• Friday, May 23 - Kristen Burson (senior student)
• Sunday, May 25 - Chaplain Rachel Larson
• Monday, May 26 - Adam Eckhart (senior student)
• Tuesday, May 27 - Litany for Travelers
  

Alumna Returns to Present George Hall Lecture... The Department of Religion invites the community to the 2008 George Hall Lecture, to be delivered by Cathy ten Broeke, a 1991 graduate who is Coordinator to End Homelessness for Minneapolis and Hennepin County. Her presentation, titled "Making Homeless History," is slated to begin at 7 p.m. tonight (Thursday, May 15) in the Presidents Dining Room.

Composer Showcases New Work... Composer Michele Gillman (music) will lead a cast of faculty members, students, and friends in a recital of new compositions on Sunday, May 18, beginning at 3:30 p.m. in Jussi Björling Recital Hall. The recital also includes recent work by Jeffrey Kowalkowski, Paul Tierney, Justin Merritt, and others. It is free and open to the public.

Brassworks!... The annual Brassworks! concert, conducted by Scott Moore (music) and showcasing the work of the Christ Chapel Brass and the Gustavus Trombone and Brass Choirs, will be presented in Jussi Björling Recital Hall at 7:30 p.m., Sunday, May 18. Works by Handel, Haydn, Strauss, Wagner, Bruckner, and Dvorák are included as well as an arrangement of Gershwin's "Summertime" from Porgy and Bess. This concert is free and open to the public.

Retirement Reception for the Sexton... There will be an open house/reception for Margaret Derner, Christ Chapel's sexton, on Thursday, May 22, from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. in the chapel.
Margaret will be retiring from Gustavus at the end of the academic year. Her tender care of Christ Chapel will be missed.

Off-Campus Events of Interest

Trip to Egypt... Samiha Ibrahim (MCS, emerita) will be leading a trip to "The Mysteries and Magic of Egypt," November 6-19, 2008. This trip takes in the most important cities and sights in Egypt. Tour participants will explore monuments, museums, and religious and archeological sights in Cairo and Luxor, and on a Nile cruise to Aswan. More details are available at www.semint.com. For more information, contact Samiha at 612-940-4456, ibrah012@umn.edu, and asksamiha@gmail.com.

Cox House Plant Sale on Saturday... The annual Cox House Heritage Plant Sale will be held from 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, May 17, at the E. St. Julian Cox House (500 North Washington, St. Peter). Old fashioned perennials, bulbs, herbs, rhubarb, raspberry plants, and small shrubs will be for sale. There will also be master gardeners at the Cox House to answer questions about gardening. Money raised from the sale supports the E. St. Julian Cox House and the gardens. For more information, contact Marilyn Robertz (934-3883), Barb Olmanson (934-2828), or Bev Wetherill (934-4417).

Presentation Explores Pursuit of the Common Good... The School Sisters of Notre Dame (SSND) will host a presentation titled “Voting the Gospel—The Pursuit of the Common Good” on Wednesday, May 21, 6:15-8 p.m. at the Good Counsel Provincial House (170 Good Counsel Drive, Mankato). The challenges facing us today and into the future are more than political, economic, or technological; they are also ethical, moral and spiritual. No amount of military strength, economic power, or technological advance can guarantee security, prosperity, or progress. In looking at these challenges, Sister Jeanne Wingenter, SSND, will pose the question, “What is the Common Good and how do we achieve it?” This session will be held in the SSND Conference Center and is free and open to the public. A free-will offering will be collected. The SSND's Justice Series addresses issues critical to the ennoblement of persons and the promotion of human dignity. Each session will be facilitated by Sister Jeanne, who is the coordinator of the Office of Justice, Peace and Integrity of Creation for the Mankato Province of SSND. For more information call the Provincial House at 507-389-4200.

Writers Reading... On Friday, May 23, starting at 7 p.m., the Arts Center of Saint Peter presents "Reading Day," a gathering of Gustavus Adolphus College poets and writers reading their own work. Tickets are $5 for adults and $4 for AC members, with students admitted free.

Extraordinary People

Barbara Fister (library) contributed a chapter on curriculum (co-authored with Thomas Eland) to the Information Literacy Instruction Handbook, published by the Association of College and Research Libraries. She has also published an article, "Learning in the Present Tense," in the May/June issue of AFT On Campus and was appointed to the editorial board of College and Research Libraries.

Suzanne Wilson (sociology & anthropology) and co-investigator Leah Carroll had their research article, "The Colombian Contradiction: Lessons Drawn from Guerrilla Experiments in Demobilization and Electoralism," published in From Revolutionary Movements to Political Parties: Cases from Latin America and Africa, edited by Kalowatie Deonandan, David Close, and Gary Prevost (published by Palgrave Macmillan).

Student News

Junior philosophy major Rhea Muchalla has been selected to participate in the prestigious Philosophy in an Inclusive Key Summer Institute, held at the Rock Ethics Institute, Penn State University. This seven-day institute is designed to encourage undergraduate students from under-represented groups to consider future study in the field of philosophy.

Nine Gustavus seniors will join Teach For America this fall, entering classrooms in eight regions across the country. They have elected to spend the next two years teaching children in low-income communities and become part of an effort to ensure more students have access to an excellent education. More Gustavus seniors were accepted than from any other private college in Minnesota. (Nationally, over 25,000 people applied to be part of the 2008 Teach For America corps, and the acceptance rate was about 20 percent. A little over 30 percent of the Gustavus students who applied were accepted.)
     Two Gusties were featured in Teach for America's media publicity release: Lindsey Cattau will teach elementary school in Philadelphia and Jack Underwood will teach special education in NYC. Other Gustavus students who have enlisted are Trevor Brown, Chris deLaubenfels, Guyniesha Johnson, Esther Mulder, and Jessica Woufle. The successful recruitment season has been fueled by the efforts of Matt Toppin, Gustavus's Teach for America student representative, who has also chosen to join Teach For America and will teach secondary math in Miami-Dade.
     Since its founding in 1990, Teach For America has become the nation’s largest provider of teachers for low-income communities. This year, approximately 5,000 corps members are teaching in 26 urban and rural areas across the country, collectively reaching approximately 440,000 students. To learn more, visit www.teachforamerica.org.

Obituaries

• Elroy Flantz, father of Sandy Grochow (finance office), died on May 9 in St. Peter. Funeral services were held on May 13.

To inform the campus community of the death of a current student, employee, or trustee; an emeritus professor or trustee; or an immediate family member of a current employee, contact the Office of the President (x7538 or pleagjel@gustavus.edu). Death announcements and funeral notices for students, current and emeritus faculty and employees, and trustees will be sent to the community via written notice from the president, posted on community-l, the official campus-wide e-mail list, and published in the Yellow Sheet or Summer Scoop. Notices for immediate family members of current employees will be published in the Yellow Sheet or the Summer Scoop unless they occur during a publication break, in which case they will be posted on employee-l.

Congregational Outreach

Retreats... The Gustavus Adolphus College Association of Congregations Retreat Center, coordinated by the Office of Church Relations, will host a church council retreat for Bethlehem Lutheran Church from Mankato, Minn., on Friday, May 16, and Saturday, May 17.

Music in Worship... A brass ensemble from Gustavus will be playing in the 8 and 9:30 a.m. worship services at Trinity Lutheran Church in St. Peter this Sunday, May 18. Any Gustavus music ensemble or soloist is welcome to perform in congregations. For more information, contact Marilyn Beyer (x7001).

Funding Opps

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

• NIH Research Grants Available... The National Institutes of Health (NIH) offers Academic Research Enhancement Award (AREA) grants to support research at undergraduate and other institutions that have not been major recipients of NIH research grant funds. These grants support small research projects in the biomedical and behavioral sciences, either for feasibility studies, pilot studies, or other small-scale programs that would provide data preliminary to a traditional research project grant or as support for an ongoing program of research. The maximum project award is $150,000 in direct costs, plus facilities and administrative (indirect) costs, and is available for a period of up to three years. Deadlines are October 25, February 25, and June 25. For program and application information, see http://grants.nih.gov/grants/funding/area.htm, which includes a link to frequently asked questions.

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 region:

• The Star Tribune printed a story on May 7 about Fulbright Scholar Addie Ryan.
• The New Ulm Journal, the Brainerd Dispatch, and the Owatonna People's Press all printed an AP story about Jack Ohle being named the next president of the College.
• The Albert Lea Tribune, the Fergus Falls Daily Journal, the New Ulm Journal, the Marshall Independent, and the Rochester Post-Bulletin all ran an AP story about Greek Week raising money for tornado recovery at Union University.
• Chris Gilbert (Political Science) was quoted in a May 11 Star Tribune story about the 2008 legislative session.
• The Mankato Free Press printed stories about Archbishop elias Chacour's visit to campus on both April 30 and May 13.
• KEYC-TV ran a story on its May 12 newscasts about Elias Chacour's visit to campus.

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 Library Hours during Finals...

• Thursday, May 22 - 8 a.m.-1 a.m.
• Friday, May 23 - 8 a.m.-2 a.m.
• Saturday, May 24 - 8 a.m.-10 p.m.
• Sunday, May 25 - 8 a.m.-2 a.m.
• Monday, May 26 – 8 a.m.-2 a.m.
• Tuesday, May 27 - 8 a.m.-4:45 p.m.

Many thanks to the student employees who are willing to stay late so others can study!

Telecommunications Updates

The following are changes and additions for the "Personnel Phone Directory 2007-08"

• Kathy Chalhoub, Chaplains' Office, phone: x7446 (name change from Kathy Matz)
• Erlinda Johnson, Custodial, phone: x6112 (deletion)
• Corie Loose, Custodial, phone: x6162 (name change from Corie Brandt)
• Kathleen Martin, Library, phone: x7564 (deletion)
• Chad Reid, Custodial, phone: x7655 (addition)
• Theresa Stogdill, Custodial, phone: x6392 (deletion)

For further information or corrections, contact Laura McCabe in telecommunications (x6261 or lmccabe@gustavus.edu).

Plugs

(This, apparently, is the YS Home Edition...)

For Sale: 2003 Kia Optima, 82,000 mi., white exterior, 4-door, auto, 4 cylinder. Great condition, new tires, brakes, belts. $5,200. For more information, please contact Andrea at x6282 or ajunso@gustavus.edu.

Home for Rent: 3-4 bedrooms and 2-1/2 baths, plus a front porch and a 3-season porch. In an established neighborhood, furnished. Ideal for faculty member who is in St. Peter for a semester or two and wants/needs only a short-term commitment. Owners are currently in Illinois but may be easily be reached via e-mail (cfreeman@hickorytech.net) or cell phone (507-469-9599). Several friends who work at Gustavus, including Ron Timmerman (insitiutional advancement), Dana Lamb (college relations), and Edna Hawbaker (Book Mark) could show the house for them.

House for Sale: 315 N. 4th St., built in 1998. 2,300+ sq. ft.; 3 bedrooms and 2 1/2 baths; large master bedroom and bathroom suite; 24' x 40' garage with insulated workshop; no-maintenance steel siding on house & garage; double-wide driveway; beautifully landscaped yard with aggregate patio in rear. Great location across from park and close to downtown Saint Peter. Offered for sale by owners, Brenda and Gary Reinholtz (both HES, emeriti). Call 507-382-6433 or e-mail garydeanr@comcast.net.

For Rent or Sale: Newly renovated huge 8-bedroom, 4-bath home with large family and game rooms, located on beautiful, private wooded lot just 1/2 mile outside St. Peter. Large storage shed and outbuilding on property. Words cannot describe just how unique this 3-story home truly is! $1,600 + utilities to rent, or $349,900 to buy! Call Megan Monson-Conlon at 507-381-1604.

Apartment for Rent: Furnished one-bedroom apartment in St. Peter. $500.00/month including heat, water, garbage, cable, and internet service. It's very modern and clean but has limited kitchen space. Ideal for a professor or administrator. Call Deb Hentges at 507-317-7279 (wrong number printed last week) or Steve at 507-340-0000 for more information.

House for Rent: Live in the treetops! Beautiful, large home for rent just outside of St. Peter in a quiet, family-friendly neighborhood. Located on a wooded ravine lot, every view has you looking to the trees. Fully to partially furnished, 3- to 4-bedroom, 3-bath home with attached garage has all the comforts of home. Fireplace, hardwood floors, screen porch, tire swing, master suite with clawfoot bathtub . . . this house has it all! No smoking, but pets are negotiable. You must see to appreciate the value of this home. $1,250/month plus utilities (energy efficient, of course!). Available as early as July. Please contact Maria Jeremiason at 507-934-1532 or 651-226-1061, or e-mail mjathome@mchsi.com.

Part-time Nanny Wanted: Do you know someone who is great with children and is searching for a steady, part-time nanny position? We are looking for a responsible, caring individual to come to our home in New Ulm and care for our three children (Will - 3, Iris - 2, and expected newborn). The position is for approximately 20 hours/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 Elias at 507-382-3482 (cell) or 507-359-3331 (home).

Free: Moving boxes and packing paper. Contact Laurie at lmiller@gustavus.edu.

Room for Rent: Mere blocks from Gustavus. Nice quiet setting. Fully furnished. Full use of house. Ideal for faculty member. $400.00 per month. Utilities included in monthly fee. No lease to sign and no double-down rent money. Available immediately or school year. Call 507-934-5054 and ask for Nancy.

Home for Rent: For academic year 2008-09, mid-July to mid-July, dates negotiable. One block from campus at 918 South Washington Ave. Two-story, three-bedroom home, built 1910, with hardwood floors and original woodwork. Beautiful back yard with playset and garden space. Large detached garage. Available furnished or partially furnished—ample storage space available. Washer/dryer, dishwasher. No smoking, please. Pets negotiable. E-mail spancier@gustavus.edu or call 507-934-2292.

Sublease: Spacious 1-bedroom apartment at Washington Square Apartments (1005 S. Washington Ave.). Near both Gustavus and the St. Peter Library/Community Center. E-mail jshih@gustavus.edu or call 216-0987 for more information. Available for June, July, and August; $400/mo.

House for Sale: 1309 S. Washington Ave., St. Peter. Three bedrooms, living room/dining room with wood-burning stone fireplace. New hardwood 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.

House 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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