Inside Gustavus May 5, 2011 | Volume 43, Number 31

 

President's Cabinet Summary

The President’s Cabinet met on April 26 and May 3, and discussed the following items:

April 26, 2011

• Consideration was given to possible nominees for the inaugural Gustavus Medal, to be presented by the Board of Trustees in recognition of Gustie Spirit and lifetime contributions to the College.
• Discussion was held concerning how a lion image would be appropriate for use in the Book Mark and other venues. Student leaders will meet with President Ohle and Vice President Freed to explore the issue.

May 3, 2011

• Faculty Senate Chair Steve Mellema and Vice Chair Sujay Rao reported that the Faculty Senate will be working with Faculty Manual amendments, including a process for considering faculty status of administrators. President Ohle reviewed in detail the May 15-16 Board of Trustees meeting agenda and plans for the June Board meetings in Sweden.
• The posting of a replacement position for assistant women’s hockey coach was approved.
• Admission reports that 761 deposits had been received from first-year and transfer students as of May 3. 
• Spring calendar events were reviewed, including occasions to honor Provost Fienen, Vice President Stocco, Chaplain Johnson, and Bernhardson Distinguished Professor Darrell Jodock for their service to the College.
• A brief discussion was held concerning appropriate locations for an inter-religious worship space on campus. 

 

News & Announcements

A Time for Farewells... The Gustavus community is cordially invited to attend a farewell reception for retiring Professor of Religion Darrell Jodock on Friday, May 13, 10-11 a.m., in conjunction with Daily Chapel. Professor Jodock will provide the homily during Chapel and a reception will follow the service. The Rev. Dr. Darrell Jodock came to Gustavus in 1999 to serve as the first Drell and Adeline Bernhardson Distinguished Professor of Lutheran Studies.

Reminder from Human Resources... Please turn in your benefit enrollment form to Human Resources (located in the Carlson Administration building) by Monday, May 9, 2011.

Honors Weekend Events... The College celebrates Honors Day with a convocation in Christ Chapel at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday (May 7) and several other events scheduled throughout the weekend.

• The fourth annual Celebration of Creative Inquiry, featuring poster presentations of research projects, scholarship, and creative work undertaken by more than 225 students, takes place in the Jackson Campus Center on Friday, May 6, 5-7 p.m.
• The Choir of Christ Chapel, directed by Patricia Kazarow, presents its home concert on Friday evening at 7:30 p.m. in Christ Chapel, and the Theatre Department offers a 21st-century adaptation of Hamlet at 8 p.m. in Anderson Theatre, directed by Amy Seham (also at 8 p.m. on Saturday and 2 p.m. on Sunday).
• Following the Honors Day convocation on Saturday, the Senior Studio Art Majors' Exhibition opens at noon in the Hillstrom Museum of Art, and the Music Department presents its Senior Honors Recital at 1:30 p.m. in Björling Recital Hall.
• Also on Saturday, the Department of Communication Studies hosts an honors reception for its majors at 12:45 p.m. on the main floor of Bernadotte Library, and the Department of Political Science holds its annual research symposium at 1:30 p.m. in the lower level of Old Main.
• At 3:30 p.m. on Saturday, the Gustavus Choir, led by guest conductor Timothy O'Brien, performs in Christ Chapel.
• On Sunday (May 8) the Lucia Singers, conducted by Patricia Snapp, offer their annual Mother's Day concert at 1:30 p.m. in Christ Chapel.
• GLA's "Books in Bloom" Exhibition is on display in Folke Bernadotte Memorial Library throughout the weekend.

Farewell for Chaplain Brian... The Gustavus community is invited to attend a farewell reception for Chaplain Brian T. Johnson on Wednesday, May 18, 10-11 a.m. in conjunction with Daily Chapel. This service will be the last Morning Praise worship of the year and will honor Chaplain Johnson as he departs Gustavus after 15 years to become the executive director of campus ministries at Valparaiso University.

'Thank You & Thank Lynn' Party... From appointments to phone calls, visit event set-up to Scholarship Day interviews—the Gustavus Admission Office staff sincerely appreciate all the help Gustavus faculty and staff continually provide as they recruit each first-year class. Also, for more than 37 years, Lynn Boehne has directed the operations of their office and kept the place running. To thank you for your support of their office and to thank Lynn for her incredible service to Gustavus and to celebrate her retirement, all college employees are invited to join the Admission staff for an open house Wednesday, May 25, 4-6 p.m., in the Melva Lind Interpretive Center. The Admission staff will provide refreshments and many “thanks.” There won’t be a formal program. Questions? Contact David Kogler (dkogler, x7004).

Take Me Out to the Ball Game... Join other Gustavus employees and their families for an afternoon of outdoor baseball at Target Field on Wednesday, July 6, when the Minnesota Twins host the Tampa Bay Rays. Game time is 12:10 p.m. and tickets are $24/person. Requests for tickets will be filled in the order payment is received. Seats are located in sections 319 and 320. Free bus transportation will be provided for those interested and who make reservations in advance. The buses will leave at 10 a.m. from Three Flags. Employees may request unpaid release time from their supervisor to attend the game. Please make checks payable to Gustavus and direct them to Barb Larson Taylor in the President’s Office. Contact btaylor@gustavus.edu or x7515 with questions.

 

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 6 - Greg Mueller (Sesquicentennial scuptor)
• Sunday, May 8 - Chaplain Rachel Larson, with the Gustavus Philharmonic Orchestra, directed by Justin Knoepfel
• Monday, May 9 - Chaplain Rachel Larson
• Tuesday, May 10 - Schwalm-Brostrom Service Award Presentation: Jeffrey Rathlef (CSL)
• Wednesday, May 11 - Morning Praise
• Thursday, May 12 - Alex Legeros (senior student)
• Friday, May 13 - Darrell Jodock (religion)

St. Olaf Players Bring Latin Play to Campus... The St Olaf Latin Play comes to Gustavus as part of a statewide tour. Come and enjoy the humor of the Roman comedy playwright Plautus (who inspired A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum) tonight (Thursday, May 5) at 7:30 p.m. in Alumni Hall. Music, classic jokes, and lots of audience participation are in this hilarious adaptation of Plautus's Pseudolus. No knowledge of Latin required. For more information, contact Eric Dugdale at edugdale@gustavus.edu.

Theatre Production Retells 'Hamlet'... The Department of Theatre and Dance presents what is perhaps the best-known play in the English language when it stages William Shakespeare's timeless classic Hamlet this weekend and next. Directed by Amy Seham, this production will be performed in Anderson Theatre May 5, 6, 7, 12, and 13 at 8 p.m.; May 8 at 2 p.m.; and May 14 at 7 p.m. Hamlet tells the story of a young prince of Denmark who questions the meaning of life as he attempts to understand the murder of his father by his uncle. This production embraces the poetry and passion of Hamlet, and brings Shakespeare’s discussion of “reality” into the 21st century, incorporating a dramatic and imaginative film component guided by video producer and recent Gustavus graduate Nick Hansen ‘09. With extensive film footage and security cameras on stage and off, the production cleverly relates to the influence of modern-day reality television, film, and media on culture by engaging with Hansen’s film expertise. The technological aspects of the production allowed for a thorough design collaboration between the scenic designer, Lydia Francis ’11, media designer Micah Maatman, and lighting designer Terena Wilkens. Adjunct professor Larissa McConnell has created the Elizabethan-inspired modern costume design, reinforcing the notion that Hamlet, although written centuries ago, can in fact relate to the current world. Tickets are available at the SAO desk in the Campus Center or online at www.gustavustickets.com. Tickets for Gustavus students and staff are free of charge with ID. Tickets not purchased in advance may be purchased at the Anderson Theatre Box Office beginning one hour prior to curtain.

'Books in Bloom'... Gustavus Library Associates (GLA) hosts "Books in Bloom" May 6-8 at the Folke Bernadotte Memorial Library. The unique event highlights books, media, and other resource material found in the library through floral arrangements and artistic expression. On display are more than 20 exhibits that represent and illustrate a book or other holding from the library. The exhibits will be open and guided tours available 3-5 p.m. Friday, May 6; 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Saturday, May 7; and 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Sunday, May 8. It is open to the public without charge. For more information about Books in Bloom, contact the Gustavus Office of Marketing and Communication at 507-933-7520 or marketing@gustavus.edu.

Choir of Christ Chapel Presents Home Concert Friday... The Choir of Christ Chapel, under the direction of Patricia Kazarow (music), will present its annual Home Concert in Christ Chapel on Friday, May 6, at 7:30 p.m. The performance is the culmination of a four-concert tour in Minnesota and Wisconsin. The concert is free and open to the public.

Senior Art Majors' Show Opens... "Senior Show 2011: Insert Title Here _____" is on view at the Hillstrom Museum of Art, from May 7 through Commencement, May 29, with an opening reception on Honors Day (Saturday, May 7), 4- 6 p.m. The exhibition, which is open to the public at no charge, is a culminating event in the curriculum of the nine senior studio art majors and is a required component of their studies. It demonstrates the diversity of styles and approaches taken by the student artists, some of whom intend to continue studying or working in art after graduation. Each artist is represented by artwork and by a personal statement reflecting her or his artistic goals and aesthetic philosophy. Serving as jurors for the exhibition, faculty from the Department of Art and Art History selected the strongest works from a group of submissions by each student.  The exhibit was installed with the assistance of the student artists, and a number of the works on view are being offered for sale. Further information can be found at the Museum’s website at gustavus.edu/finearts.hillstrom.

Guest Conductor O’Brien Leads Gustavus Choir Saturday... The Gustavus Choir, with guest conductor Timothy O’Brien, presents its annual spring concert Saturday, May 7, at 3:30 p.m. in Christ Chapel. The choir will be joined by organist Chad Fothergill and narrators Robert Gardner and Ethan Bjelland for this performance, titled "Harmonious Sisters, Voice and Verse," which invites contemplation of English music in light of the English poetic tradition (and the reverse!). The program includes readings from works by John Milton, Gerard Manley Hopkins, William Wordsworth, John Donne, Dylan Thomas, and T.S. Eliot as introductions or connections to choral works from the 16th through the 20th centuries. It's open to the public without charge.

Lucia Singers Sing for Mother's Day... The Lucia Singers, led by Patricia Snapp (music), present their annual Mother's Day concert on Sunday, May 8,at 1:30 p.m. in Christ Chapel. The singers will be accompanied by pianist Samuel Grace and assisted by organist and pianist Chad Fothergill and flutist Abbie Johnson. This Mother’s Day concert is free and open to the public.

Gustie Breakfast... You are invited to a Gustie Breakfast Wednesday, May 11. Engage with other friends of Gustavus and learn something about the College at the Saint Peter Gustie Breakfasts. The on-campus breakfasts are held at 7:30 a.m. on the second Wednesday of each month in a campus banquet room. Cost is $8 for an individual or $15 per couple, payable at the door. This month’s breakfast features Carolyn O'Grady, professor of education and director of international and cultural education. Upcoming breakfasts include Grady St. Dennis on June 8 and Steve Waldhauser and Dean Wahlund on July 13. Reserve your spot by e-mailing gustiebreakfast@gustavus.edu or call 507-933-6664. Visit gustavus.edu/alumni/events/gustiebreakfast/ for more information.

Can We Be Good without God?... Mankato native, Christian apologist, and Southwest Minnesota FCA director Jon Kaus will debate former Pentecostal preacher, now atheist, and co-president of the Freedom from Religion Foundation Dan Barker on the topic of "Can We Be Good without God?" on Sunday, May 15, at 7 pm in Alumni Hall. This debate will feature two highly educated and enthusiastic individuals discussing the origins of morality. Did it come from nature, or must there be a Creator? We hope to enlighten individuals on the different beliefs out there in regard to ethics and morality, beginning an open conversation within the community. This event is open to the public without charge. It is sponsored by the Gustavus Fellowship of Christian Athletes.

Peter Yarrow Family Concert... Peter Yarrow, of Peter, Paul, and Mary fame, will present a family concert event at Lund Arena on Thursday, May 19, starting at 7 p.m. The event is free to the public and seats are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Food donations for the local food shelf will be collected. For more information, contact Doug Wolfe at dwolfe@tbs.lib.mn.us.

 

Off-Campus Events of Interest

Cancer Fundraiser at Red Men Club... A "Conquer Breast Cancer" Fundraiser will be held on Saturday, May 14, at the Red Men Club (412 So. 3rd St, St. Peter; enter by the back entrance). A multi-family garage and bake sale featuring new and gently used items, baked goods, jewelry, rubber stamps, holiday decoration and more will be held between 8 a.m. and 1 p.m. The event is sponsored by Candy Witte (Dining Service), family, and friends. All proceeds benefit Susan G. Komen Minnesota Race for the Cure.

 

Congregational Outreach

Partners in Education... Chris Johnson (Center for Servant Leadership) will be at the Red River Conference Pastors in Spring Valley, Minn., on May 10. He will be speaking on the topic "Vocation and Servant Leadership" at 11 a.m. Partners in Education is a program coordinated by the Office of Church Relations in which participating faculty and staff members prepare topical presentations for adult forums, workshops, and seminars in congregations of the ELCA.

Representing Gustavus... Grady St. Dennis (CSL) is tabling at the Minneapolis Synod meeting in Minneapolis today and tomorrow (May 5-6). Marilyn Beyer (CSL) is tabling at the Southeast Minnesota Synod gathering on the same days. They are sharing information about resources at Gustavus with pastors and church representatives.

 

Facility Hours

Special Library Hours for May 6... The library will be closing at 5 p.m. on Friday, May 6, to allow time for students and faculty to share in the Celebration of Creative Inquiry, which will be held in the Jackson Campus Center beginning at 5 p.m.

 

Plugs

Basement Apartment for Rent... Private entrance. Large living room, bedroom, kitchen, bath. Partially furnished. No pets, no smoking. Two blocks from campus at 818 Grace St. Monthly rent $550.00 including utilities. Available July 2011. Contact Aaron or Mary Everett 507-934-0048 or everettmaryt@gmail.com.

"Plugs" is maintained as a forum by which members of the Gustavus community may offer goods and/or 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 or retailers, although from time to time such announcements may be published when deemed to be of particular interest to the community.

 

Thank-Yous

From Heather and Aaron Banks (CSL-Career Center and HES, respectively): "Thank you so much for all the support, encouragement, and generosity the Gustavus community has shown our family. We feel blessed to work at an institution that is so caring. The kindness you all have shown has been overwhelming and we want to express our sincere gratitude and thanks."



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Inside Gustavus 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 submissions are preferred, items may also be submitted typewritten on a letter-sized sheet of paper. Send "snail mail" items to: Inside Gustavus, 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 (waldo@gustavus.edu or x6413).

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