Fall 2011 PILOT

THE MAGAZ INE OF NORTHWESTERN COLLEGE

Fal l/Winter 2011


RESHAPINGCOMMUNITYLIFE

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PILOT STAFF

MANAGING EDITOR Marita Meinerts, M.A.

EDITORS Jenny Collins ’05; Nancy Zugschwert

GRAPHIC DESIGNER Justin Redman ’09

CONTRIBUTING GRAPHIC DESIGNER Shelley Andersen

PRODUCTION MANAGERS Colleen Bemis F’05; Tammy Worrell F’04

PRODUCTION ASSISTANTS Jamie Hanson; Joan Ayotte

STUDENT ASSISTANTS Jessica Sly ’12; Michael Forrest ’12

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Drew Elrick ’12Nina Engen, proofreaderJanelle Hamre ’11Greg Johnson ’05Kenny King IV ’10

Betty Kraus ’07Brian Pearson ’08Callie Wahl ’05Kristin WaltersMorgan Wood

NORTHWESTERN COLLEGE ADMINISTRATION

PRESIDENT Alan S. Cureton, Ph.D.

SR. V.P. FOR ACADEMIC AFFAIRS Janet B. Sommers, Ph.D.

SR. V.P. FOR MEDIA Paul H. Virts, Ph.D.

V.P. FOR INSTITUTIONAL ADVANCEMENT Amy Bragg Carey, M.A.

V.P. FOR STUDENT LIFE & ATHLETICS Matt Hill ’89, Ed.D.

V.P. FOR CAMPUS TECHNOLOGIES/CIO Raymond C. Kuntz, M.S.

V.P. FOR BUSINESS/CFO Douglas R. Schroeder, CPA

DIRECTOR OF HUMAN RESOURCES Timothy A. Rich, PHR

NORTHWESTERN MEDIA

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ARTICLES ALSO AVAILABLE ONLINE AT NWC.EDU/PILOT

Cover photo by Josh Stokes displays an architectural feature of the second-floor dining center of the Billy Graham Community Life Commons.

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CELEBRATION AND GRATITUDE

We are blessed. That’s what I think every time I walk across the

redesigned campus green and see the striking beauty of our campus with the addition of the Billy Graham Community Life Commons.

On October 7, we celebrated the Graham Commons’ official grand opening and dedicated the building to the glory of God. We were privileged to welcome Billy Graham’s grandson, Rev. Will Graham, to campus for the event and hear him share how the path of Billy Graham’s ministry was shaped by his four years as president of Northwestern. Our hearts were moved as we received a beautiful greeting from Billy Graham himself, through a letter Will read at the dedication ceremony (see page 19).

I marvel at seeing the hand of God at work in every detail of the building, from concept to completion, that has made the successful journey from vision to reality. From a hole in the ground to a sunlit space. From a few concrete walls to laughter and robust conversation in the coffee shop. From a circle of people praying around a mound of dirt to a beautiful prayer tower. All in tribute to the glory of God and the legacy of one of the greatest Christian leaders of our time in our generation, Rev. Billy Graham.

The excitement and energy of the Graham Commons made Homecoming especially meaningful as we saw hundreds of Eagle alumni, representing many decades, reminisce about their time at Northwestern. The alumni from the “Billy Graham era” ventured to Minneapolis for a special tour of the Loring Park campus where their Northwestern memories were forged.

On behalf of everyone at Northwestern, I want to thank each person who prayed for the project and those who gave of their time, talent or treasure. This incredible building would not have been possible if not for the gifts, prayers and generosity you have shown us.

Alan Cureton, Ph.D. President, Northwestern College and Northwestern Media


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NORTHWESTERN NEWS

Youth Crew Answers Call

Center for Calling & Career

Chapel Snapshots

‘Hyre’ Expectations for Engineering

ALUMNI NEWS

Through the Years

Fast Forward: Geen Hong Mui ’06

Last Meal in Café Naz

Joyful ‘Amen’ for Cotton Patch Gospel

RESHAPING COMMUNITY LIFE

Grand Opening: Graham Commons

Will Graham Bridges Past & Future

Transforming Campus Life

How a Building Can Change Us

IN THIS ISSUE

over the table’s surface and rushes down into a circular nest of small rocks. Grothe wanted to create a rich experience for people viewing the fountain by mining Scripture for inspiration and referencing as many biblical passages as possible. “From the Israelites stacking twelve stones as a reminder of what God had done for them after crossing the Jordan, to Jesus washing the disciples’ feet—all were in one way or another influential and inspirational,” Grothe remarked. The decision to use rocks in the overall design also stemmed from the rock being a symbol on campus. Not only is the fountain meant to awaken spiritual

interpretation in people’s minds, but it also provides an aesthetically pleasing place for students to gather. Grothe mentioned that as a student he “loved being able to tell someone that [he] was going to meet them at the fountain.” Installed between the Totino Fine Arts Center and the Billy Graham Community Life Commons, the Apostles’ Table joins the Trinity sculpture on the new Campus Green. “I’ve been told that Mrs. Totino was adamant about every ‘proper building’ having a fountain out front,” Grothe said. “So in that regard I’m glad we could replace the old one for her.”

APOSTLES’ TABLEINSPIRED BY SCRIPTUREBY JESSICA SLY ’12

I n August, Northwestern welcomed the installation of the Apostles’ Table, a campus water feature designed and

installed by studio art graduate Luke Grothe ’10. Because of his previous experience with water features, Grothe was approached for the project by Joe Smith ’92, MFA, chair of the Department of Art & Design. Generously funded by the estate of Dr. William and Beryl Berntsen, Bryan and Amy Carey, and the TIH Foundation in honor of Jake and Marge Barnett, the Apostles’ Table consists of 12 rocks—cut from rainbow granite found in Morton, Minn.—situated in various distances from the center table. Water flows peacefully

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YOUTH CREW ANSWERS CALL FOR YOUTH MINISTRY SUPPORTQ: What has 18 legs, 9 heads and enough energy to light up a room?

A: The Northwestern College Youth Crew!

Marc Strom ’15:It is a blessing working with such great people. The biggest challenge for me is coming to a different church each week, with all new kids, and only a few hours to make a connection. We adapt by being flexible and letting God do what He wants, and just letting Him lead us through the night.

The 2011 Youth Crew: Top Row: Chris Bell ’13, Allyssa Christensen ’12, Hannah

Gerry ’11 (Dec.), Ashley Neitzke ’11 (Dec.), Marc Strom ’15. Bottom Row: Danny

Bjorlin ’12, Joe Lothe ’15, Josh Hayden ’12, Isaac Braun ’11 (Dec.), Tim Elrod ’90,

Church Relations Director

Ashley Neitzke ’11:The biggest reward for serving on Youth Crew happens when a youth pulls you aside and begins to open up about their struggles, whether or not it is related to the topic we are addressing. We then are able to pray for them and it’s such a blessing to be able to do that.

Hannah Gerry ’11, Youth Crew Director:The biggest reward of serving and leading the Youth Crew team is interacting with all the students at the different youth groups and seeing how God is working in their lives and being able to let them know how special and important they are!

Allyssa Christensen ’12:I love just being able to serve the local church. We are able to be in contact with hundreds of Twin Cities youth each year, sharing the truth of Jesus Christ. That just blows me away! Not only are we serving the students, though, we are also serving their youth leaders. The heart of our ministry is to serve the local church.

Josh Hayden ’12:We get to step into kids’ lives for one night, ask them how life is, share Jesus with them and love them. It’s not every day you get an opportunity to encourage future generations to love Jesus and encourage them in their faith.

Tim Elrod, Church Relations Director:Youth pastors say it’s such a huge blessing to have the Youth Crew at their church. One day a youth pastor called us together and said his wife had gone to the ER that morning. He said, “Several times I thought, ‘I’ve got to do something for youth tonight,’ then I remembered that you were coming. God had it all planned out!”

T ake nine energetic college students and mix them together with a junior high or high school youth group, and you’ve got a recipe for an action-packed evening of

youth ministry. The Youth Crew does it all! Games, skits, worship, prayer and

teaching on how to apply the Bible to real life. Add a big heart for youth and a listening ear and it’s clear to see why youth pastors throughout the region call and say, “Please come to our church.”

The Youth Crew is a ministry of the Office of Church Relations and is an extension of Northwestern’s service to the local church. From September through April the crew provides a complete evening of youth programming or supplementing activities planned by the youth pastor.

AND NOW, A FEW WORDS FROM THE CREW...

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EIGHT IN EIGHT: ALUM RECEIVES FULBRIGHT SCHOLARSHIP

L ast April, Charity Straszheim ’10 of Roland, Iowa, received a Fulbright English Teaching Assistantship (ETA) Scholarship and is currently teaching for one year in the Czech Republic. Straszheim is the eighth NWC student or faculty member

in the past eight years to accept a Fulbright grant. “I am most excited about the challenge of it all,” said Straszheim, who graduated

with a B.A. in Visual Arts Education. “I don’t expect there to be many fluent English speakers there and I am sure it will be a bit isolating. Yet I am excited to see how the Lord will provide and work as I seek to pursue further the vocation of teaching as well as pursue relationships with my fellow teachers and students.”

The Fulbright Program is sponsored by the U.S. Department of State and is the largest international exchange program, allowing students, scholars and professionals the opportunity to engage in study, research or teaching assistantships all over the world. Participants selected include those with strong academic merit and leadership potential.

DIFFERENT SPORT, SAME APPROACH BY GREG JOHNSON ’05

A fter a successful four-year college basketball career that earned him DIII News All-American honors in 2011, Brian Lecheler ’12 has moved on to a different arena. Lecheler, who had two academic semesters left to complete his NWC

course work, had used his maximum four years of eligibility on the basketball court so he decided to don a football helmet for the first time since high school.

Lecheler was no stranger to the football field at Abbotsford (Wis.) High School, finishing his senior year as the 41st best receiver in Wisconsin according to MaxPreps, a national high school sports recruiting service.

After completing training camp this fall, Lecheler found himself as one of the team’s two starting wide receivers. He also tried his hand at returning kickoffs and found instant success. In the Eagles’ Sept. 10 home game versus Westminster College, Lecheler ran two kicks back for touchdowns from 84 and 90 yards.

Being a part of two different NWC teams, Lecheler found that the underlying theme remains the same. “Both Coach Grosz [basketball] and Coach Talley [football] have a real heart for the players, wanting to develop them as Christians first and athletes second,” he said.

LUKE ALECKSON, MFA (ART & DESIGN) presented a solo exhibition, Hyperborean, at The Suburban, a gallery in Chicago. He also was included in a group exhibition entitled Chain Letter at a gallery in Boston.

JOHN EASTERLING, D.MIN. (CHRISTIAN MINISTRIES) recently spent time in Thailand researching for a journal article, volunteered in Japan with CRASH, and taught two courses in Hawaii: The Missional Church in a Post Modern Era and Contemporary Religious Movements.

DICK ELLIOTT, MBA (BUSINESS) serves on the Board of Advisors of Commercial Water Distributors, which provides consumers with replacement water filters through multiple websites. Using Lean Techniques, he assisted a privately owned firm to reduce its manufacturing time by 40 percent and improve the quality of the product.

WILLIAM EPPRIGHT, M.A.(MATHEMATICS & ENGINEERING) was awarded honorary membership in Minnesota Council of Teachers of Mathematics (MCTM), “In Recognition of Outstanding Service and Contributions to Mathematics Education,” which is MCTM’s lifetime achievement award. He presented at the MCTM conference and was selected as a member of the MCTM Strategic Planning Committee.

DAVID FENRICK, PH.D. (CHRISTIAN MINISTRIES) was elected Secretary-Treasurer of the Association of Professors of Mission. He also presented a paper entitled “Crossing Borders: Missional Experiential Education for Developing Ambassadors of Reconciliation.”

FACULTY HIGHLIGHTS


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DENLER GALLERY HOSTS JURIED STUDENT ART EXHIBITION

F riday, Sept. 9 marked the opening of “XVIII,” the 18th Annual Juried

Student Exhibition in the Denler Art Gallery, showcasing work by 23 Northwestern art and design students. This year’s exhibition was juried by Ben Heywood, executive director of the Soap Factory, an acclaimed art gallery

in the heart of the warehouse district of Minneapolis. Heywood, who previously worked as a curator in England, offered critique on and insight into the students’ work.

The gallery exhibition serves as much more than the proverbial refrigerator on which students post their work. Luke Aleckson ’02, assistant professor and director of the Denler Gallery, affirmed the students’ excellent work in a wide array of disciplines.

“The work is reflective of the unique perspectives and life experiences of each student,” said Aleckson. “We have students who take risks and create boldly.”

The exhibit included paintings, ceramics, digital prints and video, and even a giant inflatable jellyfish. Graphic design major Jonathan Back ’12 won first place for his series of three woodcut prints of an owl, osprey and eagle.


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SPOTLIGHT ON THE ARTSBY JANELLE HAMRE ’11

ORCHESTRA’S EUROPEAN TOUR SPEAKS ‘INTERNATIONAL LANGUAGE’

T his past May the Northwestern College Orchestra packed up

their instruments and flew to Switzerland and France for a two-week musical missions trip. Stopping off at places such as Avignon, Paris and Geneva, orchestra members collected experiences and gave musical performances in pursuit of God’s glory.

In addition to concerts and home-stays, there were a few highlights—including a glowing review of the orchestra in a foreign newspaper and even a marriage proposal on the Eiffel Tower.

The tour offered students both cultural immersion and musical opportunities. Orchestra director David Kozamchak pointed to the educational reach of the tour, saying that “through the tour, students learned music truly is an international language and can be used as a form of ministry in foreign countries just as effectively as in their own.”

The orchestra performed classics by familiar composers like Handel, Copland and Respighi and premiered a new work as well. Andante and Capriccio for English Horn and Orchestra, composed by Jordan Cox ’10, featured Jordan’s brother and 2010–11 orchestra president Colton Cox ’11 on the English horn.

In his role as president, Colton noted that the orchestra was knit together during the tour by their spiritual bond in a way unique to Northwestern’s musical ensembles. “You don’t feel that anywhere else,” he said.

For Julie Johnson, tour manager and director of the Northwestern College Academy of Music, communication was more than musical. “I’m always surprised how well people communicate without words if we are both invested in understanding each other.”

CENTER FOR CALLING & CAREER: NEW NAME FOR A NEW CHAPTER

“Equipping students…to serve effectively in their professions” – NWC mission statement

W hat began over 20 years ago as a one-person office with a three-ring binder of job clippings has flourished into a hub of activity, resources and services with four full-time staff, 10 part-time student staff and eight additional peer

advisors and interns. Every day, students and alumni come to the Center for Calling & Career (CCC) for

career counseling, professional development and coaching on best practices in resume writing, interviewing, job searching and other topics.

During 2010–11 alone, the office saw 6,000 visits and hosted 45 events.

Formerly the Career Development Center, the Center for Calling & Career officially launched its new name Aug. 1 in conjunction with the opening of expanded facilities on the fourth floor of Nazareth Hall, made available when Student Development relocated to the Graham Commons.

COURTNEY FRIESEN, M.DIV. (PHILOSOPHY) passed his preliminary written and oral exams in the Classics program at the University of Minnesota; he is now a doctoral candidate.

IAN HEWITSON, PH.D. (BIBLICAL & THEOLOGICAL STUDIES) recently published the book TRUST AND OBEY: Norman Shepherd & The Justification Controversy At Westminster Theological Seminary.

DALE HUTCHCRAFT, PH.D. (BIBLICAL & THEOLOGICAL STUDIES) presented “The Servant Leader and Functional Learner Autonomy in E-Learning Instruction” at the eFolioMinnesota conference.

RONN JOHNSON, PH.D. (BIBLICAL & THEOLOGICAL STUDIES) participated in an atheist/theist debate at North Dakota State University in late September.

KEITH JONES, PH.D. (ENGLISH & LITERATURE) wrote “The Immeasurable Rewards of Directing Shakespeare in a Grade School.” He also gave a lecture entitled “A Dream in Hanoi: Shakespeare in Vietnam” at the Shakespeare Festival in July. He was chosen as a National Endowment for the Humanities participant in the Folger Summer Institute.

KENT KAISER, PH.D. (COMMUNICATION) presented “Conflict Frames, Media Bias, and Power Distribution: Title IX as a Longitudinal Social-Movement Case” at the Association for Education in Journalism and Mass Communication Convention. He has been named senior fellow at the Center for the American Experiment. Kaiser published the article “Gender Dynamics in Producing News on Equality in Sports: A Dual Longitudinal Study of Title IX Reporting by Journalist Gender” in the International Journal of Sport Communication.


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Visit us at nwc.edu/career or contact Dave Preble at [email protected] or 651-631-5265.

3 WAYS TO GET CONNECTED

1. Share your experience with studentsWhether you graduated recently or before current students were born, you have experience to share that can make a difference as students look to the future.

2. Connect us to your organizationDo you work for an organization that has internships or openings for students/recent graduates? Let us know or post positions via our website on CareerConnect, NWC’s free online job board.

3. Pursue your own professional developmentConsidering a career change? Make an appointment with one of our career counselors. All NWC alumni are welcome to utilize CCC resources and services. We can work with you by phone, online or in person.

Join the Northwestern College Professional Network on LinkedIn.

Meet the Board:

CAROLE LEHN

Connection to NWCGrowing up in the Twin Cities, Carole Lehn remembers listening to KTIS on

the radio in her home and attending events at Northwestern. After she and her husband sold a restaurant business (Chickadee Cottage in Woodbury, Minn.), she was looking for ways to get involved in the community and give back, so when she was invited to join the Northwestern College Board of Trustees it was a natural fit.

Education/CareerLehn holds a B.S. in math and economics from Wheaton College and an MBA

from the University of St. Thomas. She worked for West Publishing (Now Thomson Reuters) for 13 years. “I started as a cost accountant and worked my way up through the finance area and was very involved in the sale of the company in 1996,” Lehn recounted. “I stayed on for another three years after the sale and ended up as VP of finance for the Westlaw division.” She now does part-time management consulting work as she focuses on her favorite job ever: raising her children.

Family and InterestsMarried to Joe Lehn for 21 years, they are parents of four kids, ages 10 to 17,

who “are involved in every sport under the sun,” Lehn quipped. “I spend a lot of time driving carpool and cheering at events.”

One treasured family activity is an annual bake sale. “This will be our tenth year,” she said. “We take orders for banana bread, fudge, pies, etc., in November and bake and deliver items according to customers’ schedules.” The project began when they collected spare change to buy a goat through World Vision and has now expanded to earn more than $1,500 for World Vision each year. “I wanted my kids to invest something besides quarters and nickels, and now it’s a major part of our tradition at holiday times, to give something of themselves that costs them something—their time.”

Vision for NWCLehn sees Northwestern’s commitment to Christ as its cornerstone now and in

the future. She also believes flexibility is a key for the future. “We want to be able to meet the needs of students in whatever their circumstance—on campus, online or through blended learning,” she said. “We need to provide ways for learners to experience our passion for Christ in ways that are meaningful to them.”

She is grateful Northwestern will be part of her children’s college search process. “Knowing the leadership of Northwestern, its Christ-centered mission and core values assure me that it is a place where my children would thrive and develop their potential. It will be on the short list for our college searches.”

JEREMY KOLWINSKA, D.M.A. (MUSIC) is serving as President of the Minnesota College and University College for Music, and hosted their annual fall meeting here at NWC on September 23. He has also been invited to become an official National Association of Schools of Music Visitor and will be attending training in Phoenix in November.

RICHARD LANGE, D.M.A. (MUSIC) recently performed the Chopin Barcarolle, Op. 60, for the Minnesota Music Teachers convention attended by piano teachers from the region.

KIRK LIVINGSTON, M.A. (ENGLISH & LITERATURE) published “Redeeming Words – One Tweet at a Time” in Comment magazine, an article which examines how communication, writing and social media are intertwined with God’s intent for our connectedness.

MATT MILLER, PH.D. (HISTORY) was recently invited to serve as a summer 2012 research trip advisor for the SPAN organization, which offers an interdisciplinary program for students of any college or university in the state. Miller will lead a group to Moscow in June and July.

JIM RAYMO, D.MIN. (BIBLICAL & THEOLOGICAL STUDIES) traveled to Philadelphia in mid-September to speak at a missions conference.

YVONNE RB-BANKS, PH.D. (EDUCATION) is releasing the chapter “From Motherhood, Through Widowhood: The Path to Receiving the Academic Hood” in the book Being and Thinking as an Academic Mother in a Post-Second Context Wave: Framing the Conversation, by D. Lynn O’Brien Hallstein and Andrea O’Reilly.


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Meet the Board:

LAUREN LIBBY

Connection to NWCSeveral years ago, Lauren Libby was involved in a major initiative to open

Christian radio stations in Colorado and needed programming. Northwestern’s former SkyLight Satellite Network was the answer Libby needed and served as his introduction to Northwestern. He worked in partnership with the media group until joining the board in 1997.

Education/CareerHailing originally from the plains of Kansas, Libby earned a degree in

agricultural economics from Kansas State University and an MBA from Regis University in Denver. He started his career as an economist in Chicago. While working in the Chicago Loop, he led noon-hour Bible studies for businessmen and a number of them met Christ personally. “The Lord changed my circumstances and led me to be assistant to the president of the Navigators,” Libby said. He served with that organization for 30 years.

In 2008 Libby became president and CEO of TWR International which, according to Libby, “delivers the Gospel through radio, video, print, satellite communication—any way it takes to get into the hard places of the world where you can’t get missionaries.”

Family and InterestsLibby and his wife, June, live in Cary, N.C. He speaks with pride about his other

NWC connection—his son, Grant, a 2006 graduate of Northwestern and district deputy attorney in Colorado Springs, Colo.

His favorite hobby, pheasant hunting, comes from his roots as a Kansas farm boy, and he also enjoys golf and ham radio—“the original Internet,” he noted.

Vision for NWCTapping into the potential of the “digital wave” that is already upon us, Libby

believes Northwestern is uniquely positioned to go into the future and sees a vision of using available technology to “equip the next generation of leaders in business, in theology—and deliver that in a Christ-conscious way.” He is enthusiastic about finding creative solutions to the rising costs of education, including being as cost-effective as possible in delivering educational content.

Values to Live ByLibby believes every Christian is in full-time ministry and explained, “We can have

values and a biblical worldview, but you can sense people who know their calling. It’s the true north in a person’s life.” A large part of Libby’s work—and ministry—has been spent helping people determine what God wants them to do. “They have to determine it, but I create an environment where they feel like they can be fulfilled.”

T. ROBIN RILEY, PH.D. (COMMUNICATION) had his documentary film Utopia on the Rio Grande accepted at the White Sands International Film Festival in New Mexico. Sixty films were selected from the 220 applicants—Riley’s was one of 10 documentaries.

BOYD SEEVERS, PH.D. (BIBLICAL & THEOLOGICAL STUDIES) published the article “How Big Was Israel’s Army?: Dealing with Large Numbers in the Bible” in Artifax magazine and “Old Testament Fortifications” in The Baker Illustrated Bible Handbook.

JOE SMITH, MFA AND LUKE ALECKSON, MFA (ART & DESIGN) (see also pg. 5) have been asked to take part in an exhibition entitled “Why Did the Chicken Cross the Road?” at Yale University School of Art.

DOUG TROUTEN, M.A. (COMMUNICATION) served as a judge for the Minnesota Magazine and Publishing Association’s annual awards program, a contest which honors the best works being done by Minnesota-based magazines.

MICHAEL WISE, PH.D. (BIBLICAL & THEOLOGICAL STUDIES) shared his research and findings about the Dead Sea Scrolls at the University of Wisconsin, River Falls. He has been selected to serve on the local Board of Advisors for the MacLaurin Institute.

KEN YOUNG, PH.D. (BIBLICAL & THEOLOGICAL STUDIES) presented a paper entitled “Reframing the Paradigm for Reconciliation by Dismantling Racialization.”


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AFTER 47 YEARS, RETIRED BUT NOT UNPLUGGEDBY KENNY KING IV ’10

Increased leadership and listenership

Hendrickson climbed the ranks at KNWC, eventually fulfilling the role of station manager. He grew the station in all aspects—size, listenership and watt power. It was 1985 when he began entertaining the idea of moving on to a new challenge.

“Paul Ramseyer was the director of radio at the time, and he called me and said he had an opening in the Twin Cities and asked if I’d be interested,” shared Hendrickson. “I was.”

He eventually oversaw all of Northwestern’s radio stations as Director of Radio and most recently Vice President for Operations—“a job where I oversaw the legal and technical side,” he explained. “I would go to all of the stations and sort of tutor them, come alongside them, to help them grow.”

As VP for Operations, Hendrickson did for all Northwestern Media stations what he did in Sioux Falls. It was under his supervision that, among others, KTIS AM 900 grew from 25,000 watts to 50,000.

Not unplugged from doing God’s work

“The purpose of being on the air is to help Christians grow, and to reach out and touch other lives. It’s very fulfilling,”

said Hendrickson, who also acknowledged they faced the unexpected regularly. “Every station has had its trials—reasons to be on our knees in prayer, which is a good thing. We saw the Lord’s hand move in miraculous ways.”

Although retired, Hendrickson hasn’t completely unplugged. He’ll continue to help with consulting and special projects for Northwestern Media, and

also chair the noncommercial music license committee for National Religious Broadcasters (NRB).

“It’s His work, not mine, not anyone’s,” concluded Hendrickson. “My prayer is that we’ll continue to be pliable in His hands—past, present and future.”

If you’ve ever tuned in to one of Northwestern

Media’s 14 stations, you have Harv Hendrickson to thank. Though not an announcer and rarely heard on the air, Hendrickson is a key reason listeners are able to hear anything at all.

After 47 years of employment with Northwestern Media, Harv Hendrickson retired in June. During his tenure, he oversaw stations, increased listenership and reach, oversaw complex building projects like the KTIS broadcast center (Mel Johnson Media Center) and made sure you could hear what was being broadcast.

Finding a career and a callingIn the early 1960s, Hendrickson

started attending Brown College for radio broadcasting as a nonbeliever, but walked the stage as a believer on graduation day. Good timing for the beginning of a lifelong career in Christian radio.

“When I entered Brown, I had put down that Sioux Falls was the last place I wanted to go. I didn’t like it. But that’s where this job [at KNWC] was. The song ‘I’ll go where you want me to go, dear Lord, I’ll do what you want me to do,’ came into my mind. So I thought I’d go and if I didn’t like it I could leave after three months.” He and his wife, Carolyn, were there for 21 years.

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1PRAYER INSPIRES MILLIONS

I t was a very personal experience that led to the creation of PrayerWorks®.

I was on my way to KTIS for a job interview when my cell phone rang. It was a dear friend, knowing how much I wanted this job, calling to say he’d pray for me. When I got home there was an e-mail from my friend. It began, “You know how people say ‘I’ll pray for you’ and you hope they do, but you never really know? Well, I wanted you to know. Here’s the prayer I lifted up on your behalf.” And he wrote out what he had prayed.

I was so moved. At that moment, prayer became very real to me. I did get the job at KTIS, and one of my first questions was,

what happens to the prayer requests people submit through our website? It took some digging to learn that although everyone desired to pray, there was not a good system to collect, monitor and ensure each request received a prayer.

I understood how the busyness of a workday could make that possible, but to me it didn’t seem right. When someone has a prayer request, they need it now. I thought about my own experience—effective prayer was timely, tangible and encouraging. And I wanted to help create something that would be just that for our listeners.

The idea was simple: use our radio reach to connect listeners who have prayer concerns to other listeners willing to pray. On most Internet prayer sites, the person submitting a prayer simply posts...and hopes. The vision I had for KTIS was that someone would receive notification every time someone had prayed for them.

This was one of those ideas that I couldn’t let go of, so I shared it with Carl Bliss ’94, manager of network interactive media, and he began using his technical skills and computer knowledge to make PrayerWorks a reality.

Now when listeners post prayers online through PrayerWorks, they can choose to receive an e-mail whenever someone notes through the system that the request has been prayed for. In addition, many listeners actually send a note of encouragement to the person requesting prayer.

In September 2010 we began sharing this tool with our colleagues in the industry so they can have their own private prayer community, with no IT or development costs, paying just a small subscription fee to cover the costs associated with hosting the program.

In addition to the Northwestern Media stations, we currently have 82 other radio stations, churches and ministries subscribing to the PrayerWorks tool. On Sept. 1, we hit ONE MILLION PRAYERS prayed across all of our affiliates. At KTIS alone, over 37,000 prayer requests have been posted, over 625,000 prayers have been prayed, and over 17,000 anonymous notes have been sent!

Its real impact, though, is immeasurable.

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WOOD, KTIS

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If your church or organization would like to createyour own PrayerWorks page, learn more at onlineprayerworks.com

Chapel Snapshots Daily chapel is a Northwestern distinctive, giving the NWC community the opportunity to be encouraged and challenged by distinguished speakers. Here are a few who have visited campus this fall.

Peter HaasLead Pastor of Substance Church

WHY THE CHURCH? “Cynicism about the Church is at an all- time high. A study revealed 80 percent of American evangelicals think the church ex-ists to meet their personal needs. How do you approach church? [Too many Christians in the church] are ‘bride’ haters—depres-sive, opinionated people who are so critical of the Church they’re not useful for the Gospel. Just like in a marriage, you can’t hate or critique your bride into improve-ment. You cannot expand God’s kingdom by being a bride hater. What if you came to church to give, serve, pray and fast for oth-ers? If you are cynical about church—all the more reason to invest in it.”

Shaun Groves Singer/Songwriter and Compassion International Rep

MISSIONS WEEK“You all sound amazing [singing in praise chapel]. But do you serve as well as you sing? Do you sacrifice as well as you harmonize? The word ‘worship’ has been translated from many words and none of them mean music. And I wish it did be-cause I’m pretty good at it.... Everything in life is manna—God provides it all.” Students sponsored 50 children with Compassion International during his visit.

Roger and Becky TirabassiPremarital Pastor/Author and Author/Speaker, respectively

PURITY AND PURPOSE“If we don’t understand the motivation for staying sexually pure, then purity becomes a legalistic trap. Legalism is what we do to receive acceptance from God. But God al-ready loves and accepts you. Consider God holding your face, saying, ‘I love you. I love you. I love you.’ You must start there. What follows is us wanting to please God. Unless you’re thinking about your purpose for remaining pure, you’ll probably fail. The purpose is to glorify God, please Him and build the kingdom.”

Greg SpeckSpeaker/Author

LIVING FOR JESUSMicah 6:8 – Act Justly. “What’s the differ-ence between a moral person and a person of character? A moral person doesn’t do what they think is wrong. A person of char-acter does what is right. A moral person is passive and judgmental. A person of character lives for Jesus. To act justly is to do what is right in God’s sight. Living for Jesus is an adventure. It’s all about growing, learning and being stretched. Ask yourself in the mirror each morning: Who is going to be in charge of my life today? Me or the Holy Spirit?”

Matt Bostrom F’92 Ramsey County (MN) Sheriff

HOMECOMING WEEK“Months after the Republican National Convention, a leader from one of the protest groups called and said, ‘I’ve been thinking about what happened in RNC; has anyone asked you to run for sheriff?’ The DFL came and asked. The Republi-cans said, ‘You should run.’ I was running against someone who held the job for 16 years, but the Lord used that support. People said, ‘You ran a brilliant campaign.’ But the only brilliant move I made was to trust the Lord for daily steps.

“What I realize is if I’m in the place God needs me, Satan doesn’t want me here. When God prompts you to pray for your leaders, know [your prayers] are heard and answered.”

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W ith 50-degree temperatures and 40-mph winds, Lake Johanna swelled with whitecaps on a cool

September day. But the brisk elements didn’t deter Dr. Matt Hyre’s Intro to Engineering students from gathering on the Island beachfront to test their assignment: to design and construct a pair of floatable walking “shoes” for a person to walk on water.

Resembling duct-taped foam models of amphibious vehicles or prototype galactic transports, their inventions also sparked friendly competition to see which team designed the most functional model.

Those not testing the water shoes formed an eager cheering section on the shoreline, rooting for their water walkers as they nimbly (or not so nimbly) maneuvered on the waves to a flag finish. While one winner skated on the surface to victory, most only traveled a few yards before plunging.

As he emerged to find a towel, one soaked and shivering freshman exclaimed jokingly that he would rather take an “F” for the assignment than get back in the water. The experiment—and the elements—tested their mettle in military training fashion, minus the shouting drill sergeants and uniforms.

But for Professor Hyre, a West Point graduate and former Army officer, the value of hands-on research and experiential learning is far more important than his students’ ability to withstand the weather.

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Tysen Olson ’16, Alex Andrews ’16 and Caleb

Couwenhoven ’16 test their engineering

inventions on Lake Johanna.

‘Hyre’ Expectations for Engineering BY JENNY COLLINS ’05


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the Texas climate wasn’t a fit for the native New Englander. He taught at the Virginia Military Institute and after nearly 10 years, felt a call back to Christian higher education.

He chose Northwestern because “I saw the potential that existed here—the ability to grow both myself and the program. I knew I could build something here. To me, that was a fun challenge.”

A 3/2 punch One of the practical draws for Hyre

to Northwestern was its innovative 3/2 dual-degree program in collaboration with the University of Minnesota College of Science & Engineering. Several Minnesota institutions participate in the 3/2 program, in which students do three years of study

at a participating college, then transfer to the U of M for their final two years. Northwestern’s collaborative setup allows a student to earn two bachelor’s degrees in five years—one in applied math from NWC and one in engineering from the U of M.

This approach has several advantages for students, according to Hyre, including starting engineering studies with smaller class sizes, personalized interaction with faculty and being grounded in biblical education for three years. “Then being able to go and apply their faith in a university setting and having the access to the research facilities at the U of M—it’s a nice combination.”

Mutual admiration and learningWhen Hyre began at NWC in 2010, he

was impressed with his students’ academic level (noting their high math and problem-solving skills) and their spiritual depth. “They come from a point of view that

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Philosophy to army to engineeringWith a Ph.D. in mechanical engineering

from Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), Hyre holds eight patents to date and has secured several research contracts. But his impressive career initially began in philosophy.

“The farther I got along in philosophy, the fewer questions I could actually answer. At some point I wanted to wrap my head around a conclusion,” said Hyre. This conclusion about his academic interests led to a switch to engineering his final year at West Point before being commissioned as an officer in the U.S. Army.

Finding faith at MIT After reentering civilian life, Hyre worked

in nuclear engineering while earning his master’s degree. At the encouragement of a mentor, he pursued his doctorate at MIT. The path to a Ph.D. proved pivotal in Hyre’s life—academically and spiritually. Describing himself during this time as a “militant agnostic,” Hyre admitted, “I was arrogant. And my position was ‘I don’t know and there’s no point in trying to know—you’re wasting your time.’”

He then met a Christian woman named Wendy (now his wife of 16 years) at a mutual friend’s wedding and he credits her—and a patient pastor—for eventually leading him to salvation.

“MIT is a tough place to become a biblically grounded Christian. It’s pretty scientific. So it really forced me to understand why I believed what I believe.

“It’s still a journey. [For] most of the people I know—[faith] is not a topic they are interested in talking about. On the other hand, with the people you know well enough to talk to about it, the discussions are never minor.”

Back to the classroomWith his relatively fresh faith, Hyre went

on to teach at LeTourneau University, but


is almost foreign to me,” Hyre shared. “They speak in a language and with an ease about their faith that I’d never been around for long.”

Students are grateful for Hyre’s expertise and influence. “Dr. Hyre is a genius,” said John Gisler ’15, an engineering major from Stewartville, Minn. “He is an awesome professor and explains things very well.”

“His classes are hard,” admitted Elizabeth Balke ’14, an engineering major from Floodwood, Minn. “It’s not uncommon for his homework assignments to require a great deal of time, mental energy and collaboration with classmates.” But she added, “Outside of class, he is always willing to answer any questions I have, whether they’re about the

assignment he gave, my computer or chaos theory.”

Hyre is purposeful in challenging students. “The most important things I can teach are critical thinking, analytical skills, intellectual independence and an ability to pose and answer questions

that will follow them to other courses and beyond.”

Opening up research to students Gisler pointed out that Hyre’s teaching

is so effective because he is active in engineering research outside of class, giving students the opportunity to work with him on projects in various fields (see sidebar).

One glance at Hyre’s resume and you’d see research is a passion of his; yet he noted, “I see no dichotomy between research and teaching. One of the most effective ways to teach is through student-driven undergraduate research.

“As engineers, my students should not only be able to solve complex engineering problems, but should also be able to tell if the results achieved make sense or not. The best way for students to grasp this concept is through hands-on research.”

“By opening up the world of research to

students, they get a much better idea of the

types of work they can do after graduation.”

Advancing the Frontiers of EngineeringMatt Hyre uses research as a capstone learning experience for

students, which also provides the opportunity to “get paid for learning state-of-the-art computational skills and advancing the frontiers of engineering.” Below are samples of student research projects:

Biology major Seul Ah (Ellen) Chae ’12 took Hyre’s physics class last year and worked with him on a biomedical engineering project aimed at designing better stents in arteries. Their research resulted in Chae co-authoring a paper with Hyre, which he presented at an international biomedicine conference in Riga, Latvia last summer. Chae said the research stimulated her interest in pharmacy, which she plans to pursue after graduation.

Elizabeth Balke ’14 is working with Hyre on an environmental research contract aimed at modeling how sand affects the performance of wastewater treatment facilities.

John Gisler ’15 is working with Hyre on a funded research contract for a company that manufactures machinery used for glass bottle production. The two are looking at how to make unbreakable bottles with stronger and lighter glass.

Engineering students Ben Anderson ’13 and Joe Picard ’13 participated in summer research programs at the University of Hawaii for computational modeling and Texas A&M for nanotechnology, respectively.


Learning isn’t the only benefit, either. “By opening up the world of research to students, they get a much better idea of the types of work they can do after graduation.”

With his focus in computational modeling, Hyre has received funding for three diverse areas of research: biomedicine, glass formation and environmental technologies. He boils down the seemingly unrelated areas into one theme: “I take complex physical phenomenon and create a virtual model on a computer so researchers can get a better understanding of the underlying physics.”

Outside the classroom and lab, Hyre especially enjoys collaborating with his students. “It’s those times at the office when students and I are working frantically on some problem and have totally lost track of time—when they are more like colleagues— that’s when I’m most excited.

“When you can get them to the point where they’re willing to interact and even question what you’re doing and say, ‘I don’t think that’s right,’—that’s even better,” he stated emphatically, “because they’re not afraid to interject their ideas and thoughts into a project. Those moments are really great.”

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Business Grad’s Dream Yields High ReturnBY CALLIE WAHL ’05

I n fall 1988, Kevin Zwart ’92 walked onto the Northwestern campus at the request of his father, a pastor, who wanted him

to attend for at least one year to get a solid biblical foundation. The teenage Zwart obliged, but planned to transfer after his first year since the college did not offer his desired major in finance.

But during his freshman year, Zwart found himself wrestling with the choice of staying at Northwestern or transferring. As he evaluated his life’s direction, the answer became clear. “I decided that the education I was receiving at Northwestern was great, and I was in the environment that I wanted to be in, so I stayed,” Zwart said, adding, “and it didn’t hurt that I had met Heidi that year as well.” Heidi Port ’92 is now Zwart’s wife.

A relevant return on investmentAlthough confident in his decision to stay, Zwart decided not to

give up on his dream of majoring in finance. He approached his faculty advisor and then-business department chair Chuck Kuivinen about developing a finance major at NWC. Kuivinen quickly embraced the suggestion and worked with his department—and even Zwart—to develop the curriculum that is now a part of Northwestern’s current finance major.

As one of NWC’s first two finance majors, Zwart graduated with the affirmation he had made the right decision. “Because the program at Northwestern was so new, I had to take some classes at the University of Minnesota,” he said, “and I didn’t find them to be exceptionally challenging. I was able to see what was going on at [both schools] and I saw very quickly that there was absolutely no academic disadvantage to attending Northwestern.

“You always hear people say that you have to go to the ‘right school’ or no one is going to hire you. But that’s not true,” Zwart emphasized. “Stepping into the business world, I was very well

prepared.” Even pioneering his major, he noted, “I got to see a broad picture of a lot of different things—accounting, finance and marketing. I found that what I learned in the classroom was applicable in the real world.”

Equipped for life and transitions

Immediately following graduation, Zwart accepted a new job at Minnesota Life/Minnesota Mutual in St. Paul, where he had worked for two years as a student. He earned an MBA in 1997 from the University of St. Thomas and in 1999 moved to a position with American Express Financial Advisors (now Ameriprise). In 2010, Ameriprise consolidated a division with another company and Zwart transitioned to a new role as equity trader with Columbia Management Group, and to a new city, Boston, with his wife and their sons Drew (14), Alex (13) and Kyle (8).

Looking back on his education, Zwart said, “If I had to do it all over again, I would definitely choose Northwestern. The business education that I received was great, but to be able to double major in finance and Bible, to be grounded in not only what I was learning, but also my faith and life skills—that has had a profound impact on my life in terms of my relationships and increasing my faith and my walk with the Lord.”


“You always hear people say that you have

to go to the ‘right school’ or no one is going to

hire you. But that’s not true. Stepping into

the business world, I was very well prepared.”

Enjoying Massachusetts beaches has been a perk for the family of Kevin Zwart ’92 since relocating to

Boston in 2010. Pictured here, left to right: Drew, Kyle, Kevin, Heidi (Port ’92) and Alex Zwart.

FALL/WINTER 201 1 PILOT 17

A GRAND DAY

Several hundred people gathered on campus Oct. 7 for the Billy Graham

Community Life Commons Dedication and Celebration. In Maranatha Hall,

psalms of praise and thanksgiving, music by Northwestern ensembles,

recognition of guests and donors and a special message by Rev. Will Graham

heralded the opening of the newest building on campus. Following the

ceremony, guests and community members gathered for prayer and the official

ribbon-cutting.

Pictured from left: Roseville Mayor Dan Roe, Rev. Will Graham, President Alan Cureton, Board Chair Grover Sayre, Arden Hills Mayor David Grant and VP for Academic Affairs Janet Sommers. Others assisting with the ribbon-cutting but not pictured were Board Member Dan Stoltz ’83, Drew Elrick ’12, Adolfson & Peterson Construction’s Dave Adolfson and professors Rick Thoman and Michael Wise.

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On October 7, Rev. William Franklin Graham IV addressed the Northwestern community for the Grand Opening of the Billy Graham Community Life Commons. He is the son of Franklin Graham and grandson of Billy Graham, Northwestern’s second president. Shown are a few excerpts from his keynote speech.

Will Graham Bridges the Past and the Future


Ministry born from Northwestern“The Billy Graham Evangelistic Association was born alongside this school. Now, it wasn’t here at this campus; it was downtown. That’s why our headquarters was always located in Minneapolis. ‘Just write to Billy Graham, Minneapolis, Minnesota— that’s all the address you need.’ Why? Because of Northwestern Schools! It was the college that was here, but our ministry was born because of this school.

“And so my friends, we are totally indebted to you. Indebted to this school. And we’re so grateful for the wonderful heritage it has. But, my friends, we’re more excited about the future it holds. May God continue to use this great school.”

Name to fame“In 1949, while he was president of this wonderful school, he was preaching in Los Angeles, California, where we saw a great revival take place. From then on, my grand-father became a household name, almost overnight, because of the famous words of William Randolph Hearst: ‘Puff Billy.’”

Special message from Billy Graham“I have to admit this is my very first time I’ve ever been to Northwestern College. And I’ve been treated so well it makes me want to keep coming back. I know my granddaddy just wishes he could be a part of this. This is such a wonderful place. He loves being up here, such wonderful memories. But, my friends, he sent a letter….”

Thank you from the Graham family“My friends, on behalf of my grandfather, and the Graham family, we want to thank you for this wonderful honor; but we pray and our desire is that every person who comes on this campus and goes in that building will love the Lord with all their heart and want to share Him every possible way.

“So on behalf of the family we want to say thank you and may God bless this wonderful, wonderful school of Northwestern.”

Purpose beyond presidents“There’s only been 44 U.S. presidents—my grandfather’s met 12 of 44. But it was never about meeting presidents. He wanted to see people share their faith in Jesus Christ. And that’s what this school’s about. To raise young men and women to make a difference in this world, not just socially but spiritually.”


BILLY GRAHAMCOMMUNITY LIFE COMMONSTransforming Campus and

Community Life

“We shape our buildings; thereafter they shape us.”

– Winston Churchill

From a parking lot to an award-winning building

buzzing with energy, the Billy Graham Community

Life Commons has reshaped not only the heart of

our campus landscape, but also our ways of being

and doing life together.

The Graham Commons invites us to eat, study,

socialize, pray, learn, plan and dream in new ways

under one roof. Walking inside almost feels like

stepping into a brand-new suit, compelling each of

us to stand taller, pull our shoulders back, lift our

eyes and say, Yes, now this is Northwestern College.

Praise God from whom all blessings flow!

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1. The expanded serving area offers many

stations: Pizza, Home Style, Grill, Pasta, Exhibition, Salad Bar, Bakery and more.

4. The café on the 1st floor offers a cozy place to

study and eat with friends.

2. The dining center provides natural light,

beautiful views of campus and spacious, flexible seating options.

3. The dining center spans the full length of the

2nd floor on the north side of the building.

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6. One of the five new classrooms features

vaulted ceilings and floor-to-ceiling windows.

7. The Campus Store expanded its space for

NWC apparel, merchandise and textbooks, including books written by NWC faculty.

8. The L. John and Marjorie Look Buyse

Prayer Tower is a quiet place for solitude, reflection and prayer.

5. Students enjoy the café’s coffee,

smoothies, grab-’n-go items and freshly scooped ice cream.

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9. Students enjoy the comfortable, casual

lounge spaces in the Cherne Atrium on the 1st floor.

11.The tunnel is back! The well-lit tunnel connects

Riley Hall, Graham Commons and Nazareth Hall.

10. Each of the student mailboxes has a

transparent window to see mail from the outside.

12. The NWC Student Government and

Student Activities Council offices reflect the creativity of student leaders.

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How a Building Can Change UsBY DREW ELRICK ’12, STUDENT GOVERNMENT PRESIDENT

When I began my Northwestern career in 2008, the Billy Graham Community Life Commons was nothing more than a parking lot and a dream. Fast

forward three years, and that parking lot is no more, and that dream is now a beautiful reality.

It is hard to describe the full impact this new facility has already had in reshaping the campus and its influence on the physical, spiritual and relational aspects of our community. “The Billy,” as students have affectionately dubbed it, is where we eat, where we learn and where we converse. It is where we study, where we pray and where we grow.

Sure, all of those things occurred in the existing structures on our already beautiful campus, but you simply cannot underestimate the value of a single building that houses intentional spaces for those experiences to take place.

This is my second year as a member of Student Government. Our move to The Billy has dramatically changed the way we operate, and our new office is a huge upgrade in both space and furnishings. We even have windows to the outside world! Our student organization benefits so much from having centralized meeting locations as well as from having our other student-led organizations right next door.

This student leadership center helps to facilitate great partnerships among Leadership Development, Student Activities, FORCE (Fellowship of Reconciling Cultures Everywhere), Campus Ministries, and Student Government. It allows us to have more cohesion in our efforts and greater opportunities to support and pray for one another. The space also increases interactions among the groups overall.

I consider it a tremendous blessing and responsibility to lead Student Government in the Graham Commons’ inaugural year. The new resources I have at my disposal motivate me to set the bar high for what Student Government can be and can accomplish. I can think of no better way to show my gratitude towards those who labored and gave generously so that this dream could come true.

On behalf of Student Government and the Northwestern College student body, I want to thank everyone who gave so much to bless our community with this amazing facility. It is a challenge to put into words what it truly means to us. You simply must come see the building and the life that takes place within its walls.

Drew Elrick ´12, pictured above with Senior Senator Kristina Siemens ´12 (left) and Student Government Vice President Tracy Brook ´12.


Serving the Life of the Whole StudentBY KRISTIN WALTERS

D uring the fundraising season for the Billy Graham Community Life Commons, the Envision Excellence campaign described the building as a

community gathering place that would feed the body, mind and spirit of each student. Even before its official Grand Opening during Homecoming in October, the Graham Commons was already living up to its promise to nourish the whole student.

A building that brings it all together

While one of the main features and most obvious benefits of the Graham Commons is its expanded dining area on the second floor, the building’s capacity to foster stronger relationship connections has become especially evident since students returned to campus in August.

“There is more a sense of family, with students coming together over meals,” said Lauren Bernhagen ’12, student activities coordinator, noting that it also provides a better opportunity for collaboration among student organizations. “The student leadership is united here,” she said. “We used to not have interaction a lot, but now all of our offices are together in one corner, which makes meeting together more convenient and interacting easier.

“Community is one of the reasons I chose Northwestern,” Bernhagen added. “This building really brings all of that together.”

A welcoming space for everyoneDean of Student Development Paul Bradley said having a place

for spontaneous community building is important. “Northwestern is a community-focused campus,” he said. “It is by design a residential campus, and all about the integration of faith—both through living and learning.

“The space [in the Graham Commons] is well designed for relationships, networking and doing life together,” Bradley continued. “It really creates a hub, even for faculty, staff and student interaction.”

Jerod Cornelius, associate dean of residence life, sees the

building bringing the community together in ways that weren’t possible before. “It has created a central place for students to gather during the academic day,” he said. “They can take a break, work on homework, and catch up with friends without having to go back to their residence hall rooms.”

The Graham Commons benefits the entire student community. “It is a place for commuters, for the FOCUS students,” Bradley said. Cornelius added, “Before, if commuters were going to get more plugged into the community, here they’d have to try a bit harder and go to the Student Center [in the residence halls].”

A better place to hibernateSeveral people on campus see the building’s function as similar to the living

room or family room of a house. And the building itself is surrounded by

windows for natural light, which also has a positive impact on students’ mental health.

“I think even in the wintertime our students are going to be a lot more energized because of the way the building is designed,” Bradley noted. “If you compare the old dining space in Nazareth as being like sitting in a cave with

no windows, this is like sitting in the loft of a lodge. It’s going to be a

great place during a long winter.”

Supporting the diverse needs of students

The Graham Commons also provides easy access to the resources students need to thrive on a

daily basis. The prayer tower and the Campus Ministries and Student Development staff are strategically positioned for students in need of emotional support and spiritual guidance.

“When students need help with a problem they have in life, we’re just a stone’s throw away from the center of their day,” Bradley said.

This is important because college is a time when most young people are living away from their families for the first time. Bradley acknowledges that whether a student’s family provided a strong support system or not, Northwestern’s staff is ready to step into that support role when they arrive.

“I think we can say with integrity that Northwestern is a place where students can find peace, find comfort, and know that there are people here who love them and care for them,” he said.

“No matter what is going on in a student’s life, if they have financial issues, or found out about a friend committing suicide or a death in the family—even if they find themselves in jail, we are going to be there for them,” Bradley continued. “It’s like a family, and that’s what makes Northwestern a big part of what it is.”


When Prayer Meets Power ToolsBY JAMIE HANSON

L ess than two years after the first backhoe hit the soil, the Billy Graham Community Life Commons

was completed on schedule and remained accident-free for the duration of the project—more than 540 days on-site. But as with any major project, the construction crew faced several challenges, such as unexpected water and bad soil.

“There were almost daily issues that came up during construction,” said Brian Humphries, associate vice president for facility operations and planning. “I dreaded each phone call from the trailer because it usually wasn’t good.”

But the Graham Commons had something else few construction sites have: a dedicated prayer team.

The NWC prayer team met every two weeks to pray over the project in general as well as for the specific construction issues that arose.

Northwestern took it a step further, adding a prayer box in the construction trailer so that workers could submit prayer requests as desired.

BEFORE


NWC Recognized for Shoreline Restoration

T he Ramsey Conservation District has chosen Northwestern College as the 2011 Outstanding Conservationist for Ramsey County. Since 2010, the Ramsey Conservation District has partnered with Northwestern College to

stabilize nearly 4,000 lineal feet and almost two acres of highly eroded shoreline on Lake Johanna in Roseville.

“We’re grateful to be selected for this award and appreciate the recognition from Ramsey County,” said Brian Humphries, associate vice president for facility operations and planning. “Northwestern is committed to keeping our grounds and surrounding property in the best possible condition. We’re very attentive to environmental needs, especially when it deals with a public water resource like Lake Johanna.”

Completed this fall, the shoreline restoration project installed more than 40 species of native plants, erosion control products and soil lifts to create a more stable shoreline and restore areas of emergent, transitional and upland plant communities. The project aims to reduce phosphorus entering Lake Johanna by over an estimated 10 pounds per year and soils and sediment by over 12 tons per year.

The Shoreline Restoration project that recently earned conservation recognition from Ramsey County also served as a learning lab for NWC biology students.

AFTER

Architectural Firm Receives Award for Graham Commons

The Billy Graham Community Life Commons has been selected as a 2011 recipient of a National Award for Design Excellence from the Society of American Registered Architects (SARA). Award recipients are selected from a nationwide search for projects with extraordinary design accomplishments.

The architectural firm Perkins+Will has been honored by SARA with this award for two specific reasons: 1) the context of the Graham Commons design beautifully and effectively marries old with new, and 2) the flow of the building enhances the student experience, a necessary component for attracting future students.

When Life Gives You Clemens BY NANCY CAWLEY ZUGSCHWERT

A t the ripe young age of 87, Bob Clemens still works 20 hours a week and thinks that life just

keeps getting better. “This is the best time of my life,” he declared. He has built his life on principles that have guided him well in business and in ministry. And in his success he loves to bless others.

Clemens and his wife Mary Nell are connected to Northwestern because they love the Lord Jesus Christ and support the mission of the college. “My wife and I just think it’s a fabulous place,” Clemens said. “We like to give to Northwestern. We see those young people come out of Northwestern—boy, what a basis they have in God’s Word!”

Since 1930, Clemens has been a member of the same church in White Bear Lake, Minn., but didn’t become a believer until he was 51. “I knew a lot about Jesus,” he said, “but I didn’t know Him personally until 1975, when Mary Nell and I got married.” As a self-confessed workaholic who had experienced divorce, he knew his second marriage needed to be built on something solid and accepted Christ two weeks before their wedding.

Generosity born in lean timesFor Clemens, giving is as natural as his ready smile and warm

laugh. But the roots of his generous heart go back to his childhood. “The Great Depression actually trained us,” he reflected. “Our

parents don’t get enough credit because they were the ones who really suffered. As a kid, I don’t think I knew how much they worried whether we had enough to eat.

“When I was a youngster the only thing I’d have for lunch was a sandwich. My mother would fry a potato patty and put it on homemade bread with lard and salt on it and she would cut it in half. She would tell me, ‘The reason I cut it in half is if some other youngster [at school] doesn’t have a sandwich, you give them the other half.’”

Clemens deeply respects his mother, who passed away in 1974. “When you talk about generosity, she was the best. During the Depression, the last dime or quarter we had, she would put in the collection plate and say, ‘God will take care of us.’ She was an amazing woman, how she taught those lessons!” Flying high during WWII

Just as World War II was pivotal in lifting the U.S. out of the Depression, it also lifted a naïve 18-year-old Clemens out of his world and transported him across the ocean. He graduated from

high school in May 1942, entered the Army Air Force in November and earned his wings and commission as second lieutenant at 19. He flew in a B-17 Flying Fortress out of Italy and had flown 50 bombing missions over Europe by the time he was 20.

Career turning pointsClemens returned from the war and decided to work in the

heating, sheet metal and air conditioning business with his dad, until his father died suddenly in 1949 at age 58. Clemens continued the business on his own for a few years but sold it in 1954. Three years later he began his 54-year career in insurance and financial services.

Much of the financial wisdom Clemens has shared with his clients over the years came from his father, who had only a third grade education. “When I was in business with my dad I would ask, ‘How do we know if we’re doing well financially?’” Clemens said.

His dad’s reply? “Son, it’s very simple: you’ve got to take in more than you pay out.”

Throughout his career, and especially in today’s volatile economy, Clemens has used this wisdom as his guide. “That’s what I try to get people to do as they look at their finances,” he explained. “The best tax shelter is to give some of your money away—it all belongs to God, anyway.”

Seeking joy, not happinessLiving a life of generosity and being optimistic seems to come

naturally to Clemens, and he’s quick to share the reason: “Mary Nell and I don’t concentrate on being happy, we concentrate on having joy. Joy is Jesus first, others second and then we’re third.”


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Common Sense Words, Uncommon GenerosityBY JENNY COLLINS ’05

“D on’t spend what you don’t have.” “Minimize your debt.” “Don’t live off the credit card.”

Long before Dave Ramsey and Financial Peace University, these were “common sense things,” according to David and Susan Brown, longtime supporters of Northwestern and KTIS.

“We were both taught to be good stewards,” said David, who grew up on a farm in western Minnesota.

“My family—I think it was rather rare—we talked about money growing up,” said Susan, who grew up in Osseo, Minn. “We knew what was happening and we had input. My folks always said, ‘You’re blessed with what you have—it’s God’s money.’ And it was our responsibility in how we spent it.”

Their parents’ faithfulness to teach wise biblical principles about money equipped both David and Susan to be wise money managers and generous givers. Their increased capacity to give, however, came through personal hardship.

Generosity through adversityDavid and Susan first met in 1975 at a Twin Cities Bible

study group for singles. They later reunited and married—each for the first time—in June 1992. But the honeymoon stage was interrupted four months later when Susan was diagnosed with breast cancer. With God’s grace, a strong faith and David’s support, Susan is a 19-year survivor today.

Their resilience was tested again when the Browns faced a difficult season during which they lost six family members, including both of Susan’s parents, her twin brother and only sibling, an aunt, uncle and David’s mother.

Even in the aftermath of grief, the Browns honored their families and God with their generosity. Susan recalled her parents’ challenge: “So you’ve got some money you’ve been saving. What are you going to do with it?”

“So when we had our deaths [in the family],” shared Susan, “we made it a point that if there was some inheritance along the way that we tithed a portion, and Northwestern was a [recipient].” David, who works for the Internal Revenue Service, was quick to note the value of Susan’s business training in managing the estates.

The Browns’ obedience to God has blessed Northwestern for many years. They invested in the Mel Johnson Media Center 10 years ago and prayerfully decided to invest in the Billy Graham Community Life Commons.


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Supporting students through the Northwestern Fund helps lower the cost of tuition so

students can become future leaders with a passion for the Gospel.

Learn more or give online at nwc.edu/give.

Ordinary gifts. Extraordinary impact. nwc.edu/give | 800-692-4020

We have been so blessed by our education at Northwestern and believe it is a responsibility for us as alumni to help the next generations of students have access to the same Christ-centered education we were able to experience.”

– Brad and Kimberli Johnson Alumni, Class of 1988

“

“We were impressed with the mission of Northwestern. We need more Christians in the workplace, people who aren’t afraid to share the Gospel.” – James and Deborah Siemens Parents of two Northwestern students

Why we give to the Northwestern Fund

Continued from page 29

“It really was a no-brainer to build this building because it was so desperately needed,” said David. “To be part of it just feels good.” Recognizing the value of having a central place for students to connect, he added, “Community means you’re a part of something. You have to be a part of what’s going on,” he said. “If you’re not, there’s going to be a link missing.”

“We really have an endearment to Northwestern, and we respect the values of the school,” said Susan, who went with David on a tour to Israel in 2008 with NWC’s Michael Wise, Ph.D., and on a previous tour to Turkey and Greece.

“It seems you can’t out-give God either,” added David. “The Lord always blesses you more by giving. You get so much more back than what you’re giving.”

Wisdom for lifeAs single adults who married later in life, David and Susan were

able to practice their values about money from the start of their marriage. “By talking about it, we were comfortable with finances

and it wasn’t a problem,” shared Susan. “But we had to teach each other to make a point of saying, ‘I think I want to do this. Is that OK with you?’ We had to make that conscious effort.”

They readily share their wisdom for Christian singles of any age: “Be content in who you are as a person individually,” advises

Susan, “so that when the right person comes along, you complement that person and they complement you.

“When I was single I knew too many people who were married and unhappy. And I

didn’t want to be married just for the sake of being married. But then there was the point when I went back to school and was getting a bit older and I said, ‘Lord, prepare me for him and him for me.’ I left it in the Lord’s hands and we walked back into each other’s lives.”

David added aptly, “Live each day for Christ, and He’ll take care of it for you.”

Wise words for finding a life partner, being a good steward or living the Christian life in any season.

“It really was a no-brainer to build this

building... To be part of it just feels good.”

BRICK BY

I f we could visit the Billy Graham Community Life Commons together, I would love to help you see it through my

eyes. To me, it has special significance. A few years ago, I was involved in the

Envision Excellence campaign that helped generate the funding for the building. This experience grew my faith in many ways. One of the most amazing realizations I had was how much God works through obedient people to accomplish His purposes.

It was also humbling to realize that God does not need our help! But the beautiful part is that He allows us to participate with Him in what He is doing.

So if we were standing outside the main entrance, I would direct your attention to the inscriptions on some of the bricks of the sidewalk. These bricks were “purchased” in 2008 by students, employees, alumni and friends of the college to help raise funds for construction to begin. Individuals and groups donated or raised money for a brick to honor special people or places that are part of their Northwestern experiences.

Each brick has its own story. Here are just a few of them...


WESLIE GRAY F’10

Weslie Gray, who worked for the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association for 18 years, is a current Northwestern employee and FOCUS graduate. Her life has been profoundly touched by Billy Graham and his ministry, also by the education and life-changing friendships she has gained from her time at NWC.

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KRAUS ’07

COMMEMORATIVE BRICKS STILL AVAILABLEIn the same way stones were used by God’s people throughout the Old Testament as a mark of deliverance or remembrance, the commemorative brick pavers outside the Billy Graham Community Life Commons signify God’s faithfulness. These bricks also serve as a way to honor a loved one, encourage students and others, or connect a name with the history of Northwestern College. Additional commemorative bricks may still be ordered and will be placed once or twice per year. Visit nwc.edu/give or call 651-631-5139 for more information.

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KEN AND ARDIE (SWANSON ’61) JOHNSON

Ken and Ardie met during a Billy Graham crusade in 1961 while singing in the choir. They have been married 47 years, and a number of their family members have attended Northwestern. Their son, Jim Johnson ’94, is currently senior director of campus ministries and constituent relations at NWC.

JEFFREY WIPF ’85

Jeffrey Wipf is an NWC employee. He was married in Nazareth Chapel and has two children attending NWC. Two of the bricks honor his parents, who exemplified godly living. When his mother, Helen, passed away in 2009, the Wipf family chose Graham Commons as the recipient of the memorials given in her honor.

MYRTLE (BARDEN ’46) KAUL

Myrtle remembers when Billy Graham was president of the school. She is grateful to the faithful instructors for the education she received. After graduation she served in India with International Child Evangelism Fellowship for 15 years. Myrtle’s support of the building represents her desire to honor Billy Graham and improve the school for future students.

TIM KOWALIK

Tim Kowalik is a professor of communication at NWC. He chose to honor his father, Wasyl Kowalik ’47, who was the first liberal arts graduate of Northwestern, and his in-laws, Dick and Janice Levering, who graduated in the early 1950s. Those bricks honor the legacy of important family members and reinforce Tim’s connection to NWC.

Maurice ’66 and Kathryn (Voog ’62) Hagen moved to Rochester, MN in October 2010. Maurice retired in 2008 after 38 years of service as a pastor in the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America.

1970s–80s

Roger Willroth ’78 published a book called Absolute Love through WestBow Press.

Doug Huffman ’84, Ph.D., former NWC professor and chair of Biblical & Theological Studies, has been selected as the associate dean of the new Division of Undergraduate Biblical and Theological Studies at the Talbot School of Theology at Biola University in La Mirada, CA.

Karin (Heng ’85) Stoesz currently lives on a corn and soybean farm with her husband, Burton, and their four children Annie, Elijah, Levi and Abraham. Karin teaches 5th and 6th grade at a nearby Christian school. Last spring, she, Annie and Burton spent two weeks on a mission trip in Peru.

Kevin Burns ’86 has worked in marketing at GE Healthcare for eight years, and his wife Sandy (DeBuhr ’91) is in her fifth year of work for a catering company. Their sons Daniel and Michael are in 9th and 12th grade.

Melinda (Kohl ’89) Morgan is currently residing in Oregon.

1990s

Tara Brueske ’92 finished a season in Los Angeles teaching voice and performance classes for Disney and performing 125 gigs throughout the Valley and Orange County area. She also did musical consulting before moving back to the Minneapolis area where she will be singing with The BZ Girls as well as doing vocal coaching, consulting, songwriting and recording.

Christian ’94 and Amy (Volkmann ’95) Lingenfelder moved back to the Twin Cities in May after 16 years living all over the country and world. Christian is still on active duty in the Air Force and was recently selected for promotion to lieutenant colonel. He is assistant professor of aerospace studies at the University of St. Thomas.

Olga Chernova ’96 was mentioned as an industry leader to watch in the June 2010 HedgeFund Journal, in an article entitled “Tomorrow’s Titans: Blue Chip Managers for the 2010s.”

Stacey Hjelle ’96 is back in school working on her Ph.D. in physical therapy after being in the ministry for over 10 years. After multiple orthopedic surgeries, she decided she could relate to patients and help youth get back on track with their training.

THROUGH THE YEARS1940s

Albert Bowdish ’49 and his family spent 37 years in India until their return to the United States in 1988. His wife Pearl passed away in August of 2007.

1950s–60s

Wayne Lehsten ’55 completed 52 years of pastoral ministry and is now retired with his wife Beverly in Arizona.

Reg Dunlap ’57 has stepped down after 17 years as senior pastor of Second Baptist Church of North Stonington,

CT, to return to his Bible conference ministry across the country. He is president of Church-Centered Ministries in New England.

Jan (Frank ’60) and Rick Scott are embarking on a new life experience as full-time RVers. They are excited about this time in their lives and about how the Lord will direct and use them.

Lee Judson ’63 and his wife Jeanne celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary with children, grandchildren and friends.

ALUMNI


After 50 years, Carlyle ’61 and Margaret (Reschlein ’59) Dewey (couple on left) and Doug ’60 and Darlene (Kimmer ’60) Peters reunited last spring for dinner in Sebring, FL. The couples had some contact over recent years but had not seen each other since leaving Northwestern. The Deweys worked many years overseas with World Vision and SIM. The Peters served overseas and in the USA with HCJB Global. Both couples are now retired and living in Florida.

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Amber Essary ’98 recently celebrated her 11th anniversary of working with the resettlement of refugees in the Des Moines, IA, area.

John Vaughn ’99 graduated from Bethel University with a Master of Business Administration.

2000s

Sarah (Gronberg ’00) Kolell was named director of public relations for AdFarm.

Cade Lambert ’00 was named head of school for New Life Academy in Woodbury, MN. He began the job in July, following seven years as principal and coach at Des Moines Christian School in Iowa.

Deborah (Gades ’01) Eckert completed her doctorate in Educational Leadership. She continues to teach reading full time at Oak Ridge High School in Orlando, FL, where she lives with her husband Brad and children Kayleigh and Jason, who are both aspiring teachers themselves.

Joshua Jipp ’01 received a faculty appointment at Trinity Evangelical Divinity School (IL). His position within the New Testament department will begin in January 2012.

Aaron White ’03 is employed full time at Minnesota Teen Challenge as the media promotions manager.

Jesse Eikum ’05 is new head baseball coach for Presentation College in Aberdeen, SD. He previously served as an assistant coach at Wisconsin-Whitewater, assistant coach at Wayzata (MN) High School, and the University of St. Thomas in St. Paul, where he earned his Master of Science in Athletic & Activities Management.

Ashleigh Kalwat ’06 was promoted to worship and arts ministry associate at Second Baptist Church in Springfield, MO.

Maria (Her ’06) Moua is entering her final year in the Marriage and Family Therapy program at Bethel Seminary.

Adventor Trye ’09 announces the release of his two books, Jungle Justice and Blessing Road. Proceeds from book sales will go toward the construction of a denominational college in Liberia.

Jared ’10 and Skyler (Pothast ’10) Johnson reside in West Virginia, where Jared currently works as a graduate assistant at Marshall University. He is also getting his master’s degree in sports management and working within Media Relations for “The Herd.”

Full Circle Salvation

G een Mui, the

daughter of Chinese

immigrants, was the

first person in her family

born in the U.S. She learned

English as her second

language and her family

upbringing included ancestor worship with Buddhist influences. To

help her learn English faster, Mui’s parents sent her to church at

The Salvation Army, where she also learned about God.

During her teen years she wrestled with the religious differences

between what her family believed and what she was learning at

church. “Growing up bi-culturally and in mixed religions, I was

conflicted and often felt alone,” Mui reflected.

But she came to realize that God was showing her she did

not have to choose between family, culture and Him. “The Lord

made family, and He also made culture. The Lord also revealed

His hope to me. I would continue to persevere with hope because

He was with me and that He loved me. Everything can seem

to go wrong but it would be okay because I had Christ —He is

essentially all I need.”

Through Northwestern, Mui learned to “see the world through

biblical lenses and was challenged to stay grounded in truth.”

After graduation, she began her career in the financial industry,

but found her heart in the nonprofit world and is now applying her

business skills there. Now employed with The Salvation Army, she

sees how her career brings her experience full circle.

“The Salvation Army is the faith church I grew up in and how I

got saved,” she noted. “It’s funny to me how people don’t realize

that [it] is also a church—not just a Christian social service

organization. Believing and being passionate about [their] mission

has allowed my career to be my lifestyle, not just my work.”

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GEEN HONG MUI ’06NWC MAJOR: International Business

CAREER: Twin Cities Administrator with The Salvation Army

HOME: Minneapolis, Minn.

ADDITIONS1990s

Landan Timothy to Rachel and Timothy Brekken ’90 on April 12, 2011. He joins Lydia, Luke and Levi.

Natalia Grace to Brent ’90 and Stephanie (Swanson ’90) Heckmann through adoption from Colombia. She joins Ryan and Aaron.

Sienna Grace to Dan ’93 and Karen (Budensiek ’88) Herman in July 2010 through adoption from China. Sienna was born on April 1, 2009. She joins Danika.

Cooper to Amy Kuns ’93 on July 27, 2009.

Kalleigh Aibhlin to Raymond and Kristina (Gelling ’96) Erickson on November 25, 2010. She joins Keira.

Zachary Joe to Justin ’98 and Erin (Mahler ’99) Hosking on May 24, 2011. He joins Kaieligh, Brock and Weston.

Jacoby Thomas to Jake ’99 and Tabitha (Boltjes ’00) Dodge on December 16, 2010. He joins Elliana, Olivia, Amelia and Adilena.

2000s

Rachel to Dave and Becky (Talcott ’00) Hawkinson on January 17, 2011. She joins Nolan.

Wesley Jonathan to Russ and Erin (Schroeder ’00) Haynes on May 14, 2011.

FAST FORWARD >>>


Anna Rebecca to Michael and Sarah (Gronberg ’00) Kolell on October 6, 2010.

Omri Christopher to Chris ’00 and Gianna (French ’99) Kordatzky on March 23, 2010. He joins Maya, Brin and Dane.

Alayna Elizabeth to Michael ’00 and Kathleen (Murphy ’96) Price on January 22, 2010. She joins David and Mikayla.

Christopher Edward to William and Jenevieve (Aune ’00) Rannow on July 7, 2011. He joins Eli and Timothy.

Lily Mae to Patrick and Amanda (Paulson ’00) Sutherland on September 9, 2010.

Taryn Rae to Loren and Mellisa (Moe ’00) Vande Stroet on December 27, 2010.

William Thomas to Jonathan ’01 and Melissa (Poore ’03) Butler on April 28, 2011.

Josiah Wayne to Amber and Josh Jipp ’01 on May 29, 2011.

Colby Darrin to Dan ’01 and Brittney (Dahmes ’99) Westin on May 10, 2011. He joins Tate and Silas.

Sophie Belle to Jeremy and Kristin (Rekedal ’02) Morris on May 10, 2011. She joins Madison.

Kade Allen to Jennifer and Allen Ondriezek ’02 on August 12, 2011.

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Sarah & Alyssa | Aimmie & Elsi | Kathy & Alayna | Annette & Kendall

Four NWC roommates became friends for life. And in 2010 each celebrated the birth of a daughter.

“The four of us spent senior year together at South Residence and have been friends ever since,” says Kathy (Murphy ’96) Price. “That our worlds collided in 2010 with the birth of four baby girls is remarkable.”

Three of the four husbands of these roomies are also NWC grads. The former roommates enjoy staying connected and think it would be great to have the daughters become roommates at NWC someday.

Here’s an update on these roommates from “South.”

Dan and Annette (Leander ’96) Pare have been married for four years. Dan is running a small business out of their home in NE Minneapolis and Annette is a guidance counselor at Blaine High School. Kendall Grace was born on January 7, 2010 and became a big sister in October 2011.

Mike F’00 and Kathy (Murphy ’96) Price have been married for 13 years. They live in Minnetrista, Minn. Mike is the VP of Enrollment and Marketing at Crown College. Kathy stays at home with their three children David (9), Mikayla (6) and Alayna Elizabeth, born January 22, 2010, and is also an adjunct instructor at Crown College.

Justin F’99 and Aimmie (Ek ’97) Hauer have been married for 12 years. Justin is a counselor at Century College in White Bear Lake, Minn., and Aimmie is a special education teacher in St. Paul. Elsi Noelle was born on March 2, 2010, and has an older sister, Zoey (5).

Greg ’97 and Sarah (Larson ’97) Schwitters live outside of Clara City, Minn. Married for six years, Greg farms and Sarah is assistant VP at PrinsBank in Prinsburg. Alyssa Marie, born August 16, 2010, is little sister to Kyle (3) and is expecting a new sibling in January 2012.

ADDITIONS Continued

Benjamin Nigatu to Ted ’02 and Erin (Black ’04) Sibley on June 3, 2011, through adoption from Ethiopia. Benjamin was born on May 25, 2010. He joins Lucas.

Alec Ricky to Joshua ’03 and Holly (Fagerlie ’04) Carlson on June 27, 2011. He joins Seth.

Whitney Rose to Matthew and Kate (Sader ’03) Hall on October 11, 2009. She joins Natalie.

Myles to Christina and Adam Hannan ’03 on November 14, 2010. He joins Mick, Arnae and Alistair.

Myra Jeannae to Daniel and Sara (Anderson ’03) Robinson on November 10, 2010. She joins Thor.

Michael Bratton to Heather and Billy Walker ’03 on May 18, 2010.

Zachary Robert to Rebecca and Peter Carlson ’04 on July 15, 2011. He joins Elliott.

Oliver James to Peter and Jessica (Tieszen ’04) Melling on June 15, 2010.

Soren Ambrose and Freya Therese to Benjamin and Ariel (Harms ’04) Norquist on October 15, 2010. They join Henrik.

Betty Virginia to Ben ’04 and Mary (Louis ’04) Stoner on April 17, 2011.

Austin John to Aaron and Katie (Luecke ’05) Carlson on May 23, 2011.

Brynnly Rae to Brett and Tanna (Gruber ’05) Huber on June 14, 2011. She joins Josiah.

Elliot Christopher to Christopher ’05 and Summer (Kelley ’04) Janssen on February 21, 2010.

Mallory to Kris and Pennie (Stippel ’05) Peterson on March 25, 2011. She joins Madilynn.

Chloe to Charice and Shawn Powers ’05 on May 14, 2010.

Eva Joy to Jim ’05 and Michelle (Olson ’02) Wilcox on January 15, 2011. She joins Rachel and Faith.

Jonathan Samuel to Jason and Natasha (Young ’06) Lehman on November 30, 2010.

Caleb James to Chad and Amanda (Sabin ’06) Nolde on May 16, 2011.

Eleanor Ruth to Joy and Benjamin Brekke ’07 on April 12, 2011.

Adeline Rose to Gerrit ’07 and Cassie (Magee ’07) Plantage on May 13, 2011.

Edell Irene to Aaron and Michelle (Satren ’08) Olson on June 21, 2011.

David Oldfield to Daniel and Holly (Browne ’08) Williams on October 29, 2010.

ALUMNI AUTHORSShari J. Harris F’07

Walking in Faith: Stories of Hope and Encouragement for the Workplace

Shari J. Harris has published Walking in Faith: Stories of Hope and Encouragement for the Workplace

(WestBow Press), a collection of personal reflections about living out her faith at work. Harris currently works in global organizational development for a Minneapolis Fortune 500 company.

Harris’ personal experience of coming to faith in Jesus Christ through the example and invitation of a coworker served as her inspiration for the book. “When I got close to a friend and she talked about having a personal relationship with Jesus, I just knew she had something different in her life,” Harris said. Her coworker helped her see God in a new light and her life was transformed.

Harris understands that many people don’t think the workplace is where faith belongs, but she remains passionate about the importance of Christians bringing their faith to work.

Jay ’89 and Beth (Knipper ’91) Loecken

Passion to Action

What happens if you make a dramatic change? How does God sustain you in your new life? What will the people around you say? These questions

are answered clearly in the book Passion to Action (Guideposts), about the journey of Jay and Beth Loecken and their family.

Passion to Action is a real-life story about asking big questions, seeking answers every day and discovering a big faith along the way. The Loeckens’ adventure started with a life-changing trip to Africa and a heart-transforming progression of events that led to selling their home, leaving the “good life” they thought they’d built and moving their family—all six of them—into an RV and into an adventure of service that’s now in its fourth year. Passion to Action details a deep exploration of the Loeckens’ discovery of who they really were so they could know who God really calls them to be.


LAST MEAL IN CAFÉ NAZ The lines were long, the space was cramped and the room was dark, but for 25 years, thousands of Northwestern students enjoyed making memories over countless meals in Café Nazareth.

On May 12, 2011, Café Naz served its final meal and the community marked the end of an era with cake and a short presentation by Dean of Faculty Mark Baden. Pictured are some of the NWC alumni employed at the college. The new dining center in the Billy Graham Community Life Commons opened in June.

Do you like sharing your opinions? We like hearing them!

JOIN THE PILOT READERS PANEL

We’ll send out two or three short surveys each year asking for your opinions about the magazine and what kind of

content YOU want to read!

E-mail [email protected] with your name, connection to NWC, e-mail and phone number.


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WEDDINGS1960s

Karen Erickson ’64 and Jerry Chewning on April 29, 2011.

1990s

Tanya Anderson ’95 and John Pinkerman ’90 on March 19, 2011.

Shelly Morgan ’98 and Brandon Mustful on June 25, 2011.

2000s

Karen Franze ’01 and John Waller III on August 13, 2011.

Maria Her ’06 and Cha Hai Moua on September 18, 2010.

Anna Stader and Matthew Selby ’09 on July 23, 2011.

Kelli Anderson ’10 and Jordan Kinney ’10 on August 6, 2011.

Keri Grandy ’10 and Dan Schulte on July 2, 2011.

IN MEMORYNorthwestern College offers condolences to the families of the following Northwestern alumni and friends who have passed away.

1930s

Elizabeth Walton ’39 on July 3, 2011.

1940s

Beatrice Kendrick ’42 on April 13, 2011.

Edna Fast ’44 on August 24, 2009.

Rosella (Pankratz ’45) Mills on May 20, 2011.

Elizabeth (Drown ’48) Asp on July 3, 2011.

1950s

Rosalie Icenhower ’53 on April 28, 2011.

Harold A. Erickson ’56 on July 28, 2010.

1990s

Donald Erdmann ’95 on May 16, 2011.

Staff, Faculty, FriendsDr. William BeVier, Professor Emeritus, on May 5, 2011.

Frank Currie, former Bible professor, on September 16, 2011.

Harris Hanson, Trustee Emeritus, on May 4, 2011.

A FAITH-FILLED CONFERENCE FOR WOMEN

Congratulations to

nwc.edu/setapart 651-631-5100

for 30 years of teaching, blessing and encouraging women!

RESERVE YOURPLACE NOW AT THE

30TH ANNIVERSARY SET APART CONFERENCEFEATURING RUTH GRAHAM AND SUSIE LARSON

FRIDAY & SATURDAY, MARCH 2 & 3, 2012NORTHWESTERN COLLEGEST. PAUL, MINNESOTA

“The college and the media

outlets make such a

difference in the lives of

ordinary people and

local churches.

“We consider it an eternal

investment, training people to

be ambassadors in the world.”

Paul ’55 and Grace Ramseyer

What will be your legacy?

Leaving a Legacy – Planning Your Gifts to Bless Generations.

Office of Planned Giving nwc.edu/[email protected]

651-631-5139800-692-4020, ext. 5139


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Northwestern College Theatre presented its first-ever Alumni Theatre Production, Cotton Patch Gospel,

Sept. 15–17. Directed by Donald “Doc” Rainbow, the show’s alumni cast featured Nathan Cousins ’08,

Stephanie (Anderson ’08) Cousins, Mike Hadley ’02, Brian Pearson ’08, Stephanie (Zwald ’08) Wipf and

Brett Witter ’08. The bluegrass band included Aaron Bristow, Micah Patchin ’10 and Zak Stelter ’09.

Lydia O’Brien ’09 served as stage manager and Michael Pearce Donley served as both cast member and

musical director.

Familiar yet different Rehearsals were something special. Everyone was tuned in at a level I had never known. It was the kind of focus that comes with more than just experience. When we would practice together, it was like a worship service. I felt safe to sing my lungs out, knowing that there was no one to impress, no one to show up. I was free to simply worship God with my voice, to blend with the singers and the band. I was free to be creative, make goofy voices and sing with no holds barred. (Oh, I belt it out in the shower and I can put on a dramatic show for the mirror, but it is not often I am given this unique level of freedom.)

Highlights in the bright lights I smile as I write, still wondering how I got to be in this show. I praise God for giving me the best seat in the house. I got to act alongside this cast—whom I love and highly admire—with this director, on this stage, for this audience’s experience. What a privilege to be a part of creatively sharing this story: the glory of this God, who loved the world and sent His Son that we may be

saved and know Him for everlasting jubilation! (I literally pinched myself one night. Silly, I know, but I was just that jazzed!) The real star of the show Northwestern Theatre cultivates the kind of ethos that only comes when lovers of Jesus wholly dedicate themselves to making

art. The hard work, words of encouragement, laughter, listening, willingness to put others first, helpful correction, sweet times of prayer together and dependence upon God and one another made it a refreshing part of my life—both as a student and now as an alum.

Cotton Patch reminded me of how very sweet it is to have the Holy Spirit in our lives right now! Just sitting there, pretending that I was really looking at Jesus, made my heart so excited for the reality that He really is with me! Jesus came—a real person—and He brings us real hope for eternal life with God! As good ol’ Brett Witter ’08, playing John the Baptizer said, “Can I get an Amen?”

“Northwestern Theatre cultivates the kind of ethos

that only comes when lovers of Jesus wholly dedicate

themselves to making art.”

A JOYFUL ‘AMEN’ FOR COTTON PATCH GOSPELBY BRIAN PEARSON ’08

After acting in nine shows during college, I thought I’d seen my last of the Northwestern stage and

would forever miss that elusive tenth show (my goal since freshman year). Then last spring Doc Rainbow asked me if I’d be interested in being part of Cotton Patch Gospel, a retelling of the Gospel set in modern-day Georgia, written by singer-songwriter Harry Chapin. You might say I was just a little bit excited.

CONGRATULATIONS TO OUR 2011 ALUMNI HONOREES

Distinguished AlumnusMatt Bostrom F’92Ramsey County (Minn.) Sheriff

Buckles-Hannah AwardNeil Stavem F’95, M’08Director of Programming for the Faith Radio Network

Read more about our 2011 honorees at nwc.edu/alumni.

Athletic Hall of FameTim Aalsma ’98Basketball

Athletic Hall of FameEmily (Buchner ’02) Sheplee Volleyball

Eagles Flock to New Nest

Homecoming 2011 brought more than 2,800 Eagles

of all ages and generations to campus Oct. 7–8. This

year’s highlight was the Grand Opening of the Billy

Graham Community Life Commons, plus special tours

and even history lessons taught by Dr. Charles Aling

and Forrest Williams ’50.

Traditional Homecoming festivities included the parade,

picnic lunch served by Student Government, Kid Zone

and football game. Even an Eagle loss to St. Scholastica

could not dampen spirits on a beautiful, balmy

October day.

Save the date for next year’s Homecoming:

Sept. 28–29, 2012!

CHANGE SERVICE REQUESTEDNWC.EDU

NON PROFITU.S. POSTAGE

PAIDTWIN CITIES MNNORTHWESTERN

COLLEGE

Studio art graduate Luke Grothe ’10 designed the Apostles’ Table, a new campus water feature installed in August. See article on page 3.

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Fall 2011 PILOT

Documents

Transcript of Fall 2011 PILOT