Hamline Spring 2009
Defending public good 22
18 Features 10 10 Unfinished business Brandon Gleason ‘09 12 Inside the Admission Office Answers to your college search questions 14 Lawyer Hero Chris Messerly JD ‘86 16 Masters of their craft Graduating the first class 18 Bringing it all back home Internships in social justice 20 The impact of layoffs New research on joblessness 22 A life-changing experience Sarah Houghton ‘07
Departments Hamline’s Kristen Weniger ’09 closed out her 4 Happenings on Hewitt collegiate career by winning the floor exercise in a three-way tie at the National Collegiate 24 Alumni News 24 Associations of Hamline Alumni 26 Class Notes 32 In Memoriam Gymnastics Championships, which were hosted this year by Hamline University.
Spring 2009 1 From the Editor From the President
Are you part of a Hamline family? If your DNA shares a BA (or MA, or...), if your blood runs burgundy, if you could hold a family reunion during Alumni Weekend, then let us know! We want to make sure we have your family’s information so we can keep track of important connections. Email [email protected] with the names and class years of your family members who have Hamline degrees. While Hamline doesn’t pop up in my family tree, I was lucky enough to marry into a Hamline family. My husband is part of the Rysgaard/Hupfer/Lund family, honored in 1997 as a Family of the Year. I’m always happy to sneak in a late class note for cousin Jennifer Lund Treptau ’97, and my mother-in- While traveling back from visiting family in Wisconsin for Eight undergraduate students are gaining real-time experi- law, Margaret (Peg) Lund Hegg ’73, keeps these magazines on Easter and reading the draft of this issue of Hamline magazine, ence with housing, environmental, and cultural issues that hand so she can brag about me at a moment’s notice. I began to feel that the greening pastures and thawing ponds will transform neighborhoods and communities all along the Hamline families are special. Let us know so we can help that attracted ducks to their edge signaled not only nature’s Central Corridor when the light rail project begins in 2010. celebrate your Hamline family. transformation to spring but also served as a metaphor for the stories of transformation featured within its pages. As each In each of these stories, we find evidence of courageous story of courage, leadership, and social justice unfolded, I could decisions and actions by students and alumni to live out John readily see the legacy of shared experiences at Hamline, even Wesley’s charge to “make the world a better place.” Their nar- Breanne Hanson Hegg MNM ’04 though each person attended the university at a different time, ratives inspire each of us to engage in transformational change in unrelated circumstances, yet all with the outcome of serving whenever the opportunity presents itself, especially when we a purpose greater than themselves: find ourselves challenged to achieve our “personal best” in our families, our work, and our communities. Athlete Brandon Gleason triumphed over a potentially With the approach of spring comes renewal and transforma- career-ending injury to achieve All-American honors. tion. It’s comforting to know that people like Brandon, Sarah, Chris, and student interns Maria, Leonel, Reed, Aaron, Brian, Sarah Houghton courageously returned to Bolivia to Teng, and Jade and their professor, Earl Schwartz, are leading establish a community center after recovering from extraordinary, principled lives of service. Their common link is literally falling over a cliff in a bus accident. the learning-centered experience they have shared at Hamline, a vision for the university that honors individual achievement and Law alumnus Chris Messerly JD ’86, in a landmark case the power of collective and transforming change. before the Minnesota Supreme Court, transformed the Volume 106 / Number 1 / spring 2009 law requiring doctors to report cases of child abuse and
On The Cover Chris Messerly JD ’86, pictured alongside the new led the pro bono representation of 125 victims of the Hamline 35W bridge in Minneapolis 35W bridge collapse. POSTMASTER Change service requested to: Hamline Magazine, The magazine of Hamline University Linda N. Hanson MS-C1916, 1536 Hewitt Avenue, Saint Paul, Minnesota 55104-1284 President
Editor Breanne Hanson Hegg MNM ’04 Questions/letters Hamline Magazine MS-C1916, 1536 Hewitt Avenue, Saint Paul, Minnesota 55104-1284, 651-523-2012, [email protected] Contributing editors Dan Loritz ’69, Jen Thorson ’96 Hamline University first published an alumni periodical in 1904, called the Alumni Contributing writers Emily Amici ’09, Rick Dornfeld ’12, JacQui Getty MFA ’09, Quarterly of Hamline University. Now simply titled Hamline, the magazine is published Sarah Kirchner ‘06, Sunni Monson ’10, Kelly Westhoff MALS ’01, Maura Youngman ’09 three times per year. Hamline is printed on 10 percent post-consumer recovered fiber Contributing photographers Jenn Barnett, Eliesa Johnson, Andy King, stock with agri-based ink. The coating is water based. Cory Ryan, Dawn Villella, Steve Woit Hamline University does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, Designers Kelly Christ, Allison Long ancestry, sex, disability, religion, age, sexual orientation, or veteran status in its education 2 Hamline Magazine or employment programs or activities. Spring 2009 3 Happenings Hamline adopts new visual identity Hamline University has adopted a new logo and on Hewitt brand identity. Hamline will use the new logo, which launched on February 2, to identify itself and its five schools. Sorin goes trayless Designed to support Hamline’s brand identity, the new logo conveys a sense of energy and excite- traditional academic In a smorgasbord society that hungers for individuality and trash cans a day to one a day, which projects a savings of 66,528 ment and better communicates Hamline’s identity symbol, the logo gives a choice, variety may feed our eyes but overwhelm our stomachs. pounds for the 2008–09 year alone. as innovative and distinctive. sense of strength, bold- Think window shopping. Aren’t there times that we didn’t Students are mixed on lack of trays. The logo underwent an extensive review pro- ness, celebration, and know we wanted it until we saw it attractively displayed before “I thought the trays were a good idea because it let you get cess with Hamline community members. permanency. The logo was designed by Kelly Christ, Hamline’s us? The same holds true for all-you-can-eat cafeterias. For the an array of different items rather than just one and having to “The creative design of the new logo boldly confirms our graphic design director, with assistance from Allison Long, buffet-goer, the aromas, colors, ease, and fast pace urge us to go back up over and over again,” said Brady Dube ’10. Some presence as an innovative leader in the marketplace of higher senior graphic designer. sample indiscriminately. But many of these samples, much students even protested by joining official petition groups on education and will serve us well in future years,” said John Pyle, Hamline’s old wordmark has been discontinued after eighteen bigger than bite-sized, end up in the trash. social networking sites. vice president for enrollment and marketing. years of service. Hamline will retain its athletic mark (the inter- In an effort to reduce food, energy, and financial waste from But a USA Today study found that 79 percent of 92,000 stu- The new logo uses a combination of serif and sans serif fonts, locking HU) for use on athletic apparel and materials, as well as purchasing and washing excess items, campus cafeterias from the dents surveyed nationwide last spring supported trayless dining suggesting both history and innovation. A modern take on a its seal, for use on official academic materials, such as diplomas. University of Minnesota to New York University to Hamline to reduce campus waste. Aramark, a company that provides din- are going trayless. It’s a simple formula: zero trays equal fewer ing services at more than 400 colleges and universities, including plates, and fewer plates of uneaten food equal less waste. Hamline, expects to ditch trays at more than half of its schools But does it work? this year. Julian Dautremont-Smith, associate director of the Hamline’s Sorin Dining Hall, which serves an average of Association for the Advancement of Sustainability in Higher 6,700 meals per week, expects a cost savings in waste reduction Education, projects that most U. S. colleges and universities will of twelve cents per person, or a total of $26,532 this academic follow within the next five years. year. According to its estimate that it takes four cups of water to If estimates prove true, Hamline alone will save $132,660, Hamline named to President’s Honor Roll for wash one tray, the Dining Hall will save 27,637 gallons of water 138,185 gallons of water, and 332,640 pounds of food in that annually. Furthermore, the amount of leftover food waste has time—a savings that ensures trayless dining will be part of the Distinguished Community Service already been halved from two ninety-pound, thirty-two-gallon future of universities nationwide. Hamline University was one of More than seventy Hamline students, faculty, and staff eighty-three schools nationwide to volunteered their time on service-learning projects in New be named to the President’s Higher Orleans and the Gulf Coast in the past year. In addition to Education Community Service Honor doing hard physical labor, such as ripping down walls and help- Roll for distinguished community ing to clean out rotting homes, they have also tutored students service. Hamline received this honor in at the MLK Junior High School in the Lower Ninth Ward. recognition of extraordinary volunteer One of Hamline’s key community collaborations in Saint efforts by the university and its students Paul is its partnership with the Hancock/Hamline University in serving their local communities, Collaborative Magnet School. More than twenty percent of as well as Gulf Coast communities Hamline undergraduate students are involved in the collabora- devastated by Hurricane Katrina. tion, which includes academic support, social mentoring, and “Being named to the Community curriculum enrichment. Service Honor Roll is a wonderful testament to the dedication, Hamline’s Community Service efforts are coordinated by its compassion, and conviction of Hamline students, faculty, and Wesley Center, which supports a comprehensive array of oppor- staff,” said President Linda Hanson. “In these difficult economic tunities for students to explore social justice and service. times, volunteers are critical to keeping our communities strong In all, 635 colleges and universities were named to the honor and vibrant. I am so proud of our students and employees for roll for responding to the President’s call to increase civic embracing the charge to keep leadership, scholarship, and service engagement and community service. Of those schools, Hamline as top priorities. They are truly making a difference.” University was among just eighty-three colleges and universities recognized specifically for “distinguished” community service.
4 Hamline Magazine Spring 2009 5 Happenings On Hewitt
A hip Lake Wobegon Hamline bookshelf Graduate School of Liberal Studies alumni find success on the airwaves New publications by faculty
Each Electric Arc radio show begins the same way. The lights In its fourth year, the show is constantly evolving and trying Kelly Easton, Graduate School of Liberal Studies, Ron Koertge, Graduate School of Liberal Studies, dim, and the latest musical guest plays the show’s theme song, a new things. “We’ve gotten so musical that we’ve actually started published two novels, The Outlandish Adventures of Liberty published a novel, Deadville, with Candlewick. semi-autobiographical tale of the four writers. writing musicals,” said Herbach. Its debut musical, “Don’t Aimes and White Magic: Spells to Hold You, with Wendy “Just a little house, on a city street,” the Electric Arc crew Crush our Heart,” premiered in September. The newest musi- Lamb Books. Douglas McFarland, School of Law, published Few are sings. “Four writers in a cold house, livin’ in the smell of defeat.” cal, “Little Pregnancy Pact on the Prairie” was written by the Chosen: A Campaign Memoir with Beaver’s Pond Press. And the sold-out audience goes wild. Electric Arc team and premiered at the Ritz Theater in March. Mike Farris, College of Liberal Arts, published The Now in its fourth season, Electric Arc Radio gallivants around Like other successful musical groups and performers, Electric Altitude Experience: Successful Trekking and Climbing Above Julie Neraas, Graduate School of Liberal Studies, the Twin Cities and graces the local radio waves, offering live Arc had humble beginnings. Its inaugural shows were not at a 8,000 Feet with Falcon Publishing. published Apprenticed to Hope: A Sourcebook for Difficult comedy and irreverent storytelling in front of sold-out audiences professional theatre but were held in the housemates’ dilapidated Times with Augsburg Books. at the Ritz Theater in Minneapolis. Minneapolis living room. Pamela Carter Joern MFA ’00, Graduate School of Currently composed of three Hamline Graduate School of Electric Arc Radio grew out of a group called the Lit 6 Liberal Studies, published a novel, The Plain Sense of Gary Schmidt, Graduate School of Liberal Studies, Liberal Studies graduates, Brady Bergeson MFA ’06, Stephanie Project, a collaboration of five MFA students who lived together Things, with University of Nebraska Press. published a novel, Trouble, with Clarion Books. Wilbur Ash MFA ’07, and Geoff Herbach MFA ’06, Electric and started hosting dramatic readings and literary smackdowns. Arc Radio is described by its founders as a “literary-musical Along with Bergeson, Ash, and Herbach, the housemates tragicomedy.” The show airs live fiction readings concerning included Sam Osterhout MFA ’03 and Jeff Smieding. everything from a treehouse-dwelling Allen Ginsberg, to slashed Finding early success, Lit 6 expanded, reaching out into the station-wagon tires, to couples’ volleyball. community to offer classes, perform readings publicly, and The 2008 Presidential election What looks like a simple stage set up of microphones and gather a local fan base. Eventually, Lit 6 turned its full attention Election expert David Schultz offers his analysis unkempt actors evolves to become a treasury of live stories, to its readings, and became the Electric Arc radio show. songs, and bedtime stories, at once a tribute to the nostalgic, Today, the group is a testament to the success of the If Professor David try and get people interested in why they should buy their as well as the ridiculous. Described as “a kind of hip Lake Hamline’s master of fine arts program, and an inspiration to Schultz looks familiar, product. Obama and McCain had dueling narratives—how Wobegon,” by Graduate School of Liberal Studies Professor current students. To find out more information about its perfor- it’s probably because they viewed the world, the story they want to tell. McCain had Sheila O’Connor, Electric Arc Radio offers the airways a mix of mances live at the Ritz Theater or on-air at 89.3 The Current, you saw him on TV on a message that appealed to a generation that is dying off at this hypnotizing irony and awkward charm. visit www.electricarcradio.com election night. Schultz point. Five thousand of the Greatest Generation, the World was KARE 11’s on-air War II generation, are dying each day. He represented looking by Maura Youngman ’09 political expert, a position backward. Barack Obama was looking forward. Obama had a earned through his many compelling story for a new generation in America.” articles and publications and his experience last fall The Internet master representing the U.S. State “The second thing that Barack Obama did that John McCain Department in the Baltic. In addition to analyzing the American didn’t understand, that Hillary Clinton didn’t understand, is presidential election abroad and providing political opinions that politics is also about mastering the newest information in local and national papers, Schultz is a professor at Hamline, technologies. Historically, the presidential candidate that primarily in the School of Business. best used new communication technologies won. While Hamline asked Professor Schultz to offer his opinion on some Howard Dean understood the Internet a little four years ago, of the factors that helped to elect Barack Obama: it was Barack Obama that understood how to use the web, YouTube, Twitter, Facebook, and all the new communication Generational shift technologies. He understood how to message, how to tell a story “One of the talks I gave in Europe and I have given since is in the places people are now listening for information.” that this election was all about a dramatic generational shift in American politics. John McCain would have been the last Even pessimists think about tomorrow World War II generation president. Barack Obama is the first “Politics isn’t just about telling a story, it’s about telling a story Gen-Xer. This election pitted two different generations with two about the future. Bill Clinton got it right in 1992, when he different world views.” picked the Fleetwood Mac song, “Don’t Stop Thinking About Back row, left to right: Kevin Riach, Mike Brady, Quillan Roe, Kurt Froehlich, Peter Robelia. Middle row: Paul Dickinson, Jenny Adams-Salmela, Dave Salmela. Tomorrow,” as his campaign song. It’s always about tomorrow. Front row: Sam Osterhout MFA ’03, Geoff Herbach MFA ‘06, Brady Bergeson MFA ‘06, Stephanie Wilbur Ash MFA ’07. Candidates are like beer Everybody thinks about tomorrow. Even pessimists think about “Campaigns for any office, including the presidency, are tomorrow, they’re scared about it, but they think about it.” really about dueling narratives. What I argue is that running by Rick Dornfeld ’12 for office is like selling beer. Any commercial tells a story to
6 Hamline Magazine Spring 2009 7 Happenings On Hewitt
Volleyball has standout year against nationally ranked MIAC foes Sports highlights
The 2008 Piper volleyball team started the season strong, posting twenty-five. The Pipers lost tight games to nationally ranked a 9-1 record after its first ten matches. The Pipers swept its Gustavus, St. Thomas, Saint Benedict, and Concordia College, Men’s Cross Country Mike LaBore (South St. Paul, Minnesota) earned second-team season opener against North Central 3-0 before taking second at which all earned NCAA tournament berths. After sweeping The team had an impressive showing this season as it finished honors. Additionally, running back Jack Madryga (Burnsville, the UW–River Falls Tournament three days later. Bethel 3-0, St. Catherine 3-0, and defeating Augsburg 3-1, the second at the MIAC Championships, and senior Brandon Minnesota) was named to the D3football.com Team of the The team continued its winning ways, sweeping the Blazer Pipers were in the playoff hunt until the very end of the season. Gleason (Mantorville, Minnesota) added an All-American run Week on November 6 after he ran for 224 yards and three Holiday Inn-vitational 4-0. On the opening day of the invite, However, after posting a 4-7 conference record and losing to foe at the NCAA Division III national cross-country meet to his touchdowns on twenty-nine carries at Carleton. Hamline ended the Pipers took on nationally ranked UW–Eau Claire and St. Olaf in the second-to-last conference match of the season, inspirational comeback tale (see story, page 10). the season with a 2-8 (0-8 MIAC) record. defeated the Blugolds 3-2. This was the first win for the Pipers playoff hopes were dashed and the team finished ninth out of At the MIAC Championship, the Pipers finished second over UW–Eau Claire since 1992. In the second match of the eleven teams. The Pipers earned a 3-2 victory over Macalester to behind St. Olaf. The top seven Piper runners finished in the top Women’s Soccer day, the team took out its second nationally ranked opponent finish the season with a 16-11 (4-7 MIAC) record. 40 of 193 competitors. Gleason was the first Piper across the The 2008 women’s soccer team completed its season with a and host Blazers 3-2 in a five-set thriller after dropping the Amici closed out her collegiate volleyball career by earning line and third overall in 25:26.60, followed shortly thereafter by 7-11 (1-10 MIAC) record, losing seven of its eleven MIAC first two sets. On day two, the Pipers defeated St. Olaf 3-2 in a All-MIAC honors and was joined by senior teammate Amanda junior Ian Bauer (Roseville, Minnesota) in 25.43.90, good for contests by only one goal. The Pipers were led by first-year rematch of the prior week’s UW–River Falls tournament before Booth (Champlin Park, Minnesota). Additionally, senior Alex eighth place overall. For their performances, Gleason and Bauer Mallory Koula’s (Appleton, Wisconsin) seventeen goals and six defeating Bethany Lutheran to take home the tournament title. Askew (Wadena, Minnesota) was named to the All-MIAC both earned All-MIAC honors and Gleason was named to the assists. She was named first-team All-MIAC in her collegiate Jackie Kelly (Blaine, Minnesota) was named to her second con- Sportsmanship team. Amici led the Pipers in kills (311), was All-MIAC sportsmanship team. debut season after she finished second in the MIAC in points secutive all-tournament team while senior outside hitter Emily second in blocks (34), and was third in digs (311). She finished At the NCAA Division III Central Regional meet, the Pipers, (18), points per game, goals (7), and assists (4) in conference Amici (Whitewater, Wisconsin) brought home tournament the season sixth in the MIAC for kills. Booth, a middle blocker, led once again by Gleason’s third-place finish, ran to ninth play. Sophomore Jamie Kelly (White Bear Lake, Minnesota) Most Valuable Player honors. The following week, the confer- led the Pipers in blocks (113) and was second in kills (288). She place. Gleason finished with a time of 25:38.4, earning him a and junior Haley Leverington (Burnsville, Minnesota) picked ence office honored Amici with MIAC hitter of the week and finished the season third in the MIAC for blocks, and will finish ticket to the NCAA Division III national cross-country meet. up All-MIAC Honorable Mention honors while junior Lizzie Kelly with MIAC co-setter/libero of the week for September 15. fourth on the Pipers’ all-time total blocks list (429). Bauer crossed the line thirteenth overall with a time of 25:55.7. Steinert (Chicago, Illinois) was named to the 2008 All-MIAC The Pipers entered conference play looking for its third On November 22, Gleason ran to an All-American finish at the Sportsmanship team. consecutive playoff berth, but MIAC competition was extremely cross-country nationals. He crossed the line in 24:47.80 to fin- tough this season, with four teams nationally ranked in the top Left to right: Emily Amici earned All-MIAC honors, Jamie Kelly earned ish thirteenth out of 278 runners in the Division III field. Men’s Soccer All-MIAC Honorable Mention, and Kellen Feeney was named to the With two goals in a 3-2 double-overtime victory at Central All-MIAC Sportsmanship team. Women’s Cross Country College, junior Drew Lukas (South St. Paul, Minnesota) became Paced by Margot Branigan’s (Roseville, Minnesota) seventh- the all-time leading goal scorer in Hamline soccer history. place performance, the team raced to a fifth-place finish at Lukas led the Pipers in goals (twelve) for the second season in the MIAC Championships, improving four places from its a row and currently has twenty-eight career goals in just three 2007 season. To end the year, the Pipers finished tenth out of years of play. He also has fifty-nine career points, which is twenty-six teams at the Central Region meet, bettering its 2007 now second all time at Hamline. After finishing tied for fifth seventeenth-place finish. Following her tenth-place individual in the conference for goals scored, Lukas earned first-team All- performance at regionals, Branigan received an at-large bid to MIAC honors. Senior teammate Jason Werthmann (Osceola, run at the NCAA Division III cross-country meet, where she Wisconsin) also received first-team all-MIAC accolades while placed fifty-third in a field of 279 runners. She was the lone senior Kellen Feeney (Nevada, Iowa) was named to the All- Piper named to the All-MIAC team, while Freya Fitzer (North MIAC Sportsmanship team. The Pipers finished the 2008 Oaks, Minnesota) earned All-MIAC sportsmanship team campaign with a record of 4-9-3 (1-6-3 MIAC). accolades.
Football Derall King earned MIAC First Team All-Conference honors. The season opener against Martin Luther College set the tone for the team, with the Pipers pulling out a 19-13 victory. From there on out, the 2008 season was a nail-biter, as seven of its ten games came down to the final seconds and were decided by seven points or less. Unfortunately for the Pipers, the team was at the losing end of six of those decisions. It defeated Macalester 52-7 to claim its second win of the season. MIAC First Team All-Conference tackle Derall King (Inver Grove Heights, Minnesota) led five Pipers on all-conference lists as James Leary (Inver Grove Heights), Alex Garza (Adelanto, California), Alex House (Champlin Park, Minnesota), and
8 Hamline Magazine Spring 2009 9 “I should have been killed or been paralyzed. There is no way “I had unfinished business, in all honesty,” Gleason said a 135-pound kid walks away from getting hit by a truck at about his determination to recover his and teammates’ dreams twenty miles an hour,” Brandon Gleason said. of achieving All-American honors and to become Hamline’s best On February 12, 2007, five days after running a personal best cross-country team yet. “And some of it is that on February 2, at a NCAA Division III provisional qualifying meet, Gleason 2008, a year after my accident, my father passed away from can- woke early to study for a music exam, eat his habitual animal cer. I remember him saying after my first race of my comeback, crackers, and run his regular five miles. The facemask he wore ‘I don’t think that you should run anymore, I just don’t want to protect himself against record-low temperatures muffled the you to be disappointed.’ So now it’s kind of running with a chip sound of the GMC Sierra truck speeding through the four-way on my shoulder, proving to him that it’s okay even though he stop at Thomas Avenue and Aldine Street. Struck to the ground, was being cautious.” he remained conscious while his legs were run over by two of “The accident changed Brandon,” coach and friend Paul the truck’s tires. Schmaedeke told the Minnesota Intercollegiate Athletic “My tibia broke in half and tore through the skin twice. I Conference. “It helped him appreciate how special it is to pushed myself away so I wouldn’t get hit again,” Gleason said. compete and how lucky he is to be able to. It has made “I later found out that saved my life, and that the Spandex had him more aware that it is a gift. Brandon is one of the most worked as a tourniquet. My movement popped the bone back in dedicated, determined young men I have ever coached. He is the skin.” very thoughtful, a hard worker and a real student of the sport. Having lost a third of his blood before arriving at Regions His teammates and competitors respect him for what he has Hospital, doctors projected that he wouldn’t walk until May, let accomplished.” alone pursue his dream of earning All-American honors in cross country. Eighteen months later, Gleason’s constant smiles reflect “I got cards from alumni that weren’t this wonder: at the NCAA Championships last November, he even runners. People I’d never met placed thirteenth in the nation with a time of 24:47.802 in the 8,000 meter run, fulfilling his dream to be an All American. were writing, calling, and emailing Gleason was hospitalized and wheelchair-bound for two and that always kept me thinking, weeks, during which doctors inserted a baton-sized steel rod and ‘Wow, this isn’t just for me, this is for four screws into his right tibia. The break was so severe and the risk of infection so high that doctors provisionally labeled him everybody at the same time.’” a leg amputee. His leg pain was intensified by a previously torn ligament and meniscus in his knee and by constantly having to Having taken a year off to heal, train, and work as lead dis- clean and change his own dressings on open wounds. He had to patcher for Hamline’s Safety and Security Services, Gleason will give himself shots of a blood thinner in the stomach to prevent graduate this spring with a degree in psychology and education. blood clots. The medically astounding recovery and All-American honors of “It was constant pain, especially if I moved wrong,” Gleason this “kid from Mantorville, Minnesota” were featured in Sports said. He began weight training, working both legs to prevent Illustrated’s “Faces in the Crowd” and in a forthcoming book over-dominance. At first just lifting a soup can taped to his leg about the mind’s healing powers. However, Gleason aims yet was extremely painful. for All-American honors in indoor and outdoor track, and most Inspired by a book about runner Dick Beardsley’s addiction important, in academics with his 3.89 G.P.A. His post-gradua- to painkillers, Gleason refused pain medication after three tion options are as broad as the Peace Corps, Teach for America, weeks. “After that I threw it all away and said ‘No, I want to graduate school for school counseling or law, or a corporate job, do this the natural way,’” Gleason said. “‘I want to feel all of it but essentially, he wants to do something involving children. so I know what true pain is, so when I’m in a race I will never “In a sense, I’m glad the accident happened because when complain that I can’t do it because I’m hurting because I’ve felt someone says that it’s inspiring or it’s a miracle, to me it really what true pain was before.’” doesn’t seem so. I love The Learning Channel and my mom’s Unfinished business To doctors’ astonishment, Gleason accelerated from walker- a nurse at Mayo, so you always see these people that have way and cane-dependence to using a walking cast by early April, and worse disabilities or are way worse off than you, so to me it Brandon Gleason ’09 overcomes accident completed a rigorous rehabilitation program of weight lifting, never felt like I was at a disadvantage. It always caught me off to earn All American honors cardio, and aquajogging by May before beginning training on guard when someone wrote saying that they’ve been inspired by his own. me, so if the accident’s helped someone in that way, I am happy “Doctors said I probably came back so well because of what it happened.” they called PMA, Positive Mental Attitude, because I’d always “Getting hit made me a different person, and probably made wanted to come back, so there wasn’t much doubt ever. Plus me a better person,” Gleason said. “Now I know what it truly all of my teammates, coach, family, girlfriend, and more so, the feels like to struggle… because I never really had that rough of Hamline community, were just so embracing,” Gleason said. a life before, so to see that it can always be worse teaches you to “I got cards from alumni that weren’t even runners. People I’d be thankful for everything that you have. And I’m having a lot never met were writing, calling, and emailing and that always more fun now than I ever did. Everything’s been more positive kept me thinking, ‘Wow, this isn’t just for me, this is for every- for it.” body at the same time.’” by Sunni Monson ’10
10 Hamline Magazine Spring 2009 11 Want the real scoop? Wonder what Inside the Admission Office student life is really like these days? Check out Hamline’s student blogs. Written by five students Real answers to your college search questions about whatever is on their mind, these blogs offer a glimpse of what life at Hamline is like.
The college admission process can be a confusing one. Frequently asked questions can be answered through online How important are letters of recommendation to the When considering academics, athletics, financial aid, student content, but it’s best for a student to gain experiences at a col- application process? Recommendations are another opportu- Sunni ’10 organizations, internships, research, location, reputation—how lege in person, particularly before committing to four years. nity to gain insight into a student’s strengths. Recommendations Hometown: Saint Paul, MN can a student choose? Where does a student start? While the should be written by someone who knows the student well and Major: English and Philosophy questions pile up, the Hamline University Office of Admission What is the most important thing to do when visiting can speak to the student’s performance. A recognizable name Read about: Subzero Hamline- staff offers you an insider’s perspective. college campuses? Talk with current students! When touring doesn’t matter (such as a well-known person or alumnus) if the Midway explorations, New Year’s a college, be sure to take advantage of the resources wandering writer doesn’t know the student. resolutions, and sleep debt. When should a high school student start looking around campus, and ask a student his or her favorite feature of at colleges? It is never too early to begin the search process. the university. Don’t be bashful asking his or her not-so-favorite How can anyone afford college these days—particularly Take advantage of any college-viewing opportunities, such as parts. Take every opportunity to find out what life is like for a a private college? Working hard to get good grades throughout family vacations or trips. The sooner a student can pin down the current student. a student’s high school career may result in more merit-based type of college (large or small, rural or urban, private or public) aid on the college level. Most colleges offer options to finance he or she prefers, the better. As a student enters the summer How influential is the relationship between applicant and a student’s education. The typical Hamline student receives a Amanda ’10 between junior and senior year of high school, we recommend admission counselor? Admission counselors are your con- financial aid package made up of Hamline grants or scholar- Hometown: Pelican Rapids, MN official campus visits to meet with admissions staff and tour the nection between the student and the admission committee. A ships, low-interest loans, an on-campus job, state and federal Major: German and Global Studies college. Discuss next steps and find out what makes a college strong relationship with the counselor will allow the admissions grants, and outside scholarships. Everyone should complete the Read about: Her semester distinctive. professional to advocate on your behalf. Counselors will not Free Application for Federal Student Aid to be sure a student is in Germany, travel adventures, only know a student’s scores, grades, and abilities, but they also considered for all types of aid. and Thanksgiving parties When there is so much information on the Internet, will be familiar with your strong desire to be a member of the why visit a college? Unless you plan to attend an online univer- community... If there is an inconsistency in an academic record, Why should someone pay the cost to attend a private college? sity, you can’t you really get the feel of what it is like to attend tell the counselor why. The more an admission counselor knows At Hamline, students are not just paying for a degree but for classes, make connections with professors, and walk across about a student, the better. Counselors have the student’s best the quality of the experience. Close connections are made with campus. interests in mind and are uniquely equipped to help students faculty and classmates that enrich the academic experience. Rick ’12 succeed through the admission process. Internships, student organizations, and studying abroad help Hometown: Saint Paul, MN build the whole student by developing leadership and maturity Major: Political Science What should students write in their essays/personal as well as resumes. In addition, Hamline has a four-year gradu- Read about: Adventures in cooking statements? How important are they? The personal statement ation assurance that limits the total cost compared to the typical for himself and eating at the or writing sample is a chance for the admission counselor to get five or six years at public institutions. cafeteria, intramural basketball, to know the student, especially if a one-on-one meeting has not and surviving his first finals. been possible. High impact essays are personal and provide a How can alumni help the Hamline University Office window into the student’s life and personality. Graded academic of Admission? Word of mouth is one of the best ways to papers are acceptable, but sometimes it is the easy way out. It show Hamline’s value. A majority of our applicants come to us is hard to make a connection with a student if the only writing because they heard a favorable word from you, someone who Maura ’09 sample is a book report or research paper. If an academic paper has attended Hamline. Hometown: Minneapolis, MN is submitted, the student should consider also including a per- by Sarah Kirchner ’06 Major: Communication Studies sonal statement about himself and his life—give admis- Read about: Attending sion professionals something to connect with. There President Obama’s inauguration, is more to a student than test scores and grades. A entrepreneurial falafel dreams, and well-written writing sample exemplifies the intangibles traumatic brain injuries that are important.
Emily ’09 Hometown: Whitewater, WI Major: International Management Read about: Studying abroad in Admission Counselors DeeDee Shogren Italy, her job search, and Jell-O cakes. LeMier '06 and David Jones
12 Hamline Magazine Spring 2009 13 Chris Messerly didn’t think he’d done anything heroic. Well, public good,” Messerly said. “As a kid, I was raised to think of yes. He had won his case. It was a big case, too, one that went others, to help others, and Hamline further instilled that in me. all the way to the Minnesota Supreme Court. But winning was Hamline has a strong tradition of teaching its students to put Lawyer Hero what he’d been hired to do. As a partner in the Minneapolis others first, and really, that is what lawyers should be doing.” Chris Messerly JD ’86 uses the law to defend public good office of the law firm Robins, Kaplan, Miller & Ciresi, winning Now that he is a lawyer, Messerly has built a distinguished cases was just one part of his job description. It didn’t mean he career and a solid reputation by defending victims of medical was a hero. malpractice and personal injury. “I’m drawn to helping people In this case, it did. who’ve been injured by no fault of their own,” Messerly said. In November 2008, Prevent Child Abuse Minnesota awarded While he does clock billable hours for many of his cases, he also Messerly the Everyday Hero Award for his work on a case devotes a considerable amount of his time to pro bono work. seeking justice for a young girl scarred by abuse. “This little girl He’s fought several Title IX cases on a pro bono basis. Title IX was just a newborn and she was beaten on several occasions,” is a federal ruling allocating equal extracurricular funding for Messerly said. “She was taken to the same hospital multiple both boys’ and girls’ activities. It is because of Messerly that a times and three times the staff sent her home. The fourth women’s hockey team exists at St. Cloud State. time, she arrived with horrific injuries that left her blind and a Framed family photographs crowd Messerly’s office. Most quadriplegic.” of them showcase the radiant smiles of his three children, one In the state of Minnesota, Messerly explained, doctors are con- daughter and two sons, all of whom have grown up playing sidered mandatory reporters of suspected child abuse. However, hockey under the watchful eye of their dad. Messerly has prior to this young girl’s case, doctors who suspected abuse coached each of his kids on the ice, and doing so, he said, has and then chose not to report it could not be sued for medical been a “highlight” of his life. The time he spent with his daugh- malpractice. It was a loophole in desperate need of closing. ter’s team, though, pushed him to take on Title IX cases. “This little girl, she couldn’t speak for herself and she needed “I’ve coached boys’ and girls’ teams, and I’ve seen how they a chance at justice,” Messerly said, noting that she will face are treated differently. The girls get crummy ice times and less lifelong medical expenses. Beyond securing a future for the girl, funding,” he said, an inequality that struck him as unfair. “One the goal of this case was to put a law on the books that would of the main reasons I have been a successful lawyer is because hold doctors accountable when it came to reporting child abuse. I’ve been playing team sports all my life,” he said. “Team sports “We weren’t trying to open a floodgate of malpractice suits prepare you for every aspect of life to come. You learn to sup- against doctors. Instead, we wanted to give doctors an incentive port others and to play under the rules but to hit as hard as you to report abuse,” he said. can. And at the end, you learn to shake hands.” Messerly argued the case before the Minnesota Supreme Messerly considers himself a team player and he’s quick to Court in 2007. While he’d previously argued a case before the credit his co-workers. Without his fellow lawyers and willing Wisconsin Supreme Court in 1994, this was his first trip to the support staff, he said, he wouldn’t be able to take on so many high court in Saint Paul. pro bono clients. Robins, Kaplan, Miller & Ciresi Partner Phillip Sief ’85 and Associate Genevieve Zimmerman ’03 are “As a kid, I was raised to think of two of his teammates that stand out. Both are graduates of others, to help others, and Hamline Hamline’s School of Law and together with Messerly and several further instilled that in me.” others in their office, have taken on twenty pro bono cases rep- resenting victims of the 35W bridge collapse. Messerly recruited “It was terrifying and exciting,” Messerly said of the experi- nineteen other law firms to represent about 125 victims who ence, “but it was also a very important occasion. It was tremen- are seeking settlement money from the state. The various law dous what was riding on this case. It was the welfare of this little firms have formed a consortium in order to better communicate girl, the welfare of every abused child in the state of Minnesota.” with each other and lobby more effectively at the State Capitol. The justices agreed and it was because of this win, and a Messerly spearheaded efforts on behalf of the consortium with subsequent law requiring doctors to report suspected abuse, legislators, successfully arguing for the state’s unprecedented that Messerly was awarded the Everyday Hero Award. “I was compensation fund. He also dealt with the media, keeping it humbled. I was really honored. I didn’t expect the recognition,” informed of the consortium’s progress. Messerly said. “I didn’t become a lawyer to win awards.” Throughout the bridge case, and throughout the rest of his He became a lawyer to help people. After earning an career, Messerly has maintained close ties with Hamline’s law undergraduate degree at Bowdoin College in Maine, Messerly school. He was the longest-standing member of the dean’s returned to Minnesota, his home state, and married his high- advisory board and he returns whenever he’s asked to speak school sweetheart. He spent two years working as a paralegal with students. “I love what I do,” Messerly said, “I’ll take any with his current firm and then decided to enroll in law school opportunity to share my compassion. I’m so fortunate to do at Hamline, graduating with honors in 1986. As a law student, what I do.” Messerly was captain of the Barristers Hockey Team. by Kelly Westhoff MALS ’01 “Hamline was an appealing school because it has a pioneering spirit. It’s committed to protecting the public welfare and the
14 Hamline Magazine Spring 2009 15 Two years ago, twenty-two professional writers and “We do not impose a particular style or a formula on our stu- novelists, nurses, carpenters, teachers, real estate agents, and dents,” said Mary Rockcastle, dean of the Graduate School of stay-at-home parents enrolled in a new master of fine arts in Liberal Studies. “We are invested in finding out what a student writing for children and young adults program offered by wants to achieve and learn, and then we help to equip them Hamline’s Graduate School of Liberal Studies. with the tools, knowledge, and confidence they need to achieve Some wanted to write fantasy novels for young readers, others that. Our graduates walk away with an enormous array of skills picture books, and others poetry. Some wanted to graduate with and resources. They have become masters of their craft.” a degree that would allow them to teach composition or creative Rockcastle also believes that faculty and guest authors’ writing at the college level. faith and investment in starting this MFA program have been None knew what to expect from the new Hamline program. extraordinary and speak to its quality. At the time, there were only two other existing MFA programs “We were so pleased that so many established authors were Masters of their craft in the country that focused exclusively on writing for children willing to invest in the program, to teach, to guest lecture, and and young adults. simply to endorse it,” Rockcastle said. “They believe that this “I had two books published already, but I wanted to take my is a place where students can pursue their dreams of becoming MFA in writing for children and young adults graduates its first class writing to the next level, and not be just a ‘good’ writer but a writers of children’s and young adult literature, and they are great writer,” said Loretta Ellsworth, a former Spanish teacher willing to put their names behind it.” from Lakeville, Minnesota. “I heard Hamline had this new pro- For Dave Revere, a media relations coordinator who gram, and it just seemed to be the right fit at the right time.” works at a university in Montana, the experience has been She was also drawn by the star-studded array of children’s transformational. book authors who would be teaching in the program, including “Ever since I was a kid, I wanted to write the kind of books Kate DiCamillo, author of Because of Winn Dixie and The Tale I liked to read,” said Revere, who hopes to one day support of Despereaux, both Newbery Honor winners that have gone on his family as an author of fantasy novels for middle-grade to become films, and Jane Resh Thomas, author of Lights on the readers. “As I grew older, that interest just never really left me, River, The Counterfeit Princess, and Behind the Mask: The Life of but it started to feel more and more out of reach. I decided Queen Elizabeth the First. that I needed to find a place and environment that seriously The two-year program pairs students one-on-one with engages in the craft of children’s writing. I wanted to grab my authors who serve as advisors each semester. Students are also dream proactively—and push through it. I needed structure required to attend eleven-day residencies in January and July, which immerse them in workshops, lectures, and readings on the craft and process or writing, the field of children’s and “Ever since I was a kid, young adult literature, and the publishing business. During I wanted to write the kind each residency (held at Hamline’s Saint Paul campus), visiting of books I liked to read.” authors, agents, and editors supplement presentations by regular faculty authors. Marsha Qualey, Midwestern author of contemporary young and deadlines and a program with strong mentorships. I found adult novels including Come in from the Cold, Just Like That, Hamline…and I am so grateful that I did.” and Thin Ice, is among the esteemed faculty who helped to Loretta Ellsworth agreed. launch the program. “I worked with such incredible advisors in this program, and “I had done some work in the adult MFA program at I am just still amazed at the dedication and investment that Hamline as an independent study advisor, and I really enjoyed they put into examining and helping us with our writing,” the experience,” Qualey said. “This combination of providing a Ellsworth said. “The line-by-line editing, the ability to see the writing community for students and then guiding them through big picture of our work, and the writing exercises and guidance independent work is such a good model for writers. It parallels they offered to get me back on track when I was struggling was the real lives writers will face when they are done with school just so valuable.” and are working one-on-one with their editors.” As Ellsworth graduated from the program this January, she “The main goal of this program,” Qualey said, “is not to help walked away with something even more valuable than her students get published, although that will definitely come. The diploma. main goal is to provide students with the writing tools they “Now, two years later, I see my writing through a new lens. I need to work on their own and to better their craft.” feel more confident and grounded in craft elements, and best of Students learn to master the elements of the craft, such as all I have become a part of such an amazing writing community plot development, characterization, and point of view, and at Hamline,” Ellsworth said. “It’s a family. People share their they develop tools for revising and critiquing their own work. struggles, their journeys, and their successes.” They also leave the program with a well-rounded view of the And, speaking of success, Ellsworth is experiencing that, as children’s book market and a sense of what to expect when it’s well. She just sold a new novel, due out next spring—a book time to look for a teaching job or to submit their work to the she wrote at Hamline. publishing world. by JacQui Getty MFA ’09
16 Hamline Magazine Spring 2009 17 Back row: Maria Ortiz, Leonel Dorvil, Reed Aronow, Aaron Corcoran, Brian Marbury, and Professor Earl Schwartz Bringing it all back home Kneeling in front: Teng Lor and Jade Houdek Students tackle social justice issues through internships
Whether they’re touring the Midway neighborhood on a “The premise of the course sequence is that even with the best the Latino Communications Network in the spring. She will has been a two-year endeavor. Additional funds from a Race, cold January day, or hitting the streets at their community intentions, major urban redevelopment projects necessarily high- team up with a Latino press reporter to develop her writing Gender, and Beyond grant and from the Bill and Kay Erickson internships, eight undergraduate students are taking their light inequalities of power, access, and resources,” said religion skills and report on urban redevelopment issues confronting the Endowment for Social Justice made the class possible. The skills to the neighborhood this spring, helping community professor and chair of the social justice program Earl Schwartz, local Hispanic community. Other internships focus on topics course incorporates a variety of viewpoints from seven different organizations and neighbors recognize, highlight, and tackle who is teaching the course along with other Hamline faculty such as housing issues and environmental studies. instructors and community members involved with the light-rail issues of social justice. and community members. The course sequence has attracted a wide variety of students project, including Donna Drummond, the senior planner of The students are part of a two-part course sequence, “Special The sequence takes an interdisciplinary approach to examine from different majors and backgrounds, perhaps in part due to the Central Corridor Project, Sharon Jaffe, the coordinator of Topics: Issues in Urban Redevelopment: Bringing It All Back the nature of a major urban redevelopment project, with a its interdisciplinary nature. Hamline’s Office of Service Learning and Volunteerism, and Home,” which focuses on the $920 million Central Corridor particular eye to social justice. In the second part of the course, “We placed a priority on finding students who could Brian McMahon, the director of University United, a coalition light-rail project. Due to begin construction in 2010, the the students will pursue internships at related community bring language and culture competencies to the course,” said of businesses and citizens in the Midway area. eleven-mile route will serve as an interurban connector between organizations. Schwartz. “We really do have an enormous array of skills, “Through the internships, I hope the students find mentors downtown Minneapolis and downtown Saint Paul, intersecting “We’re really doing it,” said senior social justice major Maria knowledge, and opportunities we hope to utilize in service to and models that inspire them, and energize Hamline in its neighborhoods in Minneapolis, and running much of the length Ortiz. “We’re really out there getting our hands dirty... That’s the larger community.” relationships with its neighbors,” Schwartz said. “We’re eager to of University Avenue in Saint Paul. what I love about it.” Ortiz will participate in an internship at Much like the light-rail project itself, plans for the class have make this course a bridge between Hamline and its neighbors.” long been in progress. Creating the course and its curriculum by Maura Youngman '09
18 Hamline Magazine Spring 2009 19 The impact of layoffs Research yields new insight into common practice
If it’s not you, it’s your spouse. Your parent or your without adequate income for extended periods of time, Financial and Familial Ultimately Effective? child. Your neighbor or your friend. In these economic resorting to very different and frequently lower-paying Ramlall and Haas also explored the financial implications “Given the current economic challenges, layoffs are a natural times, everyone knows someone who was laid off jobs, resulting in higher levels of stress and more health of layoffs. In addition to “the lifestyle changes people have course of action for organizations,” Ramlall and Haas by a company or organization. As of November 2008, symptoms.” made, including reduction of savings and the sale of stock wrote. “Organizational downsizing as a change management there were more than 188,900 unemployed individuals To explore the emotional impact, Ramlall and Haas and other property by individuals to cope with the loss of strategy has been adopted for more than two decades, but in the state of Minnesota, and nationally, the number focused their study on six coping strategies commonly used their income,” they found that the financial loss spurred today, the prime impetus of most downsizing efforts is the of unemployed persons in the U.S. has increased by to handle the stress of being laid off: positive-thinking social losses. “Many individuals describe the changes in their desire for an immediate reduction of costs and survival. The 2.7 million from December 2007 to November 2008. coping, direct-action coping, instrumental support seeking, earlier lifestyle and a greater impact on their social life as rationale underlying organizations’ decision to downsize For businesses, it’s a financial decision. For families and avoidance, disengagement, and job seeking. additional consequences of layoffs,” they wrote. is straightforward: by reducing costs, executives hope to communities, it has not only financial but also social, “Positive-thinking coping, direct-action coping, and Layoffs also have a significant and enduring psychological improve firm profitability.” community, and personal implications. support seeking represent control-oriented coping strategies, But what isn’t straightforward, they found, is whether For School of Business Professor Sunil Ramlall, layoffs whereas avoidance and disengagement are forms of escape layoffs really achieve their intended effect. “Studies show create more questions than answers. coping, according to Latack (1986),” they wrote. “Control- “Studies show that the effects of layoffs that the effects of layoffs on organizational performance are “What is the impact of layoffs on individuals, organiza- oriented coping strategies are more likely to be exhibited on organizational performance are mixed at best, and in some instances they fail to produce the tions, families and as communities?” he wondered. “How do when situations are viewed as controllable, whereas escape mixed at best, and in some instances desired improvements (e.g., Cascio, 2003),” they wrote. employees deal with layoffs? What are the psychological and coping is likely to be used in situations in which there is Layoffs also affect how a company is seen in the mar- financial impacts on the survivors of layoffs?” little the individual can do to control the outcome or recur- they fail to produce the desired ketplace. “At stake in the layoffs is the reputation of the Ramlall teamed with Hanne Haas, a student in the rence of the event (Folkman, 1992).” improvements.” employer, inability to attract and retain top quality hires, School of Business’s MBA program, to explore the issue. and maintain established levels of productivity.” The two hoped that by helping individuals and organiza- “Many individuals describe the changes This topic is just one of many that Ramlall and Haas plan tions better understand the consequences of layoffs, they in their earlier lifestyle and a greater impact on children. “This stems from parents experiencing to pursue in their continuing research. will be better able to more effectively manage them and financial challenges that lead to heightened states of anxiety, While they still have as many questions as they have their repercussions. The data was gathered using a sample of impact on their social life as additional depression, behavior problems and poorer peer relationships answers, what is clear from their work is that layoffs do not individuals collecting unemployment insurance in the state consequences of layoffs.” in kids,” Ramlall and Haas found. “Some previous research have only short-term effects, but also critically affect the of Minnesota. The total participation is expected to be over findings have even suggested that layoffs can have effects individual laid off and his or her entire family. 10,000 when the research is completed. Coping strategies are important because they dictate what similar to other kinds of trauma, such as parental divorce.” “Hopefully, this research can serve as a resource to our Here is a summary of some of their findings. actions the people will take. “Coping goals explain why While it is a difficult subject to discuss, Ramlall and Haas Hamline community and beyond in really understanding individuals pursue different coping strategies when con- encourage parents talk with their children about what is layoffs from a broader perspective,” they said. The Emotional Impact fronted with the same situation,” Ramlall and Haas noted. happening and the rationale for lifestyle changes. by Breanne Hanson Hegg MNM ’04 “It is no surprise that stress-related illnesses were 50 percent “For example, when displaced, some workers establish and higher in the companies that had downsized their workforce pursue the goal of finding another job. This goal presum- compared with those companies that had not undergone ably necessitates job-search efforts (a control-oriented coping downsizing,” Ramlall and Haas wrote (Cappelli et al., strategy) aimed at reemployment. Other displaced workers 1997). “Reports of employee burnout were more than twice may choose to ‘mellow out’ because of the stress and as high at companies that had downsized compared with anxiety associated with job loss (an escape-oriented coping Dr. Sunil Ramlall is an associate professor of management in the School of Business at Hamline those that had not downsized. With the high number of strategy). The more positive one stays, the more active one University. In addition to his work on layoffs, Ramlall is actively conducting research on HR individuals being laid off from their jobs and the relative will remain in the job search and continue to utilize control- practices in various industries and the impact on organizational outcomes. Ramlall earned his unavailability of similar job openings, people are left oriented coping strategies.” PhD from the University of Minnesota and BA and MBA from the University of St. Thomas and has been published in the Journal of Applied Social Psychology, Applied HR Research, Human Resource Planning, Journal of Business and Economics, and Journal of Air Transportation. For references and more information about Ramlall and Haas’s research, please visit www. hamline.edu/magazine
How do employees deal with layoffs? What are the psychological and financial impacts on the survivors of layoffs?
20 Hamline Magazine Spring 2009 21 Sarah Houghton’s parents have reason to be proud. everyone bonded together, gave what they could—blankets, Houghton, class of 2007, has achieved something only food, and even the belts on my legs—the belts that saved twelve others in the country and fifty-nine others in the my life.” world can claim to have accomplished. She is one of this Houghton survived, though she lost nearly half of the year’s prestigious Rotary World Peace Fellowship recipients. blood in her body. She went on to have six surgeries and At twenty-five, Houghton is young for such an accom- spent several months learning to walk again. plishment—especially considering World Peace Fellows “The whole time my driving force was ‘I am going back A Life-Changing are chosen, in part, for their ability to have a significant, to Bolivia,’” she said. “I knew I needed to go back.” positive impact on world peace and conflict resolution. She did go back—within a year—to help establish Etta’s They are seen as future leaders in promoting national and Comedor de Niños, a community center, named after her international cooperation and peace. friend Etta Turner, which now offers both developmental experience “I’m interested in helping people throughout the world programs and food to children and women. From there, she gain access to the resources they need,” Houghton said. came to Hamline. “But in doing that, I want to help empower them to work “Hamline was such a good fit for me, and it was the right on solutions to the core problems in their communities on time for me to be there,” she said. “Here I was, having their own, as well—so that the solutions are practical, easy had this life-changing experience, and now I was able to When the bus she was riding on during a to maintain, and also a good fit for the region culturally.” apply what I’d learned in Bolivia to what I wanted to learn Houghton is already on track with that goal; she has more about.” spent the past several months in Bolivia, serving as director At Hamline, Houghton majored in global studies and service trip to Bolivia drove off a cliff, of a water project, working with engineers and craftsmen East Asian studies. She learned to speak Chinese and to provide clean water to Bolivian families who have wells improved her Spanish. She also received an independent Sarah Houghton’s life changed forever. that are highly contaminated with parasites. She helped to research grant to study in China. Houghton also volun- write the grant for the project, design the plan, and engage teered as a math and reading tutor for elementary school partners, including an Engineers Without Borders chapter children, was a Model United Nations teaching assistant Six years later, Houghton, the recipient of a out of Michigan, her home state. and president, participated in mediator training and was a Bolivia holds a piece of Houghton’s heart. Growing up student orientation leader. prestigious Rotary Fellowship, is emerging as one of in the small town of Ishpeming, Michigan, was a stark “My professors at Hamline were instrumental in push- contrast to what she found in Bolivia as an exchange student ing me academically, mentoring me, and helping me to her senior year of high school. She fell in love with the reach my post-graduation goals,” Houghton said. “I chose the next generation’s global leaders. region, but she also saw poverty and struggle. Etta Turner Hamline because I liked the combination of the small was another American girl in the exchange program, and school in a big city—and that’s what I got. I was impressed together the two young women began grappling with the by the academic programs, student activism, and the access questions the experience was raising for them. to mentorship.” “It was really powerful. It had been such an amazing, sad, Throughout all of her accomplishments, Houghton wonderful, and eye-opening experience,” she said. “And says her family has been there to share her achievements, then, near the end of the program, the worst happened. We to listen to her complaints, and to guide her through the were all on the bus—some Americans and many Bolivians. challenges. She feels her parents have played a strong role in It was the middle of the night and we were heading to a who she is today and what she will accomplish in the future. town tucked within the Andes Mountains. Etta was sitting “There was no TV in our house. My sister and I were next to me.” encouraged to get out and experience the world. Both of my Houghton fell asleep and woke up to pitch black, chaos, parents had traveled, and they hoped we would share that and pain. experience, too.” “The bus went off a cliff, and rolled down the mountain- Her parents, Bruce and Katherine, also played a role in side. I was thrown out—along with about twenty other her choice of college; they graduated from Hamline in 1974 people,” she said. “It was really dark and there was scream- and 1972, respectively. ing and lots of confusion. There are parts I remember and “They have been really supportive about the choices I’ve parts I don’t. My leg hurt. Someone went around collecting made—from college to my career—and about all the travel- belts and then wrapped them around my leg as compression ing I’ve done,” she said. bandages to stop the bleeding.” With her newly won fellowship, Houghton’s traveling is The bus had plunged 200 feet. A small girl next to far from over. In September, she will head from Bolivia to Houghton clung to her, unable to find her own mother or Tokyo, Japan, where she will use her fellowship to earn a grandmother in the dark and panic. The grandmother was master’s in public administration at International Christian later found dead, as were five others, including Houghton’s University. friend, Etta. “I think my parents understand that this is where I need “Stranded in the cold for hours, my legs screaming in to be right now in my life, and as hard as it is to be far pain, with that little girl’s arms wrapped tight around me, away, they know I’m doing what I love and what I was I felt this profound and lasting sense of a common bond meant to do,” she said. between all humans,” she said. “We had all seemed so very by JacQui Getty MFA ’09 different on the bus. But here, in the dark, in the crisis, 22 Hamline Magazine Spring 2009 23 Undergraduate Alumni
Alumni News Save the date! 24 Associations of hamline alumni news 26 Class Notes 32 In Memoriam 09 October 9–11, 2009
Reconnect at Alumni Weekend!
Undergraduate Alumni: Mark the date on your Friday, October 9 calendar for Alumni Weekend, October 9–11, 2009! • Golden Anniversary Luncheon. Join other alumni Thanks to all of you who took the time this fall who graduated fifty or more years ago for a luncheon to complete the Homecoming & Reunion Weekend to kick off Alumni Weekend. Survey! We have taken your comments to heart and • Greek Reunion. Were you in a society, fraternity, or are working to reorganize the weekend to better fit sorority? This event is for you. your needs. As part of the revamp, we have changed the name from Homecoming & Reunion Weekend Saturday, October 10 to Alumni Weekend, a title that we hope will better • Memorial Service. An opportunity to remember those capture the focus of the events. Along with the name alumni, faculty, staff, and students who have died in October 9–11, 2009 change come new and changing events, extended the past year. hours, more family friendly activities, and additional • All-Campus Picnic. Enjoy traditional picnic fare with If you graduated in a year ending in “3” or “8” and are interested opportunities to explore campus and reconnect with Pipers past and present. in helping to plan your reunion pre-party, please call the alumni your fellow Pipers. • Fall Festival. Fun activities for children and adults of office at 651-523-2015 or email [email protected] Although the face of the weekend will be changing, all ages: spin art, photo booth, face painters, balloons, we hope that the excitement, camaraderie, and proud music, and much more. www.hamline.edu/reunion Piper spirit that our alumni bring back to campus year • Faculty-led Seminars. Hamline professors share their after year will continue! expertise on several different topics. Some of the weekend’s events are listed here, but • Homecoming Football Game. Watch the Pipers take for a full, up-to-date list, check www.hamline.edu/ on the St. John’s Johnnies. alumniweekend. • Class Reunions. Special lunches, receptions, or dinner We need your help! If you are interested in helping get-togethers for those classes ending in a ‘4’ or a ‘9.’ to plan or host any of the events listed, please • Trolley Tours. Take a special themed trolley tour of call Alumni Relations at 651-523-2015 or email the Twin Cities. You Spoke. We Listened. [email protected] Sunday, October 11 + More family-friendly activities. • Alumni Brunch. A brunch buffet for all alumni before or after church. + More from your favorite faculty members. • Hamline United Methodist Church Service. A + More fun, less formal. Betsy Brenden Radtke ’89 traditional worship service, beginning at 9:30 a.m. Associate Vice President + More conversation, fewer speeches. Alumni Relations Visit www.hamline.edu/alumniweekend for more details.
We need your help! If you are interested in helping to plan or host any events during the weekend, please call Alumni Relations at 651-523-2015 or email [email protected].
24 Hamline Magazine Spring 2009 25 1952 Audrey Mathews Cotherman was elected to the Natrona County school board on November 8, 2008, after retiring from the University of 1991 Sarah Wahlquist Wernimont (also MAEd ’02) and husband, Chris, welcomed son, Leo Edward, on May 28, 2008. He joins brother, August, 3. Wisconsin-Madison, where she directed a six-state comprehensive professional development program. Audrey received her doctorate from the Sarah and Chris teach at Anwatin Middle School in Minneapolis. University of Wyoming in 1977 and served as deputy superintendent from 1979–1990. 1992 Lynn Praska (also MALS ’99) and husband, Jim Praska MAPA ’99, welcomed son, Brandon Evan James, on August 8, 2008. He joins sisters, 1968 Kay Gill Trowbridge and husband, Gene, celebrated their thirty-fifth wedding anniversary in Lake Forest, California, on June 10, 2007. They Julia and Erika. are pictured with daughters, Emily and Amy. 1968–1972 Seventeen women from the classes of 1968–1972 gathered for an APT sorority reunion on August 9, 2008. It was held in the home of Carol Seidenkranz ’70 in Shoreview, Minnesota. In front: Marsha Engle White ’71. Second row: Margaret Keyes Farrell ’69 MALS ’93, Laurine Graning 1968 1971 Barbara Hicks Gerhardt has lived with ’70, Stephanie Jensen Bisson ’69, Barb Strebel King ’69, and Emily Engle ’68. Back row: Margaret Richey ’71, Diane Svendsen Cibulka ’68, Kris Armstrong Awada, Jennifer Bunce, Jill Rigelman Johnson, Margaret Richey, her husband and son, 22, in northeast Carol Seidenkranz ’70, Kris Armstrong Awada ’68, Jill Rigelman Johnson ’71, Gail Dennison Swor ’71, Barb Booman Isle ’72, Linda Altman Rasmussen Diane Svendsen Cibulka Emily Engle Gail Dennison Swor Marsha Engle Pennsylvania since 1991. She has worked ’70, and Jill Burkland Balck ’69. Not pictured: Jennifer Bunce ’68 and Mary Dickman O’Malley ’69. , and . , and See photo, page 26. White. See photo, page 26. as the art director of a magazine, Yoga and Joyful Living, on more than 100 issues and Kay Gill Trowbridge. See photo, page 26. practices yoga in her free time. Editor’s Note: Class notes are submitted by alumni and are not verified by the editors. While we welcome 1972 Barb Booman Isle. See photo, page 26. alumni news, Hamline Magazine is not responsible for information contained in class notes. 1969 1977 Jill Burkland Balck, Stephanie Jensen 1973 Lee Svitak Dean published her first book, Bisson Margaret Keyes Farrell Barb Come One, Come All: Easy Entertaining College of Liberal Arts the Metro North Adult Basic Education 1956 , , Lynn Chudik Rosen. See 1970. Strebel King, and Mary Dickman with Seasonal Menus, with the Minnesota Program. She received the Essi Wiseheart Glenn Ickler released his sixth mystery O’Malley. See photo, page 26. Historical Society last October. The book is 1947 Ledyard Award, an honor given to volunteers novel, Out at Home, last October. The series 1974 a collection of thirty-two seasonal menus and Loraine Cheslock Froehle. See 1948. over sixty who have demonstrated creativity features a newspaper reporter and photogra- Mark Johnson retired from the Minnesota Gary Gleason retired as executive officer more than 150 recipes based on work Lee and extra commitment in helping learners. pher team that becomes overly involved in of the Episcopal Diocese of Minnesota last Barbara Kocka Olson “plays washerwoman Conference of the United Methodist Church has done as food editor at the award-winning crime stories. September, having served there since 1993. for retirees in her condo” and interprets 1952 after thirty-five years of service on July Taste section of the Star Tribune. 1, 2008. Mark served United Methodist Gary plans to divide his time between medical reports. Audrey Mathews Cotherman. See photo, 1958 churches in St. Francis, Cedar, Morgan, Minneapolis and Palm Springs and expects 1981 above. Robert Stewart published two articles in to augment his consulting practice with non- 1948 New Avon, Aurora, Hoyt Lakes, Osseo, Patricia Obstarczyk married Thomas Kinn the Fall 2008 issue of the Nevada Historical Annandale, Corcoran, Sauk Centre, and profit organizations. Owen Froehle and Loraine Cheslock in Battle Lake, Minnesota, on August 9, 1954 Society Quarterly. His work presents previous- Proctor, Minnesota. He lives with wife, Froehle ’47 celebrated their sixtieth wedding Melody Wolfe Sledz retired from thirty- 2008. They live in St. Cloud. Ruth Huber Baxter and her husband, Joe, ly unknown information about Mark Twain Mary Nelson Johnson ’69. anniversary with a trip to Switzerland. They four years of service with Hennepin County served thirty-nine years with HCJB World in Nevada in the 1860s. 1983 went abroad the day after Owen’s sixty-year Radio, a Christian radio station in Quito, Jerome Mische advises the website, www. Human Services and Public Health in May Mark Jorgenson Hamline reunion. Ecuador. While there, they served in hospital 1964 willisclow.com, which received its millionth 2008. Last year she and husband, Lad, trav- was appointed to the eled to Ireland and France and opened their United States Foreign Service last July. evangelism, orphanage work, and prison Bob Hoel was inducted into the Credit hit in January. 1949 home in Edina to a University of Minnesota He will be posted to Seoul, Republic of ministry. Joe worked at a ministry print shop Union Executives Society National Hall William Dorival French student for a second summer. Korea, this July after studying Korean and wife, Pauline, cel- and Ruth served in operating and delivery of Fame last November. Bob published 1970 language at the Foreign Service Institute ebrated their sixty-first wedding anniversary rooms and recovery. “Alternative Capital for U.S. Credit Unions: Laurine Graning, Linda Altman in Washington, D.C. last June. William retired after twenty-one A Review and Extension of Evidence Rasmussen, and Carol Seidenkranz. See 1975 Barbara Burn retired from a thirty-six-year years of federal service and Pauline retired Regarding Public Policy Reform,” “Thriving photo, page 26. Gordon Erspamer culminated thirty years career as library director of the Grand View Dennis O’Neill retired from the United from New Jersey state employment. Both are Midsize and Small Credit Unions,” and of pro bono representation of disabled vet- College Library in Des Moines, Iowa, in States Army in 2004 and now works as a active in church and community affairs. “Thriving Large Credit Unions” with the Steve Rosen was appointed to a four-year erans by serving as lead counsel for Iraq and 1994. She volunteers time to Grand View Department of the Army Civilian for U. S. Filene Research Institute, where he is a term as judge of compensation claims by Afghanistan veterans in the case of Veterans Carol Reed Freeburg retired from a thirty- Archives and Planned Parenthood. Army Special Forces Command. He and research fellow. He and wife, Barbara, live the governor of Florida. He and wife, Lynn for Common Sense v. Peake (N. D. Cal.). The four-year teaching career in special education wife, Michelle, welcomed their first grand- in Middleton, Wisconsin, and Windsor, Chudik Rosen ’73, live in Tampa, Florida. case raises issues concerning the Veteran in 2001 and has been volunteering with child last October. Colorado. Administration’s provision of healthcare and disability compensation to veterans.
26 Hamline Magazine Spring 2009 27 1995 Jill Stanton married Brian Torkkola in Minneapolis on September 20, 2008. Alumni in attendance included Kat Friedman ’92 and Jen O’Byrne ’93 1998 Amaza Lieffort Reitmeier and her family attended Homecoming & Reunion Weekend for Amaza’s ten-year reunion last fall. Pictured is her son, (in second photo). Grady, “Hamline Class of 2028!” Amaza wrote. 1997 Elizabeth Lemke married Paul Smaby in St. Lucia on October 16, 2008. They live in Eden Prairie, Minnesota. 2000 Rushik Girish Mehta and wife, Kinjal, welcomed son, Aarav Rushik, on November 6, 2008. The family lives in Boston, Massachusetts. Stacey Gangl Pinz and husband, Chad, welcomed daughter, Addilyn MaRae, on October 7, 2008. She joins brother, Preston, 3. Stacey received her master’s degree in education from the College of St. Catherine in 2004 and teaches English at Isle High School. 1984 1993 Mental Illness,” a technical report for the Suzanne Weckman Kreuser earned her Kirk Affeldt (also MAEd ’04) married National Association of State Mental Health doctoral degree in educational leadership Stephanie Arnold in Fort Myers, Florida, Program Directors. Sheldyn Himle was appointed to the Valerie Kelley, Richele Hansey Messick, School of Business from Argosy University. She is serving her on October 17, 2008. They live in Cannon Minnesota Client Security Board as a non- Heather Mell Oppel, and Jim Weyandt. Jill Stanton. See photo, above. fourth year as principal of Morehead City Falls, Minnesota, where Stephanie teaches lawyer member by Chief Justice of the See photo, page 30. 1999 Middle School in Carteret County, North seventh-grade math and Kirk teaches fifth Minnesota Supreme Court Eric Magnuson. Jim Praska MAPA. See photo, page 27. Carolina, where she has twice been honored grade. 1997 The appointment is for a three-year term, 2004 as “Principal of the Year.” Prior to moving Christina Hiatt Brown made a career move ending in 2011. Briana Tenold Kunzmann, John Lisa Ray MAPA started Parents for Ethical to North Carolina, Sue served as a teacher, Jen O’Byrne. See photo, above. from academic advisor to stay-at-home Schollmeier, and Melissa Zimmerli. See Marketing, a grassroots organization of Mary Boss Lukkonen coach, and administrator in several Twin mom after welcoming twin sons, Doug and and husband, Nick, photo, page 30. people concerned about the effects of Cities area school districts. 1994 George, in 2007. Christina writes Northern welcomed son, Tate Rawland, on June 18, corporate marketing practices directed at Kjersti Monson Duval-Arnould and hus- Cheapskate, a popular frugal living blog 2008. 2005 young children. dedicated to coupons, freebies, and money- 1988 band, Alex, welcomed son, Olan Bertrand, Charles Schwartz (also JD ’08) published saving tips. 2002 Thomas Ruter (also BA ’95) was accepted Russ Purdy (also MAEd ’03) works for the on September 20, 2008. his article, “Thy Will Not Be Done: Why Doug Amsden Nate Erickson Christina into the Emerging Leaders Institute, a Bloomington school system as a youth and , , States Should Amend Their Probate Codes Laura Powell Imholte started Angel Shot Elizabeth Lemke. See photo, above. Howard Goebel Nick Hansen specialized training program developed in family coordinator, and has been theater , and . See to Allow an Interstate Share for Unmarried Photography, a photography business in photo, page 30. partnership with the University of Minnesota director at Bloomington Jefferson High Suzanne Senecal-Hill (also JD ’00) had Homosexual Couples,” in the Spring 2008 Lino Lakes, Minnesota. and intended to prepare the next generation School since 2005. His production of Joseph issue of the Connecticut Public Interest Law her petition for a writ of certiorari in State Brian Hart was featured in the Orange of leaders in Minnesota state government. and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat won Journal. vs. Moua Her granted by the United States County Register newspaper for creating and His article, “Nutritional Links to Substance an honorable mention in USA Today’s Best 1995 Supreme Court. The case was remanded expanding the SoCal Science Café while Abuse Recovery,” was released in the Journal High School Musical competition. Russ lives Christopher Goodman was named to back to the Minnesota Supreme Court for pursuing his PhD at the University of 2006 of Addictions Nursing. He wrote and pub- Amy Schneider Purdy ’89 Minnesota Law & Politics 2009 Rising Stars with wife, , and further review. Laura Anderson Mann completed a two- lished “Obesity Reduction and Prevention list for the fifth consecutive year. He is a California, Irvine. twin daughters, 5, in Saint Paul. year commitment to Teach for America in Strategies for Individuals with Serious partner with national litigation firm, Foley 1998 Brooklyn, New York. She plans to continue Mental Illness,” a technical report for the & Mansfield PLLP. 2003 1989 teaching sixth grade English at Ron Brown Amaza Lieffort Reitmeier. See photo, Vanessa Barger married Nicklaus Fischer National Association of State Mental Health Amy Schneider Purdy. See 1988. Academy, where she will be a team leader Thomas Ruter (also MAPA ’99) was accept- page 29. on August 9, 2008. Vanessa is a doctor of Program Directors. and help to start an arts enrichment pro- ed into the Emerging Leaders Institute, a pharmacy student at Creighton University gram. Laura attributes her successes to her 1991 specialized training program developed in 2000 and Nicklaus is a civil engineer for Ramsey 2005 experience with MISA and to support from Sarah Wahlquist Wernimont (also MAEd partnership with the University of Minnesota Rushik Girish Mehta. See photo, page 29. County. They live in Inver Grove Heights, Craig Clark MAPA was appointed the city staff, teachers, friends, and family. ’02). See photo, page 27. and intended to prepare the next generation Minnesota. administrator of Worthington, Washington. of leaders in Minnesota state government. Stacey Gangl Pinz. See photo, page 29. 1992 His article, “Nutritional Links to Substance Joshua Dudzik, Andrew Kunzmann, Tony 2007 Kat Friedman. See photo, above. Abuse Recovery,” was released in the Journal 2001 Schumann, and Justin Steen. See photo, Ciara Stigen is working toward her PhD in of Addictions Nursing. He wrote and pub- Kyle Frackman completed his PhD in page 30. clinical psychology at Ohio State University. Lynn Praska (also MALS ’99). See photo, lished “Obesity Reduction and Prevention German and Scandinavian Studies at the page 27. Strategies for Individuals with Serious University of Massachusetts Amherst.
28 Hamline Magazine Spring 2009 29 2003 Valerie Kelley and Doug Amsden ’02 were married on December 6, 2008, at Hamline. The wedding party included: Christina Howard Goebel 1993 Diane Dettman Hohl MAEd published and reprinted a book, Miriam Daughter of Finnish Immigrants, in memory of her aunt. Diane’s inspiration ’02, Richele Hansey Messick ’03, Heather Mell Oppel ’03, Jim Weyandt ’03, Nick Hansen ’02, and Nate Erickson ’02. came from Colleen Bell’s Herstory course, where an interview inspired Miriam to tell the story of her family’s life in the northern Minnesota 2004 Briana Tenold and Andrew Kunzmann ’03 were married in Saint Paul on August 16, 2008. Alumni in their wedding party included, from top wilderness during the Great Depression. Diane retired as a literacy coach with Saint Paul Public Schools and lives in Afton, Minnesota, with her (left to right): Travis Bohm, Tony Schumann ’03, John Schollmeier ’04, Justin Zygmunt, Josh Dudzik ’03, Melissa Zimmerli ’04, Amy Mandt Hill, and husband, Allan. Justin Steen ’03. 1982 Donald Smith finished a twenty-two-month construction project of a Mediterranean home in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida. He and wife, Cynthia, moved to Florida in 1982 and have five children, ages 16-24. Donald works as an attorney at DeSantis, Gaskill, Smith & Shenkman, P.A. He specializes in the areas of personal injury, wrongful death, and commercial litigation.
School of Education Abagail. Michelle teaches seventh-grade 1996 English in Apple Valley and Stephen works Paul Moe and Wade Walton JD ’08 Margaret Moss is in residence in 1993 as the staff photographer for Augsburg formed the professional corporation, Moe & 2005 2008 Washington, D.C. as Hamline’s first Diane Dettman Hohl MAEd. See photo, College. The family lives in Minneapolis. Walton PC. The firm will focus on wills and Jessica Intermill joined the law firm of Callie Schmitt passed the Iowa bar exam Robert Wood Johnson health policy fellow. page 31. trusts, and estate, probate, and small business Jacobson, Buffalo, Magnuson, Anderson, & and came on as the eighth attorney in the Margaret will be placed in a congressional law. Paul’s wife, Beth Erickson, released her Hogen. She represents Indian tribes, tribal general practice firm, Reynolds & Kenline, office or committee following her orienta- 2002 third book, Marriage Isn’t For Sissies. members, and businesses in litigation regard- LLP, in Dubuque, Iowa. Callie is applying tion for the 111th Congress. She will also Sarah Wahlquist Wernimont MAEd (also School of Law ing sovereignty, taxation, reservation bound- for admission on motion to the Minnesota be inducted into the American Academy of BA ’91). See photo, page 27. 2000 aries, and tribal jurisdiction. bar as well. 1981 Nursing as a fellow at its November meeting Kimberly Behm joined Champion Law, P. Douglas McKeen was named senior Daniel Key established The Key Law Firm, in Scottsdale, Arizona. Charles Schwartz (also BA ’05) released 2003 LLC. She focuses on personal injury. vice president of labor relations for United LLC, in Prairie du Chien, Wisconsin. The his article, “Thy Will Not Be Done: Why Russ Purdy (also BA ’88) works for the Airlines, Inc. firm focuses on medical malpractice, product Noel Stahle was appointed interim dean States Should Amend Their Probate Codes Bloomington school system as a youth and Suzanne Senecal-Hill (also BA ’97) had liability, and criminal defense litigation. of the College of Arts, Sciences, and to Allow an Interstate Share for Unmarried family coordinator, and has been theater her petition for a writ of certiorari in State Professional Studies at William Penn 1982 vs. Moua Her granted by the United States Homosexual Couples,” in the Spring 2008 director at Bloomington Jefferson High Kristy Saum joined the firm Messerli & University, in Oskaloosa, Iowa. Donald Smith. See photo, page 31. Supreme Court. The case was remanded issue of the Connecticut Public Interest Law School since 2005. His production of Joseph Kramer, PA in its business and litigation back to the Minnesota Supreme Court for Journal. and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat won group. Ryan Thompson joined the law firm Silton 1984 further review. an honorable mention in USA Today’s Best Seifert Carlson, S.C., which focuses on Dena Sonbol joined Leonard, Street and Barbara Miller. See 1993. High School Musical competition. Russ lives 2006 business law. Ryan’s practice will continue Deinard as a practicing attorney. She focuses with wife, Amy Schneider Purdy ’89, and 2003 to focus on employment law and possibly Melisa Lopez-Franzen was appointed as the on commercial real estate. twin daughters, 5, in Saint Paul. 1993 Jonathan Trexler is a candidate for an LLM business litigation. Hispanic National Bar Association’s National Daniel Murray and Barbara Miller JD ’84 in taxation at New York University School Amy Thompson Representative to the Young Lawyer Division joined Lind, Jensen, formed the law office of Miller and Murray, of Law. 2004 of the American Bar Association. She is also 2007 Sullivan & Peterson, P.A., where she special- S.C, in Hudson, Wisconsin. The firm rep- Kirk Affeldt MAEd (also BA ’93) married the senior specialist for government affairs Tricia Niebuhr joined the New Ulm, izes in insurance defense and litigation. resents individuals and small businesses in Stephanie Arnold in Fort Myers, Florida, 2004 with Target Corporation, president-elect of Minnesota, law firm of Berens, Rodenberg personal injury, civil litigation, family law, Joshua Townsend, Sr. was admitted to the on October 17, 2008. They live in Cannon Megan Kraby and husband, Brian, wel- the MHBA, and recipient of the 25 on the & O’Connor as an associate. Prior to joining criminal law, mediation, and agricultural Idaho Bar and is an associate of Blackburn Falls, Minnesota, where Stephanie teaches comed son, Logan Nicholas, on October Rise award from the Hispanic Chamber of the firm, Tricia served as law clerk for the damage claims. Law P.C. in Meridian, Idaho. He focuses on seventh-grade math and Kirk teaches fifth 4, 2008. Logan joins sister, Lauren, 3, and Commerce of Minnesota. Honorable Terri J. Stoneburner, a judge for grade. brother, Joshua, 1. the Minnesota Court of Appeals. family law and criminal defense. Samantha Martin welcomed son, Taylen Wade Walton. See 1996. 2007 Heidi Nau became a member of the Kai Davis, on October 18, 2008. He joins Michelle Geffre Shaffner MAEd and State Bar of California in 2007 and works sister, Justice. husband, Stephen, welcomed son, Samuel at Haight Brown & Bonesteel LLP in Anthony, on June 18, 2008. He joins sister, Los Angeles.
30 Hamline Magazine Spring 2009 31 Graduate School of 2000 John Medeiros MFA published his poem, Minnesota from 1936 to 1937 and from After college, she volunteered as a Red Cross 1946 Liberal Studies Elizabeth Irwin MFA teaches creative writ- “Washington Suite,” in the online literary 1939 to 1940. He then returned to Park nurse in Italy during World War II. Mabel is Robert Grossman died September 4, 2008. ing workshops at Art St. Croix, a Stillwater, journal, Hot Metal Press. Rapids to work on his family farm, and survived by daughter, Pamela; five grandchil- Robert served in the United States Navy dur- 1984 Minnesota-based sanctuary for adults with graduated from Nichols Business College dren; and two great-grandchildren. ing World War II. He majored in economics Joy Brown Wander MALS works to save all disabilities. Elizabeth’s workshop, “Art of 2007 in 1941. James served as a SeaBee in the and served thirty-four years as an accoun- Paul Neal died August 23, 2008. Paul types of stray animals, particularly cats. “We Memoir,” signaled a call for submissions Michéle Campbell MFA published a profile Pacific Theatre during World War II. He tant for Potlach Corporation. During his majored in philosophy and was active in are here to help and give back to the envi- from interested writers and readers who on mnartists.org about David Carr’s book, then worked for the J.L. Shiely Company retirement, Robert lived in Arkansas before Alpha Tau Omega and football. He attended ronment and that every success in the animal received an opportunity to read at the fifth The Night of the Gun. as personnel-labor relations manager. He is returning to Alexandria, Minnesota. Robert the Garrett Seminary and Northwestern rescue field is worth the effort,” she wrote. edition of “In Your Words or Theirs” last survived by daughters, Lana and Laurie; two is survived by wife, Beverly; sons, Richard University, and served the United Methodist December. Kathleen Dahl MFA had her essay, “Yellow granddaughters, five great-grandsons; and and Robert; daughter, Bette; stepsons, Dan Church for more than sixty years. He is 1993 Medicine/Pejuhatazizi Kapi,” accepted for one great-great-grandson. and Michael; eight grandchildren; and five publication by the Southern Humanities survived by wife, Mary; daughters, Barbara Margaret Keyes Farrell MALS 2002 great-grandchildren. (also BA Review. 1940 Neal James ’78, Jerilyn, Kathleen, and ’69). See photo, page 26. Carrie Kennedy MFA and husband, Eric, Marilyn; sons, David and Philip Neal Frank Greenough died July 27, 2008. welcomed their second son, Kyle Davis, in Susan Montag MFA began a new teaching ’79; eight grandchildren; and three great- 1948 Frank majored in psychology and was active 1995 winter 2007. Carrie teaches creative writing position in the English department at grandchildren. Marie Bjerke died August 31, 2008. Marie in Torch and Cycle and swimming and Marguerite DeMatties MALS retired from at the Loft and works with individuals as a St. Cloud State University last fall. lived in Fridley and worked at Camden State diving. He served the United States Army in a thirty-five-year career in secondary English writing and manuscript coach. Bank for many years. She returned to her the Galapagos Islands during World War II, 1943 education. Marguerite taught in Australia, hometown of Hoffman, Minnesota, upon 2008 and later served thirty years in the pharma- Robert Peterson died July 3, 2008. Robert New York, and Minneapolis suburban 2003 retirement. She was preceded in death by her Haley Lasché MFA released her poem, ceutical industry. He and his wife lived in served four years as a pharmacist’s mate in district schools and now lives in Madison, Elizabeth di Grazia MFA published an essay parents, Benjamin and Esther Bjerke. “Blue Print,” in the Spring/Summer 2008 Detroit Lakes, Minnesota, where they owned the United States Navy during World War Wisconsin. in the anthology, Families: The Frontline of edition of Crab Creek Review. Betty II. He had a long career in the turf grass Pluralism, with Wising Up Press last June. a gift shop. He is survived by wife, Virginia Howe Duren died April 12, 2008. Hill Greenough ’41; daughter, Mary; son, industry, including patenting and market- 1996 Elizabeth had an essay featured in SLAB Rod Nelsestuen MFA was one of four win- Ginny traveled the world with her family Bruce; four grandchildren; and two great- ing varieties of fine grasses with his own during her husband’s military service and Mary Ellen Drier MALS was named Artist Literary Magazine last April, and had another ners in the 2008 Loft Mentor Series contest. grandchildren. company, RJ Peterson Enterprises, Inc, in attended the University of the Philippines. of the Month last October and November at essay featured in Adoptive Families Magazine’s He began his mentorship in the creative Oregon. He frequently traveled the United She was preceded in death by her husband, the Stillwater Art Guild Gallery. July/August 2008 issue. nonfiction category last August. Mark C. L. Hanson died September 12, States and abroad for work. He is survived Gaylord. Ginny is survived by daughters, 2008. Mark was active in Torch and Cycle by wife, Joyce; sons, Daniel, Paul, and Tarsha Semakula MFA won a scholarship to Linda, GayAnn, Pamela, and Cynthia; eight 1999 2005 and tennis. A biology major, Mark com- Thomas; ten grandchildren; and three great- attend the Summer Literary Seminar–Russia/ grandchildren; and six great-grandchildren. Lynn Praska (also BA ’92). See photo, Patreshia Tkach MFA was offered a fellow- pleted a pre-medical curriculum, pursued grandchildren. ship to teach English as a Second Language Kenya Contest for summer 2008 or winter page 27. his PhD, and later served as a physician for Priscilla Karlstad died June 9, 2008. at Pamukkale University in Denizli, Turkey. 2008. She is invited to participate in a two- Abbott Northwestern Hospital. He was pre- 1944 Priscilla attended the School of Nursing and Anna Sochocky MALS was appointed direc- week workshop in either Russia or Kenya ceded in death by wife, Barbara, and brother, Shirley Willis Bryant died August 18, 2008. retired as a nurse anesthetist. tor of communications and external relations 2006 as a part of the largest independent interna- Stanley Hanson ’50. After earning her diploma in nursing, Shirley for St. John’s College last April. She also tional writing conference. Jane Eastwood MFA was appointed as vice served the United States Army on the South Thomas Nee died July 7, 2008. Following published an article, “Not Your Father’s Maurice Manbeck died July 26, 2008. president for advancement by Scholarship Pacific island of Saipan during World War service in the Merchant Marine during Auction,” last May in The Collector’s Guide, He majored in mathematics and physics America, a nonprofit scholarship and educa- II. She later served as a registered nurse for World War II, Thomas graduated from the a magazine for art collectors. and played on the men’s football team. He tional support organization. She began her the Mississippi State Department of Health. University of Minnesota and received his was preceded in death by wife, Dorothy work in July 2008. Shirley was preceded in death by her hus- master’s degree in music from Hamline. Manbeck ’42. He is survived by daughters, band, William. She is survived by daughter, He served as a professor of music at the Carol, Natalie, and Susan. Darcy; two grandchildren; and two great- University of California-San Diego and as a grandchildren. music director and conductor on both coasts John Mogush died July 3, 2008. John until his retirement in 1992. Thomas is sur- majored in mathematics and was active in Robert Wagner died July 8, 2008. Bob vived by wife, Mary Coleman Nee ’50; sons, In Memoriam basketball and football. He was decorated attended Hamline before enlisting in the Eric and Andrew; daughter, Margaret; and for more than four years of service in the United States Navy in 1942. He was sta- three grandchildren. Army Air Corp during World War II. John College of Liberal Arts 1932 1937 tioned in Recife, Brazil. Bob worked on the worked for Cargill for thirty-eight years and Lelynn Trumbull died August 27, 2008. Margaret Comb McKeand died June 30, Hormel Guard Force for thirty-five years. served as the managing partner of MBM 1949 1931 An English major, Lelynn was editor of the 2008. Margaret majored in French and He is survived by wife, Valaria; sons, Tom, Commodities during his retirement. He William Davidson died May 12, 2008. Nettie Nelson Reimers died July 18, 2008. Piper and was active in the Oracle, Poetry served many years as a secretary for Edina- Dave, and Mike; five grandchildren; and two was preceded in death by wife, Edith Holm Before attending Hamline, William served Nettie majored in chemistry and was a Club, and Quill Club. He taught English Morningside High School. She was preceded great-grandchildren. Mogush ’41. He is survived by daughter, in the United States Army under General member of the basketball and field hockey at Hamline before World War II, during in death by her husband, William. Margaret Margo; son, Jeff; three grandchildren; three Patton during World War II. A chemistry teams. She and her husband married in 1936 which he received a Bronze Star Medal for is survived by daughters, Mary and Martha; 1945 major, he pursued his master’s degree in and opened and ran the Reimers Farm in step-grandchildren; a great-grandson; and a more than four years of service in the United sons, William and John; eight grandchildren; Mary MacDonald Larson died October 8, physical chemistry from the University of southern Minnesota for many years. She is step-great-grandson. States Army. He served as an employment and thirteen great-grandchildren. 2008. Mary was active in Philo Browning, Connecticut. William worked in research survived by husband, Walter; sons, George counselor until retirement and authored Beta Beta Beta, and Alpha Rho Delta, and chemistry, sales, and technical service for and Lyle; daughter, Ruth; six grandchildren, 1941 Then and Now, a collection of his poetry. 1938 majored in medical technology. She is sur- the Dupont Company for thirty-two years. including Jennifer Reimers ’93; and eight Mabel Mecklenburg Harris died July 14, Lelynn was preceded in death by wife, Eloise. James Perry Andrews died July 5, 2008. vived by son, Charles, and daughter, Joann. He led a Boy Scout troop for twelve years. great-grandchildren. 2008. Mabel majored in economics and later He is survived by daughter, Donna; grand- James attended Hamline before working on William is survived by wife, Lois; daughters, served many years at Travelers Insurance. children; and great-grandchildren. a government survey throughout northern Elizabeth and Hope; son, John; and six grandchildren.
32 Hamline Magazine Spring 2009 33 John Libby died September 27, 2008. John in Saint Paul, and later attended the Bible with his hiking club in Arizona. He is sur- certificate from Hamline in 1995. Susie 2006 Friends served the United States Marine Corps College Spiritual Life School before working vived by wife, Carol Askov Hoffman ’57; taught English as a second language in Cynthia Law Clark JD died April 19, 2008. Ellen Dickson died June 26, 2008. during World War II in Guadalcanal, in several ministries. Yvonne was preceded daughter, LeeAnn; sons, Brian and John; six China, Turkey, and Minneapolis, and trav- Cynthia held a bachelor’s degree in British Ellen taught graduate school at Hamline Bougainville, the Russels, and Guam before in death by her husband, John. She is sur- grandchildren; and a great-grandson. eled to more than twenty-three countries. history from California State University in University and Saint Mary’s University. She attending Hamline. He majored in econom- vived by sons, John III and Donald, and a She is survived by her brother, Eric. Long Beach, a paralegal certificate from USC received her bachelor’s degree in English ics and was active in baseball. He worked as grandson. 1964 Law School, and a TEFL certificate and a from the University of Minnesota, her general manager for the Minnesota State Fair Larry Steltzner died August 21, 2008. He 1989 law degree from Hamline University, which master’s degree in health care administra- until his retirement in 1976. He is survived 1954 majored in elementary education and music Paula Bruss Trowbridge died September she earned at age sixty. Cynthia helped tion from Texas Women’s University, and by son, Jack; daughters, Kathleen, Beth, and Robert Dirks died September 19, 2008. and was involved in A Cappella Choir and 4, 2008. She majored in English and earned establish the paralegal department at Santa her doctorate in public policy from the Sandy; eight grandchildren; and eleven great- Robert majored in business and economics Alumni Choir. Larry retired as a media spe- her master’s degree from the University of Ana College, worked for Honeywell, and University of Colorado. Ellen is survived by grandchildren. and was active in football, track and field, cialist and director of technology for Valley Minnesota. Paula taught at Coon Rapids taught English to Chinese students. She is husband, Jim; daughters, Bridget and Mary; Theta Chi, and Torch and Cycle. He also Crossing Community School in 2005. He is High School, Chisago Lakes High School, William Orton died October 18, 2007. survived by her daughter, Tobi, and three sons, Tom and Jay; and three grandchildren. served as president of the H-Club and his survived by wife, Judith Belz Steltzner ’66; and the University of Phoenix, and worked grandchildren. senior class. He earned his mortuary science and daughters, Gretchen and Heidi. as the director of special education at North Matthew Jegerlehner died August 18, 2008. 1950 degree from the University of Minnesota Branch High Schools. She home schooled Matt was pursuing his master’s degree in Thomas Gardner died July 10, 2008. He in 1955 before serving in the United States John H. Swon, III died September 2, 2008. her children for the past five years. She is business administration from Hamline’s was active in football. Thomas served in Army in Korea. Robert and his family ran John majored in economics and history and survived by her parents, Dean and Milly, Graduate School of School of Business and served as a senior the United States Army Air Corps during their own business in Crookston, Minnesota, was active in Theta Chi and men’s hockey. husband, Michael; son, Jesse; and daughters, Liberal Studies analyst for U.S. Bank in Minneapolis. He World War II and was awarded the Purple for more than thirty years. He is survived by He was honored as a university trustee in Abby and Micki. earned his BBA in accounting and finance Heart, the Air Medal, and three Clusters. wife, Darline; daughters, Julie, Laurie, and 2001. John is survived by wife, Lynn, and 1988 from the University of Wisconsin-Eau In 1950, he began a twenty-two-year career Wendy; and two grandsons. son, John H. Swon IV ’08. Dorothy Sauber MALS died August 17, Claire. He is survived by his parents, grand- with Cities Service/Gulf Oil Company in the School of Law 2008. Dorothy advocated for underprivi- parents, and wife, Katie. credit and sales departments. Thomas was 1955 1967 leged children, disabled persons, and women preceded in death by his wife, Verena. He Charles Kent Stahly died February 10, James Janecek died September 14, 2008. Stephen Ruff died August 17, 2008. throughout her life. Her drive to help others is survived by daughters, Carole, Linda, and 1991 2009. Kent coached men’s track and field He majored in biology and attended the Stephen played on the baseball and bas- led her to Guatemala and Africa. Dorothy Patti; nine grandchildren; and nine great- Brian Bates JD died June 12, 2008. Brian and cross country teams for more than thirty University of Minnesota Medical School. ketball teams at Hamline. He worked as made elaborate artistic rugs and taught wom- grandchildren. graduated from Notre Dame University years and was inducted into Hamline’s Hall James was one of the first psychiatrists to the vice president of sales for Ceridian en’s studies, African studies, creative writing, and spent his early business career in San of Fame in 1986. Under his tenure, teams serve in the Vietnam War. He later served Corporation, an international information and English at Anoka-Ramsey Community Warren Schauer died September 17, 2008. Francisco. He was active on the Mac/ attended conference championships for nine many years with veterans at the VA Medical services company. College until 2006. She is survived by moth- Warren served as a pilot in the United States Groveland Community Council, Scenic straight years and finished second in NCAA Center in Minneapolis. He advocated for er, Mary and sons, Andy and Kelsey. Air Force during World War II and the Minnesota, Scenic St. Paul, Clean Air MN, Division III national meets twice. Athletes the mentally ill and worked to provide them 1971 Korean War. He majored in psychology, DFL, and other political and environmental earned All-American honors eighty-seven with independent, neighborhood living envi- received his master’s degree in industrial Angela Wozniak died September 24, 2008. endeavors. He is survived by brother, Bob, times. As a professor of physical education, ronments through his Familystyle Homes relations from the University of Minnesota, A political activist and lobbyist, Angela and sister, Barbara. Kent received the Burton and Ruth Grimes project. He is survived by wife, Jeanette and earned a certificate in trade manage- advocated for the protection of endangered Teacher Award and Outstanding Faculty Gausman Janecek ’56; son, Jim; daughters, ment from Harvard University. He retired infants and helped pass into law the Safe 2001 Award. Kent is survived by wife, Beverly; Karen and Sarah; and four grandchildren. as the personnel director of Ramsey County Place for Newborns program. Angela was Dana Reicks JD died September 18, 2008. son, Douglas Stahly ’87; and daughter, Human Services after thirty-seven years of preceded in death by her parents and daugh- Before attending law school, Dana attended Sandra Stahly Rosbacka ’88. service. He is survived by wife, Lorraine 1959 ter, Angela. She is survived by son, Douglas; Loras College in Dubuque, Iowa. He Jokheck Schauer ’44. Carolyn Olsen Goulette died September 11, daughter, Faith; and stepchildren, Abbie and worked for the State of Minnesota under the 2008. Carolyn is survived by husband, Dave; Jeremie. Honorable Judge James Fabian and was a 1953 sons, Mark, Paul, Jamie, and Steve; and eight licensed attorney. He is survived by his par- Roberta Coffey Meredith died September grandchildren. 1973 ents, Ardwin and Edna, and wife, Karen. 12, 2008. She majored in nursing and partic- Elizabeth Kesselring Wiese died September ipated in the Women’s Athletic Association. 1960 23, 2008. She was active in Pi Gamma Mu Roberta earned her master’s degree in educa- Charles Henderson died August 1, 2008. and majored in sociology. Elizabeth earned tion from the University of St. Thomas. She He participated in basketball. Charles later her master’s degree in social work from the served many years as a nurse at the Saint served as the president and chief executive University of Minnesota. During her lifelong Paul-Ramsey Hospital before her retirement. officer of Metropolitan Center for High career as a social worker, she assisted and Roberta is survived by sons, Don and Doug; Technology and lived in Lincoln, Nebraska. advocated for children and adults with devel- daughter, Sue; nine grandchildren; and seven He is survived by wife, Janet Nagel opmental disabilities. Elizabeth retired from great-grandchildren. Henderson ’61. Osseo School District 279 in June 2008. She is survived by husband, David; daughters, Yvonne Martin Lonergan died June 29, Walter Hoffman died July 10, 2008. He Alyssa and Amy; and two granddaughters. 2008. She studied music, performed in A majored in economics and was active in Pi Cappella Choir, and received her diploma Gamma Mu. Walter served as Army Security 1980 in nursing. After college, Yvonne won a for the United States Army in Japan during Susan Gilhoi died August 13, 2008. An broadcast talent contest and accepted a con- the Korean War. He worked for the treasury English major, Susie was involved in the- tract to sing as a soloist on a radio program. department of Honeywell for more than atre and A Cappella Choir. She earned her She worked for West Publishing Company thirty years. Walter hiked over 4,000 miles Teaching English as a Foreign Language
34 Hamline Magazine Spring 2009 35
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Tulips are one of the first flowers to brighten Hamline’s grounds in the spring.