• Volume 30, issue 2 Concordia Colleo'e, 275 North Syndicate, St. Paul, N1N 55104 Octolier h, 1994 A Last Hurrah Students React to From The Heart Haitian Dilemma by Theresa Monette Solensten's background is not nearly as by Theresa Seto impressive as he is. In his classes, John We stood in awe, forming a semi-circle was dynamic and exciting. From his years When television and print media assault us around him as though we waited for a rock star, at Bowling Green, Dr. Solensten but it was not a rock star we anticipated. We were learned and practiced the art of interdis- with pictures of murdered civilians, we—even we English majors, and he was the man we couldn't ciplinary studies in the classroom. In this in peaceful Minnesota—need answers. The help admiring. Yet, he was leaving. and many other ways, he continually Sword's mission has been to simplify this compli- worked at "educating the imagination" of Thursday, September 29, in a crowded cated issue into terms that are understandable for chapel service, Concordia College honored the his students, colleagues, and himself. Dr. retiring Dr. John Solensten. The event, while Solensten did this, as he did most tasks, students. being newsworthy, can in no way be objectively with a quiet and awesome dignity, a gen- In 1991, Haitians won the right to hold a covered by this writer. John Solensten was a spe tle dignity that he will carry with him in democratic election, giving the citizens of Haiti cial educator whose presence in the classroom the next chapter of his life, as a resident the right to vote freely for their future president. and on our campus was deeply felt by those who and writer in Iowa. He tells us that since Their choice was Jean-Bertrand Aristide. Aristide knew him. his move to Iowa, in fact, he has com- The educational background of Dr. pleted another novel. won the Haitian election legitimately, but was Solensten is impressive. His degrees include: a Because of a war experience, good- exiled to the United States before he could hota BA from Gustavus Adolphus, a B.S. and M.S. from byes have always been uncomfortable for office. Mankato State University, Minnesota, and a PhD John Solensten. He dreads articles, like The Haitian military, led by Raould Cedras, this one, because he doesn't want to be from Bowling Green University in Wisconsin. His formed a coup, and took control of Haiti. Through seen as "passing on"; instead he wants service before his Concordia tenure began took the use of violence by his military police, the place at universities and colleges among the people to reflect on him as "moving on." nation's top ten. Dr. Solensten came to Concordia To make this farewell as painless as pos- Haitian military has been in control ever since in 1978 as a professor and became the head of the sible, I will just say, for my friend John, Aristide's deportation. Humanities division. "Where is the truck?!?!" Lucey As for Aristide, he has been residing in the He has published three novels (one of which United States and recently requested U.S. military is written in Turkish), and he recently released We will miss you Dr. Solensten. 9 Jason support. President Clinton agreed to help, and two new short story collections. John has collabo- -- has sent U.S. troops to Haiti to aid in the restora- by rated on a Norwegian-American anthology, for which he has won an award, and has published to tion of democracy. The U.S. military is currently ho several plays. The plays have been and continue to P be produced in local theatres. Prof. Solensten -- gives his final "good-b yes" in a This sketchy information about Dr. chapel service filled with poetry and Turks. HAITI Continued on page 2 DCE Program Celebrates 25 Years by Amy MacFee message from LeRoy Wilke, the former Coordinator of the Director of Christian 1994 marks the 25th year since the Director Education program. of Christian Education ministry began its growth After a reception at which scholarship to success. Monday morning, Sept. 26, the cele- awards were presented, a symposium discussed "Reflections—DCE Ministry: Past, Present, and bration worship service and reception kicked off this anniversary year. Future." The panel leading the discussion consist- Lucey The commemoration service, under the ed of LeRoy Wilke, Executive Director from the on direction of DCE program members, began with a Synod Board for Youth Services, and DCE presi- Jas -- Scripture reading. A selection by the choir fol- dents from the past. by lowed. The choir consisted of alumni from a five- The Director of Christian Education program to ho P state region who are currently serving in the field, Directors of Christian Education Just a few of the happy faces at one of the recent D.C.E- and CSP students. The service concluded with a • led Wednesday night Bible studies DCE Continued on page 2 INSIDE Check out the New Homecoming Preview Happy Birthday Gangelhoff Use (or Letter from the Section see A & E EScott Fitzgerald Misuse)? President see On the Lighter Side see Variety see Sports see Editorial pg. 12 pg. 4 pg. 6 pg. 8 P9- 10 Thursday October 6, 1994 News Page 2 DCE HAITI continued from page 1 continued from page 1 .s. News Release Professor Solensten gregations," explained Steve Arnold, Coordinator occupying Haiti; their mission has been to disarm "World's Largest Garage Sale" of DCE program. The students in this field are the Haitian military and to keep the coup form Announces Retirement working towards a BA. that will allow and prepare reforming. Merchandise of all shapes and sizes contin- them to be multi-generational education special- The Sword interviewed four CSP students News Release ues to fill the 76,000-square-foot warehouse that ists, teaching the faith to all ages. regarding their feelings towards Haiti. The four will host the 26th Annual American Cancer The DCE program was created at Concordia students, David Penn, Joel Pakan, Terrill Professor John Solensten began his tenure as Society's "World's Largest Garage Sale" beginning in response to a request by Missouri Synod Patterson, and Kue Vang, were quite familiar with a member of the humanities division at Concordia Saturday, October 15-19 in south Minneapolis. National ConVention in 1962. The leaders realized the events in Haiti, but opinions varied. in 1978. He holds a BA. from Gustavus Adolphus There will be a $1.00 admission charge the first the intense need for professionally-trained educa- When asked about U.S. involvement, Pakan College, a B.S. and a M.S. from Mankato State day only. tors in the church. Concordia, the first college in responded, "It is the obligation of the U.S. as a University, and a PhD. from Bowling Green All merchandise is new or nearly-new, but the Missouri Synod to implement this field of world power to help out those who need help, University. He has been a high school teacher and will be sold well below retail prices.This is possible study into the courses offered, did so in 1969. but is their cry for help justified? Do the people has taught at several colleges before coming to because all items are donated by businesses or The present DCE program is esteemed by want democracy? Only the people can bring true Concordia. individuals. many in the Missouri Synod, as it has achieved a democracy to Haiti." Penn takes a completely Solensten has published two novels--Good , The garage sale will offer early holiday shop- successful balance between theory and practice. opposite standpoint concerning this question. He Thundet (1983 AWP Winner, Fiction) and The pers a wide variety of gift ideas. The departments The current enrollment has expanded to approxi- believes "U.S. involvement is unnecessary. The Boys of War (Milliyet Yayinlari, Istanbul, 1992). He include Sporting Goods, Designer Wear, mately 65 students. Over the years, this program U.S. is not saving or protecting democracy by has also published two short story collections IL& Plumbing and Industrial Supplies, Men's, has gained respect and recognition as it has using force to reestablish Jean-Bertrand Aristide as Jieron Dancer (1984) and Mowing the Cemetery Women's and Children's Wear, Jewelry, become more professional and intentional. the leader of Haiti." Patterson claims "the military (1989). His anthology of Norwegian-American Housewares, Shoes, Toys, Arts, Antiques, Auto, Congratulations to Steve Arnold and all who make is giving a false sense of security to the people of writing, There Lies a Fair Land, was given the Twin Lawn and Garden, Office Supplies, Small the DCE program at Concordia a success. 9 Haiti." Vang contradicts this, as she supports Cities Mayors Award in 1989 for promoting ethnic Appliances and Furniture. President Clinton's decision and offers her utmost awareness in Minneapolis and St. Paul, Minnesota. The Garage Sale will take place at 2621 28th support to the military. 9 His plays have been produced at Center Stage, Avenue South, in Minneapolis.Call The Minneapolis and the Tulsa Performing Arts Connection at 922-9000 for more information. Center. All funds raised are used to further the Those at Concordia who know Solensten American Cancer Society's cancer research, edu- speak highly of him. Professor Jeff Burkart says of cation and services for patients and their families. his colleague, "We team-taught for a number of Go and show your support! 9 years. He is a creative, diverse teacher who is an engaging lecturer, an exceptional writer, and excellent partner.