Dana College Spring
Dana College Spring
Dana College Spring
Cover Story
Just right! Dr. Janet Philipp is set to lead Dana
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eminiscent of the “old soldier” farewell remarks of General Douglas MacArthur, it is now my turn to
“fade away.” Although I have never been a soldier, nor do I regard myself as old — I won’t be 66 until
July 21 — I will cease to be president of Dana College, a position I have been privileged to hold for
Graduation Fever
the past 19 years. Anne and I have thoroughly enjoyed the opportunity to serve, and are now pleased
to lend support to a new presidential couple.
Page 14
We are pleased with the Regents’ choice of a new president for Dana College. Dr. Janet Philipp comes to us with
excellent experience in higher education — both as faculty member and as administrator. She is at home in Nebraska
and Iowa, where most of our students call home. Most of her experience has been in private colleges with her most
recent four years as campus dean and chief executive officer of a public university center in Wisconsin. An added bo-
nus is her service as a dedicated Lutheran lay leader in the ELCA. Her husband, the Rev. Frank Philipp, has enjoyed
a distinguished career in the Lutheran ministry, with service in the parish as well as in hospital chaplaincy. Anne and
I are delighted they will now serve Dana. Congratulations, Janet! And best wishes to you and Frank as you embark on Departments
a new chapter in your lives of service. I urge all alumni and friends of Dana to welcome Dr. Janet and the Rev. Frank On the Hill 4
Philipp to Dana and to lend their full support as Janet prepares to lead Dana to new achievements.
Speaking of achievement, I want to salute our teacher education faculty and staff for successfully hosting a Very Brief History 18
visiting team of educators who recently completed their re-accreditation review of Dana’s education program for Athletics 20 Grappler’s Grad
NCATE (the National Council for the Accreditation of Teacher Education). You can imagine my pride when the
visiting team reported that Dana meets all six standards for accreditation. My pride swelled even more when the
Donor Profile 26 Page 22
visiting team chair from Idaho reported, “Everyone we interviewed — from school superintendents and principals, Whatever Happened to? 27
to cooperating teachers, graduates, current students, faculty, staff and more — had positive things to say about Dana Destiny’s Deep Sea 28
College and its teacher education faculty, students and program!” Such praise is not common from NCATE teams,
and I couldn’t be more proud! Congratulations, Dana College faculty and staff and all who assisted in preparing for
this visit.
Quality of programs and quality of faculty, staff and administration are two “measures” on which Dana has Dana Review The Dana Review is published three times annually for distribution to
always excelled, and I leave Dana with gratitude for the talented, hardworking people who serve here. God has richly An alumni publication of Dana College alumni and friends of Dana College and Trinity Seminary by Dana Col-
blessed us even though our resources are small. I wish I could have left Dana with an even larger endowment and lege, 2848 College Drive, Blair, NE 68008. Third-class postage paid at
greater financial stability. That is still a work in progress, one I trust all who care about and have benefited from Dana Spring 2005 Volume 61, No. 3 Blair, NE, and additional mailing offices. Postmaster: Send address
will help to remedy. changes to Dana College, 2848 College Drive, Blair, NE 68008-1099.
The tributes that have been extended to me and Anne have been more generous than we deserve. Nonetheless, Senior Editor Carrie L. (Larkins ‘94) Reed
we want to express our heartfelt thanks to all who have honored us with affirmations, cards, gifts to the scholarship Editor Sarah Cavanah Dana College upholds the dignity of all persons and admits students
established in our name, and much more. If we have failed to thank you, please forgive us and know we are grate- Cover Photography Courtesy MDP Inc. without regard to sex, age, race, color, religion or national origin to all
ful. Know this, too. Whatever has been achieved during my presidency — growth in enrollment and endowment, rights, privileges, programs and activities generally made available to
enhancement of the physical plant, expanded programs and services, recognition, and the like — all is owing to the Contributors students at the college. It does not discriminate on the basis of sex, race,
gracious and generous support of a gifted team of Regents, employees, alumni and friends. Of course, we believe the Ann (Harms ‘54) George color, sexual orientation, handicap or national origin in administration
primary thanks must go to a gracious and loving God who sent his only Son who guides and inspires our service and Jim Olsen ‘62 of its educational policies, admission policies, scholarship and loan pro-
offers life and hope now and forever. Janet Philipp grams, athletics or other school-administered programs.
Finally, I want to thank the students who have been a great source of pride and inspiration to Anne and me these Leslie Rasmussen
19 years. Seeing you grow in knowledge, ability and service, and how you contribute to the communities where you Corinne (Adams ‘66) Robinson Phone: 1-800-444-3262
live and work after Dana fills our hearts to overflowing! As president emeritus, I will not entirely “fade away.” With Julie (Thorson) Rohlfing ‘70 Published by the College Relations Office
Anne’s faithful and able assistance, we will continue to provide whatever support we can to Dr. Philipp and Dana. It Marie (Nielsen ‘44) and Art Welch ‘44 (402) 426-7216
is our prayer that we can share our personal thank you to each of you for the generous support you have given Dana
and us. www.dana.edu
N H
early 700 people came to Dana’s hill on Saturday, April ow can you say thank you for 19 years? Over the last few months, the
30, to honor outgoing President Myrvin Christopherson Christophersons have been given many gifts, including a fine,
‘61 and Director of Special Events and Projects Anne handmade memory book created by wood artist Phil Larsen
Christopherson. The day started with the annual Arbor Day ‘49 and Board of Regents Spouses member Gail Laursen
celebration, with two trees planted in honor of the event’s (right).
creators, the Christophersons. Afterward, the crowd traveled across campus The Dana student body also presented the Christophersons with a
to the Gardner-Hawks Center, a state-of-the-art athletic facility completed gift, two engraved watches. The watches’ engraving references Colos-
in 2004 through fundraising efforts led by Dr. Christopherson. There, sians 1:9-12, verses from the Apostle Paul to Timothy and the followers
representatives from the faculty, staff, donors, Board of of Christ. The verses are words of comfort and support saying, for
Regents, alumni and students explained why the example, “we have not ceased praying for you and asking that you may
couple are so important to Dana’s identity, past be filled with the knowledge of God’s will.... endure everything with
and future. Kirsten Christopherson-Clark ‘90 patience while joyfully giving thanks to the Father....”
brought tears to eyes as she thanked her parents Not to be outdone, the staff gave a few “gifts” of their own to the
for their devotion to Dana and her sisters and presidential couple. In honor of the staff ’s annual Christmas white ele-
brother. And the youngest audience member, phant exchange, each department presented the Christophersons with gifts,
the Christophersons’ granddaughter Aleide, including Myrv’s 19-year tab for his Dana plaque, visiting rights to a particular
brought smiles (below left). problem plant in the Dana-LIFE Library for Anne, and a mixed CD of Myrv’s
The Christophersons were also presented favorite pre-game songs from the Athletic Department.
with an original pencil drawing by Professor Accolades for Myrv have poured in, including two major
of Art James Olsen ‘62 (right). Drawings of the distinctions.
new Christopherson Paraments, a complete set of In April, the Great Plains Athletic Conference announced it was creating the
liturgical paraments for Trinity Chapel designed by Christopherson Academic Award. The details of the award are being finalized
Professor of Art Milt Heinrich, were also on display. by the conference, with the first award scheduled to be presented following the
The crowd was pleased to learn that through the gener- 2005-2006 academic year.
osity of Dana alumni and friends, the $1 million goal for a Myrv The award reflects Christopherson’s faithful and long-term service to
& Anne Christopherson Endowed Scholarship had been met in just a few months. student-athletes in the GPAC.
The scholarship, started with a $500,000 challenge grant by Board of Regents member “President Christopherson’s leadership and guidance of the GPAC
Jeanne Gardner, will continue to sponsor deserving students at Dana in perpetuity. has made a positive impact on where we are today,” said GPAC Commis-
sioner, Corey Westra. “Naming this award in his honor is a testament to
his years of service and we wish him well in his retirement from higher
education.”
But the distinction that seemed to most touch Myrv Christopherson
was his election by the student body as Staff Member of the Year.
“There is nothing I can say that will be as significant as what he
means to the students of Dana College,” said Student Senate President
Matt Bloomingdale ‘05 (left) in presenting the award. “Nothing can express
our deep gratitude for how his commitment and dedication has affected our
lives.
“You are the reason we are here,” Christopherson said to the students.
“You bring a lot of pride to us the way you conduct yourselves. We give thanks to
our students in the way you give joy to us.”
P
aris, Prague and provost and dean of the college. In this position, she will spirit of Dana alumni. Dana College’s Homecoming 2005 » “Danish Kringle Tasting Kontest” — A panel of distin-
Vienna — three oversee the day-to-day academic affairs of the college and share celebrates this spirit with a weekend of events and “A Story to Tell.” guished judges will taste, comment upon and select prize-
of the world’s oversight and provide support to administrators and staff in Student winning kringle.
most beautiful cities — Affairs and Athletics. Friday (Sept. 30) highlights: » “The Eight O’Clock Talk Show,” hosted by alumnus and Re-
are the destinations of Michels has served effectively as chairwoman of the Chemistry • Afternoon reception in the Cooperman Atrium, highlighting the gent Andy Andersen ’61, and produced by Nathan Krämer
a Discovery Term travel Department and as a member of key committees, including service as 1955 and 1960 men’s track teams, and marking the 10-year an- ’89, will feature a slate of alumni guests telling their stories.
course next January chairwoman of the Curriculum Committee and Co-chairwoman of niversary of the first time a Dana cross country team qualified for You will hear from such notables as the Distinguished and
led by Prof. Jim Olsen the Morton Scholars Program. She is Nationals Outstanding Young Alumni, campus leaders and other as-
’62. He invites alumni, also an active member of the Strategic • Evening Awards Dinner honoring Distinguished Alumni, Out- sorted “story tellers.”
family and friends to Planning Committee. standing Young Alumni and Athletic Hall of Fame inductees
join students on a space- Michels has taught at Dana since Sunday (Oct. 2) highlights:
available basis. the fall of 1994, and has been fulltime Saturday (Oct. 1) Highlights: • Morning Worship in Trinity Chapel with time to recognize
Olsen, associate since 1999. This year she was awarded • Aebleskiver Breakfast followed by the Choir and Chorale Re- alumni who have passed away in the last year
professor of art, says, the Willard and Leitha Richardson union • Venerable Viking Brunch and Program for 50+ reunion year
“The objective of this Professorship in the Liberal Arts. • Homecoming Tailgate Party, outside the stadium before the alumni
course is to acquaint Michels received her bachelor of game, featuring fire-grilled brats and burgers. Football kick-off at • Afternoon Dana Chorale Concert in Trinity Chapel
participants with the science degree in chemistry from the 1:30 p.m.
geographic, historic, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, and • All-Alumni Reunion caps off Saturday with a TivoliFest theme at Homecoming is the perfect gathering time for college classmates
cultural, artistic and her master’s of science and doctoral Central Court featuring: to rekindle their friendships. Now is the time to contact these friends
socio-political heritage degree in analytical chemistry from » Ten class reunions. Reunions of 1955, 1960, 1965, 1970, and say, “Let’s meet at Tivoli.”
of these places, and Prof. Olsen points out the portal sculp- Iowa State University. Before com- 1975, 1980, 1985, 1990, 1995 and 2000. Look for more details and registration materials in the Home-
to do so in a way that tures at Chartres Cathedral, one of the ing to Dana, she taught chemistry » Kappa Theta Phi and Tau Gamma Rho sororities, and coming brochure arriving soon. If you have questions about Home-
gives participants a new sights on this year’s tour. at Creighton University in Omaha, Kappa Chi Lambda and Delta Sigma Omega fraternities coming, please contact the Alumni Office, (402) 426-7235 or (800)
perspective on our own Neb., and before that, was a research chemist at Phillips Petroleum in » Social hour and dinner with delightful Danish cuisine: Frik- 444-DANA, option #4, or jrohlfin@dana.edu.
American values and outlooks.” Bartlesville, Okla. adeller, ham, roasted chicken, red cabbage, pickled herring,
Tentative dates for the 17-day or 18-day trip are Jan. 6 to She will continue to teach parttime in the Chemistry Depart-
Jan. 22 or 23, 2006. ment.
Although the total cost will depend on the number of par-
T
and admission to all scheduled historic sites such as museums. he Danish American Heritage Society (DAHS) international of history, has been chosen by the by a vote of the entire student body. Recipi-
(Total cost will be based on round-trip airfare from Omaha. conference, Danish Culture, Past and Present: The Last Two student body of Dana College as the ents must have demonstrated excellence in
Participants can also make arrangements to join the group at the Hundred Years, will take place Oct. 13–16 at the Embassy 2004–05 Professor of the Year. teaching, positive interpersonal relationships,
point of international departure, which will depend on the air Suites Hotel and Grand View College in Des Moines, Iowa. “This professor requires a lot of academic organization and classroom management, in-
carrier used.) All are welcome for this enlightening and energizing conference excellence,” said Maria Roesler ‘05 while pre- tellectual stimulation and desirable behavior
“We’ll be doing a significant amount of moderate to vig- that includes presentations, films, music, entertainment, tours, food senting the award. “He cares about students outside the classroom. Professors who have
orous walking,” Olsen says, “so prospective participants should and libations. Conference brochures are being distributed and confer- inside and outside of the classroom. And he received the award within the past five years
consider this program only if they are in good physical condi- ence and registration information is posted on the Grand View Col- is very flexible — except when it comes to the are not eligible.
tion.” lege web site: www.gvc.edu. Click on the DAHS Conference on the reading.” Brewer has been teaching at Dana
To ensure a comfortable group size, enrollment is being home page. Roesler, a Spanish major who happened since 2003. He earned his bachelor’s in
limited to 16 participants on a first-come, first-served basis. A Participants can register online or by mail using the Confer- to have four classes with Brewer this year, history and master’s in anthropology from
deposit of $200 per person can be made to the Paris, Prague ence registration brochure. For copies of the brochure, please e-mail brought all the books she was required to read Brigham Young University. He earned his
and Vienna Discovery Term account in Dana’s Business Office. DAHSConference@gvc.edu. Individuals can be added to the Confer- in Brewer’s classes this semester, to “illustrate” doctoral degree in international history
Deposits, which will reserve space on the priority list, will be re- ence mailing list by contacting DAHS Conference Registration at the his dedication to instilling knowledge. from University at Albany, State University
fundable until October 1. same e-mail address or by calling 515-263-6129. “(Dr. Brewer) will always sympathize with of New York. He previously served as a vis-
Those interested can contact Olsen by e-mail Roesler and Brewer with just some of the his students about the workload,” Roesler iting assistant professor in the department
(jolsen@dana.edu) or telephone (office, 402-426-7206; home, many books Roesler read in her history said. “‘I know it’s hard,’ he’ll say. ‘Now get of history at Rhodes College in Memphis,
402-426-2765). classes this year. working.’” Tenn.
Campus Digest
Dana Hall of Science can seem like “And, oh my goodness, it was a mess. I’m but they can’t finish the project without some
their entire world. The demanding amazed how clean we’ve got it.” financial help.
science majors require a lot of hands-on Murch-Shafer has big plans for the space. “Right now, we are calling this the Sci-
study with Dana’s great equipment. And
collaboration is the name of the game:
She envisions a new student lounge, complete
with all the current science literature, career
ence Resource Center,” Murch-Shafer says.
“But we would love to put a (donor’s) name
News about the Dana Community
everyone works as a team to prepare for the information, a study area and even a tin ceil- on it.” The Rev. Dr. Andrea Ng’weshemi, Missouri Valley History Confer- manuscript for his book, Borders
careers of the future. ing. (See the sample below.) The room needs a refrigerator for its campus pastor and assistant ence in Omaha. Dr. Stewart Brew- and Bridges: A History of U.S.-
“Some times it seems like I sleep there,” The room could be used as a seminar kitchenette, couches, tables and chairs and professor of religion, attended the er, assistant professor of history, Latin American Relations. His next
says Michelle Simon ‘07. room for upper-level a ceiling. The proposed science lecture se- ELCA Youth Ministry Conference in provided commentary on papers in project involves writing a chapter,
Students hang out in the halls, classrooms, students, a potential ries also needs some funding to get it off the Anaheim, Calif., Feb. 5–7. the panel “The Political Economy based on archival research in
faculty offices and the newly updated multi- multimedia space and ground. But bringing speakers to campus is of Colonial and Modern Mexico.” Spain and Guatemala, for a forth-
media area — basically anywhere they can. — if things go really something the faculty feel the college “des- Dr. Sybille Bartels, associate dean Dr. Iain Anderson, assistant pro- coming publication by the Univer-
Every inch of the facility is being used. well — a place to perately needs,” says Murch-Shafer. for student success, professor fessor of history, chaired a session sity of Florida Press on the Ch’orti’
Except for maybe one. A downstairs hold receptions The students and faculty hope to have of German and director of Inter- on “Progressive Era Reform.” Maya of early colonial Guatemala
room housed pipes, shelves and loads of out- following a the room’s first stage completed by the national Studies and the English between 1524 and 1825.
dated junk. But thanks to work from the Sci- science start of the fall semester. They are Language Institute, took part in Prof. Jan Potter, professor of
ence Club — one of Dana’s most dynamic seminar hoping everyone who has felt touched the selection of American gradu- social work and sociology, and Dr. Iain Anderson is in the process
groups — and science faculty, that underused series. by science at Dana can chip in. ate students under the Institute of Louise Latimer, a member of the of completing a book manuscript
space is getting a new lease on life. The To donate, please contact Mike Jones International Education-sponsored Dana College Social Work Advi- for the University of Pennsylvania
“It was a storeroom,” says Dr. Karen science stu- ‘71 in Dana Institutional Advancement at programs for the U.S. Student sory Board, presented the keynote Press entitled This Is Our Music:
Murch-Shafer, assistant professor of biol- dents have put a (402) 426-7233 or mjones@dana.edu. Fulbright Program. As a member of address at the Sixth Annual Social Free Jazz, Cultural Hierarchy, and
the National Screening Committee, Work Program Institute at Mis- the Sixties. His monograph draws
Bartels had a major role in assur- souri Western State College in St. upon oral history, the mainstream
Timely Topic at Staley Lectures ing that the finest candidates are
represented in the program next
Joseph, Mo., on March 25. Their
topic, “A New Look at Cultural
and trade press, diaries, letters,
and other archival documents, and
“C
hristians and Muslims Talking Together: Towards tian-Muslim Relations from the year. Competence: What Really Mat- recorded music sources. His book
Understanding Global Islam” was the topic of Dana University of Birmingham, Eng- ters to Our Clients,” was based will appear in the series The Arts
College’s annual Staley Distinguished Christian Scholar land. He served in Egypt under the Dr. Claire Bushong, assistant on Potter’s research with diverse and Intellectual Life in Modern
Series, April 21 and 22. The series was presented by the Dana College ELCA’s Division for Global Mission professor of music, presented a client groups. Potter presented her America, edited by Casey Nelson
Religion Department and Dana College Campus Ministry. for 24 years. He lives in Chicago, program for the Omaha Chapter of research and mediated a response Blake of Columbia University.
The series’ featured speaker was Dr. Michael Shelley, an expert in where he is interim director of the the American Guild of Organists on panel discussion, “Being Culturally
Islam and Christian-Muslim relations and an ordained pastor of the Doctor of Ministry Program and music by African-American com- Competent: Diverse Social Work- Dr. Iain Anderson served as a
Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA). Shelley brought visiting professor of world religions posers in February. ers, Diverse Settings, Diverse Cli- judge for National History Day:
his experience of 24 years of service in Egypt to this very important at the Lutheran School of Theology ents,” for the Annual Conference Nebraska, held at Nebraska
and topical discussion. at Chicago. Dr. Peggy Holloway, visiting assis- of the National Association of So- Wesleyan University in Lincoln on
The Rev. Dr. Andrea Ng’weshemi, assistant professor of religion The Staley Distinguished tant professor of music, presented cial Workers – Nebraska Chapter April 15. The theme for this year’s
and Dana’s campus pastor, said the topic of communication between Christian Scholar Series is a project a paper entitled “From My Grand- on April 1. contest was Communication in
Christians and Muslims was inspired by on-going global events. of the Thomas F. Staley Foundation mother’s Piano Bench” on March History: The Key to Understanding.
“(The rising population of Muslims across the globe) raises a num- of New York. This lectureship was 13 at the Great Plains Chapter of During 2004 and 2005, Dr. Stewart Anderson judged the Senior Group
ber of questions,” Ngweshemi said. “One may wonder, why is Islam established in the fall of 1969 by the College Music Society Annual Brewer served as a member of Exhibit category.
growing at such pace both globally and locally? In what ways does the Mr. and Mrs. Thomas F. Staley of Dr. Michael Shelley Conference at William Jewell Col- the Editorial Review Board for the
American form of Islam relate to or differ from Islam in the rest of the Rye, New York, in memory of their lege in Liberty, Mo. The topic of Fourth Edition of World Civiliza- Dr. Claire Bushong was installed
world? What does such expansion of Islam mean to Christianity, and parents, Dr. and Mrs. Thomas F. Staley and Judge and Mrs. H.H. the paper concerned women in tions by Philip Adler and Randall May 9 as Dean of the Omaha
how does Christianity respond to this situation? Are there any ideas or Haynes. The Thomas F. Staley Foundation is firmly persuaded that the Great Plains who wrote and Pouwels, published by Thomson Chapter of the American Guild
practices that can bring Muslims and Christians together for the com- the message of the Christian gospel, when proclaimed in its histori- published popular songs in the Wadsworth Publishers and sched- of Organists. Two of Bushong’s
mon good? These are some of the issues which Dr. Shelley addressed.” cal fullness, is always contemporary, relevant and meaningful to any early 20th century. Holloway is the uled for release in 2006. For this private students were awarded
Shelley earned his bachelor’s degree from the University of generation. To this end, the foundation seeks to bring to the college treasurer for the chapter and also edition, Brewer helped write a scholarships by the chapter for
Toledo, his master’s of divinity from Trinity Lutheran Seminary, his and university campuses of America distinguished scholars/artists served as registrar for the event. new chapter on Genghis Khan and further organ study.
master’s of theology in mission and ecumenism from the Lutheran who truly believe and can clearly communicate the Christian gospel the rise of the Mongol World Em-
School of Theology at Chicago and his doctorate in Islam and Chris- to students. On March 4, the Dana College pire during the 13th century. This
History faculty participated in the summer, Brewer will complete the
L
Fit
Dr. Janet Philipp takes the helm at Dana
aura Philipp was introduced to higher
education early — very early. While
safely tucked in her grandmother’s arms
“The words ‘Dana College’ exemplify cultural heritage — in this
case Danish — and rootedness in the Church. Because those are im-
portant traditions to me, (being named president) was like receiving a
highly valued gift,” Philipp said.
Philipp didn’t start out wanting to be the president of an ELCA
liberal arts college of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America,
but she has always wanted to serve. In 1969, she earned a diploma
from the Capital City School of Nursing and kept enhancing herself
to be of better service to the world ever since. In 1978, she earned a
bachelor’s degree in psychology from the University of Dubuque, fol-
lowed the next year by a bachelor’s of science in nursing. She continued
her higher education, commuting many miles, to earn a master’s from
Creighton University in family and community health nursing, and a
doctorate in higher education administration from the University of
South Dakota in 1994.
Somewhere along the way, Philipp’s dream became being involved
with a private, liberal arts college, ideally affiliated with the ELCA. Get-
ting the presidency at Dana, she says, was like “being handed a dream
on a silver platter.”
You only have to look at Philipp’s previous position as liberal arts
dean and campus executive officer (roughly equivalent to president) at
at just 1 week of age, Laura waited outside in the the University of Wisconsin-Rock County to see why Philipp and Dana
are a perfect match.
hall where her mother, Janet Philipp, was taking a “She took charge of the campus,” says Jennifer Hanson, a Rock
County alumna who served on student government. “She came in and
final exam for a graduate class. headed up so many things. She got plans for a brand-new library for us.
She did so much fundraising. She got us a new mascot. She had a music
It’s a cute little story, and it says a lot about faculty member write a new fight song. She was a strong advocate for
the school in the community and was involved in everything.”
Dana College’s next president, Dr. Janet Philipp. Under Philipp, Rock County experienced an explosion in student
organizations and campus participation, extraordinary considering it
She cares deeply about education, earning five is mainly a commuter school. And behind it all, according to Hanson, The First Family of Dana: Dr. Janet Philipp (seated) and husband, the Rev.
was Philipp. Frank Philipp with, from left, daughter-in-law-to-be Erin, son Michael, and
diplomas, including two after she started her fam- “She didn’t have to do everything she did,” Hanson says. “We called daughter Laura. Below, Philipp poses with her mother, Dorothy.
her up to tell her that we were having a protest about a hike in tuition,
ily. She cares deeply about her family and others, just as a courtesy. She answered, ‘Great!’ We did laps around campus to
illustrate the added burden of the costs, and she even did a lap.”
valuing tradition, faith and service as the highest When a student music organization called Club LIME needed a
“superhero” for a themed Relay for Life fundraiser, Philipp stayed up
virtues. And she is unstoppable. Ask anyone who’s late with the students to help them raise money for cancer research.
“Dana is very, very lucky,” Hanson says. “I feel so bad for the stu-
known her — and we asked quite a few — and dents at Rock County who won’t get to work with Dr. Philipp.”
Students aren’t the only ones who will miss Philipp. Dr. Kim
the words that come out of their mouths include, Kostka, professor of chemistry at Rock County, says Philipp has a real
talent for bringing people together and getting them moving in the right
“determined,” “energetic,” “strength,” “commit- direction.
Kostka, who has been at Rock County for 12 years, remembers the
ment” and “compassion.” excitement that followed Philipp to the school five years ago. The new
dean organized everyone together and established a strategic planning
Now Philipp is headed for Blair to a job she exercise. The list the faculty devised as part of that exercise is still being
used to further the school.
has dreamed about for several years.
10 Dana Review • Spring 2005 www.dana.edu/review 11
More than that, Kostka says, Philipp respects faculty enough “This is important,” Philipp says. “We need an adequate endow-
to let them be the most effective teachers they can be. For instance, ment to support incoming students with the scholarships they need to
Kostka centers her teaching approach using non-traditional meth- succeed.”
ods to get students engaged. In her opinion, it’s the best way to en- Success seems to surround Philipp. Everyone we asked about her
sure students learn the material, but it’s often hard for students who expressed how inspiring she was as a person. Duane Larson, president
excel at the traditional textbook-and-test methods. of Wartburg Seminary, says Dana will “see a quiet, steady, firm passion
One of Kostka’s students complained to Philipp about what for the institution.” Former student Guillermo Cuautle says, “You can
the student believed to be “useless work.” After Philipp investigated just hear the wisdom coming from her responses.” Dr. Tom Kluber-
what was going on in Kostka’s classroom, she congratulated the pro- tanz, associate dean at Rock County, says, “I have appreciated her level
fessor on her unusual methods and use of campus materials. of integrity, humanity and ability to build effective communities of
“I asked her what she told the student,” Kostka says. “She an- colleagues. I have been impressed by her dedicated support of the fine
swered, ‘I told her that this is college and it’s supposed to be hard. arts, sciences and athletics on our campus.”
This isn’t grade 13.’ ” Perhaps the greatest testament to Philipp’s suitability as Dana’s
Kostka says Philipp also earned the respect of faculty by spear- president, though, lies closer to home. She has been married for 30
heading several academic activities that are considered traditional years to the Rev. Frank Philipp, an ELCA pastor and Board Certified
at many campuses today. They include the increased encourage- Chaplain. They raised their two children, Laura and Michael, mainly
ment of extracurricular activities, campus-wide book readings with in parsonages in small Midwestern towns. They built their lives around
a specific theme for each year and building a real community among service for others and education. Now both Philipp children are pursu-
faculty members. (Of course, these ideas may be traditional else- ing doctoral degrees in areas where they may touch many lives, but will
where, but anyone familiar with Dana will recognize all three.) probably never touch much in the way of money. Michael is working
Philipp inspires such accolades through her outlook on higher on a specialty in neuroscience at George State University and hopes to
education administration. To her, it’s not about earning fame or de- follow in his mother’s footsteps as a college professor. Laura is working
votion through a “cult of personality,” but about making sure others on a doctorate in clinical psychology at the University of Houston.
reach their own potentials. Ironically, the girl who says, “As a kid, I always thought I never wanted
“I work at an institution to build capacity,” Philipp says. “I help to be like my parents,” is now almost a complete blend of them. She
others understand their talents and gifts, and to work together as a hopes to work in a hospital with cancer patients when she is through.
team for the betterment of the organization.” It’s what Philipp says she hopes for all her students — that they find
Philipp balances the aspects of leadership. She is devoted to their calling through the gift of a private, church-based education. And
gathering information and opinions of others, but, in the end, she as she begins what is likely to be a productive tenure as the leader of
is decisive. Dana College, students are her main directives.
“I have a can-do attitude,” she says. “I believe in looking for “Students are the reason we exist,” she says. “I like to keep my
what we can do and not focusing on what can’t be done.” finger on the pulse of student concerns and student joys. If I’m not
Philipp “exudes confidence,” says Dr. Brad Stewart. Stewart interested in them, then I’m in the wrong job.”
Expanding horizons: Philipp has always tried to open her students to other was Philipp’s colleague, holding the equivalent position at Univer- Obviously, Dana College is the right place for Dr. Janet Philipp, Welcoming smiles: Philipp and husband, Frank, say they will strive to
cultures and ways of life. She regularly took student groups to the Hopi Reserva- sity of Wisconsin-Waukasha, and is now vice president and provost and Dr. Janet Philipp is the right person for Dana College. brighten Dana’s future.
tion in Arizona (top, with Bertha Kinate). The Philipps’ have also gone on their at Montgomery College Takoma Park Campus in Maryland.
share of choir tours. Above, they pose with the Morningside College Choir in Stewart expressed how fortunate he felt Dana was to get Philipp,
Pamploma,Spain, during the summer 2000 tour. saying he wished Maryland and Nebraska were closer.
“She was adept at getting (community members) on board as
members of the college team,” he says. “I’ll bet my last dollar she’ll be able to do the same thing in Blair.”
Philipp says her primary goal at Dana is to improve the school’s future, while maintaining the quality aca-
demics and rich, deep traditions of the college. Her plan is to gather as much information as she can from all
of the Dana community and move forward on the three largest challenges she sees for Dana.
The first is to grow the enrollment to the capacity of the campus. With a record class of freshmen in 2004
and numbers that look very promising for 2005, Dana is on the right track, she says.
The second challenge is to attain financial stability. Dana, like many small colleges, continues to struggle
with escalating costs and demands for increased compensation for its faculty and staff, as well as facility im-
provements for its students. Although the college has experienced a few years of deficit spending, it is projected
that the recently completed fiscal year ending May 31, 2005, will be balanced with a modest surplus. Philipp
is devoted to ending deficit spending and continuing a trend of budget surpluses.
“We’ll achieve this through enrollment primarily,” she says. “But we’ll also identify new revenue sources
and work on increased fundraising.”
The final challenge has been with Dana from nearly the beginning. The college continues to exist with a The Wartburg Connections: Philipp has deep roots in the Church. She served a 1-year training appointment under Wartburg College President Dr. Bob Voger
small endowment, which, although it grew extraordinarily under the leadership of President Myrvin Christo- (left). She also served on the board at Wartburg Theological Seminary, seen at right with fellow board members, from left, Dan Busse ‘68, the Rev. Casey
pherson ’61, is still uncomfortably low. Zestch, President Duane Larson and the Rev. David Anderson.
Beginning
Her sermon ranged from the philosopher/radio host Chris on Magna Cum Laude
the television show Northern Exposure’s musing on a trip to Africa
to Jesus’ journey from the Last Supper to the garden where he was Matthew Allen
betrayed by Judas. Everyone changes during their own journeys, es-
pecially during college, she said, but God is always there, helping to Zach Braun
guide the traveler on his or her path.
In the final blessing, this message was brought home, when Gerk- Ryan Bruce
ing said, “We praise and thank you, God of the journey, for these
students who will soon depart Dana. We entrust them into your loving Christina Campbell
care, knowing that you are always the Faithful Traveler and Com-
panion on our way. Shelter each one and protect them from all harm Jennifer Eccles
and all useless anxiety. May their futures be a source of enriching and
transforming moments lived within your grace.” Tina Hackett
O
Room in the E.C. Hunt Campus Center for graduates and their Karie Lenzen
families. After turkey, beef and make-your-own-cheesecake-sundaes,
the recognition program kicked off with a gift presentation to depart- Andrew Miller
n May 20, Dana added 113 names to its list of alumni. ing Dean of Students Chris Jebsen. Provost and Dean of the College
Brian Viets gave Jebsen a “very rare” autographed portrait of Martin Ashley Sorensen
They were from as near as Blair and as far away as Luther, complete with a personal congratulations from the founder of
the Protestant Revolution on Jebsen’s excellent work at Dana. Jami White
Alaska, but they can now always consider Dana as The lighthearted tone continued with senior class speakers Matt
Bloomingdale ’05 and Ashley Sorensen ’05, both of whom joked about Nathan Wittstruck
home. During their time at Dana, they saw the Gard- standing in line for the midnight opening of “Star Wars: Revenge of the
Sith” the night before with several high-ranking administrators at Dana.
ner-Hawks Center rise from a parking lot to a state- Then it was time to give out Dana’s graduate awards and time Cum Laude
for the tears. The first recipient, Melissa Respeliers ’05, started to tear
of-the-art facility. They were some of the first to take advantage of five up when she realized she was receiving the “Spirit of Dana” Award. Janelle Barclay
Respeliers had been a leader in the classroom and on the soccer field
new academic majors. And like all Dana classes, they were active in the for Dana, and was nominated for the honor for her persistent encour- Lisa Glissman
agement of everyone around her.
classroom, on the field and in the community. From top: Theresa Garrison carries Brian Martin ’05 was the second “Spirit of Dana” Award winner. Sara Gutzwiller
in the cross at Baccalaureate; Rev. Martin barely survived a terrible car accident his freshman year, but
Graduation Weekend was a celebration of these outstanding students Kathryn Gerking ‘82 addresses the returned to Dana and the wrestling team, despite lasting physical and Dustyn Keepers
graduates; Dean of Students Chris vocal damage. Even with these additional challenges, Martin contin-
and their academic and social achievements. Even if the schedule of Jebsen unwraps a very special ued to achieve in the classroom and even managed to wrestle during Aaron McGoldrick
present; Graduate Recognition his senior year. Beyond that, Martin was known around campus for his
events was similar to other years’, the people in the ceremonies made award winners, from left, Respe- upbeat attitude and willingness to help out with nearly anything. Isaac Piper
liers, Reddish, Hancock, Garrison, Two seniors were recipients of the Dana College Award for Excel-
this another unique celebration for Dana. Sorensen, Bloomingdale, Schjodt lence in Service, given to those who exemplify Dana’s “students in action” Vanessa Piper
and Martin. mentality. Ashley Sorensen ’05 was singled out for not only being involved,
Neighbors
arts and also the go-to guy for sound system jor, encouraged her class to continue striving for
setup for college events. the best they can achieve, while spreading God’s
The Dana College Community word throughout the world.
Enrichment Award was given to Becky After these great speeches, Christopherson
Hancock ’05, a social work major from bestowed the 2005 College-Community Service Neves given Hanson Servant Award
Fremont, Neb. Becky earned this award for Award on Roger Howland ’64, who said he was
D
her commitment to providing Dana with proof that you don’t have to be valedictorian to suc- ana College presented Muriel and
cultural events and programs to broaden ceed in life. As owner-manager of Country Tire, a Lloyd Neve D ‘45 T ‘47 with the Clif-
New graduate Jenny Eccles ‘05 embraces her uncle. students’ views of the world. chain of stores in Nebraska, Howland has been a ford T. and D. Florence Hanson Ser-
The Dana College Award for Service in community leader in Blair since his graduation at vant Award during the annual Dana College
Graduates Religious Life went to two special women, Dana, earning many different awards and appoint- Builders Luncheon, Friday, May 20.
Brian Abrahams Eric Jones Theresa Garrison and Amanda Reddish ments to civic boards and organizations.
Brooke Allerdings Janine Jones ’05. Garrison, who testified at Baccalau- “Dana provided me with many things,” How- “Lloyd and Muriel Neve put their Christian
Adriann Ames Jo Ellen Kanne reate, was recognized for involvement in land said in accepting the award. “But the people I faith into action — day in and day out,” said Muriel Neve also addressed the audience,
Luke Andrews Jennifer Knowles Campus Ministry, and especially her devo- met here continue to be the best in my live. It’s the Dr. Myrvin Christopherson ‘61, president. telling of her work at N Street Village, a
Robert Andrews Jennifer Kolman tion to chapel services. Reddish was a leader relationships built here that have made the differ- “They exemplify love of neighbor in a way women’s shelter about a mile north of the
Kiley Bair Paul Langenegger outside of the chapel, inspiring members ence in my life.” that few do.” White House in Washington, D.C. At the
Erin Bansen Ian Latella of the women’s soccer team and others It was then time to present the Class of 2005, shelter, Muriel mans the craft/needlework
Sharae Bishop Kristin Leitow through leading Bible study and serving as or so everyone thought. Instead, Alumni Council Lloyd and Muriel Neve have spread their room, providing work therapy for the women,
Matthew Bloomingdale Mark Listenberger president of Campus Crusade for Christ. President Tim Marsden ’97 was called to the stage. faith and mission across the globe for more the majority of whom are mentally ill.
Tommy Bond Brian Martin Finally, the Dana College Award for Once there, he reflected on how fondly alumni than 60 years. The son of a South Dakota
Leister Bowling Alfonso Martinez Excellence in Leadership was awarded to look back on their time at Dana College and how pastor, Lloyd came to Dana in 1941, eventu- “Every day is a challenge,” she said. “I usu-
Matthew Bryan Eric Meurer Matt Bloomingdale, who served as presi- important the “little touches” were to the events ally becoming student body president. He ally can be nice to everyone — with a little
Rebecca Bryant Victoria Mumm dent of the Student Senate for the last year. that stuck out in his mind. attended Trinity Seminary and Augustana help from above — but when I don’t suc-
Christopher Carder Shannon Murphy As one nominator put it, “Matt is a natu- “Maybe you started to notice the tablecloths Seminary in Rock Island, Ill. While serving ceed, they tell me so, often with profanity.”
Zane Christensen Derek Nelson ral-born leader.” He continued Senate’s that were a little nicer, that Sights & Sounds was as a missionary in Japan, Lloyd met Muriel
Dustin Clark Robert Peacock goal of making more of a difference in a little better each year,” he said. “Every special Hayward, a Californian who was teaching at Christopherson praised the Neves for their
Justin Connors Anthony Perry students’ lives through initiatives on park- event at Dana seemed a little classier because of a mission school in Fukuoka. Together, they commitment to such difficult work.
Lance Conroy Adam Peterson ing, retention and technology. Anne Christopherson’s touch.” have led a life of ministry ever since.
Chad Cooke Richelle Pinkerton These winners exemplify the best of Marsden’s surprise announcement was that “For many, ‘neighbor’ is the person next door
Steven Costello Mandy Pippitt Dana College and what the institution hopes Dana was bestowing the title of Honorary Alumna The Neves have served in Kurume, Japan; so long as that person is easy to like,” he
Jeffrey Davis Amanda Reddish for all of its students — that they find their to Anne Christopherson, director of special events the Japan Lutheran Theological Seminary in said. “For Lloyd and Muriel, their definition
Kevin DeLaVina Melissa Respeliers passion and make a difference in the world. and projects. For years, Anne Christopherson had Tokyo; Obihiro, Japan; the Japan Christian of ‘neighbor’ includes those who are differ-
Damien Dempsay John Roan been an unrelenting force in improving the look Women’s University in Tokyo; Lae, Papua New ent, difficult and maybe even undesirable. It
Honour Dugan Julie Roan Commencement and feel of Dana’s special events. Her devotion to Guinea and Mapumulo, South Africa. In all, 40 especially includes the poor, the hungry and
Stephanie Esser Brooke Rohner Even with a stiff wind, Saturday, May details raised the bar on Dana’s events. But in her years of missionary work. In 1988, they retired the outcast. They have been wonderful sup-
Braxton Fecht Kraig Schjodt 21, was a gorgeous day to celebrate the characteristic modest style, Christopherson merely to Blair, just 10 yards from the residence hall porters of Dana who show us how to live like
Christopher Finke Katie Schneekloth 113 members of the Dana College Class walked to the stage, hugged Marsden tightly and where Lloyd lived four decades before. the servant Christ.”
Shannon Ford-Jefferson Brett Scholting of 2005. Hundreds of friends and family returned to her seat, without extending her time in
Theresa Garrison Willie Shelton gathered in the Gardner-Hawks Center the spotlight for even a second more. Since retiring, the Neves have volunteered The Hanson Servant Award was presented
Peter Geldes Robert Smith to watch as the faculty and graduates Finally, the moment 113 students had been for Bread for the World, N Street Village, in to the Neves during the Dana College Build-
Michelle Glanz Julie Stange streamed in at 10:30 that morning. working for all their lives was here. To cheers, ap- Sao Paulo, Brazil, and, of course, as active ers Luncheon, an annual celebration for
Eric Grant-Leanna Brad Streeter For outgoing President Myrvin Christo- plause and even an air horn, the Dana Class of members of the Dana community. donors who have included Dana College
Jessica Hall Jonathan Stuehm pherson ’61, the ceremony was bittersweet. 2005 walked across the stage and accepted their in their estate plans. The award is named
Becky Hancock Joseph Sweeney “Two thousand five is also my graduat- diplomas. Their fields of study ranged from Ac- Lloyd Neve humbly thanked the college for for Dr. Clifford T. and D. Florence Hanson,
Darrell Harvey Nicole Tenski ing year,” he told the audience. “It marks From top: Dr. Myrvin Christopherson counting to Social Work, but they all benefited the award, and credited his wife and fellow who, during their lifetimes, were inspired
Kyle Hatch Ryan Tonkin my transition to a F.I.P. — formerly impor- ‘61 “graduated” as well; valedic- from the skills and philosophy Dana imparts on Dana alumnus the Rev. Art Simon ‘52 with by their Christian faith to give generously of
James Heimann Gregory Towne tant person — and a grandfather.” torians Elizabeth Pearson, left, and its students: An ethos of lifelong learning and a teaching him to be a servant. themselves in service to their church, com-
Brian Hershberger Brian Tsutsumi Next on the program were two other Ginger Krueger; Christopherson broad outlook on life that not only improved their munity, country and Dana College. Clifford
Stacy Hubbard Lisa Vrana outstanding graduates, Ginger Krueger ’05 with Community Service Award chances of succeeding in the workplace but of be- “One must work with, and for, the poor on Hanson was a professor of philosophy and
Shane Jackman Philip Wail and Elizabeth Pearson ’05. The co-valedic- winner Roger Howland ‘64 and his ing a success at life. their level to help them get enough food for religion at Dana and the first to be named
Molly Jackson Bryan Watson torians both earned perfect 4.0 grade point wife, Linda (Anderson ‘65) Howland; All of the Dana community congratulates their families, jobs to support themselves vice president of academic affairs. Florence
Bryant Johnson Timothy Weiss averages for their entire course of study at Anne Christopherson retunring these men and women on their achievements. And and adequate housing, which would make Hanson was an associate in ministry at First
Christopher A. Johnson Brian Welte Dana. to her seat after being named an we ask that they represent their alma mater well, family life possible,” he said. Lutheran Church in Blair for several years.
Christopher J. Johnson Christopher Zachgo honorary alumna. and come back to see us often.
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ntil recently, scaffolding faculty offices as well as administrative, eight other Lutheran synods; that same year Trin-
covered much of Pioneer classrooms, a conference room, the chapel ity merged with Wartburg Seminary.) By the
Memorial as workers and the post office. mid 1960s the library had outgrown its shelf
made repairs after the In A Place Called Dana Petersen writes space of 50,000 books, and in 1969 there was
severe hailstorm struck that UELC president Dr. N.C. Carlsen had another book brigade to a new library. The
Blair a year ago in May, the evening after suggested years before that a future building library space then became Parnassus, the
Commencement. To the casual observer, the might be named “Pioneer Memorial,” and center of the college’s Humanities Program;
most obvious repairs are a new tile roof and that was the name eventually agreed upon more recently it’s become the Community
new copper gutters and downspouts. after the dedication. Subsequently, at the Training Computer Laboratory. Today Pio-
“Our goal was to preserve the look of synod’s 1949 convention a plaque was placed neer Memorial houses mostly administrative
the original construction,” Bob Schmoll ’83, at the east entrance naming the building “Pi- offices, although classes still meet in the large
vice president of business affairs, said in dis- oneer Memorial” in memory of Trinity and rooms at the northeast corner of the second
cussing the work. Dana pioneers “A.M. Andersen, Kr. Anker, and third floors.
As a result, the 57-year-old building that C.X. Hansen, P.S. Vig, G. B. Christiansen Old Main, built in 1886, was destroyed
everyone calls “PM” must closely resemble and many other faithful men and women who by fire in 1988, and Alumni Memorial Au-
what it looked like to the 2,000 who attended contributed to the development and influence ditorium, built in 1928, was demolished in
its dedication, an outdoor ceremony, on Oct. of Dana College and Trinity Seminary.” 1982 because of structural problems. Both
31, 1948, a Sunday afternoon on a Home- Students who learned construction basics by Although the exterior of Pioneer have been replaced — Old Main by the Mar-
coming weekend. working on Pioneer Memorial included future Memorial remains essentially the same, gre Henningson Durham Center and Trinity
Among those present, in addition to Dana Regent Paul Laursen ’51 (back) and Virgil interior spaces and the way they’re used Chapel, and Alumni Memorial Auditorium
students, faculty and staff, alumni, friends Drive was launched by the supporting church to other locations on College Drive. (These Hansen ’51. have changed over the years to meet new by the Madsen Fine Arts Center. With the ex-
and local residents, were representatives of body. Included was a Dana Building Fund of were Bondo Memorial, the home of the situations and needs: In 1956 the area used ception of Argo and Elk Horn Halls, Pioneer
the United Evangelical Lutheran Church $105,000 to cover the increase in construc- president and his family, and the Bertelsen To the sounds of le Jazz hot blaring over the by Trinity Seminary became available for Memorial is the oldest building on campus. It
(UELC), the Danish Lutheran synod that tion costs. Residents and businessmen of home. Both still stand.) public-address system, the ‘book brigade’ college classes when the seminary moved to continues to be an adaptable and key campus
founded and supported Trinity Seminary Blair have also contributed to the building A month later, on Oct. 26, 1947, the commanded by Librarian Aagot Hoidahl and the Dubuque, Iowa, campus of Wartburg building, and Schmoll anticipates that it will
and the college, institutions that shared cam- funds. The total cost of the structure is about cornerstone was laid at the southeast corner her assistant, Sena P. Bertelsen, spent most of Seminary. (The move was in anticipation of be for many years to come — the new tile
pus facilities. $255,000.” during a Homecoming ceremony attended a Saturday transferring nearly 10,000 volumes the 1960 merger of the UELC with several roof, he says, has a 75-year warranty.
The size of the crowd at the dedication The new building was definitely needed. by 500. Dr. Richard E. Morton, president from their cramped quarters in Old Main to
was evidence of the jubilation felt over the When enrollment increased after World War of Dana and Trinity — and an alumnus of the spacious and fireproof new facility.”
first new campus building in 20 years. II, partly because of the G.I. Bill, the de- both — wrote in the Nov. 8 Hermes, “This A Hermes staff writer, reporting on
Furthermore, it was a handsome build- mands on Old Main — which housed college cornerstone laying is the beginning of a new the dedication in the Nov. 12, 1948, issue,
ing that reflected the ties the college and and seminary classrooms, faculty and admin- era for Dana College and Trinity Seminary. observed that “The library is apparently
seminary had to Denmark. The dedication istrative offices, laboratories, the chapel, the It will cost much to reach our objective, but the major source of interest and pleasure
program described the structure, designed library, the bookstore and canteen — became the cause warrants it.” to students as far as the new Administra-
by architect William Ingemann of St. Paul, too much. Dr. Verlan Hanson ‘51 of Blair recalls tion-Library building is concerned.” Look-
Minn., as “an adaptation of contemporary A brochure prepared for the drive out- that students followed progress on the build- ing back, Elaine (Madison ‘51) Brostrom of
Scandinavian architecture, accentuated by lined the need for a new building. It noted ing with “a lot of excitement, often crossing St. Peter, Minn., who was a student library
such features as the tower, the irregularity of that, among other problems, “We continue the street to watch construction” and that aide, agrees. She writes, “I remember the
line, and the brick frieze of the administra- to use crowded library facilities in an ill-ven- some students worked alongside crew mem- luxury of space in the new library — space
tion section.” tilated series of rooms. Even with crowding, bers of the Korshoj Construction Company. for studying, of course, but also space in the
The dedication program also summa- however, we have space for only 50 students The Hermes continued to carry updates. work areas directed by Aagot Hoidahl.”
rized the history of the fund-raising drive in the one and only reading room.” To show The Oct. 1, 1948, issue announced that the At first the new structure was simply
that made the building possible: “In 1941 their support, students pledged $4,000 to the completed building would be dedicated on referred to as the “Administration-Library
the United Evangelical Lutheran Church campaign. Oct. 31, a year after the cornerstone laying, Building,” and those words are cut into the
launched the Jubilee Drive, $150,000 of After much debate over the building site, “on the steps of the tower entrance.” limestone lintels above the two front en-
which was designated for the new Admin- one was selected on the north side of College But before the dedication, the library trances, “Administration” over the east door
istration-Library Building at Dana College Drive, and work began. had to be moved. Dr. Peter L. Petersen ‘62 and “Library” over the west. But the building
and Trinity Seminary. The war years pre- The Sept. 26, 1947, issue of the Hermes, writes in A Place Called Dana: The Centen- housed more than the administration and
vented erection of the building. One year the student newspaper, reported that excava- nial History of Trinity Seminary and Dana College, library. It also housed Trinity Seminary at
ago the Church and School Development tion had started after two houses were moved “Students moved the library on October 3. the northeast corner of the third floor, some A crowd of more than 2,000 attended the 1948 Homecoming dedication of Pioneer Memorial.
Playing
“This is a great tribute to Dana student athletes, who have to bal- Scholar Athletes:
ance their academic pursuits with practice and travel in their sport,”
Marisa Aaron
Bretschneider Shane Jackman McGoldrick Scott Taylor
Junior Senior Senior Junior
it
Norfolk, Neb. Seward, Neb. Glenwood, Iowa Arapahoe, Neb.
Softball Cross Country Men’s Soccer Wrestling
Smart
Krystal Cary Chris Johnson Dru Weaver Jen Thede
Senior Senior Junior Junior
McClelland, Oakland, Neb. Gilette, Wyo. Denison, Iowa
Iowa Men’s Cross Country Women’s
Softball Basketball Track Soccer
Julia Peterson
Chris Finke Ian Latella Junior Nathan
Senior Senior Omaha, Neb. Wittstruck
Omaha, Neb. Red Oak, Iowa Women’s Senior
Scholar athlete Mark Esser ‘06 was a big man for Football Cross Country Soccer Martell, Neb.
the Vikings on the court and in the classroom. Men’s
Basketball
T
Amy Amanda Carmen
wenty-seven Dana College student-athletes were 3. Nominee must have a minimum grade point average of Fullenkamp Trent Leichleiter Reddish Woudstra
named NAIA All-America Scholar Athletes this 3.50 (on a 4.0 scale) as defined by the nominating institution at Junior Junior Senior Senior
school year. The number is the highest ever at the time of nomination. Bellevue, Neb. Harvard, Neb. C.B., Iowa Neb. City, Neb.
Dana. 4. Nominee must be a member of the intercollegiate varsity Women’s Wrestling Women’s Women’s
Since Dana became a member of the Great team at his/her institution and making a significant contribu- Soccer Soccer Basketball
Plains Athletic Conference in 2000, 10 to 15 Dana student tion.
athletes have been recognized as NAIA Scholar Athletes each Student-athletes who meet the criteria not only excel in the
year. classroom, but in the athletic arena as well. Many of them play Brent Lorkovic
04–05: 27 All-America Scholar Athletes key positions or serve as team leaders. Marisa Bretschneider JD Hall Junior Jon Stuehm
03–04: 12 All-America Scholar Athletes (Norfolk, Neb.), a junior right fielder for the Viking softball Junior Council Bluffs, Senior
02–03: 15 All-America Scholar Athletes team, is one example. Bretschneider started and played all of Ogallala, Neb. Iowa Ralston, Neb.
01–02: 11 All-America Scholar Athletes the Vikings’ 49 games. She batted .315 and made only two Men’s Soccer Men’s Soccer Football
00–01: 13 All-America Scholar Athletes errors all season while maintaining a high g.p.a. as a Biology
This year’s high of 27 Scholar Athletes is especially impres- major.
sive considering the specific selection criteria: Balancing academics and athletics requires a tremendous Marshall
Criteria for selection includes: amount of effort from student athletes. Dana College strives Hannah Heckart Marquardt John Synowicki
1. Nominee must be in at least his/her junior year of at- to provide a supportive environment where students can make Junior Junior Junior
tendance. things happen in all areas of their lives. Danville, Iowa Altoona, Iowa Omaha, Neb.
2. Nominee must have been in attendance at the nominat- Dana College Athletic Director Jim Krueger said, “This is Softball Wrestling Football
ing institution a minimum of one full term. also an excellent tribute to Dana coaches who conscientiously
L
yons, Colo.: Home of Dana College wrestling. Lyons, of selecting a new college and wrestling program, Bowling decided he
Colo.? Yes, that is where it all began more than10 years wanted to wrestle for Costanzo at Dana. And for the past four years
ago now, when Steve Costanzo, then a student athlete at the two have worked together to build Dana’s wrestling program.
the University of Nebraska at Omaha, met 80-pound Bowling’s success brought fame to Costanzo’s young program.
eighth grader Leister Bowling during the YMCA Rocky “Leister is the winningest, most accomplished wrestler ever in 45
Mountain Summer Wrestling Camp. A friendship instantly sparked years of Dana College wrestling,” said Costanzo.
between the two. His collegiate career record is 144-50 with 57 falls. He is a three-
A year later, Bowling was a 103-pound freshman at Lyons High time All-American, four-time Regional Champion, and three-time
School, where his dad was the head wrestling coach, and Costanzo Great Plains Athletic Conference Champion. This season Bowling
was the new head wrestling coach across town at Estes Park High took second place in the 165-pound weight class at the NAIA National
School. Bowling frequently called Costanzo, a three-time NCAA Div. Championships.
II All-American, to workout. “He is also the most loyal, committed and dedicated person and
The extra workouts paid off for Bowling when he became a athlete I’ve been around. Watching him develop over the years is a
three-time Colorado State Champion. His outstanding high school unique experience. He’s like a little brother to me. I love the guy,”
career set several Colorado state records. Costanzo said.
After graduating from high school, Bowling accepted a wrestling Coach Costanzo choked up thinking about life beyond Bowling.
scholarship to the University of Southern Colorado in Pueblo. Bowling and his new wife, McKenzie, are now back in Lyons, where
At the same time, Costanzo took the head wrestling coach posi- Bowling will take over for his father as head wrestling coach at Lyons
tion at Dana College and moved to Blair. High School. And though their relationship as wrestler and coach
Bowling and Costanzo were headed in separate directions, until ended this spring, Costanzo’s and Bowling’s bond will last a lifetime.
Pueblo dropped its wrestling program after Bowling’s first year. Bowl- Don’t be surprised if several future Dana College Vikings come out
ing turned to his friend and coach, Costanzo, for advice. In the process of Lyons, Colo.
D
oris (Larson ’66) Besch asked us to find out
what happened to Corinne Adams ‘66,
“a Danish folk dancer and a wonderful,
positive person.”
Here’s what we found out:
Carl Maydens/TIME-LIFE Pictures/Getty Images
Corinne Adams came to Dana College from a farm near tiny tact with issues she would never
Brock, Neb. And although she was your run-of-the-mill country girl, have even thought of back on the
Dana was the platform for her launch into a much wider life. farm in Brock. When she became
At Dana, Corinne was a popular member of the Danish Folk pregnant with her daughter, Liz,
Dancers and (she says, a mediocre member of) Dana Choir, and was she was faced with a common de-
voted secretary of her senior class. Corinne says Dr. John W. Nielsen cision for women at the time: work
W
D ‘47 T ‘53, Prof. Luella Nielsen ‘42, Dr. Clifford Hansen and the full-time or resign.
Liberal Arts Reading Program were all powerful influences on her life. She chose to take the year off from teaching, but didn’t rest on
Her original plan was to become a Christian education director, and her laurels. Instead, she pursued a master’s degree in library science
hat Art Welch ʻ44 wanted was to finish his college she prepared for this calling by becoming an English major with a re- — something she had become interested in working in the library at
ligion minor. But she soon had such a good time student teaching she Dana. For the rest of her career, Corinne worked as a media specialist
education at Dana. What he got was a place in one of the changed her mind and applied to work as a teacher in Minneapolis, (a.k.a. librarian) in urban Minneapolis schools.
Minn., after graduation. From this position, Corinne found she could advocate for several
most iconic images of World War II. How did this First, though, she took a summer offer to set up an interdenomi- causes that were important to her. She still remembers Professor Nor-
businessman end up behind General Douglas MacArthur national recreation/craft program for the kids on Wake Island in the
Pacific Ocean and fulfill her original calling. Her first experience fly-
man Bansen reading the opening passage of “Out of Africa” — then
a relatively unknown work — to her class. She has continued to teach
invading the Philippines? Itʼs not your typical war story. ing ended up being in a military C-130 prop plane over 12 hours of
uninterrupted ocean.
the commitment to multicultural and world literature she learned at
Dana. Her belief that “democracy is built on people having as much
It was 1942, and the world was in the grips man Welch saw killed was a friend of his, fornia power giant. He started two days after “It was an incredible experience,” she says. “A truly life-changing information as they can” has led her to fight against censorship in
of the largest conflict in history. But back in who, just for one moment, took off his helmet being let out of the Army, and retired from experience that solidified my desire to travel.” public schools. In her position as an executive board member of the
Tekamah, Neb., Welch was attending Dana to scratch his head. A sniper placed a bullet the same company 41 years later, after work- Corinne snagged the first teaching position she applied for in Minneapolis Federation of Teachers, she helped negotiate educators’
College, hoping to complete a business de- right between the friend’s eyes. ing in payroll and public relations. Minneapolis, despite the fact that she had never been to the city. contracts, fought for more preparation time for teachers and increased
gree. But times were hard, and the U.S. Army Welch eventually survived two years of Eventually, some of the pain of his war She taught at Jefferson Junior High, an urban school, for six years. compensation for additional work, helped to implement a professional
was promising enlistees that they could finish combat in the Pacific, including four cam- years faded. (Although, it was difficult, as he suf- In 1970, she married Gene Robinson, an African-American law en- development program and advocated for child-care leave, job-shar-
their studies before being shipped off. paigns in New Guinea and one in the Philip- fered from recurrent symptoms of the malaria forcement officer. ing, part-time work and paternity leave so others wouldn’t have to
Except times were hard. The Army was pines, where a Life magazine photojournalist he contracted in the South Pacific.) He mar- Corinne’s experiences teaching in an urban environment, com- make the choice between work and family.
fighting in three theaters and lacked soldiers. snapped that famous picture of MacArthur ried his college sweetheart, Marie (Nielsen ‘44) bined with her then unusual bi-racial marriage, brought her into con- Corinne retired in 1998, but hasn’t slowed down a bit. She formed
So, Welch left home and started basic train- with Welch just a few men behind (above). Welch (above). Today, the couple lives in a beau- a foundation with other former teachers and alumni to raise money
ing in Alabama, where he “wore out two The experience was not positive for tiful retirement community in Chico, Calif. for inner-city Washburn High School. She also started what she calls
pairs of shoes, walking all over Northern Welch. In the end, he found himself in “Now, all is forgiven,” Welch says. “a committee of one to change the world one letter at a time.” Each
Alabama training for desert combat.” California, suffering from malaria, with a Throughout it all, Welch has kept Dana week, she writes three or four letters to media, politicians and other in-
On the day assignments came in, all of burly sergeant asking the embittered Welch in his heart. He and Marie courted by walk- fluential people on events and issues important to her. She’s collected
Welch’s new friends were sent east, while if he would like to re-enlist. (Welch had been ing all over the beautiful country surrounding all the letters in a notebook.
he was the only one sent west. Welch, a pri- discharged with a Purple Heart and three the college. “I’ve told my daughter that when I die she should skip everything else
vate trained for the desert, was sent to New Bronze Stars.) As Dana College Builders, the Welches (for the funeral) and just put that notebook up on a table,” she says.
Guinea. “At that point I hated the world and ev- have agreed to leave a portion of their estate Corinne also enjoys being part of an investment club, going to
“I’ve never seen as much water in my erything in it,” he says. “I was mean. I was in to Dana. the theater, movies, family history, and visiting family and friends in
life,” he says. “New Guinea is nothing but no mood to re-enlist.” Given what Welch has already sacrificed Nebraska. (Her older sisters, Mary (Adams ‘61) Teten and Donna
water and mud.” Welch filed for unemployment, just as for Dana, it might seem odd that he continues (Adams ‘63) Reimers, also attended Dana.)
New Guinea was also a place of un- the Army had told him to. But within days, to support the college. But, as he says, “We Corinne Robinson enjoys the “busy” retired life in Minneapolis with, from And, of course, she travels. But usually in a little better conditions
speakable death and destruction. The first he was sent to interview at PG&E, the Cali- have a soft spot for Dana in our hearts.” left, son-in-law Jesse Martin, daughter Liz, herself and husband Gene. than a military cargo plane.
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