Fall 2006 - Northwestern College

A publication for Northwestern College alumni & friends • Fall 2006UnforgettableThe most memorable games in De Valois Stadium

President’sreportNorthwestern ClassicDr. Bruce MurphyPresidentThe Love of the GameI have always liked sports. In fact, my nickname as a child was Sport. Whatever the season, I was outon the playing field or gym floor: football in the fall, basketball in the winter, baseball in the spring andsummer. (Back then golf and tennis were only for rich kids, wrestling was only for bullies, and soccer wasun-American.)The purpose was fun, and the rules in my 1950s Chicago neighborhood were “Everybody plays”(even my sisters) and “There are no sore losers.”I can still remember when “sports” slid over into “athletics” in my thinking. I was a 105-pound quarterbackon the freshman football team at Taft High School and couldhardly walk home after practice. One evening after a particularly hard day on the field,my dad suggested maybe we should reconsider the long-standing Murphy rule that wenever quit something we’ve begun.So I quit—I think the coach was relieved when I told him—and I began to realizethere is a difference between enjoying sports and being an athlete: An athlete not onlyenjoys the physical activity but is equipped to excel.Over time, excelling in physical activity seems to have become more important in ourculture than simply enjoying participation. This in itself is unfortunate. More significantmay be the fact that, even for athletes, “sports” has changed. What was once an opportunityfor physically gifted men and women to achieve their potential and share theiraccomplishment with appreciative, encouraging communities has too often become awin-at-all-costs, money-driven social obsession.Lost is the simple joy of sport and a sense of gratitude for the gift of physical skill. Asa die-hard Chicago Cubs fan, I am sure Ernie Banks—the all-star Cub shortstop of mychildhood who preferred doubleheaders because he loved baseball so much—wouldnever have jumped to another club just for more money.All of which brings me to “sports” and “athletics” at NWC. Throughout the year,approximately 500 men and women participate in intramural sports, exercising their bodies,building friendships and having fun. Intramurals provide a useful break from the rigorsof academic life. At the same time about 385 students participate in intercollegiate athletics,honing their unique skills in ways that bring personal satisfaction, great enjoymentto spectators and, we believe, glory to God.▼Over the years, Northwestern’steams have wonmore than their shareof games and championships—toughnessandcompetitive drive havecertainly been present—but always in the contextof our Christian educationalmission.One might say athletics at NWC is a throwback. Academics still comes first. Eligibility standards are high and scrupulouslymaintained. And the motivation to play would please even Ernie Banks: On the fields, the track and in the gym we talk a lotabout love—love the game enough to work hard and become the best you can; love each other, teammates and competitors;and love God by playing with gratitude and humility.Over the years, Northwestern’s teams have won more than their share of games and championships—toughness and competitivedrive have certainly been present—but always in the context of our Christian educational mission.The cover story of this issue focuses on some of the most memorable moments at De Valois Stadium. The stadium playshost to many college and high school sporting events. It is also the home of one of the Midwest’s finest marching bands, thePride of the Dutchmen from MOC-Floyd Valley High School. In many ways, De Valois is a symbol of the activity balance andperspective we seek to achieve on campus and in our community.Thank you to all who have shared in the rich history of De Valois and all of the activity venues on Northwestern’s campus.▲2 ▲ Fall 2006

Northwestern ClassicClassiccontentsclassicpeopleFall 2006 Vol. 78, No. 3EditorDuane Beeson(712-707-7116,beeson@nwciowa.edu)Staff WritersCarrie (Odell ’01) AndersonDuane BeesonAnita CirulisTamara FynaardtContributing PhotographersTom BeckerDoug BurgJeff BylsmaAnita CirulisJordan Gowing ’10Michael HudsonBobbie Lydick ’10Dan RossKevin Sutton ’92page4Campus newspage8Next-GenerationRaidersAlumni parentspage12Portage: TheJourney BeginsGetting startedpage16Of coursepage17Face valueJeff Taylor1222page24The World atHer FingertipsFaculty profileJuyeon Kangpage26Annual reportpage28Alumni newspage34Journeying toNorthwesternClassic thoughts18What’s insideDesignersAnji BennettJohn Vander Stelt ’83The Classic is published quarterly––in March, June, October andDecember–– for alumni and friendsof Northwestern College. So namedbecause it served what was thenknown as the NorthwesternClassical Academy, the Classic wasthe school’s first student newspaper,begun in 1891. It has been analumni publication since 1930.Send correspondence or addresschanges to the Classic, NorthwesternCollege, 101 7th Street SW,Orange City, IA 51041-1996.Visit us on the Web at:www.nwciowa.edupage18UnforgettableCover storypage22Full House,Full HeartsAlumni profileMary Wieskamp3 ▲ Fall 2006

CampusnewsNorthwestern ClassicNWC happeningsEnrollment sets new school recordNorthwestern’s enrollmentis at an all-time high,with 1,342 students attendingclasses this fall. That figureis a 5.4 percent increasefrom last year, and it eclipsesthe previous record of 1,313set in 2002.“We are very excitedabout this year’s recordenrollment,” says MarkBloemendaal, director ofadmissions. “It is an affirmationof the work done bypeople across campus and ofthe kind of place Northwesternis.”A key factor in Northwestern’senrollment wasrecord retention of students.Eighty percent of last year’sfreshmen returned this year,as did 68 percent of sophomores,both records.“The retention ratesreflect that Northwestern studentsare convinced they’rereceiving quality and value,”says Bloemendaal. “They areable to get the classes theywant and need, and they recognizewe’re committed tohelping them be successful inreaching their educationalgoals.”The admissions officeexceeded its recruiting goal,with 363 new freshmenenrolling. “Students and theirparents are realizing Northwesternhas a lot of goodthings to offer. The messageof a high-quality education ina Christian environment—that you don’t have to sacrificeanything academically tobe in this environment—isbeing heard,” says Bloemendaal.This year’s enrollmentfigures show an increase inthe percentage of male students,American ethnicminorities and internationalstudents. Thirty-one statesand 23 foreign countries arerepresented in the studentbody. Fifty-five percent ofNorthwestern’s students arefrom Iowa.The mean compositeACT score of new freshmenis 24.2; their average highschool grade point averageDr. Laird Edman greets junior psychology major Jillian Groeneveld in a receptionline following the Opening Convocation in August.was 3.50. Nearly 28 percentof the freshmen graduated inthe top 10 percent of theirhigh school class.“Top students are beingattracted to NWC because ofour academic reputation andstrong co-curricular programs,in addition to thefaith-based character of theschool,” says Bloemendaal.Over the last 15 years,Northwestern’s enrollmenthas increased by 31.4 percent.This year’s figures are15.7 percent higher thanthose of 10 years ago and a3.7 percent increase over fiveyears ago.Murphy announces plans to retireDrs. Bruce and Di Murphy will retirefrom Northwestern after a new presidenthas been hired.Dr. Bruce Murphy,Northwestern’s president sinceJanuary 2001, announced onOct. 9 that he will retire fromthe presidency upon theconclusion of a search for hissuccessor. Murphy will be 65next summer.“By announcing myretirement now and having aflexible departure date, Ihope to enable the college tocomplete a search processwithout needing to appointan interim president,” saysMurphy. “Ideally, the newpresident will be able to bepart of our 125th anniversarycelebration during 2007–08and provide excellent leadershipas we enter the publicphase of fund raising for the$30 million ImagineCampaign.”For more details, visitwww.nwciowa.edu.▼“By having a flexibledeparture date, I hopeto enable the college tocomplete a search processwithout needing to appointan interim president. ”▲4 ▲ Fall 2006

Northwestern ClassicCampusnewsNWC hires interimdean, alumni directorTwo women have been hired to provide leadership forNorthwestern in the areas of spiritual formation andalumni/parent relations.Dr. Susan Heeren Reese is the interimdean of spiritual formation and vocation anddirector of the Lilly Grant. As such, she overseesthe college’s campus ministry and careerdevelopment offices and also directs initiativesaimed at helping students discoverGod’s call.Susan ReeseReese formerly directed admissions effortsat the University of Sioux Falls. She also hasbeen a resident director, instructor of educational ministries/student services, and associate dean of residence life at collegesand seminaries in California, Minnesota and SouthDakota.Reese earned a doctorate in adult and higher education atthe University of South Dakota. She also has a master’s degreein counseling and a bachelor’s in religious studies.Reese replaces Dr. Keith Anderson, who is academic deanat Mars Hill Graduate School in Seattle.Tiffany Lassen ’99 has been namedNorthwestern’s director of alumni and parentrelations. She is currently the officer incharge of the U.S. Department of VeteransAffairs office at Yongsan Army Garrison inSeoul, South Korea. She will begin her positionnext summer.Tiffany LassenA history major, Lassen has been a VAemployee since graduating from Northwestern.She started in the regional office in Des Moines andalso served in Japan. She is nearing completion of a master’sdegree in public administration from the University ofOklahoma.Lassen replaces Karen Woudstra ’79, who is pursuingother career interests. Woudstra is among a group of individualswho have part-time responsibilities in the alumni officethis school year.NWC happeningsBusiness department receives accreditationNorthwestern’s businessdepartment has receivedaccreditation from theInternational Assembly forCollegiate BusinessEducation (IACBE).“We are very pleased toreceive this recognition,” saysVonda Post, chairperson ofthe business department.“Accreditation helps verifythe credibility of our departmentfor prospective studentsand prospective employers.”Reviewers praised thedepartment for the highquality of education and careit provides students. “Thefaculty show considerableinterest in having studentsachieve excellence in theirbusiness education,” wroteevaluators Dr. Allen Belcherof Northwest ChristianCollege in Eugene, Ore., andDr. Stan Obermueller ofConcordia University,Seward, Neb. “On severaloccasions, students commentedon the faculty’s concernfor their well-being andnoted the considerable timespent in mentoring them.”The accreditation applicationprocess included acomprehensive self-study, onsiteevaluation last March, areport by the site-visit team,and finally approval by theIACBE board of commissioners.The next on-site accreditationvisit is scheduled for2016.Northwestern’s businessdepartment includes six fulltimefaculty members andtwo adjunct faculty. Thedepartment offers majors inAccreditation reviewers complimented Northwestern’s business faculty, such as Dr.Jan Carrell, for their commitment to helping students reach their goals.accounting, agri-business,business administration (withoptions in agri-business,finance, general, humanresource, management andmarketing), business educationand economics. This fall,271 students (18.5 percent ofthe student body) are majoringin one of the department’sprograms.5 ▲ Fall 2006

CampusnewsNorthwestern ClassicNWC happeningsNorthwestern again ranked among nation’s bestFor the third year in arow, Northwestern is rankedin the top 20 among Midwesterncomprehensive collegesby U.S. News & WorldReport. The magazine’s 2007America’s Best Collegesguidebook lists Northwesternin a tie for 20th outof 108 schools in its category.The U.S. News rankingsare based on key measures ofquality such as academicreputation; retention (freshmanretention and six-yeargraduation rate); facultyresources (including classsize, student-faculty ratio,percentage of faculty withthe highest degree in theirfield, and faculty compensation);student selectivity;financial resources; andalumni giving.“We are constantlyworking to improve thequality of Northwestern, andit’s very good to see that’sbeing recognized by thisnational publication,” saysDr. Bruce Murphy, president.“The top-20 ranking is anaffirmation of the work ofmany people in all areas ofthe campus.”Northwestern fared particularlywell in the percentageof freshmen who were inthe top quarter of their highschool class, tied for seventhwith 58 percent; and in themagazine’s ranking of alumnigiving, tied for 19th out ofthe 108 colleges in its categorywith 25 percent of alumnidonating to the college.Northwestern also wasamong 163 institutionscited as a 2007 “Best in theMidwest” college by thePrinceton Review, based onthe opinions of current students.Work under way on RSC renovation“Loud, dusty, dirty and noisy.” That’s how DaleThompson describes the condition of the Rowenhorst StudentCenter now that work has begun on a major $4.9 million renovationof the building.Thompson, a member of the student development staffand the RSC’s supervisor, is among those working with theproject’s general contractor, Hoogendoorn Construction ofCanton, S.D.Crews began demolition work in July, completely guttingthe front portion of the building. It and the parking lot northof the RSC will be closed until construction is completed inAugust of 2007.“Anybody who was on campus or in the area 30 yearsago is recognizing the old factory that the building once was,”Thompson says. “It’s being stripped down to its original steelwork,columns and beams.”The next major objective will be to work on the clerestory,a raised portion of the roof rimmed with windows. From theRSC’s main entrance to the doors leading into the mini-gymnasium,a 30-foot-wide section of the roof will be elevated six feetto add height and light to the interior of the building. Crewswill be working to enclose the roof’s addition by winter.Offices and services previously housed in the RSC havebeen relocated to other parts of campus for the 2006–07school year. The RSC control desk is now in the mini-gym—which, like the Korver Weight Room and racquetball courts,can be accessed through the doors just to the east of theweight room. Northwestern’s bookstore is temporarily housedin the lounge of Hospers Hall.To view the latest photos of construction progress as wellas architects’ plans for the renovation, visit Northwestern’swebsite at www.nwciowa.edu/rsc.Webcasts availableNorthwestern’s extensive webcasts can keep youconnected to campus life through the convenience ofyour computer. Visit www.nwciowa.edu/live to watch allhome football and basketball games and select soccerand volleyball games. Recent technical upgrades haveincreased the number of users who can log ontoNorthwestern’s webcasts simultaneously.Audiocasts of many games are also available. Inaddition, live audiocasts of chapel services can be heardat www.nwciowa.edu/live.Archived audio recordings of past chapel servicesand select Red Raider athletic contests are available atwww.nwciowa.edu/chapel/archives andwww.nwciowa.edu/athletics/archives, respectively.6 ▲ Fall 2006

Northwestern ClassicCampusnewsEight join NWC facultyEight new full-time faculty members are teaching atNWC this fall. They include:Carol BraaksmaInstructor in English as a Second Language(ESL)• M.A. in teaching English as a second orother language, Michigan State University• Spent a total of six years as an ESL teacherin Japan and China• Former ESL instructor and department chair at DavenportUniversity in Holland, Mich.Derek Brower ’89Instructor in Education• M.Ed. in technology education, WesternWashington University• Taught science for 13 years in Iowa,Washington, Botswana, the MarshallIslands and Thailand• Served as mentor to new teachersDr. Daniela CambetasVisiting Instructor in DevelopmentalPsychology• Ph.D. in educational psychology, Universityof South Dakota• Part-time instructor, statistical consultant,guest lecturer and tutor at USD• Research interest in female adolescent peer relationshipsDr. Diana GonzalezAssociate Professor of Spanish• Ph.D. in linguistics, University ofGöttingen, Germany• Native of Argentina who has taught atuniversities in Peru, the U.S., Mexico,Germany and Argentina• Fluent in Spanish, English and German; able to readItalian, Portuguese and FrenchElizabeth Heeg-Truesdell ’01Visiting Instructor in Biology• Completing a doctorate in biochemistry,molecular biology and cell biology fromNorthwestern University• Co-author of articles published in thejournals Current Biology and DevelopmentalBiology• Recipient of training grants for research from the NationalInstitutes of HealthDr. Paul SavariappanVisiting Assistant Professor of Mathematics• Ph.D., University of Madras, Chennai,India• Member of the statistics faculty at LoyolaCollege in Madras, India, for 20 years• Author of research articles published in Microelectron andJournal of Applied StatisticsTom Truesdell ’01Visiting Instructor in English• M.A. in writing pedagogy and theory,DePaul University• Writing tutor at DePaul• Served as writing center specialist and alsodesigned and led writing workshops forCollege of Lake County in Grayslake, Ill.Ryan ZonnefeldInstructor in Education• M.A. in educational administration,University of South Dakota• Former principal of Hull (Iowa) ChristianSchool• Nine years of experience as teacher and administrator atChristian schools in Iowa and CaliforniaNWC happenings7 ▲ Fall 2006

AlumniparentsNorthwestern ClassicPaul Wissink ’83 teases his daughter Jenna about the amount of stuff she brought for her first year in Stegenga Hall.Next-Generation RaidersForty-two new Northwestern freshmen are keeping withtradition by attending their parents’ alma mater. For these students,reality shows have always been on TV, professional athleteshave always competed in the Olympics, and “Google”has always been a verb—as in “I Googled myself to see howmany times I show up on the Internet.”Their parents attended Northwestern in the 1970s and’80s when Luke Skywalker and Darth Vader were still enemies.And Johnny Depp, known to this generation as CaptainJack Sparrow, was just about to get his big break on TV’s 21Jump Street. When these alums were spreading their wings,Dukes of Hazard and Hawaii 5-0 were on TV, and the BeachBoys, Chicago, and Simon and Garfunkel were playing on theradio.The intervening years of rising careers and raising kidshave dulled memories somewhat, but this year’s alumni parentsremember a few things about their own formative freshmanyear.▼“I hung up pictures of my family, and my roommatehung up posters of Sylvester Stallone.”Times change …What was the newest building on campuswhen you enrolled?“The Rowenhorst Student Center opened during ourfreshman year. We were surprised to see it hadn’tchanged much. We’re pleased with the renovations ourdaughter will enjoy.” Nancy (Froehle ’83) and Paul Wissink’83, Newton, Kan.What was your most indulgent purchase for college?“A beanbag chair.” Mary (Vermeer ’84) Nyhof, SiouxCenter, Iowa▲8 ▲ Fall 2006

Northwestern ClassicAlumniparents“Smith-Corona typewriters.” Gary ’82 and Julie (Van Hove’82) Hegstad, Sanborn, Iowa“My mom bought two sets of sheets for my dorm room.After sending three older siblings to Northwestern, Iguess she had an idea of how often bedding gets washedat college. At least I had clean sheets twice a semester!”Barb (Van Nyhuis ’76) Hofmeyer, Auburn, Ind.What campus traditions and pranks do you remember?“Capture the Freddie. Guys on different Colenbranderfloors took turns hiding a cardboard cutout of PresidentFriedhelm Radandt. I also remember lab mice floatingdown from the chapel ceiling in little parachutes.” DaveDunkelberger ’85, Waconia, Minn.“The Colenbrander guys would make their freshmen singto the Fern Smith women from the lawn outside ourdorm the first night of school. They also raided our dormin the middle of the night, pounding on our doors towake us up or quietly tying our doors shut with twinestring. Another time they dumped bags of leaves kneedeepdown the hall; we had bugs crawling through thedorm for months.” Beth Van Meeteren… but some things stay the sameWhat styles were popular when you went to college?“Miniskirts, palazzo pants, empire-waist dresses, long,straight hair.” Anita (Plantage ’77) Bomgaars, Orange CityWhat was your toughest class freshman year?“Western Civilization.” Deb (Pennings ’79) Kosters, Sibley,IowaWhat were your study habits like?“We studied hard in our dorm rooms and studied men inthe library.” Anita BomgaarsMom and dad (Darla [Granstra ’85] and Bob Vander Plaats ’85) could be makinga move to Des Moines if Bob is elected Iowa’s lieutenant governor in November. Nomatter as Hans’ new home is Colenbrander Hall.Describe your freshman year roommate experience.“Sharing a room wasn’t so bad, but one telephone for 26girls took some adjustment.” Nancy WissinkHow did you and your roommate decorate your dorm room?“Blacklight posters.” Kevin Veldhorst ’79, Oostburg, Wis.“I hung up pictures of my family, and my roommatehung up posters of Sylvester Stallone.” Beth (Dykstra ’83)Van Meeteren, Cedar Falls, Iowa“With a 2-by-8-foot display of pop cans.” Gary HegstadBrent Dunkelberger moves into Colenbrander Hall too—where his dad, Dave ’85,also lived as a freshman.9 ▲ Fall 2006

AlumniparentsNorthwestern ClassicMembers of SMILE (Student Move-in Leaders) roam campus on Aug. 18, lookingto carry boxes (and couches, refrigerators, computers, lofts …) for new freshmenand their parents.▼“Sharing a room wasn’t so bad, but one telephonefor 26 girls took some adjustment.”▲What did you miss most after you left home?“My mom doing my wash.” Kevin Veldhorst“My mom’s cooking.” Dave DunkelbergerIn what ways did you grow and change at Northwestern?“I learned patience with others’ taste in music and how toget organized and not wait until the last minute to gethomework done. I grew as a Christian with the help ofgreat professors and lots of late-night discussions withfellow believers.” Nancy WissinkBeth Kosters, daughter of Deb (Pennings ’79), takes a break from all theunpacking.10 ▲ Fall 2006

Northwestern ClassicAlumniparents“I learned to think more independently. Professors andothers helped open my view of the world.” Janine(Salterberg ’76) Calsbeek, Orange City“Professors challenged me to shift my focus from self-centeredteenager to thinking about how I could allow Godto work through me. I got into the habit of looking ateverything through faith, enabling me to make my owndecisions while in close communication with God.” BethVan MeeterenFamily values“We have dreamt of Jenna going to Northwestern sinceshe was born. We hope she experiences the same greatsense of community we did.” Nancy and Paul Wissink“Our prayer is that Curt will find Christian friends,coaches and professors to be a blessing in his life—justlike we did at Northwestern. We hope he will be a blessingto others too, just like he has been to us.” Anita andDave Bomgaars ’77Steve and Barb (Van Nyhuis ’76) Hofmeyer get ready to say goodbye to son Luke.“We hope John’s professors inspire him to ask questions,to think about his faith, to consider his life and use it tomake the world a better place.” Janine and Doug Calsbeek’79“I’m so happy my daughter chose Northwestern!” MaryNyhofLegacyIn the history of Northwestern College and the Reformed Church inAmerica, the Zwemer name looms large.Adrian Zwemer was a Reformed Church pastor, and his three sons alsoserved as ministers. Among them, James was the first principal ofNorthwestern Classical Academy, and Samuel pioneered missions toMuslims and later taught at Princeton Seminary.Over 20 years ago, J. Harold Netten ’54 sought to honor the Zwemers’contributions and encourage young leaders to follow their example ofministry by establishing the Adrian P. Zwemer Family Scholarship.“Every year, I get a thank-you letter from the scholarship recipient,”says Harold. “That’s all the reward I need, knowing I’m helping youngpeople to achieve their goals, just like so many people did for my generationat Northwestern.”James Zwemer, the first principal of Northwestern Academy, is one ofthe namesakes of the Adrian P. Zwemer Family Scholarship.For information about establishing an endowed scholarship, contactCornie Wassink, director of planned giving, 712-707-7109 orcwassink@nwciowa.edu.11 ▲ Fall 2006

GettingstartedNorthwestern Classicby Carrie (Odell ’01) AndersonAs students paddled their canoes across MooseLake, 16 years of dreaming became reality forDave Nonnemacher, Northwestern’s director ofservice learning.Nonnemacher had long desired to take incomingfreshmen to one of his favorite places on earth—theBoundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness in northernMinnesota. But this wasn’t just a rustic vacation—it wasan invitation to begin college in an unusual way byparticipating in a six-day experiential learning programcalled Portage: The Journey Begins.Named for a trail connecting two bodies of water, thePortage program was created to provide a transition from highschool to college for a small group of students. One objectiveof the trip was to build community among the eight freshmenwho signed up and the six upperclassmen who served as peerleaders. Another goal was to provide opportunities for thefreshmen to process leaving home as they began a new stagein their lives.Canoeing, says Portage coordinator Dave Nonnemacher, is great for teachingteamwork. “It’s the best lesson on how to work together.”The freshmen arrived on campus Aug. 12, went through abrief orientation, and woke up the next day at 4 a.m. to headfor the Boundary Waters. That’s when the journey began ...First strokesThe larger group divided in two,taking off on different routes forthe next few days. The trip beganwith a challenge from nature: Itrained all day. “If I have any advicefor canoeing in the rain,” saysfreshman participant BobbieLydick, “it would be to buy a goodset of rain gear, not the $7 special.”Despite sitting in wet clothesin wet canoes, the participantsstarted out with energy and anappreciation for the beautyaround them.12 ▲ Fall 2006Freshmen participating in Northwestern’sPortage program pose for a group photo infront of Moose Lake with their upperclasspeer leaders and program coordinator DaveNonnemacher.

Northwestern ClassicGettingstartedStormyseas“As we started onour journey, everythingseemed perfect. We followedthe south shorelinewith the map as our guide.The wind was at our backs,and life on the water seemedeasy. But we soon found outwe were lost; we had gottencompletely turned around.We headed north to theportage once we orientedourselves, but our speed wascut in half in an instant.“We were now paddlinginto the wind, and whitecapsstruck our boat with a hurlingforce. We said nothingbut paddled on knowing wecould rest once we got to ourThe lingoA crash course on somecommon Boundary Waterterms• Gunwale (pronounced“gunnel”) up: Out on thelake, this is the phraseused for canoes to gathertogether for a little meeting—ora handful ofGORP (Good Ol’ Raisinsand Peanuts).• Sierra cup: stainless steelcup/bowl/plate used atevery meal (often multipletimes, as it’s your onedish)• Duluth pack: sturdy canvasbag used to haul personaland group gear• Rod: unit used to measureportage trails (onerod = 16 1/2 feet)destination. My arms startedto hurt and I wanted to stop,but I knew that wasn’t anoption.” —Bobbie▼“This trip taught me severalskills that will be usefulfor college and the rest ofmy life. I’m not talkingabout how to portage acanoe 180 rods, how to diga sump hole, or how to performa proper J-stroke,although these skills areimportant. I’m talkingabout leadership, teamworkand humility. ”▲Day by day“We set off in ourcanoes, wandered about inthe vast lakes and rivers, gotlost (thanks to David Jones’masterful orienteering) andfinally found a campsite … Ican’t wait for tomorrow.We’re gonna canoe somemore, portage some moreIncoming freshman Taylor Mugge carries acanoe on one of the trip’s dozen portages.and definitely see more ofthis utterly amazing displayof God’s beauty,power and glory.”—Taylor MuggeAll overthe mapThe freshmen wereresponsible for navigatingthe lakes. After an introductorylesson using compassesand laminated maps, thestudents took turns eachday keeping (or trying tokeep) the group on course.When a wrong turn wasmade, leaders allowed it tohappen—recognizing thatpart of experiential learningmeans figuring some thingsout on your own.“They were teachablemoments,” Nonnemachersays. “It was an opportunityfor us to ask, ‘How doesthat translate to gettingthrough your first semesterof college?’”Freshman participant Bobbie Lydicksaid the Portage program helped prepareher for college by giving her timefor reflection.Portage:up closeStudents said the bestmeals of the trip were macand cheese, beef stew andMcDonald’s on the wayhome. Least favorite mealswere oatmeal and any mealthat wasn’t big enough.Six must-have itemsfor the trip: Sierra cup (see“The lingo”), bandanas,camera, Bible, Lafuma 600sleeping bag and Chapstick.13 ▲ Fall 2006

GettingstartedNorthwestern Classic▼“Through this journey I havebeen taught to keep my eyesopen and my heart ready to bechanged. I have been taught tocarry my own load and helpthose around me. ”Freshman Andrea Dolge finds aquiet spot to journal. Participantsspent daily time in reflection, andon the last day of the trip, theafternoon was set aside for a fewhours of time alone to read, writeand pray.▲Making camp“Today God gave me aneven greater sense of adventure.After canoeing for thebetter part of the morning,we found this sweet islandwith the best campsite we’veseen yet. It’s tucked into abay on the north shore of thewest arm of Knife Lake,about half a mile fromCanada.” —TaylorClass is outMany experiential learningtrips, such as this one,use the outdoors as a teachingtool. “Canoeing is greatfor teamwork,” Nonnemachersays. “It’s the best lesson onhow to work together.”“This trip taught me severalskills that willbe useful for collegeand the rest of mylife. I’m not talkingabout how to portage acanoe 180 rods, how to dig asump hole, or how to performa proper J-stroke,although these skills areimportant. I’m talking aboutleadership, teamwork andhumility.“On the trip, I was toldto navigate to our next destination,with nothing but amap and compass. The hardSnapshotsKey moments on the trip• Taking the wrongportage trail and havingto do the whole thing allover again• Discovering one morningthat rotten meat juicehad leaked onto the restof the food• Cliff jumping• Seeing a “double sky”—viewing the stars both inthe sky and reflected onthe lakepart wasn’t trying to discoverour location by finding landmarks,it was leading a groupof people who are dependingon you to take them to thenext campsite, when youmay not be sure of the directionyou need to go.”—Jordan GowingComing homeAfter five days on thelake, the two groups werereunited for the drive back toOrange City. Halfway home,they stopped at a rest areanear Minneapolis to have afinal debriefing session. “Wetalked about everyone’s individualexperience and whatthey took away from thisThe shortest portage of the trip was five rods (see “The lingo”),and the longest was 240 rods.journey,” says freshman RyanDembeck. “The main thing Igathered from that time wasthe importance of ongoingreflection. This journeystretched me in all aspects oflife.”“Through this journey Ihave been taught to keep myeyes open and my heartready to be changed. I havebeen taught to carry my ownload and help those aroundme—when to ask for helpand when not to. I have beentaught to search for whatGod has to say through thejourney.”—Bobbie14 ▲ Fall 2006

Northwestern ClassicGettingstartedPortage reflections:The journey neverendsby Kevin Sutton ’92When we think about what aportage is, a carry between two bodies ofwater, we can begin to gain an understandingfor what this kind of experiencemight mean to an incoming student.At the end of a particularly longlake, the group beached their canoes,hoisted packs to their shoulders andbegan the long hike up. Those not carryingpacks carried canoes, some for thefirst time, struggling for balance andfooting. The portage was long and thetrail was steep, as it ascended to a crest.Reflecting back on the portage, severalsaid, “I knew I just had to keep myfeet moving and not look back.” Lookingback is difficult and most were hesitantto do it, though from that vista, onecould see a long way back and takeaccount of the distance they had come.Looking back meant setting the loaddown, which only prolonged the discomfort.At the top, a shimmer of bluewater appeared—just a glimpse at first,then suddenly the whole lake was beforethem.There is a sense that these portageexperiences represent parts of a commonexperience all incoming freshmen will gothrough. Leaving behind what is familiar,trying something new, hesitating to lookback—and a vision for the future, excitementfor what is ahead, a growing senseof solidarity with new friends, a world ofpossibility. The Portage program offers aguided and deliberate effort to look bothways. Looking back and looking forwardare two critical disciplines that shapehow well we walk in the present.Our hope is for this program to be awatermark for the student to say, “I’vebeen here before. I’ve faced somethinglike this, and I can use that experienceto help me navigate“In spite of the labor, it is this that makes portaging worthwhile: Thereis no substitute. You could be dropped there by helicopter or view itfrom a low-flying plane, but unless you have climbed cliffs, scaledprecipices, and inched your way upward, fighting for breath, you haveno understanding of the satisfaction of the first long look into space. Soit is with portages and the first sight of glorious blue through the trees.When I dropped my canoe at last into the water and stood there puffingand blowing and looking down the expanse of the lake, my feeling ofaccomplishment was one that had been earned.”—Sigurd F. Olson, a well-known writer and frequentvisitor to the Boundary Watersthrough this next phase.” The Portageprogram is not meant to be an experiencefor students to check off the list,but rather a kind of guidepost thathelps them find their way, even deepinto the semester.Kevin Sutton ’92, co-leader of the Portage program,formerly served on the staff at Honey Rock Camp innorthern Wisconsin.15 ▲ Fall 2006

Northwestern ClassicOfcourseCode of ethicsClass:CSC 450: Value Issues inComputingInstructor:Mike Wallinga, instructor incomputer scienceComputer sciencemajors spend much of theirtime learning the technicalaspects of networks and programming.But at the end oftheir senior year, they’re challengedto intentionally focuson the ethics involved withthe information age. InstructorMike Wallinga callsthe class a “capstone”—acourse he says “pushes themout into the real world.“In other courses, wemight talk about securityfrom a technical perspective—howto put a firewall inplace. Now we ask, ‘What isyour moral responsibility tomake the system secure?’”Each week the classfocuses on a different issue,such as hacking and viruses,copyright and property laws,or censorship. On Tuesdays,students take turns facilitatingdiscussion about a chapterin their textbook, Ethicsfor the Information Age byMichael Quinn. Then onThursdays, each studentshares an example of a currentevent or journal articlerelevant to that week’s topic.Reel assignmentsExamples of films and information age ethical issues studentshave explored:Minority Report (2002). In the future, people are arrestedfor crimes they haven’t committed (but supposedly will).The film contains many parallels to data mining, theprocess of searching databases for patterns, and questionsthe level of trust we should place in the results.Blade Runner (1982). A cop is assigned to hunt androids,robots that look and behave like human beings. Themovie explores robotics, artificial intelligence and what itmeans to be human.You’ve Got Mail (1998). The two main characters don’t likeeach other in person, but unknowingly become attractedto one another as they correspond over the Internetthrough e-mail and instant messaging. While lighthearted,the movie raises issues about the ability to be anonymouson the Internet (and whether that is good or bad) and theway technology is changing our communication habitsand social interactions.Lively discussion ensues,particularly around morecontroversial issues, such asdownloading music and picturesfrom the Internet, orWeb content filters, whichprohibit objectionable materialfrom being viewed.Because all discussionsare student-led, Wallingasometimes finds it difficult tosit back and listen. “I comeprepared if the conversationwanes, but I try to stay quiet.They’re preparing to graduate—it’svaluable for them tolead the discussions. But,” headmits, “I’ve been known tojump in.”Students completereview questions each weekand write a response to thearticle or event they sharewith the class. They alsohave two papers: One is areview of an academic articlerelated to the course; theother, a favorite assignmentof students, is to write abouta current book, televisionshow or film that deals withcomputer ethics.The course incorporatesdisciplines such as law andphilosophy, which Wallingasays brings a human perspectiveto technology.“Technology for technology’ssake isn’t always thebest thing,” he says. “Wewant students to understandthat and apply it whenthey’re shaping the technologyof the future. As theyleave Northwestern, it’s niceto know there are people inthe workplace with wellfoundedmorals.”Wallinga says teachingthis course has been rewardingfor him. “I appreciate theopportunity to have thesediscussions and to interactwith students on this level.It’s affirming to see theirmaturity and insight as theyprepare to enter the workplace.It’s important to methat our students are notonly technically adept, butthat they are equipped tomake smart decisions in ethicalsituations.”16 ▲ Fall 2006

Northwestern ClassicFacevalueJeff TaylorTeacher, designer, lightDescribe yourself in three words.Crucified with Christ.What is the most important part ofyour job?Being a mentor and just trying to servemy students well.What are you an expert at?I’m a jack of many trades, master ofnone. I do many things—teach, directplays and design lighting—but I can’tsay I’m an expert at any of them.What one thing would you changeabout Northwestern?Two things: more time and change inlocation. If we could have about threemore hours in each day, that would bereally nice. I would also try to convincethe board to move Northwestern toNew England.What do you value?Relationships with the Lord; my wife,Sue; family; friends; colleagues; and students.What or who do you want to be yet?I just want to be me—but with passion.I want to have passion for living; I wantto have passion for Christ. I want to bethe person God created me to be, atpeace with my shortcomings and full ofjoy as I follow my calling.Jeff TaylorWhat do you wish you were anexpert at?Teaching. I always want to serve my studentsbetter.What do you dream of doing?Finishing the play Dr. Florence, whichI’m currently writing. It’s inspired by thelife of my mother, who went throughmedical school in the late 1920s. Theplay has to do with her struggles of faithand being a physician. I dream of havingthat finished and produced somewhere.Describe Northwestern College inthree words.Gracious. Rigorous. Visionary.Why this job at this college?I can’t think of a job or a calling anywhereelse that better fits my gifts andminimizes my weaknesses. I am at onewith the mission of the college.What is your unique perspective onNorthwestern College—what do yousee that no one else does?One thing I care very deeply about andsee is people struggling with significantspiritual issues, and I want to be availableto them.A member of Northwestern’s theatre faculty since 1980, Jeff Taylor has designed scenery and lighting for productionsin Alberta, British Columbia and Massachusetts.17 ▲ Fall 2006

UnforgettaCoverstoryNorthwestern ClassicJeremy De Bie watches hisfield goal attempt sailthrough the uprights to giveNWC a 28-26 win overMinot State in 1994.Horrible weather. Odds-defying comebacks.Record-setting individual performances.Outstanding team efforts.Since the first football game was played in 1957 at what is nowknown as De Valois Stadium, fans of the red-and-white haveseen it all. This fall, we asked some of them—along with currentand former NWC coaches—to come up with a list of thetop 10 games at De Valois. Are you ready for some football?12St. Thomas, 198317-10In miserable conditions that included rain, sleet, snow andwinds gusting at 25 mph, top-ranked Northwestern came backfrom a 10-7 deficit in the fourth quarter to get the first-roundplayoff win over the fourth-ranked Tommies. The turf was slipperyand came up in big chunks, contributing to eight fumblesin the game. At one point, the teams exchanged possessionfour times in five plays because of fumbles. Mark Muilenburgheld on, though, with 4:34 to play, getting a great block fromLarry Blake on a third-and-short option play and running 67yards for the game-winning touchdown. The Raiders went onto capture the national championship two games later.“I wouldn’t have let mydog out in weather like that.”– St. Thomas coach Paul DienhartValley City State, 199614-7Heavy snow fell throughout the first-round playoff game, andplayers battled below-zero wind chills. Sleet, lightning andthunder were also part of the weather conditions. The RedRaiders were playing short-handed, as 12 athletes served aone-game suspension for off-field infractions. As weather andPlayers battle heavy snow and below-zero wind chills in a 1996 gameagainst Valley City State that was also delayed by lightning.

Northwestern ClassicCoverstorybleThe most memorablegames in De Valois Stadiumby Duane Beesonfield conditions deteriorated, the scoring was completed inthe second quarter on a Raider eight-play touchdown drive.In the second half, Tim Harskamp intercepted a pass at theRaiders’ three, Mike Bogaard made an interception in the endzone, and the line stuffed the Vikings on a fourth-and-twonear the goal line. NWC was outgained 357 yards to 221.“The story of the game is the guys whostepped into the lineup. In some situations,we had to play guys who were nottotally prepared.”– NWC coach Orv Otten3Minot State, 199428-26In a quarterfinal-round playoff game in Coach Larry Korver’s lastseason, the Raiders overachieved against a much bigger MinotState team. Jeremy De Bie kicked the go-ahead 37-yard field goalinto the wind with 1:40 left in the game. With no time left onthe clock, the Raiders blocked a 45-yard Beaver field goalattempt. Minot State outgained NWC 463 yards to 301. Korvercalls it the greatest team effort Northwestern has ever had.4Morningside, 198420-19NCAA Div. II Morningside had a 13-0 lead at halftime, allowingNWC only seven yards of rushing. The Raiders wentahead, 14-13, with 3:58 left in the game on a fourth-and-25TD pass from Jay McKinstrey to Mel Elsberry. The MaroonChiefs seemed to have the game in hand when they got atouchdown with 1:12 to go. But with :34 left on the clock,Brian Hotze, surrounded by three defenders, caught a 33-yardpass to give NWC the victory.“If the game had ended sooner, wewould have been on top.”– Morningside coach Erv Mondt56St. John’s, 198233-28The Raiders came into the first-round playoff game with an11-0 record and the top ranking in the national NAIA poll.Still, a columnist for the St. Paul Pioneer-Press predicted a picnicfor St. John’s because of Northwestern’s “patsy” schedule.“The teams [NWC] has played, the Johnnies would tear intosmall pieces and sell the remnants for tree decorations at boutiques,”wrote the journalist. The hungry Raiders jumped outto a 33-14 lead after three quarters and held on for the win,stopping the visitors four times inside the four-yard line late inthe game.Ottawa, 200336-33Ottawa star Derrick Ward, now a running back for the NewYork Giants, rushed for 315 yards in a first-round playoffgame. But Raider fans will long remember a second-quartergoal-line stand in which the Braves were denied a touchdowndespite three rushes by Ward. On a fourth-and-one, AustinJanssen broke through the line to tackle Ward at the two.Playing in a blustery wind, Ottawa led 27-14 with 9:16 left inthe third quarter. The Raiders briefly held a 28-27 lead butneeded an eight-yard touchdown run by Jon Paulsen and atwo-point conversion with 1:27 left in the game to advance tothe quarterfinal round.“[Derrick Ward] is the bestback we’ve faced or will face.”– Defensive back Matt McCarty19 ▲ Fall 2006

CoverstoryNorthwestern ClassicYou make the callWhat Red Raider home games stand out in yourmemory? Play Monday morning quarterbackand post your favorite games atwww.nwciowa.edu/memorablegames.7scoreless8Yankton, 196941-20Competing against a team that featured future NFL superstarLyle Alzado, the Red Raiders scored on the first play ofscrimmage when Steve King raced 65 yards for a touchdown.The squads played to a 14-14 halftime tie, but a 21-point third quarter broke the game open for NWC. The BigRed defense intercepted four passes and held the Greyhoundsto 240 yards. Northwestern racked up 486 yards inoffense in the Homecoming game, led by 187 yards rushingfrom King and 123 from Jan Bolluyt.Buena Vista, 197214-3Playing before what longtime fans estimate was the firststanding-room-only crowd at De Valois, Northwesterndefeated a team that was ranked No. 8 in the NAIA. Withwinds gusting to more than 30 miles per hour, the teamsplayed to atie at halftime. A 32-yard field goal put BV on thescoreboard first with 10 minutes left in the third quarter, butCurt Krull threw a TD pass to Mitch Bengard a few minuteslater. When Ray Neville forced a fumble in the Beavers’ endzone and pounced on the ball for a touchdown, the Raiderwin was wrapped up.910Nebraska Wesleyan, 200135-34In an emotional game featuring undefeated teams on theSaturday after 9/11, the Raiders were ranked fourth andNebraska Wesleyan was ranked 13th. NWC scored a touchdownlate in the game to cut the Prairie Wolves’ lead to oneand went for the two-point conversion. A fade was called toKarlton Hector. Wesleyan took a time-out. The Raiders thenchanged the play, and Dave Perrigo plunged over the goalline behind the blocking of Nick Scholten and Chad Negus.Yankton, 196342-6Area residents paid for a plane ticket so Arlene Smith ofOakland, Calif., could see her son, Larry, play college ball forthe first time. The senior halfback responded in the Parents’Day game, scoring four touchdowns and gaining 130 yardson 17 carries. With a 4-4 record, this season was the firsttime Northwestern got to .500 as a four-year school.“Larry Smith was the best running backwe’ve ever had at Northwestern.”– former Northwestern coachLarry KorverDe Valois makeoverRed Raider fans are enjoying a new and improved De ValoisStadium this fall. Over the summer, aluminum bleacherswith 3,100 seats and better sight lines were installed. Therenovation also includes a new press box. Learn more andview photo galleries at www.nwciowa.edu/stadium.20 ▲ Fall 2006Raider fans and players celebrate on the field after the quarter-finalround playoff victory over Minot State in 1994.

Northwestern ClassicCoverstoryRaider runners-upWho said we could list only 10 games?Midland, 196719-19After seven straight losses in Coach Korver’s inaugural season,the Raiders ended the year with a tie that signaled the turnaroundthat was to come for the Northwestern football program.Only 32 players—and one eligible senior—were on theNWC roster.William Jewell, 197328-2The first playoff game hosted at De Valois featured top-rankedNorthwestern, 10-0, against third-ranked William Jewell, 11-0. Gary Vetter returned the opening kickoff 95 yards to theone-yard line. The Cardinals crossed the 50-yard line onlytwice.Sioux Falls, 198814-9Despite giving up five interceptions, a lost fumble and 10penalties, Northwestern moved its record to 12-0 in a firstroundplayoff game. With less than four minutes remaining, a10-play drive resulted in a Craig De Haan TD run.HandoffWhile much of the activity at De Valois Stadium has beendecidedly unromantic, the facility has been the site of at leastone marriage proposal.On April 12, 1995, All-American defensive back GregTerpstra ’96 told his girlfriend, Nikki Hulstein ’96, that hewanted to show her something on the football field. Not thesmoothest line, perhaps, but it didn’t phase Nikki—Greg wasknown to spend time on the field and in the stands, contemplatinggames.At dusk as they sat in the bleachers, a message ran on thescoreboard: “Nicole Hulstein, will you marry me?” Gregpulled out a lighted jewelry box, got down on one knee andproposed.Today Greg and Nikki live in Lynden, Wash., with theirthree daughters. Nikki is a lawyer, and Greg teaches atLynden Christian. He also coaches JV football—but he doesn’tgive the guys any pointers on the fine art of grandstand proposals.Teikyo Westmar, 199128-16This game is remembered more for what happened afterward—anon-field melee instigated by an unhappy Eaglesquad. Teikyo Westmar’s coach was heard encouraging hischarges to keep their helmets on as time expired. Raidercoaches were disappointed that their videographer turned hiscamera off after the game so they had no footage to send tothe NAIA.Drake, 199613-6Playing in a mud bowl from steady rain, the Raiders intercepteda pass that led to the go-ahead touchdown with 1:29remaining. The win avenged a 1995 loss to Drake that keptNWC out of the playoffs.Dave Meylink tackles a Yanktonrusher in the Raiders’ 41-20 winin 1969.

AlumniprofileNorthwestern ClassicMary WieskampFull House, Full Heartsby Amy ScheerMary (Ten Pas ’87)Wieskamp remembers thinking,“This will change ourlives—hopefully for the better.”In September of 2004,Wieskamp’s sister, Nancy(Ten Pas ’82) Josiah, wasdeployed to Kuwait with herArmy Reserve unit to serve atwo-year appointment. Herfive children moved toOostburg, Wis., to live withWieskamp, her husband andtheir four children.Nine kids, ages three to18.“I know what it’s likegrowing up in a large family,”says Wieskamp, who haseight siblings. Her husband,Tim, has only three. Yet, shesays, besides stopping topray, they didn’t hesitate tohelp Josiah, who is separatedfrom the children’s father.“Family—you sticktogether,” says Wieskamp. “Itreally wasn’t a hard decision.”They bought bunk beds anda second car. They filled theirgrocery carts with twice asmuch food and read thebacks of boxes: “One packageof Hamburger Helpersays it serves five. I makethree packages. Hopefully,everybody gets fed.”Their church held a groceryshower, with membersdonating food items. Wieskampnever counted the bagsNancy Josiah (standing, blue shirt) was recently reunited with her five children after two years of military service in Kuwait.While she was away, her kids lived with the family of her sister, Mary Wieskamp (standing, red shirt).22 ▲ Fall 2006

Northwestern ClassicAlumniprofileoverflowing with cereal andcanned goods, but she canremember lining her kitchenfloor with them and wonderingwhere she’d find roomfor all their contents—ahappy challenge.The school called.Anything they needed?Having moved from LosAngeles, some of Josiah’schildren had never seensnow, let alone owned clothingappropriate for a Wisconsinwinter. The school providedboots and snow gearfor all.Chore charts soon decoratedthe Wieskamps’ walls,and the kids learned to maketheir own bag lunches andput away their laundry. Aftermeals, they’d dry dishes—thesame number of dishes asMary Wieskamp reads with her 11-year-old nephew, Kortu.their age, since the only dishwashersin the house arepeople. Sometimes, though,Wieskamp finished the dishesherself, just to be in aroom alone with herthoughts. “How often doesthat happen?” she asksrhetorically.Doing dishes for pleasure?How does she manage?By listening to herChristian radio station, takingone day at a time, andnever falling too far behindwith the laundry. She’ll spend30 minutes at night readingthe Bible or a book by aChristian author, then retireto bed, rise early and beginagain.“The next morning is anew day. You’re not going tobe perfect,” she says, shruggingoff the small problemsthat could bring her downwhile running a bustlinghouse.Before the Josiahsmoved in, Wieskamp toldher own children, “You haveto share us for awhile.”They’ve shared their parentsand their rooms, and they’vegiven up their yearly familyvacation.Though predictable cultureclashes occurred—LosAngeles and Oostburg aredifferent cultures, saysWieskamp—the cousins reallyenjoy each other. It’s onlywhen the kids are short onsleep that the complaintsstart coming. “The littlest onemisses Mommy, especiallywhen he’s tired,” Wieskampsays.And vice versa. “I missthem dreadfully,” wroteJosiah in an e-mail while inKuwait, so Wieskamp triedher best to keep her sister in“that everyday process ofparenting.” When Josiahwould call on Sundays,Wieskamp would prep heron which of her children hada test coming up, or who didwell at football camp. Motherand child could then makeCousins Maatilor (6) and Hannah (11) enjoy the rope swing at the Wieskampfarmstead.the most of their 10 minutesof conversation per week,before the phone card ranout.“At the beginning, Ibelieve my children put offdoing things and makingdecisions, hoping they couldjust wait until mom camehome,” Josiah wrote. “Italked with them about thisand they began to see thattheir lives were going to continuewhether I was there ornot. They have learned a lotabout how to move ondespite things not being theway you want them to be.”Josiah struggled dailywith her dual role as momand military officer while inKuwait, where she worked asan office manager.“In some ways I feel thatI live in some in-betweenworld,” she wrote. “I am notdirectly involved in combat,but I am not at home withmy family. At times I feelguilty for living in a placethat is relatively safe. Wehave to constantly remindourselves that what we aredoing is very important andwithout us more would diein combat.”Wieskamp says she andTim were grateful to supportthe big sister she alwaysadmired, and to provide stabilityfor her children whileshe was deployed in serviceto her country.“My answer to prayer istheir being able to comehere,” she says, having lovedher full house. AnticipatingJosiah’s return to the statesthis past August, Wieskampsaid, “It will be quiet. Butsometimes, it’s nice to have alittle noise in the house.”Mary Wieskamp23 ▲ Fall 2006

FacultyprofileNorthwestern ClassicJuyeon KangThe World by Amy Scheerat Her FingertipsPianist Juyeon Kang has performed throughout her native Korea and the United States, as well as in Brazil, China, Finland,Italy, Spain and Taiwan. She continues an extensive touring schedule while teaching and accompanying at Northwestern.24 ▲ Fall 2006

Northwestern ClassicFacultyprofileIn Korea, students fallsilent when an instructorenters the room. A commandis spoken, and all bow.American students typicallycontinue their conversationsuntil the official startof class, so it’s only naturalthat Dr. Juyeon Kang pickedup on the cultural differenceswhen beginning herteaching career. One day inclass, the assistant professorof music told her Northwesternstudents she couldn’thelp but see the practiceas disrespectful.The next class period,when she entered, a youngwoman stood.“Attention! Bow!” shesaid, and the students did so.They looked at Kang andsaid, in Korean, “How areyou?”They had sought out aKorean student on campusfor a language lesson, turninga clash of cultures into a gestureof respect. Kang wastouched.Kang grew up in Taejon,South Korea. The churchplant her family attended haddifficulty finding pianists, soKang’s family offered freeroom and board to individualswho would commit toplaying. The pianist alsoserved as nanny and pianoteacher to Kang and herthree siblings, all of whomplayed instruments.When she was three orfour, Kang showed abilityand interest in the piano.“My mother decided to makeme the church pianist,” shesays. In time, she did play forthe church, eventually movingat age 15 to attend anintensive arts high school inSeoul.After staying in Seoul forundergraduate and graduatestudies, Kang wanted tostudy in America. At EastmanSchool of Music inRochester, N.Y., professorNatalya Antonova introducedher to the transcendentpower of music. Antonova isRussian, and she’d play passagesto demonstrate whatshe wanted, rather thanstumble through articulatingher instructions in English.“Every lesson, I hadtears in my eyes,” Kang says.“I realized music is such apowerful tool. That inspiredme to work harder.”▼“Music is not about playingthe notes; it’s about muchmore. It’s about connectingyourself to beauty.”▲Antonova persuadedKang to enter piano competitions,and she found successnearby in New York City andas far away as Italy. Whiletraveling to Europe and visitingits museums and architecturalmarvels, “all the artsstarted to make sense,” Kangsays.“It expanded my understandingof art. My teachernoticed that my playingbecame more artistic. Before,I was more focused on playingthe right notes. Music isnot about playing the notes;it’s about much more. It’sabout connecting yourself tobeauty.”Kang sees playing musicas a spiritual activity. “It feelslike praying,” she says.“When I pray very deeply, Ifocus on God. It feels like Ibecome nothing. I don’texist. It’s beyond my veryself. It’s my spirit communicatingwith God. Practice isvery similar. Yes, I have tofocus on physical elements,but once I focus on music, Iforget about my fingers. Onlythe music exists.”Kang cites three times inher life when music transcendedthe earthly goingsonin a very specific way.Twice this happened in auditions:once while playing aMozart sonata, and once, aGrieg concerto.Another moment happenedin a jazz class atEastman. She was asked toimprovise, something classicalpianists are not trained todo. “I felt like I was notthere; like life was so alive.Everyone in the classroomknew something happened,”she said. But such momentscannot be planned for: “Itdidn’t happen on the performanceday.”In March, Kang traveledto Colorado with studentKathleen Kropp, and the twoperformed together at highschools and churches in thearea where Kropp was raised.While there, Kang stayedovernight at a convent andplayed for the elderly sisters.It refreshed her to be there,she says, as she seeks herown way to honor Godamidst the travel and theplaying and the teaching.“As I live longer, I feellike I know less. Sometimes,I wonder, ‘Where is myplace?’”▼“When I pray very deeply, Ifocus on God. It feels like Ibecome nothing. I don’texist. It’s beyond my veryself. It’s my spirit communicatingwith God. Practice isvery similar. Yes, I have tofocus on physical elements,but once I focus on music, Iforget about my fingers.Only the music exists.”▲This past summer, Kangreceived a NWC SummerScholarship Grant to workon some music by Mozartand Schumann as well asarrangements of hymns andworship music. She performedsome of her researchpieces in Korea, Taiwan,China and Brazil, includingTaiwan Presbyterian SeminaryCollege and Korea’sSoong Sil University, twoschools with ties to Northwestern.Kang traveled extensivelyin Asia last summer aswell, researching the potentialof a future study abroadlocation for Northwestern.She remembers being concernedthat after leaving herhomeland, returning toMidwestern America wouldn’tfeel like a good fit.But, she says, as soon asshe walked through the doorof her Orange City house,she was content.“Ahhhh,” she thought toherself, “I’m home.”Juyeon Kang25 ▲ Fall 2006

AnnualreportNorthwestern Classic“For if the willingness is there, the gift is acceptableaccording to what one has.” 2 Corinthians 8:12Northwestern College05–06Fund raising 2005-06und raising 2005–06✴ Total giving was a record $6,158,524 from 7,262 donors.✴ The average gift to the Northwestern Fund was $166 from 2,201 alums; giving to the NWFund from all constituents averaged $276 (up $33 from 2004–05).✴ The percentage of alumni giving to Northwestern was 28 percent. (The national average of allcolleges and universities for alumni giving in 2005–06 was 12 percent.)✴ The Tower Society included 224 members this year who gave $1,000 or more to the NW Fund;59 members gave at the leadership level of $2,500 or more.✴ The Heritage Society grew by 14 members to 584.✴ Church giving was $419,813 from 354 churches.Northwestern Fund (operating) 2004–05 2005–06Alumni $408,641 $438,547Friends $419,290 $462,345Foundations/grants $142,583 $107,839Corporations $124,885 $138,997Churches $348,831 $418,813Other $20,913 $34,760Subtotal $1,465,143 $1,601,301Your gift dollarsDid you know that without your annual gifts to the Northwestern Fund,tuition at Northwestern College would have to be $1,320 higher each year forevery student? For the year ending June 30, 2006, annual Northwestern Fundgift income represented 9 percent of the total dollars expended for educationaland general purposes.How does Northwesternspend each $100 given?Generalinstitutional expenses($14)Physical plant($8)Instructional & academicsupport ($34)Capital and endowed gifts(non-operating) 2004–05 2005–06Alumni $361,360 $241,660Friends $523,101 $2,589,039Foundations/grants $74,543 $33,500Corporations $95,611 $31,231Churches $0 $1,000Estates $222,953 $1,619,593Other $117,710 $41,200Subtotal $1,395,278 $4,557,223GRAND TOTAL $2,860,421 $6,158,524Student services& admissions($14)Financial aid($30)26 ▲ Fall 2006

Northwestern ClassicAnnualreportAlumni givingBest giving percentageClass of 1937 . . . . . . . . . . . . 64%Class of 1954 . . . . . . . . . . . . 63%Class of 1951 . . . . . . . . . . . . 62%Class of 1949 . . . . . . . . . . . . 60%Class of 1943 . . . . . . . . . . . . 59%Best giving overallClass of 1953 . . . . . . . . . $95,485Class of 1972 . . . . . . . . . $79,668Class of 1975 . . . . . . . . . $70,224Class of 1968 . . . . . . . . . $53,365Class of 1965 . . . . . . . . . $46,577Best giving to the Northwestern FundClass of 1969 . . . . . . . . . $24,047Class of 1955 . . . . . . . . . $22,830Class of 1957 . . . . . . . . . $18,760Class of 1983 . . . . . . . . . $18,680Class of 1972 . . . . . . . . . $18,320Planned giving 2005-06Bequests received . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $1,790,381Irrevocable planned gifts consummated . . . . $25,351Gifts for endowed scholarships . . . . . . . . . $1,767,931Memorial gifts 2005-06In memory of Tamara Kuhnau, Mr. and Mrs. Donald KuhnauIn memory of Ron Muilenburg, Rev. Paul ColenbranderIn memory of Grandma Pearl, Mr. and Mrs. Arthur BarkerIn memory of Helen Utke …Mr. and Mrs. Gary D’AgrosaDr. Adrienne ForgetteMs. Adah HansonMs. Audrey HugelenMrs. Mary KeppMs. Anne KingDrs. Bruce and Diane MurphyDr. Cornell RunestadMr. and Mrs. Ronald SchwoeglerMr. and Mrs. Atlee SvanoeMr. and Mrs. James SvanoeMs. Randi SvanoeRev. Rolf Svanoe and Dr. Kimberly Utke-SvanoeDr. and Mrs. Gerald Van EsProfessor MaryLou WielengaNew scholarships 2005-06Bomgaars Supply ScholarshipPre-nursing ScholarshipPaul and Jennie Smith ScholarshipDave and Marilyn Van Engelenhoven ScholarshipTed Van Grootheest ScholarshipEndowment1997 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $19,300,0001998 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $26,000,0001999 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $29,200,0002000 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $33,700,0002001 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $33,400,0002002 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $31,400,0002003 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $31,800,0002004 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $34,400,0002005 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $35,700,0002006 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $37,900,000Read and review the full2005–06 Annual Report atwww.nwciowa.edu/annualreport.Use the password “give2nwc”to access the report. If youprefer a printed version, pleaserequest one from thecollege’s advancementoffice, 712-707-7106.27 ▲ Fall 2006

AlumninewsNorthwestern ClassicClass notesAlumnicornerTonya VanPeursem ’94President,National AlumniBoardHow is Northwestern College impactingyour life today? Maybe that’s a strange questionfor you, something you haven’t consideredrecently—or ever! I want to challengeyou to think about the difference NorthwesternCollege makes in your life, eventoday.As the president of the National AlumniBoard, I have the privilege of getting back tocampus for many events: board meetings,Homecoming, the Distinguished AlumniBanquet, fall orientation and the Faculty/StaffAppreciation Banquet, just to name a few.Each time, my one-hour drive back to Sioux Falls is full ofrenewed appreciation for Northwestern and new challengesfor my own life. In many ways, I feel like I am gaining morefrom my involvement at NWC today than I did as a student15 years ago.I witness the dedication of the school’s leaders, alongwith their unwavering trust in God’s faithfulness. I observeprofessors’ commitment to high-quality education and tointegrating faith in the classroom. I see students’ vital spiritualityand desire to seek God’s will in their lives.All this challenges me tothink about how God is workingin my own life. I am challenged toprayerfully entrust my life to Godand to remember his plan isalways greater than my own. I amchallenged to integrate my faithinto every aspect of my life,whether that’s my job, churchinvolvement or relationships. Andfinally, I am challenged to take“In many ways, I feellike I am gaining morefrom my involvementat NWC today than Idid as a student 15years ago.”time in the busyness of life to pay attention to what God isdoing—and more importantly, what he wants to do in my life.Maybe for you, Northwestern College is a distant memory,something you are reminded of whenever the Classicarrives or the phonathon begins. While you may not be ableto visit campus on a regular basis, I challenge you to reconnectwith Northwestern however you can. Perhaps that isthrough regularly visiting the website (www.nwciowa.edu);attending campus events such as Homecoming, Praise andWorship, athletic contests and music or theatre performances;or attending special alumni events in your corner of theworld.I think you will see, as I have, the awesome way God isworking at Northwestern College and once again let NWCimpact your life.DeathsArtha (Korver ’31) Bomgaars, age 96,died July 17 in Le Mars, Iowa. Aftergraduating from NorthwesternJunior College, she earned a bachelor’sdegree from Westmar College.She taught for 29 years, spendingthe last 15 at Franklin ElementarySchool in Le Mars. She was a memberof Mother’s Club andPresbyterian United Church ofChrist, where she served as anelder, deacon, choir member andSunday school teacher. She is survivedby two children.Henry Mouw ’34, age 90, died May19 in Orange City. He farmed formany years and then served as atruck driver for Tolman Fabricatingin Orange City. He was a memberof Trinity Reformed Church andNorthwestern’s N-Club. He is survivedby his wife, Violet; three children,including John ’65 and Donald’70; and three brothers, includingRalph ’36, ’38 and Alfred ’41.The Rev. Lloyd “Parse” De Jong ’37,age 88, died April 17 in Thiensville,Wis. After graduating from NorthwesternJunior College, he went onto graduate from Coe College andMcCormick Seminary. He served asa chaplain in the Navy for approximatelya year before returning toserve as pastor of Chippewa Falls(Wis.) Presbyterian Church. Heministered in various churches inWisconsin before accepting a positionas chaplain at Buena VistaUniversity in Storm Lake, Iowa.Recipient of an honorary doctoratefrom Carroll College, he served aspresident of several organizations.Among his survivors are five childrenand a sister, Harriet Kuiken ’43.Dr. Merrill Wallinga ’39, age 87, diedMay 20 in Sioux Center. Afterattending Northwestern JuniorCollege, he earned a degree in veterinarymedicine from Iowa StateUniversity. He practiced veterinarymedicine for many years in bothCedar Rapids and Sioux Center. AWorld War II Army veteran, he wasa member of Central ReformedChurch, where he served on theconsistory. He also served on theSioux Center Community SchoolBoard and was a member of theDoornink-Brunsting AmericanLegion Post and the Sioux CenterLand Development Corporation.His survivors include his wife,Marie, and two daughters.The Rev. Dr. Calvin DeVries ’41,Cedar Rapids, Iowa, died June 25 atthe age of 85. After graduating fromNorthwestern Junior College, heattended Hope College. He graduatedwith honors in philosophy fromNew Brunswick Theological Seminaryand received an honorary doctoratefrom Hope in 1993. A pastorfor more than 40 years, he retired inCedar Rapids. He served on manydifferent religious committees andreceived recognition from the Anti-Defamation League of B’nai B’rith forhis leadership and service in buildingbridges between Christians andJews. He also was a board memberfor Illinois College, Coe College andJohnson C. Smith TheologicalSeminary. Among his survivors aretwo daughters and four siblings,including Esther Top ’47.James Van Es ’72, Grinnell, Iowa,died April 21 at the age of 56. Aftergraduating from NWC, he receiveda master’s degree from St. ScholasticCollege in Duluth, Minn. He taughtjunior high math and coached footballand basketball in Searsboro,Iowa. He later managed PorterRecreation in Grinnell, worked forMarshalltown Office Supply andwas a sales representative for AppleComputers. He then taught mathematicsat Berg Middle School inNewton. He was a member ofGrinnell Christian Church and pastpresident of Grinnell Country Cluband Grinnell Jaycees. Among hissurvivors are his wife, Phyllis (Kreun’74), and his parents.Albertena Vander Weele, Northwestern’sdirector of career developmentfrom 1981 to ’85, died of cancerJuly 19 at her home in Palos Heights,28 ▲ Fall 2006

Northwestern ClassicAlumninewsIll., at the age of 54. Most recently sheworked at her alma mater, TrinityChristian College, as director of careerplanning and placement. She is survivedby her husband, Michael, a formerEnglish professor at NWC, andtheir four children.Amanda “Mandy” (Schutte ’00) VanGelder, Sibley, Iowa, died May 29 atthe age of 28. After receiving adegree in elementary/middle schooleducation from NWC, she earned amaster’s degree in leadership ineducation from the University ofSioux Falls. She taught middleschool math in Little Rock and thenfifth grade at Sibley-Ocheyedan,where she also was the cheerleadingcoach. She was a member of FirstReformed Church and the localP.E.O. chapter. Her survivorsinclude her husband, Joel, and ason, Teddy.Class notes’83Jeff Taylor, Rochester, Minn., is theauthor of a book entitled Where Didthe Party Go? William Jennings Bryan,Hubert Humphrey and the JeffersonianLegacy, published recently by theUniversity of Missouri Press. Formore information, visit his websiteat popcorn78.blogspot.com.’84Stephen Schwander, St. Peters, Mo.,and his family recently returnedfrom a mission trip to a Haitianschool he helped start 12 years ago.He currently serves as financial secretaryfor MIBOSAM, which operatesa school, medical clinic andBible broadcast in inner-city Portau-Prince.Sara (Sybesma) and Jeff Tolsma ’85and their three kids have moved toHeidelberg, Germany, where theywill live for two years. Jeff is workingat the GELITA corporate headquartersin Eberbach, and Sara ison personal leave from her biologyfaculty position at NWC.’85Dan Addington, Chicago, is exhibitinga sample of his paintings andmixed media works at the AliyaLinstrum Gallery in Atlanta in ashow that runs Oct. 5–30. Moreinformation can be found atwww.aliyagallery.com.’88Karmen Woelber now serves as aphysical therapist at Allen Hospitalin Waterloo, Iowa.’90Dan Wheeler, Waverly, Iowa, servesas a territory sales manager forDVM Resources. His wife, Tammy(Schuck ’89), stays home with theirfive children.’91Terry Gaalswyk, Sioux City, is thenew dean of instruction atWestern Iowa Tech CommunityCollege. He has served in severalroles there, including mathematicsinstructor, department chairpersonand associate dean of instruction.He is also pursuing a doctorate ineducational leadership with anemphasis in higher educationthrough Iowa State University.Arlin Top, Manson, Iowa, teachesphysical education at MansonNorthwest Webster CommunitySchool. His wife, Lora (Bandstra’94), teaches business at Fort DodgeSenior High School.’95Loree (Carlberg) Vander Zwaag,Orange City, recently became ownerof Covenant Business Group, a firmthat specializes in direct-contactmarketing. She has worked for thecompany for six years. Her husband,Mike ’94, serves as a partsmanager at De Jong Oil and runs ahobby business, Recreation WheelsLLC, which sells ATVs, dirt bikes,go-karts and other vehicles. Theyhave one son, Joshua (11).’96Dr. Bryce Armstrong has openedNew Life Chiropractic in Ankeny,Iowa. He previously practiced atArmstrong Chiropractic for sevenyears in Minnesota.Alumni: What’s new with you?Matthew Oltmanns recently graduatedwith honors from Eastern VirginiaMedical School in Norfolk,earning an M.D. degree. He willcomplete his ophthalmology residencyat the University of Floridain Gainesville. He and his wife,Veronica, have two children, Thalia(4) and Weston (1).Keith Starkenburg, Charlottesville,Va., is writing his dissertation for adoctorate in theology, ethics andculture from the University ofVirginia. His wife, Becky (Dykstra),serves as area coordinator for theresidential colleges and languagehouses at the university.’98Sherrie Barber Willson, JenniferVander Molen ’99 and SaraVeldhuizen Stealy got their kicksSherrie Barber Willson, Jennifer Vander Molenand Sara Veldhuizen Stealy (left to right) traveledhistoric Route 66 for a week in June.Let us know so we can tell your friends and classmates. Send to: Office of PublicRelations, Northwestern College, 101 7th Street SW, Orange City, IA 51041. Ore-mail to classic@nwciowa.edu; fax number is 712-707-7370. Deadline for thewinter ’06–’07 Classic is Oct. 16.Name _________________________________________________________________Address _____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________Home phone ________________________________________ Class of ____________E-mail ________________________________________________________________Current employer(s) ____________________________________________________Class notes29 ▲ Fall 2006

AlumninewsNorthwestern ClassicClass notesMiniprofileAlumna named outstanding young journalistby Sherrie Barber Willson ’98School board meetings,legal notices … they maysound boring to most people,but for Ariel Emery ’05,they’re all fodder for stories.As editor (and solewriter and photographer) ofa small weekly newspaper,Emery has learned to findinspiration in such unlikelysources. In fact, she does thisso well that in May she wasnamed the 2006 OutstandingYoung Journalist amongweekly newspapers by theSouth Dakota NewspaperAssociation.The award is given eachyear to a journalist under 30.Emery won the award—plusfive individual ones—for herwriting and photography forthe Two Rivers Times andLeader-Courier in UnionCounty, S.D., where shestarted right out of college.All of her submissionswere about ordinary peopleand events, but in Emery’shands, they became compelling.One of her individualaward winners (for bestnews story) was for an articleon the North Sioux City FireDepartment conducting atraining session while burningdown an old house. AAriel Emery holds her trophy for being named South Dakota’s Outstanding WeeklyNewspaper Young Journalist. She is pictured with her publisher, Bruce Odson (left),and National Newspaper Association President Jerry Reppert (right).photo of Dakota Dunes aftera snowstorm won secondplace in the best spot newsphoto category.“Nice, strong leads thatreally pull the reader into thestory. Great sense of humorin columns. A big plus isyour eye for the photo,”noted judges.Now editor of theHawarden Independent/IretonExaminer in Iowa’s SiouxCounty, Emery says at firstshe was a bit overwhelmedby her responsibilities. Thepublisher, who also owns herformer papers, touches basewith her frequently but isbased in South Dakota,meaning Emery is prettymuch on her own.“It was very startlingthat first week to thinksomeone would trust me tofill an entire publication,accurately quote the mayorand not botch up the citybudget,” she says.She takes her responsibilitiesseriously, knowing theimportant role the paperplays in readers’ lives. “It’struly a community paper,”she says. “I know everyonein town reads it and looksforward to it. It’s anotherthing that connects them toeach other.”Emery, who majored inwriting and rhetoric andminored in political science,got her start in journalism asa writer for the Beacon. Sheserved as editor for a yearand also participated in theSummer Institute of Journalismin Washington, D.C.,which, besides honing herjournalism skills, confirmedshe’s a small-town girl.“While there are manythings you can’t get here, Ilike the serenity,” says Emery,who grew up in Northfield,Minn.Emery would eventuallylike the chance to work withother people’s writing—“Ithink I’m more of an editorthan a writer at heart,” shesays—but in the meantime,she’s enjoying being her ownboss.Know any news in westernSioux County? There’s aneditor in Hawarden whowould love to take your call.driving Route 66 from Chicago toSanta Monica, Calif., in June. Checkout the details of their road-trippingadventure at routesixtysix.blogspot.com.’99David Brommer has completed adoctorate in geography, with a concentrationin climatology, at ArizonaState University. He is now an assistantprofessor of geography at theUniversity of Alabama.Sherry (Groen) Koopman, Colton,S.D., recently graduated with amaster’s degree in reading leadershipfrom the University of SiouxFalls. She teaches fourth grade inthe Dell Rapids Public SchoolDistrict.Marie (Tilderquist) Menke, LakeMills, Iowa, teaches special educa-30 ▲ Fall 2006

Northwestern ClassicAlumninewstion at Lake Mills CommunitySchool. Her husband, Kyle, teachesthird grade at Lake Mills and coachesvarsity boys’ basketball and juniorvarsity baseball.’01Abby (Thompson) Kassmeier,Beatrice, Neb., earned a master’sdegree in curriculum and instructionfrom Black Hills StateUniversity. She is now teaching highschool English in Beatrice.’02Andrea Brouwer is attending nursingschool at Mercy College of HealthSciences in Des Moines after fouryears of teaching fifth grade. Sheobtained her EMT-B certificationand is working part time atMidwest Ambulance Service.Melinda (Krull) De Leeuw, George,Iowa, recently completed a master’sdegree in education from MorningsideCollege. She teaches elementaryspecial education at George-Little Rock.Colin Doughan, Omaha, works forLockheed Martin’s business operations.His wife, Corinne (Fanning),recently left her position as assistantbranch manager at Nebraska StateBank to stay home with their newson.Sarah (Gosselink) Hille and her husband,David, moved to Costa Ricain September to serve as field stationmanagers at QuetzalEducational Research Center.Matt Landman graduated fromVanderbilt University School ofMedicine in May. He is serving in ageneral surgery residency atVanderbilt University MedicalCenter in Nashville, Tenn.Dr. Elizabeth (Vermeer) Lawrence,South Sioux City, Neb., serves as anassociate veterinarian at the SouthSioux Animal Hospital. She graduatedin May from the Iowa StateUniversity College of VeterinaryMedicine.Cory and Lacey (Olsen) Lemmert areteaching English at Cool USALanguage Institute in Pingdu,China, for one year. They also facilitateEnglish programs at local middleschools.’03Elizabeth Anderson, Omaha, graduatedfrom Grace University in Maywith a master’s degree in counselingand a concentration in state licensure.She now serves as a mentalhealth therapist at CapstoneBehavioral.Jennifer Back, Sheboygan, Wis.,completed a master’s degree in arttherapy. She serves as an activitydirector for Community RetirementLiving and also works as an arttherapist at Aurora SheboyganMemorial Medical Center.Aaron Delhay, Butte, Mont., teachesmiddle school science and socialstudies. His wife, Lisa (Stubbendick’02), is a stay-at-home mom.Eric Reeves recently completed aMaster of Divinity degree at DenverSeminary. His wife, Cassy (Klinger),teaches kindergarten at DakotaValley Elementary School and ispursuing a master’s degree in readingfrom the University ofColorado-Denver. They areinvolved in starting a home church.Erica (Brewer) Schieffer, Templeton,Iowa, is a graphic designer atTrophies Plus.’04Anna-Kari Folden teaches specialeducation to native Alaskans in therural Lower Kuskokwim SchoolDistrict near Bethel. She previouslytaught on the Yankton SiouxReservation in South Dakota.Kelly (Punt) Larson, Roseville,Minn., is a financial analyst at HBClass notesIn 18 years, she’ll be ready for college.Will you?A bottle and a clean diaper are all it takes to meet her needs today. Beforeyou know it, though, you’ll be helping her choose a college.It’s never too early to start preparing for that moment. To give your savingsan added boost, invest in the Independent 529 Plan. Sponsored by Northwesternand more than 240 private colleges, this national plan lets you lockin tomorrow’s tuition at less than today’s price.Visit www.independent529plan.org or call 888-718-7878 to learn moreabout this prepaid tuition plan—and start preparing for her future today.Little Raider Kamea Van Kalsbeek is the daughter of Manda (Nelson ’99) and B.J. Van Kalsbeek ’99.31 ▲ Fall 2006

AlumninewsNorthwestern ClassicClass notesPrayercornerThe Rev. HarlanVanOort ’82ChaplainFuller in Minneapolis. Her husband,Peter, is a computer programmer.Jeannine Lovas is pursuing a master’sdegree in English at the Universityof Nebraska in Lincoln. She is specializingin Great Plains studies.Kacey (Van Dyke) McQuilkin worksat Mayo Medical Center in Rochester,Minn., serving as a nurse ingynecological surgery. Her husband,Brian, is finishing his last year inthe Doctor of Physical Therapy programat the Mayo School of HealthSciences.Prayer is essential in the Christian life, sopart of a Northwestern education is trainingin prayer. We learn “Christian proficiency,”the title of a book by Martin Thornton. Wememorize efficient prayers, like the Lord’sPrayer or the Jesus Prayer: “Lord JesusChrist, Son of God, have mercy on me, asinner.”We discover the discipline of prayer andthe need for courage and stamina, even aregular pattern. We learn confession of sin,thanksgiving for grace, petition for needs,intercession for others, and adoration of God’s holiness. Wepray privately and in community, with a clear directiontoward being transformed into Christ-likeness. We use whatThornton calls “mental prayer,” with thoughtfulness andpreparation, because we want to know God manifested inChrist as well as possible.Thornton also uses the word “colloquy,” a great word todescribe the interaction within community and with God bythe power of the Holy Spirit. When a collection of peoplegather in God’s presence with honesty and love, it canbecome colloquy. A prayerful colloquy can happen in classroomsor residence halls, in the cafeteria or athletic huddles,in chapel or Bible studies or study sessions, on service projectsor tours.In the conversation, an informal creative dialoguebetween the Spirit and people happens. In that relationship,God transforms us. Be part of a colloquy. Please join thisSpirit-formed community by praying regularly for and withNorthwestern College.’05Julie Eben works as an executiverecruiter for Manpower Professionalin Des Moines.’06Amy Commers is pursuing a master’sdegree in library and informationstudies at the University ofWisconsin-Madison.Derrick Haskins works as the tobaccocommunications coordinator forthe South Dakota Department ofHealth in Pierre.New arrivalsTammy (Schuck ’89) and DanWheeler ’90, son by adoptionfrom Guatemala, Jack Perez (1),joins John (13), Malea (10),Brady (5) and Kesley (4).Linda (Koele ’90) and Jim Else ’89,daughter, Alloree Joy, joinsAubree (12).Jason and Karla Jongeling Hanson’90, son, Luke Todd, joins Ketia(7).Megan and Curt DeJong ’93, daughter,Kelsey Rae.Bill and Beth (Van Marel ’93) Scott,son, Derek Michael, joins Caleb(4).Lori (Voskuil ’94) and Rick Scholtens’92, son, Karsten Richard, joinsTrevor (8) and Garrett (5).Lora (Bandstra ’94) and Arlin Top’91, daughter, Haidyn Jean, joinsKendra (8) and Treyton (3).Tricia (Vander Waal ’94) and DanVermeer ’93, daughter by adoption,Ella Faith, joins Brant (10),Isaac (7) and Jack (4).Lisa and Todd Derr ’95, daughter,Kyla Vanderlaan, joins Rory (5).Becky (Dykstra ’96) and KeithStarkenburg ’96, daughter, MiaJohanna, joins Samuel (2).Jill (Zeiger ’96) and Shane Ver Steeg’96, twin sons, Owen Zeiger andWill Bartels, join Samuel (4).Suzy and Matthew Jahn ’97, daughter,Aubrianna Nanci, joinsLynnette (2).Marie (Tilderquist ’99) and KyleMenke ’99, son, Elijah Daniel.Chad and Erica (Huyser ’00) Kluver,son, Chase Vernon Elmer, joinsJacob (2).Melissa (Vermaat ’01) and DaveNystrom ’99, son, Zachary Isaiah.Shane and Melinda (Krull ’02) DeLeeuw, son, Collin Alan.Lisa (Stubbendick ’02) and AaronDelhay ’03, son, Solomon James,joins Elijah (2).Corinne (Fanning ’02) and ColinDoughan ’02, son, Jackson Dale.Tami (TeSelle ’02) and DrewNamminga ’00, son, Mason Ellis.Erica (Schuiteman ’05) and BrandonKamerman ’06, daughter, KinleyRae.Searches are open for the followingfaculty positions:Clinical psychology (tenure track, beginning Jan. 2007)Psychology (tenure track, beginning Aug. 2007)Job descriptions and application details are availableat www.nwciowa.edu/employment. Northwesternseeks individuals who are Reformed and evangelicalin theology and committed to the distinctives of aChristian liberal arts education.Northwestern College complies with federal and state regulationsconcerning nondiscrimination in employment. Women and minoritiesare encouraged to apply.32 ▲ Fall 2006

Northwestern ClassicAlumninewsMiniprofileInnovative teacher wins national awardby Emily Hennager ’06To be an effective teacher, Linda Seeger says you must be knowledgeable and alsosomewhat of an entertainer.In her high-energy classroom,math teacher Linda(Brundeen ’86) Seeger rarelyspends time merely lecturingon formulas or derivatives.Instead, she draws on TVshows, games and currentevents to engage students inlearning.“To be an effectiveteacher, you have to beknowledgeable and alsosomewhat of an entertainer,”says Seeger, who teachesupper-level math at OkobojiHigh School in Milford,Iowa.Her innovative way ofconnecting with students isjust one of the reasons shewas honored with thePresidential Award forExcellence in MathematicsTeaching. The award recognizestwo teachers from eachU.S. state and territory, onein math and one in science,and is the nation’s highesthonor for teaching in thosefields.Seeger was presentedwith the award in May duringan official ceremony inWashington, D.C. The weeklongcelebration included areception at the SmithsonianInstitute, a State Departmentdinner and the opportunityto meet President George W.Bush.Each recipient wasawarded a citation signed bythe president, as well as$10,000 from the NationalScience Foundation. Theweek also included professionaldevelopment opportunitieswith leading math andscience researchers.“We learned about thenew frontiers from people onthe cutting edge of thesefields,” Seeger says. “It challengedme to go back andtrain the next generation ofleaders. I was honored to beamong a team of such distinguishedteachers.”After being nominatedfor the award by her schooldistrict’s curriculum coordinator,Seeger was notified shewas a semifinalist in June of2004. She then had to submita video of herself teachinga lesson and answerquestions about her lessonplans and the homework sheassigned. The applicationalso called for samples of students’assignments andSeeger’s analysis of theirwork. In April 2005, shefound out she won theaward.Seeger credits her successin part to those aroundher. “I teach the best kids inthe world,” she says, “andI’m part of an incredibleschool district.”Now in her 21st year ofteaching, Seeger also taughtin Iowa’s Eagle Grove andIKM school districts beforecoming to Okoboji 10 yearsago. Her husband, Scott, isalso a math teacher atOkoboji.Even with all her experience,Seeger says she neverknows what to expect fromher class. “The only thingyou can control every day inyour classroom is what youbring to it,” she says. “I try tobring joy to work. It doesn’talways happen, but whenyou have more good daysthan bad, positive thingshappen.”Class notesAshley (DeBower ’05) and RyanMusil ’05, son, Riley James.MarriagesAbby Thompson ’01 and RonKassmeier, Beatrice, Neb.Allison Berger ’02 and Jake Tenge,Hudson, Wis.Laura Fryman ’02 and Mick Jackson,Papillion, Neb.Erica Brewer ’03 and Justin Schieffer,Templeton, Iowa.Angela Hershberger ’03 and JadonKlaver ’04, Des Moines.Heidi Hagena ’04 and Lee McCoy,Elkhorn, Neb.Jackie Haupert ’04 and SamLangstaff, Indianola, Iowa.Kelly Punt ’04 and Peter Larson,Roseville, Minn.Kara Sult ’05 and Adam Halford ’06,Sioux Falls.Scott Brouwer ’06 and AmandaBrown ’07, Orange City.Renee Van Regenmorter ’06 andAaron Alons, Sanborn, Iowa.The couples reside in the city listed.33 ▲ Fall 2006

ClassicthoughtsNorthwestern ClassicSend your Classic thoughts to classic@nwciowa.eduJourneying to Northwesternby Jim ’82 and Vicki(Opgenorth ’81) SwartTraveling downHighway 60, anticipationrose as we saw the orangewater tower on the horizon.Soon we’d be in Orange Cityand at the end of our 500-mile trip. It was a beautifulday, and the town lookedneat and clean as we pulledonto Northwestern’s campus.From the parking lotbehind Fern Smith, weunloaded suitcases andboxes. With that accomplished,we hopped backinto the car to drive over toColenbrander. When the carwouldn’t start, we asked theRD if she knew a goodmechanic. She told us towalk to Bennie Mulder’sshop, and he would takecare of us. He did. We discoveredthe timing belt hadbroken, and we were gratefulit didn’t happen until we’darrived on campus.That was 28 years ago.Then just boyfriend and girlfriend,we experienced God’sgoodness and provision aswe were starting out atNorthwestern, and we’vecontinued to see his hand inour lives and those of ourchildren ever since.This year, after anotheremotional trip to NWC andOrange City, we said goodbyeto two of our kids, Beckyand Jeff. Becky has one yearin at Northwestern already,and now we’ve sent Jeff tothe cornfields of Iowa.Yes, there have beentears: As we looked throughour family photo albums forpictures they could take tocollege. As it sinks in they’veplayed their last athletic contestswhile we sat in thehome crowd. As they (andwe) said goodbye to closefriends leaving for other colleges.As we remembered theteachers and coaches who’vebeen such a positive influencein their lives.Our constant prayerthese last weeks has been:“Lord, bless them and keepthem, be gracious to them,and give them peace.”Becky and Jeff havebeen God’s children, too,since the day they were bornand we brought them hometo care for and raise them.Now as we let them go, theirHeavenly Father is remindingus he loves them morethan we do and will surelybe with them always. He hasplans for them—and rightnow those plans are for themto experience life at NorthwesternCollege.Their lives will betouched by professors,coaches, a chaplain, RDs andRAs who will teach them,love them and pray for them.They’ll make friends whowill be friends for life, nomatter the distance betweenthem, like we did. They’ll beencouraged to own theirfaith and challenged to live itas a nurse or accountant orIt’s déjà vu for Jim Swart as he moves his son, Jeff, into his former dorm,Colenbrander Hall. Daughter Becky is in her second year as a Stegenga Hall resident,which isn’t quite as close to the caf’ as mom Vicki’s former dorm, Fern Smith.whatever God leads them todo. We both grew in ourwalk with Christ while atNWC, and we’ve seen Beckygrow the same way after herfirst year. Now we pray Jeffwill follow that path.As we miss our daughter’sand son’s daily presencein our lives, we are overwhelmedwith gratitude—forour parents, who saw theimportance of a Christianliberal arts education. For theexcellent lifelong friendshipswe made with Northwesternroommates, wingmates andclassmates. For the generoushospitality of the professorsthat has extended to our siblings,nieces and nephews,and now our children.We’re grateful for thediscipleship and Bible studygroups that taught us theimportance of Christian fellowshipand accountability.For the thousands of miles ofsafe travel we and our childrenhave experiencedbetween Wisconsin and Iowaover the years. For thefriends and family we havein Orange City who let ourkids come over when theyneed a break, yet will nothover over them and robthem of their education inindependence. For Beckyand Jeff being together atNWC, meeting each others’friends, sharing family stories,supporting and encouragingeach other.We are in awe of thejourney that has brought usto this moment. We areexcited about the future,uncertain as it is, because weknow God will guide, protectand bless our kids just as hedid for us so many years ago.Jim and Vicki Swart, Oostburg,Wis., are the parents ofRebecca, Jeffrey, Alison, Kelly,Kyle and Adam. Becky is asophomore nursing student;Jeff, a freshman, is planning tomajor in accounting.34 ▲ Fall 2006

Northwestern ClassicNWC gift selections order form(All items displayed on back cover)Name ______________________________________________E-mail __________________________Address______________________________________________________Phone __________________City_______________________________________________________State__________Zip_________Item Color Size Quantity Price Total priceA Jansport heavyweight long-sleeved T-shirt (S–XXL) – $19.95Generous cut.100% cotton jersey. Available in white only.B Gear big cotton jersey-lined hood with drawstrings, front pouch pocket (S–XL) $33.9580% cotton/20% polyester. Soft-touch vintage appearance after washing. Available in red, black and charcoal.C Gear big cotton “Northwestern College Mom” crew sweatshirt (S–XXL) – $33.95 (crew)Athletic V-notch detail at neckline. 80% cotton/20% polyester. Also available hooded. Red only.$34.95 (hooded)D Gear Platinum dry polo shirt (S–XXL) $37.9560% pima cotton/40% polyester jet pique. Available in white and red.E Gear sideline-pocket 1/2-zip pullover (S–XXL) $32.95Pouch pocket accommodates MP3 player. 65% cotton/35% polyester. Available in red, charcoal and black.All sizes, unless stated, are men’s adult.SubtotalTo place an order:• Use this mail-in order form;• Call 712-707-7195; or• E-mail glendadv@nwciowa.eduMake checks payable to: Northwestern College BookstoreMethod of payment■ Check or money order■ MasterCard ■ Visa ■■■■■■■■■■■■■■■■■■■■Signature required for purchase ___________________________ Expiration date ■■■■■■(as shown on credit card)Mail to: Bookstore, Northwestern College, 208 8th Street SW, Orange City, IA 51041Allow 3-4 weeks for deliveryShippingUp to $50: $7Over $50: $9Shipping/handling(See chart)Total(amount enclosed)While supplies last35 ▲ Fall 2006

Northwestern College101 7th Street SWOrange City, IA 51041Ph. 712-707-7000 (switchboard)www.nwciowa.eduNon-ProfitU.S. PostagePaidSP&DChange Service Requested“My goal is that everything Ido is based on faith—and Ihope my art is no different.Maybe someone looking at myart will be able to see aglimpse of life as I see it, a lifeof hope—hope in Christ.”Ruth George ’07San Jose, Calif.Art major with a missionscareer concentrationI am NorthwesternI’ve enjoyed art ever since I was little, but I thought of it as a hobby.The year before I came to Northwestern, God grew within me a love forboth missions and art, so when it was time to choose a major, therewas little question. I was attracted to Northwestern because of theemphasis on not only academic learning but also faith development. Myart professors have really challenged me. I have become more confidentthat a curiosity to learn is even better than knowing everythingalready. Your donation to the Northwestern Fund gives students like methe opportunity to develop in the ministries God has for us.A whole education for your whole life.Contact Jennie Smith, director of the Northwestern Fund, to find out how you can helpNorthwestern students explore their God-given talents. Phone 712-707-7110, e-mailsmith@nwciowa.edu or visit give.nwciowa.eduGShow yourRaider pride!AHBCDMake it a Red ChristmasABCDEFwith gifts that show your loyalty!(order form on page 35)Thanks to our “model family”: Cheri (Block ’77) and Jeff Meyn ’78 and theirchildren, left to right, Dusty ’07, Maria and Carissa ’04.E36 ▲ Fall 2006