Luther Story fall 2009 / winter 2010

T H E LU TH ER S TO RY • s p r i n g & s u m m e r • 0 9 1

InsIde

Chelsea MillmanKevin Dewalt

KAIROSWes WaltersAnd more…

Visions & Visionaries Issue

L u t h e R C O L L e g e

n e W S

FA L L 2 0 0 9 / W I N T E R 2 0 1 0

R E G I N A C A N A D A

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VISIOnARY OR DReAMeR?

Keep your dreams alive. Understand to achieve anything requires faith and belief in yourself, vision, hard work, determination, and dedication. Remember all things are possible for those who believe.-Gail Devers

To realise a vision or a dream takes courage and faith—courage to take that first step, and faith

to believe that while you pursue your vision, God is with you every moment.

Vision is the art of seeing the invisible.-Jonathan Swift

Before some of our dreams come to fruition we may encounter difficulties. Remember Moses and the forty-year jaunt through the wilderness? What kept Moses and his people moving forward were hope, faith, and a firm vision before them of a land “flowing with milk and honey” (Ex 3.8).

We are human and we falter when faced with difficult times. Those who persevere and overcome obstacles become the visionaries of tomorrow. They chase their dreams and, in the process, enrich the world around them. All it takes is that first step.

When you have a sense of your own identity and a vision of where you want to go in your life, you then have the basis for reaching out to the world and going after your dreams for a better life.-Stedman Graham

Luther College has seen many visionaries walk its hallways. Some have been faculty and staff, and others have been students. The College has strived to equip those within its reach with the tools to turn dreams into reality. Luther students are encouraged to develop a well-rooted sense of self and character, laying a foundation for realising a vision. In this issue of The Luther Story, we celebrate our visionaries, dreamers and leaders.

Faye WickenheiserVolunteer assistant editor


From the assistant editor’s desk

03 From the assistant editor’s desk

04 From the pulpit

05 Chelse millman: Digging deep

08 Apocalypse Now: The start of a new beginning

10 production on the prairies

13 Drafting a dream

14 Bits & bites

17 Class notes

19 Lost alumni

20 pastor Arnold Tiefenbach

22 Contributors

Contents

The Luther Story is the magazine of the alumni and friends of Luther College. If you have a question or story idea to share, please contact us at:

The Luther Story c/o Luther College high school 1500 Royal Street

regina, saskatchewan, Canada

S4T 5A5

editor: Jennifer Arends (U’02) [email protected]

Assistant editor: Faye Wickenheiser [email protected]

Designer: Bradbury Branding & Design

[email protected]

The Luther Story is distributed by Canada Post under

publication mail agreement number 40065736.

R E G I N A , C A N A D A

On the cover

Chelsea Millman (U‘09) standing in the “healing gardens” at First Nations University of Canada.

4

Where there is no vision, the people perish. (Proverbs 29:18, KJV)

Every year, Lutheran university chaplains from across Canada gather to learn from and support one another. This June, we met in Vancouver. It seemed only fitting that we should take advantage of the natural beauty of our location to engage in some team building. With team building in mind, we set off to do the Grouse Grind. The Grouse Grind, Vancouver’s most used trail, is renowned for its physical challenge. In less than 3 km, the trail climbs more than 850 metres—it is definitely steep! For me, the oldest and shortest of the group, the task seemed daunting. I knew within ten minutes of our trip up the mountain that I was not going to do this in record – or even average – time. I also knew that I wanted to see the view from the top without taking the gondola to get there. I believed that I could do it. Half an hour into our climb, I wasn’t so sure anymore. I was winded, my short little legs found some of the steps to be almost impossible, and we weren’t even a quarter of the way up yet! Doubt set in!

Yet, approximately three hours after starting out, we stood triumphantly at the end of the trail. Our hiking time was longer than average, but we made it. What kept me going was the encouragement of my colleagues and our common desire to realise our vision. We knew where we wanted to go and, even though most of us hadn’t been there before, we were willing to work to make it happen. Shared visions can do that. They can take us higher and farther than we might otherwise go. They help us to keep going when we stumble or fall. We need visions and visionaries to move us forward into God’s vision for us all. By the way, the view was amazing.

Rev Cheryl Toth, university campus chaplain

From the pulpit

this photograph was taken by manger of admissions and recruitment (university campus) Jill Cameron at Kapelludden on the island of Öland, Sweden. Featured in the photograph are the ruins of the Chapel of Saint Birgitta. the chapel was built in the 12th century and was one of the largest on the island throughout the Middle Ages. the wall behind the cross is all that now remains of the chapel. the ruins provide a glimpse of what once was, and today they are a place of beauty, peace, and serenity.

T H E LU TH ER S TO RY • F A L L 0 9 / W I N T E R 10


“I am a woman. I am a daughter. I am a granddaughter, a niece, and a

friend. I am Canadian, but it has been difficult for me to fully understand

what that means. I have struggled with my identity as an invisible minority;

my identity of being fair skinned but having Indigenous roots… [The] racism

and hatred [I experienced as a child] made it difficult for me to be open

with my identity to not only the people around me, but to myself as well. I

spent many years fumbling through life, not knowing who I was or what I was missing. It wasn’t until I came to

University that I found the strength to stand up and claim my identity.”

—Chelsea Millman, from the autobiographical note in her

honours thesis (iv)

CHELSEA MILLMAN

Digging deep

Photo courtesy of the Photography Department, u of R.

By Jennifer Arends (u’02)


For Chelsea Millman (U’09), pursuing a university education has been a winding, challenging, and rewarding journey. The recently graduated university campus student and former resident characterises her undergraduate career as a period of intense academic, spiritual and personal growth. Though relatively young, Chelsea has faced a number of challenges that have led her to discover

some hidden truths and gain a deeper, more mature sense of self and community. Chelsea obtained her BA (honours) in psychology this past spring, and her path to becoming a psychology student was anything but linear. During her high school years, Chelsea wanted to become a psychiatrist, but her teachers discouraged her from that pursuit. Instead, she entered the Faculty of Social Work at the University of Regina, only to switch a short time later into Luther Arts with a double major in psychology (high honours) and women’s and gender studies. The common thread running through these late-high school and early-university decisions was Chelsea’s

love for people, concern for their wellbeing, and desire to make a positive difference in the world. It was during her first year of university, in an interdisciplinary studies class at Luther, that Chelsea began to explore what it meant to be a Métis woman. After hearing her classmates speak about Aboriginal issues with little understanding of the Indigenous community, Chelsea began to find her unique voice. She felt compelled to begin working towards educating the public and working more closely with the Aboriginal community. In her final years at Luther, Chelsea became heavily involved in the Missing Indigenous Women Conference, held at First Nations University of Canada in 2008. As a member of the conference coordinating committee, she was involved in all aspects of the planning and running of the conference. In addition to what she learned about major event planning, Chelsea also discovered a great deal about the issue of missing and murdered Aboriginal women. “The issue of missing Indigenous women is complicated—it’s a combination of race and gender with a side helping of politics,” explains Chelsea. “In claiming my identity as a Métis woman, I also came to know all Indigenous women as my sisters.” At times, Chelsea struggled with feelings of melancholy and helplessness. “I was so broken. I wanted to be on the front lines.” For those who

Chelsea and husband Dustin Knudsen at their wedding in Varadero, Cuba in December 2008.

Photo courtesy of the Photography Department, U of R.

T H E LU TH ER S TO RY • F A L L 0 9 / W I N T E R 10 7

know Chelsea, this desire to be active, to make a real difference in the community, is one of the things that sets her apart. Chelsea’s drive to better the lives of others is not restricted to her extra-curricular life, but also extends into her academic life. Chelsea built her psychology honours thesis project on the belief that research can restore valuable lost cultural knowledge to communities, thereby improving the lives of members of those communities. Working under the direction of Luther psychology professor Dr Mary Hampton, Chelsea combined her interests in psychology, feminism, and Aboriginal culture, writing a thesis entitled Stories from the Moon Lodge: Indigenous Female Elders Share Stories of Menstruation and Menarche. Chelsea spoke to a group of elders, gathering their stories about the Moon Lodge, a traditional space in Aboriginal communities where menstruating women gathered to learn about themselves and what it meant to be an Aboriginal woman. The Moon Lodge is named for a woman’s menstrual cycle, or “moon,” because like the female cycle, the moon becomes full every 28 days. Aboriginal culture teaches that women are both at their most powerful and most receptive during their moon times. Chelsea explains that, in the Moon Lodge, “women were taught to listen and pay attention to their dreams, and they often brought visions back to the community.” The Moon Lodge was a way of reawakening the intuitive part of women’s psyches, bringing them in tune with themselves and their surroundings. Most importantly, the Moon Lodge was the place where elders passed specialised “women’s knowledge” down to younger members of the community. With the arrival of Europeans into Aboriginal communities, colonisation, residential schools, and the influence of Christianity eradicated much of traditional Aboriginal culture and knowledge, Chelsea explains. While the Moon Lodge was once a place of spiritual retreat for menstruating women, a central conduit of cultural knowledge and a pillar of the Aboriginal community, after colonisation it was abandoned and, along with it, centuries of cultural wisdom. Chelsea’s honours project was an attempt to recapture some of this lost knowledge and return it to Aboriginal women. “Aboriginal women’s knowledge needs to be given back to the communities, and to women to pass on to their daughters,” says Chelsea. When asked how the Moon Lodge can be returned to Aboriginal women, Chelsea points to the central role of Kookum, or “grandmother,” in Indigenous culture.

“It’s Kookums who hold everything together. Kookums are the ones who facilitate tradition, pass on knowledge, regulate protocol,empower us, and hold the community together. Without Kookums, we wouldn’t have this knowledge.” To illustrate, Chelsea quotes a piece of wisdom passed down to her by Elder Betty McKenna and quoted in the conclusion of her thesis:

We are like trees. Our roots are put down very deep. And we take things from the four directions and we take them into our lives. And if you pull us up by the roots, we are lost. We have to go back and find those roots, find those beginnings, that are strong so that we can live a good life. (60)

With the help of Kookums such as Elder Betty as well as her professors and mentors at Luther, Chelsea is digging deep, finding long-lost roots that will be a source of wisdom and inspiration for herself and other Aboriginal women.

*** At the College’s 2009 Spring Convocation, Chelsea was one of three students awarded the Luther Medal of Distinction. The Medal is awarded on the basis of grade point average and leadership and service in the community. Professor Brenda Anderson (U’88), who has taught and mentored Chelsea for years, had the honour of presenting the award. “One of the gratifying benefits of being a professor is to watch a student’s progress from their first year to their last,” says Brenda. “Chelsea’s involvement in Luther’s Interdisciplinary Program in her first semester through to her honours paper on a topic rarely discussed in public, let alone within an academic setting, attests to her ability to integrate personal reflection within the larger political and global contexts discussed in the university setting.” While graduating and being awarded the Luther Medal of Distinction was the end of one journey, it also marked the beginning of another. Luther is never far from Chelsea’s thoughts: “Luther has always been my home,” she explains. At the same time, she notes, “since being out of school, I have a renewed sense of life and purpose.” As a woman of vision, Chelsea sees her life as full of patterns and purpose. “Coming to Luther wasn’t even about getting my degree. The Creator has led me from person to person so I could complete my honours project. I have been learning to put my life in the hands of the Creator.”

A young Chelsea bonding with her grandfather (left), learning to walk, and finding her voice (right).


The start of a new beginning

In 2009, Luther College high school and university alumna Sarah Richter was invited to represent Saskatchewan’s Lutheran young adults at the inaugural KAIROS conference. These are her reflections on the event.

The idea of the apocalypse in the book of Revelations may seem scary to some, but not for the 350 people who gathered in Waterloo, Ontario this past June. To them, it meant a time for change and a new beginning. It was a gathering of KAIROS, an organisation that brings Canadian churches together to work on social justice initiatives. These initiatives are aimed at sustainable, renewable energy, international human rights, and human rights in Canada, especially for Indigenous peoples, the poverty–stricken, and migrant workers. The theme of the gathering was “It’s the end of the world as we know it: thank God!” and it took an alternative view of the apocalypse—not one of doom and devastation, but of new opportunities. Participants were told by organisers that the word ”kairos” comes from the ancient Greek language and means taking advantage of the moment to make profound change in society. The 2009 KAIROS gathering brought together people from across Canada, drawing their attention to specific social issues through a series of opening discussions. The large group of young adults in attendance at the convention was very important to those who organised the event. The goal of the convention was to help participants find ways to instigate positive change in their local and global communities. “[You have] young adults saying ‘my activist world and my faith world are very separate’. [But really] the opportunity for faith and

By Sarah Richter (hS’05, u’09)Apocalypse

NOWSheila Watt - Cloutier addresses

the KAIROS gathering (left), and Michael St george shares the gift of music with conference

participants (right).


Singers lead the conference participants back to the plenary session.

justice to come together is sacred space,” says Rev Paul Gehrs, one of the organisers from Winnipeg. Sharon Ruiz-Duremdes, a guest speaker from the Philippines, took an inspirational approach to the question of “is there hope and wisdom in the apocalypse?” She reminded the audience that with God on our side, who can be against us? Ruiz-Duremdes ended her presentation on this seemingly simple request: “Please hold on, it’s not time to let go.” Ruiz ensured that everyone knew there are opportunities to make positive changes, even with all the negative things going on in society. For participants, her presentation was one of many eye-opening moments. Tiffany McNaughton attended the conference as part of a KAIROS delegation from Prince George, British Columbia, and she was extremely pleased to see that there were so many other young people who, like herself, were dedicated to making the world a better place. “I’m sure many of us have felt like [a] soap-boxing hippie who just can’t blend in at some point in our lives,” she explains. “To be together for worship and prayer and lectures and meals, and to know we were in a nurturing place, where we could really learn from each other, was such a blessing.” Through workshops, worship services, and plenaries in which the audience listened to guest speakers from around the world, participants had plenty of opportunities to collect information to better understand the problems facing society.

“My personal response was to have a couple of dozen epiphany moments a day. Generally, the time in plenary brought new insight, new courage and new dreams,” says Rev Gehrs. McNaughton left the conference feeling inspired to help others. While wandering around Toronto before her flight home, she wondered how many people in the city of almost three million were experiencing social injustice. After the conference she had a better understanding of what she can do to help their situations. “Whether I help plan a protest, sign a petition, or just talk with a stranger while waiting for a bus, it is something,” she says. Rev Gehrs stressed that it was important to hold the convention now rather than later. “KAIROS needed to make contact with some new people.” he explains. “Those new to KAIROS needed to meet veterans of the movement. Some veterans of the movement needed to meet each other.” He summed up the event by citing a quote from Lilla Watson, an Australian Aboriginal woman: “If you have come here to help me, you are wasting our time. If you have come here because your liberation is bound up with mine, then let us work together.” This is the goal of KAIROS: solidarity, working together as one body to help those in need of help and support. The apocalypse may or may not be coming, but there is a common understanding among the participants of the KAIROS gathering that the end of the world will bring something very important – a new beginning!


Production on the prairies


Production on the prairies Kevin DeWalt (HS’76) is a man with a distinctly prairie vision. In only a couple of decades, the founder, CEO, and chairman of Minds Eye Entertainment has transformed his small, start-up film venture into what the company’s website calls “one of Canada’s most prolific independent production and distribution companies.” As a prairie-dweller accustomed to being able to see for miles without obstruction, DeWalt has looked past the unlikelihoods and short-term

impediments of his circumstances and kept his eyes on the horizon of a thriving film industry in Saskatchewan. DeWalt spent his early years in Moose Jaw and moved to Regina in 1969. He enrolled at Luther College high school for grade nine in the fall of 1972. His father, who was a senior executive at SaskPower, was transferred to Saskatoon in 1974. At that point, Dewalt became a “dorm” student for grades 11 and 12, an experience he credits with “opening [his] eyes to other cultures in the world” through his exposure to international students. After dabbling for three years in the University of Regina campus’ music program through Luther College, Dewalt made a change in direction. What began as a summer overseas trip

spontaneously kept him away from the Queen City for several years and marked the beginning of his entrepreneurial endeavours. Having used film to document his world travels, upon his return to Regina DeWalt raised enough money to create and tour Namaste, a ninety-minute multi-media travelogue about central and southeast Asia. This experience led him to his first directorial job, which in turn led to the creation of Minds Eye Entertainment in 1986. In the early days, Minds Eye was a “factory” for corporate training videos and commercials; however, by 1989, DeWalt was eager to steer the company in a more imaginative direction. That year, with what he describes as a “totally green cast and crew,” he produced a TV adaptation of Ken Mitchell’s short story “The Great Electrical Revolution.” Since getting this first taste of creative storytelling, DeWalt has never looked back. Minds Eye now has upwards of 400 hours of television and 15 feature films to its credit, featuring big-name talent such as Dan Aykroyd, James Caan, Forrest Whitaker, Mischa Barton, Jaime Foxx, Andy Garcia, and Christian Slater. Moreover, Minds Eye is also responsible for the internationally distributed and universally loved children’s television series Incredible Story Studio, the ubiquitous “Little Red Riding Hood” animated Sasktel advertisements, and, most recently, the adaptation of Esterhazy-born Guy Vanderhaeghe’s novel The Englishman’s Boy and the Tommy Douglas biopic Prairie Giant.

By Ben Salloum (u’07)

Left: Kevin Dewalt in costume as the piano player in the CBC mini-series The Englishman’s Boy. Dewalt, producer of the production, is seated next to screenwriter and novelist guy Vanderhaeghe.

Below: Kevin Dewalt at the gemini Awards. The Englishman’s Boy won four geminis in 2008.


It is these latest endeavours that cause DeWalt to really light up. What he calls “projects of passion,” The Englishman’s Boy and Prairie Giant represent, to a degree, the realisation of his vision. Since the beginning, DeWalt has demonstrated a firm commitment to his home province, and part of his interest in film production stems from his desire to tell Saskatchewan’s stories. “I wanted to tell the world what’s special about this space,” he explains: “community spirit, connection to the earth, open sky.” The dedication to engaging with Saskatchewan’s provincial character and history is evident in the somewhat embattled production of The Englishman’s Boy, a novel which juxtaposes the historical horrors of the Cypress Hills Massacre with the sometimes exploitive and insensitive tendencies of Hollywood cinema. Fittingly, DeWalt’s insistence on retaining creative control over the work (Vanderhaeghe wrote the screenplay) meant that the production underwent some minor delays and scale-backs, though he reflects that the project was better for it. “I could have gotten [American] financing for it, but I would have had to give up the rights and change the ending, and I was determined to tell it from our perspective.” Despite a fixed local orientation, the “Land of Living Skies” (a.k.a. Saskatchewan) is by no means the limit for Minds Eye. The company is currently moving towards larger budget feature films, and this shift also includes telling international stories. Up next is a Swiss/French/Canadian co-production entitled Clean Out, which stars Timothy Dalton, Harvey Keitel, and Elliot Gould and carries

a budget of 17 million dollars. Shooting begins in September at locations in Winnipeg, Iowa, Switzerland, and France. Also in pre-production is a Saskatchewan-set, 3-D re-imagining of the family film Harry and the Hendersons, as well as another Vanderhaeghe adaptation, Last Crossing, which is being written by fellow Luther alumnus Rob King (HS’76, U’80). Halfway through his “40-year plan” for creating a Saskatchewan film industry, DeWalt’s efforts are already starting to yield results. In the mid-to-late 1990s, he raised $200 000 to set up the International Baccalaureate film program at Luther College high school; since then, the curriculum development he led has been used to implement similar media arts programs across the province. These programs present students with the opportunity to learn the basics of film and TV technology and to gain creative experience, and they will allow companies like Minds Eye to harvest home-grown filmmakers and crew people in Saskatchewan. By providing filmmaking equipment, bringing productions to our province, and helping to create a crew-base of interested and trained filmmakers, DeWalt is growing Minds Eye Entertainment, and, in turn, Saskatchewan’s film industry, organically. And the proof can be found in his own family: his son, Ben, will be taking Luther’s film program as a grade ten student in the fall of 2009. DeWalt insists, however, that there is no pressure on his son to become a filmmaker. At least, thanks to his dad’s pioneering vision, Ben won’t have to start from scratch should he desire to do so!

Dewalt with fellow producer Oliver hengst (left) on the set of the action thriller Hybrid.


Drafting a DREAM

Walters’ agricultural background eased him into his final job at the Wascana Centre Authority. Ken Dockham, the Superintendant of Development at the time, hired Walters in 1974. “I could tell immediately that not only did he have the correct skill set for the position of Chief Draftsman, but more importantly the sense of humour, demeanour, and all-around personal and social attributes that would allow him to slip seamlessly into our corporate culture” says Dockham. Some of these attributes were undoubtedly his quick wit and dry sense of humour. His fellow staff members adored him so much that they often drew comics of him in the Wascana staff newsletter. Walters stayed with the Wascana Centre for 29 years and retired after his involvement with the Big Dig project. Walters and his team played a support role by producing drawings for shore stabilization systems in this city-wide undertaking. Retired since 2003, Walters is enjoying “the break” with his lovely wife Rita. Their daughter Karen has a degree in engineering as well as in business administration. Their son Geoffrey is a graduate of Luther College at the University of Regina and is a major crimes detective. Wes and Rita have four beautiful grandchildren. Renewing his Luther connection in September 2008, Walters attended his 50-year high school reunion. Although it was good to mingle with old classmates, Walters was most impressed with the school’s upkeep and, in particular, the library addition of 1988. Like a true technologist, he noticed how the library was perfectly designed. “There’s lots of light and there’s no interference with the sun,” commented Walters. So even after half a century, the “black-and-gold bond” holds firm. “Surprisingly enough, I do feel a connection,” the proud alumnus declares.

After 41 years, he’s tucked away his pencil and folded up his drawing board. Wes Walters (hS’58), formerly known as Wes Weslowski, is no stranger to Saskatchewan, as his architectural handprint literally covers the province. Government structures, provincial bridges, and university buildings are amongst Walters’ accomplishments. But where did this self-proclaimed “shy little guy in grade nine” learn the tricks of the design trade? Raised on a family farm 40 km east of Regina, Walters was accustomed to the small-town life. Horseback riding, shovelling out the dugout and skating on the frozen pond are fond childhood memories. Educated in a one-room country school, Walters and his four siblings were taught by the same teacher. But Walters’ thirst for education helped him venture into the “big city” in 1954. No longer needing a PO Box, Walters traded his rural address for an urban one: Luther College high school at 1500 Royal Street. Walters remembers the thrill but also the anxiety of first attending a city school. But he managed to fit in. Although Shakespearian texts were trying at times, algebraic equations were second nature to the young Walters. But school work only complimented high school life. Living in the dormitories, Walters enjoyed the full Luther experience. As Walters made new friends, he returned back home less often as the years went on. Following graduation, Walters worked in administration only to realise that this was not the career path for him. Then, he remembered his childhood days when he built things on the farm. As a child, he had used a post and hammer to construct a small bridge across a lagoon. (Whether or not his bike made it across the contraption was an entirely different matter.) A friend suggested looking into the Saskatchewan Technical Institute (STI). With a quick drive down to the Moose Jaw campus, Walters enrolled himself that very day! Walters studied architectural technology at STI, now known as SIAST. As a discipline, architectural technology combines three elements: drawing, design and construction. Technologists generally work in a design team, converting the ideas of architects and engineers into practical, workable structures. By 1962, Walters had finished his program and was already at his first job. Starting out at a lumber company, Walters designed and drew construction house plans. Walters’ second job at Conforce Products was the most challenging. As chief draftsperson, he produced drawings for fabrication of many well-known Regina buildings. He drew fitted components for City Hall, panels for the University of Regina’s Administration Humanities building, cladding for the university John Archer Library, and practically laid out the entire YWCA. Perhaps his proudest achievement involved his pre-cast drawings for the stands at Taylor Field. As a season ticket holder, Walters reflects on his handiwork at every home game.

Walters (right) hard at work at the drafting table.

By Molly thomas (hS’05)


from Raymond, Alberta. One highlight of the tournament was the attendance of 28 former Luther Lions basketball players, who returned to their alma mater for an early-morning alumni game. Among those in attendance at the alumni game were Dick Stark and gerry harris (hS’69), both of whom were teachers at the high school.

Joel Hunter, Luther’s assistant senior boys basketball coach, was named head coach of the Saskatchewan men’s midget basketball team. The team will compete in the Nationals Championships in Kelowna in August 2009.

Wayne Kallio, a former teacher at the high school, has written a novel entitled Mind Gone Astray. The novel follows the journey of a couple through various stages of the wife’s battle with schizophrenia, revealing the couple’s daily struggles and their reliance on hope and faith to lead the way. Kallio wrote the book after his wife was struck with late-onset schizophrenia in May

hIgh SChOOL neWS gail Fry, faculty member at the high school since 1990, was nominated for the Jackie Schumiatcher Arts Award as part of the Women of Distinction Awards for her continued involvement with the arts. Gail has been directing the Luther College Musical since she began teaching at Luther College. During her time at the high school, she has also been heavily involved with both the Luther Girls Choir and the Luther Handbell Choir. Beyond the walls of Luther College high school, Gail has also demonstrated her dedication to the arts by her involvement in the Saskatchewan Choral Federation and the Saskatchewan Music Educators Association, serving as a board member with each organisation. Gail is an avid volunteer for organisations such as the Globe Theatre, the South Saskatchewan Youth Orchestra and the YWCA.

High school student natacha hongladaromp’s (hS’09) artwork “Serenity” has been selected to be included in the 2009 Minister of Education Art Collection. The 10th annual Minister of Education’s Art Collection exhibit will be displayed at the Provincial Legislative Buildings for one year. The exhibit is designed to “recognise students’ creativity and artistic contribution to culture and visual art education in Saskatchewan and reflect the excellent work being done with the provincial Arts Education curriculum” (saskedthroughart.ca/programs). The annual exhibit is sponsored by the Saskatchewan Society for Education through Art and the Ministry of Education. Hongladaromp’s artwork will also be featured in the Conexus 2010 High School Art Calendar.

edited by Faye Wickenheiser

“Serenity” was handpicked from 90 submissions submitted by high school students from all over Saskatchewan.

In March, high school students Billy Hamilton and Jonathon Pedde received 3rd-place medals at the Provincial Debate Tournament in Yorkton.

Luther’s 5A senior boys basketball team won a bronze medal at the 08/09 City of Regina playoffs and qualified for Hoopla, the Saskatchewan’s annual provincial tournament. Hoopla 2009 was held in Regina in March.

Centennial Merit Scholarships (Standard = S; Plus = P) from the University of Regina and the Ministry of Education have been presented to the following Luther College high school students: Lindsay Braul (S) Erin Hillis (S) Karla Hillis (S) Andrew Houmphan (P) Armand Konescni-Luzny (S) John Lehmann (S) Kate Ross- Hopley (P) Bryttany Sigurdson (S)

Katie Newman received two scholarships from the Regina Music Festival in March 2009: the Regina Music Festival Association Cello Scholarship and the Christine Duke Memorial Scholarship. She placed first in the Kinsmen competition and the provincial finals and took second place in the Shumiatcher competition.

Four Luther College athletes participated at the Provincial Track and Field Championships in Prince Albert, and all were excellent ambassadors for the school. Congratulations to Josh Odukomaya, Margi de Jager, Jordyn Halvorson and

Kaylee Halvorson. Kaylee had unprecedented success, winning provincial gold in the 100 metre, 200 metre and 400 metre events. She was also named Aggregate Champion for Midget Girls.

Britney Laturnus received two medals in synchronised swimming (solo performance and group) in 2009 and participated in the Nationals in May.

Luther College had five athletes invited to represent Saskatchewan at the 2009 Canada Games, held in August on Prince Edward Island. Jessica Winter made the province’s competitive swim team and competed in the women’s 400 metre freestyle competition, placing 14th in her first appearance at the Games. Andrew Henry and Mitchell Jones were named to the Saskatchewan Juvenile Provincial Men’s Basketball Team. They represented Saskatchewan at the Games alongside Luther senior boys assistant coach Adam Hunter, who helped coach the provincial team. The team placed 7th in the competition. Kaylee and Jordyn Halvorson also participated in the Games. The Halvorsons were significant contributors on the women’s basketball team, which placed 9th overall.

From 12 to 14 February 2009, Luther hosted the 57th annual Luther Invitational tournament (LIT). The Luther Lions played in the championship game, but lost 80-56 to the Raymond Comets

Bits & bites

team building at the LIt Pep Rally.


2006. She was treated extensively in a psychiatric ward and in a private mental healthcare home for 22 months before she was well enough to be at home in her husband’s care. Kallio explains that he wrote his novel in order to bring exposure to mental illness, bringing it “outside the walls” of institutions and care homes. Kallio hopes his novel helps to lessen the stigma that is still strongly attached to mental illness, explaining, “I have made this my personal mission.” A senior-level English teacher at Luther College high school from 1974 to 1984, Kallio moved to Arizona following his retirement because his wife, Mary Anne, was suffering from arthritis. Since that time, Kallio has taught English in high school and in junior colleges in Phoenix, Arizona, and English as a Second Language in Finland and China. Kallio has taken breaks from teaching for brief forays into the business world. Currently semi-retired, Kallio substitute teaches and provides night class instruction at the community college in Outlook. Kallio would be happy to hear from former colleagues and students and will pass on information on where the book can be purchased. He can be reached at [email protected].

Drew and Joel Hunter held their first joint art exhibit at Crave Kitchen and Wine Bar on Saturday 20 June. Both are graduates of the University of Regina fine arts program. Drew is a visual art teacher at Luther College high school and has taught and coached at the school for the past seven years; Joel works in real estate at Rock Bridge Realty, and he has coached basketball at the College for the past three years. The exhibit was a one-night affair that included several hundred

attendees. Former students, colleagues, and members of the Regina community came out in full force to support “The Bros Show.” The exhibit included over thirty pieces ranging from large-scale acrylic work to smaller hand-coloured etchings. To contact the artists or see a small sampling of the work, visit www.hunterbros.com.

unIVeRSItY neWS

Ferhat Saglam, a third-year Luther Arts (political science) student and president of the Model United Nations Club at the U of R, attended the 2009 Model United Nations conference in Vancouver with a delegation of eight U of R students. In addition to attending the national conference, Ferhat also had the opportunity to go to the larger international New York conference last March, where he met actual diplomats and heard an address by UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon. Ferhat studied political science and international affairs at the Yildiz Technical University in Istanbul, Turkey before transferring to Luther College at the U of R.

On 1 March, 14 Tractors, Professor Gerald Hill’s latest collection of poetry, was released. Readings were held at Government House in Regina and at St Peter’s College in Munster, Saskatchewan. Born in Herbert, Saskatchewan, Gerry has lived in Papua, New Guinea; Calgary; Rocky Mountain House; Saskatoon; and Edmonton. He completed a Bachelor of Education at the University of Calgary, a diploma in Creative Writing at David Thompson University Centre, and a Master of Arts in English at the University of Alberta. He now teaches English and creative writing at Luther

College at the University of Regina.

On 31 March, the University of Regina, Campion College, Luther College and First Nations University of Canada (FNUniv) celebrated a mutual commitment to partnership, interconnection and a vision for the future by unveiling a plaque at the First Nations University of Canada. The plaque was one of four identical marble plaques that will commemorate the institutions’ shared history. The event also launched a jointly sponsored annual lecture series, aptly named “Forward Together.” At the event, Luther College president Bruce Perlson reminded the audience that meaningful partnerships, like the one between the University and the federated colleges, require dedication and commitment to prosper. “The partnerships we enjoy today have not always been easy and have required persistent effort, fuelled by the belief that we are greater together,” he said. “Collaboration is hard work, requiring openness, energy, determination and above

all, commitment. Today’s plaque unveiling is an important moment in the life of the University of Regina campus because it marks our collective rededication to the hard work of building and maintaining our partnerships.” At the unveiling ceremony, Charles Pratt, president of FNUniv, remarked, “together we believe everyone should be treated equally and with compassion and the utmost respect. For that reason, we wanted to hold an annual public lecture that promotes themes such as understanding, inclusiveness and human rights.” The Forward Together lecture, held on the evening of 31 March, was given by Carlos Reyes-Manzos, a poet and world-renowned documentary photographer. In his lecture, Reyes-Manzos discussed how documentary photography addresses social justice and human rights issues, influencing public perception and effecting social change. Reyes-Manzos was born in Chile; following that country’s military coup in 1973, he spent two years in prison

the presidents of the u of R, Fnuniv, Cmpion College and Luther College unveil the “celebrating federation” plaque on 31 March 2009. Photo courtesy of the Photography Department, u of R.


Luther), is pleased to host RESOLVE Research Day 2009 in Regina on 19 and 20 November 2009. This annual event showcases research and evaluation projects that address violence and recommend strategies that may lead to meaningful societal changes. This year’s theme, Healing from Violence and Abuse, aims to deepen our understanding of how violence and abuse impact the mental, emotional, physical and spiritual health of victims, particularly in Aboriginal communities. RESOLVE is a tri-provincial prairie research network that seeks solutions to violence and abuse. RESOLVE conducts research on all forms of family violence in the broader context of the communities in which these families live. For more information on the conference and its sponsors visit www.uregina.ca/resolve or contact RESOLVE Saskatchewan at 306.337.2511.

Dr Don Lee (former Luther College president and University of Regina Professor Emeritus), along with David Anderson and Larry Mossing (friend of the College), have collaborated to complete a high school-level chemistry textbook approved for use in Saskatchewan.

At the spring 2009 convocation on Thursday 4 June, Dr Don Lee was honoured with the University of Regina’s Distinguished Service Award for a lifetime of service to the University. Lee was born in Midale, Saskatchewan and joined the Department of Chemistry at the University of Regina as an associate professor in 1967. He was a professor from 1972 to 2002, and served as president of Luther College from 1986 to 1991. Lee has been a visiting

professor during his sabbaticals universities in Norway and the United States; he served as chair of the joint Federal-Provincial Panel on Uranium Developments in Northern Saskatchewan from 1991 to 1998, was co-chair of the faculty section of the University of Regina Vision 20/20 fund-raising campaign and has chaired or served as a member of various university committees. For decades, Lee has been an ambassador of the University of Regina within the community, the province and abroad.

ALL-COLLege neWS

Presidential searchThe Board of Regents has started the process of searching for Luther’s next president as President Bruce Perlson’s term will end 30 June 2010. A committee has been formed, comprising board members, faculty, staff, a former student, and the University of Regina president. The committee is also engaging the services of a search consultant. The committee’s mandate is to make a recommendation for the consideration of the entire board in December 2009.

Submitted by Karl Tiefenbach, chair of the Board of Regents

and was exiled to Panama. He has been living in the United Kingdom since 1979 and has travelled extensively throughout Latin America, Africa, the Middle East and Asia, documenting people who are marginalised from society and suffer human rights abuses.

Luther College at the University of Regina is pleased to congratulate the 93 graduates who received 98 degrees and certificates at the Spring 2009 Convocation on 4 June. Every year, the College awards the Luther College Medal of Distinction to a student who is graduating with a superior academic record, with a minimum weighted percentage average of 82.5%, and who has demonstrated leadership and service in the community in accordance with the goals of Luther College. The community is deemed to include the church, Luther College, the University of Regina, and society at large. This year, for the first time, the Medal was awarded to three distinguished Luther students: Chelsea Millman, tahirih Vejdani, and Christina Willatt.

Kovacs Summer Language ProgramEach summer since 2002, a private donor has sponsored an educational opportunity for Hungarian high school students in either grade 11 or 12 to study in a program offered jointly by Luther College and Campion College. The award provides each student with transportation to Regina, room and board at Luther College, books, English language and cultural instruction and other small incidental expenses. The program, established in memory of Dr Martin Kovacs, is intended to provide Hungarian students an opportunity to come to Canada to study the English language, to

produce excellence in scholarship, and to help students experience the history and culture of our country. For 2009, five Hungarian students had the opportunity to study in Regina from approximately 2 July to 21 August. Students are selected by their respective schools on the basis of their interest and commitment to ethics, moral values, and the cultural values of Hungary, as well as their potential to make ethical and cultural contributions to Hungarian society in the future. They must also demonstrate commitment to excellence in scholarship and respect for their Lutheran or Catholic faith. This summer’s recipients are from two faith-based secondary schools in Budapest. The first, Budapest-Fasori Evangélikus Gimnázium (Lutheran Secondary School, Budapest) was founded by the Lutheran Church in 1823, has an excellent academic reputation, and has a name that translates literally as “secondary school on the tree-lined avenue” (fasori=tree-lined). The second, Piarista Gimnázium, Budapest (Secondary School of the Piarist Fathers, Budapest), was founded by the Order of the Piarits in 1717 and also has an excellent academic reputation.Submitted by Mark Duke, director of finance

Mary Hampton (Psychology, Luther) has been named as the University of Regina’s representative to the Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR). This appointment also involves serving on the Regional Partner Program Committee of CIHR.

RESOLVE (Research and Education for Solutions to Violence and Abuse) Saskatchewan, directed by Dr Mary Hampton (Psychology,

Drs Barbara Reul (left) and Franzvolker greifenhagen flip eggs at the university campus’ Residence Midnight Breakfast, held during final exams for residents at the College.


CeLeBRAtIOnSKaren (Larsen) Franchetto (hS’90) and her husband Renato are thrilled to announce the birth of their daughter, Kaitlin Olivia (Katie). She was born 8 May 2009 in Medicine Hat, AB. The family currently works and resides in Medicine Hat.

Sheri tormgrimson (u’84) (below)married Sawomir Pawlikowski in Warsaw, Poland in April of 2009. The two celebrated their marriage along with friends and family from Canada, the USA and Poland. The newly married couple are currently renovating a home as they plan to be in Poland for what Sheri describes as “awhile.”

uPDAteSCharles Anderson (u’03) is pleased to announce the forthcoming publication, by Vox Humana, of his debut poetry collection Mavor’s Bones. Slated for a spring 2010 release, Bones will be followed, in the summer, by a second, fully illustrated collection, Plum Stuff, to be published by Montreal’s 8th House Publishing. Both books will appear under his pen name, Rolli. For updates, visit his blog: www.rolliwrites.blogspot.com.

Jeanette (Vinge) Domes (attended ’65 – ‘66) fondly recalls the first year of her BA degree at Luther College, noting in particular its “small and friendly university classes.” In those days, Jeanette shared the best dorm room in the house with assistant dean Lois (Downs) Pinno (hS’65). After

a career in social work with Mental Health in Saskatchewan and the Ministry of Children’s Services in Alberta, Jeanette has retired with husband of forty years Dave in Coquitlam, BC. There, the two enjoy family, friends and nature, as well as the blissfully moderate climate of BC. Jeanette and Dave are active in both their city and their church, embracing opportunities to serve the programs and people of both communities.

Doug elder (hS`93), along with his brother Danny, has been running the OffAxis Boardshop in Regina since 2001. In the fall of 2008, the two were recognised as the Best Young Entrepreneurs in Saskatchewan, in a ceremony hosted by the Business Development Bank of Canada in Vancouver. The pair beat their competitors by not only focusing on the consumer facet of their business, but also integrating a community-based approach to the business. The two have created a name for themselves by starting a variety of large-scale snowboard and wakeboard competitions, including the SaskTel Jibfest and Summer Invasion. Doug and Danny recently opened a new clothing and footwear store for kids and juniors in Regina called SuperGrom, just two doors down from OffAxis’ 2581 Quance Street location.

Kalen emsely (hS’07) and Derrick emsley (hS’08) are co-presidents of the company Greenfield Carbon Offsetters, and they have been working in collaboration with their father, Doug Emsley, president of Agriculture Development Corporation, as well as Brad Farquhar, Vice-President of Agriculture Development Corporation, since 2007. The company plants trees in soil that is not well-suited to traditional

prairie crops and sells the carbon credits represented by the trees to various corporations that need carbon offsets. The 140 000 trees that the company has planted thus far will eventually sequester nearly 100 000 tonnes of C02. As the company grows, so too will the amount of trees it has planted,as well as the positive effect it has on both the Saskatchewan economy and the environment. The betterment of both the environment and the provincial economy constitute two of the company’s major goals. Kalen and Derrick are currently enrolled at the Richard Ivey School of Business at the University of Western Ontario and the University of Regina, respectively, where they are working on business degrees. Derrick plans to join his brother at the Richard Ivey School of Business after the upcoming academic year. Both are recipients of Hill-Ivey scholarships, established by local businessman Paul J Hill.

Lisa Vilbrunt Feig (hS’86) is currently employed as a social worker for the Department of Youth Protection in Gatineau, QC. She has three children aged 16, 5 and 1, and she is currently expecting a baby. Lisa has been living in Gatineau for the past six years, and prior to this, she and her family lived in Montreal. Lisa is planning a career change in the near future, with aspirations of either working for the federal government or returning to university to complete a degree in translation. Lisa invites her friends to get in touch with her on Facebook.

Dr Daryl hepting (hS’83, u’88) has created an outlet for people to share information about organically, locally, and ethically grown / raised food that is both

sustainable and friendly to the environment. Daryl created a website (http://bit.ly/lofosask) that allows its users to identify areas within Saskatchewan where they might purchase what many have come to refer to as SOLE (Sustainable, Organic, Local, Ethical) food. His background in computer science, as well as his interest in sustainable agriculture, inspired Daryl to create this forum. He hopes that his website and the information it contains will not only inspire people to consider buying locally, but also illustrate the movement’s growing popularity. Daryl’s website has been viewed by nearly 30 000 people.

Shirley hansen (hS’59), gloria Jorg (hS’56 – ’58) and Arden Korchinski (hS’59) (above)returned to Luther College high school in the summer of 2009. Shirley, Gloria and Arden were best friends in high school, and shared many experiences of “dorm life” as they all lived in the girls dormitory. After graduation, the women went their separate ways. It had been fifty years since they had seen each other; however, through the ”miracle” of the social networking website Facebook, the women found each other once again and made a point of returning to their alma mater. Arden came from Alberta; Gloria, from BC; and Shirley played host to the women, as she has since settled in Regina. They went for

Class notesedited by Lecina hicke


a tour of the high school and saw a number of new additions, including the new classroom wing and library. The women insisted that regardless of the many changes the campus has gone through over the years, some things simply haven’t changed.

Marie-Claire Marcotte (hS’04), along with Rebecca Davey, recently created and acted in their play entitled Xippie says: LOL. After attending Luther College high school, Marie-Claire went on to study drama performance at George Brown College in Ontario. The play was featured in the Shumiatcher Sandbox Series at Regina’s Globe Theatre.

neil McArthur (hS’90), in collaboration with Warren Cariou, recently directed a film entitled Land of Oil and Water, which examines the impact of Alberta’s tar sands development on the province’s Aboriginal communities. The film will premiere at the DOXA Festival in Vancouver. Neil and Warren have also been nominated for a Golden Sheaf award at the Yorkton Film Festival.

Dr gunter Mende (hS’59) (below) has, in the fifty years since he graduated, done his best to maintain a connection with his alma mater. In 2001, Gunter established two high school scholarships in support of continuing and graduating Luther College students that express an interest in both history and music. The criteria of the scholarships reflect Gunter’s personal interests as well. For 27 years, Gunter taught Asian, European and world history at the Texas A & M University in Kingsville and has a doctorate

from the University of California, Irvine. Gunter, who is now 80, reports himself to be in excellent health, crediting his physical wellbeing to activities such as swimming, sailing, and biking. When asked what life is like these days, Gunter responds, “no frills, no ills, no bills!”

troy Metz (hS’88; u’93), once the Chief Development Officer for Canadian Green Fuels Inc (CGF), has taken on the title of President of the newly named company General Bio Energy (GBE), which focuses on creating resources such as canola-based bio-diesel in an eco-friendly fashion. Metz is directly involved in the establishment of what will become one of the largest bio-oil / bio-fuel plants in the world, just outside of Regina in the village of McLean. The company has already established a fully operating plant in Regina that produces nearly 50 million litres of bio-diesel a year, and is projected to produce 100 million litres of the product in the foreseeable future.

Richard (Dick) Stark, Luther College high school faculty member from 1976 to 1989, received the Fred Frolick Spirit of the Game award in Regina this past winter. Dick was recognised

for his more than 50 years of involvement in basketball, which includes 27 years of coaching the Luther Lions, including the Lions’ championship victory at the 1984 LIT tournament. In 2004, Dick was inducted into the Regina Sports Hall of Fame for his contributions to basketball in Saskatchewan.

erin Weir (u’02), after a BA with a combined major in economics and history and a minor in political science with great distinction, went on to pursue two graduate degrees: first, an MA in history from the University of Calgary, and later, an MA in public administration from Queen’s University. Since February of 2008, Erin has been employed with the Office of the United Steel Workers (USW) in Toronto, where he is directly involved in public policy, media commentary, and social advocacy in relation to issues pertaining to the USW. In 2006, Erin was awarded the Young Alumni of Distinction Award from the University of Regina.

In MeMORIAM

Paul Albertson (hS’71) unexpectedly passed away in the early morning hours on Wednesday 4 March 2009 in Whitehorse, Yukon, one of his favourite places in the world. He is survived by his loving mother Elizabeth Gray, his beloved daughters, Elizabeth and Jennifer (Grant), and cherished grandchildren, Alisha, Kassity and Jaxon, as well as his siblings Barbara (hS’65) (Peter), graham

(hS’69) (Sarah), twin sisters Pat (hS’70), and nancy (hS‘70)

(Jack), along with numerous nieces and nephews and their beautiful families. Paul had an adventurous spirit, which took

him on many travels including pioneering in Sooke, BC, and later in Marsh Lake, Yukon. He applied himself wholeheartedly to everything he undertook, whether work or play. Paul was an artist, capturing nature as he saw it with his camera, pencils, pastels, and paints.

Craig Andrew (hS’72) passed away peacefully in December 2008 with his partner, Marg Hayes, by his side. Craig was born on 11 April 1954 in Regina and raised on Duncairn farm north of Regina. Craig started school at Sterling in a one-room school, a half-mile from his home. He graduated from the U of S (vocational agriculture) in 1975. Craig started his Paragon herd and moved to Qu’Appelle in 1976. In 1985, Marg and Craig purchased and developed their current home and cattle operation.

Laura Carter (hS’38) grew up in Torquay and trained to become a teacher, attending the University of Saskatchewan, where she obtained her Bachelor of Arts degree. On 13 January 1944, she married the late Fredrick Carter of London, England, who was stationed in Estevan, Saskatchewan with the RAF. In 1944, Fred was drafted back to England. Laura returned to Canada in 1947 and continued her career in teaching with the Regina Public School system and completed her BEd degree. Laura was an active member of Evangelical Lutheran Women and took much comfort in her membership at Central Lutheran Church. She enjoyed bowling, swimming, reading, crafts, and lively conversation with her friends and family. Laura passed away on 13 February 2009.


eliazabeth husli, a former member of the university campus staff and long-time Regina resident, passed away, surrounded by her family, on 31 January 2009 at the age of 85 years. Elizabeth made many friends with students at Luther College and members of the Saskatchewan Roughriders, as she was the cook during training camps in the ‘60s and ‘70s. She was affectionately known as “Mamma” to everyone she met. She had been retired for 25 years and enjoyed having family, especially her grandchildren and great grandchildren, around her. Family was her greatest love, and it brought her joy throughout her final years.

Lawrence (Larry) Leslie (hS’56), at the age of 70, passed away after a lengthy struggle with diabetes and kidney failure. Larry attended Lakeview School, Luther College, Acadia University, the U of R, and the U of S. He practiced law in Regina, was an acting magistrate, and prosecuted until 1998. Larry travelled extensively and spent his summers at Regina Beach, where he enjoyed happy times with family and friends. Larry was predeceased by his parents E C and “Frankie” Leslie; E C was the first Chancellor of the University of Regina and a founding partner of the MLT law practice.

geoffrey McCartney (friend of the College) passed away suddenly on 7 July 2009 at his home in Regina, SK. Geoff was born on 10 October 1953 in Winnipeg, MB. For many years he worked in the financial industry, most recently with FaithLife Financial. His happiest times were spent with family and friends at the cottage in Malachi, ON. He will be remembered as a man with a wealth of knowledge; a cheerful, warm disposition; an appreciation of music and nature; and a deep love for his family.

Leona thompson (hS‘40) passed away on 23 July 2009. She was born 26 August 1921 in Penzance, SK. She received her education at Iduna and Craik Schools, Luther College, and Balfour Tech. She worked at BA Oil and for the federal government in Regina and Winnipeg before marrying her beloved Perry on 27 October 1951, and moving to the farm at Bulyea. Perry and Leona farmed together for 45 years. They retired to Strasbourg in 1996, but continued spending summers at the farm for several years. Leona was a faithful member of Norrona Lutheran Church and was involved in the life of the congregation in many ways, including teaching Sunday school, participating in ELCW, providing secretarial support to pastors, and serving on church council as treasurer for 24 years. She loved receiving letters and corresponded faithfully with many friends and relatives all over the world. She also enjoyed visiting with her friends, children, and grandchildren, and she always had her visitors sign her guestbook. Leona will be remembered with joy and gratitude for her caring, generosity, and faith.

Lost alumni

We need your help in finding some of our Luther College

alumni. If you have any information on the following people,

please contact our alumni office at 306.757.7399, or email

[email protected]. For a complete list of lost alumni,

visit our website at www.luthercollege.edu/lostalumni. If you

forward a lost alum’s information to us, we’ll enter your name

into a draw for a piece of Lutherwear.

Alison Berg (hS’99)

Amanda Boesche (hS’99)

Clive Cook (hS’59)

Patrick Darrah (u’01)

Jeffrey Daviduk (u’94)

Michael greening (hS’95)

tyler hopsen (u’03)

Donna Jardine (attended u’81-’83)

Onno Oerlemans (hS’79)

terri Rae-Ouellette (hS’83)

Surajit talukder (hS’89)

Judy torrence (hS’89)

Kevin Waddell (hS’94)

Ronald Wood (hS’51)

Landis Wyatt (hS’89)

The winner of the fall/winter 08/09 Lutherwear draw is Reta e Jean

haakenson (attended hS’60) of medicine Hat, AB. Congratulations!


11 May 1913 – 7 June 2009

Arnold Tiefenbach

Pastor

glee Club (1930) leaving Lemberg, Saskatchewan.

By Kristy Fyfe


Pastor Arnold tiefenbach (hS’31) will always be remembered as a pillar of the Luther College community. “Arnold’s presence at Luther events gave substance, a sense of purpose, a kind of rootedness to our activities,” reflects Pastor Larry Fry, chaplain at the high school campus. “[His] continued attendance at events like Best of Baroque and Luther basketball games always helped make the event feel like a truly ‘Luther College’ occasion for me.” Pastor Tiefenbach spent much of his life at Luther College as a high school student, university student, faculty member (at the high school campus), and dedicated alumnus. His history with Luther College began many years ago, and he recalls in his memoirs exactly how he came to study at Luther College high school:

In the winter of 1926-27, since we had no regular Pastor, father took me to Regina to arrange for confirmation. We went to see the Pastor [Rev John Fritz] at Trinity [Evangelical Lutheran Church] and arranged that I join the instruction class and I would have time to catch up since the class had started earlier. ‘And where is this young fellow going to live?’ the Pastor asked father. ‘I have cousins here and one of their boys is also in the class so we thought he could live with them’ said father. ‘That will hardly do’, said the Pastor. ‘You will take him up to Luther College where he will have room and board. There he can review his grade 8 as well as do his confirmation assignments. They will look after him.’

After graduating from Luther College high school in 1931, Pastor Tiefenbach completed his first year of university at Luther College in the spring of 1932. He later finished his university and seminary at Capital University, becoming an ordained pastor in 1942. Pastor Tiefenbach returned to Luther College in 1949 as part of the teaching staff at the high school campus. He served as dean of men from 1949 to 1953 and taught religious studies (among other subjects) until 1969. Karl, one of Pastor Tiefenbach’s sons, remembers a story told to him by Merlis Belsher (hS’53) of when his father was dean of men in the early ‘50s:

Dad told Merlis one day that he (Dad) had locked the back door of the school three times the night before. Merlis played ignorant, but at a reunion many years later confessed that the boys in the dorm had a spare key. This key could open the door from the outside but couldn’t relock it. Merlis’s room was on the west side by the door and they hung a long string out the window each night. When the older boys would arrive late, they would tug on the string and Merlis would send the key down.

Anyone who knew Pastor Tiefenbach knew of his dry wit and sense of humour. Luther College high school chaplain Pastor Fry recalls,

on more than one occasion in these past few years, I would be talking to him (probably more loudly than necessary), not really convinced that he was hearing or understanding me. His response would seem slightly ‘off-the-mark’, until my own one-second delay kicked in and I realised he had just offered a sly, subtle joke, delivered in such a dry style that I had completely missed it. He had a great, very individual sense of humour that did not fail him in those last months.

Luther College president Bruce Perlson (hS’62, uhS’63) has a similar memory:

I have a distinct recollection of Pastor ‘T’ trying to make a point in ‘Religion’ class while writing on the caulk-board. I don’t remember the point he was making, but out of the blue he said ‘watch the board and I’ll go through it again,’ and then slowly turned his head toward the class with that understated, whimsical look on his face as if to say, ‘well, did you get the play on words’. Well, of course, most of us didn’t at the time, but it sunk in later.

The Tiefenbach family has a rich history at Luther College, as three generations of the family are Luther alumni. In addition to Pastor Teifenbach, children Karl (hS’73, u’76), Mark (hS’70), Joan

(hS’71), and Peter (hS’77); grandchildren Ricky (hS’01), Sarah

(hS’03), taylor (hS’05), Joey (hS’05) and Aidan (hS’04); daughter-in-law Kathy (née Atchison) (hS’76); and former daughter-in-law

Roxana (née Leippi) (hS’75) are all alumni. Karl is also the current chair of the College’s Board of Regents. In 2005, Merlis Belsher established an endowment to support the “Reverend Arnold Tiefenbach Scholarship in Christian Ethics,” which is awarded annually to a grade 11 Luther College high school student with the highest overall average in Christian Ethics 9, 10 and 11. As an endowed scholarship, the award will be a perpetual reminder of Pastor Tiefenbach. Not only did Pastor Tiefenbach inspire others to be generous to Luther College, but he was also a generous supporter of the College himself. He was a member of the “Luther Builders” ($30 000 – $99 999) giving circle in recognition of his life-long contributions to Luther. Through his many gifts to the College, including his time, talent and treasure, Pastor Tiefenbach’s legacy will burn brightly for many years to come. Pastor Tiefenbach will be remembered and greatly missed within the Luther community. Through his years of study, teaching and involvement as an alumnus, he contributed much to the College. A memorial service was held for family and friends on Friday 12 June at Christ Lutheran Church, Regina. May light everlasting shine upon his soul!

Arnold tiefenbach (hS’31)(left), henry taube (hS’31) and Reinholdt Magel (hS’28), 1932.

Paul Kohlmeier (hS’31)(left), henry Wendel (hS’30)and Arnold tiefenbach (hS’31), 1931.

Pastor tiefenbach (hS’31), 1931.

22

Contributors

Jennifer Arends (u’02) is editor of The Luther Story and Luther College’s manager of marketing & communications. She graduated from Luther College’s university campus with a Bachelor of Arts (English and religious studies), and in 2007 she completed a Master of Arts in English at the University of Regina. Jennifer’s love of reading is surpassed only by her passion for the outdoors.

Jill Cameron works as the manager of admissions & recruitment at Luther College’s university campus, and she is the volunteer photographer for The Luther Story. Jill has a bachelor’s degree in kinesiology & health studies from the University of Regina. In her “spare time,” she is an artist who specialises in photography and ceramics, and her photographs and pottery regularly appear at Traditions Handcraft Gallery in Regina.

Kristy Fyfe is Luther College’s online & interactive manager. She is a second-year Luther College Arts (co-op) student with a major in geography and a minor in political science. Outside of her work and school life, Kristy enjoys listening to local, independent bands in concert and cooking.

Lecina hicke is the alumni office manager at Luther College high school, and she is currently completing her final semester of her Bachelor of Arts in English at the university campus. This year, she is responsible for the organisation of both the annual Luther College Golf Classic and Homecoming 2009 events.

Sarah Richter (hS’05, u’09) recently graduated from Luther College at the University of Regina with her Bachelor of Arts degree in Journalism (Distinction). She has written for the Regina Leader-Post, Canada Lutheran Magazine, Global Edmonton, and CBC Manitoba. Sarah was the Assistant Editor on a documentary called Stolen Spirit, which aired in May 2009 on CTV across Saskatchewan and won Second Most Impactful Documentary (budget under $1 000) at the Journalists for Human Rights DocFest in Victoria.

Benjamin Salloum (u’07) has a Bachelor of Arts in English from Luther College at the University of Regina, and is about to complete a Master’s degree in English at the U of R. He was recently married to another Luther alumnus, Johanna Fry (hS’03).

Molly thomas (hS’05) is a proud Luther alumna and a journalism student at the University of Regina. Over the past eight months, she has worked at Global News Edmonton and CTV Regina. She will continue to work casually with CTV as she finishes her final year of school. Molly enjoys meeting new people, travelling and learning new languages, and she hopes to pursue foreign correspondency upon graduation.

Cheryl toth is an ordained minister of the Anglican Church of Canada and chaplain at Luther College’s university campus. She leads worship and educational activities for students and staff at Luther, and she is particularly interested in matters of social justice. In her spare time, Pastor Cheryl enjoys gardening, reading and spending time with her children and grandchildren.

Faye Wickenheiser is a third-year Luther Arts (university campus) student whose goal is to complete her studies with a double major in English and religious studies. Faye is the volunteer assistant editor of The Luther Story and has enjoyed working with the many “visionaries” she has encountered while working on the magazine.

Left to right: Jill Cameron, Molly thomas (hS’05), Kristy Fyfe, Cheryl toth, Sarah Richter (hS’05, u’09), Lecina hicke, Ben Salloum (u’07), and Jennifer Arends (u’02). Missing: Faye Wickenheiser.


You’re looking for a career with purpose, inspired by faith. We’re looking for Financial Representatives to help

Christian families protect their futures.

Financial RepresentativesIf you have an interest in personal finance, an entrepreneurialspirit and a desire to build a faith-centred financial services practice, join our growing team of trusted professionals.

Sales ManagersIf you provide inspired leadership and have a successful trackrecord of recruiting, coaching and managing a team of financialrepresentatives, we want to hear from you.

Send your resume to:FaithLife Financial, ATTN: Greg Sloan E-mail: [email protected] us online at www.faithlifefinancial.ca.

08-09

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Donors may wish to leave a tangible legacy of their own vision and values by naming a scholarship, classroom, office orlaboratory at Luther College. Named gifts are lasting reminders to future generations of the remarkable and generous contributions by donors, families and partners. For this reason we are pleased to offer several naming opportunities. For more information, please contact the Development Office at 306.757.7393.

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Luther Story fall 2009 / winter 2010

Documents

Transcript of Luther Story fall 2009 / winter 2010