Spring 2013
Dear 1954 Classmates,
Our college graduation was nearly 60 years ago. Please plan on a big celebration next year!
What impact has my college experience had on my life?
What immediately comes to mind is the integration of faith, science, arts, music, sports, etc. Ours was a liberal arts education, which makes for a well-rounded view of life.
We personally appreciated the faith emphasis. When professors were challenged to a “last lecture,” what would they say? If they had one last chance to speak and then could say no more, what would it be? Some chose to summarize their particular field, but the majority chose to be specific about a relationship to their Lord. It helped us realize that faith is a component to a well-rounded life style.
If you read the Luther College news on innovative programming, you will know Luther is still promoting exciting things. We want to believe new generations will also appreciate what we enjoyed. Luther gets our thanks and financial support.
Our Class of 1954 Scholarship endowment fund had a balance of $36,309.07 as of May 31, 2012. Last fall a scholarship of $1,680.00 was awarded to sophomore McKenzie Sesker of Cannon Falls, Minn. You may still contribute to this fund.
News of Classmates:
JOSEPH KVAASE of Lake Elmo, Minnesota, died May 26, 2012, at age 79. He is survived by his wife, a daughter, three step-children, eight grandchildren, and a great-grandchild. After retirement Joe wrote a manuscript, “It’s all God’s stuff.” (The basics of personal financial products and techniques, with a basis of Biblical teaching.) His hope was that it will be published one day.
BEVERLY BERNHARD REQUE MAZUK was hospitalized for two weeks before Christmas and had surgery for three by-passes. She is home and doing well here in La Crosse.
MARLYS MARSHALL STYNE is living in a high rise in Chicago. Several years ago she reached her goal of visiting all seven continents. Yes, even Antarctica.
Solo Deo Gloria.
Ron and Frieda (Mindrum) Nowland
frnow@charter.net
Obituary
RONALD JERROLD SEAVER of Chelsea Woods, Plymouth, Minn., died unexpectedly Sept. 9, 2012, at age 79. Born and raised on the family farm near Capron, Ill., where he attended a one-room country school for eight years--without a classmate, Ron enrolled at Luther after graduating from Capron High School in 1950. He majored in elementary education, and after graduation from Luther in 1954, he spent two years in the Army, mainly in Okinawa. Following his discharge, Ron taught school for four years in Elgin, Ill., then moved to Minneapolis, where he worked for Donaldson's department store as a buyer for their Minneapolis and Southdale stores, and took summer courses at the University of Minnesota. Ron accepted a job teaching in the elementary schools of the Edina (Minn.) School District; he later received a master’s degree in counseling from St. Cloud State College. Ron enjoyed traveling, and he was active with the Nordic Players of the Lutheran Drama Association. Other interests included Gopher and Viking football; Twins baseball; playing tennis, bridge, and piano; and attending performances at Orchestra Hall and Guthrie Theatre. Ron shared his home with his college roommate, Brad Aamodt ‘59, and family and friends were always welcome. He was a member of Luther’s Legacy Trust and President’s Council. The Ronald Seaver Music Scholarship was established at Luther in 2011. Ron is survived by two sisters, Dorothy (SEAVER) GILDSETH ‘58 and Roma Thompson; brother, Robert Seaver ‘57; and many nephews and nieces. He was preceded in death by Brad Aamodt ‘59.
Don't forget your Annual Fund giving!
Each year nearly 9,000 alumni, parents, and friends support the Annual Fund with gifts from $5 to $50,000. Strong support from alumni helps Luther secure additional funds from foundations and corporations, and your gift each year helps us reach our goal of 27% alumni giving. Here’s how your class—and surrounding classes—did in 2012:
Class of 1953 total giving in 2012: $37,670 from 46% of the class
Class of 1954 total giving in 2012: $63,740 from 39% of the class
Class of 1955 total giving in 2012: $20,557 from 42% of the class
Your gift can boost the impact your class has on current students! Please use the enclosed envelope or visit www.givenow.luther.edu to show your support. Thank you!
WITH SINCERE GRATITUDE:
This list includes all gifts received January 1, 2012, to December 31, 2012. Making a gift each and every year is an investment in the lives of Luther students and a show of support for the Luther College community. Thank you for your support of Luther College through your giving.
Anonymous
Marion (Nelson) Aaker*
Karl Ahrens*
Gloria (Falk) Ambroson
Maynard Anderson*
Joan Bedessem*
Alvin Brekken*
Eilene (Baalson) Busch*
Evelyn (Hall) Cole*
Helen (Paulsrud) Cornwell
Eunice (Fortun) Dahlen
Joan (Rod) Engquist*
James Field*
Kenton Finanger*
Janet (Hanson) Hellestad*
Helen (Bidne) Hendrickson
Renee (Aust) Hermanson*
Richard Hoff*
Dale Johnson*
Lawrence Kipfer
William Krohn*
Florence (Holien) Larson*
Helen Martinko*
Beverly (Bernhard) Mazuk
Alice (Logemann) Melaas
Marvin Mews*
Lucille (Sween) Moe*
Roald Nelson*
Frieda (Mindrum) Nowland*
Ronald Nowland*
Paul Ofstedal*
Gertrude (Kolstad) Olson*
Hamlet Peterson*
Marilyn (Grangaard) Preus*
Curtis Reiso*
Norlin Rober*
Irene (Dahle) Schott
Fred Schultz*
†Ronald Seaver*
Jacqueline (Miller) Storby*
S.S. Urberg*
Neva (Bjonerud) Viise
Jean (Cooper) Weymiller*
* made a gift in each of the last five consecutive years.
Every attempt has been made to ensure the accuracy of this list. If an error has been made, please accept our apology and contact the Luther Development Office at 800-225-8664, or e-mail giving@luther.edu.
