The Yellow Sheet for December 4December 4, 2008 | Volume 41, Number 13

Volume 41, Number 13

• News & Announcements
• Campus Happenings
• Off-Campus Events
• Extraordinary People
• Obituaries
• New Faces
• Position Openings
• Congregational Outreach
• Funding Opps
• In the Media
• Hours
• Plugs
• Thank Yous
• Calendar of Events
• Submit an Item Online

News & Announcements

Support Staff Employees Honored... The following support staff employees will be recognized for years of service at the annual Staff Christmas Luncheon on Friday, Dec. 19.
     Retirees: Margaret Derner (chaplains' office), Layton Gehrke (physical plant), Linda Riebesell (student affairs), Harriet Rydeen (Dining Service), Kathy Scholl (biology/geology), and Sandra Volk (Dining Service).
     35 Years of Service: Carolyn Ritz (Dining Service).
     25 Years: Joanne Derner (custodial), Marilyn Marsh (Dining Service), Sherri Peterson (Dining Service), and Harriet Rydeen (Dining Service).
     20 Years: Duane Clementson (physical plant), Linda Hewitt (MCS/physics), Brad Johnson (printing services), Vern Koester (custodial), Bill Larsen (physical plant), and Sue McClain (Book Mark).
     15 Years: Jane Chouanard (E/M, soc./anthro., history), Florence Headlee (custodial), John Shortall (custodial), and Candy Siewert (Lund Center).
     10 Years: Paul Becker (physical plant), Kim Berg (custodial), Dennis Cassman (Dining Service), Teri Knutson (custodial), LaDona Lange (custodial), Scott Meyer (safety and security), and Gary Miller (custodial), Keshava O'Brien (custodial), Judy Roberts (provost's office), Barb Rodning (HES/athletics), JoAnn Vaughn (custodial), and Susan Walter (custodial).
     5 Years: Andy Biedermann (printing services), Jill Brandt (custodial), Zainab Egeh (custodial), David Ferch (Dining Service), Brenda Johnson (custodial), Debra Johnson (Dining Service), Connie Lang (custodial), Clifford Marx (Lund Center), Paul Matzke (Dining Service), Cassandra Nelson (student activities), Deb Swanberg (student affairs), Sharon Unander-Miller (custodial), and Paul Yost (custodial).

Ushers Still Needed... Ushers are still needed for all services of Christmas in Christ Chapel. If you are able to help out at any of the services, contact Dana (x7550 or dlamb) or Lorie (x7520 or lsiebels). You would need to arrive 90 minutes before the service starts (2 p.m. for Saturday or Sunday afternoon and 6 p.m. for the three evening performances). You are welcome to stay for the service or leave after it starts.

Watch for Changes in Parking Regulations This Weekend... The Lund Parking Lot will be closed starting 11 p.m. Thurs., Dec. 4, through Sun., Dec. 7, due to Christmas in Christ Chapel. With the exception of the visitor lots, all parking lots will be considered "open parking." Vehicles may be parked in any red, yellow, or green parking space without regard to permit color Fri., Dec. 4, through Sun., Dec. 7. Contact Safety and Security with any questions.

Assisting St. Peter Fire Victims... A fire destroyed the home of Stacey and Bill Johnson in St. Peter on Wednesday evening and, while they and their two children escaped unharmed, the family has lost everything. Patty Roessler, director of patient care services at River's Edge Hospital (formerly the St. Peter Community Hospital) is spearheading an effort to provide clothing and other essential items to the family. Donations may be brought to ER at any time. Especially needed are: baby supplies (wipes, shampoo, lotion, etc.), a crib and crib bedding, diapers (Huggies #2), and 4-oz. Vent-Air Playtex bottles. If anyone wishes to donate new or used clothing, baby Alexandra wears 3-6 mos. size; Matthew wears 4-5 T; Stacey wears 12-14 pants, large shirts, and scrubs; and Bill wears 32x32 pants and medium to large shirts (he wears dress clothes daily). Gift cards or cash are also appropriate, as they also need many personal items. Call Patty at 934-7645 for more specifics.

Technology Services Survey... The Technology Services Planning Core Committee has received a charge from the President’s Cabinet to develop a strategic plan for technology and technology services at Gustavus. Committee members have already met in person with student, faculty, and administrative groups on campus to learn of their goals for technology. They now invite you to participate in a survey regarding technology services at Gustavus. Completing the survey will allow the committee to take into account individual needs and visions for technology, which are integral to its strategic planning process. All results are anonymous. Please check your email inbox for the survey link.

Old Magazines Wanted... Students who are enrolled in a January "Horticulture" course taught by Pamela Kittelson (biology) need your old gardening, floral, and landscape design magazines. They could use Better Homes and Gardens, Midwest Living, Fine or Organic Gardening, Country Gardens, Martha Stewart Living, or similar home and garden magazines to glean ideas from or to cut out photos. Please send old copies through campus mail to Pamela Kittelson, in the Department of Biology, or she can also pick them up from you (x7331). She will be accepting copies through Jan. 9, 2009.

On-Campus Video Rental... Prairie Video, a company from South Dakota, is on campus to present a DVD Rental Box, which is proposed to go inside the Jackson Campus Center. The 45-minute presentations, today (Dec. 4) at 4 and 6 p.m., are identical and are open to anyone interested. Students are strongly encouraged to attend. This endeavor is sponsored by the Student Activities Office.

Farewell Party... Join the Office of Marketing and Communication on Friday, Dec. 12, 10:30 a.m.-noon in Linner Lounge, as we wish Design Director Sharon Stevenson farewell and good luck on her upcoming move to Oregon.

Get-Away Winner... The winner of the Sysco Get-Away trip to Las Vegas is Brian Koeneman (career center).

Campus Happenings

Chapel Schedule... All are invited to the worship services at 10 a.m. weekdays and 10:30 a.m. Sundays in Christ Chapel. The upcoming schedule is as follows:

• Friday, Dec. 5 - John Mattson (HES)
• Sunday, Dec. 7 - Chaplain Brian Johnson
• Monday, Dec. 8 - Chaplain Rachel Larson
• Tuesday, Dec. 9 - "Winds of Christmas": The Gustavus and Vasa wind orchestras, Douglas Nimmo conducting
• Wednesday, Dec. 10 - Morning Praise
• Thursday, Dec. 11 - Festival of St. Lucia
• Friday, Dec. 12 - Virgin of Guadalupe: Chaplain Brian Johnson

A Few Tickets Remain for Christmas in Christ Chapel... Complimentary tickets for the evening performance of Christmas in Christ Chapel on Sunday, December 7, are still available to the Gustavus community by calling the Office of Marketing and Communication at x7520 or by going online at gustavus.edu/events/ccc.

Child Development Night at Gustavus... Are toys designed with a child’s development in mind? How do children learn to read? Do children benefit from baby signs? Are imaginary friends okay to have? If you have ever been interested in questions like these, then join the developmental psychology students at Gustavus on Monday, Dec. 8, for an evening of fun and learning. Child Development Night, an educational fair with activities for children and information for adults, will be held from 5 to 7 p.m. on Dec. 8 in the Heritage Room of the Jackson Campus Center.

Senior Religion Majors' Poster Presentation... Students in the Religion Senior Seminar will display the results of their research at their Fall 2008 Poster Event, to be held Tuesday, Dec. 9, 7-9 pm, in the St. Peter Room, Jackson Campus Center. Topics include the role of crucifixion in the ancient world and in Christian theology, the role of music in church unity, what historical events forced Mormonism to develop a core theology, pentadic criticism of the Lord's Prayer, sociological objectification of religion, and improving youth ministry. Students will briefly describe their projects and there will be opportunities for questions and discussion. Refreshments will be served.

Yule Tide Breakfast... The annual American Scandinavian Yule Tide Breakfast will be held at 8 a.m. on Tuesday, Dec. 9, in the Jackson Campus Center Banquet Room. The program theme is "Sailing Away . . . Sailing Home - Christmas in a New Land" and features Helena Karlsson, Roland Thorstensson (both Scandinavian studies), and Byron Nordstrom (history/Scandinavian studies). The price of the breakfast is $8.50; reservations are supposed to be in by today, Dec. 4, but you might be able to plead with Edi Thorstensson (library; x7554 or 934-2345) if you haven't acted yet.

Lucia Tradition Continues on Dec. 11... The Festival of St. Lucia marks the beginning of the Christmas season in Swedish custom. The festival, also an annual tradition at Gustavus, will be celebrated here this year on Thursday, Dec. 11, with a chapel service and the selection of a Lucia queen from among a court of six sophomore women nominated for their leadership, service to the College and others, charity, kindness, and thoughtfulness. Voting for St. Lucia continues through tomorrow, Dec. 5. Cast your vote at the SAO information desk for one of the following sophomore women: Kimberly Braun, Sarah Cartwright, Amber Kirk, Megan Myhre, Bergit Nerheim, or Rachel Schmitt.

Fireside Chat... Come to the Interpretive Center on Thursday, Dec. 11, at 11:30 a.m. for the December Fireside Chat. Bruce Gray, former dean of students and senior development associate, will be telling stories about the "old days" of the College. A small lunch will be available for purchase, or feel free to bring your own.

Michael Johnson Returns for Annual Winter Concert... Michael Johnson, the singer, songwriter, storyteller, and guitarist who has delighted audiences at Gustavus annually for four decades, returns to Jussi Björling Recital Hall for a 40th Anniversary Concert Celebration, Friday, Dec. 12, at 8 p.m. This performance is one of only two performances the national recording artist will present in Minnesota this season.
     Johnson first performed at Gustavus in April 1968 with the late John Denver as part of the trio of Denver, Boise, and Johnson. Following his departure from the trio one year later, he spent a year acting with an off-Broadway company and then returned to Minnesota and to singing. Since that time, he has studied and toured internationally eight times and has recorded 11 albums, which include ten hit singles and two #1 country songs of the year.
     Tickets are still available at $20 for adults and $15 for students, senior citizens, and Gustavus faculty and staff. Call the Gustavus Ticket Center at 933-7590 or go online at gustavus.edu/events/artistseries/. Any tickets remaining will go on sale one hour prior to the concert in Jussi Björling Recital Hall box office.

Off-Campus Events of Interest

Local Writers and Photographers Collaborate for Exhibition... "Giving Vision and Voice to the Minnesota River Valley" opens today (Dec. 4) in two locations—the Arts Center of Saint Peter (315 S. Minnesota Ave.) and the Nicollet County Historical Society Treaty Site History Center. The exhibition is a group show that combines photography and writings from local artists and writers highlighting the uniqueness of the Minnesota River Valley. The Arts Center is hosting a special event to introduce the exhibition on Friday, Dec. 5, 7-9 p.m. The evening is free of charge and includes live music, wine, and savory treats.
     "Giving Vision and Voice to the Minnesota River Valley" features an exciting combination of photography and literature with never-before-seen images from Anders Björling, John Cross, Ann Judkins, Wayne Schmidt, and Jon Smithers, accompanied by the writings of Phil Bryant (English), Kathryn Christenson, Jan Holte, John Rezmerski (English, emeritus), and Janet Neubert Schultz. Fifty photographs, accompanied by literary texts, depict the allure of the Minnesota River Valley through breath-taking images and insightful words.
     The exhibition is made possible in part by a grant provided by the Minnesota Historical Society and funds from the St. Peter Area Tourism & Visitors Bureau, First National Bank, HomeTown Bank, Nicollet County Bank, and Wells Federal Bank and is a cooperative venture of the Arts Center of Saint Peter and the Nicollet County Historical Society Treaty Site History Center. The exhibition runs through Feb. 1, 2009. Gallery hours at the Arts Center of Saint Peter are Tuesday through Sunday, 1-5 p.m., and Thursday, 1-8 p.m. Gallery hours at the Treaty Site History Center are Tuesday through Saturday, 10 a.m.-4 p.m., and Sunday, 1-4 p.m.

A Victorian Christmas at the Cox House... Christmas will be celebrated in Victorian style at the historic Cox House in St. Peter during the first two weekends of December. The house will be open from 1 to 4 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday, Dec. 6 and 7, and again on Dec. 13 and 14. Guests may tour the house, sing carols around the piano or old reed organ, and hear special music by local musicians. Spiced cider and homemade cookies will be served in the kitchen. The schedule of musicians: Sat., Dec. 6 - Jim and Donna Bakken, piano and flute, and Emily Kracht and Avis and Paul McDaniel, voice and piano; Sun., Dec. 7 - Nora Scheller, harp, and Pat Rossing and Ruth Ann Fitzke, piano and bells; Sat., Dec. 13 - Rebekah Richards, piano, and Folkey Dokey (Bruce Davis and Joni and Don Myers); Sun., Dec. 14 - Heartstrings (Paul Isaacs and Diana and Kenneth Stoll) and Bev Gustafson and the Gustavus Early Music Ensemble. All are welcome.

Stevensen Benefit... A benefit for Pat Stevensen (telecommunications) and her husband, Russ, has been set for Saturday, Dec. 13, at the Red Men Club of St. Peter. Russ has received radiation and chemotherapy over the past few months for throat cancer and is not able to work. Pat has had to take a leave to assist at home, and their son Tom, who had medical issues, died unexpectedly in October. The benefit includes a silent auction from 3 to 8 p.m., bingo from 4 to 6 p.m. (must be 18 to play), and a pork sandwich supper served 4-9 p.m. For more information, contact Becky Barnes (telecommunications) at bbarnes@gustavus.edu or x7025. Donations and other contributions may be brought to the Telecommunications Office, on the lower level of Olin Hall.

Extraordinary People

Seán Easton (classics) served as organizer and chair of the "Film and Literature" Panel at the annual conference of the Pacific Ancient and Modern Languages Association in Claremont, Calif., on Nov. 7.

Barbara Fister (library) was a guest speaker on the subject of open access and mass book digitization projects at the annual retreat of the American Library Association's Office of Information Technology Policy advisory board on Nov. 19.

On Nov. 20, Darrell Jodock (religion) gave three presentations to the Northwest Iowa Clergy Forum. His topic was "The Importance of Christian-Jewish Relations for Understanding Christianity." An ecumenical group that meets in Spencer, Iowa, the Northwest Iowa Clergy Forum schedules six one-day workshops a year, of which this was one.

Julie Gilbert (library) presented at the Minnesota Library Association annual conference on Nov. 20. Her presentation, "Bridging the Divide: Connecting First Year Students to the Library," reported results from library instruction initiatives within the First Term Seminar. Julie also published an article, "Confronting Insecurities: Seeking Professional Success in the First Year," in the November issue of the Career Info Trends newsletter.

Joel Carlin (biology), with collaborators at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and the University of Marlyand-Eastern Shore, was awarded $22,027 by the Living Marine Resources Cooperative Science Center for research on "The use of microsatellite DNA to evaluate U.S. fishery management areas and effective population size of monkfish, Lophius americanus."

Patricia Freiert (classics, emerita) will be showing her shibori scarves at the American Craft Council Show in Sarasota, Fla., December 5, 6, and 7 at the Sarasota-Bradenton International Center. More information is at www.americancraftcouncil.org.

Jeff Jenson and Edi Thorstensson (both library/archives) presented a class at the eighth annual South Central Minnesota Genealogy Expo at Minnesota State University, Mankato, on Nov. 1. In the session, titled "Church Records of Swedish Lutheran Immigrants in Minnesota," the pair discussed resources available at Gustavus concerning family history research. In addition, Jenson led a session at the expo on “Genealogy Software: An Introduction,”in which he discussed reasons for using software and demonstrated Personal Ancestral File and Family Tree Maker.

Obituaries

• Elder Jackson, father of Joel Jackson (GTS), Deb Andros (Dining Service), and Martha Mascarenhas (Dining Service) and a 1945 Gustavus graduate, passed away Saturday, Nov. 29. His funeral will be Friday, Dec. 5, at 10:30 a.m. at First Lutheran Church.
  

To inform the campus community of the death of a current student, employee, or trustee; an emeritus professor or trustee; or an immediate family member of a current employee, contact the Office of the President (x7538 or pleagjel@gustavus.edu). Death announcements and funeral notices for students, current and emeritus faculty and employees, and trustees will be sent to the community via written notice from the president, posted on community-l, the official campus-wide e-mail list, and published in the Yellow Sheet or Summer Scoop. Notices for immediate family members of current employees will be published in the Yellow Sheet or the Summer Scoop unless they occur during a publication break, in which case they will be posted on employee-l.

New Faces

The following people have recently joined the Gustavus community:

    New Support Staff

• Jan Lutz, administrative secretary (student affairs)

Position Openings

• Part-time custodian (physical plant)
• Full-time (30 hrs. per wk.) custodian (physical plant)

For more information on the aforementioned position(s), call human resources (x7304).

Congregational Outreach

Partners in Education... Presenters scheduled for this week include Mary Gaebler (religion) who will be giving her talk, "Affluenza," at 9:45 a.m. on Sunday, Dec. 7, at Central Lutheran Church in Minneapolis. Partners in Education is a program coordinated by the Office of Church Relations in which participating faculty and staff members prepare topical presentations for adult forums, workshops, and seminars in congregations of the ELCA.

Retreats... The Office of Church Relations will host a confirmation retreat for Saint James Lutheran Church from Burnsville, Minn., on Saturday, Dec. 6. Church Relations will host a student retreat for Faith Lutheran Church from Hutchinson, Minn., this Friday, Dec. 5, through Saturday, Dec. 6.

Music in Worship... A small Gustavus vocal ensemble will be performing at a women's Christmas tea at Easter Lutheran Church in Eagan, Minn., this Monday, Dec. 8, at 7 p.m. Any Gustavus music ensemble or soloist is welcome to perform in congregations. For more information, contact Marilyn Beyer (x7001).

Funding Opps

The Office of Corporate and Foundation Relations' weekly program or funding opportunity highlight:

• National Endowment for the Humanities Fellowships... National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH) Fellowships provide opportunities for individuals to pursue advanced work in the humanities that contributes to scholarly knowledge or to the general public's understanding of the humanities. Fellowships support both projects that can be completed during the tenure of the award and work that is part of a long-term endeavor. Tenure normally covers an uninterrupted period lasting from six to 12 months. For the last round of awards, the stipend was $4,200 per month and the maximum stipend was $50,400 for a 12-month tenure period. All applicants are required to submit their proposals electronically through a federal grants system, which is coordinated through the Office of Corporate and Foundation Relations. The deadline is May 1. For more information, please see http://www.neh.gov/grants/guidelines/fellowships.html. Please note that the new guidelines will be online soon and that the currently available guidelines should only be used for reference.

For more information on grants or proposal preparation, contact Bob Weisenfeld in the Office of Corporate and Foundation Relations (x7049 or bweis@gustavus.edu).

In the Media

Here are some noteworthy Gustavus-related stories that recently appeared in print or broadcast media locally, regionally, or around the nation:

• KEYC-TV ran a story about the two new exhibitions at the Hillstrom Museum of Art on its Monday, Nov. 24, newscasts. Don Myers (Hillstrom Museum/art history) was interviewed for the story.
• The Mankato Free Press printed a sidebar news brief on the front page of its Tuesday, Nov. 25, Currents section about Gustavus being ranked in the top 20 among baccalaureate institutions for number of students who study abroad.
• The Mankato Free Press printed a story on the front page of its Thursday, Nov. 27, Currents section about the new exhibitions at the Hillstrom Museum of Art. Don Myers and Laura Behling (English) were quoted in the story.
• The St. Peter Herald printed a story about Christmas in Christ Chapel on the front page of its Thursday, Nov. 27, edition.
• The St. Peter Herald printed a story and color photo about the new exhibitions at the Hillstrom Museum of Art in its Thursday, Nov. 27, edition.
• The St. Peter Herald printed a story about nine football players who received post season honors in its Thursday, Nov. 27, Sports section.
• The Mankato Free Press printed a story on the front page of its Sunday, Nov. 30, Currents section about a poetry anthology that includes works from Rebecca Fremo (English) and Phil Bryant (English). Fremo is quoted in the story.

Anyone who has suggested additions for this list, suggestions for potential future media stories, or interest in being a media source should contact Marketing and Communication (x7520 or ga_news@gustavus.edu).

Hours

Print Room Holiday Closing... Printing Services will be closed Dec. 29-31. Counting in the College's designated holidays, this means that print jobs will not be processed between Dec. 20 and Jan. 4. Please plan your printing needs accordingly.

Plugs

For Sale: Tuffy, an one-year-old standard poodle, light chocolate brown in color. He is a well-potty-trained, indoor dog. $250. Contact jprahm@gustavus.edu. (The Obamas passed...)

'All I Want Is a Room Somewhere'... Peter Shea, who will be teaching "Philosophy for Children" for the Gustavus Philosophy Department during the January Interim, needs a place to stay in St. Peter for that period. "It doesn't have to be fancy: a room would be fine, especially if I had access to a kitchen. It has to be pretty quiet at night, and the air quality has to be good: I don't do well with smoke and I am allergic to cats. I won't have much stuff, and I likely will be gone on weekends, so this would be a pretty painless sublet opportunity, if someone is going out of town. I can be somewhat flexible about moving-in and moving-out days; I just need housing for the major part of the time I am working in St. Peter. Any help or referrals you could give me would be appreciated." Contact Peter Shea at shea0017@umn.edu or 612-250-4207.

House for Rent during Spring Semester 2009: Four bedrooms/two bathrooms. Newly remodeled, beautiful kitchen. Close to North Elementary School. $1,100/month plus utilities. No pets, please. Contact Dana at 934-3553 for more information.

Bug for Sale: 2003 VW convertible Bug; orange body with black top. Excellent Condition,  48,000 miles. Automatic, full accessory package, heated seats. Fun to drive. Contact Kris at 507-933-7579.

House for Rent Starting January 2009: Three-bedroom home 1/2 block from Gustavus and South Elementary. Fireplace, office, three-season porch, open kitchen/living area, family room, lots of storage. Great yard, great views from the top of the valley. Responsible renters only; references required; five or six-month lease okay. Contact sstevens@gustavus.edu or Sharon at 507-351-8637.

"Plugs" is maintained as a forum by which members of the Gustavus community may offer goods and services to others in the community, or seek the same from them. It is not meant to accommodate ads or announcements from area businesses such as real estate agents and retailers, although from time to time such announcements may be published when deemed to be of particular interest to the community.

Thank Yous

For Flu-Shot Assistance... The Safety and Health Committee would like everyone to extend a big "thank you" to Student Health Services for their work with the flu-shot clinic. "This fall, well over 800 flu shots were given out to students and faculty/staff members. This is a record-setting number and is sure to help aid in the overall health of our campus. Job well done!"

 



To add or change items on the calendar, please fill out and submit a College Calendar event form. View the entire College Calendar online.

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The Yellow Sheet is a newsletter for Gustavus Adolphus College employees produced by the Office of Marketing and Communication. It is published weekly during the academic year (except during the week of Thanksgiving, the Christmas break, Touring Week, and the Spring and Easter breaks). Anyone may submit items by filling out an online submission form. While online submissions are preferred, items may also be submitted typewritten on a letter-sized sheet of paper. Send "snail mail" items to: The Yellow Sheet, Office of Marketing and Communication. Items must reach the office no later than 4:30 p.m. on the Tuesday before publication. The week of Nobel Conference the deadline is 4:30 p.m. Monday. For more information, contact Steve Waldhauser (waldo@gustavus.edu or x6413).

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