News from Union College spring 2009 News from Union College spring 2009 Ways to Wellness STUDENTS AND ALUMNI SEEK BALANCE IN AN UNBALANCED WORLD Also . . . ● Leadership Symposium hosts Freedom Writer ● Employee cook-off winning recipes ● New Web site opens new doors STUDENTS AND ALUMNI SEEK BALANCE IN AN UNBALANCED WORLD Also . . . ● Leadership Symposium hosts Freedom Writer ● Employee cook-off winning recipes ● New Web site opens new doors Ways to Wellness
Transcript
N e w s f r o m U n i o n C o l l e g e s p r i n g 2 0 0 9N e w s f r o m U n i o n C o l l e g e s p r i n g 2 0 0 9
Ways to WellnessSTUDENTS AND ALUMNI SEEK BALANCE IN AN UNBALANCED WORLD
Also . . .● Leadership Symposium hosts Freedom Writer● Employee cook-off winning recipes● New Web site opens new doors
STUDENTS AND ALUMNI SEEK BALANCE IN AN UNBALANCED WORLDAlso . . .
● Leadership Symposium hosts Freedom Writer● Employee cook-off winning recipes● New Web site opens new doors
Union College3800 South 48th StreetLincoln, NE 68506 ForeSight
It takes
goes along way.
The char gift annuity is like a fruit tree in at least three respects. First, a tree yields fruit year after year. When you obtain a gift annuity, each year it provides fruit in the form of payments. These payments can be monthly, quarterly or once each year depending on your needs. Second, just as fruit trees weather the elements, gift annuity trees are resistant to the changing financial scene. Economic storms may come and go, but the health and strength of charitable gift annuities remain in place. Third, just as a ripe apple or peach is refreshing to eat, gift annuitiesprovide enjoyment as a source of dependable paymentsand also provide philanthropic satisfaction both for thedonor and the college.
To get the full picture, contact Todd Mekelburg,director of leadership giving, at 402.486.2503 or visitwww.ucollege.edu/advancement/plannedgiving.
The charitable
CORDCORDmagazine staff: Jacque L. SmithDirector of Public Relations/Editor
Steve Nazario Director of Visual Communications/Designer
Scott Cushman ’03Assistant Director of Public Relations/Assistant Editor
Brianna Norton ’10 Graphic Design Assistant
Lauren Bongard Schwarz ’04David Skau’11Carolyn Scott ’09Michael Steingas ’10News Writers
Articles and photos as credited.
p Indicates more information is available onUnion’s Web site or read CORDmagazine online:www.ucollege.edu/cordmagazine.
Union College Alumni AssociationOfficers and Board Members:
LuAnn Wolfe Davis ’82 . . . . . . . . . . .Vice President for Advancement
About the cover: Wellness can be described as a balance of physi-cal, mental and spiritual health leading to anoverall feeling of wellbeing. While not every topicin this issue may be useful to every reader, theCORDmagazine staff hopes the concepts add abit of extra peace and perspective to our readers’ lives.Photo: Stock photography
CORDmagazine Union College 3800 South 48th Street Lincoln, NE 68506 or [email protected].
Editorial/4 Campus News/5
CORDVol. 74, No. 1 Spring 2009
Journey toward wellness/14A lifetime of medical missionary evangelism
Dr. Melvin Beltz ’43
New wellness major/11
Employee winning recipes/12 50 years of marathons/15
Class-ifieds/25 In Memory/27
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Never too stressedto exercise/22
Alumna shares leadership research
Sharon McDowell-Larsen ’84
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Focus on fiber/16A no nonsense
approach to diet
Dr. Franklin House ’58
www.ucol lege.edu
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magazinemagazinecan take time...
ForeSight...but a little
CORDmagazine 3
4 SPRING 2009
didn’t grow up with Garrison Keillor wit and musings inmy life. When I decided to move to a place many of my Tennessee friends were convinced was a wide-open prairie, Iwas introduced to Keillor world as a parting gift from a Minnesotan friend.
Now, immersed in Midwestern culture, my favorite Keillorencounter is “The Writer’s Almanac” broadcast daily on the localpublic radio station. Even though the segments always seem tooshort as he quickly pulls me deep into a well-researched mus-ing about literary greats, his signoff-line never disappoints: “Bewell, do good work and keep in touch.”
While preparing this wellness-themed issue of CORDmagazine, Keillor counsel rang in my ears, and nowwhen I hear his mantra, I relate it to the passionate people inthe Union College family.
Be well—It’s no surprise that Union College students, pastand present, have a healthy focus on living well. With the Adventist heritage of an inspired health message, manyUnionites should (and do) pay attention to wellness—physi-
cal, mental, spiritual and even fiscal. The college emphasizeshealthy living for employees and offers coursework towardmaking wellness a career (see p.11).
Do good work—Union emphasizes service in campus lifeand the curriculum. Many Union graduates seek careers andpersonal pursuits in service regardless of their field of study.
Keep in touch—As the college measures its health for nowand the future, one of the best indications is how often wehear from Union’s alumni and friends. Beyond looking for youat Homecoming Weekend in April and chapter meetings year-round, we are grateful to continue having one of the highestlevels of alumni giving participation in the country. This com-mitment to Union is crucial to the college’s wellbeing.
In this issue of CORDmagazine, I invite you to exploreways Union alumni, employees and students are applying theprinciples of wellness in their lives and work. I have beenmotivated by their stories, and I hope this issue will inspireyou as it has me. So please, as you read this issue, take abreak from stress, put your feet up and be well.
The Spiritual Journey program focuses onrelationships: with God, with others andwith ourselves. Underwritten by Drs. Ron‘62 and Alexa Jensen, Stan ’68 and Angie’67 Hardt are the co-directors of the pro-gram at Union. This small group ministryteaches biblical principles that bring aboutindividual growth and healing. Establishedin 1995, the program continues to play avital part in the spiritual life of Union College.
s the leader of a small group of collegemen here at Union College, I asked thisquestion: “How have you grown spirituallythis year?” There were a variety of re-sponses, with some men being very posi-tive and others voicing their struggles. Oneyoung man, referring to a previous groupmeeting, stated that he had come to seethat he was believing the lies of Satan con-cerning his lack of personal worth. Heshared how believing God’s truth was giv-ing him freedom from years of low self-worth. In these groups it is rewarding tosee the struggles, the victories, and thehonest sharing of how God is working ineach life.
Unique to Union College, the SpiritualJourney program is a small group ministry
given to the campus 14 years ago by Drs.Ron and Alexa Jensen. Based on theirworkbook series, Soul Renovation, the pro-gram helps bring men and women into adynamic relationship with God, helpingthem develop healthy relationships withothers and with themselves. In short, thegoal is for the spiritual transformation ofyoung people for now and for eternity.
In this voluntary program, students joina small group of five to 10 participants whomeet for one hour per week. As a group,they learn the principles of the programand how to apply them to their everydaylives.
The subject matter and the sharing floatto the level of need for the group mem-bers. The topics range from our identity inChrist to resentments, anger, control, fears,sexuality and criticism. It could be definedas “church casual” with a goal of makingsalvation practical. The rubber meets theroad as the groups address issues that con-front young people as they step into thereal world–a world with plenty of destruc-tive values, goals, and lifestyles.
When we ask the group members whatthey like about being in a small group theirresponses reveal the comfort, the encour-agement, and the growth that result from
EDITORIAL ‘BE WELL, DO GOOD WORK AND KEEP IN TOUCH’_______________________________________________________________________________
Introduction by Jacque L. Smith, Editor
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by Stan ’68 and Angie ’67 HardtSpiritual Journey program promotes practical faith
making “church” small and practical: • “It’s the one time during the week I can relax and just be
myself.” • “I can share how my life is going, and people will listen.” • “I’m so busy with studies and work that it’s one of the few
times I can concentrate on God and the things that matter.”
• “It’s nice to know that I’m not the only one with problems.”
The Spiritual Journey group members encourage each otherto apply the biblical principles of confession, forgiveness and re-pentance in our daily lives. Wonderful testimonies come asyoung people practice these truths. As they develop healthy rela-tionships with others and themselves, more joy fits into theirlives.
As leaders and members of the student groups, we alwaysbegin the sharing time with experiences from our own personallives, realizing that you can’t lead students any further than youyourself have journeyed. Too often young people just listen tosermons and worship talks. These have value, but the principlespresented need to be put into action. In contrast, the SpiritualJourney program is applied and practical. There is no use talkingabout love unless we encourage people to actually practice loveand service. Through the power of God and personal choice,these disciplines produce fruit in student lives and in our ownlives.
We continue to learn alongside our student groups. One ofthe biggest lessons for us personally has been the destructivepower of criticism. We believe criticism is never the best message
for friends, family, church members or even strangers, and weare learning to replace this negative habit with affirmation. Thisshift in sharing with others has been a freeing experience forboth of us. Christ’s command to love one another as He hasloved us is the goal of our own lives and is the life principle thatwe strive to model for our group members.
You don’t have to be a student at Union College to experi-ence the transformative power of a small group ministry. We en-courage anyone looking for healthier relationships and a morebalanced life to seek out or form a Spiritual Journey group ofyour own.
pTo learn more, contact Stan at [email protected] or ex-plore the Soul Renovation program for yourself: www.soulreno-vation.com.
hile running on his treadmill andmemorizing scripture, Rich Carlson, UnionCollege’s vice president for spiritual life,was struck by the verse: “How can ayoung man keep his way pure? By medi-tating on your word” (Psalm 119:9).
“I was impressed that students atUnion needed something to help encour-age them to become spiritual leaders,” hesaid. Starting the next morning, he jotteddown the thoughts that came to himwhile running, then typed and sent out ane-mail devotional thought titled GoodMorning Union based on the scriptures heread each day.
Carlson, Union College’s campuschaplain for more than 27 years, has writ-ten and sent out an e-mail each schoolmorning since 1999. He has made onlyvery rare exceptions when travel madesending e-mail impossible—when hewrote ahead of time and enlisted his
wife’s help to send the message out ontime. He has never repeated an e-mail.
At first the e-mail went out only to themen on campus. The next year, all UnionCollege students, faculty and staff were in-cluded. The number of recipients has con-tinued to rise; former students decide tokeep getting the e-mail, parents ask to beincluded, and others so appreciate thedaily message that they regularly forwardit on to their own lists of contacts.
“The e-mails are evidence of my faith-fulness to God and His faithfulness in re-turn,” Carlson said. “Almost every day Iget at least one e-mail from someone say-ing how God has used the thought forthat day.”
Linda Skinner, Union’s director ofdonor relations and a regular reader of thee-mails, said Good Morning Union hasblessed her immeasurably. “So manytimes the message appeared to have been
written expressly for me; it fit my situationnearly perfectly,” Skinner said. “I havealso shared the e-mails with others whohave benefited from the sage and down-to-earth musings that help make scriptureeasy to understand.”
Carlson’s e-mail ministry is likely tocontinue. “I really look forward to writingGood Morning Union,” he said. “I missthe time when I don’t write over break.Sharing the thoughts God brings me eachmorning gives my personal experiencewith God a purpose beyond just me, forothers too.”
pTo receive daily Good MorningUnion e-mails, contact Rich Carlson at [email protected] and ask to beadded to the list, or view the content on-line by visiting www.ucollege.edu andclicking on the Daily Devotional button.
Good Morning UnionUnion College’s devotional spiritual food—by e-mail
WWby David Skau
Engaged Encounteror 11 years, Stan and Angie Hardt have helped couples
maximize the health of their future marriage through Engaged Encounter weekends. To date, the Hardts haveled 285 couples through a weekend of activities that helpimprove communication skills and establish realistic ex-pectations and goals for marriage. Most of the participantshave been current or former Union College students, butthe Engaged Encounter weekends have also helped couples from all over the Midwest.
FF
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Union introduces a new front door egular visitors to ucollege.edu re-
ceived a surprise on the morning of Jan.20: an entirely new Web site, with a newlook, organization structure and poweredby a new content management system.What visitors may not have realized isthey were looking at the culmination of atwo-year project. Coordinated by ScottCushman ’03, assistant director of publicrelations, the transition began with re-search, planning and dreaming in 2007and was implemented throughout thesummer and fall of 2008.
According to Rob Weaver, vice presi-dent for Enrollment and Student Finan-cial Services, the new Web site plays akey strategic role for the college. “In-creasingly, the first contact a student orparent has with a college is through aWeb site,” Weaver said. “Our homepageis our front door, and we need a site thatshowcases what’s great about Union College.”
Creating that online front door goesfar beyond window dressing. “Our maingoal was to make the site easier for con-tent managers from across campus tokeep up-to-date,” Cushman said. “As weconfigured the system, I kept asking my-self how easily I could explain the navi-gation and editor’s interface to mymother.”
After developing a list of prioritiesand comparing content management sys-tems, Cushman and his student workerschose Drupal. Started by Dries Buytaertfor drops.nl, Drupal is a free, communitywritten and supported system used bysites such as Warner Bros. Records, Recovery.gov, Washington University andmany more.
“I’ve talked to colleagues at otherschools who spent hundreds of thou-sands of dollars on a project like this andstill didn’t get exactly what they wanted,”Cushman said. “With Drupal we get aflexible and secure system that addressedthe shortcomings of the old softwarewhile giving us the freedom to add thespecialized features we rely on—all withonly the cost of human resources.”
A huge step forward when launchedin 2004, the previous content manage-ment system had many limitations thatimpeded content managers, few of
whom consider themselves technologi-cally skilled. For example, the softwaredid not allow embedding videos, re-quired photos to be resized manually be-fore being uploaded, and only the siteadministrator could add or update menusand personnel directory entries.
“Working on the new Web site hasbeen a breeze in comparison to the for-mer content management system,” saidAshley Barber, office manager for the Division of Humanities and one of 35content managers on campus. “I’m moreproductive, and I now feel confidentenough to train a student worker andgive them experience in online commu-nication.”
Even those who were adept at work-ing within the constraints of the old sys-tem find the added flexibility of the neweditor’s interface a welcome change.“The new system gives us so much morecontrol over the content on our division’spages, while keeping the look of theoverall Web presence,” said Sherri Gre-gory, office manager for the Division ofHuman Development. “It’s so much eas-ier to make quick changes as they hap-pen.”
Throughout the Web transition proj-ect, Cushman says Union’s values oflearning, mentorship and stewardshipwere integral to each decision, from thechoice of open source software to givingresponsibility to student workers. “Learn-ing at Union isn’t just in classrooms,”Cushman said. “As staff, we know inte-grating learning experiences into studentwork assignments is part of our mission.”
Todd Richardson ’08, business admin-istration and computer science major,was the first student to play a key role inthe relaunch. While an intern in Union’sMarketing Communications, Richardsonassisted in the research and planningstages of the project and tested contentmanagement systems to find the right fit.
Another intern, graphic design majorB.J. Tallman ’08, created the new lookfor the site. “I believe God provided thisopportunity for me because I did nothave any Web design experience before,”Tallman said. “It was definitely my mostin-depth and challenging project duringmy college career. The knowledge Igained played a huge role in getting ajob at a Web design company after grad-uation.”
Alumnus Ben Barber ’05, converted
RR
What’s new at www.ucollege.eduAudience-centric links
By clicking on the name of agroup such as “Alumni and Friends,”“Parents,” or “Community” at the topof each page, visitors can find links topages they are most likely to need.
Events calendarCalendars are now displayed as a
calendar rather than plain pages andmay be exported in RSS and iCal for-mats, allowing visitors to subscribe tothe main campus calendar or the cal-endar of a specific area.
Streaming videoUnion is now able to stream some
on-campus events live. To view a listof upcoming events including the Sab-bath music concert during Homecom-ing weekend (see p.10 for details) orwatch video of previous events, visithttp://uclive.ucollege.edu. While notlive, video of church services at theCollege View church are also availableonline at http://www.collegeview-church.org.
News feeds for everyoneWhile campus-wide news from
Union was already available via RSSfeed, now all departments and divi-sions have the option of creating theirown news section. Visitors can sub-scribe to news from the areas of cam-pus they care about the most.
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Tallman’s design to a PHP template forDrupal in the summer of 2008 while JonStacey, a junior computer science major,wrote a program during his summer in-ternship to import pages on the old Website to the new site. Stacey has also in-stalled, customized and created modulesto fine-tune the site for Union’s use.
“This project has been blessed,”Stacey said. “We’ve accomplished a lot inrelatively little time. There are times Ifind myself pulling my hair out, but eachtime we overcome a hurdle brings a feel-ing of victory.”
Many unavoidable formatting errorswere introduced during the import ofcontent from the old to new site. Localalumni Ashley Barber ’05 and ZebMeharry ’03 helped sift through the thou-
sands of pages on Union’s site to correcterrors and check links during July andAugust. As the school year began, DavidSkau, a sophomore pre-med student andinternational rescue and relief major, tookover the task of quality control and recre-ating content that could not be con-verted.
According to Skau, working on thesite provides a welcome creative outletand valuable experience. “I’d never real-ized how much design latitude is possi-ble in Web layout and site structuring,”Skau said. “Updating the Web site notonly challenged me to learn new techni-cal skills, but also abilities in planningand team problem solving.”
The launch of the site in January wasa keystone moment in building Union’s
online front door, but not the end. Cush-man, Skau and Stacey continue to addand refine the site’s features, design andnavigation while the content managersfrom across campus update and organizethe pages for their areas.
“The possibilities of what we can doonline and the expectations of what weshould be doing keep expanding,” Cush-man said. “We now have a system thatwe can adapt as our target moves, andwe’re very fortunate to have a team oncampus who are willing to continuallylearn and grow.” ~JS
pFor more about the process, peopleand timeline involved in launching thenew Web site, visit CORDmagazineonline at www.ucollege.edu/cord.
his year has yielded an increase ingrants supporting a variety of academicareas on Union’s campus.
“We have been blessed this year withgrant outcomes,” said LuAnn Davis, vicepresident for Advancement. “Adding grantfunding to our ongoing fund-raising plansallows the campus to pursue projects thatenhance the academic environment whilebenefitting students.”➤ Human patient simulator—UnionCollege recently received a $50,000 grantfrom the Abel Foundation to purchase astate-of-the art human patient simulator.The simulator will be housed in the newHealth Sciences Annex and will be usedby students in the nursing, physician assis-tant and international rescue and reliefprograms. This virtual-reality medical sim-ulator, used in combination with tradi-tional training methods, will expandstudents’ opportunities to apply their skillswith increased flexibility and precision.The Abel Foundation, located in Lincoln,Neb., supports initiatives with an emphasison health and human services, education,civic/community and environment.➤ TLC student mentoring—For morethan 30 years, the Teaching Learning Cen-ter (TLC) at Union College has been help-ing make college accessible. Since April oflast year, the TLC staff has been workingon a project aimed to help students withdisabilities successfully transition into highschool and college. The Woods Charitable
Fund, a private foundation that sponsorsprojects directly impacting the Lincolncommunity, has awarded a planning grantof $6,500 to continue progress with thehigh school-to-college transition program.
Modeled after a Colorado programcalled LEAD, the program trains successfulcollege students with learning challengesto inspire and work with students withsimilar challenges. Mentors and menteesboth benefit; students entering high schoolor college learn strategies for successwhile the current college students improvetheir communication and leadership skills.
Union College is collaborating withfive other agencies and organizations in-cluding Lincoln Public Schools (LPS) andLEAD. Eventually, Union students willwork with students from LPS who arepreparing to begin high school or college.Next fall, after most of the planning hasbeen done, the proposal will be presentedat the Nebraska Department of EducationTransition Summit and may lead to a state-wide program.➤ Mathematics education—Union’smathematics program received a grant tooffer a summer workshop entitled “MathConnections” for K-12 teachers. The classwill be offered to teachers in Seventh-dayAdventist schools in the North AmericanDivision as well as teachers in privateschools in Lincoln. The Brookhill Founda-tion awarded an $8,000 grant to assistUnion’s contribution to the national effort
to improve mathematics education acrossthe United States. For more informationand registration go to:www.ucollege.edu/NADworkshop➤ Library preservation—The NationalEndowment for the Humanities awardedUnion’s Ella Johnson Crandall Memorial Li-brary a $6,000 grant to assess needs andpurchase environmental monitoring equip-ment for the preservation of artifacts anddocuments housed in the Heritage Room.Junior communication major, Allyssa Glea-son, wrote the grant application in theTechnical Writing and Grant Proposalsclass taught by Mike Mennard, assistantprofessor of English and communication.
The grant requires an independentconsultant to assess the Heritage Roomand recommend which type of environ-mental monitoring equipment to purchase.The equipment addresses an urgent prior-ity, which is to maintain the humidity andtemperature so as to not accelerate thedocuments’ deterioration.~JS
Grants enhance academic optionsTT
Add to the Heritage RoomThe Heritage Room, a resource for
both the college and the Mid-AmericaUnion Conference of Seventh-day Adventists, is accepting photographswith documentation and old publica-tions from the region’s academies andconferences. For more informationabout donations or to arrange a timeto visit the Heritage Room, contactSabrina Riley at 402.486.2600 ext.2154 or [email protected].
Acrofest promotes ‘Rock Solid’ teamworknion College hosted the 2008 Acro-
fest Nov. 12-15. Thirty-four schools fromacross the United States, Canada andPuerto Rico were represented in the an-nual acrobatic gymnastics clinic.
Union College pulled together todouble the campus by hosting the 953visitors. Gymnasium floors, the dormito-ries and college apartments all becametemporary accommodations.
“We wanted to give all our schoolsand teams the option to stay on our cam-pus,” said Megan Ahrens, senior healthand human performance major who co-
ordinated Acrofest as her internship. Some of the departments most in-
volved in supporting the guests were theinternational rescue and relief program,Union Market and Enrollment Services,which provided 52 Union ambassadorsto help guide the gymnasts.
This year’s Acrofest theme, RockSolid, emphasized the need to have asolid faith in Christ. Seth Perkins, UnionCollege Gymnaires coach, said that bypraying for each team individually, thegymnasts internalized the Rock Solidtheme. Psalm 18:31 and 2 Timothy 2:19
were texts used as the foundation to theweekend.
“We tried to set a tone about morethan just gymnastics,” Perkins said.“While sharpening skills and having agood time, the spiritual side was mostimportant to us.”
Thursday and Friday were filled withworships, meals, a concert featuring con-temporary Christian artist Bethany Dillonand gymnastics clinics at the Bob Devaney Sports Center on the campus ofthe University of Nebraska-Lincoln.
The Saturday night performance in-cluded 27 of the 34 teams along withUNL men and women gymnasts and theIllinois State University Gamma Phi Circus.
After nearly a year of planning for theevent, Perkins said he felt it was worthall the dedication. “Sunday whenKingsway [College] was leaving in vans,their coach said, ‘We have been treatedlike royalty; we really appreciate it.’ Thiskind of gratitude made all of our longhours rewarding,” Perkins said.~CS
pTo view photo and video high-lights from Acrofest, visitblogs.ucollege.edu/gymnastics.
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Learning from example, the Acrofest participants enjoyed a clinician’s show in Union’sThunderdome.
Doctoral degrees celebratedDr. Mark Robison,professor of Englishand the most recentaddition to thegroup, graduatedwith a Ph.D. fromthe University of Nebraska-Lincoln inDecember. In hisdissertation “Makinga Career of Play: Will Cather and theRecreation Movement,” he exploredhow Cather's writing and personal prac-tice intersected with the RecreationMovement of the late nineteenth andearly twentieth centuries. Robison hastaught at Union College since 1996. ~JS
On Feb. 22, Union College celebrated academic milestones during a dinner honoringsix “baby docs,” faculty who have completed doctoral degrees in recent years. Pictured from left: Dr. Frank Restesan, music, doctoral degree completed in 2007; Dr.Mike Huckabee, physician assistant program, 2008; Dr. Ed Allen, religion, 2008; Dr.Mark Robison, English, 2008; Dr. Ryan Wells, music professor and presenter for signing of the scroll; Dr. Nicholas Madhiri, chemistry, 2006; and Dr. Salvador Moguel,biology, 2004.
CAMPUS NEWS_____________________________
CORDmagazine 9
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First Nebraska IABC Student chapter at Union College
tudents at Union Collegehave committed to ‘BeHeard’ by the professionalworld. This year Unionformed the first student Inter-national Association of Busi-ness Communicators (IABC)chapter in Nebraska. IABC isa resource for networkingwith colleagues and continu-ing to learn about trends incommunication fields.
Michelle Velázquez Mes-nard, the chapter’s sponsorand associate professor ofcommunication, said thatIABC’s brand and tag line,“Be Heard,” emphasizes theimportance of developingand delivering strategies ofcommunication. With thecommitment of each memberin more than 100 chapters in73 countries, IABC offers aglobal network to students.
“IABC provides a way forstudents to be involved in aprofessional organization incollege,” Mesnard said. “Thebiggest thing IABC does so-cially is to connect with thebusiness professionals inLincoln.”
Kelly Knaubert,IABC/Union College presi-dent and senior business ad-ministration major, said that she isinvolved with IABC because she believesin the association and values the net-working opportunities.
“When professionals come and talk tous, it provides the potential for practiceand helps to build connections that canbenefit both the individual and UnionCollege,” Knaubert said.
The chapter on campus currently has18 members. This semester, Union islaunching a mentorship program connect-ing members of the student chapter withthe Lincoln members.
Knaubert said future meetings includea presentation from a White House intern
and a panel of professionals sharing in-sights into their professions and answer-ing questions from the members. In thefuture, IABC/Union College plans to invitestudents from neighboring colleges to joinUnion’s group, making it an intercampuscommunity. For now, the new chaptercontinues to establish themselves withmuch help from the Lincoln association.
“My fellow officers and the membersof the larger Lincoln chapter have beenso amazing in their willingness to helpget this student chapter off the ground,”said Knaubert. “With any luck, by the endof this school year we will have a voicewithin the Lincoln community in whichUnion College can ‘Be Heard.’”~CS
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Officers: (left to right) Kay McCarthy, Ann Bryant, sponsorMichelle Mesnard, Chrissy Nicholson and Kelly Knaubert(center) are the first officers of the IABC/Union College stu-dent chapter.
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Sleep ScrambleDid you know everyone has a rightamount of sleep? If you sleep much more or less than you should like mostcollege students, you may feel more tired or get sick. A good night’s rest allows your body to repair itself,reduces stress, improves memory, helps control body weight and reduces risk factors for heart disease.
How much sleep is the right for a kid?Is it more or less than a cat? How abouta giraffe? Number these from 1-14 from the most sleep to the least. e first one has been done for you.
African elephant
Human child (age 7-12)
Horse
Brown bat
Hamster
Tiger
Chimpanzee
Cow
Human adult
Goat
Duck
House cat
Giraffe
Human baby
Answer key: (1) Brown bat 19.9 hrs., (2) HumanBaby 14-16 hrs., (3) Tiger 15.8 hrs., (4) Hamster14.3 hrs., (5) House cat 12.1 hrs., (6) Humanchild 10-12 hrs., (7) Duck 10.8 hrs. but only halfits brain at a time, (8) Chimpanzee 9.7 hrs., (9)Human adult 8 hrs., (10) Goat 5.3 hrs., (11) Cow 3.9 hrs., (12) African elephant 3.3 hrs.,(13) Horse 2.9 hrs., (14) Giraffe 1.9 hrs. divided in 5-10 minute naps.
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he inspirational teacher Erin Gruwellspoke at Union College’s campus Nov. 13.
Linda Becker, vice president for Stu-dent Services, along with the LeadershipSymposium Advisory Board, invitedGruwell to Union College to motivate fu-ture leaders, teachers and communitymembers. Union College partnered withLincoln Public Schools to invite Gruwellwho spoke to the system’s teachers in anafternoon professional enrichment ses-sion.
During her presentation, Gruwell toldof her struggles to help 150 Los Angelesinner city high school students deemedunreachable by the school district realizetheir potential.
In her classroom, she linked worldhistory with her students’ daily experi-ences with violence by reading famousdiaries. Inspired to help them understandthe cause and effect to wars, Gruwellgave her students journals to write in likeAnne Frank. “If you don’t sit kids downand talk to them about history, they’rejust going to repeat it,” Gruwell said.
Looking back, the experience wasworth it to Gruwell. “I watched 150 kidsrealize that they could rewrite their end-ings,” she said. Her students’ journalswere published as the book, The FreedomWriters Diary, and were later adapted intothe 2007 film starring Hilary Swank.
Gruwell has sent ripples of encourage-ment throughout the education world.“Her visit was a shot in the arm,” said JoeAllison, Division of Human Development
chair. “What she said reemphasized whatwe’re doing here.”
Emily Carlson, junior elementary edu-cation major, said that Gruwell’s visitreenergized her. “I ended the day feelingmotivated to finish my degree and be acatalyst for change in my classroom,”Carlson said.
Gruwell admitted that teaching is achallenging career. “It’s a very hard road,”Gruwell said. “It’s more like a ministry.”
For Union College, Gruwell’s visit in-spired the campus to appreciate educa-tors and value individuals. “She had atimely and inspiring message for thosewho work in education,” Becker said.“We’re here for a broader calling.”~CS
pFor more information visit: freedomwritersfoundation.org.
On Sept. 22, the Union College Leadership Symposium will feature GregMortenson, who inspired the book Three Cups of Tea. More details on p. 30.
Erin Gruwell, inspiration for educators and the 2007 film Freedom Writers,speaks to Lincoln high school students, community members and UnionCollege students at the College View church. Education Club president Brit-tany Wall (below) meets Gruwell after the question and answer session foreducation and leadership program students.
Unionaires from 1972 to 1986 (Dr. Lynn Wickham) Concert Winds from 1968 to 1979 (Dr. Dan Shultz)
pCheck out live streaming of the reunion music concert, 4 p.m. (Central Time). This concert and other recorded weekend events will also be available for later viewing. Watch for details or view a complete weekend schedule at www.ucollege.edu/homecoming.
April 16-17 Home School Sneak PeekApril 17 Choral Vespers ConcertApril 18 Spring Band ConcertApril 19 Chamber Orchestra Spring ConcertApril 25 Gymnastics Home ShowMay 8-10 Graduation WeekendMay 12 Summer school beginsAug. 13-16 New student orientationAug. 17 Fall registrationAug. 18 Classes beginSept. 22 Leadership Symposium
(Greg Mortenson)Oct. 1-2 Fall Preview DaysNov. 1-3 Mid-America Union College Days
www.ucollege.edu • 800.228.4600
CORDmagazine 11
NEW WELLNESS MAJOR PUTS THEORY INTO ACTION_____________________________________________________________________________________________by Michael D. Steingas
ew Year’s has come and gone. How are those resolutionscoming? Losing weight? Exercising regularly? Eating better? Evenif we didn’t set specific goals, most of us aimed to be healthier.
As modern lifestyles have become increasingly unhealthy,businesses and corporations have begun encouraging wellnessby offering incentives such as insurance discounts to employeeswilling to take extra steps to be healthy. Some even hire healthprofessionals to coordinate these corporate wellness programs.To match this trend, Union College Division of Health Scienceshas launched a new major in fitness and wellness.
When the division’s academic review committee met, theyrealized most classes required for the fitness and wellness majorwere already being taught and only a few modifications and ad-ditions would be needed. Studentstake several business and graphicsclasses to help effectively marketthemselves to potential employersand create materials for use in cor-porate wellness programs. Also, twonew classes taught by Nancy Petta,professor and health and humanperformance program director, focuson wellness: Introduction to Fit-ness/Wellness Management, andWellness Methods, Materials andManagement.
“Structuring the classes at firstwas difficult because there are veryfew wellness textbooks,” Petta said.“Instead, much of the class is practi-cal and hands-on.”
Last semester on the first day ofIntroduction to Fitness/Wellness,class did not involve a syllabus andintroductory lecture. Instead Pettaand the four students attended aWorkWell meeting in Lincoln. Theorganization, sponsored by the Nebraska Health Department,networks companies and offers those lacking wellness profes-sionals the tools to create and manage a wellness program.
“About 15-20 companies talked about how they organizedand managed their wellness programs,” said Rachel Welsh, jun-ior fitness and wellness major. “It was helpful because it gaveme ideas about where I could work after I graduate.”
During the semester, the class took several more off-campusfield trips. They toured Lincoln Industries and Duncan Aviation,both of which have full-time wellness personnel and award-winning wellness programs.
The students became involved with on-campus initiatives in-cluding giving input at Employee Wellness Committee meetings,updating the bulletin board in the administration building andanalyzing ergonomics in staff offices. In addition to in-class lec-tures, they practiced writing mission statements and goals for in-dividuals and corporations, focused on ways to improve totalbody wellness (mental, social, spiritual, and physical) and or-ganized campus health events such as diabetes and blood pres-sure screenings.
In November, the class, in coordination with Union’s Em-ployee Wellness Committee, planned the “Be Thankful Cook-off,” inviting Union College faculty and staff to enter dishes in avariety of categories.
The recipes were submitted before the cook-off to analyzethe nutrient values, and the fitness and wellness majors werethe judges for the event. The 18 recipes entered in the cook-offwill be compiled in a wellness cookbook. (See three of therecipes starting on page 12.)
The fall semester also included several big projects. For the“Wellness Makes a Difference” assignment, the students werechallenged to find an area on campus that they could improve.Nathan Warren, junior from Scottsdale, Ariz., taught an exercise
class. Grant Berthelsen, junior fromLincoln, Neb., took inventory offoods being sold in vending ma-chines and made suggestions forhealthier replacements. BriannaKnudson, freshman from DodgeCenter, Minn., worked on providingnutrition information for Union Mar-ket recipes. Welsh, from Columbia,Md., sent weekly e-mail health tipsto the entire campus.
For the second project, the well-ness students presented a 45-minute“Lunch-n-Learn” session to sharpentheir skills in educating and lecturingon health topics. The presentationshighlighted fitness and exercise, dia-betes awareness and the importanceof humor. Welsh prepared a meal forher group to enjoy during her lectureon the vegan lifestyle.
“I really want to help others leada healthy lifestyle,” Welsh said. “Well-ness is my passion and something I
enjoy helping others catch onto.”Welsh has taken her passion beyond the classroom projects.
She became certified as a personal trainer and is working withfaculty and community members as a part of an internship. Dur-ing the fall semester she worked with eight people who all lost2 to 3 percent body fat by the end of the year.
“I like changing people’s attitude about exercise and seeingthem progress,” Welsh said. “It motivates me to stay healthy also.”
Welsh plans to intern this summer with Adventist Health Sys-tems in Rockville, Md., where she will be planning health fairsand helping with screenings and the follow-up counseling. Sheis considering a master’s degree in public health or exercise sci-ence after she graduates from Union next year.
This semester wellness students are continuing to work withhealth projects including a walking awareness event in April incoordination with the American Heart Association.
“I’m really excited about everything we’ve done so far withthis new major,” Petta said. “I’m even more excited to see itcontinue to grow.” C
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Fitness and wellness major Rachel Welsh created atraining program for Terri Schlegel Lair ’85, Union’sCampus Store manager.
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WELLNESS: NOT JUST A PHYSICAL THING____________________________________________________________________by Michael D. Steingas
ince 2003, Union College has been investing in employeesthrough an organized wellness program with the theme “EveryBody Matters.” Each year, employees complete a wellness as-sessment that helps steer the emphasis of the program.
“While reviewing the information in our planning sessionthis summer, stress ranked high for the campus,” said NancyPetta, health and human performance professor and EmployeeWellness Committee chair. “Even with just a preview of wherethe economy was headed, we decided focusing on physicaland fiscal topics would give employees the most relevant waysto combat stress.
Last semester, the Employee Wellness Committee began aneight-part wellness campaign. “Let’s get physical” was thetheme for the fall semester and featured fiber assessments,healthy breakfast ideas and exercise opportunities such as“Walk-tober.” For the spring semester, the committee shiftedfocus to fiscal wellness.
Each week, employees receive an e-mail with an attach-ment relating to that month’s focus, such as creating a budget,digging out of debt and saving at the grocery store. The follow-ing week, they receive a multiple-choice question based on theattachment and correct answers are saved for a drawing at theend of the semester.
“The first week we got 106 responses out of 186 employ-ees,” Petta said. “The participation was much more than I ex-pected given that this was something they didn’t have to read.”
In January, Lisa L. Forbes, associate professor of accountingand finance, presented three meetings that helped employeesbetter understand their options for retirement accounts and
introduced them to basicrules of thumb for investing.
“Approximately 70 people at-tended and there were requestsfor several more extensive follow-upsessions,” Forbes said. “The goal was forthem to be able to make an informed de-cision regarding their retirement.”
On Feb. 19, faculty and staff were encouragedto participate in “Buy Nothing Day” and take a break from con-sumerism to analyze spending habits.
“It’s a day to question, ‘What are the consequences of mypurchases—on other humans, on the environment, on my ownwallet and psyche?’” said Tanya Cochran, associate professor ofEnglish and Employee Wellness Committee member. “With therecent economic downturn, it’s appropriate to think deliber-ately about some of these questions. When we are better in-formed and wiser consumers, we are also wiser stewards.”
The topic of debt reduction is the March emphasis with an-other presentation planned by Forbes. Employees have alsobeen encouraged to take advantage of Dave Ramsey’s FinancialPeace University seminar being held at the College Viewchurch. The upcoming months will focus on taxes and em-ployee benefits, and next year the committee with focus ontwo new areas of wellness.
“Balance should always be the main goal,” Cochran said. “Ifwe hyperfocus on one area, we can lose perspective. Wellnessis about being healthy in all areas, not just one.”C
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Refried Bean Soup Sharon Russell
1 onion chopped 2 cans refried beans 1 tsp minced garlic 1 Tbs olive oil (or less) 2 15 oz cans diced tomatoes, undrained1 4 oz can of chopped diced green chilies2 c water1 Tbs McKay’s chicken seasoning1 Tbs chili powder1-2 tsp cumin
DirectionsSauté onion and garlic in oil until tender. Add beans, tomatoes and water. Stir in seasonings. Bringsoup to a boil, stirring constantly. Reduce heat to low and simmer for 20-30 minutes. Serve withthe following garnishes: tortilla chips, shredded sharp cheddar cheese, and sour cream (low fat, of course).
1 large kabocha squash cut into bite-size pieces2 garlic cloves, crushed 1 Tbs minced fresh ginger 1 tsp mushroom seasoning (from an Asian store), optional2 tsp curry powder (the Thai kind is the best), add more or less depending on taste2 c water 1 c unsweetened coconut cream
salt to taste
DirectionsMix all ingredients together in a pot. Simmer until squash is cooked, stirring occasionally to avoidscorching in the bottom of the pot. Serve warm.
Note: Kabocha squash is the round, flat, dark green variety that can be bought from an Asianstore. It has a natural sweetness and a firm texture that holds after cooking.
Professor of Biology
Rice Stuffed Acorn Squash Rennae Anderson
4 acorn squash, halved lengthwise; seeds and membrane removed 1 c organic brown rice 1 medium onion, chopped1/2 c wild rice 3/4 c diced celery4 c vegetable broth or water 1/2 tsp sea salt 1/4 tsp sea salt 1/8 tsp each ground black pepper1 Tbs olive oil 1/2 c pecans, coarsely chopped
DirectionsPreheat oven to 370º F. Cook both types of rice together in broth or water with ¼ teaspoon of salt (omit salt ifbroth is already salted). Place squash halves, cut side down, into a large shallow baking dish or cookie sheet.Bake 30 minutes. In a skillet, sauté onion in olive oil until it becomes transparent. Add celery and sauté a cou-ple of minutes. Remove from heat. Using a large mixing bowl, blend this mixture together with the cookedrice, nuts and remaining seasonings. Remove the partially baked squash from the oven. Press the rice mixtureinto each squash. (Depending on how large the squash are, you may end up with some leftover rice mixture,which makes a great side dish by itself). Cover with aluminum foil and bake for 30 minutes or until squashflesh is thoroughly tender. Garnish with fresh parsley.
Note: Don’t discard the nutritious squash seeds. Instead, rinse the seeds and remove the membrane. Pat dry.Spray a baking sheet with olive oil and spread the seeds evenly on the sheet. Spray seeds lightly with olive oilor with mix with Earth Balance seasoning and sprinkle with sea salt or any other favorite seasoning (op-tional). Bake the seeds in a 375º F. oven for about 15 minutes, or until they are golden brown. Enjoy immedi-ately as a warm snack, or store them in an airtight container for up to one week.
Health and Human Performance Office Assistant
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STUDENT SHAPES UP TO HELP OTHERS FIND FITNESS_____________________________________________________________________________________________by Carolyn Scott
athan Warren, junior health and human performance majorfrom Arizona, is immersed in a wellness culture. Gymnaires,weight training class and intramurals are only some of the activi-ties he’s involved with. In his spare time he trains with hisbrother and father to compete against them in two triathlons thissummer in Arizona.
Carolyn Scott: What are you involved in this semester?
Nathan Warren: I’m a captain of Union’s gymnastics team. ForGymnaires, I’m doing a lot more weight lifting than I would inmy normal workout. My personal workout is pushups, sit-ups,stuff like that at night. And I’m on a high-protein, very little fat,high carb, no sugar diet. And it’s strict. I’m being strict with my-self. I am involved in a martial art class called Krav Maga, whichis two hours every Sunday. It’sa lot of fun. I’m also in theweight training class.
Along with my own per-sonal workout routine, I amtraining for a triathlon. I’mrunning one in May and possi-bly another in June. It’s asprint triathlon, so the dis-tances are shorter than in a fulltriathlon. The training takes upa lot of my time because Ihave to swim two to fourmiles a week, run a lot morethan that and bike a lot morethan that.
CS: What’s your next step afteryou graduate?
NW: I’m going to get my mas-ters in exercise science rightafter I graduate from Union.Probably at Arizona State Uni-versity or University of Ne-braska-Lincoln.
CS: What’s your dream job?
NW: I want to be a strengthand conditioning coach for either an athletic training facility or aprofessional team. Strength and conditioning coaching is notlike athletic training. Athletic trainers are the ones who run outon the field whenever the athletes get hurt; strength and condi-tioning coaches are more behind the scenes.
CS: How do you stay active and motivated in your personal lifeespecially when it will also be your career?
NW: I’m kind of a moody person; if I don’t exercise a lot, I getreally cranky and moody. That’s a main drive.
CS: Do you have a workout partner?
NW: Nope. I’m pretty independent and self-motivated. I likeworking out with other people, but most of the time, other people don’t want to work out when or as long as I do.
CS: What role does diet play in your wellness?
NW: I’m vegan, and that is mainly because it just makes me feelbetter. Food tastes better. Not necessarily the vegan food thatpeople cook tastes better, it’s just, food overall tastes better onceyou’ve been vegan for a while. It makes you feel better and itmakes you healthier. I rarely get sick if I exercise and eat well.
CS: As a vegan, do you find food options on campus?
NW: It’s usually pretty good at Union Market. There’s alwaysbeans and rice. Always. And you can never have enough of thatin a high-protein, high-carb diet, so I’m usually pretty full.There’s also lots of vegetables, breads and juice choices. Theydo have vegan entrée options, but I don’t eat a lot of them.
CS: What is the one thingyou can’t cut out of yourroutine?
NW: Something I couldn’tgive up is probably the ex-ercise. Exercise gives youmore energy. Believe it ornot, you have to spend en-ergy to get it. So, a regularexercise routine gives youmore energy, improves youroutlook on life, makes youfeel more confident and fitand just improves life over-all.
CS: How does Union Collegecompliment your lifestylegoals?
NW: Union’s really nice be-cause Larson Lifestyle Cen-ter opens at 6 a.m. everyday if I wanted to go thatearly, but it’s also openuntil 10:45 every night. Lar-son is a really good place towork out with its huge
pool, decent cardio equipment and good weight room. As aUnion College student, I’m eligible for a great rate at the Rac-quet Club,* and I love racquetball. Every Monday at 7 o’clock, Iplay in a racquetball league.
CS: What advice do you have for CORD readers?
NW: It’s all about the willpower. Resist the things that should beresisted, and we all know what they are even though we some-times lie to ourselves. Every one is different, but in general, justkeep exercising.
*The Racquet Club is a local fitness facility owned and man-aged by Marlyn (’58) and Sharon Ericson ’66 Schwartz. C
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As a health and human performance major, junior Nathan Warrenknows control and technique ensure safety while handling heavydumbbells and barbells.
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CORDmagazine 15
UNION EMPLOYEE CELEBRATES 50 YEARS OF MARATHONS_____________________________________________________________________________________________by Michael D. Steingas
eForest Nesmith ’63 has worked at Union College for 41years. As one of the librarians, he will help you start a researchpaper, unjam the finicky copy machine or locate a misplacedmagazine. But his expertise extends beyond the doors of theElla J. Crandall Memorial Library; Nesmith is an avid marathonrunner and mountain climber.
He doesn’t just run the local marathons in Lincoln. Next Au-gust, after he finishes a run in Alaska, Nesmith will have com-pleted his goal of running marathons in all 50 states.
“Every state has its distinctive, fun things to do,” Nesmithsaid. “So even though I’ve had to drive as far as 1,000 miles, runa marathon, then turn around and drive home for Mondaymorning work, it’s always worth the trip.”
His next goals are to participate in a marathon on each conti-nent, and, along with his wife, Dorothy, climb Colorado’s 54 fourteeners (mountain peaks above14,000 feet).
Nesmith has been running marathons for almost 50 years. During the summer of 1960, hehelped build cabins in addition to his camp coun-seling duties. His crew would work from 4:30 a.m.to 1 p.m., and in the afternoon they made the five-mile trip into town for the mail. Running keptthem in shape for the mountain climbs they madetwice a week and for their goal of running thePike’s Peak marathon at the end of the summer.After climbing seven mountains and making count-less mail runs, they were definitely ready.
“When I started running, the purpose was tokeep me fit so I could climb mountains,” Nesmithsaid. “After a few marathons running had taken ona life of its own that has led to many adventures.”
Running did prepare him for a lifetime ofclimbing including reaching the summit of Mt. Kilimanjaro in Tanzania last year.
He enjoyed marathons so much he vowed todo them everywhere he could. Since then, hismarathons have taken him through historic sites inPhiladelphia and monuments in Washington D.C.He’s run shoulder-to-shoulder with one million other partici-pants in New York City. He’s run marathons in Hell, Mich., andthrough White Sands, N.M., in a race named the Bataan DeathMarch. Most of these marathons are fundraisers, and he hasraised money for charity foundations fighting arthritis, childhoodobesity and lymphoma.
But out of all of those races and places to test his endurance,Pike’s Peak is by far his favorite. “Each time I’ve been back, theweather has been bad,” Nesmith said. “I’ve run through rain,hail, sleet and snow. I’m hoping for some sunshine next time.”He hopes to see clear skies when he returns to Colorado in2010 to celebrate the 50th anniversary of his first marathon.
In the end it’s the traveling and people he meets that keepshim running.
“Sometimes it’s hard to remember the fun when I’m at the20-mile ‘wall’ and still have 6 miles to go,” Nesmith said. “Butcrossing the line with new friends is worth it.” C
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DeForest Nesmith’s endurance training has allowed him toclimb impressive peaks such as Mt. Kilimanjaro in 2008.
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by Dr. Franklin House ’58 with David Skau
Dr. Franklin House ’58
16 SPRING 2009
utritional advice can be confusing. Groups ad-vocate everything from Atkins to raw food diets asthe way to achieve long life and great health. For-tunately, keeping healthy does not have to be com-plicated. For many of us, eating morefiber-containing foods could be the single greateststep toward better health.
Fifty years ago, fiber was seen as nearly useless;it could be neither digested nor absorbed. Sincethen, medicine has discovered much more aboutfiber, especially concerning its value for both pre-vention and treatment of disease.
Both of fiber’s two forms, soluble and insoluble,have important functions in the body. Soluble fibercontrols the release of energy in foods, spreadingthe absorption over a longer period of time, a keyfactor in addressing obesity and diabetes. Insolublefiber passes through the body intact, preventingconstipation, and helping prevent diseases of thedigestive tract, including colon cancers. Both con-tribute to the sense of fullness and satisfaction aftera meal.
A high-fiber diet offers advantages far beyondthose from fiber itself. Foods rich in fiber alsohave great vitamin and mineral contents, the most
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balanced protein mixes, and the highest levels of phytochemicalsand antioxidants. Choosing fiber from whole foods provides abroad range of nutritional benefits and eliminates need for fibersupplements.
Focusing on fiber-rich food choices also serves to balancethe intake of less beneficial low-fiber foods such as highly re-fined flour, meat and dairy products. The average American eats11g of fiber per day, a total that should increase to 40 to 50g aday. Reaching this goal with plenty of fruits, vegetables,legumes, whole grains, nuts and seeds simply leaves much lessroom for fiber-poor foods.
For many people, fiber con-jures up images of dry, flavor-less “horse-and-mule feed.”While eating a handful ofwheat bran does provide alarge dose of fiber, that is not the only way to include fiber in ahealthy diet. Wide ranges of whole foods contain significantamounts of fiber: a medium avocado has 11g, a cup of blackbeans 15g, and a cup of blackberries 5g of fiber.
With such a broad range of delightful options, there is noreason for high-fiber meals to be anything less than truly ap-pealing—and life changing. Fiber is your friend!
p For information on the fiber content of foods, visitwww.nutrition.gov > What’s In Food > See Lists of Foods withSpecific Nutrients > Fiber.
• • •Dr. Franklin House graduated from Union College in 1958
with a major in biology and earned his M.D. from Loma LindaUniversity in 1962. He has since founded a multispecialty clinicand a community hospital and coauthored the book The 30-DayDiabetes Miracle.
Dr. House now lives in Ft. Davis, Texas, and serves as chair-man of the board for LifestyleCenter of America (LCA), a non-profit organization with centersin Oklahoma and Arizona com-mitted to stopping diabetes andobesity through diet, exercise
and other lifestyle changes. He is active as a presenter dedicatedto promoting lifestyle medicine through the example of hishealth and the success stories of his patients.C
p For more information on Lifestyle Center of America, visitwww.stoppingdiabetes.org.
If you are confused about dietary advice but willing to do one thing,
focus on increasing fiber.
CORDmagazine 17
by Lauren Bongard Schwarz ’04
t would be impossible to picture Dr. Melvin Beltz if you had only a description of his hobbies. An avid golfer who works out every day, plays numerous musical instruments and has celebrated his dedication to wellness as leader of a lifestyle center for 20 years.
A lifetime of medical missionary evangelism
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From all this, you would never guess Dr. Beltz was inhis 90s.
Witty and vibrant, he has traveled the world as amedical doctor. And Beltz has no intention of slowingdown.
As a founder of California’s Weimar Center ofHealth and Education and the Black Hills Health andEducation Center, Beltz is the kind of doctor wholives his wellness message.
“We are called by God to do His work, and theonly way we can do that is staying strong and
healthy,” Beltz said. “And it’s not hard. It just takessome basic knowledge of human anatomy and a real
dedication to being evangelists in everything we do.”Beltz’s journey to health began when he was a boy. He was
often ill, experiencing fainting spells and weakness. After con-sulting many doctors, his family found the remedy was betternutrition. As their diet changed, so did Melvin’s health. Feelingthe impact of a healthier approach to living encouraged Beltz tobecome a doctor so he could pass on the gift of wellness.
He enrolled at Union in 1935 as a premedical major, andmoved to California in 1939 to finish his training at Loma LindaCollege of Medical Evangelists, now Loma Linda University.With the completion of his degree in 1943, he earned simultane-ous diplomas from Union College and the College of MedicalEvangelists.
Learning to flyAfter his surgical residency, Beltz accepted a medical mis-
sionary job in Seldovia, Alaska, which at that time was still aU.S. territory.
Beltz had been in Alaska fewer than 48 hours when he wascalled to treat his first critical patient. “A lady had been shot in
the abdomen,”he remembered.“But our med-ical supplieshadn’t arrivedfrom the Statesyet. So weboiled cottonthread to use inplace of sutures.
It was primitive, but the patientlived.”
Beltz was the only doctor atthe eight-bed Seldovia Mission.When he needed an extra pairof hands, he taught his wife,Muriel, who had trained at UnionCollege to be a secretary, how toadminister anesthesia.
The Seldovia Mission literallybecame the Beltz family home.“The town was mostly fish canner-ies,” he said. “There were no streets and no cars, so we lived inthe hospital.”
Seeing the desperate need for medical care, Beltz set upclinics in Homer and Kennai, tiny towns only serviceable bywater. By then, Beltz realized he needed an airplane to reach hispatients and bring medical supplies to the interior.
“The only trouble was, I didn’t know how to fly one,” hesmiled. “There was no airport, so I built a little bitty air strip so Icould learn to fly. I had taken a few lessons before moving toAlaska, so I at least knew how to keep the wings straight.”
Undaunted by the details, Beltz bought an airplane and hadit delivered to Alaska. “When it arrived, I taxied back and forthon the strip I’d built, getting to know the feeling of being in theplane. Then I said to my wife, ‘I think I can take this plane upand land it again.’ And I did.”
Air travel started a new chapter for Beltz and his missionhospitals. He completed pilot training in Anchorage, 140 milesfrom Seldovia, and began a side career as a commercial bushpilot, transporting passengers in a land where planes werescarce.
Having access to a plane was also was a turning point inBeltz’s professional life. In gratitude for his medical work in anEskimo village, made possible because of his piloting skills, theAlaska Territorial Health Society awarded Beltz a surgical schol-arship at New York Memorial Hospital for Cancer. It was herethat Beltz dove into the connection between diet and cancer,forming the ideas that shaped the next 60 years of his career.
Spreading wellness across the worldIn 1948, Beltz and his family moved back to the United
States. He and three medical school classmates, Drs. E.R.
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Air travel expanded medicalmission work for Melvin Beltzduring his service in Alaska inthe mid-1940s. CORDmagazine 19
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Spreading wellness across the world
Learning to fly
Wasemiller ’41, Glenn L. Wiltse ’43 and Wendell H. Wall ’48opened a clinic in Wahpeton, North Dakota. All four Unionalumni were committed to mission work, but each knew theyneeded to hold paying jobs to raise their growing families.
“We took medical evangelism seriously,” Beltz said. “Wewanted to do as much mission work as possible. We decided toalways divide the revenue from the clinic in four equal parts,even when one of us was in the mission field. That way, wewere supported from our home base so we could serve asshort-term relief doctors.”
With his team’s support, Beltz was a relief surgeon for Ad-ventist hospitals and clinics in Africa, the Solomon Islands,South America and New Guinea.
He also began spreading his preventative health message. In1954, George Vandeman, founder of It Is Written, asked Beltz tolecture at the New Gallery Theatre in London, England. Then,after serving as doctor for an archaeological dig in Israel, Beltzembarked on a three-month trip around the world speakingabout health and preventative medicine at Adventist institutions.
Today, Beltz tributes his lifetime of successful mission andhealth work to this unique and dedicated quartet of colleagues.“Our friendship and common goals afforded me the opportunityto be away from our practice and spread health and wellness topeople across the world,” he said.
Sixty years after they first partnered, Beltz and Drs.Wasemiller, Wiltsi and Wall are still the best of friends. “We werethe most unusual medical evangelism group,” Beltz said. “Nowwe’re all in our 80s and 90s, and we’ve maintained our friend-ship to this day.”
Better health through nutritionBeltz not only preaches preventative medicine—he is a liv-
ing example of the power of good health. During his worldtravels in the 1950s, Beltz saw obvious links between diet and
disease in every people group he served. “People who didn’t eat well didn’t feel well,” Beltz said. “I
first came upon the idea while working with cancer patients inNew York, but I couldn’t ignore it when I started seeing thesame thing all over the world. I decided we needed to return tothe original diet if we were really going to manage our health.”
Because of his research findings, Beltz became vegan in thelate 1950s. “God provided a vegan diet for our first parents,” hesaid. “The more we can memorialize that original diet, the easierit will be for us to avoid the diseases and illnesses that comesecondary to following diets based on animal products.”
To help spread the word about better health through goodnutrition, Beltz and Muriel published two vegan cookbooks,Cooking with Natural Foods I and II.
Looking back on his 50 years as a vegan, Beltz said thelifestyle is simple. “It’s just a matter of eating natural foods,” hesaid. “Fowl, fish and animals depend on that original healthfuldiet that God also planned for man. If we go straight to thesource and eat those grains and natural foods ourselves, wegain all the benefits and none of the negative results of eatinganimal products.”
Wellness to fitnessKnowing a supportive program could make all the differ-
ence to patients struggling to make a lifestyle change, Beltz andfive other visionaries purchased a California sanitarium and builtthe Weimar Center of Health and Education in 1978. Soon after,he and two others founded the Black Hills Health and Educa-tion Center in Hermosa, South Dakota.
Now retired after 38 years as a surgeon, Beltz is still active withthe Black Hills Center, where he was director for 21 years. He saysthe wellness retreat still draws record numbers of patients.
Beltz’s medical andhealth evangelism hastaken him around theworld.
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“We feed them good food, help them start an exercise pro-gram and share wisdom through health lectures,” Beltz ex-plained. “We believe in the harmonious development ofphysical and spiritual health, and we help our patients getstarted on that path so they can follow it for life.”
In 1991, Beltz published his book, Wellness to Fitness. Heteamed up with doctors and health educators he had workedwith throughout his career. Their essays comprise the manualdescribing how water, exercise, peace, oxygen, nutrition, sleep,sun and spirituality combine to create ultimate wellness.
“I chose experts in various fields ofpreventative medicine from Adventisthealth institutions,” Beltz said. “Most ofthe ideas came straight from EllenWhite’s Counsels on Diets and Foods.She is our foremost authority on well-ness, and it was important to me toshare those ideas.”
He is passionate about his careerin health care, but if you ask Beltzabout music, he lights up.
Born during World War I to agrade school teacher and a musicteacher, Beltz’s parents taught him toplay the trumpet, violin and piano.
“I’ve always had an interest inmusic and through the years I’vecontinued to play in churches andorchestras across the country,” hesaid.
He still plays the saxophoneand trumpet in his church orches-tras, but there are two other instru-
ments Beltz loves to show off simultane-ously—his unique combination of mouthorgan and saw.
While at Union College, Beltz worked hisway through school by driving deliverytrucks. To occupy his time behind thewheel, he learned to play the harmonica.But he needed both hands to drive and theexisting hands-free headpiece didn’t allowhim to turn his head to watch traffic. So hetaught himself to play using only hismouth.
Now, Beltz entertains friends andguests with mouth organ-saw perform-ances. He uses both hands to play a sawspecially-crafted by a local inventor whilehe moves his harmonica from note tonote using only his mouth.
Beltz and his second wife, Eva DunnRembolt (’41) Beltz married in 2005.They met in 2004, when Eva was visitingfriends in Desert Hot Springs, Calif. “Docand I lost our spouses before we met,”
Eva said. “Up until him, I hadn’t met anyone else who made mewant to start over again. But Doc and I started spending Satur-day nights with our group of friends, and pretty soon we weremaking plans.”
Beltz laughs and shakes his head. “And now we have an as-sisted living situation. I assist her and she assists me.”
Beltz taught Eva to golf last winter, and now they spendtime most days on the course near their California home. Healso works out every day with his home free weights andstretching machine.
The couple splits their time between their three homes,spending winters in Desert Hot
Springs, Calif., and vacations atEva’s property near Seattle, Wash.
During the summer, they livejust steps from the Black HillsHeath and Education Center inHermosa, S.D. He still uses themedical missionary training helearned at Union College morethan six decades ago. Giving healthlectures and advising patients, Beltzcontinues to take his medical mis-sion work to heart.
“Ellen White said medical mission-ary work is the right arm of the Mes-sage,” Beltz said. “As a doctor, Iknow the medical part is important,but from my early years of service,I’ve always found ways to presentChrist to my patients. Christ did morehealing than He did preaching, andthat’s the way I’ve found health min-istry works best.” C
CORDmagazine 21
His second love
Starting over again
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22 SPRING 2009
Sharon McDowell-Larsen puts her professional researchinto action as she competes in the Mountain States Cupseries of bicycle races.
by Sharon McDowell-Larsen ’84
started running while at Union College and haven’t stopped since. I guess you could say I caught the runningbug while participating in a Running Club organized by
David Duran, one of my biology professors, and his wife, Darla.Their encouragement and the consistency of the club led me tocompete in my first marathon, while still in college. This intro-duction to high-intensity exercise sparked my interest in humanperformance and propelled me towards both an M.A. and Ph.D.in the area of exercise physiology. Who knew running fevercould last a lifetime and be so much fun?
Thankfully, my position as a senior associate and exercisephysiologist at The Center for Creative Leadership (CCL), allowsme to run for work instead of, like many people, away fromwork each day. The CCL is a top-ranked, global provider of ex-ecutive education that develops better leaders through its exclu-sive focus on leadership education and research. I manage theFitness for Leadership module of CCL’s Leadership at the Peakprogram (see inset on page 24) and conduct research on the ex-ercise habits and effectiveness of senior executives. The ration-ale for including a fitness trackduring leadership training is thebelief that good health posi-tively impacts leadership per-formance through increasingstress management skills, im-proving public and self imageand preventing diseases.
Health and well-being inthe workplace have becomepopular concepts, driven by evidence that indicates poor healthas a factor in lower quality decision-making abilities, higherrates of absenteeism and consistently diminishing overall contri-butions to organizations. Stress alone costs organizations in theUnited States more than an estimated $150 billion a year. Ofcourse, this dollar amount does not illustrate the bottom line ofthe toll work-related stress takes on this country each year.
Stress produces a physiological response called the flight orfight syndrome, which is no longer an appropriate response inour society. This reaction leaves the stressed individual with freefatty acids, normally used for energy, being flushed into theblood stream and converted to cholesterol. With repeated expo-sure, the individual may experience deregulation of blood pres-sure, disruption of clotting factors and increased insulinsensitivity, which can all lead to a heart attack.
Some of the most exciting research I conduct focuseson the value of physical fitness in counteracting thenegative health outcomes associated with stress.There is little question that a low level ofphysical activity is an independent riskfactor for coronary heart disease.The most notable point of re-search, however, is thatbenefits of
exercise are measured independently of the impact they haveon other traditional risk factors such as blood pressure, HDLcholesterol and body mass. The relationship of exercise andstress is less clearly defined, but I’ve found—and it is generallyaccepted among researchers in my field—that exercise can leadto reductions in stress by decreasing physiological tension, im-proving mental health and reducing anger, hostility and depres-sion.
So where does all our stress come from? Any number ofsources can contribute to a person’s stress load, including rela-tionships at work or home, career development, organizationaland environmental climate, and balancing home, work and per-sonal time. Because so many of our waking hours are spent atwork, there is increasing recognition that a person’s work andpersonal life are not separate entities, but, instead, have recipro-cal effects on each other.
This reciprocity is reflected in the responses given by execu-tives who attend the Leadership at the Peak program. Moreoften than not when I ask executives what causes them the
most stress, their replies refer-ence an intermingling of homeand work-related issues. Oneexecutive stated his primarypressure as “balancing work de-mands with time for family andbalancing family time with timefor myself to recharge.” Othercommonly stated sources ofstress include feeling pressured
to succeed at all costs, interpersonal relationships, health andburnout concerns and being overwhelmed.1
The executives I work with are often overweight and tendto have low activity levels. Throughout my research I’ve seenthe same results time and again—executives who exercise regu-larly receive significantly higher ratings for leadership effective-ness as compared to those who do not exercise at all or onlysporadically. It is difficult, however, to imply cause and effect.Do executives lead better when they exercise because exerciseleads to being less stressed, more energetic, and feeling betterabout themselves? Or do they exercise because they are lessstressed, more energetic and feel better about themselves? Mostlikely the answer is found in a combination of both.
I
Exercise can lead to reductions in stress by decreasing physiological
One important conclusion can and should be made, how-ever. In order to be effective, executives (and the rest of us too)should not give up exercise time in favor of work time. Studieshave shown that exercise provides numerous psychological ben-efits and can serve as a stress reducer by acting as a mental di-version and a release for emotional or physical tension. Exercisecan also provide a clear boundary between work and home, be-tween worry and relaxation. Mood is enhanced and optimismscores rise following exercise. Testimonials from some execu-tives also suggest that regular exercise can positively impactwork performance. In fact, post-program interviews with atten-dees show those who have begun a consistent physical activityplan have higher energy levels, fewer illnesses, and overalllower stress levels than before the program.
While recognizing the importance of physical and mentalwell-being both in our regular lives and in the workplace mayhave recently regained popularity, the idea is not a new one.The lessons taught in ancient Greco-Roman culture are familiarto us today and include breathing fresh air, eating proper foods,drinking the right beverages, exercising regularly, getting a goodamount of sleep and including the emotions when analyzingoverall well-being. Attending to one’s health now takes on agreater implication than personal preservation—as my researchshows, the health of the individual impacts the lives of others aswell as that of organizations.
I’ve spent my life studying the positive effects of exercising,and I have seen exercise enhance lives and careers. I encourageyou to make room in your schedule for exercise and find waysto stick to a plan, such as finding a friend or group to keep youaccountable. Even if you didn’t catch the running bug in collegelike I did, it’s not too late to adopt an exercise plan that will im-prove your health, increase your energy and diminish stress inyour life. C_______________________________________________________1While my area of research focuses on leadership executives, I suggest everyperson, executive or not, faces obstacles that are difficult to overcome—fromcorporate managers confronting complex decisions to educators trying to liftstudents and nonprofit groups addressing social issues on shoestring budgets.If these feelings are familiar to you, the research is applicable too.
What can you do to better manage stress? Learn from the research McDowell-Larsen has conductedwith two colleagues at the CCL, Vidula Bal and MichaelCampbell. Their guidebook, Managing Leadership Stress, of-fers the following eight tips:
1. Know the signals—pay attention to your body’s response to stress.
2. Create a ritual—make it a habit to take stress breaks.
3. Get away—find effective ways to set boundaries between work and home.
4. Build a support system—assemble a network of people who can help reduce stress.
5. Regroup on the task—look for ways to organize and streamline your life.
6. Recover—build time into your routine to recharge.
7. Redefine balance—link balance to your values and choose activities that support those values.
8. Exercise—create a regular exercise regimen, which can help regulate emotions, induce relaxation and increase self-esteem.
The Leadership at the Peak course, offered in ColoradoSprings and CCL offices throughout Europe, gives executives the opportunity to join a small, powerfulgroup of their peers (six to 12 people) in evaluating their leadership skills and potential. An important component of the course is the Fitness for Leadershipmodule, which is interwoven throughout the week.
Union graduate takesaway students’ chairs
wenty-three third graders at Elliott Ele-mentary can thank Union College gradu-ate Katrina Donovan ’08 for taking theirchairs away. Donovan replaced themwith exercise balls, paid for with a minigrant from Nebraska’s Department ofHealth and Human Services Office of Mi-nority Health and Health Equity.
Donovan got the idea last year whilestudent teaching in Joan Rich’s thirdgrade classroom at Lincoln’s Elliot Ele-mentary School. Donovan learned aboutMayo Clinic classroom studies on thebenefits of exercise balls such as helpingstudents concentrate better, expel nervousenergy, reduce childhood obesity and en-force good behavior by confiscating theexercise ball for discipline.1
Joann Herrington, Union College as-sociate professor of education, directedDonovan to a grant offered through theNebraska Health and Human Servicesdepartment. “It is exciting to see a UnionCollege graduate take initiative to helpthe education process,” Herrington said.
“An exercise ball can help studentsfocus better, get out nervous energy andalso serve as a coping strategy wherethey can ‘bounce it out,’” Donovan said.“Plus I’m a big exercise advocate, and Idon’t think most students exerciseenough.”
The grant proposal Donovan wroteearned Elliott Elementary $500 for 25 ex-ercise balls with plans to purchase more.The third graders switched to the brightyellow exercise balls in mid January.
As a substitute teacher for the LincolnPublic Schools, Donovan does not haveher own classroom. When she does, she
hopes to use the exercise balls not onlyas chair replacements, but also as amethod of exercise.
Donovan attributes part of her successwith the grant to Union College. “Union’seducation program teaches you to lookfor ways to improve the classroom andto think outside the box.”
1Research reported in Star Tribune (Minneapolis), Oct. 27, 2007.
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24 SPRING 2009
1940sEd ’46 and Jackie Faucher(’49) Beck from Walla Walla,Wash., celebrated their 60thwedding anniversary in Au-gust in College Place, Wash.,with all their children, grand-children and two great-grand-children.
1950sJoan Leonhardt ’52, fromBerrien Springs, Mich., andJoyce Leonhardt ’52, fromLongmont, Colo., recentlystarted a mission project in thememory of their older
sister, Fay. In lieu of flowers,the family requested gifts inFay’s memory to ADRA to buya cow to help under-privi-leged families. The result was10 goats, one cow, and onewell—more than doubling thesisters’ gift goal.
1960sWilliam ’60 and FrancesVotava (’58) Wilsoncelebrated their 50th weddinganniversary on June 8, 2008.Bill spent 43 years in pastoraland department work. He re-tired from the Minnesota Con-ference in 2004, and theymoved to Punta Gorda, Fla.,in 2006. Bill now volunteersas the administrative pastor ofthe Port Charlotte Church andFrances serves as administra-tive director for the church’spreschool.
1970sCarol Tompkins Armstrong’70 lives in Spokane Valley,Wash., and retired last yearafter working with the Washington State Departmentof Health for 27 years, servingas field representative for theCenter for Health Statistics.
Melodie Thomas Mayberry-Stewart ’70 was recognized asone of Computerworld’sPremier 100 IT Leaders for 2009for her exceptional technologyleadership, ability to foster ideasand creative work environ-ments, envisioning innovativesolutions to business challenges,and effectively managing andexecuting IT strategies. Mayberry-Stewart will be honored at Computerworld’sPremier 100 IT Leaders ceremony in March 2009.
Dennis Reinke ’76 was hon-ored as the first recipient ofPathologist Spotlight ServiceAward by the College of American Pathologists (CAP).He was presented with the
award at the CAP Council onMembership and ProfessionalDevelopment luncheon at theOmni Hotel in Austin, Texas,on Jan. 17. The award was es-tablished to recognize CAPmembers who exhibit transfor-mative behavior and deliverexceptional patient care intheir community.
1980sTom Russell ’80 has beennamed president and chief executive of the Portland Adventist Medical Centerwhere he has worked for 15years. He was formerly seniorvice president of the 302-bedacute care facility located inEast Portland. He was respon-sible for the concept design,development and constructionof the hospital’s 181,000-square-foot patient care pavil-ion, scheduled to open in May2009. He is currently complet-ing an M.B.A. degree.
Marie Atkinson-Smeins ’84lives in Luverne, Minn., andhas been an elementary schoolcounselor for 20 years. Mariewas selected as ElementarySchool Counselor of the Yearby the Minnesota SchoolCounselors Association(MSCA) in May of 2006. Thisaward is the highest honor aschool counselor can receivefrom the MSCA.
Selwyn Noel ’87 recentlyjoined the University of
Southern Caribbean and is thenew chairperson of the FineArts Department. Selwynearned a master’s in ethnomu-sicology at Goldsmiths Col-lege, University of London UKin 1997. He is completing anM.B.A. at Devry University.
1990sAaron ’98 and Jamie KrausFritz ’99 live in Parker, Colo.,and were blessed on Sept. 18,2008, with a little girl, ColbieAnn. She weighed 6 lbs., 12oz., and was 20 inches long.Colbie has two older siblings,Ethan and Natalie. Jamieworks as a speech pathologistat Villa Manor and Aaron isexecutive director of theParker Hospital Foundation.
Jennifer Hall Teh ’98 and herhusband, James, live in SanDiego, Calif., and welcomed adaughter on Sept. 28, 2008,Mallory Paige. James is thedeputy district attorney for theSan Diego County District At-torney’s Office and Jennifer
CORDmagazine wants tohear from you. You havetold us this is your favoritesection. Now tell us whereyou are, what you’re doingor just send greetings.
Direct your letters to: Class-ifieds Alumni Office Union College 3800 South 48th StreetLincoln, NE 68506
e-mail: [email protected] changes online atp www.ucollege.edu/cordmagazine
’67 denotes graduation year(’67) denotes last year attendedor preferred class year
Keep in Touch
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Ed and Jackie
Dennis Reinke
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Mallory Paige TehCORDmagazine 25
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works as senior student serv-ices assistant for the San DiegoCommunity College.
Sam ’99 and Melissa Hartman Huenergardt ’98from Calhoun, Ga., are theproud parents of Chloe Grace.She was born on Sept. 25,2008. Melissa is a stay-at-homemom and Sam is senior vicepresident of Gordon Hospital.
2000sGreg ’00 and KimberlyChilders Steiner ’01 wereblessed with a son, Carter Edmund Dale, on June 12,2008. Kimberly is an assistantprofessor at Union College andGreg is director of intramuralsports at Union College.
Diana Jones Thomas ’00 andher husband, Brent, from Liberty, Mo., are the proudparents of a baby girl, ElenaLouise Thomas, born April 23,2008. Diana is a stay-at-homemom and Brent works for Verizon wireless.
Arthur Pangemanan ’01 andhis wife, Rebecca, are pleasedto announce the birth of theirdaughter, Adrianna Lynn. Thecouple delivered Adrianna inthe comfort of their home andpool on May 21, 2008. BothArthur and Rebecca are pedi-atric chiropractors inLawrenceburg, Ky.
Christopher (’02) andAubrey Oliver Nelson ’04 are the proud parents of Benjamin Eric, born on May31, 2008. They live in Tigard,Ore., where Aubrey is a stay-at-home mom and Christopheris a structural engineer withFroelich Consulting Engineers.
Jenny Fredregill Leonhardt’03 and her husband, Evan,live in Lincoln, Neb., and were blessed with a son, Ethan James, on Dec. 14, 2008. He was 7 lbs., 13 oz., and 21 inches long. Ethan isthe grandson of Dwain ’72and Carol Testerman Leonhardt ’72 and Duane ’75and Lou Ann Reile ’73 Fredregill.
Stephanie Barr Shreeve ’03and her husband, Daniel, livein Billings, Mont., and wereblessed with a baby girl, Bailey Grace, on Oct. 16, 2007.She joined sister, Riley Madi-son. Stephanie is a nurse at St. Vincent Healthcare andDaniel is a welder with Montana Rail Link.
Karen McArthur Seery ’04and her husband, Loren, fromRochester, Minn., were blessedwith a daughter, Ashlyn Anna,
on Oct. 20, 2008. She was 8 lbs.,10.5 oz., and 20.5 inches long.
Mikey ’04 and Daniela Pri-eto Larson ’02 from NorthPlatte, Neb., are the proud parents of Matthew Cole. Hewas born Sun., Dec. 7, 2008,weighing 7 lbs., 7 oz., andmeasuring 21 inches long.Mikey is a pastor for the NorthPlatte, Neb., district. “Dad washappy he came just in time forthe beginning of the Cowboy’sgame,” says Daniela.
Daniel and Cara ChristensenGreenfield ’06 are pleased toannounce the birth of AutumnAleese on Jan. 20, 2009, in Lin-coln, Neb. She weighed 7 lbs.,15 oz., and was 20 incheslong. Big brother, Andrew, isadjusting well and is quiteproud of his little sister. Theythank the Lord for an unevent-ful delivery and will be return-ing to Cambodia shortly.
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Chloe and Christian Huenergardt
Carter Edmund Dale Steiner
Elena Louise Thomas
Adrianna Lynn Pangemanan
Benjamin Eric Nelson
Bailey Grace Shreeve
Ashlyn Anna Seery
Matthew Cole Larson
26 SPRING 2009
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Jason Meyers ’06 and AbbieKrehbiel ’07 were married onJuly 29, 2007. They live in St.Louis, Mo. Abbie works as aregistered nurse in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit atSt. Louis Children’s Hospital.Jason is a medical student atWashington University Schoolof Medicine in St. Louis.
Antonio and Lillian GroftLopez ’07 are the proud par-ents of a baby girl, CorinthiaDiella, born on April 17, 2008.They live in Columbia, Md. Antonio is a youth pastor forthe Chesapeake Conferenceand Lillian is a stay-at-homemom and part-time mathteacher.
People PlacementsLyndsi Rasmussen joinedStudent Financial Services as astudent financial advisor, help-ing students and families navi-gate the complexities of loans,grants and scholarships andcombine them into a feasiblefinancial plan. A Nebraska native, Rasmussen graduatedfrom the University of Nebraska-Lincoln with a Bachelor of Science in Education with a social sciences endorsement.
Monica Bosques de Lopez ’01transitioned from her role as an adjunct instructor to a full-time clinical instructor for thenursing program in the Division of Health Sciences,overseeing junior year OB-GYN clinical rotations.Bosques de Lopez has workedat St. Elizabeth Regional Medical Center since 2001 andcontinues to work in the hos-pital’s postpartum unit. A grad-uate of Union’s nursing pro-gram, she is now completing aMaster of Science in Nursingdegree from Nebraska Wesleyan University. Bosquesde Lopez and her husband,Dimas, have two small chil-dren, Xiara and Dariel.
Carrie Wolfe ’90 will beginthe 2009-2010 academic yearas the new chair of the Division of Science and Mathematics. Wolfe assumesthe role from Don Abbey, pro-fessor of biology, who will resume his full teaching load.She holds a Ph.D. in chemistryfrom the University of Nebraska-Lincoln and hastaught chemistry at Union College since returning to Lincoln from Columbia UnionCollege in 1999.
Michelle Velázquez Mesnardwill become the chair of theDivision of Humanities nextfall. George Gibson, the cur-rent division chair, will con-
tinue in his role as professor ofeconomics and history. Currently an associate profes-sor of communication, Mesnard came to Union in2002 from California where she earned a master’s in publicrelations at Golden Gate University and served as thedirector of public relations atPacific Union College.
Ruth Leech Oliver (’15),Modesto Calif., died Nov. 6,2008, at age 110. She was bornSept. 17, 1898 in Kingsville, Mo.She was the youngest of six siblings. Her mother died whenshe was three. Her father married a woman with threechildren making a family of 10children. From Missouri, theymoved to 320 acres of farmland in Colorado. Ruth attendedUnion College Academy andlater taught grades one througheight. She married WilliamOliver in 1918, and they farmedin Wyoming. In 1924, theymoved to California. From 1950to 1964 Ruth ran the RedwoodValley School cafeteria. She waspreceded in death by her husband, William.
Chester Wickwire ’37, Cockeysville, Md., died Aug.31, 2008, at age 94. He wasborn in Nebraska on Dec. 11,1913. Following graduationfrom Union College, he earnedtwo degrees from Yale DivinitySchool and was ordained inthe United Church of Christ.He became chaplain at John’sHopkins University in 1953.Chester was very influential inthe civil rights movement,working with black leaders tointegrate a Baltimore Countyamusement park and recom-mended the first African Ameri-cans admitted to John’sHopkins University. He loved
poetry, world travel and cham-pioning for the underdog. Heis survived by his wife of 71years, Mary Ann HerwickWickwire (’41); sons, Jon, C.Lynn and Brian; brother, Bruce;four grandchildren and fivegreat-grandchildren.
Ralph Combes ’38, Greencastle, Ind., died Nov.20, 2008, at age 96. He wasborn April 28, 1912, in Cole,S.D. He was a member of theGlendale, Ind., church. He issurvived by his wife, VivianEllison Combes (’35); daugh-ters, Della Decooman andDeanna Pendleton; two grand-daughters; one great-grand-child and two great-great-grandchildren.
Floyd Miracle ’38, Riverside,Calif., died Feb. 14, 2008, atage 95. He was born Feb. 10,1913 in Wewoka, Okla. Heserved as an Army captain dur-ing World War II and taughtpediatrics at Loma Linda Uni-versity Medical Center. He issurvived by his sister, GladysThompson.
Eva Fletcher Brown (’39),Jackson, Calif., died Sept. 14,2008, at age 90. She was bornDec. 24, 1917, in Bridgewater,Neb. She worked at LomaLinda University MedicalCenter. She was preceded indeath by her husband, Russell(’40). She is survived by herson, Kent; daughters, JanetToppenberg and Jeanine Ask;six grandchildren and fivegreat-grandchildren.
John Burleigh ’39,Bartlesville, Okla., died Nov.26, 2008, at age 91. He is sur-vived by his wife of almost 65years, Ethel; five children; eightgrandchildren and one great-granddaughter.
Frank Rice ’39, Ukiah, Calif.,died Jan. 17, 2009, at age 91. Hebegan his college years at Unionprior to serving in the U.S. ArmyAir Force in World War II. In1941, he married Evelyn RollRice ’41. In the early 1950s, he
CORDmagazine 27
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IN MEMORY
Death dates and/or obituar-ies have been received forthe following individuals.
P e o p l e
P l a c e m e n t s
Autumn Aleese Greenfield
Jason and Abbie Meyers
started Rice Equipment Com-pany in St. Louis, Mo., a materi-als handling company. He waspresident and owner until he re-tired in 1980. Frank served onthe Union College Board ofTrustees from 1984 to 1995. Hewas active in his church, holdingpositions of Sabbath Schoolteacher and elder. Frank enjoyedgolf, sailing and photography.Frank and Evelyn lived in CapeCoral, Fla., from retirement in1980 until 2001, when theymoved to Ukiah to be closer tofamily. In 1987 the Rices estab-lished the Evelyn and Frank RiceScholarship fund that is awardedannually to students with finan-cial needs from Missouri. Memo-rial gifts may be directed to thecollege for this scholarship fund.Frank is survived by his wife of67 years, Evelyn ‘41; daughter,Lillian Rice; and sons, Frank andGeoff ’78; five grandchildrenand two great-grandchildren.
Ruby Bounds Christensen(’40), Sacramento Calif., diedJuly 15, 2008. She was bornDec. 29, 1913, in Little Rock,Ark. She is survived by herson, Bruce (’72); daughters,Becky Carlisle ’66, BethBernotas ’66 and BrendaDuerksen (’67); eight grand-children and four great-grand-children.
Florence Hash Ashley (’41),Loma Linda, Calif., died Sept.24, 2008. She was born Feb.18, 1914, in Black Hills, S.D.She is survived by her son,Dennis Pyle; daughter, Donna
Burress; stepdaughter, BettyMyer; five grandchildren andthree great-grandchildren.
Claribel Babcock Clifford(’41), Jackson, Calif., died May6, 2008. She was born June 27,1917, in Chamberlain, S.D.Claribel taught in Adventistschools in Texas, Oklahomaand Arizona. She also servedas a missionary to Chile, Argentina and Bolivia. Claribelis survived by her daughter,Janet Scott (’66); sons, Danand Jim; seven grandchildrenand four great-grandchildren.
Walter Will ’41, Loma Linda,Calif., died July 12, 2008. Hewas born Feb. 21, 1914 inPerry Okla. He is survived byhis wife, Gladys Cross Will(’37); son, Larry; and daughter,Nyla Kellar.
Ruth Wightman ’43, BerrienSprings, Mich., died April 29,2008. She was born in Pierre,S.D., on July 3, 1913. She is sur-vived by her brother, Roy (’59).
Richard Affolter (’44), WallaWalla, Wash., died Dec. 23,2008. He entered the UnitedStates Army July 30, 1945, andserved until Nov. 5, 1946. InDecember 1945, he marriedBette Hircock in Des Moines,Iowa. Richard was a generalcontractor most of his life, laterworking as a hospital adminis-trator and a missionary in Rus-sia. He is survived by his wife,Bette; two daughters, KarenJohnson ’72 and Jan Enders(’73); one son, Gary ’69; eightgrandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren.
Woodrow “Woody” Larson’45, Bonnerdale, Ark., diedJuly 4, 2008. He was born Oct.15, 1915, in Bayou Chene, La.He was a retired minister, hav-ing served the Seventh-day Ad-ventist Church for 60 years. Heis survived by his wife of 66years, Edna Mae Larson; son,Milton; four grandchildren andfour great-grandchildren.
Morton Juberg ’48, Troutdale,Ore., died Dec. 30, 2008, at age86. He was born Jan. 24, 1922,in Greybull, Wyo. He was anordained minister for 47 years,communications director forSeventh-day Adventist churchesand editor of the Gleaner, a regional Seventh-day Adventistpublication, for 14 years. Hemarried Lorraine Davis (’47).He was preceded in death byhis daughter, Lorelee Morre lastSeptember. He is survived byhis wife, Lorraine; sons, Terryand Randall; sister, Irene Level;brother, Roy; and five grandchildren.
Agnes Marks Lambertson ’48,Berrien Springs, Mich., died June7, 2008. She was born on April22, 1916, in Boon, Mich. She issurvived by her son, Marvin;daughter, Dalys Nordvick; six grandchildren; three great-grandchildren and brother,Howard Marks ’48.
Livingston Wills (’48),Omaha, Neb., died Aug. 22,2008. He was born July 28,1919, in Brownsville, Tenn. Inhis early years he attended aschool for the blind inNashville, where he learned tomake brooms, and read andtype in Braille. After attendingUnion College and studyingEnglish and history, he movedto Omaha where he felt calledto the ministry. He was ordained and served for manyyears as the pastor at Taberna-cle Church of Christ Holiness.He was promoted to bishop in1975. He is survived by hisbrothers, James, Johnnie andCharles; sisters, Sophronia andHancy; and grandson, Criswell.He was preceded in death bytwo wives, Ledressa in 1973and Luvenia in 1986.
Harold Sample ’49, Harrah,Okla., died June 15, 2008. Hewas born Oct. 18, 1916, inKearney, Neb. Harold was achurch school teacher for 32years, teaching in Wisconsin,Kansas, Nebraska, Oklahomaand Colorado. He is survivedby his wife of 67 years,
Nadine Stevens Sample (’46);two grandchildren and twogreat-grandchildren. His twosons, Delmer and David ’71,preceded him in death.
Charles Davis ’51, Riverside,Calif., died July 7, 2008. Charlesretired in 1995 after 44 years ofservice as a teacher and librarian. He married FrancesAnderson after graduating fromUnion College and earned amaster’s in history from KansasState University and a secondmaster’s in library science. Before his retirement, he washead librarian at La Sierra University. He enjoyed travelingand family. He is survived by hiswife, Frances Anderson Davis(’51); son, Eric; two grand-daughters and great-grandchil-dren. He was preceded in deathby his daughter, Charman.
Lyle Jewell ’51, Bemidji, Minn.,died Sept. 28, 2008. He wasborn June 24, 1924. Lyle was anaccomplished vocalist andchoral director. He joined FaithFor Today as a soloist and was amember of the FFT Quartet. Heserved in music departments atAtlantic Union College, Columbia Union College, PacificUnion College and Union College, as well as several public school systems and Bemidji State University. He wasthe soloist and manager of theRoger Wagner Chorale, and hefounded the Bemidji Chorale in1979. He was preceded in deathby his son, John, and threebrothers. He is survived by his
Ruth Johnson Ellis ’55,Lincoln, Neb., died Aug. 18,2008. She was born inMitchell, S.D., on Aug. 10,1933, to Ole and Harriet. Ruthearned a bachelor’s in musicand she earned teaching cre-dentials from the University ofNebraska-Lincoln. She taughtschool for 30 years in Avoca,Syracuse and Dunbar schools.She supported Japanese nurs-ing students at Union College.She is survived by her hus-band, Winslow ’55; daugh-ters, Sara Thompson (’80),Janet Morgan ’83 and AnnGouldie; sons, Dana ’82,Kevin ’85, Brent and Darin;and 14 grandchildren.
Malcom (Mac) Johnson (’65),Bell Fourche, S.D., died Jan. 14,2009, from a heart attack suf-fered on Jan. 5, 2009. Mac wasborn Oct. 31, 1945, in Hedinger,N.D., to Edwin and Jean John-son. Mac attended SheyenneRiver Academy in Harvey, N.D.,and Plainview Academy in Red-field, S.D., his junior and senioryears. He attended Union College for two years and thenattended Black Hills State College for two years. He married Susan Miller on Jan. 5,1969, and lived in Gregory,S.D., where he was a partner ina transport trucking companyand a school bus company.Mac is survived by his wife,
Susan; daughter, Jennifer; sons,Jamie, Justin and Joshua; par-ents, Ed and Jean Johnson; sis-ters Sherri Fandrich (’69) andDebra Herber (’73); brother,Randy; his grandchildren, whowere the love of his life, Tel,Jordan, Tyrell, Jaxson, Dalton,Casey Jo, Kelby, Devon andBrecken.
Kenneth Liggett ’65, Bennet,Neb., died July 21, 2008. Hewas born Jan. 20, 1941, inDavenport, Iowa. He earned amaster’s and doctorate in psy-chology from the University ofNebraska-Lincoln. He estab-lished his private practice inclinical psychology in Lincoln,Neb., and maintained it for 30years. He is survived by hiswife, Charlotte; sister, SherryEhrlich ’67; half-brother, GregLiggett; and half-sister, KandyHarrison.
Don Dana ’66, Salem, Ore.,died Sept. 22, 2008, at age 67.He was born Aug. 12, 1941.He is survived by son, Don;daughter, Denise Mathey;brother, Eugene; two sisters,Helen Arndt and Joyce Goff;and four grandchildren.
Gerald Hanson (’67), LasVegas, Nev., died Jan. 28,2009, at age 61, after a coura-geous battle against malignantmelanoma. Gerry was a dentistand specialized in oral andmaxillofacial surgery. Heserved on a number of dentalboards, most recently as chair-man of the board of the Oral
and Maxillofacial SurgeryFoundation. He enjoyedrestoring antique and classicairplanes and was a skilledpilot. He is survived by his fa-ther, Gerald; sister, CleoraBently; and many extendedfamily members.
William Fitch (’79), AvonPark, Fla., died May 26, 2008.He was born Feb. 28, 1928, inSioux City, Iowa. He taughtand pastored throughout hiscareer in Illinois, Venezuela,Broadview Academy and PlatteValley Academy. He is survivedby his wife, Jean BogdonFitch (’74); son, Donald;daughter, Karan Lincoln(’76); three grandchildren andone great-grandchild.
Sara Sousa ’08, Laurel, Md.,died Dec. 19, 2008, at age 23, atLaurel Regional Hospital after acourageous and faithful battlewith cancer. Born Jan. 23, 1985,in Brazil, she was the daughter
of Geraldo and Miriam DeSousa. She graduated fromUnion College in December2008 with a degree in businessadministration. She was a mem-ber of the Triadelphia Seventh-day Adventist Church inClarksville, Md., and the Brazil-ian Seventh-day AdventistChurch in College Park, Md. Inaddition to her parents, she issurvived by her sister, QuesiaSousa ’08; brothers, Edvandroand Kleber; and cousins, Trishaand Ashley Furtado.
Notice of the following deathshas been received:
Fern Kinnison Chinburg ’34,Dighton, Kan., died Oct. 17, 2008, at age 95.
Beulah Brebner Swisher ’34,Lincoln, Neb., died Nov. 14, 2008, at age 93.
Adelyne Anderson Ammon(’37), Walla Walla, Wash., diedMarch 15, 2008.
Dale Payne (’37), Redlands, Calif., died June 1, 2008.
Harry Young (’41), Portland, Ore., died Nov. 7, 2008.
Robert Halverson (’42),Santa Maria, Calif., died Feb. 18, 2008, at age 86.
Ruby Pfeifle Schlenker (’43),Edgeley, N.D., died Sept. 1, 2008.
Harold Roll ’44,Ooltewah, Tenn., died Sept. 17, 2008, at age 86.
Valerie Ware Neubarth ’46,Bakersfield, Calif., died Jan. 20, 2008, at age 85.
Hattie Briggs Thomas (’46),Selah, Wash., died Dec. 7, 2007.
MaryAlice Hansen Elder (’47),Lebanon, Ore., died Sept. 8, 2008.
Marcelaine Ulvick Rouse ’47,Whittier, Calif., died Sept. 7, 2008.
IN MEMORY_____________________________
Ruth Johnson EllisKenneth Liggett
Sara Sousa
Dr. Gerald Hanson
CORDmagazine 29
IN MEMORY_____________________________
Ann Applegate Nolan (’49),Lincoln, Neb., died May 1, 2008.
Earl Vikingson ’49, Edina, Minn., died Jan. 3, 2008, at age 93. He is survived by his wife,Peggy Smith Vikingson ’40.
Virginia Winn Carpenter(’51), Cloverdale, Calif., died Sept. 10, 2008.
Gordon Mays ’51, Crescent Valley, Nev., diedNov. 11, 2008.
Ralph Wendt ’51, Fairfield, Wash., died Dec. 31, 2007.
Phyllis Stern Kinder (’52)Laurel, Md., died Dec. 2008. She is survived byher husband, Clyde ’55.
Paul Dickinson ’53, Aurora, Colo., died Nov. 13, 2008. He is survivedby his wife, Shirley DurenDickinson ’54.
Milton Woodson ’54, Riverside, Calif., died Nov. 13, 2008, at age 84.
Williard Brown ’55, Lincoln, Neb., died May 15, 2005.
Leon Stickney ’56, Auburn, Wash., died Aug. 17, 2008, at age 82. He issurvived by his wife, RuthLong Stickney (’50).
Joanna Usher Strudwick (’57),Greenville, Texas, died July 4, 2008.
Sam Armstrong ’58, Riverside, Calif., died Nov. 18, 2008, at age 80.
Egon Boettcher ’62, Lakeland, Ga., died July 6, 2006.
orn April 18, 1919, inCouncil Bluffs, Iowa, Earl Al-bert Leonhardt was the eldestof four children. He attendedAbraham Lincoln HighSchool in Council Bluffs andgraduated in 1937. His firstjob was working in a candyfactory making candy canes.He later worked at a foundrythat manufactured windowweights, manhole covers andcast iron fittings. Earl’s familyjoined the Adventist churchwhen he was a teenager, andit was there he met Vada Kor-gan at age 15. They began todate that same year and mar-ried on Jan. 19, 1941.
Earl enrolled at Union Col-lege in 1941, but was draftedinto the Army after only onesemester following Pearl Har-bor. He spent three years inthe Army, ending his militarycareer as a dental technician.After the Army, they returnedto College View to attendUnion College.
After graduating with dis-tinction as a math major in1950, Earl taught math part-time at the college for twoyears while working toward amaster’s degree at the Univer-sity of Nebraska. He thentaught high school math inFairbury, Neb., for one yearbefore being called back toUnion by Dr. Ed Ogden. Hetaught full-time in the mathdepartment from fall 1952until his retirement in May1987, earning a doctorate in1962. After retirement, hecontinued to teach part time.
Earl loved teaching mathand many students were en-riched by his teaching. Oftenwhen alumni returned forevents or when travelingthrough Lincoln, they visitedhim and thanked him for histeaching. Earl is also remem-
bered by many colleaguesand students for his uniquesense of humor and as beingone of the marshals who ledthe faculty down the aisle atgraduation time.
Besides teaching math, Earlenjoyed playing volleyballevery Tuesday night atUnion’s gym, serving as adeacon at the College Viewchurch and woodworking.He built grandfather clocks,cabinets, and the housewhere he lived for 50 years.With help from his sons, healso built a 15-foot sailboat.
He is survived by his wife,Vada Korgan Leonhardt’67; sons, Darrell ’69 andDwain ’72; daughter, MarciaAustin ’75; sister, MaxineLeonhardt (’54); brother,Robert; and six grandchildrenand one great-grandson.
Memorials may be given tothe Earl and Vada LeonhardtMath Scholarship fund atUnion College that was estab-lished by the family.
Longtime math professor remembered
BB
30 SPRING 2009
he colorful careers of Dan and Billie Peckham began with a strong education at Union College. When Dan graduated in 1949
with a theology degree he was committed to serv-ing the Lord wherever that might lead. And froman elementary classroom in the Arkansas-Louisianaconference to the Union treasury offices of Koreaand Hong Kong, he has remained committed tothat pledge.
Billie, who graduated in ’56, also gave manyyears of devoted service as an associate educa-tional superintendent for both the Kansas-Ne-braska Conference and the Texas Conference,where the couple has now retired.
As a result of his work as a treasurer and au-ditor, Dan is well aware of the trends in financialmarkets and the need to plan wisely for retire-ment. When his application for purchasing nursinghome insurance was denied because of his arthri-tis, Dan explored other available options. “A chari-table gift annuity proved to be the ideal way forus,” Dan said. “It’s the perfect tool for caring forfuture financial needs if you have available assets.”
Because Union College was a blessing totheir family (their two sons are also graduates), thePeckhams chose to return the blessing by estab-lishing a charitable gift annuity with the college.“I’m a strong believer in charitable giving,” Dansaid. “As Christians we ought to work towardbeing full partners with God. That means sharing50-50. Billie and I have been doing this for years,and God has blessed us abundantly.”
Union College is grateful for the support ofdedicated alumni such as Dan and Billie Peckhamwho have established charitable gift annuities.
It takesForeSight...
CORDmagazine 31
For information about gift annuities please contactthe Union College Advancement office:Todd Mekelburg Director of Leadership Giving3800 South 48th StreetLincoln, NE [email protected]
by Brenda Forbes Dickerson ’86
Dan Peckham enjoys time with his grandson.
Non-profit Org.U.S. Postage
PAIDLincoln, NE
Permit No. 62
News from Union CollegeVol. 74, No.1 Spring 2009
Published by the Union College Advancement Office3800 South 48th Street, Lincoln, NE 68506
Address service requested
Leading and servingUnion College Campus Ministries hosted the North American Division
Campus Ministries Convention March 18-21. More than 100 chaplains andstudent leaders from 14 Adventist colleges and universities shared ideasand inspiration during the four-day event.
“I was asked many times, ‘How did you pull this off using only studentleaders for planning and coordinating?’” said Rich Carlson, Union’s chap-lain for more than 27 years. “Many of the chaplains said it was the bestCampus Ministries Conference they could remember. This is just one moreexample of what Union students are capable of doing.”
