HillcrestA MAGAZINE FOR FRIENDS AND ALUMNI OF HILLCREST ACADEMY

Winter 2007 • Volume 69 • Number 3

Inside this Issue:Feature: Donated Wheels

The Man Behind Campus MinistriesCharitable Connection: Stewardship Author Pens the Ten Best HLA Stories

Homecoming 07 Recap

CONNECTION

GREETING2

Sounds of Christmas music from the HLA Music Room remind us that the half-way mark of the year is fast approaching. God has blessed Hillcrest’s

ministry, with students eager to learn and grow, and a professional staff eager to lead and nurture these students in the faith. God’s hand of blessing also includes the rich network of alumni and friends who are advancing the school mission with financial and prayer support.

I’ve been reading a book that identifies the rapid pace of change our world is experiencing. With advances in technology and communications, the world is flattening. I write this greeting from a hotel in Byglandsfjord, Norway. This document will be e-mailed to Ryan Erickson, who will add layout and design to a virtual publication that

will be sent camera-ready over the internet to a printer. You are reading the end product. Wow! When I attended HLA 30+ years ago, I would have never imagined this. Today, it’s standard procedure.

While Hillcrest seeks to be current as an educational center amidst this

sometimes overwhelming new worldwide pace, we know that the core values of Hillcrest have not changed. In Psalm 75 the Lord says, “When the earth and all its people quake, it is I who hold its pillars firm.” God remains sovereign even in a rapidly changing world. Students are taught to know and understand this truth. They are called to be still and know that he is God.

May each of you experience that stillness during this Advent time. I

wish you God’s peace and joy.

Sincerely,

Steven J. Brue, HLA President

p.s. –Your gift to HLA at the close of this calendar year is greatly appreciated. Thank You!

Dear Alumni and Friends,

thank you...for your generous support of the mission and ministry of Hillcrest Academy. We wish you and yours a Merry Christmas.

CONTENTS4

6

8

10

HillcrestCONNECTION

ProfileWayne Stender

Feature Donated WheelsThe Ten Best

FinanceCharitable ConnectionFinancial Update

Campus News Homecoming RecapBand Tour 2008New Faces

14 Alumni News In Memory of Silas BergstadAlumni UpdateAlumni Update

HILLCREST ACADEMY BOARD OF DIRECTORS

DWIGHT SCHMIDT | Chair Jamestown, ND

RICH HEGGLAND | Vice Chair New Port Richey, FL

ROD SCHEEL | Secretary Fergus Falls, MN

IRV BERGSAGELMinnetonka, MN

RICH IVERSONBarnesville, MN

GLADYS MOLINEWahpeton, ND

J. BURDEAN ROGNESSEden Prarie, MN

LISA SCHULTZDalton, MN

MARTY VALDEREverett, WA

HILLCREST ACADEMY PARENT ADVISORY TEAM

LISA SCHULTZ | HLA Board RepCARY AASNESSANDY LACEYTRENA MARTINSONAMY TAYLOR

MISSION STATEMENT

The mission of Hillcrest Lutheran Academy, a Christ-centered secondary school (grades 7-12), of the Church of the Lutheran Brethren, is to provide a quality academic, social, and extra-curricular program in which Christ is exemplified in the lives of those who teach and lead, and in which Christ is nurtured in the lives of those who learn and follow.

Winter 2007The Hillcrest Connection is published

quarterly by Hillcrest Academy.

Hillcrest Lutheran Academy610 Hillcrest Drive

Fergus Falls, MN 56537-2699

STEVE BRUE | President Contributing Editorsbrue@ffhillcrest.org

RYAN ERICKSON Graphic Design

rerickson@ffhillcrest.org

PROFILE4

Wayne Stender20 minutes with

The Hillcrest Connection staff recently sat down with HLA Campus Ministries Director Wayne Stender to find out just what it is that makes him tick.

HC: Wayne, what’s your story? Why Hillcrest and why Campus Ministries?

WS: Well, I have amazing parents who made it a commitment to send their kids through private Christian education. They realized that we spend more time at school and with our friends than we possibly could spend at home, considering that we go to school at 8:00 a.m. And have sports practice until 6:00 p.m. With homework and the business of life they understood that in High School their corner of influence in our lives was getting cut shorter. So they thought what better people for us to be around than like-minded Christian educators who would care for us almost like their own child.

From this experience, Hillcrest has had an amazing impact in my life. Through different opportunities at the school I was able to mold my mind to think missionally and have had some incredible opportunities to grow in my relationship with Jesus. I guess I have a desire to reinvest in the school, to sort of be the truth behind my parents’ philosophy, by providing a sacrificial service with the talents that God has given me. Campus Ministries is where God has enabled me to serve and it’s where I am right now.

HC: Describe Campus Ministries at Hillcrest. What is its purpose and impact at HLA?

WS: I think the main purpose of Campus Ministries is to make sure that our students have an opportunity to know who Jesus is, what He has done to redeem us, and what our response should be. I think Campus Ministries ends up being the visible spiritual life at Hillcrest. Students are able to serve in various mission activities, but they also are taught and encouraged through spiritual emphasis times. I think it’s really hard to pin point what its impact is at HLA...get back to me in 50 years at the golden reunion of the class of ‘08 and I’ll fill you in then.

PROFILE 5

HC: What is your role as Director?

WS: I am responsible for the chapel services, small group student and faculty huddle group curriculum, Prayer day, Spiritual Emphasis Weeks, our month of missions called M-Term, the Senior Mexico Missions trip, campus visit days, summer camp service options, local missions, cross-cultural missions, state-wide missions, operation of the campus coffee shop “the stu”, and there’s probably more, that’s just what’s on my desk right now...

HC: Hillcrest has made several mission trips to Mexico in the past few years. Will you be doing that again this year?

WS: We will be doing that again this year to the same community in Chihuahua, Mexico. It’s interesting because 2 families from the school that have gone on the Senior Mexico trip have adopted children from the orphanage that we work with. This is a trip that I’m discovering has really been used by God to establish the need for a missions program at Hillcrest. Someone on the trip our first year said, “It’s like you’re getting 4 years of education in 10 days.” There is so much spiritual formation that happens on this trip that I think it would be hard to think of a year without it.

HC: Leading a group of students around and outside the country can be no easy task. What have you learned from your mission trip experiences as a leader?

WS: I think the biggest thing I’ve learned is the effectiveness of preparing for a trip Spiritually. I’ve learned that I can’t always plan for every single aspect of a trip, but that in aligning my heart with God I am prepared to handle issues that would normally be frustrations with a God’s eye-view so to speak.

HC: You graduated from HLA in 2002, how has the school’s approach to mission changed in the last 6 years?

WS: That’s a great question. I think what we’ve seen is a new face to some old concepts within the school. From what I understand, Hillcrest has always been an outward thinking school. What I’ve found is that we’re doing ministries now with a new flavor that have been accomplished in the past through the many alumni that have gone here. From 2002 until now I can say that as a whole the school has a much more concentrated missions emphasis. I feel that the administration sees the value in missions and they have given me a number of liberties to communicate the concepts of living a missional life instead of everyone becoming missionaries. I know there are some students that feel called to the mission field, but not all of our students will go down that road. So I think the change over the years has been a move away from speaking

just to those called to cross-cultural missions and an emphasis in living missional lives.

HC: What’s your favorite part of your role as Campus Ministries Director?

WS: Probably the fact that I have the opportunity to work with kids on a 24/7 basis. That I have the opportunity to speak into their current struggles with their culture, parents, resident life directors, or teachers and point them to a biblical understanding. My desire is to train our students to think first in terms of who God is and then how that should affect how we interact with His creation.

HC: What impact on the local community and world do you see the Hillcrest Campus Ministries department having 5 years down the road?

WS: In the community I see our students interacting and loving people that are not like them. I see them ministering to a community with needs, dreams, and desperation at their doors. I see Hillcrest being the hands and feet of the life of Jesus Christ.

In the world I see our students being the missional body of believers. I don’t see all of our students as missionaries, but instead I see all of our students being missional in their jobs. I don’t necessarily see it just being Hillcrest students either. I see it being students in our community who are able to be encouraged through spiritual emphasis times held on our campus. I see students understanding the gospel by way of our resources and our staff. I guess I don’t just see Hillcrest, but I see the effect of a student body, staff, and administration that desires to see the message of the Cross forthright.

Wayne Stender mans the counter of the Stu during a break period.

FEATURE6

Perhaps you’ve seen them along Union Avenue, outside Coffee Cabin or even approaching WestRidge Mall. They are biking-riding students from Hillcrest Lutheran Academy, young people benefiting from the donation of nearly a dozen new and used bicycles.

The brain behind the bikes is Fergus Falls businessman Keith Olson, who encountered two Hillcrest students outside his furniture store along Lincoln Avenue about two months ago. After giving the girls directions to area bakeries, Olson contacted Hillcrest president and fellow Rotarian Steve Brue, learning the school provides no formal transportation for its residential students.

“It just occurred to me that if people need transportation, there’s something that we as a community can do to help

them,” Olson said.

Olson brought up the idea of bikes at a Rotary meeting, offering to repair and revitalize donated cycles for use by Hillcrest students. Since then, he’s collected six bikes — including two original Schwinn cycles from the 50s and 60s — which he’s turned over to Hillcrest after making minor tune-ups. Following Olson’s lead, Wal-Mart donated three bikes to the school.

The bikes are often parked outside the main academic building and are available to all students, said Diane Ihrke, girls resident life director.

dorm students find new freedom in

donated wheelsby Lauren Radomski (Left to Right) Kirsten Miller, Nicole Olsoe, Hannah Lee

FEATURE 7

“If the bikes are available, they jump on a bike and go,” she said, “and I have to say, they’ve been used a lot.”

One of Hillcrest’s Korean students, Ihrke said, rode a bike for the first time on one of the donated cycles.

But the project isn’t finished yet: Olson is still collecting bikes, hoping to bring the total to 15.

“This is where the rubber meets the road, no pun intended,” he said. “I would like nice, serviceable bikes. They don’t need to be brand new but they need to be serviceable, not something the mailman ran over.”

Anyone interested in donating a bike can contact Olson at 736-7588.

Article reprinted courtesy of the Fergus Falls Daily Journal

What is the essence of an education at Hillcrest Academy? What do Hillcrest students gain from a Christian education? What Biblical lessons best stick with the graduates? What are the “Ten Best Stories of Hillcrest Academy?”

These are the questions that intrigue Steve Hoffbeck, who is embarking upon a calling to write the stories of Hillcrest alumni and to try to capture something of the meaning of a Hillcrest education. The book will be published to promote the work of Hillcrest and to preserve these remembrances so that the living archive of memories might become a written record of this academic jewel of a school.

Hoffbeck is requesting that Hillcrest students, graduates, teachers (and parents of Hillcrest students) nominate their choices for “The Ten Best” stories about the school.

The stories might be about dormitory life at Hillcrest, or about the careers of alumni in the missionary field or in the business world. There are great tales of Norwegian students or Korean students who came to America that might be included, or recollections of athletic glory on the nine-man football fields or the basketball courts; or musical messages from choir that reverberate through the years. Nominations might include testimonies of how

Award-Winning Author To Write About Hillcrest

continued on page 13

FROM THE COVER (left to right):Lindsey Brue, Maggie Jacobsen, Katherine O’Sullivan, Tim Borrowski, Kylie Howe and Elizabeth Crowley enjoy the dontated bicycles.

FINANCE8

CharitableCONNECTION

I am concerned about how we manage our money and the example we are setting for our children and grandchildren. According to a 2006 US Commerce Department study reported by CNN Money and Managing Your Money, the average family in America spends 1% more than they earn. Nationally, this resulted in $41.6 billion of debt in 2006. Today, the average American family has $8,400 of credit card debt. Financial planners encourage families to follow a course of action that will give them financial freedom. A great way to start is to give 10% of one’s income and to save 10%. Tithing is not only a commandment established by God but also an act he faithfully promises to bless. Giving and saving certainly require some careful planning and discipline but are well worth it. I recently read Psalms 37:21: “The wicked borrows and does not pay back, but the righteous is gracious and gives.” Let’s honor God with our wealth and set a positive example for our children. Keven Crabtree RFCSecurities offered through USAllianz SecuritiesMember NASD, SIPC, Registered Investment Advisor5701 Golden Hills DriveMinneapolis, MN 55416888.446.5872

IRA Gifting - Time is running outIf you are 70 ½ or older, recent legislation benefits YOU! Under the Pension Protection Act of 2006, you can make a gift to a qualified charitable organization using funds transferred from your IRA, without paying taxes on your distribution. Your gift can be accomplished simply, and enable you to jump-start your legacy and enjoy the impact of your generosity to Hillcrest Lutheran Academy.

HOW MUCH CAN I GIVE FROM MY IRA?You can give up to $100,000 in this 2007 tax year. If a donor has a spouse who is 70 ½ or older, and has an IRA, he or she can also give $100,000.

MAKE USE OF THIS GIFT IF:• You are age 70 ½ or older• The gift is $100,000 or less• You make the gift on or before December 31, 2007• You transfer funds directly from an IRA or a Rollover IRA to Hillcrest Lutheran Academy

There is still time for this unique opportunity. Please contact Keven Crabtree at 1-888-844-7324 with any questions.

THE HILLCREST FINANCIAL CORNER2007-08 Year End Summary

YTD Actuals YTD BudgetSupport & Revenue Contributions $94,000 96,000 Operations (Tuition, Room, Meals) $491,000 479,000 Other Revenue $26,000 39,000

Total Support & Revenue $611,000 614,000

Expenses Payroll & Personnel $360,000 348,000 Operations $270,000 288,000 SAC Debt Service (Net Transfers) $36,000 34,000

Total Expenses $666,000 670,000

Total Net Income (55,000) (56,000)

LINE OF CREDIT SUMMARY AmountAmount of LOC Based on HLA Endowments Held $850,000Amount of LOC Borrowed $700,000

Available LOC $150,000

STUDENT ACTIVITIES CENTER LOAN INFORMATION

As of 10/31/07 Original Loan Amount $1,326,565.23 Total Loan Amount Due $1,168,272.00 Principal Paid against Loan to Date $158,293.00 Monthly Payments (Interest & Principal) $8,420.00

FINANCE 9

At Hillcrest, we believe in the vision and plans God gives us for the future, but we also realize that ministry efforts can be expensive. God’s resources are abundant, and he invites us to trust his provision. To trust is to be still and know that he is God and is in control of everything. You can help to advance the ministry of Hillcrest as we end the calendar year. Please use the remittance envelope attached in this issue. Thank you for being one of the ways that God meets needs!

George & Alice Aase Fergus Falls, MNRoy & Marie Barsness Kirkland, WAIrv & Kay Bergsagel Minnetonka, MNTim and Mary Bigelow Erhard, MNPaul & Olive Blikstad Dalton, MNBenjamin Brue Fergus Falls, MNCharlie & Carrie Brue Fergus Falls, MNMatthew & Faith Brue St. Louis Park, MNSteve & Linda Brue Fergus Falls, MNTitus Brue Fergus Falls, MNThor & Edna Bugge Willow Street, PALorraine Burt Woodbury, MNJohn & Larissa Campbell Vermillion, SDKeven & Debbie Crabtree Fergus Falls, MN Lane & Lori Christopherson Lynnwood, WA Thelma P. Dalene East Hartland, CTJohn N. Endrud Rockford, ILSpencer Endrud Fargo, NDRichard & Jeanene Engebretson Edina, MNGerald and Sheri Erickson Mukilteo, WARyan Erickson Chandler, AZCarol Featherstone New Hope, MNLori Fedje Beaverton, ORGay & Carol Folden Fergus Falls, MNDavid & Ruthann Forland Huntington , NYE. Thor & Lillian Foss Succasunna, NJ Mark & Joanne Foss Glastonbury, CTSharon Fuhrman Fergus Falls, MNWayne & Ruth Goats Scottsdale, AZAdeleide Gunhus Fergus Falls, MNGT & Ann Gunhus Underwood, MN

Elling & Barbara Halvorson Woodinville, WAEvelyn Hansen Snohomish, WAGreg & Rita Hayek Fergus Falls, MNKim Hazel Eden Prarie, MNAmanda Heggland Gainesville, FLRich & Linda Heggland New Port Richey, FLDiane Ihrke Fergus Falls, MNJeff & Missi Isaac Fergus Falls, MNFred & Elsie Johnson Boone, IATim & Karen Johnson Little Falls, MN Vaughn and Deb Kavlie Eden Prairie, MNJohn & Janet Kilde Fergus Falls, MNKermit & Grace Kvamme Fergus Falls, MNJack & Sharon Lacey Wendell, MNFrank & Elaine Legerat Fairbanks, AKLawn Pro of Fergus Falls Fergus Falls, MNPatricia Linson Fargo, NDLloyd & Thelma Listor Brooklyn, NYSteve & Heidi Listor Mt. Bethel, PAHarry Ludvigsen Kerhonkson, NYDennis & Dorothy Madsen Fergus Falls, MNBrad & Trena Martinson Fergus Falls, MNMelinda Masson Laguna Beach, CALuther & Adeline Mathison Maddock, NDJoy Meadrick Denver, COTom & Gladys Moline Wahpeton, NDAlice Monson Minneapolis, MNPeter & Lillian Nilsen Brewster, NYWilliam & Marcia Nilsen East Hartland, CTJohn & Donna Olson Fergus Falls, MNWesley & Ruth Orrestad Bellevue, WA

Graham & Priscilla Parker Richland, WARollin & Beverly Pederson Billings, MTFrank & Karen Pellegrino Mt. Bethel, PAGregg and Marie Preston Fergus Falls, MN Burdean & Kay Rogness Eden Prairie, MNDarren Rogness Fergus Falls, MNGlenn & Vonnie Rogness Fergus Falls, MNLaWayne & Bev Rogness Fergus Falls, MNEugene & Rhoda Rubey Eugene, ORRon and Barbara Samuelsen East Hartland, CT Jack and Rochelle Sand Moorhead, MNOlav & Gina Sandnes Mt. Bethel, PADwight & Gwen Schmidt Jamestown, ND Nick & Danielle Schmidt Jamestown, ND Lisa Schultz Fergus Falls, MNEwald & Alice Sems Chardon, OHNorma Senum Mt. Bethel, PAEd & Shirley Smith Laquey, MOEleanor Sollie Brooklyn, NYJames & Pauline Stalsberg Viroqua, WIArna Stedjan Fergus Falls, MNRobert and Lorrette Strack Rochester, MNWai Nam Tam Flanders, NJGary & Dorinne Thompson Fergus Falls, MNRosemary Traina Roxbury, NJMarvin & Opal Undseth Salem, OR Steve & Lois Undseth Fergus Falls, MNMarty & Mim Valder Everett, WA Ruth Vall Aitkin, MNJames VerSteeg Fergus Falls, MNBettee Woodburn Rolling Hills, CA

10000-5000-1000-500-120 Club Membership

Why support Hillcrest Academy as a club member?Club members become partners in the ministry of Hillcrest Academy by helping to support the school’s annual operational budget. As a result, they assist in keeping tuition rates low, making a Hillcrest education attainable for more students. Additionally, member support helps to secure Hillcrest’s financial foundation into the future, ensuring that it will remain able to provide quality, Christian education for years to come. There is no limit to the term of your enrollment provided your continued desire to participate in the club each year. As personal circumstances change, club members may opt to move up to a new giving level.

Every club member will enjoy the following annual benefits: • Be listed as a Club member in the HLA Annual Report and every issue of the Hillcrest Connection.• Receive a Season Pass for home sporting events each year the club membership amount is received.• Receive a complimentary subscription to the school news letter, HLA Today (during the school year).• Additional benefits are available at each club giving level.

How do I join?Joining a Hillcrest giving club is simple. Just fill out the attached envelope and send it in with your gift. Make sure to check the box next to the club you would like to join. Gifts may be given monthly or in one lump sum. Please contact the President’s office at 218-739-3371 if you have any questions.

Be stilland know

President Steve Brue accepts a gift from Adeleide Gunhus, charter member of the $10,000 club.

CAMPUS NEWS10

HLA Hillcrest Academy’s Weekly News Update

Today

Dress to ImpressStudents show off their homecoming spirit!by Lindsey Brue

There has been a different style for the students at Hillcrest lately. Because this past week was Homecoming week, with it came dress up days. The student body was to follow the daily styles that were chosen by the student council.

O n M o n d ay, t h e t h e m e wa s “Unnecessar y safety equipment.” Many students dressed in yellow and orange and bright neon vests could be seen dotting the hallways during passing times.

On Tuesday, the theme was “Class color day.” Each class wore the color picked out for them by the student council. The junior high wore orange, freshmen wore black, sophomores sported pink, juniors were looking dapper in blue, and seniors showed-off in green.

Wednesday was “Decades day.” Each class had their own decade. The junior high along with the faculty were “Futuristic”, the freshmen had the fifties, the sophomores had the sixties, the juniors had the seventies, and the seniors had the eighties. Maggie Jacobsen said, “It was always my dream to live in the eighties, and now my dream has became a reality!”

Thursday was “Character Day.” It gave the students the opportunity to show their inner creativity. There was a wide variety of characters,

from astronauts to gangsters to ninjas to rock stars. Katherine O’Sullivan said, “It was a rocking good time!”

Friday was “Spirit day.” Because of the football game, students dressed up to show their Comet spirit. Red and white filled the hallways.

Each day, teachers counted how many students dressed up according to grade and classes were awarded points based on participation.

CAMPUS NEWS 11

Pep up the Spirit!Students get pumped up for the big game by participating in pep fest.by Katherine O’Sullivan

All the classrooms and hallways were bare, there was only one place Comet fever could be found. The new gym hustled and bustled with excitement; it was time for Pep Fest 2007. The students eagerly anticipated the start of the program.

Finally it started with a welcome by MC’s Amanda Stroud and Tim Erickson. At The Pep Fest there was a variety of games played, sport teams introduced, and skits put on by each class. Among the games played were a pie eating contest, doughnut on a string, football relay, and a marshmallow eating contest. Each event was a competition between individual classes and the faculty. The

seniors were victorious in two events, but a total sweep was prevented by the faculty and freshmen, who each won an event.

Between each of the games and sports introductions were the skits. The junior high started off. In their skit Comet fever had spread and a cure had to be found; the cure was found and the football game was won. Next the freshmen went, incorporating fairies into their skit about Comet fever. After that, spy music blared from the speakers. The sophomores performed their skit about three agents trying to find the cure for Comet fever and had to go through many obstacles to do so.

The juniors surprised everyone with a rap off between the nations ending with “This is Why We’re Hot”. Then came time for the senior skit: Team Hillcrest was trying to find Comet fever and found it at Hillcrest ending with a dance to “We’re All in This Together” from Disney’s High School Musical.

The judges finally made their decision and the junior class had won. “It was exciting to win the skit contest, we worked pretty hard and it paid off,” said junior Kirsten Miller. The afternoon was geared to pep up the student body for the big game on Friday.

Not Just For the BoysPowder Puff Football, a Hillcrest Homecoming tradition.By Tim Borowski

Homecoming Friday is all about foot-ball, but not just for the boys. The annual Powder Puff Football games were held at Hillcrest on Friday September 21.

Two games were played on Friday, one between the sophomores and fresh-man, and the other between the juniors and seniors.

The freshman came out victorious this year in the game between the un-derclassmen. They defeated the sopho-mores 12-6.

Victory was also claimed by the seniors who beat the juniors, twelve points to six.

“The seniors came out with lots of energy and enthusiasm,” said senior coach, Nick Tungseth. The enthusiasm showed when Cari Hohncke scored on a reverse within the first couple minutes of the game.

The juniors tied up the game by completing a touchdown pass from Brita Endrud to Hilary Ouse.

The game was tied six to six going into the second half. That was soon to change.

The opening play of the second half was a big one, to say the least. Senior Amanda Stroud intercepted a junior pass and returned it all the way to the end zone. Those would be the last points scored in the game. The final score: Se-niors, twelve, Juniors, six.

“The senior girls played really hard, and with a lot of emotion, I am very proud of them,” said coach Tungseth.

CAMPUS NEWS12

new faces at HLAMeet the several new faculty & staff members joining the team at Hillcrest this school year.

Armin JahrScienceFergus Falls, MN

Jason RognessResidence Life StaffToronto, SD

Jared EricksonResidence Life StaffFergus Falls, MN

Ryan EricksonPublications ManagerResidence Life StaffChandler, AZ

Sheri HohnckePhysical EducationFergus Falls, MN

Annette IhrkeResidence Life StaffNomad--last stop Delaware

Connie JensenRegistrarFergus Falls, MN

Amanda JensenResidence Life StaffFergus Falls, MN

Cheyenne TedescoResidence Life StaffBangor, PA

Danielle YsteboResidence Life StaffMoorhead, MN

Brad PribbenowWorship ArtsFergus Falls, MN

CAMPUS NEWS 13

the teachers, advisors, and coaches inspired students and mentored them---or how the Gospel message was furthered by the best words spoken in the halls and classrooms at HLA. There are echoes that emanate from within those strong brick walls and these memories are in the hearts and minds of the graduates. It is a good thing to write down these remembrances and share them.

Dr. Steve Hoffbeck, Professor of History at Minnesota State University Moorhead since 1998, teaches U.S. History classes concentrating on the period from 1877 to the present. Prior to teaching at Moorhead, Hoffbeck taught history at Minot State University in North Dakota from 1992-1998. Dr. Hoffbeck has published numerous articles in Minnesota History magazine and in North Dakota History journal on regional topics. Additionally, he has written articles about baseball and agricultural topics for regional magazines, such as Minnesota Monthly, Farm & Ranch Living, and Lake Country Journal. Originally from Morgan, Minnesota, where he grew up on a dairy farm five miles from town, he went on to become a high school social studies teacher in Minnesota for nine years, and then earned a Master of Arts and a doctorate in history in his late thirties.

Specializing in the regional history of the Upper Midwest, Hoffbeck has written about topics such as the history of root beer stands, aviation, baseball, street pavements, and fishing.

Hoffbeck’s most recent book, Swinging For The Fences: Black Baseball in Minnesota, won the Sporting News/SABR

Baseball Research Award for 2005. Both a chronicle of forgotten baseball teams and a repository of crisp baseball biographies, Swinging For The Fences traces the stories of sixteen ballplayers over the last 150 years. Hoffbeck and a team of writers told the stories of black athletes who tried to overcome the “color line” or their own weaknesses to find fulfillment on the ball diamonds of Minnesota. Both books were published by Minnesota Historical Society Press.

Hoffbeck and his wife, Dianne, live in Barnesville, Minnesota, with their four children—Leah, Katie, Mary and Johnny. Mary is currently a junior at Hillcrest Academy.

Since 1998, Hoffbeck has been a member of Hope Lutheran Brethren Church. During that time, he has served as the youth group leader for three years, has taught several Adult Sunday School classes and has been a long-term member of the Christian Education Board.

Please nominate your choice of a “Best Hillcrest story” to Professor Hoffbeck, either by writing to him at: Dr. Steve Hoffbeck, History Department, Minnesota State University Moorhead, 1104 7th Ave. S., Moorhead, MN, 56563; or by emailing a story idea to him at: hoffbeck@mnstate.edu. The target date for publication is 2008, and author Hoffbeck has been busy investigating, interviewing, and writing about what has happened in the four-story, brick-walled, creaky-floored architectural gem located on the banks of the Otter Tail River.

Hoffbeck (continued from page 7)

The Hillcrest Academy band department is pleased to announce its 2008 spring tour through the midwest. Eleven concert dates are scheduled, including a finale performance back home in Fergus Falls at Bethel Church on April 6, 2008.

According to Director Steve Doering, the purpose for touring is twofold. Primarily, it allows the band to minister through music to local congregations throughout the country. It also provides valuable opportunities for students to gain performance experience in front of varied audiences. In addition to musical growth, students grow in their friendships as they travel in close quarters on the tour bus and spend the night in host homes.

With the steadily increasing transportation costs in recent years, tours have become more and more financially challenging. However, Hillcrest is committed to continuing its long tradition of musical ministry. Please pray for safe

travel and provision for the band as they tour this spring. The Hillcrest choir department is also tentatively planning a short tour this year on the weekend of March 15-16, 2008.

2008 HLA Band Tour Itinerary3/23 Jamestown, ND3/24 Antler, ND3/25 Minot, ND3/26 Bismarck, ND3/27 Travel Day3/28-30 Kansas City, KS3/31 West Union, IA4/1 Ottawa, IL4/2 Chicago, IL4/3 Eau Claire, WI4/4 Eagan, MN4/5 LeSueur, MN4/6 Fergus Falls, MN

HLA BAND HITS THE ROAD THIS SPRING ON BIENNIAL TOUR

ALUMNI NEWS14

IN MEMORY

Silas Bergstad, 96, of Fergus Falls, died Thursday, Sept. 13, 2007, at Broen Memorial Home in Fergus Falls.

Silas Elliot Bergstad was born on April 18, 1911 in Spruce Grove Township near Menahga, the son of

Norwegian immigrants Knute and Anna (Skaug) Bergstad. He grew up in Lake Park and attended high school at the Lutheran Brethren Bible School in Grand Forks, N.D. (now Hillcrest Academy in Fergus Falls).

After graduating from high school in 1929, he received his teacher’s certificate from Moorhead State Teacher’s College.

Sensing a call to the ministry, Silas attended and graduated from Lutheran Brethren Schools (LBS) Seminary in Fergus Falls in 1937.

He was called to serve the Lutheran Brethren (LB) church in Mayville, N.D., in which he was ordained into the ministry on Sept. 4, 1938. He also attended Mayville Teacher’s College during this time.

Having met at Lutheran Brethren Schools, Silas married Solveig Rolfsen in Brooklyn, N.Y., on June 1, 1940. She joined him in the parish ministry in Staten Island, N.Y., and later in Manhattan, N.Y. During this time, Silas attended Biblical Seminary in New York and graduated from Wagner College there.

Moving to Fergus Falls in 1948, Silas taught at LBS until 1953. In 1952, they were blessed with their first daughter, Faith. Silas then served the LB church in Faribault, from 1953-1956, moving on to serve the LB church in Succasunna, N.J., from 1956-1961.

In 1956, they were blessed with a second daughter, Rondi. During this time Silas also obtained his master’s and Ph.D from New York University.

In 1957, and from 1961-1964, Silas was a professor at Shelton College in Ringwood, N.J. While pastoring the LB church in Briarcliff Manor, N.Y., from 1964-1967, he also taught at King’s College in Briarcliff Manor, N.Y., and Nyack Missionary College in Nyack, N.Y.

In 1967, Silas moved his family back to Fergus Falls to teach at LBS. Solveig died in December of 1968.

In July of 1970, Silas married Ione Haverly in Fergus Falls. They then moved to serve the LB church in Eugene, Oregon in 1976.

Retiring in 1978, the Bergstads moved to Silverton, Ore., where they enjoyed their ministry of hospitality. After his retirement, they also ministered in Pasadena, Calif., and Minot, N.D.

In 1990, they moved back to Fergus Falls where they continued their ministry of hospitality. Ione died in October of 1998.

Everyone who knew Silas knew he loved the Lord first and foremost, and he loved his family. He also had a passion for the fields of Christian Education and music, which he used in all areas of his ministry. In addition to studying, reading, and writing, Silas’s favorite pastimes included taking walks, traveling, gardening, and visiting with family and friends.

He loved families, his students, teaching, and his parishioners. His grandchildren and great grandchildren brought a smile to his face even in his last days.

Silas Bergstad, 1911-2007

WELCOME HOME!

Hickory(H’00) and Libertie(H’05) Smith

Thank you for your service!

ALUMNI NEWS 15

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CLASS UPDATES

1950’sAttention class of 1958. In preparation for our 50 year reunion this spring, we need to refresh our database of contact information. If you have a new mailing or email address, please contact the Hillcrest office at 218-739-3371 to update your record. Thanks!

1970’sTerry and I have 3 daughters, 1 son-in-law and live in Minneapolis. My husband is the author of a book called Surprise Me (NavPress). If you want to know more about our lives (and help us pay those crazy college fees) buy the book. :) Check out our website at www.surprisemeGod.com. Mary (Soholt) Esau (H’73)

1980’sAttention class of 1983. Our 25th reunion is coming up in May 2008--can you believe it? Mark it on your calendars now and please plan to attend. I miss seeing you all. We had an excellent time at the 20th and I am really looking forward to being out there for this one, and rembering all the great times we had at Hillcrest. God bless! Jennifer (Brackin) Schneider (H’83)

We are so thrilled to announce the birth of our baby girl, Anna Louise Christenson! She was born on October 22, 2007. She weighed 7 lbs., 3 oz. and was 19 3/4 in. long. She joins big brothers - Daniel (12), Joshua (9), and Jacob (3). Of course, big sister, Sarah (7) is so glad that she’s not the only girl anymore! We thank God for giving us these precious kids. Psalm 126:3 - “The Lord has done great things for us, and we are filled with joy!” Jon (H ‘83) and Barb (Lowe, H ‘89) Christenson

1990’sRobert, Hunter (3), Giovanni (1) and I are now living in Greensboro, NC. We are enjoying the mild winters and not so much the HOT summers. I would love to hear from you; email me at jhindri@mac.com. We love visitors, call if you are ever in the area. Jody (Lang) Indri (H’92,AW’94)

Nathan Endrud (H’93) writes: On September 25, 2007, my wife Kirsten and I welcomed the birth of our second son, Elias Alexander Endrud, who joins three-year-old Theodore. I am set to graduate from Harvard Law School this spring and begin work at a Minneapolis law firm in the fall. I hope to see my ’93 classmates at the 15 year reunion!

2000’sRyan Erickson (H’03) and Kristin Bjornlie (H’02) would like to announce their engagement. They are planning a June wedding.

1982Back row: Vaughn Kavlie, Tom Battillo, Eric Simonsen, Jeff Dyrud, Paul Fylling, Wes Borowski | Front row: Sheri (Davis) Fylling, Dawn (Christenson) Nelson, Sheila (Davis) Borowski, Amy (Throldahl) Stroud, Lois (Backstrom) Cheeseboro, Sharon (Larson) Poore, Cathy (Brue) Tungseth

ALUMNI UPDATEComplete this form and mail it to Hillcrest Connection, 610 Hillcrest Drive, Fergus Falls, MN 56537, or email your update to connection@ffhillcrest.org

HillcrestCONNECTION

Note from the editor: The class of 1982 reunion photo was mistakenly omitted from the summer issue of the Hillcrest Connection. We apologize for the error.

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Giving Clarification:HLA alumni and friends have asked for clarification on their gifting to Hillcrest Lutheran Academy since the reorganization process in 2003. Previous to 2003, gifts that were designated to Lutheran Brethren Schools (LBS) were distributed among the Seminary, LCCL, and Hillcrest. Currently, any gifts that are written to LBS go directly to Lutheran Brethren Seminary.

As a reminder, all donations designated to Hillcrest must be made payable to Hillcrest Lutheran Academy. If you plan to bequeath a gift to Hillcrest Lutheran Academy in your will, please state Hillcrest Lutheran Academy in your paperwork. If you have questions, please contact the HLA President’s Office, at (218)739-3371.

Three ways toMake a Differenceat HillcrestCreate an endowment.You can do this now with cash or stock, or later with an estate gift. Your fund will make a lasting difference by producing income every year for the stated purpose.

Leave a bequest.Designate an amount or percentage of your estate for a specific purpose or for unrestricted use. Such gifts provide encouragement and always make a difference.

Give “obsolete” insurance.You may no longer need the protection of a life insurance policy and can transfer ownership to Hillcrest Lutheran Academy, thereby making a significant difference to us and providing yourself with an income charitable deduction now.

Upcoming EventsDec. 21 - Jan. 6 Christmas VacationApril. 19 Auction (tentative)May 23-25 Graduation WeekendSept. 29 - Oct. 4 Homecoming 2008

Coming Next Issue...• Winter Sports Updates• Campus News• Profile: Gregg Preston

Contact Steve Brue at 218-739-3371 or sbrue@ffhillcrest.org for more information