L u t her

C o lle g e
news

SPRING /
SUMMER 2010

Music Issue
Inside
Jennifer Jade Kerr
Bryan Hillis
Echo Fettes
September Russell
And more…

REGINA CANADA
THE LUTHER STORY • spring & summer • 09 1
Call for Submissions: Inspired Stories Wanted from
Former Students and Colleagues of Dr. Paul Antrobus
Hagios Press of Regina is seeking submissions
from former students and colleagues of Dr.
Paul Antrolbus. If you were a student or fellow
teacher of Dr. Antrobus at the University of
Regina, Luther College, The University of
Regina Department of Extension or the Seniors
Learning Centre we welcome your written
submissions that relate particular experiences
or discoveries in Dr. Antrobus’ classes or
teaching activities that have made a significant
difference in your life. These submissions
should relate to a personal experience and
should be written in the first person. Also
provide a brief biographical paragraph
outlining your connection with Dr. Antrobus.
Selected contributions will be integrated into
a book by Dr. Antrobus with the working title
Listen to Your Life, Find Your Spirit.

Hagios Press prefers not to put a word limit on submissions but will
reserve the right to edit those submissions selected for publication.
Submissions should be type written, double spaced, on 8 ½ x 11 inch
paper and submitted by mail to: Hagios Press, c/o Paul Wilson, Box 33024,
Cathedral P.O., Regina, SK S4T 4C6. If you have questions on a submission
please contact the press at hagiospress@accesscomm.ca. The deadline for
submissions to Listen to Your Life, Find your Spirit is June 1, 2010
 Contents

From the
editor’s desk
We are the music makers,
Photo courtesy of the Photography Department, U of R.

03 From the editor’s desk

And we are the dreamers of dreams,
04 From the pulpit
Wandering by lone sea-breakers,
And sitting by desolate streams;— 05 Attention, everyone: GirlOnStage
World-losers and world-forsakers, 07 Luther celebrates the naming of its next president
On whom the pale moon gleams:
08 Can you hear the music calling?
Yet we are the movers and shakers
Of the world for ever, it seems. 12 Studing, teaching, performing, and all that jazz
–Arthur O’Shaughnessy, “Ode,” 1874 14 Bringing Broadway to Luther
15 Class notes
For nearly a century, Luther College has been providing its students,
alumni, and the greater community with opportunities for musical 18 Contributors
education, involvement, and enrichment. From the long-standing
traditions of the high school Candlelight Carol Service and Broadway
musical to performances by the Luther Bach Choir and the ever-popular
musicology classes taught at the university campus, Luther’s offerings
allow students to experience and explore the intricacies of the sonic
world. At Luther, music education is considered to be an essential part of
a balanced, holistic liberal arts education which integrates learning and
service.

Amongst Luther’s alumni ranks are a plethora of accomplished music

educators, performers and creators. While the ways in which they
embody musical excellence and participate in the world of music vary,
these musicians share one key characteristic: all have a desire to serve
others in and through their music.

In this issue of The Luther Story, we focus on some of our young and
recently graduated Luther musicians, all of whom are not only “music
makers,” but also “dreamers of dreams” and “movers and shakers.”

Jennifer Arends,
editor

The Luther Story is the magazine of the

We have moved a few of our features, including “bits & bites,” to our brand-new alumni and friends of Luther College.
website. Please visit www.luthercollege.edu/lutherstory for more alumni news If you have a question or story idea
and features. R Eshare,
to G I N A please
, C A N Acontact
DA us at:
The Luther Story
c/o Luther College high school
On the cover 1500 Royal Street
Echo Fettes (HS’04, U‘09) Regina, Saskatchewan, Canada
and her violin. S4T 5A5
Editor: Jennifer Arends (U’02)
communications@luthercollege.edu
Assistant editor: Mathew Block
Designer: Bradbury Branding & Design
cb@bradburydesign.com
The Luther Story is distributed by Canada Post under
publication mail agreement number 40065736.
Photo courtesy of the Photography Department, U of R.

THE LUTHER STORY • spring & summer • 09 3
 From the pulpit
Under the direction of Pastor Cheryl Toth, university campus chaplain,
several students have the opportunity each semester to work as peer
chaplains. These students participate in chaplaincy projects and actively
serve the Luther community by ministering to their peers. In this issue of
The Luther Story, peer chaplains Mike Maekelburger and Emily Bernston
reflect on what music means to them.
Mike: I grew up listening to my father’s vinyl records of The Beach
Boys and Ray Stevens, sang the usual “churchy” songs, and listened
to my mother play folk guitar. In grade one, I was dragged against
my will to the home of “Mrs Kneecher the Teecher,” my rather
intimidating piano instructor. She taught me that if I didn’t practice
for hours a week, I would bring dishonour upon my family at the
yearly recital (at which I performed “Great Balls of Fire”). In grade
six, I began guitar lessons from an “ex-biker” blues musician. Since
then, music has allowed me to communicate with others in a way
that I simply cannot through spoken language.
4 T H E LU T H ER S TO RY • SPR I N G / SUM M ER 2010
Emily: My childhood was spent singing in the Saskatoon Children’s
Choir. After eleven years of performing, touring, and talking in the
back row during rehearsal, I left Saskatoon to attend university in
Regina. For me, the obvious place to take my talents was the church.
My mother, who also happened to be my choir director, told me that
“all good Lutherans know how to sing.” Many of my early church
years were spent sight reading the alto line in the LBW [Lutheran
Book of Worship] with my mother. Without singing, my life would
be incomplete.
Us: Now we are able to bring our separate experiences together in
the Luther College Chapel. Mike plays guitar and Emily sings. We
love the music we play with our eight-piece band, and know our
student congregation enjoys it as well. For us, music and worship go
together like stress and exams! We hope our music enhances others’
worship experiences in the same way that it does ours.
Photo courtesy of the Photography Department, U of R.
 By Mathew Block

Attention, everyone:

GirlOnStage!
At about the age of thirteen, Jennifer Jade
Kerr (U’03) made her musical debut at the
local Lutheran church in Yellow Grass,
Saskatchewan. Fifteen years later, music is
still a major part of her life, but the size of the
audience tuning in has grown dramatically.
Today, Jennifer is a rising star in the Canadian
contemporary Christian music scene. Her story
is one of faith, opportunity, and determination
– with perhaps just a little divine intervention
thrown in for good measure. And it appears
there is a new chapter in the works, as she
launches a project to inspire young girls to
embrace their God-given musical talents.

T H E LU T H ER S TO RY • spr i n g / sum m er 2010 5

 Jennifer realised at a young age that song was an integral part
of who she is. “I had music in me that needed to get out,” she
confesses. By twelve, she was already writing her own songs. At
seventeen, when her father brought home a guitar after a trip to the
city to buy tractor parts, her love-affair with music was cemented.
“That guitar,” she remarks, “finally made music a realisable dream
for me.”
But being an aspiring artist in a small town is seldom easy. For
Jennifer, the real opportunity to flex her musical muscle began
while a student at Luther College at the University of Regina.
In Regina, she was introduced to the broader performing
community through a “Writer’s Net” open mic night organised
by the Saskatchewan Recording Industry Association (now called
SaskMusic). “It was my first time singing original songs in front
of people actually involved in the music industry,” Jennifer notes.
Through connections made at such events, she received valuable
insight on how to develop her craft. It was not long before Jennifer
became a regular member of the local music scene.
Following her graduation from Luther College at the U of R with
a degree in religious studies, Jennifer spent a year with CREW
Ministries, touring Canada as a member of the band Saltwater.
Upon returning to Regina, she continued to expand her musical
involvement, participating in events like Regina radio station
CKRM’s annual talent show, where on two occasions she placed
second and third respectively. She also remained an active member
of the Luther College community. In fact, it was while playing a
concert at the youth conference Emerge—sponsored by Luther
College—that Jennifer met Dennis Hendricksen, a Regina Lutheran
pastor and musician, who would go on to produce her first album
“Somehow it always does… .”
While working on the album, Jennifer represented Regina at the
2008 Canadian Radio Star Competition during Canadian Music
Week in Toronto. When the album dropped later that year, it did
so to much critical acclaim. Jennifer won “Gospel Music Album
6 T H E LU T H ER S TO RY • SPR I N G / SUM M ER 2010
of the Year” and was further nominated for “Album of the Year”
at the 2009 Saskatchewan Country Music Awards. Further,
during the 2009 Covenant Awards (the awards event of Gospel
Music Association Canada), Jennifer placed in the top six in the
Performance category of the Cross-Canada Talent Search – the only
female artist to do so.
All in all, not a bad couple of years.
Despite her success, Jennifer never forgets what a challenge it was
when she first began to make her way as a Christian musician.
Without the benefit of mentorship and guidance from artists already
established in the industry, Jennifer’s progress was at times an
up-hill battle. “God gave me a gift,” she recollects, “but it took me
so long to learn how to use it.” She believes the story is the same for
many young girls who dream of being musicians but simply do not
know where to begin. That acknowledgment lies behind her latest
venture, GirlOnStage, a project designed to empower young girls to
explore and embrace their talents in the performing arts, especially
music.
“The idea is to build a network of songwriters, of dramatic artists,
of people who already have the skills, who want to mentor girls to
perform as people of God and artists of faith,” Jennifer explains. By
being a role model on stage and providing critical instruction off
stage, she hopes to inspire and equip young women to expand their
presence, and God’s presence, in music genres of all kinds.
The program officially launched on 14 February 2010 in Kelowna,
British Columbia, where Jennifer currently serves as Director of
Youth and Young Adults Ministries at First Lutheran Church. If
Jennifer’s past accomplishments are any indication, GirlOnStage is
sure to be another success in an already long line of triumphs.
To learn more about GirlOnStage, keep an eye on the still-under-
construction girlonstage.com website.

In December 2009, the Board of Regents of Luther College
announced that Dr Bryan Hillis (U’78) has been appointed
president effective 1 July 2010. Dr Hillis will be the eighth head
of Luther College, building on the firm foundation established by
many forerunners, including current president Dr Bruce Perlson
(HS’62, UHS’63).
Dr Hillis is a professor of religious studies at Luther College at
the University of Regina. He first came to Luther in 1974 as an
undergraduate student, studying under Luther mentors such
as Art Krentz, Paul Antrobus, Roland Miller and Don King. He
graduated from the university campus in 1978 with a Bachelor of
Arts (great distinction) in religious studies, received his Master of
Arts in theology from Oxford University in 1981, and earned his
PhD from the University of Chicago in 1988. Dr Hillis received the
prestigious Rhodes Scholarship from 1979 to 1981, and he has been
awarded numerous high-profile grants for his research.
After beginning his professorial career at the College’s university
campus in 1989 as an assistant professor, Dr Hillis served as
academic dean from 1995 to 2005. During his time at Luther,
Dr Hillis has spearheaded many innovative programs and
initiatives, including the Interdisciplinary Studies Program and
improvements to classroom technology. He is known for his
excellence in teaching, and he is quick to identify students as the
College’s greatest priority:
“I really know of no area of the College where the student
experience is not a first priority for our staff and faculty. Our
faculty and staff are concerned that students have the best possible
By Jennifer Arends (U’02)
Luther
celebrates
the naming of its
next president
learning environment, whether that be the cafeteria worker who
wants the food to be hot, the caretaker who takes pride in how
good the building looks, or the people who process students’
tuition. We have faculty who are most concerned that our students
are treated fairly in the classroom and that they receive as rich a
learning experience as possible. And we have administrators who
want to make sure that all the supports are in place for all these
things to happen effectively. Whatever and wherever we approach
a task, an issue or a challenge, the question of what is best for our
students remains paramount.”
Dr Hillis is not only a valued member of the academic community
at Luther College and the University of Regina, but is also a
contributor within the greater civic and provincial communities.
He is an active member of Christ Lutheran Church, a member
and coach of the Regina Rowing Club, past president of the South
Saskatchewan Youth Orchestra, and a director of the Saskatchewan
Games Council.
In 2004, the first of Drs Joanne and Bryan Hillis’ four daughters
began attending Luther College high school. While Amy (HS’08),
Karla (HS’09) and Erin (HS’09) have all completed their studies at
the high school campus, youngest daughter Laura has just begun
her grade nine year. Dr Hillis notes, “in all these connections,
Luther has been a very special place for me and my family.”
T H E LU T H ER S TO RY • SPR I N G / SUM M ER 2010 7
 Can you hear t

8 T H E LU T H ER S TO RY • SPR I N G / SUM M ER 2010


the music calling?
Photo courtesy of the Photography Department, U of R.
For Echo Fettes (HS’04, U’09), as for many
other musicians, music constitutes more than
a mere hobby, or a job, or a degree program.
For her, it is a vocation, a way of life to which
she feels called. And it is a calling that has
been shaped and coloured by her experience
at Luther College.
A graduate of both Luther’s high school and
university campuses, Echo is an accomplished
musician with a history of involvement in the
musical life of her alma mater and greater civic
community. She recalls that her musical career
at Luther began the night before her first day
of grade nine, when she auditioned for the
high school musical. Echo was involved in
the musicals as a cast member every year of
her high school career until her senior year, at
which point she moved from the stage to the
orchestra pit to play the violin.
But Echo’s involvement in Luther’s rich
musical tradition did not end there. She
was a member of the high school girls choir,
the handbell ensemble, the Candlelight
Service orchestra, the senior choir, and AVE
(advanced vocal ensemble).
“My high school years prepared me for
life as a musician by introducing me to the
fine art of multitasking,” exclaims Echo. “I
know very few musicians who work just one
job—most are teachers, clinicians, conductors
and scholars, as well as performers. Juggling
academics with co-curricular activities was
excellent preparation for life as a musician.”
The juggling skills Echo acquired during her
time at Luther College high school were called
By Jennifer Arends (U’02)
into action when she decided to continue
her studies at Luther’s university campus.
While music already occupied a central place
in Echo’s life, she notes that it wasn’t her first
choice when choosing a subject area in which
to major in university.
“I actually resisted studying music at the
U of R during my first year, choosing instead
to take a variety of general arts classes with
the intent of finding the subject that interested
me most and pursuing that. For better or
worse, I had a lot of fabulous professors
that year, which resulted in me wanting to
study everything under the sun. Luckily,
I was also studying violin privately at the
time, and when Ed Minevich, concertmaster
of the Regina Symphony Orchestra, said
to me, ‘Echo, why not music?’ I thought to
myself, ‘okay, why not’. Five years later, I
know that regardless of whether I pursue it
professionally or not, music will always play
a central role in my life.”
While Echo remained academically
focused during her student years on violin
performance, she was known around
campus as an exceptionally well-rounded
Luther student. She retained a high level of
involvement in musical ensembles within
and outside the university community, such
as the University Chamber Orchestra and
the South Saskatchewan Youth Orchestra;
at her church, Bread of Life Lutheran, as an
accompanist and member of the worship
team; and in the greater life of Luther’s
university campus, where she served as a
member of the Student Life Committee, just
to name a few examples.
T H E LU T H ER S TO RY • SPR I N G / SUM M ER 2010 9
 Photo courtesy of the Photography Department, U of R.
Echo notes that becoming a well-rounded adult was always one of her
parents’ goals: “I started piano at the age of four, choir at seven, violin
at eight, and Ukranian dance and baseball somewhere in between.
Fond childhood memories include bringing my violin to the dance
studio so that my mom and I could practice in the hallway during my
brother’s class.”
Oh, and Echo is also a current member of the Regina Symphony
Orchestra, playing in the orchestra’s Violin II section. Not exactly a
minor accomplishment.
Echo recounts many fond memories of her time at Luther College at
the University of Regina, and she is vocal about the many advantages
that being part of Luther’s tightly woven community affords its
students:
“Studying music through Luther was a great experience. Talking with
friends who opted to attend larger universities, I always felt very
fortunate to be treated by the faculty and staff as an individual, and
not as a nameless number. That personal connection is definitely one
of Luther’s greatest strengths.”
***
Upon graduation from the U of R in 2009, Echo embarked upon a
new adventure, one that took her first to Calgary and then to South
10 T H E LU T H ER S TO RY • SPR I N G / SUM M ER 2010
Africa. In March 2010, she completed a six-month term with the
Youth Leaders in Action program through Canada World Youth, a
non-profit, non-governmental organisation that focuses on fostering
community and cross-cultural understanding through non-formal,
experiential learning. Echo spent three months in Calgary and
another three in Athlone, South Africa. Along with 19 other young
women from Canada, South Africa and Kenya, Echo lived with host
families in Calgary and Athlone, allowing her and her colleagues to
experience both places from local perspectives.
Echo’s time in the Youth Leaders in Action program was certainly
not short on action! Once a week, Echo and her colleagues attended
educational activity days that focused on topics such as gender,
government, history and community, which each team member took
a turn at developing and facilitating. The participants also
volunteered in the community, taking work placements. In Calgary,
Echo volunteered with 90.0 FM CJSW, a community radio station,
and in Athlone, at a shelter for abused women called Place of Hope.
“Because we were greeted with a lot of support and enthusiasm in
Athlone,” explains Echo, “we were able to organise several ongoing
community projects, including after-school activities for children
at the local library, and an environmental awareness campaign
that we presented to over one thousand students at four primary
schools.”
Photo courtesy of the Photography Department, U of R.
While Echo was unable to help out with a children’s orchestra in
Athlone due to transportation complications, she jokes that she “did
teach a classroom of high-energy preschoolers all of the words and
actions to ‘Skinamarinky dinky dink’ and a number of other songs.”
What is most interesting to note about Echo’s time in South Africa is
that she talks less about the musical lessons she taught others, and
more about the musical lessons that others taught her.
“If my experience in Athlone has taught me anything about music, it’s
that music is one of the cornerstones of culture. Music defines a place.
From the early morning Islamic prayer call from the nearby mosque,
to my host brother’s and sister’s competing hip-hop, pop, and techno
cellphone ringtones at the breakfast table, to public taxi vans literally
throbbing with bass, exposure to music constantly shaped my cultural
experience in South Africa.”
Echo provides an example of one of the profound musical moments
from her time in Athlone:
“One especially memorable musical experience occurred on a
Saturday afternoon in January. It was one of a handful of really hot
days, and, having just walked back from getting groceries at the mall
with my host sister, Lesley-Ann, I wanted nothing more than a cold
shower. While I was standing under the freezing water, the strains of
far-off brass band music came wafting through the open
window. I hurried to find one of the bands from the Kaapse Klopse
ministrel carnival that entertain every festive season marching right
past our house. Lesley-Ann and I went out to follow them down the
road, where we heard another, completely different type of music.
As it turned out, the Bridgetown Presbyterian Church, where my
host family worships every Sunday, was hosting an annual prayer
meeting for the Presbyterian women of the Western Cape. The place
was packed and sweltering, yet the voices of over three hundred
black women filling the church with a cappella Xhosa hymns gave me
goosebumps like I’ve never experienced before.”
Can you hear those women’s voices in your “inner ear?” Does the
sound give you goosebumps?
In recounting the story of the singing at Bridgetown Presbyterian
Church, Echo illustrates what it means to have a musical vocation:
it is calling that is not only academic, spiritual, or practical, but also
clearly audible. And it is Echo’s openness, her ability to perceive new
sounds, that enables her to continue responding to her vocation in
new and exciting ways.
Echo Fettes returned to Regina in March 2010. She reports that
she is still in the process of “unpacking” her experiences in South
Africa—“both literally and mindfully.” If you would like to see (and
hear) Echo in action, watch for upcoming RSO performances at www.
reginasymphony.com.
T H E LU T H ER S TO RY • SPR I N G / SUM M ER 2010 11
 Studying,
teaching,
performing,
and all that
JAZZ: AQ&A
session with
September
Russell
By Jennifer Arends (U’02)

12 T H E LU T H ER S TO RY • SPR I N G / SUM M ER 2010


At the upcoming Spring Convocation, September Russell (U’04) will be
awarded a Master’s in Music from the University of Regina. A graduate
of Luther College’s fine arts program, September remains heavily involved
in the life of the College as a sessional instructor of music and a part-time
library assistant in the Luther Library. I recently sat down with September
to talk about her musical journey.
How did you decide to pursue music as career and life-path?
I’m originally from Lumsden, Saskatchewan, and my music
education started with the band program there. I played flute in
concert band and saxophone in jazz band. After high school, I
enrolled in the Bachelor or Music Education program at the U of R
with a major in music education and a minor in math education.
I finished my degree and taught for a couple years before going
back to university to do a Master’s in music theory. My university
experience was great. I chose to enrol in fine arts through Luther
because Luther had the greatest number of music scholarships. I
didn’t realise that Luther also had such a close-knit, music-loving
community. The U of R Music Department, by nature, is also a
very close-knit community. You have to get along with each other
because, at some point, you’ll probably have to play together!
What instruments do you play? Are you a part of any music
ensembles?
This is always a funny question because music education students
have to learn to play most of the band instruments. I play many
instruments. I play very few of them well. Saxophone is my
main instrument. Right now I’m part of an informal saxophone
quartet and I sing in the choir at Our Savior’s Lutheran Church.
Occasionally I have the opportunity to direct different choirs in the
city. Oh, and I’m currently taking piano lessons!
What is it like to teach music?
Teaching music is probably the best job in the world. I’m currently
teaching Music 100 which is a course for non-music majors that is
essentially an introduction to music. I know that not everyone gets
excited about teaching 100-level courses, but I can’t imagine a class
that is more fun. In class, we study and listen to music. What could
be better? Actually, it does get better than that because we study
great pieces from the Middle Ages to the twentieth century. These
pieces are the works that have inspired humankind for centuries.
Most of the homework involves listening to music or going to
concerts. It’s just a lot of fun!
Since 2006, September has worked part-
time in the university campus library,
assisting Luther students and faculty
with their research needs.
How would you say your perspective has changed as you’ve
transitioned from student to instructor?
In general, I would say that in moving from student to professor
I have a clearer view of the “big picture.” To me, music is an
important part of human life. Music ministers to people in a way
that is very direct and very different than other types of media.
For example, music happens in real time. You cannot rush it. It is
refreshing to slow down and listen to a piece of music.
Your family’s involvement in the music community is fairly
extensive. Tell me about that.
I feel very lucky to be a part of the Lutheran community and
Regina’s music community. My husband Jon Achtzehner (HS’98,
U’04) went to Luther College high school and registered in the
music program through Luther’s university campus, which is where
we met. Now we’re both heavily involved in these communities.
Jon plays with the Regina Symphony Orchestra, directs the choir at
Our Savior’s Lutheran Church and sings in the Luther Bach Choir
and Per Voce, a Baroque-period vocal ensemble. Music is really
important to our family. Our daughter Katie takes violin lessons,
and you’ll often see us at concerts around Regina. I think she went
to her first concert (performed by the Luther Bach Choir) when she
was two weeks old. I couldn’t imagine my life without music.
What does music mean to you?
I think that humankind loves music and needs music. I think
that we often identify ourselves with the music we listen to and
it becomes an important part of who we are as individuals and
as a culture. Music is also a very direct form of expression; it is a
universal language. If you think of music in this way, you can just
imagine the possibilities. When I play a piece of music, I give the
audience insight into who I am. At the same time, the audience also
has some insight into the mind of the composer. As an audience
member you are an important participant in the music. Each person
will hear a piece differently; you are the author of your own hearing
of a piece and, in some ways, it becomes your music and a part of
your identity. It’s a very intimate way to communicate.
T H E LU T H ER S TO RY • SPR I N G / SUM M ER 2010 13
 Web exclusive

A MUSICAL TRADITION

Bringing
Broadway to
Luther
For decades now, Luther College
high school has produced a
Broadway musical. Talented
students have served as cast
and crew, and they have been
led by a fearless team of Luther
faculty. Read more about
Luther’s musical tradition online
at www.luthercollege.edu/
lutherstory.

In 2009, students presented “Anne

of Green Gables” to appreciative and
enthusiastic crowds.

14 T H E LU T H ER S TO RY • SPR I N G / SUM M ER 2010

Class notes
Edited by Lecina Hicke
Susan (Goohs) Barr (HS’69) has
been living the life of an “expat”
for the last 15 years or so. Over
the course of her adult life, she
has called Beijing, London, Hong
Kong, Bucharest, Damascus, and,
soon, Mexico City home. Her
husband Donald is in the foreign
service. Susan and Donald have
two sons, aged 29 and 28, who
live in Vancouver (one of whom
is soon to be married), as well
as one daughter aged 16, who is
in her final year of high school.
Susan fondly remembers the
teaching staff of Luther College.
She insists that she “never would
have succeeded in life” if it had
not been for her educational and
life experiences at Luther.
David Code (HS’83) recently
appeared on CTV’s Canada AM to
discuss his book entitled To Raise
Happy Kids, Put Your Marriage
First. David’s book has sold out in
Britain and has also been featured
on ITV, CBS News, NPR, and
in The Wall Street Journal, with
future stories planned by ABC’s
20/20 and USA Today. Visit http://
tinyurl.com/9DCbio for more
information.
Dawn (Cook) Criddle (HS’69)
retired in December 2008 after 28
years of operating a restaurant
in Broadview. Dawn and her
husband Sid are now enjoying
travelling, spending summer
months at Kenosee Lake, and
wintering in Palm Springs, CA.
James Davis (HS’99) has been
working as a pharmacist since
2004. James just completed writing
a book and currently lives in
downtown Vancouver.
Jonathan Denis (HS’93) was
recently appointed the Minister of
Housing and Urban Affairs and
is serving as the Deputy House
Leader in the Alberta Government
for the Progressive Conservative
Party. He is the youngest person
in the last 20 years to hold either
position. Jonathan credits Mr
Freitag for both sparking and
encouraging a continued interest
in debate, as well as Dr Cherland
for nurturing his interest in music.
Jonathan also remembers Mr
Anderson and Mr Stark as teachers
that both challenged and inspired
him. Jonathan credits Luther
College with providing him the
tools necessary to succeed.
Jim Elliot (U‘73-’75) was named
Best Eco Warrior by the readers
of Prairie Dog Magazine in 2009.
Elliot has dedicated himself
to educating the public about
environmental issues for over
thirty years, involving himself
with projects such as Wings Over
Wascana Nature Festival and
Earth Day Celebrations. Elliot
prides himself on more than
just “talking”: when it comes to
environmentalism, he sees himself
as a mentor to his peers, and he
takes every measure possible to
lead a “green life.”
Joyce (Balser) Fitz (HS’54) and
Dennis Fitz (HS’52-’53) celebrated
their 50th wedding anniversary in
the summer of 2009. Joining them
in their celebrations were their
three daughters, their sons-in-law,
and their grandchildren. Also
accompanying the couple were
Mary Anne (Hindle) (HS’61) and
Gary Fitz (HS’59), Beryl (Blaser)
(HS’55) and Blaine Ledingham, as
well as all of their children and
grandchildren. Joyce and Dennis
live in Victoria.
Alice (Boxall) Gabriel (HS’95)
attended the Western College of
Remedial Massage therapy and
became a Registered Massage
Therapist in 2000. Since 2001, Alice
has been teaching several different
forms of dance, including ballet,
contemporary, musical theater
and traditional Middle Eastern
and tribal-style belly dance. In the
summer of 2007, Alice married
Cst Chris Gabriel of the RCMP
and became a stepmother to his
two beautiful boys. After their
marriage, Alice started school
again and became a Primary Care
Paramedic, also known as an
Emergency Medical Technician
(EMT). In the spring of 2008, Alice
was hired by Regina Emergency
Medical Services, and she enjoys
every moment of her career as
an EMT. The family welcomed a
beautiful baby girl, Kinsey Anne
Gabriel, on 10 June 2009. The
family reports that they “are all so
very happy [Kinsey] is loved by
everyone, especially her two big
brothers.”
Stacey Gattinger (HS’99, U’06)
recently moved back to Regina
after spending the last five years
living in Alberta and Ontario.
She is currently working for
Ranch Ehrlo and is the program
coordinator for the Lakeview
Community Association. Stacey
recently completed a Bachelor of
Arts in sociology through Luther’s
university campus and a diploma
in recreation and leisure services
at the University of Regina.
Wayne Kallio, a former teacher
at the high school, has recently
launched a website focused
on non-fiction stories about
various mental illnesses such
as schizophrenia and bipolar
disorder. Wayne reviews and
evaluates each book he reads in an
effort to assist individuals looking
T H E LU T H ER S TO RY • SPR I N G / SUM M ER 2010
for information pertaining to their
personal situations and needs.
His own book Mind Gone Astray is
also available on the website. Visit
www.mindbogglingbooks.com for
more information.
Jeff Lindskog (HS’98) and wife
Leah welcomed baby girl Sarah
into their family in December of
2008. Jeff is currently the Manager
of Capital Markets at Viterra Inc
in Regina.
Tracey McFadyen (HS’97) married
Mark Urban in September of 2009
at Château Lake Louise. Anne
Marie Mulvenna (HS’97) was
Matron of Honour; Pam Muckosy
(HS’97) read and Michael Fry
(HS’01) played the violin at the
ceremony.
Raylene (Ellchuk) Moshondz
(HS’89) runs a 3rd-generation
cattle and grain farm with her
husband Brian. Besides being
a workaholic on the farm (and
loving every minute of it), she
horseback rides and kayaks for
fun. The two call rural Manitoba
home. Raylene reflects that the
farm is beautiful and her life there
is quiet, busy and sometimes
stressful, but for the most part,
very rewarding.
Vicki Nelson, who will graduate
from Luther College at the
University of Regina this Spring
with a Bachelor of Human Justice
(social justice and human rights
15
 concentration) has begun a new
position as Communications
and Outreach Officer with
the Saskatchewan Council for
International Cooperation. In
early 2009, Vicki worked as a
Youth Program Assistant with
SCIC, but left the position to
work in Zambia with Engineers
Without Borders. In Zambia, she
worked on a capacity building
and market facilitation project
with vegetable farmers.
Keith Putt (HS’69) has been retired
for five years but insists that he is
busier than ever. Keith has been
filling his free time with lots of
travel, hobbies and some sports.
Ron Schramm (HS’49) was born
in Neudorf, SK, and enrolled at
Luther in 1946 with his friend Ken
Mohr (HS’56). Ron graduated from
the University of Saskatchewan
in 1953 with a Bachelor of Science
in electrical engineering. While
attending university, he joined
the Contingent of the Canadian
Officers’ Training Corps, attended
the Royal Canadian Electrical
and Mechanical Engineers school
at Barryfield, ON, and received
a commission in the Canadian
Army. After graduation, Ron
entered the Graduate Student
Training Program at Canadian
Westinghouse in Hamilton, ON.
Ron retired from that company
43.5 years later, but he continues
to serve both it and its successor
firm, Siemens, as a consultant
providing litigation support
services. While employed at
Westinghouse, he earned his MBA
from the University of Toronto
through part-time studies. Most of
Ron’s working life has been spent
in management in the power
generation business – marketing,
designing, manufacturing,
installing and servicing steam
and gas turbines for electric
power generation. Over 90% of
16 T H E LU T H ER S TO RY • SPR I N G / SUM M ER 2010
his business was export-driven,
so the job involved a lot of travel.
Through all the travels, however,
he and his wife Nancy have lived
at the same address for over 50
years. The two have one son,
David, who is a medical doctor
and a professor of neuro-otology
surgery at the University of
Ottawa medical school. Ron is a
self-proclaimed alpine ski addict
and aims for at least 50 days
per season on the slopes. Since
retiring, Ron has taken up golf,
though with much less success, he
laments, than skiing.
Tim Shirkey (HS’95) and Kathy
(Coles) Shirkey (HS’95) moved to
Minneapolis, MN, in February
2010. Tim has accepted a position
with Cameco Inc as Manager,
Marketing Americas, and
Kathy now works with NORAC
International Systems as their
Marketing Manager. In January
2009, Tim and Kathy welcomed
baby girl Ella Ray Shirkey into
their family.
Jodi (Tiefenbach) Spies (HS’93)
and Todd Spies were married
on Mexico’s Mayan Riviera in
November of 2008. The family
held a celebratory reception in
August to commemorate the
joyous occasion. At the celebration
of Jodi’s and Todd’s union,
the family was struck by the
overwhelming number of Luther
alumni in attendance.
Lindsay (Almas) Vandermeer
(HS’05) met Chris Vandermeer
at the Canadian Lutheran Bible
Institute (CLBI) in Camrose,
AB. The two were married on 9
August 2008 at Messiah Lutheran
Church in Camrose. Chris works
for the Federal Government in
Human Resources, and Lindsay
is a full-time education student
at the University of Alberta.
Lindsay is also the Director of
Youth Ministries at her church in
Edmonton. She recently received
her Bachelor of Applied Christian
Studies in Youth Ministry from
CLBI in April 2009.
Wilbur Wilson (HS’54) wants to
thank Don and Lydia (Miller)
Olafson (HS’54) along with Ernie
Everingham (HS’54) for organising
the Las Vegas reunion and
making it a memorable time for
everyone who was able to attend.
Wilbur states that guests of the
reunion remembered their high
school classmates and teachers
fondly, as well as many stories
from those years.
A note from HS’54 alumni:
Margaret and Ed Diakow; Mary
Jane and Ernie Everingham; Violet
(Krell) and Bob Jacob; Lorine and
Don MacRae; Doreen (Morley)
Arnott; Joyce and Jack Morris;
Lydia and Don Olafson; Eunice
(Sonstelie) Bluhm; and Audrey
and Bill (Wilbur) Wilson met in
Las Vegas in late October 2009 for
a 55-year reunion. They took in
many of the Las Vegas attractions,
but they report that the most
enjoyable parts of the weekend
for all were the impromptu
morning, afternoon and evening
happy hours in the hospitality
suite, where they reminisced and
relived the happy times at Luther.
Fifty-five years fell by magic from
their shoulders, and they were all
teenagers once again, learning in
the classrooms, competing on the
sports fields, singing in the choir
or playing in the orchestra, dating
at the local cinema, and preparing
for their futures. “To those who
could not attend, we missed
you very much and we raised a
glass (or several) to remember
and honour you. We also raised
hopes and possibilities for another
reunion in two years or so.” Jack
Morris will investigate possible
venues on Vancouver Island,
where a number of classmates
live and where it is within easy
reach for many. So, “if the Lord
be willin’ and the creek don’t
rise,” in 2012 all just might meet
again. For more information on
the next reunion, please contact
Don and Lydia at olafson1@telus.
net or Ernie Everingham at ernie@
eagle.ca.
IN MEMORIAM
Philippin Borkowski (née Scherle)
(HS’32) passed away on 31 August
2009 at the age of 94 years. Left
to cherish her memory are her
children Alan (Barbara), William
(Joann) and Joanne Langelier
(HS’70); 13 grandchildren; 12
great grandchildren; as well as
several nieces, nephews, and
many good friends. Phil went to
normal school in Regina, after
which he taught in southwestern
Saskatchewan’s Monodale School,
located in the Tyvan area. It was
there that she met and married
Albert Borkowski. During the
Second World War, Albert and
Phil lived on the West Coast.
After the war they returned to the
Tyvan area, where they farmed
until their retirement. Phil took
pride in keeping a beautiful yard
filled with flowerbeds.
Viola Haverstock (HS’34) passed
away peacefully on Friday 18
September 2009 at the age of 92
years. She was predeceased by
her husband Bill and all of her
brothers and sisters. Viola is
survived by her son Cal (Sandi)
and grandchildren Shannon
(Chuck), Brennan (Sandra)
and their family Matthew and
Mackenzie; and other son Rae
(Diane) and grandchildren
Jon and Kirstin; sister-in-law
Katherine O’Brien; as well as
numerous nieces and nephews in
Canada and the United States.
Keith Isaac Peacock (HS’39)
was born on 23 April 1921 and
died Monday 26 October 2009.
He leaves behind his daughter
Lynn and son-in-law James, his
two grandchildren Leigh Spence
(HS’92) (Matthew) and Paul
McManus (HS’94) (Carolyn), and
his three great grandchildren:
Emma, Sarah and Brooke. Keith
was predeceased by his loving
wife Noreen in 2005. Keith was a
Regina boy through and through.
He went to Albert School, Scott wanted his children to be raised. Please visit The Luther Story
Collegiate and Luther College. He Don was confident, genuine
online to view a list of lost
served in the Air Force during and kind, and he had a terrific
WWII as a flying officer. Upon sense of humour. His feet were alumni. Remember, for
returning home, he started firmly planted on the ground, submitting information on a
working for the City of Regina in and he always had lots of time for
the Water Department, retiring everyone, no matter their walk lost alum, we will enter your
after 42 years of service. Keith was in life. Be sure to watch for more name into a draw for a piece of
an avid Saskatchewan Roughrider about Don in an upcoming issue
fan: at 14, he was a ball boy and of The Luther Story. Lutherwear!
helped construct and paint the old
wooden fence that surrounded
the football field. He later served
on the Roughriders executive.
He was a football season ticket
holder for over 50 years—he lived
and breathed green. Keith was
a Shriner and a member of the
Legion for many years. He was
known as a knowledgeable man,
enjoyed doing crossword puzzles,
and had a wonderful sense of
humour.
Don Watt (HS’53) passed away Beverly Scotton (U’01) passed
suddenly and unexpectedly on away unexpectedly on 19 January
Wednesday 23 December 2009 at 2010 in the company of her service
age 73. He was the much-loved dog Emerald. She was one week
husband of Patricia (née Martin);
short of her 33rd birthday. Bev
dear father of Peggy (Adam),
will be greatly missed by her
Greg (Beth), Laura (Craig), Sarah,
mother Delaine Scotton, father
and step-son Robert; and proud
Dick Scotton, and sisters Connie
grandfather of Katie, Jennifer,
(Brad) Wagner and Stacey (Kirby)
David, and Lauren. Born in
Ulrich. She was a special auntie
Regina, SK, Don attended Luther
to Levay Wagner (Chris Turner),
College and moved to Toronto
Warren Wagner (Anja Curuvija),
in the mid-1950s to attend the
Jacob Ulrich and Matthew Ulrich.
Ontario College of Art and
Also shocked and saddened by
Design. He was predeceased by
her death are many aunts, uncles,
Patricia Watt (née Williams) and
cousins and friends. Bev leaves
is survived by his first wife Val
behind many friends and family,
Mund (HS’51-‘53). Recognised
who treasured her as a unique
as an icon in his industry, Don
individual with a quirky sense
worked with major retailers all
of humour and a love of a good
over the globe. He developed
“Double-Double.” The family asks
brands that still exist today,
that you honour Bev’s memory
including retail store designs that
remain some of the world’s most by sharing a cup of coffee and
recognisable. Don was known as a silly joke with a good friend.
a visionary with a brilliant mind. Bev received her Bachelor of Arts
He changed how people shopped degree from Luther College at the
around the world. He could have University of Regina in 2001 with
lived and worked anywhere in a major in psychology and minor
the world, but he preferred to stay in political science.
in Canada, a country in which he
T H E LU T H ER S TO RY • SPR I N G / SUM M ER 2010 17
Contributors
Jennifer Arends (U’02) is editor of The
Luther Story and manager of alumni
relations, development & communications
(university & institutional) at Luther
College. She is a graduate of Luther’s
university campus with a Bachelor of Arts
(English and religious studies), and in 2007
she completed a Master of Arts in English
at the University of Regina. Jennifer loves
all things outdoors and has an insatiable
appetite for adventure.
Mathew Block, assistant editor of this issue
of The Luther Story, is graduating this spring
from Luther College at the University of
Regina with a Bachelor of Arts (Hons) in
English with a minor in classical studies,
and a second Bachelor of Arts (Hons) in
linguistics. An amateur theologian, poet,
and litterateur, he can be most often found
poring over some quaint and curious
volume of forgotten lore.
Lecina Hicke is the manager of alumni
relations, development & communications
(high school) and will graduate with a
Bachelor of Arts (English) from Luther
College at the University of Regina
this spring. Amongst Lecina’s many
responsibilities are the annual Luther
College Golf Classic, Homecoming events,
and high school communications.

The Luther Story online

Luther alumni can now access more features
online! Visit www.luthercollege.edu/lutherstory
to view the current issue, read the bits & bites
section, and access a feature article not available
in the print version of the magazine!

If you prefer to read The Luther Story online and

no longer wish to receive a printed version, email
REGINA CANADA us at communications@luthercollege.edu.
79767.IDS AD 7/8/08 9:23 AM Page 1

Interdisciplinary Studies Program

LUTHER COLLEGE at the UNIVERSITY OF REGINA

Who are we?

Where have
we been?

Where are
we going?

DISCOVER
YOUR WORLD
Explore
global
citizenship

The IDS Program welcomes

all University of Regina students.

Choose from three new courses.

For more information, visit

www.luthercollege.edu/ids
306.585.5444

T H E LU T H ER S TO RY • SPR I N G / SUM M ER 2010 19

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Return undeliverable Canadian addresses to:
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