President’s Message 2

Charlie Mays Tribute 3

Alumni News Notes 4

A Semester in Photos 5

Agnes Lervik Legacy 7

2802 Wetmore Ave. Everett, WA 98201 425.249.4800 425.249.4801 Fax

June 2009Sixty-fifth Academic Year

Volume 65 Issue 4

At one of the first employee meetings John Stamm led, he asked the staff to brainstorm about their vision for the school. He had commented early on that Trinity was “poised for growth” and that in order to achieve this it was time to “think out of the box.” It was time, he said, to both honor the wonderful past that Trinity/LBI had enjoyed as a life-changing college, but look to new ways of opening up the education to more students.

Stamm was raised in the Midwest, and had firsthand familiarity with Lutheran schooling, through the Lutheran Church - Missouri Synod. As a boy he had attended LCMS elementary school and military high school (“I think my father believed I was a troublemaker!”) and from there went on to Concordia Lutheran College in River Forest, IL. Later he completed degrees in psychology at the University of Wisconsin, focusing on special education. Why this specialty? “I was intrigued

with how those with disabilities learned, and wanted to know what we could do to meet their needs in learning.” It was in his role as Director of Related Services for the Anchorage, AK, School District where he first learned about Trinity, then Lutheran Bible Institute of Seattle.

“I remember the students and alumni pastors we used to hear about in the Alaska Synod. They were always active and seemed so full of commitment.” said Stamm. It was a surprise then that while he was serving on the Board of Pacific Lutheran Theological Seminary, the interim bishop of the Alaska Synod, Larry Jorgenson, asked Stamm to consider placing his name in for the President’s position, following the retirement of Dr. James Bergquist.

When Stamm assumed the Presidency in 1999 he was looking at a school that had a rich tradition of deepening students’ commitment to serving the Risen Lord through immersing them in the Word. Yet it had become apparent that more and more applicants were requesting flexibility in their majors, new programs and different approaches to study, as they were seeing at other colleges where they were applying. In addition, the college had become saddled with enormous costs in maintaining the beloved, but hopelessly expensive and out of date facility. “I was so grateful for the progress that those who had served before had initiated, but soon learned just how much we had to deal with.” Continued on page 3

Dr. Stamm Departs Trinity

Two plaques are displayed on the windowsill in my office, waiting to be strategically placed in Trinity’s new Academic Center. One is bronze, well burnished by time and weather to a rich, dark mahogany and bears the date 1949. The other, bearing the date 1979, is a gray-marbled, pale-white slab of granite. Both have

been part of the Trinity/LBIS journey from the campus in northwest Seattle to Issaquah and now to downtown Everett. Both plaques have served, and will continue to serve, as educational cornerstones for the college.

The Scriptural references engraved on these plaques are the real cornerstone for the Trinity/LBIS educational enterprise: “The word of our God stands forever” (Isaiah 40:8), circa 1949; “Have faith in God” (Mark 11:22) and “When they looked, they saw only Jesus” (Matthew 17:8) circa 1979. The message and powerful meaning of these verses are truly foundational, not just adornments on a foundation. They are bulwark in the foundation of Trinity’s biblically-centered, life-transforming educational mission and ministry.

In a world of ever-accelerating change, where individuals, enterprises and societies consistently rearrange and recreate themselves, where change and impermanence is permanent, the message of Trinity’s cornerstones is deeply counter cultural. It affirms that our distinctive educational mission rests on God’s ever sure Word. Permanently transcending the impermanence of social and personal circumstances, the disciplined inquiry and study that plumbs the depths of the truths and mysteries of God’s Word is the sure foundation upon Trinity distinctive

educational enterprise is built. Trinity’s location and educational programs have changed through the years, but the commitment to proclaiming the enduring Word of God has not.

The message of the verses from the Gospels of Mark and Matthew affirm the foundation upon which rests our relationship with God – through Christ alone. It is the foundation of Trinity’s leadership education. Generations of Trinity students have learned that they stand, and daily live, by the grace of God in love and power of Christ alone.

God’s Word and the power of Christ love form Trinity’s sure mission and educational foundation. Throughout its history, the college has struggled to generate financial resources to sustain its operational foundation. Over the years and through fierce financial droughts and storms, individuals who desire the power of a Trinity/LBIS Christ-centered education to remain robust have given generously to sustain the college. Given the drastic change in the economy today, the college again faces financial drought. For your generous financial support in the past, thank you. I pray that if you have not recently made a financial contribution, you will do so now. Or if you currently support the college, you will increase your financial support in order to robustly sustain Trinity’s distinctive educational mission and programs that make the knowledge of God’s word and the power of Christ’s love live through the service and ministry of our graduates.

This Cornerstone, This Solid Ground, These Challenging Times

By John M. Stamm, Ph.D.

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Trinity alum Ryan Brown, ‘07, holds the Issaquah campus cornerstone at the Campus Closing Celebration, May 2008.

Trinity lost a wonderful friend and board member when Rev. Charlie Mays passed away on March 5th. Charlie’s connection to the school went all the way back to his early years in Eastern Washington taking an LBI correspondence course. We miss him and rejoice in the certainty that this fine servant is now at rest with his Redeemer.

Gifts in memory of Rev. Charles W. Mays as of June 1st, 2009:

M. Eileen Conces Stan and Denise Fredrickson David and Elaine Hogan Everett and Mary Jo Holum Eugene and Lois Larsen George and Norma Larson Karl and Donna Leggett Michael and Betty Leinweber Sandra Mays Lyle and Sonja Miller Kenneth and Suzanne Myklebust John and Margaret O’Neal John and Elaine Stamm Karla K. Strutzel Garry and Lois Telford Loren and Linda Towe Clifford and Kaye Weimer Richard and Ruth Wight Robert and Ruth Worley

Saying Goodbye to a Wonderful Friend

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Dr. Stamm continued from page 1

Over the next several years Stamm worked hard with the Board of Directors to guide the school through:

• Expansion of its academic majors, to include Applied Communications, Biblical Studies, Children, Youth & Family Studies, Early Childhood Education, Music & Worship, Intercultural Studies, Business Leadership and Management, Psychology and Social Work;

• Successfully completing the ten year accreditation review process;

• Converting the school calendar from quarters to semesters;

• Relocating the college to Everett.

Alongside John Stamm throughout this process has been his wife of 44 years, Elaine. She came with an extensive background in both education and working for the church, and through her graciousness and generous spirit represented the college in numerous churches and to dozens of community groups. As one longtime supporter said, “I think Elaine Stamm is one of the best qualities that Dr. Stamm has!”

The Stamms look forward to continuing to volunteer both locally and abroad (through their connection to the MaaSAE Girls Lutheran Secondary School) and to spending more time with their children, Nathan and Cherie. We are grateful for the wonderful work of John and Elaine and offer together with our prayers of gratitude our best wishes for a rewarding retirement.

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1950’sPaul Myer, ’54 and Mildred reside at Good Samaritan Society in the Spokane Valley, WA. They have married daughters and 5 grandchildren. Paul is active at Hope Lutheran Church in Greenacres.

1960’sElvin Borg, ’61, and wife Alicia have retired from serving on the M/V Christian Missionary Boat in SE Alaska. They are residing in Alaska for the time being.

Cheryl (Stromberg) Jensen, ’66, and husband Al continue to work on the Bible translation program for an indigenous group in Brazil. They currently reside in Arizona to assist family and make frequent trips back to Brazil from there.

1970’s Jamine (Robertson) Brooks, ’74, is still working at MG&A as a supervisor in Florida. Her three grown sons and grandson keep her busy, she lost her husband of 30 years in 2006. She is looking forward to retiring in five more years.

Becky (Brynestad) Brown, ’74, and husband Jim have been married 33 years. They live in University Place, WA.

Lucretia (Rausch) Snider, ’75, and husband Ray reside on and farm the 4 generation family farm near the town of Talmage, KS. They are active in the United Methodist Church in Talmage. She is a substitute teacher and sings in Potpourri (a group of 6 ladies from the community). They have 4 sons - Paul, married Afton in May 2008; Caleb, married Lindsey July 2007; Luke is a senior at Kansas State University, & Mark is a freshman at Cloud County Community College, Concordia, KS.

1980’s Lanelle (Schultz) Devlin, ’84-85, and husband Andres have moved back into their “old” house in Seabeck, WA. Their son Zane (4) loves to hear the story of David and Goliath daily. Lanelle started a home maintenance and repair business two years ago called “Handy Mom” and it is really taking off. “We are also the Jr. High Youth Pastor at our church part-time. I’m having lots of fun catching up with fellow alums on Facebook.”

Calvin, ’86, and Barbara-Anne (Chudje) Vannett, ‘87, live in Fargo, ND where he is a supervisor for Con-Way Freight, she works for MeritCare Health Systems, they have two sons (19 & 21) and are foster parents.

Nyla (Christensen) Schoeld, ’86-’88, and husband David have four daughters (ages 1 – 11), they are both pastors at First Lutheran Church in Brookings, SD. “If you’re passing through stop for a visit!”

Robert McClanahan, ’89, and Anida added daughter Kyra on August 14th. Rob, Anida and their three children reside in The Netherlands.

John ’85 & ’89 and Tammy (Gates) Juhl, ‘86 - ’91, and husband John live in Williston, ND, He is associate pastor at Letheran Bretheran Fellowship. They have 5 children whom they homeschool.

Nancy (Swanson) Schultz, ’82-’84, and husband Russ have been married for 24 years, and have three daughters (married, in college, and starting college) She works part time for a veterinarian; Russ works for Honeywell aerospace.

Karolyn Olson, ’89, worked for 10 years as a veterinarian assistant and is working for a law firm in St. Louis Park, MN. Her children are 3 dogs, 2 cats and 8 fish. After 20 years away she still remembers the dumpster kitty at the Issaquah campus.

1990’s Kathryn (Bennight) Whitney, ’91, is leaving her call at Trinity Lutheran Church in Rockford, IL after almost seven years to look for a different call. Her husband, Lee, is pastor at Trinity Lutheran Church in Durand, IL. Their son Benjamin (5½) is thriving--tall, handsome, funny, artistic--a blessing! “Life is good, and memories of LBI, the education and grounding, and the friends I made there are all tremendous gifts I give thanks to God for!”

Karen (Wolden) Fuentes, ’92, and husband Spencer proudly announced the birth of Phoebe Leanne in February.

Continued on page 6.

Alumni News Notes

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Congratulations to the Class of 2009!Front Row: Kelly R. Stocker, Kathleen A. VanBeek, Jerome D. Jefferson, Kelly M. Bickel, Lori L. Cavender, Patrick E. Joiner

Second Row: Joel K. Metschke, Casey Brian Tinnin, Aubrye P. Jacques, Katrina B. Jones, Alisha R. Karel, Alisha A. Klaassen, Michelle M. Morrison

Last Row: Stacie Spencer, Breann Sweitzer, Sara L. Harris, Bryant M. Williams, Kelly Jean Gulberg, Karen E. Larsen, Kayla R. Hendrickson, Tristian L. Tyler, Dustin T. Hamren

A Photo Review of Trinity EventsAt the Lavik Lecture Serries in April, (1) Anne Pyle presents on Watanabee’s methods, motivations and structure to community members and students. (2) A guest artist talks with children about making art to express their faith. (3) Elaine Stamm demonstrates the art of Japanese floral arrangement called ikebana.

2.1. 3.

The talented cast of this year’s Playfest on opening night before their performance of Into the Woods. Photo by Adam Othman.

The Trinity community surprised Dr. Stamm with a retirement celebration. Stamm was presented with a portrait for the campus Alumni Walk and a heifer given in his honor to Heifer Project Intl.

News Notes continued from page 4.

Troy Troftgruben, ’99, graduated in May with a Ph.D. in Biblical Studies from Princeton Theological Seminary. He is currently serving in ordained ministry as a pastor at Calvary Lutheran Church in Grand Forks, ND. He and Maria have one son, Timothy, who is 16 months old.

Teri (Brown) Craven, ’97, married Dallas in April 2007, they live in Red Deer, where she is an assistant manager of a bookstore. She would love to be in touch, contact her at missus_gamgee@yahoo.com

Dan Gibson, ’97, after serving as Interim Lutheran Camps Pastor at University of Southern California, Dan, by recommendation of the Bishop, has been extended and accepted a Call to be the permanent Lutheran Campus Pastor at USC.

Crystal (Lundeen) Quanbeck, ’98, and husband Rod added daughter Anna Joy in February, a welcome playmate for big sister Emily (3).

2000’s Cari (Carter) Weidner, ’00, and husband Arthur welcomed their first child, Audrey Jane, on August 29, 2008. They moved from Everett to their

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hometown of Fargo, ND, where Art works in wind energy and Cari is a stay-at-home mom.

Xuefen Lenny Graupman, ’01, and his family now live in Kirkland, WA. They have a son, Elijah Li.

Sonja (Sjodahl) Degerstrom, ’03, is a part time youth director at Peace Lutheran Church and a stay at home mom in the beautiful St. Croix Valley in Wisconsin. She and husband Aaron have two boys (5 and 6). God is doing awesome thing with her youth program, he is a finish carpenter, they are healthy and their faith has grown by leaps and bounds.

Tina (Conley) Hulslander, ’03, is living in Ellensburg, working at Central Washington University. When she married Dave in 2008 she gained two step children (11 & 10). She and her son, Robert, one of the “Trinity Kids” (now 19), visited campus just before graduation. They think of Trinity often with fond memories and miss their friends.

Maureen Sharkey, ’08, moved to California in August following graduation, she is working full time and enjoying being back home.

DECEASED

Orin Thykeson, ’54, May 1, 2009

Alumni attending the ELCA Youth Ministry Extravaganza in New Orleans, January 2009, joined professors Mark Jackson and Dave Ellingson for a luncheon.

From left to right, Jan Nesse Leistikow, Jennifer Hilfiker, Josh Graber, Keith Marshall, Kristina Johnson, Chad Larson, Melinda Steen, Kris Bjorke, Pollie McCloskey, and Beth Smallbeck.

A thoughtful woman of modest means, Agnes Lervik left her family home in North Dakota to become a nurse. She found a career opportunity for service to men and women in the United States Navy. Bremerton, WA, was her duty station. There, Ms. Lervik gently

tended the general health and welfare of Navy families and sea-going personnel. Having grown up in the Lutheran tradition, she became a member at Our Savior Lutheran Church. Having a heart for helping others, she brought her quiet enthusiasm and deep compassion to meetings of the Esther Circle. Compassion is the mission of the Esther Circle. Members learn, talk and pray about human needs and circumstances. Collecting donations, principally among themselves, members of the circle send contributions large and small to relieve unfortunate circumstances and to meet human needs.

At church she learned about the Lutheran Bible school movement, the emphasis on preparing students for lives of Christian service and adherence to the Biblical core. She never attended LBI or Trinity Lutheran College. In 1988 she began giving regularly to the school; she may have attended Deeper Life Festivals. Her church work and participation continued after retirement.

Cautious and frugal throughout her career and during her retirement years, the $300,000 she left for student scholarships probably represents more than thirty years of Agnes’ working, planning and saving.

She concerned herself for the future of the church, the character of modern professionals and the scarcity of

support for students wanting to know and to do the will of God. Quietly, in her heart, Ms. Lervik decided to bless the faith and support the ambition of students at Trinity Lutheran College. Today, her thoughtful commitment is helping students obtain a Christian education in the Lutheran tradition. And for years to come, her careful assurance of encouragement and support will bless the hearts and fulfill the hopes of young learners who love the Lord.

Working with her attorney to plan the disposition of her estate, Ms. Lervik did not overlook the needs and aspirations of youthful, Christian scholars. Her foresight and decision now make it possible for future teachers, preachers, church workers, youth directors, business and social work professionals to begin their professional education at an actively committed, Christian college.

Bethany Ard, from Eugene, OR, majoring in Social Work, Skyler Haines, from Anacortes, WA, a Business major and Rachel Simmons, from Tacoma, WA, majoring in Psychology are receiving scholarship support from the estate bequest of Agnes Lervik. Through the lives and careers of students, Ms. Lervik’s giving brings hope and help to the families and individuals, the churches, the communities and the professions these students will serve.

We give thanks to God for the wonderful sense of stewardship Agnes Lervik is showing us and her legacy of support for students whose lives, families and careers are committed to Christian service.

Since January 2009, Trinity Lutheran College has received distributions from the estates of seven different donors.

While the actual bequests range from one thousand to tens of thousands of dollars, their total is near $100,000.

Will you also remember Trinity Lutheran College students in your estate plan?

Contact Karl Leggett at 425.249.4759 or e-mail karl.leggett@tlc.edu for more information.

Agnes Lervik – Remembering Students

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2802 Wetmore Ave. Everett, WA 98201

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TRINITY NIGHT AT THE AQUA SOX

Join the Trinity Community on September 1st for Trinity Night at the Everett Aqua Sox!

Tail Gate Party from 5:00-6:45 p.m. on the top level of the Trinity Parking Garage. Bring your own everything.

The Everett Aqua Sox game starts at 7:05 p.m.

Group ticket cost is $9.00. Contact alumni@tlc.edu for information or to purchase tickets. Watch for more information at www.tlc.edu.

NEW VA BENEFITS FOR FALL SEMESTER The Veterans Administration has been developing and will announce new benefits for veterans and for active duty personnel. For more information contact registrar@tlc.edu.

Campus Calendar Summer Semester ........................................June 1-26

Housing Open for Returning Students ............ Aug 28

Housing Open for New Students .................... Aug 29

Opening Convocation ....................................... Sept 2

Semester Begins ................................................ Sept 2

Last Day to Drop/Add ..................................... Sept 16

Fall Break .................................................... Oct 22-23

Spring & J-Term Registration Opens .............. Nov 16

Thanksgiving Break ...................................Nov 26-29

Advent Festival Concerts ............................... Dec 4-6

Final Examinations .......................................Dec 8-11