Northwestern College

Laurie Bolthouse talks trafficking

2013-05-03T14:40:55Z

Lights, camera, and most importantly—ACTION!

Laurie (LeGree’89) Bolthouse was on campus on March 5 to speak in chapel and participate in a special screening of Trade of Innocents, the feature film she co-produced with her husband.

We connected with Laurie to learn more about what it takes to produce a feature film and learn about practical and positive actions students—and others—can take to combat human trafficking. WATCH VIDEO

Laurie Bolthouse talks trafficking

2013-04-12T21:53:11Z

Lights, camera, and most importantly—ACTION!

Laurie (LeGree’89) Bolthouse was on campus on March 5 to speak in chapel and participate in a special screening of Trade of Innocents, the feature film she co-produced with her husband.

7th Annual Five16 Film Festival

2013-05-03T14:40:55Z

Northwestern College will roll out its red carpet for the seventh year this spring, showcasing student films at the Five16 Film Festival on Monday, April 15, 2013 at 7 p.m. in Maranatha Hall. After festival-goers enjoy a selection of comedy, drama, music video, documentary and animation film submissions, a panel of Northwestern faculty, alumni and film professionals from around the country will announce the winner for each category.

"This is a great opportunity for students to produce creative and engaging videos and receive feedback from professionals in the industry," said Ann Sorenson, MFA, associate professor of communication and festival director. "As the festival grows, so does the level of quality and professionalism in the films that the students are producing."

Last year, the Five16 drew an audience of 950 and received rave reviews from attendees. Named in homage to Matthew 5:16, the festival awards films for storytelling and production, as well as the portrayal of Christian values:

"In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven."

When Sorenson came to the film department in 2007, she had a vision to build the program and empower students to tell their best stories with what she calls the "everything art."

While a successful film festival is one goal fulfilled, Sorenson took another stride in January when she brought Northwestern students to the Sundance Festival for the first time for a week of industry exposure in Park City, Utah where the team of seven blogged their experiences live.

Laticia Mattson '15, film major and Sundance attendee, is just one reflection of the creativity Sorenson and other film faculty have endeavored to cultivate in their program:

"I've always had a passion for storytelling and entertaining others through filmmaking." she said, "It's cool to have an idea and make it come to life on the screen, whether it's a short film or a feature-length. I really enjoy my major and I can't imagine doing anything else."

7th Annual Five16 Film Festival

2013-04-12T22:43:46Z

"In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven."

When Sorenson came to the film department in 2007, she had a vision to build the program and empower students to tell their best stories with what she calls the "everything art."

Laticia Mattson '15, film major and Sundance attendee, is just one reflection of the creativity Sorenson and other film faculty have endeavored to cultivate in their program:

Speechless no more.

2013-05-03T14:40:55Z

We were speechless—literally.

Until last fall, Northwestern's student body, full of canny communicators, had no representing speech team—a speechless status junior Adam Saxton ’14 found unacceptable. Saxton, an International Relations major, joined Professor John Arehart to captain a team of 15 students for Northwestern’s first year back in competitive speech and debate.

“We went from having no team on campus last year, to having over a dozen people involved, competing at multiple tournaments in several categories and placing in several of them,” said Saxton, “God has blessed our team with a rapid development that usually takes years of experience to acquire.”

The team competed in eight tournaments, nearly sweeping the Impromptu category at the final Twin Cities Forensics League tournament in February, ending their season victorious. Saxton placed first and teammates Rachel Temp ‘and Benjamin Fernandes ’14 tied for third place; Danielle Jack placed fifth.

Fernandes remembers heading into that last competition with waning confidence, feeling unprepared.

"I met professor Arehart, and practiced with him, I was quite saddened and disappointed with myself as I felt as if I hadn’t prepared enough ...Coach gave me a short pep talk, and it really got to me. At this point I had an hour till we departed for the speech meet. I went to my room, turned off my cellphone and everything, and found a mirror. I practiced impromptu speaking for an entire hour, just the mirror and myself. I prayed and asked God for wisdom and insight, once I got done. I went to the Shuttle van that was taking us to the speech meet and didn’t tell anyone what I had just done."

At the competition, Fernandes gained confidence with each round and found himself looking at his name on the list of finalists for the Impromptu category.

"I was in awe of what God had done, as I knew for sure that I couldn’t have done any of that on my own. I looked up and said a short prayer. I glanced across and saw my coach with a big smile on his face as four impromptu speakers in the finals were from Northwestern College. Coach came up to us and gave us a big hug...I thanked God and realized that the talents that we have are a gift from God, what we make of our talents is our gifts back to God."

Though there are no more tournaments this season, the team has one more performance left. Today they’ll deliver their winning speeches for President Cureton, who invited the team in an act of recognition and celebration of their unprecedented first year.

Coach Arehart expressed joy over the team's accomplishments: "Winners of [the TCFL] tournament consistently vie for national championships, so we are extremely proud of our team's performance and look forward to a great season next year.”

The team will continue under leadership of co-captains Rachel Temp and Charity Hayden in the fall while Saxton studies in Washington D.C. for the semester. Though absent from competition, the thrill and skill of debate has its permanence with Saxton.

“Competitive speech and debate impacts every aspect of my life. From writing arguments in academic papers, formulating presentations, to engaging other people in daily conversations, speech and debate did more to change my mindset than almost any other activity.”

In the spring Saxton plans on rejoining the team, envisioning a “more structured approach” after a year of learning the basics of competing. One of the team’s goals is to attend the Christian College Nationals, a large highly competitive tournament attended by numerous colleges and universities across the nation. Beyond competing, Saxton, Fernandes and other team members acknowledged they became a family, sharing Christ as a common thread.

“Speech at Northwestern is different because of the centrality of Christ," Saxton said, "We strive to make sure that not only the way we are speaking is pleasing to God, but also what we say.”

Speechless no more.

2013-04-12T21:46:09Z

We were speechless—literally.

Fernandes remembers heading into that last competition with waning confidence, feeling unprepared.

At the competition, Fernandes gained confidence with each round and found himself looking at his name on the list of finalists for the Impromptu category.

“Speech at Northwestern is different because of the centrality of Christ," Saxton said, "We strive to make sure that not only the way we are speaking is pleasing to God, but also what we say.”

College Choir & Orchestra unite

2013-05-03T14:40:55Z

The Northwestern College Choir & Orchestra will be performing a homecoming concert to conclude their Spring 2013 Tour on Friday, March 22, at 7:30 p.m at Calvary Church in Roseville.

Orchestra repertoire includes masterworks by Johannes Brahms, Edvard Grieg, and Antonin Dvorak. The choir will perform hymns, gospel music and spirituals, featuring the Midwest premiere of Langston Hughes' poem Fire by Illinois composer John Orfe. Together, the ensembles will perform Meteor Shower by Owl City's Adam Young and selections from Ralph Vaughan Williams' Five Mystical Songs.

Concert details can be found online or contact the Northwestern College music tours office at 651-631-2080.

The Northwestern Orchestra and College Choir join forces this spring for a collaborative tour to northwestern Minnesota and the Fargo/Moorhead area, presenting a series of concerts in Alexandria, Osakis and at several venues in Fargo, North Dakota including Bethel Evangelical Free Church, and choral exchanges with Oak Grove Lutheran High School, Fargo North High School and Park Christian School in Moorhead.

Tour Itinerary:

Thursday, March 7 in Osakis and Alexandria, Minnesota
Friday, Saturday & Sunday, March 8-10 in Fargo, North Dakota
Monday, March 11 in Moorhead, Minnesota and Fargo, North Dakota
Homecoming Concert: Friday, March 22 in Roseville, Minnesota

College Choir & Orchestra unite

2013-03-14T18:18:47Z

The Northwestern College Choir & Orchestra will be performing a homecoming concert to conclude their Spring 2013 Tour on Friday, March 22, at 7:30 p.m at Calvary Church in Roseville.

Concert details can be found online or contact the Northwestern College music tours office at 651-631-2080.

Tour Itinerary:

Thursday, March 7 in Osakis and Alexandria, Minnesota
Friday, Saturday & Sunday, March 8-10 in Fargo, North Dakota
Monday, March 11 in Moorhead, Minnesota and Fargo, North Dakota
Homecoming Concert: Friday, March 22 in Roseville, Minnesota

Lessons from Lee Strobel

2013-05-03T14:40:55Z

Lessons from Lee

Lee Strobel, author of The Case for Christ, The Case for Faith and The Case for a Creator was on campus February 6 and 7 speaking in chapel and at several other gatherings, sharing his story and encouraging leaders.

We connected with him between events to learn more about his journey and thoughts on understanding the facts of the Christian faith. WATCH VIDEO

Lessons from Lee Strobel

2013-03-14T17:40:09Z

Lessons from Lee

We connected with him between events to learn more about his journey and thoughts on understanding the facts of the Christian faith. WATCH VIDEO

Tom Gisler in Star Tribune

2013-05-03T14:40:55Z

Northwestern's Gisler doesn't let diabetes keep him off the court

Tom Gisler in Star Tribune

2013-03-14T17:26:35Z

Northwestern's Gisler doesn't let diabetes keep him off the court

President's Report 2011–12

2013-05-03T14:40:55Z

From the President

When college admissions materials say that an institution is “academically excellent” does a reader dismiss it as hype? What does the term truly signify? What evidence supports the assertion?

At Northwestern, we ask ourselves these questions often and each time the answers lead to confidence in this: We say we are academically excellent because it is true.

Faculty scholarship and research are reaching new heights. Exemplifying this is Dr. Ed Glenny (Biblical & Theological Studies), who has published and presented numerous articles and papers during the college’s first endowed J. Edwin Hartill Professorship.

Last spring, Dr. Jonathan Den Hartog (History) was selected as a Visiting Fellow at Princeton University (New Jersey) with the James Madison Program for American Ideals and Institutions.

Student success and opportunities

Academic quality is evident in our students. Charissa Doebler ’12 is Northwestern’s ninth Fulbright Scholar in the past nine years. The Fulbright program only selects America’s brightest and best.

New programs—such as the five-year Bachelor of Arts/Master of Divinity degree, the proposed accelerated nursing degree, and “Degree in Three”—reflect excellence in a proactive approach to help students and families with the rising costs of college.

Faculty and students are collaborating on research projects, publishing articles, and presenting papers. You will see several examples of this in the annual report.

Part of our DNA

“Academically excellent” is simply part of our DNA and we see excellence emerging in new graduate and online learning programs, all while maintaining our mission as a Christ-centered institution of higher education. Above all, we seek to give God our highest and best.

At the threshold of our move to university status in the coming year, I could not be more confident and enthusiastic about Northwestern’s academic excellence and its future.

Alan S. Cureton, Ph.D.
President
Northwestern College and Northwestern Media

What's Inside:

Academic Highlights
Media Impact
Arts & Athletics
Collaborative Research
Facts & Figures

View as flipbook

View as PDF

Annual Report Archives

President's Report 2011–12

2013-03-14T17:36:53Z

From the President

When college admissions materials say that an institution is “academically excellent” does a reader dismiss it as hype? What does the term truly signify? What evidence supports the assertion?

At Northwestern, we ask ourselves these questions often and each time the answers lead to confidence in this: We say we are academically excellent because it is true.

Last spring, Dr. Jonathan Den Hartog (History) was selected as a Visiting Fellow at Princeton University (New Jersey) with the James Madison Program for American Ideals and Institutions.

Student success and opportunities

Faculty and students are collaborating on research projects, publishing articles, and presenting papers. You will see several examples of this in the annual report.

Part of our DNA

At the threshold of our move to university status in the coming year, I could not be more confident and enthusiastic about Northwestern’s academic excellence and its future.

Alan S. Cureton, Ph.D.
President
Northwestern College and Northwestern Media

What's Inside:

Academic Highlights
Media Impact
Arts & Athletics
Collaborative Research
Facts & Figures

View as flipbook

View as PDF

Annual Report Archives

Alumni King Brothers in Pioneer Press

2013-05-03T14:40:55Z

King Brothers Clothiers partner with Don Shelby for new 'Shelby Knot' tie collection

Feb. 19 — Alumni Kenny '10 and Danny King '10, in Pioneer Press and Haven Magazine

Kenny told us why he's personally invested in this business:

"Style is something we’ve been passionate about for a very long time. As many men our age have done, we grew up looking at photos of our grandpas and wanted to look just like them. It’s funny how things tend to skip a generation.

We’re twins, and as such, there was often a desire for us to be our own person. It was always so easy for people to group us together: 'Let’s invite Kenny and Danny,' or 'I’m going over to Kenny and Danny’s house.'

What we wore helped us to establish ourselves as separate units. We didn’t share clothes growing up because even at a very young age, we learned one’s clothing was a key component to establishing an image. People always associated us with what we were wearing: 'Kenny is in the red today, and Danny is in the blue.'

Today, our passion continues. We have different jobs (Kenny is morning anchor for ABC 6 News, Rochester, and Danny is the Youth Pastor at Roseville Covenant Church) and different lives these days, but our love for style has continued to be a part of who we are – it’s what’s been driving King Brothers Clothiers, the ShelbyKnot Collection, and has served as a way for us to remain close as brothers, friends, and now business partners."

– Kenny King

King Brothers Clothiers

Ties available at:
Heimie's Haberdashery (St. Paul)
Martin Patrick 3 (Mpls)

Alumni King Brothers in Pioneer Press

2013-03-14T17:12:51Z

King Brothers Clothiers partner with Don Shelby for new 'Shelby Knot' tie collection

Feb. 19 — Alumni Kenny '10 and Danny King '10, in Pioneer Press and Haven Magazine

Kenny told us why he's personally invested in this business:

– Kenny King

King Brothers Clothiers

Ties available at:
Heimie's Haberdashery (St. Paul)
Martin Patrick 3 (Mpls)

Student productions win at NRB competition

2013-05-03T14:40:55Z

Feb. 1—Northwestern College students flexed major media muscle at the intercollegiate National Religious Broadcasters (NRB) 2013 Student Production Competition, winning eight awards in video and radio, including three first place awards.

"We congratulate all of our students. They pursue Christ joyfully and faithfully and allow him to fuel their creative craft," said Mark Seignious, associate professor of communication, "Our prayer is that these students will always strive to remember that they 'have been entrusted with the Gospel, so they speak not to please man but to please God, who tests their hearts' (1 Thess. 2:4)."

Audio students captured first place audio awards in two of four categories, Best Radio Drama and Best Promo/Imaging/Branding, and a second place in Radio News and Sports. In the film/video competition, students swept all awards for the PSA/Commercial category and took second place in Documentary/News and third in Short Film.

This year's winners, all representing Northwestern's electronic media communication major, add to the program's successful track record at NRB competitions: last year Northwestern took first at NRB's 36 Hour Challenge and finished strong at the 2012 Student Production Competition.

2013 Northwestern College iNRB winners:

Radio Feature/Radio Drama
1st Place Anthony Mansmith and Aaron McIntire Momentary Troubles

Radio Promo/Imaging/Branding
1st Place: Chris Bell To Write Love on her Arms

Radio News and Sports
2nd Place: Aaron McIntire The Hunger Games: Freaky Fad or Fantastic

Television/Video - PSA/Commercial/Promo
1st Place: Luke Stapleton and Grant Swanson, Bessy
2nd Place: Chris Behnen Commute
3rd Place: Krista Koester Third Day - Behind the Scenes

Documentary
2nd Place: Anna Carey, Poet

Film/Short
3rd Place: Chris Behnen, Man in the Mirror

Student productions win at NRB competition

2013-03-14T17:03:19Z

2013 Northwestern College iNRB winners:

Radio Feature/Radio Drama
1st Place Anthony Mansmith and Aaron McIntire Momentary Troubles

Radio Promo/Imaging/Branding
1st Place: Chris Bell To Write Love on her Arms

Radio News and Sports
2nd Place: Aaron McIntire The Hunger Games: Freaky Fad or Fantastic

Television/Video - PSA/Commercial/Promo
1st Place: Luke Stapleton and Grant Swanson, Bessy
2nd Place: Chris Behnen Commute
3rd Place: Krista Koester Third Day - Behind the Scenes

Documentary
2nd Place: Anna Carey, Poet

Film/Short
3rd Place: Chris Behnen, Man in the Mirror

Chasing the Dream

2013-05-03T14:40:55Z

Most of us appreciate that one funny ad on T.V. that leaves us laughing, but that’s about it; we’re always ready to get back to our show.Nobody advertising, right?

Probably—but then there’s public relations Chase Donahue (pictured, right).

"Advertising seems to mold all of my interests, gifts, and desires into one field. My work thrives when I can be creative, strategic, and systematic."

In October, Donahue won a free pass to New York City for the advertising adventure of his life.

“I saw a contest on Advertising Week for five people to play a famous Creative Director in Words With Friends. I applied, won a chance to play him, and I actually beat him.”

At the annual conference Donahue careened through 18 hour event-packed days with thousands of people, all of them on the go.

“I met some of the most influential decision-makers and a thinker of our culture, sat through hours of influential seminars, and was even offered an internship at a phenomenal advertising agency.”

More than a thrilling experience; Ad Week was a revelation.

“I learned that we can all change the world. That’s a big statement, but I wholeheartedly mean that,” he said, “When we take a minute to sit back and think about it, we are infinitely gifted and talented human beings. We are far too blessed to be mediocre with our abilities.”

With conviction that reached into his mind and spirit, Donahue returned home ready to confront broken realities with powerful ideas.

“Advertising at its best can challenge, inspire, and create something that has never been done…[it’s]the best place to work to have the opportunity to create new things and change the world with big ideas.”

Perhaps Donahue’s world-changer advertising approach isn’t so uncommon, especially in a generation that is constantly shouting its need for meaning and purpose. And yet, he acknowledged that the weight of that need does not fall on human shoulders.

“Our ability to make a positive change is not because we are that good, but because God is that great.”

Dream a Big Dream: Chase's blog debut on AWSC

The transformation that started in New York is showing true in Donahue's life months later.Chase started meeting with professors on campus for encouragement, but that's just the start.

Hoping to incite passion in peers and help people leave mediocrity behind, Donahue has a message to get out and an dream up his sleeve. He just wrote his first post, Dream a Big Dream With Me for the Advertising Week Social Club's blog and we've got his best pointers for you:

From birth we’ve been dreamers – somewhere along the line as we grow up, that fervor is quenched.
We don’t consciously choose to give up our gifts and dreams to be ordinary – it’s just the societal norm.
Pursuing our dreams is terrifying, and rightfully so – if we have truly dreamt large enough. But it’s not about whether or not you’re a risk-taker; it’s about the life that you want to live.
Our goal is to uncover work and life that is rewarding, exciting, and fruitful
Our potential is not something that we should wish we had attained in life – it is something that we should surpass daily.
Stop saying, “I’ll start tomorrow.” Our future is determined by what we do today – not in a week.

Donahue is taking his own advice, getting started with his dreams using Innove Project. Talk with Chase on Twitter @ChaseDonahue about your dream!

As Chase says, "We are all equipped to change the world; it’s time that we do."

Chasing the Dream

2013-03-14T17:11:15Z

Most of us appreciate that one funny ad on T.V. that leaves us laughing, but that’s about it; we’re always ready to get back to our show.Nobody advertising, right?

Probably—but then there’s public relations Chase Donahue (pictured, right).

"Advertising seems to mold all of my interests, gifts, and desires into one field. My work thrives when I can be creative, strategic, and systematic."

In October, Donahue won a free pass to New York City for the advertising adventure of his life.

“I saw a contest on Advertising Week for five people to play a famous Creative Director in Words With Friends. I applied, won a chance to play him, and I actually beat him.”

At the annual conference Donahue careened through 18 hour event-packed days with thousands of people, all of them on the go.

More than a thrilling experience; Ad Week was a revelation.

With conviction that reached into his mind and spirit, Donahue returned home ready to confront broken realities with powerful ideas.

“Our ability to make a positive change is not because we are that good, but because God is that great.”

Dream a Big Dream: Chase's blog debut on AWSC

The transformation that started in New York is showing true in Donahue's life months later.Chase started meeting with professors on campus for encouragement, but that's just the start.

From birth we’ve been dreamers – somewhere along the line as we grow up, that fervor is quenched.
We don’t consciously choose to give up our gifts and dreams to be ordinary – it’s just the societal norm.
Pursuing our dreams is terrifying, and rightfully so – if we have truly dreamt large enough. But it’s not about whether or not you’re a risk-taker; it’s about the life that you want to live.
Our goal is to uncover work and life that is rewarding, exciting, and fruitful
Our potential is not something that we should wish we had attained in life – it is something that we should surpass daily.
Stop saying, “I’ll start tomorrow.” Our future is determined by what we do today – not in a week.

Donahue is taking his own advice, getting started with his dreams using Innove Project. Talk with Chase on Twitter @ChaseDonahue about your dream!

As Chase says, "We are all equipped to change the world; it’s time that we do."