For many of us, “running the race of life” has become a brisk walk, but it’s still a daily battle of mind and body. Need some inspiration? Look no further than the Apostle Paul, who often drew on the metaphor of the race in his description of living the Christian life. “Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one receives the prize? So run that you may obtain it. Every athlete exercises self-control in all things. They do it to receive a perishable wreath, but we an imperishable.” (1Corinthians 9: 24, 25 ESV). Paul reminds us that life is a marathon, not a sprint, and that we will find the strength to pace ourselves through the nutrition of God’s Word. Every year during Homecoming Week, we recognize our Northwestern College alumni who have set a God-honoring pace in their lives. This week, we honor the four recipients for 2011 during our Homecoming celebration. The next time you take a brisk walk, remember Paul’s words and “run your best in the race of faith.” And like these outstanding alumni, keep running! Congratulations to each of you! Matt Bostrom FOCUS ’92, Distinguished Alumnus 2011The Distinguished Alumnus Award is presented to an alumnus who has demonstrated God-honoring leadership to humanity and service in his profession as well as leadership in the home and church. In November 2010, Matt Bostrom was elected sheriff for Ramsey County, Minnesota’s second largest county. Prior to that, he served more than 28 years with the Saint Paul Police Department. Additionally, he is an adjunct professor at Hamline University, Northwestern College and Saint Mary’s University.
Bostrom graduated from Northwestern’s FOCUS program in 1992 and also holds degrees from the University of St. Thomas (Master of Education) and Hamline University (Doctor of Public Administration). He is a graduate of the FBI National Academy and a certified State of Minnesota Emergency Manager. Neil Stavem FOCUS ’95, MATS ’98, Buckles-Hannah Service AwardThe Buckles-Hannah Service Award recognizes and honors an alumnus who was or is currently a member of the Northwestern College community and who has given outstanding service to Northwestern and its mission. Neil Stavem is the director of programming for the Faith Radio Network—a six-station group in the Upper Midwest owned by Northwestern College and Northwestern Media in St. Paul. He has been with Northwestern and its flagship station KTIS in St. Paul for 35 years, serving in a variety of on-air and programming capacities. He currently hosts the interactive talk show Connecting Faith from noon to 1 p.m. daily.
Stavem is a 1995 graduate of Northwestern’s FOCUS program and earned his Master of Arts in Theological Studies from Northwestern College in 2008. Athletic Hall of FameThe Athletic Hall of Fame recognizes former athletes and coaches for their NWC athletic achievements and evidence of a continuing commitment to the claims of Christ in their lives. Tim Aalsma ’98, Athletic Hall of Fame
Tim Aalsma, from the Class of 1998, is the only player in Northwestern men’s basketball history to own places in all four of the program’s elite statistical groups: the 1,000 Point Club, 500 Rebound Club, 250 Assist Club and 150 Steals Club. While wearing an Eagle jersey he amassed 2,141 career points, which bests all players throughout the team’s 38-year history. Northwestern won conference championships in each of Aalsma’s four years, and earned berths in the NCCAA National Tournament in 1995 and 1998.
Emily (Buchner ’02) Sheplee, Athletic Hall of Fame
A 2002 graduate, Emily Sheplee was an all-around volleyball player and an all-around student-athlete during her time at Northwestern. Leading the Eagles to a pair of UMAC Championships, Sheplee still remains the program’s top performer in kills per set in a season, kills per set in a career and total blocks in a career. An NAIA Honorable Mention All-American in 2002, Sheplee earned NCCAA and NAIA Academic All-American awards in 2001 and 2002. -back to top- Cheer for your Favorite Team The football floated into the receiver’s hands in a perfect spiral and a touchdown! Cheers filled the air. After our opponents scored, the same receiver ran the kickoff back for a second touchdown. I love watching Northwestern Eagle football every fall. Win or lose, they play the game with passion and spirit. As a former player, I thoroughly enjoy those moments. Including football, there are 11 varsity sports (18 squads) at Northwestern—325 student-athletes and their coaches—dedicated competitors known for their intensity and teamwork as well as championship wins. But at the team level, the Eagles keep a different score where winning is not the primary goal. Rather it’s exemplifying Christian character. Their primary goal is not to build dynasties, but to see Christ glorified. Athletics at Northwestern has been called a family affair. I like that: teammates and coaches living their faith and supporting each other. The Fall 2010 Pilot magazine contains several inspiring articles about a love of Christ that binds our teams together. If you have not done so, I highly recommend you read a copy. But Northwestern has another “team” to cheer for. As a Christ-centered academic institution, we are God’s Team; created in His image, called to be His disciples. Billy Graham—Northwestern’s second president—made a statement I treasure. “The highest form of worship is the worship of unselfish Christian service.” Experiencing the joys and accepting the responsibilities of unselfish Christian service plays a big part of the NWC experience. My hope—and my expectation—is that during the 2011–12 school year, Northwestern will continue to deepen its commitment to glorify God in the classroom, on the playing field and in the world. I’m cheering for Northwestern—the team dedicated to giving God our highest and our best! -back to top-
G is for GenerosityA new school year is here, and I am grateful to God for each student—each one is a gift from Him. He is a generous, wise and benevolent Giver of gifts. For all His many gifts to Northwestern, we say “Thank You!”: The new Billy Graham Community Life Commons, our new students, eight consecutive Fulbright Scholars, being named a 2010 Star Tribune Top Work Place, the increase of listeners on our social media outlets through Faith Radio, and many more. Some of His gifts we take for granted. Some of His gifts we don’t recognize, use, or appreciate. His gifts are numerous: talents, opportunities, family, friends, possessions, fellowships, and that greatest Gift of all, His Son Jesus Christ, Who then gave Himself. God’s example of generosity provides an opportunity for us, as a Christ-centered community, to be a reflection of Him. Having been blessed, we can become a blessing. We have the direction in the Old Testament of giving a tithe, as well as the New Testament principle of giving illustrated by Paul’s example to give everything we have. But we must decide what choice to make. What of our time and talents and treasure shall we give? As witnesses and recipients of the love poured forth from God’s hand, our joyful response will surely be to give back to Him, to His people, and to His work at Northwestern College and in the world. And, certainly, our desire is that God is glorified through all we do. -back to top- Perseverance“I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” (Phil. 4:13) Paul says we can do all things in God’s will if we allow him to be our strength.
When it might have been easier to take a different path, Northwestern graduate Charity Straszheim ’10 persevered in being a teacher. She was recently awarded a Fulbright English Teaching Assistantship (ETA) Scholarship, through which she will teach for one year in the Czech Republic. Straszheim’s selection makes eight Northwestern Fulbright Scholars in eight years. Her chapter in the “book” of NWC Fulbright Scholars is a story of perseverance and trust in God. Since 2004, Straszheim has traveled to the Czech Republic three times to teach English. Unsure of her future after graduation, and hoping for an opportunity to return to the Czech Republic, Straszheim learned that she was a Fulbright alternate at the end of March and was offered the Fulbright award on April 12. “I have a passion for education, for other cultures, and for other languages,” said Straszheim. “I know that I have been directed to go to the Czech Republic for this season, and I am eager to see what the Lord will do there.” Though her curriculum has not been finalized, Charity knows she will be working with two different Czech schools teaching English, and possibly developing curriculum with other English teachers. “I am most excited about the challenge of it all,” added Straszheim. “I don’t expect there to be many fluent English speakers there and I am sure it will be a bit isolating. Yet, I am excited to see how the Lord will provide and work as I seek to pursue further the vocation of teaching as well as pursue relationships with my fellow teachers and students.” Northwestern’s Fulbright Scholars fit the program’s profile beautifully because participants selected include those with strong academic merit and leadership potential. Sponsored by the U.S. Department of State, it allows students, scholars and professionals the opportunity to engage in study, research or teaching assistantships all over the world. In others words, people who are devoted and dedicated. A professor I know frequently reminds his students, “You don’t have time for the ordinary. You only have time for good.” Granted, we need time to relax as we seek our goals, but I believe this professor is telling his students not to be passive observers in life—be participants! Like Charity, accept life’s challenges and trust in God. We need direction and perseverance and God promises to be our strength in the pursuit of both. -back to top- Morning WalkAfter spring Commencement and the students are gone, the college seems to draw a deep breath as summer classes get underway. It’s a good time to take a moment to enjoy the beauty of our campus and reflect on God’s many blessings. This week was a good week to do just that. Having just returned from vacation, I began the day with a walk across the quiet campus green, taking in the beautiful landscape of buildings and nature in the morning sunlight. I paused for a moment at the Billy Graham Community Life Commons to read some of the donor names on the brick path and thanked God for their faith and their support of Northwestern. I prayed as well for the Class of 2011—remembering their joy of being the first students to walk over the building’s threshold on Commencement Day. We move about today at such a hectic pace, acting as if we have seen all there is to see, missing so much of the beauty around us—the beauty that is one of God’s gifts to us. When I returned to my office, I reached for my book of hymns and found this favorite: This is my Father’s world,
and to my listening ears
all nature sings, and round me rings
the music of the spheres.
This is my Father’s world;
I rest me in the thought
of rocks and trees, of skies and seas;
His hand the wonders wrought. So take time in your day to slow down and “listen” for the heartbeat of God: “Be still, and know that I am God” (Psalm 46:10). -back to top- When Students Teach UsWhen we read about all of the extraordinary things our students are doing, it lifts our collective spirits. We thank God for their dedication and hard work. Yet, we often overlook what their efforts teach us—that as Christians, we are called to serve God in everything we do. Just as He calls our students to excel, God calls us to give Him our best! Junior volleyball Greta King knows the joy of giving God her best. She recently received the Inaugural NCCAA Game Plan 4 LIFE Character Award. A kinesiology major, King is highly respected by her peers and exemplifies the four character qualities of the award: love, integrity, faith and excellence. We also celebrate with the Northwestern men’s basketball team for giving their best throughout a 21–7 season, and going 13–1 in UMAC play. The team earned the conference's first-ever automatic qualifier into the NCAA Tournament. The Eagles made their presence felt, losing only to the University of St. Thomas, the eventual Champion, 70-60. Senior Brian Lecheler was named to the D-III All-American Honorable Mention team. Congratulations as well to NWC winners in the prestigious Young Artist music competitions: vocalists Barrett Radziun ’10 and sophomore T. Hastings Reeves, and pianist Seoyon Susanna Lim, a junior. Beyond the honors, the accomplishments of these NWC students teach us that progress in the Christian life is progress in understanding that we are called to serve God in our daily tasks as citizens, members of our families, in our jobs and in our churches. It’s difficult sometimes to balance all of those, but that’s the calling we all have. That’s our vocation as Christians. Given all of the distractions students face today, it’s also difficult to balance the workloads they carry. That’s why our support as faculty, administrators and friends is indispensable. Go out of your way to befriend and mentor our students. Remember to pray for them. They have a lot to teach us. -back to top- A Christ-Centered FirstThe selection of W. Edward Glenny, Th.D., Ph.D., Professor of New Testament Studies and Greek, as the first recipient of the J. Edwin Hartill Professorship, is an important milestone in Northwestern’s pursuit of academic excellence. The honor is the college’s first endowed professorship for full-time professors. Dr. Glenny’s teaching, research and professional achievements have received strong affirmation from recognized scholars in his field. In his classes at Northwestern, those efforts translate into a passion for Christ-centered higher education. Christ-centered learning is our college’s foundation for excellence. For our students, it’s the foundation of an education for life. Fully funded by a donor, the J. Edwin Hartill Professorship stimulates scholarship, which in turn benefits Northwestern students. It is a two-year appointment with a credit load of 50 percent teaching and 50 percent research. “This opportunity should make me a better teacher at Northwestern,” said Glenny. “My students should be better served by my teaching and leave my classes better prepared because of this opportunity.” The endowed professorship is named for Dr. J. Edwin Hartill ’37 (1909–81), a Northwestern graduate and one of the college’s beloved Bible scholars and professors for many years. This marvelous gift is another example of God at work in the life of Northwestern College. -back to top- "Here I am, Lord, send me"Northwestern College, like Christians and Christian communities everywhere, is uniquely created for God’s purpose. Scripture calls us the Body of Christ. In that familiar passage from 1 Corinthians, the Bible likens this Body to the body of a person. All the parts of the body are needed if it is to function effectively. None is more important than the other. We are also instructed to encourage one another in the use of our talents and gifts. Knowing we are part of the Body of Christ is a great analogy, but more importantly, as part of that Body, we must remain conditioned to be salt and light Christians who say, “Here I am, Lord, send me.” That was clearly the case as our students, faculty and staff reached more than 30 different community service sites on this year’s Day of Prayer & Service on April 7. The entire NWC campus took part in the annual event, spending the day in prayer, worship and one of many service projects. NWC groups volunteered their services at various sites including Feed My Starving Children, Eagle Crest senior housing, City of Roseville parks, Urban Ventures, Second Harvest Heartland and Boys and Girls Clubs. Jeff Snyder, associate dean and Day of Prayer & Service coordinator says, “The Day of Prayer & Service continues to be one of the highest rated college experiences on student surveys every year, and faculty and staff have come to embrace it as a refreshing opportunity to serve God in ways that are not always possible.” Albert Einstein once said, “When the solution is simple, God is answering.” I think Einstein’s words help us understand the growing enthusiasm for our annual Day of Prayer & Service. We ask ourselves, “How do we live our faith?” God gives us the answer: simply be salt and light Christians to others in our community. Christ opens the way. Fellowship and prayer keep us on course and unified in our commitment to be sent and to serve. -back to top- The Singing SoulMusic is a rich part of the Northwestern experience and our lives as Christians, whether through performing, composing, teaching, or worshipping. On a recent visit to a senior health care center, a friend of mine noticed a lady sitting in the lobby holding a well-worn hymnal. She radiated the joy of living 90 years or so. When my friend asked her if she was reading a favorite hymn or two, she smiled and in a small whispery voice replied, “No, I’m singing them. I used to be a soprano then I dropped down to an alto, then tenor. Finally, my voice box retired, so now I am singing with my soul.” The sparkle in those elderly eyes, according to my friend, was hard to forget. As I paged through a book of favorite hymns I keep in my office library, I think of her comment. Soon, I find myself thinking back to the many times throughout my life that just by singing a few of my favorite hymns has brought comfort and joy. The evolution of church music from Gregorian chant to the contemporary praise and worship music we enjoy today at Northwestern, celebrates centuries of beautiful melodies and meaningful lyrics for generations of Christians who lift their hearts in song. Many of us can remember during the days of our youth, standing around a campfire and singing praise choruses. As adults, we thrill to the music and message of Handel’s Messiah, and during times of hurry or stress, pop a sing-along CD into the stereo while at home or driving. Both help put our minds at peace. I often choose one of old hymns of the church. Many express theological depth, some a call to prayer, others offering praise for what the Lord has done for us. Like the elderly lady in the lobby, our souls need to sing. Whether the hymns of history that are a connection to the saints of long ago, whether to feel one with those who are singing His praises in all corners of the world, or just a personal need to find encouragement or express hope. Music is prayer. It is conversation, comfort and evangelism. The great hymns provide all of these. They strengthen the spirit, refresh the mind, and give substance to the singing soul. Some of my favorite hymns include: - Be Thou My Vision
- Beautiful Savior
- His Eye Is On The Sparrow
- Joyful, Joyful We Adore Thee
- Praise Ye The Lord, The Almighty
- Great Is Thy Faithfulness
- How Great Thy Art
If and when my voice box retires, their words and music will be indelibly embossed on my soul. -back to top- The Fruit of their LaborThe “fruit” of something is described in the dictionary as “the result, product, or consequence of any action.” What is the fruit of Northwestern College? Not just fruit over a semester, but the fruit over time. For Northwestern’s student-run radio station, WVOE-FM , fruit is being named the National Religious Broadcasters Intercollegiate (iNRB) Radio Station of the Year for the third year in a row! This is a significant honor. The iNRB Radio Station of the Year Award is presented to an outstanding student-operated radio station, including AM or FM stations, campus carrier stations, Internet radio stations, cable radio stations and any other means of radio programming delivery to an audience either on or off the school's campus. NRB President and CEO Dr. Frank Wright said, “We salute these young scholars for their creativity and dedication in running an outstanding radio station, and at the same time fulfilling all their academic requirements.” Significantly, receiving top honors and having three station-of-the-year trophies on the shelf hasn't taken the students' focus away from the big picture: the ongoing mission of using their talents to glorify Christ. "Even if we didn't win anything, all of us would be no less thankful for God's blessings,” said Jon Meerdink ’11, WVOE general manager. “Our joy doesn't come from winning awards, but from serving the One who has blessed us so tremendously. An award like this is just icing on the cake." In addition to the top honor, Northwestern’s Electronic Media Communication students were awarded 20 of 34 possible iNRB awards, including nine first place production awards and three scholarships.
Drew Hoekema ’11 received the $2,500 Bob Dobbs Scholarship for his essay explaining why he wants to work in secular broadcasting after graduation. "The main point of the essay is based on Matthew 5 and the call to be salt in the world," explained Hoekema, "My aim is not to 'be the hero' who is going to simply come in and change the entire industry, but instead to trust in Christ, to glorify Him and enjoy Him in whichever environment I find myself." Erin McGregor ’11 and Micah Murray ’11 took first and second place, respectively, in the Al Sanders scholarship competition for their essays on the future of broadcasting. McGregor's paper, which won her a $2,000 scholarship, stated that the best way to package truth for Generation Y is through storytelling—specifically visual storytelling through film. As we celebrate the honors made possible through Northwestern’s Electronic Media Communication program, WVOE’s radio ministry and the talented students who create and produce it, let us not lose sight of the Spirit who guides their efforts. As the fruit of this ministry enriches people’s lives, it brings glory to God. Thanks to everyone involved for your continuing dedication and for a job well done! -back to top- Who Gets the Glory?Two of the four principles (pillars) of Northwestern College are Wholeheartedly Christian and Academically Excellent. We must remain dedicated to the continued fulfillment of those principles as they help define what makes Northwestern unique. But who gets the glory for our efforts? Wholeheartedly Christian and Academically Excellent are very broad concepts. I embrace them both in their widest sense and in their many manifestations. I think it says a lot about us as a college that both are high priorities in NWC’s long-range strategic plan. This plan goes to the heart of what Northwestern is all about—our promise to be an academically excellent, Christ-centered learning community. But who gets the glory? Thanks to God’s favor, we are a college that inspires as well as educates. We build on this legacy every day, resulting in a diverse mosaic of events and achievements: - The Billy Graham Community Life Commons moves closer to completion
- The Trinity sculpture is installed on the new Campus Green—a most generous gift from donors Jake and Marge Barnett
- Our volleyball and women’s soccer teams win UMAC Championship Tournaments
- We have added two online graduate degrees—Master of Arts in Theological Studies and Master of Organizational Leadership
Who gets the glory? God alone, or God and us? Our prayer must be to give God alone the glory. Acknowledging that we are prone to want a little of the glory for ourselves, we must pray that giving God the glory—as we give Him our best—remains our highest purpose. -back to top- | 
