Westwind, Fall 2009

New Campus Sculpture Embodies Generosity in Service

2008–09 Annual Report

WestwindThe Journal of Walla Walla UniversityFall 2009

wallawalla.edu/westwind

The Student Missions Experience

OnEYEarExTraOrdinarY

Alumni Homecoming WeekendApril 22–25, 2010Plan to join us for a memorable weekend where you can reconnect with classmates and friends.

Weekend Highlights

For schedule, ticket, and lodging information: alumni.wallawalla.edu or call (800) 377-2586

Homecoming BanquetA special tribute to our Alumni of the YearFriday, April 23, 5:30 p.m.

Gatewayto ServiceCelebrating 50 Yearsof Student Missions

Honor Class ReunionsSabbath afternoon, April 241960, 1965, 1970, 1975, 1980, 1985, 1990, 2000

Sabbath ServicesJoining together in Sabbath worshipFirstServe speaker—Jon Griebel ’00Second Service speaker—Karl Haffner ’85

Student Missions ReunionSpend time sharing memoriesSabbath, April 24, 7:30 p.m.

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10The Student Missions Experience

4 Campus Current

9 Bits and Pieces

10 One Extraordinary Year

16 Alumnotes

19 In Memory

21 Annual Report

31 From My Point of View

32 College Avenue Crossings

Fall 2009 Westwind 3

Contents

Westwind is published three times a year for alumni and friends of Walla Walla University, a Seventh-day Adventist institution. It is produced by Marketing and Enrollment Services/University Relations. This issue was printed in November 2009. Third-class postage is paid at College Place, Wash. © 2009 by Walla Walla University.

Westwind/University Relations 204 S. College Ave. College Place, WA 99324 Telephone: (509) 527-2513 Toll-free: (800) 377-2586 E-mail: [email protected] Online: westwind.wallawalla.edu

Westwind Fall 2009, Volume 28, Number 2

Editor Rosa Jimenez Writers Lisa Krueger, Sarah Radelfinger, Chelsea Vymeister Production Manager Sarah Radelfinger Design Robert Car Graphics

About the cover Photographer Chris Simon, a senior psychology student, spent one year as a student missionary, working as a teacher in Palau.

Walla Walla University is a community of faith and discovery committed to – Excellence in thought– Generosity in service– Beauty in expression– Faith in God

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4 Westwind Fall 2009

Campus Current Campus Master Plan Distinguished Faculty Lecture Bible Lands Tour

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A biblical story of service and faith is at the heart of a new bronze sculpture

planned for the Walla Walla Univer-sity campus.

Inspired with words from the university mission statement, “Gen-erosity in Service,” the bronze sculp-ture will feature a life-size scene of Jesus washing the feet of contem-porary disciples. It will be installed this school year on the lawn in front of the University Church.

“Jesus’ use of water to wash the disciple’s feet preceding the Last Supper was to teach humility and service to those ambitious men by becoming their example, and an example to all Christians,” says sculptor Alan Collins.

The Class of 1950, led by class president Bruce Johnston (1925–2009), initiated the project in 1999 as a gift to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the class. Jon Dyb-dahl, president of WWU at that time, supported the project, encouraging planners to expand their idea of an interior sculpture and commission a campus centerpiece sculpture. Other donors have joined with the class to complete the project.

Collins received the commis-sion from WWU in 2006. Sculptor Alan Collins is an Oregon-based artist. One of his most well-known sculptures in Adventist circles is “The Good Samaritan,” installed at Loma Linda University and Medical Center. n

New Campus Sculpture Embodies Generosity in Service

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A pedestrian-friendly College Avenue corridor and a revitalized campus core

are two of the initiatives outlined in Walla Walla University’s new campus master plan—the most comprehensive physical plan ever developed for the university. The plan will guide decisions about physical campus improvements, including building priorities, traf-fic flow, pedestrian safety, and the general use of campus space.

President John McVay worked with the administrative team and the University Master Planning Committee to launch the project in 2007.

“Walla Walla University was weighing significant decisions about potential new buildings and department relocations,” says McVay, “and we concluded that to make the best decisions, we needed to have a comprehensive, long-term plan for the campus.”

The university hired Integrus, an architectural firm based in Spokane, Wash., to assist in de-veloping the physical master plan. Integrus advised the university to begin the project by eliciting the opinions of students, faculty, staff, alumni, and community members. Through surveys and meetings, participants offered their opinions about everything from enrollment size and class offerings to campus parking and pedestrian flow.

Jim Nestler, who served as chair of the University Master Planning Committee during the plan’s de-velopment, reviewed the results of the surveys and discussions with

campus members and meetings with Integrus and city officials. “Issues that kept cropping up were College Avenue, car and pe-destrian traffic patterns through campus, and the need for a cam-pus core that better served our students and our academic mis-sion,” says Nestler. “The students, staff, faculty, and administrators on the committee did a superb job of working as a team to look at the long-term and campus-wide implications of every decision.”

The physical master plan ad-

dresses these issues and more. With an eye toward growth, the plan also outlines major building priorities, including a new library and student center. In addition, the plan also outlines new or re-vised roads and pathways for pe-destrian and vehicular traffic.

“Our goal is to accent the beauty of our campus and create a new, robust infrastructure for student services at the heart of it,” says McVay.

Although the plan is projecting some campus improvements as far as 20 years in the future, WWU is already making campus improve-ments through the following cur-rent projects.

NUrsINg AND soCIAl Work The leading current project is the renovation of the second floor of Winter Educational Complex.

When completed, the renovated space will be the home of the School of Nursing and the Wilma Hepker School of Social Work and Sociology. The funds for this project were raised as part of the Faith In the Vision capi-tal campaign. The two schools will enjoy a renewed and invit-ing east-facing entry along with the Department of Health and Physical Education.

PortlAND CAmPUs The School of Nursing on the Portland campus recently remod-eled existing space in its classroom building. The project included library renovation, new classroom dividers, and an additional com-puter lab. Also, construction on a classroom addition will start this year, allowing the program to grow by 60 more students.

BUsINessThe School of Business began the 2009–10 school year in a new location. Moving from the Winter Educational Complex, the school’s new home is in Bowers Hall. This relocation is one of the steps the school is taking to build visibility and enrollment for one of WWU’s largest programs.

CoNveNIeNCe storeAn expansion of The Express, WWU’s convenience store, is dou-bling the size of the store’s original 1,600 square feet. The new addi-tion will provide restrooms, more customer seating, and larger food preparation areas. n

An Eye to the Future

the proposed version of College Avenue (top) will enhance both safety and eye-appeal. Wide and attractive pathways (bottom) in the proposed physical master plan will encourage pedestrian traffic.

Document to Guide Campus Planning

Campus Current

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tom Thompson was finish-ing up his senior year in 1968 as a chemistry major

at Walla Walla University when he decided, just for fun, to add a few mathematics classes and a second degree program. Medical school came next. “But it didn’t grab me,” he said. So he headed to University of Washington for a master’s degree in mathemat-ics, graduating in 1971. During a time when jobs were scarce, he received two offers, including one from WWU. The position at WWU had become available when someone who had accepted the job had, at the last minute, unexpectedly declined to come.

Almost four decades later—taking just a short leave to complete his doctoral stud-ies at University of California Davis—Thompson is still in the classroom.

“I wasn’t planning to teach, but it was providential,” he says. “I knew this job was made for me. I’m starting my 39th year and I feel that I’m the luckiest person in the world. I’m doing precisely what I enjoy. I love working with the students. When I’m teaching them, I see the furrowed brows and then as I explain the concept to them, I see their faces relax and break into a smile as they begin to understand.”

During his career with WWU, he published a book in 1984, From Error Correcting Codes Through Sphere Packings to Simple Groups, now in its fifth print-

ing with The Mathematical Association of America. Based in part on what he did for his doctoral dissertation, his book incorporates mathematical his-tory, a professional hobby for him.

Last year, Thompson was chosen by fel-low faculty to be the 2009 Distinguished Faculty Lecturer. This honor is awarded to in-dividuals who have demon-strated excel-lence in teaching and scholarship, and involvement in governance, church, and com-munity service.

His lecture, “Shape and Dimension,” drew from his interest in mathemati-cal history, observing how familiar geometric shapes such as circles, spheres, and cubes have played im-portant roles throughout written history. “Sometimes these shapes were used in scientific descriptions such as the shape of the moon and its path in the sky. At other times these shapes were connected to es-thetic or even philosophical ideas,” says Thompson. “Examples here

include the most pleasing rectan-gular building or seeking the shape of perfection itself.” However, Thompson observes, during the early part of the nineteenth cen-tury, new ideas about shape and di-mension were emerging and, by the latter part of the century, mathema-

ticians were exploring geometrical dimensions greater than three.

Thompson’s classes include calculus and advanced calculus, as well as abstract algebra. Since 1991, he has also contributed to the honors program, teaching Science and the Arts with Terrie Aamodt, professor of English and history. He has been a math club sponsor since its inception five years ago. He has made presenta-tions around the globe, including in Brazil, Canada, and Poland.

In addition to being a math-ematics teacher, Thompson is an amateur astronomer, shar-ing his interest with colleagues and students who go stargazing with him. About 15 years ago, he was instrumental in helping raise money and setting up the observatory at Kretschmar Hall. He recently attended the Oregon Star Party in the remote Ochoco National Forest with more than 700 people. Another interest for Thompson is woodworking. The desk in his office is designed from recycled table pieces he re-trieved from the WWU library. On the walls in the lobby of the Department of Mathematics, there are several mathematical symbols, including a summation symbol, resembling an “E,” that are Thompson’s handiwork.

Thompson holds a doctoral de-gree from University of California Davis. He and his wife, Clare, a junior high teacher at Rogers Adventist School, have three grown children, Trina, Heidi, and Tyler. n

Campus Current

Professor, Astronomer, Mathematics Historian

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Thompson Named Distinguished Faculty Lecturer

“I’m doing precisely what I love doing,” says tom thompson, professor of mathematics.

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New Professors Start 2009–10 School Year

Alex Bryan, new senior pas-tor for Walla Walla University Church, and his wife,

Nicole, had just bought a house in Tennessee and were preparing to settle down, but Bryan says, God had other plans.

“Nicole and I had a very real sense of God’s call to Walla Walla. This is a church and community longing to be faithful both to scripture and to a

ministry in our present context.”After earning degrees in his-

tory and religion from Southern Adventist University, he attended the divinity school at Andrews University. He completed a doctoral

degree in ministry from George Fox University. Bryan has served as a pastor for 13 years.

“I love pastoring because I un-derstand it to be the business of helping others explore the limitless

adventure of God. We cannot con-tain Him in one book or sermon or conversation,” says Bryan.

Along with Nicole, a 1997 WWU graduate, and 3-year-old daughter, Audrey, Alex brings his vision of the potential for local churches.

“All other parts of Adventism find their meaning when the local church is firing on all cylinders. We desper-ately need a generation of young

people graduating from our schools, pouring into our local churches, and revolutionizing them with prophetic vision and transforming love.”

Bryan believes that a church should be on fire for God.

“The Walla Walla University com-munity has a reputation for initiative, innovation, curiosity, beauty, creativ-ity, excellence, and big thinking,” says Bryan. “The way I see it, these are the first qualities we recognize in the God of Genesis 1 and 2, and what He envisions for people who are created in His image. I love that WWU embraces this vision in such a profound way.” n

University Church Welcomes New Pastor

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the Bryan family welcomed more than 1,300 dinner guests at the church’s first “the longest table” event.

kari Firestone graduated from Walla Walla University with a nursing degree in 1994 and received her masters of sci-ence in nursing education from Loma Linda University in 2006. She began teaching as an as-sistant professor at Loma Linda University in 2005 and is joining the Portland, Ore., campus as an assistant professor of nursing. Debbie lampson is a 1982 WWU nursing graduate and is re-turning to the university to serve as a clinical instructor for chronic illness, an academic adviser, and a clinical placement coordina-

tor. She is currently working on her masters of nursing educa-tion degree at Walden University. Lampson has worked as an ad-ministrative supervisor for Kaiser Permanente Hospital. She also has two years of teaching experience as a clinical instructor.

Pamela Bing Perry joined the Billings, Mont., campus as the new assistant professor of so-cial work and also as the Billings social work program director. Bing Perry received bachelor of science degrees in business admin-istration and behavioral science from Union College in 1984,

and earned her masters in business administra-tion degree from the University of Kansas in 1988. She received a second master’s degree in marital and family therapy from Loma Linda University in 2003. In 2009, also from LLU, she earned a doctoral degree in marital and family therapy.

melodie selby is a 1986 WWU civil engineering graduate. In 1994 she received a masters of science in civil engineering with a concentration in environmen-

tal engineering from Washington State University. Selby has worked for the Department of Ecology in Lacey, Wash., where she taught and developed training sessions. She also managed the depart-ment’s storm water, waste water, and reclaimed water programs. n

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Clockwise from bottom left: Debbie lampson, Pamela Bing Perry, melodie selby, and kari Firestone.

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For seven Walla Walla Uni-versity students, a study tour of Bible lands became

an unforgettable setting for a pub-lic commitment to Christ.

Three chose to be baptized on the Isle of Patmos, where John the Revelator received his vision for the book of Revelation. Two others chose Philippi, in the river where Paul baptized Lydia, the first European convert. For the final two, the setting was a ho-tel swimming pool in the Greek town of Meteora.

“In a time of life when many young adults drift away from spiritual commitments, we were delighted to see these seven re-

affirming their decision to put Jesus first,” says Carl Cosaert, professor in WWU’s School of Theology. “The baptisms were a real spiritual blessing, but they were just a small example of the blessings we all experienced on this trip.”

The three-week tour of Turkey and Greece was the first of its kind sponsored by WWU. Participating students earned eight hours of general studies religion credit. From June 23 to July 14, 2009, 40 students, two faculty and one staff member saw the Bible come vividly alive as they visited sites mentioned in the book of Acts, Paul’s letters, and

the book of Revelation.The trip took the group as

far east as Antioch, just above the Syrian border, and the place where Paul began his missionary journeys, taking the gospel to the Gentiles. “Our students caught hold of the missionary zeal that prompted him to give his life

spreading the good news,” says Cosaert. Other stops included Istanbul, Tarsus, Laodicea, Pat-mos, and Ephesus. The tour con-cluded with the cities of Athens and Smyrna.

Cosaert followed this stu-dent tour by leading a two-week study tour for the North Pacific Union Conference of Seventh-day Adventists. The tour, “The Footsteps of St. Paul and the Seven Churches of Revelation,” led 22 participants through sites in Turkey.

Cosaert hopes this will be the first of many similar trips, and is already planning on leading a sec-ond tour in 2011. “I’m convinced this is a unique opportunity not only for our students to visit a dif-ferent culture, but to experience the Bible as never before,” he says. “It’s better than any sermon, book or Bible class.” n

During a day that included visits to Philadelphia, sardia, thyatira, and smyrna, students leave a gymnasium and head to a Jewish synagogue.

Project Prompts Outpouring of Support

Summer Trip Brings Bible Alive

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NEW EqUIPMENT RESOURCE TO RAISE LEvEL Of STUDyScience study and research in the Walla Walla Valley has been significantly enhanced with a grant award from the National Science Foundation. The founda-tion awarded $800,000 to neigh-boring Whitman College for the

purchase of sophisticated equip-ment that will also be used by Walla Walla University students. Collaborative use of the equipment was a key component of the grant proposal.

The grant has secured two sophisticated instruments for shared use.

A 1,200-pound $388,000 nuclear magnetic resonance instrument,

or NMR, will give chemistry students the opportunity to view real spectra as opposed to textbook examples, and also the molecular structure of chemical compounds. A

$407,000 scanning electron microscope will give students

the opportunity to view surfaces magnified thousands of times. Students will gain skills as they operate the sophisticated equip-ment—experience critical for grad-uate schools.

“Funding organizations have in recent years increasingly favored collaboration grants,” says Ginger Ketting-Weller, vice president of academic administration. “These grants strengthen the exchange and sharing of ideas and resources between partners. With two un-dergraduate programs benefiting from this grant, the funding ac-complishes more.”


Bits & Pieces

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Ring the BellsThanks to the Class of 2009, the Walla Walla University Church carillon and the Administration Building bell now ring in tandem at the top of every hour between 8 a.m. and 10 p.m. Professors and students at the School of Engineering restored the carillon to working condition, and the bells have been pealing perfectly since commencement in June.

The carillon, originally installed in the late 1960s as a gift from Clyde and Marry Harris, stopped functioning properly in the 1990s. The carillon is now played from both an electro-mechanical controller and the organ keyboard in the University Church.

The Administration Building bell is one of the few artifacts remaining from the old administration building that was demolished in 2003-04. The bell is also

played from an electro-mechanical controller.

Field of DreamsThe new women’s softball field, The Hebbel-Janke Softball Complex, hosted its first game in October. Named after donor Richard Hebbel and long-time assistant coach Bernie Janke, the facility includes features such as new dugouts and field lighting. Walla Walla University President John McVay joined athletic director Tim Windemuth and softball coach Michael Jimenez at the dedication, which was followed by two games between the WWU Wolves and Boise State University. Hebbel and Janke threw the game’s first two pitches to commemorate the event.

Calling All Computer ProgrammersPut your problem-solving and computing skills to the test—and you may win one of three tuition grant prizes. If you are an academy or high school student, visit cs.wallawalla.edu/contest to see how you can win a grant of $1000, $500, or $250. The contest is open feb. 1 through March 21, 2010. Winners will be announced during University Days held April 4-6, 2010.

Let’s Go With LegoComing to Walla Walla University April 10, 2010, budding engineers will showcase their skills during the annual North Pacific Regional Robotics Challenge. Student teams, primarily fifth- to eighth-graders, will present a robot, created from Lego components, and compete with other teams in a series of challenges. This year’s theme “Smart Move: Transforming Transportation,” will help kids learn how to access people, places, goods, and services safely and efficiently. One month later, WWU will host the National Robotics Challenge. On May 10, 2010, the highest performing teams will compete.


it’s mid-September, and Katie Davis’ suitcases lay untouched. As her peers begin folding away wool sweaters, zipping laptops into their

cases and strategizing how to cram that last crate into their parents’ al-ready over-stuffed minivan, Katie has yet to drop as much as a toothbrush into her two bags. Though the crisp evening temperatures in the Walla Walla Valley indicate the end of sum-mer and the start of another school year, Katie won’t be walking the halls of Kretschmar or Bowers this year. Instead, she will board a plane bound for balmy São Paulo, Brazil, where, come October, she’ll trade in her famil-iar role of pupil for teacher, Senhorita Davis to her new students.

Katie is one of 82 student missionar-ies who will leave the creature comforts of home this year to teach, preach and heal in far-flung places many of us would likely be unable to locate on a map. Whether bound for Palau or Pueblo,

Colo., each student has his or her own mission story.

Katie’s started years ago.“Ever since I was a kid I’ve always

wanted to be a missionary,” she says. “This is the most opportune moment for me to do it, when I have nothing hold-ing me back.”

Indeed, the 2009 Spanish graduate postponed the inevitable—matriculat-ing as a graduate student or navigating the prickly post-crash job market—to pursue her lifelong goal of being an SM. In preparation for her trip, Katie has been teaching herself Portuguese, a language similar to Spanish, and while the prospect of mastering an-other tongue is largely the reason Katie chose Brazil, she’s hoping to get more from her eight months abroad than a language lesson. She’s hoping to grow closer to God. To be pushed beyond her normal comfort level. To become more outspoken about her faith. In short, she’s hoping for the kind of

The Student Missions Experience

By Amy Wilkinson

OnEYEarExTraOrdinarY

Fifty years after Walla Walla University’s first student

missionary embarked for alaska, it’s clear SMs receive as

much—or more—from their experience than they give.



life-changing experience afforded only through a year serving others.

‘Get Your Apprenticeship For Foreign Mission Work At Walla Walla College’Katie’s clearly not the first to pursue a new sense of purpose through mis-sions. In fact, the 2009–10 school year marks the 50th anniversary of Walla Walla University’s Student Missions program. But the story of missions at WWU begins much earlier than that. The foundation of the university was built upon service.

Flip through chapter 12 of profes-sor Terri Aamodt’s WWU history Bold Venture and an image emerges of a university con-structed for the purpose of prepar-ing young people to answer God’s call

throughout the world. School planners “ex-

pected that virtually all of the college’s graduates would serve in either ‘home missions’ or ‘foreign missions,’” reads the text. This was a calling students were excited about. They were so keen in fact, that a small group formed the Foreign Missions Band in 1898, divid-ing themselves into groups representing their intended destinations including Africa, the Far East, South America, Europe, and India. Students met to train and study the languages and cul-tures of those places.

Also at that time, WWU’s curriculum was quite vocationally oriented, empha-sizing practical knowledge that would come in handy in the field (think: sponge bathing). Further solidifying the

university’s prep-school status, WWU was deemed by the General Conference as a training center for Malay and Chinese languages during World War II. Yet this entire curriculum had only one purpose: to train students for service after graduation.

Per Bold Venture, alumni and mis-sionaries Orley and Lillian Ford were even quoted in the 1925 Mountain Ash yearbook as saying, “We have seen prac-tically every college graduate succeed, many of those of lesser training unsuc-cessful, and everyone without any train-ing in one of our schools fail … Get your apprenticeship for foreign mission work at Walla Walla College and then come and help us.”

Of course students found time to volunteer, yet the fact remained that they were encouraged to pursue long-term mission work only after receiving their degrees. But in the summer of 1959, with little ceremony, WWU stepped into a

new era of its service history, send-

ing out its first student missionary: biology and physical education major Glenn Heath.

Now an artist in Mount Shasta, Calif., Heath recalls his summer “teach-ing Eskimos to swim” fondly. He felt no particular “call,” as many SMs do, saying he was merely asked by then-physical education professor Eugene Winter if he’d like a job teaching children to swim in Alaska, the same year the 49th state was admitted to the Union, incidentally.

Heath spent the next three months shuttling, sometimes by car but mostly by bush plane, from his base in Anchorage to camps in remote wilderness locations, staying in accommodations as basic as a tent or as lavish as a local’s home. More than a swim instructor, Heath was practically a one-man camp-

directing band, planning all of the kids’ activities, including morning and evening worships, and everything in between.

Though each stint lasted only seven to 10 days that was plenty of time to occa-sionally raise the locals’ ire.

“There were people who were really, really not happy we were there because they owned camps and we were kind of taking over things that they did,” Heath recalls. “If they really didn’t want us we packed up—one time in the middle of the night—and left.”

Yet the good almost always out-weighed the bad. Heath remembers most vividly the generosity of the people. When one of his host fami-lies learned he missed having a glass of milk with his meal—the Alaska tundra is no place to raise cows, after all—Heath found a glass of the scarce commodity in front of his seat, and his

seat alone, at the dinner table that evening.

“So I started drinking it,” Heath remembers. “And it was nasty! It was soy milk. I knew these people were poor, and I was raised to be po-lite and appreciative, so I drank the milk, so it wouldn’t be so bad. A lot of people like soy milk. It just isn’t a pref-erence of mine. Anyhow, I’m talking away and I look down and somebody had refilled my glass already!”

Fifty years later, SMs still appreciate the kindness of those they serve. What started with Heath, the first lone mis-sionary sent to the Alaskan wilderness, has blossomed into a thriving campus program that sends 70 to 100 SMs each year.

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‘The Better We Prepare Ourselves, The More Wisely We Serve’Though it’s no longer the practice to reserve long-term mission work for graduates, that is not to say students leave ill-prepared for their year abroad. In fact, the application process to be an SM is surprisingly rigorous—the first true test of a would-be missionary’s mettle.

Before she could even think about Brazil, Katie went through the same lengthy application process every SM completes before they leave for their post, starting with a visit to the small

building on College Avenue that houses the Student Missions

Office. Former SMs serve as the staff—a knowledge-able, reassur-ing voice for prospective missionaries. From there,

students fill out two de-tailed ap-plication packets, which include seven references, a person-

ality test, a health exam, a specially formatted resume detailing volunteer experience and hobbies and interests, and grade printouts. The candidate must also undergo interviews with five returned SMs, a three-credit ori-entation class, an orientation retreat, and much more. The application goes through no fewer than five commit-tees, often a four-month processing period, before a student is given the green light.

“When we have it that involved we have a very high success rate for students who go out,” says Jeanne Vories, director of student missions.

Theology professor Paul Dybdahl, who teaches the orientation class

“Introduction to Cross-Cultural Ministry,” agrees.

“I think God can use all sorts of peo-ple, but the better we prepare ourselves, the more wisely we will serve,” he says. “The more wisely we serve, the greater impact we will have.”

A former student missionary him-self, Dybdahl took the same class from his father, former WWU President Jon Dybdahl, back in the late ‘80s. He often relies on his own experience in Thailand to illuminate his lectures and curriculum, which is a mix of world religions, communications and basic travel knowledge.

“Probably the best part of class is the fact that recently returned SMs visit and share stories, advice, and encouragement to the outgoing SMs,” Dybdahl says.

Something else Vories and Dybdahl try to prepare students for is culture shock, both in go-

ing and coming back. According to Vories, students often have a harder time adjusting after returning home

from a post—a sort of reverse culture shock or “re-entry stress.”

“It’s difficult saying goodbye to the family and friends that they’ve met and made throughout the year. They don’t know if they’ll ever see them again,” Vories says. “Many times they say they cried all the way home.”

‘They Cannot Help But Be Changed’It’s undeniable the nearly 3,000 student missionaries sent by WWU over the past 50 years have had an impact on the peo-ple they serve and the places they tread. But, according to Vories, it’s often the SMs themselves who return the most

changed. Many will attest that their rela-tionship with God has grown. That they feel more confident. That they’re ready to lead. In fact, more than half of the last 10 ASWWU presidents have been returned student missionaries.

“Their experience overseas grooms them to be leaders,” Vories says. Today’s Adventist pastors, teachers and business-men and women aren’t just made in the classroom; they’re tried and tested in the marshes of the jungle and the heat of the tropics.

“No matter what their reasons were for going, they cannot help but changed,” Vories says. “Seeing how stu-dent misionaries are changed is the most rewarding part of my job.”

Once SMs return to campus, Vories schedules an exit interview of sorts with each, where she gets her first oppor-tunity to see the changes in the stu-dent, many

of whom become like her own chil-dren after months of close work and prepa-ration for the journey and com-munication while in the field.

“I realize at that age they’re going to mature anyway, but they just seem head and shoulders above where they were when they left,” she says.

It’s not just Vories who notices shifts in returned SMs’ demeanors; many no-tice these changes in themselves, often in the midst of their year abroad.

Though less than six months returned from his teaching post in Palau, psy-chology major Christopher Simons can already sense changes in his perspective. Most of all, he says material possessions don’t matter so much to him anymore after seeing how little his students had, yet how happy they were.

One experience that really high-lighted this change was allowing his students to use his beloved camera, without reservation.

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“I wouldn’t let my kids use it at all because, you know, it’s my camera,” Simons remembers. “I didn’t want any-thing to happen to it. By the end of the year the kids took my camera around and walked around taking pictures, and it just didn’t matter to me. I realized those little things like that, even if some-thing were to happen to it, seeing the students light up and having fun and taking pictures of themselves with my nice camera made it all worth it.”

Newly returned SM Shantel Jamieson agrees that it matures one’s thinking. The junior nursing major spent six months working in two different or-phanages in Kenya, Africa, where her job description was simply to love the children. She played with them, co-ordinated their medical care and even organized a hygiene class for the young girls. But tragedy was never far from Jamieson’s view. One day, a young child died in her arms. “Once you’ve seen death right before you and life right before you, your perspective of your own world back here just changes com-pletely,” she says.

Many students chose a mission field closer to home, em-barking as taskforce workers to other states in the U.S. as

academy deans, tu-tors, and organiza-tional volunteers.

For 2007 English graduate Samantha Silva, a year in Portland, Ore., helped her solidify her true calling as a teacher—without even stepping foot into an academy as she had intended.

In the summer of 2004, Silva packed up her recently purchased car (an an-swered prayer from God) and headed for Vancouver, Wash., where she lived

with a friend’s family while working at International Children’s Care, which operates and funds homes for needy children across the globe. Silva’s main task was to write stories about these kids to help garner sponsorships and donations. Torn between a career in writing or teaching, Silva felt an op-portunity like ICC would help clarify her decision.

While she enjoyed crafting these nar-ratives, it was one of Silva’s seemingly banal tasks that would prove pivotal. The then 22-year-old was asked to learn a new database program the organiza-tion was adopting and teach her co-workers how to use it.

“One of the best days I had was the day I got to go teach it to them,” Silva remembers. “One of my co-workers looked at me afterward and said, ‘Sam, I don’t know how you did that. You did that with so much patience. You ran through the same question about 15 times. No wonder you’re going to be a teacher.’ God showed me through my co-workers that while I could do writ-ing, because I’m a good writer, my true gift, my true passion, was for teaching.”

Now an English teacher at Glendale Adventist Academy in Glendale, Calif.,

Silva is just one of many former service workers who say their missions experi-ence led them to choose a particular career path.

When Jamieson returned from Kenya, one of the first things she did was switch her major from physical therapy to nurs-

ing, having worked closely with a nurse at one of the orphanages.

“I just realized how much of a differ-ence you can make, even on a mission trip. You’re just able to be the first hand there that so many people need, espe-cially in Third World countries.”

After finishing her studies, Jamieson intends to return to a Third World country to help in some capacity.

‘Missions Is My Passion’Cynics would say that Jamieson’s pledge to lifelong service is just an idealized fantasy of a freshly returned SM. But what happens decades later when the sheen of a year abroad has tarnished? How does the mission experience trans-late after a career, a spouse, and kids enter the picture? Do the truths learned about one’s self and the world they in-habit still ring true? For many SMs the answer is an emphatic yes.

Donna Collins, a 1985 office admin-istration major, decided at the age of 7 or 8 that she wanted to be a student missionary af-ter a girl from her church returned from Peru regaling the congre-gation with her stories. So it was no surprise that

one of Collins’ first stops on the WWU campus during Summer Start was the chaplain’s office to

see what she needed to do to make her childhood dream a reality.

Shortly after the end of her fresh-man year, Collins left for Harajuku, Japan, where she taught English and led Bible study groups and Sabbath School classes. While there, she also befriended



an elderly couple across the street, who became her “Japanese parents.” Though they’d lived across from the Adventist compound for 20 years, it was Collins who first introduced them to the church.

“The biggest thing I did was open a little bit of a door for them into what Christianity was—why that compound was there and what it was about,” Collins remembers.

But the chief effect that year in Japan had on Collins was to plant the seed of mission mindedness, one whose branches would become intertwined with her career aspirations.

“Because of my experience there and realizing what it felt like to be some-where else where you don’t know the language, you don’t know the culture, the food is all different, it kind of be-came a personal mission of mine to really kind of watch out for those kids who came on campus from different countries,” Collins says.

When she graduated in 1985 Collins was offered a job as an admissions coun-selor at WWU, a job that lent itself well to aiding newbie foreign students. She be-gan opening her home for weekend din-ners, eventually focusing her efforts into creating a campus multi-cultural office.

As the director of the program, Collins became the den mother for newly arrived international students, picking them up from the airport, tak-

ing them grocery shopping, eating lunch with them in the cafeteria and walking them to class during their first few weeks on campus.

“When I look back I can see how that started in Japan and kind of permeated through my life,” Collins says.

For Ron Wilkinson, a 1978 theology graduate, it was a year in Bangladesh that solidified his lifelong leaning to-ward service.

In 1982, Wilkinson, along with 1976 graduate Keith Canwell, went to war-torn Bangladesh to help build more than 1,200 houses for victims of the genocide. While Canwell was responsible for acquiring building materials, Wilkinson decided whom the houses would be built for and laid the groundwork in South Central Bangladesh.

Now an entrepreneur, Wilkinson not only continues his mission work in Asia but has passed the service ethic onto his children, taking his family on many mis-sion trips throughout the years, with his sons Ryan, a 2009 graduate, and Eric, senior business major, both going on long-term mission trips while students at WWU.

The project closest to Wilkinson’s heart is Sweet Home, an orphanage in Eastern India, where he says the 70 kids who live there feel like his own. He visits them twice a year, making

sure to attend their graduations, expect-ing many will immigrate to the U.S. after finishing nursing school. He also does work at the neighboring school, which happens to have been built by his grandfather.

“The way I explain it is I love busi-ness but missions is my passion and children, specifically, are my passion,” Wilkinson says. “I will do what-ever I can, any opportunity I find that involves kids overseas. Without Bangladesh, I don’t believe that would have happened.”

‘I’m Willing To Experience Anything’Katie will begin packing a week before she leaves for Brazil. She’s excited about the prospect of being in a place where she knows no one and doesn’t speak the language—though she admits she’ll likely become a little more nervous when the departure date draws closer. She also says that she’s embarking with no expectations.

“I’m going down there with a com-pletely open mind,” she declares. “I’m willing to experience anything, whatever comes at me, I’ll be satisfied.”

Yet, with 50 years of history on her side, it’s clear Katie can expect one thing from her year in São Paulo—an incom-parable, life-changing experience. n

It’s July and for the next three months Jeanne Vories will not see the light of day. Literally. By September, Vories and her staff—all recent student missionaries—will send more than 75 outbound students to stations of call around the world.

What does this work take? Energy, perse-verance, knowledge, practicality, attention to detail, and most of all, passion. Former student missionaries say Vories has all these qualities and more.

Vories has served as director of student missions for 10 years, and had a similar role in the Chaplain’s Office for the previous nine years. She remembers clearly the very first student missionary she “processed” 20 years ago. “His name was Grant Geschke, and he went to teach at Stanborough

Secondary School in England. When he re-turned it was incredible to see the change in his life. I was hooked,” says Vories. Since then Vories estimates she has overseen the departures of more than 1,600 students.

After students are at their post, Vories remains vigilant, always ready to resolve the issues that inevitably arise. One day it could be a problem with a visa to Tanzania. Another day the concern could be a hurricane threat to the Micronesian islands.

“What inspires me to this day is knowing that our students are having an experience that will change their lives forever,” says Vories. “They return with extraordinary lead-ership skills, clearer goals and more com-mitted lives. I’m happy to be a part of that.”

Clearing the Path


Alumnotes

1950s Hal Harden ’59 and his wife, Warrine (McDuffie) ’58, live in Wenatchee, Wash.

Hal works as a semi-retired, self-em-

ployed family physician. In his spare time,

he enjoys photography, skiing, and avia-

tion. Hal and Warrine have three children,

Stephen ’83, Sharon, and Bryan att.

r. gary moon ’59 and his wife, Joan, live

in Lodi, Calif. While at WWU, Gary remem-

bers living in the dormitory and making

friends in the Biology Department. Gary

and Joan have four children, Robert Jr.,

Randall, Mark, and Danielle.

Nancy (Jacobson) schippmann ’59

and her husband, Douglas, live in Boring,

Ore. Nancy has had the opportunity to

travel seven times to mission fields in Be-

larus, Ukraine, Russia, and Mexico. Nancy

and Douglas has five children, Steven,

Stuart, Marie, Stanley, and Michael. She

enjoys spending time with her 19 grand-

children and eight great-grandchildren.

1960s sylvia (kinzer) Blanchfield ’69 and

her husband, Roger att., live in Churdan,

Iowa. In her spare time, Sylvia enjoys art,

writing, and gardening. She also is ac-

tive in her community as a speaker for

women’s ministries, a board member for

various organizations, and a grant writer

for community and social agencies. Syl-

via and Roger have two children, Brett

and Loralee.

Deana (lewellen) Buksas ’64 and

her husband, William, live in Mesa, Ariz.

Deana has taught for 32 years, 20 of

which were for Mesa public schools. She

volunteers at Adobe Adventist Christian

School where she teaches science and

social studies. Deana also enjoys making

quilts for foster children. The couple have

three children, Diane, Michael and John.

mildred (Pomeroy) Deen ’69 lives in

Richland, Wash. She has three children,

Thomas, David, and Carolyn.

shirley (van Derschelden) Davis ’65 and her husband, Kirby ’59, live in

Malo, Wash. Shirley has had the oppor-

tunity to travel around the world. While

at WWU, her memories include bird-

watching, making cards, and studying

wild flowers.

Arsenio Hernandez ’69 and his wife,

Iona (Thompson) att., live in Elmira, Ore.

Arsenio retired after 40 years of service

to the church as a teacher and principal.

However, he enjoys working as a medical

interpreter for PeaceHealth in Oregon.

He has also continued to teach Spanish

part-time at Emerald Christian Academy.

Arsenio and Iona have two children, Rick ’94 and Melissa ’96.

sid kettner ’65 and his wife, Carol, live

in Gray Creek, British Columbia, Canada.

Sid works as a medical doctor. In his

spare time, Sid enjoys jogging, radio-

controlled airplanes, and overseas health

evangelism. Sid and Carol have four chil-

dren, Todd ’93, Greg ’97, Shawna att., and Jane.

myrna (shultz) long ’64 and her hus-

band, Al, live in Prineville, Ore. Before

retirement, Myrna and Al served the

Seventh-day Adventist church at the

Upper Columbia Conference, Oregon

Conference, Gulf States Conference, and

the Georgia-Cumberland Conference.

They enjoy spending their retirement

years actively involved in their local

church. From her college years, Myrna

remembers the Friday night vespers

and worship programs in the dorm.

Myrna and Al have two children, valerie ’91 and Kevin.

roland mays ’69 and his wife, Rose, live

in Goodlettsville, Tenn. Roland works as a

owner and operator for Pyles Transport.

In his spare time, Roland enjoys garden-

ing, Civil War history, and working on

antique cars. From his time at WWU, he

remembers working in the plumbing

department for Leon Tsckritter. Roland

and Rose have two children, Aaron and

Amanda.

loren Nelson ’69 and his wife, Linda (Sichley) att., live in Eagle, Mich. Loren

works as the ministerial director for the

Michigan Conference of Seventh-day

Adventists. His favorite college memory

was meeting and dating Linda. Loren

and Linda have two children, Loren III

and Leslie.

marilyn (Banek) Nelson ’64 and her

husband, Laverne att., live in College

Place. In her spare time, Marilyn enjoys

canning, pencil puzzles, and writing let-

ters. She is also actively involved in her

church. Marilyn’s fondest memories of

college are her friends.

merlene olmsted ’69 lives in Portales,

N.M. Merlene works as a professor in the

family and consumer sciences depart-

ment at Eastern New Mexico University.

She is planning on retiring and moving

back to the Northwest. While at WWU,

Merlene especially remembers hiking in

the mountains.

Dale ortmann ’69 and his wife, Diane,

live in Thousand Oaks, Calif. Dale works as

the principal for the Haaland Group, Inc.

Dale and Diane have two children, Kelli

and Missy.

Janice (Jensen) ross ’69 lives in Wood-

land, Wash. She enjoys needlework, work-

ing with charities, and volunteering at her

local church. Janice has three children,

Michael ’98, Matthew ’97, and Reuben.

Willard santee ’69 and his wife, Joan,

live in Post Falls, Idaho. Willard is a pastor

of two churches. He has written three ar-

ticles for Ministry magazine and an award-

winning sermon in a 1994 talent search in

narrative/expository preaching. His ser-

mons have also been featured on three

radio stations. Willard and Joan have three

sons, Kevin, Kelly, and Kenny.

Dale taylor ’69 and his wife, Sara, live in

Renton, Wash. Dale works as a purchas-

ing agent for the city of Redmond, Wash.

Dale’s favorite WWU memories includes

Friday night vespers.

Jonathan Watt ’69 and his wife, Abbie

(Lam yuen) ’69, live in Vancouver, Wash.

Jonathan works as a medical doctor. In

his spare time, he enjoys traveling,

golfing, woodworking, and mission work.


Alumnotes

Jonathan and Abbie have four children,

Michelle, Shawn ’96, Jonathan ’02, and

Brandon ’04.

Jerald Whitehouse ’65 and his wife,

Judith (Dietrich) att., live in Loma Linda,

Calif. Jerald works as a special consultant

for Muslim relations for the General Con-

ference of Seventh-day Adventists. They

have lived and worked internationally for

16 years in Libya, Lebanon, Sudan, and

Bangladesh. Jerald and Judith have five

children, Jeralyn, Lavelle ’94, yvette ’94,

Rebecca and Rakilly.

muriel (Wilbur) Zaugg ’64 and her hus-

band, Keith ’62, live in McMinnville, Ore.

Muriel and Keith have two children, Ray-

lene and Deanna. They enjoy spending

time with their seven grandchildren.

1970s margorie (Hodgson) Adelman ’79 and

her husband, Robert, live in Edmonds, Wash.

They have two children, Jennifer and Travis.

lyle Albrecht ’70 and his wife, Peggy,

live in Eagle, Idaho. Lyle works as an evan-

gelist for the North Pacific Union Confer-

ence of Seventh-day Adventists. In his

spare time, he enjoys restoring antique

Cadillacs. Lyle and Peggy have two chil-

dren, Tami att., and Troy att.

glenn Balkins ’79 and his wife, Jennie (Osborne) att., live in Corvallis, Ore. Glenn

works as a dentist. Jennie and Glenn have

two children, Emily curr. att., and Amy.

John Christensen ’79 and his wife, Kris (Hieb) att., live in College Place. They

have four children, BJ att., Jason att., Da-vid att. and Angela att.

Jim eiseman Jr. ’70 and his wife, Lana (Pfaff) att., live in Milton-Freewater, Ore.

Jim retired after 33 years of employment,

the last 13 years spent working as the

academic vice principal at Walla Walla Val-

ley Academy. He writes that he survived

a serious motorcycle accident in 2007, a

life-changing experience for him. Jim and

Lana have one son, James att.

Yvonne (Ames) House ’70

and her husband, Dwayne

att., live in Spokane, Wash. Yvonne works

as the corporation treasurer for the Up-

per Columbia Conference of Seventh-day

Adventists.

teresa (Bromgard) Jones ’79 and her

husband, Bruce, live in Everett, Wash.

While at college, Teresa especially re-

members studying in the book stacks on

the top floor of the library and looking

out a little window at the tennis courts

below. Teresa and Bruce have two chil-

dren, Matthew and Conner.

lora (mcFarlane) Jorgenson ’74 and

her husband, Gary att., live in Laclede,

Idaho. After graduating from WWU, Lora

worked at Rogers Elementary School in

College Place. Gary and Lora were married

in 1975. Since then, they have worked in

the timber industry. Lora and Gary have

two children, Brian ’04 and Kevin.

kathy (Coffin) marshall ’70 and her hus-

band, James, live in Salem, Ore. Kathy works

as a landscape designer. In her spare time,

she enjoys gardening, birdwatching, and

ballroom dancing. The couple met on eHar-

mony .com. Kathy and James have two

children, victor ’99 and Sidney att.

marsha owens-mott ’70 and her hus-

band, James, live in Aurora, Colo. In her

spare time, Marsha enjoys traveling and

spending time with friends and family.

From her WWU years, she remembers all

the great times with wonderful friends.

Clay Patchett ’73 lives in Pasadena, Calif.

Among his lifelong highlights is a trip to

Antarctica to see the emperor penguin.

keith riese ’70 and his wife, Jacqueline,

live in Lincoln, Neb. Keith works as a pro-

fessor at Union College. In his spare time,

he enjoys backpacking, collecting stamps

and playing the organ. From his years at

WWU, Keith remembers the old house

north of Sittner Hall burning down, and

dropping glass bottles down onto Sittner

Hall Courtyard. Keith and Jacqueline have

two children, Kevin, who is deceased,

and Kent.

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gwen (groboll) reeves ’74 and her

husband, Ron ’76, live in Kettle Falls,

Wash. Gwen works as a registered nurse

at Eagle Health Care Systems. Gwen and

Ron have five children, Rhonda, Ben, Jo-

seph, Christian, and Deborah.

kathleen (tucker) salzman ’74 lives in

College Place. When her husband Mark ’71, passed away in 2008, she came to

College Place to live with her son, Alex

curr. att., who is a senior at WWU. Kath-

leen enjoys reading, hiking, gardening,

and healthy cooking.

suzanne (oliver) Wallace ’79 and her

husband, Clifford, live in Battle Ground,

Wash. Suzanne has worked as a regis-

tered nurse for Adventist Health West for

25 years in intensive care. From her col-

lege years, Suzanne remembers attending

WWU during summer school for two years

and working for the custodial department

where she made many lifelong friends.

Suzanne and Clifford have three children,

Kendra att., Jerry ’09, and Crysti curr. att.

linda (Andregg) Wagner ’75 and her

husband, Ed ’79, live in Rogue River, Ore.

Linda works as the

head of the nurs-

ing department at

Rogue Community

College. In her

spare time, Linda

enjoys dirt bike

riding, birdwatch-

ing, and hiking in the hills surrounding

her home. Linda and Ed have two chil-

dren, Eric curr. att. and Chris.

Phyllis (Carlson) Wagner ’75 lives in

Walla Walla. Phyllis volunteers as the

community service director at the Walla

Walla City Church. In her spare time, she

enjoys sewing quilts, gardening, and trav-

eling. Phyllis has two children, Thomas

and Kathleen att.

gladys (steinke) Wentland ’79 and

her husband, Lorin att., live in Milton-

Freewater, Ore. After graduating from

WWU, Gladys traveled to Japan as a stu-

dent missionary and taught English for

two years. Most of her working years was

spent as the materials manager for Can-

ada’s only Seventh-day Adventist-owned

hospital. From her time at WWU, Gladys

fondly remembers getting an “A” from

Dick Kegley on her economics project

and report during her senior year.

1980s Janet Blackwood ’89 lives in Bloom-

ington, Ind. Janet is a doctoral student

at Indiana University. While at WWU, she

remembers the Delta Sigma secret soci-

ety activities, working in the financial aid

office, and being in Verlie Ward’s classes.

greg Brothers ’80 and his wife, Narelle,

live in Lincoln City, Ore. Greg works as a

pastor for a Seventh-day Adventist church.

They have two children, Cecilia curr. att., and Rebecca curr. att.

Joan (thornton) evoy ’89 and her hus-

band, Bob, live in Simi Valley, Calif. Joan

and Bob have two children, Zachary and

Tara.

stephen Winslett ’81 lives in Salem,

Ore. In his spare time, Stephen enjoys

painting chess sets and attending film

and theater events. While at WWU, Ste-

phen remembers friends, the College

Bowl, and theatrical presentations under

the guidance of Donnie Rigby.

1990s Cynthia Dinwiddie ’95 lives in San An-

tonio, Texas, where she works as a senior

research engineer in the geosciences

and engineering division at Southwest

Research Institute. She received the 2007

Rossiter W. Raymond Memorial Award

from the American Institute of Mining,

Metallurgical and Petroleum Engineers.

She has also been selected to receive the

2007 Alfred Noble Prize from the America

Society of Civil Engineers. Cynthia is the

author or co-author of 12 peer-reviewed

publications.

r. Brian dos santos ’90 and his wife,

Melissa, live in Ravensdale, Wash. Brian

works as a senior development lead at

Microsoft. He has previously worked for

companies such as Boeing Commercial

Airplane Group, Corning Optical Fibers,

and GE Nuclear. Brian says, “As I review

my career and the places I have been,

it is the opportunities to witness about

Jesus to co-workers that stand out as the

only thing worth remembering, and the

missed opportunities to witness as the

only moments worth regretting.” Brian

and Melissa have three children, Tyler,

Derrick and Anna.

kim Nelson ’90

lives in Salem, Ore.

Kim works as a

graffiti abatement

program manager

for the Salem Po-

lice Department.

Heidi (Jackson) schmalenberger ’99 and her husband, Peter, live in Battle

Ground, Wash. Heidi works in the operat-

ing room as a registered nurse. She en-

joys biking, camping and spending time

at the beach. Heidi and Peter have two

children, Noah and Emma.

Julie (rodman) smithson ’99 and her

husband, Eric ’98, live in Auburn, Wash.

Julie works as a data entry specialist at

Iron Mountain, Inc. They have two chil-

dren, Kyle and McKenzie.

Annette (Beaudry) treat ’99 and her

husband, Kirby, live in Worland, Wyo. An-

nette is a housewife. The couple have

two children, Theron and Jayce.

2000s tammy (Carriveau) Conant ’00 and her

husband, Court, live in Sherwood, Ore.,

with their two children, Evan and Max.

Tammy is a labor and delivery nurse and

recently became a clinical instructor at

Concordia University. Tammy writes that

she “has a wonderful husband, two beau-

tiful boys and a great dog that makes us

laugh everyday.” She is appreciative of the

education she received and believes her

training prepared her well.

Natalie (Davis) Hager ’00 and her hus-

band, Eric, live in Princeton, W. Va. Natalie

is an attorney at Harvey and Janutolo Law

Offices. In 2007, Natalie and Eric adopted

a 15-month-old boy, Alexander, from

Russia. They are currently in the process

of adopting a little girl from Russia. In her

spare time, Natalie enjoys Zumba, danc-

ing, traveling, and bootcamp exercises.

machelle Hartman ’00 and her hus-

band, Jerrold ’99, live in College Place.

Machelle works as a chemistry and en-

vironmental instructor for Whitman Col-

lege and the University of Phoenix. Since

graduation, Machelle has served two

years as a Peace Corps volunteer in the

Philippines, earned a master’s degree,

and produced documentaries with her

husband Jerry ’99 in Suriname. The docu-

mentaries are posted at: eclecticreel.com.

Machelle and Jerry have two children,

Aidan and Mica.

Alumnotes


Arnold—Floyd ’77 was born May 1,

1936, in Elko County, Ill., and died March

15, 2009, in Portland, Ore. Surviving: wife

Vicki Arnold att., of Milton-Freewater,

Ore.; son Aaron att., of Otis Orchards,

Wash.; daughter Renee Tomczek ’91 of

Chehalis, Wash.; and sisters Debra Ed-

wards of Pendleton, Ore., and Theresa

Frederickson of Boise, Idaho.

Becker—Robert ’53 was born May 10,

1916, in Beisiker, Alberta, Canada, and

died June 26, 2008, in Elk Grove, Calif. Sur-

viving: son Gerald of Loma Linda, Calif.,

and daughter Sandra of Napa, Calif.

Bolton—Marjorie (Gerking) att., was

born May 21, 1917, in Pocatello, Idaho,

and died April 10, 2009, in Wenatchee,

Wash. Surviving: husband Robert ’36 of

Wenatchee; son Robert att., of Vancou-

ver, Wash; daughters Ruth ’67 of Banning,

Calif., and Alice ’74 of Redlands, Calif.;

brother Duane of Prosser, Wash.; and sis-

ter Darlene of College Place, Wash.

Border—Geraldine (Poole) ’65 was

born Jan. 19, 1918, in Marsland, Neb., and

died Jan. 23, 2009, in Bozeman, Mont.

Surviving: daughter Sylvia Grindley of

Bozeman; brother Arthur Poole of Milton-

Freewater, Ore.; and sister Gloria Garver of

Candler, N.C.

Bungard—Marjorie (Wilcox) att., was

born Feb. 25, 1924, in Keene, Texas, and

died March 27, 2009, in College Place,

Wash. Surviving: husband Stanley ’53 of

College Place; daughters Karen att., of

San Diego, Calif., Marcia Anspach att., of

College Place, Janet Wallenkampf att., of

Bayside, Calif., and Susan ’81 of College

Place.; brother Kenneth of Grants Pass,

Ore.; and sister Marianette Johnston att., of Medford, Ore.

Carleton—David att., was born Dec.

8, 1933, in Sterling, Colo., and died June


Marlene Carleton of Tillamook, Ore.; sons

Jon ’75 of Colo, Iowa, Tim of Anchorage,

Alaska, Russell of Nevada, Iowa, and Ste-

ven of Salem, Ore.; and brother Richard of

Westcliffe, Colo.

Collings—Elvin att., was born July 12,

1930, in Elma, Wash., and died Nov. 12,

2008, in Monroe, Wash. Surviving: wife

Velma (Lacy) ’50 of Gold Bar, Wash.; son

David of Bath, Maine; daughters Elaine

att., of Gold Bar, Janine of Napa, Calif., and

Ann of Steamboat Springs, Colo.; and sis-

ter Marie of Vancouver, Wash.

Corwin—Joanne (Wheeler) att., was

born Nov. 2, 1930, in Los Angeles, Calif., and

died Dec. 15, 2008, in Roseburg, Ore. Sur-

viving: husband Duane att., of Roseburg;

son Daryl att., of Roseburg; daughters

Duanna of Auburn, Wash., and Lonna of

Bend, Ore.; brothers Richard of Enterprise,

Ore., and Philip Sieck att., of Roseburg.

Criswell—Beverly (Erntson) att., was

born Jan. 1, 1942, in Portland, Ore., and

died Oct. 26, 2008, in Salem, Ore. Surviv-

ing: daughter Linda Fisher of Kalkaska,

Mich.; and brother Verland Erntson Jr. ’66 of Laurel, Md.

Fleck—Kenneth ’44 was born March

13, 1916, in Battle Ground, Wash., and

died April 24, 2008, in Battle Ground.

Surviving: wife Alcyon (Logan) att., of

Battle Ground; sons Ronald ’65 of Walla

Walla, and Richard ’77 of Battle Ground;

daughters Carolyn att., of Portland, Ore.,

and Alicia ’71 of Greenacres, Wash.; and

sister Jean Fleck-Duncan ’44 of Battle

Ground.

Force—Clifford ’51 was born Aug. 12,

1922, in Saltese, Mont., and died March

29, 2009, in Hillsboro, Ore. Surviving: wife

Doris (Cartwright) att. of Hillsboro; sons

Michael att., of Sacramento, Calif., Gary ’73 of Mead, Colo., and Thomas of Tigard,

Ore.; and daughter Kathleen Saunders att., of Lincoln City, Ore.

Forss—Carl ’58 was born July 19, 1931,

in Bellingham, Wash., and died Jan. 11,

2009, in Walla Walla. Surviving: wife Betty (Bardon) att., of Walla Walla; son Rodney

of College Place; daughter Diana Ras-mussen att. of Binghamton, N.Y.; and

brother Herb of Ferndale, Wash.

Fullerton—Victor ’47 was born Aug.

11, 1924, in Vancouver, Wash., and died

April 18, 2009, in Walla Walla. Surviving:

wife Harriet (Danner) ’46 of College

Place; son Kevin Fullerton ’86 of Walla

Walla; and daughter Linda Leseur att., of

Roy, Wash.

Hallsted-Hoffman—Grace (Colberg) att., was born June 17, 1922, in Linton,

N.D., and died Sept. 7, 2008, in College

Place, Wash. Surviving: husband Walter

Hoffman of College Place; sons Chuck Hallsted ’70 of College Place, David Hall-

sted of Woodland, Wash., and Jake Hall-

In Memory

Long before Donna “Dee” Marie (Westover) Gottschall

att., stepped on the Walla Walla University campus, her pioneer family had historical ties to the Walla Walla Valley. Arriving by wagon train from Illinois in 1865, Dee’s predecessors home-steaded near the current town of Waitsburg, Wash.

Dee met her husband-to-be, Marvin Gottschall ’49, in col-lege, where they both worked in the cafeteria, then located in the basement of Conard Hall. Dee’s children often heard stories about WWU, where Dee’s grandmother attended on the school’s opening day in 1892 and her mother grad-

uated from WWU in 1919 with a two-year degree in bookkeeping.

Dee was a nurturing mother and grandmother, enjoying a unique, loving relationship with each grandchild and great-grandchild. An avid reader and book collector, she developed a personal book collection that numbered in the thousands. Her reading interests ranged from mysteries to history to philosophy to religion and art. Her passion for travel was infectious, and she passed on that love to her chil-dren and grandchildren. She also had a life-long love affair with classic movies; she had a nearly encyclopedic knowledge of mov-ies, actors, and related lore.

Dee was born on Feb. 16, 1927, in Bellingham, Wash., and died Jan. 26, 2009, in Spokane. She is survived by her hus-band, Marvin Gottschall ’49, of Spokane; sons Terry ’73 of Walla Walla; and Marvin Gottschall Jr., ’74, of Chewelah, Wash.; daughter Vicki Colburn att., of Portland, Ore.; sister Virginia Penfold att., of Wenatchee, Wash.; and brother Vic Westover ’49, of Coeur D’Alene, Idaho.

Alumna Proud of Pioneer Roots


In Memory

sted of Katy, Texas; daughters Jan Hallsted

of College Place, and Judy Hall att., of

Milton-Freewater, Ore.

Holm—Melvin ’52 was born June 10,

1926, in Stanwood, Wash., and died June


Dorothy (Kuhn) ’55 of Battle Ground,

Wash.; sons Brent of Oregon City, Ore.,

Wayne ’79 of Vancouver, Wash., and

Bruce ’82 of Sherwood, Ore.; and sisters

Olive White of Everett, Wash., Twila Lyman

of Seattle, Wash., and Arlene Coordt of

Fullerton, Calif.

Holmes—Marjorie (Brath) att., was

born June 27, 1929, in Chicago, Ill., and

died July 18, 2008, in Kettle Falls, Wash.

Surviving: husband Lee Roy ’50 of Kettle

Falls, sons Douglas att. of Long Beach,

Calif., Dennis att. of Redding, Calif., and

Darrel att. of Bozeman, Mont.; and sister

Ellen Enneberg ’48 of Gresham, Ore.

Henriques—Cleve (Bisset) ’48 was

born Dec. 2, 1914, in Trinidad, and died

Feb. 23, 2009, in Pasco, Wash. Surviving:

son John Henriques ’65 of Pasco, and

daughter Maria att., of Woodinville, Wash.

Hoe—Sean att., was born Feb. 4, 1970,

in Braddock Heights, Md., and died Dec.

1, 2007, in Lihue, Hawaii. Surviving: father

Raymond ’68 of Lawai, Hawaii; mother

Sherryl of Lawai; and sister Chara att., of

Lawai.

Jorgensen—Roger att., was born Nov.

21, 1921, in Ogden, Utah, and died Dec. 4,

2008, in Walla Walla. Surviving: wife Viv-

ian of Milton-Freewater, Ore.; son Michael

Jorgensen of Pensacola, Fla.; and daugh-

ters Colleen Stocking of Connell, Wash.,

Cassandra Nelson of Milton-Freewater,

Debora Montgomery of Boise, Idaho,

Loretta Smith of Forest Grove, Ore., and

Heidi Keller of Las Vegas, Nev.

Klopfstein—Warren ’51 was born June

11, 1921, in Loma Linda, Calif., and died

April 9, 2009, in Morton, Wash. Surviv-

ing: wife Virginia (Denney) ’51 of Randle,

Wash.; daughters Janet att., of Salem,

Ore., Shirley James att., of Pe Ell, Wash.,

and Myrna Neff ’74 of Packwood, Wash.;

and brother Clarence ’50 of Gentry, Ark.

Matar—Alfredo ’47 was born Jan. 13,

1922, in Santo Domingo, Dominican Re-

public, and died Nov. 24, 2008, in Loma

Linda, Calif. Surviving: wife Dorothy (Ti-ninenko) ’47 of Loma Linda; daughters

Dorothy Wareham of Yucaipa, Calif., and

Sally Curnow of Loma Linda; brothers

Joe of Monterey Park, Calif., Angel att. of

Santa Maria, Calif.; and sister Grace Savre

of Victorville, Calif.

McDowell—Julia (Bryan) att., was

born Aug. 5, 1916, in Portland, Ore., and

died Oct. 19, 2008, in Portland. Surviving:

husband Alvin McDowell att., of Port-

land; and daughter Judy Shaner ’68 of

Caldwell, Idaho.

Myhre—Gail (Strauss) att. was born

April 24, 1935 in Aberdeen, S. D., and

died Dec. 29, 2008, in Kailua, Hawaii, on

the island of Oahu. Surviving: son Joel

Myhre of Marina del Rey, Calif.; brother

Gary Strauss ’53 of Paradise, Calif., and

sister Linda (Strauss) Hansen att. of Sa-

lem, Ore.

Nelson—Lowell ’60 was born May 18,

1933, in Frazer, Mont., and died Oct. 13,

2008, in Cool, Calif. Surviving: wife Arl-adell (Bond) ’60 of Cool; sons Jefferey of

Spokane, Wash., Jerry of Arroyo Grande,

Calif., and Jimmy of Auburn, Calif.; and sis-

ter Marlene Ferguson of Wolf Point, Mont.

Poole—Joan (Selfe) ’52 was born

Sept. 7, 1923, in Wales, England, and died

March 19, 2008, in Salem, Ore. Surviving:

husband Vernon ’51 of Salem, Ore.; son

David of Orlando, Fla.; daughter Elizabeth

of Salem, Ore.; and brother William of

Prineville, Ore.

Salzman—Mark att., was born July 7,

1951, in Lincoln, Neb., and died June 25,

2008, in Michigan Bluff, Calif. Surviving:

wife Kathleen (Tucker) ’74 of College

Place; son Alex curr. att. of College Place;

father Alex of Scottsdale, Ariz.; brother

Ted att., of Salem, Ore.; and sister Darla

McAleer of Vancouver, Wash.

Smith—Marguerite (Gardner) att., was born May 12, 1922, in Los Angeles,

Calif., and died April 20, 2009, in Loma

Linda, Calif. Surviving: husband Louis ’48

of Redlands, Calif.; and daughter Patti Catalano ’76 of Redlands.

White—Brenda (Lane) ’73 was born

Feb. 14, 1949, in St. Paul, Minn., and died

Sept. 24, 2008, in Walla Walla. Surviving:

husband Nicholas White att., of Mil-

ton-Freewater, Ore.; son Andrew of Mil-

ton-Freewater; daughter Kandis ’01 of

Milton-Freewater; mother Ruth Foss of

College Place; and brothers Randy ’73 of

Hermiston, Ore., Marlin Foss of College

Place, and Terry Foss att., of Cotopaxi,

Colo.

White—Gladys ’40 was born Dec. 25,

1911, in Crosby, N.D., and died June 27,

2008, in Berrien Springs, Mich. Surviving:

sons Merlin att., of Hurdsfield, N.D., Le-

roy of Portland, Ore., Cleon ’63 of Berrien

Springs; and daughter ClaoMay att., of

Berrien Springs.

Witzleben—William ’82 was born April

4, 1935, in Sheridan, Wyo., and died Dec.

5, 2008, in Walla Walla.

Michael and Vanessa (Feldkamp) Pullen, both

graduates of the Class of 1993, were passengers in an airplane that crashed near Butte, Mont., in early 2009. Their children, Christopher and Sydney, and Vanessa’s sister, Amy Jacobsen, were among the nine other pas-sengers who also died in the crash.

The couple married six months after graduating from Walla Walla University, where Michael earned an engineering degree and Vanessa majored in German and went on to graduate from Loma Linda University.

Vanessa was a pediatrician and while devoted to her professional practice, she was even more

devoted to her family creating a tranquil home and active and happy family life. Vanessa was a world traveler and also actively involved in politics.

Michael was a dentist who was known as having a gentle and kind spirit. He also had a reputation for professional excellence. Michael had many interests, including con-struction, photography, gardening, and gourmet cooking.

The Pullen family was travel-ing with two other families: Amy, her husband, Erin Jacobsen, and their three children; and Brent and Kristen Ching, and their two chil-dren. The pilot, Ellison “Buddy” Summerfield, also died in the crash.

Michael was born Dec. 24, 1968, in Deer Park, Calif., and died March 22, 2009, in Butte, Mont. He is survived by his par-ents, Louis and Noellene, of Galt, Calif; and sister Jodi Nevis of Galt.

Vanessa was born May 25, 1971, in Loma Linda, Calif., and died March 22, 2009, in Butte, Mont. She is survived by her par-ents, Irving M. “Bud” and Pam Feldkamp of San Bernardino, Calif.; brother Irving IV; and sister Maggie Cotton.

Family Lived Life to the Fullest


Annual Report 2008-09

OuR ViSiON

Walla Walla university is a community of faith and discovery committed to

– Excellence in thought

– Generosity in service

– Beauty in expression

– Faith in God


Revenues $50.5 millionFor the year ending June 30, 2009, WWU suffered its first negative change in net assets in recent memory. However, of the $3 million total loss incurred, $3.5 million (over 100%) is attributable to realized and unrealized losses in endowment net assets and annuity & life contracts resulting from unfavorable market fluctuations stemming from the financial crisis that began in September of 2008.

Auxiliary Enterprises $7.4 million

Sales ($1.5) millionTuition and Fees $37.3 million

Gifts and Grants $3.4 million

Church Subsidies $3.9 million

Sources of Student Aid $35.8 millionThe university operating budget provided $10.1 million in aid to students in 2008-2009. Government aid programs, gifts from alumni and friends, and the endowment make up the remainder of student aid funds.

Walla Walla University $10.1 million

Government $18.4 million

Gifts $4.9 million

3rd Party Lender $2.4 million

Expenses $53.4 millionThe largest annual expenditure is for the instruction of students (faculty salaries, equipment, and books).

Auxiliary Enterprises $6.1 million

Academic Support $2.9 million

Instructional $15.5 million

Public Service $1.4 million

Student Services $3.9 million Institutional Support $7.6 million

Operating and Maintenance $7.2 million

Scholarships $8.8 million

2008-09 Revenues and Expenditures

Gifts From All Sources $6.6 million

Religious Organizations $4.1 million

Foundations $232,312

Business/Corporations $348,313

Alumni $1.1 million

Other Individuals $591,318

Fund Raising Consortia $60,546Other Organizations $120,006


PercentClass Agent Year Graduates Donors Participation Total(No Class Agent) 1923-1940 162 18 11% $5,725.50

AJ Patzer 1941-1945 140 40 29% $11,322.00

(No Class Agent) 1946 52 12 23% $9,767.50

Muriel Chapman* 1947 61 20 33% $1,732.00

Verona Schnibbe 1948 67 45 67% $9,280.50

Bill Loveless 1949 118 53 45% $11,917.00

Bruce Johnston* 1950 146 59 40% $5,312.00

Ken Spady 1951 145 54 37% $8,910.00

Olen Nations 1952 105 47 45% $15,615.00

Ed Norton 1953 106 32 30% $6,528.45

Stewart Shankel 1954 93 38 41% $5,075.00

Joe Riederer 1955 93 43 46% $2,630.00

Tom and Brooke Stafford 1956 103 42 41% $7,443.00

Victor Fitch 1957 108 56 52% $13,831.50

Pat Johnston 1958 137 68 50% $5,775.50

Ralph and Bobbie Jo Davis 1959 131 64 49% $17,394.50

Shirley Thomas 1960 154 63 41% $7,573.98

Don Dawes 1961 169 58 34% $29,690.50

Dale Beaulieu 1962 136 66 49% $8,335.00

Ed Scheresky 1963 162 54 33% $3,377.00

Bob Brody 1964 160 62 39% $4,985.50

Gerry Miller 1965 147 73 50% $23,835.32

Carlton Cross 1966 204 81 40% $9,385.09

Gary Fresk 1967 166 43 26% $4,789.09

Don Hall 1968 203 47 23% $16,856.50

Jim Robertson 1969 222 55 25% $3,024.84

Larry Evans 1970 226 44 19% $3,958.00

Bruce and Mary Lou Ham 1971 234 49 21% $8,665.00

Fred Biesenthal 1972 261 69 26% $11,885.00

Sheila Palmer 1973 285 57 20% $21,786.39

Rick and Karen Mace 1974 277 68 25% $8,699.00

Ted and Linda Carpenter 1975 288 58 20% $11,751.00

Diana Pierce 1976 283 63 22% $12,734.50

Ralph Perrin 1977 277 57 21% $8,459.00

Beverly Foster 1978 277 79 29% $18,867.00

Warren Kay 1979 269 65 24% $8,091.00

Jeff Kinne 1980 260 67 26% $12,061.00

Lisa Bissell Paulson 1981 293 62 21% $6,228.50

Helen Teske 1982 291 50 17% $7,356.25

Graduates Giving

*Deceased


Graduates Giving

Gabe Acosta 1983 296 63 21% $6,949.00

Bob McGhee 1984 259 56 22% $5,532.00

Dean Tupper 1985 238 41 17% $16,110.24

Jerry Bauman 1986 273 63 23% $5,932.90

Kevin Krueger 1987 264 40 15% $3,490.75

Keith Perrin 1988 223 34 15% $10,209.50

Linda Abdul-Malek 1989 230 21 9% $4,451.50

Mike Devitt 1990 200 27 14% $1,840.00

Cecily Geschke 1991 237 41 17% $5,031.75

Stacy Peterson 1992 299 33 11% $1,648.50

Julie Sanders Keymer 1993 249 35 14% $4,246.00

Peter Fackenthall 1994 343 16 5% $37,225.00

Jim Kneller 1995 318 30 9% $2,452.50

Tom Hamel 1996 326 28 9% $24,077.48

Ken Aso 1997 359 37 10% $8,229.04

Jorge Barcelo 1998 328 21 6% $5,600.49

Les Zollbrecht 1999 374 21 6% $1,860.00

Greg McCulloch 2000 354 22 6% $2,076.61

Chris Drake 2001 347 24 7% $4,243.61

Mike Vercio 2002 363 20 6% $12,043.50

Chris Santana 2003 337 17 5% $1,447.50

Jessica Stone 2004 430 25 6% $2,870.36

Steve Sanders 2005 435 19 4% $4,456.64

Michelle Santana 2006 454 15 3% $3,458.55

Melinda Hebbel 2007 460 10 2% $751.69

Aaron Linfoot 2008 423 14 3% $1,237.20

Totals 15,430 2,854 24% $568,126.22

PercentClass Agent Year Graduates Donors Participation Total

2004-05 2005-06 2006-07 2007-08 2008-09

Giving Through the Years

$6,621,336.94

$11,119,841.00

$6,468,531.63

$10,267,448.48

$8,317,890.71


Loan Funds

LoAn BALAnce

African Engineering and Computer Science --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------96,623.64

Wade L. Barnes Memorial --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------12,800.78

George W. Bowers ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------10,699.02

Ruth E. Burgeson Memorial ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------1,561.49

Roy F. Carpenter Memorial ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------27,558.99

Harold J. Chastain Memorial ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------10,592.42

Class of 1924 --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------15,008.49

Class of 1958 ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------8,828.64

Class of 1961 ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------5,782.02

Class of 1976 ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------7,322.92

Engineering ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------1,586.21

Andrew and Evelyn Fisher -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------2,258,999.63

Ford Foundation Faculty Loan ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------146,722.59

Clifford A. Graves Memorial ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------2,945.05

Elvin C. Gaines------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------30,334.09

Bertha S. Gray ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------6,677.54

William Gettner -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------2,276.77

Idaho Conference Laymen Worthy Student -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------165,542.48

International Students --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------12,683.87

Jacob G. Mehling ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------69,075.46

Perkins Nursing Student ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------3,793,373.91

Nursing Student --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------1,289,463.97

Nursing -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------14,119.26

Orpha Osborne Worthy Student ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------26,646.44

John Potts -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------17,729.86

Dr. Eng C. Saw Chinese/Asian ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------19,033.87

Bertha Schneider --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------3,439.28

Sloop Family ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------50,863.62

Hyretha Smith Memorial -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------3,801.19

Starr-Larrabee Memorial ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------3,998.75

John E. Weaver Memorial Elementary -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------15,989.05

Carrie Welch Memorial -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------93,912.21

Eugene Winter Family ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------57,541.69

Robert G. Wirth --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------855,743.62

Women In Ministry --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------25,365.15

Women’s Student -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------35,119.99

Worthy Student -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------221,901.71

WWU -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------1,288,612.46

Total ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------10,710,278.13

ENDOWMENT Balance New Gifts ENDOWMENT Balance New Gifts

Endowments

Administration Building Maintenance 1,093,019 -ASWWU Student Aid 37,929 - James and Ruth Bebee Computer Science Scholarship 41,218 16,000 James and Ruth Bebee Nursing Scholarship 110,373 10,000 Beverly Math Faculty Improvement 60,775 500 Shannon Marie Bigger Memorial Christian Service Volunteer Scholarship 31,165 730 Shari Booth Memorial Scholarship 449 270 Lester and Geraldine Border Christian Service Scholarship 137,712 - Alice I. Bowden Memorial Theology Scholarship 61,698 - George W. Bowers Excellence in Chemistry Scholarship 5,859 250 Boyson Family Communication Scholarship 13,330 - John F. Bregar Memorial Scholarship 23,331 1,000 Junior Senior Business Scholarship 9,850 - School of Business 21,654 - Clair and Myrtle Calkins Library Book 121,412 4,000 D. Ordell and Margaret A. Calkins Business/Education and Faculty Development 115,058 - Merle Clairon Calkins Computer Science Faculty Development 26,674 2,500 Lewis Canaday Memorial Technology Scholarship 29,049 - Dr. James R. Chambers Memorial Scholarship 8,603 - Janice P. Chance Memorial Nursing Scholarship 11,787 - Dr. Muriel Chapman Nursing Scholarship 40,799 - Advancement of Chemical Research at Walla Walla University 1,667 35 Percy W. Christian Excellence in History Scholarship 17,301 - A.J. and Gladys E. Christiansen Memorial Scholarship 38,295 1,000 Class of 1954 Scholarship 30,351 2,070 Class of 1955 Scholarship 6,242 - Class of 1957 Scholarship 14,217 550 Class of 1959 Student Missions Scholarship 4,553 4,546 Class of 1965 Scholarship 41,433 1,940 Class of 1971 Scholarship 12,521 940 Class of 1978 Scholarship 8,641 - Class of 1983 Scholarship 14,489 520 Class of 1984 Scholarship 15,839 - Class of 1989 Edwin Zaugg Memorial Scholarship 13,767 120 Class of 1996 Scholarship 112,370 27,020 Class of 1997 Scholarship 5,569 2,250 Class of 2003 Scholarship 5,326 50 Class of 2009 Student Missionary Scholarship 9,717 9,717 Verlin L. and Thelma Kumalae Cochran Memorial Scholarship 16,168 600 Communication Development Course 29,010 - Computer Science Magazine 828 - L.P. “Jim” Corbett English Scholarship 61,709 - L.P. “Jim” Corbett History Scholarship 37,536 - L.P. “Jim” and Jane B. Corbett Student Aid Scholarship 70,445 - Lee Crain Memorial Music Scholarship 1,150 - Edward F. Cross Engineering Scholarship 118,354 -

Vera Davis-Michel Memorial English Scholarship 8,485 500 Edward F. and Clara M. Degering Memorial Educational Scholarship 99,759 - Claude and Annie Deming Memorial Scholarship 23,552 1,100 Loren Dickinson Communications Scholarship 43,576 644 Dietrich/Wilkinson Aviation Scholarship 253 122 Frances Dixon Special Education 7,311 - Dr. Ralph A. Drake Memorial Scholarship 154,526 - Lars and Anna Dybdahl Scholarship 21,790 - Josephine Cunnington Edwards Memorial Scholarship 14,149 20 H. Russell and Genevieve Emmerson Memorial Scholarship 9,228 - Engineering Chair 268,942 - Mary Garner Esary Memorial Scholarship 19,561 - Faculty/Staff Scholarship 78,930 2,951 Dena W. and R.B. Farnsworth Nursing Scholarship 75,715 - Ray and Alice Fowler Scholarship 4,517 - Norma S. Gardner Memorial English Scholarship 56,579 - Wilford and Emma Goffar Scholarship 20,498 - Graduate Dean’s Award 3,010 - Albert E. and Reta J. Graham Memorial Scholarship 160,960 - John J. Hafner Music Scholarship 11,975 10 Lovyl and Mary Hagle Memorial Worthy Student Scholarship 149,969 - Richard and Dena Hammill Memorial Scholarship 16,233 - Thomas Hampson Humanities Merit Scholarship 73,874 - Clyde and Mary Harris Challenge Grant 30,651 - Pauline Hart Memorial Social Work Scholarship 33,029 - Richard and Georgianna Hayden Christian Service Scholarship 83,608 210 Wilma E. Hepker Scholarship 1,576 - Paul and Frances Heubach Memorial Theology Scholarship 31,217 - Jess Holm Memorial Scholarship 10,975 - Juanita Wagner Holm Memorial Nursing Scholarship 13,144 - Helen and Archie Howatson Nursing Scholarship 97,478 - Oland F. Hubbs Memorial Theology Scholarship 20,237 - Vera Johnson Hubbs Memorial Business Scholarship 16,568 - Dr. and Mrs. Harold Huber Scholarship 76,520 - Wynelle J. Huff Nursing Scholarship 78,774 - Jess M. Hutson, M.D., Memorial Scholarship 26,308 - IBCC 23,546 - Jensen Memorial Math Scholarship 22,949 - Murray L. and Ilene Johnstone Scholarship 118,600 - Carl and Lucile Jones Nursing Scholarship 16,073 1,000 Peggy Henderson Kaye Nursing Scholarship 8,945 - Helen Wineberg Kendall Women in Business Scholarship 48,658 - KGTS 14,178 - A.H. and Mary Koorenny Memorial Scholarship 98,932 63,790 Robert H. and Thorna Koorenny Scholarship 35,324 - Kretschmar Hall Maintenance 1,366,381 -


ENDOWMENT Balance New Gifts ENDOWMENT Balance New Gifts

Endowments

Laura G. Larson Memorial Nursing Scholarship 293,129 - H. Lloyd Leno Memorial Music Scholarship 13,206 50 Lewiston/Clarkston Scholarship 48,371 - Harold Lickey Music Scholarship 1,849 - Jennie M. Livingston Memorial Library 81,493 - Dr. C. Stanley Lloyd Jr. Scholarship 90,222 - Kelly Logan Social Work Scholarship 5,682 5,500 Romulo and Mercedes Lozano Scholarship 10,149 1,132 Mary E. Marker Memorial Theology Scholarship 60,569 - Roy and Lois (Dorland) Martin English Scholarship 21,499 - Mathematics Scholarship 28,797 8,400 Sukhdev Mathaudhu Engineering Scholarship 11,515 - Warren Matheson Memorial Christian Service Scholarship 14,459 - Matiko Theology Award 8,284 - Harden M. McConnell and Alvin L. Kwiram Award 16,934 500 Eldena McDow Scholarship 6,056 - Messenger/Loewen Scholarship 8,843 - Jack Evan Miles Memorial Scholarship 14,781 - Joseph and Beth Murray Memorial for Resident Assistants 43,745 25 Music Scholarship 15,398 - Llewellyn and Vivian Nixon Scholarship 41,421 - Nursing Scholarship 39,531 55 Daniel A. Ochs Memorial Theology Scholarship 7,401 - Dr. and Mrs. Howard Osborne Scholarship 18,445 - Blythe Owen Music Scholarship 26,575 - Doreen Paulson-Evans Memorial Scholarship 16,758 150 Yvonne Pickett Memorial Scholarship 26,995 - Piper-Johanson Scholarship 46,750 - Helen L. Popoway Library 79,505 - Robert L. Reynolds Excellence in History Scholarship 15,810 - Robert M. Reynolds Memorial Scholarship 15,168 - Donald W. Rigby Biology Faculty Research 54,526 - Donald W. Rigby Biology 95,112 25 Donnie Rigby Drama Award 7,102 1,000 Rigby Hall Maintenance 97,235 - Lilah Schlotthauer Risinger Mathematics Scholarship 9,915 -

John D. Rogers, M.D., Memorial Scholarship 52,050 - Rosario Marine Station Maintenance 327,828 - Thomas C. Rowsell Memorial Scholarship 34,182 1,000 Gayle L. Saxby Memorial Scholarship 14,940 - Schlotthauer Mathematics Scholarship 10,016 - Eleanor B. Schofield Memorial Teachers Scholarship 713,824 - Cecil W. Shankel Memorial Chemistry Scholarship 18,422 2,175 Shattuck/Zitterbart Memorial Nursing Scholarship 139,181 - Donald and Virginia Sherwood Memorial Scholarship 92,817 - Carolyn Stevens Shultz Scholarship 11,135 200 Dan Shultz Music Scholarship 10,417 - Solomon Scholarship 98,354 - Gene and Betty Soper Music Scholarship 40,006 - Robert L. Spies Memorial Scholarship 8,304 - Glenn Spring Music Scholarship 9,416 - Joseph L. Stubblefield Memorial Scholarship 214,973 10,000 Janis Suelzle Memorial 83,720 - T5 Foundation Business Excellence 114,278 - Theology Library Book 13,480 - George and Lola Thompson Memorial Scholarship 37,262 - E.E. and Jane Breese-Trefz Christian Service Scholarship 122,962 - Clarence O. Trubey Memorial Music Scholarship 9,385 - Undergraduate Advanced Study 4,692 - Verde Fund for Graduate Marine Research 2,721 - Eva Stratton Vliet and Jess Vliet Scholarship 22,111 200 Stanley E. Walker Music Scholarship 11,227 - Francys C. Welch Scholarship 293,905 - Melvin K. West Music Scholarship 5,107 - Lois Whitchurch Nursing Scholarship 7,502 - Monte Wilkins Memorial Scholarship 39,237 - John and Inez Willey Family Memorial Scholarship 11,516 100 WWU Student Aid 1,352,604 6,603 Randy Yaw Pi Contest Scholarship 3,020 - Young Memorial Lecture in Biology 45,497 - Norma R. Youngberg Scholarship 16,521 - Totals: 11,672,137 194,070


Lester and Geraldine Border Christian Service EndowmentMission and volunteerism were the hallmark of the lives of Lester and Geraldine Border. Lester, who attended WWU, and Geraldine (Poole), a 1965 graduate, were frequent volunteers with Maranatha International. Their dedication to service led to their desire to support student missionaries.This scholarship is awarded to returning student missionaries who have served at least one school year in the field.

Class of 1957 EndowmentMembers of the Class of 1957 contribute to this fund to assist students with their education. This scholarship is awarded to students who demonstrate financial need and academic merit.

Dr. C. Stanley Lloyd Jr. EndowmentC. Stanley Lloyd Jr. believed his life was one of many miracles. Stanley arrived on campus with only $4 of the $36 required to attend school. A chance meet-

ing with the college president led to a campus job for Stanley. A few months later, he had the funds necessary to begin classes. After graduating from WWU in 1935, Stanley attended Loma Linda University Medical School. Following in his footsteps, all five of his children and five grandchildren attended WWU. This scholarship was established by Stanley and his wife, Pearl, and is awarded to students who demonstrate financial need and academic merit.

Dena W. and R.B. Farnsworth EndowmentAs a team, Dena W. and R.B. Farnsworth helped countless people through their service in the medical field. As a general practitioner, R.B. delivered more than 1,000 babies in home births. He later specialized in ear, nose, and throat medicine. Dena was a nurse. This scholarship is awarded to students who have two-year nursing degrees but are returning to school to obtain a bachelor’s degree in nursing. Also eligible are female students who are starting nursing education later in life.

New Scholarships


Benefactors Society and Independent Colleges of Washington

Benefactors SocietyMembers of the Benefactors

Society have included Walla

Walla University in their

estate plans.

Alice Ames

Kirk and Melody Ayers

Don and Alyce Bais

Beverly Beem

Darold and Barbara Bigger

Tim and Lois Blackwelder

Maxine E. Blome

Robert and Georgene Bond

Lester* and Geraldine* Border

Burton Briggs

Merrilyn Brown

Grace Cafferky

D. Ordell and Margaret Calkins

Merle Calkins

Lois Carscallen

Sue Cason

Muriel Chapman*

Douglas and Carmen Clark

Naomi Cochran*

Carlton and Nancy Cross

Walden and Ellen Davis

Donald and Orletta Dealy

Donald* and Elaine DeVries

James* and Joyce Dutro

Jon and Kathryn Dybdahl

Paul and Kristyn Dybdahl

Wilder Eby

James and Vicky Edwards

James Eiseman

D. Joyce Engel

Dorsett Feyen

Howard Finke*

Allan and Donna Fisher

James and Christine Forsyth

Brant and Marion* Foster

Marcene Garriott

Henry and Mayme Gerber

Oscar Gerst

Earl* and Vera Dean Gregg

Don Hall

James and Ruth Hall

Beatrice Ham

Bruce and Mary Lou Ham

Howard and Elizabeth Hanafin

Edward Harding

Lewis and Ruth Hart

Eugenia Hixson

Stanley and Mary Hixson

Lloyd and Lorena Hoffman

Helen Holiak

Archie Howatson

Wynelle Huff

Eunice Johnson

Ed and Marilyn Karlow

Mary Kincaid

Charles and Irene Kirkpatrick

Clarence and Helen Klopfenstein

Melvin and Joyce Lang

Louise Lawson

William and Winona Lee

Nancy Ann Linder

Walter and Luella Litchfield

C. Stanley Lloyd, Jr.*

Sandra Love

Dan and Betsy Matthews

Lyman and Victoria Miller

Eldon and Opal Mills

William and Marjorie Moreno

James and Alice Nash

Olen and Mary Nations

Dan and Mary Necker

Ted and Nancy Nedderman

Jim and Nancy Nestler

Joan Ogden

Calvin and Alyse Olson

Howard and Monta Osborne

Effie Pampaian

Jim and Della Park

Beulah Payne

Tom and Barbara Pelett

Fyrnn Pendry

Lloyd and Fern Piper

Hoe T. and Mary Poh

Betty Pritel

Robert and Barbara Richards

Lois Norton Ritchie-Ritter

Geneva Smith Roberts

Alberta Roth

Glenna Ryder

James Sadoyama and Thais

Thrasher

MayBelle Sargeant

Doyle and Lorelei Saxby

Marcella Schwisow

Jaclin Smith

Lloyd and Edith Smith

Louis and Marguerite* Smith

Sam and Carol Smith

Ralph and Franice Stirling

Everett and Shirley Tetz

May Tetz

Roger Thiesen

Griffith and Shirley Thomas

Ella Thornton

Margaret Trautwein-Cook

Gordon Travis

Phil and Reid Wasser

Ray and Pat Watson

Ray and Rosemary Watts

Dorothy Weisz

Melvin and Betty West

Sylvia Wilson

Virginia H. Wilson

Tim and Cheri Windemuth

Gerald and Vicki Winkle

Wade and Rosalee Wolfe

Yew-Chong and Lilly Wong

*Deceased

Giving Through Independent Colleges of Washington (ICW)

The following companies and

individuals support higher

education by contributing to

ICW (a consortium of private

colleges), which directs its gifts

to the state’s private colleges

and universities.

Alaska Airlines and Horizon Air 1

The Anderson Foundation 1

Loren J. and MaryAnn W.

Anderson 7

Ash Grove Charitable

Foundation 6

Babieri Charitable Foundation 6

Bank of America Foundation 7

Banner Bank 6

Richard E. and Betty Jane

Bangert 5

Richard E. and Dawn Bangert II 6

George D. Bartell 5

C. Michael and DeLona Lang Bell 7

Ben Bridge Jeweler 5

The Boeing Company 1

Violet A. Boyer 5

George Bridges 7

Brooks Manufacturing Company 6

Nancy Bruner 7

Burlington Northern Santa Fe

Foundation 4

Paul Cantor 7

Anne Cassidy and Bob Fuller 7

Analisa Castaneda 7

CH2M Hill 6

Ben B. Cheney Foundation 4

Columbia Bank 5

Costco Wholesale 2

Crane Fund for Widows and

Children 5

Craves Family Charitable

Foundation 6

Alice J. Cunningham 6

Michael and Patty Daniels 7

Joseph and Sandra DePaepe 7

Mark Doumit 7

Philip W. and Sharon K. Eaton 7

Expeditors International of

Washington, Inc. 2

Ferguson Construction 5

The O.D. Fisher Charitable

Foundation 5

Tom Fitzsimmons 6

Foss Maritime Company 5

The Fosseen Foundation 5

William M. Garvin 7

Kenneth J and Beryl N Goodchild 4

Green Diamond Resource

Company 5

Nicholas Goman 7

Groninger and Co. Inc. 7

Richard W. and Pamela B. Gross 7

Gull Industries, Inc. 5

Chris T. and Jennifer M. Heman 6

HSBC North America 3

Roy F. Heynderickx 7

Independent Colleges of

Washington 4

Don and Ann Jenkins 7

Glenn Johnson and Michael

Melancon 6

JP Morgan Chase and Co. 4

William W. Kilworth Foundation 4

Isabel Joyce Piliavin Charitable

Trust/The Seattle Foundation 7

Isabelle S. Lamb 7

Lawton Printing, Inc. 7

James T. Linardos 6

Leigh Ann Lucero 7

John K. and Pamela S. McVay 7

McVey Marketing Inc. 7

Microsoft Corporation 7

Miller Nash LLP 5

R. Steven Mitchell 7

Greg Montgomery 6

Jim and Eve Moran 7

The Norcliffe Foundation 3

Nordstrom 3

Norman Archibald Charitable

Foundation 4

PACCAR Inc 3

PEMCO Foundation, Inc 2

Proctor and Gamble Fund 7

Rodney G. and Constance

Proctor 7

Puget Sound Energy 4

The Rabel Family Advised Fund/

The Seattle Foundation 5

Red Lion Hotels Corporation 5

Laura and Jim Rehrmann 6

William P. Robinson 7

Kathleen Ross, snjm 7

Todd and Melaine Ruberg 6

Safeco Insurance Foundation 3

Doloros Saletic 6

Cynthia and Greg Scheiderer 6

Douglas W. and Amy L. Schutt 6

Steven T. Seward 7

Sheraton Seattle Hotel 4

Robert Spitzer, S. J. 7

Sterling Savings Bank 4

Stephen V. Sundborg, S. J. 7

Ronald R. and Mary D. Thomas 7

Cleven J. and Connie B. Ticeson 7

Titus Will Families Foundation 6

The UPS Foundation 3

US Bank 3

Ellen J. Wallach 7

Joseph H. Ward 6

Washington State Auto Dealers

Association 5

Wells Fargo Foundation 5

The Wollenberg Foundation 2

1=$ 100,000+

2=$50,000-$99,999

3=$25,000-$49,999

4=$10,000-$24,999

5=$2,500-$9,999

6=$1,000-$2,499

7=Below $1,000


Volunteers and Activities

Alumni Association Officers David Hutton, Chair

Robert Wood, President

Jerry Hiner, Vice President

Sherrice Croft, Secretary

Richard Hellie, Treasurer

Board MembersEd Ammon

Toni Busby

Dennis N. Carlson

Don Dawes

Lorraine Jacobs

Mike Kearbey

Beulah Stevens

Randy Unterseher

Executive CommitteeEd Ammon

Dennis N. Carlson

Sherrice Croft

Richard Hellie

Jerry Hiner

David Hutton

Robert Wood

ParliamentarianThomas Knoll

Alumni Endowment Investment Committee Ed Ammon

Corina Car

Janine Childs

Richard Hellie

David Hutton

Duane Meidinger

Loren Peterson

Randy Unterseher

Robert Wood

Alumni Event Hosts

DESERT HoT SPRiNGS,

CALiF.

Jerry and Beverly Bass

Pat and Dorothy Larson

LoMA LiNDA, CALiF.

Clark and Melissa Bassham

John and Ione Brunt

Bert and Eveyln Connell

Alan and Heather Krause

PoRTLAND, oRE.

Tom and Brooke Stafford

Jim and Judy Zarchrison

SEATTLE, WASH.

Gary and Udell Fresk

Richard and Carmen Graham

SPoKANE, WASH.

Brad and Susan Davis

WALLA WALLA, WASH.

Michael and Tobi Goff

Jason and Becky St. Clair

BRiTiSH CoLuMBiA, CANADA

Adriana Scuka

WWU VolunteersJanet Anderson

Alice Archer

Jean Bakland

Don and Lois Barrett

Valerie Bass

JaneAnn Bennett

Deirdre Benwell

Jack and Evelyn Bergman

Robert Bergman

Garnet Bigger

Rella Brandenburg

Marjorie Bregar

Carl Brenneise

Cheryl Cain

Jim Cain

Sandi Campbell

Larry and Lois Canaday

Dorothy Canwell

Casey and Barb Casebolt

Rick and Betsy Claridge

Jon Claridge

Sandra Clark

Bryce Cole

Bernard and Margaret Cook

Ann Cornell

Loretta Cotter

Marion Dressler

Bonnie Eichner

Jean Fletcher

Carolyn Gaskell

Paul and June Giarde

Norma Glatt

Virginia Gonthier

Larry and Jacqueline Goodhew

Charleene Grellmann

Stan and Kathy Hazen

Frances Henderson

Virginia Hoffarth

Ilo Hutton

Bernie and Carolyn Janke

Pat Johnson

Echo Johnston

Ruth Joice

Kevin Kellogg

Lois Kind

Richard and Twyla Kruger

Durwood and Irma Lee

Viola Lenz

Curtis and Audrey Lindsay

Don Loomer

Katrina Lyons

Timber McCandless

Camille McNeilus

Walt Meske

Deana Miller

Dolores Morgan

Bill and Virginia Napier

Susie Olson

Lois Pegel

Milford and Carol Perrin

Don and Shirley Peterson

Carol Pflugrad

Carmella Phillips

Nina Prohaska

Pat Reynolds

LaVerne Rudolf

Lester and Vera Ruud

Aimee Saddler

Teri Sannar

Bob and Shirley Sarve

Aileen Saunders

Doris Smith

Garrett Smith

Mary Smith

Ward and Lois Soper

Otis Standley

Vivian Swanson

Wilbur and Lola Sylvester

Karl and Becky Thompson and family

Mike Tohivsky

Caroline Torkelson

Gina Tsujimura

Janis Tsujimura

Helen VanDenburgh

Nancy Vaughn

Barbara Vories

Jim and Kara Wagner

Mabel Wagner

Victoria Wahlen

Cheri Wallace

Verlie Ward

Rosemary Watts

Tim and Cheri Windemuth

Anne Wiseman

Kittee Wohlers

Helen Thompson Zolber

Many more volunteers than those listed on this page give their time to Walla Walla University. Although we do not have their names in our records, we extend our appreciation to these individuals as well.


Board of Trustees and University Administration

Board of Trustees

chAiR

Max Torkelsen II

Vice chAiR

Russell Gilbert

SecReTARy

John K. McVay

MeMBeRS

Tom Allen

DeLona Bell

Alex Betancourt

Gary Botimer

Kenneth Crawford

Larry Dodds

Mumtaz Fargo

John Freedman

George Gainer

Carmen Graham

Yoswa Gwalamubisi

Don Hall

Alan Hurlbert

Marshall Keymer

Gordan Lacey

Cameron Libby

John Loor, Jr.

Stephen McPherson

Bryce Pascoe

Barbara Prowant

Al Reimche

Mark Remboldt

Paul Rhynard

Sue Smith

Bruce Thorn

inViTeeS

Darold Bigger

Darren Wilkins

Alphonso McCarthy

University Administration

PReSidenT

John K. McVay

Vice PReSidenT foR AcAdeMic AdMiniSTRATion

Ginger Ketting-Weller

Vice PReSidenT foR finAnciAL AdMiniSTRATion

Steve Rose

Vice PReSidenT foR STudenT Life And MiSSion

Ken Rogers

Vice PReSidenT foR uniVeRSiTy AdVAnceMenT

Dennis N. Carlson

Vice PReSidenT foR MARkeTing And enRoLLMenT SeRViceS

Jodi Wagner

ASSiSTAnT To The PReSidenT foR diVeRSiTy

Pedrito U. Maynard-Reid

ASSociATe Vice PReSidenT foR gRAduATe STudieS

Joseph Galusha

ASSociATe Vice PReSidenT foR AcAdeMic AdMiniSTRATion

Scott Ligman

ASSociATe Vice PReSidenT foR finAnciAL AdMiniSTRATion

Glenn Carter

cRediTS

Executive Editor: Dennis N. Carlson

Managing Editors: Dede Steffanson, Chelsea Patten

This report lists information about gifts received from July 1,

2008, to June 30, 2009. A copy of Walla Walla University’s

financial statement may be requested by contacting:

University Advancement, Walla Walla University

204 S. College Avenue, College Place, WA 99324

Phone: (509) 527-2002, Fax: (509) 527-2398

E-mail: [email protected]

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Has it really been thirty-seven years since I served as a student missionary?

I look at an old black-and-white photo of village kids gathered around me. Seeing them is like pushing “play” on a video of the adventure of a lifetime—of a year that profoundly clarified my pur-pose for living.

This virtual video of mine be-gins to play. It is now 1972 on the Walla Walla campus. I meet Ron Wilkinson. He’s 19 and I’m 20. Within minutes we discover that we share the dream of going as Extreme Student Missionaries—going where no SM has gone be-fore. Someplace primitive, where people are in desperate need of the help that we can give. We de-cide to team up for a year, if the opportunity comes.

It almost doesn’t. But then an urgent telegram arrives. Needed: two Americans to oversee relief proj-ect in Bangladesh. Millions had recently died in a war. Thousands of refugees returned to find their homes destroyed. Many would die of exposure. This project is to construct over 1,000 tin-and-tim-ber houses near a small Adventist hospital. This is exactly what we were looking for!

Fast-forward six months. We’re now on the ground in the middle of that project. It certainly isn’t all fun and games! Nothing ever gets done on time. Some villagers lie to get houses; others threaten to harm our workers if they’re denied. And eventually a gang

of violent, underground com-munists threatens us. To them we are CIA agents posing as relief workers. (We are shooting film footage of our work, but we’re just making an SM promotional movie.) In spite of the setbacks we soon see hundreds of houses rising up in the surrounding vil-lages. Over 1,000 families will now sleep warm and dry during monsoon storms. Our hard work is paying off.

In the evenings we help out in surgery. A Hindu father brings us the only remaining member of his family—his 5-year-old son. The boy is critically ill with a bowel obstruction. As we roll him into the operating room, the father very reluctantly finally lets go of his son’s hand. A few minutes later I look up to see the father lick-ing a frosted window pane, trying desperately to see how his son is doing. Such love brings tears to my eyes. And a wonderful truth dawns on me: This man may not know God’s name as I know it, but he certainly knows God! I be-gin to see that God already dwells in the hearts of many we were taught to see as “heathen.”

On Sabbath we visit nearby vil-lages. With picture rolls we teach the plan of salvation and the hope of heaven. I rest in the thought that God was already here long before we came. I play my gui-tar, sing about His love, and Ron snaps a photo.

Fast-forward again to near the end of our project. The timber

is almost gone. The monsoon season is bearing down fast, and far-too-many villagers still need houses. Desperate mothers come to us, laying their babies at our feet. They bow low, grasping our ankles as they beg us to build for them. “And if you can’t,” they say, “please take our babies to America or they will die.”

You can’t just walk away from such experiences unaffected. They change you—permanently. I be-gin to realize that life will never be fully good for any of us until it is finally good for all of us—till pain and suffering are no more. And I determine to spend my one life helping people in need, thereby siding fully with the Great Provider and opposing fully the Great Predator.

Now fast-forward 37 years. I am managing a 38-foot Winnebago mobile dental clinic for Medical Teams International. There comes a knock on the door, and I open it to find a woman whose cheek is so swollen that one eye barely opens.

“Is this the place where dentists don’t charge?” she asks. “I don’t have insurance, and I lost my job. I haven’t slept much for three nights.”

I say, “You’ve come to the right place. Come on in.”

Soon the volunteer dentist provides her with the sweet relief of numbness. (He just happens to be Ron’s uncle, Ted Flaiz—a young, 89-year-old retired mis-sionary dentist.) He extracts her tooth because it’s too far gone.

Then I arrange for a partial den-ture so she can job-hunt with dignity.

“God bless you folks for what you do!” she says through tears. “You have no idea what this means to me.”

Actually, I think I do. That’s exactly why I love my work. Bangladesh taught Ron and me that nothing can satisfy like help-ing people. Through our student mission experience, college re-ally did become “the gateway to service” for us. And not for us alone. Hundreds before us and thousands after have also learned to leverage their lives through ser-vice. If I could give just one gift to every college student, it would be to send him or her somewhere as a student missionary. n

One Gift I Would Give

From My Point of View

Keith Canwell, a 1976 theology graduate, answered a call to service in 1972, overseeing a relief project in Bangladesh.

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Nonprofit Org.US PostagePAiDCollege Place, Wash.Permit #11

WestwindWalla Walla University204 S. College Ave.College Place, WA 99324-1198

College Avenue Crossings

You don’t have to be an engineer to join Engineers Without

Borders. Senior psychology student Chelsea Moore and junior civil engineering stu-dent Kiffer Green tell Brittany Blankenship all about Walla Walla University’s chapter of this international organiza-tion. Blankenship, a senior English major, stopped by the group’s booth at WWU’s Welcome Back Bash.

Engineers Without Bor-ders is a nonprofit humani-tarian organization that partners with developing communities worldwide to improve their quality of life through sustainable engi-neering projects. Most of its members are engineering students and engineering professionals, like Profes-sor of Engineering Curtis Nelson, who helped found the WWU chapter several years ago.

The WWU chapter plans to travel to Honduras this school year to begin the group’s first project—building an elementary school in the small town of Luis Garcia. Ten years after Hurricane Mitch devas-tated the town, Luis Garcia residents are still trying to rebuild. The three-phase project will begin with the construction of two classrooms, a water tower, a security wall, and a septic diversion channel. n

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s D

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Documents

Westwind, Fall 2009