Scandinavian Cultural Center

July-August 2006

New Officers Take the Helm for Fiscal Year 2006-07

A large crowd gathered for a tremendous evening on Saturday, May 27, for the Sixth Annual Spring Banquet.  As part of the festivities, the SCC’s newly-elected executive board officers were recognized.

The new Executive Board (left to right):

Gunnulf Myrbo (President), Lisa Ottoson (Vice President), Norita Stewart (Treasurer), Janet Ruud (Immediate Past President and Services Group Coordinator), and Maynard Hedegaard Activities Group Coordinator).  Not pictfured are Karen Giguere (Secretary) and Joanne McDonald (Outreach Group Coordinator).

President Gunnulf Myrbo was born in Norway and emigrated to Canada with his family when he was fourteen years old.  He received his degrees in Philosophy at the University of British Columbia and Cambridge University, England, before coming to PLU in 1970. At PLU he taught Philosophy for more than 30 years before fully retiring in 2004. From the time he came to PLU, he was very much involved with Scandinavian Studies and matters pertaining to Scandinavian culture and heritage.  He was the first Coordinator of the Scandinavian Area Studies Program (1978-80 and 1983-85) as well as the first editor of the Scandinavian Scene.  Currently retired in Anacortes, WA, he cheerfully makes the two-hour-plus drive to PLU to participate in the Center’s monthly executive board and council meetings, as well as the other activities sponsored by the SCCC.

The office of Vice President will be filled by Lisa Marie Ottoson.  As a 1987 alumna of Pacific Lutheran University, Lisa joined the Scandinavian Cultural Center Council in 2004.  Lisa values her Scandinavian heritage and is also the secretary for Daughters of Norway, Embla Lodge #2, and serves Pacific Lutheran University as President of the Alumni Board.  Currently, Lisa is a relationship manager for The Threshold Group (TTG) in Gig Harbor.  She has over eighteen years of experience in wealth management and planning, client and financial services. Prior to joining TTG, Lisa was the Chief Operations Officer for Northwest Computer Support and was also a Client Executive at the Russell Investment Group where she worked for thirteen years.  Lisa holds both the Series 7 and 65 Securities Licenses, and a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from PLU.  

Spring Banquet Provides Venue for Special Award Presentations

Just prior to the recognition of officers, banquet guests enjoyed an exceptional meal provided by the PLU catering staff.  The evening continued with special remarks from incoming president Gunnulf Myrbo.

Photo: Gunnulf Myrbo

Special entertainment provided by two outstanding PLU music professors, Svend Rønning (violin) and Erin Chung (piano).  In addition, two major awards were presented at the banquet that evening.

Photo: Svend Ronning

The SCC Outstanding Service Award was presented to Janet Ruud for her selfless dedication to the work and mission of the Scandinavian Cultural Center. Janet’s leadership as Council President sparked renewed motivation in the ranks of the board and council.  During her two terms in office, much was accomplished:  the SCC Council hosted its first-ever general membership meeting (which will now be an annual event), the SCC bylaws were rewritten, and the Director’s position was elevated to full time.  Janet’s name was added to the perpetual award plaque that is on permanent display in the SCC for all to see.  Pictured right, Janet is seen accepting the plaque from Vice President Lisa Ottoson. Janet also received a framed certificate with citation, a beautiful bouquet of flowers, and a Norwegian crystal bowl.
                   
           Photo: Janet Ruud and Lisa Ottoson

The Greater Tacoma Peace Prize was presented to Conflict Resolution and  Resources (CRI).  Mr. Julio Quan, Executive Director of Centro Latino, submitted the nomination, citing Executive Director William F. (Bill) Lincoln and Associate Director Polly Davis for “doing whatever it takes to restore peace in troubled regions, often accepting the risks without a fee.”  Mr. Lincoln accepted the honor on behalf of his colleagues at CRI.  CRI received tickets for two to Oslo, Norway, to attend festivities related to the Nobel Peace Prize Ceremony to be held on December 10, 2006, in addition to a lovely piece of glass art designed by Hilltop Artists in Residence.  Additional thanks go to RSM McGladrey, Inc., George F. Russell, Jr., and the office of Patrick Dunn for their support of the GTPP Committee.

Photo:  William Lincoln and Julio Quan

NEWS & NOTES

Welcome New Members! We extend a very warm welcome to our three newest members:  Denise May (Seattle), Samuel Torvend (Lakewood), and Tove Van Der Maas (Aberdeen).

Swedish Exhibits on Display: If you haven’t yet had a chance to visit the Center to see our current exhibits, you will want to plan to do so.  “A Touch of Sweden,” features two outstanding exhibits: “Children of the Heavenly Father,” photographs by Kristine Leander, and “Landscapes from a Swedish Heritage,” paintings by Niklas Aronsson.  They will be on display through November 12, 2006.  The paintings by Niklas Aronsson are available for sale.  Prices range between $400 and $1,600.  Contact SCC Director Susan Young for more information.  Phone: 253-535-7349 or Email: <youngse@plu.edu>

Kitchen Committee Report! We are happy to report that the new kitchen appliances will be purchased and installed in the very near future (thanks to a generous gift by an anonymous donor).

Kitchen Clean-up Party! The SCC kitchen is sorely in need of a thorough cleaning and inventory. Please come any time between 10:00 am and 4:00 pm on Tuesday, July 25, to help us restore the sparkle! We'll have snacks and drinks available. If you are able to join us, please notify Kitchen Committee Chair Judy Laursen (Phone: 253-539-0587 or Email: <tahomaMs1@aol.com>) and let her know what hours you are available.  Thanks in advance!  We appreciate you!

SCC/Endowment Brochures: We are currently in the process of revising our SCC and endowment brochures, along with our membership cards. We hope you will like the “new look” when they are completed.  Special thanks to our Presenting Sponsor, Viking Bank, for providing the funding for this project.

Annual Scandinavian Heritage Festival: October will be here before you know it, so be sure to mark your calendars for October 6-8!  The festival will take place in the Pavilion at the Western Washington Fairgrounds on the corner of 9th and Meridian in Puyallup. For more information, email <desireeomdal@hotmail.com> or visit the website at <www.oktoberfestnw.com> or call 425-881-1544.

From the Director: 

A Year in Review and a Glimpse into the Future!

I look forward to the end of the fiscal year because it gives us a chance to reflect on the previous year’s accomplishments. Members of the Scandinavian Cultural Center Council have worked extremely hard and can take great pride in their many achievements. The following list gives us a glimpse of their hard work and dedication:

                                                           Photo: Director Susan Young

 Nordic Exhibits

Nordic Folk Art: The Florence Buck Collection (Apr. 18-Nov. 6, 2005)
    Opening Reception (Apr. 30, 2005)

Annual Christmas in Scandinavia (Nov. 13, 2005-Jan. 8, 2006)

Nordic Imagery: Watercolors and Pastels by Sharon Aamodt (Jan. 15-Apr. 30, 2006)         
    Opening Reception (Jan. 22, 2006)

A Touch of Sweden (May 7-Nov. 12, 2006)
    Landscapes from a Swedish Heritage, paintings by Niklas Aronsson
    Children of the Heavenly Father, photographs by Kristine Leander

 Major Events

Stockholm Bachkören Concert (Aug. 6, 2005)

General Membership Meeting (Sep. 17, 2005)

Council Retreat (Oct. 1, 2005)

Scandinavian Heritage Festival Booth (Oct. 6-9, 2005)

Outing to Tacoma Symphony for Season Opener, Scandinavian Smörgasbord (Oct. 15, 2005)

Annual Harstad Lecture featuring Dr. Ande Samby, “Saami Land and Water Rights” (Oct. 17, 2005)
    (Cosponsored by the Scandinavian Studies Program and the SCCC)

Vajas (Echo): Norwegian Arctic Voices in Concert (Oct. 18, 2005)

Guided Tour of the SCC and the Scandinavian Immigrant Experience Collection
    for Daughters of Norway, Port Townsend (Oct. 22, 2005)

Lecture by Dr. William Halverson, “Edvard Grieg and Norway’s Struggle for Independence” (Nov. 5, 2006)

Annual Sankta Lucia Fest (Dec. 2, 2005)
    Lucia Day at IKEA-Seattle (Dec. 3, 2005)
    Lucia Day at Tacoma Lutheran Home (Dec. 4, 2005)

Annual Norwegian Christmas Service, Dec. 14,2005
    (Cosponsored by the Scandinavian Studies Program and the SCCC)

Henrik Ibsen Evening (Jan. 29, 2006)

Felici Trio, A Swedish Adventure with Findus (Feb. 25, 2006)

Lecture by Solveig Torvik, author of Nicolai’s Fortune (Feb. 26, 2006)

Guided Tour of the SCC for students from Valle Vidaregaande Skule, Setesdal (Mar. 1, 2006)

Reykjavik Wind Quintet Concert (Mar. 29, 2006)

Norwegian Rosemaling 3-Day Workshop, taught by Dena Iverson (Apr. 11-13, 2006)

Nordic Fashion Show and Luncheon, “Timeless Style: Traditional to Contemporary” (Apr. 22, 2006)

Annual Norwegian Heritage Festival (Apr. 29, 2006) (Co sponsored by Daughters of Norway, Embla
    Lodge #2, sons of Norway, Norden Lodge #2, Nordlyset, Western Rosemalers Association, and the SCC)

Presentation and book signing by Norway’s Princess Märtha Louise (Apr. 29, 2006)

Sixth Annual Spring Banquet (May 27, 2006)
    Presentation of the SCC Outstanding Service Award to Janet Ruud
    Presentation of the Greater Tacoma Peace Prize to Conflict Resolution, Research and Resource Institute

Classes and Meetings                                                        

Norwegian and Swedish Language Classes, taught by Audun Toven and Kerstin Ringdahl

Nordic Cooking Classes, spring and fall
    (Cosponsored by Daughters of Norway, Embla Lodge #2, Sons of Norway, Norden Lodge #233,
    Swedish Vasa Order of America, Danish Sisterhood, Thyra Lodge #19, and the SCCC)

Danish Sisterhood of Olympia-Tacomam Thyra Lodge #19 Monthly Meeting

Norwegian Hardanger Embroidery Group Monthly Meeting

Western Rosemalers Association Quarterly Meeting

Danish Sangaften Monthly Meeting

Norwegian Rosemalers Group Monthly Meeting

SCC Executive Board Monthly Meeting

SCC Council Monthly Meeting

Needless to say, our council members are looking forward to a much-deserved respite during July and August!  A social get-together is planned for July 19, and we appreciate Ed and Betty Larson opening their lovely home to us once again!  It is with regret that we bid goodbye to two valued council members—Ulla Lindwood and Nancy White.  Our thanks for all your hard work—you will be missed.  I’d like to extend a personal thank you to out-going president Janet Ruud.  Her leadership, dedication, and enthusiasm are inspiring to me and to all who meet her.  Mange tusen takk, Janet!

The beginning of a new fiscal year brings with it a sense of excitement and anticipation. Our new president, Gunnulf Myrbo, met with the Executive Board and the Council on Monday, June 19.  Both meetings were full and productive, and we applaud Gunnulf for his strong leadership in keeping us on track and on time!  I am looking forward to working alongside Gunnulf in the coming year. 

Our membership continues to grow, with the addition of nearly 50 new members over the past twelve months.  We are excited to announce a new “Sustaining Member” category that includes individuals, organizations, and businesses who enroll annually at the $1000+ level.  Included in the “Sustaining Member” category are our new corporate sponsors whose generous support will allow us to enhance and expand our programs, classes, and exhibits.  For a complete list of corporate sponsors, see below.

The scope of our bimonthly newsletter has broadened to include valuable input from the Scandinavian Studies Program (SSP) and the Scandinavian Immigrant Experience Collection (SIEC). As members of the Executive Board and Council, Claudia Berguson and Troy Storfjell (SSP), and Kerstin Ringdhal (SIEC) greatly enhance our discussions and our program planning.  The SCC Endowment Fund continues to grow through regular contributions, and now totals nearly $250,000 in actual and documented deferred gifts.  Over 100 new pieces were added to our Permanent Artifact Collection, valued at nearly $300,000! 

It goes without saying that our accomplishments are noteworthy and a source of great pride.  But, there is still much work to be done.  I hope you will join us for the Second Annual Membership Meeting scheduled for Friday, September 30, at 3:00 pm.  The meeting is designed to provide program and financial information to our general membership, and to recognize those who serve quietly behind the scenes.  It is also a great time to get to know one another and to share ideas for the future, while enjoying delicious refreshments and outstanding entertainment.  If you would like to serve on the planning committee for this event, please contact Program Chair Betty Larson (253-582-9360 or <larsonem@plu.edu>).

Feel free to contact me if you have questions or concerns: (253-535-7349 or <youngse@plu.edu>).  I recently moved into a new office space—Eastvold 211.  Please stop by and say hello anytime! —Susan

Calendar of Events:  July/August 2006

Exhibits

Children of the Heavenly Father, photographs by Kristine Leander, May 4-November 12

Landscapes from a Swedish Heritage, paintings by Niklas Aronsson, May 4-November 12

 Public Hours during July and August: Sundays only, 1:00-4:00 pm
    (Note:  There will be no public hours on Sunday, July 2
    Regular public hours will begin on Wednesday, September 6, 11:00 am-3:00 pm)

Daughters of Norway, Embla #2 Luncheon
Saturday, July 29 (private event

SCC Executive Board
Wednesday, July 19, 5:00 pm -- At the  home of Ed and Betty Larson)
Monday, August 21, 4:00 pm, UC 214

SCC Council
No meetings in July and August
Council will get together for a barbeque at the home of Ed and Betty Larson on July 19, 6:00 pm

REMARKS  from Douglas E. Oakman, Dean of Humanities

 
Over the past year, the SCC Council and PLU (Provost, Dean of Humanities, and Scandinavian Studies Program faculty) have restated and renewed their relationship through a revision of the SCC bylaws and the Director’s position description. This work, done in collaborative fashion and heartily endorsed by both the SCC Council and PLU, strengthens the important partnership in education represented by both SCC curricular and cocurricular programming.

In the 1970s and 1980s, through PLU faculty and Scandinavian community efforts to preserve and highlight the special relationship that PLU has to Nordic cultural heritage, the Scandinavian Area Studies Program and the Scandinavian Cultural Center were formed. The partnership has allowed development of special Nordic programming and exhibits, and the formation of the Permanent Artifact Collection. A generational change of faculty and institutional priorities has brought some new emphases as well.

In 2004, the Scandinavian Area Studies faculty formulated a strategic plan aligned with the global education initiative of PLU 2010. The plan continues a strong program in Norwegian language instruction and Scandinavian literature and cultural history while strengthening attention to contemporary Scandinavia, particularly in the areas of international peace and development).

As the SCC bylaws purpose statement of Article II puts it: “In partnership with PLU, and in accordance with its educational mission, the purpose of the SCC shall be to bring together individuals and organizations of the Pacific Northwest to support the university's Scandinavian Studies Program (SSP) and Scandinavian Immigrant Experience Collection (SIEC); to promote development and understanding of Nordic immigrant and Scandinavian-American experiences, cultures, and heritage; and to promote ties with, and awareness and understanding of, contemporary Nordic cultures and societies.” This is a rich and challenging purpose, both consonant with PLU’s history and appropriate for the twenty-first century. The strong partnership between PLU and the SCC continues for a new day.

News from the

Scandinavian Studies Program

Summer marks the beginning of a change in work and study routines for many of us  here at PLU.  It also marks the end of four years of study for undergraduate seniors. This spring we congratulated Scandinavian Studies Program senior majors and minors Emily Larsen, David Benston, Mark McCabe, and Stephanie Midlock. Emily Larsen, a double major in Norwegian and Communication and an alumna of PLU’s Norway study away program, wrote her senior thesis on the topic of government support of Norwegian newspapers. As part of her research, she developed a survey to document the relationship between newspaper readership and political engagement in current debates such as membership in the European Union. She wrote her 20-page paper in Norwegian, and presented her findings on May 2. David, Mark, and Stephanie complemented their majors in fields of Anthropology, Global Studies, and Computer Science respectively, with minors in Norwegian.  Conversation over a dinner hosted by the faculty for our graduates only confirmed the exceptional talents and goals of these students. We congratulate them on their many achievements in their years as PLU students, and wish them bright futures.

Photo: Emily Larsen

Congratulations also to our students who received Scandinavian Cultural Center scholarships this year.  From the many qualified applicants, the Scandinavian Studies Committee selected Christy Olsen and Marie Lieberg to receive scholarships to support their study in the program. Christy is a sophomore double major in political science and Norwegian.  Marie is a senior major in Spanish and a minor in Norwegian. Both Christy and Marie will be studying in Norway this fall semester. Christy plans to focus on conflict mediation and peace building with a field study at the Dialogue Center in Lillehammer, and Marie plans to obtain a field study working with language acquisition among new Norwegian immigrants. 

Amid the final exams of mid-May at PLU, Norwegian international students and PLU employees organized a celebration of 17. Mai. Norwegian international students, Norwegian language students, and members of the PLU community turned out to honor the day with speeches, songs, and a final Hipp, hipp, hurra!  Thanks to Thea, Connie, and Hege for organizing an authentic celebration of Norway’s Constitution Day.

                                       Photo: 17. Mai Celebration

Scandinavian Studies faculty presented papers at our national Scandinavian Studies conference, held in Oxford, Mississippi, on May 4-6. The conference brings together professors from North America and Scandinavia who teach in all disciplines of Scandinavian Studies, from literature to history, political science to art. The summer months allow us to devote time to our individual research and writing, and to plan fall courses.

What does the fall semester bring? Academic courses will include Norwegian language at beginning, intermediate and advance levels, and Scandinavian Studies courses that offer an introduction to Scandinavia and an in-depth study of Scandinavia and world issues. The program also plans its first immersion weekend for Norwegian language students to take place in November. We look forward to a weekend that promises to be a unique opportunity to use Norwegian in activities that include making meals, discussing the latest Norwegian films, and taking part in sports, skits, and songs.

God sommer to students, friends and community members! We look forward to a relaxing summer, and the beginning of the fall semester 2006.

                                                                                Claudia Berguson and Troy Storfjell

Scandinavian Cultural Center

Pacific Lutheran University