Saturday,
May 30th
Doors Open
at 6:00 p.m., Dinner at 6:30 p.m.
Join the celebration on Saturday,
May 30th, when the SCC will mark its 20th year of operation! The idea for the Center began in the 1970s
(see article below), but it took many years of planning, effort, and
fundraising before the dedication of the space in May, 1989. You are most cordially invited to attend the
banquet and enjoy the cuisine, the special entertainment, and the new exhibit
“From Gravel Pit to Gracious Space.”
Your invitation will soon be in the mail. Reservations are required, and a large crowd
is expected, so RSVP right away to assure a place.
The Spring Banquet has had the
honor of being the venue for the presentation of the Greater Tacoma Peace Prize
(GTPP) for the past three years, and this year’s event will feature a special
reception before the banquet (5 p.m. in the Regency Room of the
University Center), to honor the 2009 laureate, David Alger. No reservation is required.
Audun Toven, Lisa Ottoson, Janet
Ruud
Ever since the seeds of the
However, the name of the longest serving, and perhaps most
dedicated supporter of the Center should be mentioned, Florence Buck. Her exhibit of Norwegian folk arts in the
Mortvedt Library in 1976 was in many ways the inspiration needed to get the
process going. In 2001, after years of
dedicated service to the Center,
The pioneers saw two main purposes of the Center, one of
which was to preserve and promote Scandinavian culture in the
The founders also recognized that a Scandinavian center at
PLU would be of great benefit to (and greatly benefit from) the two entities
already present on campus, the Scandinavian Area Studies Program (SASP) and the
Scandinavian Immigrant Experience Collection (SIEC).
It may be worth remembering that the Center in some ways
was a compromise. In the beginning the
preference of the founders was a separate building and an institution independent
of the university, although located on the PLU campus. However, the realization that raising enough
money for a separate building and, not least, the cost of operating and
maintaining it, would be a formidable task, made the founders change their
minds. They were happy to accept the
offer from PLU of available space in the
Now, when the Center is celebrating its 20th anniversary, it is time to ask if
the lofty dreams and visions of the founders have been fulfilled. On the occasion of the 10th anniversary, the director, Susan
Young, found that the Center had become all the things PLU English Professor
Megan Benton had mentioned at the dedication in 1989. “It will be a cultural center, and
as such, will offer all of us, not just those of Scandinavian descent, a rich,
broad and changing portrait of a living culture other than our own. It will be at once -- and in turns -- a
library, an art gallery, a lecture hall, a banquet room, a performance arena, a
museum, a classroom, a recital hall. The
A
program on Dalahäst making, by Lars and Gun Olsson, was brought to the
SCC in 2008, thanks to Ed and Betty Larson, who started an endowment for
Swedish programming.
In Susan’s words, “Since opening
its doors, the Center has conducted the ‘business of tradition’ by hosting
countless cultural exhibits, lectures, luncheons, dinners, classes, and annual
events.” A quick look at the list of
events that have taken place during the last decade indicates that the level of
activity has increased, and that all the categories Megan Benton mentioned are
well represented.
Books, journals, and newspapers from all ethnic
backgrounds are available and frequently used by visitors to the Center. Reading material is also available to take
home. The most memorable literary event
was probably Princess Märtha Louise’s presentation of her book, which arguably
drew the biggest crowd ever to the Center.
A wide selection of exhibits, including art shows, have
been displayed over the years, including “Norwegian Landscapes”, by photographer
Asle Svarverud, and “A Touch of Sweden,” landscape paintings by Niklas
Aronsson. Other notable exhibits
included “Scandinavian Roots, American Lives” produced by the Nordic Council of
Ministers, “Danish Porcelain” from Royal Copenhagen and Bing & Grøndahl,
“Marimekko Modness,” and “Threads of Time, tracing traditional Scandinavian
costumes and textiles from fiber to finished products.” The current exhibit features the first
Scandinavians in
The list of lectures is rather impressive, and covers a
range of subjects. Examples are Captain
Gunnar Eggertsson from
In addition to events hosted by the SCC Council, such as
the Spring Banquet, the Annual Fall Meeting, and Nordic Christmas Fest, the
Center is frequently the venue of choice for many events sponsored by the
university. 
The artifact collection has experienced a steady growth
over the last decade and includes an impressive number of folk costumes and
textiles, fine pieces of wood carving, rosemaling and other folk arts,
as well as valuable pieces of porcelain.
The Center has offered a wide selection of classes in folk arts, including dalmålning and Hardanger embroidery. Languages classes and cooking classes have also been offered regularly and are well-attended and popular among members and guests alike.
De Ensommme Gamle, SCC Collection
Musical performances representing
all the Nordic countries, featuring both groups from the “old countries” and
local talents, have been numerous and varied the last decade. At times, the Center cooperates with the
Music Department to present larger and more famous groups. One such event was the Reykjavik Wind
Quintet from
Sami joiking, Swedish jazz, Danish “Wood ’N’
Flutes,” Norwegian folk songs, and Finnish fiddle music are among the offerings
that have delighted audiences over the years.
Among local productions, the most memorable is perhaps “Nordic Vibrations
– the Unique and Traditional Sounds of
Another success of the SCC was the establishment of the
SCC Endowment Fund in 2001 which now
provides income for quality programming.
Has the
Annual programs like the Nordic Christmas Fest, Sankta
Lucia, Fastelavn, Norwegian Heritage Fest, Nordic Sweater Exchange,
and Norwegian Christmas Service are popular events that draw good audiences.
The Scandinavian Immigrant Experience Collection (SIEC)
benefits from the association with the SCC directly by being the depository of
books and documents donated to the Center, as well as receiving funds for
special projects and students workers.
Indirectly, the SIEC benefits from having a venue where information
about the collection can be disseminated both orally and in writing.
The SCC gives the students in the Scandinavian Area
Studies Program an opportunity to attend events that supplement their classes,
provides a venue for programs sponsored by SASP, and publicizes events and
information about the program in general in the SCC newsletter, the Scandinavian
Scene. At times, classes are offered
just for the students, and they can also gain experience from working on
exhibits and other activities in the Center.
In addition, students in SASP receive annual scholarships from the
Center. Both SIEC and SASP benefit
greatly from the fact that there is a
In spite of some unresolved issues
and concerns regarding the operation of the Center, the fact remains that it is
an asset both to PLU and the Scandinavian community and has made significant
progress in the fulfillment of the vision of the founders. It has served both parties well.
The success of the Center for 20 years is largely due the
work of the hard-working and dedicated director of the Center, Susan Young,
ably assisted by student workers and the SCC Council, consisting of equally
dedicated people. They spend an
extraordinary amount of time and effort to plan and run all the Scandinavian
activities in the Center. It is because
of the hundreds of volunteers who over the years have worked on the Council,
served as docents, or helped out with exhibits and other various kinds of
activities and programs that the
Susan Young
Over
the last twenty years we have seen the SCC become a highly respected
organization on the PLU campus and in the surrounding community. It has been my privilege to serve as Director
for nineteen of those twenty years. As Director, I have had the opportunity to
work along side an unparalleled group of people who possess an unparalleled
dedication to the mission of the Center.
Together, we have presented a significant number of events, classes, and
exhibits for the education, edification, and enjoyment of our members and the
general public. Our success is due in
large part to our unique partnership with the University, collaboration with
the heads of the Scandinavian Area Studies Program and the Scandinavian
Immigrant Experience Collection, and our close association with community
organizations. Our ever-growing
endowment fund has enabled us to support students and faculty through annual
educational/research scholarships, internships, and employment. Of course, success would not be possible
without the ongoing support of our members who selflessly contribute their
time, talent, and their resources whenever and wherever they are needed.
As
many of our readers know, I have been away for the past several months due to
illness in my family. I would be remiss
if I did not take this opportunity to thank all those individuals who have
offered their assistance and support during my absence. I’ve truly come to learn that the SCC is more
than just a group of people who share a common heritage; we are in many ways a
family. Some say that the position of
director functions in the much the same way as the heart functions in the
body. While I appreciate the sentiment,
I must admit (ever so gratefully!) that in my absence, the Center has not “skipped
a beat,” thanks to all those who have voluntarily taken on additional
responsibilities. Your willingness to do so has allowed the Center to function
smoothly and given me much-needed peace of mind during a very difficult and
trying time. Thank you.
As I reflect on the past
twenty years with pride in our accomplishments, I am filled with excitement and
anticipation as we embark on the next twenty years. Our future is bright and
bursting with potential. Together we will work to expand our horizons and
together we will accomplish great things!
Reverend David T. Alger has been selected to receive
the 2009 Greater Tacoma Peace Prize. In
the course of nearly thirty years as Executive Director of Associated
Ministries, Reverend Alger has worked tirelessly to build a local community
that is humane, compassionate, and just. In choosing him as this year’s
laureate, the committee considered the many aspects of his work in the greater 
Inspired by the Nobel Peace Prize and in honor of
The Prize will be awarded to Rev. Alger at a special
reception on May 30, 5:00 p.m., in the Regency Room of the
Lisa Marie Ottoson
Commemorating the 20th
Anniversary of the
As
a PLU graduate of the class of 1987, I remember the building process, observed
from afar, and the dozens of people involved.
Of course, I couldn’t imagine them doing much with a “gravel pit,” when
in my mind, it should have been modeled after the Ballard Sons of Norway lodge,
to give it a ‘Viking’ feel. In fact, it
came out so much better than I could have imagined. When I walked in for the first time, I was
struck by the thoughtful design that went into each detail. The tiles, the gorgeous kitchen, the donor
wall, the functionality, the display bays, the lighting in the ceiling soffits,
etc. It was and is a gathering space for
ideas, culture, and the best of all that is Nordic. I love it, and I hope you do too. Skol, SCC! Here’s to another 20
years of successful sharing of the best of
Special Price for Members of Nordic Organizations!
Bring out your
family and friends and join fellow Nordic community members at Safeco Field to
watch some exciting Major League Baseball action! We have a large block of seats reserved for
this game, so order now and join us for a fun night at the ballpark! Come
early, because the first 20,000 fans receive a 10th Anniversary Mariners Collectible
Train!
Friday, June 5, 2009 • 7:10 p.m.
View Reserved Seats (Normally $20) for only $11
Special Discount: View Reserved
Seats are only $11 for all Nordic community members. If you would like to sit together with
friends or family, please place one order for the entire group. Orders are
filled on a “first come/ first served” basis and are based on availability. Scoreboard
Greeting: Groups of 40 or more will
receive two complimentary tickets and their name on the scoreboard. Watch for our group’s name on the scoreboard
after the 4th inning for our special welcome to Safeco Field. To purchase
tickets with our group, just visit www.mariners.com/Nordic . To order
more than 25 tickets, call or e-mail Corinne Fowler at 206-346-4515 or cfowler@mariners.com
Questions? Please Call Corinne
Fowler.
Order Now! Deadline for ordering is June 3rd, 2009 @ 5
p.m.
Big Dreams -
from Karmøy to
The
SCC will present the documentary “Big Dreams - from Karmøy to
Born
in
When
the fisheries in the Northeast began to fail, Kaare brought his family and boat
to
Ness,
who now lives in
Tuesday, May 12, at 7:00 p.m. in
the Scandinavian Cultural Center.
Free admission. Refreshments will be served.
The current exhibit in the SCC, In Nicholas Delin’s Footsteps, will end on May 22.
This comprehensive
collection of photographs depicts the first
Swedish/Scandinavian immigrants in
Pictured
at the formal opening of the exhibit,
which included an informative lecture by Prof. Magnusson, are:
Brian. Magnusson, Kerstin Ringdahl (Curator, SIEC), Lisa Ottoson, and Prof. Audun Toven
Judy Laursen
Are
you curious about that wonderful little country of
You
don't have to have Danish relatives to get involved. We enjoy each other's company with a potluck
luncheon, meeting, and a program. The
monthly event is usually over by 2 p.m., if not a little sooner. Danes love to get together and always have a
good time! Meetings are not held during the months of
July or August; however, we get together for a few picnics, and include the
Danish Brotherhood.
The
Danish Sisterhood and the Danish Brotherhood lodges of the Pacific Northwest
and
The
Danish Sisterhood was organized in 1883 in
Karen Giguere
Garfield Book Company
The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo
by Stieg Larsson
This novel is a spellbinding amalgam of murder
mystery, family saga, love story, and financial intrigue. It is a contagiously
exciting, stunningly intelligent novel about society at its most hidden, and
about the intimate lives of a brilliantly realized cast of characters, all of
them forced to face the darker aspects of their world and of their own lives.
Don’t forget to join the new Scandinavian Book Club - first Monday of the month at 7 pm at the GBC
Call for Nominations
It’s the
time of year when we begin our search for the Outstanding Volunteer of the
Year. This award is specifically for
someone who has gone “above and beyond” in giving of their time and talents to
benefit the
go to retiring Council member Maynard
Hedegaard, who has served the SCC for many years - as council
president, secretary, Endowment Fund chair, and most recently as Activities Group
Coordinator. You will be missed!
Joanne McDonald, Docent Chair
Imagine having a volunteer job where
your varied experiences might include the following: sharing in the fun of
decorating the trees for SCC’s Christmas in Scandinavia exhibit,
sampling delicious food from the several cooking classes, meeting musicians and
other interesting visitors who are passing through, or listening to Edvard
Grieg on a quiet day. Those experiences
were a cross-section of entries in the volunteers’ log, which docents complete
at the end of their three- or four-hour shift.
Besides jotting down notes in the log, docent duties include greeting
visitors, answering questions about the exhibit and Center, and having the
visitors sign the guest register. Those
who are interested in becoming a docent are asked to contact Joanne
McDonald. Call 253-383-4535 or e-mail:
lpmschuster@comcast.net
A warm thank you to
the following volunteers who have ”retired” or will retire this year!
Elene Emerson Barbara Tollefson Maren Johnson Carol Erickson -
Esther Hinschberger
AND thanks to our current docents! You are all appreciated!
EXHIBITS & EVENTS
CURRENT
EXHIBIT: “In Nicholas Delin’s Footsteps,” a photography collection of Swedish pioneers in
NEXT
EXHIBIT: “From Gravel Pit to Gracious
Space” Opens May 30.
NORDIC
FILM SERIES in the SCC - last one! Film starts at 3:00 p.m. Free admission! Sunday, May 10 “101
FILM
SCREENING - Documentary “Big Dreams -
from Karmøy to
MEETINGS
Danish
Sisterhood, May 6 and June 3 at 11:00
am
Questions, call 253-539-0587
Danish
Sangaften, May 17 and June 21, at 6 pm. Questions, call 253-984-6700
Executive
Board Meeting, May 20 and June 8, noon
SCC Council Meetings, May 13 and June 10, 5:30 pm in
the SCC
The Second City Chamber Series' 2008-23009 Season, "Tales of Two Cities", explores the great chamber music of the world, two cities at a time. On Friday, May 15, violinist Tom Dziekonski, cellist Virginia Dziekonski, and pianist Lisa Bergman perform a program entitled "Copehagen & Stockholm". Featured works include chamber music by Danish composers Niels Gade and Peter Erasmus Lange-Muller, as well as Swedish composer Hilding Rosenberg.
Our own Svend Ronning is Artistic Director of the Second City Chamber Series.
Tickets: $35 Regular Admission/$30 Seniors-Military/$15 Students
For further information call (253) 572-TUNE (8863), or go to www.scchamberseries.org
Find out about the parade and
other festivities in Ballard at the web site www.syttendemaiseattle.com. The Grand Marshal this year is
Norwegian Ambassador Wegger Chr. Strommen.
ALSO - Join the flag raising
ceremony on PLU campus at 9:00 am!
