Current HonoreesWe are pleased to announce our alumni awards and special recognition recipients for 2012. Each of these individuals has made significant contributions to Northwestern and helped fulfill Northwestern's mission of giving God-honoring leadership in the home, church, community and world. Congratulations to the 2012 award recipients!
Christian J. Lingenfelder – Distinguished Alumnus AwardUnited States Air Force Major Christian J. “C.J.” Lingenfelder ’94, M.A., due to be promoted to the rank of Lieutenant Colonel this fall, is the 2012 Northwestern College Distinguished Alumnus of the Year. Major Lingenfelder graduated from Northwestern College with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Communications (cum laude) and Bachelor of Arts degree in Bible. Lingenfelder enlisted in the United States Air Force upon graduation from Northwestern and after a brief stint as a linguist, received his officer’s commission in 1997 and became an intelligence officer. His various Air Force appointments and accomplishments include:
Lingenfelder is a non-rated officer aircrew member with over 800 total flying hours in two aircraft over the USCENTCOM, USPACOM and USFK AORs. His combat experience includes more than 280 hours flown in Operations ENDURING FREEDOM and IRAQI FREEDOM. In 2010, in a potentially career-threatening move, Lingenfelder requested reassignment so he could return home to Minnesota to help care for his ailing father, who passed away in May 2011. For Lingenfelder, his decision to put family first reflects values held throughout his career. “The decision [to return home] raised a lot of eyebrows up the chain-of-command at my last duty station.” Lingenfelder commented. “Nevertheless, God is sovereign over my life, and will guide it in whatever direction He pleases, regardless of what the conventional wisdom or recommended route may be.” Lingenfelder currently serves an Assistant Professor of Aerospace Studies and Education at Air Force ROTC Detachment 410, University of St. Thomas, St. Paul, Minn., which also hosts Northwestern College cadets. He resides in the Twin Cities with his wife, Amy (Volkmann ’95), and their five children. The Distinguished Alumnus Award is presented annually to an alumnus who has demonstrated God-honoring leadership to humanity and service in his profession as well as leadership in the home and church.
Dr. Barb Lindman – Buckles-Hanna Service AwardBarb Lindman, Ph.D., receives the Buckles-Hanna Service Award for 2012. Dr. Lindman has been part of the Northwestern community for 40 years and was one of the original employees at the opening of the St. Paul campus in 1972. She appreciates the privilege of being part of the “miracle” of what former President William Berntsen described as “The New Northwestern,” when the college reopened after a six-year closure of its original campus in Minneapolis. Lindman recalls that in the beginning there were only 200 students and less than 10 faculty members, “but everyone knew God’s hand was on this place.” During her time at Northwestern, Lindman has filled nearly every role imaginable shy of the president’s title. She has been a professor, coach of three sports, women’s athletic director, chair of the Physical Education and Education departments, dean of curriculum and instruction, dean of academic programs, associate provost, and senior academic dean. She has worked tirelessly on reaccreditation visits and was influential in the creation of many undergraduate and graduate programs including the Associate of Arts Degree in Electronic Media in Quito, Ecuador, the unique Dual Bachelor of Arts/Master of Divinity Degree in Pastoral Ministry, and the recently added Philosophy major. She was also instrumental in developing the ALPHA Center for tutoring and learning assistance. Lindman is a trusted advisor, accomplished educator, and respected co-worker. In recognizing her 40 years of service at an employee gathering in August, Sr. Vice President for Academic Affairs Janet Sommers said, “Dr. Lindman is committed to providing the administrative infrastructure necessary for academic excellence to thrive. Through keen insight, great wisdom, and a warm, collegial spirit, Dr. Lindman continues to bring invaluable strength and support to the Office of Academic Affairs and Northwestern College.” Lindman lives in Shoreview, Minn., and in summer enjoys time with her siblings and their families at the Lindman lake home near Pillager, Minn. The Buckles-Hanna Service Award recognizes and honors a member of the Northwestern College community and who has given outstanding service to Northwestern and its mission.
Rodney Loeffler – Music Hall of RecognitionRodney J. Loeffler, M.M., is being honored as the 2012 inductee into the Music Hall of Recognition. Mr. Loeffler’s relationship with the Department of Music began in the early 1990s as a competition judge and advisory panel member. He came on staff in 2003 and served as Associate Professor of Music and Chair of the Music Department until 2008. Loeffler earned his Bachelor of Music degree in Music Education from the University of Michigan and a Master of Music degree in Music Education from the University of the Pacific. He spent 18 years as a public school music educator before moving into higher education administration. He has served as Assistant to the Dean of the University of the Pacific Conservatory of Music and Assistant Director of the University of Minnesota School of Music. In both California and Minnesota, he served the music and music-education communities as a percussionist, adjudicator, clinician and guest conductor. He served in a variety of leadership positions within the California Music Educators Association and in Minnesota has served on the board of the Greater Twin Cities Youth Symphonies and acted in an advisory capacity to several educational and musical organizations. During his tenure as Chair of the Northwestern College Department of Music, Loeffler streamlined and standardized many departmental procedures and budgeting processes and also oversaw the hiring of the key faculty positions in Orchestra and Band. He often reminds people that “when we get to heaven, we will recognize Jesus as the one with the towel around his waist,” and demonstrated this kind of servant-leadership during his time at Northwestern College. He prefers to serve “behind-the scenes,” and in supportive roles, helping others be successful. During his last year as Chair of the Music Department, Loeffler commissioned a new opera, Ruth, written by NWC faculty member Barbara Rogers and performed by the NWC Orchestra and Opera Workshop. The production was a massive undertaking involving the entire department. More than 3,000 people attended the four performances of Ruth. Loeffler continues to partner with the NWC Department of Music, assisting with student teacher supervision and providing scholarship and other funding support for Music students. He has used his network of contacts among professional musicians and music educators in the Twin Cities to bring outstanding clinicians to campus and to help Music Education majors get quality student teaching and methods placements and find jobs after graduation. Loeffler and his wife Eloise-Marie are members of Grace Church in Eden Prairie, and are active volunteers with local ministries such as Hope Academy and New Life Family Services. In January 2013 they plan to spend three months in Kenya, where he will be teaching at the Rift Valley Academy, a residential K-12 school outside Nairobi for the children of missionaries based in Africa. The Music Hall of Recognition was created to recognize those individuals who best exhibit the spirit, integrity, and Christian commitment that exemplify Northwestern College and the Department of Music.
Kelsie Carlson ’04 – Athletic Hall of FameKelsie Carlson ’04 represents Eagle women as this year's Athletic Hall of Fame inductee. For three years, Ms. Carlson ’04 blew the doors off of the Northwestern Track and Field record books, etching her name into history with the discus, hammer throw, javelin and shot put. Throughout 2002, 2003 and 2004, Carlson posted 25 top-10 marks in those events, grabbing school records in the discus, hammer throw and javelin. A participant in the 2003 NAIA National Championships and 2004 NCCAA National Championships, Carlson still owns the program’s top 20 measurements in the discus and javelin—years after retiring her Eagles uniform. She is a three-time NCCAA All-American who also claimed Northwestern’s only NAIA All-American honor (2003). Carlson’s passion for and participation in her sport didn’t diminish after her college days as she went on to participate in the Highland Games, an international festival that includes athletic events to test an individual’s accuracy, agility, stamina and strength. As a Highland Games participant, Carlson has been able to minister to people and meet lifelong friends. Off the field of competition, she also takes pleasure being an all-American aunt to her nieces and nephew. Whether being more outspoken about her faith to friends and strangers or sharing her gifts as a teacher at New Horizons Day Care Academy, God is continually at work in Kelsie Carlson’s life. The Athletic Hall of Fame recognizes individuals who best exhibit the integrity and Christian commitment that exemplify Northwestern College and the Athletic Department.
Dr. Mark Muska ’76 – Athletic Hall of FameIn just two years time, Mark Muska ’76, Ed.D., put Northwestern College’s new Roseville campus on the map, throwing four no-hitters while wearing an Eagles uniform. Dr. Muska dominated from the pitcher’s mound, leading NWC to conference championships in both 1974 and 1975. Today, Muska continues to be one of the most well-liked professors on campus, which was evidenced by his being named the recipient of the 2010 Northwestern Excellence in Teaching Award. He served as chair of Biblical & Theological Studies from 1998–2004. Muska is quick to acknowledge the role of Northwestern and his church in building his knowledge of the Bible and opening his eyes to what God is doing around the world. The Athletic Hall of Fame recognizes individuals who best exhibit the integrity and Christian commitment that exemplify Northwestern College and the Athletic Department. |
