February 2009
Where will our energy come from?
Nathan Lewis, a professor at the California Institute of Technology, will try to answer that question when he speaks on "Where in the World Will Our Energy Come From?" Tuesday, March 3, at 7:30 p.m. in the Richard and Lucille Ice Auditorium at Linfield College. The lecture is sponsored through the Walter P. Dyke Endowment, honoring the Linfield alumnus and faculty member who was known as a strong teacher, innovative scientist and researcher, and philanthropist.
Leaping tall filing cabinets in a single bound
Little did Graciela Gaona ’09 know that when she enrolled at Linfield as an elementary education major, she’d take on a secret identity . . . as the Financial Ace! In the classroom, Gaona is a full-time elementary education major. After classes end, she transforms into the Financial Ace – using her powers as a financial aid work study student to help cover her Linfield expenses. Gaona is one of more than 400 Linfield recipients of the Oregon Opportunity Grant, which provides financial aid for Oregon’s neediest college students. This spring, these students’ grants were cut by $80.
Toothpick architecture
For Totem Shriver, adjunct professor of art and visual culture, learning opportunities sometimes present themselves in ordinary form. After studying architect Frank Gehry’s work, students in Shriver’s January Term class “Image Management (Dionysian Reveries)” built three-dimensional structures using only toothpicks and wood glue. The project presented surprising challenges. “Somewhere in between [the students’] design ideas and finished products, their visions change because of the dynamics of the slow drying glue,” said Shriver. “In the end they love the piece due to the time they put into it.”
Tennis gears up for season
Ten experienced letter winners, plus two freshmen, give the Linfield College men’s tennis team a deep lineup that could make a run at the program's first Northwest Conference championship since 2002. With so many experienced players coming back, “we won’t have to reinvent the wheel,” said Coach Carl Swanson. “Our guys know my expectations and they’ve been around long enough that they have the hunger to want to go out and take the top spot.”
Where are they now? Lindsay Harksen ‘06
Whether she’s on the volleyball court or in the financial arena, Lindsay Harksen ‘06 has skills for achievement that cross both venues. The former Wildcats All-American and Academic All-America is enjoying a career in investment consulting. Now a senior investment analyst at R.V. Kuhns & Associates, Inc. in Portland, Harksen says her athletic experience taught her to be successful in a team environment and to become a leader and role model for others.
Alumni News
Events unite alumni
A number of events planned for this spring will provide Linfield alumni ways to connect and expand their social and career networks. In March, alumni and friends in the Palm Springs area will gather for lunch and meet President Thomas L. Hellie. Alumni in the greater Los Angeles area will have opportunities to connect with social hours on March 16 and 17. On March 19, Linfield professionals in the Portland area are invited to a social hour at Intrinsic Design in the Pearl District. Come ready to promote yourself, your business or your cause, or simply come to expand your network. In April, alumni can bring their little ones to campus for an Easter egg hunt. Later that month, alumni in the Bay Area can connect during a weekend barbeque.
Help Linfield honor outstanding alumni
Do you know an alumnus who has done something outstanding professionally? Can you think of a friend or classmate who has made generous contributions to the community? Now is your chance to recognize that person. In October, the Alumni Association will honor alumni and friends of the college with four awards. If you know people who might make great honorees, nominate them now. Deadline for nominations is June 1. Make plans now to attend Homecoming and reconnect with award recipients, as well as other friends and classmates.
Addicted to Facebook?
Combine two things you love by using Facebook to enhance your Linfield connections. Several Facebook groups enable users to connect to other Wildcats. Groups by region, class year and general interest are available at one convenient site. You will also find instructions on adding Linfield to your networks.
January Term survey results
We asked and you responded – loud and clear. January Term courses were a big hit and, for many of you, the highlight of your college experience. Respondents shared stories ranging from roughing it in the Cascade Mountain Range to travelling with the choir in Australia and New Zealand. Favorite memories shared ranged from once-in-a-lifetime opportunities like walking on the floor of the Parliament to little things like watching the sun set over the Mediterranean. One respondent reported the class highlight was meeting his future wife.
Riley’s big reveal
The Riley coffee shop has had more facelifts than an aging diva. From vending machines, to The Deli, the Catalyst and O'Riley's, the space has transformed to reflect changing students and their tastes. While many students and faculty were gone during January, O'Riley's was transformed yet again.
Parent News Sharing the parent perspective
Linfield is a family tradition for the Cody family. Greg and Lori Cody, parents of Aaron Cody ’10, joined the Parents Council Leadership Team in 2007. Aaron is following in the footsteps of alumni including his dad, grandparents and great-aunt. We asked Greg and Lori to reflect on Aaron’s experience at Linfield.
President's Circle News
Gift enhances media lab
A dozen media kits including digital cameras, audio recorders, microphones and digital video cameras were donated to the Linfield Mass Communications Department by the Bladine family. The donation, commemorated with a plaque on the door of the Renshaw Hall Media Lab, equips students for information gathering in an electronic age and gives students real-world experience as they acquire cutting-edge journalism skills. The gift was in memory of longtime McMinnville News-Register owner Phil Bladine ’39. The Bladine family has a long association with Linfield. Phil’s widow, Meg, is a former Linfield trustee, son Jeb ‘69 attended Linfield before transferring to the University of Oregon’s School of Journalism and granddaughter Chelsey ’01 earned a political science degree.