Alumni from the 1973-1974 Education Abroad program in Fredericia, Denmark — the first study abroad program for the University — celebrate their 40th anniversary reunion on the St. Cloud State campus in June 2014.
Many memories were shared when alumni from the 1973-1974 Education Abroad program in Fredericia, Denmark, came together to celebrate their 40th anniversary reunion on the St. Cloud State campus in June 2014.
Several alumni took time to express their thoughts about their experience in Denmark and the reunion:
Generation Study Abroad
Education Abroad at St. Cloud State has been active for more than 40 years, and now has partnered with Institute of International Education’s (IIE) Generation Study Abroad initiative to double the number of students who study abroad by 2019.
IIE is among the world’s largest and most experienced international exchange organizations, dedicated to increasing the capacity of people to think and work on a global basis.
St. Cloud State’s commitment to this initiative includes:
- Expansion of scholarship opportunities
- Expanding first-year study abroad experiences (such as South Africa and Malaysia)
- Opportunities tied to academic programs (specifically for engineering and science students)
- Communicating and marketing Education Abroad to students and parents
- Building external partnerships
Nancy Jorgenson Lilienthal ’74
It is remarkable that over the course of 40 years and with minimal contact among the 110 students who participated in the first study abroad program, a robust and unbreakable bond still remains. Opportunity of a lifetime is what my parents told me when I, a shy introverted college senior at St. Cloud State, had a desire to be a part of the first study abroad program. The cost for living in Denmark and taking a full year of college credits was commensurate with living and attending classes on campus in St. Cloud. A win-win situation coupled with a chance to live abroad … what a dream!
The reunions over the past years have turned acquaintances into lasting friendships all brought about by Dr. Frost’s vision of a year-long study program in Denmark and our director, counselor and friend in Denmark, Dr. George Farrah. I cannot wait to see everyone again at the next reunion.
Becky Leuer ’75
I was overwhelmed by the welcoming and appreciation we received from the Alumni Association and Center for International Studies representatives as they honored the path we took in being the first study abroad group. During our on-campus luncheon the guest speaker spoke of the many study abroad programs now available at SCSU. It’s amazing to see how the program has matured since 1973.
Cal Anderson ’75
A few short weeks have passed since Friday and Saturday at the Cloud and I continue as I have for 40 years to think about each one of us in the present and the past. I believe those in attendance may have found their needs met even though they can’t quite put their finger on what those needs are. It may be the mystery why we keep coming back. What I do know is that I was almost brought to tears when I saw Dr. Al Pabst, John Carter and his wife Elaine.
Dr. Pabst is 89 years old and John is 78. It wasn’t until I was having a drink with them on Friday night that I caught a glimpse of what it may mean to be an example and mentor to others. Did we mean that much to them? Or is it that they mean that much to us! I am convinced that life’s journey is often times paid forward and they were there demonstrating a human need to keep in touch, maybe bridge a gap. They mean that much to us!
After reading the student council minutes given to us by the banquet speaker, Dr. Jeff Ringer, I was reminded how much Dr. Frost, Dr. Farrah and the teachers sacrificed for us through diplomatic intervention as well as personal money donated for our needs. I want to say a huge thank you for their effort to attend and to grace us with their wisdom and spirit for life! We are getting older but the bond and the flame will never go out until none of us are left.
Let’s continue to celebrate when we can as they have shown and continue to lift each other up. We were not only a pioneer program, we were a great bunch of young people destined to connect maybe in ways we haven’t even realized yet. Thanks to all who put the reunion together and I can hardly wait till the next time we meet again. Love you all.
Sally Smith ’74
I have had lots of thoughts throughout the week about the Denmark trip and people and connections. Saturday evening was an excellent get together. I also got teary eyes seeing Dr. Pabst enter the room. There were great conversations and lots of camaraderie between the group. I had forgotten that one of the conditions was that the trip should not cost more than the time at the St. Cloud campus. That is the only reason my parents allowed me to participate.
Sue Hesch Ringsmuth ’75
When I signed up for the Denmark experience it never occurred to me that I would become so emotionally attached to the Danes. I am very thankful that God blessed me with the opportunity to be able to go to Denmark with all of you.
Julie Emery Peterson ’75
Are we already a month beyond our 40th Denmark Reunion? There are not enough superlatives to express my sincere gratitude and joy at being able to attend this reunion. It filled something up in me that I didn’t know was missing.
Cal, your awesome slides gave me a glimpse into the unique history of your Fredericia year, of which I was only able to be a part of for two months. I distinctly remember feeling instantly “at home” with you all when I joined you in March. What a valuable treasure I received through this experience and through all the people I have gotten to know as a result. These on-going relationships continue to increase in value as the days and years go by.
A special THANK-YOU to all of you who made this 40th Reunion possible! You did a superb job!
Mike Cooper ’76
It is quite a realization to look back, now that we are older than our teachers were at that time, and to see their commitment to our experience. These people were incredible as well. When I arrived at the Kelly Inn on Friday night, I saw Dr. Pabst, waiting in the lobby. I had the pleasure of having a drink with Dr. Pabst at the bar, one on one, for an hour, waiting for our program to begin. Never having had a class with Dr. Pabst, there was a lot I learned during our conversation particularly about his WWII experience. In any event, I have a feeling, and a confidence that everyone in our group has stories, experiences and incredible life journeys to share. We should do this again next year!
