ST.PAUL, MN (09/04/2012)(readMedia)-- Northwestern College's Office of Alumni & Parent Relations announced five alumni award and special recognition recipients for 2012. Honorees will be celebrated at a recognition dinner on Sept. 27 and during Homecoming festivities on Sept. 29.
Christian Lingenfelder, Distinguished Alumnus Award
Since graduating Northwestern in 1994, U.S. Air Force Major Christian J. Lingenfelder, M.A., has served his country at home and abroad. A faithful family man, Lingenfelder put his career on the line to move home and care for his aging father.
"The decision [to return home] raised a lot of eyebrows up the chain-of-command at my last duty station," Lingenfelder said, "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."
Barb Lindman, Buckles, Hanna Service Award
Barb Lindman, Ph.D. has been at Northwestern 40 years as a professor, coach, senior academic dean and everything in between. Her career began alongside the miraculous 1972 reopening of the college in St. Paul after a six-year closure of its original campus in Minneapolis.
"Everyone knew God's hand was on this place," she said.
Rodney Loeffler, Music Hall of Recognition
Rodney J. Loeffler, M.M. served as Associate Professor of Music and Chair of the Music Department from 2003-2008, commissioning a successful new opera, Ruth, during his last year. Since retiring, Loeffler has used his vast network of music contacts to bring outstanding clinicians to campus and help students find jobs after graduation.
Kelsie Carlson, Athletic Hall of Fame
Kelsie Carlson represented Eagle women at the 2003 NAIA National Championships and 2004 NCCAA National Championships. Years after graduating Northwestern in 2004, the three-time NCCAA All-American still owns the program's top 20 measurements in discus and javelin.
Mark Muska, Athletic Hall of Fame
As a Northwestern student, Mark Muska, Ed.D., dominated from the pitcher's mound throwing four no-hitters, leading the team to conference championships in both 1974 and 1975. The 1976 graduate returned to Northwestern in 1985 as a faculty member in the Biblical and Theological Studies Department, winning the college's Excellence in Teaching Award in 2010.
The Alumni Office has honoree bios available in greater detail.
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Founded in 1902, Northwestern College is a private Christian liberal arts college in St. Paul, Minn. offering more than 70 areas of study, five master's degrees and several associate degree and certificate programs. More than 3,000 students representing 33 states and 19 countries are enrolled in Northwestern's traditional undergraduate and graduate and continuing education programs. Northwestern Media, a ministry of Northwestern College, operates 14 listener-supported radio stations throughout the Midwest. Visit www.nwc.edu.