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President's Corner
All I want for Christmas…
With Christmas right around the corner, my kids have been busy reviewing the
weekend shopping inserts and planting seeds as to what they would like to
receive for Christmas. That got me thinking about what I would like for the
future of Scandinavian Heritage Association.
Over the past two years as president, I have been blessed to receive many gifts;
gifts of time, talents, experience, giving, and friendship. It has truly been a
rewarding experience and one that I will forever cherish. The dedication and
devotion that I have seen from so many volunteers, directors, and the membership
have been nothing short of extraordinary.
But, as with any administration, there are still things yet unfinished; there is
always more work to be done in any vital, flourishing organization. And so it is
with Scandinavian Heritage Association. Yes, I, too, have a list of things I
would like to see come to pass for this special organization.
Earlier this year, we opened a meaningful dialog with Dr. David Fuller,
President of Minot State University. In June, Dr. Fuller and a delegation of
Minot State University administrators accompanied Minot’s Mayor and other city
officials as part of a Minot-Skien sister city delegation that visited Norway
and other Scandinavian countries. In addition to participating in the
sister-city delegation, Dr. Fuller had visits and discussions with Telemark
University in Norway, American College of Norway in Moss, Ostfold University
College in Halden, Norway, Kristianstad University in Sweden, and Aalborg
University in Denmark. Discussions with the universities focused on student and
faculty exchanges, study tours, study abroad, and Scandinavian Studies
curricula.
Scandinavian Heritage Association met with Dr. Fuller and expressed an interest
in establishing an ongoing relationship focused on developing student exchanges
and other cross-cultural partnerships. So first, as part of this new working
relationship, I would like to see SHA develop a programs-based mission focused
on the sponsoring of programs like youth language camps and student and faculty
exchange programs, in partnership with Minot State University, Norsk Hostfest,
and the various heritage societies.
Next, I’d like to see even more ways to showcase Scandinavian Heritage Park, the
“Crown Jewel of Minot.” One way to do this is to make it available for visitors
around the world. Discussions are currently under way to produce a 30-minute
DVD, showcasing the beauty of the park and capturing the history of our
Scandinavian ancestors. Along with this DVD, we are discussing the production of
an audio tour of the park, where visitors could enjoy a self-guided tour that
would present the history and splendor of the park.
Lastly, I’d ask for a maintenance trust to be established for the park to ensure
that the beauty of this living cultural museum be maintained for years to come.
I would propose the creation of the John Sinn Heritage Trust, named in honor of
our chief engineer and construction superintendent, John Sinn, without whose
expertise and tireless effort many of the structures and splendor of the park
would not have been possible. This would be a fitting and lasting tribute to
John for all of his years of selfless dedication to Scandinavian Heritage Park.
And so it is; my Christmas wish list for 2007 and beyond. Oh, and that reminds
me, I’ve got to get over to Wal-Mart to finish up my shopping, my kids just
added more to their lists.
May you enjoy all of the blessings of this holiday season!
God Jul!
Yours truly,
Mark R. Anderson
President
For any other comments or questions please feel free to contact us
at:
Scandinavian Heritage Association, Inc.
1020 South Broadway
P.O. Box 862
Minot, ND 58702, USA
Phone: 701-852-9161
Email: scandha@srt.com
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