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Wuppertal-Bethel Exchange Program 25th Anniversary
BRIDGES OVER TROUBLED WATERS
25 lines in memory of professor Inge Heuser
And with thanks to Erna Fast and all those
Who were and still are building bridges:
From Bethel to Wuppertal
And from here to there
There was a time when waves of hate and ignorance
Rolled over many million innocents: the people, starved
And yellow-starred and men with pink triangles,
Suffocating in the coldest heat, then drowned
In the seas of shameless blindness, inhumanity.
There was a time when waves of unforgiving memory
Rolled over many million innocents, including
All the young, and swore revenge, eternally.
But there were silver linings, too, and doves
Out of the Kansan blue brought some hope.
There was a time when troubled waters calmed,
When unexpected bridges, built by U.S. Mennonites,
Made for exchanges of ideas, of parcels and of people:
Destruction and despair gave way to friendship deep
And invitations and encouragement to study life abroad.
There is time when Germans and Americans sit down
And do reflect on life since World War II, of changes
Which have come about in twenty years and five,
Of full co-operation and of caring for those others,
Brothers, sisters, whom one never knew before.
There might be times when waves of hate and ignorance
Roll over Anabaptists, over those who won’t or can’t comply
With compromise, conformism, “normality,” mediocrity; then
All the bridges over troubled waters interlock and link,
Knowing that UNITED WE STAND, DIVIDED WE FALL – all of us.
Henrik Eger
29.6./.7. 1976
BRÜCKEN ÜBER BEWEGTE WASSER
Es gab eine Zeit
In der Wellen von Wut Wahnsinn
Millionen Unschuldiger überrollten:
Hungernde,
Gelbgesternte,
Rosamarkierte
Erstickten in kaltem Hass,
Ertranken in Meeren von
Blinder
Schamloser
Unmenschlichkeit.
Es gab eine Zeit
in der Wellen von Wundheit
Millionen Unschuldiger uberrollten:
der Jugend
ewige Vergeltung schworen.
Aber
auch Hoffnung brach auf wie Taubenflug
aus Kansan Blau.
Eine Zeit brach an,
in der sich bewegte Wasser beruhigten,
in derBrücken aus Hönden wuchsen:
für Gedanken, Pakete und Menschen,
für Freundschaft und Begegnungen,
für Ermutigungen, Leben neu zu erfahren.
Es gibt eine Zeit
in der Deutsche und Amerikaner
über Leben und Krieg nachdenken,
Verönderungen überwachen,
Gemeinsames entdecken und
Verantwortung tragen für
Brüder und Schwestern,
Deren Gesicht sie nicht kannten.
Es kögnnte eine Zeit geben,
in der Wellen von Wut und Wahnsinn
alle die überrollen, die
sich nicht anpassen konnen,
sich nicht fühlen lernten wie viele –
dann!
möggen sich alle
Brucken dieser Welt
zusammenfügen, uns zu tragen:
Dichundmichunduns.
Eins müssen wir sein,
damit wir nicht fallen
in bewegte Wasser unter uns.
Übertragen von Hanna Wehner
HOW IT ALL STARTED
Letters and notes in a file more than 25 years old reveal that here was no nicely-organized, well-coordinated effort to start a project with a future. Rather, there was a tenuousness, a sort of groping for something that would show the deep caring that Bethel College felt as they learned more and more about the terrible aftermath of World War II.
This caring found in special workdays, car washes, lean meals. It was spearheaded by the Student Christian Association, strongly supported by faculty and administration. However, what bothered them was the anonymity of the contributions earned this way; they wanted to show they cared in more specific, directly personal way.
How was it that Wuppertal became the school to form this exchange with Bethel? MCCers were working throughout Germany in those early 50’s, and it was in cooperation with some of the leaders of the MCC and with the Evangelische Studentengemeinde (Germany’s SCA), where at the time I was secretary for the Pödagogische Hochschulen, that the choice of Wuppertal was made.
Why Wuppertal? Here, I like Bethel, students were preparing to become teachers. Here, too, the relative size of the school at the time made seem more compatible with Bethel’s setting than a university such as Heidelberg, Hannover, or Gögttingen – which were considered. Then the fact that Wuppertal at the time had opened its doors to many refugee students played a definite part in the decision. And finally, the status of its director, Professor Hammelsbeck was known an outstanding leader both in the field of pedagogy and in postwar church circles. Yes, it was of no small significance that Prof. Hammelsbeck had also during the war taken a strong courageous stand in the writing of the Barmen Confession.
To “building bridges of understanding” – how often and from diverse sources does this expression occur! First this turned into clothes for refugees, simple dormitory furniture and school equipment that was much needed. That was in 1950 and ’51. Then in the fall if ’51 Fritz Potreck arrived in Bethel campus and Otto Driedger became the first student to study at Wuppertal.
The rest of the story is your story. You have made it work far beyond first expectations and the hopes of those who worked so hard to provide the first financial support for this program.
Erna J. Fast
1951-52
Fritz Potreck
Headmaster, Elementary School
Agnes Miegel Weg 9
5620 Velbert 75
My greatest exchange experience…I found people in a country much different from ours willing to find a partnership. It will remain unforgettable for me as a German that I was integrated in to the “Bethel family” so soon after the 2nd World War. The Mennonite way of living, the basic Christian convictions, the endeavor for peace are strongly impressed on my memory. I can never forget Christmas 1951 – celebrating it with my roommate’s family; it showed me a kind of practical way of Christian life.
Because of these benefits – and there are many more – I would like to see this exchange program continued. Also, it provides the possibility to learn school systems and political, cultural, and economic issues of the country. Last, but least, I would never have become an English teacher if I had not had this chance to study at Bethel.
1952-53
Rudolf Wiemann
Oberstudienrat, Rögntgen Gymnsium
52 Agnes-Miegel Str.
5600 Wuppertal 2
After my return from the States, September ’53, I started to teach a t Wuppertal elementary school. Between 1956 and ’61 I continued to teach, at the same time continuing my English studies at Cologne University in order to qualify as an English teacher.
In 1961 Frau Professor Heuser asked me to become her assistant in English at Wuppertal Pödagogische Hochschule. I was happy to follow this call, and years of mutually cooperative work began. Prof. Heuser is the one who must never be forgotten. She helped and promoted and planned and worked for the Bethel-Wuppertal exchange in ways beyond description.
It was on the first morning after my arrival that I left Goessel Hall where I roomed with 21 other students, crossed that I-don’t-remember-its-name road and entered Bethel campus past Leisy and Kliewer homes, Mem Hall, the museum, the library until I finally ended up in front of the Administration Building. All the time I had been wondering what in the world all those hundreds of cars, neatly lined up along the campus road, had come for; this was a completely unusual impression for me, a German student, seven years of WW II. On the Ad Building steps I was greeted by a tall man whom I had never seen before. He addressed me: “ Hi Rudy. Welcome to Bethel.” I was completely dumbfounded, unable to say a word, when that friendly gentleman broke my embarrassing silence and said, “I’m the President, David Wedel. People around here call me Prexi.” We had a nice chat on that fine September morning, seated on the Ad Building steps, me the students beside the President! The finally I could not help asking that ominous question, on my lips all along, about all the cars I had seen: “Is there a meeting of the Kansas government being held at Bethel?” Dr. Wedel seemed to laugh his head off, and then, after recovering, said: “Oh, no; its just the kids’ cars. Everyone of them has his own car.”
Eldo Neufeld and Kenny Hiebert I remember best; they helped me in every to adjust to dorm and campus life. Both of them had quite a good command of Low German due to their family backgrounds. Still, Kenny was not content with what he was able to express in German and so, wanting to improve on it, we agreed that I would teach him, at least twice a week for an hour or so. We studied various German texts from books and newspapers, even took classical literature, interspersing our studies with little poems once in a while. And since Kenny was a brilliant student, he made quite good progress. We studied the Goethe poem. Gefunden, which begins like this:
Ich ging im walde sofür mich hin,
Und nichts zu suchen, das war mein Sinn.
Im Schatten sah ich ein Blümchen stehn…
At last our last session Kenny recited this wonderfully well. His only difficulty were the umlauts and those tongue-breaking gutteral ch’s … Well, as customary, when the Graymaroons were passed out and around for more or less serious remarks, I read this entry in mine:
R-r-rudolf: Ich ging im walde,
Im Schatten sah ich Rudolf stehen.
Nun stand der Rudolf im Sonneneschein.
“…A few remarks about that baffling business of dating which played not just a minor role in campus life. At 22 I had developed quite a tender feeling towards a charming Junior girl from Pretty Prairie and had boldly dated her in the first week after my arrival. This obviously having been such a wonderful experience, a few days later I asked her again for a Dairy Queen trip downtown. I was in my seventh heaven, and so, not caring about any girl on campus tho’ charming and worth a date they might have been, I was just about to ask my PP gal for a third date in a row. I was lucky to be warned by a caring fellow-Bethelite. This is what he said: “Be careful, Rudy, never date a girl three times running. Make sure there is a different one between, at least after a second date. Otherwise you might be trapped into having to propose…”
Every so often, with the reminiscences of bethel coming back to mind and finding verbal expression, say around the dinner table, my children were enthused about the idea of perhaps one day following their Daddy’s route to Bethel College. I do hope these plans might come true; also, that I might be favored to visit my old alma mater, Bethel, to which I owe so much in my life.
…COULD IT BE THAT RUDY SPEAKS FOR OTHERS WHEN HE LISTS THE FOLLOWING AS THE BENEFITS DERIVED FROM HIS YEAR AS EXCHANGE STUDENT AT BETHEL?…
- widening my scope of understanding people from other nations, their problems and ideas, their ways of looking at things, thus helping to overcome so many prejudices which had loomed in my mind for seven years after the war;
- establishing lasting friendships which have enriched my life boundlessly;
- experiencing the thrill of a growing perfection in the handling of the English language; thus taking up further studies toward a degree and finally resulting in what in what I am now : an extremely happy and content teacher of English as a foreign language.
1953-54
Otto Driedger
Assoc. Professor of Social Work
University of Regina
3833 Montague St.
Regina, Sask., Canada
I received a great many benefits from the program. Experiencing a new cultural context, language and educational system were very meaningful. Gaining friendship with many, some of whom we have been able to visit subsequently, was enriching. Making arrangements for practicum placements for students in Sweden, Britain, New Zealand, the Caribbean and other places, convinces me that international educational for many students.
As a family we visited Europe in 1971 and had a very enjoyable visit with Rudy Wiemann and his family in Wuppertal.
***
Annegret Gehlhoff (Vöglker)
Teacher (Problem Children)
Seeweg 11
2361 Klein Ronnau
In July 1971 we moved north. The main reason for leaving the Kögln area was that we (my husband, Gerhard, is teaching too) wanted to learn more about problem children. We answered advertisement from the “Heilspödagogisches Kinderheim”. We have worked in this special school for 5 years now with about 60 children we cannot go to normal schools. They are neglected, retarted, have lost the ability to learn, understand the world nor themselves. It is interesting work – but takes time, patience, and nerves.
In 1973 we built a house and enjoy any time off in our home and garden. For vacations we like to go to Scandinavia in our VW-Camper. We saw Fritz and his wife recently, when they were camping not far from here. It was good to talk to him.
My Bethel year has influenced my life – even our work with problem children, what we think about life, etc. might have been different without Bethel…I correspond with Glen and Luetta Harder, Mountain Lake; we visited them for a week in 1970.
1954-55
Lillian Galle
Social Worker, Prairie View Mental Health Clinic
1315 Vine
Newton, Ks. 67114
I lived in Chicago for 16 years, and contrary to expectations when I went there, I loved the city – full of contractions…beautiful, but dirty and ugly; warm and friendly as well as cold and alienating; in fact, it seemed to me to be most anything you wanted it to be or made it to be!
While in Chicago I worked in a private child welfare agency. I’m not married, and for the most part enjoy being single. I am currently into cats and plants, and sometimes think I would prefer a job working with cats and plants, rather than working with people!
Memories of Wuppertal – several things still stand out in my mind: a ski trip to Austria with PA students (I didn’t know how to ski and didn’t learn about skiing, but I learned a bit about dancing); as a member of the PA volleyball team; a spring dance at the Wuppertal Zoo and a long walk home with friends very late at night after the dance; many beautiful evenings with friends, which ended with lovely singing of German folk songs. Perhaps most important was the personal growth in several ways that gave me…I hope this program can continue.
* * *
Rudolf Stubenrauch
Head of Teachers’ Seminary, Wuppertal
Talsperrenstr. 93b
5600 Wuppertal 21
In 1974 I completed my study of psychology at Cologne University. The foundation for this “second” field of interest (besides education) was laid at Bethel, by R.C. Kauffman, my favorite teacher. At present my job is supervising lesson-teaching, lecturing about educational psychology and trying to help neurotic people. But the most important benefit I derived from the program it that I learned to know my wife, Mineke, at Bethel (a Dutch music major who back home in Holland lived only 100 miles away)…I think the program should be continued as it is, providing lots of opportunities to learn to know other people, other ways of living, thinking and doing.
1955-56
Ruby Baresch (Woelk)
Social Worker, Writer
1621 Poplar
Newton, Ks. 67114
At the moment I am working at the Kansas Children’s Service League as program co-coordinator of services to children and families; also I work free-lance teaching behavior modification techniques for weight control and for smoking control; also I write poetry, have edited poetry mag, published a book of poems, and coordinated a poetry workshop for the free university at WSU. I would say that right now life seems to be on e great experiment; interesting avenues keep opening and I keep following them.
As to family, I have a daughter age 14 and a son age 13. Divorce is in process.
Of all the many splendid experiences life has offered, the Wuppertal year is still a high point, a real growth experience, as they say nowadays.
* * *
Elisabeth Rohde (Friedewald)
Schachtstr. 90
Teacher
470 Marl
After my return from Bethel I began teaching in Wuppertal and completed my second exam in 1960. I was organist in my parish and did a lot of music work by singing in an excellent choir and playing the flute. In March 1966 I married the pastor, Klaus Rohde, who at that time was working as editor of church magazine. When my husband became pastor of a parish in Marl I stopped teaching; in the meantime, also the three children of his former marriage joined us. Soon a lack of teachers at the gymnasium which our children attended brought the invitation for me to teach 5th and 6th grade mathematics. Now I’m teaching part-time, but have more interest in music and art.
As the wife of a pastor I also do parish work (both youth and adults). My husband and I participate in workshops of the W.I.L.L. (Workshop Institute for living/learning). We are happy about these workshops because they really help us understand ourselves and other people much better.
There are still many events in my mind when I think about my year at Bethel. I think one of the most important experiences was living together with students from the States and several foreign countries. Thus it was possible to understand others ways of life and thinking. Especially in the house of Dr. R.C. Kauffman I had the chance to discuss, play games, take part in singing and playing instruments with fellow students. My understanding of other people and their culture and my growing interest in international questions are benefits I also derived from this exchange experience. I hope this program will go on because I think it is very important that people learn to know each other through personal experience and not only by means of the mass media.
1957-58
Theodore Zerger
Assoc. Professor of Mathematics
Kansas Wesleyan
RR 5, Box 80
Salina, KS 67401
Except for one year at Kansas State University (1964-65), three years at University of Oklahoma (1965-68), and one year in El Paso, Texas (1975-76), I had have been teaching at Kansas Wesleyan since 1961. My wife Vera Harder Zerger of Mountain Lake; she is a graduate of Bethel Deaconess School of nursing and Kansas Wesleyan. We have four children, the oldest being Becky, who is now 15. My hobbies in addition to teaching mathematics are gardening and raising dairy goats.
1958-59
Janice Sevilla (Waltner)
36756 Valley View Dr.
Librarian (High School)
Eastlake, Ohio 44094
After all these years my Wuppertal experience still stands out as a high point in my life. It influenced me in many ways – one of the most enduring was whetting my appetite for travel. Fortunately, my husband shares this enthusiasm; and since he also teaches, we have our summers free to travel. (This year we are attending a seminar in Africa.)
Among the things I will not forget about Wuppertal are: the Studenteheim, the Aula and the footstomping at the end of a lecture, the Mensa, the Schwimmoper, Herman Denkmal, und-so-weiter…
* * *
Klaus Sowa
Buchholzen 134a
Realschullehrer
5632 Wermelskirchen 1
We have two boys, one 11 and the other 4 years of age. We have built a house and moved in last summer. But there are still so many things to be done and they must be finished before the bad weather starts and winter begins.
When I think back to bethel and my stay in America, there are so many things I like to remember, but there’s one thing of which I am reminded very often: I did some hitchhiking when I stayed in California. But it was very hard to get a lift. Being a student in Germany I was used to hitchhiking all over Europe. And that’s how I got to know some English people who are now among our best and oldest friends. Before I came to Bethel I hitchhiked to the World Exhibition in Brussels and was given a lift in an English car. These people invited me to visit them whenever I came to England. So I did when I came back from the U. S. and a real friendship developed. To deepen this friendship we made Mary godmother to our first child.
American students always thought I was speaking a good Oxford English. I thought my English (or English) was very poor – and it certainly was. But after my stay in the U. S. my English had improved. I was very astonished, after I had been back to Germany for more than a year and forgotten half what I had learned, that these English friends told me my English had become much better. You can see what English people think about the American language… and add to this that these friends do not speak Oxford, but a pure Yorkshire, English.
1959-60
Dilores Rempel
Reading Specialist
7700 W. Glasgow Pl. 15-A
Littleton, Colo. 80123
Life continues to be very full and interesting for me. I have never gotten around to getting married, but have spent a lot of my time helping raise about 500 children in the U.S. and Europe. After finishing at Bethel, I taught three years in Topeka, KS. Eager to experience living in a foreign country again, I went to Bristol, England, as an exchange teacher under Fulbright in 1964-65. then, after a few more years of teaching in Kansas, I returned to Germany in 1968, this time to teach for the American Military System for one year. With hopes of improving my German and live in the Big City, I accepted a job at John F. Kennedy Schule, a multi-culture, bi-lingual school in Berlin, for three very interesting years.
During those four consecutive years in Europe I had many opportunities to travel to countries such as Greece and Northern Africa, leaving enough yet-unvisited places for future visits. In 1972 I decided it was time to return to the U.S. to further my formal education. I planned to get a degree in teaching English as a Foreign Language (TEFL) and go to India or Africa. However, things worked out differently. I got my graduate certificate in TEFL alright, and I use the information daily when working with Vietnamese and Spanish children in my clinic. But, I ended up with an M.A. in reading and now have a very delightful and enriching job as a reading specialist in an elementary school. As I worked with many of the children in my clinic, I felt a growing need for more information regarding teaching children with learning problems and am currently finishing a M.A. in special education and learning disabilities. I’m thoroughly enjoying Colorado, especially the climate and the mountains, and plan to keep this as my home base for a few more years. Perhaps I will go back to school in a year or two to continue in psycholinguistics or psychology, but for now I plan to just enjoy Chinese cooking classes, classes in metaphysics and mind control, and make a return trip to Europe to reunite with many friends during this coming summer.
Highlights that come to mind quite often – I remember being amazed that a whole country ate like Klaus Sowa, holding their knives in their right hands and their forks in their left… I remember my surprise at hearing small children speak the difficult language of German…I remember hanging my wash up in the Studentenheim attic, my introduction to Quark, my first speech to the PH students, singing folksongs in the halls between classes; Frau Professor Heuser, field trips with Prof. Brockhaus and Prof. Harder…and I’ll never forget yelling “scheisse!” instead of “schiesse!” to a team member at an exciting basketball game with Dortmund.
1960-61
Karen Gilchrist
Clinical Social Worker
779 N. McComas
Wichita, KS. 67203
Since graduating from Bethel College in 1962, I taught high school English in Halstead for two years, then did some graduate study at Wichita State U. Through friends and my own growing interest in human behavior, I decided to pursue social work. I worked for nearly two years in the foster care and adoptions for Kansas Children’s Service League in Wichita. From there I went to graduate school for two years at the University of Denver. Clinical or psychiatric social work is my chosen field. Since 1968 I have been counseling families, couples, and individuals in problems of living at Family Consultation Service in Wichita.
I have remained single and for the most part find my life rewarding though never free of struggle. For nearly 14 years I lived with Delphine Martens, a Mennonite, Canadian social worker, whose friendship was a source of inspiration and growth for me. Her long struggle with terminal cancer was directly a part of my own struggle with death, loss, faith, and God for the last three years. She died Dec. 17, 1975. This summer I returned to Canada to visit her family.
My German language has grown stiff and rusty, perhaps disintegrated would be better! I find it always an advantage to have been exposed to it since my church and social contacts are primarily with Mennonites. It has been 16 years since I was privileged to go to Wuppertal. It seems like a dream, quite unreal, but I cherish the experience, the friends I made and the enrichment to my understanding of people and their world.
* * *
Ursula May (Schumacher)
Elementary School Teacher
Marktstr. 52
3428 Duderstadt 1
After my year at Bethel College I went back to Wuppertal to finish my studies. Then I taught at Dülmen in Westfalia until 1972. My main subjects were Protestant Religious Instruction and English, but I had to teach German, mathematics, physical education, homemaking and cooking, needle work in grades 1-10. I married a medical student in 1966 and had a son, Philipp, born in ’67; our daughter Julia was born in 1970. In 1972 we moved to Munster where I taught elementary school (Grades 1-4) while husband finished his special training as a gynecologist. In ’74 we moved to Duderstadt near the eastern border. I helped my husband’s office and concentrate on household and childraising. Our daughter began school this year; so for the first time in my life I have hours every morning to spend just as I like.
Both my husband and I are very interested in theatre…we saw a remarkable performance in Milano, Italy of “King Lear” … in Cologne Peter hall’s interpretation of “Midsummer Night’s Dream” … in Berlin the theatre “Am Halleschen Ufer” … a weekend in London where we were lucky enough to see “Hamlet”. Aside from theatre we love the music of Dave Brubeck … heard him at the Berlin Jazz Festival in ’73 and two years later at Dusseldorf where he played with his sons.
We are concerned about politics and try to stay informed. Here in Duderstadt we are confronted with the special situation of living directly at the border. The strange thing is that our own relatives live across the border. A cousin lives 20 minutes driving time away, but we can only see him with special permission from the local police station, for which we have to apply 4-5 weeks in advance, and when we have it we are thoroughly checked at the border (like immigrants to U.S!) And you have to pay for the visa. Our cousin is Roman Catholic and has to suffer from the state; we can help him by our visits because then can talk freely.
I would really be glad if we could revisit Bethel College again. When I try to remember, I don’t remember, I do not see special events but many friendly faces. I remember how everybody tried to help me and even asked whether the students. I remember that I really was very young and naïve and learned a lot which I could evaluate only much later. I guess my sight of the world changed much more than it would have if I had stayed home. I have grown more tolerant toward people’s views – I think that is the most important result of my year there. I would never miss it. By the way: I got to know my husband on the way to the U. S. We traveled with the same Fulbright travel grant on the old “Berlin”. This also should be a reason for celebrating!
1961-62
Hans Sieper
Studienrat
Hestertstr. 30
58 Hagen 2
I am teaching at the Albrecht-Dürer Gymnasium fro Sept. 1, ’76 on in English and Religious Instruction. I also teach in the evening school. My wife is a teacher too. We have no children.
I am really glad to hear from the Bethel exchange program again and I hope to keep in touch with your activities. I would appreciate it very much if you continue the program because I got to know so many people and I was able to broaden my experiences. If there is another reunion among German exchanges I would like to go there.
1962-63
Christiane Mauss Housewife and Mother; Church Musician Malvenweg 45 5 Kögln 80
As exchange student at Bethel I was classified as a senior and was lucky to be able to complete my studies with a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education. In 1965 I got married; my husband is a chemist. I taught for a few years. Our daughter Beate is 6 years old, our son Christian is 4. In 1974 I took a two-year course in church music, which I completed with the exam as “C-Kirchenmusiker”. Sometimes I play the organ in surrounding churches when the organist can’t be there. My husband and I both are signing in a choir, which right now is practicing Bach’s “Weihnachtsoratorium”
What I liked most when I was an exchange student was the emphasis on music. I liked very much the weekly recitals every Thursday afternoon, and I tried never to miss one of them. Then I liked very much the cheerleading at football and basketball games. The games themselves didn’t interest me at all. I only went to see the cheerleading.
There was a funny event which I’ll never forget: one night some guys enclosed a cow in the library. When we saw the poor animal the next morning, it had made dirty all of the room. We students from the philosophy class were the first ones who declared to clean the library room with our hands. We were very proud that we were the “good ones”. The librarian, Miss Krehbiel, asked me if students at Wuppertal did such a bad thing too. I answered: “We don’t have cows over there.”
I think an exchange with Bethel College is a great experience and it should be continued as it is.
1963-64
Katrin Kurzhals (Frowein)
Housewife and Mother
Wusterfeld 19
5600 Wuppertal 2
I can’t show around a teacher’s certificate but nevertheless I don’t think my life is less interesting or worthwhile. After that failure at the PH I started the most successful expedition in my life: I married in ’65 and became more and more happy and secure in my life. Within two years my husband Heinz and I were parents of two healthy children, now 10 and 9 years old. Heinz has his own business (whole-sale fabrics) and I help during morning hours while the children are at school.
Our daily life is framed to church and community life. We sing in the church choir, I serve as member of the “Presbyterium”, and twice a month we have Bible classes in our home.
Bethel had has quite an influence in my development into an active Christian. Never before I had experienced such close community and so many discussions all around and about “Jesus Christ”. Still thankful I remember the most friendly attitude toward the German student who had to leave Bethel so abruptly in all hours of sadness and helplessness. (Called home to father’s sudden death. Ed.) I was sure about my bethel friends and their prayers … in 1971 we revisited Kansas and all our friends – it was great.
One more thing I’ll never forget: Pres. John F. Kennedy had been shot while I was exchange student at Bethel.
* * *
Robert Pankratz
Math. Dept. Chairman, Coronado Senior High
Box 254
Cascade, Co 8009
Have been teaching math since leaving Bethel; first at Junior High and since 1970 at Coronado. Spent 1972-73 on sabbatical leave at Alaska Methodist University, Anchorage, Alaska.
1964-65
Henrik Eger
Teaching; M.A. Student
3 Leam Close, Colchester
Essex, England
“This boy is never going to learn English!” my mother was told before I had to leave grammar school in Wuppertal. Paradise was lost for me at 13.
After years of struggling (apprenticeship and evening classes) I finally passed the Cambridge Proficiency Examination with “outstanding” in all subjects, and was chosen to represent my hometown in America. Paradise regained at 22 … Years earlier, at the PH in Wuppertal, Rudi Wiemann, one of my English teachers at the Realschule in Vohwinkel and English assistant at the PH, told me he had confidence in my ability to work and study. I suddenly remembered his accounts of his time at Bethel College in that strange, exciting land called U. S. A … I met Bob Pankratz and Katrin Frowein, who was bubbling over with enthusiasm for that place in the prairie. Prof. Harder, a Mennonite himself, and Prof. Hammelsbeck, who had been to Kansas, told me more about it.
Bethel and Co. – Summer, 1964, NEW YORK: spending days with former Bethelites in Harlem, mixing with blacks, being spat at for being white. BOSTON: spending days with Pete Trott, my exchange brother, and his family – free and easy, observing “the American way of life” in, among other places, the Trott bathroom, actually taping the sound of their electric toothbrush and sending it back home.
Then, Endstation Sehnsucht: Bethel College. I felt like a tom cat on a hot roof and no coke could console me (no doubt I would have made an ideal cowboy!) After the partying the more serious part of college life started: the cheerleader tryouts…and all the heat and the dust were forgiven. Bethel Ho, Bethel Ho-Ho-Ho!!!
And then began the winter of my content: Shakespeare and Miss Becker (“Oh, for a cup of England!”), whole test batteries - not only for psychology and sociology but also for tennis. Multiple choice over the invention of the tennis ball…
I acquired something which I had never noticed in Germany or in England, at least not to that extent: private initiative. Everybody on campus seemed to be at least secretary or treasurer of some club or organization. I tried for president of the International Relations Club – and it worked. I tried for newsreader on KBCT (campus radio) – and it worked (though nobody was listening, I am sure) I tried for Collegian, a regular column – and it worked (at least I liked to think so). And I tried for the title role of the Sign Jonah – and forgot all my lines for the first five minutes every night. The drama teacher developed grey hair, while I learnt to improvise in front of several hundred people…what fun…
I was tried for guest speaker at various clubs in Newton and area and was reemployed. I was drafted into kitchen service, 3 times per day and felt like a slave, chained to a steam engine, with the cook as captain. “Stop singing those Nazi songs!” after Gordon Ratzlaff, my roommate, and I consoled ourselves with the harmless German equivalent of “Nobody knows the trouble I’ve seen…”
Dilores Rempel, when at Wuppertal, once was “almost desperate because she wanted to do something really worthwhile.” Thanks to the drive, initiative or simply the prep, which one could pick up at Bethel as easily as the flu at Wuppertal, I cured my desperation for something worthwhile by compiling and editing 67 articles for the 15th anniversary of the Wuppertal-Bethel exchange…Cooperation of the majority of the people, including all friendly secretaries, was superb. Yet, when the project was finished I felt a moping melancholy: Paradise lost again, Bethel 1964-65 come to an end and only the janitors connected me with the past. They threw away the remnants of that most memorable year – term papers, which had sprung out of stimulating discussions; old towels with which our freshmen were blindfolded for initiation ceremonies; ribbons from various parades and football matches; cigarette butts, symbols of defiance; umpteen boxes which had once kept all those presents which my generous American and Canadian friends had given me - - souvenirs of a time which I knew would never come back.
After Bethel I taught German for one term at Colorado College in the Rocky Mts., hitchhiked through most of the States, I stayed with a Negro family in Memphis, Tenn., met Martin Luther King, who showed me his Nobel Peace Prize (“Don’t know where I’ve got that thing”) and for whom I translated all his letters written in German, amongst others an invitation from the church of J.S. Bach (“Can’t go there because there is already too much pressure on me from militant anti-communists.” )
The other side of American was represented by millionaire in Texas with eight black maids (“Mary, tell our German visitor how much you all hate Martin Luther King!”) or the down-and-outs in El Paso. (I still have to scratch myself every time I think of the night in a hostel.)
Looking through my year book and diaries perhaps one could say: the richest year of my life, the most rewarding, not only in terms of things seen and done, but in terms of things learnt. A process was begun at Bethel from which I am still benefiting. All my thanks to everybody who made that exchange possible.
After Bethel – Gordon, representing Bethel at Wuppertal in 1965-66, could be seen wearing a rose behind his ear, greatly encouraging me to pick roses, too, and to enjoy life to the fullest.
September, ’67, in front of 49 children all desperate to get out of school. Remembering my own disastrous time as a pupil, I tried to make learning less painful by putting some pink panthers in their tanks: “This land is your land, this land is my land…” sung with movements (so they could remember the new words better). Within no time half the school went Kansan (“Oh, give me a home…”) and I was asked to start a school choir…not quite like the Vienna Boys (Thank God) but much tougher, more working-class, much more honest – much more fun. Soon we had a beat band to accompany our singing – then the concerts began : in halls and the studios of W. German Radio, even national television. The only criticism from some old you-know-what, who thought the whole approach “too American.” My children, at any rate, loved it, and so did their families. And to me this enjoyment of music was far more important than “purity” or “tradition”.
Similarly, in my adult education teaching at Duisberg I dropped titles and formal approaches. That year in the States really had acted like a modern washing powder, driving out all that’s superfluous, useless…The same for slum project for almost two years. Slowly the kids began to attend classes again. An American story, after all?
Not quite. After years – the Ruhr, teaching English independence – I became restless, realizing that I reached a glass wall: I could see through, but was unable to break through. After having become a “Beamter” (civil servant) I left everything behind – security, friends, former teachers (like Rudi Wiemann), former students (like Inge Gerritzen) and all those walls of glass to start a new life in Mecca: little Britain. The boy who would never learn English taught English to English pupils and eventually became lecturer of English literature…two tears at the University of Kent at Canterbury for my B.A. Honours…one term at Oxford, and since October ’75 studying for an M.A. in a “Sociology of literature” here at Essex University…accepted for another M.A. in “Applied Linguistics”.
Meeting people from all over the world, being in love, reading, writing my dissertation (Distortion Through Language and Literature – The image of the German in English Short Stories) and writing poetry…everything I always wanted to do – now in the midst of it. Paradise regained?
The first quarter of a century of our exchange program has passed and I ask myself – for example, why did so want Mennonites leave Europe? Mainly, I suppose because of the intolerance of fellow Christians. I have always admired the courage shown by many Mennonites, in spite of all the opposition. In the long run it was all worth it, because today many more seem to have realized that life can be good, if not better, in its enormous variety of human beings, ideas and life styles; active acceptance of other people’s different outlook, rather than their submission under one’s own set of rules and values.
Whether the once persecuted minority of Menno Simons still applies this principle today, I do not know. But the fact that most liberation movements in this century – black, gay, or women’s – have had a strong support from large sections of the U.S. population, seems to be very encouraging. Perhaps it is this spirit of hope I have taken with me from Bethel College which allows me to look back, not with nostalgia, but with deeply felt thanks.
* * *
Peter Trott
Teacher: Lernsen Neusprachliches Gymnasium
Flensburgerstr. 48
2380 Schleswig
In taking stock of one’s situation, I suppose it is natural for one to ask, “What if…?” relating to earlier events in life. I have often asked myself what I would be doing if I had not had the opportunity offered me through the exchange year at Wuppertal. Upon leaving for my year abroad I was nearing the completion of the requirement for my B.A. degree; however, the experience at Wuppertal brought to me the realization that my learning was just beginning. Through this 12-month cultural adventure I became aware of the fact that the courses taken previously at Bethel were actually all related. The earlier pieces of my training in the humanities were flowing together to form a cohesive whole. For me a basis had been established and were there were gaps to be filled, I now knew the direction to continue on my search. This European experience had such a profound influence in helping me establish my future aims and priorities in life.
It is rather hard for me to assume that I could have gained this insight anywhere else, but because of the fulfillment obtained through my exchange year, I occasionally check myself in regarding the opportunity as something not to be taken for granted when I ask myself, “What if…?”
Kristin Schaefer was a German girl with blond hair and blue eyes. She was intelligent, creative and had a not-to-be forgotten sense of humor. She had future ambitions of teaching children on the elementary school level. As a member of ASTA at the Wuppertal PH, she was given the responsibility of providing for the welfare of the Bethel Exchange Student that year. Kristin is still a ravishing blond with those deep blue eyes, with her two daughters she is still making use of her creative talents utilizing her intelligence and good humour. She has been able to fulfill these ambitions of working with the young at school. And as for that Bethel exchange student, for the last seven years her last name has been “Trott.”
I have heard that the operation the operation of the program has changed in minor ways since my participation. I strongly recommend the continuation of the exchange between Bethel and Wuppertal. The depth of my experience will always keep me a participant in the program.
1965-66
Heinz van de Linde
Studienrat; Gymnasium Teacher
Kupferdreherstr. 195
4300 Essen – Kupferdreh 15
I left Bethel College after the summer term of ’66 and participated in a students’ Crossroads Conference in Colorado Springs for one week. From there I managed to get to Wyoming, thumbing for the most part. Since I had to earn sufficient money for my way back to Germany, I worked in the Yellowstone National Park and in Chicago, doing office work for German steel company.
I remember Bethel College with a sincere feeling of gratitude. I well remember the Lit. Masterpieces courses with Miss H. Becker as well as Mr. Regier’s art courses – and all the others which contributed a great deal to my education. I remember the many friends who helped me along in every respect. Some highlights coming to mind: Bill Juhnke’s grandma Goering’s invitation for supper, dinner or breakfast. I enjoyed her excellent Swiss/German cooking. I ws lucky to experience the Loewens’ hospitality in Texas. I got snowed under in a blizzard on a farm in South Dakota.
Please extend my greetings and best wishes to the faculty, alumni, and current students.
* * *
Gordon L. Ratzlaff
Faculty of Language and culture, Osaka University
I’m writing this letter from Montalivert, a naturalist camp of 30, 000 during summer months, on the western Atlantic coast of France. Waking at 7:30 I took a short walk among other bungalows. After 5 years of coming here each summer vacation (I’m always the only American), I’m still assured that this paradise that exists. The roar of the sea and the birds are the only sounds this morning. Watching the sun come up and walking barefoot on pine needles while the rest of the camp was sleeping gave me a chance to reflect on “that European experience” that started in Wuppertal and now has stretched over ten years. I’m sitting outside the bungalow at our small table on the grass to write, not a review of the Kaleidoscope of countries and experiences these ten years, but a thank you again to this exchange program that made it possible for me to escape those provincial, although well-intentioned, surroundings in which I was brought up.
I can never forget my first impression of my roommate, the German exchangee, Henrik Eger, on Goering Hall’s 2nd floor. He walked into our room, looked on my desk, and stared a t a small porcelain collie dog that was given to me by my grandmother. He said in so many words: “Get ride of that ‘kitsch’ please. It makes me ill.” Of course, having grown up in Kansas, I wasn’t aware of all the ramifications of that word “kitsch”, much less accustomed to hearing a pure British accent coming from a German exchange student. My sophomore year at Bethel! Not only did I get rid of the dog, and my burr haircut, I may add, but I learned all about “kitsch”. We used a picture post card or an art book and have me identify whether it was a Kandinsky, a Bloch, a Nolde etc. And then to see the originals in the museum of Wuppertal that fall of 1965!
The memories of Wuppertal: the classes with Frau Pro. Ries, Prof. Blockhaus, Prof. Kirschbaum, Prof. Harder and, of course in British and American songs; Die Bierstube, walking back up “die Haardt” at night, “Stundentenreisen” to Berlin, Paris, Vienna, and Prague.
Yesterday we took a respite from these kilometers of spacious sandy beach reserved for the naturalists, and went back to the dunes to pick blackberries. We picked 3 kilos and Francoise, my wife, made ten jars of jam for the coming year. In the evening we found a wine-vineyard-castle so famous in this Medoc region, sampled and finally ordered 12 bottles of Bordeaux 1970 to take back to my father-in-law for the years to come. Today, to be spent body-surfing and taking home movies to remember this month of vacation ending tomorrow.
My wife is French, a most beautiful, graceful and elegant representative of French culture and cuisine (who said the French couldn’t bake zwieback, rollkuchen, ryebread, or make kielkya or plumamoos). We met while students at University of tours and have a 16-month – old girl, Allicent-DeMar. We both teach at Osaka University, Francoise teaching French, and I teach English and American Lit. Two years ago I was fortunate enough to teach Ghandi’s Autobiography of truth works by Thoreau, and articles on Mennonites and Quakers.
Our goal next summer is to spend some time in Wuppertal-barmen and “Schwebebahn” ourselves into the homes of some of our friends for “Kaffee und Kuchen”.
“Zum Wohl!” to the year 2001, another 25 years Bethel-Wuppertal!
1966-67
Ruth Friesen (Nickel)
Teacher; Housewife
Box 9, Freeman Jr. College
Freeman, South Dakota 57029
Since my year in Wuppertal, I graduated form Bethel in ’68. The following year I was a graduate student at UMKC – member of the teacher cops. In summer of 1969 Tom and I were married and left almost immediately for S. America. We spent about 4 months in language study in Costa Rica learning Spanish, and then went to Bolivia as the first TAP’ers in S. America. After our two years in Bolivia, we returned to the US, moved several times while Tom continued study and I took care of our two daughters. Now we’re getting ready for our 3rd year at FJC, where I’ll be teaching German and Spanish.
I strongly support exchange programs like this one. A big advantage of the Wuppertal exchange is that there aren’t other American students at the PH. One is forced to become a part of the German student body. Getting to know other culture is a great advantage. One’s tolerance for other ways and ideas increases. It seems that if more people could have similar experiences, even international understanding could be much improved.
* * *
Ulrike Hartwig (Belzer)
Housewife and Mother; English and German Teacher
Hermannstr. 13
5630 Emscheid 11
To write about my year at Bethel is almost impossible. I wouldn’t really know what to choose among the many highlights, experiences, friendships, and also problems. Going to Bethel and living there for a year means the time in my life when I learned most, a time I would never want to miss. That is why I think the program should definitely be continued for even those who return disappointed have learned…Bethel also meant returning home after the year, getting adjusted to life at home again. This kept the learning process going, for it was then that I learned most about my country…Going to Bethel means returning to the US to meet friends again and learn some more.
Thus we, my husband and two children, Nils 4 and Dorte 2, still have very close contact with friends which made us travel to the US twice already, once with our son, to see friends and exchange thoughts. So the friendships started at Bethel have not only lasted but grown. Now we are planning to send our children to Bethel – thus keeping on learning, exchanges, new experiences and new friendships.
1967-68
Walter Epp
Teacher
Box 415, Rosthern Jr. College
Rosthern, Sask. Canada
The most enduring benefit of my year in Wuppertal has been the contacts made there and maintained over the years.
The year of studies afforded me the opportunity to travel extensively throughout Europe, including trips to Russia and Israel.
My experience in Germany and the interests that it evoked became the basis of my vocation. I went on to graduate school to study German, taught for three years in Switzerland, and am presently teaching here in Canada.
I feel the program should be continued and possibly expanded.
* * *
Karl Heinz Wilhelm
Teacher
Vellendahlerstr. 15
56-Wuppertal-Elberfeld
Leider fehlt mir augenblicklich die Zeit! HERZLICHE GRÜSSE!
1968-69
Gregory J. Stucky
2331 Alabama
Law Student
Lawrence, KS 6604
My wife Susan (B.A. Bethel, ’71) and I after graduation entered the TAP (Teachers Abroad Program) under MCC and taught in Zaire, Africa, for 2 years, after completing a year of French language training in Brussels, Belgium. After completing this 3-year program we began graduate study. I will receive my law degree in spring, ’77, and my wife (who has completed a Master’s Degree in Linguistics at KU) intends to begin work on her PhD in Banthu linguistics at the University of Illinois (Champaign-Urbana) next fall.
Peter Blobel visited the US last summer with his wife and spent several days with us. We see Cornelia-Krahn-Olsen frequently, since she and her husband attend KU and are also active in the Mennonite Fellowship at Lawrence. We also occasionally see Pete Preheim.
1969-70
Carolyn Cox
51 Craigie St.
Mental health/Social Services
Sommerville, MA 02143
In my first year after college I studied at Harvard Divinity School. I spent the next two years in VS in Denver, directing a volunteer community agency, getting my first taste of backpacking, and living with other Bethel people. In Sept. ’75 I returned to Divinity School with an eye to sharpening my counseling skills – and also to enjoy the tremendous cultural richness of the Boston area. At present I am volunteering as a counselor and trainer of other volunteers in the Cambridge drug program.
I returned to Germany once after my exchange year – the summer of ’71 and again stayed with the family of Gabriele Einicke and worked in Ulm.
Highlights of my exchange year were tri[s to other countries and getting to know a few American Students in the Brethren Junior Year Abroad program at Marburg. With another PH student I went to Israel for 3 weeks. We worked on a kibbutz for 2 weeks and traveled around the country the remainder of our stay. With this same student (from Prof. Dahm’s “Arbeitskreis”) I made an extended tour of churches and cathedrals in southern Germany, Switzerland, and northern Italy. The 25 of us interminably sang German folksongs, esp. canons, during the days’ busrides. We camped along the way and took time to go to the opera in an ancient amphitheater in Verona, to explore the shops and canals of Venice, and to enjoy one or two grand meals in nice sidewalk restaurants.
I visited Marburg 2-3 times, getting to know another “breed” of German student, and developing some small sense of the German university tradition. With an American friend I made a two-week hitchhiking excursion through Denmark and Sweden immediately before returning to the US.
My favorite activity with other students at the PH was to wander down that torturous little path to the “Waldschlögsschen” (since torn down, I was disappointed to hear) and to spend a warm evening outside in the “Biergarten”.
I think the exchange program was at a particularly low point at the time I was at Wuppertal. The benefits to individual students were still considerable, but neither student body, as a group, showed much interest in the program per se. Many students, both at Bethel and at the PH, were have given me the impression that both enthusiasm and awareness have increased markedly regarding the exchange. Since it is a program with much unique potential, thanks to its unique history, I would favor its continuation contact throughout both student bodies.
1971-72
Michael Albrecht
Hülsbergerstr. 3
High School Teacher
5630 Remscheid 11
After my year I returned to complete my studies. In ’74 I passed the first and in ’76 the second teacher’s exam, which now entitles me to teach without the guidance of another experience teacher. Besides my professional activities I am still very much engaged in the training of riflery.
In October ’76 I expect to go to Iceland and New York with a group whom I have not yet met. In New York we will stay at the Waldorf Astoria Hotel – my first chance to visit the US again after years.
To Bethel College I wish all the best and hope to be able to visit again in the near future.
* * *
Peter C. Preheim
Production Controller, Mechanex Corp.
3640 S. Fox
Englewood, Colo. 80110
Since graduating from Bethel (May, ’73) I’ve spent over a year in SW Kansas as a farm laborer and a year and a half and a half in Denver, where I’m now employed.
My most unforgettable experience in Wuppertal was when I still had not mastered the use of “Du” or the “Sie” forms of speech. I was visiting Peter Blobel’s home with a smile, “Er ist so lieb.”
I think the exchange should be continued, although instead of having a double exchange with Wuppertal, it should be a single and perhaps a single with another German school. I was glad there were no Americans for me to talk to while I was in Wuppertal.
1972-73
Patricia Stucky
Elementary Teacher
415 Harrison
Newton, KS. 67114
Since graduating from Bethel I have spent most of my time in the elementary classroom. Although this coming year I will have a regular third grade classroom, for the past two years I have been working with children who have special reading problems.
During vacations I have spent time on my parent’s farm, worked part-time at a Newton hospital, and also traveled when I could. In fact, last summer a close friend from Wuppertal came to Kansas to visit and we traveled together for a month in the US.
Trying to recall that school year brings back many fine memories…how could I forget that very first German lecture, for after only a half hour of listening, I was mentally exhausted and totally ignored the rest of the lecture. And I remember the “Praktikum” in the elementary school under Prof. Heuser. Though scared, I took my turn as a student teacher in the 3rd grade. I also remember how brilliant I thought all German children were – they could already speak German so well. And how many times I caused people to try to be polite and hold back laughter at least a bit – such as the time I wanted to take some friends out for dinner, only I used the term “ausnehmen”. And that Wuppertal weather – learned quickly to take my umbrella with me at all times. However, I remember one time when I didn’t. It was a hot day with no rain in sight, so a friend I went swimming. But on our way home it started to rain and by the time we got home we were soaked. But the most vivid memories of all are friends and their families – the evening walks in the beautiful Wuppertal Park, the weekend trips to neighboring cities with other “Studentenheim” friends, or traveling to visit parents or grandparents of close friends and being treated as part of the family.
Should the exchange program be continued? I can only write an emphatic yes. Iis through the Wuppertal program that I was able to gain lifelong memories and friends – friends who have taught me much about myself, their culture, and even my own culture. Such an experience contributed tremendously to my education.
1973-74
Barbel Gemke
Teacher; First Exam Certification
Right now I’m planning my wedding (July 16, ’76). I hope to be able to visit the US and Bethel College area in particular some day with my husband because the year I spent there still means so much to me. Taking part in the exchange program was one of the most valuable experiences in my life. I can only hope it will be continued in the future. I’m still very grateful for the friendship offered at Bethel; also while visiting with families not only in Kansas but also in South Dakota and California.
Upon my return to Wuppertal University, I missed the Bethel atmosphere, its activities, the spirit of the community and sharing. Therefore I’m always glad to receive news from my “old” friends and I hope we’ll be able to receive guests form Bethel as we did when we welcomed the Bethel College Choir last year.
As to the continuation of the program, I would like to propose that the exchange student participate in some field placement outside Bethel because looking back I see the Interterm period I spent in Kansas City as most interesting - where I had the chance to observe Barnes House, a community school in a very low income area.
1974-75
Stanley Buller
Student, completing Teacher Certification
107&1/2 W. 26th
Newton, KS67117
For me the most exciting aspect of spending a year in Wuppertal was the opportunity to meet and make friends with new people – people who had grown up in different culture and with different values than my own. Learning a new language made making friendships a real challenge.
Most memorable experiences are the ski trips with PH students, a trip to Kempten in Bayern to make hay, a week in Berlin and the Sunday afternoon walks in spring and summer … all this and my time in the Studentenheim made the year and many people very special for me.
* * *
Michelle Friesen Carper
Mennonite Western District Youth Worker and Education Coordinator
Box 115
N. Newton, KS67117
Being a student at Wuppertal was certainly one of the highlights of my college years. Trying to summarize the most meaningful events is really difficult, but I will try.
1) It was so good to be in another country, another culture, speaking a new language, interacting with people who didn’t have basic “Mennonite foundation”. Being exposed to that different value system was very growing and worthwhile experience.
2) I got close to a family that lived near Heidelberg in a little village called Oschenbach. There I experienced what small village and family life is like. I keep in contact with people and last fall (’76) my parents were also able to visit them.
3) Student life was very exciting. First semester studies were difficult because of the language, but by second semester things were different. I understood the mid-set and the language.
4) I had an especially good semester break experience. I spent 3 weeks working in a children’s home and 2 weeks learning to ski in the Swiss Alps, along with a trip to Vienna and a weekend with friends in the Black Forest. It was at this time that I really developed confidence in the language and myself. It made second semester a different story.
I wish Bethel would develop more programs like this so students could get away from what they’re so used to and experience some of the rest of the world.
* * *
Silvia Hasenkamp
Heckinghauser Str. 79
Student 56
Wuppertal 2
I think very much of this program; I learned a lot during my year and had such good experiences. For my language study it proved very valuable. I think should continue as it is now – two students going to and fro.
The highlight of my time was the discovery that the ancient cabinet organ belonging to Bethel College was built by the Great-Great-brand-father of my Grandmother. This was terribly exciting!
* * *
Karen-Martina Hermann
Student; Assistant in English Dept.
Finkenweg 45
5603 Wülfrath-Düssel
Presently I am pretty much engaged in my studies since I have to write my so-called exam paper (“Hausarbeit fur das Erste Staatsexamen fur das Lehramt am Gymnasium”). I have to do quite a lot of research since my topic is so specific and there is not much literature about it to help me in this respect. But it is quite a lot of fun.
Since my minor is geography I enjoyed it very much having the chance to get to know quite a lot about the United States. I traveled quite during the time I stayed in Kansas.
I am still grateful that I could accompany the Bethel College Chorale at last year’s tour in Europe. I still like to remember the two weeks we toured in Europe very much. I grew so much closer to all of them including the people we met together.
I enjoyed my time at Bethel and know I gained quite a lot during that time, in various ways.
I definitely think one should continue this program…living in another country…expressing myself in a foreign language quite fluently, even to think this language…helping me to cope with the demands in my future profession. I will be teaching English in a grammar school.
1975-76
Max Stucky
Student
Woodgate Apts. (1013)
5400 E. 21st
Wichita, KS67208
I consider my year at Wuppertal as the most worthwhile, educational year ever. In my year there I have learned more about the European way of life, the German student, and myself. The most important are the friendships formed while there…definitely the most beneficial learning experience.
I feel the continuation of the exchange program is a definite must. I think perhaps a short orientation would be of great help…I see the future of this program much more important than the past.
1976-77
Egbert Froese and Werner Luthner
Bethel College, Newton, KS
The exchange program today – idealistic romanticism or pragmatical functionalism?
25 years ago the program was founded. A good program that gave both countries the opportunity to exchange individuals in order to reestablish peaceful coexistence on an individual level. The program went on, was extended, and became a normal factor in the life of the two institutions.
But unnoticed, somehow cryptic, changes occurred and the question is – what makes the program today attractive for the students?
Different attitudes
Bethel College is still an oasis of romanticism of a religious minority community and thus influenced by anachronistic traditionalisms which seem peculiar and odd to foreign visitor. But not only this, the location itself is quite different. Farmland with its typical conservative attitudes, suburban settlements as manifestations of capitalism dictate the whole atmosphere not only in the community but also in the college. Tuition is a good indication for this (Bethel has one of the highest tuition rates in Kansas). The academics standards are not as splendid as they could be, and the exchange student might actually lose one year of his/her studies. (Especially the complete lack of linguistic department is worth mentioning).
Wuppertal, on the other hand, might turn out as a disaster for the Bethel student. Completely different academic standards, highly polluted industrial town, isolation, and an overwhelming political interest among students which goes along with a certain anti-religious attitude, might depress the Bethel student.
All this should show the polarization of the two programs and should also illustrate the difficulties students will meet and have to cope with.
The first question therefore has to be readjusted. We should ask what keeps the program going? Or better:
Idealistic romanticism or pragmatic functionalism?
There is a history of the exchange program. Bethel students grow up wit it and even high school a girl stated, “I want to go to Bethel because of the exchange program”. Astonish! On the other side, Wuppertal. Only few people are even aware that such a program exists. The student body is quantitative too big to take account of the students leaving for Bethel.
Every Angelistik/Amerikanistik student in Germany has to spend at least 3-4 months in England or the USA; normally students go to England or they join in one of the DAAD (Deutscher Akademischer Austauschdienst) programs. If they do not pass the tests of the DAAD, they sometimes ask for alternatives and then suddenly Bethel emerges.
It is a shame, but true after 25 years the program is a well known as the Cotton Bowl, i.e not at all. What is an old tradition in Bethel is a pragmatical process in Wuppertal.
The future
To awaken the “sleeping beauty” is therefore the major task. What the program needs is not nostalgic attitudes and more than the pure pragmatical aspects. It needs life and commitment. Therefore, we need more and better information on both sides, academic staff that is interested in the program and in personal contacts in order to reform and readjust the program. That might be the only chance to expand the lifetime of the program and save it from stagnation and decay which will lead to annihilation and destruction, and nobody could be interested in that.
Written by Egbert Froese
1975-1976
The following is a quote from a personal letter to Debbie Hunsberger and is being reprinted at her discretion without having received permission of the writers. We hope they won’t mind too much…
“Zunachst vielen Dank für Deine Post. Wir (Elisabeth und ich) haben ein wirklich schlechtes Gewissen, daß wir noch nicht eher was von uns högren liessen. Verzieh, aber die Umstönde nach einer Rückkehr aus dem Ausland sind anders als man es sich vorstellen mag. Du weisst das sicherlich aus eigner Erfahrung; man muss sich wieder umstellen, sich neu anpassen, alte Freundschaften neu aufbauen, u.s.w - - Wir halten zwar beide Bethel in sehr guter Erinnerung, wir haben aber zunöchst einmal Abstand gewinnen wollen. - - Oft wollten wir mit dem nöchsten Flugzeug wieder nach Kansas, wir hatten regelrecht “Heimweh” nach allem was wir bei Euch zurückliessen. Bethel ist wirklich ein schögnes, ein beneidenswertes Stückchen Erde; wenn man vom Leistungsdruck am College absieht, ist es noch ein kleines “Studentenparadies”, vor allem, wenn man Bethel mit der Gesamthochschule Wuppertal vergleicht. Natürlich ist auch bei Euch nicht alles rosig (ich habe selbst negative Dinge wie Selbstmordversuch, Rape, Saufereien, Diebstahl gesehen), doch insgesamt kögnnen Bethel-Studenten von Glück sprechen, ein solches College zu haben und in einem so weiten Land zu leben. Der blaue Himmel und überhaupt das Kansas Klima bleibt eine der sehr schögnen Erinnerungen.”
Elisabeth Henke-Rögper
Franz-Josef Bürger
