1956-59 : Growth - Transition -- Identity with LSAA

In the fall of 1956, a directing committee was created for the Mankato site and its members included Rev. Jennings Feroe, Rev. Albert H. Guetzlott, Rev. G. Adolph Jons, Mr. Elmer H. Nerge, Dr. Ira Johnson, Dr. Leroy Zell, Dr. Walter Flemming and Miss Signe Sletten.

Pastor Jennings Feroe supported and advised Lutheran Student Association in Mankato.  Subsequently, the Board of Directors of the Lutheran Student Foundation of Minnesota elected to call a full time student worker.  Pastor Feroe’s persistence resulted in the engaging of Nancy Sandvik as the first student worker in Mankato.  Nancy worked out of Bethlehem Lutheran’s parish house on Liberty Street on the current Lutheran Social Service Site.

Ms. Sandvik was on site for just one school year.  In 1957, Mary Jean Nelson began her service as the student worker; she served until 1959.  “MJ” as Mary Jean was affectionately known to all and she organized extensive programming which encouraged enthusiastic attendance as noted in the official minutes:  “Pastor Feroe requested strong and experienced leadership” and he was pleased with MaryJean Nelson’s efforts.

April 23, 1957, Mankato State Teachers College officially became Mankato State College.  The transition of change affected both the college and LSA.  The college experienced growth in enrollment, new buildings and the upper campus was established.  LSA experienced growth in attendance to worship and activities.  Bethlehem Lutheran Church owned the Student House where students gathered to study and plan activities for LSA.  Other activities included Thursday Chapel services, Sunday morning Bible study, the first Wednesday of the month meeting, Church night Open House, the LSA Choir, student retreats called “Ashrams” and non-credit courses taught by Gustavus Adolphus faculty.