[Congressional Record Volume 147, Number 72 (Wednesday, May 23, 2001)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E913]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




A TRIBUTE TO ALVIN M. PETERSEN: THE INSPIRATION BEHIND CAMPUS MINISTRY 
                     AT THE UNIVERSITY OF NEBRASKA

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. BOB FILNER

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, May 23, 2001

  Mr. FILNER. Mr. Speaker, today I want to pay tribute to Pastor Alvin 
M. Petersen and to the legacy he built: the Lutheran Student Center at 
the University of Nebraska, Lincoln (UNL).
  Even though the University of Nebraska is not in my Congressional 
District and even though it is a long way from California, I want to 
honor Pastor Petersen, because he is the father of my Senior 
Legislative Assistant, a woman who has worked on my staff for almost 
twenty years.
  This coming June 9th and 10th, a celebration will be held in Lincoln, 
Nebraska to commemorate the 50th birthday of the Lutheran Student 
Center and the work of ``Pastor Pete'', as he has been called for 
decades by the university students. Also honored are his wife, Edel, 
also known as ``Mom Pete'', who was an integral part of the Center, and 
the three subsequent pastors: Bruce Berggren, Roger Sasse, and the 
current pastor, Larry Meyer, who completed his seminary internship 
serving under Pastor Pete.
  The Lutheran Campus Ministry at UNL was begun, with Pastor Pete at 
the helm, in 1940. Through his diligent efforts, money was raised to 
build the current building, which opened in 1951, in the center of the 
UNL campus. In 1958, a chapel was added to the original structure, and 
Mom Pete lovingly wove banners that still hang over the altar.
  The Lutheran Student Center provides worship services, a place for 
students to belong and to matter in a large university setting, and a 
training ground for future pastors. The Center has the largest 
Evangelical Lutheran Church of American (ELCA) worshipping community on 
any state university campus in the nation.
  The Sunday morning worship services and mid-week Vespers are at the 
heart of the ministry. Bible study, counseling, participation in the 
choir, fun and fellowship with movie nights, the spring break ski trip, 
retreats, volleyball and softball are all available to students.
  In the past five years, an extensive renovation project was 
undertaken to bring the building into the 21st century. After $400,000 
was raised by Pastor Meyer, the current minister, so that there would 
be no debt, the Center has been updated, remodeled, and made completely 
accessible with the addition of an elevator. A new Outreach Program at 
Southeast Community College in Lincoln has begun, so that students at 
this community college also feel they are part of a campus ministry 
program.
  The building--the Lutheran Student Center--is the symbol and the 
physical setting for a ministry that cannot be measured in words. Many 
a lonesome freshman has found friendships at the Center. Many students 
with counseling needs, or doubts, or problems have found help at the 
Center. Many couples have met and married at the Center. Many a faith 
has been strengthened through worship at the Center.
  I am honored to pay tribute to the Lutheran Student Center and to a 
lifetime of work and love and concern by Pastor Pete--Pastor Alvin 
Petersen. One person truly can make a difference in this world!

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