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Feature Story: Alumni Celebrate Adventist Education at Wisconsin Academy


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Nearly 800 people attended the alumni weekend celebration at Wisconsin Academy on April 19-21, 2012. This year's event honored the classes of 1942, 1952, 1962, 1972, 1982, 1987, 1992 and 2002. The oldest alumnus in attendance graduated from Wisconsin Academy's precursor, Bethel Academy, in 1938.

Dr. Walter C. Thompson, class of 1952, was named Alumnus of the Year. "Coming to Wisconsin Academy was the beginning of God's miraculous leading in my life," said Thompson during the Sabbath School testimony time. "I didn't have many objectives in life, but after graduation the principal found me a job at Andrews University, so I went. While there, I decided to be a medical missionary doctor." Dr. Thomson has touched many lives through his medical skill in Guam, Cambodia, Poland, Africa, and the United States. He is an author, educator who has also worked many years with 3ABN and Your Story Hour. "I'll never forget the influence for good the teachers at Wisconsin Academy had on my life," said Thompson.

The campus was alive all weekend with the hum of students past and present sharing stories and catching up on life since they last met. Here are some of their memories:

Beverly Vieau Rhodes, '51 - "I had a ball here. I spent two years at Bethel and two years here at Wisconsin Academy, so I got the best of both worlds. When the school first opened we didn't have any running water, no electricity, and we got to spit out the windows when we brushed our teeth. Now they have these nice new dorms and indoor plumbing! But we had fun and I loved it. I sang in the choir and got to sing in a triple trio. The highlight of this reunion is getting together with all my dear friends."

Dorothy Duffie Cross '72 - "One of the things I learned here at Wisconsin Academy is to listen to God's voice. In whatever circumstance I find myself, if I listen past the noise of life I hear the message of hope and joy God has for me."

Greg Klemp Sr. '69 - "My pastor encouraged me to try the academy after my freshman year of high school and I really liked it. I wish I had buckled down and studied more while I was here, but I really had fun. My favorite memory was when the gym teacher caught my future wife and I holding hands! I have so many good memories of this place. My wife and I try to put as much money back into this place as possible.

Matthew Jacobson '02 - "Wisconsin Academy was the place I needed to be between the years 2000 and 2002. The three most pivotal decision of my life were made right here. First, I met my wife in the 7:00 am English class. Second, I decided to be a teacher while here, largely through the influence of a teacher telling me, 'You have a lot to offer and you need to offer that to other people.' And third, I met my Savior here. Now that I'm a teacher, I hope I can help my students in their walk with God."

Mick Burrington '48 - "I went to Bethel and met my wife. The first day of school I saw this blond girl walking down the stairs and said, 'Guys, see that girl there, I'm going to marry her.' I was 17 years old. I dated other girls after that but never could get Charlotte out of my mind, and I finally married her. Now here we are at alumni 57 years later!"

Lance Misheleau '02 - "My favorite memory at Wisconsin Academy was the year we had an awesome spiritual revival. The guys in the dorm started a prayer group. I remember one night we started out planning to have a five minute prayer time and it turned into two hours. There were 15 or 20 of us and it was incredible! We sensed the Holy Spirit and it was a great experience. Our whole senior class was impacted."

Ginny Spangler Campbell '78 - "The highlight of my years here at Wisconsin Academy were the relationships I made. I have so many friends from here and they can never be replaced. No matter where I go, I meet people I know because I attended Wisconsin Academy. It really is wonderful."

Yahaira Betancourt '92 - "When I left my family in Costa Rica at age 15, my mother said, 'Wherever you go, look for the Seventh-day Adventist Church. You will be safe there.' I came to Wisconsin Academy and had no money, spoke no English, and had no worries. I was naive, yes, but I trusted God. In three weeks God helped me to speak English. Some kind anonymous people paid my school bill. When I needed personal things I would find money in my desk. To this day I do not know who they are, but I am so thankful. I am proof that the money you give to this school is not wasted. Matthew 25:35-40 says best what Wisconsin Academy means to me. 'When I was hungry, you gave me something to eat,...when I was a stranger you welcomed me, when I was naked, you gave me clothes to wear...'"

Sandy Lanaville Miller '60 - "The things I learned here at Wisconsin Academy have really stuck with me. This academy is pretty important to me. I'm so glad to see the positive spiritual attitude on campus."

Pastor Lisa Habenicht Isensee, class of 1992, spoke Friday evening for vespers, Pastor Dean Waterman, class of 1987, spoke for church, and former teacher Carl Sigler ended the Sabbath hours with Hallowed Moments. Saturday evening the girls WA Knights basket ball team beat the girls alumni 25 to 18. After an amazing show by the gymnastics team, the guys WA Knights basket ball team beat the alumni guys 73 to 41.

Keep contact with Wisconsin Academy and the Alumni Association at www.wisacad.org.