Influence at Concordia
A bust of Hetland done by J. Paul Nesse.
David Hetland’s influence was felt through his work on the Christmas murals for the popular Christmas choir concert, being described in a college publication as the “soul and inspiration behind the mural.” [7]
He worked on the murals for thirty-five years, beginning in 1978 and was sole designer for twenty-seven of those murals.[8]
Hetland valued community involvement so the murals were designed as a paint by number and students of Concordia along with the general public would participate in the painting of the murals. [9]
He was awarded with an Honorary Doctor of Fine Arts in 1994 by Concordia for his work within the college.[10] In 2000, that was followed by the Alumni Achievement award, and he also won the BENE award in Ministry & Liturgy magazine’s national 2003-2004 visual arts award.[11]
For the 75th anniversary of the Christmas concert, Hetland published a book called “On Our Way Rejoicing: Recollections from the Concordia College Christmas Concerts.”[12] It is a collection of photos alongside anecdotal narration by Hetland.
[7] “Hetland Wins National Award for Concert Mural,” Concordia Magazine, 2003-2004. Hetland, David Biography Files Collection. Concordia College Archives.
[8] Jensen, “Works of Wonder.”
[9] David Hetland, On Our Way Rejoicing: Recollections from the Concordia College Christmas Concerts (Concordia College 1999). Hetland, David Biography Files Collection. Concordia College Archives.
[10] Hetland, David, Doctor of Fine Arts, Honorary Degree Certificate. Hetland, David Biography Files Collection. Concordia College Archives.
[11] “Hetland Wins National”
[12] David Hetland, On Our Way Rejoicing.