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Alumni Focus - Perry ('76) and Bev ('78) Abel

Perry_Bev_Abel-1976-1978
Mrs. Abel gives a cooking lesson to SCLA dorm residents.
SCLA Dormitory
Perry ('76) and Bev ('78) Abel

There are two unexpected residents in the St. Croix Lutheran Academy dormitory - Perry and Bev Abel - a couple in their early 60s who have a passion for the ministry of SCLA and who are both SCLA alumni (Perry ’76 and Bev ’78).

Perry and Bev began residing in SCLA’s dorm in 2015 when the new dorm first opened; this is their sixth school year as dorm parents. Perry, a former SCLA board member and ReMax realtor, was aware of the early plans to include a two-bedroom apartment in the new dorm for an older couple. When he toured the dorm during construction, he was prompted by an SCLA staff member to consider the idea of moving in. After talking with Bev who was retiring (after 23 years at Travelers), laughing off the possibility, contemplating it, and finally receiving the unquestionable approval of their children, Bev became SCLA’s first paid dorm parent with Perry’s encouragement. Bev reflects, “It was in our hearts to come home [and serve St. Croix and God’s ministry].” She mentioned it was “God’s timing.”

“It’s 100% different than I thought it would be,” said Perry. “I can’t believe that others wouldn’t want to do it,” he continued, and Bev agreed. “I love it! Raising my own teenage children was one of the best times of my life, and I missed it. All teens need direction, and until now, I didn’t realize how important it is for the students and the younger supervisors to have a different perspective.”

Being tens, hundreds, and even thousands of miles from home is easier when the comforts of a caring family are available. Care from the Abels comes in many different forms. Along with everyday guidance, Bev and Perry provide fresh baked banana bread, cookies, ice tea and an open ear to anyone who comes through their always-open door. “There are always snacks in the fridge, and I lure them in with candy,” Bev laughs. “We invest a lot of time building relationships with students.” 

As a bonus, Perry spends hours of his own time attending school events to photograph them in their activities for their parents. He proudly displays some of his favorites in a picture display he made above the dining room table, much like a proud parent.

They enjoy “sharing Christ’s love” with everyone in the dorm.  Each Wednesday night (before the pandemic), the Abels welcome the middle-school dorm students for a home-cooked meal that includes at least four adults and special guests. “The kids love it when we have an administrator, teacher, or friend of SCLA stop by! They come early to help set up and get it done quickly so that everything is ready when the guests arrive.” After the meal, the students stay to help clean up.  “Recently, we have been meeting in the Dining Hall on Wednesdays for a Middle School meal. Hopefully, we can resume with meals in our apartment.  It gives it a sense of a home for these kids.”

Since they arrived in 2015, the Abels have built close relationships with many of the students. “We have alumni stop by,” said Bev,  “and other students have told us that we are their adopted parents.”  The Abels enjoy supporting college kids in their activities when they have the chance and also get calls and emails from graduates. 

The couple has helped plant seeds of faith in students, and they have been witness to multiple students who have been baptized at school and many others (including student’s families) who have been affected by the power of the Holy Spirit without religion being forced on them.

The couple embodies the true meaning of “caring, Christian family community,” and SCLA is grateful for their incredible commitment to educating the total student – soul, mind, and body.

Perry and Bev enjoy traveling in their RV during the summer and visiting their three adult children, all SCLA graduates (Faith ’01, Bethany ’02, and Aaron ’03) and four grandchildren who they hope to see attend SCLA someday.