Sharing the MLC Message When MLC Admissions Counselor Josh Danell MLC ’13 talks to high school juniors and seniors, his message is a little different from that of other college recruiters. He spends less time talking up MLC and more time listening to the students sitting in front of him. “I’m more concerned about the students’ futures and how they can use their God-given gifts in their future vocations—which may or may not mean MLC,” he says. “I certainly take a look at what gifts and abilities the student has for the public ministry, as well as how each student can take what they have and learn and grow in those skills. I do encourage them to consider MLC and the public ministry. That’s why I’m there. But first, I listen.” Danell says he lets the conversation go wherever the student wants to take it. “Both of us know that sooner or later we’ll discuss: ‘What are your thoughts about college and MLC?’ “But getting to know them first as a friend is the biggest step. Then they get to know me and trust me, and the conversation about MLC comes naturally.” If the students are from a Lutheran high school, they usually know quite a bit about MLC already. The admissions counselors talk to all freshman and sophomore religion classes, so it’s safe to say almost all of the 5,000+ students in WELS high schools have heard the MLC message and been encouraged to prayerfully consider the public ministry.
Josh is one of four official counselors, plus a director and administrative assistant, dedicated to sharing the MLC message. But the admissions department has dozens, even hundreds, of satellite counselors: WELS teachers, pastors, parents, grandparents, and friends. “We count on the students getting good counsel from others in their lives, especially their high school teachers,” Josh says. “So even though we only see them a couple times a year, they’re getting guidance from others too. We’re grateful for that.” Are you a high school student who would like to know more about MLC? Josh encourages you to explore our website: mlc-wels.edu and take a virtual tour of campus there. Or you can call us at 507.354.8221 to talk to a counselor, to schedule a campus visit, or to request that a counselor visit you. “We’ll make arrangements to meet you wherever you are,” Josh says. “If you schedule a campus visit, we’ll be here. If we’re in Josh Danell talks with hundreds of high school students every year about their possible future at MLC.
“Many already know the basics,” Josh says. “They know we train pastors and teachers and staff ministers. What they ask about is certain aspects of college life, like sports and music and clubs—how hard it is to balance those things with academics, for instance. “But what they ask about most of all is cost. How much is tuition, room and board? What scholarships might they be eligible for?” Knowing that cost can be a big factor in the decision-making process, Danell is happy to tell them how MLC works hard to keep costs low. Often Josh will have the opportunity to tell them about his own journey to MLC. “I was on the fence,” he says. “I wasn’t sure what to do, and that’s true of so many high school students—and some college students too!” What helped him decide? There was no stroke of lightning. “I just decided to give MLC a try. I thought this was a good college to start out at, and I was right. Hopefully these high school students will think the same.”
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Lyle E Albrecht NWC 1955 Two Rivers WI
Betty Mumm DMLC 1950 Sanborn MN
David J Salinas MLC 2000 North Hollywood CA
Emily Priour DMLC 1980 Edna TX