2016 Midland Magazine

A magazine for alumni, parents and friends of Midland University

EDITORIALPage

Board of Directors Steve Pribnow, Chairman Randall Eikmeier, Vice Chairman Jennifer Peterson, Secretary Jody Horner, University President Patrick Booth Dan Currell Dr. Melody Denson Mark Fahleson Michael Jacobson Bishop Brian Maas Kari Ridder Dr. Ryan Taliaferro

Leadership Team Jody Horner, President Jodi Benjamin, Vice President for Finance and Administration Eliza Ferzely, Vice President for Admissions and Enrollment Management David Gillespie, Athletic Director Stephanie Gould, Vice President for Human Resources Jessica Janssen, Vice President for Development

Our Mission Midland University inspires people to learn and lead in the world with purpose.

Midland University

Core Values Midland University is a liberal arts college affiliated with the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. We hold the following core values to be the foundation of our identity as a community: Faith, Quality, Respect, Stewardship and Learning.

Midland is an affirmative action, Title IX, equal opportunity institution.

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Dr. Susan Kruml, Vice President for Academic Affairs Merritt Nelson, Vice President for Student Affairs Nate Neufind, Vice President for Communications Raymond Sass, Vice President for Strategy/Dean of the MBA Midland University Office of Development 900 N Clarkson Fremont, NE 68025 Or via email to alumni@midlandu.edu

Table of Contents Midland Today 4 6 9 10

Letter from the President Fresh Ideas Student Poem Philip Booze Midland Alumnus Joe Wagoner

Interterm Travel 12 14 16

Europe Tanzania Student Spotlight Jonah Hoshino

6 Arts 18

Midland ARTS Crescendoing to New Heights

Academics 20 22 24 25

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The Inauguration of Jody Horner Graduate Programs at Midland Campus Ministries The Luther College Honors Program

Athletics 26 28

Student Spotlight Ashlee Harms Student Spotlight Jesse Jones

Midland Tomorrow

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Creating a Legacy In Thanks With Purpose — A Vision for the Future Contact Us

May 2016

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Letter from the President

Letter

from the

President

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Dear Friends, The best career advice I ever received came from a former colleague who wisely told me that the main role of a leader is to inspire people. That piece of advice came at a time when the business I was leading had become a bit stale - you could tell people were tired and potential for the business went unfulfilled. At the time, neither I nor my leadership team knew exactly what inspire people should look like and there was no master plan to follow, so we went about our work and did the best we could. Eventually the notion of inspiring people began to take root.

It took many shapes and forms over the first year but as we began actively listening, showing that we cared, building trust, giving feedback, acknowledging people’s contributions and delivering on promises – not surprisingly, people began to take more pride in their work; they began to have more fun; they saw how their role fit into the bigger picture and why their job mattered. Over time employees became more engaged in the business, provided better service to our customers who in turn repaid us with their loyalty and repeat business. As employees became more engaged, the business began to grow and become more profitable. There was no magic in this; it was hard work and took all our efforts. Together we created a culture that allowed people to thrive and only then did we begin to get a picture of how inspired people might look.

that astute career advice and the Midland University mission statement, “to inspire people to learn and lead in the world with purpose”.

{

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I cannot help but draw the parallel between

In fact, here at Midland our mission calls us to inspire or to fill our students with the urge and ability to do something and to do it with purpose.

For me, this is the hallmark of a Midland education.

I see that urge and ability play out time and time again; on the stage when our students perform; on the courts and fields when our students compete; and in the classroom when our professors go above and beyond to help a student grasp a difficult concept. I also see it in our staff when they help a student and his or her parents figure out how to pay for college.

And last, but not least, this urge to “do something” is visible in our Student Success Center, the hub of student advising, career services and student life. This is where all of our collective and coordinated effort is focused on fulfilling the Midland 4-year graduation guarantee, of which our first cohort recently graduated in fulfillment of this promise.

As we look to the future of Midland University, living out our mission, we are dedicated to providing opportunities for students to develop as the next generation of leaders. This vision builds on our momentum by investing in our most vital asset, our students. Together we will champion new programs with a core of student success, enhance the places we connect and secure the future of Midland University in this ever-changing world of higher education.

We are excited and humbled by the opportunities that lie ahead. Building on our rich history, our legacy of resilience and our proven ability to overcome challenges, we are poised to move forward for the benefit of our students’ success.

Warm Regards,

@PresHorner

May 2016

Follow President Horner on

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Fresh Ideas

FRESH IDEAS

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On November 16, 2015, Midland University announced that they had selected the innovative Fresh Ideas as the new campus dining services firm, beginning June 1, 2016. Midland University will be the first Fresh Ideas affiliated campus in Nebraska, and the agreement is expected to bring fresh and local foods, enhanced accessibility and an enriched dining experience to campus.

Known for its adaptability to community needs, Fresh Ideas has pioneered farm-to-table, mobile payment and international cuisine programs on college campuses throughout the Midwest.

In addition to expanded choices and technology, the partnership will bring more than $1 million in renovations to the main dining hall, with anticipated completion before the 2016 fall semester begins.

Midland University Dining Hall Renderings

Midland’s commitment to innovation and service to students makes the institution an especially exciting partnership opportunity for us...

As a Midwest based company, we are thrilled to bring our unique take on dining services to Nebraska.

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Concepts

— Dennis Owens, Chief Operative Officer and Co-Owner Fresh Ideas.

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May 2016

In establishing the new partnership, university officials recognized a significant need for flexibility to meet the diverse needs of students on a campus with 28 varsity sports and more than 250 opportunities in the performing arts. As home to more than 800 student athletes, a successful partnership needed to accommodate the requirements of students with robust travel, practice and class schedules while providing the fresh and nutritious options required for competition in college athletics.

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“

A commitment to building a comprehensive student-centered college experience has made Midland one of the region’s fastest growing schools in recent years, and I am pleased this partnership will enable us to further enhance the student experience on a

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daily basis. Convenience, flexibility, and fresh and local options are of exceptional importance to our active and highly engaged student body.

— Jody Horner, Midland President

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The typical Midland student carries a

significant class load, is involved in athletics or performing arts, and is also active in one

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or more clubs or organizations on campus.

We are very happy to have a partner in

ensuring our students are able to do all of these things and enjoy quality meals.

— Merritt Nelson, Midland University Vice President for Student Affairs

Fresh Ideas

Fresh Ideas recognizes that today’s students value information and are inquisitive about the source of their food and how eating habits affect them. In response, they have developed “Be Green, Be Healthy, Be Bold” programs which encourage students to feed their minds as well as fuel their bodies in an integrated approach to wellness. Among the company’s most recognized initiatives is a Farm-to-Plate Program where, when possible, it partners with local farms to provide the freshest ingredients available.

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At Midland, Fresh Ideas will strive to compliment and encourage on-campus living, provide creative and flexible meal plans and provide convenient grab-and-go options. Fresh Ideas will also implement its renowned social media programs to gather realtime feedback from students and staff that will enable the company to continually optimize the dining experience.

Follow The Student Dining Experience on Facebook!

@MidlandDining

By: Philip Booze

Oh how great the price that we have paid.

Whip me, work me & tell me I’m not free.

The soul within me no man can degrade.

No markings on the graves of brothers laid, Student Bio

No tears to shed for masters eyes to see.

Philip Booze

Oh how great the price that we have paid.

Philip is a Junior English Major from Colorado Springs, CO. His poem, Frederick Douglas was written for the class, “Wordsmiths”, where students learn about the aesthetic techniques and thematic considerations that go into the writing of various poetic forms.

My peoples hard earned freedom long delayed.

Another brute in field I shall not be, The soul inside me no man can degrade.

Student Poem

Frederick Douglas

Hung from branches runners are displayed.

Our eyes afraid to look upon a tree.

Oh how great the price that we have paid.

Midland University has a rich history of dedication to the aesthetics of poetry, beginning with Dr. Keith Knudson who created the student poetry publication “Bits of Flint”. Dr. Henry Krusiewicz has served as the faculty advisor for the publication for the past 20 years, continuing the tradition of encouraging students like Philip to become life-long patrons of the art of poetry.

The road to freedom is not neatly paved.

My worth to God the law cannot decree.

The soul within me no man can degrade.

This nations soul is in great need of aid, As many more are shipped from over sea.

Oh how great the price that we have paid.

The soul inside me, no man can degrade.

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INSPIRINGAlumni

Inspiring Alumni He can laugh about it now, but one excruciating day may have been the turning point in Joe Wagoner’s life.

A sophomore pitcher for Midland’s baseball team, he took the mound during a team scrimmage for a new coach, Jeff Field. “I threw 60 pitches and I didn’t get one out. Sixty pitches in front of your new coach and didn’t get one out.” It was just the start of a very bad day.

“I went back to the dorm and learned my dog of 15 years had died.

Earlier that day, my psych professor told me he really seriously doubted I’d make it through the year, which is great. So, I figured, forget it, I’m just going to break up with my girlfriend of three years. Let’s just round out this day.” With no one to turn to, Wagoner headed out to Moeller Field, hopped the fence and sat in the grandstand for four hours. “I realized it was up to myself to improve my situation; no one else was there. That was a real pivotal day for me.”

Inspiring Alumni

That day helped lead him to changing majors – he switched to business administration and graduated in 1997 – and started on a road that has led to co-founding the Sacramento Republic FC of the United Soccer League. Starting the Republic from the ground up was a risk. That’s something Wagoner embraced while at Midland. “For some reason, what really led to a fun career path was learning to take risks. I don’t know why, but when I left Midland I wasn’t afraid to take any risks. Was it because I grew such a close support system at Midland so if I failed I knew I could go back anytime and get it figured out? I think it goes back to those opportunities where you can try all these things, and if it doesn’t work out, that’s all right. There was this spirit I left campus with, ‘I’m ready to take on this world. If it doesn’t work, we’ll try something else.”

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Joe Wagoner

Wagoner, who grew up in Macomb, Illinois, was active on campus.

Besides playing baseball for two years, he became president of his fraternity, Kappa Alpha Lambda; was

“A lot of good stuff came out of all of that. … You talk about what you get out of a school like Midland; that was it for me. You don’t have to be just one thing. You can be an athlete, you can be a student, you can be a social butterfly, you can get involved in student government, and you can try out new stuff. You get to experience it all and try to figure out what your place is. So many friends went to bigger schools and just got swallowed up. I guarantee you, if I had gone to the University of Illinois or Wisconsin or UNL, it would have been curtains after about two years because it wouldn’t have been good.”

He might not have picked Midland if it weren’t for one stop on his visit to the campus.

“Honestly, the real answer (to why he chose Midland) was the planetarium. I was visiting and the first thing they did was, ‘Hey, let’s go to the planetarium.’ They’re playing Pink Floyd and brought up all these things. I thought, ‘Oh my Gosh, this is awesome.’ I didn’t have those experiences when I visited other schools. People at Midland went out of their way to make you feel welcome, answering questions and taking you around.”

Still, Wagoner would take the job with the Sioux Falls Canaries.

“It was tough, but there was that immediate gratification. People come in with the weight of the world on their shoulders and they leave happy. There’s that instant gratification. It’s tangible. You can affect people’s lives doing something you love to do. For me, I just didn’t get that out of the advertising world.”

After that start, he successfully moved through several jobs in minor league sports before co-founding the Sacramento Republic. The club is working to become the next expansion team for Major League Soccer, and if successful, it will be another risk that has paid off with Wagoner.

Alumni

freshman orientation co-chairman; and sold advertising for the student newspaper. He was even the lead guitarist for a band he and his friends put together, Sausage Groove Gravy.

“It was about taking a risk. It was having the confidence. We’ve done all our homework. No one is going to out-work us. No one.

We’re willing to take that risk. I was never the smartest person. I was never the best athlete. None of those things. I wasn’t a standout in anything. But I had a great attitude and no one was going to out-work me.”

That was, after all, the lesson Wagoner learned sitting on the Moeller Field grandstand on that fateful day of his sophomore year.

Once on campus, Wagoner developed friendships that have stood the test of time. He also learned to listen. “That’s something that stuck with me; understanding how to listen to others. When I got there, I felt I viewed the world with an entirely different lens than a lot of other folks that I was running into. …

I’m very liberal, and all of my friends minus two were incredibly conservative. We’d have great conversations, but I wanted to understand how to talk to folks.”

May 2016

Learning to listen paid dividends throughout his career. After Midland, Wagoner landed a job with an advertising agency on Michigan Avenue in Chicago. While he found success, Wagoner decided advertising wasn’t the career he wanted. So he sent out letters to every Major League Baseball team, every team in the NBA and NFL and 50 minor league baseball teams. “Only one person responded. And it happened to be in Sioux Falls, S.D., the one town I vowed to never go to because my folks lived there.”

Wagoner’s father, Dr. Ralph Wagoner, was president of Augustana College at the time.

Joe and Rachel with children Ryan (5) and Charlotte (3)

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INTERTERM TRAVEL: Europe

Europe “Having the exciting opportunity to travel abroad is always a great one. Sometimes we forget there is a whole different world that exists outside of our borders,” writes Midland University student Michael Wilson.

Wilson and 11 of his fellow students have reflected on a two-week trip to Western Europe during the January 2016 Interterm led by professors Pat Trautrimas and Connie Taylor.

The students’ study-tour to France, Switzerland and Germany included the exploration of museums, castles and palaces, cathedrals, a concentration camp and other significant sites in Paris, Lucerne, Munich, Nuremberg and Berlin.

“The experiences had on these excursions, the friendships forged and the history learned are all unforgettable things,” Wilson writes.

“It was an experience I will remember for the rest of my life and it exposed me to much more than a classroom ever could,” Darcy Barry writes. “I have already used the

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knowledge I gained about the different cultures we encountered several times. First-hand experience in a different country has made me want to travel and learn more.”

Faculty and Midland University friends joined the students as they studied the political, religious and cultural forces that have shaped our world. Students were asked to take what they observed and experienced and apply it to their base of knowledge, analyze it, reflect upon it and then evaluate what they had learned.

As student Michael Wilson remarked… “the Roman Catholic Church, the Protestant Movement, the Renaissance and beyond used Europe as a canvas to paint great historical feats.”

Throughout the journey, students noted the beauty and meaning of the historic structures seen, such as Notre Dame, the Palace of Versailles, the Arch of Triumph, the Eiffel Tower, the Reichstag and Brandenburg Gate.

“This trip opened my eyes to what the world is truly like and how every culture has its similarities and differences,” writes Hayden Dunn. “I was able to walk through the Louvre and see some of the greatest paintings and sculptures in the world, something I thought I would only be able to dream of.”

Also noted was how symbolic each monument was of power, whether it be that of the force of the Catholic Church, of political power, or even of the power of the Renaissance and its political and moral philosophy which played a significant role not only in Europe but in the founding of the United States.

“Experiencing these destinations in person simply does not compare to visiting them with your imagination after reading about them in a textbook. You never know how truly fascinating it can be,” writes Nickalaus Heidlage. “The experience of being placed into a culture that is completely different than the United States is so exciting and eye-opening to people, and I personally believe it is something that everyone should have the opportunity to experience. Once again, it was truly the trip of a lifetime.”

Jenny Preucil writes, “I think this trip has changed me in many ways. One way is that I am now more open to understanding the ways of different cultures and how they function.”

The immersion into European history and culture made a profound impact on Midland students over their two week adventure. Haelee Kowalski recaps her experience and the importance of international travel perfectly: “I learned so many things about the culture, history, and people of those countries; this experience makes me feel as if I have grown and matured in ways I could not have done without going abroad. I think it is very important for students to have the opportunity for world travel, and I pray that others will have the chance to have such an experience in the future.”

May 2016

Perhaps two of the most memorable and moving sites visited were a mountain-top experience atop snowcovered Mount Rigi above Lucerne, Switzerland, and the tour of the Nazi concentration camp at Dachau near Munich, Germany.

“It was one of the most incredible experiences of my life that I never imagined I would get to experience.

Everything we visited had stories as to how it impacted or changed the country,” writes Alexis Manley.

“After traveling abroad, I realized that I should never limit myself on what I can do. I learned to really get out of my comfort zone and not always do things that I'm used to doing.”

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INTERTERM TRAVEL: Tanzania

Tanzania Three flights covering 22,300 miles, 15 days, 14 students, 5 universities and schools, 2 hospitals, 2 parishes of the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Tanzania, 1 safari, 1 Kilimanjaro – countless memories!

During the January 2016 Interterm, Dr. Jamie Simpson, Psychology, and Professor Chintamani Manish, Biology, led Midland University students on an adventure of a lifetime through their course, Tanzania – Culture, Climate, Connections.

It offered an engaging experience in Tanzanian culture, educational system, and its extensive national parks.

“Every day was a new adventure,” said student Elise Hubel. “An adventure that we could come back a thousand times and not have the same experience. The journey was long but the experience was one of a lifetime.”

Students interacted with Tanzanian culture in a variety of settings including schools, hospitals, churches, home visits and experiences with the Hadzabe and Maasai tribes. Students also had an opportunity to explore the ecology of a number of national parks, including Mount Kilimanjaro, Ngorongoro Crater and the Serengeti.

CONNECTIONS Through its association with the Nebraska Synod of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, Midland has a connection with the Northern Dioceses of Tanzania.

The “Tanzania – Culture, Climate, Connections” course was created through close collaboration with members of the Nebraska Synod Vision Trip planning committee, including members who reside in Tanzania at least part-time, to develop the course. The Nebraska Synod’s Martin Malley, Rev. Martin Russell of Opportunity Education Foundation and Bob Kasworm from Machame Hospital provided a wealth of knowledge, connections and advice throughout the planning process.

Through these connections, students were able to get first-hand experiences that would not have otherwise been possible, including a tour of Kilimanjaro Christian Medical College, one of the top medical centers in Tanzania, dinner at the home of Bishop Frederick Onael Shoo, worshipping with members of the KIA parish, visiting local primary and secondary schools and spending the day at Machame Hospital learning about health care in the local villages of Tanzania.

Tanzania

“I would have to say the highlight of my day was visiting the hospital since I am so interested in the health field,” Rachael Lehr said. “It made me realize definitely how blessed we are in America for our health care.”

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One of the most notable aspects of the experience was the warm and generous hospitality. The group spent multiple days with students and faculty at Stephano Moshi Memorial

University College (SMMUCo) and with members of the church.

Everywhere the group went, they were welcomed with tea. “It is a custom here to be welcomed with tea, and I think I am going to easily fall in love with that custom,” Rebecca Walker said.

Each experience helped students gain a better understanding of Tanzanian culture and develop lifelong friends. They even experienced first-hand SMMUCo life, by staying in the dorms with college students.

“Getting to spend another night with our host students was very fun, and allowed for us to get to know them more,” Jessica Nekl said. “It’s interesting to hear many similarities we shared, but to also learn about the differences in our cultures. At the end of the night, as I was lying in bed staring at the ceiling, I could not help but think how beautifully planned this day was. It definitely made for a lot of memories to be created that will stay with us for a lifetime!”

CLIMATE Located in the tropical region of the Southern hemisphere, Tanzania is predominantly hot and humid with cooler regions at the higher elevations of the northwestern highlands. There are two periods of the year when it rains a lot; from October to December, and more sustained rains from March to June. The central plateau, particularly in the rain shadow of Mount Kilimanjaro, tends to be dry and arid throughout the year.

“Students learned many new facts about the climate: When it is dry season in the Serengeti, it is the wet season is Moshi.

Elephants use to live to 120 years-now they only live up to 60 years because of the climate,” said Amy Aufenkamp. “The Serengeti is so large that some places will have a drought season, but then the other places will be okay.”

CULTURE Tanzania is a nation of many tribes, each with its own distinct culture, language, and customs. There are 128 recognized languages spoken with Swahili being the commonly spoken one. In many areas, English is becoming the predominant mode of communication between groups that speak different languages.

“On the way to the next tribe, our car discussed and shared information that we learned in side conversations while visiting the Hadzabe tribe,” said Mandi Uecker. “This is very different from our culture, but it was such a privilege to learn and experience such a culture as this.”

During the trip, students spent time with the Maasai and the Hadzabe tribes, toured a Chaga tribe’s village in the foothills of Mount Kilimanjaro, and visited Oldupai Gorge, considered by many archeologists to be the cradle of civilization. Interactive tours of each of the places were arranged with local experts and guides, enhancing the experience even more.

May 2016

Hordes of animals – zebras, wildebeest, giraffes, antelopes, impalas and other grazers – follow the rainfall in a clockwise manner across the plains of Africa. Tracking them, and following closely behind, are the carnivores – lion, cheetahs, leopards and hyenas. Due to the seasonality of the rains, the African savannah is a huge grassland with occasional trees (mostly Acacia) scattered in between. Consequently, huge herds of herbivores share space with the larger carnivores, in full sight of each other.

“It was a really interesting to see all the different animals interacting with each other in such a small area of grassland in the (Ngorongoro) Crater. Everything was all mixed together unlike anything we have ever seen in America,” Kyle Courtright said.

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INTERTERM TRAVEL: Tanzania By virtue of the strong connections made by the faculty, students, and leaders of Midland with the local experts, the group was welcomed with open arms and shown even more of the local customs and norms than a typical touring party would receive.

“We were welcomed by the Maasai tribe as they did a traditional dance, which consisted of jumping around and singing. After the dance, they showed us more of the village and taught us how to build a fire without matches,” Jessica Harms said. “We then were able to visit a kindergarten, and they sang us a song and counted to ten in English. Then we were paired up with the Maasai people and they showed us the inside of the house.”

The 15-day trip was a successful one, not only for the sights seen, the places visited or the people met, but also for the connections made. For the students, it was an experience of a lifetime. In return, they left behind a warm memory of the time spent in Tanzania in the hearts of the people with whom they interacted.

Midland is committed to providing rich experiential learning opportunities which help connect our students to the world. Annually, trips such as these are planned over January-term. To learn more contact Dr. Susan Kruml.

Krum@midlandu.edu

Giving back has been a hallmark trait of Thrivent Financial and its members for generations.

Through the Thrivent Choice® program, eligible members recommend where Thrivent distributes some of its charitable grant funds each year by directing Choice Dollars®. Since the establishment of Thrivent Choice in 2010, Thrivent has distributed more than $300 million to help congregations, nonprofit organizations and educational institutions, like Midland University.

If you are a Thrivent member with Choice Dollars available to direct, please consider directing to Midland University.

It’s quick and easy! Just visit www.thrivent.com/thriventchoice or call 800-847-4836 and state “Thrivent Choice” after the prompt.

Tanzania

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for your continued support of Midland University students!

Jonah Hoshino fulfilled a childhood dream

Attending Midland also reminded Hoshino he has an opportunity to mature and focus on his education. A sophomore, he is majoring in business and marketing. Staying focused hasn’t always been easy.

“People from Hawaii really struggle because we can’t visit home on a weekend or a short break,” he says. “After Christmas, I got to go home. When I came back, I was really miserable. I wanted to go home, but I got a grip and I persevered.

Exploring Parts of

Tanzania

“Since I was young, I’ve always wanted to go to Africa. When the opportunity arose, I took it. Honestly, I didn’t know what to expect when we were going on that trip. All I was preparing myself for was the unexpected. I went on this trip having an open mind and open heart.”

Hoshino and his fellow Midland University students were on a two-week journey through the African country, visiting college campuses, teaching hospitals and discovering the beauty of the countryside. They hiked the trails of Mount Kilimanjaro, witnessed the majesty of the Materuni waterfall, and made new friends with students at Stefano Moshi Memorial University College.

A Hawaiian native, Hoshino was looking at several options to continue his education. Midland was the only one offering him an athletic scholarship.

“My older brother was already here wrestling, so I was getting some push from my mom to come wrestle with my brother and to experience the Midwest

“I found what Midland has done for me. It’s forced me to become independent and accountable for myself. Midland also has given me the environment where I have to create my own support system, my friends. With that support system, we’ve become close, like family.”

His support system now includes those new friends he made while in Tanzania. There are daily emails to some of those friends, carrying on a conversation that began during those two weeks in Africa.

“The people we met was my favorite part of the trip. People are what make experiences,” Hoshino says. “We had various tour guides and different students we met from different colleges. The way I would get them interested in talking with me was I would ask them, ‘What’s your tribe? Where are you from?’ From there, they would tell me about themselves and they would see that I’m genuinely interested, and we’ve have an amazing conversation from there.”

Student Spotlight

“I find it’s good to surround myself with people who share the same values as me,” he says. “But also, I’m growing my faith independently because I don’t have my family around. It’s only up to me to read my Bible or go to church or take some time out of the day to pray and think about God.”

His experience has made Hoshino appreciate America even more. Differences in the educational systems make it extremely hard for Tanzanian students to obtain a college degree due to electricity outages and dealing with marketplaces where no prices are listed and everything is negotiable.

because there are good people out here,” he says.

“But I would go back in a heartbeat if the opportunity came.”

May 2016

Midland also has allowed him to grow in his faith. Jonah attended a private high school in Hawaii and was part of its Deputation Team. Originally formed in the 1950s to address a shortage of pastors, the teams of students help lead worship and share their faith at small churches on other islands. At Midland, he connected with the Fellowship of Christian Athletes.

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ARTS

MIDLANDArts

Midland ARTS Crescendoing to New Heights

When you sit down and have a conversation with just about any student in The ARTS@Midland University, you’ll hear one word over and over, ‘Family’. This isn’t a word students have been told to say, it’s just the way they feel.

The ARTS@Midland University is a well-rounded program full of diverse opportunities. Students can participate in vocal ensembles, instrumental ensembles, theater productions, technical theater work, dance, and worship arts opportunities. Most Midland ARTS students are active in more than one area.

It is evident these programs attract students that are passionate about the arts, and their experiences at Midland allow them to thrive and build skills necessary for a successful future.

Just listen to what they have to say: Joe:

Midland ARTS

INSTRUMENTAL/JUNIOR

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I currently am involved in choir, band, theatre, drumline and I’m also a work study—I’m very busy!

At Midland, they let you explore what you really want to do. In high school I was mainly a trumpet player, but I had the opportunity to try drumline my junior year. When I got to Midland, they asked me, “what instrument do you want to play?” I said, “well, I’d really like to play percussion,” and they said, “all right, lets do it.” With their help, I was able to pick it up and have learned to play all kinds of different instruments.

The best part is that The ARTS is a growing program, so we’re all working together knowing we really get to have an impact on the future of the program.

Jocelyn: WORSHIP ARTS/SENIOR I am at Midland because my show choir came to Festival of the Arts when I was a junior in high school.

I loved it here and I had an awesome experience. I joined worship arts because it was something that was new my freshman year and they were revamping the chapel system that they had before. They had a student-led worship team and needed student leaders to help encourage students to attend.

If you would have asked me three or four years ago if I wanted to be a worship leader, I would have said NO WAY, that’s not my job, that’s my mom’s job! I grew up on worship teams and I would play piano, guitar and sing, but I wasn’t the leader for it. But Erin Bradley and Jessica Logue were here and they were really powerful mentors for me, seeing a lot of things in me that I didn’t see myself. They helped to lead me to the idea of being someone that helps other people worship and experience God. I hope to do this as my career and I actually just got a job leading worship for a church.

Arts Enrollment Growth

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ARTS

Brittany: DANCE/JUNIOR I always knew that I wanted to be a psychology major, and at Midland I had the opportunity to pursue both psychology and dance which has always been another one of my passions. The other reason why I chose Midland is that I’m from a really small town, and it has that small-town feel.

People just care about each other.

Being a part of the dance team is like being a part of another family here. I am currently head captain of the dance team and that has impacted me a lot. As I look over my team, the most important thing to me was having that feeling of family and friendship. It’s taught me how to communicate really well and empathize with others. More than anything, it’s taught me how to open up and have fun.

Ejanae: VOCAL/JUNIOR I actually heard about Midland because I went to Young Americans camp the first year it started and came to Midland because of how personal everything felt. When I started speaking to Midland about attending, I could call and they knew me right away—that was really important to me.

My major is music education and my experiences here have really helped me strengthen my leadership skills and have given me ideas about what I want to do with my choir class in the future. I know that no matter what happens, I could be ten years away from here and still call these people and ask for help—that says a lot about our program.

David: THEATER/SENIOR The theater program at Midland rocks because of all the opportunities that are presented.

Whether it’s the first performance that you’ve ever been a part of, or the hundredth time you’ve been on stage, there is a place for you to grow and learn to love this craft even more.

TECH/SOPHOMORE Initially I thought I would major in business, but during my visit I saw that they had performing arts management listed as an option.

In high school I was really involved with tech/theater and stage management and was excited that I wouldn’t have to go to Chicago or New York to get a degree in something I loved. This was a small school where I could do what I loved.

I would say that the biggest way Midland has impacted my life is that it has given me a lot of different opportunities. Besides stage management, I’ve gotten a lot of experience in event planning and coordinating by being in charge of Festival of the Arts and also helping with Colors of Christmas. Midland has opened my eyes to see that there are other areas that I could pursue as a career later on.

A lot of kids come to college and they’re not involved in something and they have to go out of their way to get involved. But when I got here, I already had a family. I already had somewhere to go. It made that transition easier.

For more information about Midland ARTS, contact Kathy Hays at haysk@midlandu.edu

May 2016

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With every role that I’ve been given, I’ve been given a nice challenge that I can achieve and at the same time, it’s a loving atmosphere where everybody is included.

BaiLeigh:

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MIDLANDUniversity

The Inauguration of Jody Horner March, 14, 2016 Attendees from around the country came to the Fremont campus to join the celebration, including delegates and dignitaries from our nation’s most well respected universities. As a new era for Midland sets forth, President Horner’s vision and enthusiasm for the future of the university was addressed during the formal installation of her presidency.

“Today is about celebrating Midland University and all it encompasses,” said Horner, who is the second woman to lead the university. “It is not about one person. Today is about celebrating who we are as a community of learners, where we have been and most importantly where we are going.”

Hundreds of delegates from institutions across the country, faculty, staff, students and area community leaders attended the ceremony in the Midland Event Center. The ceremony capped off a weekend of activities that included Blues and BBQ, a community luncheon that highlighted Midland’s performing arts, as well as a special address from alumni; a presentation on Midland’s history by Dr. Alcyone Scott, professor emeritus of English and Humanities; campus tours; and a reception for the newly installed president.

The ceremony included a video greeting from U.S. Senator Ben Sasse, Midland’s former president, and from Dr. David Anderson, president of St. Olaf College, President Horner’s alma mater.

The Inauguration of Jody Horner

Inaugurations are a time to look forward, and President Horner took the opportunity to outline her plans for Midland University.

“

I am excited to share my vision for Midland with you along with a path forward in three key areas: enriching our experience; enriching our community; and enriching our legacy,” President Horner said. “My hope for today is that you leave inspired to go forward with purpose and join me in building on the Midland legacy.

Follow President Horner on

@PresHorner

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“My vision for this university includes as its foundation a reaffirmation of our mission statement. Inspire people to live and learn in the world with purpose. It is our Lutheran roots that guide and inform the ‘with purpose’ part of our mission and the liberal arts guide us in developing the whole person including mind, body and spirit. Together they imbue a sense of calling or vocation that ultimately sets our students on a path toward a purposeful, meaningful life.”

President Horner’s vision includes enriching the Midland experience for students.

A second part of her vision is to enrich the community. President Horner noted that Midland will celebrate its 100th year in Fremont in 2019.

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This milestone will be cause for celebration and we are grateful for all this community has done for the university over the years.

Midland’s unique residential setting inspires the creation of environments where students can interact, share, and grow under the nurturing guidance of exceptional faculty and staff.

Midland is equipped to face the challenges in higher education, President Horner said. The university has an entrepreneurial spirit and resilient nature that will lead it in responding to those changes.

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Going forward we must embrace new and innovative ways of teaching and help manage the cost of delivering a quality education.

At the same time we must continue to inspire in our students a love of learning, a passion for leading, and we must set them on a path to discover their life purpose. We are both excited and humbled by the opportunities that lie ahead.

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“We will champion and reward prudent risk-taking as we seek to differentiate ourselves. Midland’s unique commitment to ensuring each student the opportunity to graduate in four years requires an unmatched dedication to student support and guidance. As Midland prepares to launch new programs that align student interests with employer needs, the university will invest in ensuring new opportunities come with the level of support, guidance and flexibility necessary to graduate wellprepared students, on time.”

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Noting higher education is changing, President Horner said enriching Midland’s legacy is a key component of her vision.

May 2016

“Preparing the next generation of students requires new methods of instruction, adaptable curriculum, and the ability to train and retrain students in an evolving marketplace. As technology and other disruptive forces upend and interrupt industries, Midland is preparing to leverage this time of disruption for the benefit of our students. Building on our legacy, we want to guarantee student success for many generations to come. To fully serve students in an era where the needs of today may only offer a hint at the needs of tomorrow, Midland must operate from a position of strength.”

Dr. Zhongming Huang, Dr. Alcyone Scott (Emeritus), Professor Tracy Shell, Professor Lynn Schnoor and Dr. Janet Lack prepare for the processional.

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GRADUATEProgram

Graduate Programs As Midland expands its reach to new audiences and engages in strategic positions of growth, emphasis will be placed in expanding graduate degree programs in response to the overwhelming success of the Master of Business Administration and Master of Education programs offered in the Omaha-metro.

Educators at all levels assume a critical role in supporting their learners, schools, organizations, and community. Some of these roles are assigned but many times they are not. The Midland MEd program guides students through a collaborative process to enhance learner, organizational, and community achievement. The convenient blended delivery of curriculum enables students to pursue their MEd online, as well as engaging and networking with colleagues and faculty face-to-face anywhere from 2-4 times during the course. Hands-on and fieldbased experiences provide multiple opportunities to apply both the theoretical knowledge, and skills taught in class.

Supporting Midland University’s mission of inspiring people to learn and lead in the world with purpose, the MEd program inspires its students to serve others in their roles as professional educators whether strengthening individual practices, serving the community, or assisting workforce development efforts in their own organizations.

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Graduate Programs

MEd

I never would have taken on something like this if it weren't for Midland’s program. Although it seemed like a daunting project in the beginning, we had wonderful and supportive instructors along the way.

– Heather, Science Instructional Coach

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MEd & MBA

“

Two years ago, I was overjoyed to find out I was accepted to the Midland University cohort. Since then, I took amazing classes with the best professors imaginable. I learned from my teachers and classmates. I discovered my leadership traits and actually developed my own personal code of ethics (something I had never thought about putting down on paper before). This cohort was about more than a pay raise. I developed relationships with my peers and discovered the outstanding recourses of my professors. I will forever be a better teacher and leader thanks to the opportunities provided by this cohort.

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— Stacy, High School Librarian

MBA Midland University’s MBA program is geared to produce graduates that demonstrate highly developed analytic and communication skills, a strong ethical foundation, and mastery of the tools and concepts it takes to be a respected leader in business.

Omaha’s only hybrid MBA program provides an optimal environment for completing a masters degree in only 16- or 24months. With a hybrid MBA, students can take advantage of classmates’ experiences during in-person exercises, while still enjoying the flexibility of the online components to help build a manageable school-life schedule.

Learning from real-world practitioners of business, students experience an environment in which they are able to immediately put into practice the new frameworks learned in the MBA course work and understand how they apply to current examples of business successes and failures.

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– Megan, Business Banking Officer

For more information about the current and future graduate program offerings at Midland University, please visit www.midlandu.edu/academics.

May 2016

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I know I wouldn't have gotten this promotion as quickly as I did if I hadn’t gone to Midland University to get my MBA. Showing the initiative to go back to school and investing the extra effort into my career really made a difference.

“The professors at Midland are more than great teachers—they’re also terrific contacts for us, both as mentors and as supporters in expanding our networks. I’ve gone back to them as guides and asked how they would approach certain situations or what they think of a problem I’m facing, and they’ve been tremendous resources. It’s a terrific network. Overall, that’s a huge win for Midland, and one of the biggest highlights of the program for me.”

— Jessica, Vice President for Development

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CAMPUSMinistries

Servant Leadership “For Even the Son of God came not to be served but to serve and give his life as a ransom for many.”

— Mark 10:45

Servant Leadership

Servant Leadership grows out of a God-surrendered humility, whereby a disciple intentionally serves those around him or her, seeking to empty his or her life for the sake of others. We have been blessed by God’s grace in so many ways and in response to the grace that He has given to us, it is important that we look for opportunities to serve others.

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In an effort to help students grow and develop a servant heart, this past January, the office of Campus Ministries established a relationship with the Open Door Mission in Omaha. The Open Door Mission is a Gospel Rescue Mission founded in 1954 committed to breaking the cycle of homelessness and poverty.

Each day, the Open Door Mission campus offers 816 safe, shelter beds to homeless men, women, and children, serves over 2,000 hot, nutritious meals and provides preventive measures to more than 275 people living in poverty.

Through the relationship that was established, the office of Campus Ministries is committed to taking a group of students once a month to help serve in the kitchen or in the clothing warehouse to ensure that others are best being helped. It has been a wonderful experience for students to develop new relationships with others on campus through these opportunities. They serve side by side with other Midland students and develop relationships with those at the Open Door Mission. While we only started in January, it has become very popular among students.

The office of Campus Ministries has seen a lot of changes in the 2015-2016 academic year, beginning with the arrival of Brandon Van Marel, the new full time Director of Campus Ministries.

Under Brandon’s leadership, the chapel and Fellowship of Christian Athletes programs have grown, and students now have additional opportunities to participate in mission trips, a new men’s bible that blends students, coaches & other full-time staff, and even a dedicated worship night called “Momentum”.

LUT HE

Honors

RAM OG

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H O N E O G E RS P L L R CO

Midland University is happy to announce “The Luther College Honors Program� will begin in the 2016-2017 academic year. This program is designed to promote a more rigorous academic culture on campus for qualified students who desire this challenge, and includes a structure that reflects a mindfulness of the four year guarantee offered to students.

The 30 credit hour program consists of honors-level courses, experiential and service learning, study abroad, and a Presidential Capstone. before graduation, are also eligible to apply for admission to the Honors Program beginning in the 20172018 academic year.

The launch of the Honors Program has been made possible through the generous support of the alumni of Luther College and Luther Academy in Wahoo, Nebraska, which merged with Midland in 1962.

May 2016

The Admissions office, with assistance from the Honors Program Committee and Student Success Center will be responsible for the identification and recruitment of prospective students for the Honors Program.

Eligible students will start in the Honors Program during the fall semester of their freshmen year. Current Midland students and transfer students, with a GPA of 3.5 or higher and at least six semesters remaining

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STUDENTSpotlight

Ashlee Harms

Midland University senior Ashlee Harms embodies the term student-athlete. That is evident by the plethora of awards she’s earned both on the volleyball court and in the classroom. It can be seen in the way she carries herself on campus; always with a smile and a positive demeanor. The most telling sign though might be from the praise she garners from Midland head volleyball coach Paul Giesselmann.

“Ashlee is the prototype of the high-caliber young women we strive to recruit at Midland University,” he said. “She is an outstanding leader and is made up of the upmost character. And, it doesn’t hurt that she’s one heck of a volleyball player. It’s been an absolute privilege to help mentor and coach her, not just on the court, but as a person over the past four years.”

Ashlee Harms

Harms, a Senior Business Administration major with a concentration in management and marketing, she is a two-time NAIA All-American and a three-time First Team All-GPAC recipient on the court. She was named to the Omaha World-Herald’s AllNebraska NAIA First Team three times in her career and twice named to the AVCA NAIA All-Region (West Central) Team. Four times in her career she was named the GPAC Volleyball Player of the Week.

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The accolades weren’t limited to just volleyball though for the Glenvil, Nebraska, native. In the classroom Harms was twice awarded with Daktronics-NAIA Scholar-Athlete standing. In 2014 she was named to the College Sports Information Directors of

America Academic All-District Team, and in 2015 she took home the most prestigious honor given to a student-athlete: College Sports Information Directors of America Academic AllAmerican recognition. Harms is the first player in Midland volleyball history to take home the prominent award “Being named to the Academic All-American Team was a great honor,” Harms recalled.

“When I was searching for a college it was important to me that I find a place where education was not only valued but would make a lasting impact on my future. Midland University and Coach G were perfect in that sense.

We competed at the highest level on the court and I’m taking away an education that will last me a lifetime.”

“Coach never made it easy for us – in terms of our opponents,” Harms said with a smile. “It’s never easy to see a Top 10 team on the schedule during the first couple weeks of the season, but he always had us prepared. I truly feel like that’s the only way to tackle any obstacle in life. If you want to be the best at something, you have to challenge yourself, and I was privileged to learn that in a number of ways during my time at Midland from professors and coaches alike.”

A shining example of that was when the ninth-ranked Warriors played, and defeated, No. 5 Rocky Mountain College at the Event Center just six games into the 2015 campaign. That win served as a stepping stone for the Warriors who opened the season on an unprecedented 22-match winning streak.

“I’ll never forget the crowd storming the court after winning that match against Rocky Mountain,” Harms said.

“That’s another special thing at Midland University – it’s a tight-knit community. The support we received from our peers and the Fremont community was really special.”

Despite her All-American status on the court, Harms considers herself much more than just a volleyball player. She often reciprocated that fan support by attending home games of other sports and is very involved in other on-campus activities. Harms is a resident’s hall assistant, she is active in several campus ministry initiatives, she participates in Midland’s annual Mission Day, has spent time volunteering throughout the Fremont community and has assisted in numerous volleyball camps for children.

Athletics

During her tenure in a Warrior uniform, the four-year starter compiled an astounding record of 115-31. Midland reached the GPAC Postseason Tournament title match in each of Harms’ final three seasons, winning the championship in 2013 and 2015. The Warriors also qualified for the NAIA National Championship Tournament three consecutive years, reaching the Elite Eight round in 2013 and 2015 as well. Midland became a perennial Top 10 team during Harms’ years and was ranked as high as No. 2 in the nation during this past season.

“The opportunities I’ve had to give back during my time at Midland are priceless,” Harms said.

“Being at Midland has taught me the kind of person I want to be. It’s something that affects me in my everyday life with the choices I make and the people I surround myself with.”

Among the company that she keeps, Harms is a member of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes. She participates often in bible study on campus which has helped foster her well-rounded education.

May 2016

“Campus ministries really helped me grow as a person and mature in my faith,” she said. “I’ve made lifelong friends playing volleyball, but the lessons and relationships I gained through faith are just as important.”

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STUDENTSpotlight

Jesse Jones In a season full of change, there was one constant for the Midland University men’s basketball team – Jesse Jones. The senior point guard, a role player in 2014-15, thrust himself into the spotlight during his final year in a Midland uniform and guided the Warriors to a late postseason push.

Jones’ impact though wasn’t limited to the hardwood, and he credits his Midland experience to his lofty personal aspirations moving into the future.

Jesse Jones

“Coming to Midland University was the best thing that could have happened for me both academically and athletically,” Jones said. “The teachers and resources I was provided with here were second to none, and helped provide me with a well-rounded education for my future.”

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The Houston, Texas, native was recruited to Midland in 2015, in Jones’ first season at Midland, the Warriors returned to NAIA Division II Men’s Nationals Championship Tournament for the third straight year, poised to make another deep run but were upset in the opening round on a last-second shot by Southern Oregon University. The Warriors were granted that 2015 trip to Nationals after winning the GPAC Postseason Championship in dominant fashion, including two road wins at Top 5-ranked schools.

“Winning the GPAC Championship as a junior will go down as my most memorable on-court moment at Midland,” Jones recalled.

“Being able to win that championship for the seniors on the team, and earn a trip to Nationals was such a special feeling. Getting upset in the first round was an eye-opening experience and it made us hungry for redemption the following season.”

“Jesse was a phenomenal presence for us all year,” True

leadership is shown during adverse times and when we needed Jesse the most, he showed up in a major way; on the court and in the locker room,” — Coach Oliver Drake After a 6-8 start to the season, Midland found its footing when the calendar turned to 2016. The Warriors won six of nine January contests and three straight heading to February during arguably their toughest stretch of the schedule. That momentum was halted though when Jones went down with an ankle injury. Prior to that setback, Jones was named the NAIA DII Men’s Basketball National Player of the Week for January 25-31.

“When I went down, the team was playing its best basketball of the season,” Jones said. “I was playing at a high level, but we were totally in sync as a unit.

We faced a ton of adversity all year long, but I kept my spirits up and knew I’d be able to return and help us in the postseason.”

“Serving on committees, and especially helping with Mission Day are perfect examples of what make Midland University such a great place to learn and grow,” Jones said. “The game of basketball has given me so much, and it provides great perspective to be able to give back to others.”

If his two-year playing career at Midland, from role player to potential All-American, is any indication, Jones has certainly proven he can do anything he sets his mind to.

Athletics

In two games during that span Jones nearly averaged a tripledouble for the week. He posted a career-best 33 points to go along with 10 assists in a blowout victory over Nebraska Wesleyan University before single-handedly leading the Warriors to an upset win over then-No. 3 Briar Cliff University. Jones topped his previous effort with 45 points and a career-high 15 rebounds in one of the most dominant performances in Midland basketball history.

Return he did; leading all scorers with 20 points in Midland’s first round victory over Hastings College in the conference tournament. The Warriors then faced the tough task of traveling to Briar Cliff, the GPAC regular season champs, in the second round. Seeking the upset, Midland led for a majority of that contest before Briar Cliff rallied over the final five minutes of play on its home court for an 81-76 victory.

“Looking back, I wouldn’t change a thing,” Jones said with confidence. “We fell short of our goals, but I think we showed a lot of people the heart that we had to battle through all the obstacles we faced this season. I know personally, it helped me grow, not just as a basketball player, but as a person and a leader, and that’s something I’ll always carry with me.”

May 2016

Jones, a 2015-16 First Team All-GPAC recipient, was a 2015 National Association of Basketball Coaches (NABC) Honors Court recipient for his work in the classroom.

He is also a 2016 NAIA-Daktronics Scholar-Athlete. He is a member of Phi Beta Lambda Business Club and serves as the men’s basketball team’s representative on the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee. Jones also served as emcee at Midland’s annual Mission Day in 2016. He will graduate in May with a degree in Business Administration and Management.

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LUTHERAN PLANNED GIVING SERVICES

Creating A Legacy Andrew Morrow and Margaret Stoltenberg met on a Midland College-sponsored tour to Europe in the 1940s.

Margaret would go on to earn a degree in Music Education in 1949, and later served on the Midland Board. Andrew attended summer classes at Midland studying English, Speech and Business with Professors George Hartwig, Sara Hawkinson and Edwin Prauner. After they married in 1958 and starting raising their family, all three of their children attended summer camps at Midland.

So, there is little surprise the Morrows have a special place in their heart for Midland University.

Andrew grew up in Fremont, the son of a physician. He recalled his father providing medical services for Midland’s basketball team in those days. His father, and mother who was a nurse, often provided care at no cost during the Depression Era. It was during house calls with his father that Andrew first realized not everyone lived as his family did. This later was reinforced as he delivered ice to homes, seeing the poverty and need in the community.

It was then that Andrew decided he wanted to do everything he could to help people.

Creating A Legacy 30

“We decided to give a percentage of our estate, right off the top, to our favorite charities,” Andrew noted. The Morrows have also included gifts for First Lutheran Church in Lincoln, Lutheran Family Services, and Nebraska Lutheran Outdoor Ministries.

While Margaret passed away in 2008, her legacy lives on through these gifts.

Many of Midland’s friends, like the Morrows, have included Midland with a gift in their wills, or as a beneficiary in their estates and life insurance policies with the help of Lutheran Planned Giving Services—a longtime partner of Midland University.

Lutheran Planned Giving Services can assist you as well, confidentially and at no cost, by calling or emailing Craig D. Stirtz at 402-342-5728 or cstirtz@lpgs.org.

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“I believe that a good disciple does what our Lord calls us to do,” said Andrew, feeling that he was called to help others.

“We need to practice what Jesus preached, looking after the poor, widows and orphans.”

Both Margaret’s and Andrew’s mothers were nurses, so they decided to honor their mothers with a scholarship in their names. Their living trust includes funding for this nursing scholarship at Midland in memory of Lillian Stoltenberg and May Morrow.

That call to help others also was heard while attending the funeral of his aunt, Andrew recalled. During the funeral, the pastor mentioned his aunt had included gifts for several ministries in her will. On the trip home, the Morrows decided they would do the same in their wills.

Andrew and Margaret with their children Molly, Drew and Megan

In Thanks

“

The best use of life is to invest it in something which will outlast life — William James, American Philosopher

”

For more than a century, Midland University has been providing students with the tools and opportunities to reach their full potential and emerge as leaders of the future. We are incredibly grateful for the generosity and support of our Alumni and Friends who have chosen to pay a lasting and proud tribute to their family’s legacy at Midland through an estate gift. On behalf of the faculty, staff and countless students who will be impacted by these gifts, we would like to remember and thank those who have remembered us in 2015-2016.

Mr. J.C. Anderson Mr. and Mrs. Drell and Adeline Bernhardson Mr. Dan Deets Mr. Rupert Dunklau Mr. and Mrs. Rodney and Jean Farmer Mr. and Mrs. Harold and Edith Gronstal Ms. Leola Heuck Ms. Marion Iverson Ms. Margaret Jacobsen Mr. and Mrs. Kenneth and Lorene Jensen Ms. Juiet Moris Mr. and Mrs. Carl O. and Edith Nelson Mr. Kermit Nelson Ms. Erna Ruth Nore Ms. Delores Pederson Ms. Helen Roeske Mrs. Della Sandahl Mrs. Lois Youngerman Rev. Theodore Youngquist

May 2016

This list reflects those planned gifts realized from June 1, 2015-March 1, 2016.

While every effort is made to recognize the generosity of our supporters, if a name has been inadvertently missed please contact Brad Eberspacher at development@midlandu.edu or 402-941-6053 so we can be sure to recognize and thank the donor or family for their generosity.

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MIDLANDMission

With Purpose —

A Vision for the Future

With purpose — a vision for the future.

As part of our focus on innovation, Midland will explore new models that enhance the student experience and further learning outcomes. We will champion and reward prudent risk-taking as we seek to differentiate ourselves in the evolving world of higher education.

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With Purpose — Enriching Our Experience

With Purpose — Enriching Our Community

Midland’s unique commitment to ensuring each student the opportunity to graduate in four years requires an unmatched dedication to student support and guidance. As Midland prepares to launch new programs that align student interests with employer needs, the university will invest fully in ensuring new opportunities come with the level of support, guidance, and flexibility necessary to graduate well-prepared students, on time.

We are committed to enhancing the living and learning community for students by supporting personal development, providing a safe, engaging environment, and improving students’ lives. Midland University’s unique residential setting inspires the creation of environments where students can interact, share, and grow under the nurturing guidance of exceptional faculty and staff.

We Will:

We Will:

• Launch new programs that connect student passions with business needs in our region • Pull technology into the classroom in new ways that help us tailor learning to students’ individual needs • Support students with intensive advising to help them develop mind, body, and spirit • Pioneer high-impact learning experiences

• Enhance spaces where our students meet to live, learn, engage and create lasting friendships • Build capacity for continued growth • Create flexible environments conducive to unique student learning

With Purpose — Enriching Our Legacy Higher education is changing. The emerging globalized economy is bringing new groups of students, with different sets of needs to our doors. Preparing the next generation of students is going to require new methods of instruction, adaptable curriculum, and the ability to train and retrain students in an evolving marketplace. As technology upends and interrupts industries, Midland is preparing to leverage this time of disruption in the “education status quo” for the benefit of our students.

Building on our legacy, we want to guarantee student success for many generations to come. To fully serve students in an era when the needs of today may only offer a hint at the needs of tomorrow, Midland must operate from a position of strength.

We Will: • Support students’ journeys of development and discovery by making the college experience attainable • Secure a strong financial position for substantiality and future investment • Recruit and retain a student body attuned to the University’s mission • Broaden our geographic reach for student recruitment, while increasing the representation of diverse populations Midland University approaches higher education with an unmatched commitment to student success. We believe true achievement will be accomplished through an active pursuit of innovation in both high impact learning opportunities and surrounding support systems, not responding to, but proactively seeking better ways to enhance learning outcomes. Living out our mission, we are dedicated to providing opportunities for students to develop as the next generation of leaders. This vision builds on our momentum by investing in our most vital asset, our students. Together we will champion new programs with a core of student success, enhance the places we connect, and secure the future of Midland University in this ever-changing world of higher education.

May 2016

900 N Clarkson Street Fremont, NE 68025 402.941.6523 • www.MidlandU.edu

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MIDLANDScholarship

How to start a

at Midland University

Establishing a scholarship at Midland University is a wonderful way to give back to your alma mater, honor the legacy of a loved one, or simply make a genuine investment in the next generation of leaders.

Each year more than 300 named scholarships are awarded to Midland students. Without the financial assistance these scholarships provide, many students at Midland University would be unable to pay for their education.

The name and criteria by which the scholarship is awarded may be established by the donor, with input from the University to ensure that there will be an eligible recipient each year. Award criteria may include: general financial need, interest in a particular major or career field, participation in athletics or other criteria to meet your philanthropic goals.

How to start a scholarship at Midland University

There are two types of scholarships you can support at Midland:

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Perpetual Scholarships:

Endowed Scholarships:

A perpetual scholarship is non-endowed fund established to support student scholarships at Midland University. This fund provides the donor with perpetual recognition in the naming of a scholarship, while providing the University maximum flexibility to award students based on need and in response to donor suggested criterion. The minimum investment required to establish a perpetual scholarship at Midland is $10,000.

An endowed scholarship is a permanent, designated fund held

by Midland University for the purpose of supporting student scholarships. Endowment funds are invested and a portion of the earnings are awarded each year. The actual scholarship amount can vary, depending on market status. The minimum investment required to establish an endowed scholarship at Midland is $25,000.

Gifts for the scholarship may be received in one disbursement or over a three-year period.

Scholarships may be established or augmented through an estate or planned gift, but formal recognition of and distribution of scholarship dollars will not occur until the minimum is met.

If you have questions about establishing a scholarship at Midland, please contact Brad Eberspacher, Director of Annual Giving, at eberspacherb@midlandu.edu or 402-941-6053.

Midland University is always looking for

Future Warriors! be interested If you know a student that may ! in attending Midland, let us know 402-941-6503 admissions@midlandu.edu www.midlandu.edu/admissions

Contact Us

With a growing student body,

We can’t wait to hear from you!

We hope you have enjoyed this first edition of Midland Magazine, and we are excited to continue to communicate with our Alumni from around the world. But now, we want to hear from YOU! Share with us the latest and greatest happenings in your life. We will print select submissions throughout the year online, in our monthly e-newsletter, and even in next year’s

magazine! We are occasionally limited by space, but will make every effort to include the good news from our alumni!

If you would like to host an alumni get-together, hire a student, welcome an intern or just socialize with alumni in your community and would like assistance, please let us know.

May 2016

You can submit stories, questions and comments to alumni@midlandu.edu

35 www.MidlandU.edu

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910 North Clarkson • Fremont, Nebraska 68025

Save The Date!

Homecoming Sept. 23-25, 2016

www.MidlandU.edu

@MidlandU

@Midland University

@Midland University