Issuu

SUMMER 2006

In This Issue... MLC Childrenâ€™s Theater I Remember the 1980s at Northwestern College Touch the World

Intimate Visit

From An

“Peace be with you” (John 20:21).

Time and time again, our gracious Lord deals with us in a manner of patience that defies understanding. Our heavenly Father has dealt with the frail nature of faith, from the uncertainty of Moses to the doubts of Thomas, and he cares for us as a father nurtures his weak children. Even though he has given us overwhelming evidence of his love in his Word, he knows our need of assurance. He tolerantly comes to us through tangible means so we do not lose hope. The post-flood rainbow, the Red Sea escape, Gideon’s fleece, the feast of 5,000, the wounds presented to Thomas—all are examples of an infinite God assuring his people in an intimate way. Today we also live in lavish intimacy. The sacraments of baptism and the Lord’s Supper grant us tangible evidence of God’s abiding love and salvation. His Word touches our hearts through the work of the Holy Spirit, and our faith is strengthened in the knowledge of sins forgiven and salvation won. Time and time again, servants of God’s Word bring us that message of love and forgiveness—a message that is sorely needed in our daily lives. We at MLC have the privilege to train those who will bring you that Word of grace. We daily pray for the strength to carry out the humbling task you have commissioned, to provide men and women equipped to teach and preach—to serve as teachers, staff ministers, and pastors in the Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod. We realize the answer to those prayers as we see God’s Spirit at work on our campus, as his Word dwells richly in our classrooms, in our hallways, and in the hearts of those dedicated to serving you. We see God’s nurturing hand lifting us up every day, and we also see his hand at work through the encouragement we receive from you.

It is no secret that significant challenges are facing our ministerial education system. Faculty, staff, and students at MLC are well aware of the support and resources needed to keep MLC healthy as the WELS College of Ministry. We also are fully aware of the support that you continue to provide us in so many ways: L

MARTIN LUTHER COLLEGE

Martin Luther College

Infinite God • Our SOAR teams, who provided relief to victims of Hurricane Katrina, received many heartening expressions of thanks. One family writes, “We cannot thank you enough for gutting our home in New Orleans. May God bless each one of you.” • Our MLC College Choir, who toured the western part of the U.S., were strengthened in their efforts by each congregation and school’s sincere response of thanks. “The concert will be one of the highlights in our history,” said one congregation member. “Never have I seen so many touched by God’s Word in sacred song. The wonderful and dedicated men and women were not viewed as performers but as witnesses to Jesus Christ! For that we shall never forget them. Their love and zeal for the Savior and obvious commitment to him and his kingdom will long be treasured.” • Our Mission Advancement Office is overwhelmed by the outpouring of gifts that God has sent through you, his people. From July 1, 2005, to March 31, 2006, God’s people have contributed $3.3 million to the college’s ministry. Of this amount, about $2.2 million can be applied to our operating budget deficit and to maintaining reserves. God knows our weaknesses, our worries, and our concerns. He also knows our need for assurance. We praise him that he does not deal with us as we deserve, but in his infinite love, through the merits of Christ, comes to us with intimate encouragement. He strengthens us each day by his Word and by the wonderful support that you provide.

Thank God, and thank you.

Editor’s Note

table of Contents

“Give thanks to the LORD, call on his name; make known among the nations what he has done, and proclaim that his name is exalted” (Isaiah 12:4).

Devotion................................................................2

MLC In Focus is published by Martin Luther College Public Relations Office and is distributed free of charge to the college’s students, faculty, staff, alumni, and friends.

Licensure...............................................................5

Owned and operated by the Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod (WELS), Martin Luther College trains both men and women to serve as teachers and staff ministers in WELS and also prepares men for pastoral training at Wisconsin Lutheran Seminary in Mequon, WI.

MLC Children’s Theater........................................6

As our school year draws to a close, we have many reasons to give thanks. God has again blessed us with men and women who are willing to dedicate their lives to service. Preparation for service in the Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod is the essence of our existence at Martin Luther College, and God’s people have provided overwhelming support for our College of Ministry. We thank you! God has also opened the doors and windows of his blessings as he provides additional opportunities for service internationally and in our own neighborhoods. We praise him for his continued grace.

Open Bibles—In Class and Out............................9

We are also excited to include Northwestern College memories within our publication. NWC Alumni have provided great support to MLC through their yearly Presidential scholarships and their active interest in ministerial education. We hope you enjoy these reminiscences of the Watertown campus.

Spring Fun Photos...............................................15

First-Year Teachers................................................4

Linking Learners Online.......................................5

Musical Montage...................................................7 Daylight Program..................................................8 Evangelism Day.....................................................8

Focus on Ministry.................................................9 Mission Advancement Update............................10 Northwestern College Scholarships....................11 I Remember the 1980s at Northwestern College....................................12-13 MLC Fall Festival 2006.......................................14

Hoopsters Take Championship...........................16 Spring Sports Recap.......................................16-17 Reflections on Early Field Experience................18 Coaching Coaches...............................................19

Public Relations Director, Editor: Bill Pekrul Associate Editor: Laurie Biedenbender MLC President: Theodore Olsen

Touch the World—International Teaching.........20 Touch the World—Staff Ministry........................21 Faculty Notes.................................................22-23 Upcoming Events..................................Back Cover

All correspondence should be directed to: MLC In Focus Martin Luther College 1995 Luther Court • New Ulm, MN 56073 mlcinfo@mlc-wels.edu 507-354-8221 ext. 295 • FAX 507-354-8225

Visit our website at: www.mlc-wels.edu To subscribe to our weekly news update, send an email to: mlcupdate-subscribe@mlc-wels.edu

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Martin Luther College

First-Year Teachers

The Real Initiation

The first year of teaching can be a great test of preparedness and teaching aptness. Three first-year teachers from Wisconsin— Dania Koepke (Trinity, Kaukauna), Peter Mathwig (St Peter, Weyauwega), and Naomi Laabs (Trinity, Neenah)—share their thoughts regarding the preparation they received at MLC.

daniaKoepke

peterMathwig

naomiLaabs

Teaching Reading was a class that has been especially helpful to me as a first-year teacher. I enjoy reading to my students every day, which was one of the main focuses in our class.

Educating the Exceptional Child and Foundations of Education were very helpful. Discussing possible situations that may happen in a classroom with other students and the professor helped to better prepare me for this first year.

As the school music director, I have found that my Lutheran Worship class with Dr. Moldenhauer has provided me with so many insights into the history of our worship lives, which I have been able to pass along to my students.

“God has a plan for you.” You always hear people say things like that, but being at MLC and receiving a call made me really see that God does have a plan for me. I am at a place where God wants me. I can trust that God is in charge of my life. My time at MLC strengthened my faith through class instruction and discussions and through many opportunities to worship. All of those experiences allow me to teach my students about what God has done for us.

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Martin Luther College

I can remember being told in class that if you are well prepared and flexible, the students and the class will be more effective. There are times when I spend more time on a concept because I know the lesson in another class won’t need the full period. Being prepared has helped make the day more enjoyable and productive. Before, during, and after student teaching we are encouraged to use God’s Word in all our subjects and to keep making the connections. The students do pick up on it, and it strengthens their faith and mine as well.

In another class, Dr. Whaley told us about some “magical” reading glasses that the children must wear when trying to find words in the classroom. In reality they were old frames that a store was getting rid of. I have tried this trick with my students several times, and they absolutely love it!  All of the chapel services, the special occasion services and concerts, the doctrine classes, and church history courses— those are the experiences that helped to strengthen my faith while at MLC. MLC does a great job of keeping that the focus as they prepare called workers for our synod.

Licensure:

A Mark of Professionalism “I believe all teachers must be willing to keep learning,” says fifth-grade teacher Karen Grunwald (pictured above). That’s one reason Karen decided to get her state teaching license through Martin Luther College. After three courses and a six-week professional experience, she has her license—and some new teaching methods and ideas. “Teaching is a ministry, but it’s also a profession, and getting your license is part of being a professional,” says Academic Dean of Educational Studies Kurt Wittmershaus. “New things are happening all the time in educational research. The courses we offer for licensure offer much of the latest in that research.” MLC Licensure Officer Robert Klindworth notes that the visible credibility licensure lends teachers and schools is especially important as we use our schools for outreach. “This assures non-members considering enrollment that WELS schools are of high quality, and at the center of that high-quality product is God’s Word.” A state university may require up to two full years of study for licensure, but the MLC requirements are

For state licensure, most (D)MLC graduates need three courses. We offer all three every summer: • Human Relations • Educating the Exceptional Child • Curriculum and Instruction for Elementary and Middle Schools In addition, a six-week professional experience, a portfolio, and Praxis tests are required. See www.mlc-wels.edu, then click on “Academics” and “Post-baccalaureate Licensure” for more information. substantially fewer. (See sidebar.) “The quickest route is always to go through your original undergraduate institution,” Wittmershaus says. Karen Grunwald found the coursework convenient and the results worthwhile. “There are so many new ways to present material, and even some of these are changing constantly,” she says. “In many ways, the courses helped me open my mind to new perspectives, and I hope I always remember to look at all children as the individuals they are.”

Linking Learners Online Geography of North America, and, soon, Literature and Writing I. Dr. Grunwald also coordinates a high school human relations course available to the hundreds of students in our 20+ area Lutheran high schools, and a journalism course is also on the way.

At MLC, as at any college, the Web is a way of life. With the guidance of Dr. James Grunwald, Professor of Academic Computing and WELS Director of Distance Learning, we offer online learning not only for our own students, but also for WELS high school students and graduate students all over the country. MLC students: The majority of MLC profs “web-enhance” their courses by posting lecture notes, practice tests, and external weblinks, as well as coordinating online discussion boards. Many MLC students also take classes online during the summer. Grad students: Both our synod certification courses and our master’s degree courses are entirely online. One grad student commented: “This was a great way for me to continue my education without disrupting my duties as pastor’s wife, mom, and teacher.” High school students: High school seniors may take some MLC courses online—Computer Applications,

Jim Grunwald serves MLC as a professor and WELS as Director of Distance Learning.

Touching the World: Online courses also enable us to reach people all over the world. Dr. Grunwald notes that Hong Kong Missionary Rob Siirila is developing “To Know Him,” a Bible course in Mandarin directed primarily toward souls on the Chinese mainland. “Online learning,” says Dr. Grunwald, “has the potential M L to bring the gospel and Christian education directly into the homes of people throughout the world.”

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Martin Luther College

MLC

Children’s Theater

a Community Event

By Joe Nelson, Grade 5, St Paul’s Lutheran School, St. James, MN

What college student would want to organize the visits of over 5,000 elementary school students to the MLC campus? What college student would want to dedicate four to five nights each week—and most weekends—to practice for a season that would last only three days? What college student would take on the position of directing an activity that involves all these factors, and more? This is the life of children’s theater. Director Aaron Goetzinger led his cast of 27 students through the process of developing a production that would appeal to area educators and entertain their students. Through impromptu exercises, children’s games, and warm-up activities, Aaron brought his cast into the young minds of their audience. After breaking down the barriers of formality and seriousness, the inner child emerged, and the real work of crafting each scene through the eyes of a child began. The Golden Goose was a perfect production to engage the minds of young students. With characters like Simpleton, Dante Dastardly, and Princess Crybaby, the capacity crowds from 50+ schools were treated to a traditional fairytale with a creative flair.

The Golden Goose (Leah Pekrul) listens to Simpleton’s (Seth Bode) plan to marry the princess.

Simpleton proposes to Princess Crybaby (Jenni Barenz). Kaitlyn Schumacher greets Children’s Theater guests.

By Mary Kate Santelman, Grade 3, Prairie Lutheran School, Fairfax, MN

MARTIN LUTHER COLLEGE

Producer Rachel Feld sent pre-play classroom activities to all attending schools so that the audiences would be familiar with and excited about the story. Here are a few works of art that students produced after they listened to the story of The Golden Goose in their classrooms.

Martin Luther College

By Becky Franta, Grade 3, St. Anne School, Wabasso, MN

Musi

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Piano

stevenSpringborn – Freshman, Studies in Educational Ministry: Secondary Education, Choral/Vocal Music

Steven feels that his future ministry will be greatly enhanced through the piano instruction he receives at MLC. “I can see many applications in my future ministry. Of course I will be able to use the piano in my classroom, but I can also use my keyboard abilities to accompany or direct choirs and individual singers. I can also create original music for my congregation or school.”

Wind Symphony kateSchaffer – Senior, Studies in Educational Ministry: Secondary Education, English

“The best part of being in the MLC Wind Symphony is the opportunity to glorify God through music. As Christians, everything we do is to his glory, so how much more then shall we practice and play for him who has given us our gifts and abilities. Being a section leader within this group has also been a rewarding and fulfilling opportunity to serve my peers and help them develop their talents.”

Organ jacobBehnken – Junior, Studies in Pastoral Ministry: Confessional Languages

Jacob Behnken, a sophomore from Brookings, South Dakota, began taking organ lessons at age 12. On April 21, 2006, Jacob presented an organ recital for the MLC campus family and the New Ulm community. His program presented a variety of composers, from traditional Bach and Mendelssohn to more contemporary writers such as Peeters and Widor.

Choir jamieSpielbauer – Junior, Studies in Educational Ministry: Elementary Education, Spanish

“One of the highlights of College Choir tour was meeting the congregations along our way. Everyone was so accommodating and friendly. Even the smallest of congregations was more generous than one could even imagine. Everyone I talked with from the congregations was just swelling with the love of Christ. Never in my life have I ever seen such a display of Christian love and graciousness.” Jamie with a daughter of one choir tour host family

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MLC

Daylight Program “Working While It Is Day” About 80 Martin Luther College students devoted much of their spring break to our Daylight program, sharing the light of the gospel and letting their light shine through service. Two SOAR (Standing on a Rock) teams traveled to Louisiana to do Katrina clean-up. In total, seven teams and about 70 students volunteered for SOAR this school year. United States Congressman Gil Gutknecht (Republican-Minnesota’s First Congressional District) honored these students with a Certificate of Special Congressional Recognition for “outstanding and invaluable service to the victims of Hurricane Katrina.” Another 60 students in 12 TCW (Travel-CanvassWitness) teams volunteered their time to congregations in the South Atlantic, North Atlantic, Nebraska, and California/Arizona districts of the synod. They canvassed neighborhoods to introduce people to a mission church or to promote church events, such as vacation Bible school, English-as-a-Second-Language classes, and health fairs. Many students made use of their Spanish

First District Congressman Gil Gutknecht awards MLC student Paul Voss a Certificate of Special Congressional Recognition.

speaking abilities in Hispanic neighborhoods. The collegians also set up worship areas, sang and played keyboard for worship services, helped with “children’s church,” and led teen Bible classes. MLC freshman Lauren Moll relates that on her fourth day of canvassing for Mighty Fortress, Dallas, Georgia, a woman told her she had been praying that God would help her find a good church, and that maybe God had sent Lauren to her to show her this church. All the students noted that this experience showed them once again how many people need Jesus and increased their confidence and excitement for the public ministry they are preparing for now.

Evangelism Day 2006 Pastor Ed Schuppe of Georgia talks to Corrinne Hill about outreach to the unchurched.

MLC freshman Stefanie Schuessler reflects on Evangelism Day: Yearly Tuition at MLC = $9380 Two semesters of books = $500 Birthday dinner for a friend = $50 Parking tickets = $10 Middle-of-the-night McDonald’s run = $5 Overdue library books = $2 Getting an education with fellow believers and learning how to spread M L God’s C amazing Word

= PRICELESS

On January 18, MLC welcomed dozens of speakers—pastors, teachers, and staff ministers from all over the country—to our first annual Evangelism Day. Based on the theme “Be Prepared” (1 Peter 3:15), the day’s topics included Starting Spiritual Conversations, Preparing a Personal Witness, Biblical Leadership, and Welcoming People to our Churches and Schools. Prof. Lyle Lange explains that the annual Evangelism Day will provide students with a four-year, rotating curriculum of instruction on evangelism. MLC, the WELS Commission on Evangelism, and the WELS Board for Parish Schools worked together to prepare and present the evangelism curriculum. Students agreed that Evangelism Day inspired them and reminded them of the reason they were here at Martin Luther College: to spread the saving gospel to souls in need. “I learned many things,” said MLC student Meredith Moeller, “that evangelism is an ongoing process, that it’s okay to be scared, and that there are many ways to tell strangers the love that Jesus has for them.” Tiffany Schlough, an MLC sophomore, agreed. “Since I went to public school my whole life, I had a lot of opportunities to evangelize. Looking back, I can remember all the times I kept quiet, the mistakes I made, and the things I would’ve done differently. In the workshop on different types of evangelism, I reflected on how I can make my evangelism stronger and more effective. Hearing all the speakers made me excited to go out and do mission work, and reinforced my desire to be at this school.”

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Martin Luther College

Ben Sadler (right), an MLC senior in pastoral studies, leads a Bible class in his home.

On most Tuesday nights, you’ll find a crowd of students in the union with their Bibles open. In addition to morning and evening chapel, in addition to the many religion courses they take (for some, in the original Greek or Hebrew), these students want more. They may be discussing the book of Jeremiah with Professor David Gosdeck, who wrote the NPH People’s Bible commentary on that prophet. Or maybe they’re practicing their skills in narrative evangelism with Professor Mark Paustian, who wrote Prepared to Answer, two volumes on the subject. Or maybe they’re in small groups discussing the first 10 verses of the Gospel of John as Campus Pastor John Boeder walks around and listens in. “Our Biblical History and Literature courses are survey courses; we have to cover a lot of ground in a short period of time,” says Pastor Boeder. “These additional Bible studies give us a chance to study the Bible in greater depth.”

Open

Resident Assistants may also have devotions on their dorm floors. And couples—engaged, married, or seriously dating—often ask Pastor Boeder to suggest a good devotional for them to do together. “They know that having Christ is the key element in making their relationship strong,” says Boeder. And of course individuals keep up their habit of personal Bible study and prayer. What drives Martin Luther College’s mission to prepare future called workers is not only the curriculum, but the whole culture. “The better we know Christ through his Word,” says Pastor Boeder, “the better prepared our students are to share Christ with the world.”

—In Class and s e l O Bib

Focus on

Ministry

Cheree Koenig had never visited Martin Luther College before, which perhaps isn’t surprising since she lives in Anchorage, Alaska. But she’s wanted to be a WELS teacher since third grade, and making a “Focus on Ministry” visit to our campus this March cemented her decision. Focus on Ministry weekends are intended to give interested high school students a glimpse into the lives of pastors, teachers, and staff ministers—and the students who are studying for such ministry. Cheree was already quite sure of her decision, but few incoming freshmen have that same assurance. This campus visit can help. It not only includes tours, classroom visits, and over-nighting in the dorm, but also opportunities to talk to professors, who may have answers to the hard questions, and to students, who faced the same decision not too long ago. “The best part,” said Cheree, “was being able to see what it’s like here, to meet some new people, and to see some friends I haven’t seen in a while.” Cheree admits that it won’t be easy to go to college so far from home. Her family will miss her and worry about her. “But they know that I really want to do this,” she says, “and they want me to be happy.” And now that she’s seen the campus, met some professors, and gotten a taste of student life, she says “Everything sounds exciting to me!” M

If you know of high school students who may be interested in studying for the public ministry, please encourage them to come for a Focus on Ministry weekend. The 2006-2007 dates are November 2-4, March 22-24, and March 29-31.

MARTIN LUTHER COLLEGE

Martin Luther College

Mission Advancement—Blessings and Challenges Gifts received 7/1/03 – 6/30/04:

Gifts received 7/1/04 – 6/30/05:

Gifts received 7/1/05 – 4/30/06:

(12 months)

(10 months)

$627,363

$1,333,457

Rejoicing in God’s Grace

Bringing Our Prayers to Him

• God’s people have contributed $3.5 million to the college’s ministry. About $2.3 million of that can be used to fund the college’s operating budget and to maintain necessary reserve funds. (Maintaining reserves is not only part of responsible budgetary planning, it is also one way we can assure our accrediting agency that we are financially sound. Accreditation is necessary for students to use federal Title IV financial aid at MLC.) • Sarah Meyer, MLC Recruiter, and Carrie Bade, a sophomore at MLC, recently made a presentation to 500 women at Today’s Christian Women’s Retreat in Lansing, Michigan. Offerings totaling $7,180 were gathered and given to MLC. • The Southwest Minnesota Chorale held its 25 anniversary concert and donated over $1,000 from the concert offering to MLC. th

• Eleven WELS elementary schools and one Sunday school group have participated in MLC’s Mission Offering Box project. Schools request offering boxes with MLC’s logo. Students place their mission offerings in these boxes. Some schools report their mission offerings doubling by using the boxes. To date, MLC has received $6,226.30 from generous children through this project. • We welcome a new member to our office, Tamara Franzmann. Tamara lives in Mankato, Minnesota, with her husband, Tom, and their two children. For two years Tamara will serve in two roles; she will coordinate the gift planning seminars that our development office will conduct across the U.S., and she will also serve part-time as our Director of Alumni Relations. We wish her God’s blessings as she serves MLC in these important roles.

Trusting in the Lord • We are preparing for next year’s estimated $4+ million operating deficit. • The synod subsidy currently funds only 5% of MLC’s operating budget. • Ongoing, regular gifts are needed for MLC to remain a vibrant and healthy organization. M

MARTIN LUTHER COLLEGE

Martin Luther College

$3,556,155

• Please thank and praise our Lord Jesus Christ for our college, for the unity we enjoy as a synod, for the called workers we have trained, and for those students preparing to serve. • Thank our Lord for the support and encouragement provided by our synod administration. • Ask our Lord to open his hand and bless us in the way he sees fit. • Continue to urge men and women with a heart for ministry to attend MLC. • Support us with your offerings, if God so moves you. • Help us to impress on all WELS members the importance of the distinctive training we provide.

Strategic Financial Planning for You and Your College of Ministry Martin Luther College, in cooperation with WELS Christian Giving Counselors, will be conducting Christian Estate Planning and Charitable Gifting Seminars that will address important questions related to personal financial planning as it relates to the future of our ministry at MLC. • How can you support the future of MLC without sacrificing income for your own future? • How can you make a gift and receive lifetime payments that exceed many current rates of return? • How can your gifts insure that MLC will remain a vibrant school of ministry for years to come? Seminars will be held in the following cities; watch for future mailings and postings on the MLC website. These seminars are made possible in part through a Thrivent Financial for Lutherans grant. • • • • • • •

Minneapolis, Minnesota – September 2006 Green Bay, Wisconsin – November 2006 Oshkosh, Wisconsin – November 2006 Phoenix, Arizona – January 2007 Milwaukee, Wisconsin – March 2007 La Crosse, Wisconsin – May 2007 New Ulm, Minnesota – September 2007

Scholarships

Northwestern College Presidential

This year’s recipients are President John Braun Scholarship for English - Kyle Bitter President John Braun Scholarship for Leadership - Dan Westendorf and Tim Grundmeier President Robert Voss Scholarship for Student Life - Caleb Kurbis President Robert Voss Scholarship for Student Government - Keith Schleis President Carlton Toppe Scholarship for GPA and Religion - Philip Moldenhauer

President E. E. Kowalke Scholarship for Biblical Languages - Jason Strong President August Ernst Scholarship for Confessional Languages (Latin and German) - Jonathon Loescher President August Ernst Scholarship for Confessional Languages (Either Latin or German) - David Sigrist President Lewis Thompson Scholarship for Worship and Music - Brian Schmidt President Adam Martin Scholarship for Living Languages - Paul Bowe

The Northwestern College Alumni Society centers on rich traditions close to the hearts of many WELS pastors. Northwestern College was located in Watertown, Wisconsin, on the campus currently home to Luther Preparatory School. As you will read in the following pages, this institution and its campus hold many dear memories of academic, athletic, and spiritual training as well as Christian fellowship among like-minded young men. We hope that this issue (and subsequent issues) will be a way to share these memories with our readers. NWC alumni currently on the MLC faculty helped us with this first installment. We thank them for sharing, and invite other NWC graduates to suggest stories for future issues. You may send your NWC alumni ideas to MLC at the contact information found on page 3. One way that the Northwestern College Alumni Society pays tribute to this rich legacy is through their annual Presidential Scholarships. These scholarships, named after former NWC presidents, are given to MLC graduates who will be moving on to Wisconsin Lutheran Seminary in Mequon, Wisconsin. The awards recognize excellence in various areas of academics and student life at MLC.

The Sprinter The 1980 NWC Mnema yearbook featured the Sprinter, which was relocated from the old gym to the new gym on Northwestern College’s campus. A Mnema writer said: “The Sprinter has a new look, a new direction. But though it has changed it is still standing on the same firm foundation which it has always had. So, too, with us. . . . As we look into the 80’s, and beyond, and as we grow and change, let us remain standing on the firm foundation which is the same yesterday, today, and forever.” In 1995, the Sprinter found another new home—on the Martin Luther College campus. Professor Dan Balge commented on this move in 1999: “None of us who saw a crane swing the Sprinter onto its new slab on the Watertown campus imagined . . . that within two decades New Ulm would be the Sprinter’s home. The Sprinter was a symbol of Northwestern

campus life. Campus clubs, teams, and organizations—college and Prep—often had their yearbook pictures taken in front of the Sprinter. . . . Like my father before me and my siblings after me, at graduation I had my picture taken, diploma in hand, in front of the Sprinter. Now the two colleges are one and . . . the Sprinter gets his mail at a new zip code. But he continues to toe his cold stone mark as future pastors—and now teachers and staff ministers too—cross his blind gaze.” Turn the page to see “I Remember the 1980s at Northwestern College,” which features the NWC M L graduates of the ’80s who now serve as professors at Martin Luther College.

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Martin Luther College

Three writers for the Black & Red, Dan Balge, Brian Dose, and Dave Sellnow, dream of the day they’ll become professors at MLC and train young men like themselves. The Black & Red, a student periodical, contained news and comment along with human interest features that were slightly satirical and always witty.

The NWC cheerleaders, including Jonathan Balge (left), got the crowd going with their wacky cheers and routines, often poking fun at themselves and their classmates. (Just so we don’t give a wrong impression of our Professor Balge, we should also mention that he won the Tau Delta Theta award, given to a senior who excels in three areas: academics, athletics, and extracurriculars.)

Homecoming was always a feverish five days on campus. Here, “General” Jim Danell is busy making Trojan men out of the frosh. The talent show, the Homecoming Court, the soccer match, and of course the football game were always highlights. In ’83, NWC defeated the DMLC Lancers 18-6.

Talent shows were an annual event at NWC’s Homecoming and Winter Carnival. Here Keith Wessel plays guitar in the garage band The Mice. The band’s keyboard player was Paul Koelpin.

I Remember

The 1980s at North

MARTIN LUTHER COLLEGE

Martin Luther College

The annual UMOC (Ugliest Man on Campus) contest was a test of creativity and intellectual wit during Winter Carnival. Paul Koelpin won in February 1984, as “Tutor Psycho.” He impersonated profs (with their permission), even showing up to teach their classes. Keith Wessel won UMOC in ’86 as “Pope Bonifat I.”

Extracurriculars played a huge role on campus, including everything from drama (produced by The Forum) to athletics. About 90% of the student body played sports, either in intramurals or in intercollegiate baseball, basketball, football, track, golf, soccer, and tennis.

Here Mark Paustian sets a new record in the 3000m steeplechase, and John Boeder shows some noteworthy discusthrowing technique. Boeder a l s o ran on the record-holding weightmen’s relay team.

Jeff Schone delivered the Religion Oration at the 1983 graduation. A Humanities Oration was also delivered every year at this worship service, the last gathering of the year until the guys met up again the following fall at Wisconsin Lutheran Seminary.

hwestern College M

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Martin Luther College

MLC Fall Festival 2006

October 6-7

Friday, October 6 1:00 Women’s Soccer vs. Northwestern 3:00 Men’s Soccer vs. Northwestern 7:00 Volleyball vs. Presentation

Homecoming – Saturday, October 7 Hospitality Tent (Parent information, refreshments, MLC displays) 11:00 Women’s Cross Country (MLC Invitational - Flandrau State Park, New Ulm) 11:45 Men’s Cross Country (MLC Invitational – Flandrau State Park, New Ulm)

Alumni Association Kick-off

12:00 Women’s Soccer vs. Crown (Parents’ Day)

Connect with classmates

1:00 Football vs. Morris (Parents’ Day)

Tour the campus

1:00 Volleyball vs. Northwestern (Parents’ Day)

Enjoy alumni displays and events

2:00 Men’s Soccer vs. Crown (Parents’ Day)

Watch for mailings and postings on the MLC website this summer!

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Martin Luther College

Take in a full weekend of sporting events

Arbor Day • Swine Sizzler • Renaissance fair

MARTIN LUTHER COLLEGE

Martin Luther College

SPORTS•

MLC

Hoopsters

Take UMAC Championship

Men’s Tennis

Led by senior Emma Babinec, the MLC Knights took their first-ever conference championship this season.

The Knights women took their first-ever Upper Midwest Athletic Conference Championship this season. At one point, Coach Gene Pfeifer’s Knights were 4-13, but they went on a tear, winning the next 9 out of 10 games, defeating every conference team and taking the tournament championship.

Projected to finish fourth of five in the pre-season coaches’ poll, the Knights surpassed expectations with a solid 5-3 conference mark. St. Scholastica won top honors in the regular season for the third consecutive year. As for post-season play, the Knights had a different idea. Senior ace Brad Nehls took the #1 singles competition, and sophomore Dan Laitinen took the #2 singles competition. In doubles, the Knights’ #1 duo (Nehls and Laitinen) and the #3 duo (Erik Parsons and Dan Westendorf) succeeded in their championship matches. All in all, the Knights participated in five of the six singles championship matches and won the UMAC Post-Season Championship.

Senior Emma Babinec led the way, scoring 62 points in the last two games of the season. She received All-Tournament Team honors and was named UMAC Player of the Year. With 1551 points, Emma is also MLC’s all-time leading scorer, breaking Tom Engelbrecht’s record. Coach Pfeifer comments, “These women are not just athletes, but scholar-athletes and ministry-athletes. Within 48 hours, one girl flew down to New Orleans to do humanitarian work, one flew to Florida to join a Travel-Canvass-Witness team, and others began their Early Field Experiences in various schools around the country. The five freshmen on the team were busy reading an assigned EFE article while still riding the bus and savoring the victory.” M

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Women’s Tennis After a strong 5-3 finish in the regular season, the Knights battled with three-time regular season champs St. Scholastica in post-season play and tied with them to become co-champions. The Knights’ top three singles players—junior Jenny Joecks, sophomore Emily Lemke, and senior Becky Laitinen—finished with wins, and MLC Coach Gary Dallmann was named the 2006 UMAC Women’s Tennis Co-Coach of the Year.

•SPORTS•SPORTS•SPORTS•SPORTS•SPOR TS

Spring Sports Recap By Sports Information Director Dan Lewig

Softball

Men’s Track

With a large supply of freshmen and sophomores (10 of 14), this season was a learning experience. The Knights finished 4-10 in conference play, but they look forward to facing the challenges of 2007. One bright spot came in the form of junior Becky Hering, who finished fourth in the UMAC in pitching, with a 3.12 ERA. And junior second baseman Amanda Schaffer tied for second in the UMAC in doubles and was the Knights’ All-Conference performer.

In the 2006 UMAC conference meet, the Knights posted some very good numbers, finishing second in men’s competition with 125 points. Junior Tom Moldenhauer took first in the 5000m run (16:17.74) and second in the 1500m run (4:21.21). Junior Jon Lindloff and sophomore Jeff Grundmeier capped off the speed-happy Knights with first-place finishes in the 100m and 800m runs, respectively. In other competition, Knights sophomore Benji Wells took first place in the triple jump.

Women’s Track In women’s competition, the Knights finished fifth in the UMAC conference meet. Freshman Abby Hosbach picked up the Knights’ lone firstplace performance in the discus throw (33.57m). Freshman Nicole Lehman cracked the top five in two competitions, finishing fifth in the 200m dash (29.19) and third in the javelin throw (24.87m).

Baseball After losing staff ace Nate Hochmuth in the offseason, the Knights tapped sophomore pitchers Doug Voss and Zach Pudlo to fill the gap. In his final start of the season, Pudlo pitched a 3-hit, complete game shutout against second-place Northwestern College Eagles. If the Knights can find some bats to complement their developing pitching, they could be a force to contend with next season. M

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on Early Field Experience Freshman Early Field Experience is an annual program unique to MLC. All freshman students in the Studies in Educational Ministry program participate in this annual hands-on activity that gives them a real taste of the teaching ministry. MLC students share their reactions to this intensive, first-look at what it really means to be a WELS educator.

Experiential Learning Workshops, seminars, and discussion groups provided EFE participants with their first look at lesson components, teaching methodology, classroom management techniques, and best teaching practices. “It was a refreshing way to start spring break. I learned exactly what goes into the ministry of teaching, both the rewards and challenges.”

Monika Kirstein learns the concept of muscle fatigue as presented by Professor Steve Thiesfeldt.

Speakers Teachers (and even some students!) from all educational levels—early childhood through high school— explained the unique characteristics of their classrooms. In addition, issues of diversity, special education, and outreach were presented and discussed in small groups. “I personally loved the keynote speaker and the speaker on diversity in the WELS. You could tell by the way they talked that they really love their ministry and feel privileged to serve children. I will never forget two comments: ‘Touch the kingdom of God’ and ‘Jesus loves all the little children of the world.’ ”

Reflective Teaching EFE students practiced teaching various types of lessons to their peers. An important part of this process allowed the students and teachers to reflect on positive results and possible improvements. “I loved how we were able to discuss with our peers how our experiences went. Sharing personal experiences and receiving feedback was very encouraging.”

Mrs. Beth Wolf from St Paul’s in New Ulm works with Lucy Sletta as they demonstrate movement activities for EFE students.

Caitlin Ulrich reacts to the EFE keynote speaker.

Stacey Koch explains the structure of a castle to her reflective teaching group.

Lesson Preparation and Presentation The culminating activity allowed EFE students to present a lesson to two small groups of students who were bussed in from area Lutheran elementary schools. After the lessons, students discussed their experiences with their supervising professors. “Working with children reminded me of why I’m here at MLC. The experience of actually teaching was a great motivation for me as M I continue L C through my everyday routine.” “EFE took away all my doubts about whether being a teacher was the right thing for me.” MARTIN LUTHER COLLEGE

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Nathan Underwood teaches his science lesson to upper grade students.

CoachingCoaches Sixth-grade boys’ basketball game. Score’s 31-30 with one minute left. Does the coach put his starters back in, hoping to clinch the game, or does he follow the school’s equal-play policy and leave the second string in?

“Coaches are often with kids more than the classroom teacher,” he says. “It’s important to be a positive role model. I think you can teach skills through sport that have carryover potential to many life situations.”

JV girls’ volleyball match. A heartbreaking loss. Some girls are crying. Some are complaining about the officials. Some are pointing the finger at a weaker player. What does the coach say?

Justin and Bethany agree. “There are many avenues we can use to teach children how to live as Christians,” Justin says. “We chose sports.”

The world of sport offers incredible opportunities to practice Christian values. Former MLC athletes like Justin Ohm and Bethany (Bauer) Ohm, who now As girls’ basketball coaches at St. Paul’s, New coach grade school Ulm, last season, Justin and Bethany (Bauer) Ohm taught skills for basketball and for life. and high school athletics, humbly recognize the importance of their roles in the lives of these young people. “Through my actions as a coach,” Justin says, “I want my players to see that Christ is the center of my life. I want to teach them to work hard on and off the court, in everything they attempt in life. I teach them to be gracious losers and humble winners, always helping an opponent up and shaking hands after a game.” Justin is passing on attitudes he’s received from his MLC coaches and (D)MLC-trained coaches. “From MLC Coach [Jim] Unke, I learned the value of leadership and how to use the talents the Lord blessed me with,” he says. “Coach Unke also instilled a high level of courage and confidence.” Justin also points to DMLC grad, Coach Jim Bauer. “From Mr. Bauer, I learned to play my hardest. I learned respect and playing with a winning attitude. I learned to practice good sportsmanship and the value of playing as a team. Coach Bauer is the reason that I love coaching.” Bethany (Bauer) Ohm, who has coached volleyball and basketball at many levels both at WELS schools and in public schools, is grateful to her MLC coaches Gene Pfeifer (basketball) and Drew Buck (volleyball), whose knowledge, skills, and drills she is now passing on to others. “I also learned, no matter what, to always encourage my teammates and to stay positive, which I think in team sports is key to playing together.” Coach Buck, who also coaches baseball, understands that a coach can be incredibly influential in a child’s life.

Like all MLC coaches, Drew Buck knows that he’s not only coaching athletes, he’s coaching future coaches.

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Touch the World

International Teaching

MLC students and graduates have taught in Mexico, Brazil, Dominican Republic, Germany, Bulgaria, Czech Republic, Thailand, and Japan. We have opened doors in Columbia. In August we will send additional people to Southeast Asia as well, raising our total of overseas teachers to about 35. We thank God for these ministry opportunities and ask his continued blessing on our many students sharing the gospel around the world. Cora and Aaron Wakeman continue to serve in Southeast Asia. Fresh opportunities and the excitement of sharing with new friends are included in every letter. The relationships made and strengthened fill them with hope. They write, “Sometimes, a door doesn’t even have to be closed, and he just opens windows to let more Light in! Again, I marvel! Please mention us, our friends, and our growth in your conversations with the Opener of those windows.” Matt Foxen, along with three other English teachers now teaching in Thailand, gained approval from the administration at Chiang Mai International School (K-12) to redesign the English curriculum. The proposal is aimed at raising expectations at the junior high and secondary level. They are also in the process of adding high school English classes. This will allow Matt to teach two elective courses each semester. Matt commented, “It will mean more prep work for me, but it will be well worth it in the long run.” Students are now registering for next year, and it appears that the new courses are very popular. Professor Tom Hunter observes, “Matt has demonstrated leadership by recognizing a perceived need, verifying it, suggesting means to close the gap, and working to implement a plan.” Kathy Luehring is teaching English in Ashikaga, Japan. She writes, “It was a big day in one of my classes last week. One of my students is only one year old. When I asked him how old he was he looked straight at me, held up one finger and clearly said ‘one.’ I was so proud of him! It was the first word I ever heard him say in English!” Mike Luetke, a 2005 MLC graduate, is now teaching in Southeast Asia. In one of his letters stateside he wrote, “We had just a wonderful weekend sharing the great news of HE IS RISEN! We dyed eggs and sang songs. Friends left with big smiles on their faces, telling me, ‘I truly had a good time tonight!’ It is good to see that same excitement that Mary Magdalene had when she heard her Lord call her by name. We M also L know C that our Lord still calls us all by name and sends us all, just as he sent his disciples with the words, ‘I am sending you as the Father has sent me.’”

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Rakel Edvardsen stands with her supervisor, Pastor Welde, and MLC Director of Staff Ministry Professor Lawrence Olson.

Rakel Edvardsen is using her MLC Staff Ministry degree in Norway.

Staff Ministry All MLC staff ministry students do a semester-long congregational internship before graduation. But only one has had the distinction of interning in Europe. Rakel Edvardsen Drechsler, a native of Norway, came to Martin Luther College in 2001. “I wanted to learn more about what (who) I believe in and be strengthened in my faith,” she says. “My plan was to just stay for a year and get as much as possible out of that year.” That first year, however, was just not enough. “I didn’t want to leave,” she says. “I enrolled in the staff ministry program, not being quite sure what it was. But it turned out to be exactly what I wanted!” For her internship, Rakel requested that she go back to the Lutheran Confessional Church of Sweden and Norway. Professor Lawrence Olson, Director of the MLC Staff Ministry Program, immediately perceived how beneficial this experience could be, both for Rakel and the church in Norway—and also for MLC, as we continue to touch the world through various global ministries. Under the supervision of Pastor Tor Jakob Welde, Rakel did children’s ministry, women’s ministry, and visitation at the congregation at Avaldsnes, as well as at Stavanger and Bergen. She also helped plan a summer retreat in

conjunction with the Evangelical Lutheran Free Church of Germany. Professor Olson visited Rakel in Norway in December, 2005. “Norway is a ruggedly beautiful country,” he says, “but that beauty stands in stark contrast to the spiritual poverty of the nation, where only 2-3% of this supposedly ‘Lutheran’ country actually attend church.” Rakel and the other confessional Lutherans in Norway, Sweden, and Germany, however, are standing strong, grateful for the fellowship with WELS. “It was inspiring for me,” says Olson, “to see this small band of faithful confessional Lutherans clinging to the Reformation principles of Sola Gratia, Sola Fide, and Sola Scriptura.” Rakel notes the close ties between Martin Luther College, Wisconsin Lutheran Seminary, the Lutherische Theologische Seminar der Evangelisch - Lutherischen Freikirche (the German seminary), and Biblicum (the Swedish seminary). “It’s difficult to summarize all the ways fellowship with the WELS is important to us. Let me just say that this fellowship is a very good gift from God to our small churches.” And staff ministers like Rakel, whom MLC equips to serve God’s worldwide kingdom in a wide variety of ways, are also a very good gift from God.

Since graduating in December 2005, Rakel got married and moved to Leipzig, Germany, where her husband, Markus, is finishing his last year of school. She is able to use her training in the Leipzig congregation of the Evangelical Free Church of Germany, especially with children’s ministry. She may also embark on some translating projects, including MLC Professor Mark Paustian’s book, Prepared to Answer, which would be very M beneficial for outreach in Norway.

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Faculty

NOTES

Instructor Bethel Balge was the guest pianist for the dedication of a new piano at Reformation, San Diego, on Sunday, March 12.

Dr. Kermit Moldenhauer conducted a series of Bible classes on worship for St. Paul, North Mankato, in January.

Professor Paul Bases taught a teaching methods course to Latino seminary students.

Professor Thomas Nass, a member of the WELS Commission on Inter-Church Relations, will attend the ELS Convention in Mankato, MN, as the WELS observer.

Professor Joel Fredrich serves on the Northwestern Publishing House Board of Directors. Professor Earl Heidtke has been accepted into two National Science Foundation Chautauqua courses this summer. Professor Lyle Lange’s book God So Loved the World: A Study of Christian Doctrine has been published by Northwestern Publishing House. Dr. James Grunwald is on half-time sabbatical in order to serve the WELS as the Director of Distance Learning. He has also been appointed representative to the IT & Distance Learning Task Force of NCPSA (National Council of Private School Accreditation). Dr. Carla Melendy, Professor John Micheel, & Professor Dave Pelzl presented strategies for encouraging mathematical proficiency in the 21st century at the Kettle Moraine Lutheran Educators Conference on February 13.

Dr. John Nolte is the sound technician and music coordinator for the weekly KNUJ radio broadcast of the Lutheran Chapel Service. Dr. Lawrence Olson preached at Templo Christo Glorificada, a congregation in Puebla, Mexico. His son Jonathan (MLC ’05) translated the sermon into Spanish. Professor Dave Sellnow serves on the WELS National Commission on Youth Discipleship and is editor of Lightsource, a WELS national publication for university students. Mr. Paul Tess has accepted the call to serve as professor in the education division with responsibility for student teacher supervision. Instructor Miles Wurster has accepted the call to serve as a professor in the music division with primary responsibility for the band program.

These faculty members celebrated years of service to the church.

CELEBRATING YEARS OF SERVICE

Professor Joel Fredrich – 25 years Dr. Gene Pfeifer – 25 years President Theodore Olsen – 40 years C Professor Cheryl Loomis – 25 years Professor James Pope – 25 years

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The college is also grateful to John for his contributions to the math-science department. Hundreds of students of all ages have enjoyed the planetarium he and his students built in the ’70s. College students also enjoy viewing the stars through the 18-inch reflective telescope on the campus center roof and tracking earthquake data on the seismograph he acquired for the college. John also taught geology and has led scores of field trips to study the rich variety of Minnesota geology. He even participated in a South Dakota dinosaur dig last year.

John&Lolli Paulsen Retire Today’s students probably cannot remember the days without computers. But it seems like only yesterday to John and Lolli Paulsen, who will be retiring this spring. John remembers serving on a committee appointed to study the feasibility of having computers on campus and then receiving a grant that made this possible. The first computer lab was set up in the Media Center in the early ’80s. “We had eight Apples and a printer,” Lolli says, “and for a brief moment in time (like about three months!) we were on the cutting edge of all the colleges our size in Minnesota.” DMLC was also a partner in the early Minnesota Educational Computing Consortium (MECC) and provided all Minnesota WELS schools with access to MECC-developed educational software. From the floppy disk software of the early years to the online courses of recent years, John and Lolli have been helpful guides on our campus.

Thirty-five years in one place is a long time, but for John and Lolli it’s never been boring. Besides the constantly changing face of technology, they’ve enjoyed the constantly changing faces of the students. “What keeps us going is the kids,” John says. “To be able to work with these students has been a true joy.” Lolli remembers something Prof. Em. Art Schulz said when they were first called to DMLC: “He told us, ‘It’s a good life.’ And it turned out to be just that.” John and Lolli Paulsen • 1971: John called to DMLC as Professor of Science and Mathematics • 1979: Lolli joins library staff • 1984: John appointed Director of Media Services • 1990: John and Lolli earn Master of Science degrees in Library Media Education from Mankato State University • 1998: John is appointed MLC Director of Special Services • 1998: Lolli continues media work and adds reference and interlibrary loan duties under the direction of Library Director Gosdeck • 2006: Paulsens retire after 35 years at (D)MLC

Graduation 2006

On Saturday, May 20, 2006, Rev. Herbert Prahl addressed the 2005-2006 graduates with a message from 1 Samuel, “Fear the Lord M and L serve him faithfully.” The class numbered 188, with 47 pastoral candidates, 8 staff ministry candidates, and 142 education candidates. That afternoon Second Vice President Thomas Zarling announced assignments for 97 students ready to serve the WELS in the public ministry. Martin Spriggs, Chief Technology Officer for WELS, video-streamed both services.

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Events2006-2007

Events 2006-2007

Martin Luther College Classes begin.................................................................... August 28 Family Open House......................................................... September 23 Fall Festival Weekend and Homecoming.......................... October 6-7 MLC Ladies’ Auxiliary Annual Meeting............................. October 11 First semester midterm break........................................... October 13-16 Musical: Bye Bye Birdie...................................................... October 27-28 & November 3-5 Joint Reformation Service................................................. October 29 Focus on Ministry visits.................................................... November 2-4 Wind Symphony Concert................................................. November 19, 3:00pm Readers’ Theater: The Things They Carried......................... December 8-9 Family Open House......................................................... December 17 Christmas Concert (LSC).................................................. December 17, 3:00pm Donor Dessert Reception.................................................. December 17 December graduation service............................................ December 20, 9:30am Christmas recess............................................................... December 20 – January 8 Second semester classes begin.......................................... January 9 Winter Parent Weekend (Winter Carnival)....................... January 26-27 Family Open House......................................................... January 27 Wind Symphony Tour...................................................... February 1-4 Wind Symphony Home Concert...................................... February 7, 7:30pm Hymn Festival (St. Paul’s, New Ulm)................................ February 11, 3:00pm Winter Play: Nightwatch.................................................... February 16-18 Large Grade School BB Tournament................................. February 16-18 Small Grade School BB Tournament................................. February 23-25 Freshman Early Field Experience..................................... February 24-28 College Choir Tour........................................................... February 23 – March 4 Spring break..................................................................... February 28 – March 11 College Choir Home Concert (St. Paul’s, New Ulm)......... March 18, 3:00pm Focus on Ministry visits.................................................... March 22-24 Focus on Ministry visits.................................................... March 29-31 Easter break...................................................................... April 4-9 Wind Symphony Concert................................................. April 14, 7:00pm Children’s Theater: Cinderella—School performances..... April 19-20 Cinderella—Public performances...... April 20-21 Faculty Anniversary service.............................................. April 20 Family Open House......................................................... April 29 Outdoor Classical Play: King Lear..................................... May 4-6 Commencement Concert.................................................. May 18, 7:30pm Graduation Concert.......................................................... May 19, 9:00am Commencement Service................................................... May 19, 10:00am Call Service...................................................................... May 19, 2:30pm