1995 Luther Court New Ulm, MN 56073 Address Service Requested
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Graduate Studies Thalassa Prize Oklahoma!
In This Issue... NOVEMBER 2010
InFocus Staff WRITER/EDITOR Laurie Gauger ’86 PHOTOGRAPHERS William Pekrul ’80 Catherine St. John Rebecca Wilkens COPY EDITOR Heidi Schoof ’86 GRAPHIC DESIGNER Lime Valley Advertising, Inc. Office of Mission Advancement VICE PRESIDENT Jon Scharlemann PUBLIC RELATIONS DIRECTOR William Pekrul ’80 ALUMNI DIRECTOR Steve Balza ’93 College Administration PRESIDENT Mark Zarling WLS ’80 VP for ADMINISTRATION Steven Thiesfeldt ’74 VP for ACADEMICS David Wendler ’70 VP for STUDENT LIFE Jeffrey Schone WLS ’87 VP for MISSION ADVANCEMENT Jon Scharlemann Governing Board Chairman Michael Woldt WLS ’81 Secretary Steven Rosenbaum ’86 Roy Beyer WLS ’76 Keith Bowe ’79 Jonathan Hahm ’71 Jonathan Kolander WLS ’91 Stephen Loehr Michael Otterstatter WLS ’94 Timothy Petermann Barry Price Michael Schultz WLS ’89 William Steinbrenner Jeffrey Wegner WLS ’87 Advisory: Charles Degner WLS ’79 Randy Matter Paul Prange WLS ’88 Mark Schroeder WLS ’81 Mark Zarling WLS ’80
MLC InFocus is published by Martin Luther College Mission Advancement Office and is distributed free of charge to students, faculty, staff, alumni, parents, and friends. Owned and operated by the Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod (WELS), Martin Luther College exists to serve the ministerial needs of the WELS.
Why MLC?
By President Mark Zarling
Why MLC? Isn’t there a faster and cheaper way to educate pastors, teachers, and staff ministers? Why not utilize other colleges to provide most of the training, and then simply provide Bible and doctrine courses? Questions like these sometimes come my way, and I’m happy to talk about them. I’m personally convinced that in MLC the Lord Jesus gave us a true gem. MLC is unique among colleges because it offers a “ministry-based education.” What does that mean? • Ministry-based education means great stories in the classroom! Our profs are pastors and teachers who offer real-life examples of the joys and the difficulties of public ministry. • Ministry-based education means admissions counselors who don’t work toward “heads in the beds” number counts! They are pastors and teachers who lovingly remind young people that Jesus will use their gifts regardless of their career choices. • Ministry-based education means coaches who don’t scream at players who blow games. Our coaches are pastors and teachers who demonstrate that winning is not the only thing that matters. • Ministry-based education means musicians who never make performance the ultimate goal. They are pastors and teachers who understand how music can be a powerful vehicle for the gospel. • Ministry-based education means teaching future teachers to teach in a distinctive way: with Christ at the center of every lesson and Scripture as the source of all truth. Consider science, history, or literature lessons: those taught by MLC graduates in WELS schools will be markedly different from those taught by graduates of other colleges, even other Christian colleges. • Ministry-based education means teaching future teachers to discipline in a distinctive way. Confession and absolution is the center of Biblical discipline, and only the gospel provides the power to change hearts and then behavior. The list could go on, but I hope you get a glimpse of this mark of distinction. Please pray that Jesus preserve the marvelous blessing of Martin Luther College. Above all, pray that Jesus keep us faithful to his Word, dedicated to studying it, and passionate about sharing it. That’s what MLC is all about. On our cover: The November production Oklahoma! starred Lucas Proeber (St. Paul-Saginaw MI) as Curly McLain and Alexa Liermann (St. John-Manitowoc) as Laurey Williams.
The alumni photos at the bottom of each page are from the anniversary classes of MLC, NWC, and DMLC: ’36, ’41, ’46, ’51, ’56, ’61, ’66, ’71, ’76, ’81, ’86, ’91, ’96, ’01, and ’06. Thanks to Alumni Director Steve Balza, who scanned this random selection of alums.
30 Years
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C o n v o c a t i o n :
MLC by the Numbers
of Pastoral Motivation For 30 years, 15 at Northwestern College and 15 at Martin Luther College, the visiting speakers in the Convocation Series have delivered an extra dose of motivation to preseminary students.
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Beginning with Pastors Richard Lauersdorf, Paul Eickmann, Reuel Schulz, and Wayne Mueller in 1980-81, over 100 pastors have traveled to campus, whether NWC or MLC, and presented a specific topic to the young men studying for the pastoral ministry.
“The best received convocations,” explains Professor Thomas Nass, chairman of the Pastoral Motivation Committee, “are when parish pastors come and tell the young men what it’s like to be a pastor—in a way that shows they enjoy their work.”
He notes Pastor Bruce McKenney, who began his convocation (“The Pastor Comforts the Grieving”) by saying he has conducted over 300 funerals in his ministry; Pastor Vilas Glaeske (“Reflections on WELS Pastoral Ministry after 40 Years”), who exemplified to the students an “experienced pastor who has borne the heat of the day and has kept going forward joyfully”; and Pastor David Boettcher (“A Week in the Life of a Young Pastor”), who showed students—many of whom did not grow up in a pastor’s home—what daily life is like for a pastor. The Convocation Series is a motivator, an instructor, and a bridge to the seminary for these young men. Nass concludes, “They give us a chance—four times a year—as faculty and students, to lift our eyes to the work of being a pastor.”
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16 17 24 25 50 50
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Millions of dollars given in financial aid every year
Choirs (Plus band—open to all students for credit) Languages spoken on campus daily NCAA DIII sports Pipe organs
Average ACT score of incoming students Miles to Mankato Acres on campus
Percentage of males—and females too
70+ Faculty 90 Miles to Twin Cities 131 Students with on-campus jobs 200 Students who serve every year
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720 in Daylight
400+
Students in intramurals (pictured)
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720 Undergrads on campus 900 Seats in auditorium 1000 Seats in Chapel of the Christ Pastor Dan Kroll presents “Reflections on 17 Years of Ministry in Africa.”
Albert Brockelman DMLC ’36 Yakima WA
Yvonne Kegel DMLC ’61 Appleton WI
Angela Hintz MLC ’01 Kenosha WI
Warren Henrich NWC ’56 Mukwonago WI
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here on the Pulling Out All the Stops The Schantz organ in the new Chapel of the Christ at MLC is the featured organ in the October 2010 issue of The American Organist magazine, the most widely read journal devoted to organ and choral music in the world (www. agohq.org/tao/). In his feature article, Jeffrey D. Dexter, vice president and tonal director of the Schantz Organ Company, wrote: “While the Lutheran tradition of placing great importance on the role of music within its liturgies is well documented, Martin Luther College takes music to an impressive level. . . . more than 100 students enroll in organ instruction each semester. . . . no fewer than 17 pipe organs by eight different builders can be found on campus . . . The commitment required in the present age to commission, build, teach, and play the organ is a significant one that should not be underestimated. . . . As witnessed here in the heartland of our country, perseverance, patience, and a relentless long-term goal has offered a dividend—one that we hope will continue to be duplicated throughout the country in a variety of unique and equally engaging settings.”
Martin Luther College Choir
2010 Concert Schedule Feb 25 7:00 pm St. Paul-Tomah WI Feb 26 5:30 pm Immanuel-Greenville WI Feb 27 10:00 am St. Peter-Mishicot WI
7:00 pm Good Shepherd-West Bend WI
Feb 28 10:45 am Shoreland LHS
7:00 pm St. John-Libertyville IL
Mar 1
7:00 pm Gethsemane-Davenport IA
Mar 2
7:00 pm St. Paul-Norfolk NE
Mar 3
7:00 pm Zion-Valentine NE
Mar 4
7:00 pm St. Paul-Rapid City SD
Mar 5
7:00 pm Trinity-Aberdeen SD
Mar 6 11:00 am St. Martin-Watertown SD Mar 19 7:30 pm Martin Luther College Apr 17 3:00 pm Martin Luther College
Note: The first organ recital in the Chapel of the Christ took place Sunday, September 12, when MLC faculty members Mr. Brent Nolte, Dr. John Nolte, Prof. Robert Potratz, Prof. Ronald Shilling, and Dr. Wayne Wagner played music of Bach, Brahms, Gade, Karg-Elert, Paine, Sowerby, and Widor.
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Anna Spevacek MLC ’01 Whiteriver Martin LutherAZ College
Vilas Glaeske NWC ’61 Oconomowoc WI
Armin Keibel NWC ’41 West Allis WI
Terri Schroeder MLC ’06 Plymouth MI
Flying Colors
Professor Rich Ash’s ecology students—Laura Carter (St. Paul-Brownsville WI), Katelynn Steinke (Pilgrim-Menomonee Falls WI), and Carina Rahn (St. John-New Ulm MN)—spent a September afternoon tagging monarch butterflies in Flandrau State Park. Monarch Watch, a University of Kansas program, provided small polypropylene stickers with special 3M™ adhesive. When recovered, the butterflies’ migratory patterns can be recorded and MLC will be notified about the whereabouts of “our” butterflies.
“The laboratory experience not only provides an opportunity to participate in an organized research program,” says Professor Ash, “but it also provides insight into the life cycle and habitat requirements of this insect species. The experience also provides another opportunity to stand in awe of the Creator God, who established in the DNA of this migrating butterfly the ability to pass navigational information through successive generations, allowing the final generation of the summer to return to their wintering location in Mexico.” “When we started, we hardly saw any monarchs,” said sophomore Katelynn Steinke. “Then we started looking specifically for thistles, which the monarchs love, and all of a sudden we were trying to catch multiple monarchs at once. I really hope we’ll find out if our monarchs make it to their warm vacation destinations.”
MLC Ladies’ Auxiliary: At their annual October meeting,
167 members of the MLC Ladies’ Auxiliary celebrated 50 years of service to the college. They met, worshiped, were entertained, and elected a new president, Sue Post, who received the gavel from former president Paula Windschitl (pictured). They also chose nine projects totaling almost $17,000, including cots for the early childhood center; a video camera, paraments, stoles, and landscaping for the Chapel of the Christ; and multimedia headsets for a computer lab. In addition, they pledged $6,750 for their annual gifts toward scholarships, outreach, and the library.
Bert Falak MLC ’96 Baroda MI
Ruth Thierfelder DMLC ’81 West Palm Beach FL
Brandon Wigley MLC ’01 Milwaukee Martin Luther College
Ronald Pape DMLC ’51 Medford WI 5
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here on the Passing the Mantle—and the Books By Andrew Gerlach ’12 (Christ the Lord-Brookfield WI)
On a cool September morning, preseminary students crowded into a garage a few blocks from MLC. Huddled around tables overflowing with books, they exclaimed, “What a find!” or “I can’t believe it!” as they snatched precious volumes from the piles. The garage was retired Pastor Tom Henning’s (pictured), and the occasion was a book give-away too good to be true. After 52 years of ministry, Pastor Henning thought MLC students might be interested in his library. He was right. Nearly 50 preseminary students visited the Hennings that morning, coming away with many valuable additions to their personal libraries. Good education is vital for ministry, and these books will certainly be a blessing to our future pastors in their preseminary education. And they are certainly in the right place for that education, for as Pastor Henning reminds us, “The worker training received at MLC is a foundation that can’t be replaced.”
Knights on
The Sprinter Finds New Mark The Sprinter statue was rededicated on September 18 as part of the Homecoming weekend. A grant from the Northwestern College Alumni Association financed the cleaning of the statue and its transport to a new location, the gymnasium entrance adjoining the chapel parking lot.
Catch video interviews with 30+ MLC athletes and coaches on YouTube, including these: Cross country captain Robin Nommensen (St. Peter-Weyauwega WI)
Speakers were Professor Alan Siggelkow, president of the NWC Alumni Association, and Pastor Jonathan Balge, pastor of St. MatthewMilwaukee, the congregation
Cross country captain Nathan Loersch (St. Mark-Watertown WI) All-Conference football defensive lineman Chuqee Fletcher (Garden Homes-Milwaukee) Volleyball outside hitter Katie Siverly (St. MarkMankato MN) Go to mlc-wels.edu, then “Athletics,” then “Knights on YouTube” under Links.
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Carrie Hieb MLC ’06 Tsuchiura Martin LutherJapan College
that first donated the statue to Northwestern College in 1912. The man who posed for the sculptor in the early 20th century was Gustave Fricke, a member at St. Matthew (pictured above). His grandson James Moeller, principal of Trinity-St. Luke-Watertown WI, and great-grandson, Jon Moeller, attended the rededication (pictured right).
Robert Buschkopf DMLC ’76 Juneau WI
Celia Geiger DMLC ’66 Buffalo MN
Richard Kogler NWC ’71 North St. Paul MN
Presidential Scholars
bright knights
Katie Rath ’12 (St. Paul-Lake Mills
WI) won grand prize in Bethany Lutheran College’s “Lucas Cranach” Christian Screenstory Competition. Her entry, “Legend of Redcrosse,” is a fantasy allegory inspired by Edmund Spenser’s Faerie Queen. Sponsored by the Christ in Media Institute at BLC, the contest challenged writers to craft story ideas that promote Christian teachings and that could be developed into films or TV programs. Seven winners were named in different categories.
Steve Gurgel ’11 (Calvary- Thiens-
ville WI) was selected for participation in a three-year, $1 million federal grant program that pays teachers $1000 a year to attend history classes taught by the best and brightest college history profs. The goal is to raise student achievement by improving teachers’ understanding of American history. Gurgel’s Minnesota-based cohort focused on U.S. foreign policy in year one, culminating in an all-expense-paid trip to Washington, DC (June 13-18). A fifth-year senior at MLC, with a double major in elementary education and secondary social studies education, Steve said, “It was good to see the secular view of history and compare it to my own and see how I can respond. And it definitely made me look for more opportunities to expand my knowledge. I’d encourage teachers to look for programs like this.”
Scott Salesky ’08 completed his
master’s thesis at Penn State last spring: “Similarity models of subfilter-scale energy and temperature variance for large eddy simulations of the atmospheric boundary layer.” He dedicated the thesis in part to MLC’s Professor Martin Sponholz: “Finally, this thesis is dedicated to Professor Marty Sponholz, for challenging me, for inspiring me, for sparking my curiosity, and for teaching excitement.” Salesky will begin his Ph.D. program on a fellowship at Penn State in the fall.
Cheryl Uphoff DMLC ’81 Payette ID
R Stephen Nuss NWC ’86 Redding CA
MLC awarded these students $2,500 this year. They were all high school valedictorians. First-year students Emily Eckley Manitowoc LHS, St. John-Two Rivers WI
Ryan Klatt West LHS, Holy Trinity-New Hope MN
Kimberly Schmill Manitowoc LHS, Immanuel-Manitowoc WI
Sarah Sherod California LHS, Zion-Torrance CA
Nathaniel Solofra Northland LHS, Mountain of the Lord-Wausau WI
Megan Wohlrabe Peyton HS, Fount of Life-Colorado Springs CO
Sophomore, junior, senior students Andrew Hussman Luther Prep, St. Stephen-Fallbrook CA
Hannah Janke Luther Prep, Bethel-Sioux Falls SD
Joshua Jensen Luther Prep, St. Mark-Watertown WI
Caitlin Keller Michigan Lutheran Seminary, St. Stephen-Adrian MI
Alison Kolander Kettle Moraine LHS, Bethlehem-Menomonee Falls WI
Heather Korb Indianapolis LHS, Divine Savior-Indianapolis IN
Karina Luthra Luther Prep, Abiding Peace-Simpsonville SC
Carolyn Mayes Northland LHS, Divine Word-Plover WI
Kerry Pamperin Luther Prep, St. John-Juneau WI
Nicole Rosenbaum California LHS, Living Hope-Wildomar CA
Rachel Rupnow Minnesota Valley LHS, St. Paul-New Ulm MN
Jacob Steinmetz Great Plains LHS, St. Martin-Watertown SD
Aimee Ulm Luther Prep, St. John-Watertown WI
Collette Sulzle DMLC ’76 Westport SD Martin Luther College
Philip Gieschen NWC ’81 Adrian MI7
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Meet Professor
John Meyer, Director of Graduate Studies
Taking the helm of MLC’s burgeoning Master of Science in Education program is Professor John Meyer ’87. A New Ulm native and DMLC grad, John served as teacher and principal in four Lutheran elementary schools: • St. John-Wood Lake MN • Zion-Hartland WI • Pilgrim-Minneapolis MN • Salem-Stillwater MN The variety of settings—small and large; rural, urban, and suburban—gives John a healthy understanding of the different areas of ministry in which (D)MLC grads work. John also understands and appreciates the value of continuing education. Upon assignment to St. JohnWood Lake MN, he immediately embarked on a 21-credit DMLC certification program for principals, School Administration and Supervision. He completed his M.S. in Curriculum and Instruction at UW-Madison in 2002. He was enrolled in MLC’s post-baccalaureate licensure program when he was called as director of graduate studies. At that time, he entered a Ph.D. program in Educational Administration at UM-Twin Cities, for which he is in the dissertation phase right now.
His goals: As director of graduate studies, John’s goals are about boosting communication, building community, and making the program convenient. “I want to get the word out about the benefits this program can bring to ministry,” he says, “and I want to increase the connectedness and collaboration of the online community.
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Dan Schmidt MLC ’01 Kenai AK College Martin Luther
Paul Schulz NWC ’81 Milwaukee
“I have a great appreciation for teachers’ dedication, sacrifice, and zeal for the sake of their students, their schools, and the gospel of Jesus. The Lord has prepared me to relate to our teachers by putting me in a wide variety of ministry joys and challenges. I have walked in their shoes, and my goal is to ensure that the program works for them.”
The program: “The program is specifically designed to meet the needs of WELS teachers,” he says, “no matter how or where they serve. We have women and men in the program who are high school teachers, preschool teachers and directors, principals, elementary teachers, stay-at-home moms, and even a pastor teaching at a high school. They all bring their insights and experiences to the classroom and help one another grow.”
The faculty: “The grad students work under the guidance and direction of eight respected MLC graduate faculty members with experience in ministry and doctorates in their fields, as well as 12 adjunct professors who bring their experiences and expertise from beyond the MLC walls.”
Making a difference synod-wide: “What’s so exciting,” John says, “is getting to see how these educational leaders are impacting the work and future of Lutheran schools. At a time when it is tempting to look at the Lutheran school landscape and feel helpless at the forces that buffet it, this program offers something real that teachers can do to make a positive difference in themselves, their students, their ministries, and, ultimately, the future of the church. “Teachers tell me it energizes their ministry and gives them ideas to put into practice no matter how or where they serve,” he concludes. “I wish this program had been in place when I was working on my master’s program.” John and his wife, Heidi Keibel Meyer ’87, have five children, ages 6 to 22. See the 2010 MLC Graduation, in which seven grad students receive their diplomas, at http://vimeo.com/13544284.
Dan Vogel MLC ’96 Kennewick WA
Paul Kelm NWC ’66 Oshkosh WI
Meet
Rachel Burgess, M.S. Ed.
July 8, 2010, was an important day for Rachel Perry Burgess ’02. She handed her comprehensive exam to Director of Graduate Studies John Meyer, marking the culmination of her graduate work at Martin Luther College. After earning her Master of Science in Education, here’s what she had to say about the program:
It fit her ministry: Of the four emphases— instruction, special education, leadership, and educational technology—Rachel evaluated the gifts and opportunities God had given her and opted for leadership, because the classes seemed most applicable to her ministry as an early childhood education director at Trinity-Caledonia WI.
It was convenient: “Because my husband was a vicar and is now a pastor,” she says, “I knew I’d be moving three years in a row, so it was good to have it online. I could do it anywhere, and I could set my schedule according to my husband’s. Also, if we were planning a camping trip, I could work ahead. I also worked at the YMCA till 10 pm, and I could work online after that or early in the morning.”
It was collaborative: She also appreciated the online community. “Almost every course started with introducing yourself. Profs made sure that everyone was communicating and working together. And most students had a WaterCooler line on Moodle, which is for more personal things: carpools, recipes, baby news, calls, that sort of thing.”
It was real and relevant: “The projects weren’t just assignments. They were applicable right away. And most of the profs were open to you tweaking the assignments to make sure they fit your situation. “My courses on assessment and administration were directly applicable. I made small changes in my class the very next day, and now that I’m done with the program, I want to go back through my notes and see what I want to implement. There are so many things, but which do I want to do first?” It was not the same old, same old: Some may wonder whether coming back to MLC means they’ll just get more of the same. Rachel says, “No! I only had one of
Daniel Myers NWC ’76 Colorado Springs CO
Paul Grubbs MLC ’01 Minneapolis
these profs before—Dr. Menk. Everything changes. You have a variety of people with different pasts, including profs from WLC and profs who’d never even set foot on the MLC campus before. There’s a variety of new methods and perspectives—and even the content is different. The profs are not teaching the same thing you learned in undergrad work.”
It was difficult—and that’s a good thing: “People who’ve taken courses elsewhere say MLC courses are harder, but I don’t think that’s a bad thing. I didn’t feel overworked, but I did have to work. It stretched me, and there were times when it was a lot, but it is a master’s program.”
It made a difference: “The biggest change in my ministry would be that I have a better communication system with the families and communities I serve. Open-ended communication with parents affects so many things. I’ve also found that parents are looking for their children’s teachers to be seeking more education. I’m an ECE director, but I don’t have any children, which is a stumbling block for some parents. So for me to be able to tell parents that I have my master’s degree—that’s a marketing tool. Parents are looking at the teacher’s education and the school’s accreditation. It gives credibility.”
David Gray NWC ’61 Covina CA
Paul Fritze DMLC ’61 Norfolk NE
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Fourth Annual
Thalassa Prize A Call for the Tall By Alumni Relations Director Steve Balza ’93
Nowhere in Scripture is height listed as a spiritual gift, nor is it a requirement to serve. Nevertheless, Aaron Schultz ’10, a 6'9" former center on the Knights basketball team, has found that his gift of height has given him celebrity status in Southeast Asia where he is teaching English this year through MLC Daylight International. Curious questioners stop him and request photo ops, giving him opportunities to make new friends whom he can then tell about his best Friend. Aaron (pictured below) is one of 15 MLC 2010 graduates who are teaching English in Southeast Asia this year. Another four 2010 grads are teaching in Mexico and the Dominican Republic.
2010 Grand Prize Winner “A Look through the Door”
By Gretchen Schmiege ’07 — Southeast Asia
A time-lapse video of skyscrapers stacking higher and higher like steel Legos. Rushing crowds of black hair and beeping cell phones. Tea shops and fans. A red flag with five golden stars. One foot edging tentatively forward and one foot facing directly backward. This is a place of wild contradictions . . . No one knows what will happen in this country’s future. No one, that is, except the Director of human history. While we blundering humans look through the open door with bright eyes and cautiously glance over our shoulder, the Director holds that door open, for now. . . . Gretchen Schmiege taught English as a foreign language to middle school students in Southeast Asia from February 2008 to June 2009.
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David Palmquist NWC ’71 Clark SD
Natosha Wright MLC ’96 Marietta GA
Deborah Quandt MLC ’96 Sterling Heights MI
Morton Schroeder DMLC ’41 Bay City MI
About 50 MLC students and grads, including 19 graduates of 2010, are serving around the world through MLC’s Daylight International program. We can hear the stories of these Daylight workers—and thank our heavenly Father for their service to the world—through the Thalassa contest. The fourth annual $1000 Thalassa prize, given by an anonymous donor, went to Gretchen Schmiege ’07 for her entry “A Look through the Door.” The prize was shared by Gretchen and the mission of her choice. Two entries of Paul Kelm ’86 earned runner-up status: “Lights Shining Brightly” and “A Bell to Invite Them.” As we tell prospective MLC students, “The world is waiting . . . and MLC can take you there!”
2010 Runner-Up
2010 Runner-Up
“Lights Shining Brightly”
“A Bell to Invite Them”
By Paul Kelm ’86 — Czech Republic
. . . Parents, friends, and neighbors crammed into the school’s small chapel to hear their little ones sing and recite Bible passages and songs in Czech and in English. Near the end of the service the lights were dimmed and candles were lit as students sang “Ticha Noc” (“Silent Night”). . . . Paul Kelm taught at Martin Luther School and led the English Conversation Club and English Bible class in Plzen, Czech Republic, from 1994 to 2006.
Michael Delores Brianne Jeffers brings some MLC friends home to Arizona. Maichle DMLC ’66 Brillion WI
Ewart NWC ’91 Broken Arrow OK
By Paul Kelm ’86 — Czech Republic
For decades our school building had been silent. Under the dark cloud of communism, it had fallen into disrepair. After the fall of the communist government, the centuryold school building was sold to our mission. We renovated it. . . . A chapel was built . . . Finally, after the mission’s building was finished, a bell was cast. The bell’s raised letters proclaim, “Tvoje Slovo Je Pravda” meaning, “Your word is truth.” . . .
Dick Pagels NWC ’66 Watertown WI Luther College Martin
Martha Lau MLC ’06 Onalaska WI 11
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Ok
! a m o lah
OK
More Than – L – A – H – O – M – A! By Alumni Relations Director Steve Balza ’93
Cast and crew members from DMLC’s ’68 and ’84 performances of Oklahoma! shined up their surreys and headed up the hill to reunite for MLC’s 2010 version of their old show. Participants took tours, reminisced about the way it was (and the way they were), enjoyed a few laughs, and mingled with present performers. These alumni joined the 1,900+ audience members who saw the show November 5-7. Alumni cast highlights included an on-stage singing of the title number, a backstage devotion with the current cast, and great seats for the stellar performance on Saturday, November 6. It’s our hope that this will be the first of many such groups to come back to campus, support the students, and remember the blessings of their days here on the hill.
The ’10 and ’84 Ado Annie actresses Lauren Grove and Heidi Keibel Meyer kiss Dave Wendland, the Ali Hakim of ’10.
Rod Bauer, Caleb Schmiege, and Gene Martens played the role of Will Parker in ’68, ’10, and ’84, respectively.
From 1968: Rod Bauer, Charles Luedtke, Doris Hagedorn Schulte, Professor Al Spurgin
From 1984: Gina Hoerning Grove, Dan Fenske, Nina Berner Koester, Peter Schaewe, Connie Kroll Paustian, Dale Krueger, Heidi Keibel Meyer, Gene Martens, Cindy Lehman Bartel
Whatever Happened to the The DMLC class of 1961 celebrates its 50th reunion this summer. MLC InFocus caught up with a few graduates of that class and asked them what they’ve been up to.
Jerry Gronholz Miriam (Manthey) and I have four children and 12 grandchildren, with number 13 on the way. Miriam taught at St. Peter-Oak Grove WI, St. Marcus-Milwaukee, and a community preschool in La Crosse WI. I taught and was principal of St. Peter and St. Marcus in Milwaukee, St. John-Two Rivers WI, First-La Crosse, Fox Valley LHS-Appleton WI, and Fox Valley Technical College-Appleton. Twenty years ago Miriam and I started a golf business in Appleton, which includes a golf range with a pro shop and a miniature golf course. I retired from the ministry in 2001. I spend my days running the business. Miriam is currently in her 31st year as an optician at Shopko. I have always been grateful to DMLC for a rock-solid education firmly grounded in Holy Scripture. I have many fond memories of the years at DMLC spent in athletic competition, and it seems the older I get, the better we were.
E. Ann Eriksson Lindemann In 1961 only seven girls graduated. In those days most of the girls taught after three years. My first call was to Lola Park-Detroit MI, which was my home church. I had the whole school— six grades. I taught there for one year and then married Ed Lindemann, who was the new pastor at St. JohnStanton NE. After six years we went to Loretto MN for five years, and then my husband was called to be the dean at Northwestern College. We stayed at NWC for 21 years, until the school moved to New Ulm. I substitute taught all those years and also taught Sunday school and VBS. At NWC I worked in the school library for 13 years and taught a “Jesus Cares” class in Watertown. In 1995, we went to St. John-Pardeeville WI. Because at first we had no school in Pardeeville, I substituted in the Pardeeville public school and in towns around. We retired to Watertown in 2006. Ed preaches a lot, and I’m again a “Jesus Cares” teacher. We travel a little and very much enjoy having our grandchildren come to LPS. They’re active in sports and music, and our life is very full. Our four children are in church work. We have 15 grandchildren. We have many blessings and thank the Lord for them all.
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Martin Luther College
61
Class of ’
?
Paul Boehlke
Elmer Wohlers
I married Jeanette Hemker ’62. We were blessed with four boys and eight grandchildren.
In the spring of 1961, I was assigned to teach grades 4-8 and be principal at FairviewMilwaukee. In July of the same year, I married Clarice Sorgatz. We became the faculty at Fairview that September.
My first assignment was Grace-Goodhue MN. Never having seen a one-teacher school, I combined everything possible, including science for all eight grades. After four years I was called to St. John-Jefferson WI to teach science, phy. ed., and art in grades 6-8. In 1968 I joined the Prep Department at Northwestern College, teaching chemistry and physics. From 1972 to 1996, I taught biology and chemistry and coached cross country at (D)MLC. I was appointed New Ulm City Emergency Manager and taught tornado spotters with Prof. Sponholz. Since 1996 I’ve taught biology at Wisconsin Lutheran College.
After teaching at Fairview for six years, I became a computer programmer trainee for the J.C. Penney Co., Catalog Division. I worked for JCPenney for 27 years. At that time, JCP moved their Systems and Programming Department to Dallas. Clarice and I decided that there was no way we could move to Dallas and cheer for the Cowboys, so I took a job with Northwestern Publishing House to design a computer network for them. I worked for them for 16 years. I am now retired and enjoying it very much.
DMLC motivated me to study and to serve. I never stopped. In my junior year, a classmate caught me in the Ad Building. “President Schweppe wants to see you.” I quickly reported. Immediately, he boomed, “Boehlke, do you have a car?”
Clarice and I were blessed with a son, Mark, and a daughter, Kristi (another DMLC graduate). In 1980 God took our son to be with Him in heaven. Our daughter is married to Paul Frisque, another WELS teacher. We have a much-loved grandson.
“Yes sir,” I replied. Local use of our cars was not allowed. Accordingly, mine was parked in a rented garage downtown.
My special memories at DMLC include good friendships, driving the DMLC bus for the sports teams, playing sports, being the school “garbage collector,” bull sessions in the dorm, and dating my future wife.
“I want you to go to Fond du Lac for a month and teach fourth grade. Can you do that? (Robert) Stoltz and (David) Adickes have been filling the emergency opening there, but they’re seniors and need to get back here for graduation.” “Ah, when should I go?” “Now.” We were learning to do whatever the Lord put in front of us. Our professors modeled that.
I have always been thankful for the well-rounded Christian education I received at DMLC. I pray that God will bless the students and teachers at MLC, and always keep its teachings true to God’s Word.
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Class of ’
Patricia Airlie Buenger
Since college I’ve taught at Pilgrim-Minneapolis (1961-1966), where I met my husband; Cross of Christ-Coon Rapids MN (1977-1989); and St. John-Minneapolis (1989-1999). I retired in 1999. After retiring I’ve done some subbing, but less and less as the years go by. My husband, John, and I have two children and three grandchildren, none of which live in the state of Minnesota. We’ve lived in New Brighton MN for the last 36 years. We enjoy traveling, especially to visit our children and grandchildren. Some of the places we’ve been to out of the country are China, Japan, Guam, Italy, Germany, France, England, and Scotland. One of my fond memories of DMLC is hearing all the voices singing praises to our Lord every morning at chapel.
Paul Fritze Wow! Fifty years have passed since graduation. Now we’re the old geezers walking around campus. We were freshmen when Prof. Schultz started his illustrious career at DMLC. No further comment. I married a classmate, Charlotte Rauschke, who’d already been teaching two years at Trinity-Belle Plaine MN. We were blessed with four children: three sons and then, 14 years later, our youngest son, a daughter. We have 11 grandchildren. After graduation, where I had the privilege of having my father as the commencement speaker, I was assigned to Trinity-Nicollet MN. In 1974, I accepted the call to Timothy-St. Louis Park MN. I retired in 2004, after 43 years teaching, 37 years coaching, and 37 years being a principal. In retirement, I’ve worked at Target and as custodian at St. John-New Ulm MN, where we’re members. In the 2008-2009 school year, I was a co-principal at St. Paul-New Ulm. I’m enjoying volunteering on the MLC Alumni Archive Committee, along with attending the many activities at MLC. I have many fond memories of dorm life and being involved with Christian people during my college and teaching days.
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Ginger Sugden DMLC ’71 Kawkawlin Martin Luther MI College
Marcia Goehring DMLC ’46 Hazelton ND
Herbert Kruschel NWC ’46 Cudahy WI
Louise Reichert DMLC ’56 Prescott WI
Looking Back...
100 Years Ago
go 50 YearsappA points out the
Students rest after raking it in at DMLC’s first annual Arbor Day in 1910.
s Tr Professor Corneliu man a captivated fresh to d an gl En of y tr coun 60. English class in 19
25 Years Ago Beanie-bedecked freshmen sing for upperclassmen during Homecoming Week 1985.
10 Years Ago The 2000 male cheerleaders pose with their proud advisor and athletic director, Professor Jim Unke (right).
Lois Immanueal Brianne Jeffers brings some MLC friends home to Arizona. Frey NWC ’36 Hoskins NE
Kugler DMLC ’71 Little Rock AR
James Enderle MLC ’06 Dix Hills NY Luther College Martin
Leon Brands DMLC ’66 Crete IL 17
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MLC Volunteers Share od’s Word at Camp
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By Julie Luetke Jesus Cares Ministry Representative Co-Director of Camp Omega
proclaiming God’s Word. Campers learned the story of Gideon and the Midianites by playing the armies, complete with costumes and props, making the story more real and memorable.
MLC student Lauren Loescher with a camper
This experience also helps students prepare for the public ministry. They have an opportunity to take the skills they learn in the classroom and apply them when working with the campers. Twelve MLC students assisted people with special needs at Camp Omega near Waterville MN: (back row) Julianna Hesse, Rebekah Leerssen, Katherine Behnken, Alexandria Fischer, Anne Goldschmidt, Edili Pichardo, Eryn Kriewall, Lauren Loescher; (front row) Kelly Emde, Jason Dutcher, William Scoggins, Mark Hesse.
“1 Timothy 2:4 states that God ‘wants all men to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth.’ Who is included in ‘all men’? Women? People in jail? People in different countries? Babies? People with developmental disabilities? YES!” says Eryn Kriewall, MLC sophomore. “Becoming involved with Jesus Cares Ministries allowed me to witness to people with developmental abilities to come to the knowledge of the truth.” Eryn was one of 12 students who volunteered at “Joy in Jesus,” a camp for people with special needs, run by Jesus Cares Ministries (JCM) in cooperation with the Minnesota District Special Ministries. JCM is an outreach ministry of The Lutheran Home Association, based in Belle Plaine MN. This camp, held annually at Camp Omega near Waterville MN, was blessed with many volunteers.
With 22 campers, the need for volunteers is great. Without the MLC volunteers, many campers would have been denied this opportunity to worship God in this beautiful fall setting. Thank you to all who volunteered as well as MLC and the professors who gave the students the time off. Volunteering at a “Joy in Jesus” Camp can be life-changing.
MLC student Jason Dutcher with a camper at Camp Omega
MLC students used their talents to teach memory verses, direct kickball games, create care packages for soldiers, and lead devotions and music. Through their work, the volunteers also helped reinforce the camp’s theme of “In God We Trust.” One way they did this was through teaching. For example, William taught a memory verse with clapping and stomping. Even those who have trouble speaking were able to participate in
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James Turriff NWC ’91 Waukesha Martin LutherWI College
Larry Rude DMLC ’71 Zumbrota MN
Jana Dorr DMLC ’91 Sioux City IA
Kris Oelhafen DMLC ’91 Flint MI
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d nding juniors an ith many outsta w d an ke d or te w ra e st I’v on dem Over the years, ollege. They have C er h th ac re Lu to tin n ar io seniors from M and a determinat ard their teaching met their w to ve ha sm ts ia en us th ud en re the st su g in ak m t, en . They have out to each stud riate progressions op pr ap e, tiv si with background goals using po irfax-Winthrop) Fa nbo ib (G y to hit the come to GFW hodologies, read et m n io at uc ed learn the knowledge in epared, ready to pr e ar ey Th g. es ground runnin ing their strategi ous to teach, plac xi an , um ul ic rr cu to work. t being g a GFW studen in w llo Fo s: si ri paper route, our A Community C an early morning on t le hi w ed ct abdu team met and pu down. The crisis ck l lo al a d d an , ha rs ol scho outdoo e were not to go W . an pl e a on er ph th toge acted by dians were cont me parents and guar rents were to co Pa n. e situatio th of e th em th of d ng en si the advi MLC g their children at up ck pi to r d ol an ho s to sc kinderg aduate Ruby ng parent lli ca e er w f af arten r st W e m so le hi LC w W oom, d ong studen ithin m day. ips, the M sl emonstr n t taugh tio y ca lo c d la ile s from H t s ong Ko room,” said R ating “an imm in Lola Rieke handing out deta my room, In f. af st n h ’s Gib ie e ediate g o th k p r fo e fo e . r her g in our frie W d le fil h ts e n en om raduati Ruby’s sense of car bon-Fairfaxstud ndship “We ha mputer ro co e W o ing, joy p th w n a to , v t il r e th e en l w n truly b c , and a inthrop een ble ontinue for m ey stayed wit ts came Anne Marggraf pprecia ger stayed with og Sw h s n a s R e an n tion d u Le y .” d b y y’s ears,” s across the hall an ays Rie new friends, picked up in be to ed k ed th e ne . e ho Riekes. “We kindergartners w Winthrop the Fairfax and d ke al w I n. bo Gib r buses. students to thei out how irchild, pointed Fa r. M l, with the pa ci in buildings to help ning, our pr r or ou m g in in a sense of rs w he llo ac fo The student te ommunication, C LC ly. M e th th oo ng sm vi e ha ent teachers n mor essential it was isis situation ru of the MLC stud l cr al a e to ad u m yo k ey th an w Th students and ho ere key factors. d cooperation w an , ss ne lm ca , caring various called away for as w I d ! an er FW G nc from agement r had ca ons, discuss man ar, as my mothe ss ye le lt an cu pl ffi y di el a iv at d e: This has been ith me to cooper special needs an A Personal Not r students with hers would sit w fo ac e te at t n ri en he op ud w pr st s e ap as ere . Th to do with the cl methods that w care procedures me get ew exactly what use a variety of kn en d th an d up an , d journey, helping es pe is qu ep th st on ly techni al en re be rs ve ts. e student teache students who ha ergarten studen abilities. I felt th for all the MLC ent for the kind ul ef nm at ro gr vi en am I le e. ab ut d st I needed a substit sitive, secure, an onstrated an d providing a po an ar ye e th Miss Wong dem h t. en e Miss nm throug ro vi en uldn’t wait to se ergarten co nd n ki re r ild ou ch d e re te Th . to study sroom or Ruby Wong en the opportunity n within my clas ve tio ha ia to ec d pr In February, seni lle ap ri d th an e of caring, joy, irit, and she was immediate sens r happy, giving sp hina. he C d in ire m ck ad ba I ! ning of teaching ve lo r he Wong each mor ue in g quality able to cont lege for providin ol to C at MLC and to be er th Lu tin Mar preparing them udent teachers, ly want to thank st al e on th rs r pe fo I : ch s. lly oa m pr Fina a hands-on ap ic school classroo instruction and nges in our publ le al ch ay yd er ev meet the
Jo Koslowske DMLC ’86 Moline IL
Kevin Bode MLC ’06 Beaver Dam WI
John Boeder NWC ’86 Bloomington MNLuther College Martin
Kay Schuppe DMLC ’76 Toledo OH19
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u o y k n a Charter Members of SOLA! Th SOLA, MLC’s Support & Outreach Legacy Association, consists of donors who have made deferred gifts to MLC. We thank our Father in heaven for our first SOLA members, named on the right! If you have included MLC in your trust or will, or if you’ve named MLC as a beneficiary of your life insurance or IRA/401K, then you too are a member of SOLA, and we’d love to meet you! Please contact your WELS Christian giving counselor (800.827.5482) or an MLC staff member:
Thank you to the 58 charter members of SOLA who attended our first ever SOLA Appreciation Banquet November 5, 2010.
Jon Scharlemann (877.MLC.1995 or scharljj@mlc-wels.edu) Kate Tohal (877.MLC.1995 or tohalkj@mlc-wels.edu) Jim Hahn (877.MLC.1995 or hahnjr@mlc-wels.edu)
Cartoon by Rev. Jeff Bovee
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Jonathan Pasbrig DMLC ’91 Phoenix Martin Luther College
Kathryn Stelljes MLC ’96 Columbia MO
Steve Balza Susan Barber Judy Barckholtz David & Linda Baumann Rev. David & Jennifer Bendix Rev. Edward A. Boehling Arlin & Olga Bornschlegl Beverly Finke Dave & Michelle Gartner Gordon & Delores Griepentrog Patrick & Nancy Hansen Gerry & Marie Heckmann Barbara Weyland Hennig Florence E. Hinneberg Paul & Val Holzhueter Esther & David Jacobs Martin & Marie Janke Anonymous Arnold & Ruth Koelpin Phyllis A. Kremin Bob & Helen Krueger Anonymous Phil & Beth Leyrer Rev. LeRoy H. Lothert
Irma R. McLean M. A. Melso Jack & Barbara Mayer Marilyn Miller Alvin R. Mueller Anonymous Phil & Mickey Petersen Anonymous Gene & Charlotte Rosenthal Jane Ross Rev. Ralph & Nettie Scharf Jon & Rachel Scharlemann Anonymous Stanley & Sharon Sielaff Anonymous Gene & Marion Slettedahl Greg & Lisa Thiesfeldt Kate & Brian Tohal Anonymous Dr. & Mrs. Larry Verlinden Dr. Heinz & Lore Werner Rhoda S. Wolle Gerald C. Woodley Ronald & Joan (Poff) Zahn
Karen Lindeman DMLC ’86 Brandon WI
Richard Mueller NWC ’51 Jefferson WI
The MLC Shepherd Society The Shepherd Society is growing! This society consists of people who have given thank offerings to Martin Luther College in appreciation of pastors, teachers, or staff ministers whom God has used to make a difference in their lives. MLC gives special recognition to the called workers so honored, including a personalized “Certificate of Appreciation” like the one below. If you’d like to honor a called worker who’s made a difference in your life, send us the following form with your gift. It’s a great way to help MLC, thank a special person, and glorify our Lord, the Good Shepherd! Your Name____________________________________________________________________________________ Address_________________________________City_____________________ State________ Zip______________ Phone____________________________ Email (opt)__________________________________________________
My gift of gratitude to MLC:
$_____
$50
$75
$100
$150
$_____
I’m giving this gift in honor of _____________________________ (Name of WELS pastor, teacher, or staff minister)
My Words of Gratitude: “I’m grateful to this called worker because _______________________________________________________________
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Please remit to The Shepherd Society, Martin Luther College, New Ulm MN 56073
MLC 2010-2011 Budget: $15.4 Million $ 1.2 Million
NEEDED IN GIFTS TO MLC
Sources of Income
$ 3.75 Million
WELS Operating Subsidy (from your congregational mission offerings)
$ 10.45 Million Campus Revenue (tuition, fees, receipts)
Mark Elsasome MLC friends home to Arizona. Brianne Jeffers brings Manthey DMLC ’61 Manitowoc WI
Zarling NWC ’76 Benton Harbor MI
How Can I Give to MLC? o With an estate gift (Include MLC in your will.) o With cash (Tax-deductible.) o With securities (Deduct fair market value of stocks, bonds, or mutual funds, and bypass capital gains tax.) o With life insurance (MLC becomes both owner and beneficiary.) o With a gift annuity (Part of your gift helps MLC now, and you receive a lifetime income of 4.0% to 9.5% of the gift.) o With real estate (Deduct fair market value and bypass capital gains tax.) o With a unitrust (Gain a tax deduction and bypass capital gains tax.) o With MATCHING GIFTS (Examples: 3M, Kraft, IBM, Thrivent, Wisconsin Energy, Microsoft)
Gene Pfeifer DMLC ’81 Fort Atkinson WILuther College Martin
Mark Ohr DMLC ’86 Greensburg21PA
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Professor Emeritus Ames Anderson was one of seven organists who performed in a University of Minnesota Organ Alumni Showcase Recital on Tuesday, October 12, at the university’s Northrop Memorial Auditorium in Minneapolis. The venue was the historic Aeolian-Skinner organ of 108 ranks installed in 1932.
Pastor Abram Degner WLS ’10 is our new religion instructor and tutor in Summit Hall.
Dr. James Grunwald ’78 presented “Copyright Issues in the Digital Age and How They Apply to the Christian School” at the Minnesota District Teachers’ Conference in Brainerd on October 21-22.
Dr. Robert F. Klindworth ’70 was elected chairman of the Minnesota Nonpublic Education Council Accreditation Committee in October. The Council advises the Minnesota Commissioner of Education on nonpublic school matters, as well as overseeing nonpublic school accrediting agencies.
Professor Paul Koelpin WLS ’90 and his father, Professor Emeritus Arnold Koelpin, team-taught “Luther on Education,” a Wisconsin Lutheran Seminary satellite course, at Nebraska LHS in July. Paul Koelpin was also the keynote speaker at the Wisconsin Lutheran State Teachers’ Conference in October.
Professor Emeritus Arnold Koelpin WLS ’58
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Northwestern Publishing House is publishing Lange’s book One God—Two Covenants? A Search for the Heart of the Old Testament. He wrote new chapters for three Bible study books of the Publications Committee of WELS Prison Ministry, a committee he chairs. And, along with Professor Steve Thiesfeldt ’74, he served as co-leader of the second annual Creation Museum Tour to Petersburg KY.
Dr. Carla Melendy presented “Screen Time and Children in the 21st Century” at St. Paul-Arlington MN in May. Professor Thomas Nass WLS ’82 was appointed to the English Version Evaluation Steering Committee, a synod committee established to evaluate the 2011 revision of the New International Version (NIV) of the Bible.
Instructor Lanita Nolte ’68 was one of four representatives of the Lutheran Women’s Missionary Society who attended La Primera Convención de Damas Luteranas in Monterrey, Mexico, the first Mexican Lutheran women’s convention. Professor Mark Paustian WLS ’88 presented “Luther’s Doctrine of Vocation” at the South Central District Convention in June. As the WELS World Missions Liaison to Russia, he hosted the June 24-25 Russian mission planning meetings at MLC. He also preached for the Minnesota District Convention opening service in June on the theme, “Christ’s Love—Our Calling.”
presented “An American Application of Luther’s Doctrine of the Two Realms: Church and State” as a congregation and community lecture at Beautiful Savior-Des Moines IA on July 21. He and his son, Professor Paul Koelpin, team-taught “Luther on Education,” a Wisconsin Lutheran Seminary satellite course, at Nebraska LHS in July.
Professor James Pope WLS ’81 attended the LC-MS
Professor Lyle Lange WLS ’69 chaired the
Professor Jon Roux ’94 and Dr. Cindy Whaley ’76
meeting of the Theological Commission of the Confessional Ev. Lutheran Conference as the commission developed two new doctrinal statements for the CELC. Lange also delivered the keynote address, “Lutheran Apologetics: From Our Classrooms and into the World,” at the Lutheran College Conference at Bethany Lutheran College, Mankato MN.
presented “Writing Workshop” at the South Dakota Summer Teachers’ Conference in Rapid City May 26-27. Roux also presented “A Quick Lit Review: Recent and Noteworthy Children’s Literature” to the faculty of St. Paul-New Ulm in June, and he presented “The Knowledge of Reading Comprehension” at the Wisconsin State Teachers’ Conference in October.
Martin Luther College
convention in Houston TX in July as the official WELS observer, representing the WELS Commission on Inter-Church Relations.
Pastor Nicolas Schmoller WLS ’10 is MLC’s new admissions counselor.
Professor Jeff Schone WLS ’87, VP for Student Life, presented “Defining and Enabling Spirituality on the College Campus” at the October conference of the Minnesota College Personnel Association held at St. Cloud State University.
Dr. David Schroeder ’85 has written a biography of Supreme Court Associate Justice Pierce Butler. An adapted chapter, “Joining the Court: Pierce Butler,” was published in the Journal of Supreme Court History (2010 Vol. 35 No. 2, pictured). Schroeder also serves as a Reader for the College Board, evaluating student essays in Advanced Placement U.S. History. The weeklong Reading for 2010 was in Louisville. Professor Ronald L. Shilling ’64 played an all-Bach organ recital at Bethlehem Lutheran-Mankato MN in June. Part of the Sioux Trails American Guild of Organists’ summer recital series, the recital commemorated the 325th anniversary of the birth of Johann Sebastian Bach.
Professor Steve Thiesfeldt ’74, VP for Administration (pictured), along with Professor Lyle Lange WLS ’69, served as co-leader of the second annual Creation Museum Tour to Petersburg KY.
Dr. Cindy Whaley ’76 has been appointed to the Statewide Literacy Team, charged with developing a framework for literacy instruction in the state of Minnesota. She presented the workshop “Literacy Interventions beyond RTI” at the 11th Summer Reading Workshop for the Southwest Minnesota Reading Council, a group which has elected her president. She presented “Too Young to Serve?”, a sectional on keeping young women excited about serving the church, at the National WELS Women’s Leadership Conference at Wisconsin Lutheran Seminary in July. And she presented “Creating a Classroom Community” at the Minnesota District Teachers’ Conference in Brainerd on October 21-22.
Professor Jeff Wiechman ’90 presented “Curriculum Development,” a 1-1/2 day workshop, to the faculty of Evergreen LHS. President Mark Zarling WLS ’80 taught a Wisconsin Lutheran Seminary satellite course on vignettes from 1 and 2 Kings at Redeemer-Yakima WA. He also led a day-long Bible study at Evergreen LHS in August.
Dr. Carla Melendy and Professor Susan Haar ’65 taught Teaching Mathematics in the Elementary and Middle School to 13 teachers at St. John-Antigua, West Indies, in June. Dr. Melendy writes: Did you know . . . • St. John-Antigua has over 200 students in grades K-6? • Antigua has 365 beaches, and they are all public? • You can sail around Antigua in less than one day by navigating both the Atlantic Ocean and Caribbean Sea? • MLC has two students from Antigua? • Mangoes are a favorite fruit of Antiguans? • You can eat conch meat in a roti in Antigua? • Sunday mornings you can sing hymns of praise accompanied by steel pans and in the evening listen to a steel pan orchestra while eating jerk chicken and viewing a beautiful harbor? • People in Antigua are eager learners, especially about Jesus? • In Antigua, it is sometimes easier to see the water than to get there? (There’s a story here. Ask us!) • You can eat barracuda caught and prepared by Missionary Joshua Sternhagen? • In Antigua, teachers are willing to sit in a 90° classroom in order to learn more about teaching? • In Antigua, you can see the gospel at work in a tropical paradise? • You can learn so much by experiencing a mission firsthand?
Martin Luther College
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Martin L uther C ollege
Master Of Science In Education Even MORE Than You’d Expect You know what to expect from an MLC program: Christ-centered, ministry-based instruction from experienced professors. But the MS Ed program provides even MORE.
MORE content
MORE collaboration
This is not MLC’s undergrad program with a few extras. The master’s program offers deeper instruction and diverse strategies—including those from 12 adjunct faculty who bring their distinct perspectives from outside MLC’s campus.
You will partner with experts in their fields as well as talented peers in an online cohort that is truly a community.
“The program is high on theory and high on practicality at the same time.” “The profs are outstanding. It’s wonderful that they all have taught in the levels we’re at. They’ve been there. They’ve seen it. They’ve done it.”
MORE convenience Get your degree in two, three, or four years without ever leaving your ministry. Take courses during the school year or only during summers, if you’d like. The program is online, so you can do the work when it’s convenient for you, your family, and your congregation. And the scheduling is flexible, so if you’re suddenly asked to coach basketball or teach another grade, you can take a semester off without any problem. And BTW, 97% of participants say the cost of MLC’s program is right—or even a bargain. “The online feature of the program is helpful because it gives me flexibility: I can do the work early in the morning or late at night.”
“You get a sense of interaction with other people—through Moodle, discussion boards. You learn with people, not just from people.” “In the online discussion forum, all of us—teachers who have experienced education in a variety of settings—bring our experiences back to the table and discuss them. That kind of collaborative reflection really broadens our perspectives.”
MORE classroom connections Everything we teach is meant directly for you as a WELS teacher—someone who is a teacher of children, a leader in a congregation, and a minister of the gospel. And the ideas you learn in your master’s class today are applicable in your classroom tomorrow. “I can immediately use everything I learn.” “It’s wonderful being able to report to my congregation that we are teaching with the best practices, we’re educating the whole child, and we’re meeting not only the state and national standards but the congregation’s standards as well.”
www.mlc-wels.edu/go/grad
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Martin Luther College