InFocus - Fall 2014

1995 Luther Court New Ulm, MN 56073 Address Service Requested

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Homecoming 2014 Issues in Lutheran Education Meeting Ministry Needs

In This Issue...

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InFocus Staff WRITER/EDITOR Laurie Gauger DMLC ’87 PHOTOGRAPHERS William Pekrul DMLC ’80 Jonathan Witte MLC ’18 Kendra Korth MLC ’15 Shelby Pitt MLC ’19 PROOFREADER Rebecca Rehberger MLC ’15 GRAPHIC DESIGNER Lime Valley Advertising, Inc. Office of Mission Advancement VICE PRESIDENT Michael Otterstatter WLS ’94 PUBLIC RELATIONS DIRECTOR William Pekrul DMLC ’80 ALUMNI DIRECTOR Steve Balza DMLC ’93 College Administration PRESIDENT Mark Zarling WLS ’80 VP for ADMINISTRATION Steven Thiesfeldt DMLC ’74 VP for ACADEMICS Jeffery Wiechman DMLC ’90 VP for STUDENT LIFE Jeffrey Schone WLS ’87 VP for MISSION ADVANCEMENT Michael Otterstatter WLS ’94 Governing Board Chairman Michael Woldt WLS ’81 Vice Chairman Jonathan Kolander WLS ’91 Secretary Steven Rosenbaum DMLC ’86 Joe Archer DMLC ’77 Drew Kock MLC ’06 Dale Krause Timothy Petermann Barry Price Duane Schmeichel WLS ’91 Michael Seifert WLS ’03 Mike Valleau Steve Vasold MLC ’02 Mark Wessel WLS ’86 Advisory: Charles Degner WLS ’79 Randy Matter Paul Prange WLS ’88 Mark Schroeder WLS ’81 Mark Zarling WLS ’80

Stand and Sing

By MLC President Mark Zarling Would you volunteer to stand in the front rank of an army, waiting to meet a huge invasion force? What if you had no weapon? Would you stand and sing a hymn of praise?

Such was reality for Jehoshaphat’s choir. They marched out first to meet the enemies of Judah—with no sword, no shield, no spear. They only had a song, a song that proclaimed thanks even before they saw the victory.

Permit a brief recap of this incredible miracle in 2 Chronicles 20. King Jehoshaphat was informed of a three-country invasion force that had already crossed into Judah. Alarmed, he went to the temple and prayed fervently, recounting God’s saving deeds and powerful promises. He ended with this passionate plea: We have no power to face this vast army that is attacking us. We do not know what to do, but our eyes are upon you.

God heard and answered immediately. He sent the Spirit upon Jahaziel. Through this prophet God said: You will not have to fight this battle. Take up your positions; stand firm and see the deliverance the LORD will give you. Do not be afraid . . . the LORD will be with you.

It was after this gospel news that the king appointed his choir of Levites. They went at the head of the army singing, Give thanks to the LORD, for his love endures forever. Read the amazing denouement. God fought for his people and completely vanquished the enemy. All that was left was for the people to pick up the plunder. That took three days!

The purpose of your WELS College of Ministry is to train singers for Jehoshaphat’s choir still today. By the Spirit’s grace, our students learn ever more clearly the promises of God. They grow even more confident to stand in the front rank and sing the song of the victory Christ has won for each of us—a victory that brings a conscience free from guilt, a body that will be raised and glorified, a place in heaven reserved, and prayers heard and answered.

Our students sing this song even before the final victory is won, because they—like you— know God’s promises are secure in Christ. Please pray for them as they prepare to join Jehoshaphat’s choir!

On our cover: The MLC Alumni Association Board met on campus during Homecoming weekend.

Correction: Emily Hughes Seeber MLC ’14 was assigned to teach grades K-8 at Good Shepherd-Cedar Rapids, Iowa, last May. We sincerely apologize to Ms. Seeber for accidentally omitting her name in the summer 2014 InFocus.

Blessings on your ministry, Emily!

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. Comments are welcomed and should be directed to gaugerlf@mlc-wels.edu or Laurie Gauger, MLC InFocus, 1995 Luther Court, New Ulm MN 56073.

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All InFocus magazines are online at mlc-wels.edu/publications.

If you’d like to receive your magazine electronically ONLY, please let us know. Contact Tami at boardtl@mlc-wels.edu.

MLC By the Numbers

MLC Frosh By the Numbers

727 on-campus enrollment 120 graduate students 149 preseminary students 894 continuing ed

572 education students

6 unclassified students

students

101 faculty

39 preseminary students 168 education students 24 average ACT score 3.50 average HS GPA

Meet the Class of 2018!

Most of this year’s first-year students were born in 1996-1997. Here’s what we know about them—with a little help from the Beloit College Mindset: • They have only known MLC. Neither DMLC nor NWC existed in their lifetime.

• They were just starting kindergarten when the terrorist planes attacked on 9/11/2001.

• When they were born, the “new” hymnal had already been in the pew for two or three years.

• When they were born, President Bill Clinton was in office.

President Ted Olsen was in the MLC office.

• For them, Hong Kong has always been a part of China.

• “Everybody” has always “Loved Raymond.”

• Plasma has always been more a TV than a body fluid.

• The Green Bay Packers have always celebrated with the Lambeau Leap.

• They have never seen an actual airline ticket—nor have they ever carried their luggage at the airport. Luggage has always had wheels.

• Most of them have never had chicken pox.

• One word: Selfies.

• Bill Gates has always been the richest man in the country.

The first-year students got acquainted while speed dating at the Big Ballroom Blast over orientation weekend

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here on the Martin Luther College Governing Board

Back row: Jonathan Kolander (vice chair), Paul Prange (Ministerial Education administrator), Michael Woldt (chair), Charles Degner (Minnesota District president), Duane Schmeichel, Steven Rosenbaum (secretary); second row: Timothy Petermann, Mark Zarling (MLC president), Michael Seifert, Dale Krause, Randy Matter; front row: Barry Price, Michael Valleau, Mark Wessel, Steven Vasold, and Drew Kock (Not pictured: Joe Archer and Mark Schroeder, WELS president)

Governing Board Action in September 2014 • Fee increases of 5% were approved for 2015-16, bringing tuition, room and board charges to $18,920.

A corresponding 5% increase in need-based financial assistance was also approved.

• Two replacement calls were approved: life science professor and American history professor. Two additional calls were tabled until the February board meeting: social studies professor and science professor/coach.

• New programs were approved: Master of Science in Education Administration, Mentoring Certificate, and Evangelism Certificate.

The alumni photos at the bottom of the pages are from the anniversary classes of MLC, NWC, and DMLC: ’40, ’45, ’50, ’55, ’60, ’65, ’70, ’75, ’80, ’85, ’90, ’95, ’00, ’05, and ’10.

Thanks to Alumni Director Steve Balza DMLC ’93, who provided this random selection of alums.

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Welcome, New Board Members!

Joe Archer

“Many of the new programs being developed at MLC will better prepare tomorrow’s called workers to proclaim the gospel.”

Drew Kock

“It’s truly amazing to witness the dedication, togetherness, and faith in action of the faculty, staff, and students.”

Mike Valleau “While maintaining its key mission of training future servants, I’m excited about its expanding role in continuing education.”

Joe Archer DMLC ’77 serves as administrator of Illinois Lutheran Schools (K-12) and principal of the junior and senior high. “This is an exciting time for ministry,” he says.

“Many of the new programs being developed at MLC will better prepare tomorrow’s called workers to proclaim the gospel in its truth and purity in a rapidly changing world. MLC’s current administration has developed a progressive vision of excellence for ministerial education for current and future called workers.”

Drew Kock MLC ’06 serves as grade 7-8 teacher and athletic director at Emanuel-New London WI. We’re thrilled to announce that he and Steve Vasold are the first MLC graduates to serve on the MLC Governing Board.

Drew says this “is an opportunity to serve my Savior, grow in faith, and witness the exciting things happening at MLC. It’s truly amazing to witness the dedication, togetherness, and faith in action of the faculty, staff, and students.

It’s also exciting to see the growth of new and existing programs.”

Mike Valleau works on the legislative staff at the Minnesota House of Representatives. “MLC is such an important institution,” he says. “I’m grateful for the opportunity to help the board oversee the college and assist in any way I can. While maintaining its key mission of training future servants, I’m excited about its expanding role in continuing education and its commitment to creating and enhancing strategic programs to address existing needs.”

Richard Lewis Weeks NWC 1960 Chicago IL

Elaine Fostervold DMLC 1995 Baltimore MD

Steven Vasold MLC ’02 serves as principal and middle school teacher at Sienna Lutheran Academy-Missouri “The faculty and City TX. We’re thrilled to announce administration are that he and Drew Kock are the first constantly looking MLC graduates to serve on the MLC for ways to meet the Governing Board. “I’m excited to serve my alma mater and give back to the demands of an place that helped prepare me for my ever-changing world ministry,” he says. “I’m impressed with and thus better the vision of MLC. The faculty and equipping the next administration are constantly looking workers for Jesus.” for ways to meet the demands of an ever-changing world and thus better equipping the next workers for Jesus.”

Steven Vasold

Mark Wessel “The new chapel awakens a special thanks to God in my heart.”

Mark Wessel WLS ’86 serves as pastor at St. John-Sparta WI. This is a homecoming for him, as he was a DMLC prof’s kid and attended high school on campus at Martin Luther Academy. “I’m amazed at our God, who continues to raise up future pastors, teachers, and staff ministers for his church in a society that grows increasingly anti-Christian,” he says.

“The new chapel awakens a special thanks to God in my heart as it serves as the core for students, faculty, staff, and others; a gathering place where God serves his people and his people encourage one another in ministry; a dedicated worship space that was long overdue. I’m also excited to see the many ways that MLC has connected with the community and foresee those efforts continuing in the future.”

James Hussman DMLC 1985 Crete IL

Nicole Jaeger MLC 2005 Tucson AZ

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here on the

Martin Luther College welcomes our new neighbors at Highland Regency House!

God’s blessings as you make your home in this beautiful new facility!

2015 MLC College Choir Tour The Martin Luther College Choir looks forward to sharing God’s Word in song in the Midwest over spring break. This year’s tour includes stops in Wisconsin, Michigan, Ohio, and Illinois.

Please plan to attend a concert near you. Or follow the choir online, watching concert videos and stories from the bus at facebook.com/mlcwels.

Fri Feb 27 Zion-South Milwaukee WI

7:00 pm

Sat Feb 28 Trinity-Saline MI

7:00 pm

Sun Mar 1 Peace-Livonia MI (service)

St Paul-Saginaw MI

11:00 am 7:00 pm

Mon Mar 2 Michigan Luth Seminary (chapel)

Huron Valley LHS

Immanuel-Findlay OH

9:25 am 12:45 pm 7:00 pm

Tue Mar 3

“Build God’s Church” was the theme of the annual World Mission Festival Service at the Chapel of the Christ in October. Pastor Thomas Spiegelberg WLS ’97 (pictured) of Trinity-St. Lucia, West Indies, preached, and two MLC international students read Scripture lessons: Joseph Alba from Dominican Republic and Daniel Schmidt from Canada. What a great reminder of MLC’s mission and the Great Commission–which are one and the same!

Beautiful Savior-Cincinnati OH

7:00 pm

Wed Mar 4 Trinity-Crete IL (service)

Trinity-Crete IL (service)

3:30 pm 7:00 pm

Thu Mar 5 Kettle Moraine LHS

St Paul-Howards Grove WI

2:00 pm 7:00 pm

Fri Mar 6

Northland LHS Trinity-Minocqua WI

1:30 pm 7:00 pm

Sat Mar 7

Our Redeemer-Madison WI

7:00 pm

Sun Mar 8 Peace-Sun Prairie WI (service)

10:30 am

Sun Mar 22 Martin Luther College

3:00 pm

Sun Apr 12 Trinity-Waukesha WI

3:00 pm

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Michael Vatthauer DMLC 1995 Tucson AZ

Brianne Jeffers MLC 2010 Litchfield Park AZ

Eunice Hagemann DMLC 1945 Fond du Lac WI

Beverly Arndt DMLC 1980 Glenham SC

MLC Students Help Develop WELS Bible Study Tool Professor David Sellnow WLS ’86 (pictured) rallied 70 MLC students to assist with a new Bible study tool created

by WELS Commission on Youth and Family Ministry: Everyday Videos and Bible Studies for Teens.

The MLC Ladies’ Auxiliary Annual Meeting was held Saturday, October 25. Presentations and workshops provided attendees a greater understanding and appreciation of MLC’s ministry. Wonderful fellowship was enjoyed by all at registration, lunch, and worship.

Generous support provided almost $4,000 in offerings designated to fund the project list that was adopted for the 2014–15 school year. Finally, all connected to the Auxiliary, finding this their highest honor, prayed for the students, staff, and faculty. Please consider partnering with the Auxiliary for the benefit of our WELS College of Ministry. For a summary of the annual meeting business and to see the list of projects, visit mlc-wels.edu and type “Ladies’ Auxiliary” in the search box.

The Music Man

Available from Northwestern Publishing House, it includes 94 original video vignettes with corresponding Bible studies that explore the complex issues teens confront, encouraging open discussion and pointing teens to Jesus and his Word.

Dr. Joel Nelson DMLC ‘78 and Jeremy Bakken served as executive producers of the videos, and Professor Sellnow served as editor of the Bible studies. He invited and instructed about 70 MLC students to write the Bible studies, and he then edited them for publication.

Sellnow is hopeful about the impact this product can have. “Families and youth ministries across the country often are looking for quality study materials for young people,” he said. “This tool provides over 90 Bible studies prepared by young adults for young adults. I think it will be really effective with teens, whether in church or family settings.”

Everyday Videos and Bible Studies for Teens can be purchased in DVD or flash drive at online.nph.net.

Everyone’s favorite barbershop quartet was played by Jared Natsis (Trinity-Saline MI), Carl Boeder (St. John-New Ulm MN), Luke Dorn (St. John-Lewiston MN), and David Spaude (Ascension-Antigo WI).

Theater-goers cheered as 76 trombones and 90 MLC students brought the romance and trouble of River City, Iowa, to life on MLC’s stage November 7-9. Meredith Willson’s The Music Man starred Michael Koester (Peace-Granger IN) as the smooth-talking Harold Hill and Leah Boeder (St. John-New Ulm MN) as Marian “the librarian” Paroo.

“The Lord really has blessed this school with some amazing gifts,” said music director Josh Mose (St. Matthew-Iron Ridge WI). See the full cast and the production staff at mlc-wels.edu/files/music-man-cast.

Brian Terrell NWC 1970 Los Angeles CA

Annette Wagner DMLC 1970 Norfolk NE

Thomas Pankow NWC 1980 Appleton WI

Wilhelm Peterson NWC 1950 Scarville IA

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Welcome, International Students!

Sixteen international students are enrolled at Martin Luther College for 2014-2015.

Top Row: Joseph Alba (Dominican Republic), Daniel Schmidt (Canada), Evodia Cassius (St. Lucia); Middle Row: Professor Tingting Zhang Schwartz (China), Joycelyn Christmas John (Antigua), Tassia-Channel Clement (St. Lucia), YoungKwang (Frank) Kim (South Korea); Bottom Row: Ju Yeon (Gabby) Moon (South Korea), SiKyung (Sarah) Oh (South Korea), Joohyun (Anna) Kim (South Korea), Annalies Brander (Canada), Ron Pile (Antigua), ChiSeon Kim (South Korea); Missing: Sarah Couture (Canada), Santiago Botero (Colombia), Na Bin (Lisa) Song (South Korea), and Eunseo (Grace) Yang (South Korea).

We are thrilled to enroll international students from church bodies in our fellowship. Their inclusion in our student body leads all students to a deeper appreciation of cultural differences and of spiritual similarities: the need for a Savior and the call of that Savior to “make disciples of all nations.” In view of these blessings, we have created an international services office, which assists students and graduates with everything from visa issues to course selections to cultural adjustment, as well as coordinating study abroad and teaching abroad opportunities for American students.

Call for Submissions Ninth Annual Thalassa Prize: Martin Luther College has now begun accepting submissions for the ninth annual Thalassa Prize. This $1000 award from an anonymous donor is given to the best photo-and-essay submission from a D/MLC student or graduate who has served in an international ministry. Previous winners: 2007 Kristina Wessel, Dominican Republic

For submission guidelines, go to mlc-wels.edu/thalassa.

2008 Rachel Kionka, Malawi

Deadline: April 30, 2015.

2009 Rachel Meyer, Southeast Asia

Winning photos and essays may be found at mlc-wels.edu/thalassa/past-winners

2010 Gretchen Schmiege, Southeast Asia 2011 Amber Schlomer, Southeast Asia 2013 Maria Reese, Malawi

2014 WINNER: CHRIS PLUGER

2014 Chris Pluger, Zambia

“Jesus Speaks My Language”

2012 Paul Kelm, Czech Republic

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Meet

Santiago Botero Santiago Botero is a young man who made a leap of faith—from Colombia to America, from medical profession to ministry preparation.

Santiago and his family, members of the Colombian Lutheran Church, decided he should attend American high school for a semester before entering medical college in Bogota. At his pastor’s urging, he enrolled at Michigan Lutheran Seminary. There he learned about Martin Luther College, visited our campus, participated in chapel—which was “mind-blowing,” he says—and there was no turning back.

He told his parents he wanted to go to MLC. With their full support, he is now a life science major, hoping to teach biology and other sciences at a WELS high school.

“And I want to be part of a congregation,” he says.

“I want to help a congregation grow—maybe through Spanish evangelism.”

Although MLC costs less than other private colleges, it’s still more than double the cost of college in Colombia.

“My family was never wealthy,” says Santiago, “but we had food and a roof. Now . . .” His voice drifts off.

Then he explains how his father was first transferred to Lima, Peru, and then lost his job when his company was sold. “There’s just no way my parents can pay my tuition,” he says.

Santiago works in MLC’s cafeteria for minimum wage, and he receives financial aid. But it’s still difficult. “We know the Lord has a path,” he says. “My dad has been getting job interviews, so we’re waiting.”

While feeling unsettled about his financial situation, Santiago is completely settled on his future at MLC. “I can’t see myself anywhere else. It’s God-centered here. I don’t have to hide that part of my life. I’m a Lutheran! And now I’m doing something I love. It’s such a blessing, you know?”

Recent

International Graduates

Joey Molyneaux MLC ’12 is principal of St John’s Lutheran School, Antigua. He grew up there, taught there for two years, and then came to MLC to finish his education degree. Now, in his third year as administrator, the enrollment is growing and a building project to double the school’s size is in the works. “A goal of mine was to help my teachers be more effective,” he says. “An effective teacher does three things well: manage, teach, and differentiate instruction. Every change I implement—procedures, classroom and school-wide expectations—is rooted in these three goals.”

Mayu Takada MLC ’11 taught at St. Paul-Muskego WI and two schools in Japan, one of which is an English immersion school.

That school is now requesting MLC graduates to teach English, opening a new mission pathway for our students.

EunWoo (Chris) Kim MLC ’14 is content director for IAMCOMPANY, a Korean startup that created an education app called IAMSCHOOL. The app communicates school announcements, documents, photos, and updates to Korean parents, who are extremely focused on their children’s education. Only one year old, the app is the most popular in the country, with 80% of all schools registered to use it.

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Sports

Focus On

By Sports Information Director Michael Gibbons

Cross Country The cross country teams finished with five runners on the All-UMAC team after a strong performance at the UMAC Championships on November 1.

The men finished second at the event thanks to all-conference performances from Grey Davis (St. Paul-Lake Mills WI), Darian Schnose (Emanuel-Tawas City MI), Justin Wilkens (BethlehemManassas VA), and Jonathan Fleischmann (Trinity-Austin MN).

The women took fourth place, with Amara Biebert (Shepherd of the Hills-Inver Grove Heights MN) earning All-UMAC honors.

Grey Davis

Jenna Maurer

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Albrecht Habben NWC 1940 Raymond SD

Women’s Soccer The women’s soccer team tied for fourth place in the final UMAC standings with a record of 8-10 overall and 7-7 in UMAC play.

The Knights relied on a group of talented underclassmen alongside seniors Lauren Maertz (St. Martin’s-Watertown SD) and Keely Keese (First-Lake Geneva WI), and came up just shy of returning to the UMAC Tournament for the second straight season. Sophomore Jenna Maurer (Good ShepherdSouth Attleboro MA) scored nine goals this season to give her 25 for her career, tied for fifth most in program history.

Maertz finished her career with 22 goals, good for seventh in program history.

Michele Wille DMLC 1990 San Diego CA

Volleyball

Miranda Maasz

The Knights qualified for the UMAC Postseason Volleyball Tournament for the fifth straight season following a 13-16 regular season. Setter Miranda Maasz (St. John-Sleepy Eye MN) finished her record-breaking career with the school record for career assists per set (9.10), and also finished in the top ten in program history in assists, digs, and service aces per set.

Seth Haakenson MLC 2000 Sierra Vista AZ

Chelsea Fraley MLC 2010 Lyons OH

Cross Country “We Will Run and Not Grow Weary” Sportsmanship trophies in cross country have been awarded by the UMAC for four years. MLC’s men have won it every year, and the women have won it three out of four years.

Since the coaches choose the winners immediately following the conference race, one might wonder what leads them to choose the Knights again and again. It’s certainly not a “pity gift,” because the Knights have a successful program—with the men in the top two and the women in the top four for years.

Maybe it’s what they see before each race. Both MLC teams huddle up right on the course, about 50 yards from the starting line, arms around each other’s shoulders. The coaches fire them up a bit, and then the entire team gets down on their knees in the grass and prays together.

Coach Mark Paustian says this is part of the spiritual formation that occurs during the MLC college experience. “On that fairway, with runners from other colleges warming up all around them, a part of each of our runners might be asking, ‘Do I really want to be this transparent—to identify with Christ in so obvious a way as this?’ And then the better part of them says, ‘There’s no place I should be right now but in this place, on my knees, bowing my head.”

After the prayer the women stand and do a Knights fight cheer.

The men shout out a Hebrew battle cry. This year it’s Hebrew for “We will run and not grow weary.”

The teams’ spiritual practice parallels their physical practice all season long. On Monday nights the students lead team devotions, and Coach Paustian intersperses a half-dozen of his own.

John Hardman DMLC 1965 Clare MI

Karyn Brisso DMLC 1985 Springfield OR

On pre-meet days, the men and women meet separately, circle up, and share a kind of spiritual fellowship usually seen only in older, more mature Christians—or in the very young who have not yet learned to be self-conscious. The athletes go around the circle and share personal thoughts and feelings—maybe all answering the same deep question, all expressing gratitude for someone, all offering a prayer, or all dedicating the next day’s race to someone.

This fall, runner Sarah Schulte (St. John-Hillpoint WI) took this practice home with her. One October day, right before practice, she got a call that her father’s West Nile virus had taken a bad turn. Her mom told her to finish the next day’s midterms and then come home. Her team thought otherwise.

“We cried and prayed with her,” said Professor Paustian, “but the whole thing didn’t feel right to me, and then it didn’t feel right to her friends, and I asked her what her gut was telling her, and we all finally said, ‘What are you waiting for?’

“One runner, Monica Sletten (St. Mark-Watertown WI), said, ‘I’ll drive you home,’ and another, Em Koltz (St. Matthew-Oconomowoc WI), said, ‘Take my car. Go.’ “And then Sarah had an hour with her dad and her whole family,” Paustian continues, “singing hymns and praying the old bedtime prayers they had prayed, before he went home.”

Sarah also led her family in a new practice, a practice she’d learned from her MLC cross country team. She circled up her family, and they took turns talking about the wonderful father they’d been given, sharing memories, naming what they loved about him, offering their prayers of thanks to God, and encouraging each other to be strong in the Savior who loved them, to run and not grow weary.

Winfred Nommensen NWC 1945 Juneau WI

Joanne Mattes MLC 2005 Sebewaing MI

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Focus On

High school students visiting MLC for a Focus on Ministry Weekend in October looked up at the drone as it took their picture outside the Chapel of the Christ.

About 340 students from 12 Lutheran high schools visited MLC over two fall weekends: Manitowoc, Luther Prep, WISCO, Lakeside, Shoreland, Great Plains, Minnesota Valley, Fox Valley, Luther, Rocky Mountain, Nebraska, and Kettle Moraine.

They were joined by students from Westminster CT, Waterville MN, Red Wing MN, Antigo WI, and Austin TX.

The students toured campus; heard ministry presentations; talked to coaches, directors, professors, and students; and experienced dorm life. Additional high school groups will visit later in the year.

Studies say that the campus visit is the number-one deciding factor for many students choosing a college. We encourage students to ask their guidance director or youth group director about a visit to MLC. Or families may call our admissions office (507.354.8221) if they’d like to schedule a personal visit!

Student ambassadors are ready to meet the students. The buses arrive, and the exciting weekend begins. Visitors have a little fun at Vogel Rec Center.

(All MLC students have free Vogel memberships!)

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Alice Lincoln DMLC 1975 Glendale AZ

James Oblinger DMLC 1970 Livonia MI

Kari Mantey MLC 2000 Port Orchard WA

Jeff Carter NWC 1980 Spokane WA

They Built It for Christ We thank the 25 alumni and Builders for Christ volunteers who gave over 1100 hours of time to complete phase one of the Chapel of the Christ basement. Their work provided much-needed gathering space for receptions and meetings—and saved the college over $27,500 in labor costs.

“It was truly a substantial offering,” said Steve Balza, MLC alumni director and project facilitator, “and we thank God for each of those individuals and their generous contributions.”

Volunteer Bill Diersen (Bethany-Appleton WI) has worked on several Builders for Christ projects. When the MLC project showed up, he volunteered immediately—and won the award for most hours given: 115. “I enjoyed working with Steve Balza as the project leader and the other fellows,” he said. “It’s always interesting working with other Christians from other parts of the country.”

Interesting note: Bill and his wife, Mary, are familiar with campus, because they often visited Mary’s mother, Lucille Ingebretson, who was house mother for the women’s dorm for many years.

For volunteer Dave Pfeifer (Grace-Oskaloosa IA), this was his first Builders for Christ project—and the first time he’d seen MLC’s chapel. “The Chapel is most impressive,” he said, noting what a blessing it was to have daily devotions and to participate in worship services along with the Minnesota District Convention delegates.

Among the many who worked on the basement of the Chapel of the Christ are Tim Roemhildt, Dick Fuoss, Dave Pfeifer, Bill Diersen, Rik Krahn, Dave Koester, Dave Neumann, and Ben Stellick.

“The project was well organized, and it was a treat to work with other Christians,” Pfeifer added. “We are blessed in the WELS to have such a fine college and dedicated Christians working there.”

Steve Balza speaks for the entire college when he expresses his gratitude: “We certainly could not have done it without these volunteers.

We hope this project is another step in a growing relationship between two wonderful ministries: Martin Luther College and Kingdom Workers/Builders for Christ.”

Dave Pfeifer

Bill Diersen

Andrew Bauer NWC 1985 Two Rivers WI

Norma Veach DMLC 1965 Sioux City IA

David Bartelt DMLC 1980 Tempe AZ

Suzanne Hough DMLC 1985 Rapid City SD

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Meeting Ministry Needs:

URBAN MINISTRY WELS REQUEST:

More teachers qualified to teach in urban schools

Katrina Buchholz MLC ’14 is fostering love, confidence, and hard work in her third graders at Risen Savior-Milwaukee. She shares the love of Jesus with them. She encourages them to work hard. And she encourages them to encourage each other.

It starts with her scholar charts. “Every morning, all students’ names are on ‘Ready to Learn’ on my chart,” she says, “but their goal is to move up to the ‘Leadership’ spot. As they all work, they love noticing each other’s excellence. They’ll say things like, ‘I would like to nominate so-and-so for a Leadership spot because multiplication can be hard for her, but she had a positive attitude when she got the wrong answer, and she’s been following your directions immediately so she can be a successful scholar.’

“My job of creating a loving and encouraging classroom culture is a lot easier,” she says, “when I have 23 students working toward that same goal.”

Her principal, Rob Dusseau DMLC ‘94, is not surprised that things are going well in the third grade classroom. “Katrina is a very talented, confident, and ministry-minded teacher.

Knowing that she spent several years working and learning in urban classrooms during her pre-service training makes me very confident that she will continue to push the high academic and behavioral standards we’ve been working toward.”

Katrina also appreciates that extra practice she received before graduation. Her urban experiences while at MLC, many sponsored by Milwaukee’s Center for Urban Teaching, included taking immersion trips, attending conferences and convocations, teaching summer school at Risen Savior in 2013, and student teaching at St. Marcus-Milwaukee.

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Andrew Schroer NWC 1995 Stevensville MI

Margaret Hoenecke DMLC 1955 Detroit MI

MLC RESPONSE:

Develop a new urban ministry minor

“These experiences gave me a lot of extra teaching practice and many opportunities for feedback from champion teachers,” she says.

There’s a critical need for new teachers like Katrina, who already have urban ministry experience, making them ready to go on day one.

MLC is ready to meet that need. At the request of WELS Conference of Presidents, MLC established a new urban ministry minor and called Benjamin Clemons MLC ’03 to lead the program. Interestingly, Professor Clemons began his ministry at the same school Ms. Buchholz serves now.

The enrollment at Risen Savior quadrupled during his 2003-2008 tenure.

Professor Clemons is planning experiential opportunities and writing new courses. God willing, our program will provide teachers “with the skills, strategies, experience, and cultural competency to work in this rich harvest field,” Clemons says.

“Our schools and churches have been in need of teachers—and even pastors—who are willing, able, and excited to work in a setting drastically different from what most of us experienced growing up.”

Katrina and many other MLC grads are already hard at work in urban ministries. With our new minor, we hope to develop even more qualified called workers to join them.

Katrina Buchholz

Darik Mischke MLC 2005 Hazel SD

Jean Quast DMLC 1965 Goodhue MN

Meeting Ministry Needs:

NEW TEACHER INDUCTION WELS REQUEST:

Mentoring of new teachers to accelerate their success in the classroom

When Tyler Tesch MLC ’12 graduated from MLC, he felt fairly confident about teaching.

“I had developed my philosophy. I knew how I wanted to teach. I saw no hurdles in my way.”

MLC’s New Teacher Induction (NTI) program showed him how to take that young confidence and those raw ideas and bring them to full maturity in his classroom. “Thanks to the mentoring program,” he says, “I was able to adapt certain techniques, management plans, and curriculum-based instruction to help make my ideas take root and grow.”

Tyler’s mentor, Linda Baumann DMLC ’95, is currently mentoring four beginning teachers and also supervising a student teacher. “I enjoy seeing a beginning teacher grow,” she says, “and getting a different perspective on ministry that I can take back to my school.”

Linda says the mentoring training she receives from MLC has been very valuable. “I’m able to use these skills not only when I’m mentoring but in other teaching situations as well.”

MLC RESPONSE:

Partner with CLS to facilitate New Teacher Induction program

As Tyler trades in the “new teacher” designation for “veteran teacher,” Linda hopes to move on and mentor others. “I look forward to continuing this part of my ministry for a long time.”

Principal Backus is ready to sign on with his next new teacher too. “It’s been a program that has served us well, and I pray it would serve others in the future also.”

MLC’s NTI program is working in 10 WELS districts with 105 first- and second-year teachers. Professor Jon Schaefer, the program coordinator, is pleased with the results and is working to identify more mentors so that very soon all new teachers can benefit from the program as Tyler has.

“My mentor challenged me to grow in every area,” Tyler concludes, “and she brought out a more professional side to my teaching.”

Tyler Tesch

Tyler’s principal, Dave Backus MLC ’97, says the program has had a positive influence on the whole faculty. “It’s helped our new teacher have a ‘go-to’ person who isn’t necessarily a part of the staff. The mentor-mentee-principal structure offers extra help without adding additional duties to teachers. It’s been a consistent means by which our new teacher can grow professionally.”

John Wille NWC 1975 Clatonia NE

Grace Kowahlke DMLC 1940 Minocqua WI

Paul Stuebs NWC 1965 Brillion WI

Doretta Engel DMLC 1960 Danube MN

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Meeting Ministry Needs:

CHINESE WELS REQUEST:

Graduates who are familiar with Mandarin Chinese

Upon his graduation from MLC in 2010, Micah Ricke lived in China four years, teaching English and living his faith. “While there, I learned how to use chopsticks fairly well,” he said. “I learned how to be a minority. I learned how to survive without Facebook. I learned how to expect the unexpected. And I learned how to teach the Book to someone who had never touched one before.

“I also learned how to hear, speak, read, and write Chinese. But I would’ve been far more independent and effective far sooner if MLC had offered Chinese when I was there!”

At the request of the WELS synod in convention, MLC does offer a Chinese minor now. Professor Tingting Zhang Schwartz teaches the language to both education and preseminary majors. Students who graduate with an introduction to Mandarin will not only be more effective teachers in China; they can also use their skills here in America, where Chinese immigration continues to grow.

MLC RESPONSE: Establish a Chinese minor

their mothers about the new opportunity to serve and my inner struggle,” Micah said. “They said, ‘Micah, if you will go, our sons will go.’ Meaning if I went to WISCO, Andrew and Simon would come to WISCO! That one sentence put my mind and heart at peace.”

Micah lives in a WISCO campus house, and 18 international students, including 16 from China, live in student homes. “My language ability and familiarity with Chinese culture has helped those Chinese students make the life-altering transition to a Christian American high school. Also, they have helped me transition to American life! Without having a mini Chinatown in my backyard my China-cravings would be intolerable.”

With one in every seven people in the world speaking Mandarin Chinese, the need for more speakers is clear. At the request of WELS, MLC is helping to meet that need.

Micah, for instance, now serves as director of residential life back at his alma mater, Wisconsin Lutheran High School. It was incredibly difficult to leave his students in China, he says, but two eighth grade boys from China, Simon and Andrew, helped him make his decision. “I told

Micah, Andrew, and Simon

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David Seager NWC 1965 La Habra CA

Amy VonDeylen DMLC 1995 Cincinnati OH

Jeffrey Koepsell DMLC 1975 Paonia CO

Shannon Sanchez MLC 2000 Saginaw MI

Meeting Ministry Needs:

EARLY CHILDHOOD PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT WELS REQUEST:

Professional development for ECE teachers

MLC RESPONSE:

Develop three strands of professional development to meet every ECE teacher where they are

Although Michelle Lamb Dobberstein’s MLC ’01 degree is in elementary education, God placed her in an early childhood ministry. She’s director and teacher at Emanuel Lutheran Early Childhood-New London WI. To learn more about teaching that age level, she began taking MLC continuing ed classes.

“I love these classes!” she says. “They’ve taught me so much about Jesus’ littlest lambs. They are also very valuable in affirming practices I have in place, making me feel more confident in my service to Jesus!”

When she finishes all the courses, she’ll be prepared to apply for the Child Development Association (CDA) credential, which is recognized in all 50 states.

Michelle is one of many, many ECE teachers across the synod who want to learn more about this ministry in which God has placed them. Dr. John Meyer DMLC ’87, director of graduate studies and continuing education, surveyed these teachers, asking them what they needed to make their ministries even more effective.

Early Childhood Educator Series is for teachers like Michelle, who have a degree in elementary education but want to learn more about teaching preprimary children. The Educator Series is also for teachers who have no college degree at all.

Early Childhood Teacher Synod Certification is for those who have been called by a congregation but are not D/MLC graduates.

Early Childhood Ministry Essentials is for teachers who have a degree in early childhood education but want to maximize their schools’ outreach potential, making gospel connections among school, church, and home.

As requested, the courses are affordable and convenient, offered either online or face-to-face at teachers’ locations.

“It’s hard for congregations to keep up with this rapidly growing outreach ministry,” said Dr. Meyer. “As the WELS College of Ministry, it is vital that MLC continuing education provide the kind of support called early childhood ministers need.”

Here’s what they asked for: • Courses that increase their understanding of preprimary children—because 75% of them have degrees in elementary, not early childhood, education.

Michelle Dobberstein

• Courses that are convenient—because they’re busy.

• Courses that are affordable—because schools have limited professional development funds.

• Courses that help them maximize their preschool’s outreach potential—because sharing the gospel is what ministry is all about.

In response, the MLC Graduate Studies and Continuing Education Office developed three separate strands of professional development.

R Dennis Rardin NWC 1985 Bolingbrook IL

Rachel Jones MLC 2010 Oklahoma City OK

Jari Loewecke DMLC 1975 Long Beach CA

Nathan Wagenknecht NWC 1995 Fort Worth TX

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Meeting Ministry Needs:

SPECIAL EDUCATION WELS REQUEST:

More teachers qualified to provide services to students with special needs

When Jenny Johnson Schopper MLC ’98, ’14 decided to pursue her master’s degree at MLC, she knew immediately what emphasis to choose: special education.

“My oldest daughter, Corynn, was my inspiration,” she says.

“She has difficulty in school. She was very late in talking, and for quite a while, she was extremely difficult to understand out of context. She is now diagnosed with ADHD (the inattentive type), an expressive speech and language disability, and dyslexia.

“She struggled to simply learn her letters and sounds,” Jenny remembers. “This made reading extremely challenging, and I didn’t know how to help her. The school she attended was unable to help her either, so I decided to home-school her, praying that the individual attention would help. I was nervous, so I took every special education class MLC offered.

“My first class was probably my favorite: Diagnosis and Remediation of Reading Difficulties. We were supposed to do a case study on a student and set up a plan for helping them read. I used Corynn as my student. It was invaluable finding out exactly where she was at and figuring out ways to help her.”

MLC RESPONSE:

Develop a new special education undergraduate major and graduate emphasis

We also strongly encourage our students to pursue an elementary or secondary education major in addition to the special ed major, preparing them to serve as a regular classroom teacher too, as Jenny does.

Special ed graduates qualify for Academic and Behavioral Strategist (ABS) licensure as well as WELS certification and Minnesota state licensure. Master’s students who choose the special education emphasis can earn a Learning Disabilities (LD) license.

“When my daughter was young,” Jenny says, “I could tell she didn’t learn the same way as other students, but I couldn’t explain it. Now I can talk with medical professionals and representatives from the public school system and explain exactly what I’m seeing. I can also talk with the parents and doctors of other students in similar circumstances. I’m able to share my experiences and offer suggestions.”

Jenny Schopper

When Jenny was halfway through her master’s program, she was called to teach grades 3 and 4 at Loving Shepherd-Milwaukee.

With the tools and confidence she received from her master’s courses, she became a resource not only for Corynn, who was in her classroom for two years, but for all the students with learning challenges.

MLC initiated a special education major to prepare more Jennys—teachers equipped to serve as special education resources for their WELS schools or for several WELS schools in larger areas. They are prepared to provide instruction for students with autism spectrum disorders, developmental cognitive disabilities, emotional or behavioral disorders, and specific learning disabilities.

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Gerald Berger DMLC 1950 Bay City MI

Amy Stephens MLC 2005 Far Hills NJ

David C Pries NWC 1990 Saginaw MI

Andrew Glende MLC 2000 Columbus OH

Meeting Ministry Needs:

EVANGELISM CERTIFICATE PROGRAM WELS REQUEST:

Equip congregational evangelism leaders

MLC RESPONSE:

Create an Evangelism Certificate program

Pastor Mike Hintz’s ministry is devoted to helping people talk about Jesus. As the director of the WELS Commission on Evangelism, he helps congregations and individuals carry the gospel to their friends and neighbors more effectively.

The Evangelism Certificate Program is the latest partnership effort of this commission and MLC. Intended for any lay or called worker, the certificate is awarded to those who complete three one-credit courses: The Mission of the Church, Practical Evangelism for Congregations, and Friendship Evangelism.

“The three courses,” says Pastor Hintz, “are designed to connect participants with the biblical foundation for evangelism. Building upon that sure foundation, they will explore practical outreach strategies for helping their congregation’s evangelism program. Also, they will grow in their confidence and ability to talk about Jesus with people they know.”

“The courses will prepare individuals for an active role in planning and carrying out congregational outreach efforts,” Hintz continues, “and better equip them to fulfill the Lord’s calling of being his witnesses among the people they interact with every day.”

To ease completion of the certification, MLC’s courses are inexpensive and the time commitment reasonable. To learn more, apply, or register for courses, go to mlc-wels.edu/go/evcp and type “Evangelism Certificate” in the search box.

Pastor Mike Hintz, preacher and presenter at MLC’s Evangelism Day

The certificate program helps to fulfill the Commission on Evangelism’s goal of equipping the saints for individual and congregational evangelism. And it also helps to fulfill MLC’s mission “to train a corps of Christian witnesses who are qualified to meet the ministry needs of WELS.”

MLC Certificate Programs • Seminary Certification • Teacher Certification • Teacher Re-certification • Staff Ministry Certificate • Chaplain Certificate • Congregational Assistant Program Certificate • Educational Technology Certificate • Teaching Online Certificate • Evangelism Certificate • Mentoring Certificate

Harmon Krause NWC 1955 Beaver Dam WI

Rebecca Brassfield MLC 2000 Johnson Creek WI

Benjamin Reichel MLC 2010 Mitchell SD

Michael Albrecht DMLC 1990 Omaha NE

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MLC’s online blog presents provocative issues in education. Read. Be inspired. Add to the discussion. Here’s a sample of recent blogs. Read the full articles and the discussions that ensue at blogs.mlc-wels.edu.

Common Core State Standards: A WELS Perspective

by Duane Vance

BYOD – A Sustainable Approach to 1:1 Technology

by Todd Russ

In the last few years, the Common Core State Standards have been a controversial topic among educators, politicians, and the general public who have heard various accounts in the media. The content of the standards, their implementation, and the politics that surround them cause passionate debate between those who view the standards as the next best step in education and those who oppose the initiative altogether. . . . How should WELS schools view and use the standards, if at all? . . .

During the last decade, numerous schools and school districts have made the move to a 1:1 computer device program. Millions of dollars have been poured into these initiatives in hopes that student achievement will be positively impacted. Unfortunately, the data is mixed regarding the impact of 1:1 technology (Sauers & MCleod, 2012). So how do non-public Christian school—specifically WELS schools—justify the costs without definitive data or government funding? . . .

Character Education: Implications for Lutheran Schools by Seth Fitzsimmons As the fabric of American society unravels and reports of school and societal violence increase, a renewed emphasis on character education (CE) is sweeping public schools. What implication, if any, does this have for Lutheran schools? . . .

What Does ESL Mean for Lutheran Schools?

by Mark Zondag Remember singing the song, “Jesus loves the little children, all the children of the world, every color, every race–all are covered by his grace. Jesus loves the little children of the world”? Do we actually reflect the attitude of this song in our schools? Can we say, by objectively looking around at the ethnicities of our students, that God does love all the little children? . . .

Should Screen Time for Young Children Be Allowed?

by Jason Schmidt

Take a stroll through your local grocery store or shopping center, and you might see several youngsters sitting in the cart or stroller being entertained with an iPad or cell phone. Depending on my mood, I look at this as either a stroke of genius, envy that I didn’t have that for my kids, or rage at this parent’s inconsideration for any kind of quality parenting skills. . . . As mobile devices become even more prevalent in our society, one can’t help but wonder what effect such access has on our young children. . . .

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Travel with Us to New England!

The MLC Alumni Association invites all WELS members to join them for their popular annual tour.

• Dates and Destination: June 20-30, 2015, in New England • Highlights: Scenic spaces (Acadia National Park, Lake Champlain, Franconia Notch, Golden Pond) Historic places (Boston’s Freedom Trail, Lexington & Concord, Harvard, Fenway Park, Newport, Plymouth) Daily devotions with Professor Emeritus Mark Lenz, WELS Sunday worship, and even potluck!

• Costs and Inclusions: Package prices range from $1100 to $2250 per person, depending on hotel occupancy and flight preferences.

Included are 10 nights’ hotel accommodation, 16 meals, motor coach transport, guides, attractions, and taxes.

A non-stop flight from Minneapolis including two checked bags, parking, and shuttle service is an option.

Discounts are available for early registration, repeat travelers, and activity opt-outs.

• Information and Registration: Visit the MLC website at mlc-wels.edu/go/alumni-tour or contact Steve Balza (507.217.1731 or alumni@mlc-wels.edu) for more details and registration information.

• Last year’s tour sold out in less than a month! Don’t delay . . . Register today!

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Sarah Meyer Zahrt MLC ’99 and Duane Rodewald NWC ’85 catch up at the Alumni Social.

Jon Enter MLC ’00 hands out Sprinter Fun Run awards.

The women’s soccer team welcome Judy Schapekahm Schroer DMLC ’64 across the finish line at the Sprinter Fun Run.

Alumni enjoy the social at Holiday Inn: Jon Balge NWC ’83, Steve White MLC ’12, Kailey Snyder White MLC ’11, Becky Huhn Cox DMLC ‘89, Lynn Stobb Maertz DMLC ’88, Dave Maertz NWC ‘85, and Mike Lindemann NWC ‘87.

HOMECOMING 2014

Martin Luther College Alumni Association Board Front Row: Stephanie Tess Grow MLC ‘01, Peter Sulzle MLC ’00, Tonya Wolff DMLC ’94, Steve Balza DMLC ’93, Gina Radue MLC ’17, Roger Klockziem DMLC ‘63, Dan Kramer NWC ’93; Back Row: Russell Scoggins MLC ’14, Jason Oakland MLC ’00, Aaron Hartwig MLC ’02, ’08, Jon Enter MLC ’00, Anne Schroeder Wilson MLC ’98, Adam Reinhard MLC ’03, Jon Balge NWC ’83, Jon Schaefer MLC ’02, Sarah Meyer Zahrt MLC ’99; not pictured: Josh Roth MLC ’02.

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New alum Peter Plagenz MLC ’14 hams it up during the Sprinter Fun Run.

Focus On Alumni Support Today’s Students through Aaron’s Arms The Martin Luther College Alumni Association presented a $2500 “Big Check” to the MLC Student Assistance fund as part of the annual Homecoming halftime festivities. The contribution is in line with the MLCAA’s ongoing commitment to support student scholarships and non-budgeted campus projects.

The MLCAA funding program is named “Aaron’s Arms,” reminding us how Aaron and Hur supported the Lord’s work as they uplifted the arms of his servant Moses.

“Our goal is to encourage large numbers of alumni to get involved and support today’s MLC student—a future Moses—at whatever level they are able,” says Alumni Director Steve Balza.

“We truly are concerned more about the quantity of givers than the quantity of each gift. Our graduates may not all be affluent by this nation’s standards, but I believe we can all contribute a small amount to show our support. Many ‘mites’ can be used by the Lord to make a mighty impact on the training of our future shepherds.”

Balza also notes that MLC alumni “do have a significant amount of influence” and sees MLC graduates as an army of advocates.

“We appreciate our graduates’ ongoing efforts to mentor young

Christian lives, to model ministry, and to encourage prospective students to consider the public ministry. We hope that they will now also excel in the grace of giving and be counted among the many who give back to show appreciation for their training here on the hill.”

Please consider partnering with the MLCAA in their Aaron’s Arms funding efforts. A simple online form has been created allowing you to make a one-time or ongoing gift using a credit card or e-check. Simply visit mlc-wels.edu/alumni and select “Click Here to Give.”

MLCAA President Jon Schaefer MLC ’03, MLCAA Treasurer Adam Reinhard MLC ’03, MLC Student Body President Caleb Klatt MLC ’15, and MLC Student Body Treasurer Tristan Paustian MLC ’15 mlc-wels.edu

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Focus On Announcing . . .

First Second-Generation MLC Student!

Cassandra Doering was just a couple weeks old when her dad, Matthew Doering (pictured), earned his diploma as a member of the first Martin Luther College graduating class in 1996. Eighteen years later, Cassie (St. Paul-Lake Mills WI) became a member of the 2014-15 freshman class at MLC. We’re fairly certain that makes Cassie the first second-generation MLC student—of traditional college-age students, that is. If you can beat this, we’d love to hear about it!

You’re Invited to Dinner & Concert in Madison Saturday, March 7 4:00 pm Dinner in the Rathskellar of Great Dane Pub and Brewing Company

Dinner speakers: MLC Vice President Mike Otterstatter

Wisconsin State Representative Jeremy Thiesfeldt DMLC ’89

7:00 pm MLC College Choir Concert at Our Redeemer Lutheran Church

Join us as we gather with alumni, parents, and friends of MLC to show support for our students, hear what’s happening at MLC, and enjoy fellowship and a fine meal in a lovely atmosphere. Then it’s just a short jaunt to the church for the College Choir Concert!

Dinner (appetizers, choice of entrée, dessert, and drink ticket) $25

Learn more and register at mlc-madison.eventbrite.com or contact the alumni office at 507.217.1731 or alumni@mlc-wels.edu.

MLC College Choir

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Andrew Backus NWC 1970 Watertown WI

Wisconsin State Capitol

Elizabeth Godfrey DMLC 1990 Mission Hills CA

Rep. Jeremy Thiesfeldt

MLC VP Mike Otterstatter

Benjamin Ehlers MLC 2010 South Windsor CT

Denise Schultz DMLC 1980 Durand MI

Meet the

Presidents

Dr. Martin Luther College

President Adolf Ackermann

Pastor Adolf Ackermann (1871-1950) served Dr. Martin Luther College as director (president) from 1908 to 1919. Born in Mittelschlecthbach, South Germany, he decided at age 14 to become a missionary in America. In 1885 he arrived in the United States and by October was enrolled at the newly-founded Dr. Martin Luther College in New Ulm, Minnesota.

Five years later, upon graduating with a Bachelor of Arts degree, he held the unique distinction of receiving the first diploma granted by the college, proud to become the first graduate, alphabetically, of the first class. To complete his study for the pastoral ministry, Ackermann received a theological degree at Concordia SeminarySt. Louis. He was called to the faculty of his college alma mater in 1894.

In 1908, after Professor John Schaller left the college to become director of the theological seminary near Milwaukee, Professor A. Ackermann, at age 37, was called to replace him as DMLC director. During Ackermann’s tenure two new buildings were constructed: Summit Hall and the Aula, later called the Music Hall. Summit was a state-of-the-art, fire-safe dormitory with connected water supply, electric lighting, and plumbing. The smaller of the two new buildings, the Aula featured an auditorium for morning/evening chapel and other assemblies, together with some smaller practice rooms.

Ackermann’s outgoing personality and community involvement unfortunately brought the college to the brink of closure. The prosperous German-speaking college and community were caught in a maelstrom of anti-German patriotism.

Director Ackermann joined in speaking publicly against America’s possible involvement in the war. The Minnesota State Department of Public Safety threatened to close the college. Under pressure, Ackermann resigned along with city officials.

The Minnesota Synod apologized to their former director. He was called to serve congregations at Essig and Brighton, and in 1922, he accepted a call to ImmanuelMankato, where he served until his death at the age of 79. During his time at Immanuel, Ackermann was also elected to become the 13th president of the Minnesota District of the WELS, a position he held for 12 years, 1936-1948.

Our gratitude to Professor Emeritus Arnold Koelpin for writing this biography and to Professor Emeritus Arthur Schultz for his research on the DMLC presidents.

Matthew Schaewe NWC 1990 Yale MI

Ronald Zindler NWC 1975 St. Joseph MI

Northwestern College 1865-1869 Adam Martin 1869-1870 Lewis O. Thompson 1871-1919 Dr. August F. Ernst 1919-1959 Erwin E. Kowalke 1959-1987 Carleton Toppe 1987-1993 Robert J. Voss 1993-1995 John Braun

Dr. Martin Luther College 1884-1885 Christian J. Albrecht 1885-1893 Otto Hoyer 1893-1908 John Schaller

1908-1918 Adolph Ackermann 1918-1920 Johannes P. Meyer 1920-1936 Edmund Bliefernicht 1936-1966 Carl Schweppe 1966-1980 Conrad Frey 1980-1993 Lloyd O. Huebner 1993-1995 John Lawrenz

Martin Luther College 1995-2007 Theodore Olsen 2007-present Mark Zarling

Aaron Schleusener MLC 2005 Utica NE

Linda Jenson DMLC 1970 San Diego CA

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Congregational Assistance Makes All the Difference for MLC Students Holy Cross-Tucson, Arizona

St. Paul-North Mankato, Minnesota

When John and Hannah Spivey (pictured) decided to enroll as second-career students at MLC, the congregation of Holy Cross in Tucson decided to help.

Brian Knepprath and Nathan Wong (pictured) have a slightly smaller tuition bill than their classmates at MLC. That’s because their home congregation, St. Paul-North Mankato MN, pays part of it for them, in incrementally rising amounts: 20% their first year, 40% sophomore year, 60% junior year, and 80% senior year.

Hannah had earned a degree in music at University of Arizona, and John was studying public administration there but not enjoying it much. Having come to WELS only recently, John wanted to serve God with his life. He suggested they both enroll at MLC, he in preseminary studies and she in secondary instrumental music education.

“I have always held MLC in very high esteem,” Hannah said, “so when he mentioned making the move here, I was all for it.”

The congregation supported the move as well—with prayer and with a gift of $1500 each. Pastor Curt Grube said, “Since Hannah helped us out in a pinch as an organist for several months, we wanted to help them both out with tuition.” Four other ministerial students from Holy Cross have also received member support.

“It has tremendously eased our financial burden,” Hannah says.

“Also, just the fact that they were willing to give us that kind of gift truly touched us, and we are looking forward to being called workers even more because of that! We are truly grateful for their help and support.”

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“This tells me that people really care about the ministry,” says Brian, a junior. “The help I’m receiving now is a gift I will be grateful for for the remainder of my life in the Lord’s service.”

Lutheran education is a priority at St. Paul’s. They partner with St. Mark-Mankato to operate Risen Savior Lutheran School, and they pay part of their students’ tuition not only at MLC but also at Jesus Loves Me Learning Center (preschool) and at Minnesota Valley LHS. “We have a tuition assistance budget of almost $46,000 right now,” says Church Administrator Mark Probst. “This is an incentive to parents to send their children to Lutheran schools and an opportunity for all of us to give back to the Lord. And for called workers like me, well, I always dreamed someone would take my place someday.”

“You’ve taken a huge amount of stress out of my life,” Brian adds, “for which I feel very undeserving. God is working through you to bless me. I hope that I too can be used in the future to bless others.”

MLC Supporters Raise the Flag

By Kate Tohal, MLC Resource Development Counselor Andy and Margaret (Schmidt) Madson have a lake home north of Brainerd, Minnesota. One day while taking a pontoon ride around the lake with me, they commented on all the college flags homeowners were flying. Since Margaret attended high school and college on the D/MLC campus in the 1950s, they decided they wanted an MLC flag to fly likewise. So a flag was designed and 50 were ordered, about half of which will be given to WELS high schools.

The story of the MLC flag doesn’t end there! The Madsons then thought a flag raising would be a wonderful way to spotlight Martin Luther College. So on a sunny afternoon in mid-September, Pastor Mike Otterstatter, MLC’s vice president for mission advancement, conducted a flag-raising ceremony on the Madsons’ lakefront property. About 60 people joined in prayer: “As banners in the Old Testament pointed ahead to Christ, may this flag remind us that Christ is at the heart of the mission of Martin Luther College.” The ceremony concluded with the singing of “God Bless Our Native Land,” the National Anthem, and “God Bless America.” MLC students Leah Boeder (St. John-New Ulm MN) and Jared Natsis (Trinity-Saline MI) were on hand to enhance the singing. The day ended with refreshments and entertainment by Memory Lane (Del and Caroline Begalka).

Guests donated generously to the MLC student financial assistance fund.

Consider purchasing an MLC flag as a Christmas or graduation gift for your MLC student, your pastor, or your teacher. You may find them in our bookstore or online: http://www.mlc-wels.edu/today/news/mlc-flag.

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WELCOME, NEW FACULTY MEMBERS! Grace Hennig DMLC ’89 Professor of music Grace (nee Wessel) Hennig served at Good Shepherd-Downers Grove IL as lower grade teacher and organist, at DMLC as music instructor, and at Michigan Lutheran Seminary as tutor.

She also served as church musician at King of Kings-Garden Grove CA and Emanuel-New London WI, where her husband, Brian, served as pastor. She earned a Master of Church Music from Concordia, Chicago, and a BA in music from the University of Wisconsin, Oshkosh. She and Brian have three children: Molly, Christian, and Natalie.

Ryan Kolander MLC ’10

MLC welcomes these new faculty members (pictured): David Starr, Tingting Zhang Schwartz, Benjamin Clemons, Grace Hennig, Ryan Kolander, Natalie Borgwardt, James Carlovsky, and Matthew Pearson.

Dormitory supervisor Ryan Kolander spent a year doing ministry in Mexico and completed his vicar year at Grace-Falls Church VA. He will return to Wisconsin Lutheran Seminary to finish his pastoral training after his service at MLC.

Natalie Borgwardt DMLC ’90

Matthew Pearson MLC ’97

Early Childhood Learning Center lead teacher Natalie (nee Zimmerman) Borgwardt served at Michigan Lutheran Seminary; at MLC as a dorm supervisor, instructor, and coach; and at Little Lambs Preschool-Holmen WI. She also worked as a teacher’s aide for the New Ulm Head Start program. She and her husband, Daniel, have three sons: Lukas, Matthias, and Justus.

James Carlovsky MLC ’02 (BS), ’10 (MS) Professor of mathematics and instructional technology James Carlovsky served at St. John-Sparta WI as principal, grade 6-8 teacher, and organist and at Kettle Moraine LHS as curriculum coordinator, math instructor, and boys’ basketball and baseball coach. He and his wife, Kate (nee Knickelbein), are blessed with five children: Caleb, Isaiah, Joshua, Nathaniel, and Eden.

Benjamin Clemons MLC ’03 Professor of urban ministry Benjamin Clemons served at Risen Savior-Milwaukee as principal and at Mt. Lebanon-Milwaukee as grade 8 teacher.

Between those two ministries, he and his wife, Karyn (nee Vik), taught English at Hangzhou Normal University in China. They have three children: Olive, Ramona, and Julius.

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Professor of physical education, coach Matthew Pearson served at St. John-Jefferson WI as middle school teacher, coach, and athletic director and at Abiding Word-Houston as upper grade teacher, coach, and assistant principal. Between these ministries, he played competitive golf on the Houston I Tour and the Golf Channel Tour. He and his wife, Amy (nee Bauer), have two children: Madeleine and Benjamin.

Tingting Schwartz Professor of Chinese Tingting Zhang Schwartz has a bachelor’s degree in Chinese language literature education from Liaoning Normal University, Dalian, China, and a master’s degree in comparative literature and world literature from Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China. She taught Chinese at MLC on an adjunct basis for two years before receiving this permanent call. She is married to Dan Schwartz.

David Starr WLS ’14 Admissions counselor David graduated from Wisconsin Lutheran Seminary in May. He is married to Anne (nee Zietlow).

Instructor Richard Bakken, PhD, presented “Two Approaches to Broadening the Geographic Reach of Universities” as part of a panel at the 2014 International Leadership Association Global Conference in San Diego in November.

Professor Paul Bases DMLC ’80 led 21 educators and other adults on a nine-day study tour of Cuba last June. The group toured many sites, including Old Havana, the Hemingway Farm, and the Bay of Pigs Museum. “This is a great time to get into Cuba,” he said, “because they’re opening up to tourists from the USA, and they are in a transition period now that Castro is no longer in power. For our teachers it was a time to see the real Cuba from the perspective of people on the island.” Pictured below: Former MLC students at the Hemingway Farm: Kathy Georgson ’12, Lisa Pappalardo ’12, Isaiah Degner ’05, Ben Jeske, and Renee Pappalardo Jeske ’06

Professor Rebecca Cox DMLC ’89 completed her Master of Arts in Physical Education Pedagogy from Minnesota State University, Mankato.

Professor Larry Czer DMLC ’79 and his wife, Bethany Lutheran College Professor Ramona Czer DMLC ‘79, presented a six-hour workshop on enhancing writing through assignment design and feedback at the Pacific Northwest Teachers’ Conference in Portland in March.

Instructor Sallie Draper (pictured) achieved Google Education Trainer status after completing a series of exams and an extensive credentialing process, placing her in an elite group of only 15 Google Education Trainers in Minnesota and 546 worldwide.

Professor Paul Grubbs MLC ‘01 presented “A Primer in [Film] Grammar” at the Minnesota District Teachers’ Conference in October.

Professor David Bauer DMLC ’76 presented “The Value of the Music in Lutheran Worship” at the Minnesota District Church Leaders Workshop at Trinity-Belle Plaine MN in March. The workshop consisted of a discussion of the topic followed by a reading session for instruments in music, with music supplied by Northwestern Publishing House.

Dr. Paul Boehlke DMLC ’61 and his wife, Jeanette DMLC ‘62 teach grade 3-8 science at Trinity-Nicollet MN. They received the Golden Apple Award from Bethany Lutheran College and KEYC-TV for their work with STEM education at the school last year. Paul was also the Reformation speaker at Mt. Olive-St. Paul, where he spoke on the effects of the Reformation on science.

Professor Benjamin Clemons MLC ’03 presented “Teach like a Champion,” and “Engaging Student Curiosity” at the Wisconsin Lutheran State Teachers’ Conference in October.

Dr. James Grunwald DMLC ‘78 conducted a Moodle (course management system) workshop for Lakeside LHS faculty in May. He presented two sectionals on SMART Board use at the Minnesota District Teachers’ Conference in October.

He continues to serve as the chair of the WELS Commission on Information Technology & Distance Learning and also superintendent of ALHS Online, which facilitates the offering of online courses to WELS high school students.

Professor Daryl Hanneman DMLC ’75 presented “Tips for Helping the Struggling Student” at the Minnesota District Teachers’ Conference in October.

Professor Earl Heidtke DMLC ’73 (pictured) has been named academic dean for educational studies.

Dr. Robert Klindworth DMLC ’70 was re-elected chair of the MN Nonpublic Education Council in September. This council advises the MN Commissioner of Education on matters affecting nonpublic schools, oversees nonpublic school accrediting agency approval, and hears nonpublic school appeals regarding the distribution of Department of Education funding.

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Professor Emeritus Lyle Lange WLS ’69

Rev. Michael Otterstatter WLS ‘94, VP for mission

preached for graduation at Bethany Lutheran Theological Seminary-Mankato and also for his son’s ordination and installation at Abiding Word-Bowling Green OH (ELS). He also presented a nine-part devotion series on Psalm 103 for the alumni tour to Yellowstone National Park and, in October, served as a reactor for Bethany’s B.W. Teigen Reformation Lectures on the topic of apologetics.

advancement, earned the Principles and Techniques of Fundraising Certificate from the Indiana University Lilly Family School of Philanthropy in August.

Professor Emeritus Mark Lenz, PhD, WLS ’69 has written John: Disciple, Evangelist, Apostle (Northwestern Publishing House).

Core Standards” and correlating follow-up sectionals at the Minnesota District Teachers’ Conference in October.

Professor Jon Schaefer MLC ’02, (pictured) director of New Teacher

Professor Jennifer Mehlberg MLC ’07 (pictured) earned her Master

Induction, presented teacher and mentor sectionals at the Michigan, Minnesota, and Wisconsin WELS teachers’ conferences.

of Arts in Education-Early Childhood Education from Concordia University-St. Paul in October.

Instructor Jason Schmidt MLC ’04 presented “Getting Classy with

Dr. John Meyer DMLC ’87 presented “Continuing Education and Remaining in Christ” as the education keynote address at the Wisconsin Lutheran State Teachers’ Conference in October. He also presented “Pursuing Excellence through Continuing Education” as the professional keynote address at the Arizona-California Teachers’ Conference at Redeemer-Tucson in November.

Professor Thomas Nass WLS ’82 presented “A Primer on the History behind the Church of the Lutheran Confession” for 24 leaders of the Evangelical Lutheran Synod and WELS at the Evangelical Lutheran Confessional Forum in October. He also put together the Proceedings for the 2014 Confessional Evangelical Lutheran Conference triennial convention held in Lima, Peru, in June.

Instructor Brent Nolte, DMA, DMLC ’94 gave an organ concert and presented four organ-playing workshops (on registration, effective service playing, and the worship life of the church) at the Great Plains Regional WELS Worship Workshop at Bethel-Sioux Falls SD in October.

Professor Emeritus John Nolte, PhD, DMLC ’68 served as organist for the 25th anniversary service of New Life-Shoreview MN in October.

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Professor Jon Roux DMLC ’95 and Dr. Cindy Whaley DMLC ’76 presented “Reading and the Common

Google Classroom” and “20 Project Ideas for the BYOD/1:1 Classroom” at the Nebraska Fall Ed Tech Conference in October.

Rev. Jeffrey Schone WLS ’87, VP for student affairs, was named UMAC Coach of the Year in women’s soccer for 2013.

Professor David Sellnow WLS ’86 presented “Teaching the Faith: Will We Instruct or Indoctrinate?” at the Lutheran College Conference in August, and he presented “Historical Artifacts and Biblical Journeys in Cyberspace” at the WELS Association of Lutheran Educators (WALE) Conference in October.

Professor Ross Stelljes WLS ’89 presented “Evangelism in Times of Crisis” at the North Atlantic District Labor Day Retreat in Massachusetts.

Dr. Wayne Wagner DMLC ’72 was re-elected to a second term as dean of the Sioux Trails chapter of the American Guild of Organists. In October he was visiting organist at Our Redeemer-Madison WI, conducting a master class for their organists and playing for the congregation’s 60th anniversary service. He also continues to serve as organ project consultant for four congregations in California and Wisconsin.

Professor Emeritus David Wendler, PhD, DMLC ’70 presented “The Case for Credentials: Accreditation and Degree Programs at Martin Luther College” at the 2014 World Seminary Conference at Wisconsin Lutheran Seminary in July. He completed a one-week consultancy on accreditation issues with the University Council of Jamaica.

And he continues his work with the Higher Learning Commission in his retirement: conducting an accreditation visit to Salem International University-West Virginia, training and mentoring new peer reviewers and team chairs, presenting “Open and Standard Pathways: Team Structure, Assignments, Process, and Expectations” and “Institutional Actions Council Decision-Making,” and co-teaching the webinar “Comprehensive Review Training, Open and Standard Pathways.”

WE WELCOME NEW STAFF MEMBERS:

Mark Bauer

Linda Kramer

director of financial aid

director of library services

Benjamin Matzke

Dinah Spurgin

Anne Starr MLC ’12

Andrea Wendland

Dr. Cindy Whaley DMLC ’76 was invited to lead a two-year in-service series at Washington Elementary-New Ulm on guided reading and small-group instruction and at New Ulm High School on reading in the content areas. She also led in-services at Bloomington/Living Hope Lutheran-Bloomington MN on differentiation and instruction.

Dr. Jeffery Wiechman DMLC ’90 (pictured) was named vice president for academics. He presented a book study sectional at the Minnesota District Teachers’ Conference on The Art & Science of Teaching by Robert J. Marzano.

Along with Dr. John Meyer and Dr. Carla Melendy, he worked with WELS Commission on Lutheran Schools to revise the Team Ministry Process forms and practices. He also serves on the Ministerial Education Schools Curriculum Committee, along with President Mark Zarling and Professor Daniel Balge.

audio-visual services coordinator

admissions office administrative assistant

fitness center manager

human resources manager

Camille Wyffels

music office administrative assistant

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“ You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden.�

Matthew 5:14