NOVEMBER 2011
In This Issue... New Early Childhood Learning Center Partners: New Ulm & MLC Enrollment & Tuition: A Statistical Snapshot
Address Service Requested 1995 Luther Court New Ulm, MN 56073
InFocus Staff
Why Lutheran Schools?
WRITER/EDITOR Laurie Gauger ’86
By MLC President Mark Zarling WLS ’80
PHOTOGRAPHERS William Pekrul ’80 Andrew Loescher ’12 Rebecca Wilkens ’13 Michelle Gartner ’93
Christ does not command that we establish the particular structure of the K-8 school or the 9-12 Lutheran high school. Christ does command us to teach and to feed and to nurture and to train and to equip souls with his word of life. So if we have a Lutheran school, we need to make clear its true identity. It is a ministry of the Word in answer to the Great Commission. Its sole raison d’être is to teach Christ.
COPY EDITORS Heidi Schoof ’86 Phil Biedenbender GRAPHIC DESIGNER Lime Valley Advertising, Inc. Office of Mission Advancement
What Paul wrote to the Colossians, he writes to Lutheran schools: My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love, so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding, in order that they may know the mystery of God, namely, Christ, in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge. I tell you this so that no one may deceive you by fine-sounding arguments.
VICE PRESIDENT Jon Scharlemann PUBLIC RELATIONS DIRECTOR William Pekrul ’80 ALUMNI DIRECTOR Steve Balza ’93
When Jesus said I am the Truth, he made an all-inclusive claim. He did not say that he is the Truth in matters spiritual, or the Truth in matters Jewish, or the Truth contextualized for the first-century Roman Empire or the Hellenistic world scene. He is the Truth—the essential, the eternal, the all-encompassing truth. And the Lutheran school is an instrument of the Spirit to reveal Jesus as the Truth in all things. It is a Biblical worldview that no other public or private school can provide, a worldview taught and modeled and lived by Christian teachers and Christian pastors.
College Administration PRESIDENT Mark Zarling WLS ’80 VP for ADMINISTRATION Steven Thiesfeldt ’74 VP for ACADEMICS David Wendler ’70
What a heritage bequeathed to our WELS that our fathers sacrificed much to establish a college of ministry that views worker training solely as the work of the Spirit. Through the Word that permeates every aspect of the published curriculum and the school culture, the Spirit breathes new life. Students in your WELS College of Ministry, whether preseminary or teacher or staff ministry track, are trained for gospel service. Ministry is paramount! Professionalism and excellence are thank-offerings to Jesus in support of this vocation as called ministers of the gospel.
VP for STUDENT LIFE Jeffrey Schone WLS ’87 VP for MISSION ADVANCEMENT Jon Scharlemann Governing Board Chairman Michael Woldt WLS ’81 Roy Beyer WLS ’76 Keith Bowe ’79 Jonathan Hahm ’71 Jonathan Kolander WLS ’91 Stephen Loehr Michael Otterstatter WLS ’94 Timothy Petermann Barry Price Steven Rosenbaum ’86 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
From “CHRISTIAN EDUCATION: A MATTER OF LIFE OR DEATH,” presented at the Symposium on Lutheran Schools, Wisconsin Lutheran Seminary, September 19-20, 2011, and available online at www.wls.wels.net.
Launching a New Look With this issue, we’re launching a new look and feel to MLC InFocus. You’ll notice a larger format and a matte-finish cover. Our new printer, Midstates Printing, Inc., is an environmentally conscious company that (among other green practices) harnesses hydroelectric and wind power; operates a process-less plate system so that no chemicals are used; and pledges to recycle 100% of plastic, metal, chemicals, and paper.
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.
On our cover: The MLC family enjoyed an explosion of color on campus this fall.
MLC Day at Worship Conference The WELS National Conference on Worship, Music, and the Arts—the largest Lutheran Worship Conference in the western hemisphere—was held July 19-22 at Gustavus Adolphus College-St. Peter MN. On the 21st, 1000+ conference-goers enjoyed “MLC Day,” which included sectionals, tours, concerts, and worship in the Chapel of the Christ. “It was a special joy and privilege to introduce so many people to MLC for the first time,” said Bryan Gerlach, director for the WELS Commission on Worship. “MLC Day gave us superior weather, a superior chapel, and a superior pipe organ! Staff and faculty offered superb hospitality.” Several MLC faculty members offered their gifts at the conference: Instructor Bethel Balge (piano recitalist and accompanist), Pastor John Boeder WLS ’90 (presiding minister), Dr. Kermit Moldenhauer ’71 (co-conductor for opening concert and composer of a melody and concertato for “Jesus, My Joy,” a new translation of “Jesus, Priceless Treasure” by MLC board member Pastor Michael Schultz), Instructor Brent Nolte ’94 (organist), Professor John Nolte ’68 (Festival Choir member), Dr. Wayne Wagner ’72
(lecturer/recitalist for “The Chapel of the Christ Organ” and facilitator of open console sessions), Professor Kurt Wittmershaus ’88 (vocal quartet and contemporary choir member, and panelist for a discussion of the arts in worship), and Professor Miles Wurster (violist in Hymn Festival Orchestra). “The success of the day at MLC was a great testimony to everything that is a part of the WELS College of Ministry— its students, faculty, staff, facilities, and mission,” said Dr. Wayne Wagner ’72. “I heard many comments from people who were on campus for the first time ever, or the first time in many years, that expressed great appreciation for the treasure the WELS has in Martin Luther College. And worship in the Chapel of the Christ was truly a highlight.” For photos, go to gallery.mlc-wels.edu > 2011-2012 > Summer Events > National Worship Conference. ● To watch worship services, go to mlc-wels.edu and click on MLCTV on the top toolbar. Additional resources from the worship conference are at https://connect.wels.net/worship.
Over 1000 people worship at MLC’s Chapel of the Christ during the worship conference.
Hold Your Event at MLC! • Meeting space for groups of all sizes • Excellent dining through Pioneer College Catering • State-of-the-art AV assistance • Dormitory rooms for summer events • Reasonable cost
Jon Hermanson ’06 directs the Festival Choir.
Please contact Event Coordinator Michelle Gartner at gartneml@mlc-wels.edu or 877.MLC.1995. Call early to check availability! Martin Luther College
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Summit Hall and Music Hall
100 Years Old—Still Standing, Still Serving
In the 1960s, Summit Hall and the Aula, or Music Hall, were on the list of buildings to be razed—along with Old Main, the original campus building. But all survived. Summit was on the chopping block again in the late ‘80s and early ‘90s, but instead it was renovated and began to fill its role as a residence hall again. This year, Summit and Music Hall celebrate their 100th anniversary—a blessing from God!
Summit Hall—Space to Sleep, Space to Play Reprinted from 125 Years-125 Stories The synod as well as the students applauded when the campus buildings tripled in number in 1911. A boys’ dormitory and a chapel/music hall called the Aula joined Old Main on the hill. With the new dorm, Summit Hall, the young men would now have much more space for their beds and desks, but more important, room to play. The gymnasium in the basement allowed the basketball team, the amateur turners (gymnasts), and any young man with energy to burn, a place to practice in heated comfort. The dedication of the $45,000 building drew 5,000 people on August 20, 1911. In 1926, Summit Hall acquired an addition, a new wing set at a right angle to the existing structure. The dorm was closed briefly in the late 80s/early 90s, but opened again in 1995 when DMLC and NWC amalgamated. It is home today to about 150 MLC men. The alumni photos at the bottom of each page are from the anniversary classes of MLC, NWC, and DMLC: ’37, ’42, ’47, ’52, ’57, ’62, ’67, ’72, ’77, ’82, ’87, ’92, ’97, ’02, ’07, and ’12. Thanks to Alumni Director Steve Balza ’93, who scanned this random selection of alums.
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Our apologies! In our last issue, we incorrectly identified Laura Rick ’76 as Debra Reinhardt ’76 Martin Luther College and Walter Bonitz as Robert Bonitz ’46.
Summit Hall was dedicated in 1911 as the first dormitory on campus, for boys only. Girls lived in homes in town. Today it still houses some of MLC’s men.
Debra Reinhardt DMLC 1976 Milwaukee WI
The Aula was dedicated in 1911 as the third building on campus, a testament to the college’s emphasis on worship and its love for music. The Music Hall is now being renovated and repaired, that it may still serve MLC students training for the public ministry.
Laura Rick DMLC 1976 Litchfield MN
Walter Bonitz DMLC 1946 Mellen WI
here on the On-Campus Enrollment: Over the last four years, the starting undergraduate enrollment figures have remained stable. Our starting on-campus enrollment for 2011-12 is 697: 156 preseminary, 534 education, and seven unclassified.
International Connections: Twenty 2011 graduates elected to teach internationally this year. In addition, MLC has enrolled several international students from Japan, South Korea, Antigua, Colombia, Dominican Republic, Zambia, Brazil, and Canada.
Mandarin Study: The governing board approved a two-year pilot project for teaching Mandarin, pending funding, to begin in 2012. Graduate Studies: Ninety-one are now enrolled in the MLC master’s program in one of four emphases: Leadership, Instruction, Special Education, and Educational Technology. The program is flexible, affordable, and specific to the needs of WELS teachers.
From left: Summit Hall, Aula (Music Hall), and Old Main, in 1911.
Continuing Education: Over 800 enrolled in MLC’s
The Aula—A Hall Used by All
Continuing Education offerings this year. Partnering with the Commission on Lutheran Schools, we will act upon the 2011 Synod Convention proposal to “strengthen our support system of continuing education for WELS teachers.”
Reprinted from 125 Years-125 Stories
Early Childhood Education: MLC is the primary educator for
The chapel-music hall was called the Aula, meaning “hall.” Much like the chapel-auditorium in the Wittenberg Collegiate Center used from 1928 until 2010, it was a multifunctional building—a chapel, auditorium, recital hall, and rehearsal space. It seated 250 on the main floor and 50 in the balcony for chapel, recitals, and small theatricals. A music rehearsal hall with ten practice rooms allowed Professor Fritz Reuter’s keyboard and orchestra students to hone their craft. The building was dedicated with Summit Hall in 1911. Today called the Music Hall, this structure still houses organs and pianos for practice purposes. For a short time, MLC had more organs than any other institution in the world. We are now a close second to Oberlin College, although we still have far more organ students than any other institution.
Christopher Ewings MLC 2007 DeForest WI
John Schibbelhut DMLC 1957 Wiley CO
ECE, the WELS’ fastest growing educational ministry. We have expanded our training to include ages 0-2 and added a new ECLC lead teacher, Jennifer Mehlberg ’07. Plans are moving forward for a new early childhood learning center, an exciting component of which will be a live online classroom.
Urban Ministries: MLC partners with the Center for Urban Teaching, Milwaukee, to give our students field experiences in urban settings. A Churchwide Grant from Thrivent Financial will also allow several MLC student teachers to experience another type of urban setting at Divine Savior Academy in Doral, Florida, a suburb of Miami.
Focus On Ministry: Throughout the year, MLC Admissions Department will host over 700 high school and elementary school visitors for single-day and multiple-day campus visits. MLC Ladies’ Auxiliary: At the October 15 annual meeting, the auxiliary adopted a project list totaling almost $17,000, attended workshops, and enjoyed entertainment by MLC students.
Laura Timothy Fryer Buelow DMLC 1987 NWC 1982 Houston TX Martin Luther College Mt Pleasant WI
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Studying Abroad in Germany Before enrolling at Wisconsin Lutheran Seminary, Jacob Haag ’10 studied for a year in Leipzig, Germany, at the seminary of our sister synod, the Evangelical Lutheran Free Church (ELFK). He writes here about his new perspective. The locals call it die Thomaskirche. You’d call it the St. Thomas Church. I’d call it my favorite place in all of Leipzig. A statue of J.S. Bach, its famous music director for decades, towers above the cobblestone courtyard there. A few flowers are strewn on his tomb inside. A monument to Felix Mendelssohn, Leipzig’s other great Lutheran musician, stands out front by its street-side Neo-Gothic facade. A highly ornamented pulpit where Luther preached some five centuries ago is visible inside. A larger-than-life painting of Nikolaus Selnecker, an author of the Formula of Concord, overlooks the altar space from a line of former pastors up front. You’d think it’s about the most Lutheran place ever. . . at least on the outside. I had heard again and again how far Germany had fallen spiritually since
By Jacob Haag ’10
those early days of Lutheranism. But it didn’t really hit me until I attended a service on a Sunday evening in June. I had regularly attended concerts at die Thomaskirche and it was almost always standing room only. But on that beautiful evening, after riding my bike 20 minutes through narrow one-way streets into the old town as I had done so many times before, only a handful of people sat in the church, listening to a pastor wondering out loud if we can believe all of the Bible anymore. Germany doesn’t come to mind right away when we think about world missions, but in a land where rationalism and communism reigned for decades, where most churches have turned into museums, where only 1.2% of the population attends the state Lutheran church, and where the Bible has been turned into a mere manual for increasing tolerance in society, it’s a place that definitely needs our prayers. That’s why it was so awesome to find a remnant of Christians in the ELFK (Evangelical Lutheran Free Church) who believe in the inerrant, inspired Word of God. At the ELFK seminary, I took a smattering of Greek and Hebrew classes on seven books of the Bible (yes, I translated into German); a class on how to translate and interpret the Bible in its original languages; a class on the Lutheran Confessions; history classes on the New Testament world, early church history, and the history of the ELFK and other German free churches; and a comparative class on other Christian denominations—along with writing and preaching a sermon in German for Ascension! As you can tell, Germans enjoy their history.
A statue of Lutheran musician J. S. Bach seems to say that St. Thomas Church in Leipzig is a profoundly Lutheran place. Unfortunately, that is not the case.
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Bradley Bendix MLC 2002 Echo MN Martin Luther College
Linda Meyerchick DMLC 1982 Crete IL
James Mattek NWC 1977 Kaukauna WI
Rebekah Langebartels MLC 2007 Imlay City MI
WELS and ELFK: Talking with them, studying with them, living with them—it was only then that I truly realized how blessed we are. Since I went from a student body of 700 to 7, a church body of 400,000 to 1400, it was really hard for my ELFK friends to understand WELS, especially Martin Luther College and Wisconsin Lutheran Seminary. We’re just so big and blessed. One of my teachers told me he always loves coming to America for conferences and classes because, in his estimation, “It’s like heaven on earth.” How blessed we are that so many are studying at MLC to serve the Savior who transcends all cultures! How blessed we are to live in a nation where we can so easily share that wonderful message! How blessed we are to join with so many of the same faith here in America and around the world!
A Long and Lasting Exchange By MLC German Professor Jim Danell WLS ’90
The exchange between WELS and ELFK students has actually been going on since 1938. Jacob is just the most recent in a long line of MLC/NWC graduates including, in recent years, Dan Tess, Tony Barthels, Jeremy Laitinen, Rich Miller, Michael Seifert, Tom Meissner, and Michael Carr. As you read this, MLC’s next participant, Julius Buelow (Faith-Carthage MO), is making his exchange plans for the 2012-13 academic year. Laitinen, who studied in Germany in 2004-2005, says the experience benefited him in more ways than he can recount. “It helped me better understand the wonderful gift we have in the Confessional Evangelical Lutheran Conference (CELC). We are not just the WELS and ELS. We also have fellowship with other church bodies in other countries that have existed for as long as or longer than the Wisconsin Synod.” Pastor Laitinen serves at St. Matthew-Benton Harbor MI, where he puts his facility with the language to good use, holding monthly German services and speaking with German members and nonmembers in the community.
Jacob Haag, a 2010 MLC graduate, is now a first-year student at Wisconsin Lutheran Seminary.
It is truly an exchange. The ELFK has recently sent a number of its young people to America, each of them spending from one to four years on the campuses of Michigan Lutheran Seminary, Martin Luther College, or Wisconsin Lutheran Seminary. These exchanges make an impression. At the most recent CELC convention, held at MLC last June, one of the first exchange students, a retired president of the ELFK, Pastor Gerhard Wilde, spoke passionately about the appreciation they have for their connection to the WELS and other confessional Lutherans throughout the world. “Thank you,” he said. “For 40 years we were stuck behind the Iron Curtain. We could not get to you, and you could not get to us. Thank you for waiting for us.”
After his graduation from MLC, Haag studied a year at the Lutheran Theological Seminary of the German Evangelical Lutheran Free Church in Leipzig, Germany.
Ben Golisch NWC 1992 Livonia MI
Faith Wurst DMLC 1987 Osceola WI
Lois Elizabeth Schutz Schroer DMLC 1952 MLC 1997 North Freedom Stevensville MI Martin Luther College WI
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What’s Your Christian
Story?
By Professor Earl Heidtke ’73
When asked that question, how would you respond? Many WELS members in the MLC family would speak of being born into a Christian family, being made a member of God’s family through infant baptism, having the blessings of Christian education for elementary and perhaps secondary education, and being lifelong Christians.
I love to learn of the plan of salvation from the Bible. I can’t learn enough. I now focus on a life with Jesus in heaven.”
Five members of the MLC family (pictured below, back row) were asked that question while in Southeast Asia May 26-June 3. MLC graduate Matt Rothe ’11 (St. Matthew-Oconomowoc WI) and MLC undergrads Paul Spaude (Ascension-Antigo WI), Krista Pappenfuss (Trinity-Nicollet MN), and Maria Gines (Redeemer-Merritt Island FL) joined me for the chance to work with MLC graduates in Southeast Asia for two weeks.
The MLC students said it was great to see the typical tourist sites during their free time, but a greater blessing was working side by side with the MLC grads through their daily work schedules and their evening and weekend Bible studies.
These graduates teach English as a second language in schools and universities. They also share their love of Scripture in evening and weekend classes. Until recently, many of the new Christians did not even know what a Bible was. After being asked for their Christian story, they would share a history of being lost, often without a purpose in life. “I was close to complete despair, seeing no purpose or goal in my life. I was thinking of suicide. But a friend introduced me to a teacher from MLC who shared the Bible with me. Now I know that my purpose in life is eternal.
Another young Christian greeted me with the following: “Thanks for sending these young Christian teachers over here. Back when I was heathen, I did not know Jesus.”
They conducted a four-hour weekend Bible study for youth. They taught English lessons to college students and business people. The interaction continued through a study of American football, including much of the terminology, rules, and strategy. This even included introductory lessons on a soccer field. How great to hear, “Ready, Set, Hike” spoken in an Asian accent! Everyone placed the interaction with new Asian Christians as the highlight of the trip: to meet and study the Word, to see the eagerness to learn more of Scripture, to see how to apply Scripture, to just spend time with people of a different culture and compare daily lives. These cross-cultural ties will continue through email correspondence and through prayer for one another. The MLC students came home to the USA with a greater zeal to reach the lost here and throughout the world.
Epilogue: While in Southeast Asia, Professor Heidtke regularly handed out his business card. One Sunday morning, he received an email from an Asian Christian named Delia, who had a favor to ask. A friend of hers, Ben, was now pursuing an advanced science degree at Penn State, and Delia wondered if the professor knew any Christians there that Ben could meet. As it turns out, the professor did. A former MLC student of his, Scott, was also doing graduate work in science at Penn State. Today, thanks to the technology that makes this world so small, Ben has a Christian friend at his American university.
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Quentin Albrecht DMLC 1947 Bowdle SD
Jeffery Wiechman DMLC 1992 Oshkosh WI
Roger Sprain NWC 1957 Kenosha WI
Cindy Zahn DMLC 1977 Jefferson WI
A Tale of Two Students, One Camera, and an Excellent Mexican Preacher By Andrew Gerlach (Christ the Lord-Brookfield WI)
From Matt Rothe ’11 To sit in on Bible studies where MLC graduates boldly speak God’s truths, and where the love of meditating on God’s Word is obvious in the listeners, is awesome. The zeal these Asian Christians have to discover God’s riches trumps mine. While it is humbling, it is also a comfort, and their encouragement to me in my walk of faith is unbelievably strengthening. As another MLC grad put it, “We lifelong Christians think we’re giving the Asians a gift; more often I think it’s the other way around.” Our prayer is that the zeal and passion found there might be bottled up so that it could be brought back to the U.S. and, by the grace of God, uncorked and poured out on the people we meet here. Asia is blessed to have willing missionaries spread God’s Word to eager ears. Praise be to our Savior.
The goal was to share Pastor Carlos Cajas’ powerful sermons over the web in Mexico. The obstacles were a shoddy Internet, a language barrier, a pastor not comfortable with technology, and 2000 miles. Last June, WELS Kingdom Workers sent Justin Liepert (Morning Star-Jackson WI) and me to Puebla, Mexico, to help. Justin, a technology expert, showed Pastor Cajas how to videotape and upload his sermons to the Mexican Lutheran website. As a Spanish speaker, I translated the instructions so that Pastor Cajas could understand. After five days of translated communication and very tasty Mexican food, we had success! Pastor Cajas can now record himself preaching, convert the tape to his computer, and upload the file to the Internet—making it possible for Spanish speakers everywhere to hear a very good Mexican preacher share the message that saves every nation, tribe, people, and language. Pastor Carlos Cajas, Puebla, Mexico, learned how to put his sermons on the web from two MLC students, one fluent in Spanish and one fluent in “computer.”
Representatives from about 30 countries gathered at MLC June 4-6 for the seventh triennial convention of the Confessional Evangelical Lutheran Conference (CELC). Organized in 1993 and now comprised of 24 member churches, the CELC has met in the United States only once before. Professor Thomas Nass WLS ’82 was secretary of the conference planning committee. Professor Lyle Lange WLS ’69 delivered a paper on the invisible and the visible church at this convention, completing his 21 years of work for the CELC. He was a planning committee member in the late 80s, vice president 1993-1999, and a member of the Theological Commission 1996-2011, serving as chair since 2002.
Steven Bremer DMLC 1987 Gretna NE
Scott Miller MLC 1997 Garden City SD
Jenni Mueller MLC 2007 Livermore CA
Kurt Mueller DMLC 1982 Owosso MI
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Partners & Friends: New Ulm & Martin Luther College 20 Years of Community Support through MLC Golf Classic
tell them how much we appreciate what they represent in our community? We wanted to pull out all the stops and do everything to assist the college—to demonstrate to them that we appreciated them and that New Ulm was their home.” One action point originated with the bankers. They knew that if the newly amalgamated college would be located in New Ulm, many incoming professors would be looking for affordable housing. In collaboration with the college, the bankers developed innovative financing programs to help profs buy homes with low down payments.
Tim Hoscheit of Citizens Bank Minnesota presented MLC President Mark Zarling with a check for $42,835, proceeds from the 2011 MLC Golf Classic. This year’s contributions were used to relocate, display, and landscape the granite MLC seal pictured behind the group. Pictured: Tom Keinlen, Ericksen Construction; Mark Petersen, United Prairie Bank; Peter Guggisberg, Bank Midwest; Jason Wohlers, Alliance Bank; Dean Laraway, Laraway Roofing; Wayne Klassen, Klassen Plumbing, Heating & Air Conditioning; Jerry O’Brien, Heymann Construction; Mike Schwartz, Frandsen Bank & Trust.
In 1993, Dr. Martin Luther College faced an uncertain future. It was two years before the amalgamation of Northwestern College and DMLC on the New Ulm campus, and, according to one rumor, relocation of the college to Wisconsin was being considered. That was something the city of New Ulm would not accept. “Some of us on the New Ulm Economic Development Board and Chamber of Commerce committees became very concerned,” says Mary Ellen Domeier, retired CEO of Frandsen Bank & Trust. Mary Ellen and other New Ulm business leaders met to discuss this. The 1993 group included Kraft plant manager Dan Loose, Citizens Bank former president Don Gollnast, Citizens Bank president Lou Geistfeld, Alliance Bank president John Wisniewski, New Ulm Journal publisher Bruce Fenske, Attorney Bill Schade, and four DMLC officials: President Lloyd Huebner, Athletic Director Gary Dallmann, Business Manager Dave Stabell, and Food Service Manager Karl Tague. According to Domeier, the group agreed: “We have this jewel of an asset on the hill. How often do we let them know what an impact they have on our community? How often do we
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Stephan Valleskey NWC 1962 Detroit MI
Martin Luther College
Lisa Schoell MLC 2002 Libertyville IL
Another action point was to create a community appreciation event, and thus the MLC Golf Classic was born. A tennis tournament was also introduced in year two and three, but it did not last. The golf tournament will celebrate its 20th anniversary in 2012. The benefits have been both social and financial, as the tourney has raised more than half a million dollars for MLC’s campus improvement and student financial assistance, monies for which the college is deeply grateful. The MLC Golf Classic has evolved in many ways, but the chair has always been a New Ulm business leader, with Domeier herself co-leading the way for the first years and still serving on the planning committee. According to Domeier, the Golf Classic has always been about appreciation and support. “We wanted the college to recognize that we appreciated what it contributed culturally to New Ulm, what it contributed economically, and what it contributed by virtue of individuals’ memberships in various philanthropic organizations and government committees. “Regardless of religious affiliation, we wanted to support the college,” Domeier says. “We wanted to say, ‘We love you. We want you here. We appreciate you. You help us prosper and grow. What can we do to help you prosper and grow strongly right here in New Ulm?’”
Philip Boileau DMLC 1977 Ottawa ON
Linka Petersen DMLC 1992 Taylor Mill KY
Soccer Complex for New Ulm When the new soccer pitch was dedicated in 2009, MLC Athletic Director Jim Unke could proudly say, “We now have a state-of-the-art facility that is as good as any in our league. I think this shows that we take athletics seriously at MLC, and we’re proud to have this kind of field for our soccer programs.”
The commemorative rock states, “The Martin Luther College Soccer Complex was created with generous support from New Ulm Area Foundation, New Ulm Area Youth Soccer Association, Thrivent Financial for Lutherans, and VFW Post 1648.”
The soccer complex serves not only MLC. It serves the entire community. The New Ulm Area Youth Soccer Association helped fund the complex and uses the fields to run their programs. Through this organization, we also partner with our local high schools for their soccer practice and game venues.
Baseball Field Grant Last spring, MLC received a $20,000 grant as another step toward finishing its baseball field. The grant from Nicklasson Athletic Company and its corporate partner, Sports, Inc., paid for a scoreboard, dugout benches, pro batting cage, and outfield fence safety cap. Nicklasson awarded this grant because MLC is a good community partner, working together with all three New Ulm high schools, city youth organizations, and local teams. MLC Athletic Director Jim Unke said, “This grant from Nicklasson’s will help MLC finish its facilities, and also make available another premier baseball field in the city of New Ulm.”
A Partnership from Way Back Did you know that the city of New Ulm “saved” Dr. Martin Luther College 100 years ago? In 1908, Old Main was still the only building on campus, providing classrooms, chapel, dining hall, and even dorm rooms for some of the 115 students. When the new director, Adolph Ackermann, began appealing for a boys’ dorm and music hall/chapel, Lutherans in Hutchinson and St. James saw an opportunity: “Instead of adding to this New Ulm campus, why not move the college to one of our fair cities?” That’s when the city of New Ulm stepped in. To keep the college on the Cottonwood, they upgraded the water and sewer; the Commercial Club gifted the college with four more acres; and the city added a blacktopped sidewalk on the Center Street hill, markedly easing the walk up that “Weary Way to Wisdom” (pictured), as the students liked to call it back then. From 125 Years-125 Stories. For your copy of the book, email gaugerlf@mlc-wels.edu.
Charlene Varnum DMLC 1977 Davenport IA
Donald Buch NWC 1967 Saginaw MI
Marlene Kehl DMLC 1972 Columbus WI
Elaine Voth DMLC 1967 Goodhue MN Martin Luther College
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Fifth Annual Thalassa Prize MLC’s annual Thalassa contest gives Daylight International teachers an opportunity to talk about their service abroad. The fifth annual $1000 Thalassa prize, given by an anonymous donor, went to Amber Schlomer ’05 for her entry “Don’t Be Afraid.” Runners-up were Chris Pluger ’97 and Paul Kelm ’86. Excerpts of their essays follow.
2011 Grand Prize Winner
“Don’t Be Afraid”
By Amber Schlomer ’05 — Southeast Asia
I was visiting a small village and I stumbled across a small child. . . . I could tell that he was afraid of something, or possibly someone. His face told me that. I could only imagine what had happened at home. Maybe he did something wrong and was afraid of his father’s anger. . . . This little boy’s fear reminded me that I was exactly the same. That used to be me and every believer before the Holy Spirit called us out of darkness. We used to hide from our Heavenly Father, thinking that we could bear the grief and shame on our own. He doesn’t know. He doesn’t know that someone else was punished for his wrongdoing. He doesn’t know that his Father loves him, and he is welcomed home by arms that have held children before, by arms that have hung on a cross. But I get to share it with children like him . . . I get to tell them, “Don’t be afraid. Let’s go home.” Since August 2009, Amber Schlomer has taught college-level science and English Bible studies in Southeast Asia. The $1000 Thalassa prize was divided between Amber and the mission of her choice in Southeast Asia. 12
Martin Luther College
2011 Runner-Up A woman stands at the shore of the Zambezi River, looking across toward a country that is impossible for her to reach. At one time, all of us— theologically speaking—stood face to face with a similar, uncrossable gap. Our sins and our sinful nature separated us from a holy God. We had no way across the gap on our own. . . . But in an amazing display of his amazing grace, God crossed the gap and came to our side of the river. Jesus Christ took on human flesh and became one of us. . . . The Holy Spirit called us by the gospel . . . and brought us to faith. . . . My family and I are moving to Zambia to live among the Nsenga people—a tribe of almost two million without a Bible. With God’s help, we will use our gifts to help them translate the Bible into the language of their hearts. We can’t get this woman across the river, nor can we bridge the theological gap between her and God. Only the Holy Spirit, working through the Word, can do that. But together we can help bridge the language gap that exists so that she can hear and learn God’s Word in the language of her heart. . . .” Chris Pluger began fulltime service in Petauke, Eastern Province Zambia, the summer of 2011, living with the Nsenga people, learning their language, and helping them translate the Bible into their mother tongue.
“The Gap”
By Chris J. Pluger ’97 — Zambia
2011 Runner-Up . . . One particular day a loud “crack” startled us. We noticed that one of the carriages which bears tourists through Prague’s downtown had just lost a wheel. . . . Wildly the horses galloped down the cobbled street, sparks flying from the undercarriage. I took nearly one hundred photographs of the ensuing mayhem. One of them ran in the local newspaper the next day. . . . Without venturing out, I never would have witnessed that event. It is our responsibility to go out into the world to share God’s Word with others. Being in the right place is important, but being ready is imperative. We need to be ready to share God’s Word when he presents us with opportunities. . . .
“In the Right Place at the Right Time—and Ready” By Paul Kelm ’86 — Czech Republic
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. Martin Luther College
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To Answer the Church’s Need: MLC’s New Early Childhood Learning Center Early childhood ministries are booming in WELS, and it’s no wonder. A WELS preschool or early childhood learning center can provide the experiences, environment, and relationships parents seek for their young children. But it’s not only education. It’s ministry. “We get to teach these children about Jesus’ love for them,” says Jennifer Mehlberg ’07, our lead instructor at the MLC Early Childhood Learning Center (ECLC). “We get to show their parents how to start praying and ways to read Bible stories with their children. We build these relationships and then invite them to our church to learn more about Christ’s saving work for us. What a great opportunity!” Every year Martin Luther College graduates a number of qualified teachers to fill the teacher and director calls in the 388 preschools of the synod, but more teachers are needed. WELS Conference of Presidents has asked MLC to increase our number of ECE graduates.
As we attempt to do that, we find that the MLC ECLC, where our students do some of their clinical work, falls short. Only some seniors can student teach at our center. No juniors can get their clinical experience at our center. And we can enroll no infants and toddlers in our current facility, although ECE licensure requires infant and toddler experiences. A new Early Childhood Learning Center at MLC is essential for this synod ministry. Because renovation of the present facility would be too costly, the MLC Governing Board authorized the construction of a new center, with expenditures capped at $2.8 million. Korb Tredo Architects has shared concept designs for a 15,500-square-foot center. (See page 17.) The tentative timeline calls for demolition of the current building and the start of new construction in summer 2012. The prospects for this center are vast and exciting! It would allow us to provide the finest training, modeling, and educational leadership possible for this growing WELS ministry. We could . . . • meet the professional education needs of ECE majors. • enroll infants and toddlers in addition to 3-, 4-, and 5-year-olds. • reach out even more to the families of our community. • increase professionalism across the synod by helping unlicensed teachers earn their degrees and licenses.
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Daniel Bilitz DMLC 1967 Shorewood WI Martin Luther College
Barbara Groehler DMLC 1972 Winthrop MN
Carl Leyrer NWC 1942 St. Louis MI
Hortense Kraemer MLC 2002 Norfolk NE
• offer continuing education for ECE teachers—through live and archived video, podcasts, and webinars. • model excellence in early childhood education for WELS congregations. Please pray for our efforts, that we might prepare enough qualified teachers to meet the needs of the church—sharing the gospel and providing the highest quality education to the littlest souls in our communities.
Planned Early Childhood Learning Center Features • Classrooms for infants and toddlers, as well as 3-, 4-, and 5-year-olds: MLC student teachers can
classrooms. We also can use this video technology for distance learning: webinars, online courses, and simple demonstrations. Imagine: An ECE teacher in Montana wonders how to deliver an age-appropriate Bible lesson to 3-year-olds or how to handle the temper tantrums of a 2-year-old. She goes to MLC’s website and downloads a 10-minute video on the topics of her choice, showing real children in a real classroom accompanied by commentary from an experienced MLC professor.
• Onsite college classroom: College students and teachers from all over the synod can walk from the college classroom to one of the children’s rooms, linking theory and application in real time.
get all facets of their training in one high-quality facility. Families can bring all their children to one safe place. Siblings can see each other throughout the day. Children can transition easily from room to room, teacher to teacher, as they grow.
• Dedicated family space: Like a church gathering space, this will be a place for informal conversation, parent to teacher and parent to parent. The coffee pot will be on.
• Observation room/learning space for parents, college students, and visitors: We can teach how to teach as students watch real children in real
MLC ECE Majors ’06-’07: 62 ’11-’12: 112
Charlotte Ziesemer DMLC 1942 Appleton WI
Muriel Manthey DMLC 1962 Manitowoc WI
Jennifer David Kaiser Farstad MLC 1997 DMLC 1962 Green Bay WI Watauga SD Martin Luther College 15
One Generation to Another
A New Senior Housing Facility Linked to a New Early Childhood Learning Center A New Facility: On September 23, the MLC Governing Board passed a resolution to allow construction of a 50unit senior housing facility next to the Early Childhood Learning Center, only four blocks from campus. The land for the senior housing will be leased from WELS. Doneff Companies will be the developer, and The Lutheran Home Association will manage it. Construction could begin as early as summer 2012. The Amenities: The three-story senior housing complex will include 1- and 2-bedroom units and a basement garage. Tentative plans include an arboretum connector to the Early Childhood Learning Center and a Rathskeller. One Generation: Aging boomers are one of the fastest growing demographic groups in America. The Alliance for Aging Research says that 10,000 individuals will turn 65 every day for the next 20 years. Another Generation: At the other end of the age spectrum is the growing number of young children served by WELS. The synod serves 10,000 preschool-age children in 388 early childhood ministries. MLC student teachers receive some of their training for this ministry at the Early Childhood Learning Center, which is attended by children from the New Ulm area.
• Seniors would have access to college instruction: Active seniors who are interested in serving others could receive ministry preparation through the resources of MLC. Such preparation might include Bible studies, specific training (for prison ministry or visiting shut-ins, perhaps), and the option to audit college classes. • Seniors would be served by MLC students: MLC preseminary and staff ministry students could conduct devotions, lead Bible studies, and otherwise share the Word with seniors. Such experiences bring the joy of the gospel to seniors while giving our students practical experience and motivating them for continued studies. Students might also have jobs in the senior living facility, which would encourage further interaction. Our vision for a senior living complex in close proximity to the MLC Early Childhood Learning Center creates many opportunities for intergenerational ministry.
Linking the Generations: Building senior housing in close proximity to the college and the Early Childhood Learning Center opens avenues for intergenerational ministry, so that “one generation will commend your works to another” (Psalm 145). These three groups— seniors, college students, and preschoolers—on the same campus would “provide a marvelous symbiotic blessing,” said MLC President Mark Zarling. The Blessings: • Seniors can enjoy MLC amenities: Seniors could take full advantage of campus life—twice-daily chapel, athletic events, concerts, plays, the fitness center, and meals in the cafeteria—all while witnessing the training of another generation of called workers. Shuttles could offer transportation to such events.
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Jennifer Rodmyre MLC 1997 Rainier WA Martin Luther College
Geraldine Mellow DMLC 1962 Pomona CA
Ruby Holzhueter DMLC 1937 Waterloo WI
Jon Zabell NWC 1992 Watertown WI
• Seniors can engage with preschoolers: Interested seniors could connect with preschoolers in the Early Childhood Learning Center, enjoying meals, joint singing, and other planned activities, giving the youngsters that unique “surrogate grandparent” attention. • This combination of ECLC and senior living complex models intergenerational ministry for WELS: Our center might serve as a living laboratory, a model, for larger WELS churches who might also want to serve two growing demographics in their congregations and communities: seniors and preschoolers. The Anticipation: We are looking forward to the unfolding blessings of this intergenerational ministry project. It will afford us the opportunity to “tell the next generation the praiseworthy deeds of the LORD, his power, and the wonders he has done . . . so the next generation would know them, even the children yet to be born, and they in turn would tell their children” (Psalm 78).
Professor Emeritus Arnold and Mrs. Ruth Koelpin are well acquainted with New Ulm and the MLC campus. Already retired, they foresee some wonderful blessings for those who might retire in New Ulm and live in the senior housing complex being built just four blocks from MLC’s campus proper. It’s a “win-win situation,” say the Koelpins. • New Ulm is quiet and safe, with lowtraffic streets, a stable local economy, and New Ulm Medical Center, a member of the statewide Allina healthcare system, just down the hill from campus. • Residents of the senior living complex can meet new friends and renew old friendships, while still having personal privacy, in a Christcentered atmosphere. • The opportunities for recreation and for volunteer service (OWLS, prison ministry, college events, etc.) are “limited only by the imagination of those living there,” they say. • “Residents can participate in the multi-faceted opportunities at the college,” they add. “For exercise of the body and food for the soul, it’s just a short walk for daily devotions at the Chapel of the Christ. And how about eating buffet-style in the college cafeteria?” • Residents may enjoy seeing their own grandkids on the MLC campus—a blessing the Koelpins know. • Finally, they add, “And what’s that we hear just across the way in the Early Childhood Learning Center? We can stay young listening to the laughter of children on the same campus as we are living.”
Joel Ferguson MLC 1997 Fond du Lac WI
Brian Keller NWC 1987 Menomonee Falls WI
George Eric Swanson Parsons NWC 1972 MLC 2007 Morton Grove IL Montrose CO Martin Luther College 17
MLCAA Board Meets Sixteen MLC Alumni Association board members from across the country met on campus Homecoming weekend. Representing the 9,000+ alumni of MLC, NWC, and DMLC, they discussed further ways to show support and appreciation for the college and its mission, including new communication efforts, funding for the Center Street sign, support for student financial aid, and adding more alumni events.
Back row: Anne Schroeder MLC ’99, Evan Chartrand MLC ’10, Jon Balge NWC ’83, Steve Balza DMLC ’93, Roger Klockziem DMLC ’63. Middle Row: Charissa Scharf MLC ’13, Chad Walta MLC ’99, Josh Roth MLC ’02, Mike Gehl NWC ’94, Aaron Hartwig MLC ’02. Front row: Sarah Zahrt MLC ’99, Stephanie Grow MLC ’01, Jon Schaefer MLC ’02, Laura Pufahl MLC ’00, Peter Sulzle MLC ’00, Roger Sievert DMLC ’66. Not pictured: Brent Bitter MLC ’98, Minori Yamaki MLC ’02, Jon Enter MLC ’00.
MLC in Milwaukee In conjunction with the MLC Wind Symphony Tour, the MLC Alumni Association invites Milwaukee-area alumni and friends to join the MLC students for dinner and a Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra concert. Friday, February 10, 2012 5:30 pm Old-fashioned fish fry with MLC students Grace Lutheran Church, 1209 North Broadway 8:00 pm Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra (Tchaikovsky’s Nutcracker Suite and Romeo and Juliet Fantasy-Overture and Copland’s Symphony No. 3)
Marcus Center Uihlein Hall, 929 N Water St (four blocks from Grace) Register and pay online at mlcmso.eventbrite.com OR remit a check to MLCAA, 1995 Luther Ct, New Ulm MN 56073. Call 877.MLC.1995 with questions. • $35 Meal and MSO ticket • $15 Meal only • $20 MSO concert only
And, of course, please come hear Professor Miles Wurster (pictured) and the MLC Wind Symphony that weekend as well! Fri, Feb 10, 1:00 St. John LES-Wauwatosa WI: Interactive Kids’ Concert (Please call ahead!) Sat, Feb 11, 7:00 Wisconsin Lutheran College Schwan Hall: Full concert Sun, Feb 12, 8:15/10:45 St. Jacobi-Greenfield WI: Worship participation
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Bruce Janisch NWC 1982 Richfield MN
William Brassow NWC 1977 Cudahy WI
Kristen Eckert MLC 2002 Tucson AZ
James Korthals NWC 1972 Chaseburg WI
A Firecracker MLC Alumni Tour By Roger A. Sievert ’66 (RAS)
We stayed at the DoubleTree in Sterling VA. We returned to these excellent accommodations each night, which was great for not having to pack up each morning. We were transported in a climate-controlled coach complete with restrooms, reclining seats, and a DVD system.
An exciting eight-day trip to Washington DC was offered by the MLC Alumni Association last July. Alumni Director Steve Balza was our tour leader, and Professor Emeritus Marv Meihack was our guide, providing on-board previews of the history and geography of the attractions on the itinerary.
Each day we visited three main areas, including battlefields, national monuments, museums, historical sites, sites of natural beauty, and entertainment venues. Some of us saw the Cubs vs. Nationals MLB game, and some saw a US Marine Corps Band concert on the Washington Mall. One day we had the great opportunity to roll up the large fifteen-stars-and-stripes flag at Ft. McHenry (pictured).
We also heard about the history of the WELS in that area. Local WELS pastors joined us during the week, led a devotion, and told us about their congregations. What a blessing to be on a tour with fellow Christians and to apply God’s Word to the history of our great nation. We sang hymns and patriotic songs throughout the tour. Who of us put an order in to be born in the United States of America? We have so much to be thankful for. We finished the tour with just about as many as we began with. One person got lost at the FDR Memorial. We won’t give the name, but her initials are Elaine Sievert. A good time was had by all!
The question is, Did little Heather Holm (left) know all along that she would come to Martin Luther College one day? Heather (St. Paul-East Troy WI) is double majoring in elementary education and early childhood education, with plans to graduate in May 2012.
Future Knights! Some MLC alums got together over Father’s Day weekend 2011 and took this picture of the next generation of MLC Knights. Pictured from the top, left to right are Riley Wrobel, Xander Wrobel, and Gabriel Laitinen; Hannah Ihde, Hannah Strong, and Josephine Wrobel; Issac Ihde, Faith Giddings, and Elijah Strong; and Ava and James Glodowski. Their parents are Timothy Wrobel ’05 and Dominique Kiesling Wrobel ’04, Jeremy Laitinen ’04 and Abbie Leyrer Laitinen ’04, Paul Idhe ’04 and Kelly Scheuerlein Ihde, Aaron Strong ’04 and Abbie Henke Strong ’04, John Giddings ’05 and Melanie Brunk Giddings ’05, and Adam Glodowski ’05 and April Miller Glodowski ’05. Please send your photos to balzasj@mlc-wels.edu.
Henry Peter NWC 1952 Jenera OH
Douglas Dast DMLC 1972 Pigeon MI
David Dolan NWC 1967 Zion IL
Theodore Olsen NWC 1962 Milwaukee WI
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Tuition Freedom Day: December 14, 2011
By MLC Resource Development Counselor Jim Hahn ’80
Surveys show that the ever-rising cost of college is one of the top financial concerns of American families. Students who attend Martin Luther College are no different. In 2011, 78% of our graduates incurred an average of $22,176 in student loan indebtedness. At first glance, that number may seem daunting, considering the prospective earning potential of our graduates. But thanks to individual donors’ gifts and congregational mission offerings, your future called workers graduate with far less debt than they otherwise might. As the graph shows, students pay approximately 50% of the total cost of their ministry training. The remaining 50% comes from MLC’s synod subsidy (congregational mission offerings, 25%), donor-funded scholarships and grants (15%), and government grants (10%). In appreciation of these gifts, MLC will host its inaugural “Tuition Freedom Day.” This is the first day on which the average student has met all financial obligations for the cost of college. Tuition for the rest of the year will be paid for by the synod, donors, and the government. This year that day is December 14. (Due to exams, we’ll celebrate it December 7.) Please join the MLC family in expressing gratitude to the thousands of Government Christian brothers and sisters who generously support our Scholarships & Grants ministry. Soli Deo Gloria!
10%
15%
Synod Subsidy (Congregational Mission Offerings)
Student and Family Tuition Payment
50%
The
Amazing Value
of MLC Room & Board
Martin Luther College made the U.S. News Short List for least expensive room and board. At $4,390, our room and board is the sixth least expensive in the country. The lowest room and board in the country is $3,700 at Northwestern Oklahoma State University. No other school in Minnesota, Michigan, or Wisconsin made the list. “MLC and its administration work hard to keep costs for our students as low as possible,” says Vice President for Student Life Jeff Schone, WLS ’87. “We’ve been able to partner with Pioneer College Caterers to provide students with a cafeteria program that few other colleges offer. Service from 7 am to midnight accommodates every student’s class and work schedule. And we do more than simply ‘accommodate’! We’ve created a variety of attractive and comfortable eating areas. We offer a large number of daily menu options. And the food is prepared by a staff that takes pride in their work. When I interview new students and ask them about their cafeteria experience, they are quick to smile and say, ‘Great!’ The ability to offer our students such an excellent program at such a reasonable cost is a blessing for which we are grateful.”
In May 2011, our food service director, Brian Messer, received Pioneer College Caterers’ top corporate award.
25%
Laurel Beckmann DMLC 1982 Annandale VA
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Martin Luther College
Sheila Thompson DMLC 1992 Whiteriver AZ
Caleb Davisson MLC 2002 Bellhaven NC
Harris Kaesmeyer NWC 1947 Frankenmuth MI
Martin Luther College Martin Luther College Martin Luther College Synod Subsidy Martin Luther College Synod Subsidy
A Statistical Snapshot
Synod Subsidy Year Synod Subsidy Year 1999-2000 Synod Subsidy 1999-2000 2000-2001 Year Year Amount Year 2000-2001 1999-2000 2001-2002 1999-20001999-2000 $5,193,316 2001-2002 2000-2001 2002-2003 2002-2003 2001-2002 2000-20012000-2001 $5,446,145 2003-2004 2001-2002 2003-2004 2002-2003 2001-20022004-2005 $4,306,153 2002-2003 2004-2005 2003-2004 2005-2006 2002-20032003-2004 $3,299,592 2005-2006 2004-2005 2006-2007 2004-2005 2005-2006 2003-20042006-2007 $1,364,761 2007-2008 2005-2006 2007-2008 2006-2007 2004-20052008-2009 $1,086,761 2006-2007 2008-2009 2007-2008 2009-2010 2005-20062007-2008 $708,261 2009-2010 2008-2009 2010-2011 2008-2009 2010-2011 2009-2010 2011-2012 2009-2010 2011-2012 2010-2011 2012-2013 2010-2011 2012-2013 2011-2012 2011-2012 2012-2013 2012-2013
Amount Amount $5,193,316 $5,193,316 Amount $5,446,145 Year Amount $5,446,145 $5,193,316 $4,306,153 $5,193,316 2006-2007 $4,306,153 $5,446,145 $3,299,592 $5,446,145 $3,299,592 $4,306,153 2007-2008 $1,364,761 $4,306,153 $1,364,761 $3,299,592 $1,086,761 2008-2009 $3,299,592 $1,086,761 $1,364,761 $708,261 $1,364,761 2009-2010 $708,261 $1,086,761 $1,484,325 $1,086,761 $1,484,325 $708,261 2010-2011 $2,925,000 $708,261 $2,925,000 $1,484,325 $4,500,000 2011-2012 $1,484,325 $4,500,000 $2,925,000 $3,800,000 $2,925,000 2012-2013 $3,800,000 $4,500,000 $3,680,000 $4,500,000 $3,680,000 $3,800,000 $3,100,000 $3,800,000 $3,100,000 $3,680,000 $2,900,000 $3,680,000 $2,900,000 $3,100,000 $3,100,000 $2,900,000 $2,900,000
Synod Subsidy Synod Subsidy Synod Subsidy Synod Subsidy
Amount $1,484,325 $2,925,000 $4,500,000 $3,800,000 $3,680,000 $3,100,000 $2,900,000
$6,000,000 $6,000,000 $5,000,000 $6,000,000 $5,000,000 $6,000,000 $4,000,000 $5,000,000 $4,000,000 $5,000,000 $3,000,000 $4,000,000 $3,000,000 $4,000,000 $2,000,000 $3,000,000 $2,000,000 $3,000,000 $1,000,000 $2,000,000 $1,000,000 $2,000,000 $0 $1,000,000 $0 $1,000,000 $0 $0
Student Cost (Tuition, Room & Board, Fees)
Student Cost (Tuition, Room & Board, Fees) Student Cost Room & Board, Fees) Student Cost (Tuition, Room &(Tuition, Board, Fees) Student Cost (Tuition, Room & Board, Fees)
Year 1999-2000 2000-2001 2001-2002 2002-2003 2003-2004 2004-2005 2005-2006
Year Year 1999-2000 1999-2000 Year 2000-2001 Year 2000-2001 1999-2000 2001-2002 1999-2000 2001-2002 2000-2001 2002-2003 Amt 2000-2001 2002-2003 2001-2002 2003-2004 2001-2002 $7,324 2003-2004 2002-2003 2004-2005 2002-2003 2004-2005 2003-2004 $7,751 2005-2006 2003-2004 2005-2006 2004-2005 2006-2007 $7,870 2004-2005 2006-2007 2005-2006 2007-2008 2005-2006 $8,410 2007-2008 2006-2007 2008-2009 2006-2007 2008-2009 2007-2008 $10,160 2009-2010 2007-2008 2009-2010 2008-2009 2010-2011 $11,800 2008-2009 2010-2011 2009-2010 2011-2012 2009-2010 $12,400 2011-2012 2010-2011 2010-2011 2011-2012 2011-2012
% Increase 5.83% 1.54% 6.86% 20.81% 16.14% 5.08%
Amount Amount $7,324 $7,324 Amount $7,751 Amount $7,751 $7,324 $7,870 $7,324 $7,870 $7,751 $8,410 Year $7,751 $8,410 $7,870 $10,160 $7,870 2006-2007 $10,160 $8,410 $11,800 $8,410 $11,800 $10,160 2007-2008 $12,400 $10,160 $12,400 $11,800 $13,020 2008-2009 $11,800 $13,020 $12,400 $13,670 $12,400 2009-2010 $13,670 $13,020 $14,370 $13,020 $14,370 $13,670 2010-2011 $14,800 $13,670 $14,800 $14,370 $15,250 2011-2012 $14,370 $15,250 $14,800 $15,710 $14,800 $15,710 $15,250 $15,250 $15,710 $15,710
Student Indebtedness
% Increase % Increase% Increase 5.83%% Increase 5.83% 1.54%- % 1.54% 5.83%Increase Amt6.86% 5.83% 6.86% 1.54% 20.81% 1.54% 5.00% $13,020 20.81% 6.86% 16.14% 6.86% 16.14% 20.81% $13,670 5.08% 4.99% 20.81% 5.08% 16.14% 5.00% $14,370 5.12% 16.14% 5.00% 5.08% 4.99% 5.08% 3.00% $14,800 4.99% 5.00% 5.12% 5.00% 3.00% 5.12% 4.99% $15,250 3.00% 4.99% 3.00% 5.12% 3.00% $15,710 5.12% 3.00% 3.00% 3.00% 3.00% 3.00% 3.00% 3.00% 3.00%
$20,000 $20,000 $16,000 $20,000 $16,000 $20,000 $12,000 $16,000 $12,000 $16,000 $8,000 $12,000 $8,000 $12,000 $4,000 $8,000 $4,000 $8,000 $0 $4,000 $0 $4,000 $0 $0
Student Indebtedness Student Indebtedness Student Indebtedness Student Indebtedness
Year 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005
Year Year 2000 2000 Year 2001 Year 2001 2000 2002 Average 2000 2002 2001 2003 2001 $8,296 2003 2002 2004 2002 2004 2003 2005 $7,507 2003 2005 2004 2006 $8,676 2004 2006 2005 2007 2005 2007 2006 $8,782 2008 2006 2008 2007 2009 $10,633 2007 2009 2008 2010 2008 2010 $12,357 2009 2011 2009 2011 2010 2010 2011 2011
Average Amount Average Amount $8,296 $8,296 Average Amount $7,507 % of Grads Average Amount $7,507 $8,296 $8,676 with Debt Year $8,296 $8,676 $7,507 $8,782 $7,507 52% 2006 $8,782 $8,676 $10,633 $8,676 $10,633 $8,782 $12,357 66% 2007 $8,782 $12,357 $10,633 $15,315 51% 2008 $10,633 $15,315 $12,357 $15,954 $12,357 $15,954 $15,315 56% 2009 $15,151 $15,315 $15,151 $15,954 $18,415 67% 2010 $15,954 $18,415 $15,151 $21,799 $15,151 $21,799 76% 2011 $18,415 $22,176 $18,415 $22,176 $21,799 $21,799 $22,176 $22,176
Student Enrollment
Student Enrollment Year Year Student Enrollment 1999-2000 Student Enrollment 1999-2000 Year 2000-2001 Year 2000-2001 1999-2000 2001-2002 % 1999-2000 2001-2002 2000-2001 2002-2003 2000-2001 Year 2003-2004 Amt Change 2002-2003 2001-2002 2001-2002 2003-2004 2002-2003 1999-20002004-2005 910 2002-2003 2004-2005 2003-2004 2005-2006 2000-20012005-2006 1,026 12.75% 2003-2004 2004-2005 2006-2007 2004-2005 2006-2007 2001-20022005-2006 1,058 3.12% 2007-2008 2005-2006 2007-2008 2006-2007 2008-2009 2002-20032006-2007 1,063 0.47% 2008-2009 2007-2008 2009-2010 2007-2008 2003-20042010-2011 1,021 -3.95% 2009-2010 2008-2009 2008-2009 2010-2011 2009-2010 2004-20052011-2012 946 -7.35% 2009-2010 2011-2012 2010-2011 2005-20062011-2012 818 -13.53% 2010-2011 2011-2012
% of Grads %with of Grads Debt Debt %with of Grads 52% %with of Grads 52% Debt 66% % of Grads with Debt 52% 51%with Debt Average 66% 52% 51% 66% 56% $15,315 66% 56% 51% 76% 67% 51% 56% 77% 76% $15,954 67% 56% 76% 67% 76% $15,151 67% 63% 76% 77% 77% 76% 77% $18,415 76% 63% 76% 63% 77% $21,799 77% 63% 77% 77% 63% 63% 63% $22,176 63% 77% 78% 78% 77% 78% 63% 63% 78% 78%
Student Indebtedness Student Indebtedness Student Indebtedness Student Indebtedness
$25,000 $25,000 $20,000 $25,000 $20,000 $25,000 $15,000 $20,000 $15,000 $20,000 $10,000 $15,000 $10,000 $15,000 $5,000 $10,000 $5,000 $10,000 $0 $5,000 $0 $5,000 $0 $0
Student Enrollment Amount Amount 910 910 Amount 1,026 Amount 1,026 910 1,058 910 1,058 1,026 1,063 Year 1,026 1,063 1,058 1,021 1,058 1,021 1,063 2006-2007 946 1,063 946 1,021 818 2007-2008 1,021 818 946 731 946 2008-2009 731 818 720 818 720 731 720 2009-2010 731 720 712 2010-2011 720 712 720 724 720 724 712 2011-2012 697 712 697 724 724 697 697
% Change % Change% Change 12.75%% Change 12.75% 3.12%% 3.12% 12.75% 0.47% Amt 12.75% 0.47% 3.12%Change -3.95% 3.12% -3.95% 0.47% -10.64% 731 -7.35% 0.47% -7.35% -3.95% -13.53% 720 -1.50% -3.95% -13.53% -7.35% -10.64% -7.35% 720 -10.64% -13.53% -1.50% 0.00% -13.53% -1.50% -10.64% 0.00% -0.01% 712 -10.64% 0.00% -1.50% -0.01% 724 -1.50% -0.01% 0.00% 0.02% 0.02% 0.00% -3.73% 0.02% -0.01% 697 -3.73% -0.01% -3.73% 0.02% 0.02% -3.73% -3.73%
By the Numbers… By the Numbers… By the Numbers… By the Numbers…
Leilani Ottenbacher DMLC 1967 Zeeland ND
MSU - Mankato MSU - Mankato UW Eau Claire George UW Eau Claire College MSU - Mankato Martin Luther Frey MSU - Mankato Martin Luther College UW Eau Claire University of Wisconsin UW EauLuther Claire NWC 1937 University of Wisconsin Martin College Michigan State Martin Luther College Michigan University of Saginaw MI UniversityState of Wisconsin Minnesota University of Wisconsin University of Michigan UniversityState of Minnesota Michigan Michigan State University of Michigan Minnesota Bethany Lutheran College
Student Cost Student Cost Student Cost Student Cost
Student Enrollment Student Enrollment Student Enrollment Student Enrollment
1,200 1,200 1,000 1,200 1,000 1,200 800 1,000 800 1,000 600 800 600 800 400 600 400 600 200 400 200 400 0 200 0 200 0 0
MLC 2011-2012 Cost Comparison To Upper Midwest MLC 2011-2012 CostInstitutions Comparison To Upper Midwest MLC 2011-2012 CostInstitutions Comparison To Upper Midwest MLC 2011-2012 CostInstitutions Comparison To Upper Midwest Tuition & Fees Room & Board Total Institutions Tuition $7,148 & Fees Tuition $7,148 & Fees $8,024 Tuition $8,024 & Fees $7,148 $11,320 $7,148 $11,320 $8,024 $9,490 $8,024 $9,490 $11,320 $11,722 $11,320 $11,722 $9,490 $13,060 $9,490 $13,060 $11,722 $11,908 $11,722 $11,908 $13,060 $22,410
Room &$6,233 Board
Room &$6,233 Board $5,950 Keith Room &$6,233 Board $4,390 Wessel $5,950 $6,233 $4,390 $5,950 $7,724 $5,950 NWC 1987 $7,724 $4,390 $7,820 $7,820 $7,724 New Ulm$4,390 MN $7,728 $7,724 $7,728 $7,820 $9,468 $7,820 $9,468 $7,728 $6,800
Total $13,381 $13,381 Total $13,974 Thomas Total $13,974 $13,381 $15,710 Strackbein $13,381 $15,710 $13,974 $17,214 $13,974 MLC 2007 $17,214 $15,710 $19,542 $15,710 $19,542 $17,214 City $20,788Luther Oklahoma Martin College $17,214 $20,788 $19,542 $21,376 $19,542 $21,376 $20,788 $29,210
OK
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Welcome, New Faculty for 2011-2012 Daniel Westendorf ’07 Instructor/Tutor
Mark Tacke ’80 Professor of Science
Paul Grubbs ’01 Professor of English
Mark Stein ’92 Director of Admissions
Jennifer Mehlberg ’07 Lead Instructor at Early Childhood Learning Center
Daniel Gawrisch ’08 Admissions Counselor
Instructor Bethel Balge judged the
director of the Association of Lutheran High Schools Online. He also represented WELS School Accreditation (WELSSA) at the National Council for Private School Accreditation (NCPSA) meetings in Silver Spring MD in June; he served on the Commission on Instructional Technology and Distance Learning and was subsequently asked to chair that commission. He also presented “Teaching Students about Copyright” at the WELS North Central High School Conference in October.
Professor Earl Heidtke ’73 presented “GPS and Campus Geocaching” at the 2011 Minnesota District Teachers’ Conference of the WELS/ELS in October.
Professor Emeritus Dr. John Isch ’58
statewide MMTA Senior Young Artist Competition for high school pianists in March at Normandale Community CollegeBloomington MN. In May she judged the highest level MMTA Piano Exams (level 11) at St. John’s University-Collegeville MN.
chaired a panel discussion on the 1862 Dakota War at the 46th Annual Northern Great Plains History Conference, sponsored this September by Minnesota State University-Mankato.
Professor Dan Balge WLS ’85 taught
Professor Paul Koelpin WLS ’90
John’s Gospel and Excerpts from Luther’s Writings last July to the pastors of the Lutheran Church of Central Africa in Lusaka, Zambia.
Campus Pastor John Boeder WLS ’90 was worship leader for the closing service of the Confessional Evangelical Lutheran Conference in New Ulm in June; preached for the 25th anniversary of his first congregation, Abiding Savior-Elk River MN, in June; and led a workshop on Social Networks at the WELS North Central High School Conference in October.
Professor Joel Fredrich WLS ’82 has been appointed an official reactor to a presentation at the November 9-10, 2011, Free Conference on the MLC campus. He will react to a paper on the doctrine of justification tentatively titled, “The Chief Article and Its Flipside, The Bondage of the Will,” to be presented by Dr. James Nestingen, formerly of Luther Seminary-St. Paul.
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Dr. James Grunwald ’78 is the interim
Martin Luther College
delivered presentations on Lutheran education in the 21st century at the Michigan District Teachers’ Conference October 6, the WELS North Central High School Conference October 20, the WELS Association of Lutheran Educators Conference October 27, and the Wisconsin Lutheran State Teachers’ Conference October 27.
Dr. Robert Klindworth ’70 delivered the keynote address for the La Crosse Area Lutheran Educators meeting on August 8 at St. Paul-Onalaska WI. His presentation, “Waiting for Superman? Turn Perception into a Positive Reality,” incorporated clips of Waiting for Superman, the documentary about American public education.
Professor Lyle Lange WLS ’69 wrote an essay on Lutheran apologetics, which was published by the Lutheran Synod Quarterly (ELS) in September 2011.
Dr. Mark Lenz WLS ’69 presented a review of the Lutheran confessional writings to four pastors’ conferences at a joint meeting in Trego WI on September 12-13. Dr. Mark Lenz WLS ’69
Professor Cheryl Loomis ’77 represented WELS School
Accreditation (WELSSA) at the National Council for Private School Accreditation (NCPSA) meetings in Silver Spring MD in June; she served on the Commission on Infant & Early Childhood Education.
Dr. Carla Melendy presented “Screen Time and 21st Century Children” at St. John-Sleepy Eye MN in May.
Professor John Meyer ’87 and Dr. Cynthia Whaley ’76 led the Twin Cities ELS/WELS Teacher Summer Workshop at West LHS on August 3. The workshop topic was “Assessment for Learning and Motivation.”
Director of Graduate Studies John Meyer ’87
Professor Thomas Nass WLS ’82 authored The End Times, a book recently published by Northwestern Publishing House in the People’s Bible Teachings series. He also represented the WELS Translation Evaluation Committee at district pastoral conferences in Aberdeen SD and Cedar Rapids IA in May.
Instructor Lanita Nolte ’68 was elected president of the Minnesota Valley Circuit of the LWMS. She presented on her LWMS mission trip to Mexico at four LWMS meetings in the past several months: the Mid-America Circuit (KS), the Minnesota Valley Circuit (MN), the Crow River Circuit (MN), and the 48th Annual LWMS Convention in Milwaukee.
Dr. John Nolte ’68 presented “Music Technology in the Elementary Classroom” at the Technology and Art Curriculum Conference in Watertown WI last February.
Professor Mark Paustian WLS ’88 presented “Prepared to Answer: A Witnessing Seminar” in Manitowoc WI in February; “Luther’s Doctrine of Vocation” to first-years at Wisconsin Lutheran College and to Today’s Women’s Retreat in Pontiac MI, both in March; and the keynote address, “Kingdom Balance,” to the LWMS rally in Hancock MN in April. He also led Pastors’ Hebrew Grammar Review: “The Burning Bush” in Houston in August.
Professor James Pope WLS ’81 was appointed the host of The Lutheran Chapel Service, a weekly radio program in southern Minnesota. He succeeds
Professor Emeritus Darvin Raddatz WLS ’59, who held that position for 20+ years.
Professor Jonathan Roux ’94 taught a reading curriculum course in Antigua last July. The class consisted of 23 teachers from Antigua and Barbuda, including many from our school, St. John’s Lutheran-Antigua. Also, he and Dr. Cindy Whaley ’76 presented “Common Core Standards: A Lutheran School Perspective” for the Lake Lutheran Teachers Fall Curriculum Conference at Shoreland LHS.
Professor John Schmidt WLS ’74 presented “Islam: A Practical Approach” in May at the Wisconsin River Valley & Chippewa Valley Joint Conference hosted by Mountain of the Lord-Wausau WI and in July at the summer seminar hosted by St. Mark-Eau Claire WI.
Dr. David Schroeder ’85 chaired a panel discussion on United States Foreign Affairs at the 46th Annual Northern Great Plains History Conference, sponsored this September by Minnesota State UniversityMankato. Professor David Sellnow WLS ’86 authored two booklets in Northwestern Publishing House Family Life Series,
Set 2: Decision Making and Feeding Your Family Spiritually. He also chaired a panel discussion on Ethical Issues at the 46th Annual Northern Great Plains History Conference, hosted this September by Minnesota State University-Mankato.
Professor Ronald L. Shilling ’61 recently performed three organ recitals: at Grace-Mankato MN as part of the Sioux Trails Summer AGO (American Guild of Organists) series, at MLC (see box below), and at St. John-St. Clair MN in October as a celebration of their refurbished organ.
President Mark Zarling WLS ’80 taught two Wisconsin Lutheran Seminary Summer Quarter satellite courses: In Cocoa Beach FL in June, he taught Vignettes of Victory from 1 and 2 Kings, and in Winter Park CO in August, he taught Teaching the Way the Brain Learns. He also presented a paper at the Wisconsin Lutheran Seminary Symposium on Lutheran Schools in September: “Christian Education: A Matter of Life or Death—What the Mission of the Church Teaches Us about Lutheran Schools.”
Professor Jeffery Wiechman ’90 and Dan Whitney (Trinity-Belle Plaine MN) presented “School Climate and Culture” to Minnesota and South Dakota LES principals in March. The workshop is one of 10 Leadership Institute Modules available through the WELS Commission on Lutheran Schools. He also spoke to all WELS teachers of the Nebraska District (K-12) on the topic of Curriculum Development in August, and in October he presented “The ALHS in the 21st Century” at the WELS North Central High School Conference.
MLC faculty members have been invited to assist St. Paul-New Ulm MN in its self-study as it applies for accreditation from Minnesota Nonpublic School Accrediting Association and WELS School Accreditation. Vice President for Administration Steve Thiesfeldt serves on the Steering Committee; Professors Lance Hartzell, Roger Klockziem, and Bill Pekrul are committee chairs; and Professors John Meyer and Paul Tess are committee members.
Professor Kurt Wittmershaus ’88,
Faculty Organ Recitals
Academic Dean for Educational Studies, presented the keynote address at the Western Wisconsin Curriculum Conference at St. Mark-Watertown WI in February: “Pea Gravel or Planning to Learn? A Discussion about Educational Priorities in Our Schools.” He also taught Essential German to local adults in March and April and led the German Language Day Camp in June; the course and the camp were both sponsored by the New Ulm Sister Cities Commission.
Six MLC faculty members presented 30-minute lunchtime organ recitals on Thursdays in June and July. Many New Ulm community members, as well as visitors from around the country, enjoyed these recitals on the Schantz organ in the Chapel of the Christ. Recitalists:
Professor Emeritus Ames Anderson
Professor Miles Wurster was a guest conductor of the Minnesota River Valley Wind Ensemble for their April concert at MLC. He also served as one of two guest conductors for the WELS Brass Festival at Star of Bethlehem-New Berlin WI in June. In September Wurster served as one of several guest conductors for the annual Bethany Lutheran College Alumni Band Festival, which featured BLC alumni as conductors. Wurster is a 1996 graduate of BLC.
Adjunct Instructor Brent Nolte Dr. John Nolte Professor Robert Potratz Professor Ronald Shilling Dr. Wayne Wagner ’72
Dr. Wayne Wagner
Martin Luther College
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New on Campus!
NEW identification and directional signs guide visitors.
NEW banners, funded by the MLC Ladies’ Auxiliary and designed by artist Jason Jaspersen (St. Paul-New Ulm MN), grace the mall.
The ol’ DMLC Lancer is NEW again, as he has been unveiled, cleaned, and polished at the top of the Luther Student Center steps. He stands within a few feet of the Northwestern College seal and the MLC seal. (Note: The Lancer was a gift of the class of 1966, not ’65 as published in the last issue. Our apologies.)
The granite seal, designed by former MLC president Dr. John Lawrenz (pictured), was moved from the mall sidewalk to a NEW location in the reception area parking lot, where it’s already a favorite photo spot.
Pond gazebos are NEWly wired and lighted for student use and special events.
A NEW meditation garden has been installed beside the president’s office.
Thank you
to all donors, whose gifts make the WELS College of Ministry a beautiful place to train the next generation of called workers!