InFocus - March 2012

1995 Luther Court New Ulm, MN 56073 Address Service Requested

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The Way It Was Open Doors for MLC Grads Women Advance to NCAA Tournament

In This Issue...

MARCH 2012

InFocus Staff

How Much Is Enough?

WRITER/EDITOR Laurie Gauger DMLC ’86 PHOTOGRAPHERS William Pekrul DMLC ’80 Catherine St. John Rebecca Wilkens COPY EDITORS Heidi Schoof DMLC ’86 Phil Biedenbender GRAPHIC DESIGNER Lime Valley Advertising, Inc. Office of Mission Advancement VICE PRESIDENT Jon Scharlemann 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 David Wendler DMLC ’70 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 DMLC ’79 Jonathan Hahm DMLC ’71 Jonathan Kolander WLS ’91 Stephen Loehr Michael Otterstatter WLS ’94 Timothy Petermann Barry Price Steven Rosenbaum DMLC ’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

By MLC President Mark Zarling WLS ’80

“So, how many graduates received calls this year?” I hear that question, or something similar, almost every spring.

I’m glad to hear it. God’s people rejoice in the gifts the Spirit pours out upon the church. God’s people want to see workers in the harvest field. The question represents the prayers of many people that God powerfully advance his kingdom through a vigorous and vibrant Christian education effort.

I’m happy to say that in the last five years, through the assignment committee of our synod, the Lord has called more than 91% of our available candidates into gospel ministry. The Lord is good. Let’s be fervent in prayers of thanksgiving that God provides both workers and opportunities to serve.

But when people ask me that question, I pause and ask myself another question: “So, how many workers are enough? How many pastors and teachers and staff ministers are enough?”

I wonder whether the visible church of Christ has a habit of quantifying needs based upon present ministries and current parameters. We trend vacancies in pulpits and classrooms and ramp up recruitment efforts accordingly.

We prayerfully plan to enlarge our efforts, but always with the caveat “subject to funding.” In short, we humans often frame the question based upon the visible evidence that confronts us.

Yet we “live by faith and not by sight.” We believe that “God is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine.” We confess, “I believe in the Holy Christian Church.” We rejoice, knowing that God promises that his Word “will not return to me empty, but will accomplish what I desire and achieve the purpose for which I sent it.”

Let’s Reframe the Question.

How much is the harvest? Jesus says it’s “plentiful.” In fact, the harvest is so plentiful our Savior has asked us to pray specifically for more workers. He has not erased this prayer from the revealed record. He does not give us permission to ignore the petition. He does not add “subject to funding.” He says, “The harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field.”

Human judgment might say, “Enough. We have enough for our churches and schools and a little expansion work.” But look to the fields! Hear the Savior’s voice: “Plentiful, plentiful.”

The harvest remains plentiful, and the urgency of the harvest is always before us. Can we pray boldly for more workers? Can we pray boldly to train more workers? Can we pray boldly to present more workers? Can we boldly trust

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 train a corps of Christian witnesses who are qualified to meet the ministry needs of the WELS. Comments are welcomed and should be directed to gaugerlf@mlc-wels.edu or Martin Luther College InFocus, 1995 Luther Court, New Ulm MN 56073.

On our cover: MLC Knight Erica Babinec earned UMAC Player of the Year as she led MLC to its first-ever NCAA Tournament.

that the Lord of the harvest will use these workers, at his time and direction? Can we pray with confidence that the Lord of the harvest will send forth these workers, some to fill the immediate needs of a visible church body? Can we then confidently pray that the Lord will use all grads, even those not immediately called to a ministry, to be his witnesses—immediately—of life in Christ?

Different times create different opportunities.

Our society is different than even a few decades ago.

Your neighbors are willing to explore educational alternatives for their children, including online schools, Montessori and Waldorf schools, homeschools, and, yes, Christian schools. In many families, both parents are working, which necessitates daycares and preschools.

Because of expanding voucher and school choice programs, more parents are choosing private, charter, and, again, Christian schools for their children. And outside the U.S., international schools are seeking American grads to teach English as a second language.

As a church body, we want to prayerfully evaluate how these changes in our society may create new paths to the harvest fields.

Can our Christian schools, whose raison d’etre remains Christ and the Great Commission, be used by God to reach more homes?

Can pastors and principals and preschool directors and school boards craft careful ministry plans to intentionalize gospel teamwork and share the “one thing needful” with more families?

Can our congregations utilize early childhood ministries as open doors to teach the open tomb of the living Savior?

Can we partner with our world mission fields to find ways to walk through open doors that teaching English as a second language (ESL) provides?

time, I also hear from more and more people in more and more places: “You are not training enough teachers!”

We need more teachers for urban schools and for schools in states that provide some type of voucher or credit.

We need more teachers for our early childhood ministries.

We need more teachers to fill positions in international schools, including those near established WELS missions.

And we are by no means forgetting the growing need for pastors, especially as our church body strives to open more missions and replace a growing demographic of retiring pastors. Nor are we neglecting the growing number of specialized ministry niches that staff ministers are filling.

Please pray with me.

In the last few years, I confess that far too often I haven’t “asked the Lord of the harvest to send out workers into the harvest field.” I confess that my human nature is affected more by human headlines than by God’s promises. You and I have heard about schools closing, missionaries recalled, struggles in funding. I confess that at times my old nature listens to Satan’s noxious whispers. At such times I forget that through baptism, I’ve been united with the triumphant Victor and his glorious resurrection.

Dear Christian reader, so have you! Let us remember that we are on the winning side. We view all of life from an eternal perspective. Let us pray boldly, for the Lord Christ loves us so much he will continually confront us with challenges to grow and opportunities to tell.

Join me in praying for workers. The harvest is plentiful!

Please read more about MLC graduates serving in urban schools, early childhood ministries, and international schools on pages 10-15.

Yes. I firmly believe that Jesus has positioned our little church body for exciting opportunities. The harvest is indeed plentiful. In fact, according to one statistic, over 67% of the world’s population is non-Christian.

We need more called workers.

Earlier, I stated that I often hear the question, “How many graduates received calls this year?” At the same

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Women Advance to NCAA Tournament A First for MLC Women’s Basketball

By Sports Information Director Mike Gibbons The women’s basketball team had the most successful regular season in our program’s history in 2011-12, finishing 18-7 overall and 12-2 in the Upper Midwest Athletic Conference (UMAC), good enough for a share of the conference title.

Coach Larry Czer and Assistant Coach Paul Holzhueter led the Knights to the regular season championship, which was the first in program history, and the Knights backed it up by winning the UMAC Postseason Tournament for the first time since the 2005-06 season.

The 2011-2012 Knights championship team! Front row: Erica Babinec, Emily Boldt, Kadie Drake, Melissa Christensen, Sarah Free; middle row: Brittney Gossen, Hannah Hackbarth, Kirsten Michael, Amanda Burk, Alex Anthon, Hannah Rothe, Heather Danell; back row: Assistant Coach Paul Holzhueter, Coach Larry Czer.

Erica Babinec (St. Paul-Onalaska WI) was named Tournament MVP, averaging 17 points and 12.5 rebounds per game in the two wins, and helping MLC advance to the NCAA Division III Tournament for the first time in program history.

Veterans Babinec and Amanda Burk (Trinity-Nicollet MN), who was named Second Team All-Conference, provided scoring and rebounding for much of the

An Interview with Coach

When did you first realize this kind of season was possible? At Mayville State, we were down by nine with 1:40 left, and we came back to tie it and win it in overtime. At that point I knew this team was special.

What does it mean to you to be a part of the first team in program history to win the conference championship and reach the NCAA Tournament? It’s always great to be the first at anything, but for the players it’s about setting goals and achieving them with hard work and dedication.

What was it like to coach the seniors on this team, who’ve won a lot of games? These women came to a team that was 6-18 the year before they arrived. Since that time they’ve won 52 games and made the conference Martin Luther College

Brittney Gossen (Trinity-Brillion WI) and Emily Boldt (Christ-Big Bend WI) provided experience and defensive toughness, while newcomers Alex Anthon (St. Paul-Lake Mills WI), Hannah Hackbarth (St. Paul-Lake Mills WI), and Kirsten Michael (Christ the King-Bremerton WA) brought athleticism and scoring on the perimeter.

Larry Czer

What were your goals heading into this season? We knew we had a chance to compete for the conference title, but it would be a tough road and we would need to get some breaks.

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season, but the Knights were able to beat many teams this season with their depth.

tournament every year. They’ve brought a sense of knowing how to win to the MLC program.

How important was the addition of some very talented newcomers to the roster? These young women work together very well. The nice part about having new players is that it gives us depth and the ability to go tall or small with our lineup without losing offensive output or defensive effort.

What are you hoping others see from your team when they play? That they play hard, they play composed, and they play with passion and intelligence. But most of all, that they are having fun playing the game.

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, and ’07. Thanks to Alumni Director Steve Balza ’93, who provided this random selection of alums.

Babinec Puts Finishing Touches on Record-Breaking Career Erica Babinec (St. Paul-Onalaska WI) finished a brilliant career for the women’s basketball team this season by putting her name atop the record books at MLC and earning UMAC Tournament MVP and UMAC Player of the Year.

Having already made an impact as a three-year starter and three-time First Team All-UMAC performer, Babinec entered the 2011-12 season with a chance to supplant her sister Emma’s name from the top of the all-time records in several categories.

Erica had already broken the school record for career free throws made during her junior season, and then added the steals record on February 4 in a game against Minnesota-Morris, breaking Emma’s record of 239.

Next came Emma’s scoring record of 1,551 points, which Erica broke on February 11 in a 24-point performance at Northland. The Babinec sisters are the only two women’s basketball players at MLC to ever reach 1,000 points, making the accomplishment by both sisters even more impressive.

In the conference tournament semi-final against Bethany, Erica broke another of Emma's records, this one for most rebounds. Erica finished her career with 685 rebounds, 23 more than her sister.

Erica was rewarded for her play with UMAC Player of the Year honors.

She was also named First Team All-UMAC for the fourth time and All-Defense team for the third time in her career.

While the records have been nice, Erica’s play on the court has helped lead to wins for the team, making them mean more to the senior. The Knights qualified for the conference tournament in each of her four seasons, and this year they took home the tournament championship and earned their first-ever trip to the Division III Women’s Basketball Championship tournament in March.

Armin Schuetze NWC 1937 Litchfield MN

Fall All-Conference Volleyball Coach of the Year: Becky Cox Co-Rookie of the Year: Miranda Maasz (MVL) 1st Team: Rebecca Engelbrecht (SLHS) Rachel Hein (LPS) Honorable Mention: Emily Boldt (LPS) Miranda Maasz (MVL) Team GPA Award Football 2nd Team: Eric Duve (Heritage HS-MI) Chuqee Fletcher (WISCO) Team GPA Award Women’s Cross Country 1st Team: Robin Nommensen (FVL) Emilee Koltz (LPS) Sportsmanship Award Men’s Cross Country Sportsmanship Award Men’s Soccer 2nd Team: Nathan Gurgel (KML) Honorable Mention: Caleb Buch (Manitowoc LHS) Ben Nommensen (FVL) Team GPA Award

Erica Babinec ended a historic career, breaking MLC records and leading the Knights to their first NCAA Division III Tournament.

Wendy Drews DMLC 1977 Appleton WI

Women’s Soccer 2nd Team: Hannah Mattek (WISCO) Honorable Mention: Kelsey Mattek (WISCO) Miranda Pomije (LPS) Sportsmanship Award Men’s Golf Team GPA Award

Benjamin Zahn MLC 2002 Maitland FL Martin Luther College

Carl Schomberg NWC 1972 West Salem 5 WI

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here on the

MLC reports enrollment figures

generally using the number of on-campus undergrads enrolled in education or preseminary studies. This semester that number is 665. But our official enrollment is much higher. Employing the same measurements other colleges use, we must include 96 master’s degree students and 800+ continuing education students, which brings us to 1200+ unduplicated students.

Forum, MLC’s student-run drama club

staged three shows so far this year: She Loves Me (musical), Christmas in the Trenches and Other Christmas Stories (readers’ theater), and Around the World in 80 Days (winter play, pictured). The cast is rehearsing for The Emperor’s New Clothes (children’s theater, April 26-28), and plans are underway for the May 4 opening of Julius Caesar (outdoor classical theater).

The New York Times featured MLC on

October 21, 2011—in their crossword puzzle, that is.

Clue 29-down read: “Minnesota home of Martin Luther College.”

Focus on Ministry visitors numbered about

700 this year. These WELS and public high school students stay two nights in the dorm, attend classes, and talk to students and profs. Surveys showed that they most enjoyed chapel, the Early Childhood Learning Center, and the cafeteria (pictured). One Lakeside student said, “I love the campus, the people, and God’s Word all over the place.”

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Chris Cordes NWC 1982 Bend OR College Martin Luther

Joel Mittelstaedt MLC 1997 Largo MD

The Wind Symphony played at churches and

schools in Bloomington MN, Stillwater MN, Manitowoc WI, and Milwaukee over their February mini-tour.

The concert program featured Grieg, Holst, Debussy, Rimsky-Korsakov, and Frank Ticheli.

The Lutheran Chapel Service features

pastors and choirs of MLC and south central Minnesota WELS congregations. Tune in to the broadcast every Sunday 8:00 - 8:30 am at KNUJ 860AM or www.knuj.net. The service is preceded by “Good News for Today” at 7:45 am.

Mandarin will be offered next school year

as a pilot project, thanks to a grant from the Antioch II Foundation. We are seeking a native Mandarin speaker who has been recommended by our missionaries. In 2012-2013, we’ll offer Intro to Chinese Language & Culture and Elementary Mandarin I. In 2013-2014, we’ll add Elementary Mandarin II and Intermediate Mandarin I.

Two National Guard members, MLC grad Paul Wilde ’11 (Zion-Bristol WI) and senior Zech Broring (Resurrection-Rochester MN), are serving in the same squad for a one-year tour in the Iraqi theater. Specialist Broring looked forward to the opportunity “to serve my country and to gain experience in a world outside the realm of MLC.” Private Wilde, who graduated from the preseminary program, sees the tour as a chance to “share my wonderful Christian education with soldiers here who need to learn about their Savior.”

Zech Broring and Paul Wilde

William Godfrey NWC 1957 Crete IL

Nicole Hartman MLC 1997 Benton Harbor MI

Evangelism Day 2012 opened with a worship

service under the theme “Make Christ Known to the Nations.” Then students attended sectionals given by called workers and leaders from across the country, such as developing effective conversation skills, sharing the gospel with Mormons, using Lutheran schools as evangelism tools, and worship and evangelism. “It’s pretty much the best day of the year for me,” said Mark Swanson (Grace-Portland OR). “You get really excited to tell people about Jesus.”

The Reuter Steinway in the Chapel of the Christ was featured in a 100th Anniversary Recital on November 3. It produced its usual grand sound at the coaxing of MLC professors, instructors, and students. The Steinway grand was purchased by DMLC’s first music professor, Fritz Reuter, in 1911 for $850, funds given by area churches at which the DMLC male chorus sang. It was refurbished in 1944 and again in 2010. A Reuter display in the chapel gathering space commemorated the ministry of Reuter at DMLC. A new search tool for organists is

available thanks to MLC students Sarah Ewald (Good Shepherd-Burton MI) and Rachel Rupnow (St. Paul-New Ulm MN). They digitized a database of MLC’s organ music. The database, first made by Dale Witte DMLC ’89, served (D)MLC students well, but Sarah and Rachel, along with librarian Jan Nass, extended its reach by adding new music, expanding the search criteria, and putting it online (mlc-wels.edu/go/preludes). A search of a Christian Worship hymn number, tune name, or composer will yield a list of publications that include preludes for that hymn, eliminating the painstaking paging through books. One other help: Any WELS organist can borrow music from MLC’s collection, just as our students do.

Paul Nolting DMLC 1942 Frontenac MN

Philip Kuske DMLC 1967 Glencoe MN

The MLC Ladies’ Auxiliary, at their annual meeting October 15, adopted a project list totaling almost $17,000.

Standing projects: Scholarships.........................$3,000 Library..................................$1,250 Daylight program.................$2,500 2011-2012 projects: History textbooks.................$1,400 Chapel landscaping..............$2,000 Library furniture.....................$992 Chapel Christmas tree.........$1,000 Window treatments..............$1,000 Step exercise machine..........$2,600 Chapel marriage candle.......$1,225

The Martin Luther College Choir, which traveled to Mexico a few years ago—an MLC first—laid claim to another first in February 2012 as they toured “the last frontier”: Alaska.

The choir presented music of Bach, Clausen, Haugen, Rutter, and Dr. Kermit Moldenhauer himself at congregations in Anchorage, Eagle River, Kenai, and Wasilla. The University of Alaska-Anchorage also proved a beautiful venue for a concert.

Students sent text messages back to MLC about the snow, the mountains, the moose that ran in front of the bus, and the musk ox stroganoff. But the highlight was sharing the gospel in song with fellow believers who do not get many concerts.

Perhaps Kimberly Lehninger (Grace-Milwaukee) said it best: “Sunday, February 26: We sang at two different churches: Faith-Anchorage and Peace-Eagle River. They treated us so well! Feeling very blessed this morning!”

Larry Prahl NWC 1967 Allendale NJ Martin Luther College

Tanya David MLC 2002 San Antonio 7 TX

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Open Doors and aWorld of Opportunity A message to prospective students from Admissions Counselor Dan Gawrisch ’08 Students who graduate with an MLC education degree see nothing but open doors and a world of opportunity ahead of them.

MLC is a fantastic option if you are looking for a job immediately upon graduation. In the last five years, even though the economy is tough, 91% of education majors available for an assignment call did receive one.

Also, MLC is tied for 5th place in the nation in student loan repayment (US News & World Report, September 1, 2010). Generally, loan repayment is evidence of graduates having jobs.

Chances are, you’ll receive an assignment when you graduate (Door #1). But you may also choose another door of opportunity.

Only at MLC will you graduate with a state teaching license and synod certification.

Door #1 – Call Assignment: You will be synod-certified to teach in a WELS school. Fifty-four graduates received calls to our Lutheran schools in May 2011. And the Call Service in May really is just the beginning of the call assignments. If there’s not a right fit for you at graduation, your call could come later in summer. Either way, in the words of Education Professor Paul Tess, “The Lord’s got you in mind.”

Door #2 – International Ministry: Southeast Asia, Mexico, Antigua, Indonesia—these are some of the places where current graduates have elected to serve for a semester, a year, two years, or longer. In fact, more than 50 MLC grads are serving around the world right now in these unique experiences that allow for frontline mission outreach!

Door #3 – Public School Educator: MLC education majors also qualify for state licensure. In fact, only at MLC will you graduate with a state teaching license and synod certification. Bring your servant attitude and extensive professional training to a public school in Wisconsin, Arizona, Florida—or wherever— and you’ll be a shining light in that community for sure.

Door #4 – Graduate School: After dedicating yourself to MLC’s undergraduate coursework, you’ll be more than prepared for any graduate program. You can get your master’s degree from MLC or from any college or university in a variety of specialty professions. Some say that advanced degrees are a necessity in today’s job market, and furthering your education leads to . . . that’s right, even more open doors.

Door #5 – Trailblazer: If you graduate and then decide that a classroom just isn’t for you, you will still be prepared as an outstanding layperson in a congregation and a well-rounded employee in a variety of fields. Your Bachelor of Science in Education degree shows future employers that you not only have knowledge skills, you also have people skills. So be a trailblazer and set the bar high in a different career.

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Wendy Gurgel DMLC 1992 Lake Mills WI Martin Luther College

Mark Stein DMLC 1992 Denver CO

John Schroeder NWC 1982 Minot ND

Randal Watts DMLC 1977 Moline IL

Making a career choice can be an overwhelming process, especially at age 17 or 18. Most students enter MLC unsure about how the Lord is one day going to use them, whether as called workers or as laypeople. The best advice is to keep your options open. Clearly, MLC can do that—offering you

many open doors while at the same time strengthening your faith.

Whatever doors the Lord opens for you after your studies at MLC, you can be sure of one thing: You will be prepared to serve the Lord and share the Word wherever you are.

Door #1 – Call Assignment Andrew Becker ’11 was assigned to St. Marcus-Milwaukee. He is the lead 6th grade teacher and coach of 5-6 boys’ basketball. His duties also include an after-school power hour and Saturday school.

Door #2 – International Ministry Rachel Wendland ’11 is in Lusaka, Zambia, teaching English to seminary students’ wives, holding a preschool for their young children, tutoring their older children in English and math, and doing several training sessions for teachers at the Lutheran schools.

Door #3 – Teach in Public School Marshall Milbrath ’08 moved to Manassas VA after graduation. He taught 8th grade science at Metz Middle School and coached cross country and track at Osbourn HS. He earned his master’s degree in curriculum and instruction. Now he’s the chemistry teacher at South Lakes HS in Reston VA.

Door #4 – Grad School Steve Gurgel ’11 is enrolled in a two-year master’s program in history at the University of Wisconsin, Milwaukee. He’ll present himself to the assignment committee when he finishes.

Door #5 – Blaze Your Own Trail Emily Drews ’11 is selling her art, giving private art lessons, and running her own tea room, The Princeton Tea Parlor. She also partnered with her mom to start a small business called D & E Canned Goods.

Ruth Backer DMLC 1962 Winona MN

Kip Wilson MLC 1997 Tomah WI

Ruth Brockhoff DMLC 1962 Tucson AZ

Tanya Weichel MLC 2007 Plymouth NE

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MLC students continue to go global with the gospel. In international schools they teach the English language while also teaching the very words of God.

Centro de Idiomas – Lima, Peru Three MLC Spanish students are packing their bags for Peru, where they will teach English at Centro de Idiomas language school and a private K-12 school with connections to the Evangelical Lutheran Synod (ELS) just outside Lima, Peru. They may also work with the local ELS congregation.

Aimee Ulm (St. John-Watertown WI) will spend the summer there, and preseminary students David Strucely (Trinity-Watertown WI) and Nathan Schulte (St. John-Hillpoint WI) will teach at the school in the 2012-2013 school year.

Bethany Lutheran College, the ELS liberal arts college in Mankato MN, will also be sending students to the two schools, facilitated by Spanish Professor and Study Abroad Coordinator Kathy Bruss.

MLC Professor Paul Bases spent a week in Peru last December and found the school to be a great fit for MLC students. He’s grateful Bethany is allowing us to partner with them.

“This is like a total immersion experience for the students,” says Professor Bases. “They’ll spend time with the Berrospid family and teach at a good Lutheran school with a great curriculum. The staff will even mentor them. It’s a very real place to be—a great internship opportunity.”

Schulte, who plans on attending Wisconsin Lutheran Seminary after his year in Peru, adds, “I pray that this opportunity will increase my cultural sensitivities, develop my teaching skills, improve my Spanish, and help me see people’s need for the gospel—all of which will be useful in my future ministry.”

Announcing 2012 Thalassa Contest Martin Luther College is now accepting submissions for the sixth annual Thalassa Prize. This $1000 award from an anonymous donor is given to the best photo-and-essay submission from an MLC student or graduate who has served in an international ministry. Go to www.mlc-wels.edu/thalassa. Deadline: April 30, 2012.

The MLC students are volunteering, but they will be well cared for. The Daniel Berrospid family, which owns and operates the 825-student school, provides them private housing and a daily invitation to eat meals with the family.

“I’m looking forward to the whole experience of living in another country,” says Nathan Schulte, “working closely with the church, and teaching English.

I’m also hoping that my Spanishspeaking abilities flourish during those ten months.”

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Susan Remias DMLC 1972 Sterling Heights MI Martin Luther College

In the front row, second from the left, are Stephanie Morgan (St. John-Jefferson WI) and David Strucely, who taught English to these students in Lima last year. David will teach there again in 2012-2013.

Lincoln Hohler DMLC 1987 Newark DE

Jon Baumann NWC 1987 Sutton NE

Linda Kuske DMLC 1987 Goodhue MN

Immanuel Academy – Seoul, South Korea Nathan Gartner (St. Luke-Watertown WI) is finishing a three-month ministry experience at Immanuel Academy Korea (IAK) in Seoul, South Korea, an international school established by Immanuel-Salem OR. “Most children in South Korea go to academies after their regular school day,” Nate explains. “IAK is an academy that teaches English. My duties are to teach the children English grammar, speaking, reading, writing, and spelling.”

Nate will often teach reading comprehension through Bible stories. “I can see the Holy Spirit working in the children’s hearts!” he says. “I’m learning that there are many people in the world that still need to hear the gospel. I’m also learning that there are many different ways to share the gospel.”

Nate will finish in March, and MLC student Kyle Krause (St. Luke-Watertown WI), who arrived in Seoul in February, will teach until June. When Nate finishes his last three semesters at MLC, he’ll present himself to the Assignment Committee with the maturity gained from international teaching experience in addition to the many hours of stateside clinical experience MLC requires.

Whether he then teaches in Seoul, Seattle, or Sleepy Eye MN, he knows there will be people who need the good news—and the good Lord will be looking out for him. “I was a little unsure of living in another culture so far away from home, but I’ve learned that I don’t have to worry about it. God is always watching over me, no matter where I am in the world.”

Alyssa Marshall (St. John-Burlington WI) spent last summer at Good Shepherd-St. Peters MO, teaching preschool and assisting with outreach.

Daylight USA As you’re reading this, 54 students have just come back from spring break ministries, lending a hand to 13 congregations in Tennessee, Georgia, Washington, Arizona, Ohio, Colorado, New York, Indiana, and Nevada. It’s a win-win proposition, as congregations get valuable assistance and students get invaluable experience. Take a look at what some students said about their summer 2011 Daylight experience:

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I have never seen enthusiasm such as that of the two brilliant pastors I worked with. They showed me how to be a “real” person and a servant for Christ at the same time.

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Luke Pudlo (St. James-Prairie du Sac WI) Daylight Ministry: Canvassing, Prospect Visits, Soccer Camps, and VBS at Faith-Sharpsburg GA and Hope-Hampton GA

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I had the amazing opportunity to spread the gospel to those with developmental disabilities and special needs in the southern states. I can’t wait to use this experience in my ministry in the future.

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Angela Birner (Good Shepherd-Burton MI) Daylight Ministry: Intern for The Lutheran Home Association-Belle Plaine MN

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Watching the preschool director, I really learned what it means to have a servant’s mindset. The joy she had to share the gospel was contagious!

MLC students Nate Gartner and Kyle Krause are teaching English to 25 students at Immanuel Academy Korea (IAK-Seoul).

David Waterstradt NWC 1992 Citrus Heights CA

Mark Gartner NWC 1987 Milwaukee

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Heidi Heckmann (St. Paul-Lake Mills WI) Daylight Ministry: Preschool, Youth Day Camp, and VBS at Prince of Peace-Houston TX

Linda Festerling DMLC 1967 Bay City MI Luther College Martin

Jack Petrie NWC 1942 Milwaukee 11WI

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R e d w o o d Fa l l s

Early Childhood Learning Center A “It was a leap of faith,” says Principal David Gartner of St. John-Redwood Falls MN. “It was a leap of faith to start an all day-every day preschool in our small town, but God has truly blessed our program.”

Although St. John had had a preschool for about 10 years, 2½ years ago they expanded to all day-every day.

They built two preschool classrooms in their new building, hoping they’d have enough students to fill them perhaps by year five or six of the program.

To their surprise, by October they were using both rooms and they had to have an emergency meeting to call a third teacher. Tammy Rudolph joined the director/ teacher Julie Nelson MLC ’99 and three-quarter-time teacher Mindy Scharlemann MLC ’99. When Tammy moved a year later, Emily Monson stepped in without skipping a beat.

“All three bring great energy and dedication to the program,” Gartner says. About 10 people help run the 7:30 am – 5:15 pm ministry, which also operates through the summer. Their enrollment of children ages 3-5 is maxed out at 47, and they hope it will stay that way.

They’re filling the seats, so to speak, but what’s more important is what is filling the children’s hearts. “There are a few children who have never really heard about Jesus,” Gartner says. “Other families have told us that they used to belong to a church but left, so we’ve

L ea p o f Faith

encouraged them to come back. Often the parents will tell us that their children are coming home and teaching them about the Bible.”

Several families have become members, and several more are taking membership classes. Gartner credits the entire congregation. “Ever since I arrived at St. John 20 years ago, this congregation has been committed to ministry and making sure that children and adults get to hear the gospel message.”

For the sake of the gospel, the congregation is also committed to high-quality teachers. “We want our teachers to be either MLC graduates or graduates of other colleges who are synod-certified at MLC,” Gartner says. The church provides financial support for the teachers’ coursework at MLC. “As for the ECLC,” he continues, “we started out slow, trying to make it as close to self-supporting as possible, but now after a few years with 47 children in attendance, we realize it is worth spending more budgeted dollars for the eternal welfare of these children and parents.”

The staff knows that relationships are key. “We want our families to know that we care about them and their children,” Gartner says. “So we try to make sure each family is greeted at the door when they arrive in the morning, and often there’s someone to say goodbye at the end of the day.

“Also, each year the preschool teachers have four Fun Nights that bring about 100+ preschool children and adults from town into our doors,” Gartner explains.

“We try to have our entire faculty present to talk to the families. We try to create friendships, and then it becomes much easier to share the gospel with them.”

It may have been a leap of faith for St. John-Redwood Falls, but God has blessed their efforts. He’s brought children to their ECLC. He’s brought families to their church. And he’s brought Jesus into more hearts and homes.

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Kristen Paulsen DMLC 1992 New Ulm MN Martin Luther College

John Denninger NWC 1952 St. Paul MN

Eric Miller NWC 1992 Brandon SD

James Clark NWC 1967 Morton Grove IL

M a rt i n Lu t h e r C o l l e g e

Partners with You in Early Childhood Ministry Regular readers of MLC InFocus already know the news.

MLC is building a new Early Childhood Learning Center to serve the synod. This new center will play an integral part in training future teachers to start and staff new early childhood learning centers. It will also serve as an invaluable resource for current teachers and congregations. This is an important project because early childhood ministries reach countless children and their families with the gospel of Jesus, often for the first time.

The demand for these ministries is growing, and MLC’s teacher training program is poised to meet the church’s need.

Our new center of 15,000 square feet will accommodate 93 children (age 0-5), plus staff and student teachers.

Construction begins July 2012, with occupancy planned for January 2013.

Lobby and Gathering Area: Computer sign-in, comfortable furniture, hot coffee!

Preprimary Spaces: Two rooms for 30 students each.

Infant and Toddler Spaces: Rooms in close proximity allow for relationships among the groups—including siblings! Nap rooms assist with quiet routine.

Outdoor Play Spaces: One for preprimary children and one for infants and toddlers, with age-appropriate equipment.

Art Studio: Abundant space and supplies to inspire imaginations.

Motor Skills Room: Space and equipment for physical development.

Higher Education Classroom: For ECE majors.

Easy access to children’s classrooms. Also wired for video technology so that our instruction will be available to anyone anyplace in the world!

Workroom and Curriculum Library: Resources for teachers, student teachers, and parents.

Go to mlc-wels.edu to watch our video and learn more about early childhood education at MLC and how you can help support this important project!

Philip Eich MLC 2007 Alma MI

Rachel Traudt MLC 2002 Longmont CO

Norman Paul NWC 1962 Newton IA Martin Luther College

Anna Bourmann MLC 2007 Rochester 13 MN

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The Central “We need teachers!” This is the message of Henry Tyson, principal of St. Marcus-Milwaukee.

“The harvest is indeed plentiful in the central city, and our Lord is opening the doors for a bountiful crop,” he says. “The workers, though, are few!”

Then he directs his words to MLC students and high school students considering MLC: “Is this your calling?

Is this your passion? We need workers!”

Many MLC graduates have found that urban ministry is their passion as they serve in Milwaukee, Minneapolis, and Miami. Please see “MLC Graduate Mark Gnewuch Is Making a Difference” on page 15.

Many current MLC students are fired up to get started as well. Seventeen of them got a close look February 4-7 when they attended the Undergraduate Urban Teaching Conference (sponsored by the Center for Urban Teaching) and visited five Milwaukee schools: St. Marcus, Atonement, HOPE: Prima, HOPE Christian High School, and Risen Savior.

Accompanied by Professor Paul Tess and Vice President Jeff Schone, they observed classrooms, worked with students, and heard teacher presentations. It’s a mini-immersion experience in the settings and work of urban teachers, explains Tess.

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Naomi Knickelbein DMLC 1972 Oklahoma Martin LutherCity College

Reginald Riesop DMLC 1972 Waterloo WI

City Is Calling Senior Karina Luthra (Abiding Peace-Simpsonville SC) agrees: “I learned that urban ministry is a growing mission, and they are desperate for teachers. But preparation is key, because this is one of the toughest jobs out there. It’s also one of the most rewarding because you are making a huge difference in a child’s life.”

Principal Tyson is grateful for the MLC students who have been called to serve at St. Marcus, a school of 570 students. “Over the years, St. Marcus has been blessed with dozens of MLC grads who have been used to harvest the harvest,” he says.

Ryan Finkbeiner MLC ’04, for example, arrived at St. Marcus from MLC by way of the Czech Republic.

Ryan had a learning curve to conquer, but Tyson says that “hard work, dedication, creativity, a love of children, relentlessly high expectations, a love for the gospel, and his MLC training all paid off. Ryan became a beloved, highly effective, powerful educator and minister of the gospel at St. Marcus.”

Ryan now serves as principal at Divine Peace-Largo, Maryland, but other MLC grads have been eager to answer the call and step into his place. Many completed early field experiences and student teaching in urban schools. Often their interest was ignited when they went on the spring Urban Ministry Field Trip.

James Pope NWC 1977 Racine WI

Ronald Zahn DMLC 1962 Saginaw MI

MLC Graduate Mark Gnewuch Is

Making a Difference

“This trip is a must-do for anyone who wants to learn how God is working in and through our urban schools,” Professor Tess says. “The participants gained an in-depth understanding of the exciting opportunities and mounting challenges (i.e., more teachers!) in Milwaukee urban ministry. Then they returned to campus eager to tell their stories about what they learned and about the need for workers who are highly-qualified and motivated to serve in the central city.”

When Mark Gnewuch MLC ’06 was assigned to teach second grade at Siloah, an urban school in Milwaukee, an experienced teacher told him, “Remember that you’re just spit in the ocean.” In other words, in an educational milieu sometimes marked by poverty, low achievement, and behavioral problems, he shouldn’t expect to make much difference in his students’ lives.

Mark understood that, in one sense, a mindset like that would let him off the hook. He wouldn’t have to work too hard or care too much. After all, he was only a bit of spit.

“I learned something about myself,” said Karina.

“I learned that I am motivated and determined to start the journey of urban teaching.”

Although it would be easy to give in to that, Mark decided not to. He decided to oust cynicism and embrace positivity. He decided that he would set the bar high for the children in his classroom, some for whom the bar had been set low, if set at all.

Mr. Tyson sends his thanks, not only to Karina and other MLC students, but also to the Lord of the church who guides and calls them: “I thank God for the workers he is sending into the harvest field via MLC. Thank you, Jesus!”

He decided he was going to be the best teacher possible, searching for new techniques and procedures, looking outside the box—all the while loving each little soul.

This article is adapted from the March 2012 issue of MLC KnightWatch, the college’s recruitment magazine.

“I get to be the guy who believes in them,” he said. “I get to be the one who makes them thirsty to learn.”

From the Beyonce Technique to phonics wall card chants to dramatic readings of Bible stories, Mark is being Christ to these children in every way he can: loving them, accepting them, expecting much, forgiving much—like any good teacher anywhere.

“I stand in direct opposition to the one who says I’m just spit in the ocean. I know that great teaching can close the achievement gap,” he says. “If someone says, ‘Spit,’ I say, ‘Spit farther.’

This article is adapted from the September 2011 issue of MLC KnightWatch, the college’s recruitment magazine.

Mark Gnewuch’s second grade class from 2010-2011 school year at Siloah Lutheran School in Milwaukee.

Evelyn Dorow DMLC 1947 Wayne MI

Carolyn Sabrowsky DMLC 1977 Redondo Beach CA

Last year Mark and Beth Gnewuch (far left) were godparents as Marques (orange shirt) and Marquesha (in Mark’s arms) were baptized. Mark and Beth’s son, Judah (in Beth’s arms), still asks every Sunday whom they’ll see at church: “See Marques? See Marquesha? See Jesus?”

Cheryl Richard Loersch Schleicher DMLC 1982 NWC 1972 Saginaw MI Martin Luther CollegeHowards Grove 15 WI

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“I Never Want to Lose Sight of the Child” A profile of Dr. Alan Spurgin “I never want to lose sight of the child.” This might be a mission statement for the life and ministry of Dr. Alan Spurgin DMLC ’71 (Courtland Lutheran-Courtland MN), one of nine on-campus instructors in MLC’s master’s program.

In addition to his undergrad courses, Dr. Spurgin teaches two master’s courses: Teaching Children with Learning Disabilities and Diagnosis & Assessment of Students with Special Needs.

“I feel very strongly about children with special needs and know there are a growing number of children with special needs in our Lutheran elementary and secondary schools,” Spurgin says. “With my terminal degree in special education, I felt I could share my knowledge and practice of special education. However, my ultimate goal of teaching in the master’s program is to help a child. I never want to lose sight of the child who wants to learn, especially about his or her Savior.”

Dr. Spurgin taught in the 70s and 80s at St. JohnWatertown WI, Good Shepherd-West Allis WI, and St. Peter-Balaton MN. He earned his MS in Curriculum and Instruction at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee and his EdD in Special Education at the University of South Dakota. He’s a member of the Council for Exceptional Children and the Minnesota Council for Exceptional Children.

He’s filled different roles in the education department at D/MLC since 1992: associate director of clinical experiences, student teaching supervisor, grade 5-6 teacher at St. Paul’s, and instructor on the hill, teaching psychology and education courses.

In addition to his ministerial duties, Al and his wife of 42 years, Gerane, have taken in 99 foster children over the last 30+ years, adopting #40, Jennifer. They also have two biological children, Jason and Jeremy, and the whole family lives near New Ulm, so Friday family pizza nights and grandchild sleepovers are a given. “To watch the grandchildren grow physically and spiritually is a great joy,” he says.

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Martin Luther College

As licensed childcare providers, his wife and daughter care for other children in New Ulm. The whole family “feels very strongly about children,” says Spurgin, “advocating for children locally or on the state level.”

Spurgin very much enjoys teaching in the master’s program. “I work with highly motivated Christian teachers who are willing to go the extra mile to continue their education,” he says. “It is pleasurable to work with teachers who have expertise. I try to offer opportunities for these teachers to share their knowledge and skills. I also very much enjoy stretching the teachers and getting them to go beyond their paradigms of teaching and instructing. Each of the master’s level courses I teach has a strong practical application wherein the teachers must go beyond their comfort zones. Probably the best part of teaching on the master’s level is to see them walk across the stage at graduation. To greet them afterward as Master Teachers is absolutely wonderful.”

When he isn’t teaching, Dr. Spurgin enjoys watching the Minnesota Wild and Minnesota Twins as well as amateur baseball teams in New Ulm. Fishing and field trips with the grandkids are a regular part of his schedule, and he is a singer. In fact, he says, “I almost went to school to study music, but missed a scholarship by one person. I wanted to study to be an opera singer. God had much better plans for me.

“I truly am not a very remarkable person,” he adds, “just an ordinary Joe whom God has given the privilege to serve him for 40 years.”

The MLC family is grateful for Dr. Spurgin’s service, and special education teachers all over the synod recognize in him a professor who is both an expert and an advocate for special needs students. “Children with special needs also need to know about Jesus,” he says. “If I can help a child learn about salvation, God be praised.”

This article is adapted from the e-newsletter MLC Master’s Program News.

MLC Master of Science in Education by the numbers: 96 Students currently enrolled 21 Graduates 9 On-campus professors 17 Adjunct professors 4 Emphases: instruction, leadership, special education, educational technology 7 Courses open for Summer 2012

y a W It as W

The How She Came to DMLC Trudy’s older sister, Frieda John, enrolled at Bethany Ladies’ College in Mankato in 1919.

Looking back on her years at DMLC, Gertrude “Trudy” John Oswald DMLC 1927 said, “You know, I just loved it there. I remember every teacher and every class.”

All summer long, my folks wondered how many girls would enroll [at Bethany]. My father brought Frieda there, and when he got back, my mother said, “How many students?” And he said, “Twelve.” And my mother almost fell over. Because she thought, “Oh, when the winter comes, heating that big building [for only 12 girls will be so expensive] . . .”

But my father said, “Jesus had only 12 disciples, and look what they did!” I remember that!

MLC’s New AV History Collection We’ve begun a new series of audio-visual histories of DMLC and NWC alumni. The first interview was graciously given by Gertrude “Trudy” John Oswald, DMLC 1927.

Mrs. Oswald’s spirited conversation is peppered with stories of her years on campus—like the two printed here.

The way it turned out, it got cold, and they couldn’t heat all that, so Karl Koehler, the president, said, “Why not take these girls to DMLC, to New Ulm?” They didn’t have a girls’ dormitory. But they said there are people in town they could board and room with and walk up the hill to go to classes.

You know, New Ulm didn’t have too many girls. These girls were a new type! The boys needed to be in at a certain time, but these girls didn’t. Frieda told me so many stories about New Ulm! Frieda said, “You know, that’s such a good school that Emil [their brother] and Trudy should go there too.”

I was happy to go, so when fall came, all three of us were on our way to New Ulm.

First Girls’ Basketball Team—or Maybe Not The girls didn’t have any place to tumble around, and then we found an empty room in the recitation building [Old Main]. It was way up top and we said, “Say, listen, this is the room we can put a hoop up, and we can have basketball.”

The first thing we had to do was ask Stubby—you know, Blievernicht—and we went and said, “Oh, that’s just the ideal place for a hoop, a good place where we can play basketball and dance and anything like that.”

He said, “Do you know what would happen if you do that? The floor would come down, and that’s the ceiling of a teaching room.”

But you know, we got our six together, and we wore bloomers and middies—for Christmas we got that—and one girl brought a basketball, and we went down and had our picture taken. . . . And I remember we went down to Eibner’s in our basketball clothes, and we took that basketball and we talked basketball so people would hear it.

We just had so much fun making believe we had a basketball team. So there never was a girls’ basketball team, but in a lot of photo albums, we’re there!

Watch Mrs. Trudy John Oswald share more memories of life on the DMLC campus in the 1920s.

Go to mlc-wels.edu/history. And if you have a story to share, please contact Alumni Director Steve Balza at alumni@mlc-wels.edu or 877.MLC.1995.

Martin Luther College

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Focus On

Faculty Essay

Summer 2012 Tour: Join us on this June 24-29 tour led by MLC Professors Lyle Lange and Steve Thiesfeldt. A deluxe motor coach will depart from New Ulm and pick up passengers in Mankato, Rochester, La Crosse, and Madison. Highlights include the Great River Road; Lincoln sites in Springfield; Route 66; Ohio River dinner cruise; Creation Museum; optional Brewers vs. Reds game; Chicago’s Shedd Aquarium; and Navy Pier. Daily devotions. Space is limited. Submit reservation and $100 deposit by April 15.

cafeteria. (Think of the Applebee’s look.) Do you have an old letter sweater, jersey, helmet, or other sports-related item you’d like to donate?

Trust Us: No One Was Miserable: On December 8 and 10, about 50 alumni and 100 MLC students traveled via coach to the Twin Cities to eat at Buca Di Beppo and see the legendary musical Les Miserables at the Orpheum Theater.

1896: Richard Albrecht, John Gieschen, George Henkel, Henry Jaeger, William Prahl, Charles Zautner

Twins vs. Brewers: Save the date for our third annual Milwaukee-Minnesota matchup: Friday, June 15.

More info on the game and pregame meal at St. John-Minneapolis available on website.

Story behind the Statue: The imposing bronze statue of Martin Luther erected on the campus of Martin Luther College begins its story with another similar statue on the campus of Wisconsin Lutheran Seminary (WLS) in Mequon, Wisconsin.

Dinner and a Show Recap: A great group of alumni enjoyed a fish fry with the MLC Wind Symphony at Grace Center-Milwaukee on February 10, capping the night with a Symphony Orchestra concert.

Next Time You’re in the Attic: The Alumni Archives Committee (Clarice Fastenau, Paul Fritze, Art Schulz, and Paul and Lois Willems) is looking for graduation photos: 1894: Edward Gleichmann, Herman Mielke 1895: Gustav Graf, Otto Montgomery, John Pelzl, Otto Stindt, Frederic Vogelpohl

1897: Karl Dress, Otto Hauber, Rudolf Jehn, Frederic Kannenberg, Herman Schroer, Louis Sievert, Henry Zautner For more information, to send in items, or to register for any of these great events, go to mlc-wels.edu and click on Alumni. Or contact Alumni Director Steve Balza at 507.217.1731, 877.652.1995, or alumni@mlc-wels.edu.

So begins the history of the iconic Martin Luther statue on our campus, as researched

by Alumni Association and Archives Committee member Paul Willems DMLC ’64. Why are there three Luther statues?

What famous artwork served as inspiration for the statues? What important messages are written on the bases of the statues?

Read the full account at mlc-wels.edu/history.

Seeking Sports Memorabilia: We’re looking for DMLC and NWC items for a new “sports bar” area of the

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Dam Park MLC 2002 Seoul, Korea

Holly Adams MLC 1997 Winthrop Harbor IL

Join Us for the 2012 Alumni

Commencement Dinner Friday, May 18, 4 pm Luther Student Center Cafeteria Enjoy a delicious meal . . . good fellowship . . . presentations on MLC events . . . and then attend the 7:30 concert!

Only $5.00-payable upon arrival Register by May 13 at mlcdinner.eventbrite.com.

All alumni and families welcome!

Erna Kuehl DMLC 1937 Mound City SD

Matthew Westra MLC 2007 Fairfield OH

Meet the

Presidents

Northwestern College

President Adam Martin Professor Adam Martin served as the first president of Northwestern College, which was established in 1865 in Watertown, Wisconsin. The institution, originally called “Wisconsin University” and then “Northwestern University,” had 11 students in two levels, college and seminary, and two professors, Adam Martin and Pastor Eduard Moldehnke. Martin taught exclusively in English and envisioned Northwestern becoming a true American university offering courses in law, medicine, and the arts, in addition to theology. A good speaker with a pleasing personality and a drive to raise money for the new school, Martin served until 1869. Although his vision for the Watertown campus was quite different from the ministerial education school it became, his early support of the college is appreciated. After his resignation in 1869, he served as a German professor at Gettysburg College in Pennsylvania. He died in 1921.

The Northwestern College Alumni Society Adam Martin Grant for Living Languages is awarded annually to a preseminary student based upon his academic achievement, campus citizenship and participation, potential for pastoral ministry, and excellence in living languages. Northwestern College served as the WELS preseminary college from 1865 to 1995, when it amalgamated with Dr. Martin Luther College to form the present Martin Luther College.

Adam Martin Grant for Living Languages Winners: 2010-11 A ndrew Gerlach (Spanish)

2005-06 Paul Bowe (Spanish)

2009-10 P eter Janke (Spanish)

2004-05 C hristopher Ewings (Spanish)

2008-09 N athaniel Walther (Spanish)

2003-04 C hristopher Ewings (Spanish)

2007-08 J ustin Gran (Spanish)

2002-03 A bram Degner (Spanish)

2006-07 N athan Nass (Spanish)

2001-02 M ichael Novotny (Spanish)

Lloyd Huebner NWC 1947 Manitowoc WI

Elisabeth Bauer DMLC 1987 Two Rivers WI

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

Lyle Strehler DMLC 1982 Monticello WI Luther College Martin

Jason Kelley MLC 2002 Mayville MI

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The Shepherd Society Founded in 2008, the Shepherd Society is comprised of called workers who have been recognized for making a difference in people’s lives through their ministries.

Anyone may nominate a pastor, teacher, or staff minister for the Shepherd Society by filling out a form (see below) and sending it to Martin Luther College along with a gift of gratitude. In so doing, the donors support the training of future called workers at MLC. At the same time, they express their gratitude to our Lord Jesus Christ, the Good Shepherd, and to the specific called worker who has shepherded them in a special way.

PasRteovr. RS tiecvheanrdD S. cBhowder in with grat itud e for his sh shep ephe herd work of rdin ingg G G

od od’s’s peop To To tra train in fu le futu MMarartin tinLu Luththerer Coture called worke Collellegege rs, a gift ininhihissho has been hono nor rby given to byRo Robe bertrtan anddJaLu “We’re cqciuellelinLa grateful becaus e St etsc okhke to Pa e of “As ou stor Sc his who is r shephe hwerin disabled dedicatio he s, , a onalonn strurd g in We feel witin ingha inin creaseethe ct on-o blesse nehco iritou , r son, nfiSp to hadveour lo of Gdod ve an ’s Pa d rm shephe Word an knat class. or Sc owiolendg rd in ou std hw e erin as w r churchill.” (B a ob and Lu !” cie) (Robert an

d Jacquelin

e Stokke )

The called workers nominated for the Shepherd Society receive a commemorative plaque with a personal Certificate of Appreciation. The following called workers have been nominated as of February 2012: Pastor Earle Treptow Teacher Verlyn Fuhrmann Teacher Richard Gibson Pastor Doug Scherschel Pastor David Zietlow Dr. Carla Melendy (2 nominations) Teacher Gene Gronholz Pastor Steven D. Bode Teacher Erin E. Williams Pastor Norman Burger, Jr. Pastor Robert Guenther Professor Emeritus Darvin Raddatz Pastor Arthur Frenz

Teacher Michael Hein Pastor Richard Hennig Teacher Jimmy Groth Professor Martin Sponholz Teacher Phil Leyrer Prof. Armin & Virginia Panning Pastor Harold Hagedorn Pastor Joel & Carly Seifert Pastor Don & Clarice Fastenau Teacher Wendy Ristow Professor Richard & Lois Balge Teacher Dave & Sande Sauer Teacher Don & Harriet Hartwig

Staff Minister Chad White Pastor Daniel Malchow (2 nominations) Teacher Kenneth White Pastor David & Janice Valleskey Professor Jackson Petrie Dr. Siegbert Becker Pastor David Kuehl Professor Ronald Brutlag Teacher Doug Stindt Pastor Richard Schwerin Pastor Edmund Schulz Professor Bruce Backer

Congregation and/or school where called worker serves/served: ________________________________________

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Martin Luther College

How Can You Make a Greater Impact with Your Estate?

Here are some ways to make planned gifts to Martin Luther College to help train a corps of Christian witnesses to faithfully proclaim God’s Word.

1. Your employer may match your gift.

Donate online!

It’s fast and easy—and completely safe and secure!

Go to mlc-wels.edu and click on “Give to MLC.”

2. You can give highly appreciated assets like stocks, mutual funds, or real estate, and you may get a tax break. You can also use the WELS Foundation to transfer shares to MLC. And if you need income, you can set up a charitable remainder trust or gift annuity that gives you an income stream for life, some of which may be tax-free.

3. You can transfer a life insurance policy to MLC. The cash value and future premiums may be tax deductible, and the death benefit can support the mission of MLC. 4. IRAs, 401(k)s, and other qualified retirement plans are assets that when inherited by children may be subject to heavy taxation, but when left to MLC will not be taxed.

5. Your estate plan can give witness to your faith through a Christian preamble in your will, caring Christian guardians and careful distributions for loved ones, and meaningful gifts to provide support for gospel ministry.

For more information about how to put your faith and values into your Christian estate plans, contact the Office of Mission Advancement at Martin Luther College: 1.877.652.1995 or scharljj@mlc-wels.edu.

Thrivent Choice® Program Martin Luther College can receive financial support through the Thrivent Choice program. Eligible benefit members of Thrivent Financial for Lutherans can direct designated Choice DollarsSM to the ministry of their choice.

If you are a Thrivent member, contact your representative or visit Thrivent.com/thriventchoice to see if you are eligible and how you can support Martin Luther College through this program.

Rev. Jeff Bovee

Martin Luther College

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Professor David Bauer DMLC ’78, Minnesota District Worship Coordinator, presented the five-part workshop “Blended Worship” at the MN District Church Leaders Workshops at Trinity-Belle Plaine MN in March.

Professor Lawrence Czer DMLC ’79 presented a half-day workshop on writing across the curriculum to the Luther Preparatory School faculty. He also presented “What Do Colleges Expect of Their Incoming First-Year Students in Language Arts?” at the North Central Lutheran High School Teachers’ Conference. Czer also serves as the UMAC conference representative to the Women’s Basketball Coaches’ Association (WBCA).

Dr. James Grunwald DMLC ’78 chaired the Commission on Instructional Technology and Distance Learning meeting for the National Council for Private School Accreditation (NCPSA) in Orlando in February.

As interim director of the Association of Lutheran High Schools Online (ALHSO), he presented an update on the online education pilot project at the Area Lutheran High School conference in Milwaukee March 8.

Professor Emeritus Dr. John Isch DMLC ’58 was invited to speak on the 1862 Dakota War at the Nicollet County Historical Society, the Blue Earth County Historical Society, the Pond House historical society in Bloomington, and Ft. Snelling in St. Paul. He also gave a talk on 19th century art and three Dakota War panoramic paintings at New Ulm’s Turner Hall.

Dr. Mark Lenz WLS ’69 hosts “Good News for Today” on KNUJ radio Sundays at 7:45 a.m. Listen at www.knuj.net.

Professor James Pope WLS ’81 served as Master of Ceremonies for the 2011 WELS National Choral Festival Pops Concert hosted by MLC on November 11, 2011.

Dr. David Schroeder DMLC ’85 presented “Taming the Leviathan: Civil Leaders in the German Lands during

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David Putz NWC 1977 Fond du LacCollege WI Martin Luther

Deb Decker DMLC 1982 Audubon PA

the Reformation” at the Reformation Lectures at Bethany Lutheran College in Mankato. Bethany Lutheran Theological Seminary published Schroeder’s article in the March issue of the Lutheran Synod Quarterly.

Dr. Alan Spurgin DMLC ’71 presented “Early Identification and Compensation for Children with Special Needs in the Early Childhood Setting” to the Western Wisconsin Teachers’ Conference in West Salem WI in February. He also presented “Dealing with ODD: Oppositional Defiant Disorder” as an MLC Aulic.

Pastor Ross Stelljes WLS ’89, admissions counselor, presented “How Our Unchanging God Uses Painful Changes to Change Hearts” at the St. Paul’s Women’s Retreat in New Ulm on November 19.

Professor Mark Tacke DMLC ’80 presented the two-day workshop “Focus on Science” at the South Central District Teachers’ Conference in Oklahoma City in February.

Professor Steven Thiesfeldt DMLC ’74 led a workshop called “Desktop Investigations in Upper Grade Science Classrooms” at the Western Wisconsin Teachers’ Conference. He also led a seven-week Bible study at St. John-New Ulm MN based on the book What in the World Is Going On: Identifying Hollow and Deceptive Worldviews

by Pastor David Thompson (NPH).

Dr. Dave Wendler DMLC ’70 chaired the Higher Learning Commission’s Institutional Action Committee (IAC) virtual meeting in February. The IAC made final decisions on the accreditation status of 28 colleges and universities.

President Mark Zarling WLS ’80 presented the keynote for the Wisconsin Lutheran State Teachers’ Conference: “We Prize as Jewels Our Christian Schools.”

In November he presented to the Arizona/California Teachers’ Conference the symposium paper “Christian Education—A Matter of Life or Death.” In January, he taught a two-day workshop on adiaphora to the Manitowoc and Fox River Valley pastors’ conferences.

Jerome Birkholz DMLC 1952 North Platte NE

Joanne Paulmann DMLC 1957 Manitowoc WI

Thanking God for the Music and Ministry of Professor Emeritus Bruce Backer

The church gave thanks to our gracious heavenly Father for the work and ministry of Professor Emeritus Bruce R. Backer (DMLC 1956-1995) at Luther Preparatory School on January 8. Professor Backer was invited to attend the program, which highlighted the organ and choral music he had written as well as the music of J.S. Bach, from whom Professor Backer can trace his musical heritage.

The recital was organized by James Moeller DMLC ’76, principal of Trinity-St. LukeWatertown WI, and Linda Walling Moeller DMLC ’76, music instructor at Luther Prep.

“Annually, we’ve put together a recital dealing with a prominent Lutheran musician, such as Jan Bender or Paul Manz,” Jim Moeller said. “This year we decided to feature a living Lutheran. I don’t know if we could’ve found another example like Bruce: theologian, pastor, teacher, organist, choir director, composer, and lecturer. The writer to the Hebrews reminds us to ‘remember our leaders,’ and that’s what we did.”

Other participants were Bethel Zabell DMLC ’61, Mary Prange DMLC ’69, Randy Bode DMLC ’86, and Adrian Smith MLC ’03. Additional instrumentalists were Dr. Patricia Backhaus, Erin Steindorf MLC ’06, and Brett Duwe. About 250 people attended the event.

This “four-generation” photo features Professor Bruce Backer (bottom right), who was the organ teacher of Bethel Kell Zabell (bottom left), who taught Mary Prange (top left), who taught Adrian Smith (top right).

Thanking God for MLC’s Online Ministry Dear MLC, I am a freshman at Ball State University. Ever since I started school, I have missed worship. I’ve been feeling away from God, and when studying and classes got hard, I would lose hope. Just today, my girlfriend told me to watch her sing in the choir for chapel service. I don’t know how you did it, but I felt like I was sitting in a seat there watching the service with people I knew. Then I watched the first Compline service recorded. I am not ashamed to admit I was in tears by the end. Being at a public university, I’m not surrounded by people with the same faith, if any faith at all. Seeing people I know coming together to worship and sing has strengthened my faith. I wanted to let you know how much this affected me. I will be watching live services as much as my schedule allows me. The students there are so lucky. I always took for granted the power of

Jean Hinnenthal DMLC 1967 Minneapolis MN

Kathryn Fuerstenau MLC 2007 Germantown WI

worshiping together. Not anymore. It’s a great blessing! I could go on and on about what you’ve done for me. I miss my Lutheran family, but this makes it a WHOLE lot easier. Thank you.

Michael Koester Graduate, Michigan Lutheran High School Freshman, Ball State University

We thank Michael for taking the time to write and we wish him well in his studies and in his faith-life! Please join us as we worship every morning at 10:45 am. Go to mlc-wels.edu and click on MLCTV on the footer.

Jennifer Schramm MLC 1997 Jackson WI Martin Luther College

Delbert Begalka NWC 1962 Castlewood 23SD

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Name the Spot!

Do you know where these images can be found on campus? If you correctly identify all four, we’ll enter your name in a drawing for an MLC prize package. Deadline is May 1, 2012.

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4 You can play two ways.

1. Go to mlc-wels.edu/today/name-the-spot and enter online.

2. Send the form below to MLC Name the Spot, 1995 Luther Court, New Ulm MN 56073. cut Here

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Name:___________________________________________________ Address:_________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________

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Email:___________________________________________________ Phone:___________________________________________________