InFocus - Year In Review 2011-2012

1995 Luther Court New Ulm, MN 56073 Address Service Requested

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A St r at e g i c P l a n for Martin Luther College

Compelled to Speak

YEAR IN REVIEW 2011-2012

InFocus Staff WRITER/EDITOR Laurie Gauger DMLC ’86 PHOTOGRAPHERS William Pekrul DMLC ’80 Catherine St. John Rebecca Wilkens

Compelled to Speak:

Our Mission, Our Strategic Plan

By President Mark Zarling WLS ’80

COPY EDITORS Phil Biedenbender

In this special issue of MLC InFocus, we share with you our Strategic Plan for 2012-2017, Compelled to Speak.

GRAPHIC DESIGNER Lime Valley Advertising, Inc.

This plan is based on an expanded mission statement, adopted by our governing board in September 2011. The full statement is on page 22. The statement reaffirms our institution’s purpose: to train God’s people for gospel ministry. It also allows us the flexibility we need to do that in a changing world. Let me explain.

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 Keith Bowe DMLC ’79 Jonathan Hahm DMLC ’71 Jonathan Kolander WLS ’91 Dale Krause 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

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.

Martin Luther College, the WELS College of Ministry, exists to serve the ministry needs of the synod. Since 1865 at Northwestern College, the synod has provided preseminary training for men. Since 1884 at Dr. Martin Luther College, the synod has trained men and women as teachers. As years went on, the church asked D/MLC to add specialized teacher training (such as early childhood and secondary education), staff ministry training, and continuing education for graduates, including a Master of Science in Education degree.

By the Spirit’s grace, MLC serves a church body with an earnest desire—and a willingness to make great sacrifices—to carefully train its public ministers of the gospel. Therefore, MLC remains a dedicated college of ministry, Bible-based and Christ-centered, so that another generation of gospel servants can be prepared. In addition, MLC stands ready to add any coursework necessary to fill the changing ministry needs of WELS. In September 2011 our governing board adopted an updated mission statement that more fully communicates how our programs have expanded to meet the church’s expanding needs. Of special note are three foci: increasing our continuing education offerings, increasing our partnership with mission fields in training gospel servants, and increasing our certificate offerings for laypeople in part-time ministries.

What a remarkable blessing a gracious Lord has preserved in our midst: the unconditional gospel of salvation full and free in Jesus the Christ. It is my prayer that the Spirit of God keep MLC faithful to the holy Scriptures, dedicated to earnest and faith-filled scholarship, and passionate to share the message of salvation with all people.

Under God, may the college continue with its clear focus and unwavering mission: to train God’s people for gospel ministry.

On our cover: MLC students Geoffrey Rue, Rebecca Wilkens, John Wildauer, and Katrina Barnier.

Compelled to Speak

A St r at e g i c P l a n f o r M a rt i n Lu t h e r Co l l e g e 2 0 12 - 2 0 17

Christ’s love compels us to speak...

1

2

About the blessings of the Great Commission.

About training the next generation of speakers.

Focus: Partners in the Great Commission

Focus: Recruiting and training students

3 About the precious gifts God calls to MLC for service in his Church.

Focus: Faculty strength and expertise

4 In the media of today.

Focus: Extending ministry through technology

5 About God’s amazing providence.

Focus: God’s gifts – our stewardship

the Great Commission

pa r t n e r s i n

Christ’s love compels us to speak about the blessings of

the Great Commission

MLC President Mark Zarling discusses the college’s strategic plan with WELS President Mark Schroeder.

Partner with WELS Board for World Missions to 1.1 identify Christian education strategies for world mission fields.

Partner with The Lutheran Home Association to

Partner with WELS Commission on Lutheran Schools

1.2 implement Intergenerational Ministry on MLC campus.

1.3 (CLS) to call director for expanded Forward with Lutheran Schools effort.

Partner with CLS to expand course offerings of

1.4 Continuing Education office.

Jacki Adams ’12,

Partner with CLS to develop training for principals 1.5 that leads to master’s degree.

Partner with CLS to develop additional 1.6 master’s degrees.

Partner with WELS Board for Home Missions and 1.7

CLS to implement new models for planting churches and schools.

Partner with WELS urban ministries to expand urban 1.8

4

ministry training opportunities for undergraduates.

“

winner of the MLC Service Award, on living the Great Commission: MLC has shown me how to live as a servant. I have learned how to be a light to the world no matter what I am doing. MLC has taught me that my focus should be on living a life that is pleasing to God and sharing my faith with others.

”

MLC and WELS: Partners in Mission and Ministry An Interview with President Mark Zarling

Pastor Mark Zarling was called to the MLC presidency in 2007. He has master’s degrees in both divinity and education, and he previously served in congregational ministry and at Wisconsin Lutheran Seminary.

teachers in pedagogy? What if a home mission had not only a pastor but also a staff minister to help set up family outreach? The ways pastor/teacher/staff minister teams could jumpstart missions are almost endless.

The word “partnership” appears repeatedly in the strategic plan. How would you characterize MLC’s partnership with WELS? The Apostle said, The body is a unit, though it is made up of many parts. In the visible church, the Spirit creates wonderful partnerships—not to maximize some financial bottom line but to demonstrate the power of Christ’s love.

How is MLC partnering with the Commission on Lutheran Schools? MLC can be a resource, where 1.3 appropriate, for the Commission on Lutheran Schools.

It’s no secret that financial constraints have reduced budgets at both the CLS and MLC. Partnership demonstrates careful stewardship as we focus together on hurting schools that need help and thriving schools that need continued encouragement. Might an MLC professor serve a sabbatical in a grade school, help the school move forward, and then return to the college classroom refocused on the challenges confronting our 1.4 schools? Other joint efforts to explore are new teacher induction, veteran teachers’ continuing education, and 1.5 principal mentoring—so that excellence in Christian education is an expectation for every congregation.

MLC trains Christian witnesses to fulfill the ministry needs of WELS. The kingdom does not benefit if we have a strong college but no missions or ministries in which our graduates can serve. Nor does the kingdom benefit if we have missions and ministries, but no college to provide gospel servants. This college does not exist in isolation. MLC is an integral part of a church body that takes the Great Commission very seriously.

WELS Christians are also partners in prayer. Since only the Spirit can convict a soul through the law and then comfort that soul through the gospel, every human whose hand is on the gospel plow begins first with prayer: Hallowed be your name, your kingdom come, your will be done. These prayers echo every week in every WELS church and school.

Both World Missions and Home Missions are 1.1 mentioned in the strategic plan. What is MLC’s role in relation to missions? First, God uses MLC to prepare called workers for missions. This includes training them to love people: to listen to them, learn their concerns, 1.7 and apply Scripture to their situations. It also includes a God-given “Here am I, send me” attitude—a willingness to go wherever he wills. Such an attitude necessitates a mental and emotional flexibility. A candidate does not move across the country or the world to replicate “home.” Rather, a mission heart beats with a desire to learn about the new place, the new people, and the new challenges confronting gospel proclamation in that particular culture.

Training also occurs through the experiential learning of Daylight USA and Daylight International. As the names imply, students serve in American missions or overseas.

WELS does not count these students as missionaries, yet the Lord does reach people through their witness.

Imagine how Jesus can richly bless the kingdom as he sprinkles these experienced workers throughout churches and schools.

In addition to training, might we explore ways to partner more immediately with missions? What if a world mission had a teacher to train indigenous Sunday school

The synod in convention directed MLC to add more continuing education offerings. What steps is MLC taking in this direction? We’d like to add a 1.4 professor specifically tasked with continuing education.

We’d also like to develop new certificate programs related to congregational needs and expand established certificate programs such as the chaplaincy program, which certifies WELS chaplains for prison ministry, and the Congregational Assistant Program, which trains WELS members in such skills as evangelism, outreach, and visitation. These programs are cooperative efforts with other WELS entities, allowing MLC’s status as an accredited institution to be conferred upon the training.

As God uses you to lead this institution through the next several years, what are you most excited about?

How exciting that Jesus allows our small church body to enjoy the blessing of schools that unabashedly center all teaching on Jesus, who is the Truth. How exciting that the Spirit shows congregations ways that early childhood ministries, Sunday schools, LESs, and Lutheran high schools can be integral components of their missions. How exciting to access new tools to reach non-Christians, which make up 70% of the world’s population. Just as the ancient Roman roads sped the transmission of the truth and Gutenberg’s press propagated the proclamation of peace in Jesus, today technology and telecommunications are in the palm of our hand! Every church and school can be an instant mission blessing, from the immediate neighborhood to nations overseas. At what other time in history have Christ’s disciples been his witnesses in Jerusalem, and in Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth simultaneously? What a powerful Lord God we have!

What an exciting time this is!

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the Great Commission

pa r t n e r s i n

MLC Partners with World Missions 1.1

Commission on Lutheran Schools Administrator Greg Schmill DMLC ’78 and Director of Graduate Studies and Continuing Education John Meyer DMLC ’87 enjoy a relaxed moment after chapel at MLC in the days preceding Call Day.

MLC Partners with Commission on Lutheran Schools 1.3 MLC is partnering with the WELS Commission on Lutheran Schools (CLS) to strengthen schools by empowering every WELS teacher for every stage of ministry.

Director of Graduate Studies and Continuing Education John Meyer DMLC ’87 explains that MLC is assisting the CLS in carrying out initiatives that focus on new teachers, veteran teachers, and principals:

The strategic plan calls for MLC to “partner with WELS Board for World Missions to identify Christian education strategies for world mission fields.” Rachel Wendland’s experience is a step in that direction. “When my love for children was recently combined with my love for Africa, which was my home for 12 years, I got a ministry experience that was a tremendous blessing!” she says.

A 2011 graduate, she spent three months in Lusaka, Zambia, teaching English to the Lutheran seminary students’ wives and children, teaching preschool, and leading inservice training for community teachers. “The thing I loved the most,” she says, “was being able to sing ‘Jesus Loves Me’ and hear these lambs of Jesus shout with confidence, ‘Yes, I know!’”

1) A formal mentoring program for new teachers, which 30 states, including Wisconsin, require; 2) Professional and spiritual growth for veteran teachers through the development of individual Ministry Development Plans; and 3) Increased training for principals, including the development of standards that meet or exceed national standards, so that principals are not only efficient managers of the daily operations of the school but also visionary educational leaders who optimize schools’ potential for nurture and outreach within their communities.

The initiatives were created in response to a 2011 synod convention resolution. “The first priority is to expand the CLS new teacher mentoring program synod-wide,” says Meyer. “MLC is seeking ways to provide a coordinator for that program. Since these new teachers are primarily MLC graduates, it follows that we be instrumental in transitioning them into ministry with continued training and support, especially during their first two crucial years.”

“There is a growing wave of energy and enthusiasm within the WELS for called worker continuing education,” adds Greg Schmill DMLC ’78. “It is a privilege and pleasure to work with MLC on providing essential 1.4 resources and programs for our WELS educators.”

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Rachel Wendland ‘11 helped train local teachers in Lusaka, Zambia.

Urban Ministry in Miami Jaime Eternick MLC ’12 (right) student-taught these 22 kindergartners at Divine Savior Academy (DSA)-Doral FL, a large urban school outside Miami. Working with teacher Abby Hosbach MLC ’09 (left), Jaime taught children from Brazil, Venezuela, Colombia, Japan, Puerto Rico, France, and Argentina, among other countries. Students from 42 countries are enrolled at DSA. “DSA is a school equipped to meet the needs of a multicultural environment,” Jaime says. “It was inspiring to see the Word of God spread to little lambs who had different values and customs. In only 10 weeks, they taught me about their cultures and vividly expressed their faiths.

These children let their lights shine at school and brought the wonderful message home to their families.”

Partners of Martin Luther College • WELS Ministerial Education • Wisconsin Lutheran Seminary • Luther Preparatory School and Michigan Lutheran Seminary • WELS Area Lutheran High Schools • WELS Commission on Lutheran Schools • WELS Home Missions • WELS World Missions

1.3 1.4 1.5 1.6 1.7

1.1

• WELS Commission on Evangelism • WELS Commission on Special Ministries • WELS Commission on Worship • WELS Kingdom Workers

• The Lutheran Home Association

Jaime and three other MLC seniors student-taught in Doral this spring thanks to a Thrivent Financial grant.

As MLC expands urban ministry training, as directed by the strategic plan, DSA is an excellent destination for student teachers.

It’s also an excellent destination for our graduates. With a staff of 47 and an enrollment of 476, up from 178 just five years ago, the school’s need for MLC graduates is growing.

And MLC graduates are exactly what Principal Ben Troge MLC ’02 wants. “At DSA,” he says, “our parents are a high-end clientele with a consumer mentality. They’re looking for a product: extremely professional, high-quality Christian education. In order to produce that product, we need quality people doing the work, and that quality comes from MLC. The MLC grads assigned to us have been outstanding. I can’t say that enough.”

1.5 Growing the Graduate Program

1.6

Kurt Rosenbaum DMLC ’84 says the master’s degree he earned from MLC in 2010 applied directly to his 28-year ministry as a principal.

“I’ve taken graduate courses at other institutions, and I admit that having some ‘outside of the WELS’ approaches has great value too, but I think this program offered much more in my ministry.”

MLC is developing additional master’s degrees to meet the needs of the church, including a master’s degree in Educational Administration.

Over 100 students are now enrolled in our graduate program, each with a desire to grow professionally and serve faithfully.

• WELS Ministry of Christian Giving • Wisconsin Lutheran College Center for Urban Teaching

1.8

1.8

1.2

Kurt appreciates that desire. “It’s essential for our treasured WELS school system to remain current and our teachers to be experts in the arena in which we serve.”

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Recruiting & Training

M LC S t u d e n t s

Training

Christ’s love compels us to speak about the next generation of speakers.

VP Jeff Schone meets with other celebrants and worshipers at his 25th ministry anniversary.

2.1

Offer Mandarin instruction beginning in 2012-13.

Investigate the development of an undergraduate 2.2 special education major.

Expand undergraduate service opportunities to foster 2.3 servant-leader attitudes.

Formalize financial training seminars for students.

2.4

Provide staffing and resources to place graduates in

2.5 alternative ministry opportunities.

Cecilia Diaz Delgadillo ’12

Implement a mandatory Daylight participation 2.6 standard for students.

Expand recruitment of minority, international, home

2.7 school, and public school students.

Enroll 800 fulltime undergraduate students by 2016.

2.8

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“

(Bogota, Colombia) Assigned to teach ECE at Reformation-San Diego CA

At MLC, we have the same faith, and we’re working for the same goal. It’s bigger than ourselves, and it’s bigger than just going to school. We want to share the gospel and serve God with our lives. That’s what makes MLC different from any other college.

”

The MLC Student

An Interview with V.P. Jeff Schone Pastor Jeff Schone has served as vice president for student life for 15 years. He has master’s degrees in both divinity and in counseling and student personnel. Previously, he served in congregational ministry in Winneconne WI and Arlington MN.

college student’s educational journey often follows this path: The student begins by asking “Can I do it?”, then through study, work, and guidance learns that “I can do it!”, and then graduates with the confident expectation, “I know how to do it.”

You deal with students on a daily basis, and some would say you have the pulse of the student body.

How would you characterize the typical incoming MLC student? The typical MLC student is not “atypical,” that is, the young American high school graduates that enroll at MLC are very much like the young American high school graduates that enroll in colleges and universities across the country. New MLC students hold the same expectations for their college experience, face the same developmental needs and tasks, and endure the same temptations as their counterparts at other universities.

How does that growth or change occur? What I’ve described above is nothing mysterious, but the natural, regular maturation process described in the context of the college setting. Young men and women will broaden their experiences and deepen their sense of identity. In the process, they discover values and set priorities and develop purpose and integrity.

What’s different or unique about new MLC students is not their make-up, per se, but the One who makes a way for them in life! Our gracious Lord has worked in the lives of our students in such a way that they are led to value the public ministry of the gospel, and they are willing to train and prepare for this service.

Typically, then, a student enrolls at MLC with a zeal for the ministry and an excitement for the ministry and a respect for the ministry—but they do not necessarily possess the functional savvy or “feet-on-the-ground” understanding so necessary for the practice of the ministry. To put it another way, the typical new MLC student knows the “what” of the gospel ministry, but needs to learn more about the “how” of the ministry, and in particular, that the “how” of the ministry may vary from one location and situation to another.

How would you characterize that same student at graduation? The student proceeds from asking a question to finding its answer. The one question, the one anxiety, common to incoming college students is simply this: “Can I do it?” By graduation, they know that the answer is yes.

New college students are concerned about their ability to adjust to college level work as well as their ability to manage their time and their lives independently. They are also concerned about learning the “hows” of what they will soon be doing: gospel ministry in its many forms.

Using the terminology of college student development theory, one of the chief tasks of new college students is developing competence. To put it in simple terms, the

That being said, our task at MLC is to foster this growth and direct it. MLC’s faculty dedicates itself to teaching and training—but not all of that instruction goes on in the classroom. Modeling, encouraging, and finding joy in the service of Christ and his people is truly the faculty’s chief task and ambition.

Finally, it is the Holy Spirit who makes us competent to serve with him. Paul spells out this truth of God’s grace as he tells the Corinthians: “Not that we are competent in ourselves to claim anything for ourselves, but our competence comes from God” (2 Corinthians 3:5).

The strategic plan directs MLC to expand experiential learning opportunities and, in fact, to implement a 2.3 mandatory participation standard. Can you explain this for us? While our entire educational program serves to help our students in their maturation, it is the experiential learning components that target this development among our students.

For many years we have worked to send student volunteers out to congregations to gain hands-on experience in outreach and educational efforts. Our strategic goal is to intentionalize this service learning 2.6 for all of our students. We are working, for example, on asking each student to participate in a congregational service learning experience at least once during their time at MLC. In addition, a growing number of students are applying for international service opportunities, and we would like to provide a greater number and kind of these service opportunities as well.

We hope and pray that God continues to lead “typical” students—talented, willing, and developing—to MLC.

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Recruiting & Training

M LC S t u d e n t s

Recruiting Witnesses for Christ

2.7 2.8

The strategic plan calls for expanded recruitment of minority, international, home school, and public school students, with an enrollment goal of 800 undergrads by 2016. But MLC’s recruitment strategy is different than most. “The goal for us isn’t to get bodies to fill the seats in the classroom, but to equip witnesses for Christ,” says Nicolas Schmoller WLS ’10 (pictured, standing left). Nick has two aims when he speaks to students: “First, I encourage students to consider the unique gifts God has given them and prayerfully consider how those gifts can best be used to serve others and serve God. Second, I try to share the joy and privilege it is to share Jesus with someone, specifically in public ministry. If they choose other vocations/careers, I still want to encourage them to be witnesses for Christ in their private ministries.”

More Internationals Choose MLC

2.7

The strategic plan calls for MLC to intensify its recruiting of international students. Not all internationals have a clear idea of what the public ministry is or what their future holds.

But their enrollment at MLC secures many blessings. They grow in their biblical knowledge and faith while enjoying an American college experience. And when they leave, they take the gospel with them, back home, into jobs or other colleges, or into WELS congregations as called workers.

Next year 23 internationals have applied to MLC from South Korea, Japan, China, Colombia, Canada, and Antigua. Some will study for a year or two. Others will stay to finish their degree. Joey Molyneaux MLC ’12, for example, graduated in May and is on his way back to his home to serve as principal of St. John’s-Antigua, West Indies.

“I’m thankful for the awesome opportunity God granted me to come here,” Joey says. “The people I met, the relationships I built, and the experiences I gained were truly a blessing.”

Deyi Shi (pictured), a student from China, has a message for potential internationals: “The small class size is good, and the professors give you a lot of attention. It’s not like a big university where you only get a teacher’s assistant. This school helps your faith.

I learned a lot about the Bible. All the students are Christian, so you learn from your peers too.”

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Future MLC student Greta, whose father graduated with a Master of Science in Education.

2.1

Pilot Project: Mandarin Instruction In a pilot project funded by an Antioch II grant, we have invited Zhang Tingting (pictured) to teach Mandarin at MLC in 2012-2013. Tingting is a sister in our fellowship who was endorsed by Dr. Steve Witte of Asia Lutheran Seminary.

Holding a B.A. in Chinese Language Literature Education and a master’s degree in Comparative Literature and World Literature, she currently teaches Chinese to international students at the International College of Zhejiang University of Technology. In 2012-13, she will teach Introduction to Chinese Language & Culture and Elementary Mandarin I. The following year (2013-14), she will add Elementary Mandarin II and Intermediate Mandarin I.

Spring 2012

Enrollment by the Numbers 15

Other

96

Public School Grads

181

Preparatory School Grads

“Being able to communicate with the Chinese people in Mandarin opens so many more doors,” says Elise Wordell MLC ’10, who taught English in China for a year. “When you can communicate with people, they turn from strangers into real people, and from real people into friends. If MLC had offered Mandarin when I was a student, I would have been very interested.”

Daylight Program: Experiential Learning at Its Best

373

Area Lutheran High School Grads

665 Students

2.3

Almost 2,000 students have participated in Daylight ministry opportunities over the last 2.6 decade. They teach VBS, coach at soccer/Bible camps, and assist at worship, for starters.

Some are summer-long experiences; others last only a week. It’s experiential learning— the kind that occurs outside the classroom, with feet on the grass, voices filled with Jesus songs, and hands full of Play-Doh. It’s a win-win as students learn a great deal about the nature of service and congregations enjoy the energy and enthusiasm of faith-filled young people.

Realizing the benefits, the strategic plan calls for mandatory Daylight participation for all students. MLC students Jared Matthies, Erica Babinec, Kelly Martin, and Jacob Leibl (pictured) know firsthand the benefits. Last summer they served as head counselors for 10 weeks at Camp Shiloh-Pittsburg TX. “We led team builders, learning activities, music, campfires, kayaking/canoeing, devotions, and many sports-oriented games,” said Jared. “There’s nothing better than spending a whole summer with kids of all ages and backgrounds. Not only did I learn things like classroom management and working with children with disabilities, but I also grew as a Christian young man.”

Making Cents of It All

2.4

For several years, Resource Development Counselor Jim Hahn (pictured) has presented financial seminars to students.

• • • • • •

Budgeting 101 Credit Scores, Credit Cards, Loans & Life (Debt Management) Mi Casa Es Mi Casa (Buying a Home) Life Insurance . . . in College . . . Seriously?

Who Wants to Be a Millionaire? (Retirement Planning) Sticks and Stones Will Break Your Bones (Health Insurance)

The strategic plan directs us to formalize these seminars, certifying students who complete them and noting that certification in the Book of Candidates.

“The financial marketplace is becoming increasingly complicated,” says Hahn, who has many years of experience as a financial planner. “We want to equip our students with the basics so they can make wise, God-pleasing decisions in their personal lives.”

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Strength & Expertise fac u lt y

Christ’s love compels us to speak about the precious gifts God calls to MLC for service in his Church.

Complete departmental strategic planning by

Implement academic program review based

Reduce credit-hour work load for faculty to 27 for

Increase number of faculty members with terminal

Provide faculty sabbaticals for professional

Dr. David Wendler addresses first-year students at the 2012 Early Field Experience.

3.1 December 2013.

3.2 on assessment.

3.3 undergraduate and 24 for graduate faculty.

3.4 degrees to 40% in five years and 60% in ten years.

3.5 development.

Provide faculty sabbaticals for parish renewal in

3.6 partnership with WELS Commission on Lutheran Schools and Home and World Missions.

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Kurtis Wetzel ’12,

winner of the Via Veritas Vita Award:

“

Martin Luther College is unlike anywhere else in the world. MLC has a distinct focus on the pure teaching of God’s Word and a devotion to training men and women for service in the church. It’s been a joy to learn from such gifted Christian men and women.

”

MLC Faculty: Dedicated to the Mission An Interview with V.P. David Wendler

Dr. David Wendler has served as a D/MLC education professor for 32 years and as vice president for academics since 2000. He is also a consultant-evaluator on the Higher Learning Commission.

Your work with the Higher Learning Commission gives you an insider’s look at many colleges and universities. How do MLC professors compare to those at other institutions? I’ve been on evaluation teams at public and private institutions, including Presbyterian, Roman Catholic, and Baptist seminaries.

Our faculty is similar to those faculties in their level of expertise and their dedication to teaching, to student learning, and to the students themselves.

But our faculty is also different—in a positive way. Every time I come back from a visit to another school, I have the same thought: I wouldn’t trade our faculty for any other. Our faculty’s dedication to the mission of this institution is incredibly high. It would be hard to think of a time when I asked a faculty member to take on an extra project and they said no. If anything, I’ve felt that it’s part of my job to protect them from their own over-eagerness to serve. The result of this exceptional dedication is a certain esprit de corps, a Christian ethos of cooperation and positive energy, and a high respect among colleagues.

Each department is called to create its own strategic plan. What do you foresee coming out of those plans?

What’s most important is that we have a vision for the future, which involves environmental scanning, 3.1 needs analysis, and assessment. I’ll explain.

Environmental scanning means looking outside ourselves and knowing what’s going on in the world—in technology, for example. Needs analysis requires that we ask: What are the primary needs in our U.S. churches and schools and in international fields? What needs are changing in the culture? What new needs are arising?

3.2 Assessment is measuring—producing concrete evidence—that our students have the knowledge, skills, and attitudes required to meet the needs of the church.

If we say every graduate must write fluently, for instance, then we must use a metric to assess their writing, and if they can’t do it, then we need to change something.

All of this is essentially proactive planning. We have this vision, and then we put the curriculum, programs, and structures in place to fulfill that vision—to equip our graduates to get the gospel out to the world.

effectively share the gospel? One answer is to teach Mandarin, so we will offer that beginning next year.

Another example is digital literacy. Our students need to know more than basic computer applications. They need skills in SMART Board technology, website creation, and e-publication, not to mention the critical thinking needed to evaluate web resources and the ethical issues surrounding the use of digital media. So we are offering a Digital Literacy class in addition to the media-related projects they complete in other courses.

To summarize: Our mission does not change, but our programs might—in order to better meet the needs of the world we are called to serve. The strategic plan guides us through this process.

The Higher Learning Commission has directed MLC to reduce its faculty workload to 27 credit hours 3.3 (undergrad) and 24 credit hours (graduate faculty).

Why? College-level teaching and learning is not the same as high school. Professors must read, research, write, and create so there is rigor and depth of learning in their classrooms. And they need time to do that. The HLC is saying, “If you’re going to have your professors do 30+ hours a week, plus coaching, advising, and committee work, then your college is like a high school. You need to be sure your faculty has the time to provide students with adequate rigor and depth.”

Two types of sabbaticals are listed in the strategic plan—for professional growth and for parish renewal.

Why are these beneficial? When we discuss professional growth, we have to understand that we 3.5 live in an increasingly credentialed society. Credentials often equal credibility. College professors must have their terminal degrees. It’s simply taken for granted.

This is especially true on the international front.

Regarding parish renewal sabbaticals, it’s important that our professors remain grounded in the daily life of a 3.6 parish or school. They need real-life examples and experiences to share with their students. To prepare students for today’s world, they must keep in touch with today’s world.

We expect our students to be lifelong learners. We should expect the same of our professors. Sabbaticals, paid and unpaid, can help our professors fulfill that goal.

Two examples. The first is international ministry. The thirst for the gospel in Southeast Asia is strong, so we ask ourselves, How can we meet this need? How can we

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Strength & Expertise fac u lt y

MLC Faculty Workload: Heavier than Most

Sabbaticals: Blessings All Around

3.3

The Strategic Plan calls for a reduction in faculty workload.

Why is this necessary?

Consider Professor Jim Unke (left). He’s athletic director, overseeing 16 sports.

He coaches men’s basketball and teaches P.E. He’s a UMAC Conference Executive Committee member, Student Athlete Advisory Council faculty rep, and MLC’s rep to regional sports associations. He directs the MLC Grade School Tournaments, runs intramurals, and manages concessions. He chairs our Campus Beautification Committee and serves on Safety Committee. Off campus he belongs to MVL’s Governing Board, New Ulm Club, and Lions Club.

“This is not all that unusual for MLC professors,” says VP for Academics Dr. David Wendler. “This is why the Higher Learning Commission asked for a November 2012 report that shows progress in reducing faculty teaching load, particularly in the graduate program. Our faculty members are dedicated and faithful. They want to glorify God through excellence in their callings. Our challenge is to give them the time they need to do that.”

Professor of Greek Keith Wessel took a sabbatical in spring 2009, teaching two courses at Asia Lutheran Seminary. Wessel notes blessings for 3.6 himself, his family, and MLC. “I gained a tremendous appreciation for what missionaries encounter. I gained insight into how to evangelically deal with believers from other cultures. My kids benefited in their understanding of what it means to take the gospel to the world. And intense experiences like this naturally flow into classroom teaching.”

The Strategic Plan calls for MLC to provide faculty sabbaticals. “The word renewal definitely comes to mind,” Wessel says. “Historically, sabbatical literally was the seventh year of teaching, and 2009 was my seventh year at MLC. It certainly did recharge the batteries.”

Keith and Liz Wessel with Hong Kong Christians

Professor Greg Diersen: A Passion for Science

3.4

We welcome Greg Diersen MLC ’96, our new professor of life sciences. Diersen taught science for 16 years at Great Plains LHS. He earned his M.Ed. at South Dakota State University in 2000 and will pursue his Ph.D., in keeping with the Strategic Plan’s push for more terminal degrees.

Diersen brings a passion for science and research. Through RET (Research Experience for Teachers), he spent 10 weeks in 2007 at the South Dakota School of Mines and Technology doing polymers research. Since 2009, he’s worked with the RET Echinacea Project, primarily researching echinacea angustifolia, its floral neighborhood, and its pollinators. The plant and pollen specimen collection he built in 2009 was used for a lesson published by the National Association of Biology Teachers in 2011.

It’s no surprise that Diersen’s favorite teaching strategies are lab activities and investigations. “I’m looking forward to sharing my passion for science and for ministry with future called workers,” he says. “My goal is to get the most out of my students. Demanding that level from students in turn drives me to serve them at my highest.”

14

Professor Paul Grubbs: Teaching with a Purpose Professor of English Paul Grubbs MLC ’01 has an M.S. in English Education from Indiana University. He taught English at Fox Valley LHS from 2003 to 2011.

Please tell us about your philosophy of teaching.

A mentor challenged me to offer evidence each day that I was serving as a strong steward of the awesome opportunity to teach in a Christian classroom. While I frequently fall short, that measure remains the most compelling gauge of effective education in our unique environment at MLC. How are the experiences provided on our campus distinct from those at the University of Minnesota? How does our Christian faith serve as the most important lens through which we evaluate literature, composition, and all other gifts of knowledge and self-expression provided by our God? These questions belong at the forefront.

What are some of your favorite teaching strategies?

My favorite strategies connect our cooperative work to the calling my students are considering. When we handle figurative language, students present a metaphor of faith that might benefit a future counseling conversation. When we evaluate titles for high school readers, our primary concern is how a piece engages students in discussing the way Christian faith shapes decision-making and priorities. When we focus on effective presentation techniques, students imagine standing in classrooms and before congregations a few short years from now.

One powerful piece of advice I received while attending MLC was to offer every student a chance to speak during each class. That may mean responding in pairs to an impromptu question, sharing a free-write for group feedback, or brainstorming poetry interpretations. I try to make individual moments for academic conversation a priority.

I also appreciate the many educational options provided by technology—whether that means illustrating the basics of Romanticism through a famous painting, highlighting Newspaper Blackout poetry with an online video, or offering a memorable example of narrative voice through a podcast of This American Life.

What kind of readers, writers, and speakers do you want to produce? I have an obligation to help students develop the communication skills required by

their coursework and by the huge range of exciting responsibilities that will greet them upon graduation. I pray that our time together allows them to feel a greater sense of confidence in their ability to read challenging texts critically and present their observations, using the written or spoken work, with clarity and elegance.

When students talk about you to other students, what do you hope they say? Whether or not students warm to my teaching strategies or personality, I hope they recognize and respect that I am striving, just as they are, to be the best possible caretaker of the abilities and opportunities provided by God. My most memorable college professors arrived each day with a sense of energy and excitement that offered a vivid picture of the blessings of Christian ministry. Their enthusiasm was contagious, making it impossible to imagine pursuing any other way of life. I pray that I can demonstrate a similar joy for learning and zeal for service in my classes.

Programs Undergraduate Degrees Bachelor of Arts (Preseminary Studies) Bachelor of Science in Education Early Childhood Education Elementary Education Secondary Education

Communication Arts & Literature Mathematics

Music: Instrumental, Vocal

Physical Education

Science: Chemistry, Life Science, Physics

Social Studies

Spanish Bachelor of Science Staff Ministry Parish Music Graduate Degree Master of Science in Education Licensure Program Post-Baccalaureate Licensure for Educators Certificate Programs Seminary Certification Synod Certification for Educators Staff Ministry Certificate Chaplaincy Certificate Congregational Assistant Program Certificate Educational Technology Certificate

15

Extending Ministry through technology

Gospel Ministry Goes Digital

4.1

At 10:45 am every weekday, people around the world worship with the MLC campus family via live-streaming.

To what better use could we put technology than to share the gospel message in New Ulm, New York, and New Zealand simultaneously?

The strategic plan calls for MLC to go even further than live-streaming: to use social media (think Facebook, Twitter, YouTube) and mobile technology (think iPhones and all things Wi-Fi) to facilitate gospel outreach. And when students graduate, taking these tools with them to their ministries, God-willing, gospel outreach will increase exponentially.

Christ’s love compels us to speak in the media of today.

Utilize social media and 4.1

mobile technology to enhance campus communication and facilitate outreach.

Train faculty and students in new

Require all undergraduates to

4.2 media literacy competencies.

4.3 take at least one online course prior to graduation.

Call additional instructional

4.4 technology personnel to lead and train faculty in the use and integration of instructional technology.

16

On the Court, on the Field—and Online Sports Information Director Mike Gibbons (seated at table with 4.1 laptop) has his hands in the technology toolbox on a daily basis.

Here, in the women’s UMAC Championship game, he has just finished the game statistics, which were uploaded every couple minutes to Live Stats and made available to anyone logged on.

Mike also tweets game results, game-related weather issues, and other news on Twitter. He sends out scores via Honeywell Instant Alert. He uploads interviews and other video segments to YouTube. And he regularly updates the Athletics webpage and uploads athletic photos to the photo gallery.

And of course, dedicated parents, alumni, and other fans can watch their Knights play volleyball, football, and basketball through livestreaming.

Classroom Tech-Knowledgy

4.1

Not all tech tools are new. Five years ago, the students of Professor Earl Heidtke (pictured) used a Personal Response System to take quizzes.

They pointed, clicked, and were instantly graded as individuals and as a class.

Now Heidtke serves as chair of the Technology Advisory Committee, which is a vital player in the college’s strategic plan. Heidtke says that President Zarling asked the committee “to serve as the rudder that steers the WELS College of Ministry through available technological advances.”

With the committee’s guidance, the college has started improving the website, the campus-wide database, wireless connections, video conferencing, webinars, and Google solutions. Student courses offer more online components, faculty have received portable computers for use in and out of classrooms, the admissions office has adopted a new online registration system, and all departments will benefit from integrated software solutions. On the horizon are lecture capture, enhanced social media, and integration of data systems with WELS—just to name a few.

4.4

The college has leadership from a very busy Network Services staff led by Jim Rathje and from Academic Computing Director Dr. Jim Grunwald (pictured), but the strategic plan calls for additional personnel to keep faculty current on all the instructional technology tools at their disposal. The tools and toys are convenient and fun to use, but the ultimate purpose is crucial: We are the WELS College of Ministry, and to fulfill our mission, we need to speak the gospel in the media of today.

Digital Literacy

4.2

In keeping with the strategic plan, a new class called Digital Literacy will replace Computer Applications.

Students like Laura Miller (pictured) will explore . . .

1. Computer applications in the preaching/teaching ministries; 2. Google Apps and other Web 2.0 applications in ministerial applications;

Communicating with You Technology plays a major role in publications at MLC. Based on market research, we publish both hard-copy and electronic publications. If you would like to receive one of the publications below, please email your request to mlcinfo@mlc-wels.edu. All publications are posted online as well. MLC is also active on FACEBOOK, TWITTER, and YOUTUBE. 4.1

3. Design principles for church/school publications; 4. Internet and digital library search techniques; 5. Evaluation of the validity of web resources; 6. Ethical, moral, and legal issues surrounding digital media; 7. Using SMART Boards and SMART Notebook software; and

InFocus: Quarterly news magazine for all MLC Update: Monthly e-newsletter for all KnightWatch: Biannual magazine for teens KnightWatch Weekly: Weekly e-newsletter for teens SportsPage: Weekly e-newsletter for all ParentsPage: Monthly e-newsletter for first-year parents Daylight Update: Occasional e-newsletter for those interested in Daylight programs

8. Basic web page design and construction.

17

G od’sG ifts — O ur S tewardship

Christ’s love compels us to speak about God’s amazing providence.

Provide state-of-the-art Early Childhood Learning

Partner with WELS Ministry of Christian Giving

Professor Steve Thiesfeldt congratulates Alex Moore at graduation 2012.

5.1 Center facilities.

5.2 on a capital campaign to enhance our early childhood program.

Partner with WELS Ministry of Christian Giving on a

Develop a plan for on-going maintenance, renovation,

Partner with WELS Kingdom Workers/Builders for

5.3 capital campaign to address broader funding needs.

5.4 and expansion of facilities.

5.5 Christ on campus building projects.

Junior Rebecca Hussman: St Paul-Hortonville WI

Keep student costs low and student debt manageable.

5.6

Allocate additional budgetary funding for campus

5.7 vehicle replacement.

Conduct a needs analysis and address campus support 5.8 staff levels.

Achieve the Economic Sustainability Fund goal

5.9 (25% of operating budget) by 2017.

18

“

College can be expensive, and it can be a huge stress trying to make the payments.

However, donors allow students like me to be able to attend and study for the crucial job of ministering to God’s people. Thank you. May God bless you for all that you’ve done for the students at MLC.

”

Stewardship of Resources

An Interview with V.P. Steve Thiesfeldt Professor Steve Thiesfeldt has served as a science professor at MLC since 1997 and as vice president for administration since 2000. Previously, he served in administration at Luther Preparatory School and Martin Luther Preparatory School.

College debt has now surpassed credit card debt in our country. What measures is MLC taking to keep student costs low? Some experts suggest that debt load for college graduates has had an even greater impact on our nation’s economy than the downturn in the housing market. While higher education costs as a whole have seen rapid inflation in recent years, MLC has kept annual student fee increases in the 3-5% range. That is difficult to do when employee health care costs 5.6 alone increase at rates more than double that amount.

But we strive to maintain both efficiency and quality in our academic programs, and our dedicated faculty and support staff are key ingredients in making that happen. MLC was recently noted as having one of the lowest room and board rates in the country. At the same time, we maintain a quality food service that serves students from 7:00 a.m. to midnight and consistently receives high ratings from the campus family. We appreciate the support provided by the synod and its constituents, whether through synod subsidy or individuals’ gifts to our various scholarship programs.

MLC has deferred many maintenance and renovation projects in the past several years.

Going forward, what projects are top priorities?

1) Finish reroofing of all major buildings

5.4

2) Remodel locker rooms (first update since 1968)

The Strategic Plan calls for an Economic 5.9 Sustainability Fund. Could you discuss the need for this fund? The Economic Sustainability Fund (ESF) is a reserve fund to help the college weather fluctuations in enrollment and synod subsidy. The enrollment has fluctuated between 650 and 1050 undergraduate students over the past decade. Synod subsidy has fluctuated from a high of about 40% of operating costs to less than 10%.

The college operates most efficiently with 800-900 students, and subsidy levels in recent years have stabilized at just under 20% of operating costs. The administration’s goal for the ESF is 25% of the annual operating budget. At today’s levels, that’s about $4 million. The Higher Learning Commission, our accrediting agency, asked us to develop a plan for financial stability; the ESF is a major part of that plan.

During the current biennium, the college has had a deficit budget approaching $1 million. The ESF has helped us to weather that situation without making drastic cuts in staffing or programs.

A new chapel was completed in 2010, and a new early childhood learning center will be built, God willing, in 2013. Are there any other major construction 5.4 projects on the horizon? The master plan includes a field house for intercollegiate basketball, indoor track, and tennis. It would also provide for expansion of our intramural programs, personal recreation options, and a place for spring sports to conduct early season practices, especially during the long winter months. We look forward to the day when the Lord will provide us with the means to build this structure.

4) Finish remodeling Concord and Augustana Hall restrooms

Ideally, what economic position would you like to see the college in five years from now? There are several keys to financial stability:

5) Restore auditorium (first update since 1968)

1) Maintain consistent and predictable synod subsidy;

6) Finish 20,000 square feet of new chapel basement

2) Achieve and maintain reserve fund of $4 million;

7) Construct outdoor track

3) Increase student assistance dollars by $100,000 annually;

3) Replace desks more than 50 years old

8) Renovate HVAC system for greater efficiency, and add AC to four dormitories Right now, annual budgetary capital improvement dollars for programmed maintenance and improvements like these are less than 1% of the replacement cost of our buildings. One industry standard suggests a minimum of 2.5%; some suggest 4% to keep facilities up to date and in good repair. As good stewards of the properties entrusted to us by the synod, we will need to find a way to close that gap in the coming years. *For more details on the eight items listed above, go to mlc-wels.edu/maintenance.

4) Target an enrollment of 800 undergraduates; 5) Enroll 150 graduate students and touch all 2,700 WELS teachers through continuing education; and 6) Increase annual facility maintenance funding to $750,000.

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G od’sG ifts — O ur S tewardship ECLC to Serve Whole Synod

5.1

Funded by Let the Children Come, our new Early Childhood Learning Center (ECLC) will be a laboratory school that serves the whole synod. One facet we’re excited about is the technologyequipped college classroom. Professor Cheryl Loomis explains: “We plan to use it for methods and observation. The professor can discuss child development or teaching strategies with the college students, and then the students can observe these happening in real time in the children’s classrooms. Being able to make that connection is an important learning piece.”

Teachers already in the field will have the same benefit when they attend MLC summer sessions. In addition, they can access MLC webinars, created in the ECLC, from their homes and schools—a convenient way to earn the hours required by the state for renewing licenses. We pray that this enhanced training helps every congregation reach and teach children about their Savior.

MLC Professor Cheryl Loomis and Early Childhood Ministry Coordinator Cindi Holman, DMLC 1977 classmates, are working together to promote 400+ WELS early childhood ministries.

WELS Donors Say Yes to Let the Children Come

5.2

We are grateful to donors Vernon and Marlys Roemhildt, who have given generously to Let the Children Come, our campaign for a new Early Childhood Learning Center.

Mr. Roemhildt taught in WELS schools for many years, motivated to share the gospel, he says, by the Lord’s words, “Let the little children come to me.” The Roemhildts have witnessed firsthand the blessings of ECE in their congregation, St. John-Janesville MN. “I am convinced that early childhood education is essential,” Vernon says, “especially in this day and age. The effort of funding Let the Children Come should move forward in our synod. The program at MLC is needed to further the growth of preschool education. Young children become our best evangelists.”

MLC Partners with Builders For Christ “We love building God’s kingdom one nail at a time,” says Dale Mueller, director of Builders For Christ (BFC), a division of WELS 5.5 Kingdom Workers. Beginning in summer 2013, the BFC will bring their skills to several MLC projects, including a baseball press box, a gazebo near the chapel, and finishing work in the Early Childhood Learning Center. MLC will provide all materials as well as housing and lunch for the volunteers.

“Our mission,” says Mueller, “is to provide needed labor so that a church or school can construct a building at a reduced cost. By doing this there will be more monies to do other ministries.” Mueller says many BFC members have never been on MLC’s campus. “It will give us an opportunity to see where our future teachers, pastors, and staff ministers are trained,” he says. “We are looking forward to this.”

20

MLC’s Generous Donors

An Interview with V.P. Jon Scharlemann with us their family history and their relationship with this college and its predecessor colleges, DMLC and NWC. Then our scholarship book tells that story.

It’s also important to note that every WELS member who gives Sunday offerings is a donor to the college. Some of those congregational mission offerings are directed to the synod and then to MLC through our synod subsidy. Each dollar lightens the tuition load for our students.

Even more important, though, is that our friends pray for our college and our students. We have an army of prayer warriors, and we consider that a great blessing.

VP Jon Scharlemann

Jon Scharlemann has been MLC’s vice president for mission advancement since 2007. Prior to that, he worked as Director of Development at The Lutheran Home Association, as a WELS Christian giving counselor, and as an Aid Association for Lutherans financial advisor.

How would you characterize MLC’s donors? MLC’s donors are visionary. They are generous, and they are excellent stewards of their time, talents, and treasure.

Every time I walk into the MLC chapel, I see the uniqueness of the MLC donor. That chapel was built

by WELS members, and it has become a focal point for the college and the synod. How awesome that all those people saw the vision for that chapel and made it happen.

Student debt is a serious problem not only at MLC 5.6 but nationwide. How have MLC’s donors helped us keep student debt down? When our donors see what the student debt is, they become concerned, because they know our graduates are not entering fields with attorneys’ or doctors’ salaries. So they act on that concern by giving to student assistance.

Some give gifts every year.

Others establish a scholarship, perhaps in the name of a family member who also loved this college. They share

Yr

Grads Average w/debt debt

’00

52%

$ 8,296

’01

66%

$ 7,507

’02

51%

$ 8,676

’03

56%

$ 8,782

’04

67%

$10,633

’05

76%

$12,357

’06

76%

$15,315

’07

77%

$15,954

’08

63%

$15,151

’09

77%

$18,415

’10

63%

$21,799

’11

78%

$22,176

How have donors responded to Let the Children Come, MLC’s campaign to build a new early 5.2 childhood learning center? The response has been very positive. It doesn’t take a lot of explanation for people to see the miracles that God works as little children learn that Jesus loves them and then share that message with their parents and friends. Some people say that we’re not great evangelists, but our children certainly are! Many people have supported this project financially.

Essentially, we’re running a capital campaign of many small gifts from many families who get it—who understand early childhood education and want to see more teachers graduate from MLC to serve congregations in this ministry.

Many people do not understand what a mission advancement office is. How does MLC’s office serve the college? Primarily, we’re encouragers. We encourage people to pray for the college and to support the college. We heighten the understanding of what MLC is by visiting congregations. We seek out potential students for the college and encourage them to consider the public ministry. We deliberately call ourselves resource development counselors because we encourage the growth of all resources: people, dollars, and prayers.

I think encourager is the key word.

What is the MLC story that you and the rest of the mission advancement office want to tell? What a blessing we have here! You can go into a WELS church anywhere in the country and know you’ll find unity of doctrine and faithfulness to the Scriptures. That comes from the training by faithful professors at MLC.

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M ission S tatement

M A RTIN LUTHER COLLEGE

The mission of Martin Luther College is to train a corps of Christian witnesses who are qualified to meet the ministry needs of the Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod (WELS) and who are competent to proclaim the Word of God faithfully and in accord with the Lutheran Confessions in the Book of Concord.

To fulfill this mission, Martin Luther College carries out all instruction and programs of student life according to the gospel as revealed in the inspired and inerrant Word of God. With the guidance of the Holy Spirit, the college desires • To strengthen the student in a consecrated spirit of love for God and his Word; • To educate the student for faithful, capable, intelligent citizenship in today’s world; • To assist the student in acquiring the knowledge, attitudes, and skills needed for service in the church and for lifelong learning; and • To encourage the student in developing and demonstrating a heart for service in the church, community, and world.

To meet the current ministry needs of the WELS, Martin Luther College • Prepares men for pastoral training at Wisconsin Lutheran Seminary; • Prepares men and women for service as teachers and staff ministers in the synod’s churches, schools, and other institutions; • Prepares men and women for other church ministries, both full- and part-time, responding to the needs of the WELS; • Prepares international students for ministry in partnership with WELS mission fields; and • Provides programs of continuing education that meet the ministerial needs of the WELS.

22

Governing Board Digest The MLC Governing Board met in September 2011, December 2011, February 2012, and May 2012. The following summaries were submitted by Vice President for Administration Steve Thiesfeldt ’74.

September 22-23, 2011 (on campus) The board resolved to move ahead with the Intergenerational Ministry Project, including construction of a 15,500 square foot early childhood learning center and a 50-unit senior housing facility on the Luther Manor site. Funding for the learning center is primarily dependent on a capital campaign. A $2.8 million expenditure cap was set for the ECLC project. The senior housing will be built on land leased from the college, funded by Doneff Companies, and managed by The Lutheran Home Association.

The board approved the updated college mission statement and encouraged the Committee on Fulfilling the Mission to continue its work.

The board discussed “Compelled to Speak: A Strategic Plan for Martin Luther College (2011-2017).”

The board designated unrestricted net assets of $1.0 million for student financial aid in 2012-13, $250,000 for program maintenance in 2012-13 and $250,000 for the Economic Sustainability Fund.

The board approved the calling of a professor of life science to replace retiring Professor Richard Ash. The board approved the implementation of a College in the Classroom concurrent enrollment program for qualified high school students.

The board approved a two-year pilot project for teaching Mandarin at MLC. The board approved a 4% increase in student fees for 2012-13, bringing total tuition, room and board charges to $16,340. The board also approved credit card use under the twice-a-semester payment plan, effective in 2012-13.

The board encouraged the administration to determine financial feasibility of the PACT (Performance Agreement for Comfort from Trane) program, with plans to leverage utility and replacement cost savings to fund HVAC infrastructure upgrades. Preliminary findings suggest that the college could save over $400,000 a year by upgrading its current mechanical systems. The projected cost of the upgrade is about $10 million. A second program option includes air conditioning the dormitories at a cost of $1 million per building.

Martin Luther College

December 3, 2011 (teleconference) The board called Teacher Gregory Diersen to serve as professor of life science.

The board endorsed a recommendation to delay the calling of a replacement for Professor of Music Ronald Shilling until a supportive enrollment and related financial projection can be demonstrated.

The board reviewed a report from the consulting team Bentz Whaley Flessner and subsequently ratified a recommendation to launch a narrowly focused campaign to raise funds for the construction of a new early childhood learning center.

February 16-17, 2012 (on campus) The board discussed the idea of setting tuition rates to reflect the full cost of education and awarding synod subsidy as WELS scholarships to offset the increase.

The board discussed the addition of a faculty member to facilitate an expanded program for continuing education, per the 2011 synod convention directives to the Commission on Lutheran Schools.

The board approved a document originating with the Board for Ministerial Education that outlined professional relationships and hiring practices at MLC for those positions that interact directly with the synod (director of finance, director of information technology, etc.).

The board resolved to seek permission from the Synodical Council to negotiate and finalize the sale of the southern half of the Luther Manor property to Doneff Companies, which plans to build a 50-unit senior housing project on the property as a complement to the early childhood project.

The board continued to discuss the feasibility of the Trane PACT (Performance Agreement for Comfort from Trane) program, with plans to leverage utility and replacement cost savings to fund HVAC infrastructure upgrades.

The board endorsed a proposal from Prof. Lyle Lange, chair of the Committee for Fulfilling the Mission, recommending that MLC and the WELS Congregational Ministry Support Group partner to create certificate programs.

May 7, 2012 (teleconference) The board approved moving the construction for the Early Childhood Learning Center to spring 2013 and acknowledged the need for additional funding.

The board granted Prof. Kurt Wittmershaus an unpaid sabbatical to teach in Munich, Germany, in 2012-13.

23

s e t o N t n Stude

2011-2012 MLC Student Awards Leading Scholar (Education): Rachel Rupnow Leading Scholar (Preseminary): Nathan Schulte Fine Arts Award: Caleb Schmiege Service Award: Jacki Adams Via Veritas Vita Award: Kurtis Wetzel Student Senate Award: Matthew Stuebs Brooks Scholarship: Julius Buelow, Andrew Gerlach MLC Knights Award: Emily Boldt, Joseph Lindloff, Jacob Unke UMAC Scholar-Athlete Award: Hannah Janke, Julius Buelow

2011-2012 MLC Presidential Scholarship Winners Lauren Maertz (Great Plains LHS) Erin Leverence (Lakeside LHS) Nathanael Jensen (Luther Preparatory School) Megan Rabbers (Michigan LHS) Hans Thomford (Michigan Lutheran Seminary)

UMAC Player of the Year Erica Babinec (Luther) led the women’s basketball team to the NCAA Division III Tournament for the first time in program history. Babinec finished a brilliant career that included top 10 statistical finishes in scoring, rebounds, assists, and steals, earning her the UMAC Player of the Year. She also put her name atop the MLC record books for free throws made, steals, and points scored. Several of the MLC records were previously held by Erica’s sister Emma.

2011-2012 NWC Alumni Society Presidents Fund Grants

24

President John A. Braun Grant for Leadership: Benjamin Schone President John A. Braun Grant for English: Joshua Gebert President Robert J. Voss Grant for Student Government: Matthew Stuebs President Robert J. Voss Grant for Student Life: Mark Voss President Carleton Toppe Grant for GPA and Religion: Erik Janke President E.E. Kowalke Grant for Biblical Languages: Ross Chartrand President August F. Ernst Grant for Confessional Languages: Paul Koester (German) President August F. Ernst Grant for Confessional Languages: Joshua Jensen (German & Latin) President Lewis O. Thompson Grant for Worship and Music: Lucas Proeber President Adam Martin Grant for Living Languages: Eric Fricke (Spanish)

Servant-Leaders MLC graduates are prepared to go wherever they are assigned, but that does not preclude them from showing the full range of human emotion when they hear their assignments. Here, Tim Babler ’12 (Port Orchard WA) has just heard that he is assigned to teach 6th grade religion, science, and math at Divine Savior-Doral FL.

2012

Graduation by the Numbers 149 Graduates

36 Preseminary (2011: 40)

100 Education

52 Elementary

10 Early Childhood

5 Elementary & Early Childhood

3 Secondary

20 Elementary & Secondary

4 K-12

1 Elementary & Parish Music

1 Staff Ministry

4 Educational Studies

13 Master of Science in Education

2012

Call Day by the Numbers

19 candidates opted for international service

98% of available candidates were assigned

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.

Betty Schweppe DMLC 1942 New Ulm MN

Duane Schmeichel NWC 1987 Freeman SD

Gerald Free NWC 1952 Manitowoc WI

25

Instructor Bethel Balge has been accepted into the Doctor of Musical Arts Piano Performance program at the University of Minnesota, Twin Cities. She received a School of Music fellowship.

Campus Pastor John Boeder WLS ’86 taught the course Christian Counseling to the pastors of the Lutheran Church of Central Africa in Lilongwe, Malawi, in July. Boeder, along with Vice President for Student Life Jeff Schone WLS ’87 led MLC students in sharing the gospel with Mormons in Provo UT July 28-August 4.

Professor Rebecca Cox DMLC ’89 was named UMAC Coach of the Year last fall for volleyball.

Professor Joel Fredrich WLS ’82 presented “Some Gender Issues in Translating the Bible into English, Illustrated from Selected Versions” to the Special Conference of the Michigan District, at Zion-Monroe MI, on January 16 and again to the pastors of the Central Conference of the Western Wisconsin District at St. Paul-Lake Mills WI on April 17.

Dr. James Grunwald DMLC ’78, director of the Association of Lutheran High Schools Online (ALHSO) pilot project, presented “Developing and Implementing Online Classes” at the Association of WELS Guidance and Counseling Personnel conference at Wisconsin Lutheran College in June. He reports that several more ALHSs will participate in 2012-13, and 18 online courses will be offered by 2013-14, including Latin, Spanish, and German, and several religion courses.

Professor Earl Heidtke DMLC ’73 spoke about the Friends of China organization at the LWMS Nebraska/Central Plains Circuit Spring Rally in Plymouth NE in April.

Professor Jon Roux DMLC ’94 taught “Teaching Spelling” and conducted classroom observations in Antigua along with Erik Landwehr MLC ’97, staff minister in St. Lucia.

Dr. Kermit Moldenhauer DMLC ’71 was chosen as a contributing composer for the Concordia Publishing House organ series, Hymn Prelude Library. His prelude on the tune CWM RHONDDA was

26

Jon Bilitz NWC 1992 Oakfield WICollege Martin Luther

Mark Schroeder NWC 1977 Watertown WI

published in the first volume, and he is composing another prelude for the next volume.

Professor Mark Paustian WLS ’88 led a men’s retreat in Seward AK in March on the theme “Where Two or Three Come Together—Christian Men Communicating in Christ.”

He also led a seminar in El Paso TX based on his book, Prepared to Answer.

Dr. Cindy Whaley DMLC ’76 received a Minnesota Reading Association Celebrate Literacy Award Friday, March 30. The award letter stated, “Her passionate work in furthering literacy in our state deserves this recognition.”

Dr. Whaley is President of the Southwest Area Reading Council.

Adjunct Graduate Faculty Notes Dr. Michelle Abrego DMLC ’81 co-authored Engaging the Families of ELLs [English Language Learners], published May 2012. Dr. Abrego is an associate professor at the University of Texas-Brownsville in the educational leadership program.

Dr. Carol Angell was promoted to Full Professor in the Department of Educational Studies at the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse.

Dr. Paul R. Boehlke DMLC ’61 presented “Genesis in the Library: A Basic Bibliography” at the spring meeting of the WELS Church Librarians’ Organization in Fort Atkinson WI. He also presented “Seizing the Approach to Evolution” at the Minnesota District Owls spring gathering.

Dr. Joe DuFore MLC ’02 presented the webinar “Distance Education from Nearby” through the US Distance Learning Association in April. This summer he presented a seminar on mobile devices for differentiation in Barcelona, Spain, and hosted the Google Education Summit at Wisconsin Lutheran College.

Dr. Scott Gostchock DMLC ’93 conducted workshops in Tucson AZ, St. Paul MN, Austin TX, and Walker MN titled “Christ-Centered Team Building and Strategic Planning for Successful Organizations.” Gottschock is Executive Director for Grace In Action and Director of Christian Development for Pilgrim-Minneapolis.

Michael Kumwenda MLC 1997 Lilongwe, Malawi

Paula Hannemann DMLC 1972 Escanaba MI

Retirements Professor Ronald Shilling

Professor Richard Ash

Submitted by Dr. Wayne Wagner

Submitted by Dr. Roger Klockziem

Professor Ronald Shilling has retired from fulltime ministry after completing his 49th year. Two of these years were at Northwestern Lutheran Academy-Mobridge SD, with the remaining 47 years at DMLC and MLC. He will be an adjunct instructor of organ at MLC in the coming year.

His college teaching was focused in the areas of music theory, organ, and choir, but Ron’s ministry also extended far beyond MLC. In addition to being an accomplished organist, he is a respected and published composer of organ and choral music within and outside the WELS. One of Ron’s characteristics is especially noteworthy. His viewpoint was always in the context of a heart of service, not personal prestige or reward. Within that he considered the model D/MLC music faculty provide, especially to students, to be a unique and special privilege and responsibility. He expressed this through his choices of music for campus and church services, organ registrations, hymn and liturgy tempos, and recitals, as well as in conversations.

After 44 years in the public ministry, Richard Ash has retired. During the last 13 years, he served at Martin Luther College, teaching courses in life science and advanced courses in the physical education major, as well as chairing the math/science division. He previously served at Manitowoc LHS for 29 years and Friedens-Kenosha WI for two years. During these years, Richard never missed a day of school except to be with his wife, Edie, during the births of their six children.

The hallmark of Richard’s service was faithfulness as he diligently prepared for his courses and also held students to a high academic standard. His courses were icons of academic integrity and scholarship. Out of love, he fulfilled the role of preparing future proclaimers of the gospel.

In a discipline permeated with unique challenges, Richard mastered God’s injunction to take all things captive to the Word of God. He silenced his scientific reasoning when God spoke and redirected praise and honor to our Creator and preserver God.

A generally quiet and always faithful servant, he did not speak often in music division or faculty meetings. But everyone came to know that when he did speak, it was because he had something important to say.

Rich was the source of much non-academic noise, which will be missed. He generated much laughter from his puns and jokes.

A holdover from his high schools days was the use of his whistle to call the class to order.

We also recognize the support of his wife, Karen (Breiling, DMLC ’71), through the years. May Jesus go with both of them and grant them many joys.

Richard and Edie are moving to Hartford WI, where Rich hopes to volunteer at Peace Lutheran Church and School, Pike Lake State Park, and Mequon Nature Preserve; and to enjoy his hobbies of hunting, fishing, hiking, bicycling, birding, gardening, and, of course, spending time with the children and grandchildren. May God grant Richard and Edie many years of good health, multiple opportunities for private ministry, and abundant time with their family.

In Memoriam We remember with gratitude those professors who labored in the Lord.

Morton Schroeder 1921-2011 (DMLC 1971-1990) William Arras 1913 - 2011 (DMLC 1969-1982) Richard Strobel 1934-2011 (NWC 1975-1995, MLC 1995-1998) * To the best of our knowledge, these are college professors from MLC, NWC, and DMLC who died in 2011.

Randall Kramer DMLC 1982 Lannon WI

Ronald Ehlert NWC 1957 Thiensville WI

2011-2012 Jubilarians Professor John Meyer 25 Years in Ministry Pastor Jeff Schone 25 Years in Ministry Dr. Wayne Wagner 40 Years in Ministry

Steven Vasold MLC 2002 Saginaw MI Martin Luther College

Winfred Vatthauer DMLC 1962 Fairfax MN

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Focus On

Faculty Essay

Name the Spot!

Spring Contest Winner: Julia Schwark of Manitowoc WI was our big winner in the spring contest. Thanks to all who submitted guesses, and congrats to the 10 who correctly identified all four locations and were included in the drawing for the winner.

Luther’s shoe

Old Main

Sprinter’s hair

Do You Have a Photo like This?

Wittenberg Collegiate Center (Academic Center)

Summer Contest: Didn’t win? Try again with the spots below! 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.

If you correctly identify all four, we’ll enter your name in a drawing for an MLC prize package. Deadline is September 1, 2012. If you can’t recognize them, come visit us!

We’d love to give you a tour of your alma mater.

3 1 4 2

The Sprinter celebrates his 100th anniversary this year. We’d love to see pictures of you or others with the famous statue for a photo spread in the fall issue of MLC InFocus. Please send your photos to Alumni Director Steve Balza at alumni@mlc-wels.edu or 1995 Luther Court, New Ulm MN 56073.

Identify the people and the year, if possible. If you include an SASE, we promise to send the photos back.

Thanks to Loren Schaller WLS ’48 for starting us off with this photo of himself and his mom at his graduation from Northwestern College in 1945.

cut Here

1_______________________________________________________ 2_______________________________________________________ 3_______________________________________________________ 4_______________________________________________________

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Steve Soukup NWC 1982 Madison WI

Roland Ehlke NWC 1937 Appleton WI

Name:___________________________________________________ Address:_________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________ Email:___________________________________________________ Phone:___________________________________________________

Philip Zahn DMLC 1987 Downers Grove IL

Milton Bradtke DMLC 1937 Lake Benton MN

Meet the

Presidents

Northwestern College President

Lewis O. Thompson

Northwestern College 1865-1869 Adam Martin

1869-1870 Lewis O. Thompson Lewis O. Thompson served as the second president of Northwestern College, which was still called Northwestern University and still struggling to find its true purpose as well as its financial footing.

Considered a very capable teacher, Thompson joined the faculty in 1866 and remained until 1871, with his short presidency running from 1869 to 1870. During his year as president, the board redirected the purpose of the college from an English-speaking university, the vision of previous president, Adam Martin, toward a German-speaking ministerial education school, training German-speaking pastors for German-speaking congregations. Thompson also published the first college catalogs, 500 in English and 500 in German.

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

After leaving in 1871, he went on to serve as pastor in Cottage Grove, Wisconsin, and Peoria, Illinois.

1885-1893 Otto Hoyer

The Northwestern College Alumni Society Lewis O. Thompson Grant for Worship and Music is awarded annually to a preseminary student based upon his academic achievement, campus citizenship and participation, potential for pastoral ministry, and excellence in worship leadership and music. 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.

1908-1918 Adolph Ackermann

1893-1908 John Schaller 1918-1920 Johannes P. Meyer 1920-1936 Edmund Bliefernicht 1936-1966 Carl Schweppe 1966-1980 Conrad Frey 1980-1993 Lloyd O. Huebner

Lewis O. Thompson Grant for Worship and Music Winners: 2011-12 Lucas Proeber

2005-06 Brian Schmidt

2010-11 Lucas Proeber

2004-05 Timothy Nass

2009-10 Darin Warnecke

2003-04 Charles Habeck

2008-09 Lloyd Harter

2002-03 Jonathan Bauer

2007-08 Timothy Rosenow

2001-02 Jonathan Bauer

2006-07 Jacob Behnken

2000-01 Adam Bode

Mary Mey DMLC 1967 Newburg WI

Henry Juroff NWC 1947 Eau Claire MI

1993-1995 John Lawrenz

Martin Luther College 1994-2007 Theodore Olsen 2007-present Mark Zarling

Bonnie Schulmeister DMLC 1977 Antioch IL Martin Luther College

Eldon Hirsch DMLC 1952 Merna NE

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July

August 2011-2012

October

November

July

October

December:

Worship Conference: More than

Focus on Ministry: Over 700 high

1,000 participants spend a day at MLC.

school students visit campus on four different weekends in October, November, February, and March.

Tuition Freedom Day: December 14

Alumni tour to Washington DC

August: Early Childhood Learning Center: New lead teacher Ms. Jennifer Mehlberg takes the wheel. Teacher training expands to include ages 0-2. Plans for new ECLC continue.

Ballroom Blast: Incoming first-years have a blast at orientation.

697 Move In: On-campus students number 697: 156 preseminary, 534 education, and seven unclassified. Hundreds of others enroll in continuing education offerings.

September Homecoming: The MLC Alumni Association board, representing 9,000+ alumni of MLC, NWC, and DMLC, decide to fund a new campus sign. A Fun Run is one of many Homecoming events.

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Year in Review

September

Frederick Schleg NWC 1987 Grayslake Martin LutherILCollege

Ladies’ Auxiliary: At annual meeting they adopt a $17,000 project list—and later fully fund it.

November: World Mission Festival Service Choral Festival:

December

Government

10% marks the date that students are free Scholarships & Grants from paying 15% tuition. All costs after that date are Synod Subsidy (Congregational Mission Offerings) paid by donors, 25% congregational mission offerings, and government grants.

450 singers from 22 Lutheran high schools present a sacred and a pops concert.

Christmas at MLC: Student

St. Marcus Gospel Choir

January

Reuter Steinway Centennial: A recital commemorates 100 years of this grand piano purchased

by DMLC’s first music professor, Fritz Reuter, in 1911.

Gloria Beckmann DMLC 1957 La Crosse WI

Student and Family Tuition Payment

50%

musicians praise the newborn Christ.

Les Miserables: Alumni and students take in a little theater in Minneapolis.

Evangelism Day 2012: Guest speakers inspire students with workshops and worship under the theme, “Make Christ Known to the Nations.”

Lance Hoff NWC 1972 Bison SD

Ernest Zimdars NWC 1962 Philmont NY

January

February

Winter Carnival

February Urban Teaching Experience: A Churchwide Grant from Thrivent allows four student teachers to do clinicals at Divine Savior Academy-Doral (Miami) FL.

Wind Symphony Mini-tour: Band presents concert and gathers with alumni in Milwaukee.

Early Field Experience: All first-years, sophomores, and juniors engage in hands-on teaching for a week.

Undergraduate Urban Teaching Conference: Students visit Milwaukee schools and attend conference.

March Martin Luther College Choir: Choir tours WELS churches in Alaska for a new first.

March

April

May

June

Anchor: This student service club raises money for Christian Aid & Relief at “Puttin’ on the Ritz,” a tux-and-gown event, one of several fundraising and service events.

Commencement: Hundreds attend

Fine Arts Day:

149 earn diplomas: 36 Preseminary, 100 Education, and 13 Master of Science in Education.

Hundreds of grade school students attend to sing, play, act, and make art.

Women’s basketball: Team takes UMAC championship and advances to NCAA DIII tourney for first time in program history.

Erica Babinec is UMAC Player of the Year.

April Graduate Studies: The master’s program passes the 100-student threshold.

Thomas Trotter Organ Concert Children’s Theater: Forum presents The Emperor’s New Clothes, one of five campus productions for the year.

May

concerts, alumni dinner, commencement service, and call service.

Graduation:

Call Day by the Numbers: 98% of available candidates are assigned.

June DMLC Class of ’52 Reunion: These alumni give $2800 for outdoor benches. Classes of ’56 and ’62 plan to meet in September.

MLC Golf Classic: Local business leaders raise over $40,000 for MLC student assistance and campus projects.

Minnesota District Convention Alumni tour:

Creation Museum.

Scholar-Athletes: Athletic Daylight: 54 students lend a hand to 13 congregations in Tennessee, Georgia, Washington, Arizona, Ohio, Colorado, New York, Indiana, and Nevada.

George Baer NWC 1942 Rockford MN

teams earn most UMAC GPA awards, taking top academic honors in volleyball, football, men’s soccer, men’s golf, softball, men’s and women’s tennis, and women’s track.

Gerhard Bauer DMLC 1947 Echo MN

Jessica Burmeister MLC 2007 Phoenix AZ

Jill Gaertner DMLC 1992 Weslaco TX

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Who’s teaching K4 and K5 in Virginia?

Who’s a principal apprentice in Michigan?

Who’s an athletic director in Wisconsin?

Who’s teaching English in Jakarta, Indonesia?

Who’s coaching and teaching Spanish at California Lutheran High?

Who’s coordinating church music in Michigan?

Who’s starting a new preschool in Anchorage, Alaska?

Who’s teaching art in Milwaukee?

Who’s teaching grades 1-3 in Salt Lake City?

Who’s teaching music in Houston, Texas?

Who’s teaching English in Lima, Peru?

Who’s technology director and grade 7-8 teacher in Wisconsin?

Who’s a tutor at Luther Preparatory School?

Who’s enrolling at Seminary?

Who’s starting an exciting new life of service to the church?

The 2012 Graduates of Martin luther College

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