InFocus - April 2013

APRIL 2013

In This Issue...

Groundbreaking for Early Childhood Learning Center New Special Education Major

Address Service Requested 1995 Luther Court New Ulm, MN 56073

NON-PROFIT U.S. POSTAGE PAID MANKATO, MN 56001 PERMIT #47

Eight Students Up Close and Personal

InFocus Staff WRITER/EDITOR Laurie Gauger DMLC ’86 CONTRIBUTING WRITER Nathanael Jensen MLC ’15 PHOTOGRAPHERS William Pekrul DMLC ’80 Catherine St. John MLC ’13 Rebecca Wilkens MLC ’13 Kendra Korth MLC ‘15 PROOFREADER Philip 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 Vice Chairman Jonathan Kolander WLS ’91 Secretary Steven Rosenbaum DMLC ’86 Keith Bowe DMLC ’79 Jonathan Hahm DMLC ’71 Dale Krause Stephen Loehr Michael Otterstatter WLS ’94 Timothy Petermann Barry Price Duane Rodewald WLS ’89 William Steinbrenner Jeffrey Wegner WLS ’87 Advisory: Charles Degner WLS ’79 Randy Matter Paul Prange WLS ’88 Mark Schroeder WLS ’81 Mark Zarling WLS ’80 MLC InFocus is published by Martin Luther College Mission Advancement Office and is distributed free of charge to students, faculty, staff, alumni, parents, and friends. Owned and operated by the Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod (WELS), Martin Luther College exists to serve the ministerial needs of the WELS. Comments are welcomed and should be directed to gaugerlf@mlc-wels.edu or Laurie Gauger, MLC InFocus, 1995 Luther Court, New Ulm MN 56073.

The Focus of InFocus

By President Mark Zarling WLS ’80

The Christian Church has just left the penitential season of Lent and entered the joyful Eastertide. As you contemplate our Lord’s death and resurrection, is your default focus on self-denial or on abundant generosity?

Neither focus is incorrect. Jesus himself said, Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me (Matthew 16:24). The law of God leads sinners to the cross. There we stand stunned at the cost of our sin, a cost exacted and extracted from the Christ of God. It took his all.

If you think of sin but lightly Nor suppose the evil great, Here you see its nature rightly, Here its guilt may estimate. (CW 127.3) When the Spirit fills a sinful heart with the Savior’s love, a miracle occurs. No longer does that heart harbor hatred or hypocrisy or hedonism. The Spirit leads that heart to repent, deny self, and focus eyes and heart on Christ.

Yet the focus of Lent and Easter is not just self-denial but also the abundant generosity of God. He who did not spare his own Son, but gave him up for us all—how will he not also, along with him, graciously give us all things? (Romans 8:32). The commitment of God to save is a commitment of God to give: to give his Son as Redeemer, and then—by raising his Son from the dead—to give us new birth, new hope. In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead (1 Peter 1:3).

God’s generosity changes us from takers to givers.

Were the whole realm of nature mine, That were a tribute far too small; Love so amazing, so divine, Demands my soul, my life, my all. (CW 125.4) I see God’s generosity reflected in his redeemed children every day at MLC, and you will see it in the pages of this InFocus: • Students contemplating giving their lives to the Father as they pray, Here am I, send me; • Faculty giving long hours in offices, classrooms, and hallways as they train future colleagues in the ministry; • Staff personnel laboring to present MLC as a careful steward of its facilities, furnishings, and finances; • God’s people generously offering their prayers and gifts to support not a college, but a ministry to train ministers.

As you look through the pages and pictures of this issue, marvel at God’s goodness to us as individuals, as a college, as a church body. As we keep the focus on God’s grace, we cannot help but pause in penitent gratitude and joyful praise. A blessed Easter to all of you.

The alumni photos at the bottom of each page are from the anniversary classes of MLC, NWC, and DMLC: ’38, ’43, ’48, ’53, ’58, ’63, ’68, ’73, ’78, ’83, ’88, ’93, ’98, ’03, and ’08. Thanks to Alumni Director Steve Balza ’93, who provided this random selection of alums.

MLC College Choir Tour 2013 The 65 members of the Martin Luther College Choir, under the direction of Dr. Kermit Moldenhauer DMLC ’71, sang at congregations in the Midwest on their annual tour February 22 – March 3. Thousands of people heard them at concerts and worship services, and thousands more heard them through Facebook. (Their singing at Mt. Rushmore logged 16,000+ Facebook views!) Choir tours bring many blessings. Here, we’ll let them tell you.

Choir Director Dr. Kermit Moldenhauer: Our concert program was titled “Wait on the Lord.” The basis for our hope as we “wait on the Lord” is Christ born, crucified, and risen. This is the primary purpose of choir tours— to proclaim the gospel in song. Choir tours also bring MLC to the congregations and MLC students to the ministry they aspire to enter. Finally, choir tours provide opportunities to raise the performance bar far beyond the mediocre—to “bring our best to the Lord.”

MLC President Mark Zarling: MLC choir tours demonstrate the integral partnership of the WELS College of Ministry and synod congregations. Our students see ministry in different locales and meet God’s people in various places—a wonderful part of preparing for future gospel service.

Choir Secretary Katrina Buchholz ’14: Dr. Moldenhauer demands excellence from us, but solely for the purpose of sharing God’s Word in song. He is always encouraging and communicates his expectations in the most positive way.

Jason Richards MLC 2003 St John’s, Antigua

Dennis Kempf NWC 1958 Edgar WI

Choir President Lucas Proeber ’13: As a future called worker, choir tours help me see the different types of people I will minister to someday. And the Christian hospitality that host families show us is breathtaking, whether in Colorado or Minnesota!

Email to MLC: My husband and I hosted four guys in the choir for the night. We had a wonderful time. Their manners and etiquette were superb. Prof. Moldenhauer did an excellent job of preparing them for tour. They were wonderful ambassadors for the college! God willing, we look forward to seeing where they will be assigned in a few years.

Facebook Friend: I’ve been playing these Facebook videos for my class since you started posting them.

I forgot today, and at the end of class, one of my 7th graders asked what the MLC choir posted today.

You guys aren't in your churches and classrooms yet, but you're already influencing his lambs.

Facebook Friend: Thanks so much for sharing all these choir tour moments!

Thanks be to God for such talented young people training for the ministry!

Choir members on the Oregon Trail demonstrate yet another blessing of choir tours, as Dr. Moldenhauer notes: “the bonding of friendships, the creation of new friendships, and the overall Christian fellowship inherent in an extended time together.”

Aaron Holub MLC 2003 Brooklyn Park MN

Jeffrey Wegner NWC 1983 Van Dyne WI

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here on the MLC Rated Highly in Poll According to a recent ranking by StateUniversity.com, MLC ranked 10th among all Minnesota universities. This rating was based on many factors, especially schools’ ACT/SAT scores, student retention, and student/faculty ratio.

“While we don’t actively seek the recognition a ranking like this may bring,” says Vice President for Administration Steven Thiesfeldt DMLC ’74, “we are grateful to the Lord of the Church that our mission-focused training is bearing fruit. The God-given talents and dedication of students, faculty, and staff are a source of joy even if they aren’t noticed outside WELS.”

Students Experience Urban Ministry

Now in its tenth year, the MLC Urban Ministry Trip promotes interest in and an understanding of urban schools in Milwaukee’s central city. Participants experience worship at St. Marcus; seminars on urban teaching conducted by urban teachers; classroom observation at St. Marcus, Atonement, and Risen Savior; workshops on culture building in the classroom; and talks by school leaders.

Developed in partnership with The Center for Urban Teaching, the immersion trip raises the awareness of the ministry opportunities and challenges in WELS urban schools.

Miriam Hanson (Friedens-Bonduel WI, pictured), a participant in this year’s February 15-19 trip, said, “I absolutely loved it and hope to be able to be a part of this growing ministry someday. It was great to see these kids who truly need a firm rock to lean upon and to tell them Jesus Christ can be that rock.”

MLC athletes know how to hit the ball—and the books—good and hard.

MLC Scholar-Athletes

MLC took top team academic honors in six of seven fall intercollegiate sports, according to a recent report from the Upper Midwest Athletic Conference (UMAC): women’s cross country, football, men’s golf, men’s soccer, women’s soccer, and volleyball.

In addition, 66 individual students made the list by earning a GPA of 3.5 or higher.

“At MLC, academics are our main focus, while sports are an extracurricular,” says volleyball and basketball player Alex Anthon (St. Paul-Lake Mills WI, pictured). “Professors and coaches do a great job of making sure that our focal point is preparing for our future in the ministry.”

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Daniel Larson MLC 1998 Bangor WI College Martin Luther

Lori Rischette DMLC 1983 Tomah WI

William Goehring NWC 1963 Sanborn MN

Thomas Spiegelberg NWC 1993 Grand Junction CO

Breaking a Leg MLC Forum, our student-run drama club, produced two shows this winter, Dickens’ A Tale of Two Cities and Agatha Christie’s Witness for the Prosecution. Forum is one of the most active organizations on campus.

They stage four shows (18 performances) a year, with about 20% of the student body participating.

The spring children’s theater production, Who Can Fix the Dragon’s Wagon?, will hit the stage April 27-28. For tickets, call 507.233.9114 and leave a message.

For more about MLC Forum, go to mlc-wels.edu/forum.

Principal Henry Tyson (St. Marcus-Milwaukee) spoke to students about Milwaukee’s Parental Choice Program at Evangelism Day.

Evangelism Day: “There Still Is Room!”

On January 23, regular classes were put on hold as presenters from around the country shared evangelism approaches and experiences at our annual Evangelism Day. Co-sponsored by WELS Commission on Evangelism, the conference opened with worship as Donn Dobberstein WLS ’95 preached on the theme, “There Still Is Room.”

Fifty missionaries, pastors, teachers, staff ministers, and lay leaders then spoke about sharing the gospel in everyday life and through many different forms of public ministry.

The worship service and three larger sectionals were open also to the public: “Worship and Evangelism” (Jonathan Schroeder WLS ’99), “Reaching Out with the Gospel to Mormons” (Mark Cares WLS ’77), and “Reaching Out with the Gospel to Muslims” (Pieter Reid WLS ’77).

Peter Plagenz (St. Paul-Manchester WI), Zachary Stowe

(Immanuel-Oshkosh WI), and Rachel Brokmeier (Our Savior-Brookings SD) in Witness for the Prosecution.

“Evangelism Day showed me we don’t have to wait until we’re teachers or pastors,” said MLC student Miranda Maasz (St. John-Sleepy Eye MN). “We can all evangelize now.” Alydia Lee (St. John-Lake City MN) added, “It just gets me so pumped! We have this amazing message that everyone needs to hear, and I’m excited to use what I learned to tell others about Jesus their Savior.”

MLC Brochure Wins Advertising Award Martin Luther College and Lime Valley Advertising, Inc., of Mankato, Minnesota, have won a 2012 Service Industry Advertising Award (SIAA). A brochure created for the Let the Children Come capital campaign earned an SIAA MERIT AWARD in the educational services brochure category. Lime Valley President Brian Maciej said, “We are thrilled that our collaboration with Martin Luther College has produced another award-winning project.”

SIAA awards recognize creative and communication excellence in the service industries.

This is the fifth SIAA awarded to MLC/Lime Valley projects in the last eight years.

Karyn Vik MLC 2003 Appleton WI

Bruce Becker NWC 1978 Phoenix AZ

Hannah Buschkopf MLC 2008 Milwaukee WI Luther College Martin

Ardis Rodewald DMLC 1963 Gibbon MN 5

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here on the New Special Education

Major Approved!

In February 2013, the ML C Governing Board approved the addition of a special education undergraduate major at MLC. Dr. David Wendler, vice president for academics , explains: “Many WELS schools have students with special needs but lac k teachers with sufficient training to im plement services for thos e students. We envision so me MLC students addin g a special education major to their elementary education major and, up on graduation, being qualified to serve not on ly as a regular classroom teacher but also as a res ource for the school’s special needs children, their parents, and other faculty members. Thus, a special education major is consistent with the college’s mission to provide for the ministry needs of WELS churches and schools.”

ect Picture us? f r e P e h t f o mp In Pursuit otos of our ca

beautiful ph tor, for his w we get such o h er d n relations direc o c w li b u p Ever r u o ything Bill Pekrul, do almost an to e g ra u co Thanks go to his t to mention keen eye, no for a shot!

A special education profe ssor will be called immediately, and enrollm ent in the new major will commence in the fal l 2013 semester.

Special education is alrea dy one of four emphases available to students enrolled in MLC’s graduate prog ram. The special education graduate cour ses are taught by Dr. Carrie Pfeifer DMLC ’81 , Dr. Alan Spurgin DMLC ’71, Dr. Carol An gell, Dr. Delores Heide n DMLC ’66, Dr. Dennis Gu lcynski DMLC ’69, Dr. John Juern DMLC ’64, an d Daryl Hanneman DMLC ’75.

Looking—and Booking—to the Future Did you know? Many MLC education majors order books from Scholastic every month, just as they did in grade school. They’re building their personal children’s literature libraries for their future classrooms. In other words, your children and grandchildren will be able to grab a Lemony Snicket book off their fourth grade classroom shelf in a few years because an MLC student bought it for $8 of their own money this month.

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Anna Horneber MLC 2008 Pittsford NYCollege Martin Luther

Wayne Wiechmann DMLC 1948 New Ulm MN

Rebecca Bernthal DMLC 1988 Lovelock NV

Hilbert Schaller NWC 1938 Saginaw MI

Wind Symphony Tour Goes International, Eh?

Tuition Freedom Day

Okay, it's 36 hours in Canada, but we can call it international. Our Wind Symphony will play concerts and services at the following locations. Please join us or follow the MLC Facebook page for tour updates.

Paul Spaude (Ascension-Antigo WI) and Colton Berger (Morning Star-Jackson WI) hold up one of the many giant thank-you notes signed by hundreds of grateful MLC students.

The cost to educate each MLC student is $23,000 a year.

But the average student only pays $13,000. Why? Because of WELS congregational mission offerings, individual donors, special gifts from congregations, and government aid. In fact, congregations and individual donors gave MLC $2.5 million over and above their regular offerings in 2011.

And more than 80% of those gifts were less than $1000.

Sun, May 19, 10:30 am.... Ascension-Rochester MN Sun, May 19, 7:30 pm.... Shoreland LHS-Somers WI Mon, May 20, 1:00 pm.... St. Paul-Stevensville MI Mon, May 20, 7:30 pm.... Michigan LHS-St Joseph MI Tue, May 21, 1:00 pm.... Emanuel First-Lansing MI Tue, May 21, 7:30 pm.... St. Paul-Saginaw MI Wed, May 22, 8:00 am.... Michigan Lutheran Seminary-Saginaw MI Wed, May 22, 7:30 pm.... Hope-Toronto ON Thu, May 23, 7:30 pm.... Huron Valley LHS Westland MI

On January 21, 2013, students wrote and recorded 500 personal thank-you messages to thank donors for their financial support.

Senior Joe Blum (Divine Savior-Shawano WI), said, “These people make it so much easier for us to afford the great and important education we get at MLC.”

Please

Us!

The MLC Facebook page features new posts every day, with lots of student photos and the latest on every aspect of campus life.

Public Relations Director Bill Pekrul posted College Choir photos and videos every day of their spring

Naoko Nakamoto DMLC 1993 Shimodate, Japan

Keri Gruman MLC 1998 Shawnee KS

tour. After listening to one song online, a Facebook friend wrote: “This is my absolute favorite choral piece. I sang it in our high school choir some . . . 30 years ago! Yikes, has it been that long?! Anyway, thanks so much for sharing.

Brought tears to my eyes.”

If you’re one of the 3300+ MLC family members who like the MLC Facebook page, you already know this! If you’re not yet, please check it out, and encourage your Facebook friends to do the same. Go ahead—like us!

David Liebhard MLC 2008 Albuquerque NMLuther College Martin

James Fenske DMLC 1963 Boyd MN7

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here on the Join the Discussion!

Let’s Keep in Touch!

We do our best to keep in touch with you, whether you’re an alum, parent, supporter, or friend. If you’d like to subscribe to any of these free e-newsletters, we’d love to add you to our list.

Please make your choices at mlc-wels.edu/publications/subscribe.

Or contact Tami Board at boardtl@mlc-wels.edu / 507.354.8221.

• MLC Update – MLC news and events

• Pursuing Excellence: The Continuing Education Update – Synod-wide professional and spiritual growth opportunities for called workers

• Continuing Education Bulletin – MLC course offerings and registration deadlines • Ladies’ Auxiliary e-notes – Meeting information and updates • Master’s Program News – Graduate program news and issues • Alumni Messenger – Alumni events, reunions, and campus news • MLC ParentsPage – Issues specifically for parents of current students • MLC SportsPage – Weekly athletics updates • MLC KnightWatch Weekly – Information and inspiration for high school students considering MLC

MLC Tip-Off Tournament High school basketball teams from Illinois LHS, Minnesota Valley LHS, St. Croix LHS, and West LHS took part in the first annual MLC High School Tip-Off Tournament November 30 – December 2.

Admissions Director Mark Stein DMLC ’92 said, “The weekend was very successful in bringing young Christians together and introducing them to ministerial education at MLC.” Next year, seven high schools have committed to the tournament so far: Arizona Lutheran Academy, Illinois LHS, Minnesota Valley LHS, Nebraska LHS, Northland LHS, St. Croix LHS, and West LHS.

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The new blog Issues in Lutheran Education is eliciting discussion on provocative topics in WELS schools. Since its October 2012 launch, it’s been viewed over 8,400 times, its busiest day generating 1,600 views.

The February topic, “The Leadership Crisis in WELS,” inspired great discussion. The blog focused on principal preparation, sharing—among other things—a statistic on the percentage of principals who have master’s degrees: 98.5% 91.3% 71% 69.4% 53.5% 26%

Public Catholic Private nonsectarian Missouri Synod Other religious Wisconsin Synod

One reader commented: “More education does not a better minister make. More education is certainly not bad, but the main ingredient for a good principal is a servant’s heart.” Another added: “We are servants of the Lord, first and foremost. But we are also professional educators. It is important for us to keep up with continuing education and professional development.”

“This discussion is healthy,” said Director of Graduate Studies and blog facilitator John Meyer. “We need a collaborative approach to address the critical issues facing WELS schools.”

Meyer invites all teachers to to take a look at Issues in Lutheran Education: “Subscribe.

(It’s free.) Stay informed. Join the conversation.”

The West Warriors won the boys’ division at MLC’s Tip-Off Tourney. The girls’ trophy went to the MVL Chargers.

Beverly Miller DMLC 1953 Ripon WI College Martin Luther

Dorann Rodriguez DMLC 1993 Fond du Lac WI

Go to mlc-wels.edu and select “blogs” from the bottom menu.

Craig Charron DMLC 1993 Omaha NE

Guy Purdue NWC 1983 Santa Monica CA

We Start Them Early Most education majors spend part of their spring break completing an Early Field Experience (EFE).

Sophomores and juniors complete their EFE in a WELS classroom of their choice. “I loved doing EFE this spring break,” says sophomore Ali Wine (St. John-Saginaw MI). “I learned so much from the teacher and kindergarten and first grade students I worked with. This experience has allowed me to see how much more I have to learn and how excited I am to have a class of my own!”

First-years do their EFE right on campus. It’s an exciting week of learning, lesson planning, and teaching hundreds of children who arrive on campus ready to be wowed by the college students’ mini-lessons on everything from oboes to amoebas. “EFE was a great experience where I learned a lot about what teaching will actually be like,” says Jeff Rick (LPS). “It made me sure that this is how I want to serve God.” First-year Benjamin Balge (St. Matthew-Milwaukee) felt immediately comfortable in front of his class.

Continuing Education: Coming to a Site or Screen near You

Students Serve Congregation for Daylight USA Four MLC sophomores spent a week of their spring break at Peace-Boulder CO, volunteering their time and energy to the congregation and gaining valuable ministry experience.

Craig Wilke, Matt Proeber, Hans Thomford, Caleb Klatt, and Pastor Jesse Stern

Craig Wilke (Bethany-Fort Atkinson WI), Matt Proeber (St. Matthew-Janesville WI), Hans Thomford (Zion-Chesaning MI), and Caleb Klatt (Holy Trinity-New Hope MN) were four of 75 students who traveled to congregations across the country for Daylight USA over break.

Boulder’s pastor, Jesse Stern WLS ’08, explains what the students accomplished: “Not only did they canvass our target ministry area, yank bushes from the church property, uplift the spirits of a small congregation, encourage a young-ish pastor, and re-drywall our sanctuary, this year’s group teamed up with the sophomore class from Rocky Mountain LHS to canvass neighborhoods, build Christian relationships between MLC and RMLHS, and encourage ministry on a personal level. (That’s invaluable recruitment!)

“I so appreciate what they did, the examples they set, and the attitudes with which they selflessly and faithfully served the Savior. Craig, Matt, Caleb, Hans . . . thanks for all you did. You have a way of encouraging a pastor and his people, and I pray that’s a gift you never lose. Grace, peace, and encouragement as you carry on the work.”

Marcus Bode NWC 1973 Saginaw MI

Elizabeth Fricke DMLC 1983 Watertown WI

Called workers, it’s our goal to meet your ministry needs. To that end, we offer workshops and courses not only on the MLC campus, but also online and on location at 13 different satellite sites (see map).

Our April mailer (don’t miss it!) shows 67 different course options for your continuing education this summer. Keep your license up to date, incorporate technology into your teaching, learn new classroom strategies, or just take a course that interests you.

Remember: MLC continuing ed is more than the master’s program. Continuing ed has options for all called workers who want to grow spiritually and professionally.

David Voss NWC 1978 GreenMartin Bay WI Luther College

Helen Sweeney DMLC 1943 La Crosse9WI

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Klatt

Caleb

He was never ever going to choose MLC for college. That he was sure of. But then, late in his senior year, he made a campus visit, and—what can he say?—he was impressed.

The admissions counselors and students were so excited to talk to him about his possible future at MLC. Now he’s here, and he is one of those students who talks to visitors about their possible future at MLC.

C L O S E

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Nitz

Rachel

She knew she wanted to serve God, but would teaching be the best way to use her gifts? Would teaching elementary school be challenging enough? That’s what she asked herself—until she worked in urban ministry last summer and came face to face with the most passionate, intelligent teachers and the most lovable, hardworking kids she’d ever met. This was a challenge that truly inspired her.

Rachel Nitz worked at St. Marcus last summer through MLS Project Titus.

Caleb Klatt is an MLC Student Ambassador whose job is making sure high school students have a great campus visit.

Michigan Lutheran Seminary Good Shepherd-Beaverton MI

West LHS Holy Trinity-New Hope MN

First-year in Education Studies Major: elementary education Major: secondary communication arts & literature

Junior in Education Studies Major: elementary education Minor: math

Activities: Student Senate representative, Centennial Dorm Council secretary, Urban Ministry club, piano lessons, organ lessons

Activities: Forum (set building), Chorale, Meet Math club, intramurals

Job: grade school tutor (off campus)

Job: Student Ambassador (on campus)

Meeting “elementary” challenges: I originally wanted to be a secondary ed major. I wanted to be discussing deep things in English class, not telling kids what a noun was. But after working at St. Marcus in Milwaukee last summer, I totally fell in love with the kids and decided to add elementary ed too. I realized that building the foundations of their education is just as important as the upper-level stuff.

Reaching out to students: I really like my job of Student Ambassador because I know what it’s like to not know what you want to do with your life. I want to help make high school students’ decision easier in any way possible.

Reaching out to congregations: The MLC Daylight program is awesome. I assisted the congregation at Shepherd of the Hills-Knoxville TN. The things you do on Daylight trips really help prepare you for your future in ministry, and there’s the joy of helping out a congregation as well.

Reaching out to the world: This campus has brought many people into my life. Each has encouraged me in some way, and each one I will be able to spend eternity with. How awesome is that. It makes me want to go out into the world and instill that great feeling in others.

Meeting urban challenges: At St. Marcus, I found a whole different world. I was so inspired to reach out to all these kids, most of whom have never heard about Jesus. Although urban ministry is a huge challenge, I absolutely fell in love with it. I love seeing kids work so hard and absolutely blow you away when they live up to the crazy high expectations you’ve set.

Meeting MLC campus challenges too: I’m kind of a control freak who likes to lead people, so Student Senate is a great way to do that. I love knowing what’s going on.

And improving campus to the glory of God while being with great people is a huge blessing.

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P E R S O N A L

Ewings

Ben

He was recruited by several schools, including the University of Wisconsin, to play football. Although the allure of D1 ball was strong, those words he heard at church wouldn’t let go: I heard the voice of the LORD, saying, “Whom shall I send? And who will go for us?” And I said, “Here am I! Send me!” So he’s at MLC, studying for ministry and, yes, playing football—with intensity.

Nass

Leah

She had a track scholarship to Winona State (Minnesota), where she could study education and become a teacher. But she realized that she didn’t want to be a teacher who was Lutheran; she wanted to be a Lutheran teacher, which is a completely different thing. So she headed for MLC—with her running shoes, volleyball shoes, and basketball shoes in her bags and Mom’s wise words in her back pocket.

Whether a Warrior or a Knight, Ben Ewings is a force to be reckoned with.

Leah Nass received All-Conference Honorable Mention as a first-year Knight.

Manitowoc LHS St. Paul-Howards Grove WI First-year in Education Studies Major: elementary education Major: secondary physical education Minor: coaching

Lakeside LHS Lord of Love-De Forest WI First-year in Education Studies Major: secondary communication arts & literature Major: secondary physical education Minor: coaching Activities: football, intramurals It’s called a work ethic: I work harder and try to get better in everything I do every day. I want to be the best at whatever I’m doing.

It’s called humility: If there is one person’s example to follow in life, it’s Jesus. I won’t be able to do anything greater than serve him in all I do. And I want to make my mom proud. I’m so thankful for all the support and encouragement she gave me, and for always pushing me to be the best man I could be.

It may not be D1, but . . . MLC football is definitely a lot harder than high school football, and honestly, what I liked the most was noticing improvement every day.

I felt like a much better football player at the end of the season than at the beginning.

Activities: volleyball, basketball, Dorm Council, Women’s Choir, intramurals Mom’s encouragement: College is yet another opportunity to “put your big girl pants on.” Your parents aren’t there to buy you food, do your laundry, or spot you some cash. You’re on your own.

Mr. S’s motivation: My grade 5-6 teacher, Mr. S as he was famously called, unknowingly motivated me to become a teacher. He taught me more than reading, writing, and math. He taught me what it meant to be a Christian role model, to take ownership of my grades, and to take responsibility for my actions. To explain all the valuable lessons Mr. S taught me would require more than a simple paragraph.

MLC athletics: Sports keep me in shape, and I look forward to hanging out with the girls I play with. It also assists me with my homework, because I learned time management. It’s also a dream of mine to coach a young grade school team someday.

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Henrich

C L O S E

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Fenske

Scott

Bailey

He would rather you didn’t mention it, but he did have a full-ride Evans Scholarship to the University of Wisconsin.

For him, MLC’s ministry training was worth more than the money. So now he works to pay for tuition and balances that with a hefty schedule of Hebrew, Greek, Spanish, and philosophy, as well as intercollegiate football, basketball, and tennis. It’s a crazy schedule, but he knows what his priorities are.

She’s the first to say she’s not your traditional student. In Texas she attended only public school, and she’d never even heard of MLC. But on a mission trip to Arizona, two young women from Manitowoc, Wisconsin, told her about this college in New Ulm they were heading for, and she was interested. To be surrounded by Christians on a campus focused on God’s Word—what could be better?

Scott Henrich is an ace at hitting the ball—and the books.

Luther Prep Atonement-Milwaukee WI Senior in Preseminary Studies Major: biblical languages Emphasis: Spanish for pastors Activities: football, basketball, tennis, Student Athletic Advisory Committee, Anchor service club, intramurals Job: dormitory RA (resident assistant), library assistant, writing coach in Academic Success Center (all on campus) Priority one—the gospel: I grew up on the island of Antigua in the Caribbean. My preparation here at MLC to go into all the world and make disciples has a special meaning, because I have seen firsthand the urgency of that commission.

Academics before athletics: MLC coaches take the concept of student-athlete seriously. Participating in a sport is a huge time commitment, but I’ve never felt pressured to compromise my studies for the sake of the team.

Some experience before graduation: This spring I will be traveling to New York with a couple friends through MLC’s Daylight program. We will use the Spanish we’ve learned at MLC to help our WELS church canvass Latino neighborhoods in preparation for Holy Week. It’s a great opportunity to gain some cross-cultural experience.

Bailey Fenske had never heard of MLC until her junior year in high school.

McNeil High School-Austin TX Holy Word-Austin TX Junior in Education Studies Major: elementary education Activities: Dorm Council president, intramurals Job: personal care assistant for people with disabilities (off campus) Dad and Mom say, “Go!” My senior year, I visited MLC with my family in the dead of winter. After four days on campus, I fell in love. Everything felt perfect— other than the extremely cold weather!! And my parents were reassured that this was the place for me.

Grandma says, “Go!” My grandma was a huge supporter of me attending MLC, and she gave me the courage to move so far away from home to fulfill my dreams. She has guided me in many ways when it comes to my faith, and I am so blessed to have her in my life.

Holy Word church family says, “Go!” I’m thankful to Pastor Donald Patterson, Mr. Chad White, and Youth in Christ for inspiring me to work in the public ministry. I also thank the teachers and staff of Holy Word Lutheran School for letting me observe them and learn from their experiences to benefit my future ministry.

D

P E R S O N A L

Rosenbaum

Luke

This California boy isn’t afraid of the snow—or the hard work of college. He’s double majoring in secondary math and secondary physical education, but he’ll graduate in the normal four years because he brought 12 college credits with him. It’s just another example of the MTIXE (Mental Toughness – Intensity – Xtra Effort) that Cal Lutheran bred in him.

Barber

Samantha

Her grandfather told her from little on, “You have the heart of a teacher.” Those words have echoed in her mind through her four years at MLC—from her introductory courses to her senior year student teaching experiences. Her grandpa’s life on earth is over, but she’s ready to take over, sharing the love of Jesus with others.

Samantha Barber has the heart of a teacher.

Luke Rosenbaum didn’t grow up with snow, but he definitely can handle it.

California LHS Living Hope-Wildomar CA First-year in Education Studies Major: secondary math education Major: secondary physical education Minor: coaching Activities: cross country, track, Männerchor, piano lessons, intramurals Job: basketball referee (off campus) Advanced Placement = more credits, less money: My 12 credits from AP classes could potentially save me a semester of tuition, or at the very least lighten my workload for several semesters.

Minnesota snow is no match for California swag: It does get cold, but you’re not outside long, and the snow is a lot of fun! And I wear shorts at least four days a week still.

What matters isn’t climate—it’s career and call: I chose MLC because I wanted to serve my Lord in the capacity of being a teacher and a coach. Being in Coach Peter’s classes and on his teams made me more and more want to come to MLC and do the kinds of things he was doing.

Huron Valley LHS St. John-Westland MI Senior in Education Studies Major: elementary education Emphasis: physical education Activities: piano lessons, baseball manager, Women’s Choir, intramurals, Anchor service club Job: dormitory janitor (on campus), babysitting (off campus) He saw her as a teacher: My late grandfather Bill Schaffer was one of my best friends. He taught me some of the most valuable lessons in life, including God’s Word. The strong faith he displayed continues to encourage me, and his words continue to speak to me.

She’s seeing herself as a teacher: Through my Early Field Experiences, clinicals, and student teaching, I have learned what it’s like to be a “real” teacher. I’ve been given immeasurable amounts of encouragement and ideas from the faculties I am blessed to have worked with. I can say that teaching is something I really enjoy.

MLC is making her a teacher: MLC gives me the training I need to share the Good News of Jesus with children, and that is ultimately what I want to do for the rest of my life.

Writing Matters One of the biggest challenges MLC students meet is a history paper they write for the course U.S History Since 1945, taught by Dr. David Schroeder DMLC ’85.

“This paper is one of the great boogeymen on campus,” Schroeder says, “which is good in a way.”

It’s good because, for some students, it’s the first time they conference one-on-one with a teacher on their writing. It’s the first time some are compelled to clarify and economize, instead of simply fill pages. It’s the first time some master the mechanical nitty-gritty. It’s the first time some see such a high bar: to write a paper as perfect as they can make it.

It’s a process: prewriting, writing, revising, conferencing, re-revising, editing. It takes time and sweat from both prof and student, but it’s worth it, Schroeder says, because writing matters. “We’re in the communication business. If you’re coming to this college, you’re getting into the communication business: written and spoken—and listening too.”

The Process Schroeder uses a highly refined process to teach students how to write in a formal academic style.

He applies this process to just one paper, but it’s enough to do the job. He explains: Step 1: Expectation: “The process begins with cheerleading, motivation, encouragement. I tell them I expect a lot, but I’m going to work you through the process. It’s not an onerous amount of work, and if you play along, most of you will be successful.”

Step 2: Thesis: “Students choose a topic, not too wide in scope and not too narrow, and they write a modest proposal. I help them understand how to develop a historical construct.”

Step 3: First draft: “I’m getting away from the term ‘rough draft.’ Now I call it a ‘relatively polished paper.’

I penalize them if they hand in something that’s total junk.”

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Cara Chapman MLC 1998 Inverness Martin LutherFLCollege

Lowell Prickett DMLC 1973 Tigard OR

Step 4: TA Reading: “My teaching assistant, Naomi Unnasch (St. Lucas-Milwaukee), does a first read. She comments on content (clarity, logic) and mechanics (grammar, punctuation) and returns papers that are unacceptable. Naomi is their peer, but at this point she knows it’s kinder to be their instructor than their friend.”

Step 5: Conference: “This is the heart of it—my 30-minute conference with each student. We start with, ‘What did you do well?’ and ‘What do you want to improve?’ Some students have a hard time articulating that.

“Regarding content, we work on precision of argument.

We work on voice; for a paper, it needs to be academic and formal, not conversational. And we work hard on economy. You know, there’s that quote by Blaise Pascal: ‘I’m sorry I wrote you such a long letter, but I didn’t have time to write you a short one.’ Students ramble.

They think in terms of expanding their writing to fill six pages instead of condensing all their thoughts into only six pages. Instead of using lots of words to say not very much, they need to say much with very few words.

“And somewhere in this conference we talk about reasonable expectations. In many respects, their grade is their decision. If all they want is a C, and their relatively polished draft is a C paper, then all right, they’re done. It’s unfortunate, but it does happen sometimes. And sometimes I have to tell a student that, realistically, with their gifts, they can give me the best work they’ve ever done in their life, and it still won’t be an A paper. But that’s okay too. In general, I think teachers need to talk more about expectations.”

Step 6: Final draft: “After the conference, the expectation is that then they can revise and edit their draft and hand in a polished paper.”

Vicky Zietlow DMLC 1978 La Crosse WI

Philip Koelpin NWC 1968 Livonia MI

The Results

The Crib Sheet

“The writing is improving,” Schroeder says, “The students are thinking more deeply, more critically.

And they say they’re grateful.”

As he worked with students at Wisconsin Lutheran High School, Dr. David Schroeder was surprised by their mechanical errors. He conducted mini-lessons on common errors and made a crib sheet to remind them. He still uses that sheet at MLC, where, as he explains, “it’s taken on a life of its own.”

In fact, 90% of students say the process was worth it, and many note they wish they had learned this sooner.

“I attribute most (if not all) of my writing skill to Dr. Schroeder,” says preseminary student Jason Zuehlke (St. Peter-Helenville WI), “how to do research, what type of grammar to use, and how important it is to have others proofread your work. Now I will be able to write papers for seminary, grad school, sermons, religion class materials. I can even use what I’ve learned while talking to others about my faith, providing clear and flowing ideas.”

Many students tell Schroeder they’ve never done this before. He admits it’s time-intensive and labor-intensive, but it’s worth it, because writing matters.

“God chose to communicate with us through the written word, and much of our communication in the public ministry is through the written word.

Writing matters.

“As writing instructors, we have to expect more,” he says. “The students hear I’m a stickler. You don’t have to be unreasonable. You just need to expect quality.”

Here are a few crib sheet reminders for all of us: • Commas and periods always go inside quotation marks. (When you move to Britain, you will always put periods and commas outside quotation marks.)

• Use the word “that” as little as possible.

• Do not follow a linking verb with a colon.

• Use “toward,” not “towards.”

• Use pronouns that agree in number with their antecedents. (Note, however, that this rule is loosening. The NIV 2011 uses “their” as a singular, gender-neutral pronoun. [And so does Dr. Schroeder in his oral interview for this magazine.])

• “Alot” is not a word.

• Avoid “majorly”; it is a word, but it’s majorly annoying.

The Teaching Assistant Dr. David Schroeder (pictured) admits that he couldn’t work as closely with the 60-85 students he has in this course each semester without the help of his TA, Naomi Unnasch (pictured).

Naomi calls herself a time-saver for Dr. Schroeder. “I read the papers and make suggestions regarding content, organization, and connection to U.S. history. I also help students choose topics and write theses. A question I hear a lot—which never fails to make me laugh—is, ‘Naomi, what do you want to read about?’”

The hardest part of the job is when she needs to be critical of friends’ work. “It can be difficult if I know someone has done a lot of work, but the paper needs more revision to be successful. That being said, it’s rewarding for me when students do well. Many come to me after receiving their final grades, and they’re so happy and relieved. I’m glad I can be there for them as part of the writing process.”

Carlita Lewis MLC 2003 Whiteriver AZ

Martin Pagel MLC 2008 Moline IL

And as for her boss, “Dr. Schroeder really wants every student to do well. His expectations are high, but he’ll work with you to help you meet them.”

MLC also maintains a writing center. Professor Paul Grubbs MLC ’01 trains writing coaches who provide free assistance to students five nights a week in the Academic Success Center.

Vernon Deborah Greve Hoeting NWC 1943 DMLC 1978 Springfield VA Luther CollegeAurora SD 15 Martin

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y a e s a ThW t IW

Remembering That Other Teacher College

By Dr. Wayne Wagner DMLC ’72

In 1960 WELS opened Milwaukee Lutheran Teachers College, a two-year college that shared facilities with Wisconsin Lutheran High School. The college was closed in 1970 because “the need for teachers [in the WELS] is not as great as was projected” when the college was begun (Wisconsin Synod Herald, September 1969). The college was renamed Wisconsin Lutheran College for part of its existence, but it is not to be confused with the current WLC, a WELS-affiliated liberal arts college that opened in 1973.

About 650 persons graduated from the two-year program at MLTC/WLC over its short life, with over 90% of them continuing their training at DMLC. Many of the professors also moved to New Ulm in 1970, having been called to the DMLC faculty. Former students or faculty who have served at D/MLC include Professors Joyce Diels, Earl Heidtke, Marvin Meihack, Kermit Moldenhauer, Joyce Schubkegel, the late Francis Schubkegel, Harold Yotter, and myself.

In the 1970 Slate, the final yearbook of the college, President Robert Voss wrote: “WLC, we shall miss you, but we shall never forget you. May your spirit never die.”

In the hearts of many who attended or taught there, his hope has come true. How many of these do you remember?

• A motel for a dormitory • A dining hall that had an earlier life as a supper club (with a huge bar and cozy red booths in a cocktail lounge, but no cocktails)

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James Liggett NWC 1968 Toledo OH College Martin Luther

Mary Funk DMLC 1963 Zion IL

• “Chicken Little” • The White Tornado – a very special school bus running on the private Bluemound Road route • Rides to church from members of Christ the Lord-Brookfield and St. John-Wauwatosa • Getting called to the dean’s office after supper • Housemother Mrs. Schnell and her little black doctor bag • Tutoring in Milwaukee area schools • Fireside chats at profs’ homes • Choir, Pep Band, Children’s Theater • Cheering on the Spartans • Exordium (school paper) and Slate (yearbook) • Relaxing after classes in the dormitory swimming pool, or cleaning it on Arbor Day • Trips to Kenosha (Will it be Shakey’s Pizza or the Brat Stop?)

• Taking the city bus to the Milwaukee Public Library to do term paper research • Signing in and out at the dormitory office whenever you left campus, except for class • Curfews • Writing a letter to President Richard Nixon and receiving a reply And maybe sometime you can ask me about hiding a pet mouse in a dorm room—but only if you tell what you were hiding in your room.

Dr. Wayne Wagner was the last student body president of MLTC/ WLC, graduating in 1970 and finishing his four-year degree at DMLC.

Wagner 1970

Wagner 2013

Do you have an MLTC story? Please feel free to share it with Dr. Wayne Wagner (wagnerwl@mlc-wels.edu) or Alumni Director Steve Balza (alumni@mlc-wels.edu).

The MLC archives would love to have copies of the Slate yearbook and Exordium school newspaper. If you are willing to donate some, please contact Alumni Director Steve Balza.

Thomas Meissner MLC 1998 New Orleans LA

Mara Thompson DMLC 1973 Davenport IA

Remembering the 1940s at DMLC We were excited to receive a written remembrance from alumna Eleanor Hookstead Mutterer, who attended this campus in the 1940s.

Mrs. Mutterer also tells us about . . .

She begins:

• Buying candy or ice cream from the shaggers after study hall

I was only thirteen years old when I began my seven years at Dr. Martin Eleanor Hookstead Mutterer Luther College. The DMLHS ‘45, DMLC ‘48 Chicago Northwestern train left at twelve am from Janesville, Wisconsin. It split at Wyeville; “my” car went west; the others went north. I was glad at Wonewoc and La Crosse because other DMLC students boarded there.

It was still a long ride to New Ulm. We’d arrive at 1:15 pm.

Our trunks or suitcases were picked up later with the college truck. We walked from the train station up the hill to our dorms.

I lived on the third floor (really the attic) of Hillcrest Hall.

Third floor was for the high school students; second floor was for collegiates. . . .

Dress code was an unwritten rule. No white socks to school; only “silk” stockings. If you were well-to-do you might have silk; most of us had rayon or cotton. Special care was given to whatever you had, because it was wartime!

More Stories, Please!

125

YEARS 125

STORIES ER MARTIN LUTH

COLLEGE

• Tasting “Shipwreck” • Singing Sie leben hoch • Playing big organ A for chapel

• Going on class picnics • Getting campused • Enjoying “Rolls and Ristow!” on Sunday For her full mini-memoir, go to mlc-wels.edu/history and click on “Written Remembrances.” Read and learn—or read and remember!

What’s Your Story? Alumni Director Steve Balza is thrilled to receive written remembrances. You can send them three ways: - Email them to alumni@mlc-wels.edu.

- Mail them to Martin Luther College 1995 Luther Ct New Ulm MN 56073 Attn: Steve Balza - Submit them online at mlc-wels.edu/history.

Click on “Written Remembrance” and then “What’s Your Story?”

100 Years Ago The 1913 DMLC baseball team poses on the steps of the men’s dormitory, Summit Hall. Summit Hall and its neighbor, the Aula (or Music Hall), were built just two years before this picture was taken. They joined Old Main, whose three floors had housed every aspect of the college for 27 years, from 1884 to 1911.

To read more about the history of this campus, check out the MLC publication, 125 Years-125 Stories. Go to mlc-wels.edu and type 125 Years in the search box. To get your personal copy of the booklet, email gaugerlf@mlc-wels.edu.

Jacob Behnken MLC 2008 Watertown SD

• Eating in gender-segregated dining halls in the Annex (Old Main)

James Getka NWC 1988 Burlington WI

Norwald Behrens DMLC 1938 Fairmont MN Luther College Martin

Susan Post DMLC 1968 Bay City MI 17

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Focus On

Faculty Essay

REUNIONS 50 Years Ago – What a Season!

One of the most successful teams this campus has ever seen reunited here in December. Fifty years ago, the DMLHS basketball team of ’62-’63 put together a perfect 19-0 season, part of a 31-game winning streak. Their accomplishment was recognized at the MLC men’s basketball game December 1, 2012. Here pictured in the shape of a “19” is the team, then and now: Captain Dale Walz, Jim Tjernagel (in eternal glory, represented by his son Jeff), Jim Duehlmeier, John Tjernagel, Louis Sievert, Gene Cook (unable to attend), Al Jeffers, Jack Gronholz, Bob Schroer, Max Radloff, Quincy Wiley, Coach Harold Kaiser (in eternal glory, represented by his son Dan), and Carl Eisenman (unable to attend). See mlc-wels.edu/alumni/news.

Reunite at Commencement!

Commencement weekend at MLC is not merely a rite of passage. It is a visual answer to the prayers of God’s people to “send forth laborers” into his harvest field. Come to campus for Commencement! Reunite with old friends and wish blessings to the newest alumni!

Alumni Dinner

Friday, May 17, 4:00 pm Register at mlcdinner13.eventbrite.com or by phone at 507-354-8221 x 387.

Commencement Concert

Commencement Service Saturday, May 18, 10:00 am

Call Service Saturday, May 18, 2:30 pm

Reunions with “Class”!

The DMLHS Class of ’56 celebrated their 56-year reunion in September 2012 (pictured). This summer we welcome these classes: DMLHS Class of ’63 MLPS Class of ’83 MLA Class of ’73 DMLC Class of ’63

Friday, May 17, 4:00 and 7:30 pm

June 9-10 June 28-30 August 3-4 TBD

For further information on these gatherings or to plan one for your class, please contact the alumni office at alumni@mlc-wels.edu or (507) 354-8221

Enjoy a Digital Reunion

Can’t reunite in person?

Call an old college friend and browse through your college yearbooks together—online! NWC, DMLC, and MLC yearbooks are now digitized and at your fingertips. Check them out at mlc-wels.edu/history/yearbooks.

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Gregory Rush DMLC 1988 San Jose CACollege Martin Luther

Thomas Henning NWC 1953 Milwaukee WI

Jane Suhr DMLC 1968 Watertown WI

John Rittierodt DMLC 1968 Melstone MT

Meet the

Presidents

Dr. Martin Luther College

Northwestern College

Otto Hoyer

1865-1869 Adam Martin

Pastor Otto Daniel August Hoyer (1849-1905) served as Dr. Martin Luther College’s first permanent director, or president. He was born in Germany and educated in America, graduating from Northwestern College-Watertown WI in 1872 and continuing his pastoral training at Concordia Seminary-St. Louis.

1871-1919 Dr. August F. Ernst

In 1883, the year before DMLC opened its doors, Hoyer was invited to serve on an eight-member college building committee. Their first directive: choose a site for the new Minnesota Synod ministerial training college. Under the committee’s direction, New Ulm edged out Shakopee, and ground was broken here on the hill. The new school opened on Luther’s birthday, November 10, 1884.

During the first academic year, 1884-1885, Hoyer accepted DMLC’s call to be theological teacher and director, leaving the congregation he was shepherding in St. Paul. He succeeded C. J. Albrecht, who, though considered the father of DMLC, served as director for just one year.

Hoyer served as director for eight years, 1885-1893. In 1887, the normal, or teacher preparation, department of the college opened, and in 1893 an even more dramatic change took place. The Minnesota, Wisconsin, and Michigan Synods, which had merged into one body—the Joint Synod of Wisconsin and Other States—repurposed DMLC as the Joint Synod’s sole normal, or teacher-training, college. Its theology department closed, and all pastors-in-training enrolled at Northwestern College-Watertown WI, which had been providing preseminary training faithfully since 1865. In addition to the two-year normal program, DMLC also maintained a three-year preparatory program for both future teachers and future pastors.

The Lord of the Church deemed that the newly fashioned Dr. Martin Luther College of 1893 have a new director. Pastor Hoyer was called to be director of Michigan Lutheran Seminary in Saginaw, and Pastor John Schaller was called to replace him at DMLC.

1869-1870 Lewis O. Thompson 1919-1959 Erwin E. Kowalke 1959-1987 Carleton Toppe 1987-1993 Robert J. Voss 1993-1995 John Braun

Dr. Martin Luther College 1884-1885 C. 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

Otto Daniel August Hoyer died in 1905, at the age of 56.

Our gratitude to Professor Emeritus Dr. Arthur Schulz, who conducted research for this biography.

Daniel Schultz DMLC 1983 Durand MI

Carmen Traub DMLC 1988 Manitou Beach MI

Karl Valleskey MLC 2003 Houston TX Luther College Martin

Roger Quandt NWC 1988 Kearney NE 19

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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.

RPeavs. tSote r vPeanuD lB .B ow odee with grat itudewfo ithr hi grsat w udke of forshhiep shephe itor sw he

To train orrd future ca rding God MartinTo ’s pe kinofg God’s peop lled Lutrain Co futu le Martin Luther lleregecainlle workers, a gift haople s been orno kerrsby “We ar ther College in hidswho , a gi Ju ft ha be given to lie e hi ,en & gi commitm grateful to Pa s honor by Robe, Joshn Brve eannn toa Hin stor Bow rt en an t, tz d ener Luci e We feel blessed gy, and enthus because of hi lle Laetsch s to

dedi iasm in have hi“As our sh Imman m as ep rdsharing G cation, uel Lut he s, od’s Wor ep herd heran Calonga sh increase to thha hurch,with he the Sp e membe d.

W d ir au ou it pa , W , r of God isconsin rs of ’s Word love anca d ow and w(Juilllie, kn dge .” n, &leBr .”Joh (Bob an eann d Lucie) a Hintz

)

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 2011: 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 (2 nominations)

Pastor Harold Hagedorn Pastor Joel & Carly Seifert Pastor Don & Clarice Fastenau (2 nominations)

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 Pastor Greg Hermanson Teacher Paul Patterson Teacher Steve Strieter Professor Forrest & Sue Bivens Professor John & Irene Brug Professor Beverlee Haar Professor Cheryl Loomis Pastor Paul Bowe Dr. Mark Lenz Pastor David Kuehl Pastor Burton Stensberg

$_____ $100 $150 $200 $250 $_____

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

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Martin Luther College

Jon Scharlemann Honored with Award In January, The Lutheran Home Association (TLHA) of Belle Plaine, Minnesota, honored Jon Scharlemann, MLC vice president for mission advancement, with the 2013 Care of the Soul Leadership Award. A TLHA spokesman noted, “Scharlemann has long been a respected force in the area of mission advancement. With a Christ-centered approach, Scharlemann has earned an outstanding reputation as a dedicated professional working with families and individuals to help them plan for the future. He has also trained and mentored many men and women in this very important field, leaving a legacy of giving far into the future. A wonderful nickname for Scharlemann would be the ‘great encourager.’”

MLC President Mark Zarling added, “The Spirit has made Jon a model of a Christian gentleman. He first and always seeks to glorify Jesus in how he lives, whether as a husband, father, grandfather, military veteran, financial advisor, or gift counselor. In that latter capacity, he always seeks the best for others as he teaches biblical stewardship and instructs them in the many ways their gifts are used by Jesus to carry out gospel endeavors—to support ministry, not institutions. As the Spirit’s instrument, he helps God’s people excel in the grace of giving.”

Scharlemann has served as a gift planning counselor with the WELS Ministry of Planned Giving (1988-2002), as the director of mission advancement for The Lutheran Home Association (2002-2006), and as the vice president for mission advancement for Martin Luther College (20062013). He will retire in summer 2013 and then assume a part-time role at MLC with an emphasis on deferred gifts.

Jon Scharlemann (center) receives his award from Michael Klatt (left), president and CEO of TLHA, and Arvid Schwartz (right), chairman of the Board of Directors.

Tohal Earns Certificate

C reat i v e G i v i ng !

The children in grades 4-6 at Faith-Sharpsburg GA created a calendar with a picture and Bible verse for each month and then sold it to congregation members to raise $355 for MLC. Special thanks for the gift and the complementary calendar to Sydney, Laura, Madison, Matt, Noah, Daniel, Matthew, Shawn, Dalia, Julia, Tyler, Grant, Cam, and Ashley, as well as sponsors Gary and Dawn Hill.

After a comprehensive course of study in gift development and gift planning within a biblical context, extensive field experience, and examination, MLC Resource Development Counselor Kate Tohal earned her Christian Development Executive certificate. Kate has been working with donors in MLC’s Mission Advancement Office since its inception in 2003. She is also a gifted grant writer, bringing more than $400,000 to MLC in grant monies in her 10-year tenure.

Martin Luther College

21

Professors in Publication Professor Joel Fredrich WLS ’82 wrote a

response to a paper presented by James A. Nestingen at the 2011 Free Conference on the MLC campus. Nestingen’s paper, “Biblical Clarity and Ambiguity in The Bondage of the Will,” and Fredrich’s response, “No Delight in Uncertainty,” were published in the Epiphany 2013 issue of Logia: A Journal of Lutheran Theology (Volume XXII, Number 1). Permission has also been granted to have them translated and published in Norway.

Dr. Robert Klindworth DMLC ’70

Professor James Pope WLS ’81 has published

a new book through Northwestern Publishing House: When Christ Walked among Us: The Messiah’s Life and Ministry. The 240-page volume is a harmony and explanation of the four gospels.

Professor Paul Tess DMLC ’74 published “The Role of Social Media in Higher Education Classes (Real and Virtual): A Literature Review” in the January 2013 issue of Computers in Human Behavior.

was invited to contribute two chapters to the two-volume work, The Praeger Handbook of Faith-Based Schools in the United States (2012). He wrote one chapter on the history of the WELS school system and

Professors as Presenters

Professor David Gosdeck WLS ’69: “Whither the

Lake Lutheran Teachers’ Curriculum Conference, Shoreland LHS: October 8, 2012 Dr. Carla Melendy DMLC ’73: “Formative Assessment: What? Why? How?” (Keynote)

School Library?”

Dr. James Grunwald DMLC ’78: “From Technology

Plans to Web 2.0 Apps for the Classroom” Professor Lance Hartzell DMLC ’71: “A Treasure Map to an Inexhaustible Supply of Art Ideas”

Ohio Pastor/Teacher/Delegate Conference, January 21-22, 2013 President Mark Zarling WLS ’80: “Christian Education: A Matter of Life or Death” (Interactive workshop)

Northern California WELS School Faculties, Citrus Heights CA: February 21, 2013 Professor John Gronholz DMLC ’68: SPARK Physical Education Workshop

Northern Wisconsin Teachers’ Conference, Appleton WI: April 14, 2013 Professor Jon Roux DMLC ’94: “Correlation of WELS Schools and State Standards”

Twin Cities Principals’ Conference, St. Croix LHS: February 21, 2013 Professor Jeff Wiechman DMLC ’90 and Dr. Gene Pfeifer DMLC ’81: “Summative Assessment” (Leadership Institute Module)

Western Wisconsin Teachers’ Conference, Eau Claire WI: February 14-15, 2013 Professor Larry Czer DMLC ’79: “Using Feedback to Improve Student Writing”

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another on the history of synodical oversight and support of the WELS school system. “It is testimony to our WELS system of education to be recognized as a national leader in faith-based education,” Klindworth said.

Daniel Sims NWC 1993 Gladwin MICollege Martin Luther

Michael Vogel MLC 1998 Kennewick WA

Pastors’ Conference, Flora Township MN: March 5, 2013 Professor Joel Fredrich WLS ’82: “A Brief Historical Look at the Augsburg Confession”

Stephen Schultz DMLC 1978 New Ulm MN

Trudy Zibell DMLC 1973 Waterloo WI

Professor on loan

Professor Emeritus Frederick Wulff DMLC ’59 has

Professor Paul Koelpin WLS ’90 was

published his book Alexander McKee: The Great White Elk; British Indian Agent on the Colonial Frontier (2013: OutskirtsPress.com). This book about American frontier history began as Wulff’s doctoral dissertation many years ago. His retirement afforded him time to turn it into a book, which one reviewer called “well-researched . . . engaging . . . and one that should be well received by a wide audience.” Wulff is already working on a second book, this one on labor unions during the Red Scare of the early 1950s. Alexander McKee will be featured at the London Book Fair in April 2013.

“Prof-on-Loan” for the week of March 4-8 at Arizona Lutheran Academy. Each day he preached for chapel and taught four sections of junior and senior religion. The Professor Paul Koelpin purpose of the week was summarized

by ALA President John Sebald DMLC ’85: “What a wonderful blessing to see Paul teach, influence, and build relationships with our ALA teens! I believe this was a wonderful opportunity to bridge the 1600-mile gap in culture and climate between MLC and ALA.”

President Mark Zarling WLS ’80 wrote “Christian Education: A Matter of Life and Death” which is being published in serial form in the WELS Commission on Lutheran Schools E-News.

Brad Bode WLS ’95, ALA religion instructor, added, “We have two awesome MLC admissions counselors coming here each year in Lori Unke DMLC ’84 and Mike Koepke WLS ’12. Having Paul here was a bonus and really increased our emphasis on encouraging kids for ministry training at MLC. If this idea expands to other area Lutheran high schools, I’d strongly encourage those schools to get on board.”

Professors as servant leaders

Professor Thomas Nass WLS ’82 chaired the Evangelical

Professor David Gosdeck WLS ’69 has been appointed

to serve a three-year term on the New Ulm Public Library Board.

Dr. James Grunwald DMLC ’78 chaired the IT and

Distance Learning Commission meeting for the National Council for Private School Accreditation in Orlando on February 4-6, 2012. He was also a featured guest on the WELS Tech Podcast on Digital Learning Day, February 5, 2013.

Dr. Robert Klindworth DMLC ’70 was reappointed in

December 2012 by Minnesota Governor Mark Dayton and Education Commissioner Brenda Casselius to a four-year term on the Minnesota Nonpublic Education Council. The council subsequently reelected Klindworth chairman for another one-year term.

John Graf NWC 1963 Waukesha WI

Pieter Reid NWC 1973 Clear Lake WA

Lutheran Confessional Forum, a meeting of 24 WELS and ELS leaders, at Bethany Lutheran College on October 22-23, 2012.

Dr. John Nolte DMLC ’68 adjudicated advanced piano

students in mid-February at Luther Preparatory School to assist the students and instructors in preparation for the Wisconsin School Music Association piano contest and advanced piano recitals at LPS. Dr. David Schroeder DMLC ’85 has begun a term of service on the Brown County Historical Society Board of Trustees.

Dr. David Wendler DMLC ’70 was asked to chair two December hearings for the Higher Learning Commission regarding the accreditation status of two institutions that are experiencing challenges.

Leland Dahlberg DMLC 1958 Caledonia MN Luther College Martin

Norval Kock NWC 1948 Goodhue MN 23

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Breaking Ground!

Praising God as New Early Childhood Learning Center Becomes Reality Shovels dug in and voices rose up in praise as we broke ground April 6, 2013, for our new Early Childhood Learning Center. General board member and area pastor Mike Otterstatter WLS ’94 officiated.

“The groundbreaking is an important step in early childhood ministry— not only at MLC, but for our synod,” said President Mark Zarling. “God is not just allowing a new building to be constructed. He is allowing another opportunity to share his saving name with precious souls! He is allowing more student teachers and in-service teachers to be trained in response to the growing early childhood ministries in the WELS.” Occupancy for the new center is slated for September, with 44 pre-primary students already on the enrollment list.

Gifts for Let the Children Come, the capital campaign funding this project, are still much needed and may be given online at mlc-wels.edu or mailed to MLC Mission Advancement, 1995 Luther Ct, New Ulm MN 56073.

Current ECLC students donned their hard hats for the April 6 groundbreaking.

College Prep? The ECLC preschoolers have school on the college campus as their new facility is constructed. They found their tour of the chapel very exciting, especially as Professor Jon Roux DMLC ’94 let them play the organ. They also enjoy the college cafeteria, as one four-year-old put it: “That is fun! You can sit and eat and look at people.” Another student said: “Everyone smiles at us at the college. They are nice people.”