Year in Review 2014-2015
In This Issue... Connected in Christ.... MLC and Your Congregation 1995 Luther Court New Ulm, MN 56073
NON-PROFIT U.S. POSTAGE PAID ABERDEEN, SD PERMIT #200
MLC and Home Missions
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MLC and World Missions
InFocus Staff WRITER/EDITOR Laurie Gauger DMLC ’87 PHOTOGRAPHERS William Pekrul DMLC ’80 Jonathan Witte MLC ’18 Shelby Pitt MLC ’19 Adam Marley MLC ’17 STUDENT ASSISTANT Hope Werre MLC ’17 GRAPHIC DESIGNER Lime Valley Advertising, Inc. Office of Mission Advancement VICE PRESIDENT Michael Otterstatter WLS ’94 PUBLIC RELATIONS DIRECTOR William Pekrul DMLC ’80 ALUMNI RELATIONS DIRECTOR Steve Balza DMLC ’93 College Administration PRESIDENT Mark Zarling WLS ’80 VP for ADMINISTRATION Steven Thiesfeldt DMLC ’74 VP for ACADEMICS Jeffery Wiechman DMLC ’90 VP for STUDENT LIFE Jeffrey Schone WLS ’87 VP for MISSION ADVANCEMENT Michael Otterstatter WLS ’94 Governing Board Chairman Michael Woldt WLS ’81 Vice Chairman Jonathan Kolander WLS ’91 Secretary Steven Rosenbaum DMLC ’86 Joe Archer DMLC ’77 Drew Kock MLC ’06 Dale Krause Timothy Petermann Barry Price Duane Schmeichel WLS ’91 Michael Seifert WLS ’03 Michael Valleau Steven Vasold MLC ’02 Mark Wessel WLS ’86 Advisory: Charles Degner WLS ’79 Randy Matter Paul Prange WLS ’88 Mark Schroeder WLS ’81 Mark Zarling WLS ’80
MLC InFocus is published by Martin Luther College Mission Advancement Office and is distributed free of charge to students, faculty, staff, alumni, parents, and friends. Owned and operated by the Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod (WELS), Martin Luther College exists to serve the ministerial needs of the WELS. Comments are welcomed and should be directed to gaugerlf@mlc-wels.edu or Laurie Gauger, MLC InFocus, 1995 Luther Court, New Ulm MN 56073.
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It’s Never in Vain President Mark Zarling preached the 2015 commencement sermon, speaking in a narrative style as the voice of the prophet Isaiah: My name, Isaiah, means “the LORD is salvation,” and that is indeed the theme of my prophecy. Your chosen text from my scroll is a gift of the Spirit to strengthen you: As the rain and the snow come down from heaven, and do not return to it without watering the earth and making it bud and flourish, so that it yields seed for the sower and bread for the eater, so is my word that goes out from my mouth: It will not return to me empty, but will accomplish what I desire and achieve the purpose for which I sent it. (Isaiah 55:10-11) This text will sustain you as you go forth as spokesmen for the eternal Lord God. I can guess what you are thinking. You are sinners in a sinful world. Who are you to bear witness for the Holy One of Israel? Perhaps, sitting in these chairs this afternoon, you will more fully understand my lament when God called me. I cried, Woe to me! I am ruined! I am a man of unclean lips, and I live among a people of unclean lips. But God intervenes. In my vision he touched me with a live coal from the altar. In your life he touched you with water and Word. Your sin is atoned for. The Savior God purified you. How can you not say with me, Here am I, send me! Yet, mortal that you are, you remain uneasy at times. The headlines of your world scream violence against the faithful. Society denies God’s absolute truth. Evil abounds. Yet the work with the Word is never in vain. It points us to the unseen. It reminds us believers that despite appearances, King Messiah rules. He controls all for the good of his own. So where is your strength? In the living Word of the living Savior God. There is to be no doubt in your heart that God’s omnipotence is unleashed in his spoken word. As water creates life and fruit even in a dead desert, the powerful message of the Savior God creates life and fruit even in a dead heart! The Word always works. You are sent, like I was, to speak that Word, to comfort the people and to speak tenderly to them, for their sin has been paid for. So speak tenderly to the people you serve. Speak to those grieving at a sudden death of a sibling in Christ: The LORD God will swallow up death forever. Speak tenderly to the guilt-ridden, for the Lord has laid on the Messiah the iniquity of us all. Speak tenderly to the frightened and lonely: Do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. Speak tenderly to the little ones that they might sing all their lives: Surely it is God who saves me; I will trust in him and not be afraid, for the Lord is my stronghold and my sure defense, and he will be my Savior. May the Messiah uphold you for your labors in the Lord, young friends. And remember, the Word works, achieving the Lord’s purpose for which he sent it. Work in the Word is never in vain.
On our cover: Ladder Boys, an MLC a cappella group, sings at the Winter Carnival talent show.
All InFocus magazines are online at mlc-wels.edu/publications. If you’d like to receive your magazine electronically ONLY, please let us know. Contact Tami at boardtl@mlc-wels.edu.
God Bless Our Graduates This May, 134 students completed their Martin Luther College ministerial training. Some will carry the gospel of Jesus into their new classrooms. Some will proceed to Wisconsin Lutheran Seminary for further pastoral training. Some will serve in international venues. Some will pursue advanced degrees in education. Some will follow other life paths. All will serve their Lord.
By the numbers: 25: Bachelor of Arts – Preseminary 92: Bachelor of Science – Education 2: Bachelor of Science (Staff Ministry) 10: Master of Science – Education 5: Preseminary Certification
And the Long-Awaited Announcements Begin “Erica Babinek: Luther Preparatory School-Watertown WI, Tutor . . . David Becker: St. Paul Lutheran School-Onalaska WI, Grade 6, Athletics . . . Hillary Beyer: Zion Lutheran School-Rhinelander WI, Grades 1-2 . . .” So began the reading of assignments at the Call Service, Saturday, May 15. Graduates held their breath as WELS First Vice President James Huebner announced the congregations where they would begin their teaching ministries. Family and friends gasped aloud as each surprise was revealed. Prayers were said, tears were shed. Calls were issued to 86 graduates on Call Day, including some grads from previous years. Eleven graduates opted for international service. Several additional calls were issued after May 15. More than 40 requests for teacher assignments were not filled, however, either because of the lack of candidates or because the candidates’ training did not fit the needs of the call.
Miranda Maasz
Josiah Jahns
Brittney Gossen
Patrick Loroff
(from Sleepy Eye MN to Nebraska LHS)
(from Rosendale WI to St. Paul-Algoma WI)
(from Hilbert WI to Great Plains LHS)
(from Lake Mills WI to St. Stephen-Adrian MI)
mlc-wels.edu 3
Connected in Christ 20 Years of Martin Luther College 2014- 2015 marked the twentieth year of Martin Luther College. As most of you know, this college is the result of an amalgamation of Northwestern College (Watertown, Wisconsin) and Dr. Martin Luther College (New Ulm, Minnesota). Though MLC may still seem new to some, it is not new to our students, 75% of whom were not yet born when it was established in 1995. What is most important, however, as seen in the article reprints below, is that the foundational mission of both NWC and DMLC has been retained here at Martin Luther College: preparing men and women for the public ministry of the gospel.
10 YEARS AGO
From “Ten Years Later,” InFocus Spring 2005 When Martin Luther College opened in 1995, there were many unanswered questions. . . . Dr. Martin Luther College and Northwestern College were separated not only by a six-hour car ride, but by two different missions—one focusing on the teaching ministry and one on the preaching ministry. Martin Luther College combined the two . . . Today they thrive together on one campus—all because of the common bond of faith in Christ and a common commitment to spread God’s Word to all people. Prior to the amalgamation, pastors and teachers had minimal contact with one another before receiving their calls to serve in the public ministry. Now, [they] interact with one another daily, gaining a greater appreciation for the preparation that is needed for each ministry. This interaction forms the foundation for the relationships these called workers will enjoy at their congregations. By Matt Foxen and Renee Odya, MLC class of 2005 graduates
5 YEARS AGO
From “The MLC Slow Cooker,” InFocus Summer 2010 year in review 2009-2010
. . . Our graduates have noticed at least three lasting influences slow-cooked into them: w Cooker: The MLCCookSlo into Our Students Attitudes that
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and universities— merica is the land of colleges h with its own culture. over 4,000 of them—eac mascots, cafeteria specials, Made up of fight songs, graduation rituals, the student traditions, and may be fun, cultural aspects of a college , and they may or may annoying, quirky, or endearing Like salt, memory. not remain in students’ they season the stay. run deeper. They aren’t But other cultural influences slow-cooked into sprinkled on students; they’re thread their way that them. These are the themes , the standards by which through the curriculum ce are measured. campus character and performan seeps into mission s This is the way the college’ students’ worldview. not understand the MLC students may or may rs, enjoy the chocolate humor of our male cheerleade every Friday, or case chip cookies in our dessert s. Season to taste. buy-in to our T-shirt celebration noticed at least three lasting But our graduates have into them: influences slow-cooked
Your Future Called Workers
The Year in Review
Fulfillment comes in The mantle of service. many ways to serve him, serving. And God provides don’t yet know him. his people, and those who Since Eden we, the crown life. entered worship-c A that formal and informal of God’s creation, recognize Creator is not what we worship of our Redeemerwe order our day around. make time for; it is what the public ministry Many of our students enter is that what has been and many do not. Our prayer at MLC will continue to slow-cooked into them ons, their personal influence their congregati their jobs. marriages, their , ministries MLC culture be a the let God May Culture counts. graduates in every walk lasting one, flavoring our they take.
• The mantle of service. Fulfillment comes in serving. And God provides many ways to serve him, his people, and those who don’t yet know him. • A worship-centered life. Since Eden we, the crown of God’s creation, recognize that formal and informal worship of our Redeemer-Creator is not what we make time for; it is what we order our day around.
1995 Luther Court New Ulm, MN 56073 Address Service Requested
In This Issue...
Chapel of the Christ Dedication
By Philip Leyrer, t VP for Enrollment Managemen
Handling the A reverence for God’s Word. hands, not because Scriptures makes for trembling s God’s. because it’ the Word is fragile, but
• A reverence for God’s Word. Handling the Scriptures makes for trembling hands, not because the Word is fragile, but because it’s God’s.
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Culture counts. May God let the MLC culture be a lasting one, flavoring our graduates in every walk they take. By Philip Leyrer, former MLC VP for Enrollment Management, current principal at Wisconsin Lutheran High School Jonathan Brohn NWC ’90 South Haven MI
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Julius ingebritson DMLC ’40 Lake Mills IA
mlc-wels.edu
Kirk Schauland MLC ’05 Lewiston MN
LeDell Kristin Plath Bame DMLC ’55 DMLC ’90 23 MN Granite Falls Stone Mountain Martin Luther College 23 GA
First Martin Luther College President Called to Eternal Glory “To God Be the Glory for the Faithful Labors of President Emeritus Theodore Olsen” A tribute by MLC President Mark Zarling WLS ’80 President Emeritus Theodore Olsen was called to eternal glory Thursday, 23 April 2015. We rejoice with the family that Jesus has given the eternal crown of glory to our former colleague and friend. We mourn with the family at the suddenness of his death and the pain of separation. Yet we pray that the Spirit reassures them and us with the promise of the forever reunion. Jesus says to each of his people, I am going there to prepare a place for you.
if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am (John 14:2-3).
And
Rev. Theodore Olsen served as a pastor in Florida and Wisconsin, a professor, and a president. Of special note to us here at MLC is that Jesus allowed Ted to serve many years in our synod’s ministerial education schools. He served as a tutor at Northwestern Lutheran Academy-Mobridge SD, a professor at Dr. Martin Luther College-New Ulm MN, a president of Martin Luther Preparatory School-Prairie du Chien WI, and then the first president of Martin Luther College-New Ulm.
amalgamation. His heritage speaks of the Spirit’s power through his labors. By grace through the Word he shared, the school remains committed to the inspired and inerrant Scriptures as the sole foundation for its existence. The school remains committed to seeing Jesus in every page of Scripture as the only Way, Truth, and Life. The school remains committed to a single purpose, that of training another generation to go and proclaim Christ as all in all, for our life now and for our life forever. To God be the glory for the faithful labors of President Theodore Olsen to guide and shepherd the school in those years. May Jesus uphold his wife, Joanne, and all the family in his grace, comforting them with his sure and certain promises. Indeed, Blessed
are the dead who die in the Lord from now on. “Yes,” says the Spirit, “they will rest from their labor, for their deeds will follow them” (Revelation 14:13).
Ted served at a challenging time—the amalgamation of Dr. Martin Luther College and Northwestern College of Watertown, Wisconsin, into Martin Luther College. Through his gospel ministry, the Spirit blessed the amalgamation and unified these two schools. Ted’s gospel labors naturally touched the students of these schools. The lasting result is that many of the current gospel servants in the ministerium of the WELS were molded by Ted’s ministry of the Word. As his successor at MLC, I’m grateful for his service as the first president after
The alumni photos at the bottom of the pages are from the anniversary classes of MLC, NWC, and DMLC: ’40, ’45, ’50, ’55, ’60, ’65, ’70, ’75, ’80, ’85, ’90, ’95, ’00, ’05, and ’10. Thanks to Alumni Director Steve Balza DMLC ’93, who provided this random selection of alumni.
Wayne Laitinen NWC 1975 Barre VT
Valerie Riechers MLC 2000 Phoenix AZ
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Connected in Christ MLC Graduates
Called to Your District
ARIZONA-CALIFORNIA DISTRICT
MICHIGAN DISTRICT
Benjamin Edmundson (Burlington WI) to Arizona Lutheran Academy: social studies, English, coaching (one year)
Daniel Busch (Rapid City SD) to Good Shepherd-Burton MI: gr 6-8, principal apprentice
Micah Foelske (Manitowoc WI) to Cross of Glory-Peoria AZ: gr 3-5, administrative director
Emily Chandonnet (Monroe MI) to Michigan Lutheran Seminary: tutor (reassigned)
Kathy Georgson (Watertown WI) to California LHS: Spanish (assignment made permanent)
Justin Eternick (Waterloo WI) to Michigan Lutheran Seminary: tutor (reassigned)
Brian Gephart (Saint Joseph MI) to California LHS: dorm supervisor, math (reassigned)
Charles Galecki (Waukesha WI) to St. Paul-Columbus OH: gr 3-4
Eric Hahn (New Ulm MN) to California LHS: dorm supervisor, algebra, computers, PE (one year) Sarah Kuznicki (Saginaw MI) to Building Blocks Christian Academy-Los Angeles: ECE teacher Ruth Luehring (Lake Mills WI) to East Fork-Whiteriver AZ: gr 1-2, coaching (assignment made permanent) Christopher Mundstock (Phoenix AZ) to Peridot-Our Savior-Peridot AZ: gr 6-8 Bethany Schultz (Waukesha WI) to California LHS: dorm supervisor, instructor (reassigned) Naomi Unnasch (Milwaukee WI) to California LHS: dorm supervisor, computers, PE, algebra (one year)
DAKOTA-MONTANA DISTRICT Brittney Gossen (Hilbert WI) to Great Plains LHS: science Dyllan Jensen (Juneau WI) to Bethel-Sioux Falls SD: gr 5-8, principal apprentice Kristy Lendt (Nicollet MN) to Trinity-Aberden SD: gr K-1 Andrew Schoenfeld (Lake Mills WI) to Great Plains LHS: dorm supervisor, PE, religion (reassigned) Hannah Zabel (Fond du Lac WI) to Great Plains LHS: dorm supervisor, instructor (one year)
Aleah Dovnik (Oconomowoc WI) to Jesus Loves Me Learning Center-North Mankato MN: ECE teacher Rebecca Flad (Winona MN) to St. Croix LHS: dorm supervisor, instructor (reassigned) Galen Holzhueter (North Mankato MN) to Risen Savior-Mankato MN: gr 3-4, principal training program (one year)
YoungKwang Kim (Suwon, South Korea) to Huron Valley LHS: math (one year)
David Roekle (Racine WI) to Martin Luther College: admissions counselor (one year)
Emily Lai (Yakima WA) to St. Paul-Stevensville MI: gr 3-4, piano, choir (one year)
Ryan Rush (Benton Harbor MI) to St. Croix LHS: dorm supervisor, social studies (reassigned)
Ryan Lemke (Elkhorn WI) to Michigan LHS: dorm supervisor, science (one year)
Garrett Schoch (Merrill MI) to St. Croix LHS: dorm supervisor, math (one year)
Patrick Loroff (Lake Mills WI) to St. Stephen-Adrian MI: gr 5-6, athletic director
Jay Selle (Appleton WI) to St. John-Redwood Falls WI: gr 3
Aaron Luedtke (Troutville VA) to St. John-Pigeon MI: gr 7 (one year)
Sarah Sherod (Torrance CA) to West LHS: math, science (assignment made permanent)
Lauren Maertz (Watertown SD) to Michigan Lutheran Seminary: tutor (one year)
Ruth Wendland (Watertown WI) to Brooklyn Bridge Preschool-Brooklyn Park MN: ECE director apprentice
Jesse Nofftz (La Crosse WI) to Divine Grace-Lake Orion MI: gr 5-8, principal apprentice
NEBRASKA DISTRICT
Rebecca Rehberger (Burlington WI) to Beautiful Savior-Cincinnati OH: gr 3-8, language arts (one year) Valarie Tharman (West Bend WI) to Trinity-Jenera OH: gr 3-4 (one year) Alison Wine (Saginaw MI) to Little Lambs Early Childhood Center-Sault Ste Marie MI: ECE director apprentice Megan Wohlrabe (Peyton CO) to Michigan LHS: dorm supervisor, English (one year)
MINNESOTA DISTRICT Heather Danell (New Ulm MN) to MLC Early Childhood Learning Center-New Ulm MN: lead teacher (one year)
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Nicole Dorn (Crete IL) to Samuel-Marshall MN: gr 1-2, Sunday school superintendent
Joshua Danell (New Ulm MN) to Grace-Geneva NE: gr 4-8, principal apprentice Miranda Maasz (Sleepy Eye MN) to Nebraska LHS: dorm supervisor, instructor, coach (one year) Alexander Mielke (Muskego WI) to Nebraska LHS: dorm supervisor, Spanish (reassigned) Brittany Rue (Racine WI) to Zion-Valentine NE: preschool (one year) Annette Scharf (Hot Springs Village AR) to Nebraska LHS: dorm supervisor, instructor (one year) Jacob Unke (New Ulm MN) to St. Paul-Norfolk NE: gr 7-8, principal apprentice Rachel Veith (Lake Mills WI) to Gethsemane-Omaha NE: gr 3-4
Emily Waldek (Trumbull CT) to Trinity-Hoskins NE: gr K-2 (one year) Jacob Ziel (Ixonia WI) to Nebraska LHS: dorm supervisor, PE (one year)
NORTH ATLANTIC DISTRICT Emily Shank (Saint Joseph MI) to Lambs of Grace Child Development Center-Charlotte NC: Pre-K3
NORTHERN WISCONSIN DISTRICT Hillary Beyer (West Bend WI) to Zion-Rhinelander WI: gr 1-2 Paul Durkee (Sun Prairie WI) to Manitowoc LHS: PE, social studies, computer (assignment made permanent) Lauren Ellingboe (Wrightstown WI) to Shepherd of the Valley-Menasha WI: ECE director apprentice Jacob Geidel (West Bend WI) to Zion-Rhinelander WI: gr 5-6 Josiah Jahns (Rosendale WI) to St. Paul-Algoma WI: gr 5-6 Emily Marggraf (Sussex WI) to St. Peter-Sturgeon Bay WI: gr 1-2, organ, choir Nathan Scharf (New Ulm MN) to Immanuel-Greenville WI: gr 6, principal training program (one year) Luke Schwecke (Lake Mills WI) to St. John-Fremont WI: gr 5-8, principal apprentice Petra Thao (Appleton WI) to Mount Olive-Appleton WI: gr 4
Jennifer Chojnacki (Mississauga, Ontario) to Crown of Life-Fort Myers FL: gr K-1 (assignment made permanent)
Katelyn Smith (Grove City OH) to St. Marcus-Milwaukee: primary grades (one year)
Elizabeth Dorn (Lewiston MN) to Abiding Peace Academy-Simpsonville SC: gr 1-3
Charles Ungemach (Trevor WI) to St. Marcus-Milwaukee: gr 5 (assignment made permanent)
Alexandria Fischer (Appleton WI) to Good Shepherd Lutheran Academy-Deltona FL: gr 2
WESTERN WISCONSIN DISTRICT
Emily Hunt (Cary NC) to Christ Our Savior Preschool-Columbia TN: ECE director (assignment made permanent) Harmon Krause (Eau Claire WI) to New Hope Lutheran Academy-West Melbourne FL: upper grades, principal apprentice Amelia Nemmers (Allen TX) to Divine Savior Academy-Doral FL: gr 2 (assignment made permanent)
Erica Babinec (Onalaska WI) to Luther Preparatory School: tutor (one year) David Becker (Phoenix AZ) to St. Paul-Onalaska WI: gr 6, athletics Nathan Gurgel (Mequon WI) to Luther Preparatory School: tutor (reassigned) Joy Hoffmann (Buffalo MN) to St. John-Lewiston MN: K
SOUTH CENTRAL DISTRICT
Karla Kehl (Columbus WI) to St. John-Waterloo WI: gr K-2, music
Cassandra Krug (Green Bay WI) to Lord of Life-Friendswood TX: gr K-1
Emilee Koltz (Oconomowoc WI) to Luther Preparatory School: tutor (one year)
SOUTHEASTERN WISCONSIN DISTRICT
James Otto (Baraboo WI) to Luther Preparatory School: tutor (reassigned)
Katrina Buchholz (Phoenix AZ) to Risen Savior-Milwaukee: gr 4 (assignment made permanent)
Edili Pichardo Gomerez (Bronx NY) to Northland LHS: Spanish
Hannah Hackbarth (Lake Mills WI) to Lord and Savior-Crystal Lake IL: upper grades, youth, coach Kevin Lorge (Greenville WI) to St. Matthew-Iron Ridge WI: upper grades, principal apprentice
PACIFIC NORTHWEST DISTRICT
Carissa Kock (Johnson City TN) to Atonement-Milwaukee: gr 3
Rebecca Hussman (Greenville WI) to Grace-Yakima WA: gr 5-8 (one year)
Haley Nitz (South Milwaukee WI) to Christ-St. Peter-Milwaukee: gr 6, piano (one year)
Melissa Mittelstadt (Richfield WI) to Faith-Anchorage AK: ECE director apprentice
Staci Putz (Lomira WI) to Atonement-Milwaukee: science (assignment made permanent)
SOUTH ATLANTIC DISTRICT
Joanna Saatkamp (Kenosha WI) to Bethlehem-Menomonee Falls WI: gr 5
Jacob Biebert (Neillsville WI) to St. Paul-Beverly Hills FL: gr 5-6, principal training program (reassigned)
Naomi Schwark (Manitowoc WI) to St. Philip-Milwaukee: gr 4
Hannah Rothe (Watertown WI) to Luther Preparatory School: tutor (reassigned) Rachel Sellnow (Wyoming MI) to Luther Preparatory School: tutor (reassigned)
Amanda Seiltz (Colorado Springs CO) to Trinity-Waukesha WI: language arts mlc-wels.edu 7
Connected in Christ MLC and Your Teachers
Continuing Education for Teachers
“An excellent pre-ministerial training is meant to be adorned, for the sake of the gospel, with striving for continued spiritual and professional growth throughout the years of ministry.” So says the Continuing Education for Called Workers Committee in their report to the 2015 WELS Convention. Dr. John Meyer DMLC ’87, director of graduate studies and continuing education, explains that MLC is honored to provide much of that continuing education through more than 180 offerings. In fact, the majority of MLC’s students already have their bachelor’s degree. See infographic (right). “The question we always ask ourselves,” he says, “is this: What does the called worker need to become an even more effective minister of the gospel? We create courses and programs that are convenient, affordable, and, most important, applicable to WELS gospel ministry.” Congratulations, Master of Science Graduates! Ten teachers earned their Master of Science in Education this year. Back: Matthew Foley (Emanuel-New London WI), Benjamin Springer (St. Stephen-Adrian MI), Paul Schulz (St. John-Manitowoc WI), Ethan Hutchinson (Riverview-Appleton WI), Tingting Schwartz (MLC-New Ulm MN); front: Sarah Lofsness (St. John-Libertyville IL), Michelle Yotter (Mt. Lebanon-Milwaukee), Gretchen Hintz (St. John-Portage WI [LCMS]); not pictured: Paul Lutze (St. Peter-Sturgeon Bay WI), Jeremiah Strassburg (Arizona Lutheran Academy, Phoenix AZ). In the first 10 years of the program, 72 teachers have earned their master’s degree, including 38 principals and early childhood ministry directors. Another 129 are currently enrolled. We offer 45 courses and four emphases: leadership, instruction, educational technology, and special education. And two additional master’s programs are in development: MS-Educational Administration and MA-Theological Studies.
First MLC “Master” Aaron Hartwig was the first student to enroll in MLC’s Master of Science in Education program. A decade later, we caught up with him. Did the degree make a difference in his ministry? “There’s no doubt in my mind,” he says, “that I’m a significantly better principal and classroom teacher as a result of it.” Aaron MLC ’02 had been out of school only a couple years when he wanted back in. “I was eager to earn my master’s degree because, as a novice teacher, I realized I was far from mastery. The master’s program was a means to invest in myself, so that I could better serve those with whom I was called to share the gospel.” He could have gone almost anywhere for that advanced degree, but he chose MLC. “Since there’s nothing I do that’s more important than sharing the gospel, MLC’s program seemed a natural fit. I was comfortable knowing I’d be instructed by individuals who were experts in their fields and who understood
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Emily Arndt MLC 2000 Watertown SD
Dallas Beckner NWC 1965 Norfolk NE
WELS ministry. It also appealed to me to study alongside my WELS peers.” He graduated with his MS-Ed (Leadership emphasis) in 2008, along with Brett Kriese DMLC ’95—the first two to wear the MLC master’s hood. Since then, 72 have worn the hood, and another 129 are currently enrolled. Looking back, Aaron says: “The program met and exceeded my expectations. I left the program comfortably immersed in the latest educational trends and terminology. Now I thoroughly enjoy my role as my school’s administrator, continuing to evaluate educational trends and determining how they can best be used to achieve academic excellence at my school.” In 2009, Aaron accepted a call to serve as principal and grade 7-8 teacher at St. Paul-North Fond du Lac WI. Although he works with a significantly larger faculty and student body, the heart of
Michael Pingel MLC 2010 Puyallup WA
Dayna Hahn DMLC 1980 Sierra Vista AZ
MASTER
of Science in Education • Leadership Emphasis • Instruction Emphasis • Special Education Emphasis • Educational Technology Emphasis
UNDERGRAD
720
GRADUATE STUDIES & CONTINUING EDUCATION
900
MASTER
of Science in Educational
ADMINISTRATION
MASTER of Arts in
THEOLOGICAL Studies
CERTIFICATE Programs
Post-Baccalaureate
LICENSURE for Educators
New Teacher
INDUCTION
• Seminary Certification • Teacher Certification • Teacher Re-certification • Staff Ministry Certificate • Chaplain Certificate • Congregational Assistant Program Certificate • Educational Technology Certificate • Teaching Online Certificate • Evangelism Certificate • Mentoring & Coaching Certificate
his ministry remains the same, he says: “sharing the gospel with souls who desperately need to hear it.” And he carries his education with him. “Without a doubt, I apply the things I learned at MLC each and every day, during both my classroom and my administrative time.” He also pays it forward. “I’ve discovered that I enjoy incorporating professional development components in my faculty meetings, so I can continue the beneficial dialogue found in a professional learning community. “Undeniably,” he concludes, “the education I received at MLC has been a daily blessing for me and those I serve.” And just to put the icing on the cake, he explains that he recently signed up for another MLC graduate course, Google Technologies in Education. “I suppose that’s evidence of me ‘putting my money where my mouth is’ as I advocate the blessings of MLC’s program to others!”
Carl Schroeder DMLC 1995 Parma OH
Laura Seeger MLC 2000 Sioux Falls SD
Roger Wolff DMLC 1975 Rapid City SD
Kenneth Howey NWC 1960 Green Bay WI
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Connected in Christ MLC & World Missions
The College and the Caribbean
MLC graduates Joycelyn Christmas-John ’15 and Emily Marggraf ’13 have officially traded places. Again. Joycelyn is now back home at St. John’s-Antigua after 2-1/2 years of study at Martin Luther College. And Emily is back in the States after teaching in Joyce’s fifth-grade Antiguan classroom. This is how things work with the Caribbean Christian Training Institute, a partnership between MLC and the Lutheran schools in Antigua, St. Lucia, and Grenada. Back in 2012, Joycelyn had been teaching fifth grade at St. John’s for 6½ years. She’d earned an associate’s degree in education at Antigua State College and had finished several MLC courses taught by visiting professors. Then Pastor Andrew Johnston asked whether she might want to finish her bachelor’s degree at MLC and explained that the Caribbean Christian Training Institute (CCTI) would pay for her tuition, room, and board. Though it meant leaving the people she loved—her students, friends, and boyfriend (now husband) Ivlaw—she said yes. Meanwhile, Emily was finishing her senior year at MLC. She heard about the Antigua opportunity, expressed interest to Professor Tom Hunter DMLC ’75, and after prayerful consideration decided to defer her immediate assignment and serve in Antigua for a year. She thoroughly enjoyed teaching those St. John’s fifth graders, playing piano for chapel and church, and occasionally singing in the choir. In fact, she liked it so much she extended her one-year commitment to two. “My favorite part about living in Antigua,” she said, “was that everyone was so vocal about their faith and actively lived it each day. It strengthened my own faith. “The students were an active bunch with lots of personality,” she continued. “I loved playing basketball or soccer with them at recess, giving them hugs, high fives, and smiles. I loved teaching them new songs because they have such sweet beautiful voices. I also loved getting to know each member of the Antiguan faculty here as a unique individual.” Joycelyn loves those students too and can’t wait to get back to them now that she’s earned her BS-Ed from MLC. Her first duty back at St. John’s, though, will be to serve as a Master Teacher/ Teaching Coach. “For the first year, I’ll be moving from classroom to classroom,” she says, “helping Joey Molyneaux MLC ’12, our principal, supervise instruction. I’ll model teaching for them, be a
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Gerald Gutzke DMLC 1945 New Ulm MN
Naomi Fritz MLC 2005 Harrisonville MO
Emily Marggraf and her fifth graders.
Mark Wilde NWC 1980 Escanaba MI
Ho Yi Wong MLC 2010 Hong Kong China
lead teacher, and give support. I’m sad I won’t have my own classroom right away, but I want to serve where I am needed. I will bloom where I am planted.” Joyce is grateful MLC reinforced what she’d learned in Antigua and augmented that knowledge with theology courses. She also earned a minor in coaching, which will assist her as she coaches her Kiddy Cricket and football (soccer) teams. “When I get back to Antigua,” she says, “I think I will have grown in my thinking in relation to being faithful. I learned what to do as a teacher and what not to do. I’m going to try to be an example to my coworkers—try to encourage them and motivate them. “My whole take on life—the purpose of us being on earth—is to spread God’s Word and lift each other up. What else counts? Nothing else matters.”
Caribbean students Ron Pile (Antigua), Tassia Channel Clement (St. Lucia), Joycelyn Christmas-John (Antigua), and Evodia Cassius (St. Lucia). Ron is a preseminary student graduating next May. Tassia is a rising sophomore studying elementary education. Joycelyn graduated and is back in Antigua to serve as a teacher mentor. Evodia is an early childhood education major graduating next May and returning to St. Lucia to serve as the preschool director.
Emily Marggraf (third from left) and Cassie Krug (third from right) joined the St. John’s-Antigua faculty from 2013 to 2015. On Call Day, Emily was assigned to St. Peter-Sturgeon Bay WI, and Cassie was assigned to Lord of Life-Friendswood TX. Next year, MLC graduates Johanna Crass ’14 and Erin Kelly ’15 will teach in Antigua. Johanna spent last school year teaching in Russia. And of course, Joycelyn Christmas-John will rejoin her faculty in Antigua.
Graduates Electing International Service James Christensen (St. John-Milwaukee) - South Asia Abigail Fischer (St. John-Watertown WI) - St. Lucia Elizabeth Jeske (St. Marcus-Milwaukee) - Russia Erin Kelly (Our Savior-Zion IL) - Antigua Kirsten Kowitz (Crown of Life-West St. Paul) - St. Lucia Christian Kuether (Zion-Crete IL) - Russia
Dennis Bleick DMLC 1965 Arlington MN
Elisabeth Zarling DMLC 1995 Sterling VA
Ruth Mann (Grace-Zillah WA) - South Asia Doug Peavy (Good Shepherd-West Allis WI) - South Asia Molly Peavy (St. John-Sparta WI) - South Asia Ethan Rixe (Trinity-Hoskins NE) - South Asia Allison Wessel (St. John-New Ulm MN) - South Asia
Tim Satorius NWC 1985 Roseville CA
Joel Lillo NWC 1985 Anchorage AK
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Ninth Annual The $1000 Thalassa Prize is given annually to an MLC student or graduate who expresses clearly and beautifully, in image and word, a personal reflection on their ministry overseas. This year’s winner is Sara Schmeling MLC ’11, who served in Novosibirsk, Russia, the 2014-15 school year, teaching English and leading Bible study and other church programs. The MLC International Services Office funded the prize, awarding $500 to Sara and $500 to the mission she chose, Daylight in Russia.
2015 GRAND PRIZE WINNER “God’s Light in a World of Darkness” Sara Schmeling MLC ’11 – Russia
Dark. Cold. Dreary. Those are words commonly associated with Russia. Having adventured through frigid Siberian winter and traveled through several days of Arctic night, I can attest to this. Walking in sub-zero temperatures, on a January night in St. Petersburg, was a moment that brought those words to my mind. Ahead was my destination, the Church of the Savior on Spilled Blood, a giant Orthodox church engineered to inspire awe. However, the information plaques surrounding it focused more on its historical significance than the Savior of its name. Floodlights illuminated the church with a blinding intensity when compared to the night. That wasn’t what caught my attention however. The moon was holding its own, shining down and spreading its glow, even as the church and the rest of the city lights tried to drown it out.
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Sheena De Frain MLC 2005 Phoenix AZ
Darin Stewart DMLC 1990 Lincoln NE
God’s love works just the same here. The darkness of the world, the inaccuracies of Orthodoxy, and shadows of logic over faith try to obscure God’s grace. But there is always the glow, the glimmer—no matter how faint—of the gospel being faithfully proclaimed. John 8 declares, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness.” From the missionaries welcoming us with open arms and the church members that are always ready with a smile and helping hands, to the joyful children who are learning to appreciate an oasis of love, God’s light and love is evident everywhere. For those we came to serve, we pray that they see God’s light in us. Light. Warm. Loving. When I hear the word Russia, those will be the words that I think of, and I pray that His Light will keep shining in this country and all others.
Marilyn Zietler DMLC 1970 Pound WI
Curtis Hotlen DMLC 1940 Madison WI
Thalassa Prize Smiles in Siberia (excerpt) Johanna Crass MLC ’14 served in Russia the 2014-15 school year, helping out with English and Bible clubs at church, aiding the youth group ministry, and coordinating church events.
. . . Like any normal day in Russia, smiles were few and far between, especially in a town like Iskitim. This town, which is notorious for its drug trafficking, has many broken homes, and it is common for people to find so-called “happiness” at the bottom of a bottle. But at the Russian Lutheran Church in Iskitim, we can see a different picture. . . . a young boy named Kolia is having the time of his life. . . . the brightly colored eggs that he finds during the Easter egg hunt are very precious to him. Then, along comes Kolia’s little sister, and what does Kolia do? Of course, he gives her an egg. . . . Why would little Kolia do this? . . . Though they are in a town full of people who set bad examples, they have one perfect example. . . . Jesus, who said, “All people will know that you are my disciples if you love one another” (John 13:35).
Zikomo, Africa (excerpt) Melissa Mittelstadt MLC ’15 served in Blantyre, Malawi, during the summer of 2013. Through WELS Kingdom Workers, she and three other volunteers taught VBS at three village congregations. The children walked many hours to hear God’s Word.
While at one of these congregations I met a young boy named Edward (pictured). I spoke little Chichewa . . . and he spoke little English. . . . Each day we would sit together, sing together, and work on crafts together. His smile brightened my day each day when I arrived. Here I was with countless worries and there was Edward, overjoyed to hear about Jesus. . . . My trip to Africa made me realize the importance of sharing this life-saving Word with others. . . . As they say in Chichewa: Zikomo, Africa (Thank you, Africa).
Unordinary Guides (excerpt) Joseph Schmudlach MLC ’15 taught English in Lima, Peru, during the 2014-15 school year.
Two Americans looked around and then at each other. “Where in the world are we?” Simultaneously, two Peruvian women whispered to each other in Quechua and giggled, surely talking about the soon-to-be lost Americans. However, the women offered to show them the way to the trailhead. . . . For whatever reason, God assigned us two unordinary guides that morning. When Christians are spiritually lost, we too have our own personal Peruvian guide—God. Let’s follow him through the foothills and rocky paths of life toward heaven!
Stephen Daley NWC 1995 Monroe MI
Karon Eckert DMLC 1970 Otsego MI
Paul Mildebrandt MLC 2000 Green Lake WI
Lila Friebus DMLC 1975 Phillipsburg KS
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Connected in Christ MLC & Home Missions
New York Opened My Eyes A Daylight USA Story When Caleb Solofra was knocking on doors in New York, he knew he’d use his Spanish. He never guessed he’d use his Hebrew. A preseminary junior with a Spanish emphasis, Caleb (CrossWalk-Laveen AZ) was part of a four-person team that assisted Sure Foundation-Queens in April. He and Erin Plocher (Ascension-Escondido CA), Lizzie Kogler (CrossWalk-Laveen AZ), and Paul Bourman (Resurrection-Rochester MN) invited people to the Spanish and English Easter services, assisted with the Easter for Kids program, and sang as a quartet in church. As the team knocked on doors, they had no idea what language the residents would speak. “Almost every house had someone who spoke English as a second language,” Caleb says. “I’d say only 5% spoke English as their first language. It was so cool. We spoke with Chinese, Jews, Hispanics, Orthodox Greeks, Indians, Muslims, and more.”
The girls returned with the key before the conversation could go further. “I wish I could have continued,” Caleb says. “He and his family probably knew the Old Testament prophecies of the Messiah very well. And with it being Holy Week, I could have told them that the Messiah had indeed come and fulfilled all those prophesies. Still, it was a very cool conversation.” MLC Campus Pastor John Boeder WLS ’90 coordinates Daylight USA teams like this one. More than 120 students volunteered at mission churches around the country during spring and summer breaks. The congregations benefit from the infusion of youthful energy and enthusiasm, and the students gain valuable ministry experience. “What a meaningful way,” Boeder says, “to prepare for ministry and to thank our Savior for his gift of salvation for all.” “New York definitely opened my eyes,” says Caleb, “both to the diversity in the world and the need for bilingual pastors. We met people of so many different backgrounds, religions, and cultures, but many were lacking the most important thing in life: God and his Holy Word.”
At the end of one long day, Lizzie and Erin needed something from their host’s apartment. The team knocked on the landlord’s door to borrow a key. “It was awkward,” Caleb says, “because the landlord’s family was celebrating the Passover and we didn’t want to interrupt them.” While Caleb and the landlord waited for the girls to return with the key, Caleb noticed a Hebrew sign on the door. “I read the Hebrew out loud and then told him what I thought it meant. Immediately a huge smile appeared on his face. He told me he’d never spoken with a non-Jew who knew Hebrew! “I told him I was studying to be a pastor, and we learned Hebrew at my school in Minnesota. I told him I could translate parts of the Old Testament, and that intrigued him.”
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Joel Babinec MLC 1985 New Ulm MN
Karen Lorenz DMLC 1990 Manitowoc WI
Caleb Solofra snaps a selfie in the fellowship hall of Sure Foundation-Queens. His Daylight USA teammates Paul Bourman, Lizzie Kogler, and Erin Plocher give the thumbs-up behind him.
Ralph Schaller NWC 1940 Saginaw MI
Jessica Leonard MLC 2005 West Richland WA
Connected in Christ Through Technology When MLC Day arrived on May 6, we saw the power of technology channel the power of the gospel. People from 45 states and many foreign countries checked in at mlcday.com, and online ambassadors shared stories, news, and prayers on Facebook. But that kind of electronic fellowship isn’t new. MLC continues to make every effort to harness technology for the sake of the kingdom: online Bible studies and courses, live-streamed concerts and chapel services, Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter. Cyber connections make the world smaller and our reach larger. In many ways, we’re closer than ever before.
In a retro-tech hybrid, College Choir members Ky Grunst and Rachel Brokmeier thank their hosts on a whiteboard and then post the photo to Facebook.
Paul Swain DMLC 1970 Tucson AZ
Nathaniel Biebert MLC 2005 Neillsville WI
Martha Schaible DMLC 1985 Brooksville FL
David Linn NWC 1970 Rhinelander WI
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Connected in Christ Through Music It was two years in the making, but when the last chords of John Rutter’s The Mass of the Children reverberated through the rafters and then receded into silence, everyone at Trinity-Waukesha, Wisconsin, knew they’d experienced something extraordinary.
A congregation of 850 crowded into Trinity’s nave in April to hear the 150 musicians: the Martin Luther College Choir, directed by Dr. Kermit Moldenhauer DMLC ’71; the Junior Choir of Trinity-Waukesha, directed by Jonathan Laabs MLC ’08; the Praise Choir of Our Redeemer-Madison, directed by Rachel Fregien MLC ’96; and the Wisconsin Lutheran Children’s Chorus, directed by Marjorie Flanagan. Laabs and 16 mlc-wels.edu
Emily Lai MLC ’15 were soloists, and a 27-piece orchestra accompanied the choristers. “The level of musicality,” said Trinity Pastor Aaron Christie WLS ’97, “was proof that the Lord has not been stingy in blessing our small synod! Those MLC students learning to preach and teach proclaimed the gospel with those they will one day serve with the gospel. What a joy to see the next generation sing the Savior into the hearts of their moms and dads, grandmas and grandpas, and perfect strangers.” Marjorie Flanagan said the concert was a highlight of her choir’s year. “The children learned that music that is challenging to
Music Recitalists 2014-2015 Rachel Brokmeier (Our Savior-Brookings SD) Shannon Eggers (David’s Star-Jackson WI) Bethany Fleischmann (Trinity-Austin MN) Kyara Grunst (St. John-New Ulm MN) Marcus Henning (St. Paul-New Ulm MN) Katherine Kobs (Emanuel-Tawas City MI) Lucas Krogmann (St. Paul-Ixonia WI) Heidi Kruger (St. Paul-Wonewoc WI) Jared Natsis (Trinity-Saline MI) Magdalena Petermann (St. Paul-Saginaw MI) Arianna Salzwedel (Immanuel-Lakefield MN) Cassandra Schwark (First-Elkhorn WI) Joshua Severeid (Holy Trinity-Des Moines WA) Hannah Spivey (St. John-New Ulm MN) Alyssa Stuebs (Mount Olive-Appleton WI) Rachel Trimmer (Atonement-Parkville MD, pictured) Zachary Unke (St. Paul-Howards Grove WI) Hope Werre (Peace-Sun Prairie WI)
learn can be very rewarding to perform. They were surprised to see how everything came together! What an inspiration to young musicians!” “It was a pure privilege to host this concert!” Christie added. “The quality of the music and the size of the crowd was more than special. It was spectacular. MLC is to be commended for their excellent work.” Dr. Kermit Moldenhauer is grateful for the opportunities God gives the MLC College Choir to connect with WELS members through events like this as well as their annual tour. The Wind Symphony also conducts a yearly tour, and other MLC choirs sing in area churches. mlc-wels.edu 17
YEAR IN REVIEW 2014-2015
A UGUST NEW FROSH tour campus
Frosh MOVE-IN and ORIENTATION
O CTOBER ANCHOR HOEDOWN fundraiser
More FUN, more FUNDS
N OVEMBER THE MUSIC MAN plays to a full house
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2 0
INTERNATIONAL ED WEEK raises cultural awareness
S EPTEMBER
0 1 4 HOMECOMING fun
MEN’S CROSS COUNTRY has great year
FOCUS ON MINISTRY: 100s of high schoolers visit in ’14-’15
HOMECOMING football
WORLD MISSION Service
D ECEMBER Christmas CONCERT
GRADUATION celebration mlc-wels.edu 19
YEAR IN REVIEW 2014-2015
J ANUARY
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WINTER CARNIVAL is a ball
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EVANGELISM DAY brings in 40 speakers
Winter Carnival TALENT SHOW
M ARCH ANCHOR NIGHT “On the Town” fundraiser
COLLEGE CHOIR tours Midwest
M AY May graduates CELEBRATE
COMMENCEMENT service
WIND SYMPHONY heads west on tour
1 5 Grade School BASKETBALL Tournaments
F EBRUARY URBAN MINISTRY Trip for 43 students
Forum stages TARTUFFE
A PRIL 5,000 kids see THE UGLY DUCKLING
Students clean up campus on ARBOR DAY
BINGO NIGHT hosted by Ladies’ Auxiliary
J UNE New England ALUMNI TOUR
GOLF CLASSIC raises thousands for MLC mlc-wels.edu 21
Northwestern College Alumni Society
Martin Luther College
Presidents Fund Grant Winners
From left:
Senior Award Winners
Back row:
Jacob Limpert (Christ Our Rock-Rochester MN) John A. Braun Grant for English
Jared Natsis (Trinity-Saline MI) Brooks Scholarship and Fine Arts Award
Matthew Hatzung (Christ-North St. Paul MN) Carlton Toppe Grant for GPA and Religion
Alexandria Maas (St. Paul-Lake Mills WI) Jerome Kruse Knight Award
Alexander Kirchenwitz (St. Peter-Schofield WI) E.E. Kowalke Grant for Biblical Languages
Nathanael Jensen (St. Mark-Watertown WI) Leading Preseminary Scholar Award
Paul Bourman (Resurrection-Rochester MN) John A. Braun Grant for Leadership
Caleb Klatt (Holy Trinity-New Hope MN) Service Award & Student Body President Award
John Miller (St. Andrew-Milwaukee) Lewis O. Thompson Grant for Worship and Music Micah Koelpin (Calvary-Dallas) Robert J. Voss Grant for Student Life
Front: Michael Hollmann (Bethany-Hustisford WI) Brooks Scholarship
Orie Thomford (Zion-Chesaning MI) August F. Ernst Grant for Confessional Languages (German)
Galen Holzhueter (St. Mark-Mankato MN) Jerome Kruse Knight Award & UMAC Scholar Athlete
Jacob Seelman (Salem-Sturgeon Bay WI) August F. Ernst Grant for Confessional Languages (Latin)
Brittney Gossen (Trinity-Brillion WI) Via Veritas Vita Award & UMAC Scholar Athlete
Caleb Solofra (CrossWalk-Laveen AZ) Adam Martin Grant for Living Languages (Spanish)
Megan Wohlrabe (Fount of Life-Colorado Springs) Leading Education Scholar Award
Zachary VonDeylen (Lord of Life-Friendswood TX) Robert J. Voss Grant for Student Government
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Not pictured: Hannah Hackbarth (St. Paul-Lake Mills WI) Jerome Kruse Knight Award
Sports Highlights 2014-2015 By MLC Sports Information Director Mike Gibbons
Ninth at Nationals: Junior Todd Brassow (St. Paul-Saginaw MI, pictured) became the first MLC athlete to reach the NCAA Division III Outdoor Track & Field Championships in Canton, New York, where he finished ninth in the nation in High Jump. He broke his own school record with a jump of 2.08 meters, which tied for the 11th-highest jump in Division III this season. He earned All-UMAC honors for the third consecutive year as well as a First Team All-UMAC selection in basketball.
On the diamond, Kathryn Marquardt (Garden HomesMilwaukee, pictured) set a new MLC softball record with 27 career wins, while baseball players Andrew Nemmers (Atonement-Plano TX) and Matthew Olson (Christ-North St. Paul MN) also put their names in the record books. Nemmers broke the MLC baseball record for hits in season with 50, while Olson set new single-season marks for innings pitched (67.0) and runs scored (30), while tying the single-season record for wins (6).
In volleyball, Miranda Maasz (St. John-Sleepy Eye MN, pictured) finished her career with the highest assists-per-set average (9.05) of anyone in school history. She also finished second in program history in assists (3,704).
The men’s cross country team was strong throughout the season, and finished second in the UMAC Championship meet thanks to four All-UMAC performers in Grey Davis (St. Paul-Lake Mills WI, pictured), Darian Schnose (Emanuel-Tawas City MI), Justin Wilkens (Bethlehem-Manassas VA), and Jonathan Fleischmann (Trinity-Austin MN).
mlc-wels.edu 23
Focus On By Alumni Director Steve Balza DMLC ’93
Mark Your Calendars for
HOMECOMING!
Plan to attend the annual Homecoming weekend celebration September 25-27 here on the hill. A full slate of Knights athletics, alumni activities, a talent show, and a concluding worship service highlight the schedule. Parents of football, soccer, and cross country athletes are invited to participate in special pre-game ceremonies. (The volleyball team is on the road that weekend and will hold their parent festivities on October 10.) The tentative weekend event schedule is below. Be sure to check the Homecoming web page (mlc-wels.edu/homecoming) for the most up-to-date information.
Friday, September 25 7:15 Evening Worship - Chapel of the Christ 8:00 Talent Show - WCC Auditorium
Saturday, September 26 9:00 Campus Fun Run - Sprinter Statue (more on page 25) 10-1 Family Fun Zone - Luther Student Center 10-1 Alumni and Parent Registration - Luther Student Center 11:00 Men’s and Women’s Cross Country - Flandrau State Park 1:00 Football vs Northwestern - Football Bowl 2:00 Men’s Soccer vs Northwestern - Soccer Pitch 4:15 Women’s Soccer vs UW-Superior - Soccer Pitch 4-7 Alumni Reception - Kegel Club (more on page 25)
Sunday, September 27 9:30 Worship - Chapel of the Christ 10:30 Brunch - LSC Cafeteria TBD Men’s Soccer vs WLS - Soccer Pitch
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John Zickuhr NWC 1965 Van Dyne WI
Danielle East MLC 2010 San Jose CA
Jacqueline Cosen DMLC 1975 Fort Apache AZ
Gary Carmichael DMLC 1955 Fort Atkinson WI
ALUMNI RECEPTION AT HOMECOMING Saturday, September 27 4:00 – 7:00 pm Kegel Club Catch up with old friends, enjoy complimentary hors d’oeuvres, and relax after a long day.
DMLC Class of ’64
Let’s Get Together Several classes are gathering on campus and elsewhere this summer and fall to reconnect with classmates and old friends. If you are part of a class celebrating a milestone year in 2016 and are interested in helping coordinate a reunion, please contact the alumni office at 507-217-1731 or alumni@mlc-wels.edu
Childcare is available but must be reserved in advance by contacting MLC Alumni Association event coordinator Sarah Zahrt at zahrtse@gmail.com.
Sprinter Campus Fun Run This fall will mark the 5th annual Sprinter Campus Fun Run. The 9:00 am event on September 26 is sponsored by the MLC Alumni Association to get people of all ages together for a refreshing 1-mile run (or walk) around our beautiful campus. Think of it as a healthy start to your Homecoming Saturday. Participation has increased each year, with over 280 students, alumni, family members, and local participants last fall. The event is free, but those interested are asked to pre-register online at mlcfunrun15.eventbrite.com. Commemorative T-shirts may also be purchased onsite, and all pre-registered attendees are eligible to win one of many great door prizes from our community sponsors.
Retired Called Worker Reunion August 5 at KMLHS Retired WELS pastors, teachers, staff ministers, and their spouses are invited to a day of fellowship and fun at Kettle Moraine LHS in Jackson, Wisconsin. The August 5 event includes lunch, presentations, fellowship, door prizes, and an optional tour of KMLHS. Cost is $10 payable at the door. For more information or to RSVP, contact Jan Fenske by July 31 at jjfenske@gmail.com or 262-677-2602.
Thomas Hartwig NWC 1980 Monroe MI
Frances Sill DMLC 1965 Benton Harbor MI
Jill Campbell DMLC 1980 Waukegan IL
Karl Fuhlbrigge NWC 1955 Egg Harbor WI
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SOLA Support & Outreach Legacy Association To UNITE and THANK donors who have included Martin Luther College in their estate plans and to ENCOURAGE others in the grace of giving.
Meet These SOLA Members Dr. Rhoda Wolle MLC ’98 is a strong supporter of Wisconsin Lutheran College (WLC), where she serves as Dean of Student Success. She’s also a strong supporter of her alma mater, Martin Luther College. “Martin Luther College has been extremely instrumental in my life,” she says. “D/MLC prepared the teachers who helped me grow in my faith as a youngster in Arizona. Then I was blessed to spend four years at MLC as I learned how to teach and grew in my understanding of my Savior’s grace.” Dr. Wolle recognizes the important work of both WLC and MLC. “At WLC I’m training Christian teachers to work in the public schools. MLC is preparing Christian teachers for our Lutheran schools. When prospective students want to teach in a Lutheran school, I proudly and strongly encourage them to go to my alma mater, MLC. There’s no better place to prepare future Christian teachers to serve families in our Lutheran schools.” She continues, “MLC is a special ministry that ensures God’s Word is shared in its truth and purity for future generations. I can’t think of a better place to invest my resources.”
For Martin WLS ’55 and Marie Janke, supporting Martin Luther College with a legacy gift was a natural thing to do. This campus has always been a part of their lives. Young Martin Janke and Marie Kappelmann both attended Dr. Martin Luther High School and had Martin’s father, Professor Richard Janke, as a teacher. Martin went on to Northwestern College and Wisconsin Lutheran Seminary, and Marie attended DMLC. Three Janke children and nine grandchildren have attended MLC, Northwestern College, or Dr. Martin Luther College. But the Jankes are quick to point out that their children and grandchildren who did not pursue the ministry are no less a blessing to God’s church. Marie cites the many biblical encouragements to support the Lord’s work, including David’s words in Psalm 71: “Since my youth, God, you have taught me, and to this day I declare your marvelous deeds. Even when I am old and gray, do not forsake me, my God, till I declare your power to the next generation, your mighty acts to all who are to come.” Read more at mlc-wels.edu/go/janke.
SOLA Members James & Helen Albrecht Steve & Laura Balza Judy Barckholtz* David & Linda Baumann Rev. David & Jennifer Bendix Anonymous Rev. Edward A. Boehling Arlin & Olga Bornschlegl Dr. & Mrs. Marlin Braun Daniel & Frieda Carow Richard & Marjorie Dettmann Ken & Chris Dierks Beverly Finke Don & Joyce (Vetting) Frisque Dave & Michelle Gartner Anonymous
Gordon & Delores Griepentrog Ralph W. Grundmeyer Patrick & Nancy Hansen Gerry & Marie Heckmann Barbara Weyland Hennig Florence E. Hinneberg* Paul & Val Holzhueter Ray & Irene* Houska Esther & David Jacobs Martin & Marie Janke Michael T. & Jeannette Jeffery Anonymous Anonymous Arnold & Ruth Koelpin Eunice Kramin Phyllis A. Kremin* Bob & Helen Krueger
Bob Kuehn Anonymous Ted Lau Phil & Beth Leyrer Rev. LeRoy H. Lothert Dean & Nell* Mahlke Todd & Lisa Marten Anonymous Irma R. McLean M. A. Melso Alan & Muriel Meyer Jack & Barbara Meyer Anonymous John & Connie Micheel Marilyn Miller Susan Munneke Charlie & Elaine Neitzel Elaine Otterstatter
Rick & Susie Padfield John & Lolli Paulsen Anonymous Phil & Mickey Petersen Elmer & Ila Possail Anonymous Myrtiss Riediger Gene & Charlotte Rosenthal Jane Ross Rev. Ralph & Nettie Scharf Jeff & Linette Scharlemann Jon & Rachel Scharlemann Daniel & Ellen* Schmeling Anonymous Anonymous Art & Joyce Schulz Stanley & Sharon Sielaff Dustin & Katie Sievert
If you have included MLC in your will or estate plan, please let us know! 26
VP for Mission Advancement Mike Otterstatter: ottersmj@mlc-wels.edu Resource Development Counselor Kate Tohal: tohalkj@mlc-wels.edu
Gene & Marion Slettedahl David & Judy Stabell Scott & Sandy Stone Greg & Lisa Thiesfeldt Anonymous Kate & Brian Tohal Anonymous Mike & Rebecca Valleau Dr. & Mrs. Larry Verlinden David & Elinor Waege Dr. Heinz* & Lore Werner Paul L. & Lois R Willems Rhoda S. Wolle Gerald C Woodley Ronald & Joan (Poff) Zahn * Have been called to their heavenly home
Governing Board Digest The following summaries were submitted by Vice President for Administration Steven Thiesfeldt DMLC ’74.
September 25-26, 2014 • Organized Executive Committee: Chairman Michael Woldt, Vice Chairman Jonathan Kolander, Secretary Steven Rosenbaum, Member-at-Large Tim Petermann. • Met new staff members Mark Bauer (director of financial aid), Linda Kramer (director of library services), and Andrea Wendland (human resources manager). • Received reports from Director of Finance Carla Hulke and from auditing firm CliftonLarsonAllen, showing that MLC achieved a Department of Education “clean level of opinion,” the highest category possible. • Approved the designation of $4,099,512 of unrestricted net assets to tuition assistance ($1,570,255), program maintenance ($335,000), and the Economic Stabilization Fund, also known as our reserve fund ($2,194,257). • Approved student fee increases of 5% for 2015-16, bringing tuition, room and board charges to $18,920. Also approved a corresponding 5% increase in need-based financial assistance. • Approved budgets for fiscal years 2016 ($19.5 million) and 2017 ($20.2 million), each year including a synodical subsidy of approximately $3.0 million and annual wage increases averaging 1.75%. Both budgets are dependent on the use of institutional reserve funds: $325,000 the first year and $410,000 the second year. • Approved calls for life science (Dr. Roger Klockziem, retiring) and American history (vacancy). Subsequently, these calls were filled by Daniel Fenske and Peter Baganz, respectively. • Approved two additions to the master site plan: - locker rooms/indoor practice space at soccer-baseball complex - one or more dormitories on Summit Avenue • Approved the Master of Science in Education Administration degree, pending Higher Learning Commission approval.
• Endorsed the Evangelism Certificate program. • Directed the Administrative Council to develop a plan for purchasing properties adjacent to campus for purposes of housing and parking. • Heard reports on enrollment (Director of Admissions Mark Stein), the next Higher Learning Commission visit (Vice President Jeffery Wiechman), Clery Law compliance (Vice President Jeffrey Schone), coordination with WELS Ministry of Christian Giving (Vice President Michael Otterstatter), and strategic planning (Vice President Steven Thiesfeldt).
February 12-13, 2015 • Received a report from Director of Finance Carla Hulke noting higher-than-projected revenues of $320,000 due to increased enrollment and gift funding, and also higher-than-projected expenses of $240,000 due to new programs. • Met MLC students Aaron Platzer and Emily Lai. • Heard reports on enrollment (Director of Admissions Mark Stein), publicity (Director of Public Relations Bill Pekrul), professional development for faculty and staff (President Mark Zarling), Quality Initiative Task Force and Assurance Argument Team (Vice President Jeffery Wiechman), WELS Investment Fund (WIF President Mark Arnold), and strategic planning (Vice President Steven Thiesfeldt). • Approved recommendation from the Mission Advancement Office not to fill the vacant resource development counselor position. • Reallocated funding for aforementioned position to allow for the calling of an Early Childhood Learning Center director. To date, efforts to fill the position on a permanent basis have been unsuccessful. Calling will resume in November 2015. • Approved the Urban Education Ministry minor.
• Approved the Mentoring and Coaching Certificate for the New Teacher Induction system.
• Delayed until the next biennium the calling of additional college faculty: (1) math-science / P.E. / coaching; (2) history-social science; and (3) additional professors as needed.
• Amended the Study Abroad policy to enable a limited number of students to participate in a sanctioned semester of study abroad beginning in 2015-16.
• Asked the Administrative Council to develop a master staffing plan that includes both faculty and support staff needs.
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DMLC President Lloyd Huebner ‘On the Ball’ at 90 DMLC President Emeritus Lloyd Huebner WLS ’51 celebrated his 90th birthday by throwing out the first pitch at a Chicago Cubs game. A lifelong Cubs fan, Lloyd first listened to games on the radio at his boyhood home in Manitowoc, Wisconsin. He and his dad occasionally made a trip to Wrigley Field. When Lloyd married Inez Wahl in 1951, after his graduation from Wisconsin Lutheran Seminary, he took her to a Cubs game on their honeymoon. Fifty years later, in 2001, the couple celebrated their 50th anniversary at Wrigley. Their daughter and son-in law Janet DMLC ’74 and Ernie Knobloch DMLC ’74 are season ticket holders and arranged for a meeting with Cubs dignitaries and players. Lloyd brought along the program and scorecard he’d saved from the 1951 honeymoon game.
says his dad was a third baseman at Northwestern College, in addition to a football player and the starting guard on a basketball team that dominated the conference in 1946-47. In fact, the glove he used at Wrigley was his 70-year-old college glove. As DMLC president from 1980 to 1993, President Huebner was known for his pastoral leadership, excellent people skills, and community involvement. During his tenure, the college celebrated its centennial under the theme, “Quietness and Trust in God—One Hundred Years of Strength.” God-willing, in 10 years President Emeritus Lloyd Huebner will mark his own centennial. The family is already making arrangements with the Cubs.
In March of this year, the former DMLC president turned 90, and Ernie again made arrangements with the Cubs organization—this time for Lloyd to throw out the first pitch on Memorial Day, May 25. Tossing that ball across the plate wasn’t a big stretch for this athlete. His son, Pastor James Huebner WLS ’80,
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Jeffery Drake MLC 2010 Redding CA
Sadie Victor DMLC 1965 San Carlos AZ
Jeffrey Kutil NWC 1970 West Allis WI
Paul Cole NWC 1990 Yale MI
FACULTY RETIREMENT
Teaching About the Heart
Dr. Roger Klockziem DMLC ’66 served in the public ministry
By Professor
for 50 years before retiring this summer. Before his DMLC graduation, he served as an emergency teacher at St. John-Glencoe MN and Trinity-Bay City MI. After graduation, he served as grade 3-9 teacher and music coordinator at Trinity-Crete IL and as grade 6-8 teacher and principal at Mt. Olive-Delano MN. In 1979 he was called to DMLC as a professor of education. In 1990, he entered the math and science division and continued as a science professor through the amalgamation and until his retirement in 2015. Dr. Klockziem earned his MAT from Washington State University in 1976 and his PhD from the University of Minnesota in 1987. In his retirement, Dr. Klockziem would like to focus more on family, do home repairs, and perhaps get a part-time job. He’d also like to reactivate some of his past interests and see where they take him: He was trained as a piano tuner at McPhail School of Music in Minneapolis; he earned his real estate appraiser’s license; and he is interested in county government and committees.
Parting Words to My Students Educational practices, methodologies, and philosophies change frequently. With certainty I can predict you will be challenged to evaluate your ways of teaching against multiple innovations. This will be a good exercise—a good exercise to reaffirm who and what you are as a Lutheran teacher, to create a greater depth of understanding for the ministry, to rehearse the purposes of Christian education, and to rationalize any changes you do or do not make. You know who you are, the nature of the learner, the power of the Word in modifying human behavior, and the ultimate purpose for education from Scriptures. Your scriptural understanding of humankind and of education is the standard by which you judge every educational innovation. You take it captive with the understanding of Scripture. You judge its worthiness foremost on its philosophical basis and then its practicality and effectiveness.
Greg Diersen MLC ’96
Over his 50-year tenure in the ministry, Professor Roger Klockziem taught his students about the heart. It may have been an elementary lesson about the organs of the body or, in the last two decades, about the organ in a fetal pig. He directed students to measure the rate of their own heart’s contraction and pointed out how the structure of the organ matched its function. As thorough and complete as the scientific knowledge was, the lesson didn’t stop there. For his students the lesson was also about the servant’s heart. While he showed models of the heart, he also modeled serving the Lord with the whole heart. I had the privilege of experiencing him in action as a student (1992-96) and lately as a colleague. While the activities and lessons changed, the heart of this servant kept pumping non-stop. His effort in teaching, his engaging smile, his willingness to show up early and stay late “grinding it out” if needed—it all provided evidence of the functioning heart of a servant. Professor Klockziem had a gift for making each class and lab group think, “We must be his favorites!” They were right. His gift was that they were all his favorites. In training for the public ministry, the students must attain some base level of scientific knowledge in order to teach it. Having that knowledge is not enough, however, for serving in God’s Kingdom; learning to serve the Lord and his people requires an excellent model. Professor Klockziem is that model. He used his gifts for the Lord and his people by teaching about hearts—especially the heart of a servant.
So be on your guard for humanistic philosophies and test the spirits according to the desired goal of Christian education: preparing God’s children for life here and in eternity. Professor Roger Klockziem
Kim Bender MLC 1985 McHenry IL
Joel Gerlach NWC 1950 New Ulm MN
Scott Bertram NWC 1995 Watertown WI
Michelle Aaberg MLC 2010 Stanton NE
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Our professors serve you not only by preparing your pastors, teachers, and staff ministers, but also through their work on WELS ministry committees. WELS Global Ministry Committee: Professor Thomas Hunter DMLC ’75
CELC (Confessional Evangelical Lutheran Conference) Reformation Anniversary Committee: Professor Thomas Nass WLS ’82
WELS Military Chaplaincy Study Commission: Professor James Danell WLS ’90 (chair)
Forward in Christ: Professor James Pope WLS ’81 (feature editor, pictured)
WELS Ministerial Education Schools Curriculum Committee: President Mark Zarling WLS ’80
WELS ALHS Online: Dr. James Grunwald DMLC ’76 (superintendent)
WELS National Physical Education Committee: Professor Rebecca Cox DMLC ’89
WELS Board for Ministerial Education: President Mark Zarling WLS ’80
WELS New Teacher Induction System: Professor Cheryl Loomis DMLC ’77 (mentor), Professor Lori Unke DMLC ’83 (mentor)
WELS Commission on Inter-Church Relations: Professor Thomas Nass WLS ’82 (8-year chair, 23-year service ending in 2015), Professor Keith Wessel WLS ‘91
WELS Online “Questions & Answers” Responder: Professor James Pope WLS ’81 WELS Prison Ministry: Professor Lyle Lange WLS ’69 (chair, publications committee), Professor David Sellnow WLS ’86 (writer/editor)
WELS Commission on Lutheran Schools • Common Core Task Force: Professor Jon Roux MLC ’95 • Growing Educators in Ministry Committee: Dr. Carla Melendy, Dr. John Meyer DMLC ’87, Professor Jon Schaefer MLC ’02, Dr. Jeffery Wiechman DMLC ’90
WELS Translation Liaison Committee: Professor Joel Fredrich WLS ’82, Professor Thomas Nass WLS ’82 (chair, pictured)
• Testing Committee: Dr. Carla Melendy • WELS School Accreditation representative to NCPSA Commission on IT and Distance Education: Dr. James Grunwald DMLC ‘76 WELS Commission on Worship • Commission member: Dr. Kermit Moldenhauer DMLC ’71 • Minnesota District Coordinator: Professor David Bauer DMLC ’76 • School of Worship Enrichment consultants: Professor Grace Hennig DMLC ’89 (pictured), Professor Adrian Smith MLC ’01 • WELS Hymnal Project: Professor Grace Hennig DMLC ’89, Professor Adrian Smith MLC ‘01 WELS Commission on Youth and Family Ministry: Professor David Sellnow WLS ’86 (advisory)
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Brent W Sorn MLC 2005 Cincinnati OH
Congratulations to our jubilarians: Professors Thomas Hunter (40 years), John Boeder (25 years), Roger Klockziem (50 years), and James Danell (25 years).
Lois Rupprecht DMLC 1960 Milwaukee WI
Joshua Johnson MLC 2000 Oswego IL
Alice Reek DMLC 1950 Weyauwega WI
Connected in Christ MLC Professors & WELS INTERNATIONAL TRAVELS Campus Pastor John Boeder WLS ’90 spent a two-week residency in Singapore this summer as part of his doctoral studies in outreach and discipleship. Director of International Services Thomas Hunter DMLC ’75 (pictured) traveled to Russia, Antigua, and Southeast Asia in 2014-2015.
Professor Cheryl Loomis DMLC ’77: “Mind in the Making: Seven Essential Life Skills” Professor Jonathan Schaefer MLC ‘02: “Accelerating New Teacher Success”
MLC REPRESENTATIVES SPEAK AT WELSTECH CONFERENCE (Milwaukee – July 2015)
• In Antigua he connected with school officials at St. John’s Lutheran School, encouraged the MLC graduates teaching there, and spoke with Antiguan teachers interested in furthering their education at Martin Luther College.
Dr. James Grunwald DMLC ’76: “Online Courses: Expanding Your Curriculum” and “Using SMARTBoards and SMART Notebook Software to Enhance Teaching and Learning”
• In Russia he spent time with MLC graduates teaching in Novosibirsk, Iskitim, and Tomsk, and explored additional places where future MLC graduates might serve. • This summer he took two MLC students to Southeast Asia to teach at an adult English language camp. He also spoke to officials at two Asian high schools who are seeking teachers from MLC. • Professor Keith Wessel WLS ’91 represented WELS Commission on Inter-Church Relations in Sideby, Finland, in July, presenting an essay on 1 Thessalonians. He also taught a Bible class at the annual conference of the Lutheran Confessional Church-Sweden in Hjälmargården and met with President Egil Evardsen of the Lutheran Confessional Church-Norway in Stavanger.
MLC PROFESSORS SPEAK AT WELS NATIONAL LEADERSHIP CONFERENCE (Milwaukee – June 2015) Professor Jon Roux MLC ’95 (pictured): Planning Committee Professor Benjamin Clemons MLC ’03: “Identifying the Characteristics and Needs of Students at Risk”
Sallie Draper, MLC web content developer: “Managing Your Church or School Website with FinalWeb,” “Gather Information in a Snap with Google Forms,” and “Image Editing in the Cloud”
MINNESOTA UNDERGRADUATE HISTORY SYMPOSIUM (Bethany Lutheran College – April 2015) Professor David Sellnow WLS ’86 (pictured) served on a panel that discussed “Western Civilization and the Christian Liberal Arts Tradition” Christian Kuether ’15 (Zion-Crete IL) presented “John Brown in Liberal Historiography” Alyssa Stuebs ’16 (Mount Olive-Appleton WI) presented “My Amygdala Made Me Do It: The False Promise of Adolescent Neuroscience in Juvenile Justice”
In Memoriam 2014 Dr. Ames Anderson 1934-2014 Prof. Waldemar Nolte 1916-2014 Dr. James Wandersee 1946-2014
Professor Daryl Hanneman DMLC ’75: “Helping Teachers Help: What do teachers really want/need from their principal?”
Mark Birsching DMLC 1980 Watertown WI
Stephen Radunzel NWC 1975 Woodville WI
Shelley Hildenbrand DMLC 1995 Franklin TN
Laurel Kander DMLC 1990 Stanton NE 31 mlc-wels.edu 31
“L et heaven and earth praise him.�
Martin Luther College Chapel of the Christ
Psalm 69:34