1995 Luther Court New Ulm, MN 56073 Address Service Requested
NON-PROFIT U.S. POSTAGE PAID ABERDEEN, SD PERMIT #200
YEAR IN REVIEW 2013-2014
InFocus Staff WRITER/EDITOR Laurie Gauger DMLC ’87 PHOTOGRAPHERS William Pekrul DMLC ’80 Jonathan Witte MLC ’18 Kendra Korth MLC ’15 PROOFREADER Rebecca Rehberger MLC ’15 GRAPHIC DESIGNER Lime Valley Advertising, Inc. Office of Mission Advancement VICE PRESIDENT Michael Otterstatter WLS ’94 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 Jeffery Wiechman DMLC ’90 VP for STUDENT LIFE Jeffrey Schone WLS ’87
An excerpt from the
2014 Commencement Address
President Mark Zarling
Thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. Dear 2014 graduates of MLC, I commend you for the text you chose. By God’s grace and the Spirit’s omnipotence, with this text you confess that Christ’s resurrection reality changes everything. It changes your essential understanding of God’s world and your place in it. Victory, not defeat, is the reality of your present pilgrimage. Triumph, not decay, is your ultimate destiny. Life, not death, is your identity. Resurrection reality is the heartbeat of gospel ministry, pulsating the power, the patience, the purpose, the perseverance that only a living Savior provides. Oh, my friends. Because we have so much to give, we have so much to do! No time for idleness. No time for procrastination. The Spirit will use the resurrection victory you proclaim in lessons and in life to touch souls. Never doubt that around the throne of grace will be a child you led to the manger as you helped them to memorize, Today in the city of David, a Savior has been born. Among the choir of saints and angels will be a voice that learned to sing “Jesus loves me” from you. Standing in the ranks of white robes will be people who heard the gospel from your mouth, saw the gospel in your love—and the Spirit touched a heart with the Savior. We are gathered today because each of us firmly believes that God will use you to change people and solve the problem. Not because you have amazing abilities or an insightful intellect. Only because God sends you forth with the message of resurrection victory in Jesus.
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 ’78 Dale Krause Timothy Petermann Barry Price Duane Schmeichel WLS ’91 Michael Seifert WLS ’03 Mike Valleau Steve 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.
Rejoice in the victory! Rejoice in the labors a loving Father has prepared for you. Step onto the next campus, or step onto that foreign land, or step into your first call, or step forward into a new stage in your pilgrimage. Do so with confidence for you do not walk alone. You walk always and ever with Jesus, for resurrection reality changes everything.
SOLI DEO
GLORIA
As we strive to communicate our unique mission and strengths in this publication, let us keep the focus where it belongs: Soli Deo Gloria, “To God alone the glory!”
On our cover: Aimee Ulm (St. Paul-Ixonia WI) enjoyed graduation day with her fiancé, Joshua Jensen, a 2013 MLC graduate and current Wisconsin Lutheran Seminary student. Aimee says: “MLC has given me the confidence and skills necessary to serve God’s people. I understand that being a teacher isn’t just about teaching—it’s about serving people and spreading the gospel. It’s not about me—it’s about how God can use me to help others.” Aimee received a call to teach K4 at Word of Life-Milwaukee.
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.
G RA D UAT ION
2014 Call Day!
By the Numbers May 2014 Graduates
24: Preseminary 87: Education
1: Staff Ministry 12: Educational Studies
These graduates have just heard their assignments–where the Holy Spirit, through the church, has called them to serve as teachers who will share the gospel of Christ. From top: Staci Putz (from Lomira WI to Atonement-Milwaukee), Jarrod Pfarr (from Kenosha WI to Hope-Penryn CA), Molly Graumann (from Fort Atkinson WI to First German-Manitowoc WI), James Otto (from Baraboo WI to Luther Preparatory School). Which grads will serve in your district? See pages 20-21.
1: Theological Studies
18: Master of Science in Education
143: Total
Pictured above: Graduates Hannah Rothe (St. Matthew-Oconomowoc), Emily Hunt (Zion-Gainesville FL), and Jennifer Uhlhorn (Fount of Life-Colorado Springs CO)
May and June Assignments of Education Majors 98: Education majors assigned/called in May and early June 2014 (includes some from previous years) 8: Graduates who chose international service (seven education, one preseminary) 3
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on
Strategic Plan
“Compelled to Speak: A Strategic Plan for Martin Luther College” was developed in 2011 and continues to guide us as we prepare confessional Lutheran pastors, teachers, and staff ministers to fill the ministry needs of WELS. We’d like to share our progress on some key initiatives. 1. Build new Early Childhood Learning Center. Completed and paid in full 2. Investigate special education major. Major in place; professor called
7. Develop new master’s degrees. New MS-Educational Administration degree and MA-Theology degree in development
3. Offer Chinese language. Chinese minor in place; professor called
8. Expand recruitment of minority, international, home, and public school students. Established international office; urban ministry professor called; reaching out to public school students
4. Expand continuing education. Offering many new courses; enrollment up 60%
9. Enroll 800 fulltime undergrads by 2017. Enrollment projection for 2014-15: 740 (5% increase)
5. Develop plan for campus maintenance, renovation, expansion. Member of WELS Capital Planning Committee, coordinating capital expenses; also partnering with Builders for Christ on chapel basement project
10. Keep student costs low and student debt manageable. Searching for scholarship donors; implementing efficiency measures; teaching students fiscal responsibility
6. Increase technology training; develop social media. Additional tech staff added; faculty training ongoing; tech used in courses; communicating with Facebook, Twitter, Skype, Instagram, Google tools
11. Partner with The Lutheran Home Association to implement intergenerational ministry proposal. In development; senior housing completed this summer by private developer 12. Increase PhDs on faculty to 40% in five years. Three more faculty received PhDs in 2013; more finishing doctoral programs soon
Soli DeoGloria 4 mlc-wels.edu
Soli DeoGloria
What’s New Here on the Hill This Year?
New ECLC Facility: We dedicated our 15,500-sq. ft. Early Childhood Learning Center in October. We now provide onsite student teaching experiences for all ECE majors, enroll about 85 children age 0-5, and offer more continuing education for current teachers. Donors who generously gave to Let the Children Come allowed us to complete the project debt free. Thank you!
New Urban Ministry Minor: Our new urban ministry professor, Benjamin Clemons MLC ’03, will be on campus in 2014-2015, putting the final touches on our new urban education minor. Although we’ve had a program for several years, we are excited to initiate a full minor. Courses will be open to all education majors and preseminary students.
New Special Education Major: Sixteen students took the first courses in the new special ed major in 2013-2014. Interested students are encouraged to double-major in special education and either elementary, secondary, or early childhood education. Pictured: Special Education Professor Daryl Hanneman DMLC ’75
New Instagram Page Launched: Follow us at instagram.com/martinluthercollege.
Pictured: Katrina Buchholz (Emmanuel-Tempe AZ) did her student teaching at St. Marcus-Milwaukee. In May, she was assigned to teach grade 3 at Risen Savior-Milwaukee.
New Chinese Minor: After a successful two-year pilot, Chinese will be a full minor in fall 2014, with Professor Zhang (pictured), a native Chinese speaker, leading the program. Education majors may continue to choose Chinese as their minor, and preseminary students may now choose it as their non-biblical language option. mlc-wels.edu 5
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Preseminary Studies
Recruitment of New Preseminary Students: We are requesting your help! Our 2013-2014 enrollment of 154 preseminarians was the lowest at NWC/MLC since 1959. In addition, a considerable number of pastors will reach retirement age in the next decade. This is a cause for concern and an opportunity for prayer. We ask you, therefore, to pray for pastors and to take a moment to encourage a gifted young man in your congregation to consider the pastoral ministry. Seminary Students Encourage Preseminarians: Wisconsin Lutheran Seminary issues two annual invitations to MLC preseminarians. Juniors are invited to Mission and Ministry seminar in February and seniors to an early welcome in March called Eisodos. Junior Nathanael Jensen (St. Mark’s-Watertown WI) explains that during the February trip, the juniors “attended classes, got a tour, and learned a lot from our older brothers in the faith about what our lives will be like when we move on from MLC to the seminary.” WLS students also make the trip to New Ulm to encourage the preseminary students at ministry presentations, athletic contests, concerts, and fellowship events. Preseminary Professors Teach, Serve, Lead: MLC professors in preseminary studies are not only pastors, instructors, and role models for our students; they are servant-leaders in gospel ministry around the world. Just this spring and summer, for instance, Professors Thomas Nass and Paul Koelpin represented MLC and WELS in several ways.
Professor Thomas Nass WLS ’82 • Presented “The Wisconsin Synod and Its Relationship with Its Confessional Lutheran Peers in the US” at the Congress on the Lutheran Confessions in Bloomington MN.
• Taught four sections of junior religion and conducted morning chapel at Fox Valley LHS for a week in March as part of the “Prof-on-Loan” program.
• Brought recommendations from the WELS Translation Liaison Committee to leaders of the Holman Christian Standard Bible in Nashville. He and Professor Joel Fredrich WLS ’82 were appointed members of this committee, which deals with Bible translation matters and communicates on behalf of WELS with Bible publishers.
• Taught a course for pastors and teachers at Holy Trinity-Kent WA titled “Lessons from Post-Exilic and Intertestamental Times.”
• Attended the triennial convention of the Confessional Evangelical Lutheran Conference (CELC) in Lima, Peru. Founded in 1993 with 13 confessional Lutheran national churches as members, the Conference has grown to 24 church bodies today. The last international convention of the CELC was in 2011 in the United States, at Martin Luther College. Professor Nass serves as secretary of the CELC.
The alumni photos at the bottom of the pages are from the anniversary classes of MLC, NWC, and DMLC: ’39, ’44, ’49, ’54, ’59, ’64, ’69, ’74, ’79, ’84, ’89, ’94, ’99, ’04, and ’09. Thanks to Alumni Director Steve Balza DMLC ’93, who provided this random selection of alums.
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Professor Paul Koelpin WLS ’90
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• Preached for the opening service of the Pacific Northwest District Convention. • Was invited to write an article for Forward in Christ highlighting the history of the Minnesota District. • Finished his one-year term as writer/editor of Volume 17 (six issues) of Preach the Word, a WELS Commission on Worship publication.
Anthony Perry DMLC 1994 Chesaning MI
Pennie Serck DMLC 1969 Watertown SD
Soli DeoGloria
NWC Grant Winners: Eleven sophomore and junior preseminary students were chosen by the faculty as recipients of the Northwestern College Alumni Society Presidents Fund Grants. Back row: Front: Andrew Nemmers (Atonement-Plano TX) Michael Hollmann (Bethany-Hustisford WI) Robert J. Voss Grant for Student Life John A. Braun Grant for English Tim Priewe (Loving Shepherd-Milwaukee) Carleton Toppe Grant for GPA and Religion
Phil Valdez (Shepherd-Albuquerque NM) Adam Martin Grant for Living Languages
Jared Natsis (Trinity-Saline MI) Robert J. Voss Grant for Student Government
Nathanael Jensen (St. Mark’s-Watertown WI) August F. Ernst Grant for Confessional Languages (German and Latin)
Micah Koelpin (Calvary-Dallas TX) John A. Braun Grant for Leadership
Hans Thomford (Zion-Chesaning MI) August F. Ernst Grant for Confessional Languages (German)
Craig Wilke (Bethany-Fort Atkinson WI) Robert J. Voss Grant for Student Life Nathanael Plocher (St. Luke-Vassar MI) Lewis O. Thompson Grant for Worship and Music
Bradley Snyder MLC 2009 Saginaw MI
Elizabeth Eckert DMLC 1989 Franksville WI
Adam Lambrecht (St. Paul-New Ulm MN) E.E. Kowalke Grant for Biblical Languages
Walter Scheitel NWC 1939 Elgin MN
Elisabeth Loftin MLC 1999 Houston TX
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Education
Minnesota Board of Teaching Grants Continuing Approval The Minnesota Board of Teaching (BOT) completed an onsite accreditation visit to MLC this spring and granted full continuing institutional approval through 2019. “The BOT team was impressed with how our students, faculty, and staff live the mission of the college and with the strong educational foundation the ministry candidates receive in their teacher preparation program,” said Dr. Cindy Whaley, MLC licensure officer.
Focus on Professors Our education professors are not just instructors and godly role models for our students. Dr. John Meyer and Dr. Cindy Whaley, for instance, are recognized statewide and nationwide for their expertise.
Dr. John Meyer DMLC ’87, director of graduate studies and continuing education, was awarded the 2013 Outstanding Dissertation Award by Division A of the American Educational Research Association (AERA). The AERA gave him this national award at the annual meeting in Philadelphia in April. Dr. Meyer also presented a paper based upon his dissertation at the AERA conference. Read his dissertation, “Creating and Applying a Cognitive Change Model: A Transdisciplinary (Education, Cognitive Psychology, Neuroscience) Approach,” at mlc-wels.edu/go/meyer-dissertation
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Riley Westphal DMLC 1979 Fond du Lac WI
Leslie Kolb MLC 2004 Prairie City SD
Dr. Cindy Whaley DMLC ’76 serves on a number of boards and teams that advance education in the synod, state, and world. • President of the Southwest Minnesota Reading Council • Leadership Board member of the Minnesota Reading Association • Member of the International Reading Association • Member of MNSAA accreditation team for West LHS • Reading curriculum and instruction consultant for New Ulm public elementary and high schools, conducting yearlong inservices • Inservice instructor for Bloomington/Living Hope-Bloomington MN on topics of differentiation and assessment
William Habermann DMLC 1964 Milwaukee
Dawn Naber DMLC 1994 Glendale AZ
Focus on Graduate
Studies
Soli DeoGloria Focus on Continuing
In its eight years, 63 students have graduated with their MS-Ed. Another 120 students are enrolled. In response to a 2012 WELS resolution, two new degrees are in development: MA-Theology and MS-Educational Administration, with separate tracks for principals and early childhood directors. This year’s 14 graduates (pictured below) are Jerome Wolff (Sturgis MI), Paul Weihing (Hastings MN), David Stoltz (Kewaskum WI), Kevin Zimmerman (Bristol WI), Jennifer Schopper (Menomonee Falls WI), Nathaniel Kallies (Appleton WI), Elizabeth Koester (Temple TX), Peter Mathwig (Weyauwega WI), Stacy Shrum (Milwaukee), Tim Gustafson (West Bend WI), Elizabeth Naumann (Prairie du Chien WI), Christopher Hintz (Phoenix), Michael Koestler (Racine WI), David Leonard (Eau Claire WI). Not pictured: Jeffrey Falk (Westminster CO). Graduated in absentia: Michael Falk (Bay City MI), Adrienne Bengel (Missouri City TX), David Snyder (St. Joseph MI).
Education
New Teacher Induction Program Growing MLC and WELS Commission on Lutheran Schools continue to facilitate two-year “New Teacher Induction” mentorships. The number of new teachers paired with trained mentors is up again this year, with 70% of the 2014 graduates in a mentoring relationship. Mentors are working with teachers in 9 of our 12 synod districts. Director Jonathan Schaefer MLC ’02 says, “NTI is another way we are ‘walking together’ as a synod. These mentoring relationships accelerate success for new teachers. Everybody wins.” Pictured: New teacher Abby Mehlberg (Trinity-Marshfield WI) and her mentor Julie Krieger (Immanuel-Medford WI)
Issues in Lutheran Education Our bi-monthly blog tackles provocative issues in education, such as working with special-needs students, elimination of homework, student retention, and leadership concerns. The blog has gained more than 600 followers. The largest one-day viewing was 1,618. Sign up at blogs.mlc-wels.edu.
John Jenswold DMLC 1954 Baraboo WI
Rachel Wilkens MLC 2004 Fort Atkinson WI
Lanny Prahl NWC 1964 Neenah WI
Florence Oehlke DMLC 1939 Newport MN
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Eighth Annual The $1000 Thalassa Prize is given annually to a D/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 Chris Pluger MLC ’97, who has served as the translation advisor/exegete for the Nsenga Bible Translation Project in Zambia since 2011. Thanks to the anonymous donor who funded this year’s prize, Chris will receive $500, and he will give another $500 to the mission of his choice.
2014 GRAND PRIZE WINNER “Jesus Speaks My Language” Chris J. Pluger MLC ’97 - Zambia
Do you remember the very first time you read the Bible in your mother tongue? This young lady does. She is holding a copy of the Gospel of Mark, the first book of the Bible published in the modern Nsenga language. Many Nsenga people have heard about Jesus before. Many of them attend Christian churches every Sunday. But until now, they have had to listen to the Bible being read in a foreign language, from a Bible written in another country for people of a different tribe. It would be like someone telling you secondhand what someone else has said: “God told me to tell you that he loves you and takes care of you.” Not necessarily very comforting. But now imagine Jesus himself coming to you in the words of a Bible in your own language and saying, “Come to me,
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David Ernest MLC 1999 Carlisle PA
Gail Kitzmann DMLC 1974 Santa Barbara CA
all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light” (Matthew 11:28-30). What a comfort for sin-burdened souls! What a joy to hear your Savior speaking directly to you! The Nsenga Bible Translation Project is working to bring God’s Word to the heart language of the Nsenga people of south-central Africa. Pray for the Lord’s blessing on this work. Praise God that his Word is being translated into many new languages. Give thanks that this young lady can hear her Savior calling to her in her own mother tongue. And don’t forget to read your own Bible, too!
Rodrigo Concha MLC 2009 Santiago, Chile
Maria Habben DMLC 1989 Tokyo
Thalassa Prize Courageous Love (excerpt) Kate Hieb MLC ’10 – Malawi
Our Malawian brothers and sisters in Christ do not have much, some not even a personal Bible. Most of them were never trained as teachers, but what they have is faith in their risen Savior and a desire to tell others of hope and peace. They have the Spirit in them, empowering them to take the promises of salvation and eternal life to the forgotten nation of Malawi, people with disabilities. Kate Hieb served in Malawi in June-July 2013. Her six-person team trained Malawians how to teach Bible stories to people with disabilities, an underserved population in the country.
A Job Which Pays (excerpt) Laura Miller MLC ’13 – Southeast Asia
This is Jerry. He knows little English and at 5 years old, has a tough time sitting still. . . . At my school I do not have the opportunity to share the loving message I’m so fortunate to possess. I can’t tell them they’re saved. It’s the saddest part of my work here. . . . When people ask me now about my work in Asia, . . . I answer them in this fashion: I work two jobs, a job which pays and another which Pays. . . . Honestly, spending a year in Asia has increased an urgency in my heart to “go out and make disciples of all nations . . .” because he surely is with me and the millions of people in Asia and throughout the world until the end of the age (Mt 28:19). Laura Miller served in Southeast Asia for the 2013-14 school year, teaching English during the week (the job that pays) and conducting studies on nights and weekends for friends eager to learn the Word (the job that Pays).
Sarah Crabtree MLC 2009 Phoenix
Neil Varnum NWC 1974 Davenport IA
Avis Kesting DMLC 1964 Gibbon MN
Timothy Zenda NWC 1994 Sycamore IL
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A Summer Music Ministry A couple years ago, Michael Berg WLS ’05, pastor at St. John’s-Wood Lake MN, had a simple idea: Why not pay an MLC student to give free music lessons at his church for the summer? As it turned out, his simple idea was simply brilliant, and God has showered many blessings on the program. “I thought it would be nice to promote good Lutheran music,” he says, “because it is a strength of the Lutheran church, particularly of our congregation in Wood Lake. I also thought it would be nice to give a college student a chance to see that music could be done well even in a small setting. These were my two goals, both of which come from the conviction that our Lutheran musical/liturgical heritage is not a hindrance to evangelism but rather, when done well, a huge benefit.” In 2013 MLC recommended that senior Carla Carmichael spend the summer in Wood Lake. She taught piano lessons to about 40 students, some at St. John’s and some at Christ in nearby Marshall, served by Pastor Keith Schreiner WLS ’89. She also ran both congregations’ VBS programs.
The program was so successful that this year the pastors wanted two MLC students, one for each church. The MLC music department recommended Rachel Brokmeier (Our Savior-Brookings SD) and Shannon Eggers (David’s Star-Jackson WI). Both young women are eminently qualified: Rachel is a triple-major (elementary ed, secondary vocal music, and secondary instrumental music), and Shannon double-majors in elementary ed and secondary instrumental music. Now Rachel is in Wood Lake, teaching about 60 free lessons per week—an extraordinary number, notes Pastor Berg, since the entire population of Wood Lake is only 430. Rachel teaches piano, flute, trumpet, trombone, guitar, voice, organ, and recorder. She has elementary, high school, and college students, a 4-year-old, and even a grandmother who wanted to start piano again. About a quarter of her students are nonmembers.
MLC senior Rachel Brokmeier teaches 60 lessons a week at St. John’s-Wood Lake MN as part of the congregation’s music ministry and outreach program.
Rachel Brokmeier tells this story about her first week teaching music lessons at St. John’s-Wood Lake MN: “My first piano student of the day arrived for his first-ever piano lesson. As we walked to the piano at the front of the church, he asked what all the black and red books were on the back of the benches. I showed him that the red book was a hymnal, with music, and got to show him a Bible for what may have been the first time!! I explained that the Bible is a book where God tells us about himself and his Son, who died to pay for our sins so that we could be with God forever in heaven. The boy and his three younger siblings came to hear more about Jesus for the FIRST TIME in our VBS tonight. Pray for this family, that the Holy Spirit continues to make these seeds of faith grow!”
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Tadd Fellers NWC 1989 Fort Collins CO
Myron Hilger DMLC 1944 Markesan WI
Denise Duncan DMLC 1994 Monee IL
Dustin Blumer MLC 2004 Orlando FL
Shannon is teaching 30 free lessons a week at Christ in Marshall. Her students, both members and nonmembers, are learning piano, violin, flute, clarinet, guitar, and saxophone. Rachel and Shannon serve their churches in other ways too. They attend church and Bible study, teach at the VBS programs, prepare their instrumental students to play in church, lead children’s choirs to sing in church, and play organ for some services. “Everyone at Wood Lake has been very supportive,” Rachel says. “I think it’s because they recognize the blessings a summer music program has. Not only are my students getting into the church building once a week for lessons, but they’re continuing to develop a love of music and using their gifts to perhaps serve as church musicians.” Both Rachel and Shannon deeply appreciate the experience they are receiving. “I love Jesus, working with children, and music,” says Rachel, “and this position ties those three loves together beautifully.”
Shannon adds: “So far I am loving it! This job seemed like the perfect way to become more of a music teacher and not just a music performer during my college years. It gives me the opportunity to connect to more of God’s people in the WELS, and it’s helping me learn how to share God’s Word with students that are nonmembers too.” Pastor Berg is happy to give this hands-on training to MLC students and notes many blessings for St. John’s as well: giving a shot of energy to the congregation during the summer, building the church’s reputation as the “music church,” training future church musicians, and reaching out to the community. “Pastor Schreiner and I have been blown away by both the musical talent of our students and also their demeanor, patience, and work ethic,” says Pastor Berg. “They have been a huge boost to our congregations. I plan on asking for a student every year!”
MLC junior Shannon Eggers teaches 30 lessons a week at Christ-Marshall MN. She also helps with the church’s music ministry in other ways, such as playing organ for some Sunday services.
A summer music program can work at your congregation too! It’s easy. • Request a music student from MLC. • Choose a place for the lessons. Best option: the church itself! • Find a member to house the student. • Advertise free lessons to your church and your community. • Cost: About $5,000 to cover the student’s salary, a stipend for the family who houses the student, and taxes. The Wood Lake church builds the cost into their budget; the Marshall church funds their program with special gifts.
Paul Werner NWC 1969 Barre Mills WI
Sarah Wenzel MLC 1999 Riverside CA
Ivan Zarling NWC 1949 Kirchhayn WI
Heidi Stuebs MLC 2004 Yakima WA
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VAIL, ARIZONA
Students Volunteer over Spring Break Five MLC students spent a week this spring at Grace-Vail AZ, where they went to work for Pastor Colin Rieke WLS ’11 and his congregation at their second mission site.
Casey Sauer (Messiah-Green Bay WI), Jessica Eternick (St. John-Waterloo WI), Alison Wine (St. John-Saginaw MI), Lauren Maertz (St. Martin’s-Watertown SD), and Kristy Lendt (Trinity-Nicollet MN) canvassed the area, handing out flyers and telling neighbors “there’s a church that wants to help the community and is serious about God’s Word,” according to Pastor Rieke. The students discovered a dozen new prospects who expressed some interest in the church and received a follow-up visit from Pastor Rieke. “A highlight was getting to know so many members of the congregation and being warmly welcomed,” said Kristy Lendt. “It was truly a blessing being with them and attending the Bible studies! It was a great way for us all to grow in our faith.” “Grace Lutheran Church was very thankful,” said Pastor Rieke. “It’s exciting to see college students eager to share their faith, and it’s wonderful that Kingdom Workers and MLC are able to make this happen. I’m sure the warm weather we have down here in the spring was also appreciated.”
BOULDER, COLORADO
Katie Smith (Beautiful Savior-Grove City OH), Micah Ray (Trinity-El Paso TX), Julie Kent (Atonement-Milwaukee), and Josh Rathje (Faith-Mount Pleasant MI) worked at Peace-Boulder CO over spring break.
Pastor Jesse Stern WLS ’08 said: “A sincere ‘thank you’ for the servant hearts, the willingness to work, and the evangelical attitudes visible on all levels of the Daylight program. “Whether the students passed out flyers, helped paint our ‘New Beginnings—A Home for Mothers’ building in Aurora, interacted with de-churched individuals at a brewery or on a hike, greeted our members at Sunday service, visited with their host families, interacted with the students and staff at Rocky Mountain LHS, or simply laughed with the pastor, the work they did and the encouragement they brought is so greatly appreciated by God’s people at Peace in Boulder.”
Every year about 150-200 MLC students work at congregations during spring break and summer vacation through MLC’s Daylight USA program. Short-term Daylight projects are generally volunteer efforts, while longer terms are paid positions. Either way, everyone profits: The students gain new insights into ministry, and the congregations benefit from the young people’s energy and enthusiasm.
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Paul Wachholz DMLC 1969 Wayne PA
Jennifer Hein MLC 1999 Saginaw MI
Eric Westin DMLC 1959 Munger MI
Kenley Mann NWC 1984 Wayne NE
Convocation Speakers 2013-2014: The Takeaway MLC invited eleven speakers to address our students for our 2013-2014 convocation series. The 11 speakers, all pastors and teachers serving across the country, shared their personal experiences, joys, and challenges. We asked each speaker to share one thing they hoped students took away from their presentations.
THE TOPIC Pastor Mark Gabb WLS ’97 and Teacher Kyle Bender DMLC ’93 (St. Paul-Beverly Hills FL) “Pastors and Teachers Working Together” Teacher Ryan Rathje MLC ’98 (Manitowoc LHS) “Technology in the K-12 Classroom”
Ryan Rathje
Pastor Ben Kratz WLS ’03 (Our Savior-Birmingham AL)
The love of Christ compels us to make every effort to foster strong team ministry among all called workers and congregational leaders, for the sake of carrying out the mission that Christ has given us. Good technology integration shines a light so bright on the learning that the tech becomes transparent. Ministry outside of the Midwest means not only being aware of cultural differences in order to reach people with the gospel, but enjoying the blessings God brings from those differences.
“My Service in the South” Teacher Betty Bilitz DMLC ’77 (Star of Bethlehem-New Berlin WI) “What Makes a Good Student Teaching Experience?” Pastor Matt Denoyer WLS ’00 (Shepherd of the Hills-Duluth MN) “It’s a Small World After All: A Parish Pastor Makes International Connections” David Wendland MLC ’11 (MLC ECLC-New Ulm MN) “Experiences and Impressions of a New Called Worker”
It’s so important to have a servant attitude, enthusiasm, and willingness to work and learn when student teaching. The world continues to get smaller and smaller with advances in communication. The Bible can be taught all the way across the world with the ease of technology. In your first year of ministry you will encounter so many joys and challenges, and they will all truly be blessings!
“Experiences and Impressions of a New Called Worker”
You are more prepared and qualified to teach than you think you are. MLC truly has made you ready to be a classroom teacher, and if you’re proclaiming the gospel news, you can’t go wrong!
Paul Kanzenbach MLC ’09 (St. Paul-Cannon Falls MN)
God uses the blessings and challenges in our lives to stretch and prepare us for future ministry.
Kelly Martin MLC ’12 (Mt. Olive-Appleton WI)
Ben Kratz
THE TAKEAWAY
“Experiences and Impressions of a New Called Worker” Jennifer Proeber MLC ’07 (Great Plains LHS) “Experiences and Impressions of a New Called Worker” Pastor John Braun WLS ’69 (Northwestern Publishing House)
The most important thing you can do for a teenage student is reinforce their spiritual identity. If you want readers to be touched by your words, meet them where they are and touch their hearts.
“The Pastor and Writing”
Betty Bilitz
Sharon Dobbertin DMLC 1974 Arlington Heights IL
Joel Haar MLC 1999 Toronto, Ontario
Keith Tullberg NWC 1979 Moline IL
Charlyn Shoemaker DMLC 1949 Milwaukee
mlc-wels.edu 15 15
Year in Review 2013-2014 Orientation
Homecoming
RAs welcome first-years
MLC beats Morris 35-32
Upperclasses take the lead at Ballroom
Blast Lords and ladies chosen
First-years mix it up at speed
dating
Girls get tough at powder
puff
For more photos, go to gallery.mlc-wels.edu
Forum
2013-2014 Christmas Concert
Into the Woods
Four choirs, handbells, Wind Symphony
The Giver
“Praise him with the
Rumpelstiltskin
sounding of the trumpet�
The directors
Year in Review 2013-2014 Winter Carnival
Anchor Service Club
Broomball
Weekly visits to nursing
Iron Chef competition
MLC v Wisconsin Lutheran Seminary hockey
home
Hoedown fundraiser
Casino Night raises $2400
For more photos, go to gallery.mlc-wels.edu
Music Tours
2013-2014 Swine Sizzler
We’re off! Never too old
to play
College Choir Tour: Florida
MLC’s got
Wind Symphony Tour: Midwest
talent!
We’re friends. We’re family.
M LC G R A D UAT E S A S S I G N E D / C A L L E D TO ARIZONA-CALIFORNIA DISTRICT Rebecca Balge (New Ulm MN) to St. Stephen-Fallbrook CA: gr 1-4, music Youngsin Choi (Seoul) to Apostles-San Jose CA: gr 9-12, science & math (one year) Kathy Georgson (Watertown WI) to California LHS: dorm supervisor, instructor (reassigned) Brian Gephart (St. Joseph MI) to California LHS: dorm supervisor, math (one year) Kevin Lorge (Greenville WI) to Our Savior-Peridot AZ: gr 6-8, athletics (one year) Ruth Luehring (Lake Mills WI) to East Fork-Whiteriver AZ: gr 1-2, coaching (one year) Jarrod Pfarr (Kenosha WI) to Hope-Penryn CA: gr 3-5, principal apprentice Bethany Schultz (Waukesha WI) to California LHS: dorm supervisor, instructor (one year)
DAKOTA-MONTANA DISTRICT
Abigail Schultz (La Crosse WI) to Good Shepherd-Sioux Falls SD: K (assignment made permanent)
Brian Hildebrandt (Neenah WI) to Minnesota Valley LHS: choral music (one year)
Amanda Walther (Watertown WI) to Little Lambs Preschool-Mandan ND: ECE
Eryn Kriewall (Arlington TX) to Children of Grace Preschool-Hutchinson MN: ECE (one year)
MICHIGAN DISTRICT
Rachel Nowicki (Bayport MN) to Prairie-Gibbon MN: gr 3-4
Emily Chandonnet (Monroe MI) to Michigan Lutheran Seminary: tutor (reassigned) Justin Danell (New Ulm MN) to St. John-Hemlock MI: gr 5-8, athletic director, principal apprentice Justin Eternick (Waterloo WI) to Michigan Lutheran Seminary: tutor (one year)
Michael Haugly (Fond du Lac WI) to Great Plains LHS: social studies, religion (one year) Stephanie Humann (Federal Way WA) to Zion-Mobridge SD: ECE director Rebecca Hussman (Greenville WI) to Bethel-Sioux Falls SD: gr 3-5 (one year) Elizabeth Loersch (Watertown WI) to Trinity-Aberdeen SD: gr K-1, organ Andrew Schoenfeld (Lake Mills WI) to Great Plains LHS: dorm supervisor, PE, religion (one year)
20 mlc-wels.edu
Rachel Rosenow (Osceola WI) to Salem-Greenfield MN: gr 3-4 (two years) Ryan Rush (Benton Harbor MI) to St. Croix LHS: dorm supervisor, social studies (one year) Sarah Sherod (Torrance CA) to West LHS: math, science (one year)
Abigail Gawel (Midland MI) to St. Paul-Stevensville MI: gr 3-4, organ, choir
NEBRASKA DISTRICT
Megan Hall (Johnson Creek WI) to Beautiful Savior-Grove City OH: gr 3-5, organ (one year)
Andrea Biedenbender (New Ulm MN) to Nebraska LHS: dorm supervisor, instructor (one year)
Michelle Hintz (Franklin TN) to Michigan Lutheran Seminary: tutor (reassigned)
Emily Eckley (Two Rivers WI) to Grace-Geneva NE: gr K-8 (one year)
Jordan Siegler (Manitowoc WI) to Young eun Choi (Seoul) to St. Paul-Rapid St. Paul-Saginaw MI: gr 5, organ, piano City SD: ECE director (one year) Justin Wasser (Salem OR) to Crown of Life-Warren MI: gr 5-8 Debbie Cook (Lenexa KS) to (assignment made permanent) St. Paul-Rapid City SD: gr 2 (one year) Scott Georgson (Lebanon WI) to Good Shepherd-Sioux Falls SD: upper grades
Stephanie Punke (Hartford WI) to Little Lambs Learning Center-Danube MN: ECE director
Kyle Fax (Sun Prairie WI) to Lord of Life-Thornton CO: gr 5-6, youth, coaching Alexander Mielke (Muskego WI) to Nebraska LHS: dorm supervisor, Spanish (one year)
Megan Zamzow (Appleton WI) to St. John-Westland MI: ECE director, organ
Margaret Rasmussen (Oak Creek WI) to Nebraska LHS: dorm supervisor, instructor (one year)
MINNESOTA DISTRICT
Katelynn Steinke (Richfield WI) to Nebraska LHS: science
Joshua Danell (New Ulm MN) to MLC: admissions counselor (reassigned)
NORTH ATLANTIC DISTRICT
Kelly (Hauf) Danell (Manitowoc WI) to St. John-Redwood Falls MN: gr 3-4 (three-quarter time)
Danielle Ross (Sun Prairie WI) to Divine Peace-Largo MD: gr 1-2
Rebecca Flad (Winona MN) to St. Croix LHS: dorm supervisor, instructor (one year) Rebecca Gervais (Bloomer WI) to Cornerstone Early Learning Center-Hugo MN: ECE
NORTHERN WISCONSIN DISTRICT Erin Achey (Clio MI) to Zion-Egg Harbor WI: gr 1-4, organ (assignment made permanent) Megan Bauer (Sturtevant WI) to St. John-Montello WI: gr 1-2, organ
Your District Jennifer Birr (Mankato MN) to Redeemer-Fond du Lac WI: gr 5-6
SOUTH CENTRAL DISTRICT
WESTERN WISCONSIN DISTRICT
Hillery Bristor (Williamston MI) to St. John-Montello WI: ECE director (one year)
Matthew Rieck (Caledonia MN) to Lord of Life-Friendswood TX: gr 3-5
Abby Davis (Lansing MI) to St. Stephen-Beaver Dam WI: gr 4, music
Molly Graumann (Fort Atkinson WI) to First German-Manitowoc WI: K
SOUTHEASTERN WISCONSIN DISTRICT
Jessica (Buller) Klatt (Eagan MN) to Bethany-Manitowoc WI: K Ryan Klatt (New Hope MN) to First German-Manitowoc WI: gr 7-8, principal apprentice Nathan Reich (Hutchinson MN) to St. Paul-Green Bay WI: gr 7-8 Lindsay Sandwith (Edgewood WA) to Redeemer Learning Center-Tomahawk WI: ECE
PACIFIC NORTHWEST DISTRICT Jennifer Keller (Adrian MI) to Little Lambs of Peace Preschool-Eagle River AK: 4-yr-olds Laura Miller (Auburn WA) to Immanuel-Salem OR: gr 1-2
Molly Aschauer (West Bend WI) to St. John-Lomira WI: gr 3-4 Katrina Buchholz (Phoenix) to Risen Savior-Milwaukee: gr 3 (one year) Evan Eisenmann (Appleton WI) to Jerusalem-Morton Grove IL: gr 3-5, athletic director, teens (assignment made permanent) Bailey Fenske (Round Rock TX) to Lord and Savior-Crystal Lake IL: preschool (one year) Anne Goldschmidt (Milwaukee) to Mt. Lebanon-Milwaukee: K5 (one year) Laura Korth (Bay City MI) to Bethlehem-Menomonee Falls WI: gr 5, upper departmentalized (one year)
Levi Dunsmoor (Eagle River WI) to St. Peter-Schofield WI: gr 5-6 Nathan Gurgel (Mequon WI) to Luther Preparatory School: tutor (one year) James Otto (Baraboo WI) to Luther Preparatory School: tutor (one year) Hannah Rothe (Watertown WI) to Luther Preparatory School: tutor (one year) Kimberly Schmill (Manitowoc WI) to St. Paul-Tomah WI: gr 1, organ, youth choir Nicole Schoeneck (Rhinelander WI) to St. John-Lewiston MN: gr K Rachel Sellnow (Wyoming MI) to Luther Preparatory School: tutor (reassigned) Megan Ziel (Ixonia WI) to Luther Preparatory School: tutor (reassigned)
Ryan Schmeling (Menomonie WI) to Grace-Portland OR: gr 5-6, coaching
Lauren (Gross) Mead (Oconomowoc WI) to Calvary-Thiensville WI: gr 2 (two years)
SOUTH ATLANTIC DISTRICT
Elizabeth Murry (Onalaska WI) to St. John-Libertyville IL: gr 4-5, athletic director, coaching
Jennifer Aulich (Mississauga, Ontario) to Crown of Life-Fort Myers FL: gr K-1 (one year)
David Porth (Jackson WI) to Pilgrim-Menomonee Falls WI: gr 7-8 (one year)
2014 GRADUATES ELECTING INTERNATIONAL SERVICE
Jacob Biebert (Neillsville WI) to St. Paul-Beverly Hills FL: gr 5-6, principal training program (one year)
Staci Putz (Lomira WI) to Atonement-Milwaukee: middle school science (one year)
(All have chosen service in Asia)
Elizabeth Henke (New Berlin WI) to Risen Savior-Pooler GA: gr 1
Taylor Traeder (Schofield WI) to St. Matthew-Iron Ridge WI: gr 6-8, athletic director, principal apprentice
Abigail Horn (Mazeppa MN) to New Hope Lutheran Academy-West Melbourne FL: gr 2-3, organ Emily Hunt (Cary NC) to Christ Our Savior Preschool-Columbia TN: ECE director (one year) Jon Kulhanek (Wisconsin Rapids WI) to Bay Pines-Seminole FL: gr 5-6
Hyunje Chang (Seoul) Johannah Crass (Watertown WI) Micah Foelske (Manitowoc WI) Rachel Hein (West Bend WI)
Aimee Ulm (Watertown WI) to Word of Life-Milwaukee: K4
Carlton Heling (Howards Grove WI)
Charles Ungemach (Trevor WI) to St. Marcus-Milwaukee: gr 5 (one year)
Laurel Raether (Palm Bay FL)
Angela Horneber (Lakeside AZ) Carina Rahn (New Ulm MN) Joanna Wordell (Kenosha WI)
Amelia Nemmers (Allen TX) to Divine Savior Academy-Doral FL: gr 2 (one year) mlc-wels.edu 21
S SOLI DEO
Student Honors
on
GLORIA
Congratulations, Senior Award Winners!
(Back row) Justin Eternick (St. John-Waterloo WI): Knight Award Rebecca Engelbrecht (Resurrection-Aurora IL): Knight Award Kimberly Schmill (Immanuel-Manitowoc WI): Leading Education Scholar Award Noah Willitz (King of Kings-Frankenmuth MI): Leading Preseminary Scholar Award & Brooks Scholarship
(Front row) Micah Plocher (St. Luke-Vassar MI): UMAC Scholar Athlete Award & Brooks Scholarship Bethany Schultz (Trinity-Waukesha WI): UMAC Scholar Athlete Award & Knight Award
Peter Plagenz (St. Paul-Manchester WI): Fine Arts Award Russ Scoggins (Holy Word-Austin TX): Service Award & Student Senate President Katrina Buchholz (Emmanuel-Tempe AZ): Via Veritas Vita Award
Student Recitalists 2013-2014 VOICE Rachel Brokmeier (Our Savior-Brookings SD) Katie Kobs (Emanuel-Tawas City MI) Lena Petermann (St. Paul-Saginaw MI) Allison Wessel (St. John-New Ulm MN) Jillian Sonnenberg (Ascension-Jacksonville NC) Aaron Selly (Trinity-Belle Plaine MN) Brandon Gierach (St. Luke-Oakfield WI) Emily Lai (Grace-Yakima WA) Leah Boeder (St. John-New Ulm MN) Ky Grunst (St. John-New Ulm MN) Josh Mose (St. Matthew-Iron Ridge WI)
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Brenda Bauer DMLC 1984 Columbia SD
ORGAN Ethan Brooks (St. Matthew-Janesville WI) Lucas Krogmann (St. Paul-Ixonia WI) John Miller (St. Andrew-Milwaukee) David Porth (Morning Star-Jackson WI) Alyssa Stuebs (Mt. Olive-Appleton WI) PIANO Youngsin Choi (East Seoul Canaan-Seoul, pictured) Shannon Eggers (David’s Star-Jackson WI) Ryan Henning (St. Paul-New Ulm MN) Daniel Stelljes (St. Paul-New Ulm MN) Zachary Unke (St. Paul-Howards Grove WI)
Harry Wiedmann NWC 1944 Wanblee SD
Edward Schaewe NWC 1959 Burns TN
FLUTE Rachel Brokmeier (Our Savior-Brookings SD)
Timothy Henning NWC 1979 Dousman WI
Soli DeoGloria Student Athlete Stand-Outs 2013-2014
Galen Holzhueter (St. Mark-Mankato MN, pictured) broke the MLC baseball records for career stolen bases (33) and triples (nine). He also set new MLC men’s basketball records for career points (1,704), rebounds (680), field goals (671), and free throws (339); and he became the second player in MLC history to record at least 500 points in a single season. Rebecca Engelbrecht (Resurrection-Aurora IL) became the second player in MLC volleyball to notch 1,000 career kills and 1,000 career digs. Hannah Hackbarth (St. Paul-Lake Mills WI) broke the MLC women’s basketball record for career three-point field goals (156) and broke her own MLC single-season record for three-point field goals (61). Jenna Maurer (Good Shepherd-South Attleboro MA) was named UMAC Co-Rookie of the Year in women’s soccer. Bethany Schultz (Trinity-Waukesha WI) was named UMAC Co-Offensive Player of the Year and became the third player in MLC women’s soccer to record at least 100 career points (41 goals + 32 assists = 114 points). Sara Willems (Epiphany-Racine WI) broke the MLC softball single-season record for home runs (eight). Jake Ziel (St. Matthew-Oconomowoc WI) set the new MLC baseball record for career strikeouts (205), broke the school record for career innings pitched (200.2), and was named UMAC Co-Pitcher of the Year.
Athletes Earn Top Academic Honors in UMAC MLC claimed top UMAC team GPA awards in 11 of 15 sports in 2013-2014: Women volleyball (3.454) soccer (3.510) softball (3.51) tennis (3.63) basketball (3.54)
Men soccer (3.203) cross country (3.456) golf (3.240) baseball (3.17) tennis (3.30) track & field (3.32)
Individually, 62 MLC fall athletes and 56 spring athletes made the Academic All-Conference list. Only one other conference school, St. Scholastica-Duluth MN, had more athletes on the list.
Elizabeth Ross MLC 2009 Jemez Springs NM
Jerome Kingsbury NWC 1954 St. Paul MN
Tim Gallert DMLC 1974 Germantown WI
Valerie Olson DMLC 1969 Brunswick GA
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FACULTY RETIREMENTS Professor David Gosdeck WLS ’69 served as instructor at DMLC and pastor at St. John-Lake City MN and Salem-Stillwater MN before being called to Northwestern College in 1985 as librarian and professor of religion. Since the 1995 amalgamation, he has continued this ministry at MLC. In his 19 years at MLC, he chaired or served as a member of many committees, including the Faculty Development Committee and the General Education Committee. “It has been a privilege serving on the faculties of Northwestern College and Martin Luther College with David Gosdeck,” said his MLC colleague, Professor John Schmidt. “Dave faithfully used the many gifts with which the Lord blessed him both in and out of the classroom. His students benefited from his sincere concern, insight into the early church fathers, knowledge of Greek, and well-known sense of humor. His chapel devotions were marked by a clear explanation of the text and relevant applications. His clarity of insight and logical arguments made a valuable contribution to discussions at faculty meetings. He kept the faculty well informed on trends in library science and the growing tension between digital and print media. Improvements to the library and words of appreciation by library staff are a tribute to his many years of faithful service.” In his retirement, Professor Gosdeck plans to continue his independent study of patristics, offer preaching assistance, visit his grandchildren, and enjoy his other hobbies: woodworking, fishing, reading mysteries, and doing projects around the house.
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Professor Barbara Leopold DMLC ’74 has served on this campus since her graduation from DMLC, as high school teacher at Martin Luther Academy and as P.E. professor, coach, athletic director, and assistant athletic director at D/MLC. She coached the softball team for 37 years and at different times also coached or assistant-coached men’s and women’s cross country, women’s basketball, volleyball, and women’s track. She served on the Athletic Committee, Faculty Development Committee, Curriculum Oversight Committee, and Social Committee. MLC Athletic Director Jim Unke said: “Barb Leopold has been a real role model for our female athletes, and it goes far beyond the athletic field with life lessons. Anyone who plays for her certainly benefits. Also, over the years, she has become the voice of reason and a very steadying influence on the developing UMAC conference. She is really going to be missed on our campus.” Coach Leopold plans to stay in New Ulm and continue to follow MLC sports. She also hopes to visit more with her family, spend more time at the lake, and do some traveling in the States.
Dr. John Nolte DMLC ’68 served as teacher and musician at St. Paul-Tomah WI and Lakeside LHS before being called to Dr. Martin Luther College in 1986 as professor of music. At D/MLC he served at various times as the music division chair, a member of the Writing/Communicating across the Curriculum Committee and the Scheduling Committee, and the leader of audio-visual services. His colleague Dr. Wayne Wagner said: “John faithfully used his many gifts and abilities for the benefit of students and colleagues at MLC. Among other duties, he served as teacher, choir conductor, coordinator of the piano program, music division chair, and audio-visual leader. “Dependable, efficient, focused, pragmatic, but also caring and willing to listen are words to describe John. While certainly having his own reasoned convictions about the way something should be done, John was willing to seek and listen to the thoughts of others. He worked to achieve consensus and respected the viewpoints of others, even when he did not agree with a resulting decision. “John expressed two viewpoints about life and ministry that reveal much about him. Keeping in mind God’s providence in one’s ministry, a favorite phrase of his was, ‘The Lord knows your address.’ A second was that everyone has been given unique challenges in life. Taken together, these express John’s confidence that our Lord is with us always, giving us his blessing within what we are able to bear.
Professor Robert Potratz DMLC ’73 taught at St. Paul-Menomonie WI (emergency teacher), St. Stephen-Beaver Dam WI, St. Paul-Saginaw MI, and Trinity-Neenah WI before being called to MLC as professor of music in 1999. At MLC he taught organ, directed the Handbell Choir and the Women’s Choir, and served on the Athletic Committee, Financial Aid Committee, and Evangelism Day Committee. “Specific needs lead to specific duties in divinely issued calls,” says friend and colleague, Professor David Bauer. “For Professor Robert Potratz, the specific need was made clear in the initial phone call from then-President Ted Olsen: organ instruction. And while Bob has constantly served in this area, other needs have arisen over his 15 years as professor of music. He’s always been willing to serve, always willing to add another item onto an already full plate. Bob, we need someone to direct the Women’s Choir. I’ll do it. And Bob, there’s the Handbell Choir, music history courses, Intro to Music and Vocal Skills, accompanying a choir. I’ll do it. Bob, an organist is needed for the MVL Christmas concert, a choir director at St. John’s, a presenter on organ improvisation at the WELS National Worship Conference. I’ll do it. . . . Bob, your gifts and your spirit of service have been a model for all of us. We will miss both!” In his retirement, Professor Potratz plans to spend more time with his family.
“Division members will remember John as an able, caring, and compassionate colleague, as well as a Christian husband, father, grandfather, and son.” Also retiring is John’s wife, Instructor Lanita Nolte DMLC ’68, who served as teacher at Palos Lutheran-Palos Heights IL and Minnesota Valley LHS before joining the MLC faculty as an adjunct piano instructor in 1995. Professor and Mrs. Nolte plan to stay in New Ulm. Lanita will continue teaching piano lessons, and John hopes to find a parttime job. They plan to travel, enjoy the school activities of their grandchildren, and attend MLC concerts, drama events, and football and basketball games.
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FACULTY RETIREMENTS (CONTINUED) Dr. David Wendler DMLC ’70 served as teacher of grades 3-8 and principal at Riverview-Appleton WI before being called to DMLC in 1980 as professor of education. In 2000, he also assumed the duties of vice president for academics. During his 34 years on this campus, he chaired the education division, the Admissions Committee, the Curriculum Oversight Committee, the Early Childhood Learning Center Building Committee, and the International Student Admissions Committee, and served as member and advisory member of about a dozen other committees and task forces. At D/MLC, Dr. Wendler worked with various colleagues to introduce many new initiatives, including off-campus inservice programs (1986), on-campus Early Field Experience (1990), WELS National Literacy Conventions (1992, 1994), licensure for teachers (1999), and the Master of Science in Education program (2005). Since 1998, he has served on the Higher Learning Commission as a reviewer of other colleges and universities. “Dave and Marlene have been dear friends since we arrived in New Ulm in 1981,” said Professor Emeritus Mark Lenz. “Over the years we have traveled with them to various places in the world and in America. Dave’s ability to befriend people and make them feel at ease wherever we’ve gone has been a beautiful thing to behold. His love and compassion for others who are ill, who are troubled, or who have lost a loved one are amazing examples of his Christian faith in action.”
Dr. Lenz continues: “He has a personality that makes it possible for him to lead and make decisions in a way that usually invites others gladly to follow. Decisions he has had to make over the years have not always been easy nor have they been popular with some, but because he was convinced these were things that needed to be done for the good of the kingdom, it never seemed to bother him greatly. And what an amazing support Marlene has been down through the years.” In his retirement, Dr. Wendler plans to spend time with his grandchildren, teach graduate courses in the MLC Master of Science in Education program, and continue accreditation work for the Higher Learning Commission.
Parting Words from our Retiring Professors Keep your eyes always on the prize of your high calling in Christ.........................................Dave Gosdeck Live each day to its fullest. Smile and find something positive in everyone and everything. Remember that serving God and others is a responsibility and a privilege.......................................... Barb Leopold Observe the professors, pastors, teachers, and staff ministers that serve you to gain valuable insights into ministry. Observe how God uses the gentle voice of a humble preacher, the eloquent message of a gifted preacher, or the inspiring lesson of an enthusiastic and effective teacher to preach and teach the gospel. Learn as much as you can from these role models to help prepare you for ministry....................... John Nolte Always find joy in service...................Bob Potratz Reflect the love of Christ in all you do, for ministry is all about serving people with that light.........................................Dave Wendler
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New Faculty for 2013-2014 Professor of Chinese: Tingting Zhang Schwartz Professor of physical education with coaching: Matthew Pearson MLC ‘97 (formerly at Abiding Word-Houston TX) Professor of math and instructional technology: James Carlovsky MLC ’03 (formerly at Kettle Moraine LHS) Professor of music: Grace Hennig DMLC ’89 (formerly music instructor at MLC) Professor of urban ministry: Benjamin Clemons MLC ’03 (formerly at Mt. Lebanon-Milwaukee) Lead teacher at Early Childhood Learning Center: Natalie Borgwardt DMLC ’90 (formerly at New Ulm HeadStart) Tutor: Ryan Kolander WLS student Admissions Counselor: David Starr WLS ’14
In Memoriam Martin Schroeder 1927-2013 Delmar C. Brick
1918-2013
Wayne Ten Broek 1918-2013
Thank you for your ministry! We thanked the Lord of the Church for the ministries of these professors celebrating milestone anniversaries: Celebrating 40 years in ministry (back row): John Schmidt, Barbara Leopold, Robert Potratz, and Steven Thiesfeldt. Celebrating 25 years in ministry (front row): Paul Koelpin, Rebecca Cox, and Ross Stelljes. At the celebratory banquet, Student Senate President Russell Scoggins (Holy Word-Austin TX, below) thanked these—and all—MLC professors for their service. Here is an excerpt of Russ’s speech: I am here to extend the gratitude that the student body has for each of you. I’d like to start by taking you back 11 years. Eleven years ago, there was a man earnestly praying for each of you. He didn’t know he was praying for you specifically. You see, about 11 years ago this 50-year-old man had just been diagnosed with terminal cancer. He prayed: Dear God, it would seem that my time here on this earth is coming to a close. Please surround my family and especially my two young boys with godly men and godly women—godly men and women that are dedicated to seeing them grow in their faith and cling to their Savior. Please put godly men and women in their lives that will model Christian leadership, responsibility, love and humility—men and women that will train them to be champions of the gospel. That man was my father. And every single day of the four years I’ve been on this campus, you’ve been an answer to that man’s earnest prayers—in ways that he never could have imagined. As you teach, and carry yourself, and live your life according to that beautiful presupposition of the gospel, the LORD does great and mighty things for the young men and women here. Thank you for your patience and your instruction, your correction and your praise. You have imparted more of your knowledge to us than you know. Thank you for dedicating yourselves to seeing us grow in our lives of faith and for pointing us back to our Savior. Thank you for modeling Christian love, leadership, and faithfulness. You are an answer to prayer.
mlc-wels.edu 27
S SOLI DEO
on
GLORIA
Finances
MLC Ranks High in 2013-2014 As the WELS College of Ministry, we strive to provide a high quality education at a low cost. As an MLC supporter, you help us do that! Two recent rankings validate these efforts. We thank God—and all of you—for these blessings! #3 in Nation for Best Bang-for-the-Buck: MLC earned the #3 slot in Washington Monthly’s 2013 “Best Bang-for-the-Buck” Baccalaureate Colleges.
Top 100 Best Value Colleges in Nation: The Educate to Career (ETC) Index ranked MLC #46 out of 1222 US colleges for best value. This puts MLC in the top 4% of US colleges. High-ranking colleges exhibit these characteristics: • A high percentage of new graduates are employed in their field of study • A majority of students graduate in 4 or 5 years • Earnings of new graduates are relatively high • Loan default rates are very low President Mark Zarling Responds: “Such rankings certainly provide us reason to rejoice in the blessings our Savior has poured out upon our efforts. Yet above all, as the WELS College of Ministry, we trust that our Lord Jesus will continue to guide us in our unique mission to prepare gospel ministers for the church, and we trust that the Good Shepherd will direct the use of all our graduates according to his gracious plan for their lives.”
High-ranking colleges are marked by . . . • Low sticker prices • High percentage of students graduating • High rates of financial assistance • Low loan default rates
For a full report on MLC’s financial aid, tuition costs, student debt, and synod subsidy, go to mlc-wels.edu/go/in-focus-may14
Thank You! Ladies’ Auxiliary Funds $18K in Projects The Ladies’ Auxiliary funded all 11 projects on its 2013-2014 list. Totaling $18,000, these included three standing projects—scholarships, library materials, and Daylight student ministry—as well as extra-budgetary items in education, music, and early childhood. Next year’s projects will be chosen at the annual fall meeting Saturday, October 25. In other areas of support, the Auxiliary will again staff a hospitality tent Orientation Weekend, and their Befriend a Student program is growing. Gifts are welcome. Send a check to MLC Ladies’ Auxiliary, 1995 Luther Court, New Ulm MN 56073, or donate online. For more info, go to mlc-wels.edu and type “Auxiliary” in the search box. Pictured Front: Neola Raasch, Jan Cummings, Dinah Spurgin (1st VP) Leann Reich, Elaine Steffen (Secretary); Middle: Dan Reich (Pastoral advisor), 2014 Auxiliary Board members Pat Grabitske, Joanne Pomije, Sue Post, Mickey Petersen; Back: Donna Dose, Joyce Neyhart, Maribeth Wong (2nd VP), Karen Kohls (Treasurer), Laurie Millner (President)
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Glenn Davis DMLC 1984 Ann Arbor MI
Jeffrey Stellick NWC 1994 Bonneylake WA
Rachel Peter DMLC 1979 Jenera OH
Seth Wilke MLC 2004 Redwood Falls MN
Governing Board Digest The following summaries were submitted by Vice President for Administration Steven Thiesfeldt DMLC ’74.
September 26-27, 2013
February 20-21, 2014
• Approved calling a professor to teach P.E. and coach women’s athletics. [Subsequently, Matthew Pearson accepted call.]
• Thanked Mr. Jonathan Scharlemann for his year of part-time service provided as a resource development counselor.
• Approved calling a professor to teach mathematics and instructional technology. [Subsequently, James Carlovsky accepted call.]
• Approved calling a music professor. [Subsequently, Grace Hennig accepted call.]
• Approved a search for a director of library services. [Subsequently, Linda Kramer was hired.] • Approved establishment of Chinese as a language offering, continuing its use as a minor for education students and adding it as a non-biblical language option for preseminary students. • Approved calling a professor to teach Chinese. Grant funding will be sought for this position in 2014-15, and budgetary funding will be allocated beginning with the 2015-16 school year. [Subsequently, Tingting Zhang Schwartz accepted call.] • Approved establishment of an urban ministry minor. • Adopted the Title IX Policy prepared and proposed by Vice President Jeffrey Schone. • Approved a Study Abroad pilot program for up to four students a year. • Directed that all teacher candidates presented for assignment be eligible for a Minnesota teaching license, recognizing that Minnesota teacher licensure requirements change over time. • Approved the designation of $125,000 to program maintenance (bringing the total to $625,000) and $242,760 to the Economic Stabilization Fund (bringing the total to $2,319,472).
• Approved calling an urban ministry professor. [Subsequently, Benjamin Clemons accepted call.] • Approved the establishment of an international services office to coordinate all international admissions, orientation, assimilation, accommodations, and post-graduation status issues. • Approved a capital expenditure of $625,000 for an elevator in the chapel, a reception area in the chapel basement, and a handicap-accessible entrance to the Luther Student Center. • Approved the filling of coaching vacancies, as presented in the Athletic Department Strategic Plan. • Thanked outgoing members Keith Bowe, Jonathan Hahm, Stephen Loehr, Duane Rodewald, and William Steinbrenner for their service. • Initiated a review of the document “Application of Scriptural Principles of Man and Woman Roles at Martin Luther College,” adopted in 1996. The study will continue at a future meeting. • Ratified an annual distribution of $130,636.50 from the Romberg Supporting Foundation for tuition assistance. • Approved a change to the Residence Occupancy Guidelines, stipulating that MLC-owned residences are to be used for transitional, temporary housing, not permanent housing.
• Adjusted funds for student assistance, leaving a balance of $1,660,540 at the end of fiscal year 2013. • Approved student fee increases of 5% for 2014-15, bringing tuition, room and board charges to $18,020. A corresponding 5% increase in need-based financial assistance was also approved. • Received a report from auditing firm CliftonLarsonAllen showing that MLC achieved a Department of Education composite financial ratio of 2.9 (on a 3.0 scale). The college received an unqualified opinion with no material weaknesses on its recent financial statements, the highest category possible.
Stefanie Matteson MLC 2009 Arvada CO
Paul Schaefer NWC 1984 Chesterfield MO
We thank our Lord for five MLC Governing Board members who are retiring: Keith Bowe, Jonathan Hahm, Stephen Loehr, Duane Rodewald, and William Steinbrenner, four of whom served the maximum of two terms (12 years). Their wise leadership and prayerful guidance helped pilot the college through much growth and change. See the full list of governing board members on page 2.
Quincy Wiley NWC 1969 San Carlos AZ
Mary Perkins DMLC 1964 Davison MI
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Focus On Special Offer: Alumni Sweatshirts Show Your School Spirit! For a limited time, DMLC, MLC, and NWC alumni sweatshirts are available for purchase at a specially discounted rate. These high-quality crew sweatshirts feature a full front screen print of the school name, seal, and alumni oval set on a sweatshirt in Retro Grey (DMLC), Retro Black (MLC), or Retro Red (NWC). Sizes: Adult S-3XL. Normal price in the MLC bookstore will be $30, but if you place your order by August 25, you may purchase one for $22.50 or 2 for $40. Order more than 2 for just $20 each. Shipping is available to anywhere in the US for $7.50 (first sweatshirt) and $2.50 for each additional one. (Avoid shipping costs by picking them up in the MLC Bookstore!) To order, go to mlc-wels.edu and type “Alumni sweatshirt” in the search box. Or contact the alumni office at alumni@mlc-wels.edu or 507-354-8221 x387.
Alumni, Please Share Your Shots! DMLC, NWC, MLC, MLA The MLC archive collection needs your pictures of dorm life at DMLC, MLC, NWC, and MLA. We’d prefer digitals, but we’ll accept printed copies too—if you’re willing to let them remain in our collection. Three easy ways to share: 1. Upload up to 3 of your digital photos online at mlc-wels.edu/alumni/photo-submit 2 Email your digital photos to alumni@mlc-wels.edu 3. Mail your printed copies to MLC Alumni Relations, 1995 Luther Ct, New Ulm MN 56073 2 MLC PRIZE PACKS awarded! – Best Photo – Random Drawing Deadline: August 31
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Gwen Kammueller DMLC 1984 Waukesha WI
Nathan Kieselhorst DMLC 1989 Cedarburg WI
Jodie Schumacher DMLC 1979 Arlington VA
Lynn Hukee NWC 1974 Santa Ana CA
Homecoming – September 26-28, 2014 FRIDAY
10:30 am 2:00 pm 4:15 pm TBD
Morning Chapel - Chapel of the Christ Women’s Soccer v North Central Men’s Soccer v North Central Talent Show - WCC Auditorium Burning of the “M” - Luther Hollow
SATURDAY
9:00 am Sprinter Campus Fun Run - Sprinter Statue 10 am–1 pm Alumni / Parent Registration - Luther Student Center Lobby 10 am–1 pm Family Fun Zone - Between Gym & Football Bowl 12:00 pm Women’s Soccer v Northwestern 1:00 pm Football v Greenville 2:15 pm Men’s Soccer v Northwestern 4–7:30 pm Alumni Social - Holiday Inn
SUNDAY
9:30 am Homecoming Service - Chapel of the Christ 10:30–noon Brunch - Luther Student Center Cafeteria TBD Men’s Soccer v WLS
Special Alumni Events Sprinter Fun Run – Saturday, 9-10 am • 1-mile run on campus • For family & friends of all ages • Register for adult & kiddy t-shirts at 2014sprinterfunrun.eventbrite.com • Amazing door prizes
James Mathis NWC 1989 Pompano Beach FL
William Besler NWC 1964 Detroit MI
Alumni Social – Saturday, 4-7:30 pm • Location: Holiday Inn • Drink tickets available • Snacks provided • Catch up with MLC profs and other alumni & friends
Anne Petersen MLC 2004 Eagle River WI
Thomas Rosenow MLC 2009 Manitowoc WI
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Who’s an ECE director in Tennessee? Who’s a principal apprentice and grade 3-5 teacher in California? Who’s leading youth choir in Wisconsin? Who’s a coach and athletic director in Illinois? Who’s teaching second grade in Maryland? Who’s teaching math and science at West LHS? Who’s a principal apprentice and grade 7-8 teacher in Wisconsin? Who’s an ECE director and organist in Michigan? Who’s teaching middle grade science in Milwaukee? Who’s teaching grades 3-5 in Texas? Who’s teaching English in Southeast Asia? Who’s teaching upper grades in South Dakota? Who’s a tutor at Michigan Lutheran Seminary? Who’s enrolling at Seminary?
The 2014 Graduates of MARTIN LUTHER COLLEGE
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