KnightWatch - March 2012

knightwatch M a r t in Lu t h e r Coll e ge

• Open Doors and a World of Opportunity • Knights Advance to NCAA Tournament • Teachers Tell Their Stories 1995 Luther Court New Ulm, MN 56073 Address Service Requested

MARCH 2012

MLC

NON-PROFIT U.S. POSTAGE PAID OWATONNA, MN 55060 PERMIT #110

march 2012

Open Doors and a World KnightWatch Staff WRITER/EDITOR

Laurie Gauger ’86 GRAPHIC DESIGNER

Lime Valley Advertising, Inc. PHOTOGRAPHERS

William Pekrul ’80, PR Director Catherine St. John Rebecca Wilkens PROOFREADERS

Heidi Schoof ’86 Phil Biedenbender

Office of Admissions DIRECTOR

Mark Stein ’92 COUNSELORS

Ross Stelljes WLS ’89 Lori Unke ’83 Nicolas Schmoller WLS ’10 Daniel Gawrisch ’08

College Administration PRESIDENT

Mark Zarling WLS ’80

Students who graduate with an MLC education degree see nothing but open doors and a world of opportunity ahead of them.

MLC is a fantastic option if you are looking for a job immediately upon graduation.

In the last five years, even though the economy is tough, 91% of education majors available for an assignment call did receive one.

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

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

to a public school in Wisconsin, Arizona, Florida—or wherever—and you’ll be a shining light in that community for sure.

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

Door #5 – Trailblazer: If you graduate

and then decide that a classroom just isn’t for you, you will still be prepared as an outstanding layperson in a congregation and a well-rounded employee in a variety of

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

VP for ACADEMICS

David Wendler ’70 VP for ADMINISTRATION

Steven Thiesfeldt ’74 VP for MISSION ADVANCEMENT

Jon Scharlemann VP for STUDENT LIFE

Jeffrey Schone WLS ’87 KnightWatch is published by Martin Luther College and is intended to inform, inspire, and motivate young people who are considering enrolling at MLC to prepare for public ministry in the Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod.

Comments are welcomed and should be directed to gaugerlf@mlc-wels.edu or Martin Luther College KnightWatch 1995 Luther Court New Ulm MN 56073.

Door #1 – Call Assignment: You

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

Door #2 – International Ministry:

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

Door #3 – Public School Educator:

On our cover: The Wind Symphony 2012 tour bus

MLC education majors also qualify for state licensure. In fact, only at MLC will you graduate with a state teaching license and synod certification. Bring your servant attitude and extensive professional training

fields. Your Bachelor of Science in Education degree shows future employers that you not only have knowledge skills, you also have people skills. So be a trailblazer and set the bar high in a different career.

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

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

By Admissions Counselor Dan Gawrisch ’08

of Opportunity

Door #1: Call Assignment Andrew Becker ’11 was assigned to St. Marcus-Milwaukee.

He is the lead 6th grade teacher and coach of grade 5-6 boys’ basketball. His duties also include an after-school power hour and Saturday school.

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

Door #3: Teach in Public School Marshall Milbrath ’08 moved to Manassas VA after graduation.

He taught 8th grade science at Metz Middle School and coached cross country and track at Osbourn HS. He earned his master’s degree in curriculum and instruction, completed USA Track & Field Levels 1 and 2 Coaching Certification (you’ll find him in the USA Track and Field Coaches’ Registry), and finished EMT/ Firefighter training. Now he’s the chemistry teacher at South Lakes HS in Reston VA and has applied for another master’s program in exercise physiology.

Be in the Know!

Read KnightWatch Weekly and MLC SportsPage, two weekly e-newsletters written specifically for high schoolers!

You’ll see who led the team in scoring and who got the lead in the play, what the Student Senate and the Green Club

are up to, and why everyone is hitting the cafeteria after 10 pm. Just ask your guidance counselor which bulletin board they’re hiding on—or grab them yourself at mlc-wels.edu/pr/publications.

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

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

MLC Wi

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12

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MLC Students Pay

MLC Room & Board:

only 50%

Even MORE Than You Bargained For Raise your hand if you’ve eaten in our cafeteria. You love it, right? Thanks to Pioneer College Caterers, you can eat as much as you want, as often as you want, from 7 am to midnight.

That’s why the following statistic is so astounding: Martin Luther College made the U.S. News Short List for least expensive room and board (read: dorm room and meal plan). At $4,390, our room and board is the sixth least expensive in the country! No other school in Minnesota, Michigan, or Wisconsin even made the list.

That’s right: Fork over just a little bit of cash and then stick your fork in a whole lotta steak and salad, meatloaf and mashed potatoes, lasagna and garlic bread, stir-fry, pizza, tacos—and a delightfully excessive array of desserts. Eat up in our sunny atrium or the sports-bar area. Stop in after 10 pm for live music before heading back to the dorms.

Tell your parents that MLC will keep you warm and fed—and it won’t cost an arm and a leg!

Did you know that you will pay for about half of your college costs every year at MLC? That’s right. Just before the end of the first semester, we celebrate Tuition Freedom Day. On that day (December 14 in 2011), the average MLC student is “freed” from the cost of the year’s tuition. The second semester is paid for by others!

Who are these “others”? WELS congregational mission offerings will pick up 25% of the cost, individual donors who fund scholarships and grants will pay 15%, and government grants will pay for the last 10%.

You pay half. It’s a pretty good deal!

We’re grateful to the thousands of Christian brothers and sisters who generously support our ministry—and your education!

To see a short video presentation, go to mlc-wels.edu/pr/videos.

Who's Paying for Your Ministry Training?

Focus on Ministry visitors enjoy the caf!

Government

10%

We’re

good for It

Scholarships & Grants

15%

In a September 1, 2010, US News & World Report article, MLC was recognized as having one of the highest loan repayment rates in the country. Of the 8,412 colleges in the United States whose students have federal loans, MLC is tied for fifth place in loan repayment. Between October 2008 and September 2009, 90% of our students started to repay their loans. Director of Financial Aid Gene Slettedahl said, “What a tribute to our graduates and the faithfulness they are exhibiting in honoring their obligations.”

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Tyler 4Prekop (Kettle Moraine LHS)

in their own words

Student and Family Tuition Payment

Synod Subsidy (Congregational Mission Offerings)

50%

25%

He started young: Since I was 5, I wanted to be a pastor. I actually did shut-in calls at that age with my pastor. I loved doing Sunday school for four years, and I led a Teen Bible/Discussion class for two years. Plus all the little tasks of fixing things and helping out in general around the church.

In another congregation: I did a Daylight trip to Colorado in the summer, and it was absolutely fantastic. It was a great experience to see another congregation and get a feel for the differences between serving in my own and somewhere halfway across the US. Making friends at MLC is . . . Really easy. They’re everywhere. You just have to walk up and talk to someone. My friends and I disc golf, go bowling, take many trips to Mankato to go exploring or do whatever, and do lots of video games and TV watching.

Sophomore, Preseminary Studies Soccer, Intramurals

MLC Clubs:

Anchor’s Mission Is to Serve

Students enjoy the bonfire at Anchor’s Harvest Hoedown.

College students may struggle to pay the bills, but that doesn’t stop ours from sharing what they have with others.

The Anchor service club raised $500+ at their annual Harvest Hoedown. Secretary Emily Chandonnet (Monroe HS-MI) reports that their “Trick or Treat for Our Troops” featured a boot camp obstacle course, DJ and dance, bonfire, costume contest, archery, caramel apples, pie eating, and pumpkin carving.

In March they’ll pull out all the stops for “Puttin’ on the Ritz: Old Hollywood Dance and Game Night,” a tux-and-gown event to raise funds for Christian Aid and Relief.

In between, they’ll lead games and songs at a local nursing home every Wednesday, and they’re planning a 1950s night with the residents, complete with dancing.

Anchor is a busy club with a mission to serve others as they remain anchored in Christ, community, and Christian fellowship. Sound like a club you’d like to join? New members—and new ideas—are always welcome!

Campus Clubs AND ORGANIZATIONS Here’s a sampling. Take your pick or establish one of your own!

Anchor Service Club • Art Club • Astronomy Club • Aulic • AVCO • Campus Tour Guides • Children’s Theater • Dorm Council Fall Musical • German Club • Intramural Board • Meet Math • Outdoor Adventure Club • Outdoor Classical Theater Readers’ Theater • Recruitment Hosts • Renaissance Faire • Student Ambassadors • Student Senate Studium Excitare • Winter Play • Writing Club

MLC Clubs:

Student Athlete Advisory Committee The Student Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC) is an important organization that “fosters leadership and responsibility,” says Athletic Director Jim Unke. SAAC includes one student-athlete from each of our 16 intercollegiate sports. They help make campus athletic decisions, run the concession stand to fund non-budgeted projects, plan halftime contests and activities, make and sell Roo Crew T-shirts, do community projects, and—in general—serve MLC, New Ulm, our conference, and the NCAA. The board this year: President Justin Danell (MVL), Vice President Ben Schone (MVL), and Secretary Erica Babinec (Luther).

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SAAC President Justin Danell is primarily a basketball player, but he keeps busy in the off-season with other athletic activities like reffing powderpuff football.

Hardest adjustment to college: Being over 1,800 miles away from home.

I miss family, friends, weather, and food the most. A good cure is to get involved and stay busy.

Maybe someday: I’d like to be a high school teacher and coach, start a basketball program back home in Escondido, California.

If you don’t know, he says: Pray. Talk to former MLC students about it.

Try to sit in on some grade school classrooms and be a teacher’s assistant for a few days or talk with your pastor about the ministry. Maybe lead a Sunday school class.

Benjamin (California LHS) Dull5

Elementary Ed / Physical Ed w w w . m l c - w e l s . eFirst-Year, du

Men’s Basketball, Student Athletic Advisory Committee, Piano, Men’s Choir, Intramurals

in their own words

Touring and Texting with the MLC

Wind Symphony

MLC’s Wind Symphony took a mini-tour in February. Because an itinerary only says so much, we thought we’d let some texts from Rachel Brokmeier (LPS) and Nate Wordell (West) tell the rest of the story.

Wednesday, February 8 Concert@Bloomington LC [Nate] Peter Plagenz (WLA) introduced the bus rules which include - do not use bathroom, no jokes about bassoons, freshmen must write a poem about each concert site and friendly mocking critiques of each section.

[Rachel] A lovely sonnet was composed by Leah Boeder (MVL), Isaiah Horn (LPS), and Kendra Korth (LPS).

Thursday, February 9 Concert@Salem LES-Stillwater MN Concert@Manitowoc LHS [Nate] During the critiques, flute player Lauren Grove (Century HS-MN) poked fun at the brass: “After your performance in ‘Procession of the Nobles’ it was appropriate that our next selection was a funeral march!”

[Rachel] After dinner at the Grace Center, we went to the Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra concert. Now swimming at hotel, board games, exploring Milwaukee.

Saturday, February 11 Concert@Wisconsin Lutheran College Friday, February 10 Concert@St. John LES-Wauwatosa WI Fish Fry@Grace-Milwaukee Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra Concert [Rachel] One highlight of the bus ride yesterday was the “dating game” with Lauren Grove and her bachelors, Charlie Ungemach (Shoreland, who won), Marcus Henning (Nebraska), and Isaiah Horn. Today it was Noah Willitz (MLS) and his bachelorettes, Katie Kobs (MLS, who is his girlfriend and who won), Claire Czaplewski (KML), and Abby Horn (LPS).

[Nate] At the alumni fish fry, I had a great conversation about the state of music in our synod schools with Prof. Wurster and Mr. and Mrs. Moeller from LPS.

[Rachel] Went to Organ Piper Pizza where an organist takes requests while we eat.

The last song was a polka, and Joanna and Nate Wordell (West) got up and began to polka! Soon polka-ing MLC couples filled the restaurant!

Sunday, February 12 Worship@St. Jacobi-Greenfield WI [Nate] After eating breakfast in the church’s gym between services, a spontaneous game of “skirts and slacks basketball” arose for the second consecutive year on tour.

Sound like fun? Wind Symphony is open to all instrumentalists by audition. Next year you could be playing the trumpet—or the Dating Game—with the MLC Wind Symphony.

Thumbs Up

for Winter Carnival!

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Peter 6Plagenz (Winnebago Lutheran Academy)

in their own words

Winter Carnival 2012, “The Knights Network,” was a big success! To see a video montage of the talent show, go to mlc-wels.edu/pr/ For pictures of snow sculptures, videos. broomball, speedball, talent show, hockey, skating, Mr. Concord, and Ugliest Man on Campus, go to mlc-wels.edu » Picture Gallery » 2011-2012 » Winter Carnival.

Pastor? No way: My first three years of high school I wasn't sure what I wanted to do, but I did know I didn't want to be a pastor. My senior year, that changed. When I started thinking about going into the ministry, I kept finding more and more benefits. Being constantly surrounded by the Word was really appealing to me. So I gave it a try and headed up to MLC, and now, one and a half years later, I love it!

What he likes most: Dorm life and choir/band. Dorms: I commuted about an hour to my high school every day, so having a short walk to my classes is a pleasant change. Also, living with all the guys is a lot of fun! It's so easy to set up a pick-up basketball or volleyball game. Choir/Band: I've always been involved in music and it's a blessing to be able to continue that. I love being able to use my God-given talents to praise him along with so many other extraordinarily talented people.

Sophomore, Preseminary M a rStudies t i n L u t h e r C o ll e g e Track, Intramurals, College Choir, Wind Symphony, Forum (Drama), Student Senate, Student Athletic Advisory Committee, Pastoral Motivation Committee

New Course

College Choir

Offering!

Anchors in Anchorage

Register for Mandarin Now

For the first time ever, the Martin Luther College Choir sang at our congregations in Anchorage, Eagle River, Kenai, and Wasilla, Alaska.

Next year (2012-2013), we’ll offer Intro to Chinese Language & Culture and Elementary Mandarin I. The following year (2013-2014), we’ll add Elementary Mandarin II and Intermediate Mandarin I.

Students sent text messages back to MLC about the snow, the mountains, the moose that ran in front of the bus, and the musk ox stroganoff. But the highlight was sharing the gospel in song with fellow believers in Alaska.

The February 24-March 4 tour also included stops at LPS and WLA, as well as TrinityWaukesha WI, St. John-Waterloo WI, St. Peter-Schofield WI, St. Paul-Menomonie WI, and Christ-North St. Paul MN.

Choral Fest at MLC! What could be better than seeing 450 of you filling our gym with music—all to the glory of God! We were honored to host 22 high schools November 11-13 for the 2011 Choral Fest, “Let All the World in Every Corner Sing.”

Check out pictures of both the pops and sacred concerts at mlc-wels.edu » Picture Gallery » 2011-2012 » National Choral Fest.

Then, if you’re here at MLC in the next year or two, glance at the photos again. You’ll

Luther High School

be amazed that many of those “strangers” from other high schools are now your classmates at MLC, all of you developing your musical gifts to serve our Lord and his church.

Music Majors & Minors at MLC • • • •

Elementary Ed major w/music minor K-12 Instrumental Music major K-12 Vocal Music major Parish Music major

Wisconsin Lutheran High School

He always knew: Ever since I was little, I’ve always wanted to be a pastor, so MLC is the place to be.

Gettin’ a little crazy: Going Slip N’ Sliding with my friends in the sprinklers at midnight was definitely one of the craziest and most fun things I’ve done at MLC. You think it’s cold? If you’re worried about the weather, don’t be. I walk around campus every day in shorts and a T-shirt. It really never gets that cold in New Ulm.

Lakeside Lutheran High School

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Michigan Lutheran Seminary

Nathanael (Luther Prep) Jensen7 w w w . m l c - w e l s . e d u First-Year, Preseminary Studies

Forum (Musical), Tennis, Organ, Intramurals

in their own words

We Loved Having You Here!

We were excited to host hundreds of you for Focus on Ministry visits— public school students from Florida, South Carolina, Michigan, Texas, Wisconsin, Nevada, Alabama, and Minnesota; and Lutheran high school students from ALA, Great Plains, St. Croix, WISCO, Manitowoc, WLA, Luther Prep, Fox Valley, Lakeside, Luther High, Rocky Mountain, Kettle Moraine, Northland, Shoreland, Minnesota Valley, Evergreen, West, Michigan, Huron Valley, Illinois, MLS, and Divine Savior Academy.

You told us your highlights were the cafeteria, the Early Childhood Learning Center, and (overwhelmingly) chapel. Here’s what else some students liked: Lakeside: I love the campus, the people, and God’s Word all over the place.

Rocky Mountain: I loved being able to go to the campus and not paying a whole bunch of money to go. I really appreciate the fact that you fund it for us.

Focus on California Lutheran HS

MANITOWOC Lutheran HS

KETTLE MORAINE Lutheran HS

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Luke Bramstedt (Manitowoc LHS)

in their own words

NORTHLAND

WINNEBAGO Lutheran

He loves chapel: Everyone in there wants to be there, sharing God’s Word with you. It’s not a requirement, it’s a privilege. Chapel definitely aids in you growing in faith, but just having a constant group of young Christians around you nurtures your faith daily.

Making friends at MLC: EASY!!! There are all sorts of people up here, from New Hampshire to California, and from Florida to Arizona, and everywhere in-between. It’s easy to make great new friends! We like video games, half-off apps at Applebee’s, jamming with the band (Man Chest Hairs), cranking up the tunes, watching movies, driving into town, going to dances, going to sporting events…and sometimes just sitting around and talking.

His advice: Give MLC a try. There isn’t a penalty for finding out this isn’t the place for you, but if you dare to give it a try, you may very well find out it is the right place. In the end, you will end up wherever God wants you to be, so don’t worry about it. God will guide you.

First-Year, Preseminary Studies Football, Chorale, Track, Organ

Lakeside: Nice professors, great students, great campus.

WLA: The best part was staying with a student in the dorm, because they answered a lot of my questions from a student standpoint.

WISCO: I liked chilling with college students and seeing what they do.

Rocky Mountain: Everyone said hi to me.

Lakeside: It showed me hands-on the inside beat of ministry and college life.

ALA: Thanks, MLC, for letting me come and experience this unique opportunity. I look forward to coming here in the future.

Thank YOU for coming, Focus on Ministry visitors! We hope to see you next year, as visitors or—even better—as students!

For more Focus on Ministry pictures, please go to mlc-wels.edu » Picture Gallery » 2011-2012 » Campus Life » Focus on Ministry.

Shoreland: Compline—loved it!

Ministry

D Lutheran HS

ROCKY MOUNTAIN Lutheran HS

utheran ACADEMY

She’s got a great job: I’m the coordinator for the New Friends program.

I set up the meetings, working with the cafeteria and Jesus Cares Ministry to spread the Word of God to the special needs people in New Ulm. It’s such a great experience to see these people fired up in a setting where they can enjoy fellowship with one another and hear the Word of God. There is something so rewarding to see their faces light up.

When you’re 2000 miles from home: Homesickness is inevitable. I miss my whole family, especially my niece who was born three weeks after I arrived on campus. But that’s why cellphones, Skype, and Facebook were invented. At the end of the day, God is right there beside you, helping you through all of the troubles, and the reward that comes out of the education we receive at Martin Luther College is worth more than you can imagine.

Sophomore, Early Childhood Education Soccer, Women’s Choir, Intramurals, New Friends (Jesus Cares Ministries)

FLORIDA, TEXAS, ALABAMA, SOUTH CAROLINA STUDENTS

LAKESIDE Lutheran HS

s l

Lindsay (Evergreen LHS) Sandwith

in their own words

Serious Musicians, Please Apply!

You’re serious about your music. You take lessons. You practice.

You audition for the solos, and more often than not you get them.

Sarah Zietlow with the lead in Pirates of Penzance.

You’re no dabbler.

You work hard, and you love it.

In fact, your directors tell you that you should do something with your music— go to a college where you can develop that musical gift God gave you.

We agree. We’d like you to consider studying music at Martin Luther College.

So would Sarah Zietlow, MLC Class of 2011. Sarah Zietlow’s choir director at Luther High, Paul Adickes, told her she could do anything she wanted with her voice and piano skills. She considered lots of colleges and then chose MLC, a college steeped in music, with a tradition well over 100 years old and highly qualified faculty members.

“Teaching in one of our schools was one of my options,” she says, “and I liked the people and the atmosphere at MLC. It was important to me to go to a school that I could grow spiritually at. I also knew that if I worked hard, and if it was God’s will, a graduate degree in music would be an option after I finished MLC. I was looking forward to studying voice (with Jodi Rowe at the time; Kathy Wurster quickly took over, and she taught me most of what I know about the voice) and piano with Bethel Balge; and hopefully being involved with Forum [drama] and College Choir.”

hm Hannah Mattek (Wisconsin LHS)

That’s exactly what she did. Our K-12 licensure for music was not fully in place when she began, so she graduated in December 2010 as an elementary ed major with a music emphasis. But that was enough to get her into the University of Iowa School of Music, where she’s now studying for her master of arts degree in choral conducting. Having an MLC education degree made her überqualified to be a graduate teaching assistant as well, so she gets paid to assistant-conduct the University Choir and manage the choral library.

“The graduate application and audition processes are intense, especially in the music field,” she explains. “Thankfully, I had excellent mentors at MLC who encouraged me through the application process, helped me write a professional curriculum vita, helped me record audition tapes, and graciously wrote me recommendation letters.”

I’m also excited about mission work, both at home and abroad.”

And to you other serious musicians, you non-dabblers, she says, “I wouldn’t trade my time at MLC for anything. It prepared me for where I am today. Explore all of your options and keep MLC as one of them. Pray about it and talk with your family, friends, and mentors. No matter where you go, stay in the Word and use your gifts to serve and glorify God.” Sarah welcomes questions about her experiences at MLC and Iowa. You can reach her on Facebook or at sarah.zietlow@gmail.com.

She’s almost halfway through the twoyear program. “I am solidifying my conducting technique and expanding my knowledge regarding literature and rehearsal techniques,” she says.

Sarah Zietlow on piano at a Wind Symphony concert

And then?

“After Iowa, I am ready and willing for whatever opportunities are thrown my way, whether it is conducting a professional or academic ensemble, leading the church or school choir, teaching lessons, etc.

10

in their own words

Teaching not her first choice: I wanted to do something different than what my parents did. I realized after my first semester at the university that I did not want to do nursing. I took a class my next semester in education. After that I knew teaching was what I wanted to do. MLC was a sure thing for me.

Transferring from a public university: The thing I liked most about MLC was just how nice and friendly all the people were. Compared to other colleges, it was quite easy to make friends. I got matched up with a roommate that was very similar to me and we clicked immediately. Having soccer in the fall was an easy way for me to get to know people too.

We know your name: I love how the classes here are smaller and more intimate. I found it easier to get to know my classmates. And to not just be a number to the professor is very awesome, to feel like they actually care about your success and future is great!

Junior, Elementary Education Soccer, Intramurals, Piano, Tutoring

The

Central City Is Calling

“We need teachers!“ This is the message of Henry Tyson, principal of St. MarcusMilwaukee, a message directed to you and all high school students considering MLC.

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

“The workers, though, are few! Is this your calling? Is this your passion? We need workers!”

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

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

Senior Karina Luthra (LPS) agrees: “I learned that urban ministry is a growing mission, and they are desperate for teachers. But preparation is key, because this is one of the toughest jobs out there. It’s also one of the most rewarding because you are making a huge difference in a child’s life. “ Principal Tyson is grateful for the MLC students who have been called to serve at St. Marcus, a school of 570 students.

“Over the years, St. Marcus has been blessed with dozens of MLC grads who have been used to harvest the harvest,” he says.

Ryan Finkbeiner ’04, for example, arrived at St. Marcus from MLC by way of the Czech Republic. Ryan had a learning curve to conquer, but Tyson says that “hard work, dedication, creativity, a love of children, relentlessly high expectations, a love for the gospel, and his MLC training all paid off. Ryan became a beloved, highly effective, powerful educator and minister of the gospel at St. Marcus.”

Ryan now serves as principal at Divine Peace-Largo, Maryland, but other MLC grads have been eager to answer the call and step into his place. Many completed early field experiences and student

She wavered: I started out considering physical therapy, then I switched to agricultural landscaping, then finally after going on my second Focus on Ministry trip I decided to give MLC a shot. I liked the small campus and the various opportunities they had for you to get involved.

One of the coolest things about MLC . . . is how friendly the people are! I came here knowing only five people, but as I walked around the campus, people I had never seen before would say hi to me or ask me how my day was going.

Intramurals is a perfect option: I made the decision not to try out for any sports because I didn’t want to overwhelm myself, so playing intramural sports is very enjoyable to me. They can get serious but almost always there’s a friendly atmosphere about them.

Her future: Oh man, I have no idea what God has in store for me, and I’m OK with that!

First-year, Early Childhood Ed / Elementary Ed Intramurals, Women’s Choir, Piano, Anchor, Dorm Council, Evening Chapel Choir

teaching stints in urban schools while at MLC. Often their interest was ignited when they went on the spring Urban Ministry Field Trip.

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

“I learned something about myself,” says Karina. “I learned that I am motivated and determined to start the journey of urban teaching.”

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

r m

Megan (Michigan LHS) Rabbers

in their own words

Teachers Tell It wasn’t that long ago that your teachers were in the same boat you are: high school students wondering what to do with their lives. Why did they decide to pursue the public ministry? What was college like for them? Let’s let them tell us.

Joel Ungemach (DMLC ’89)

Manitowoc LHS Lots of role models: I had many wonderful role models that steered me toward ministry. Pastors, teachers, older siblings, and parents all encouraged me during my elementary and high school years.

Having four sisters that attended DMLC before me allowed me to not only be familiar with the campus but also witness the early years of their teaching ministry.

I was especially encouraged by my 5th grade teacher, Madeline Horton. She also was my piano and organ teacher. This led her to also encourage the use of my musical gifts. She continues to stay in contact with me today.

Campus blessings: Being on a college campus that focused on ministry was a blessing in my life. The daily encouragement from Christian professors and students was integral in my growth.

Participation in extracurriculars helped me to not only find a niche on campus but also encouraged me in my use of these gifts in my future ministry.

Emily Mayer (MLC ’09)

Michigan Lutheran Seminary What—or who—should she be? My dad wanted me to become a doctor; I wanted to become a nurse. The next day I wanted to become a magazine editor. The next minute an actress, a coffee-shop owner, a layout designer, a photographer, a writer.

The personal touch: I didn’t grow up in the family of a called worker and didn’t ever consider what “public ministry” really meant. I was simply considering becoming a teacher as one of my options. Three of my high school teachers pulled me aside and very directly asked me to consider attending MLC and training to work in our Lutheran schools. I am grateful they did, or I might not have applied to MLC. At MLC: Through professors, chapel devotions, and Daylight opportunities, I finally began to know what “public ministry” meant. In college, you grow, life keeps happening. New joys and new challenges come, and you’re out there to handle it on your own. The blessing of MLC is that you are surrounded by adults who have so much more life experience than you, and they are constantly opening God’s Word with you through classes, chapel devotions, and conversations in the hall to share the one foundation that will hold you up through it all.

Mark Heckendorf (DMLC ’94)

Kettle Moraine LHS Ministry—a slam dunk for him: I really loved sports and wanted to be involved as a physical education teacher and a coach. I loved participating in the sports at DMLC and made some friendships that will last for an eternity.

I’ll never forget a basketball trip out to a tournament in Colorado. Great memories!

Coaches in more ways than one: Coaches Drew Buck and Jack Gronholz really impacted and shaped who I am today.

Tom Voss (MLC ’06, WLS ’10)

Holy Trinity Lutheran Church/ Evergreen LHS He’s a PK: The biggest influence for me in choosing the public ministry was growing up in a pastor’s home.

I saw the joy that it brought to my dad, so for the most part, it was always there as something I was seriously considering. There were also many times where he let me tag along, either as a helper in bulletin prep or as an observer on hospital visits.

LPS bonds: My time at Luther Prep and the friends that I met there also had an influence as many of us went on to MLC together. Specifically, many of them were the reasons that I “stuck it out” when doubts hit at times during the many years of preparation.

Ryan Kirchoff (MLC ’02)

California LHS Following friends: The main reason why I first went up to MLC was because many of my good friends from high school were going there. I wasn’t sure exactly what I wanted to do, so I thought (at the time) that MLC was the “safe” choice.

Their Stories David Haag (NWC ’81, WLS ’85)

Winnebago Lutheran Academy Like father, like son?

My dad was a pastor and so people often said to me, “Oh, you must have always wanted to follow in your father’s footsteps.” And I remember thinking, “No, that was never really my attitude at all.” I just remember from very young that as I learned the stories of the Bible and especially about Jesus, it all seemed so real to me. The Bible always interested and fascinated me.

My father, who taught me God’s Word from birth, was obviously involved in that, but more as my father than as a pastoral role model.

Another positive influence: Steve Hintz, who emergency taught at Lakeside, my high school, during my junior year, seemed to me to be a “cool” guy and therefore made it seem cool to be a pastor. I don’t think Pastor Hintz, who is now in heaven, ever knew that he had that positive influence on me.

Alternate career thought: I briefly thought about architectural drafting, but not very seriously.

Nate Kieselhorst (DMLC ’89) Luther Preparatory School

He always knew: I am the son of a Lutheran high school /grade school teacher. I was one of those “strange” kids who never wondered what I was going to be when I grew older. Already at the age of five, I had picked my life’s work, to follow in the footsteps of my dad. In grade school and high school, I thought it would be great to be on the “other side of the fence.”

College conviction: My years at DMLC, amongst faculty and friends, only reinforced my conviction to be a teacher.

Paying it forward: It’s a humbling privilege now to be able to share the gospel message with my students and to watch them grow as Christians, encouraging them to also think of being servants in the public ministry.

Dave Wenzel

(NWC ’82, WLS ’86) Fox Valley LHS

Anything but that: My grandpa, four uncles, and a brother were all pastors. Because of that, there were times when I thought I’d like to do anything but be a pastor. Yet it was hard to ignore the joy I saw in their ministries. The two people who had the greatest impact on me were my dad and mom. My home pastor, Pastor David Worgull, gave me great encouragement, as did Mr. Gerhard Kaniess and Pastor Ronald Gorske at FVL. All three showed great empathy for a young man who wasn’t confident of his own abilities and gifts.

Lessons learned at NWC: Due to my own immaturity, I didn’t always appreciate the academic side of college, but I had dedicated professors who gently—and at times, not so gently—encouraged me to establish better priorities. That was exactly what I needed. It was obvious that those professors never viewed their vocations as a job, but as a service to their Savior.

Alternate career thought: Aviation—but I didn’t have 20/20 vision.

He wasn’t sure: Honestly, I really didn’t know that I wanted to be a teacher until I was almost finished with my freshman year. During spring break, all freshmen were required to stay on campus and teach grade school kids a few lessons. Even though I was an English major, I ended up teaching math to 3rd graders. I had a little boy come up and tell me that my math class was even more fun than his P.E. class. After that I was hooked!

If not MLC: I was very interested in sports journalism and something with sports broadcasting.

Greg Diersen (MLC ’96) Great Plains LHS

First career thoughts: I was going to be a scientist but hadn’t chosen a field. I attended another college for my first year.

However, I realized that I didn’t want to be inside a lab and have no interaction with people for the majority of my career.

Drawn to DMLC: I gravitated toward teaching, then to DMLC since there was a high school teaching curriculum. I thought maybe I could teach different sciences instead of being a scientist in one field. The LORD had a plan for me and I have taught all the different high school science courses at GPLHS for 16 years.

Best subject of all: I also had a new appreciation during my years at DMLC/MLC for the Bible being taught and learned as the Truth—from Creation to Salvation.

SPORTS•SPORTS•SPORTS•SPORTS

Knights at a Glance Women Finish

By Sports Information Director Mike Gibbons

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

The regular season championship was the first in program history, and the Knights backed it up by winning the UMAC Postseason Tournament for the first time since the 2005-06 season. Erica Babinec (Luther) was named Tournament MVP, averaging 17 points and 12.5 rebounds per game in the two wins, and helping MLC advance to the NCAA Division III Tournament for the first time in program history.

Veterans Erica Babinec (Luther) and Amanda Burk (MVL) provided scoring and rebounding for much of the season, but the Knights were able to beat many teams this season with their depth.

Brittney Gossen (Manitowoc LHS) and Emily Boldt (LPS) provided experience and defensive toughness, while newcomers Alex Anthon (Lakeside), Hannah Hackbarth (Lakeside), and Kirsten Michael (Bainbridge HS-WA) brought athleticism and scoring on the perimeter.

Fall All-Conference Volleyball

Coach of the Year: Becky Cox Co-Rookie of the Year: Miranda Maasz (MVL) 1st Team: Rebecca Engelbrecht (Shoreland) Rachel Hein (LPS) Honorable Mention: Emily Boldt (LPS) Miranda Maasz (MVL) Team GPA Award

nd Nicole Dorn (Illinois LHS)

Football

2nd Team: Eric Duve (Heritage HS-MI) Chuquee Fletcher (WISCO) Team GPA Award

Women’s Cross Country

1st Team: Robin Nommensen (FVL) Emilee Koltz (LPS) Sportsmanship Award

14

in their own words

Men’s Cross Country Sportsmanship Award

Men’s Soccer

2nd Team: Nathan Gurgel (KML) Honorable Mention: Caleb Buch (Manitowoc LHS) Ben Nommensen (FVL) Team GPA Award

Women’s Soccer

2nd Team: Hannah Mattek (WISCO) Honorable Mention: Kelsey Mattek (WISCO) Miranda Pomije (LPS) Sportsmanship Award

Men’s Golf

Team GPA Award

GOAL! I played soccer and really enjoyed it. The girls on the team are so much fun to be around, especially when we're all playing a sport we love.

Coaching experience: I coached 5th grade girls basketball at St. Paul's Lutheran Elementary School. It was a lot of fun teaching the girls new things and getting to know them. I’m so grateful for this awesome opportunity!

She misses her shower. Who wouldn’t? I miss seeing my mom, dad, and siblings every day, as well as my friends, my bed, and my shower. I also miss my home church, Trinity, and the people there. My cure for when I get homesick is talking with my friends or going for a run to get my mind off it!

Hardest adjustment: Managing my time. I suddenly had a lot more free time, and it took me a while to realize that during that free time in the day, I had to do homework, because in the evening is when you want to go out and have fun.

First-year, Elementary Ed M a Softball, r t i n Piano L u t h e r C o ll e g e Soccer, Women's Choir,

Babinec Puts Finishing Touches on

Record-Breaking Career Erica Babinec (Luther) finished a brilliant career for the women’s basketball team this season by putting her name atop the record books at MLC.

Babinec sisters are the only two women’s basketball players at MLC to ever reach 1,000 points, making the accomplishment by both sisters even more impressive.

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

In the conference tournament semi-final against Bethany, Erica broke Emma's rebounding record. She ended her career with 685 boards, 23 more than the record.

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

Next came Emma’s scoring record of 1,551 points, which Erica broke on February 11 in a 24-point performance at Northland. The

of her four seasons, and the team is primed to make a run at its second conference tournament championship in school history, as well as its first ever trip to the Division III Women’s Basketball Championship tournament in March.

Erica was rewarded for her play with the UMAC Player of the Year award. She was also named First Team All-UMAC for the fourth time and All-Defense team for the third time in her career.

While the records have been nice, Erica’s play on the court has helped lead to wins for the team, making them mean more to the senior. The Knights have qualified for the conference tournament in each

Basketball

a family affair for the Danells

Many athletes know the feeling of hearing the familiar voice of a parent yelling during one of their games, but few know what it’s like to be coached by one of them every day on a level as competitive as college basketball. Justin and Josh Danell (MVL) know that feeling.

Read more about Justin, Josh, their sister, Heather, and their dad, Coach Jim Danell, at mlc-wels.edu/go/danell

She decided to be a choir director . . . when I attended the National Worship Conference 2008. When I experienced the wave of praise during the closing piece, “Jerusalem the Golden,” with hundreds of people lifting their voices in praise to God, I knew that’s where I wanted to be.

She “absolutely loves it”: Chapel. Because I went to public school and my home congregation has about 40 people on a Sunday, it was simply amazing to be in a room with 500 people who shared my same beliefs and faith.

Growing in faith: I love Bible History and Literature and doctrine classes. My faith is surely more mature. I was just a “walk-through” Christian, just going through the motions. Now, I’m more knowledgeable about my faith and about my God. Forum (Drama Club) is her thing: I love the friendships and good times. Being with fellow Christians who are working toward creating a great product is simply wonderful and very uplifting.

Ed / K-12 Vocal Music w w w . m l Sophomore, c - w e l s . e dElementary u Forum (Children’s Theatre, Musical), Golf, College Choir, Voice, Piano, Intramurals, Evening Chapel Choir, Daylight Mission Trip

Erica Babinec

jn

Jillian (Jacksonville HS-NC) Neumann15

in their own words

Picture Yourself in Our

N E W E a r ly C h i ld h o o d Center !

Shovels will break ground this summer for the new MLC Early Childhood Learning Center (ECLC).

If you’ve been a Focus on Ministry visitor, you’ve seen the exciting things happening at our ECLC. And now we are building a bigger, better center!

As you know, the MLC ECLC isn’t just a preschool. It’s MLC’s lab school, where our college students learn the ins and outs of early childhood education (ECE).

We’re building this center because we simply cannot prepare all our current students—and all of you who are coming soon—at our current center. Our enrollment of ECE majors is rising, and we need more room.

Lobby and Gathering Area Preprimary Spaces Infant and Toddler Spaces

Outdoor Play Spaces Art Studio Motor Skills Room Higher Education Classroom Workroom and Curriculum Library

An expanding enrollment is exactly what WELS congregations need. Did you know that WELS has more preschools and early childhood centers than elementary schools? It’s true. They’re sprouting up all over the place, and they need teachers. In fact, WELS leaders have made a formal request of MLC: Please train more ECE teachers!

Picture yourself here! What could be cooler than learning something about a reading-readiness technique in your college classroom (“higher education classroom” in the diagram), and then walking across the hall to try it out with real children?

Another exciting component of the new center will be live classrooms allowing for observation, webinars, and all things digital.

Jennie Mehlberg, our new lead teacher

Want to know more? Go to our website to see our plans for the new Early Childhood Learning Center . . . Watch the April WELS Connection story on early childhood teacher training at MLC . . . Read the April Forward in Christ article on our lead teacher, Jennie Mehlberg . . . Or come visit us, either through Focus on Ministry or a personal visit. Call 507.354.8221 or email mlcadmit@mlc-wels.edu to set something up!