KnightWatch - April 2008 by Martin Luther College

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

APRIL 2008

april 2008

MLC

• Why I Love Choir Tours • Sun and Science in Jamaica, Mon • MLC’s Tech-Knowledgy

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

Am I Worthy of Being in the Ministry?

By Admissions Counselor Mark Gnewuch

I ask myself this a lot these days. After all, as an admissions counselor, I am in the public ministry, and I talk with people like you about that ministry. It is with terror I often think: What could possibly make me worthy to talk to you? I have fallen short in every aspect of what I do—in conversations, in presentations, and in [caps lock] REMEMBERING NAMES. Picture this: An admissions counselor’s dream—students from all the area Lutheran high schools I visit together in one convenient place, Choral Fest at Wisconsin Lutheran High School. I got to listen to Lutherans doing what Lutherans do best (except for me): singing, and singing loudly. I also talked with lots of students and parents. Now, I’ve learned (the hard way) never to fake it when it comes to REMEMBERING NAMES. As people approached me at Choral Fest, I asked (as honestly and respectfully as I could) that they remind me of their names. And that was fine. You would understand, right? As the pops concert was about to start, I recognized a familiar face—a face, but NO NAME. She gave me a hug and introduced me to people with her. Then I started to panic. Not only does this lady know me, but she knows me well. And as quickly as the window for asking for her name opened, it closed. But I had some other tricks up my sleeve—the subtle questions. “So, did you have a good trip?” I slyly asked. “Yeah the weather was great,” she replied. Darn, nothing.

and even on my trip to my parents’ house, where I was staying. Then like a bolt of lightning, it hit me. SHE WAS MY FAMILY FROM IXONIA! I arrived home and, yanking out my hair, told my parents the story. After about 30 minutes of “Ow-my-stomach-hurts” laughter (which also still lingers in my head), my parents suggested an email. I sat down to write, but nothing came to me except for the subject line: I’M A DOPE! A few painful days later, I received a reply. “Mark, I understand. You meet with so many people.” I honestly can’t tell you how we’re related—something with which my grandfather would not be happy. But then I recalled something that that same grandfather had once told his adopted grandchild: “It is with Christ’s blood that we are related, and that is infinitely stronger than what is in our veins.” I know how I am related to KAREN LIVINGSTON. I know how I am related to YOU. It is with that peace—the peace that all my shortcomings are covered with the blood of Christ—that I can call you my brother, my sister. And it is with that same peace that I am worthy, that you are worthy.

HELLO my name is

“How long did it take?” I try again. “Ah, it wasn’t too long.” Shoot. [More questions that I don’t recall offhand.] Nothing. “So, where are you staying while you’re here?” “Oh, I’m staying with my family in Ixonia.” Ah-ha! “Really? I have family in Ixonia.” Brilliant. I had something. But the conversation ended with an awkwardness that lingers in my head to this day. I thought about it the rest of the festival

Mark and his relative Karen Livingston

On our cover: MLC College Choir member Caralyn Schmeling (St. Croix LHS) gets acquainted with some children in Zaragosa Sur, Mexico, after the choir concert.

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 Martin Luther College Attn: Laurie Gauger 1995 Luther Court New Ulm, MN 56073

Vice President, Enrollment Management: Phil Leyrer Director of Admissions: Ron Brutlag Admissions Counselors: Sarah Zahrt, Mark Gnewuch, Ross Stelljes, Dustin Sievert Editor/Writer: Laurie Gauger Photographer: Bill Pekrul Proofreader: Heidi Schoof

M a r t i n L u t h e r C o ll e g e

Unique In Purpose—Unique In Preparation

Martin luther College “Last year I went on a Travel-Canvass-Witness trip to Ohio through MLC’s Daylight USA program. It was a great experience. It was neat to see the response of the people as we told them about Jesus and about the church. And Freshman Early Field Experience was amazing! It gets you even more excited to get out there and teach, and it is an excellent reminder as to why you are here.” Tracy Venus

At Martin Luther College, we believe that sometimes the most valuable learning occurs outside the classroom. Through Early Field Experience and the Daylight program, you’ll apply what you’ve learned in the classroom out there, in the real world. And we do mean world: Our students work not only in Ohio, New York, and California, but in Brazil, Thailand, and Malawi. You’ll go—

tracyvenus

and grow—in directions you can hardly imagine. Now, that’s education.

Sophomore Secondary Education—Spanish Northland Lutheran High School Daylight USA Service/Ministry

1995 Luther Court • New Ulm, MN 56073

mlc-wels.edu

Hey, Mon:

Sun & Science in Jamaica Although Jonathan Kehl (LPS) is studying to be a pastor, not a science teacher, he needed a science credit and decided to get it studying marine biology in Jamaica during the Christmas break. The course is taught by Drs. Roger Klockziem and Lawrence Olson (along with Wisconsin Lutheran College’s Dr. Robert Anderson) at the Discovery Bay Marine Lab facilities at West Indies University. “Studying down there was great,” Kehl said. “And the sightseeing was fun too.” Rebecca Taves (LPS) already had enough science credits to fulfill her science emphasis, but that didn’t stop her from flying down to the islands. “If you can get to Jamaica for cheap and for school credit . . .” she says. No need to finish that thought. Whether you major in science or not, whether you study to be a teacher or pastor, don’t forget to make some room in your schedule for Jamaica in January. Mon.

Did You Hear That? If you study Early Childhood Education, you’ll do your student teaching at the MLC Early Childhood Learning Center — and you’ll get to hear little nuggets like these, which our teachers recently heard:

When meeting a new teacher: Hi, teacher. Are you a girl, a lady, or a grandma? Upon hearing that sometimes even children, like the daughter of Jairus, can die: Whew! I hope I make it till spring! In music class: Why don’t we sing the song about the baker? You know, ‘Our help is in the name of the Lord, the baker of heaven and earth.’

Envelope, Please! Thanks to everyone who found the four kangaroos in the January KnightWatch and contacted us.

(Drum roll please.) The winners of the MLC Roo Crew t-shirts are . . .

Heidi Zell (LPS) Jarrod Pfarr (Shoreland LHS) Mike Czaplewski (Kettle Moraine LHS) Danielle Ross (Lakeside LHS) Abby Fischer (LPS) M a r t i n L u t h e r C o ll e g e

Why I Love Choir Tours “I’ve recently realized why I love choir tours so much,” said Jaymie Bergmeier (MLS). “They’re a perfect combination of worship, music, travel, friends, and meeting new people, all things I love to do.” The choir left March 8, visiting Arizona and Texas and, for the first time ever, Mexico. “I was excited to add Mexico to my passport,” she added, “and since Torreon is not a touristy part of Mexico, we had a chance to experience authentic Mexican culture.” Jaymie said choir tours always get her excited about the public ministry. And this one was special. “Seeing the different cultures helped me understand more that God has all different children in this world.” Dr. Moldenhauer directs the College Choir at a tiny outdoor mission in Zaragosa Sur, Mexico.

It’s All about Service A quarter of a million packets of rice, soy, vegetables, and vitamins; 1000 grade school and high school students, 40 MLC students, and one day in the MLC gym: It was all part of “Kids against Hunger,” an effort of area WELS schools to lend aid to undernourished children of central Africa. In addition to packaging 250,000 meals, the students also enjoyed an MLC chapel service and a meal in our cafeteria. MLC students helped load and unload the truck, set the pace in the meal packaging, and also manned the microphone, encouraging and thanking the kids and leading them in song while they worked.

Senior Girls, Take Note:

You’ve Got Another Friend Here Wendy Ristow, the new Women’s Services Director at MLC, will be supervising the Augustana dorm as well as assisting with our Daylight Service/Ministry program and doing some coaching. “I’m looking forward to the one-on-one meetings with all the new female students,” Wendy says. “I envision my relationship with them as one of a role model who has had many experiences in life and can (with the Lord’s help) guide them through this exciting time in their lives.”

Thanks to a Thrivent grant, about 1000 students packaged 250,000 meals for children in Africa in MLC’s gym.

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Currently a teacher at St. Paul’s Lutheran School in New Ulm, Wendy has coached high school and elementary sports, coordinated youth programs, and taught middle grades in Arizona, Minneapolis, and New Ulm. She enjoys watching sports, hiking, fishing, and snowmobiling—not to mention driving her Mustang convertible “at fast but safe speeds,” she says with a smile.

Evangelism Day 2008: Take It to the City “It’s indispensable.” That’s how junior Brent Miller (Traverse City Central High—MI) described Evangelism Day 2008. The textbooks got a rest and the regular schedule was put on hold as students listened to dozens of pastors, teachers, and staff ministers from all over the country speaking on topics like “The Joy of Urban Ministry,” “Evangelism in Spanish Language,” and “The Hope Schools of Milwaukee.” “Evangelism Day fired me up for ministry,” said freshman Alissa Barkholtz (Fox Valley LHS), “not only for the future but for today. The ‘Small Talk’ presentations reinforced the idea of ministry being a day-to-day experience.” “Evangelism Day gave us a clearer view of what we will be doing once we move off this hill,” Miller added. “It’s encouraging. It’s applicable. It’s true and practical. It strikes the heart of what we are doing now, as well as what lies ahead.”

John Wiederhold of WELS Kingdom Workers spoke on Small Talk.

We hope you’ll be here at MLC next year to enjoy our fourth Evangelism Day!

Pick Your Poison Just for fun, admissions counselor Sarah Zahrt asked 82 people on campus their caffeine of choice. The analysis (highly scientific, of course):

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Faculty and staff preferred COFFEE by far.

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Students were split into lovers of SODA/POP, coffee, and specialties like CAPPS and FRAPPS.

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Some noted CHOCOLATE. (We think the rest just forgot to mention it.)

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And here and there, we found ENERGY DRINK imbibers. (Hey, whatever juices you up, baby.)

Students role play spiritual conversations.

Three Numbers

You Should Know

Over 90% of our students receive some form of financial aid. Some of it is from MLC, some is from government programs, and some is from private scholarships.

4/15

We awarded $2 million this school year to students. Some of it is need-based, meaning it’s for students who need money to pay for school, and some is merit-based, meaning it’s for students who earn or win the money because of their grades and other achievements.

4/15

April 15 is the due date for applying for need-based grants from MLC. You must submit your FAFSA and your MLC financial aid application to our office by April 15.

For more information on Financial Aid, go to mlc-wels.edu/go/finaid. M a r t i n L u t h e r C o ll e g e

Blubber Busters By Steven Springborn (St. Croix LHS)

When Minnesota snow piles up higher and higher, keeping fit can be a challenge. Thankfully, there are students on campus willing to help their classmates kick their Freshman Fifteen, Winter Weight, or Christmas Bulge. Sophomores Bonnie Whittaker (MLS) and Julianna Meyer (LPS) started a core training class called Hard-Core (pictured). Junior Christian Ristow (LPS) leads a cardio and muscle-toning class. Sophomore Peter Nolte (Rocky Mountain LHS) is teaching a martial arts/self-defense class. These classes are not only valued for the slimming and trimming of unwanted flub, but they also give these future phy. ed. teachers a taste of what they’ll be doing after graduation.

MLC’s Tech-Knowledgy Thanks to the world of tech, college classrooms ain’t what they used to be. • Pass the Clicker: Professor Earl Heidtke’s geography students don’t write answers to their quizzes—or even fill in little circles. They “click their way to an A” using the Personal Response System (pictured left below). Pointing their handheld keypads at the screen, they sit up straighter, think harder, and cheer when they see instantly that they got their answers right. The system also grades students and calculates classroom averages on the spot. •

Using Tech to Trek: To master principles of navigation, location, and elevation, physical geography students put away their texts and pull out their GPS’s.

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Bigger, Faster, Stronger: In the P.E. department, Professor Jack Gronholz teaches students like Jonathan Gumm (LPS, pictured right below) to use the Polar TriFIT system, with personalized heart monitors for instant feedback, to evaluate their workouts, customize their own training programs, and much more.

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Now We’re Talking Keyboards: Two music labs allow beginning pianists to train on electronic keyboards and more skillful music majors to master the many applications of Magix MIDI Studio, PrintMusic, Band in a Box, and HymnSoft. These tools enhance students’ composing, sequencing, and printing music skills—all useful tools for their future ministries.

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MLC Forum presents

The Crucible

Kevin Boushek, Chris Johns, Andrew Buschkopf, Mikaela Raddatz

Kandi Schafer and Kathy Georgson

Paul Krueger and Hans Pieper

Amy Georgson, Kandi Shafer, Kathy Georgson

Chris Johns, Karl Schauland, Cale Mead

Mikaela Raddatz, Chris Johns, Emily Sell

Cast and Crew

Nicole Rosenbaum

Kathy Georgson and Cale Mead

Emily Sell, Ryan Halter, Andrea Dorn

Betty Parris Rev. Samuel Parris Tituba Abigail Williams Susanna Wallcott Mrs. Ann Putnam Thomas Putnam Mercy Lewis Marry Warren John Proctor Rebecca Nurse Giles Corey Rev. John Hale Elizabeth Proctor Francis Nurse Ezekiel Cheever John Willard Judge Hathorne Martha Corey Sara Good Dep-Gov. Danforth

Nicole Rosenbaum (California LHS) Kevin Boushek (LPS) Emily Sell (LPS) Kathy Georgson (LPS) Amy Georgson (LPS) Mikaela Raddatz (LPS) Andrew Buschkopf (WISCO) Kandi Schafer (MLS) Elisabeth Zuehlke (LPS) Cale Mead (LPS) Sarah Enstad (LPS) Gregory Rebernick (WISCO) Christopher Johns (Illinois LHS) Deborah Wahl (LPS) Peter Janke (LPS) Karl Schauland (Luther High) Ryan Halter (Prior Lake High—MN) Paul Krueger (MLS) Andrea Dorn (Luther High) Andrea Dorn (Luther High) Hans Pieper (Luther High)

Director Producer

Zachary Gebert (Hyde Park Baptist—TX) Matthew Evans (MLS)

M a r t i n L u t h e r C o ll e g e

Which Way Are You Leaning Now? emilyboldt

alisonkolander

Senior, Luther Preparatory School Watertown, Wisconsin

Senior, Kettle Moraine LHS Jackson, Wisconsin

Some of your thoughts:

Thinking about college is getting a little stressful for me. Everyone is always asking me where I am going or what I think about college, and I wish I could give people an answer. I just wish someone could make up my mind for me and tell me where I’m going!

Some days I wake up thinking, “Just go to MLC. That’s the life you are familiar with.” Other days, someplace where I don’t know anyone and could pursue a field in medicine or forensic science really appeals to me. WLC is my other big choice, and right now, I’m really torn which way to go, mostly because of the career field options, not the campuses.

My two choices for college are WLC and MLC. I used to be 100% WLC, but this summer I went on Project Timothy to Antigua and taught VBS, and that got me thinking about being a teacher. It was one of the best experiences of my life, and it really changed my mind. My friends and a few of my teachers encourage me to go to MLC. One of my former tutors, Hannah Scharf, really encourages me, and it helps, because I see how much she loves teaching, and that makes me think that I would like to do that too. I love kids, and I think that I would really enjoy teaching them. I love sports, so teaching kids how to play basketball or volleyball would be really fun for me. A plus for WLC is that it is really close to home, only like 20 minutes. MLC is a little further, 6 hours, but I’m sure that wouldn’t be such a big deal once I get into it. I really think that I’d regret not giving MLC a try at least. I think that if I had to make my decision today, I would say that I’m going to MLC.

If I had to decide today . . . I would say MLC.

A private education is important to me. I’ve really enjoyed chapel in high school and love having constant reminders that God’s grace and love surpass all my mistakes, regrets, and challenges. My parents and teachers make comments about what school is easier to transfer from and what courses are available, but no one has told me which way to go (despite my begging and pleading). My friends try to steer me to their college choice so we can room together, but no one has pressured me one way or the other. I just keep turning to God in prayer, asking for guidance and answers. If only God would add an extra verse to the Bible, if only for one day. Today, I’d probably choose WLC, because I could get a degree in biology or something similar, which could lead to medicine, forensic science, or pharmacy. But if I’m going to be a teacher, I would love to attend MLC because they know the ministry.

If I had to decide today . . . it would be WLC.

In our last issue: Lindsay Hahn (Minnesota Valley LHS) reported that she was leaning toward Wisconsin Lutheran College (Milwaukee). Tim Babler (Evergreen LHS) was leaning toward Martin Luther College. w w w.mlc-wels.edu

We’re happy to tell you that both have applied and been admitted to Martin Luther College. 9

What’s It Like to Transfer In to MLC? An Interview with MLC Student Tom Brunner (Weyerhaeuser Area School -WI) KnightWatch: What were you concerned about as you considered transferring to MLC? Tom Brunner: Personally, I wasn’t completely sure if being a pastor was what I wanted to do. Like any normal college kid, I was unsure about my life decisions. I also wasn’t sure how things would work out, as in the atmosphere, since I anticipated it to have many more rules than the public university I came from. I also knew it would be a place where I would have to re-establish myself with the people, something that I tend to be a little slower at than others. Finally, I was concerned about my faith. I wanted to strengthen it and become closer to God, and decided that coming to a place like this would help.

Why do credits transfer easily out of MLC but not always into MLC? Other colleges will accept a wide variety of transferred credits. MLC will accept some “gen ed” (general education) credits but not too many. That’s because our curriculum is fairly tight. We’re a one purpose college: preparing for public gospel ministry. Let’s look at an example. If you come to MLC you’ll take Biblical History and Literature I (BHL) freshman year. If you then transfer to a state university, that university will probably accept BHL as a history or English credit. On the other hand, if you start at that university and take, say, Comparative Religions, when you transfer to MLC, that course will not take the place of BHL. To be a properly trained pastor, teacher, or staff minister, you need to take our Biblical Literature and History course.

KW: How many of your credits transferred to MLC? TB: I think at Winona State I had between 30-40 credits, and I believe I only had 12 transfer. KW: What turned out to be the hardest thing? What was easier than you thought? TB: One of the hardest things (in a good way) was realizing that people actually do talk about Christianity more freely. Coming from a public high school and college, this was something new for me. Fitting into the atmosphere wasn’t as hard as I had expected. The students and faculty were very polite and enjoyable. Though I didn’t know everyone who was here, the way in which many acted made me feel like I did. KW: What would you tell high school students wondering whether they should go somewhere else first and then transfer to MLC? TB: Like any student deciding on a college, you must first figure out your areas of interest. Martin Luther College is a college for pastors, teachers, and staff ministers. If you are interested in any one of those categories, then I would suggest coming here. In my opinion, Martin Luther College is a very nice place to come to. I feel that few people would actually regret coming here.

Q: How do I know if I have the gifts to teach?

By Emily Roberts (MLS)

The Lord blesses his people with gifts and talents. Though they vary, difference creates individuality and broadens the abilities of our called workers. As someone who is considering teaching, I would first remember that you hold one of the greatest gifts a teacher possesses. You want to teach. A child will see that. No one is prepared with the exact skills required of a teacher. We have schools that train us to teach. We learn from experience. We learn from one another. Remember that we don’t create cookie-cutter-model teachers. Our differences empower us. Some may teach third grade in Texas. Others may run youth groups in Michigan. Others may teach high school geometry in California. God will use our diversity to reach out to his people. He will use you to serve his kingdom. M a r t i n L u t h e r C o ll e g e

What’s It Like to Transfer Out of MLC? An Interview with Former MLC Student Jennifer Barenz

KnightWatch: When were you at MLC? Jennifer Barenz: I was at MLC for my freshman year of college, from 2005 to 2006. KW: What made you decide to transfer? JB: I was on the fence between psychology and education before I came to MLC, and I came to MLC because I wanted to see whether teaching was for me. I loved MLC and the friends that I made there; however, I felt pulled towards psychology, which is why I chose to transfer to WLC. KW: How many of your credits transferred to WLC? JB: All of my credits transferred without a problem. KW: What did you enjoy about MLC? JB: I absolutely loved the sense of community at MLC. The knowledge that everyone surrounding you is working towards a common purpose of advancing God’s kingdom is an indescribable atmosphere to be a part of. Also, I made a lot of friends through participating in theatre productions. I was challenged academically and felt like all of my professors maintained a sense of academic integrity in the classroom.

Finally, I looked forward to going to chapel daily, and I know that God used countless sermons and Christian role models to increase my faith throughout my year at MLC. KW: What did you not enjoy so much? JB: Once I knew I wanted to be a psychologist, it was hard to be at MLC studying education, which I knew wasn’t for me. However, I didn’t waste any time being there because I got a lot of my generals out of the way. KW: Do you have any regrets about coming to MLC? JB: No, I think God taught me a lot of important things at MLC, and going there has only blessed my life with another set of friends, role models, and experiences!

Q: What computer stuff should I bring? By Jonathan Weber (Michigan LHS)

The answer to this question depends upon your personal preference. MLC by no means requires students to have a computer. Public computer labs and printers are provided in multiple locations.

For those who wish to bring computers, Windows XP (both Home and Pro), Vista, Linux, and Mac OS X are all supported. Make sure your computer is equipped with a networking jack and that you bring your own Ethernet cable. Wireless Internet is available in many public areas of the campus, so a wireless card may be something to consider. Printers and USB flash drives are completely up to you, but they’re nice to have around. In order to access the campus network, you need to install a Novell client on the computer. You’ll need some form of word processing program. Microsoft Word is the program of choice on this campus. (MLC sells copies of Microsoft Office 2007 Plus and Microsoft Business Vista Upgrade for $20 each. When you graduate, this copy is yours to keep.) You also need some form of anti-virus program installed and kept updated. (MLC provides Symantec anti-virus on campus.) For more information, go to mlc-wels.edu and type “New student FAQ” in the search box.

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Winter Carnival 2008 Lucas Bitter makes a dive for it in broom hockey.

Angela Priewe and Steve Lehmann defend the goal.

Carol Niemi enjoys the cold.

Winter Carnival is organized by the Student Senate: President: Mark Thiesfeldt (MVL) Vice President: Kevin Boushek (LPS) Secretary: Jaymie Bergmeier (MLS) Treasurer: Jason Enderle (Great Plains LHS)

Paul Krueger inserted 16 quarters into his nose at the Talent Show. Really.

Sarah Zietlow’s piano accompanied Dave Wendland’s violin at the Talent Show.

The frosh girls were serious competitors in the speedball tournament.

Senators: Jeffrey Grundmeier (LPS), Sarah Sternaman (Shoreland), Rachel Shimek (Luther), Holly Pearson (LPS), Paul Taylor (MLS), Brad Snyder (MLS), Jeremy Seeger (Manitowoc LHS), Carol Putz (WLA), Emily Mayer (WISCO), Katie Spaude (Antigo — WI), Jeremiah Drews (Manitowoc LHS), Erica Natsis (MLS), Emily Heidtke (MVL), Gregory Rebernick (WISCO), Ian Watson (California LHS), Grace Bey (Illinois LHS), Karl Schauland (Luther), Mike Koepke (Michigan LHS), Jordan Dannecker (LPS), Justin Liepert (KML), Aaron Schulz (KML), Dan Albrecht (FVL), Ryan Kolander (WISCO), Gunnar Ledermann (Amador — California), Paul Krueger (MLS), and John Dannecker (LPS).

The band Dilligaf added their sound to the Talent Show.

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e v ’ e W : MLC Piano and Organ

s d o o G e h Got t

Piping Hot Jacob Behnken (Great Plains LHS), an MLC senior in Pre-Seminary Studies, was invited to play at a master class given by Paul Jacobs, international recitalist and renowned organ instructor at Juilliard. Jacob prepared for this honor with his organ professor, Dr. Wayne Wagner. Jacob is an amazing organist, and he’s surrounded by a pretty amazing organ faculty here at MLC too. Take a look at these stats:

Our organ professors play recitals, yes, but they devote most of their time to playing organ for worship, a gift of God and an art form they take very seriously. If you play organ, MLC is the place to go—and to grow.

Dr. Wayne Wagner PhD—Music Dr. John Nolte PhD—Music Education Dr. Kermit Moldenhauer PhD—Theology and Master of Church Music Professor Joyce Schubkegel Master of Music—Organ Performance Professor Ron Shilling Master of Music—Organ Performance and Master of Church Music Instructor Brent Nolte Master of Music—Organ Performance You expert musicians may know the names of some of the people with whom they’ve studied organ, choral music, and composition: Jan Bender, David Craighead, Kim Kasling, Steven Egler, Herbert Gotsch, Richard Hillert, Richard Enright, Paul Bunjes, Thomas Gieschen, Carl Schalk—should we go on?

Springs in Their Fingers Steven Springborn (St. Croix LHS), a junior music major, can turn the simplest hymn tune into a 20-minute polyphonic motet without even trying. Can a guy that talented grow at MLC? “Absolutely,” he says. “Bethel Balge is amazingly talented and a fantastic teacher. I feel embarrassed to play for her. She has so much that she can teach as far as piano performance.” (A quick word on Instructor Bethel Balge: Her degrees come from Michigan State, UW-Madison, and the University of Frankfurt, Germany. She’s competed in national and international concerto competitions. And her endless concert and recital list is highlighted by a performance of Beethoven’s 4th Concerto with the Veronisch Philharmonic in Russia. Enough said.) Back to Steven, who is enthusiastic about all things musical and who goes from allegro to pronto as he talks about his future ministry: “I can’t wait to get into a congregation, and use piano and use organ and use other

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Jacob Behnken plays on MLC’s 42-rank organ in the chapel. About 75% of MLC students study piano or organ at some point in their ministry training. If you have musical gifts and interests, our program will prepare you for classroom music and/or worship leadership.

instruments and introduce new songs and try to utilize all the different things I can—get all the talent out of the people and do as much as I can with the worship services: senior choir, children’s choir, starting a youth choir.” If you’re a gifted pianist and you want to develop your talent for use in God’s kingdom, you’ll find the instruction and motivation you want right here at MLC. Instructor Bethel Balge

SPORTS•SPORTS•SPORTS•SPORTS Knights at a glance Academic All-Conference By Kent Reeder (LPS) What kind of kids do they have at that school? Smart ones, and they’re talented to boot. Last week the Upper Midwest Athletic Conference released the fall sports Academic All-Conference list. MLC led the conference with the highest team GPA for three sports: Football, Men’s Cross Country, and Men’s Golf. Thirty-three students, listed right, received individual titles.

Nathaniel Walther Timothy Matthies Joel Putz Rebecca Finke Anna Horneber Bethany Warnecke Carol Putz Matthew Scharf Daniel Laitinen Luke Beilke Nathaniel Buchner Richard Starr Eric Scheuerlein Jacob Haag Evan Chartrand Jeffrey Grundmeier Jonathan Huebner Kevin Boushek Andrew Danner Steven Haag Bradley Gurgel Sarah Janke Elizabeth Strong Sarah Priestap Kate Hieb Amanda Koch Laura Merklinger Joanna Kramer Brianne Jeffers Emily Rasmussen Amanda Polzin Jill Anding Kristin Steinbrenner

LPS Lakeside WLA LPS MLS LPS WLA LPS LPS MVL Manitowoc MLS KML WLA LPS LPS St. Croix LPS St. Croix WLA KML LPS West Rocky View Virtual LPS LPS Heritage — CO FVL ALA WISCO Rhinelander — WI Neillsville — WI MLS

Men’s Cross Country Men’s Cross Country Men’s Cross Country Women’s Cross Country Women’s Cross Country Women’s Cross Country Women’s Cross Country Football Football Football Football Football Men’s Golf Men’s Golf Men’s Soccer Men’s Soccer Men’s Soccer Men’s Soccer Men’s Soccer Men’s Soccer Men’s Soccer Women’s Soccer Women’s Soccer Women’s Soccer Women’s Soccer Women’s Soccer Women’s Soccer Volleyball Volleyball Volleyball Volleyball Volleyball Volleyball

Mullets, Doritos, and Hoops Question: What campus activity boasts more student participation than any other? Answer: Intramurals. We have 16 intramural sports, and over 400 students play on one team or another. Speaking of teams, here are some of this winter’s basketball squads:

The Doritos (Captain: April Cook, Kettle Moraine LHS) Team FUN (Captain: Sarah Koester, Michigan LHS) The Grim Reapers (Captain: Nathan Moldenhauer, Manitowoc LHS) B-Team Benchwarmers (Captain: Tim Griepentrog, Fox Valley LHS) The Thunderchickens (Captain: Isaac Crass, LPS) Fastbreak Enderle’s (Captain: Glenn Metzger, Huron Valley LHS) Nasty Mullet (Captain: Julie Boggs, LPS) The Ninjas (Captain: Emily Friend, Rocky Mountain LHS) M a r t i n L u t h e r C o ll e g e

SPORTS•SPORTS•SPORTS•SPORTS

Nate Nass

Jake Schwartz

Kate Kogler

Hannah Bode

Basketball Recap By Sports Information Director Dan Lewig (LPS) It was a good run. The men’s team began the month of February at 4-12. By the end of the month, they’d put together a nine-game winning streak, breaking the program’s record, putting the entire conference on notice, coming within a few inches of the UMAC Championship, and earning Coach Jim Unke the Conference Coach of the Year award. Leading the way were two seniors, Nathan Nass (Minnesota Valley LHS) and Jake Schwartz (LPS). Contributing almost 20ppg during the winning streak, Schwartz sparked the Knights’ fiery offense: the team averaged 91.1ppg and shot over 50%. Nass was the Knights’ most consistent threat, averaging over 16ppg, good enough for 3rd overall and 5th in conference play. Despite seven consecutive victories, the Knights faced a winand-in scenario entering the regular season finale against Bethany. With the playoffs on the line, Nass put forth one of the best games of his career, scoring 17 of his game-high 25 points in the first half and leading the Knights past Bethany into post-season play.

Nass and Schwartz became the sixth and seventh players in MLC history to surpass 1,000 career points—and the only two to do so in the same season. At the conference championship, the streak was finally derailed, but February will be a hard month to forget. The women’s team had a tough season but not one without promise. While the Knights didn’t earn their first win until mid-January, they won four of their last seven and even came within shouting distance of playoff chatter. In his first year at the helm, Knights head coach Larry Czer has helped the Knights believe greener pastures are on the horizon. Losing only one senior, the group will look to sophomore Katherine Kogler (California LHS), who led the team with 11ppg and 5.4rpg; and the leadership of juniors Hannah Bode (MLS), Abby Hosbach (Kettle Moraine LHS), and Nicole Lehman (Luther High), to take them to the top of the UMAC next season.

Basketball All-Conference Honors

Professor Jim Unke was selected as UMAC Coach of the Year.

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Coach of the Year: Professor Jim Unke First Team Nathan Nass (Minnesota Valley LHS) Second Team Jacob Schwartz (LPS) Hannah Bode (MLS) Kate Kogler (California LHS) Honorable Mention Brian Gephart (Michigan LHS)

Unique In Purpose—Unique In Preparation

Martin luther College What surprised me about MLC was how quickly I became adjusted to everything and how friendly people were. I’ve made some of my best friends here, and the general atmosphere is fantastic. Campus has really been a home away from home. Justine Smith

It’s true. Whether you come from Michigan, South Dakota, Texas, or California, it doesn’t take long to feel like you belong at MLC. We’re all brothers and sisters in Christ. We’re all here to learn about serving the world with the Word. And we all accept each other, encourage each other, and forgive each other when we need to. MLC really is a home away from home.

justinesmith Junior Elementary Education—Science Emphasis Huron Valley Lutheran High School Daylight USA Service/Ministry

Martin Luther College

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