Wisconsin Lutheran College Magazine

Wisconsin Lutheran College m a g a z i n e

Charitable Challenge gives students the chance to give back and serve others

Winter 2010

from t h e p r e s i d e n t

Dear Friends,

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s we enter this new decade, God is providing Wisconsin Lutheran College with the opportunity to launch several new initiatives. We do so guided by our mission to provide an outstanding collegiate education founded on God’s Word, promote spiritual growth for our campus family members, and prepare Christian leaders for their church, communities, and families.

One new initiative that will help us more powerfully advance our mission is the official kickoff of the public phase of a comprehensive campaign, The Vision to Lead. With a goal of $46 million, of which $38 million already has been pledged or received during the past few years, this campaign is the largest fundraising undertaking in WLC’s history. It will allow us to advance strategic priorities centered on academic enhancements, scholarship assistance, and endowment and annual fund growth. Bottom line, this campaign will enable us to graduate more well-prepared Christian leaders.

As you read additional details about The Vision to Lead campaign on pages 8-11 of this magazine, I would like to thank you now for prayerfully considering how you might participate with us. Our WLC students need your help … today more than ever.

Other 2010 initiatives include the official launch of WLC’s College of Adult and Graduate Studies – an extremely integral program. By educating adults who are completing their college degree or pursuing a master’s degree, we will powerfully promote our mission while enhancing our sustainable funding model.

“We simply want to prepare more well-equipped future leaders for Christ ... to educate passionate Christian men and women who will excel in their careers while impacting the world for Jesus’ sake.”

In addition, we recently signed an articulation agreement with the University of Wisconsin’s two-year campuses to better accommodate transfer students, revamped the academic administrative structure to accommodate our new College of Adult and Graduate Studies, unveiled a new look and design for WLC’s Web site, and had an open house celebration for our new state-of-the-art nursing laboratory … all examples of our commitment to excellence as we serve a growing student body.

All of the aforementioned developments – the comprehensive campaign, our new adult education model, the agreement with other institutions, WLC’s new nursing laboratory – all lead to one goal. We simply want to prepare more wellequipped future leaders for Christ … to educate passionate Christian men and women who will excel in their careers while impacting the world for Jesus’ sake.

What an honor and privilege that God is using Wisconsin Lutheran College to carry out the work of the church … to prepare these graduates to serve and lead. Thank you for your prayers and for your partnership at this exciting time.

In Christ’s service with you,

Dr. Daniel W. Johnson President

If you would like to receive regular e-news updates from the college, and also help us maintain accurate contact information, please share your e-mail address at friends@wlc.edu.

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table of contents

Psalm 106:1

Praise the Lord. Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; his love endures forever.

MISSION STATEMENT

Wisconsin Lutheran College Magazine

Wisconsin Lutheran College, affiliated with the Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod, is a Lutheran liberal arts college for Christian men and women. The college is committed to providing quality teaching, scholarship, and service that are rooted in Holy Scripture; promoting the spiritual growth of students, faculty, and staff; and preparing students for lives of Christian leadership.

Associate Vice President of Marketing and Communication

Vol. 22, No. 2

Features

8 The Vision to Lead The campaign for Wisconsin Lutheran College

By Vicki Hartig

12 Accepting the Challenge WLC students make a difference

Vicki Hartig

By Eva McGillivray Editor and photographer

Melanie Gohde Buellesbach writer and photographer

15 Undergraduates Engage in Research Hands-on experience proves useful

By Melanie Buellesbach

Eva McGillivray Designer

Departments

Jennifer Rueth Wisconsin Lutheran College Magazine is published for and distributed free of charge to students, faculty, staff, alumni, and friends of the college. All correspondence, letters, news, corrections, and comments are welcomed and should be directed to: Vicki Hartig Wisconsin Lutheran College Magazine 8800 West Bluemound Road Milwaukee WI 53226 vicki.hartig@wlc.edu (414) 443-8800

ON THe cover At the kickoff of the Kapco Charitable Challenge, held at the Bradley Center, five groups of WLC students received $1,000 each to help people in the five-county greater Milwaukee area.

Photo by Melanie Buellesbach.

2 From the President 4 On Campus 16 Faculty and Staff 18 Fine Arts 20 Athletics 22 Alumni Relations PRESIDENT Dr. Daniel W. Johnson Bethlehem, Menomonee Falls, Wisconsin

BOARD OF REGENTS 2009-10 Gary Drska St. Paul, Muskego, Wisconsin Ryan Barbieri Christ, Pewaukee, Wisconsin Dr. Gerald Fischer Grace, Falls Church, Virginia James Fischer Christ, Pewaukee, Wisconsin Rev. Kenneth Fisher Risen Savior, Milwaukee, Wisconsin Ned Goede Atonement, Milwaukee, Wisconsin Rev. Jeff Gunn CrossWalk, Phoenix, Arizona Rev. Mark Henrich Atonement, Milwaukee, Wisconsin Rev. Dennis Himm Gloria Dei, Grand Blanc, Michigan Charles Kluenker St. Mark, Citrus Heights, California Philip Leyrer St. John, New Ulm, Minnesota Scott Mayer Grace, Milwaukee, Wisconsin

David McCulloch Prince of Peace, Traverse City, Michigan Kent Raabe Christ the Lord, Brookfield, Wisconsin Dr. William Raasch St. John, Wauwatosa, Wisconsin Paul Rosenow Christ the Vine, Temecula, California C. Daniel Stefferud Gethsemane, Los Angeles, California Rev. Paul Steinberg St. Marcus, Milwaukee, Wisconsin Gary Stimac Abiding Word, Houston, Texas William Treffert Christ, Pewaukee, Wisconsin W. Andrew Unkefer CrossWalk, Phoenix, Arizona Daryl Weber Bethlehem, Menomonee Falls, Wisconsin Dr. Ronald White Crown of Life, Fort Myers, Florida Mark Wrightsman Christ, North St. Paul, Minnesota George Zaferos St. Luke’s, Watertown, Wisconsin

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Academic and curricular growth New majors, faculty restructure, and new transfer agreement Transfers: The college has entered into a transfer agreement with the University of Wisconsin Colleges. WLC will ensure acceptance into its baccalaureate program of any associate degree graduate from a UW College who has earned a 2.5 or higher GPA. UW College transfer students will receive academic credit at WLC for all college-level courses applied toward the requirements of the associate degree with a grade of C or higher.

“This agreement paves the way for UW College students to more easily transfer to WLC to complete a bachelor’s degree,” said WLC provost Dr. John Kolander. “We welcome these students to our campus, where they can choose from 33 majors while enjoying small class sizes and all the advantages of being in Milwaukee.”

Evening programs: Wisconsin Lutheran College’s Financial Planning Education Program now is available, directed by Brian Jacobsen, associate professor of business administration. For more details

Students majoring in German for International Business will intern abroad as part of their degree.

New majors: At its February 9 meeting, WLC’s Board of Regents approved three new majors to begin in Fall 2010. They are Biological Anthropology, German for International Business, and Physics. Physics will continue to be offered as a minor as well.

visit wlc.edu/cfp. WLC’s degree completion program for working adults, LEAD (Leadership Enhancing Accelerated Degree), starts classes the week of March 22.

Participants can complete their major and

receive their degree in just 20 months. To learn more about the program or reserve a space in a future cohort, call (414) 443-8858 or visit wlc.edu/LEAD.

Revised structure: At the meeting February 9, the Board of Regents

approved changes to the academic structure of Wisconsin Lutheran College. WLC will be divided into three colleges: College of the Arts and Sciences, College of Professional Studies, and College of Adult and Graduate Studies.

College of the Arts & Sciences

College of Professional Studies

School of Business School of Math & Science School of Teacher School of Life Education Sciences School of Nursing School of Modern School of Languages Professional School of Humanities Communication School of the Fine Arts

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College of Adult & Graduate Studies Graduate Studies Adult Degree Completion Certification Programs

Dr. Jarrod Erbe

Dr. David Brightsman

Dr. Joyce Natzke

Calls were accepted by current faculty members to serve as deans of the three colleges. The deans will be Dr. Jarrod Erbe, professor of biology (College of the Arts and Sciences); Dr. David Brightsman, associate professor of education (College of Professional Studies); and Dr. Joyce Natzke, professor of education (College of Adult and Graduate Studies).

The three colleges will be made up of schools, each to be led by a chairperson. The structure will be implemented in July.

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From coral reefs to Corinth Students use semester break to study abroad Jamaica: During the semester break, professor of biology Dr. Robert Anderson, accompanied by 16 WLC students, traveled to the Discovery Bay Marine Lab in Jamaica. The WLC group was joined by 15 students from Martin Luther College and MLC professors Roger Klockziem and Lawrence Olson for the marine ecology course.

From December 27 through January 7, the professors worked with the 31 students to develop an understanding of the coral reef, turtle grass lagoon, rocky shore, and mangrove swamp.

“It was great to see the way students from the two schools blended together after a couple of days of exploring these amazing ecosystems our Lord created and sustains,” said Anderson. “As a result of our interaction with the scientists at the marine lab, two of our students are being considered for graduate work at the University of West Indies.”

Students recorded measurements, conducted observations, and performed transects of the ocean floor in Jamaica.

Turkey and Greece: Wisconsin Lutheran College and Wisconsin Lutheran

Seminary co-sponsored a 13-day tour of Greece and Turkey from January 2-15, visiting sites associated with the apostle Paul and his travels. Twelve people participated, including WLC students Max Machotka and Tyler Schroeder and alumnus Greg Dickenson. The tour leaders were Dr. Joel Pless, associate professor of theology at WLC, and Professor Steven Geiger of WLS. The tour group evenly divided their time between Greece and Turkey.

Highlights included walking on a Roman road that Paul himself used to travel between Alexandria Troas and Assos, and visiting ancient Troy, site of the famous Trojan horse legend. A day was spent touring Athens, which included visits to the Parthenon on the Acropolis and the 1896 Olympic stadium. The

Dr. Joel Pless and students Max Machotka and Tyler Schroeder visited the Parthenon on the Acropolis, Athens, Greece.

sites associated with the apostle Paul which were visited included Ephesus, Miletus, Alexandria Troas, Assos, Kavala (biblical Neapolis), Philippi, Thessalonica, Athens, and Corinth.

The study tour’s Turkish guide introduced the group to ancient Ephesus.

Commenting on the experience of touring sites associated with the New Testament, Dr. Pless said: “I will never be the same professor again as a result of this trip. My teaching of the New Testament has been significantly enriched by actually visiting the places which I teach about each semester.”

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Web site gets fresh look

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isconsin Lutheran College’s Web site, wlc.edu, acquired a new look in January. The goal of the new look is to offer an improved browsing experience for prospective students, as well as for current students, parents, alumni, friends, faculty, and staff. The site also reflects the visual appeal of the college’s print publications, and its streamlined navigation means users will always be just a click or two away from key information.

The project was completed in-house by a collaboration that included Public Affairs, Information Technology, and assistant professor of art Chad Lindemann. The site last was redesigned in 2005.

“We wanted to create a more current and polished design through clarity of proportional organization, typography, images, and colors,” said Lindemann.

WLC’s newest alumni

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ongratulations to the 23 Wisconsin Lutheran College graduates (pictured at left) who received their diplomas at the mid-year commencement ceremony held December 17.

For the first time, the event was held in the Schwan Concert Hall in the Center for Arts and Performance. Amanda Retberg, assistant professor of communication and a graduate of WLC, gave the commencement address.

Nursing lab opens

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t was a busy afternoon on February 3 in the lower level of Wisconsin Lutheran College’s Science Hall as the nursing program hosted an open house in its newly completed nursing lab.

Visitors included faculty, staff, students, nurse educators from other area schools, and a steady stream of local healthcare professionals.

Nursing students and professors Rebekah Carey and Sheryl Scott demonstrated the features of five patient simulators, while visitors could feel the “pulse” on the simulators or listen to the “heartbeat.”

The lab also includes six individual patient care areas and workstations. The first class of nursing students is scheduled to graduate from WLC in 2012.

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Founders’ Day & Winterfest share weekend New place to shop: The new Door Stop campus shop held its grand opening January 29 with new items including food, cleaning supplies, souvenirs, and Warriors apparel. It is located in the space formerly occupied by the Armory Bookstore in the Campus Center.

Colton Bredl (below), a 2009 graduate, oversees operations of the store. The shop’s regular hours are Monday through Friday 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and 8 to 10 p.m.

Dr. Daniel Johnson greets Rev. Robert and Carol Voss at the Founders’ Day luncheon.

Founders’ Day: Each year Founders’ Day is observed on campus, celebrating the anniversary of the college’s incorporation. This year, to celebrate WLC’s 37th anniversary, Rev. Paul Steinberg, board member and a pastor at St. Marcus, Milwaukee, delivered the Founders’ Day chapel message on January 29. Afterward, cake and punch were served in the Warrior Underground, where historic and current campus photos were displayed. President Daniel Johnson and his wife, Jana, also hosted a luncheon for the college’s founding and former board members.

Winterfest: Big crowds came out to cheer on the Warriors basketball teams as they took on Lakeland College during Winterfest 2010. The women lost a close game in overtime, while the men defeated the Muskies. Highlights included alumni basketball games in the morning, an exciting Rim Rockers performance (right), and the annual presentation of the Alumni Service Award.

Alumni Service Award winner John Pahmeier (left) received his award from Lisa Leffel, Jon Maertz, and President Daniel Johnson.

The recipient of the 2010 Alumni Service Award was John Pahmeier ’92. He is the director of national accounts and partner in the investment firm Artisan Partners in Milwaukee. Pahmeier served on the college’s Board of Regents for six years, most recently as chair of the institutional advancement committee and a member of the executive committee.

He was the first alumnus to be asked to join the Board of Regents, and he served as one of the alumni representatives on the presidential search committee in 2008.

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Lead

instit ut i o n a l a dva n c e m e n t

The Campaign for Wisconsin Lutheran College

Vision Lead

THE

T

he initial phase of The Vision to Lead, the campaign for Wisconsin Lutheran College, has been under way for several years. The resulting gifts and pledges now stand at $38 million. What remains – in order for the comprehensive campaign’s goal, $46 million, to be met – is $8 million. The focus of this final phase of the campaign will be on four vital areas: scholarships, annual fund, academic enhancements, and endowment growth.

Vision Lead

THE

TO

Three core themes serve as the underpinnings of this campaign and have guided most of the giving to date: the college’s desire to continue growing in excellence, delivering in value, and changing lives.

By God’s grace the following programs, projects, and purchases have been funded and completed during the campaign’s initial phase.

TO

Capital Improvements Phase one construction of the Krauss-Miller-Lutz Athletic Complex, which included Raabe Stadium, Neumann Family Field, and other fields and structures, has been completed. The Courtyard Café serving area of the Campus Center has been significantly remodeled. Science labs have been furnished with state-of-the-art equipment, and campus expansion continued with the purchase of several nearby properties for future needs.

Scholarship Fund Annual scholarship giving increased from$4.7 million in 2004-05 to $6.7 million in 2008-09. This financial help for WLC’s amazing students is crucial to our ability to continue graduating Christian leaders for the world.

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instit u tional advancement

Academic Enhancements A nursing program as well as new majors in China studies, environmental science, sport and exercise science, and several others have been added. A Center for International Education and ESL (English as a Second Language) Institute were established. The Center for Urban Teaching, the Pathways to College program, and the Academic Success Center all were created. In addition, technology was significantly improved with major purchases of a campus-wide integrated software system, an online database for the library, and the 2005 redesign of the college’s Web site. Co-curricular athletics programming was enhanced by the launch of wlcsports.com.

Annual Fund During the initial phase of the campaign, nearly $8 million was received for the college’s annual fund. These funds were used for faculty and staff salaries, facility maintenance, equipment purchases, and improvements in student services.

Endowment Growth During the initial phase of the campaign, more than $13 million in gifts and pledges was received for the endowment fund, helping ensure the long-term financial health and viability of Wisconsin Lutheran College.

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Gifts in Action G

ifts and financial support totaling $38 million have been the amazing result of the past few years. God’s people were asked – and responded – to assist with needs of the college.

Generous donors have pledged or given contributions toward the

Scholarship Support

Annual Fund

When Norm Voigt’s wife, Judy (pictured), passed away three years ago, it was a tough time. A bright spot occurred soon after, though, when close friends Ray and Ruth Dusseau (Ray is professor of education and director of the Center for Urban Teaching) visited him and suggested honoring Judy’s name and memory with an endowed scholarship at WLC. Year after year it would financially assist a deserving student committed to and focused on urban teaching.

“Judy served for 27 years as a volunteer school secretary at Atonement Lutheran School in the near north side of Milwaukee,” Norm explained. “If a kid needed a Band-Aid, or detention, or lots of things in between, Judy was usually the one who could take care of it. She loved those kids.”

Beginning this spring, the Judy Voigt Urban Service and Leadership Award will be given annually to a WLC junior or senior student who is committed to a career of service in the urban education setting.

“I decided to donate this endowed scholarship … this gift … to honor Judy’s love of children, especially those who have had tough situations or were disadvantaged in some way,” Norm said. “Setting this scholarship up allows me, and the college, to know we’re helping future teachers who will be Christian leaders, well educated and prepared to help those very children whom Judy loved so much.”

Norm & Judy (1943-2007) Voigt Scholarship donors Phoenix, Arizona

initial phase of The Vision to Lead campaign. Only a few of their brief stories can be shared here, but they serve to illustrate how gifts to the campaign are making a difference at Wisconsin Lutheran College in the four areas of focus for the final phase.

Matt Neumann graduated from Wisconsin Lutheran College in 2004. He’s had places to go and people to meet ever since. Today, as the successful president of Renewable Energy Solutions, a solar panel and renewable energy source company, Matt remains a firm believer in “giving back.”

“Personally,” he said, “I’ve always wanted to do the right thing for the right reasons. As a business leader and a WLC graduate in particular, I think it’s important to give back to the college. For me it’s a way to count my blessings.

“Even in entry level positions,” he said, “maybe we can’t give financially, but we can donate time or other resources.

We’ve been told in the Bible to give our time, energy, and resources to God. We’ve been instructed through God’s Word to give back … to whom much is given, much is expected … and He empowers us to do so.”

Matt, who has served for two years on the alumni board, is glad to be supporting the college’s annual fund, and he also is thrilled to see and hear the increasing name recognition for Wisconsin Lutheran College in the greater Milwaukee business community.

“For me, giving back to the places that got me here is the right thing to do,” he said. “It’s as simple – and clear – as that.”

Matt Neumann ’04 Business leader and owner Waukesha, Wisconsin

The final $8 million phase of The Vision to Lead campaign is focused on our greatest needs: scholarship support, annual fund, academic enhancements, and endowment growth.

Scholarship Support Annual Fund Academic $3 M Enhancements $1 M Endowment $2 M $2 M Growth

SCHOLARSHIP SUPPORT: To continue attracting and retaining quality students irrespective of financial capacity, WLC must offer competitive financial aid packages, including scholarships.

ANNUAL FUND: To provide essential funding for the daily operations of the college.

ACADEMIC ENHANCEMENT: To develop a College for Adult and Graduate

$38 M Achieved Support

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Studies; broaden academic programs such as business, urban teaching, nursing, and health care fields; support international and study abroad opportunities; and expand the Academic Success Center.

ENDOWMENT GROWTH: To ensure a robust endowment that will support the long-term financial stability of the college, while keeping tuition at a reasonable level.

instit u tional advancement

Academic Enhancements Gary and Sue Stimac have been involved supporters of the college for a decade. As a board member, Gary learned about Wisconsin Lutheran College’s academic and student leadership programs, and decided to financially support one in Grenada.

“Sue and I have been visiting the Caribbean since 1984,” Gary said.

“We have come to love the people and the Caribbean culture.

We found Grenada to provide an excellent experience for WLC students who wanted to support projects outside of the U.S. We want to thank the Lord for all the workers who have served in Grenada.

“Both Sue and I were blessed by God to have Christian parents, and to be brought up in the Lutheran Church,” Gary said. “Sue is a graduate of Wisconsin Lutheran High School, and we both love the mission of WLC. The world and our churches need more prepared servant leaders. We feel Dr. Dan Johnson and the current staff are doing an excellent job evolving the school. The college’s mission is right on target, but the business model and educational opportunities need to grow with the times. We are very excited about the continued education programs that will be added. These will reach and develop even more servant leaders.

“WLC has a very special role as a Bible-based college that prepares Christians for tomorrow. We encourage others to visit its campus, its students, and its staff,” Gary said. “We pray that others will see what we see every time we visit the school. We financially support Wisconsin Lutheran College and want it to grow and prosper! We would like others to do the same.”

Gary and Sue Stimac Board member and donors The Woodlands, Texas

Endowment Fund Dr. Mel Friske has been a member of the Wisconsin Lutheran College faculty since 1984. Recently he explained why he also has been a longtime supporter of the college’s endowment fund.

“I came to WLC at a scary time,” Mel said. “I resigned a tenured position at a University of Wisconsin campus to come to a two-year college with fewer than 100 students. Financially it was shaky; there was no endowment fund and no one had even dreamed of million dollar gifts. I came to WLC with the hope of building a quality mathematics program from scratch.

But I was asked first to get computer science started and to help build a four-year college from scratch!

“Twenty-six years later,” he said, “we have nearly 800 students; we’ve added six multi-million dollar buildings; we have a broad array of majors and minors; we have a modest but growing endowment fund; and we’re on the verge of implementing a university structure with a College of Professional Studies and a College of Adult and Graduate Studies.

“For years I’ve contributed to the WLC endowment fund because I realize that it is the key to the long-term financial well-being of the college. America’s most successful colleges have developed substantial endowment funds. A portion of their annual return on investment is used to fund some of the ongoing college operating costs, and that includes discounts on student tuition.

“My dream for the role of WLC has not changed over the years. The world still needs men and women with a Christian commitment to serve and to lead. Equipping young people for that life of servant leadership is what we do.”

Dr. Mel Friske Professor and Chair Mathematical Sciences

Do You Have a Vision to Help?

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ould you like to join our efforts for a successful The Vision to Lead campaign? Please fill in the following contact information and insert this form into the enclosed envelope. We would appreciate the opportunity to contact you to discuss a variety of ways you might help. Thank you for supporting Wisconsin Lutheran College.

Name________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Address______________________________________________________________________________________________________ E-mail_____________________________________________________________ Phone_ __________________________________ Wisconsin Lutheran College | 11

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WLC students make a difference via the Kapco Charitable Challenge

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he servant leadership mission of Wisconsin Lutheran College is visible throughout Milwaukee this winter. Five student groups from Wisconsin Lutheran competed against fellow WLC students and against teams from Concordia University Wisconsin and Marquette University in a Kapco Charitable Challenge event, sponsored by Kapco Metal Stamping’s president Jim Kacmarcik (below).

Addicted to giving The Kapco Charitable Challenge began in 2008 with students at Concordia and expanded to involve the three schools for 2010. This year, Kacmarcik gave $1,000 to each of the 15 student groups, with the challenge to help others less fortunate with the money.

“We are pleased to have Marquette and Wisconsin Lutheran join us in the Challenge this year to involve more students and extend the reach even further into the community,” said Kacmarcik, whose company is located in Grafton, Wisconsin.

Selected student groups from the three schools met at Milwaukee’s Bradley Center on January 27, where they received instructions on the challenge from Kacmarcik, a self-proclaimed “giving addict.” Leaders from each school, including WLC president Dr. Daniel Johnson, as well as Milwaukee Bucks general manager John Hammond, addressed the groups before the students enjoyed the Milwaukee Bucks game against the Philadelphia 76ers.

“Wisconsin Lutheran College prepares Christian leaders for lives of service to others, and the Kapco Charitable Challenge beautifully complements our mission,” said Dr. Johnson. “Our students are so richly blessed, and via this program they will be a blessing to others.”

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By Eva McGillivray

20 days – $25,000 The impact of the first round was astonishing to the judges. The five WLC student groups raised $25,000 in cash and products via donations of money, food, personal care items, clothing, and books. The groups also spread the word of their communityoriented missions to an estimated 200,000 people.

“When you think about that – 20 days and over $25,000 dollars – that’s very special,” Kacmarcik told the students following their final presentations. “It hits you right in the heart. You guys did an awesome job.”

After 15-minute multi-media presentations by each group, Kacmarcik announced that Team Effect won the first round and would represent Wisconsin Lutheran College in the second round, during which it competed against a team from Concordia and one from Marquette.

“Don’t ever underestimate what you can do,” concluded Kacmarcik in his remarks to the Charitable Challenge participants at WLC. “It isn’t always about financially giving back; it’s about spending some time, energy, thoughts, and volunteering – making a difference in this world. You are an outstanding group of individuals who exemplify that.”

Final round Team Effect was able to enjoy winning the first round for just a few hours before being handed its next challenge. The 10-day second round kicked off on February 18, with each team receiving $2,000 to continue its mission. Each team also was paired with a local child who is fighting cancer, mentored high school students about giving to the community and helping others, and completed random acts of kindness in the second round of competition.

The final three teams were scheduled to present their efforts March 4 in the Pilot Room at Discovery World, with a celebration of the teams’ achievements to follow.

acceptin g the challen ge

Five challenge team stories the students painted and furnished the library, filling the shelves with books.

Members of Team Effect used multiple media sources to get their mission out to the public. During the first round, they were on the air with Jeff Stone on The Big Dawg 97.7 in Door County and had a public service announcement read at Milwaukee Admirals games. The group’s marquee media event came on February 26 when it appeared on Today’s TMJ4’s “The Morning Blend” talk show.

Team Effect Mission: To effectively contribute our time and effort to make an impact on our future generations, while embracing cultural diversity. Don’t underestimate what one person can do. The smallest acts make the biggest impacts.

Members: Anna Baxter, Hannah Behnke, Alex Blahnik, Derrick Bordeleau, Hillary Gardner, Lindsay Hintz, Elizabeth Kock, Amber Marshall, James Sather.

Cause: La Causa, a Milwaukee Public School Partner School that

also serves as a daycare, Head Start, and Crisis Nursery; deals with home removals with Child Protective Services and Family Counseling; and has a food bank and clothing store.

The group also partnered with companies such as Clear Medical Agency, which donated money for each person who became a fan of its Facebook page through Team Effect’s efforts, and Bohl and Race Orthodontics, which provided 450 toothbrushes and 100 tubes of toothpaste.

Project Ripples Mission: Cause a two-fold ripple in the community. First, we aim to directly affect those around us. Secondly, we aim to inspire anyone we affect to help those they can. We embrace change for the better in Milwaukee. It only takes one person to drop the pebble. We’re here to make a wave of a change in our community.

Let’s start the ripple effect.

Members Jenny Hammond, Abby Hintz, Jake Jaehnke, Jimmy Pautz, Matt Pautz, Jessica Riege, Joel Schwartz, Diana Spiegelberg, Ryan Timm, Ashley Zautner.

Cause: Safe Harbor Men’s Shelter offers homeless men comprehensive services to help rebuild their lives, including food, shelter, long- and short-term help, and assistance for recovery from substance abuse.

Success Story: Organized a “Stuff the Bus” drive at Pick ‘N Save

where more than $500 was raised and enough food and toiletries were donated to fill every seat of a Lamers school bus.

Success Story: During the first round of competition, the nine students in Team Effect collected clothes, food, and personal care products for La Causa’s Crisis Nursery. The group also gathered nearly 3,800 books for a new library in La Causa’s Early Education and Care Center. On the final day of the first round, Wisconsin Lutheran College | 13

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Five challenge team stories

continued Cause: Lighthouse Youth Center, a central location where

students can gather safely after school for recreational activities, receive assistance on their academic assignments, enjoy the positive influence of adult Christian mentors, and have opportunities to study and discuss the truths of Scripture.

Success Story: Hosted fundraiser at the Miramar

Theatre that included performances by WLC’s Single Windsor along with Keep This Quiet, Sam Rodewald, and Matt Appelt.

Love to Live. Live to Give Mission: Following in His footsteps of service. We’ll

Greater than Us: 1000 dollars, 1000 ways Mission: 1000 dollars, 1000 ways. Ten people committed to one

strive to live a life of purpose. Living with the goal of making a difference; Loving to live and living to give while challenging others to do the same. Asking … How many servings have you given?

cause to impact humanity. The mission is to your community, to my community, to OUR community. Connected in one cause and 20 days, we are determined to influence as many people as possible through both your efforts and our efforts. Using at least $1000 and other donations, we challenge you to join and give in your own way so that this ambition becomes a reality. We’ve been given one opportunity; let’s turn it into endless possibilities.

Members: Dani Ashman, Sara Boldt, Billy Denzer, Emily Foster, Steve Hetzner, Briana Lazzaroni, Lyndsey Pyle, Hannah Ricke, Nate Rosenberg, Ana Stern.

Cause: Local family of seven (plus one on the way) whose father lost his job and their house burned down in the past year.

Success Story: The group paid the family’s heating bill, repaired kitchen cabinets and bathroom plumbing, and purchased items such as curtains, a crib, school supplies, new clothes, and shoes. The team is also assisting at the Children’s Service Society of Wisconsin run/walk event in May.

Catalyst Mission: A catalyst is something that starts or causes an important process.

We want to be a catalyst of inspiration – inspiring others to reach out and better the lives of those in need.

Members: Alicia Arlen, Leah Bilitz, Alison Green, Mike Huempfner, Brianna Kapitz, Nicole Livigne, Stephanie Nommensen, Paul Roever, Andrew Westphal, Janae Wrobel.

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Members: Peter Buschkopf, Stanley Chan, Shalome Cox, Jon

Fricke, Connor Hinrichs, Jessica Howard, Selciya Lamech, Kristin Plessinger, Katie Schleicher, Jake Zautner.

Cause: Above the Clouds, a Milwaukee non-profit organization

that provides lessons in the creative arts to children ages 5-17 who otherwise would not be given the opportunity.

Success Story: Members coordinated musical fundraisers at Jordan Lutheran Church and Pick ‘N Save, playing the piano and collecting donations from guests. The team also observed a stomp dance class at Above the Clouds and raised money for new ballet bars at the center.

For more information, please visit wlc.edu/ chairitablechallenge

stu dent research

Undergrads conducting research

Hands-on experience proves useful in graduate school

O

laboratory do students experience the full motion-picture of how science IS done.

This is why the science faculty at WLC are committed to engaging students in meaningful research projects throughout their undergraduate education.”

ne key factor that differentiates Wisconsin Lutheran College from larger institutions is that WLC students can conduct research as undergraduates, working directly with professors because the college has no teaching assistants.

Students learn laboratory procedures and become familiar with equipment and proper research techniques. They conduct experiments, publish papers, and present at professional conferences.

Lauren Montoure (pictured with Dr. Balza), a 2009 WLC biology graduate, is now enrolled in Marquette University’s Dental School. She recalls the importance of experiential learning and research in the WLC curriculum: “I was able to develop great hand skills in my lab work and independent research. The professors let me focus on dental issues. For example, I got to research the biofilm that causes periodontal disease in my microbiology course and the physiology of dental caries in my advanced physiology course.”

“WLC students have the opportunity to work alongside professors on cuttingedge research,” said Dr. Dan Ebeling, associate professor of chemistry. “Only a small fraction of undergraduates nationwide get to participate in this type of research, but at WLC, the active faculty and focus on individual students make it the norm.”

A decade of research presentations

Indispensible skills Research opportunities give students valuable experience they can use immediately when they attend graduate studies or work in a professional setting. “In the classroom, students are often shown atemporal snapshots of what science HAS done,” said Dr. Robert Balza, assistant professor of biology. “But only in the

In 2010 the college hosts its 10th annual Undergraduate Research Symposium, which celebrates student scholarship and achievement in multiple disciplines. On May 1 in the Science Hall, everyone is invited to attend research presentations from selected undergraduates. The list of participants and a complete schedule will be available at wlc.edu in April.

In progress These research projects are just a few examples of what WLC students are working on this year with their professors.

This 400x magnified image was taken through a phase contrast micrograph of a colony of stem cells derived from a mouse tail. These cells are “pluripotent,” meaning that they have the potential to turn into any adult cells.

Three students in the laboratory of Dr. Robert Balza, assistant professor of biology, successfully obtained contracting heart tissue from adult mouse stem cells in early November. Soon thereafter, they began to purify these cells in order to begin a rigorous characterization of their molecular and cellular characteristics. The mouse research lab is now complete and Balza hopes to order mice for phase two of this research project in the weeks to come.

This will represent the first use of a live mammalian model system for research on campus in the history of the college. The ethical use of these animals will be supervised by the college’s Institutional Animal Use and Care Committee.

Dr. Dan Ebeling, associate professor of chemistry, is collaborating on a project with KWJ Engineering in Newark, California. The research is funded by a $150,000 grant from the National Science Foundation. During winter break Dr. Ebeling

successfully constructed chemical sensors using screen-printing and nanoparticulate catalysts. WLC students in CHE 310 are continuing this cuttingedge research.

Dr. Jarrod Erbe, professor of biology, and Dr. Dan Ebeling have been working on the construction of a phosphate biosensor. It is a genetically modified bacterium that is used to detect phosphate in soil and water. This will help farmers to apply proper amounts of fertilizer, and it will help protect the environment. The project has received funding from a Johnson Controls Educational Achievement grant and from a WLC mini-grant. More than 10 students from biology and chemistry have been working on this interdisciplinary research project including Abby Kroken, Jeffrey Portratz, Angela Majeskie, and Joel Davis. In November, the results of the research were presented at the Soil Science Society of America meeting.

Wisconsin Lutheran College | 15

facu lt y p ro f i l e

Everything comes together

Dr. David Schulz, assoc. prof. of computer science

P

rofessor Dave Schulz, who has degrees in mathematics, French, computer science, and linguistics (specialty: Arabic) is a strong proponent of multi-disciplinary educations.

He said it took him 25 years, but professionally, “Everything came together. I finally was using everything I had studied in college.”

This took place while Schulz was working on Arabic speech recognition software for AT&T. He was using computer programming, Arabic, math for statistics and software, and three other languages he’d studied: French, German, and Spanish. “When I needed to read a journal article in another language, I could. A lot of research on Arabic is in those three languages.”

Since coming to WLC in 2004, Schulz can testify first-hand about the benefits of studying multiple disciplines at a liberal arts college.

He shares the story of Jon Polfer ’07, a theology major and computer science minor. Polfer applied for a programming job at Abbott Laboratories, and Schulz was called. The reference-checker asked Schulz, “What’s the deal with Polfer’s theology major if he wants to be a programmer?”

Schulz told the Abbott employee, “This is exactly what you want.

It’s a graduate who is interested in everything, and he’s very good at computer science. It doesn’t matter what you throw at him, he’s going to like it.” Schulz added: “Plus, in this age of questionable ethics and morality you get a theology major. What more could you want?” The caller admitted to not thinking about a liberal arts major in that way, and Abbott Labs hired Polfer.

Schulz further explains that most computer science graduates don’t work on developing computer languages or on theoretical computer science. Instead, they may work with a biology professor to map the genome or do bioinformatics, or they develop medical transcription systems for Mayo Clinic (as Schulz once did), or they’re linguists working on language software like Rosetta Stone.

Out of the blue Schulz’s career began at Bell Laboratories, which was part of AT&T. “In those days, that was the coolest possible job you could get,” said Schulz. “Today, being at Bell Labs would be the equivalent of being hired by Google.”

His career progressed by a series of twists and turns bolstered by knowing the right person at the right time, and by making his multi-disciplinary background known. For example, Schulz was working for Bell Labs in New Jersey when a co-worker and volleyball teammate from Wisconsin “out of the blue” mentioned an opportunity with Bell Labs in Naperville, Illinois.

“They were looking for a person to productize text-to-speech software coming out of the research department,” said Schulz.

“The linguists and programmers were mad at each other because they don’t speak the same language. As both a linguist and a programmer, I could speak to both sides.” So he transferred back to the Midwest.

After a time at a start-up company in Minnesota, he ended up back at AT&T. Again, out of the blue, a co-worker asked, “Where am I going to find an AT&T employee who’s an American citizen who knows Arabic who’s a computer scientist?” And again, Schulz was the right person for the job.

Full circle Schulz said, “All my life I had said, what I really want to do when I turn 55 is retire and go teach for the rest of my career.” It wasn’t quite that straightforward, but Schulz left corporate life for a position at WLC. Why teach at a liberal arts college? “The whole point of liberal arts is it’s supposed to be diversified,” said Schulz. “Every professor at WLC does something interesting. They’re not onedimensional. You can talk to any teacher here about all sorts of strange things. They’re interested in more than their discipline.”

Schulz certainly is a textbook example.

“There’s a multi-disciplinary approach in doing user interface design, in making web sites that make sense,” said Schulz.

Research in Arabic linguistics In April, Schulz is presenting a paper titled “Automatic Generation and Evaluation of Foreign Names in Arabic Script” at the annual symposium of the Arabic Linguistics Society in Austin, Texas. The paper is based on research he has been doing in collaboration with the University of Maryland’s Center for the Advanced Study of Language. His research is related to how to write Western names in Arabic. On May 1, as the keynote speaker at the Undergraduate Research Symposium, Schulz will discuss a similar problem: how to write Arabic names in English.

Schulz gave an example: “In Arabic, there is only one way to spell Mohammed. The problem is the letters in Mohammed don’t 16 | wlc.edu

match English perfectly. I know of at least 12 common ways to spell the name in English. The problem is, if you’re writing speech recognition software, and the computer sees Mehmet, it needs to recognize that it’s a form of Mohammed and not a word it doesn’t know.

“Some variants rarely or never occur, but you have to find them all.

You need 100% coverage of what a word could be. You need to come up with standard and nonstandard rules and validate them.

I search gigabytes of text and Google for all variants. That’s the sort of research I like to do these days: how can you use computer science to facilitate language learning and data mining.”

facult y & staff hi ghlights

Wisconsin Lutheran College has been awarded a $5,550 grant from the Wisconsin Foundation for Independent Colleges (WFIC) Awareness in Geriatrics and Elderly Issues (AGE) Program. Dr. Paul Boehlke, professor of biology, and Natosha Nisporic, a senior psychology major, submitted the proposal to have WLC students work with elders at Luther Haven on Saturday mornings. Most of the participating students will come from the Anatomy & Physiology class and the Psychology Club. This WLC program will focus on providing choices as contributing to a healthy environment for the elderly. In awarding the grant, Karissa Kleven, director of collegiate programming at WFIC, said that WLC’s program was viewed as one that will positively impact Wisconsin’s elderly. This is the seventh AGE grant for Boehlke.

Dr. Mark Braun, professor of theology, will present a lecture and answer questions about the Milwaukee Public Museum’s Dead Sea Scrolls and the Bible exhibit. His presentation will be held on March 29 at 7 p.m. in WLC’s Schwan Concert Hall; it is free and open to the public. Braun also is leading a tour of the museum’s Dead Sea Scrolls exhibit on May 22.

Dr. William Braun, professor of music, wrote an article titled “Robert Schumann’s A Cappella Choral Works” to celebrate the 2,000th anniversary of Robert Schumann’s birth. It was published by Chorus America in the American Choral Review (The Journal of the Choral Foundation).

90-minute presentation at the international conference was titled “A mentoring program for beginning urban teachers.” The mentoring program, called Expanding the Circle, extends the influence of beginning teachers by equipping them with specific skills and strategies that have immediate application to their work in urban classrooms.

On January 30, Dr. Angela Ebeling, assistant professor of biology, was an invited speaker at the annual joint convention of the Wisconsin Onsite Water Recycling Association/Wisconsin Liquid Waste Carriers Association. Her talk, titled “Available phosphorus and total phosphorus: Implications for septage land application,” addressed how and why land applied phosphorus can be a concern for the environment.

Jan Gompper, professor of theatre, has a role in the feature film Journey to Paradise, which is being shot by adjunct communication instructor Steven Zambo ’81. The film is based on the novel The Christmas Edition by Wisconsin writer Robin Shope. The film is scheduled for release next Christmas.

Thanks to a generous gift, the College of Adult & Graduate Studies has added two staff members to help the program grow. Nathan Karst ’00 (left) is the office coordinator and Curtis Wech ’09 is a specialist.

Connie Pickart has joined the Center for International Education as a part-time recruiter, a grant-funded position. Her focus will be on China.

Dr. Michelle Reina, assistant professor of business administration, will be presenting “Resilience in International Business Travelers” at the MBAA International Conference in Chicago March 24-26 as part of the Academy of International Business. She also will be serving as a session chair and paper discussant at the conference.

Dr. Glen Thompson, professor of history, is on sabbatical for the 2009-2010 school year. He spent the fall semester teaching at Asia Lutheran Seminary in Hong Kong. This semester he is spending three months in Rome. He posts weekly updates on the WLC History Department blog (wlc.edu/blogs).

Terry Treuden, director of instrumental music, was one of the guest conductors at the 50th anniversary WELS Band Festival being hosted by Luther High School in Onalaska, Wisconsin, March 12-14.

Paul Burmeister, associate professor of art, had two mixed media drawings juried into FORWARD 2010: A Survey of Wisconsin Art Now. This exhibition is being held at the Charles Allis Art Museum in Milwaukee from February 24 through May 19.

Rachel Kuehl, head softball coach, presented a paper at the National Fastpitch Coaches Association in December 2009 in Nashville, Tennessee. The paper was titled “Aggressive Base Stealing in Softball.”

Dr. Ray Dusseau, director of the Center for Urban Teaching, was a presenter at the February Mission and Ministry Conference at Wisconsin Lutheran Seminary. The topic was “Distance Learning and Teaching via the Internet,” featuring the on-line theological instruction of pastors in Bogota and Medellin, Colombia. On March 6 he presented at the Annual Conference of the Association of Supervision and Curriculum Development San Antonio, Texas. His

John Meyer has been promoted to IT Operations Director. He’s been at WLC since 2005.

Dr. Martin Moldenhauer, associate professor of English, is taking students to England from May 31 through June 16 to study and gain three credits for British Romanticism (ENG 325). This is his third trip.

For the first time, students from Martin Luther College will join the WLC students, gaining reciprocal credit at MLC.

Rev. Paul Kelm has accepted the call to serve WLC as its second campus pastor. He will begin his work on the campus shortly after spring break in March. Pastor Kelm is a former dean of students and campus pastor at Wisconsin Lutheran College. He served the college from 1979-1984 and 1993-1998. He most recently served as pastor of discipleship at St. Mark Lutheran Church in DePere, Wisconsin.

Wisconsin Lutheran College | 17

fine a r ts h ig h l ig h ts

State honors

On tour

hree Wisconsin Lutheran College musicians were chosen as members of the 2010 National Band Association – Wisconsin Chapter’s College All-Star Band. About 90 musicians from Wisconsin colleges and universities gathered for a day of rehearsals, then performed at the NBA – Wisconsin

he spring concert tour itinerary for the Wisconsin Lutheran Choir took the group east from March 5-12. Performances were held in five states: Georgia, Ohio, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, and Virginia. The home concert is March 19 in the college’s Schwan Concert Hall.

T

T

The WLC Concert Band will head west following commencement. From May 17-24 the group will perform in Colorado, Minnesota, Nebraska, and South Dakota.

Band heads to China Due to the need for extensive planning and fundraising, the destination for the spring 2011 WLC Concert Band tour has been announced. The group will immerse itself in the culture of China for 12 days in May 2011, departing right after commencement. The tentative itinerary for the band’s first international tour will include Beijing, Guangzhou, Hong Kong, Nanchang, and Xian. Director of instrumental music Terry Treuden already is planning the music for the five scheduled concerts.

Chapter’s state convention on January 23 in Wisconsin Rapids. The three WLC students selected were Joseph Workman (pictured) and John Fenske, trumpet, and Quinten Petersen, percussion.

Three WLC students participated in the Wisconsin Choral Director’s Association Collegiate All-State Choir, held at UW-Eau Claire in January. The choir was comprised of 120 students from colleges throughout Wisconsin. The WLC students who participated were Nina Lange, Jordan Murphy, and Katie Sloan.

H

igh school and junior high school instrumentalists and their directors attended Wisconsin Lutheran College’s ninth annual Jazz Festival January 15-17. This event culminated in a joint performance of the high school ensembles in the Schwan Concert Hall. For the first time, the festival was a Woody Herman Jazz Scholarship event.

Participating Wisconsin high schools were Lakeside Lutheran High School (Lake Mills), Luther High School (Onalaska), Luther Preparatory School (Watertown), Manitowoc Lutheran High School (Manitowoc), and Shoreland Lutheran High School (Somers). Participating area junior high schools were Lincoln Center of the Arts (Milwaukee) and Templeton Middle School (Sussex).

18 | wlc.edu

fine arts hi ghlights

Theatre productions

Theatre competition

J

acqueline Gardner took second place in the Midwest Region’s American College Theatre Festival’s Critic’s Competition in January, for the second year in a row.

In the gallery

W T

he WLC theatre department is two-thirds of the way through its season.

The 2009-2010 season began with Anton Chekhov’s The Seagull (pictured) in November, followed by Herbert E. Swayne’s The Curse of an Aching Heart in February. The final production will be Arthur Miller’s The American Clock, which opens April 23 in the Raabe Theatre. Visit wlc.edu/ arts for tickets and showtimes.

orks by Wisconsin Lutheran College art alumni are on display through March 18 in the Schlueter Art Gallery as part of the Past Present exhibition. In the juried exhibit, “Flight”(below) by Lindsay (Patt) Carr ’07 received first place. Second place went to “Chicken in the Woods” by Heather Huffman ’07, and the third-place artwork was “Monarch Wings” by Carissa (Mulder) Russell ’06.

See artwork by WLC students at the senior thesis exhibition, which opens April 9 and runs through May 14.

Summer entertainment

T

he schedule for WLC’s popular Summer Arts in the Park series is set.

Performing artists will provide music ranging from polkas, 50s & 60s, and Big Band, to the Kids from Wisconsin (pictured). Concerts are presented outdoors on the campus quad with food and beverages available. In case of rain, events are held indoors. Exhibitors are still needed for the Fine Arts Fair on Saturday, July 10. More information and an exhibitor application can be found at wlc.edu/arts.

2010 Summer Arts in the Park June 17 – Steve Meisner – Wisconsin’s #1

Polka Band (6:30 p.m.)

July 1 – Bobby Way & the Way Outs (6:30 p.m.)

July 10 – Fine Arts Fair (9 a.m. to 5 p.m.)

July 10 – Tom Anthony Show (noon) July 10 – Kids from Wisconsin (2 p.m.)

July 15 – Newtonburg Brass Band (6:30 p.m.)

July 29 – Brew City Big Band (6:30 p.m.)

August 12 – Doo Wop Daddies (6:30 p.m.)

Wisconsin Lutheran College | 19

Athle t i c s p ro f i l e

Exploring the globe

W

hen he arrived at Wisconsin Lutheran College as a freshman in the fall of 2006, Tyler Schroeder never expected he would see so much of the world. But thanks to his involvement in the United States Air Force Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (ROTC), study abroad opportunities,

athletics and academics was demonstrated by being selected as a Northern Athletics Conference ScholarAthlete in 2008 and 2009 for maintaining a 3.25 GPA or higher.

Through athletics, Schroeder has also traveled throughout the United States

and Warriors athletics, Schroeder has

while competing for the Warriors.

explored the globe.

Leading by example

Serving his country

“Tyler leads more by example rather

For the past four years, the senior

than by being a vocal leader,” said WLC

business administration major from Sparta, Wisconsin, has been a cadet in the ROTC, preparing for his future as a combat systems officer in the Air Force.

Schroeder, a four-year, two-sport

cross country and track & field head coach Steve Travis. “He is punctual, pays attention to details, and is a hard worker. Being a two-sport studentathlete all four years shows his

student-athlete in cross country and

commitment to being a Warrior.”

track, will be stationed at the Naval Air

Schroeder’s running achievements

Station in Pensacola, Florida, for the

include a 2007 NAC Honorable Mention

first 10 months of his duty following his

selection in cross country, where he ran a

upcoming graduation in May.

personal-best 8k time of 27:52 at the

Schroeder’s time commitment to the

Midwest Regional as a sophomore. In

ROTC includes two classes each semester in the program at Marquette University. There also were summer

track, Schroeder was a member of the distance medley relay team that broke the school record with a time of 10:57.15

obligations he attended, including a

during his junior year.

version of boot camp in Alabama and

Schroeder has also taken advantage of

ROTC Professional Developmental

the study abroad opportunities at

Training program sessions in

Wisconsin Lutheran, visiting Jamaica,

Oklahoma and Nebraska.

England, China, Turkey, and Greece.

The juggling act between WLC

“Seeing how the rest of the world lives

coursework, athletics, and ROTC

will help me prepare for my future in the

actually helps Schroeder balance all

Air Force,” said Schroeder.

three. “In order to remain in the ROTC

That future includes a minimum

and on the sports teams, you are

eight-year tenure with the Air Force,

required to keep your grades up,” said

after which Schroeder hopes to have his

Schroeder. “The work just gets done. It

own real estate business. Until then, he

has to.”

will enjoy his view of the world from

Schroeder’s successful combination of

the sky.

20 | wlc.edu

athle tics hi ghlights

Women’s basketball repeats WLC to host NAC Track & Field Championships

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or the second time in four years, WLC will host the Northern Athletics Conference Men’s & Women’s Outdoor Track & Field Championships at Raabe Stadium.

There will be nine teams from the conference competing for the NAC title on May 7-8 at the stadium, located at the college’s Krauss-Miller-Lutz Outdoor Athletic Complex two miles north of campus. Raabe Stadium’s timing system interfaces with the video screen of the full-color scoreboard so that as races finish, times are provided instantly.

T

he Wisconsin Lutheran College women’s basketball team (1512, 12-6 NAC) clinched its second straight Northern Athletics Conference South Division title with a 96-61 win over Dominican University during Senior Night on February 17. The Warriors, which received the second seed in the NAC Tournament’s eight-team field, defeated Rockford College, 52-37, in the quarterfinal round. WLC’s run ended on February 27 as they fell to Lakeland College, 58-47.

Senior forward Whitney Miller (pictured) became the 12th player in Warriors women’s basketball history to reach 1,000 career points. She eclipsed the mark in the first half of a 73-70 Wisconsin Lutheran win over Northern Athletics Conference South Division rival Benedictine University on January 20 at the Recreation Complex. Miller finished her WLC career with 1,222 points.

At Raabe Stadium, the nine-lane track’s surface is Mondo, the same surface used at recent Olympic Games as well as at the World Championships. During the Gary’s Gallop 5k run and 2-mile walk on April 17, participants will finish the event by taking a lap around this track. To register, visit wlc.edu/garysgallop.

Athletics summer camps For more information and registration, visit wlcsports.com and look under Athletics Info.

Volleyball JV Camp

Basketball Boys High School Camp

Date: June 18-20 Location: Recreation Complex (REX) Cost: $140 (resident), $90 (commuter)

Date: July 11-13 Location: Recreation Complex (REX) Cost: $180 (resident), $100 (commuter)

Football JV & Varsity Lineman Camp

Date: June 28 Location: Raabe Stadium Cost: $20 Football JV & Varsity Skills Camp

Date: June 28 Location: Raabe Stadium Cost: $20

Volleyball Varsity Camp

Date: July 16-18 Location: Recreation Complex (REX) Cost: $140 (resident), $90 (commuter) Youth Cheerleading Camp

Date: August 3-6 Location: Recreation Complex (REX) Cost: $65

In the Fall 2009 issue of Wisconsin Lutheran College Magazine, Dr. Bill Raasch, team physician for the WLC Warriors, was incorrectly identified. He is the head team physician for the Milwaukee Brewers.

Wisconsin Lutheran College | 21

A lu mn i p ro f i l e

Teaching & experiencing life in the UAE

B

en Artz has left behind friends, family, and cold winters for a very different life abroad. He and his wife, Kate, are living in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) while Ben teaches at an American university there. Artz, a business economics major at WLC, graduated in 2003. He received his Ph.D. in economics from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee in 2008.

So how did he end up working in the UAE? He cites three main reasons: “My wife was excited for the opportunity; we both love to travel, and Dubai is a wonderful launching pad for travel in the region; and the United States job market for academic economists was quite weak.”

He accepted a position as an assistant professor in the Department of Economics, School of Business and Management, at the American University of Sharjah (AUS).

Teaching in a new culture Artz teaches at AUS, an independent, co-ed institution founded in 1997. The school has about 5,200 students from 80 nations and is grounded in Arab culture.

Although there are large cultural differences from the students he taught at WLC as an adjunct economics professor, Artz said, “The students here have a similar academic background as those at WLC. Some are very talented and work hard while others should work much harder but do not.”

He said the primary difference is that cheating is regarded as acceptable and even preferential. “The students have been raised to ‘help’ friends and family always, at any cost, which includes cheating,” said Artz. “So it takes extra vigilance on my part to control this behavior, but the students are slowly getting better at recognizing the true colors of cheating.”

Life in the UAE Artz has seen the Burj Khalifa in Dubai, which opened in January as the world’s largest skyscraper. The building’s public observation deck on the 124th floor was open for about a month before electrical problems and other unspecified issues forced it to close. The 160 floors of commercial and residential space have yet to be occupied.

WLC alumni Rich Bakken ’00 (left) and Ben Artz ’03 were able to visit in Dubai while Rich was spending time in Qatar as part of his Ph.D. work at the University of San Diego.

Melting pot Perhaps not surprisingly, Artz said his biggest challenge has been culture shock. He’s teaching in Sharjah, one of seven emirates that comprise the UAE, which was formed in 1971. Sharjah borders the emirate of Dubai.

He said, “The UAE is an Arab nation, but also a melting pot of different cultures. Many of the blue-collar workers are from India, Pakistan, and the Philippines, whereas the white-collar workers originate from Europe, the United States, and Australia.”

He estimates the foreigners make up about 80 percent of the population, and it’s a challenge for them to live in a relatively new country under moderately strict Islamic rules and regulations.

“This creates some life inconveniences to say the least. But over time I have been able to adjust to the cultural environment.”

Artz and his wife have access to satellite television, so they regularly watch news relating to home. To stay in touch with people in the United States, they primarily use Vonage VOIP (Voice over Internet Protocol), e-mail, and occasionally Skype.

And did he watch the Super Bowl in February? Not this year. He said, “Unfortunately, the Super Bowl aired here at about 4 a.m. on a Monday morning, and since the Green Bay Packers weren’t playing, I opted for sleep.

I could always watch the commercials later, right?”

The Wisconsin native admits that he hasn’t been able to adjust to the excessive heat, however.

22 | wlc.edu

Artz points out the Burj Al Arab in Dubai, an iconic luxury hotel that stands on an artificial island.

alu mni hi ghlights

Bowl-O-Rama On January 9, WLC hosted the inaugural Warrior Bowl-O-Rama at Village Bowl in Menomonee Falls, Wisconsin. The afternoon was enjoyed by 44 bowlers consisting of alumni, parents, and friends of the college. The team of Mark ’95 and Anne (Sonnabend) Ignatowski ’96 came in third place. Second place went to Andy ’93 and Paula (Stelter) Lober ’94. The champions were Michelle and Chuck Wierschem ’03. About $400 was raised at the event to benefit WLC. Special thanks to the Ninski Bros. for their support of the event. Look for the second annual Warrior Bowl-O-Rama in January 2011.

In search of Easter eggs Alumni families and friends of the college are invited to the Wisconsin Lutheran College campus on March 27 for the annual WLC Alumni Easter Egg Hunt. Kids are sure to enjoy searching for Easter eggs at this fun event, which begins at 10 a.m. in the Center for Arts and Performance. The Alumni Relations staff will hide more than 1,500 Easter eggs and toys throughout the building. Games and crafts add to the day’s excitement, and be sure to bring your camera to get a picture with the Easter Bunny! RSVP online at wlc.edu/alumni. A freewill offering will be gathered at the event to help defray the cost.

Alumni and friends of WLC enjoyed the first Bowl-O-Rama. Pictured in the back row (left to right) are Anne Ignatowski ’96, Mark Ignatowski ’95, Neal Ninmann ’96, and Laura Egelseer. In the front row are Jeff Ehrhardt, Jenny Ehrhardt, Erich Schmandt, and Karen Ninmann ’97.

Alumni in the news Megan Huff ’08, a sixth-grade teacher at HOPE Christian School in Milwaukee, helped HOPE gain national exposure (with the assistance of Wendy Greenfield ’91) through a song Huff wrote and choreographed. As part of an annual talent contest, designed to motivate teachers and students, Huff penned “Scholar Ladies” to the tune of Beyoncé’s hit song “Single Ladies.” Huff and alumnus Patrick Hurley ’00 appear in the video, along with many of HOPE’s students, dancing to the catchy line, “If you learned it then you should have got an ‘A’ on it.”

The video, available on YouTube and at thehopeschools.org, has been viewed more than 502,000 times thanks to national media coverage, including an appearance by Huff and two students on CNN and an article in the Chicago Tribune.

Goodbye winter boots, hello running shoes Mark your calendars so you don’t miss the start of the 5k run or 2-mile walk on April 17 to benefit Wisconsin Lutheran College Athletics. Gary’s Gallop is a tribute to the late WLC president, Dr. Gary Greenfield. This annual race attracts more than 300 participants on its scenic course through Underwood Parkway and the WLC Krauss-Miller-Lutz Outdoor Athletic Complex. Bring the entire family, as there is a Kids’ Race too. For information and registration, visit wlc.edu/garysgallop.

In touch Spread the word to your parents! The college is starting an e-newsletter this spring designed to keep parents of both current students and alumni in touch with the college. If your parents would be interested in receiving a monthly e-newsletter similar to the alumni newsletter, encourage them to submit their e-mail address to friends@wlc.edu. The e-newsletter will be their source for current news and invitations from Wisconsin Lutheran College.

Wisconsin Lutheran College | 23

NONPROFIT ORG U.S. POSTAGE PAID MILWAUKEE WI Permit No. 3335

8800 West Bluemound Road Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53226-9942

Study abroad page 5

Winterfest page 7

Kapco Charitable Challenge page 12

Alumni art show page 19

Wisconsin Lutheran College hosts many exciting events throughout the year. For the most up-to-date information, please visit these Web sites, or call (414) 443-8800.

Alumni: Athletics: Fine Arts: General:

wlc.edu/alumni wlcsports.com wlc.edu/arts wlc.edu/news