Wisconsin Lutheran College m a g a z i n e
WLC students shine at international research competition in Toronto
Providing a superior student experience – through campus life – through experiential, international learning – through opportunities to serve and lead as Christians Fall 2013
from the president
Dear Friends, Five months ago, as I wrote the message for our Summer 2013 Wisconsin Lutheran College Magazine, my focus was on communicating the essence of our new, comprehensive strategic plan, Vision 2020. In brief, the plan states that we will grow and be sustainable as we reach a total enrollment of 2020 by the year 2020. We will, God-willing, achieve that objective while delivering excellence in Christian higher education and providing a superior student experience. In moving toward our vision – to be the Christian college of choice, preparing Christian servant leaders – we will actively pursue five initiatives: “intentionalize” Christian leadership, innovate, engage community partners, increase awareness and demand, and steward assets. It’s humbling and awesome how God is always at least a few steps ahead of us. For example, if we are to provide a superior student experience, we must offer outstanding campus housing and living conditions for our undergraduate students. Five months ago we didn’t have that challenge solved. We have been blessed with record enrollment for the past five years and have nearly reached full capacity with regard to our student housing. In spring we began to work on a plan and subsequently formed a unique partnership with private investors. As a result, we already have begun construction on a new residence hall that will house more than 200 students, add much needed classroom and parking capacity to our campus, and be completed before the semester begins next fall. This will be accomplished without adding one dollar to our debt. Who but a loving God created this solution? In addition to our new residence hall project, significant improvements to the main entrance for our Outdoor Athletic Complex are now under way. Since most of these enhancements fall under the reconfiguration requirements of the Wisconsin Department of Transportation’s Zoo Interchange Reconstruction Project, state funding covered all the costs of these upgrades. These enhancements include an improved entrance and increased parking, along with an additional five acres of land. Again, only God could have orchestrated such an outcome. We see evidence of God’s hand not only in our campus development, but also through the lives and actions of our faculty and staff. We clearly witness God’s gift of Christian higher education each and every day by observing the ways a WLC education changes and shapes our students’ lives. Our students are preparing to be his hands and feet as impactful leaders for Jesus! You will see and read about a few of these students on the following pages. They are going out into our cities, nation, and many countries around the world, and we are equipping an ever-increasing number of these servant leaders and change-agents every year. What does God have in store for us in another five months? Five years? We don’t know, but we are confident and excited about following his direction, trusting in his promises, and continuing to carry out our mission – for him. Thank you for your prayers and encouragement. 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 help us maintain accurate contact information, please share your email address at friends@wlc.edu. 2 | wlc.edu
Each one should use whatever gift he has received to serve others, faithfully administering God’s grace in its various forms. If anyone speaks, he should do it as one speaking the very words of God. If anyone serves, he should do it with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ. To him be the glory and the power forever and ever. Amen. MISSION STATEMENT 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. Executive director of Marketing and Communication Jason Van Acker ’00 Executive editor Vicki Hartig Editor and photographer Melanie Gohde Buellesbach Designer 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: Jason Van Acker Wisconsin Lutheran College Magazine 8800 West Bluemound Road Milwaukee WI 53226 jason.vanacker@wlc.edu
Wisconsin Lutheran College Magazine
Vol. 26, No. 1
Features
4 New construction for WLC
Departments 2 From the President
7 Coach Miller retires as head of football program
14 Center for Christian Leadership 16 Guest Speakers
8 Recognizing the value of a WLC education
20 Adult & Graduate Studies 22 Alumni
12 Helping and serving: human social services majors 17 Undergraduate teacher residency program 18 International, experiential learning and teaching 23 Celebrating the life of Joel Mischke
On the cover PRESIDENT Dr. Daniel W. Johnson Germantown, Wisconsin
WLC’s iGEM undergraduate research team was photographed on the University of Toronto campus after an international competition was completed. WLC’s team took home the silver medal…along with MIT, Yale, Northwestern, and Carnegie-Mellon! L to r: Sierra Tackett, Ben Tellier, Nick Goldner, Rachel Nolte, and Steve Van Alstine. To learn more see page 10.
BOARD OF REGENTS 2013-2014 Mr. James Fischer (chair), Waukesha, Wisconsin Mr. Ryan Barbieri ’00 Sussex, Wisconsin Mr. Steven Boettcher Mequon, Wisconsin Mr. Matthew Burow Slinger, Wisconsin Mr. Gary Drska Muskego, Wisconsin Dr. Gerald Fischer Bethesda, Maryland Rev. Kenneth Fisher Milwaukee, Wisconsin Mr. Stephen Granberg Jackson, Wisconsin Mr. Justin Gregorius Watertown, Wisconsin Dr. Terry Gueldner Manitowoc, Wisconsin Rev. Jeff Gunn Phoenix, Arizona Mr. Paul Hartwig Appleton, Wisconsin Rev. Mark Henrich Milwaukee, Wisconsin Rev. Dennis Himm Grand Blanc, Michigan Mr. Charles Kluenker Roseville, California
Dr. R. Bowen Loftin College Station, Texas Mr. Scott Mayer Franklin, Wisconsin Mr. Mark Neumann Nashotah, Wisconsin Mr. Tom Plath Collierville, Tennessee Mr. Kent Raabe Brookfield, Wisconsin Dr. William Raasch Wauwatosa, Wisconsin Rev. Gene Sims Grove City, Ohio Mr. C. Daniel Stefferud Redondo Beach, California Dr. Gary Stimac The Woodlands, Texas Mr. Lawrence Totsky Menomonee Falls, Wisconsin Mr. William Treffert Naples, Florida Mr. Matt Trotter Cudahy, Wisconsin Mr. W. Andrew Unkefer Phoenix, Arizona Dr. Ronald White Fort Myers, Florida Mr. Kerry Woody Muskego, Wisconsin Mr. George Zaferos Watertown, Wisconsin
Wisconsin Lutheran College | 3
table of contents
1 Peter 4:10-11
campus news
New student residence hall under construction
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roundbreaking was held on Saturday, September 14, 2013, for a new student residence hall. The building, being constructed in response to WLC’s growing student enrollment and need for additional housing on campus, will be located on Wisconsin Avenue between 89th Street and 90th Street. “This new residence hall will allow us to continue providing quality, Christcentered, apartment-style living quarters – as well as new classroom space and additional parking for our students,” said WLC president Dr. Daniel W. Johnson. “We are able to fund the project through a unique and creative partnership with private investors as part of a separate LLC. We praise God for this amazing blessing and opportunity.”
Board member Matt Burow, WLC president Daniel Johnson, Board of Regents chairman Jim Fischer, and vice president of finance Gary Schmid ’82 broke ground for the college’s new residence hall on Saturday, September 14, 2013.
The six-story, mixed-use building will feature five floors of residential housing, three spacious, street-level classrooms, and covered, below-grade as well as surface parking for a total of 53 individual spaces. As many as 211
Construction on the new facility began in September, and completion of the six-story, 87,276-square-foot building (including underground parking), will be completed before WLC’s 2014 fall semester begins. 4 | wlc.edu
students will occupy the facility’s 54 apartment-style suites, which primarily will be two bedroom/two bathroom market-rate units. Its exterior will complement existing campus buildings in both proportion and scale. The new residence hall will be owned by a third-party entity, 8800 Concord, LLC, and will be managed and maintained by WLC, a partner with the private LLC. “The fact that we are able to add this beautiful, new, multimillion-dollar residence hall to our campus, housing more than 200 undergraduate students to help meet the needs of our growing enrollment, is a clear gift from God,” President Johnson said. “And the fact that we’re not adding one dollar to our debt – because of our partnership with private investors – is incredibly important, especially in these challenging economic times.”
campus news
“This new residence hall will be transformational for our student housing programming,” added Dr. Dennis Miller, vice president of student affairs. “The facility will add so much to our ‘intentional’ Christian learning community that we promote and encourage on our campus.” “The planning and approval process for the project also offered us an unanticipated benefit – the opportunity to engage area residents and elected
View of the new residence hall from the southeast.
WLC by the numbers n Total
enrollment: 1,178 ratio: 12:1 n Avg. class size: 17 n Avg. GPA (incoming freshman class): 3.42 n Avg. ACT (incoming freshman class): 24 n Percentage of residential students: 66% n Percentage of traditional age (18-22): 95% n Demographics: from 29 states and 10 countries n Percentage of students receiving some form of financial aid: 99% n Student/faculty
Another view of the new residence hall from the northwest.
officials,” said Jason Van Acker, executive director of marketing and communication. “We were able to share WLC’s mission and ministry with others, and in many cases, we learned about positive contributions our students are making to the community.” The residence hall, scheduled to open before classes begin for the 2014 fall semester, will
replace four college-owned apartment buildings that stood facing Wisconsin Avenue along the 8900 block. Those properties, which housed 48 students, were razed in September, and the excavation and foundation phases of the construction process have been completed. Projections for meeting the scheduled timeline are on target according to Catalyst Construction, the company building the facility. Jim Fischer, chairman of the Board of Regents, believes the residence hall project and the major reconfigurations being completed at WLC’s athletic fields’ entrance both are indications of God’s hand guiding the ongoing development of Wisconsin Lutheran College. “If you look at the entire 40 years of WLC’s history, you’ll see God’s miraculous blessings bestowed upon this college time and time again as he has worked through his people. This is yet another one of those times. As with many of our ‘perceived’ challenges, they usually are just a prerequisite for our awesome God showing us just how incredible he is. We are in awe of him – and we give him all of the glory!” Wisconsin Lutheran College | 5
campus news
Outdoor Athletic Complex to receive new entrance
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he Wisconsin Department of Transportation’s Zoo Interchange Reconstruction Project in western Milwaukee County brought unexpected good news to Wisconsin Lutheran College as it relates to its Outdoor Athletic Complex. Located approximately two miles northwest of campus, WLC’s KraussMiller-Lutz (KML) Outdoor Athletic Complex, 10200 West Watertown Plank Road, soon will boast an enhanced entrance drive, improved access, more parking, five additional acres of land, and better directional and identifying signage. “For at least two years we’ve known that our athletic fields site, specifically its entrance and access points, were going to be affected by the Zoo Interchange Reconstruction Project in some way,” said Gary Schmid ’82, WLC’s vice president of finance. He also was responsible for representing the college in numerous meetings with state and county officials and service
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he Zoo Interchange is being reconstructed now through 2018. Visitors to WLC’s campus on Bluemound Road or to the Krauss-Miller-Lutz Outdoor Athletic Complex on Watertown Plank Road may encounter detours or delays. Visit 8 wlc.edu/zoointerchange for updates on area road construction and closures. 6 | wlc.edu
The new entrance to Wisconsin Lutheran College’s Krauss-Miller-Lutz Outdoor Athletic Complex will be completed by April 2014, replacing and relocating the main entry into the complex.
providers involved with the Zoo Interchange Reconstruction Project. “We were unsure as to the final impact and costs we would be facing until earlier this year. When we learned that all of the funding for these significant improvements was going to be provided by the State of Wisconsin as part of its engineering, reconfiguration, and structural requirements of the Zoo Interchange Project – well – we were relieved, and very, very grateful, to say the least.” The enhanced entrance will feature a controlled main driveway, additional parking, signage upgrades, and five additional acres for WLC’s use within its KML Outdoor Athletic Complex. Additional fencing, lighting, and landscaping will be included as part of the overall new look. “We also have been able to have upgraded internet and fiber access
brought into our facilities for a very minimal cost because of our location within the larger, area-wide improvements taking place,” Schmid added. The Swan Boulevard portion of the overall Zoo Interchange Reconstruction Project, which includes the WLC Outdoor Athletic Complex changes, is under construction now, scheduled to be complete and reopened by January 2014. “While it’s true that we’ve had to endure some headaches this fall during this construction project going on at our athletic fields,” said Skip Noon, WLC’s athletic director, “once the dust settles, our constituents will enjoy a better and improved facility. All of the enhancements will give our athletic complex a fresh and new feel. We’re excited to welcome everyone to our new and improved site in the spring of 2014!”
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fter posting a program-record 7-3 season in 2012, WLC’s head football coach, Dr. Dennis Miller, decided to step down after 13 seasons. “This kind of decision is never easy, but it was the right time to step down. It’s been an incredible journey,” Miller, who continues to serve as vice president of student affairs, said earlier this year.
was ranked nationally, and he was named Conference Coach of the Year three of those years. In 1998, Miller accepted the call to serve as head football coach at WLC because he loved the college’s mission. He came with one goal in mind: to build a successful football program. He was starting from scratch – no staff, players, or facilities – just a vision. 1999 was only a practice season, using county and city parks as venues.
He also is extremely pleased with the fact that Ben Murphy ’04 was promoted and now serves as the Warriors head “One of my favorite memories from all football coach. “Ben – along with Mike 13 seasons was that fall of ’99,” Miller Fossum and the entire, great coaching said recently. “We practiced football – staff – have recruited a tremendous as a team – with a weekly schedule, but group of players,” Miller said. “There Warriors Football had its first competitive season in without real games or other teams, for are strong procedures in place to keep 2000 with 42 players. The team was victorious in its nine weeks. We used Rainbow Park in the program moving forward, and I see first game ever played, defeating Rockford College. West Allis – and set up portable goal great things ahead for Warriors Football.” posts – but we were on top of the world. We were finally Miller was at Brigham Young University in 1984-1985 coaching receivers and linebackers alongside Mike Holmgren, who was coaching BYU’s quarterbacks. The duo helped lead BYU to a national championship in 1984. Miller forged his reputation as a head football coach at Aberdeen, South Dakota, though, where he resurrected a struggling Northern State University program with nearly overnight success. During his 12-year stay at Northern State, Miller’s football teams won 47 Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference games, more than any other school. Six times his program
out on a field, practicing football, and our players were motivated and focused. They approached those nine weeks of practice with pride, because they knew they were preparing the program for the future. I was very proud of those guys.”
Competitive seasons began in 2000 as an independent school with 42 players. WLC joined the Michigan Intercollegiate Athletic Association in 2002 and remained a member for six years before beginning competition in the Northern Athletics Collegiate Conference in 2008.
Coach Dennis Miller was honored at WLC’s Homecoming on October 19 with a video presentation, the presence of many former players, and more. “To have more than 45 alumni football players take part in the ceremony, and celebrate the great times we had, was really an honor and something I will not forget,” Miller said.
The Warriors finally had a home field with the construction of Raabe Stadium in 2006 and have had an Outdoor Athletic Center since 2011. In 2012 the football squad numbered 106, 26 of whom were NACC Scholar Athletes, second highest in the conference. By all standards typically used to measure success, the Warriors football program is a success. Season records, growth of team, retention of players – all are clear indicators that Miller’s initial goal, to build a successful football program at WLC – has been achieved. To see more Warriors Football details, visit 8 wlcsports.com. Wisconsin Lutheran College | 7
coach miller retires
Miller retires as first Warriors head football coach
value of a wlc education
Four ways to recognize the value of a
Wisconsin Lutheran College education
#1: Explore scholarship opportunities. Two recent programs approved for implementation in 2014 that would affect the final cost of a WLC education for many students are a four-year guarantee and new scholarships.
• Partners in Christian Education AND Christian Leadership Summit Scholarships A new $1,000 scholarship is now available and automatically given to students who graduate from a Christian high school and enroll at WLC, continuing their Christian education. WLC’s Partners in Christian Education Scholarship is renewable annually, for a value of up to $4,000 during a four-year college career.
• Four-year graduation guarantee Wisconsin Lutheran College guarantees that students who enter as freshmen and follow the parameters established within the guarantee will graduate in four years. “This guarantee underscores our commitment to effective academic advising as well as containing the cost of higher education in terms of both time and money,” said Lucas Faust ’02, executive director of enrollment. “Essentially, if a student who qualifies for this guarantee does not complete his or her degree requirements in four years, WLC will waive the student’s tuition for the courses needed to complete his or her degree requirements at the college.” For details, limitations, or specific exceptions, visit 8 wlc.edu/guarantee.
In addition, recipients of the $1,000 Partners in Christian Education Scholarship who attend a Christian Leadership Summit, a one-day session held on the WLC campus, will receive a second $1,000 scholarship per year, named the Christian Leadership Summit Scholarship, also renewable annually for a total value of $4,000 over four years. The 2014 Christian Leadership Summit will be offered on January 5 and again on February 9. While qualifying for the Christian Leadership Summit Scholarship, attendance at the summit also will help participants identify their leadership strengths through StrengthsQuest, a highly regarded self-evaluation program. For more information on these and the numerous WLC annual, endowed, church-matching, merit, and fine arts scholarship opportunities, visit 8 wlc.edu/scholarships.
#2: Pay attention to what others are saying! Wisconsin Lutheran College is consistently ranked among colleges that deliver a quality education that is both academically excellent and affordable.
An outstanding education and faculty U.S. News & World Report For the 12th consecutive year, U.S. News & World Report rates Wisconsin Lutheran College as one of America’s Best Colleges. WLC is ranked among the best national liberal arts colleges 8 | wlc.edu
for 2014. Schools in the liberal arts classification emphasize undergraduate education and award at least half their degrees in the arts and sciences. CBS MoneyWatch Colleges with Best Professors Forbes.com includes Wisconsin Lutheran College on its 2013 list of America’s Top Colleges, compiled by Forbes and the Center for College Affordability and Productivity (CCAP). The CCAP ranks 650 undergraduate institutions focusing on quality of teaching, career prospects, graduation rates, and low levels of debt.
A great value Washington Monthly Wisconsin Lutheran College is included in Washington Monthly’s 2013 ranking of liberal arts colleges, which rates schools based on three categories: social mobility, research, and service. Washington Monthly also ranks WLC 12th in the nation among liberal arts colleges that offer the “Best Bang for the Buck,” indicating that these colleges “do the best job of helping nonwealthy students attain marketable degrees at affordable prices.”
Milwaukee Journal Sentinel In October the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel listed Wisconsin colleges and universities that have the lowest rate of student loan debt for their graduates. WLC ranked second best in the state with an average student loan debt of $22,120 – $4,118 less than the state average, which includes Wisconsin’s public university system.
Leaders of Christian high schools say it all “If you want to be challenged intellectually – while having your faith strengthened at the same time – Wisconsin Lutheran College is the place for you to continue your Christian education while preparing for a meaningful vocation as a Christian leader.” Rev. Kenneth J. Fisher, President, Wisconsin Lutheran High School, Milwaukee, Wisconsin “Not only has Wisconsin Lutheran College proven to be an excellent academic institution, preparing students well for careers and real world challenges, WLC provides that education in a Christ-centered context. With so many people in higher education searching for meaning and answers to life’s big questions, what a joy it is to know that our young people have access to an excellent college that points to the truths of God’s Word for those answers and builds upon that foundation in serving its students.” Steve Granberg, Principal, Kettle Moraine Lutheran High School, Jackson, Wisconsin “A Christ-centered education is a solid investment for young Christians continuing to mature in their faith. WLC clearly offers the means to those who seek the opportunity to serve their Lord in ‘real world’ professions.” James Grasby, Principal, Lakeside Lutheran High School, Lake Mills, Wisconsin “Our graduates share with me that they love attending WLC because of the Christian environment, small college atmosphere in an urban setting, and the quality instruction and servant leadership preparation that they receive from faculty who really care about them.” Paul Hartwig, Principal, Fox Valley Lutheran High School, Appleton, Wisconsin “As our students prepare for the uncertainty of tomorrow, I am grateful to have colleges and universities like WLC that place a high value on preparing tomorrow’s leaders from a Christian worldview. I would also pray that our students at Wisconsin Lutheran College will be well insulated – not isolated – from the worldly challenges they will face.” Dwayne Jobst, Principal, Lake Country Lutheran High School, Hartland, Wisconsin “Pay a visit to Wisconsin Lutheran College. Talk to professors and students. You’ll find out that WLC is a truly special place where Christian values and servant leadership win the day. Two of my own children are enrolled at WLC. As a parent, I could not be more grateful.” John Sebald, MA, CFRE, President, Arizona Lutheran Academy, Phoenix, Arizona Wisconsin Lutheran College | 9
value of a wlc education
Using statistics compiled for Forbes’ 2012 top-college rankings, CBS MoneyWatch released its “25 Colleges with the Best Professors” list. WLC ranks 12th out of 650 schools evaluated and is the only Wisconsin school to appear in the top 25.
value of a wlc education
#3: Become familiar with the extraordinary opportunities for students. WLC students have abundant opportunities to participate in undergraduate research and experience academic rigor. Recent news from WLC’s Honors Program and the college’s iGEM student team of researchers illustrates that fact. Honors Program exemplifies academic excellence WLC’s Honors Program offers an alternative general education curriculum that “encompasses the acquisition of literary skills and the shaping of the human heart. Studying the great authors and texts of the Western Christian tradition enables students to develop their ability to think critically, express themselves confidently, and develop empathy for others as they explore the essential timeless questions and ideas that every society and culture confronts,” said Dr. Erik Ankerberg, professor of English and director of the Honors Program. “We are committed to a unique, rigorous academic experience for our honors students.”
Dr. Erik Ankerberg is working with honors student Sara Gustafson (left) and Bethany Berg, who are taking the text version of *Scintilla* the Journal of the Vaughan Association, and making it digital, via Kindle.
Lakaysha Blacksher, an Honors Program student, has been working with Dr. Ned Farley, assistant professor of anthropology, to develop a series of investigative protocols designed to help law enforcement officials quickly identify and categorize ballistic evidence. Blacksher hopes to share her ballistic protocols with a potential employer, and plans to pursue a career in forensics after graduation in May 2014.
WLC’s 2013 iGEM undergraduate research team shines (like silver) in Toronto A team of WLC students entered an international competition this past year with their undergraduate research project. They traveled to Toronto (along with 63 other teams) in October for the North American iGEM (international Genetically Engineered Machine) competition event, and came home with a silver – the same medal that M.I.T., Yale, Carnegie-Mellon, and Northwestern University were awarded. Does WLC offer abundant undergraduate research opportunities? Yes, said senior Nick Goldner.
#4: Check out the results! When students graduate from WLC they continue their career journeys, becoming dentists, teachers and professors, nurses, artists, business leaders, etc. Most have experienced one or more internships, and are prepared to compete and succeed in their chosen field. But they leave WLC with more than a degree. They launch their futures as Christian servant leaders who are ready to make an impact on a world that clearly needs their influence.
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Recently nominated as an up-and-coming “Right Woman to Watch” by politically conservative leaders in the state of Wisconsin, Tierney Gill, a WLC senior majoring in business and history, was honored and recognized at the inaugural awards dinner held October 19 in Milwaukee. Lt. Gov. Rebecca Kleefisch, emcee for the event, thanked Gill for her efforts, accomplishments, and commitment as a young conservative woman. “To God alone be the glory for opening these doors for me,” Gill said. “I am excited to see what plans he has for my future.” Gill was congratulated by Governor Scott Walker and his wife, Tonette, at the event.
The iGEM journey began two years ago in a genetics class taught by Dr. Rob Balza ’98, associate professor of biology. A team was created and competed in 2012 in Pittsburgh. This past year the team became even more motivated to compete – successfully – at the 2013 competition. WLC’s team, after much research and trial and error, is developing a probiotic strain of bacteria to use as a means to increase calories from plant-based food sources for humans and livestock in developing and impoverished nations. Christian or religious institutions are definitely underrepresented in the field of biology that studies genetically modified organisms. But Goldner maintains Christians can be part of that world, as long as it is done through the lens of scripture, and they use faith-based science and Christ-centered research, as the WLC team did. “This experience has been awesome, and has allowed us to grow as individuals and as scientists,” Goldner said. “And our advisors – Drs. Balza, Henkel, Werner, Erbe, Phillips, (biology) and Farley (anthropology) – have been great. They allow us learn on our own, make mistakes, problem-solve,
Nate Rosenberg ’12 recently explained how his WLC education and experience prepared him for his position as a nurse on the transplant medicine floor at Froedtert Hospital, Milwaukee. “It’s more than just a nursing degree,” he said. “My experiences at WLC kept me firmly grounded in God’s Word. Being a nurse from WLC means more than just having the skills and aptitude necessary to pass exams and be proficient. It means being prepared to care for the whole person – physically, emotionally, and spiritually.”
value of a wlc education
Three years ago, Goldner was not sure WLC would have enough options or a large enough scope of experiences in the sciences and biology fields of study that he was looking for, since his initial goal was to become a medical doctor. “But I was so impressed with the relationships WLC had with area hospitals and other educational or scientific institutions,” Goldner said. “I interned at places like the Medical College of Wisconsin, the Veteran’s Administration Hospital, and the Blood Center of Wisconsin before I reached my junior year, and was part of a research team off the shores of Grenada last May.” These experiences revealed his passion for research and changed the direction of his career path.
As a way to reach out to high school students interested in the sciences, WLC hosted a camp last summer, staffed by the WLC and Milwaukee School of Engineering iGEM teams and sponsored by the WLC student organization S.O.U.R.C.E. The one-week camp, which also provides a way for the iGEM team to generate funding for its project’s annual costs, studied research topics and discussed science problems to solve in future camps.
with nothing handed to us. Yet if we are stuck, they’re there to help, suggest, and encourage. It’s learning – in a truly liberal arts setting.” Moving forward, the team plans to establish a winning tradition at the iGEM competition. Team membership will expand to incorporate students from mathematics, computer science, art, media design, business, and communication majors, becoming a truly interdisciplinary program. Goldner, who plans to attend graduate school next year, will pursue a doctoral degree in biochemistry. “I love the research, the discovery, and the atmosphere of uncovering future possibilities,” he said. “My years and experiences – and the research opportunities – here at WLC have completely exceeded my highest expectations.” For the full iGEM project details including video presentations, visit igem.org\Team:WLC-Milwaukee.
Leah Feuerstahler ’11, a psychology major and mathematics and philosophy double minor, found she was well-prepared for graduate school and her current work as a teaching and research assistant in the University of Minnesota’s prominent psychology program. Combining her interests in research and math, Feuerstahler is pursuing a Ph.D. in Quantitative Psychology. An aspiring professor herself, she credits the WLC psychology faculty with helping her find her career path. “Not only do they teach and coordinate research,” she said, “it is through their encouragement and advising that I discovered my niche in psychology.” Wisconsin Lutheran College | 11
human social services major
Help … serve … and once in a while, rescue someone! P
osition available. Long hours. Less than desirable wages. Likely to involve dirty, unpleasant tasks. Daily interaction with hopelessness guaranteed. Must be willing to help people during the most challenging times of their lives on a 24/7 basis. Expect minimal gratitude, recognition, or promotion. B.S. degree in human social services required. For some qualified, well-prepared, and academically gifted WLC graduates with a bachelor’s degree in human social services (HSS), those words may describe their dream job. For students who want to spend their lives helping others, who believe their calling is to serve their Lord by serving people in need, an HSS major, created in 2010 at WLC, is now a perfect opportunity for them. And though the HSS bachelor’s degree is not equivalent to one in social work, an HSS graduate will be prepared to work within that same field, often as the crucial “point person” who coordinates the efforts, support, education, and resources of the multiple professionals and service agencies responsible for assisting diverse populations in need. Basically, WLC graduates with an HSS major will be providing services that help people through prevention, intervention, and remediation.
other established WLC disciplines – communication, psychology, and theology. “Our program is distinctive,” said Dr. Leanne Olson, associate professor of psychology and author of the HSS major’s curriculum, “not only because it is truly interdisciplinary and loaded with practical preparation and requirements, but it’s also firmly grounded in scripture. It’s undeniably and clearly Christ-centered – and that makes us fairly unique within this field.
Sarah Johnson, recipient of the 2013 Melvin and Marion Meyer HSS Scholarship, is completing her practicum at St. Ann Intergenerational Center. “We’re glad to have Sarah here at St. Ann’s,” said Catherine Moe, social worker and Johnson’s field supervisor. “She’s a great student and relates very well to our clients.” Johnson is grateful for the scholarship, which has allowed her to focus her energy on learning to help others. “My service learning experience at St. Ann’s has taught me about the importance of empathy and advocacy in the human service field and has brought me numerous blessings educationally, emotionally, and spiritually,” she said.
Positioned within WLC’s College of Professional Studies, the human social services major essentially is a modified, interdisciplinary area of study. Though 37 of its required 64 credits are dedicated HSS courses, the remaining credits are a blend from three
“Our graduates will possess a thorough knowledge and mastery of the field’s theory and practice,” she added, “but they also will have a heart for providing ‘a little piece of Jesus’ in every way they can, in the dark world where they often will be working. It’s crucial that our majors go into this field with their eyes open. That’s partly why the theology component to our program is important, if we – our graduates – are going to serve as Christian lights out there helping in a deeply troubled world.”
There are characteristics students who are considering the HSS major need to possess. “Students need to have a helping, caring nature,” said Dee Dee Mackie, M.S., an HSS instructor and the practicum coordinator for the program. “They need to have strong oral and written communication skills, show sound judgment, demonstrate reliability, responsibility, integrity, and patience in dealing with others, and be organized – and able to effectively manage their time.” The HSS Club recently served a Friday evening dinner to 45 teens at the Lighthouse Youth Center in Milwaukee. In addition to volunteer opportunities such as this, the club provides community support through food collections for organizations such as First Harvest or Hunger Task Force, and offers education and information through its “Psychological First Aide” program.
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human social services major
Servant leadership defined The client populations that HSS majors most likely will work with include the homeless, economically disadvantaged, unemployed, elderly, disabled, delinquent youth, addicted, and/or those with chronic health issues. Settings or agencies where they will find jobs could be in case management, rehabilitation, child or foster care agencies or child welfare, law enforcement, criminal justice, prison counseling, or crisis intervention. HSS majors also could work at food banks, group homes, halfway houses, or at abuse victim/witness advocacy agencies. The possibilities are nearly endless. “HSS majors also need to take good care of themselves, physically and psychologically,” Olson said. “This field – for obvious reasons – has a high burn-out rate, so self-care is an essential priority for professionals to have in the human social services world. They need to have a ‘worker bee’ attitude both in their heads and with their hands. They need a lot of knowledge, but they also need a lot of heart, energy, and endurance.”
Kyle Bishop has been working at Pathfinders, a youth shelter that has been offering safety, hope, and healing through drop-in centers and victim and advocacy programs since 1970. “Working at Pathfinders has been a joy. It has helped me to grow by becoming a better listener, communicator, empathizer, observer, and documenter. Working with teens who don’t even know where they will be living in a matter of two weeks is humbling and helps me to seek to empower others by jumping up – or down – to their individual level, and humbly serve them.”
Small class sizes, an abundance of hands-on experiential learning opportunities and community-based practicum sites, and both the student-centered and Christ-centered components of this major have Olson and other HSS faculty members
excited about the success of the program and its graduates.
Brenda Kolell, working at Impact 2-1-1, spends much of her time on the phone working with and helping clients. “Brenda is doing a great job for us,” said Lori Boesel, M.S., intern and volunteer coordinator for Impact 2-1-1 in Milwaukee. “She is learning about numerous social service programs and working with people in crisis. She is meeting challenges head on and truly going out of her comfort zone to learn.”
What would Jesus say about the future careers of WLC’s human social services majors?
“We’re optimistic, within a very realistic framework,” she said. “We know there’s a huge part of the world out there that is filled with darkness and unthinkable horrors. Bottom line – we’re sending out graduates who are well-prepared helpers for that vast sea of gloom. And who knows? Once in a while they’ll be able to help turn someone’s life around, encourage a person to try again, or even save someone from the brink of despair. Often, though, they might simply be helping feed the hungry, find shelter for the homeless, or arrange for a temporary job for the unemployed.”
Mariah Quella, a double major in psychology and HSS, is working in Safe Harbor, the Men’s Division at the Milwaukee Rescue Mission. “I am so blessed to be here,” she said. “There is so much to learn, and so much that can be done.”
“ … I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me.” Matthew 25:40 Wisconsin Lutheran College | 13
center for christian leadershiP
Center for Christian leadership Certificate Program to include abundant off-campus service opportunities
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LC’s Certificate Program in Christian Leadership will be available for current sophomores and all students who graduate in 2016 and beyond, according to Adam Volbrecht
’04, assistant director of residence life and committee chair of the certificate program committee. A portion of the program’s content will encourage servant leadership that is conducted off
the WLC campus. “We want students to reach out past what’s familiar and comfortable to them and find people who are in need or problems that need to be solved,” he said.
One example of servant leadership
Junior Lindsay Nelson was surrounded with the result of her Soles 4 Souls three-week campaign last April: 987 pairs of shoes. They were then boxed and shipped to the people of Haiti.
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or her Leadership and Communication course last year, junior Lindsay Nelson, a communicative arts major, needed to conduct a service project outside the WLC realm of influence. She decided to host a shoe drive to help people in Haiti, and worked with the international Soles 4 Souls organization based in Nashville, Tennessee. Her goal was to collect 500 pairs of shoes, and she partnered with Immanuel Lutheran Church and School in Greenville, Wisconsin, as well as some friends and relatives. In less than three weeks she and others helping her had collected an unexpected and almost overwhelming total – 987 pairs of shoes. “This project was one of the most enjoyable and rewarding things I have ever done,” Nelson said. “Not only was I challenged to go beyond WLC’s doors, outside of my comfort zone, and implement my Christian leadership skills, but I was faced with an enormous opportunity to grow – to try and change lives and benefit many people.
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“And interestingly,” she added, “this project has become the first thing on my resumé that internship or job interviewers ask me about. I never would have thought this shoe drive would have reaped the blessings – to me personally – that it has. I was trying to help inspire people to make a difference for others, but it’s returned countless blessings to me as well.” “What Lindsay experienced during this project is what we want WLC students who enroll in our Christian Leadership Certificate Program also to experience,” explained Dr. Stacy Hoehl, associate professor of communication and certificate program committee member. “We believe it’s important that our certificate students be able to demonstrate a commitment to service both on and off campus, identify a problem or need in the community, promote awareness of that problem or need, organize a group to address the problem or need, and measure the effect of the initiative they conduct. “We’re very excited to get this certificate program under way,” Hoehl said. “We have high hopes and expectations of what God will be achieving through our students.”
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LC’s Christian Women’s Leadership Circle (CWLC) will hold its 2014 Butterfly Brunch event on Saturday, March 8, featuring Geneva Johnson as its keynote speaker. Johnson has served as president and CEO of Family Service America, Inc., as the senior vice president for United Way of America responsible for strategic planning and public policy, and has held several other Geneva Johnson top executive positions during her career. She was the executive director of the Women’s Leadership Institute at Mount Mary University, Milwaukee, from 2000-2004, and has served as a board member, consultant, or guest lecturer to numerous organizations and universities. She has received dozens of national and institutional awards, and has spent decades serving others as a leader, mentor, and an inspiration. Johnson will share her perspectives on effective leadership at CWLC’s 2014 Butterfly Brunch event. Proceeds from the Butterfly Brunch event benefit leadership initiatives and scholarships. About the Christian Women’s Leadership Circle CWLC’s goal is to be an active, “intentional” partner with Wisconsin Lutheran College in implementing servant leadership as a core value and in developing programs for women who embrace the principle of servant leadership. “We want to encourage women to discover and develop their God-given talents to lead, and also provide them with opportunities to learn and grow as servant leaders who have a positive impact on others,” said Pat Freer, current president of the organization.
2013-2014 Christian Leadership Speaker Series
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ohn Cary and Kelly Brown, two dynamic Christian professionals, are well known in the southeastern Wisconsin area for their effective leadership, inspirational work ethic, and tireless efforts to make a difference in the world around them. Cary spoke, and Brown will speak, about their individual paths to success and how they have relied on their faith in times of stress, indecision, and other challenging situations encountered in both their professional and their personal lives.
John Cary, executive director of the MACC Fund, October 9, 2013
Kelly Brown, co-managing partner at American Deposit Management Company, February 5, 2014
Learn more and register online at 8 wlc.edu/speakerseries.
For more information on the Christian Women’s Leadership Circle and the 2014 Butterfly Brunch event, visit 8 wlc.edu/cwlc.
WLC to host 2014 Leadercast as Milwaukee’s exclusive site
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Lt. Gov. Rebecca Kleefisch served as the keynote speaker for the Christian Women’s Leadership Circle’s 2013 Butterfly Brunch.
LC again will serve as the exclusive Milwaukee broadcast location for the 2014 Leadercast, a one-day event broadcast live from Atlanta to more than 100,000 leaders and future leaders throughout the world. The event highlights well-known national and international leaders from a variety of careers and professions – and again promises to feature those who lead with integrity and passion. To learn more, visit 8 wlc.edu/leadercast. Wisconsin Lutheran College | 15
center for christian leadershiP
CWLC welcomes Geneva Johnson as Butterfly Brunch keynote speaker
guest speakers
Beyond the classroom
Guest speakers share their experiences from Auschwitz and the Soviet Union
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n two evenings in October, the Schwan Concert Hall in WLC’s Center for Arts & Performance was filled with audiences captivated by guest speakers.
On October 21, WLC welcomed Auschwitz survivor Eva Mozes Kor (right), who gave a lecture titled “The Triumph of the Human Spirit, from Auschwitz to Forgiveness.” During World War II, Kor and her twin sister, Miriam, were taken to the Auschwitz concentration camp, where they became victims of Dr. Josef Mengele’s horrific medical experiments. Kor mesmerized the audience by describing Mengele’s sarcastic laugh as he told Kor she had two weeks to live after becoming ill from an experiment. “I would prove Dr. Mengele wrong, and I would survive and be reunited with my twin sister,” said a determined Kor. “The only school I was attending was the school of survival,” she said of her life as a 10-year-old just prior to liberation. In this, her 170th lecture of 2013, the 79-year-old Kor interspersed stories of her experiences as a Holocaust survivor with a series of life lessons aimed at the students in attendance. The lessons included “Never give up on yourself or your dreams, or nothing will happen; keep hammering away – it’s amazing what you’ll come up with.” Her second lesson was about hatred and prejudice. “You have to get to know the person and judge each one on his or her merits,” she said, admitting that she, a survivor of prejudice, has jumped to erroneous conclusions about young people, especially young men who dress in baggy clothes and have ponytails and earrings. The final lesson was about forgiveness as a path to healing. “Twenty years ago, I was very angry and wouldn’t forgive,” said Kor, who added that she had a lot of people to hate, especially when her twin sister passed away in 1993 after suffering health problems brought on by Auschwitz experiments. After her sister’s death, Kor met Dr. Hans Münch, a former Nazi doctor at Auschwitz. What came from that meeting
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was Kor’s realization that she could forgive, and that doing so led to healing in her life – she was no longer being held prisoner by all that had happened to her at the concentration camp. She wrote Dr. Münch a letter of forgiveness. “I, the little guinea pig from Auschwitz, had the power to forgive,” concluded Kor. Now one of only a handful of living “Mengele Twins,” Kor runs the CANDLES Holocaust Museum and Education Center in Terre Haute, Indiana. Kor’s lecture was co-sponsored by WLC’s Academic CoCurricular Committee, Honors Program, Office of the Provost, and History Department.
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n October 9, author Lisa C. Paul (left) came to campus to discuss her book Swimming in the Daylight, which was WLC’s 2013 summer read selection for freshmen and sophomores, and to sign copies of her book.
Swimming in the Daylight, published in 2011, is the story of the friendship between Paul, then a Midwestern college student, strong in her Catholic faith, and Inna Kitrosskaya Meiman, an internationally known Soviet Jew whose government kept her from receiving medical treatment abroad. Paul reflected on her experiences in the Soviet Union in the 1980s and the actions she took to help Meiman, including a hunger strike back home in the United States. Paul, who was born and raised in Wisconsin, is a civil litigation attorney in Milwaukee. She wants to inspire new generations to fight for the causes in which they believe, to show that college students can make a difference. At the lecture she announced plans to present a “Daylight Award” in spring to a WLC student who makes a difference for a cause he or she believes in.
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LC teacher education majors completing their final year of undergraduate preparation can gain a competitive edge by taking advantage of a recently implemented residency program.
to start their student teaching experience hitting the ground running,” Holman said. “They’re familiar with the district and its policies, the cultural and social setting, and often, they know their way around the facility itself. It’s benefitting both the teacher and the student.”
“We are constantly asking ourselves how can we continue to give our graduates the best, most distinctive undergraduate experience possible,” said Prof. Jim Holman, director of teacher education. “One idea that has been providing excellent results is our new residency program.” During the semester prior to their 18-week student teaching assignment, WLC teacher education seniors who have planned for enough open time within their academic load now can participate in the undergraduate residency program.
The program has been in effect for seniors during the past four years, beginning with two students. This semester alone, ten upperclassmen are in the program. Those area teachers receiving the residency program assistance are thrilled with the extra help. Delegating many of their daily procedural, office, or supervisory duties enables them to have more time for concentrated class preparation and more energy for teaching their students.
Students who enroll in the residency program spend 17 hours per week helping a teacher (or teachers) in the same school district – and often in the very same school building – where they will be student teaching within a few short months. “Basically,” Holman explained, “this enables them
Though it’s voluntary work – no pay – some private schools have provided residency program students with a monetary scholarship. “Our goal,” Holman said, “is one day to include our residency program as a mandatory component of WLC’s teacher education major.”
Tosa teacher & WLC student benefit from residency program
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d Price, seventh grade mathematics teacher at Whitman Middle School in Wauwatosa, Wisconsin, praises WLC and its new residency program. After working with Jenna Neuberger ’13 during her residency and then as his assigned student teacher last year, he has experienced the program’s benefits first hand. “The residency program is by far the best way I have seen to date to ready
teacher candidates for the classroom,” he said. “For a student to have a full year experience in a classroom is wonderful for both the teacher candidate and for the cooperating teacher. The teacher candidate benefits from a more well-rounded, realistic experience. For a cooperating teacher, this experience allows more reflection in his or her planning, more in-depth mentoring, and allows for a more productive relationship to be built with the teacher candidate.
was a shame that we did not have a position open at our school or we would have hired her without a doubt!”
“WLC consistently produces prepared, disciplined, and professional students,” Price added. “And on a personal basis, I have not met a more well-rounded, hardworking, selfmotivated person for her age than Jenna. It
In addition, Neuberger appreciated her new colleagues, who welcomed her with open arms as they worked together for the entire school year. “It was great being part of such a collaborative and nurturing middle school environment,” she said. “My residency provided me with first-hand examples of a successful classroom. A textbook can only tell you so much. Experiencing it yourself is what is truly beneficial.”
Mathematics teacher Ed Price and student teacher Jenna Neuberger ’13 experienced WLC’s undergraduate residency program last year at Whitman Middle School in Wauwatosa, Wisconsin.
Neuberger, who graduated in May 2013, now is teaching eighth grade mathematics at Webster Middle School in Cedarburg, Wisconsin. “Basically the residency program did an excellent job of preparing me to be a successful educator,” she said. “A huge advantage of the residency program is being with the students for a full school year. I saw students grow from uneasy children to confident young adults.”
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teacher education
Education majors experience unique undergraduate residency program
teaching and learning
International, experiential learning and teaching Higher education in China
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rom January to July 2013, WLC professors Drs. Dan (chemistry) ’98 and Angela (biology) Ebeling ’99, traveling with their four children, ages 4-11, became the first two WLC faculty members to participate in the professor exchange program as part of the college’s partnership with Jiangxi Normal University (JXNU), established in 2009. They spent their first week in Hong Kong, presenting at the Asian Lutheran Seminary and Emmanuel Lutheran High School. For the next The Ebelings taught for five months at Jiangxi Normal University, Nanchang, China, but on five months they lived in Nanchang teaching on weekends they and their four children, along with WLC students and JXNU professors, had the JXNU campus, home to 40,000 students. The opportunities to visit scenic sites. family stayed in student dormitories so that they “Teaching at JXNU helped me realize that students are could be near three WLC students, Hannah Greene, students,” Angela added. “Regardless of one’s background or Elizabeth Shinnick, and Shianna Fairbanks, all China culture, students generally are curious and want to learn, but Studies majors who were at JXNU fulfilling their study to best teach them, you have to present the material clearly... abroad course work. especially if the language you are teaching in is not their first The Ebelings, who began studying Mandarin themselves language. As a second language learner myself, I realized how in 2011, taught courses in English, western culture, global important this is. So I believe this experience helped make media, and environmental science. In addition, they me a better professor and more aware of students’ needs.” helped build relationships with the Chinese students, The Lord worked out their daily routines perfectly, the faculty, and administrators. They also spoke on behalf of Ebelings said. On weekends they still found time to explore WLC, helping carry out its mission, and discussed the and enjoy China’s excellent, convenient public transportation college with Chinese students interested in attending system as a family. WLC. Both also found time to give presentations on their respective areas of ongoing research: Dan in Chengdu and One of those excursions remains a special memory for Angela in Beijing. Angela. “We rode the motianlun in Nanchang – the third largest Ferris wheel in the world. Besides being a thrilling “The most incredible part of being in China was being in experience and giving a beautiful view of Nanchang, it also the classroom with my students,” Dan said. “In my reminded me of my relative ‘littleness’ – that while I was one western culture/western philosophy class, it was my task of only a few westerners in that city, I wasn’t that important, to tell them things they had never heard before; I really. But, I also thought of the importance of every definitely had to tell them about the most important individual. And both Dan and I had the opportunity to talk truths which also are among the underpinnings of western one-on-one with many students and new friends about philosophy. Each week, for a three-hour class, students meaningful things – knowing that those words will not heard the story unfold. They had so many questions and return empty.” were thirsty for more.”
Zambia serves as students’ Global Health Nursing classroom In May 2013, students in WLC’s nursing program traveled to Zambia as part of their global health studies course. They conducted blood pressure screenings at the Lutheran seminary (pictured), visited compounds as part of a Home Based Care program, taught health classes at two Lutheran community schools in Lusaka, and worked with a Zambian nurse and midwife at the Mwembezhi Lutheran Rural Health Center. Carne Andrews, MSN, APNP, Nurse Practitioner, and active member of the WLC Nurse Advisory Council, who traveled to Zambia with the students, wrote: “The Lord is clearly blessing the work of the church, missionaries, health care workers in Zambia, and the WLC Nursing Program and its students through the building of relationships and trust. This truly reflects the Christ-like servant leadership model.” 18 | wlc.edu
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n June a group of 16 students and faculty traveled to Hungary, “praising God for allowing us to serve humbly as His ambassadors, and asking Him to make us worthy representatives of WLC and our country,” said Dr. Sharon Burow, associate professor of early childhood education and longtime leader of the Hungary initiative. Since the mid-1990s she has taken a group to Hungary for a service learning experience every other summer. Most often, the WLC students (who major in various fields of study, in addition to teacher education) work in high school camps, teaching conversational English and helping lead other activities throughout the two-week session. “Our relationship with educators in Budapest and Pecs, Hungary, is well-rooted, and getting stronger all the time,” Burow acknowledged. “The intent of our international servant leadership project is to model Christian and social responsibility through heartfelt sensitivity to the needs of others. It is about growing the giver and the receiver under the umbrella of teaching conversational English.”
WLC senior and communication major Alayna Greenfield organized a volleyball skills camp on campus last April. She called the camp “The Hungary Games,” and raised nearly $1,000, which she used to purchase educational resources to give to the Round World Foundation, a Christian organization in Pecs, Hungary, that serves physically and cognitively challenged children and adults. Greenfield (right) traveled to Hungary in June to teach conversational English.
Fiji and Chimfunshi serve as study sites for WLC students
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tudents of anthropology and sociology are advised to seek out real-world applications of their studies, often in their third year of study. “Over the past two semesters, two students of anthropology visited remote locations in Africa and the South Pacific,” said Dr. Ned Farley, assistant professor of anthropology.
Senior Cassandra Gamble, an interdisciplinary major pursuing a program of study highlighting healthcare services and cultural anthropology, visited the island nation of Fiji. Her semester abroad was spent immersing herself in the language and customs of indigenous Fijians. Gamble, now back on campus, is working on a capstone project for Samantha Nigbur made friends with children living in the nearby village of Muchinchi when not working. her interdisciplinary major that focuses on the cultural interplay between Chinese global business and a traditional Fijian way of life.
Cassandra Gamble spent time with school children on the island nation of Fiji.
Samantha Nigbur, a senior biology major, spent her summer in the Copperbelt region of northern Zambia at the Chimfunshi Wildlife Orphanage Trust. The focus of her study was a colony of great apes protected by the orphanage. Her work, specifically with the common chimpanzee, was focused on aggressive behavior during feedings at the orphanage, closely examining the physiological effects of stress.
Students present at international marine biology session in Jamaica
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mily Bolda ’13, biology graduate, and senior Katie Musser ’14, a marine biology major, along with Dr. Robert Anderson, WLC professor of biology, moderated a session at the Association of Marine Laboratories of the Caribbean’s 36th annual scientific meeting. The two WLC students presented the results of five years of research on Grenada’s coral reefs at the session, which was held in Ocho Rios, Jamaica, in June 2013. Wisconsin Lutheran College | 19
teaching and learning
Strong relationship between WLC and Hungary nurtures servant learning program
adult & graduate studies
Articulation agreement signed with WCTC
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n October WLC signed an agreement with Waukesha County Technical College (WCTC), establishing a partnership that allows WCTC graduates of 13 different programs to transfer to WLC’s Adult and Graduate Studies program at junior status to complete their baccalaureate degree. These WCTC associate of applied science degree graduates, all in programs that include 60 or more credits, may transfer to WLC’s bachelor of science degree-completion program in business management and leadership, offered through AGS. The agreement goes into effect this fall.
WCTC president Dr. Barbara Prindiville and WLC president Dr. Daniel W. Johnson signed an articulation agreement between their two institutions in October.
“Since starting at WLC, I’ve had the chance to meet and work with some amazing people,” said Chelsea Marcus, a recent WCTC graduate. “I’m helping to spread the word about the wonderful program at WLC, and speaking with prospective students at area technical colleges. I hope to inspire others to fulfill their dream of getting a college education and earning a bachelor’s degree.”
AGS’s Instructional Design Center applauded as leader in educational technology
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he Instructional Design Center (IDC) continues to distinguish WLC as a leader in digital education throughout the state and region. Educators who have arranged for WLC’s educational technology faculty to lead workshops off-site, in their own districts, have high praise for the sessions being offered; most are centered on Google apps, mobile devices, and online learning pedagogy. “WLC has provided us with cutting edge, quality technology integration and professional development – in person as well as through digital communications,” said Devin Embray, superintendent for the Glenwood Community School District in Glenwood, Iowa. “Prof. Joe DuFore and WLC’s excellent staff are raising the bar and setting the standard for other colleges to strive for in the digital world that we live in.” Dr. Lillian Henderson, district administrator for the Sharon, Wisconsin, Joint School District Number 11, agreed. “Joe DuFore and the WLC team have provided a number of outstanding professional development
opportunities for the teachers and educational specialists in our district as well as the other districts in our consortium,” she said. “I would recommend them to anyone seeking staff development opportunities.” “Not only does WLC offer a variety of courses for educators to expand their knowledge about iPads in the classroom or using Google Apps,” echoed Kari Siejkowski, an academic dean for the West Allis-West Milwaukee School District, “they also have professional, effective team members to help with technology initiatives.” Anthony Gonzalez, who teaches at Nazareth Academy near Chicago, appreciates the assistance he as an individual educator has gained. “It is due to WLC’s approach to educational technology that I have innovated the learning experiences of my students. No other college has extended its hand in helping develop the whole teacher, allowing us to refine our curriculum and continue to reach kids through technology.”
Adult & Graduate Studies enrollment surpasses 200
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tudent enrollment in the College of Adult and Graduate Studies continues to grow. There are 121 students enrolled in the accelerated degree completion program, including full- and part-time, commuters, and online students. In the graduate program, 113 students are enrolled, most in the master’s degree in education program but more than a dozen in the post-baccalaureate teacher certification program. “We’re very pleased with this ongoing growth in our programs,” said James Brandt, vice president for AGS. “And we’re working on a proposal to augment this growth by adding a new degree completion major next fall.”
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The transition to teaching program often is referred to as a second career option for teacher certification, reflecting the fact that many students enrolled in the program are pursuing their master’s degree in education as well as obtaining their State of Wisconsin teaching licensure and certification, according to Dr. Joyce Natzke, dean of the College of Adult and Graduate Studies.
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hil Harkleroad, Senior Master Sergeant in the United States Air Force, is a recent graduate of WLC’s accelerated degree completion program, majoring in business management and leadership. Two years ago he was serving a tour of duty in Afghanistan, not intending to finish his college degree any time in the near future. His perspective on the future changed, though, during the next two years, and he credits WLC’s AGS program and its people for some of that change. Harkleroad was serving in Afghanistan until mid-August 2011. Near the end of that tour, when he had about two weeks left in theater, he had a very close call. “We were on a particularly hostile mission,” he said, “when a bomb exploded underneath the truck right in front of ours. It turned out that our truck also had a bomb under it – but for some reason it didn’t explode. I made it back home, but during those days and weeks, I definitely was doing a lot of thinking – and praying. I think the Lord was getting my direct attention, and I remember – vividly – repeating Philippians 1:21: to live is Christ, and to die is gain. Well, the Lord had kept me here on earth. So now what should I do with my life? Those were my thoughts during that time.” Back home, while serving on active duty with the 128th Air Refueling Wing in Milwaukee, he heard an ad on the radio about WLC’s Adult & Graduate Studies program. He looked into the offerings, and enrolled in January 2012. “Dr. Wolle taught my first course called Academic Success,” Harkleroad said.
“We completed the StrengthsQuest program, which was very insightful. Again, I’m being urged to think about these gifts that God has given me. How can I best use them? What we learned about ourselves during that course actually permeated the remainder of our classes in the program. It’s really a powerful component of the degree. You’re studying and learning while being acutely aware of your own strengths and how they might impact particular or potential future directions. “One thing I knew I needed to work on was getting past my fear of public speaking,” he acknowledged. “We had to speak – in one capacity or another – in every course within the degree completion program. Since I’ve gotten my degree, I’ve had several speaking engagements, including serving twice as a ‘fill-in pastor’ for our church. I still have a way to go, but it’s amazing – the increased comfort level I now have when I’m speaking publicly.” Harkleroad also spoke of the helpfulness of the program’s professors. “They were great about offering extra comments or suggestions to help me with networking and making business contacts. These were all helpful dynamics as I contemplate what I can do with my life, in leadership – whether in the church or in the real world – especially the real world of finance and business.”
Philip Harkleroad, a 2013 WLC graduate with a degree in business management and leadership, recently spoke at a military-civilian banquet event held in Milwaukee.
Currently, Harkleroad serves as the financial management superintendent for the 128th Air Refueling Wing. “The truth is,” he said, “what I really came to appreciate – in addition to the great academics, of course – is the heart behind those academics; the servant leadership concept that really was helpful, and is still serving as a clarification – and guide – as I consider what I want to do with my life. How can I best use my Godgiven gifts to get back into a leadership role, and help others do the same?” Although he is not sure what the Lord has in store next for him after he retires from the Air Force in a couple of years, he does believe he’s being positioned to lead in a serving capacity. He continues to ask the Lord … what’s next?
WLC named “military friendly” college
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n September WLC was added to the 2014 List of Military Friendly Schools. This distinction recognizes colleges and universities that have established academic programs and student support services that assist veterans’ efforts to earn a college degree. Wisconsin Lutheran College | 21
adult & graduate studies
Sergeant returns to school through WLC’s AGS program; appreciates the heart behind the academics
alumni
Warriors helping Warriors
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inancial support from alumni has quadrupled during the past decade. WLC alumni also are supporting their alma mater with gifts of time and regular hands-on help through the alumni board, according to Lisa Leffel ’98, director of alumni relations. Two campus offices receiving significant alumni assistance are admissions and career development. “A great college doesn’t just happen, and it cannot rely on faculty and staff alone,” said Aaron Wockenfuss ’05, account manager for Staples Advantage, Milwaukee. He is an alumni board member who is helping head up efforts with the admissions office. “It’s built on the support of its alumni as well. By assisting the admissions team with various events such as campus visit days, alumni can make a real impact on current and future students as well as on the culture at WLC.”
One way alumni assist WLC’s admissions team is by participating in the Fall Visit Day each October. Both Denise Terrell and Aaron Wockenfuss spent part of that autumn day talking with some of the 83 prospective students who were visiting campus with their parents or friends.
“For a future student or parent, I believe it makes a statement when alumni are working hand-in-hand with the admissions team,” added Denise (Dolphin) Terrell ’99, assistant coach and director of basketball operations for WLC, and also an alumni board 22 | wlc.edu
member. “To me, if alumni come back and help encourage prospective students to attend WLC, that tells me – as a prospective student or parent – that the college must have had a huge impact on those individuals, because they are taking time away from their work and family to attend college events and speak highly of WLC.”
Alumni Bryan Jansen (center) and Ben Carr have helped mentor five interns from WLC during the past few years, including current intern Michelle East. “She’s been an awesome and hard-working team member,” Jansen said. “We’re happy to work with WLC interns who want to explore the world of financial planning.”
Other alumni, led by board members Bryan Jansen ’03 and Ben Carr ’07, have focused their efforts on a mentoring program that connects current WLC students with alumni who are working in their desired career field. Students receive advice and explore the potential for internships and positions after graduation. “Like most things in life, careful attention must often be applied in order in order to achieve your dreams, and I believe career preparation is no different,” said Bryan Jansen, CFP, MBA, financial consultant with
Thrivent Financial, and alumni board chairman. “However, how do college students know that their current dreams align with the passions and skills they actually hold? “God has provided an opportunity for us to make a meaningful impact in this world,” Jansen added. “I want to help make sure that WLC students leave campus with a clear vision of their future in hand – or at least with a certainty of paths they absolutely do not want to take. I believe one’s true passion can be found not only in the classroom – but primarily in real-world relationships. That’s why I’m involved with WLC’s career mentoring program.” “When I graduated from high school, I was a good student, but had no real plan for my life,” Carr, also a financial consultant with Thrivent, said. “All I knew was that I wanted to play football, and I wanted to go to a small school with personalized attention. My family didn’t know Jesus yet. I came to WLC because they had a football team and small class sizes. I honestly knew nothing about the Bible. By the time I left WLC, I had found my wife, and my life in Jesus. WLC is the most important institution in my life, hands down. “I had a top notch education,” Carr continued, “but it would have been helpful to have a network of alumni ready and willing to connect and provide guidance for me about what it was like outside of the classroom before I actually graduated. It’s great to volunteer with other WLC alumni and make this career mentoring program a reality.” To volunteer, visit 8 wlc.edu/alumni.
Connecting with students, and connecting students with WLC W
president of student affairs. “He was a special man and friend, and he will not be replaced. His heart was always focused on serving our students.”
isconsin Lutheran College’s Recreation Complex was filled with celebration on Friday, October 11 – not for a basketball victory or a volleyball tournament championship – but with a celebration of the life of Joel Mischke. The WLC campus family learned that Mischke had passed away from an email that Campus Pastor Nathan Strobel sent. “Joel (Dean) Mischke served at WLC since 1987 in varying roles that Joel always described as revolving around the word ‘helper.’ Joel was a helper to us all, but especially to our students, as he sought to challenge our thinking, to challenge our hearts, to remind us of Jesus, and to give us a compass to follow that would give glory to our God in how we lived, in how we planned, in how we worked. A unique servant who touched us all, he will be deeply missed. But, what a joy it will be to see him again in the halls of heaven when our Savior calls us home!”
Joel Mischke, who served at WLC for 26 years as director of admissions and dean of student success, visited with students and colleagues at a Founders’ Day reception in January 2013.
“But those who hope in the
Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.” Isaiah 40:31
Reactions of sadness and shock were widespread, but an immediate outpouring of love and appreciation for what Mischke had meant to the WLC ministry began to flow to those closest to him, and especially to his wife, Janet, his daughter, Kirsten, and her husband, Troy, and his three grandchildren, Robert, William, and Emily. “Joel was a wonderful blessing to this college and to many of us in a very personal way,” said Dr. Dennis Miller, vice
“Joel was a master ‘connector,’” said Jeff Weber ’84, now serving in the development office but who worked closely with Mischke in a variety of roles on campus for more than 20 years. “He was incredible – 99 times out of 100 he quickly made a very deep connection with the students he served. He was able to quickly determine if you needed a kick or a hug – or both.” “Joel was blessed with the gifts of wisdom, compassion, problem-solving, and a contagious sense of humor,” said Karen Sitz, director of special services in the student affairs office. “He had a sincere love for people of all ages, especially college students and colleagues …and grandchildren…and he served and treated them all as family.”
“Joel was fiercely loyal to his family, his friends, his Brewers, WLC, and his Lord,” added Judy Eggers, director of residence life. Linda Loeffel, director of financial aid since 1983, worked together with Mischke, within the office of student affairs, throughout the 26 years he served at WLC. “One of Joel’s greatest gifts was his ability to relate to anyone,” she said. “With his candor and insight he could assess a student’s needs during a five-minute conversation better than anyone I’ve ever known.”
Joel P. Mischke ‘Helper’ Scholarship established
I
n recognition of Joel Mischke’s 26 years of service to his Savior and to WLC, and in partnership with his family, WLC has established the Joel P. Mischke ‘Helper’ Scholarship to benefit returning WLC students who demonstrate promise through academic performance, leadership, service, and spiritual maturity. “Student retention was one of Joel’s key responsibilities in
recent years,” said President Daniel W. Johnson. “His heart has always been one of encouragement and persistence – related to student success – and he would often describe himself as a person who tried to help WLC’s students – as an advisor, listener, and friend.” “Our hope is that we can endow this scholarship so that at least one student
can be helped each year,” said Jeff Weber ’84, longtime colleague and friend of Mischke. “This endowed scholarship will allow Joel’s legacy of faithful service to continue, as people ‘help’ tomorrow’s students.” For information on the Mischke ‘Helper’ Scholarship, contact Jeff Weber or visit 8 wlc.givezooks.com. Wisconsin Lutheran College | 23
remembering joel mischke
Joel Mischke: May 6, 1948 – October 7, 2013
NONPROFIT ORG U.S. POSTAGE PAID MILWAUKEE WI
8800 West Bluemound Road
Permit No. 3335
Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53226-9942
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Collaborating with New Community Partners!
Representatives from WLC attended the signing ceremony between the college and Waukesha County Technical College held on the WCTC campus. The new partnership allows WCTC graduates to transfer into the AGS program at WLC as juniors.
Join the social media conversation by visiting
8 wlc.edu/connect.
Check wlc.edu/zoointerchange to learn about upcoming road closures near WLC.
