Wisconsin Lutheran College Magazine

Wisconsin Lutheran College m a g a z i n e

Leading … · as Christians in business, research, health care, and more · as servants who help and encourage all of God’s people Summer 2014

from the president

Greetings, For those who are concerned – even alarmed – about the state of higher education in America today, I encourage you to attend Commencement on our campus. Without exception, the ceremony serves as an uplifting, inspiring occasion – an event that never fails to renew my faith in the next generation and raise my hopes for our country’s future.

The young men and women who graduated from WLC in May are fine Christian leaders, well prepared for the next steps of their life journeys. I am confident they will distinguish themselves in graduate school, careers, and in service to their communities. And I believe part of their distinctiveness comes from being graduates of Wisconsin Lutheran College.

Our college is distinctive. We believe in traditional Christian values and in free expression of conservative thoughts and ideas. We are committed to academic excellence. We encourage, nurture, and instruct our students in light of God’s word. We believe in both the sanctity of life and in the sanctity of marriage between a man and a woman.

We talk about God and our Christian faith. We don’t shy away from tough conversations about the Bible, societal pressures, and the secular world’s sometimes shocking trends. Discussing these difficult topics from a Christian perspective clearly distinguishes us from most other institutions of higher education.

We may be a young institution, but our alumni are already making a difference in the world through their careers, churches, and communities. I invite you to glance through the pages of this magazine and join me in praising God for so clearly blessing this college and these graduates.

Our goals of maintaining high standards of excellence while continuing to grow, and the ongoing commitment to our mission of preparing men and women for impactful lives of Christian servant leadership, provide an invigorating and a constant “life purpose” for us as a college family.

Please feel free to share your thoughts with me regarding WLC’s mission at daniel.johnson@wlc.edu.

I sincerely welcome input from our ministry partners as we advance the cause of Christian higher education at Wisconsin Lutheran College.

Thank you for your interest and support – and especially for your prayers. We serve an awesome God. In His Name and Service,

Dr. Daniel W. Johnson President

If you prefer to receive Wisconsin Lutheran College Magazine electronically, email friends@wlc.edu.

Also, if you would like to receive regular enews updates from the college and help us maintain accurate contact information, please share your email address at friends@wlc.edu.

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table of contents

Psalm 90:12

Teach us to number our days aright, that we may gain a heart of wisdom.

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 Melanie Gohde Buellesbach photographers Melanie Gohde Buellesbach Curtis Wech ’09 Jeff Wilson 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. 2

Features

4 Fischer Hall celebration

Departments 2 From the President

6 Commencement

8 Alumni Highlights 12 Center for Christian Leadership

11 AGS graduate perspective

17 Student News 22 Campus News

14 Undergraduate research opportunities

23 Development

18 Business major 20 Engaging community partners

On the cover PRESIDENT Dr. Daniel W. Johnson Germantown, Wisconsin

Graduates and professors gathered for Commencement on Saturday, May 17, 2014. Read more about (l to r) Dr. Allison Phillips, Dr. Bob Anderson, Katie Musser, Prof. Don Kudek, and Matt Gordy (a senior business administration major who was WLC’s 2014 Impact Award recipient) on pages 4, 15, 18-19, and 20-21.

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 Columbia, Missouri 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

fischer hall

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“It’s all about the students”

LC’s west residence hall has a new name – Fischer Hall – given to display gratitude for Dr. Gerald (Jerry) and Mrs. Kay Fischer. “During the past decade, Jerry and Kay Fischer’s words, actions, and generosity have encouraged and enabled Christian leadership opportunities for WLC students to occur at an unprecedented level,” said WLC’s president Dr. Daniel W. Johnson. A special celebration was held on Saturday morning, May 17, 2014, prior to Commencement, to unveil the new name.

“What I’d like to say,” added Kay, “is a definitive thank you – especially to the professors. They’re the ones who do all of the work, getting ready for all of these mission and education trips. They take on all of the organizing and responsibility. I use their first names – not academic titles – when I talk with them because they’ve become really good friends to both Jerry and me.”

Katie Musser ’14 was able to conduct marine biology research off the shores of Grenada because of the financial support of the Fischers.

She spoke at the event, prior to her graduation.

faith. So thank you for allowing us to name this facility Fischer Hall.”

Dr. Gerald and Kay Fischer received a plaque from President Johnson at the Fischer Hall naming celebration.

“We’re truly humbled and honored by this day,” Jerry responded. “And it’s true – it is all about the students. Really, they are what brought us to WLC, and they keep us engaged here, year after year. We feel so privileged for the chance to help – just a little bit – with developing Christian servant leaders here at WLC.”

“It is completely fitting that the heart and soul of our servant leadership emphasis – shared with our students from their freshman year on – begins right here, in what from this day forward will be called Fischer Hall,” said President Johnson. “We know that both of you were against the idea of having your name appear on a building. We understand your insistence that what you do is not about yourselves; it’s all about our students.

Jerry, a medical doctor who has specialized in infectious disease work for 40 years, described his and Kay’s introduction to WLC. “We had decided years ago that when we retired, we would spend time working to get young people out into the world, involved with causes that would help serve those in need, and share God’s word. Well, when it became apparent that we might never retire, we thought – let’s just get started now with our retirement project.

“But we want to thank you,” he said.

“God has blessed you, and you have shared some of those blessings with us, providing our students invaluable opportunities to broaden their horizons, research, teach, and reach out in the name of Jesus. They’ve done so in countries and settings that have challenged them, strengthened them, and deepened their understanding and

“So nearly 10 years ago,” he said, “when WLC president Dr. Tim Kriewall invited us to Milwaukee to visit the campus and consider becoming part of the college’s Board of Regents, we also were interviewing the school’s professors and students. We’ve enjoyed an active relationship with WLC’s students and faculty ever since, and feel privileged to be part of this Christ-centered college.”

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Katie Musser ’14, the college’s first marine biology graduate, thanked the Fischers on behalf of the student body.

“You’ve helped allow so many of us to have the opportunity to grow – in our experiences, learning, and maturity as Christians. I’ve personally experienced your generosity. It’s enabled me to conduct research in Grenada and help with the growth of the mission church there. God has blessed so many endeavors and lives through both of you, Dr. and Mrs. Fischer.”

Board of Regents chairman, Jim Fischer, described Jerry as one of the most gifted, passionate, and engaged board members he’s ever known. “Jerry and Kay Fischer both inspire me,” he said. “God gives all of us gifts. They have used theirs with fullness and grace – deliberately – and their actions and hearts give us a wonderful example to follow.”

President Johnson thanked Dr. Gerald and Kay Fischer for their significant and ongoing support of student opportunities in Christian leadership programming.

oth Dr. Gerald and Mrs. Kay Fischer, longtime, active supporters of WLC, were honored at Commencement on May 17, 2014, with the college’s Pro Gloria Dei Award, given to acknowledge their lives of unselfish, distinguished service to God and his people.

Dr. Fischer, a physician who retired from the Army as a Colonel in 1993 and is a current member of the WLC Board of Regents, then delivered the keynote address. His message to graduates was direct and richly laced with relevant anecdotes and scripture.

“Find your passion, and then go – and serve God’s people, using your gifts and talents to act on that passion,” he said.

Dr. Fischer spoke of their small hometown, Coos Bay, Oregon. Neither traveled very much until after they had attended college, married, he had joined the military, they had their two children, and he was in his senior year of medical school. Though he did his pediatric training near Seattle while in the Army, they soon had the opportunity to work in Hawaii, then conduct research and receive more training in Bangkok, Thailand. He helped provide medical care to rural villages. By then he had found his passion – working to cure infectious diseases.

Dr. Gerald Fischer delivered the keynote address at WLC’s 2014 Commencement.

“We saw poor people in rural Thailand,” Dr. Fischer said. “A deadly measles outbreak was spreading through a remote village along the Burmese border. As we entered the village all the adults fled. We were able to begin helping the children, though. And finally, we were accepted.

The people realized that we cared about them and that we were there to help. The children laughed, cried, and played, just like our kids. What Kay and I experienced in Thailand touched us deeply. We saw that all people around the world are God’s people. They are like us … mothers, fathers, children … all just trying to survive.”

Dr. Gerald and Kay Fischer received the Pro Gloria Dei Award at Commencement, given in recognition of their lives of distinguished service to God and his people.

During the past 40 years, he has treated patients, taught pediatrics at the university level, established the Pediatric HIV Program for the military, and authored more than 100 scientific papers and numerous patents, most regarding infectious diseases. Infectious disease activities have taken the Fischers around the globe. “Kay and I are passionate about the importance of ‘going,’” Dr. Fischer said. “When you go, you see the beauty of God’s creation and diversity of his people, and you realize that we all need a helping hand and we all need a Savior.

You will touch people, and they will change you.

The Fischers paused after Commencement with Fischer Hall in the background. They live in Bethesda, Maryland, where they’ve had businesses in biotechnology for many years. Dr. Fischer serves as President and CEO of Longhorn Vaccines and Diagnostics LLC. He oversees the company’s research in TB and influenza, much of it currently being conducted in South Africa.

“God has prepared you, and will continue to prepare you, to serve his purposes,” Dr. Fischer said. “Currently, we’re doing TB work in South Africa with the Zulu people. God prepared us for this, though we didn’t realize it at the time.

“Each of you is unique and talented,” he said. “You’ve already gained skills, knowledge, and spiritual growth here at WLC. You have a passion to serve, and God’s love to share. As we journey here on earth we are always a work in progress, but someday you will look back, as Kay and I have, and marvel at how God prepared you for your tomorrows!

“So we say to each of you – go! Have no fear. God is with you. Serve him with gladness, and may God bless you on your life’s journey with him.”

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fischer keynote

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“Find your passion. Go. Serve.”

commencement

Servant leaders moving on

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n the sunny afternoon of May 17, members of the Class of 2014 participated in Commencement exercises in the Recreation Complex. The keynote address (see page 5) was given by Dr. Gerald Fischer, Pro Gloria Dei Award recipient and a member of the WLC Board of Regents.

Rose Gallenberger of Wauwatosa, Wisconsin, graduated summa cum laude with a Bachelor of Arts degree in history. This fall she will pursue a master’s degree in history from the University of Massachusetts-Amherst, a nationally-ranked history program.

Dr. Dennis Miller congratulated Jordan Rabe following the Commencement ceremony. Rabe, from Oshkosh, Wisconsin, played football for the Warriors and graduated with a degree in biology.

Miller will return to the sidelines full-time this fall as head football coach, transitioning from his role as vice president of student affairs.

Student speaker Zachary Brandt of Menomonee Falls, Wisconsin, began his speech by taking a “selfie” photo with the stage party, then said, “The whole concept of the selfie doesn’t jive with what we’ve learned here at Wisconsin Lutheran College.” Brandt went on to say that in a selfie, it’s all about you, but at WLC, students learn to turn the focus away from themselves and instead serve others; servant leadership is what sets a WLC degree apart from degrees from other colleges. Brandt, who graduated cum laude with a degree in biology, will pursue a Ph.D. in biomedical sciences at the Medical College of Wisconsin this fall.

Each year graduates pass the Divine Servant statue on their way to Commencement.

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President Daniel W. Johnson congratulated Timothy Kriewall of Issaquah, Washington.

Kriewall earned degrees in mathematics, physics, and computer science. He also sang with the Wisconsin Lutheran Choir and Chamber Choir and played violin in the Chamber Ensemble. Kriewall received the Golden Lyre Award in May in recognition of his contributions to the WLC music department.

In 2014, WLC’s young nursing program had its largest class thus far, with 18 students receiving a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree at Commencement.

commencement Twins Erin (left) and Alayna (right) Greenfield of Wauwatosa, Wisconsin, graduated on May 17 with honors. They both majored in communicative arts and competed in volleyball for the Warriors for four seasons. Erin received the Roger Fleming Senior Scholar-Athlete Award in May. Sandra Greenfield (center) congratulated her granddaughters in front of the Divine Servant statue, which recognizes the service and leadership of her late husband, Dr. Gary J. Greenfield, WLC’s first full-time president, shown below holding Erin and Alayna on campus in 1993.

Wisconsin Lutheran College awarded nine Master of Arts in Education degrees this year in the areas of high performance instruction, leadership and innovation, instructional technology, and science instruction. Seven of the graduates are pictured with Dr. Joyce S. Natzke (left), dean of the College of Adult and Graduate Studies, and James Brandt (right), vice president of Adult and Graduate Studies.

A tradition continues: Graduates recess past the faculty after Commencement, receiving congratulations and best wishes.

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alumni highlights

Warriors on their way Following Commencement, WLC graduates have gone on to lead incredibly interesting, blessed, and successful lives. Following are glimpses into the lives of six WLC alumni and Christian servant leaders.

’90

Class of

EriK J. Pless, J.D. Partner/Attorney Everson Law Firm Green Bay, Wisconsin

Bio brief: Erik Pless, an English and communication major, graduated from WLC

with honors and proceeded to earn his Juris Doctor degree from the University of Wisconsin Law School. He has been an active trial attorney in northeast Wisconsin for the past 20 years – 15 with the Everson Law Firm – and has tried more than 40 civil jury trials. In 2005 Pless became certified as a Civil Trial Specialist by the National Board of Trial Advocacy. Since 2008 he’s been recognized as a Super Lawyer

by Law and Politics Magazine in the area of Insurance Defense Litigation, and since 1999 he’s written an Annual Update on Insurance Law for the State Bar of Wisconsin. Pless also has served on the Board of Directors for the Civil Trial Counsel of Wisconsin, and has taught a lawyering skills course at UW’s Law School. Outside the office, he is an endurance athlete, having finished five Ironman distance triathlons.

His comments on: • P reparation from WLC: “At WLC I learned effective oral and written business communication skills. These skills carried over to both law school and my legal career. It took some time to fully appreciate, but my WLC coursework and majors – and excellent faculty – prepared me quite well for my career. The friendships I made at WLC continue to this day, and the environment allowed me to thrive academically. I’d absolutely recommend WLC if a small liberal arts college is an option for someone. It’s a great choice for a student entering the fields of English and/or communication.”

• S erving/volunteering: “I served for seven years on my church council while the church experienced some significant turmoil and two vacancies.”

Bio brief: Matt Butterfield, a communication major, found a media internship with

Tom Pipines at WITI-TV in Milwaukee before he graduated from WLC. He earned his MBA from the Keller Graduate School of Management and spent the first 16 years of his career as assignment desk editor and manager at Fox Chicago News. He received journalism’s prestigious Peabody Award in 2010 for his work at WFLD-TV, and has been awarded two regional Emmy awards for comprehensive coverage of major news events. In 2011 he began serving as the Communication Director for the Illinois State Treasurer’s Office, and in 2013 joined the Mac Strategies Group in Chicago. Butterfield and his wife, Nancy (Carstens) ’93, have five children.

His comments on: • W LC’s value and preparation: “I’d absolutely recommend WLC. I’d also remind students that graduate school is valuable too, internships are irreplaceable, and gaining experience in the broader community through volunteer and service opportunities will build distinctive guiding principles for a lifetime. I know I was dramatically influenced by the professors and students during my years at WLC. My career allows me regular interaction with an extremely diverse group of individuals and organizations, and while I don’t always share the same ideals of each, WLC helped to instill an unconditional respect for each person and a readiness to serve.”

• Most appreciated memory: “I specifically appreciated Dr. Peter Fraser’s technical writing course in which I learned that clear, succinct writing cannot be replaced – words matter and spelling counts.”

• S erving/volunteering: “I enjoy many opportunities at my home congregation in Tinley Park, Illinois, in leadership positions on the school board and church council.

I’m also involved with our men’s ministry that completes various home repair projects for widows.”

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’94

Class of

Matt Butterfield Vice President of Public and Media Relations Mac Strategies Group, Inc. Chicago, Illinois

education after graduating from WLC by earning her Master of Science degree in human kinetics at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee. She has just completed her ninth year at Dartmouth College as a member of its sports medicine staff, serving as an athletic trainer. She works with the women’s volleyball, men’s and women’s swimming and diving, and men’s lacrosse teams, and also serves as a member of the College Health Services Eating Disorders Team. She has pursued professional interests in soft tissue mobilization, and she enjoys designing sportspecific rehabilitations.

Her comments on: • P reparation from WLC: “The professors at WLC made a huge impression on me.

They really went above and beyond, and now when I’m feeling ‘stingy’ with my time or energy at work, thinking about how others – like my WLC professors – went out of their way for me motivates me to be more giving.”

Nicole Humann Athletic Trainer/ Sports Medicine Staff Dartmouth College

• S erving/volunteering: “For the past three years I’ve run a food drive within the Dartmouth College Athletic Department. Last year we gathered about 2,000 pounds of food, which stocked the pantry at The Haven for a week. For the past three years I’ve also been part of the organization and execution of a sled hockey clinic for wounded veterans in the Upper Valley. Both have been eye-opening and wonderful experiences.”

Hanover, New Hampshire

Bio brief: Jesse Phillips, an English major, went on to earn his Juris Doctor degree from

the University of the Pacific, McGeorge School of Law. Before his current position, he served as Attorney III on the Administrative Litigation Team for the California Department of Health Care Services. Prior to that position, he worked for two years as an attorney for a law firm in Stockton, California. He and his wife, Sarah (Berg) ’02, have three children.

His comments on: • P reparation from WLC: “The education I received at WLC indispensably prepared me for my career as a litigator and a judge. I took as many literature and writing classes as I could, and the coursework consistently challenged and engaged me … as did my studies in art history, music theory, theology, and history. Together, these classes and the professors who taught them helped me develop critical thinking skills essential in my career development. My professors encouraged and equipped me to listen, read, and think clearly and to articulate and communicate with equal clarity.”

• M ost appreciated aspect: “I appreciated how accessible the faculty were, and the opportunities to work as a faculty assistant and writing tutor. My professors were scholarly, enthusiastic teachers who always were willing to help me improve my critical thinking and writing skills. As a litigator, I used those skills every day to assess the merits of my cases, develop effective litigation strategies, and implement those strategies. Most importantly, I now use those skills daily as a judge to listen and communicate, ensuring that the parties receive their due process and that their disputes are resolved.”

’02

Class of

Jesse Phillips, J.D. Administrative Law Judge California Department of Health Care Services, Office of Administrative Hearings and Appeals Sacramento, California

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alumni highlights

’95

Class of

Bio brief: Nicole Humann, a psychology major and student athlete, continued her

alumni highlights

’03

Class of

Bio brief: Angela Petrie, a biology major, continued her education at the Medical

College of Wisconsin, where she earned her Doctor of Medicine degree in 2007.

She served her residency in emergency medicine at St. Luke’s Roosevelt Hospital Center in the greater New York area until 2010, when she returned to Milwaukee and joined Aurora Health Care in her current position.

Her comments on: • W LC’s role in her career: “While WLC is a small school and not as well known as larger universities, it played a key role in my current position. My dream was to go to the Medical College of Wisconsin (MCW). WLC prepared me with appropriate coursework, small classes, and attentive, involved faculty who were invested in my future. MCW is also conveniently located across the street from the WLC campus. This allowed for many opportunities, including work and volunteer, which aided in my admission to MCW. I can honestly say that I would not be where I am today without my experience at WLC.”

Angela Petrie, M.D. Emergency Medicine Physician Medical Director of SATC (Sexual Assault Treatment Center)

• Staying connected: “While WLC is a small school, I feel this was a significant advantage. I was able to get a great quality education and form lasting Christian friendships. I most appreciate these friendships as I still have wonderful friends that I met freshman year at WLC.”

Aurora Sinai Medical Center Milwaukee, Wisconsin

Bio brief: Zach Shiels, a biology/pre-med major, went on to earn his Doctor of

Chiropractic degree from Palmer College of Chiropractic in Davenport, Iowa. He opened his practice in 2013 and is building it on the principle of providing conservative, evidence-based manual therapy. He and his wife, Beth (Windschitl) ’08, both cross country athletes at WLC, live in Brookfield with their three daughters.

’09

Class of

His comments on: • P reparation from WLC: “My WLC education prepared me very well for my doctoral studies at Palmer College of Chiropractic. The biology faculty stressed the importance of current research and peer-reviewed scientific literature. This was incredibly instrumental in my education as I was able to read a wide range of literature and medical journals and apply what I learned in the classroom to clinical practice. Most important is the strong Christian atmosphere at WLC. Having biology courses taught from a Christian perspective gave me a deep appreciation of how wonderfully and fearfully our bodies are made.”

• Recommend WLC? “Absolutely. Anyone interested in any manual therapy field (chiropractic, physical or occupational therapy, athletic training) will receive one of the best educations possible with both a Christian perspective to the courses and a remarkably personal education because of WLC’s low student/faculty ratio.”

• Serving/volunteering: “We’re looking forward to becoming more involved in our new church in Brookfield (Christ the Lord). I did serve as executive board secretary at our church while in Davenport.”

Zach Shiels, D.C. Doctor of Chiropractic Owner of Elite Sport & Spine Brookfield, Wisconsin

note: We know there are hundreds of WLC alumni with careers and life stories that we could include on these “Warriors on Their Way” pages. Please contact WLC’s Director of Alumni Relations, Lisa Leffel ’98, at lisa.leffel@wlc.edu with your suggestions, and help us do a better job of sharing the news about WLC’s amazing graduates.

– Vicki Hartig

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“They practice what they preach.”

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fter Tim Koepsell graduated from WLC the first time in 2007 as a history and secondary education major, he still had goals to reach, miles to travel, and dreams to pursue.

While initially hesitant, Koepsell soon came to appreciate online learning.

“What I really enjoyed was that I could return to the weekly conversations that were hosted in our class forum at any time I wished,” he said. “And online learning provided the amazing opportunity to fit assignments around my daily schedule. It sounds cliché, but it’s true.

He taught at the HOPE Schools in urban Milwaukee for a year, and realized he had a passion for teaching.

Nonetheless, Koepsell “took a pause” from his profession so he could pursue competitive Tim Koepsell ’07, a 2013 graduate of WLC’s Master of Arts in Education distance running goals. He “What really stood out degree program, has taught at Yellow Wood Academy, a unique school in Seattle for students with very challenging learning disabilities, for the past was determined to “finish during my entire two-and-aunfinished business” from his four years. He’s shown here with a student at work dissecting an owl pellet. half years of study,” he said, WLC college days of racing “was the availability of the while he still had the time and motivation. He moved to professors. Sincere care for each student is evident in the Reno, Nevada, began training with his high school coach, master’s program, and reflects what WLC always seeks to and worked part-time as a high school special education instill in its education students – specifically that teachers are paraprofessional. Then he moved to Seattle, Washington, in the business of people and building relationships. They kept training but in a more structured environment, and practice what they preach.” began teaching full-time again four years ago at a very Koepsell described his classes as challenging, with a good unique school. mix of theoretical thinking combined with practical “Yellow Wood Academy is a fully accredited, nonprofit assignments – many of which affected his day-to-day school that has a 1:1 student/teacher ratio,” Koepsell explained. practices at school. “There is no doubt. I changed both as a “We embrace and engage students who have not found person and as a professional as a result of the classes I took,” success at any other school or program. We’re their last he said. “I learned so much about the world of education chance to learn. Many of them do – and actually thrive.” and how it works. It’s like being given a special pair of glasses to see why something is the way it is … a view that you don’t While still in Reno, Koepsell decided to get going on his glean just by chance. master’s degree. “I knew it would serve as a stepping stone toward the goal of becoming an education professor – “We are the people we are because of our experiences,” Koepsell someday,” he said. said. “Our experiences shape our attitudes and actions, and my WLC education, both undergrad and graduate, has WLC’s online option for its Master of Arts in Education played a prominent role in facilitating my experiences. degree program was the perfect solution for Koepsell as an out-of-state resident. “I already knew many of the education “WLC’s education professors have fueled and guided my professors – and they knew me. Also, WLC didn’t have the God-given passion for teaching,” he added. “They’ve set an scads of other fees that I found in the three other programs I incredibly high standard. They’ve challenged me, both in investigated before I enrolled.” classes and actual classroom teaching, to not accept excuses from students – nor from myself.”

Now that he’s graduated from WLC a second time, earning his master’s degree in education with an emphasis in high Koepsell and his wife, Vanessa, are returning to Wisconsin performance instruction, Koepsell has new goals and insights this summer. He has accepted a call to teach seventh grade at when it comes to excellence in teaching.

Risen Savior Lutheran School in Milwaukee.

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ags highlight

Master’s of education grad describes AGS professors:

center for christian leadership

The Center for Christian Leadership CWLC: women who lead by serving

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he Christian Women’s Leadership Circle (CWLC) was created in 2006 in part to encourage others to follow the lead of Sharon Schoeneck, a 1989 WLC graduate who established the Sharon A. Schoeneck Christian Women’s Leadership Scholarship with the assistance of Kris Metzger, of the college’s Office of Development. Since then, CWLC’s purpose, to develop and support leadership initiatives, especially for women in their roles as students, faculty, staff, and friends of WLC, has continued to expand.

“For me, the beginning of the Leadership Circle was to advance

Whitewater. “My hope is that we can increase our membership and expand our resources. That will enable us to provide additional scholarships and grants, and to grow our partnership with WLC.”

Each year CWLC awards several grants to faculty, staff, and students. Leaders of 2013-2014 projects presented their results at CWLC’s April board meeting. CWLC president Pat Freer (center standing) thanked (l to r) Kelly Ramirez, director of the Pathways to College program, along with juniors Hailey Schwartz and Sierra Tackett, student project leaders.

More than 200 women attended the 2014 Butterfly Brunch and heard the motivational words of keynote speaker Geneva Johnson of Milwaukee, retired president and CEO of Family Service America, Inc.

information and awareness of WLC and to support the idea of women playing a more active role at the college,” said Marlene Schumacher, longtime supporter of WLC and one of CWLC’s founders. “Along with that, we wanted to help young women develop their full potential as Christian leaders.” Today, those goals remain at the core of CWLC’s mission.

During its eight-year history, CWLC has hosted an annual, highly regarded and well-attended Butterfly Brunch event; awarded the Schoeneck Scholarship of $5,000 each March at the brunch; built a membership of nearly 100 annual or lifetime members; and created a board of directors, subcommittees, and multimedia communication materials.

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In addition, CWLC has partnered with WLC to provide financial support for the Center for Christian Leadership’s new certificate program, for the Christian Leadership Speaker Series, and for numerous grants awarded to faculty, staff, and students whose projects focus on servant leader principles. Beginning in 2014-2015, CWLC will be establishing a second endowed scholarship while continuing to give a $1,000 annual scholarship.

“This organization has just begun to realize its potential in making a difference in the lives of students at WLC,” said Pat Freer, current CWLC president, donor, parent of an alumna, and retired student affairs administrator at the University of Wisconsin-

As an indication of the value Wisconsin Lutheran College places on CWLC, President Daniel W. Johnson asked Freer to join the advisory committee for the college’s Center for Christian Leadership, and to represent CWLC as WLC continues to develop Christian leadership programs and initiatives.

“CWLC is doing an awesome job of encouraging women to discover their talents to lead,” President Johnson said.

“It is also providing them with opportunities to learn and grow as servant leaders who will have a positive impact on others.”

“The vision of the Christian Women’s Leadership Circle has always been to be a partner with WLC,” said Freer. “Being recognized as part of the Center for Christian Leadership reflects that our programs and contributions are being seen as significant, integral parts of the college’s leadership initiatives. We’re very pleased to be part of this coordinated effort to intentionalize servant leadership across all parts of the college.

“WLC has had Christian servant leadership as its foundation since its very beginnings,” Freer added. “I’m excited about the purposeful steps being taken that are moving this initiative forward – from a written statement to measurable aspects within all students’ academic coursework and experiential learning opportunities. Graduating seniors will truly understand the role they play as Christian leaders as they leave Wisconsin Lutheran College.”

To learn more about the Christian Women’s Leadership Circle, visit 8 wlc.edu/cwlc.

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eadership development in the College of Adult and Graduate Studies is fully embedded in the curricula in both of the college’s degree programs, and incorporates experiences that intentionally instill a servant leadership philosophy.

For example, Keith Leardon, a 2014 graduate of WLC’s accelerated degree completion program, works as a manager for Sam’s Club, a national wholesale company. Leardon has supervisory responsibilities for the 18 clubs located in the state of Wisconsin. He

developed a leadership training program that teaches a servant leadership philosophy as his capstone project. “My goal is to help current assistant managers have a better understanding of their leadership style, their strengths, and how to lead others through influence and servant leadership,” Leardon said. “The purpose of the program is to help these assistant managers leverage their talents to become better leaders, and in turn help those around them become better at what they do.”

Leadercast, Speaker Series and Certificate Program news

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eatured speakers for the 2014- 2015 Leadership Speakers Series at WLC will be announced later this summer and will be posted at 8 wlc.edu/speakerseries.

Leadercast, held in May 2014, shared a live broadcast from Atlanta to more than 100,000 leaders around the globe.

WLC served as the exclusive Milwaukee

broadcast location for the annual, international simulcast. WLC will host the 2015 Leadercast on May 8.

mentor possibilities, and researching the most robust electronic platform possible for program participants.

The Center for Christian Leadership’s new certificate program coordinator, Suzanne (Scheffler) Otto ’05, is finalizing the program’s components, creating an increased list of service learning opportunities, establishing

Otto also is meeting with individual faculty, staff, administrators, and coaches to promote and describe the certificate program, which launches in fall 2014.

Sophomore Leadership Dinners begin

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eginning with a dinner held March 2014, WLC sophomores will be invited to an annual Leadership Dinner as part of the Center for Christian Leadership’s undergraduate curriculum initiative led by Dr. David Brightsman, dean of the College of Professional Studies. “Sophomores who took the required Christian Life Planning course in the fall were able to attend the dinner and interact with numerous WLC alumni who also attended the event,” Brightsman

explained. The undergraduates were urged to take advantage of the many options while on campus to explore various career and leadership opportunities. Alumni shared examples of how their WLC experiences have served them in their personal and professional lives, and Diana (Spiegelberg) Kerr ’11, featured speaker, stressed the importance of being ready and willing to get off campus and utilize one’s God-given gifts through internship and leadership opportunities.

Student grants allow for leadership sessions

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unior Hailey Schwartz organized and directed “Step Up, Step Out,” a CWLC-funded leadership summit attended by 40 students. She created a planning committee, and together they designed the conference to feature six leadership sessions. The summit concluded with a keynote address delivered by Aaron Biebert ’04 on leadership opportunities available beyond graduation at WLC. “In addition to learning how valuable a good committee can be,” Schwartz said, “I appreciated the feedback we received from our participants. One wrote that the conference was a good reminder that God has blessed some of us with the ability to lead, and that we should

Several of the “Step Up, Step Out” committee members (l to r): Megan Landvatter, Sierra Tackett, Hailey Schwartz, Lydia Schwecke, Laura Heibler, and Sarah Burk.

embrace those skills and use them to glorify him. I think that says it all!”

A series of three workshops also was offered to WLC’s student body via a faculty/staff grant from CWLC.

Attention was given to the importance of resumé and interviewing excellence, online portfolio content management, and Christian leadership “professionalism.”

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center for christian leadership

AGS leadership program has impact in workplace

undergraduate research

Encouragement to create and investigate H

ypotheses. Statistical analyses.

Random samples. Placebo effects.

Conclusions and results.

For some students, those words are music to the ear, and they dream of the opportunity to immerse themselves in a culture of research and creativity.

Such students can realize their dreams at WLC. The college is providing its graduates a competitive edge when it comes to acquiring undergraduate research experience. WLC students have ongoing opportunities to build research portfolios and complete independent study projects, often distinguishing themselves from their future graduate school peers.

For example, in May the American Society for Microbiology awarded Steven Van Alstine, WLC senior biochemistry major, an undergraduate research fellowship beginning this summer. The fellowship provides Van Alstine with a $4,000 stipend for ten weeks of full-time research this summer, funds to travel to and present at the ASM General Meeting in New Orleans next May, and a two-year ASM membership.

“Steve will be conducting research on how different stresses affect the bacterial cytoskeleton,” said Dr. John Werner, assistant professor of biology.

“Having students participate in research is embedded in the WLC learning process,” said Dr. John Kolander, Provost. “WLC is blessed to have Ph.D.-level faculty leading students in the classroom and working with them in the laboratory, archive, or outdoor research venue. All this is done in ways meant to encourage and support the faith life of our students as they discover the infinite, fascinating aspects of God’s creation.”

Every spring for the past 14 years WLC has held its Undergraduate Research Symposium. Under the direction of a faculty member, professional researcher, or graduate student, undergraduate students present papers, research project results, or artistic observations as an extension of their academic experience.

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“All WLC students are welcome to apply or present at the symposium,” said Dr. David Schulz, professor of computer science and faculty advisor for the annual research conference.

“While many presentations are by biology, chemistry, physics, computer science, or environmental studies majors,” he added, “nearly every discipline taught at WLC has been represented in the symposium. We’ve had research papers about topics in philosophy, theatre, English, music, history, theology … you name it.”

Regardless of topic or discipline, all presentation applications are reviewed by a faculty committee for content and quality. That assures a level of professionalism for the friends, family members, and guests who attend the symposium. “I try to attend every year,” said Kent Raabe, Brookfield, Wisconsin, a member of WLC’s Board of Regents.

“It’s an opportunity to interact with the students, but I honestly come to this

Amy Boldt, senior biology major, presented on the effects of calcium carbonate on chicken embryo skeletons at WLC’s 2014 Undergraduate Research Symposium.

symposium as a day of continuing education for myself.”

“Beyond the symposium held each April,” Schulz added, “WLC’s psychology department holds its own Research Night every fall, and shares poster presentations that display results or invite student participation in research projects conducted by our psychology majors.”

Kuehn authors physics text

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r. Kerry Kuehn, professor of physics and keynote faculty speaker for the 2014 Undergraduate Research Symposium, spoke on a new physics textbook he has created: A Student’s Guide through the Great Physics Texts.

Dr. Kerry Kuehn, professor of physics, has taught at WLC since 2001. He has been awarded multiple grants from the National Foundation of Science and NASA for his research work. He includes WLC undergraduate students in the research he conducts and also as co-authors when results are published in scientific journals.

During the past several years, Kuehn has developed and implemented a unique and challenging physics curriculum for undergraduate students of the natural and mathematical sciences which is based on the reading, analysis, and discussion of foundational texts in physics and astronomy – writings from Aristotle, Galileo, Newton, and others.

Kuehn said the text is being published by Springer and is scheduled for distribution in the fall of 2014. “It’s designed to encourage a thoughtful approach to natural science while at the same time developing a suitable foundation for advanced coursework in physics,” Kuehn explained.

“To me, it’s more important for students to understand and have a grasp of the concepts of physics when they leave here, not just a knowledge of the formulas.”

undergraduate research

Seniors present at national conference

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ndergraduate students who major in biology at WLC are required to take a capstone course in which they design and perform novel research during their senior year. They then have the opportunity to present this research in the Undergraduate Research Symposium on campus, or they can apply to present their research at the National Conference for Undergraduate Research.

“Four of our students applied and were accepted to present at the national conference this year,” said Dr. John Werner, assistant professor of biology. “Sean Schrank presented on the topic of understanding the mechanisms of viral infections, Whitney Stibb on finding potential cancer-fighting drugs, Nicole Morici on the effects of high-fructose corn syrup on the diet, and Caitlin Finnane on the detrimental effects of too much fluoride in the diet.”

The conference took place at the University of Kentucky in Lexington early in April. The WLC students’ faculty advisors, Dr. Werner and Dr. Allison Phillips, also attended the conference. “It was a high honor for these students to be selected to present at a national venue,” Phillips said. “The conference drew more than 3,000 undergraduate students from 120 different institutions

Four WLC seniors were selected to present at the National Conference for Undergraduate Research April 3-5, 2014, in Lexington, Kentucky, on the University of Kentucky campus. L to r: Nicole Morici, Whitney Stibb, Dr. Allison Phillips, Caitlin Finnane, Dr. John Werner, and Sean Schrank.

around the United States. We had the opportunity to interact with other professors and share ideas about how to best implement undergraduate research across the curriculum.”

NSF grant will connect students with research

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r. Allison Phillips, assistant professor of biology, was awarded a collaborative grant from the National Science Foundation (NSF) in April. She will work with five other labs (Carnegie Institution, South Dakota State University, Oregon State University, The Ohio State University, and Iowa State University) to conduct research to answer many central questions about how corn seeds develop. The fouryear grant will be funded by NSF at a value of $4 million.

The overall goal of the project is to understand the genes that control development of seeds in cereal crops such as maize, wheat, and rice. Knowledge gained from this research will directly contribute to understanding how these seeds develop and function so that additional efforts can be made to maintain or improve food production. “This project will allow undergraduate students at WLC to be directly involved in cutting-edge research,” said Dr. Robert Anderson, chair of the School of Life Sciences.

Dr. Allison Phillips and Dr. Angela (Boehm) Ebeling ’99, assistant professors of biology, stand ready to work in WLC’s new garden. Ebeling works with biology major Sam Wessel in the campus garden where they will monitor and analyze both the soil and air.

The $200,000 coming to WLC for each of the next four years will provide stipends for students to work with Dr. Phillips year-round, travel funds to attend conferences, lab and field equipment, and supplies. “And for three summers, one undergraduate student will have the opportunity to travel to Carnegie Institution at Stanford University in California to participate in the Summer Undergraduate Research Program and conduct research in the Carnegie lab,” Anderson added.

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undergraduate research

iGEM team perspectives T

he international Genetically Engineered Machine (iGEM) competition is the premiere undergraduate synthetic biology competition in the world. “Student teams are given a kit of biological parts early each summer from the Registry of Standard Biological Parts,” said Sierra Tackett, iGEM member.

“Working at their schools over the summer, students use these parts and new parts of their own design to build biological systems and operate them in living cells.”

“This project design and competition format is an exceptionally motivating and effective teaching method,” added Dr. John Werner, assistant professor of biology and iGEM team advisor along with Dr. Jim Henkel. “We are extremely proud and blessed to have a group of motivated students who already have made significant progress on their project since last year’s iGEM competition when we took second place.”

“I decided to participate in iGEM because I’m interested in the growing field of bioengineering,” explained Joshua Leverence, a junior biology major. “It is still a wide-open field, research-wise, and I’m glad I can take advantage of that as an undergrad at WLC.” “iGEM provides an incredible opportunity to take what I’ve learned in classes and apply it in a project setting,” said Josiah Ricke, a junior biochemistry major. “It connects the dots from what I read in a textbook to the procedures I do in the lab. It’s a fantastic learning tool as well as a chance to work with others and practice interpersonal skills.”

“I’m learning lab techniques and independence in the lab because I create my own research plan and am forced to understand why I’m doing certain procedures,” added Jacob Jodat, a sophomore biochemistry major.

Visit 8 wlc.edu/summer to learn about the synthetic biology summer camp – taught from a Christian perspective – that the iGEM team is offering on the WLC campus this summer. Designed to give high school students hands-on lab experience while working with WLC professors and students in a safe, controlled environment, the camp also provides a chance for students to become familiar with WLC’s collegiate atmosphere and expectations.

“The project on which we’re currently working allows me to apply biological concepts in a way which could lead to impacting the entire world.

If that’s not cool, then I don’t know what is.”

Ryan George, junior biochemistry major

“Over the past year,” Tackett said, “iGEM has taught me leadership, perseverance, and the basic tools that I need to become a researcher. I’m so grateful to have been a part of this opportunity. It’s greatly defined and enhanced my college experience thus far.”

Other iGEM team members explained why they’ve appreciated the experience.

“Being part of the iGEM team has been a great blessing for me,” said Ryan George, a junior biochemistry major.

“The project on which we’re currently working allows me to apply biological concepts in a way which could lead to impacting the entire world. If that’s not cool, then I don’t know what is.”

“I joined iGEM and was pleasantly surprised by what and how much we were able to do,” said Zach Birner, a junior biochemistry major. “As students, we were given the freedom to design and carry out our own experiments. I believe that this freedom is iGEM’s greatest strength, because we won’t always have professors to guide us.”

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Members of the 2014 iGEM team. Front row, l to r: Ryan George, Joshua Leverence, Sierra Tackett, Anna Garvey. Back row, l to r: Matthew Mortensen, Josiah Ricke, Steve Van Alstine, Jacob Jodat, Zach Birner, Dr. Jim Henkel, assistant professor of biology and iGEM team advisor, and Christa Winslow. All are juniors except Van Alstine (senior) and Jodat (sophomore), and all are biochemistry majors except Leverence (biology).

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LC’s School of Education continues to offer its majors international opportunities to complete their professional semester – consisting of two student teacher placements – and has added Shanghai, China, and Plzen, Czech Republic, as two new settings.

“International teaching experiences give our education majors opportunities to live and serve abroad while satisfying Wisconsin’s Department of Public Instruction requirements,” said Prof. James Holman, director of the teacher education program.

During spring semester 2014, teacher candidates Min (Jolie) Xu and Hannah Stellick were assigned their first nine-week candidacy placement at SMIC, a large international school system in Shanghai. Both students returned to campus for their second nine-week placement in the Milwaukee area. This fall, Min Xu will begin teaching at SMIC, where she has been hired for the 2014-2015 term. Stellick will begin teaching fourth grade at Divine Savior Lutheran Academy in Doral, Florida, this fall.

Prof. Martin Miller ’94 (center) and Prof. Alan Bitter (right), assistant professors of education at WLC, visited with Základní škola Martina Luthera administrator Martin Vršecký in Plzen, Czech Republic in March 2014 to finalize details of a new partnership. WLC students will be able to complete the first portion of their teacher candidacy program at Základní škola Martina Luthera, the top school in Plzen.

Several students from the Czech school visited WLC in May. After attending chapel, they met with senior Melanie Laete (back, right), an education major who will begin her teacher candidacy in the Czech Republic at Základní škola Martina Luthera this fall, teaching seventh and eighth grade English and science.

Education alumna honored

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abbie (Shiels) Zastrow ’12, an eighth-grade teacher at Pilgrim Park Middle School in Elm Grove, Wisconsin, was given an Early Career Educator Award by WLC’s School of Education in conjunction with the Wisconsin Association of Colleges for Teacher Education.

WLC education professors James Holman (left) and Alan Bitter (right), presented the award this spring; Pilgrim Park’s principal, Mike Sereno, joined them.

The Early Educator Award is presented to an outstanding educator within the first three years of his or her career based on a combination of any of the following: positive impact on schools and communities, innovation in designing learning experiences, and student advocacy.

Garvey receives award

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n fall 2013, Lisa Paul, author of Swimming in the Daylight, WLC’s 2013 “campus read,” announced plans to present a “Daylight Award” to a WLC student who makes a difference for a cause he or she believes in.

The recipient was Anna Garvey, a biochemistry major. She wrote an essay about her work with the Pathways to College program, where she tutors underprivileged students who sometimes can’t see that they can have a bright future despite an often challenging start in life.

Garvey received the Daylight Award from WLC associate professor of education Dr. Rebecca Parker Fedewa ’01 (above, left) during Honors Convocation in May. Wisconsin Lutheran College | 17

student news

New international settings for teacher candidates

business major

School of Business Administration continues to grow

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LC’s School of Business Administration continues to grow and develop. “One of our responses to the strong interest and amazing growth in our business major has been to develop new student organizations for our majors in which to use their Christian leadership skills while they’re still undergraduates,” said Peter Eppen, assistant professor and chair of the School of Business Administration.

“We’ll also surround them with challenging opportunities to interact, solve problems, and lead. This significantly increases the value of the business school experience and enhances our majors’ post graduate careers.”

Warrior Investment Club The Warrior Investment Club has attracted more than 60 members since its creation in fall 2013.

“This first year for the club has been fantastic,” said Gregg Pfarr, assistant professor of business, who teaches courses in banking, finance, and investment. “Since October we have made investments in 18 companies, including several foreign companies. It’s been a profitable first year, with our performance exceeding the Standard and Poor’s 500 index, the index we measure ourselves against. We have eight student teams that have competed in a national stock market competition, with several enjoying great success.

Warrior Investment Club leaders and officers at work: (l to r) junior Lee Johnson, senior Bryan Gruenwald, junior Mike Anderson, and senior Joey Balge.

“I’m very pleased with the level of participation and effort from the students,” he added. “We’ve had exceptional student leadership from our upperclassmen, and I believe involvement in the club has helped several of them land excellent post graduate positions with outstanding investment and financial service companies.”

Over the years, Clarence Hartwig, North Prairie, Wisconsin, a former WLC Board of Regents member, has made financial gifts to WLC, designating them for use in teaching students about the value and importance of investing.

“Using money wisely is an important aspect of being a good Christian steward,” Hartwig said. “Often, common sense and careful observation of the stock market are two of the most important characteristics you can have when it comes to becoming a skilled investor.”

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Accounting Program In the fall of 2012 only a handful of students enrolled in the highest level financial accounting course at WLC. Enrollment in that course will have nearly quadrupled by the fall of 2014. Consequently, the number of internships served at public accounting firms, industry companies, and nonprofit organizations has Growth in Business Majors increased, as has the 70 number of local and regional public 60 accounting firms now visiting the WLC 50 campus, building relationships with the 40 WLC accounting program. “We believe 30 there is potential for 20 an accounting major to be added at WLC 10 in the not-too-distant future,” Eppen said.

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“Our courses satisfy the accounting requirement for sitting for the Certified Public Accountant exam,” Lisa Derouin, business instructor and a certified public accountant, said. “We’ve developed the business school’s curriculum so that students who want to pursue their CPA license can receive that preparation at WLC.” 2010

2011

2012

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The number of students who declare business administration as their major has more than doubled in the last four years. The major has six areas of specialization: accounting, finance, management, marketing, international business, and general studies.

ENACTUS WLC’s business school now has one of Wisconsin’s 14 active 70 college and university chapters for ENACTUS, an international organization committed to using the power of 60 entrepreneurial action to transform lives and shape a better world. “It’s a perfect group for students who want to use 50 their business skills to help other people,” said Don Kudek, assistant professor of business.

40 WLC’s ENACTUS chapter raised money for a good cause 30 this past academic year. “Students put their classroom knowledge into action,” Kudek said. “They organized, 20 marketed, packaged, and sold Exam Survival Kits, then used the profits to purchase desperately needed 10textbooks for students in a school supported by a Christian medical mission in Kenya.

0 '2010'

'2011'

“ENACTUS truly embodies the values and mission of WLC,” Kudek added. “I’m excited about its future growth and the impact it can have – on campus and beyond.”

'2012'

'2013'

Internship Program An internship program specifically designed for WLC business majors continues to be a top priority for the school. Heather Stelzer, director of the program, has developed its scope during the past five years. “College grads tend to hear the phrase ‘we’re looking for experience’ during interviews when they’re seeking a job,” she said. “Our efforts are focused on giving our students just that – experience. We want them to be equipped, receive experience they cannot get in a classroom setting, and be exposed to different types of business settings. We’re

Kathy Kasza (right), Clerk-Treasurer for the Village of Greendale, Wisconsin, and supervisor for WLC intern and business major Stephanie Kirby, met with Kirby and Peter Eppen, chair of WLC’s School of Business Administration, on campus in May. “Stephanie has been a real asset to our team,” Kasza said. “As a new participant in WLC’s internship program, we’ve been impressed with the caliber of students.”

seeing many of our students accomplish as many as three different internships during their time at WLC. “We’ve also been working diligently to create and build relationships with companies that are compatible with WLC’s mission,” she added, “and our students are receiving the quality experience they need to receive full-time offers after graduation. It’s been incredibly gratifying to watch the number of internships and companies that we work with grow each and every semester – to the point that we nearly have more internship opportunities than students to fill them.”

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subtitle on the STIR Advertising and Integrated Messaging company website caught WLC business major Danielle Theisen’s attention. “Be distinctive. Be relevant.”

“I sent out about a dozen queries early last fall,” said Theisen, who will graduate in December 2014. “I was looking for a unique internship – something different from all the others in the advertising field.”

STIR responded to her request. They had no internship position, but offered her the opportunity to work on a 20-hour research project to gain experience. She seized the moment.

“As an employer and an entrepreneur,” said Brian Bennett, president of STIR, “bringing new people into your company represents Brian Bennett, president of STIR Advertising and risk. There is an expense and Integrated Messaging, has welcomed Dani Theisen, a WLC business major from Waukesha, Wisconsin, to his a time commitment to firm’s team as a paid intern. bringing people up to speed.

“With that as a backdrop, I took a chance on Dani,” Bennett said. “I liked her approach in that she wasn’t robotic in her early communications, yet maintained a level of professionalism. I also received an unsolicited email from Don Kudek, one of her business professors – the first time I’ve had an outreach like that in 15 years of hiring for my firm. So I took a chance on Dani.

“I’ve been very pleased with her drive and her ability to think strategically,” he said. “She made an immediate contribution and hasn’t needed to be taught the basics. She brings a positive, smart, can-do attitude to the office. Her sense of humor is appreciated as well. I have high hopes for Dani’s career here. I am investing heavily in training her and I’m trusting her with some pretty hefty responsibilities. Dani is one of the best interns we’ve ever had.

“And as for Wisconsin Lutheran,” Bennett added, “I was impressed enough with the product and faculty that my 18-year-old son will be enrolled there in the fall. Prior to this experience WLC wasn’t even on our radar screen.”

Theisen is extremely excited about her current position as an intern with STIR. “I’m enjoying the chance to learn more about the advertising industry,” Theisen said. “I guess you could say I’m looking forward to the ride … with the challenges and opportunities it’s going to bring. And I appreciate WLC. We’re allowed to experience the segments of the business major that we’re most interested in. For instance, I’m especially into social media and digital marketing, and have been encouraged to lead capstone projects in those areas. I’ve loved that individualized, experiential learning aspect, and the Christian atmosphere.”

“It’s Dani’s class involvement, study habits, project leadership, and true passion to learn that make her special,” said Kudek, who teaches marketing, management, and business ethics. “I’m very proud of her initiative, drive, and maturity. Students like Dani make teaching at WLC such a blessing.”

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business major

Be distinctive. Be relevant.

engaging community partners

School of Life Sciences:

Engaging community partners M

any people credit Dr. Robert Anderson, biology professor and chair of the School of Life Sciences, for nurturing a significant network of community partners during the past 20 years. He, however, acknowledges several of his fellow faculty members who have built strong relationships with colleagues at institutions such as the Medical College of Wisconsin, Froedtert Hospital, Children’s Hospital of Wisconsin, and other members WLC students inspect fish collection baskets at several We of the Milwaukee Regional Energies’ water intake structures Medical Center, WLC’s on Lake Michigan. neighbor to the north. He speaks of the partnerships others at the college have developed with corporations, industrial leaders, and nonprofit institutions throughout the region.

He also credits former WLC president Dr. Gary Greenfield, who in 1994 told him during Anderson’s second year at WLC: “Go out and meet people. Get yourself on boards of directors.

Get involved. That’s how you’ll build a network – one that will benefit the college and energize you and your students.”

So Anderson joined boards. And talked with his new peers – about fishing – among other topics. One board colleague was a member of the Milwaukee Chapter of Muskies Inc. Soon, that organization asked Anderson if he and some of his students would conduct a four-year study on Pewaukee Lake for their chapter, tracking muskies.

WLC students work with the college’s electroshock barge on the Middle Bark River conducting a fish population study for the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources.

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While making presentations about their study results, Anderson was connected with fishery managers and biologists within the State of Wisconsin’s Department of Natural Resources (DNR) who were impressed by his work.

That began a two-decade history of Anderson’s efforts to develop a network of collaborators – particularly in the environmental and ecology fields.

To date, some of the ongoing relationships that exist between WLC and private as well as public entities include: s Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (collaborative lake and stream research and internships) s Bureau of Land Management (GIS and mapping assistance and internships) s U.S. Forest Service (ecological assistance with trees and fish) s Milwaukee Metropolitan Sewerage District (MMSD) (fish monitoring study) s We Energies, Milwaukee (Lake Michigan fish studies at both Port Washington and Oak Creek water intake structures; SCUBA inspections of the porous rock barrier at Port Washington generating station) s Southeastern Wisconsin Regional Planning Commission (SEWRPC) (fish samplings and collaborative lakes and streams research) s Milwaukee County Zoo, Racine Zoo, Tampa’s Lowry Zoo (marine ecology research and internships) s Urban Ecology Center, Milwaukee (evaluations on Milwaukee River and assistance in promoting urban ecology) s Pewaukee Lake (musky tracking, evaluation, studies, and assistance to the Pewaukee Sanitary District with lake plant surveys) s Marquette University and University of WisconsinMilwaukee (environmental engineering projects) s Johnson Foundation, Wingspan, Racine (monitoring rivers and sharing data collection via “Freshwater Summit” initiatives) s Barr Engineering, Minneapolis, Minnesota, and Hey & Associates, south central Illinois (fish population studies in lakes and streams) s Jamaica (marine ecology research conducted in the Discovery Marine Lab) s Grenada (ongoing coral reef monitoring and marine biology research in collaboration with governmental and educational officials) “Many of these organizations have connections with one another,” Anderson explained. “Once we were introduced to the DNR and were beginning to monitor fish on a certain section of the Menomonee River, I approached a DNR fish

WLC students travel to Grenada every May to conduct research on the island country’s coral reefs, collecting and sharing data with Grenadian and other Caribbean ecology officials. WLC collaborates with a Milwaukee County Zoo aquarium and reptile curator on portions of this project.

Additional partners emerged as resource managers became aware of WLC’s work. “For instance,” Anderson said, “We Energies needed help monitoring its intake structures at the Valley Generating Station. This two-year study led to another one on Lake Michigan at We Energies’ station in Port Washington, and now we’re conducting monitoring at the Oak Creek Generating Station as well. Then MMSD awarded a contract to evaluate the lower section of the Kinnickinnic River in Milwaukee to HNTB (a civil engineering and infrastructure consulting firm) in part because WLC students were performing the biological research aspect of the project! The Lord has really blessed our work.”

Anderson’s DNR colleagues express their appreciation of his and WLC’s contributions without hesitation. “I’ve collaborated with Bob for the last decade or so surveying the Mukwonago River and more generally working on aquatic conservation issues,” said John Lyons, Ph.D., supervisor for Southern Wisconsin’s Fisheries Research Team for the Wisconsin DNR. “He’s been a big help to my projects, providing a great group of students who have been bright and enthusiastic. Their contributions have been essential to making our work go smoothly.”

“Dr. Anderson has implemented long-term trend monitoring that will provide invaluable information for fisheries habitat and protection – as well as give students a real life resource management perspective,” added Ben Heussner, a DNR fisheries biologist.

“I had the privilege of working with Dr. Anderson and have enjoyed his passion for both the environment as well as for student education,” said Nick Schmal, Ph.D., of the U.S. Forest Service. “Many of his field projects provided useful scientific information to state and federal agencies as well as county and local governments. But most importantly, students not only experienced the use of field sampling equipment, but often learned how to identify aquatic plant and animal specimens using the latest taxonomic resources.”

“The most unique work involves underwater dive inspections of a breakwater-like dike at our Port Washington Generating Station that is designed to keep fish from entering the water intake,” Lee said. “His skills combined with his WLC student teams have provided us with a valuable local resource to rely on.”

Providing assistance to experts and professionals in the ecology field has – in fact – become regular fare for WLC students.

Whether on the Mukwonago River or Pewaukee Lake, in the Wil-O-Way Forest or Jamaica’s Discovery Marine lab, undergraduates are conducting authentic research: fish population studies, lake plant surveys, marine biology monitoring, and more.

“It’s been interesting, watching Bob’s efforts to build relationships between WLC and others over the years,” observed Dr. Jarrod Erbe, dean of the College of Arts and Sciences.

“The tide has completely turned. Today, many more calls come into WLC requesting research help than calls that go out asking for a ‘research-related experience’ for our students.”

The calls, no matter where they originate, continue to result in positive connections for the college and experiential learning opportunities for WLC’s students. “We’ve come a long way,” Anderson said, “but we can do more.”

Dr. Bob Anderson and students on the Kinnickinnic River in Milwaukee conducting a monitoring project for MMSD. Wisconsin Lutheran College | 21

engaging community partners

biologist and asked if my students and I could get trained by them so that our procedures would be accepted by their agency. Then we observed and worked with their electroshocking barge. We decided to create our own, modeled after theirs, so again, our electroshocking practices and fish monitoring data would meet DNR standards. We’ve been providing monitoring data to the DNR from that portion of the Menomonee River since 1995 because they trust our work.”

We Energies administrators also appreciate their WLC partnership.

“Bob has in-depth knowledge of the Great Lakes and how to evaluate the environmental effects from facilities like power plants that operate large circulating cooling water systems,” explained David Lee, P.E., manager of water quality in We Energies’ environmental department. “Because of his expertise, we have been able to work with him and his students to evaluate the performance of our water intake fish protection technologies at several of our facilities.

campus news

Fine Arts

Warriors student

schedules announced athletes honored

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he 2014-2015 Guest Artist Series features 11 groups or performers, including Maureen McGovern, The Diamonds, and the Cab Calloway Orchestra. Four Celtic Voices will make an appearance just in time for St. Patrick’s Day, and perennial favorite Jeffrey Siegel will return for three Keyboard Conversations concerts. Season tickets for the series are on sale now; individual tickets will be available August 1 online at wlc.edu/guestartistseries or by calling the Box Office at 414.443.8802.

Opportunities abound to see Wisconsin Lutheran College students perform on campus as well. The first theatre production opens September 19, while the Wisconsin Lutheran Choir and WLC Concert Band perform in the Fall Showcase Concert on October 3-4.

Tickets for student music events are available now at 8 wlc.edu/arts or by calling the Box Office.

Artwork reflects natural spaces

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he Schlueter Art Gallery is hosting the second-annual exhibit celebrating the work of Artists in Residence in natural spaces June 26-July 25. More than 29 U.S. national parks, monuments, and wildlife refuges select and host artists each year to create artworks reflecting the special qualities of that place. The work of some of Moonlight over Lake McDonald those artists is featured in this exhibit, including this piece and others by that of WLC associate professor of art, Kristin Gjerdset.

Another piece of Gjerdset’s artwork will be seen by thousands of visitors this summer at a top Wisconsin tourist attraction, the Milwaukee County Zoo. She was chosen to paint the background mural for the Kohl’s Wild Theater, which offers conservation-themed performances using drama, songs, and puppetry for families throughout the summer. Gjerdset was interviewed on WITI-TV’s WakeUp morning show in May as she completed the mural.

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s the 2013-2014 seasons for Wisconsin Lutheran College’s 18 NCAA Division III teams came to a close, several Warriors student athletes received conference and regional honors.

Senior football player Eric Zeitler of Waukesha, Wisconsin, was selected as the Northern Athletics Collegiate Conference (NACC) Man of the Year for 2013-2014.

He was a four-year member of the Warriors’ football team, earning All-NACC honors three times. The linebacker, who was team captain in 2013, will graduate this December with a degree in business administration. A three-time NACC Scholar-Athlete, he received the college’s Roger Fleming Senior Scholar Athlete Award this past year.

“Eric is completely deserving of this award,” said Warriors football coach Dennis Miller. “He exemplifies all that you would want in a Man of the Year. He is hardworking and conscientious, a man of integrity and character with a strong Christian focus.”

Senior pitcher/infielder Garrick Day of Elk Mound, Wisconsin, was named to the 2014 D3baseball.com All-Midwest Region First Team as a utility player. He was one of only two NACC players to be selected to the regional First Team. In 2014, Day led all of NCAA Divisions I, II, and III with a 0.64 ERA. Day and the Warriors tied a schoolrecord of 20 wins in a season, capped by an upset of Division I UW-Milwaukee in the season finale.

Freshman first baseman Brittney Blazich of Bristol, Wisconsin, was named to the 2014 National Fastpitch Coaches Association All-Great Lakes Region Second Team. Blazich led the NACC in batting average, on-base percentage, hits, runs, triples, and total bases.

The Warriors softball team set a school record for most wins in a season with 27.

Junior Lee Johnson of Hales Corners, Wisconsin, was named the NACC Player of the Year for men’s tennis.

The Warriors’ top singles player, he posted a 17-3 overall record. The WLC men’s tennis team had its best season in program history, which included its first appearance in the NCAA Tournament.

development

rsvp An invitation to respond

Advancement. Development. Fundraising. It is called by many names. But whatever you choose to call it, it has been around a long time.

In his letters to the early Christian church, the Apostle Paul was bold in his teaching of stewardship and giving. He often encouraged Christians – many of whom had been blessed generously with earthly gifts – to support the spread of the gospel in churches that needed financial assistance. To the church in Corinth he wrote about the “grace of giving” (2 Cor. 8:7) and to the early Christians in Rome he wrote about the body of Christ and our individual gifts of serving, encouraging, giving, and leading (Rom. 12:7). Paul viewed the financial support of gospel ministry as a blessing and an opportunity for both the recipient and the giver. “I rejoiced greatly in the Lord that at last you renewed your concern for me. Indeed you were concerned, but you had no opportunity to show it.” (Phil. 4:10) My colleagues and I are blessed to do this same work. We have the privilege of presenting opportunities to friends who wish to help grow Wisconsin Lutheran College and we get to “rejoice greatly” when God’s people respond. This is why I am writing you today.

There are many ways for you to support the work of WLC, my alma mater. Your gifts – today, tomorrow, and after you have been called home – make a profound impact on this college. Your support helps us prepare the next generation of Christian business owners, counselors, doctors, artists, educators, nurses, and more.

If you want more information about the giving options below, or if you have other questions about how you can help, please contact me. My team and I stand ready to help. Thank you for considering a gift to prepare the next generation of Christian servant leaders!

Rich Mannisto ’94 Vice President of Development richard.mannisto@wlc.edu Give today Gifts of cash, check, marketable securities (stocks), qualified charitable distributions, and other appreciated assets can be made online at 8 wlc.edu/gift, or with the assistance of our staff. Email donor.services@wlc.edu or call 414.443.8823.

Give tomorrow Making a recurring gift from your checking or credit account has never been easier. Payments can be scheduled monthly and can be directed to the fund of your choice. And of course, recurring gifts can be revised or halted at any time. Visit 8 wlc.edu/gift to set up your monthly gift today!

Give after you’ve been called home For many, estate gifts or bequests are the largest gifts that they will ever make to an organization.

When making or revising your estate plan, please consider a legacy gift to Wisconsin Lutheran College. Bequests from wills or charitable trusts, beneficiary designations (life insurance, financial accounts, or IRAs), and other planned gifts can increase the impact of your gift while minimizing tax implications on family and other beneficiaries. Contact Kris Metzger, Senior Director of Planned Giving, at kris.metzger@wlc.edu or 414.443.8925 for more information.

Wisconsin Lutheran College | 23

NONPROFIT ORG U.S. POSTAGE PAID MILWAUKEE WI

8800 West Bluemound Road

Permit No. 3335

Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53226-9942

Fall 2014 Events!

If you prefer to receive Wisconsin Lutheran College Magazine electronically, email friends@wlc.edu.

New Student Orientation, August 22

Homecoming, September 20

Christmas Choral Concert, December 4-7

Winter Commencement, December 11

Student housing opening in August 2014!

Join the social media conversation by visiting

8 wlc.edu/connect.

Check wlc.edu/zoointerchange to learn about upcoming road closures near WLC.