knightwatch M a r t in Lu t h e r Coll e ge
MLC
• Welcome, First-Year Students! • MLC Grads: Doubly Qualified • Preseminary Studies
1995 Luther Court New Ulm, MN 56073 Address Service Requested
NON-PROFIT U.S. POSTAGE PAID OWATONNA, MN 55060 PERMIT #110
SEPTEMBER 2009
september 2009
KnightWatch Staff WRITER/EDITOR
Laurie Gauger ’86 PHOTOGRAPHERS
William Pekrul ’80, PR Director Catherine St. John COPY EDITOR
Introducing
Coach Lori Unke
Your New Admissions Counselor
Heidi Schoof ’86 GRAPHIC DESIGNER
Lime Valley Advertising, Inc.
Office of Admissions DIRECTOR
Ronald Brutlag ’69 COUNSELORS
Dustin Sievert WLS ’07 Ross Stelljes WLS ’89 Lori Unke ’83
College Administration PRESIDENT
Mark Zarling WLS ’80
If the thought of being a teacher has ever entered your mind, even a tiny bit, Coach Lori Unke is just the person to talk to. Our newest admissions counselor, Coach Unke has taught almost every grade from K through college—and liked it. Plus, she’s intent on not pushing MLC on you. “It’s not always MLC we’ll talk about,” she says. “We’ll also talk about the gifts God has blessed you with, and how you can best use those gifts to serve him.” She admits that she entered the ministry because it looked fun. “My dad was a high school P.E. teacher, and the work he did never really seemed like work. Just a whole lot of fun. So I wanted that for myself.”
VP for ENROLLMENT MANAGEMENT
Philip Leyrer ’80
VP for STUDENT LIFE
Jeffrey Schone WLS ’87 VP for ADMINISTRATION
Steven Thiesfeldt ’74 VP for ACADEMICS
David Wendler ’70 VP for MISSION ADVANCEMENT
Jonathan Scharlemann
Governing Board Chairman Michael Woldt WLS ’81 Secretary Roy Beyer WLS ’76 Keith Bowe ’79 Steven Danekas Jonathan Hahm ’71 Robert Hinnenthal Scott Huebner ’82 Stephen Loehr Barry Price Steven Rosenbaum ’86 Michael Schultz WLS ’89 William Steinbrenner Jeffrey Wegner WLS ’87 Charles Degner WLS ’79 Paul Prange WLS ’88 Mark Schroeder WLS ’81 KnightWatch is published by Martin Luther College and is intended to inform, inspire, and motivate young people who are considering enrolling at MLC to prepare for public ministry in the Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod.
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Comments are welcomed and should be directed to gaugerlf@mlc-wels.edu or Martin Luther College KnightWatch, 1995 Luther Court, New Ulm MN 56073.
At DMLC, she student-taught first grade and thought primary grades was the level for her, but God had something different in mind: high school P.E. and coaching. She started her ministry at Minnesota Valley LHS, and she never looked back. She taught and coached upper grades at St. Paul—Lake Mills WI and Trinity—Nicollet MN, high school at Lakeside, and, most recently, college students here at MLC. Even when she was home raising her kids (“by far my most important ministry and worth every minute”) she coached at two public high schools. Truth is, this is the first time that she hasn’t been a coach, and it feels a little weird. If you want to call her “Coach,” she’s okay with that! “I’m really looking forward to building relationships with you,” she says. “I know I’ll enjoy sharing my passion for the ministry and my love for MLC. But it’s not just MLC. Picking a profession that’s God-pleasing and putting your gifts to use in your work and your congregations—that’s something I’d like to talk about.” When she’s not on the road or meeting you here on campus, Coach Unke, a graduate of Northwestern Prep (now LPS), enjoys working out, gardening, and traveling, especially to see her granddaughter. She’s looking forward to meeting you. “Through God’s mercy, I have had experience at many different age levels,” she says, “and God has shown me that his plans always turn out way better than mine. Hopefully I can share all that with you!” On our cover: The dorm staff mugs for the camera after moving in the first-year students.
M a r t i n L u t h e r C o ll e g e
FIRST-YEAR STUDENTS
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Photos by Catherine St. John (Huron Valley LHS)
Why MLC? I wasn’t sure, but I knew I wanted to do math. Why not do it with my fellow Christians? Sports at every level: In team sports, everyone helps each other out. Everyone’s equal. In intramurals, you can play whether you’re a pro or a newbie. The friendship factor: Everyone was super friendly and was willing to get to know me. Making friends just happened. It was as easy as simply being here. It was overwhelming in a good way! He guarantees it: If you do end up coming here, you will have a good time, guaranteed. First Year, Secondary Math Education Cross Country, Track
(Luther High) Scott
Zietlow
in their own words
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Phil (West LHS) Janisch 4
in their own words
Why he’s here: I really love working with people. Also I want people to have the same joy and peace that my faith brings me. His first day on campus: I’m not going to lie. I was a little scared, but the fear is gone now. I scream, you scream: The cafeteria is way too good for my good. But I’ve done a fairly good job at not having ice cream too much. Words to live by: It doesn’t matter what you choose to do in life. God will use you to further his kingdom. If you think you have the talents and skills for the public ministry, that’s wonderful. Try it out. But if you choose to do something else, that’s ok too. God will find a use for you. He’s good at that. First Year, Preseminary Studies M a r t i n L u t h e r C o ll e g e Drama
FIRST-YEAR STUDENTS Truth is: I am still not completely sure about being here, but I know that MLC will point me in a positive direction for my future. What he learned in week one: I will actually have some homework to do. Being able to commit the proper amount of time and effort to that homework will definitely be the biggest adjustment I’ll have to make. Chapel Rocks: Coming from a public school, I’ve never had chapel before. I know my faith will grow tremendously by being around so many great Christian souls and being able to attend chapel so many times throughout the week.
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Football
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(Antigo HS-Antigo WI) Paul
Spaude5
in their own words
Your New Chapel It’s big. It’s beautiful. It’s not quite done, but it will be when you get here! The Chapel of the Christ will be dedicated April 10-11. Be here if you can!
“Hello—MLC Admissions Office” That nice lady who takes your phone calls and greets you in the admissions office is our new admissions administrative assistant, Megan Kassuelke. Whatever your question, she’ll be happy to assist you!
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Emily 6Swogger (Nebraska LHS)
in their own words
No place like home: I was surprised at how easy the transition was made for us. The RAs really take the extra time to make sure everything is going well and to make MLC feel like home. Professor point of view: All the professors really want you to succeed. They are not just there because it’s their job. They are there because they really care. Give it a try! I’ve only been here for a week and already I know that this is where the Lord wants me to be. You’ll make unbelievable friendships, and you’ll be surrounded by students and teachers who truly care about you as a person. What more could you ask for! First Year, ElementaryMEducation a r t i n L u t h e r C o ll e g e Intramurals, Women’s Choir, Piano
Trip of a Lifetime
Study in China!
“Living in a completely different culture for a month was an awesome experience,” says senior preseminary student Nathan Moldenhauer (Manitowoc LHS), who got up close and personal with this llama during last summer’s MLC Spanish immersion trip to Ecuador. “It was really cool getting to know the teachers and my host family. And the sights were absolutely beautiful. We spent a week studying both in the rain forest and also on the beach, and we made weekend trips to an old volcano and a lagoon.” Amid words like rain forest and beach, it might be easy to miss studying. The trip is fun, but as Nate says, “The most beneficial part of the trip was being completely immersed in the language. I became much more comfortable speaking Spanish. The whole trip was an experience of a lifetime.”
Imagine sitting down across the table from Chinese students your own age and asking them about family life, college, fun activities, and religion. In Beijing! Ever think about serving internationally? MLC students who went on the China study tour in June 2009 had the chance to talk with MLC graduates about their teaching. In Hangzhou! MLC study tours can take you to places which will enrich your life and ministry with firsthand learning experiences.
By Professor Earl Heidtke, 2009 China study tour leader
Needed:
More Early Childhood Teachers! Early childhood ministry is the fastest growing ministry in WELS—so fast that we’re having a hard time keeping up! On Call Day in both 2008 and 2009, MLC did not have enough early childhood education graduates to fill the requests we received. If you’re considering this ministry—like Shawna Mehlberg ’08, who teaches preschool at Divine Savior Academy in Doral FL— then come see us! Visit our Early Childhood Learning Center and talk to an admissions counselor about serving God as an early childhood teacher!
Can you say, “All-you-can-eat”? The cafeteria is simply the best thing to happen to my dining experience ever. A college surprise: I didn’t expect how relaxed the whole atmosphere would be. And then there’s class: My psych class has been interesting every single day so far. The prof seems like one smart dude. Maybe someday: When I get more settled down here at MLC, I’d like to work with Hispanic outreach through Kingdom Workers projects. Someday I would like to be in some kind of counseling position, especially to troubled teens.
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First Year, Staff Ministry Intramurals, Drama
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in their own words
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10 M a r t i n L u t h e r C o ll e g e
First-Year Students! Here are just a few of the new frosh at Martin Luther College!
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...Who Wants to Be a Pastor
Let’s take a look at a typical Wednesday last May for then-junior preseminary student David Starr (Michigan Lutheran Seminary): 7:20 am Rise and Shine 7:55 am Two Classes: History of Science & US History since 1945 9:45 am Breakfast: Bagel or Marshmallow Mateys in the caf, then a chat with Professor Balge (pictured) 10:45 am Chapel 11:10 am Two Classes: Shakespeare & St. John’s Gospel (Greek) 1:00 pm Lunch: Stir fry, mini corndogs, pizza 1:30 pm Nap or Homework: “I do two hours of Hebrew every day; one hour of Greek; and lots of reading for Shakespeare, U.S. history, and science.” 4:00 pm R&R: Tennis, then chips and salsa at “Plaza,” the local Mexican joint (In the fall, he plays football; in the winter, he refs basketball.) 6:15 pm Supper
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Calista Lee (Shoreland LHS)
in their own words
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7:00 pm Evening Chapel: He took his turn leading chapel in April (pictured). 7:15 pm Library: “It becomes a social mecca for campus.” On some winter nights, though, you’ll find him in the gym where he’s one of our famous male cheerleaders (pictured). 10:00 pm Dorm: Movie and video games with his roommates (Andrew Schmiege, Mish Al-Eisa, and Jordan Schmitzer, all MLS), then a midnight run for double cheeseburgers. 1:00 am Bed At Home Last Summer: He served as director of Project Share in Saginaw (pictured). “We provide Bible studies in prisons and homeless shelters, as well as help ex-cons in the transition from prison to life on the outside.” Fast Forward: Today, David’s a senior, with class from 9 to noon: Greek, Hebrew, Foundations of History, World Religions, and a film class. Football, reffing, cheerleading, and double cheeseburgers are still on the agenda. It’s just a normal college life for a normal guy who wants to be a pastor.
What they say is really true: We are all one big Christian family. From the moment I stepped on the campus everyone made their best effort to make me feel at home. All the students and faculty are super nice. They really care about you here. Biggest adjustment: Definitely having to manage my time. Her advice for the undecided: Pray. “‘I know the plans I have for you,’ declares the Lord, ‘plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future’” (Jeremiah 29:11).
First Year, Elementary Education M a r t i n L u t h e r C o ll e g e Drama, Music
Doubly Qualified Doubly
MLC Grads:
God’s plan—and her MLC degree—took Ruth (Servais) Krause ’06 to a place she never expected: teaching in a public school in Manitowoc WI.
“On Call Day [2006], my husband, Aaron, got a call, but I did not,” Ruth says. “It was very disappointing. It was difficult to see God’s intentions for my life. I felt very lost.” The Krauses moved to Manitowoc WI where Aaron was assigned upper-grade teacher and athletic director at Bethany Lutheran. But it wasn’t long before God showed Ruth how she could serve—teaching fourth grade at Madison Elementary. The interview process was strenuous, but, like all MLC grads, Ruth had a Minnesota state teacher’s license and many weeks of teaching experience in public schools. One short test earned her a Wisconsin license, making her more than qualified—and she got the job. “As I started to work in the public school district, it was very clear that this was the opportunity God was giving me to serve,” she says. “I may not be able to teach a
religion class every day in my classroom, but I can be a strong witness to his Word among kids.”
Ruth’s schedule allows her time to serve at her church too. She’s coached volleyball, track, and basketball at Bethany Lutheran, as well as helping with Sunday school and vacation Bible school. And she and Aaron are also busy with their two kids, Makiah and Aaden. “Looking back, I never would have guessed this is what I would be doing,” she says. “God has blessed me more than I could have imagined. I have a job that I am proud of and enjoy. I have a wonderful family and a great place to live. When God led us to a place called Manitowoc, I had my doubts. But now I know that God placed us here for a reason, and my faith has been strengthened all the more because of his plan.”
“I’ll Take That Degree to Go, Please” The MLC education degree can take you wherever you want to go. • WELS Schools: MLC grads are synod-certified, qualifying them to teach in WELS schools. • Public Schools: MLC grads are Minnesota state-licensed, qualifying them to teach in public schools. “The Minnesota license is the ‘Cadillac’ of teachers’ licenses,” explains MLC’s Dr. Cindy Whaley. “It’s extremely credible in any state in the nation, making it very easy to earn other state licenses.”
What led her to MLC: I had a taste of ministry opportunity, and it was while the teacher was teaching religion that it just kind of came to me. That was what I wanted to do with my life. And Grandpa was helpful too: My grandpa had a big encouraging role. Ever since I expressed interest in teaching, he’s told me that I have the heart of a teacher. I take that support and think of him when my days get tough. What she misses: I miss my family and friends. I miss my bed. But I keep occupied, and I call the people I miss the most.
w w w . m l c - w e l s . e d First u Year, Elementary Education
Piano, Women’s Choir, Musical, Assist Grade School Volleyball
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(Huron Valley LHS) Samantha
Barber13
in their own words
RTS•
SPORTS•SPORTS•SPORT
Knights at a Glance
By Sports Information Director Mike Gibbons
Football Starts Season Strong The MLC football team started the season with a 44-0 win over Maranatha. Ryan Kolander (WISCO) caught three touchdown passes from Greg Holzhueter (MVL) and a fourth from Landon Zacharyasz (KML) in just over one quarter of action in the win. Alexander Hunt (Manitowoc LHS) led the ground attack with 118 yards rushing on just four carries.
Landon Zacharyasz (KML) shares quarterbacking duties with Greg Holzhueter (MVL).
Follow MLC athletics at our website: www2.mlc-wels.edu/athletics. You can also follow us on our twitter page: www.twitter.com/mlcknights.
Hannah Janke (LPS), last year’s leading scorer, is out for the season with injuries.
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Laura 14Miller (Evergreen LHS)
Defensively, Matt Rothe (LPS) and Joe Lindloff (MLS) each had eight tackles, while Bill Fuerstenau (KMLHS) recorded two tackles for loss as the Knights posted their first shutout since 2007. Luke Beilke (MVL) added seven tackles, while Cale Mead (LPS) and Lucas Fricke (LPS) added five a piece.
Volleyball Enters New Era The volleyball team jumped out the gate with a victory against North Central to give new head coach Rebecca Cox her first career win. Emily Boldt (LPS), Carrie Fritzler (MLS), and Jaime Eternick (Lakeside) lead the Knight attack up front, while Brianne Jeffers (ALA) and Renee Peters (FVL) have brought experience to the setter and libero positions. Firstyear players Amanda Burk (MVL) and Jennifer Draeger (Lakeside) have stepped up early in the season to gain some time in the rotation.
Coach Becky Cox (left) begins her first season coaching Knights volleyball.
in their own words
Paying it forward: I decided to come to MLC because I want to have the impact on teenagers’ lives that my teachers have had on me. When home is 1700 miles away: In Washington, my whole family was at my high school and church. I miss my mom and my church family, my friends and my previous teachers. I’m a hugger, and I definitely miss those! But I’ve really learned to turn to God’s Word to give me strength. He tells me I’m not alone. Just jump: When it comes to college, take the leap and trust God to guide you. It’s not going to be easy, but most things that are worth it aren’t easy. First Year, Secondary English Education a r t i n Musical, L u t hPiano, er C o ll e Choir, ge Softball, IntramuralMVolleyball, Women’s Coaching Grade School Volleyball
TS•SPORTS Golf Looks to Repeat After winning the UMAC in 2008, the men’s golf team has several key contributors returning: Ethan Wessel (LPS), Isaac Crass (LPS), Joe Biebert (LPS), Jacob Haag (WLA), and Caleb Schultz (LPS). The Knights also feature a full roster on the women’s side, with veterans Amanda Selle (FVL) and Kelsey Steffens (FVL) leading the group.
Women’s Soccer Looks to Rebound The women’s soccer team has gotten off to a rough start, dropping its first two games against strong non-conference competition. Still, optimism is high due to a mix of talented newcomers and veterans, including sophomores Lindsay Hahn (MVL), Kadie Drake (Madison HS-Adrian MI), and Heidi Heckmann (LPS).
Men Lose Tough Opener The men’s soccer team opened its season with several question marks offensively, but quickly proved that defense will be its calling card this season. Goalkeeper Alex Vandenberg (FVL) saved 11 of the 12 shots he faced in a 1-0 loss at St. Mary’s, allowing the only goal in the game’s 85th minute of play. The Knights return five seniors: Vandenberg in goal and Andrew Danner (St. Croix LHS), Jon Huebner (St. Croix LHS), Evan Chartrand (LPS), and Brian Gephart (Michigan LHS).
Cross Country Runs the Course The men’s cross country team won the UMAC in 2008, led by individual conference champion Nathan Loersch (LPS), who is joined this year by 19 other runners. For the women, Libby Haasch (Lakeside) was the top performer on last year’s team, which finished sixth in the UMAC. She will be joined this season by seven returning runners and six newcomers.
On football: The whole atmosphere is amazing. The team is really close and there is hardly any division between classes as there was in high school. He can’t get away . . . and he wouldn’t want to: Dorm life is a lot of fun. To be around hundreds of people that share the same faith as you, and live with them 24/7, is awesome. It’s up to God, of course, but . . . I would love to serve in a mission congregation. I think it would be awesome to spread the Word to people who haven’t heard it.
First Year, Preseminary Studies w w w . m l c - w e l s . e dFootball, u Intramurals, Weightlifting
Paul ’s Wall By Paul Hoversten, (Arizona Lutheran Academy)
…But the LORD Determines His Steps He wouldn’t tell you himself, but my brother’s a pretty smart guy. Seven years older than I, he chose to be an engineer around the same time that I chose to sing in a lower octave—because I could. My admiration for John, coupled with some sweet math skills (rapidly approaching their expiration date), led me to my decision to be the second Hoverstengineer. As time went on, I kept promising myself that I truly enjoyed math, that it was fun for me. But that devil on my shoulder got louder and more obnoxious until I threw Hake Saxon across my bedroom and realized, “I don’t know what to do with my life.” (Imagine my frustration when I realized I’d have to spill the modest contents of my wallet for the book I had just destroyed!) To tell the truth, I hadn’t a clue. A year later, I somehow ended up at MLC and spent my freshman year wrestling with the same beast: “Where am I going with my life?” It wasn’t until I exhausted myself and surrendered that I noticed my tag team of angels standing around the mat, waiting to fight in my stead. The Lord has led me to the teacher track, and I’ve never been so excited to watch his plans unfold before my eyes.
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Doug Van Sice15
(Michigan Lutheran Seminary)
in their own words M a r t i n L u t h e r C o ll e g e
Who’s coaching sports in Tempe, Arizona? Who’s teaching physics in the Dominican Republic? Who’s coordinating church music in St. Paul, Minnesota? Who’s teaching Spanish at Illinois Lutheran High? Who’s teaching grades 1-4 in Maryland? Who’s playing organ in Chicago? Who’s teaching English in Southeast Asia? Who’s teaching preschool in Baton Rouge, Louisiana? Who’s a vice principal in Eau Claire, Wisconsin? Who’s teaching sixth grade in Milwaukee? Who’s teaching social studies at Great Plains LHS? Who’s teaching grade school in Colombia? Who’s a tutor at Luther Preparatory School? Who’s enrolling at Seminary? Who’s starting an exciting new life of service to the church?
The 2009 Graduates of Martin luther College
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