MARTIN LUTHER COLLEGE Scholarships 2018
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From the President Our Lord Jesus has given Martin Luther College a noble task: training the next pastors, teachers, and staff ministers of the Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod. Since 1865, at MLC and our predecessor schools, Northwestern College and Dr. Martin Luther College, we have been honored and humbled to do this crucial work, training over 90% of WELS called workers. Our work is not only important; it’s also, if we may be frank, expensive. About two-thirds of our student body graduates with college debt, averaging more than $20,000. Some students are hindered by cost from coming to MLC at all. In view of this, Martin Luther College is committed to assisting students in whatever way we can. We award $2 million annually in institutional financial aid, some based on student need and some on student merit. In addition, generous people, motivated by love for their Savior, have stepped up to help. And so we’ve put together this booklet, which contains just a sampling of these donors, as a tribute of gratitude—to them, to many faithful generations of students at Martin Luther College, and to our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. NOTES: • This is a changing and growing book with more scholarships, grants, and endowment funds added all the time. If your family has established a fund and it’s not yet in this book, be assured that we’ll be contacting you soon. Or feel free to contact us at 507.354.8221 x386. • We’ve made every effort to produce accurate pages, but we realize that errors may occur. Please let us know of any corrections by calling 507.354.8221 x386. • The criteria for each scholarship and grant have been simplified in this book. The MLC Financial Aid Office has the full details on file.
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Institutional Merit Awards National Merit Finalist Scholarship Martin Luther College awards $4000 to each National Merit Finalist. Renewable.
Presidential Scholarship Martin Luther College awards the $3000 Presidential Scholarship to each high school valedictorian. Renewable.
Leadership Grant Martin Luther College awards $3000 to two first-year students who exhibit a positive attitude toward the public ministry and encourage others to consider pursuing the public ministry at MLC. Renewable.
Messenger Scholarship Martin Luther College awards $2000 to each first-year student with a high school GPA of 3.75-4.00 or an ACT score of 30 or above. Renewable.
Witness Scholarship Martin Luther College awards $1500 to each first-year student with a high school GPA of 3.50-3.74 or an ACT score of 27 or above. Renewable.
Music Scholarship Martin Luther College awards these scholarships to students who have enriched the worship and musical life of our campus family through their time, talents, and leadership, and who show the potential for continually enriching WEL worship and musical life in their future ministries.
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Albrechts of Eschenau Memorial Fund This fund was established to honor the memory of the Albrechts, four brothers and a sister, who came to the United States from Eschenau, Germany, in the 1880s and went into the ministry in the Minnesota Synod. Christian Johann Albrecht (1847-1924) was president of the Minnesota Synod in the mid-1880s and a founding father of Dr. Martin Luther College. Many descendants of the Albrechts continue to serve in the public ministry of the WELS. Income from the fund is distributed to students with financial need.
Martin Albrecht Music Scholarship Martin Albrecht (1909-1993) served his Lord and the WELS as a teacher, pastor, professor, and choir director, as well as chairman of the Board for Parish Education and chairman of the Hymnal Committee. During his tenures at Dr. Martin Luther College (1943-1962) and Wisconsin Lutheran Seminary (1962-1985), Professor Albrecht shared his love of Lutheran liturgy and hymnody through his musical arrangements and choir concerts, training two generations of pastors and teachers in church music. His family established this scholarship because they are “grateful that God gave extraordinary gifts to Professor Albrecht and led him to share those gifts through a lifetime of ministry in the WELS.� Scholarship winners have demonstrated a potential to serve as leaders in WELS music ministries. They may be enrolled in any program, major, or emphasis at MLC.
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Named Scholarships & Endowments
Barnabas Grant Fund This fund was established by the family of Professor Emeritus Cyril Spaude (1930-2008), who left behind an exemplary model of faithful, willing, steady service. Hebrew and Greek students who attended Northwestern College between 1966 and 1995 were the beneficiaries of that careful service, and many will remember the extra time he gave and the patient manner he used to encourage and instruct. The New Testament name “Barnabas� refers to encouragement; thus, the Barnabas Grant is given annually to an undergraduate preseminary student for whom biblical language study is a challenge that requires hard work, dedication, and the encouragement of his instructors. Financial need is also a consideration.
Professor Gerhard Bauer Scholarship Gerhard Bauer (1926-2005) exemplified exceptional skills in the profession of teaching. Through his 20 years of ministry at Dr. Martin Luther College, he influenced many teachers of the WELS as a student teaching supervisor, as a model of exceptional teaching, and as a spiritual mentor. This scholarship was established upon the death of Gerhard Bauer in 2005 by his wife, Elvera Bauer. Scholarship winners are education majors who have demonstrated both exceptional teaching ability and spiritual maturity.
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Hugo & Janet Bilitz Scholarship Fund Hugo Bilitz (1921-2005) and Janet Bilitz (1925-2013) served Dr. Martin Luther College in the early 1960s—Hugo as director of food service, and Janet as administrative assistant to President Carl Schweppe. Hugo went on to manage food service operations at Western Michigan University-Kalamazoo and Michigan Lutheran Seminary-Saginaw. Through their working years and beyond, Hugo and Janet nurtured and encouraged dozens, perhaps hundreds, of students to pursue the teaching or pastoral ministry, living out Hugo’s unfulfilled wish of becoming a pastor himself. Hugo and Janet were themselves generous givers to the church. As Hugo was fond of saying, “You can’t out-give the Lord.” This scholarship was established in 2017 by Hugo and Janet’s son Steven Bilitz DMLC ’71 and his wife, Paula. Income from the fund is distributed to students with financial need.
Bingenheimer Music Scholarship Erna A.W. Bingenheimer (nee Zempel, 1904-1997) served as a church organist, piano teacher, and Sunday school teacher, as well as a mother of five and a church and community volunteer for many years. She was a founding member of St. John-Angola, New York (LCMS). “She was blessed with a curious mind, a love for teaching, and the joy of sharing music with others,” says her daughter, Dr. Frieda Bingenheimer-Rendahl. “We want to honor our mother for her years of faithful service as an organist and give thanks for her love of music, which she shared with her family and others.” Scholarship winners have declared an interest in serving in the music ministry of WELS and exhibited the desire and talent for music ministry.
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Named Scholarships & Endowments Boehling Family Scholarship Fund The Boehling Family Scholarship was established by Rev. Edward A. Boehling in memory of his parents, John and Marjorie (Konzelman) Boehling and grandparents Rev. J. Frederick and Emilie (Meyer) Boehling. Pastor Edward Boehling graduated from DMLC in 1969, taught in three WELS schools, had a 14-year career in industry, and taught at the university level. He earned M.A. and Master of Divinity degrees from an evangelical seminary in 1985. “The love for Jesus that my parents and grandparents instilled in their children and grandchildren has spanned five generations,” he says. “The Lord has used my many life experiences to bless me with a desire to further the kingdom and to share the many material blessings he has given me with those who will teach and preach his Word in the Wisconsin Synod.” Proceeds from the fund are intended to give encouragement and financial assistance to MLC students, with preference given to graduates of Michigan Lutheran Seminary. Neither financial need nor academic achievement is a factor.
President John A. Braun Grant for English and Leadership John A. Braun (1943- ) came to Northwestern College in 1984 as a professor of English and composition. In 1989, he assumed additional responsibilities as director of admissions and recruitment. He was called as the seventh president of Northwestern College in March of 1993. He helped to transition the college, its faculty, and its students to their new home in New Ulm, Minnesota, in 1995. At that time he accepted the call to serve as vice president for publishing services at Northwestern Publishing House in Milwaukee. This grant was established in 1996 by the Northwestern College Alumni Society. Northwestern was the WELS pastor-training college from 1865 to 1995, when it amalgamated with Dr. Martin Luther College to form Martin Luther College in New Ulm, Minnesota. Grant winners are preseminary students selected by the faculty based on their general academic achievement, campus citizenship and participation, potential for pastoral ministry, demonstration of leadership skills, and excellence in English.
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Edwin and Malinda Buss Memorial Trust Fund This fund was established by Lois Ann Buss and Richard Buss in honor of their parents, Edwin and Malinda Buss (top). Edwin (1901-1961), a factory worker, and Malinda (1906-1977), a stayat-home mom, encouraged their children to go into the work of the church. Lois Ann (bottom left) taught for 40 years, and Richard (bottom right) preached and taught for 40 years, including 25 years (1970-1995) as an English professor at Dr. Martin Luther College. “We wanted to honor our parents, who demonstrated the importance of parental guidance and encouragement, and provide help for students who want to go into the teaching ministry,” said Lois Ann. Income from the fund is given to education majors who have financial need.
‘By Grace’ Scholarship Marilyn Miller established this scholarship in 2006 to assist staff ministry and preseminary students with dependent children. Marilyn graduated from MLC in 2006 as a second-career staff ministry major. She said, “God has blessed me beyond belief. I wish to share my material blessings with those who desire to dedicate their lives to the work of the kingdom but who, at the same time, have responsibilities to provide for their children.” Scholarship winners are staff ministry and preseminary students who have dependent children, are in good academic standing, and have unique gifts to be used in God’s kingdom.
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Named Scholarships & Endowments The Earl and Eileen Defferding Scholarship This scholarship was established in 2014 by Eileen (Nemitz) Defferding as a way for her and her husband, Earl Defferding, to give more people the opportunity to hear the Word of God as they did. Earl died in 2003. Earl and Eileen met at Cinderella Dance Hall in Appleton, Wisconsin. “Earl asked me to dance, and the rest is history,” she says. They were married in 1963. Earl worked at Riverside Paper Company, and Eileen worked at Bergstrom’s, a car dealership in Neenah. They also enjoyed their small hobby farm and their lake cabin. They were careful with their money and avoided debt, which resulted in financial blessings they wanted to share. “God gave us the opportunity to pass along to the next generation not only the gospel, but also some financial resources.” Since they weren’t blessed with children, they wanted to help children in other families who might not be able to afford the cost of tuition to become called workers. “We were both so thankful for the sermons we heard and how our lives were guided by God’s Word at St. John’s in Appleton. The Light came through even in the dark days of our lives. Praise God.” Income from this fund is distributed to preseminary students who have financial need.
Dr. Martin Luther College Alumni Fund The Dr. Martin Luther College Class of 1966 established this fund in 1999 at their 33rd class reunion. The class of ’66 numbered 81 at their graduation, with a majority of them entering and remaining in the teaching ministry, serving at all levels from early childhood education to college. They acknowledge with thanks to God the Christ-centered education received at DMLC in preparation for the teaching ministry and life. They urge any and all alumni of MLC and DMLC to give toward this fund, the proceeds of which assist current education majors who have financial need.
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Dusseau Family Urban Teaching and Leadership Scholarship This scholarship fund was established in 2016 by DMLC graduates Dr. Ray and Mrs. Ruth Dusseau. Ruth emergency taught grades 5-8 at Immanuel-Hadar NE (1966) and taught grades 5-6 at Redemption-Milwaukee (1966-1971). Ray served as principal and grade 5-8 teacher at Pilgrim-Menomonee Falls WI (1966-1973); as principal at Atonement-Milwaukee (19731984); as principal at Shoreland LHS (1984-1992); and as professor of education at Wisconsin Lutheran College (1992-2012). Dr. Dusseau is also the founding director of the Center for Urban Teaching in Milwaukee. “God is blessing the Lutheran schools in Milwaukee with growth that is only limited by our synod’s ability to prepare enough teachers equipped to accept urban calls,” he says. “The Center for Urban Teaching focuses on the identification, preparation, and support of high-performing urban teachers. The primary source for teachers in WELS schools is Martin Luther College. When MLC began partnering with the Center and established an urban minor, we established our scholarship to provide encouragement and support. As in all things, to God be the glory.” Dusseau Scholarship winners are sophomore, junior, or senior applicants who are pursuing an urban ministry minor and who have demonstrated a strong potential to serve in low socio-economic urban settings and strong leadership in the support of urban teaching and outreach. Financial need may be considered but is not a prerequisite for selection.
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Named Scholarships & Endowments
Engel Scholarship James Edward Engel (1925-1989) served at Dr. Martin Luther College from 1975 to 1989, where he directed the College Choir, taught music theory, and composed many choral works, including an arrangement of “O God, Our Help in Ages Past,” commissioned for the 1984 Centennial celebration. He also served at Fox Valley LHS-Appleton, Wisconsin; Bethlehem-Milwaukee (LCMS); St. John-Racine, Wisconsin (LCMS); and Concordia CollegeMilwaukee. “[James Engel] sought to glorify the God whom he feared, loved, and trusted above all things with the very best his intense labor could produce,” said his former colleague at DMLC, Rev. Bruce Backer, in 1990. “In this way our friend allowed music to achieve its highest purpose. Not only does it glorify the God who made it and gave it to us, not only does it give us pleasure, but it also reaches out to us, calls us with its gospel message, strengthens us and keeps us with Jesus Christ in the one true faith.” Scholarship winners have demonstrated special talent and a potential for serving in the music ministry of WELS churches and schools.
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President August F. Ernst Grant for Confessional Languages Dr. August F. Ernst (1841-1924) served Northwestern College for 50 years, 48 of those as president (1871 to 1919). Known affectionately as “The Old Man” or “Oley,” he was well-loved by his students. “It was he,” said his obituary, “who to a great extent cultivated [his students’] individuality and brought their innate powers to light.” During his tenure as Northwestern’s third president, the “Joint Synod” (Evangelical Lutheran Synod of Wisconsin and Other States) was born (1892), the beloved Kaffeemuehle burned down (1894), the name of the college was changed from Northwestern University to Northwestern College (1910), the Sprinter was gifted to the college (1912), and the country endured World War I (1914-1918). Said college historian and later NWC president Erwin Kowalke, “If any man shaped the destinies of Northwestern, it was he.” This grant was established in 1996 by the Northwestern College Alumni Society. Northwestern was the WELS pastor-training college from 1865 to 1995, when it amalgamated with Dr. Martin Luther College to form Martin Luther College in New Ulm, Minnesota. Grant winners are preseminary students selected by the faculty based on their general academic achievement, campus citizenship and participation, potential for pastoral ministry, and excellence in confessional languages.
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Named Scholarships & Endowments
Conrad I. Frey Memorial Scholarship Conrad I. Frey (1914-1998) served as president of Dr. Martin Luther College from 1966 to 1980. Under his leadership, the college grew substantially in both students and structures. Enrollment shot from 600 to 850, and the campus expanded to include the Luther Memorial Union, a chapel-auditorium addition, Highland (now Concord) Hall, the library, and 15 faculty houses averaging $23,000 apiece. Also during “Stubby” Frey’s tenure, Milwaukee Lutheran Teachers College (also known as Wisconsin Lutheran College) was closed and all teacher training was moved to DMLC, interscholastic football was reinstated at the campus with the first game played at the Lancer Bowl, and the school week changed from six days (with classes held Wednesday and Saturday mornings) to the more traditional five days. President Frey gave his time not only to DMLC, but to many WELS committees, the AAL Board of Directors, and the city of New Ulm, serving as a director of Citizens Bank and a member of the hospital board, the Lions Club, the country club, and several municipal commissions. Prior to his ministry at DMLC, President Frey served as a tutor at Michigan Lutheran Seminary; a parish pastor in Kawkawlin, Michigan, and Detroit, Michigan; president of Michigan Lutheran Seminary; and a friendly counselor to Hong Kong. He married his wife, Charlotte, in 1940, and God blessed them with two children. Scholarship winners are students entering their year of graduation who have a GPA of 3.0 or better and who participate in intercollegiate sports, band, theater productions, and MLC service organizations.
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Gaertner and Harting Memorial Fund Family members of Philip and Luella Gaertner (top) and Lorvin and Edna Harting (bottom) established this fund to glorify God, to support future called workers of the WELS, and to honor the memory of their loved ones who, moved by the gospel, all served the Lord. Specifically, Philip Gaertner held many offices in local WELS congregations and in the church at large, encouraged two of his children to enter the public ministry, and was a strong supporter of the WELS in its ministry. Luella Gaertner had a heart for missions and was instrumental in starting the LWMS chapter at TrinityNeenah, Wisconsin. Lorvin Harting served in various offices in local congregations. Edna Harting faithfully served the Lord on altar guild. Income from the fund is distributed to students with financial need.
Heckmann Endowment George Heckmann (1921-1996) and his wife, Helene Behrens Heckmann (1922-2003), established this fund in 1993 in thanksgiving for God’s blessings on their family. George Heckmann served as a geography professor at DMLC from 1962 to 1988. He also directed summer school and special services, once scheduling an up-and-coming entertainer named John Denver for the DMLC stage. George and Helene had four children: Gerald, Ruth, Bruce, and Naomi. Income from the fund is given to students in educational studies who have financial need.
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Named Scholarships & Endowments Houska-Larsen Ministerial Endowment Fund This fund was established in 2000 by Ray and Irene Houska (top), members of First-La Crosse, Wisconsin. “We considered it to be a very worthy cause to help others,” they said. “It also served to memorialize our sister, Leona Lachelt Larsen (1913-2000), and her husband, Al Larsen (1909-1991, bottom), of Milwaukee, who had been co-contributors before they passed away.” Income from the fund is distributed to students with financial need.
Walter O. and Frieda Johnson Memorial Scholarship Fund This fund was established in 1997 in honor of Walter O. Johnson (1897-1996) and Frieda Johnson (1899-1980) by their three children, Walter A. Johnson, Edna Johnson Haferman, and Elaine Johnson Wittrock. Walter O. Johnson taught school for 51 years at St. Paul-Green Bay, Wisconsin, and St. Paul-Wisconsin Rapids, Wisconsin. He also served in World War I as an ambulance driver in France. Both Walter and Frieda were very dedicated to the work of the Lord, and many descendants of the Johnsons continue to serve in the WELS teaching ministry. The Johnson children explain, “Through this grant, help can be given to students as they continue their education at Martin Luther College.” Income from the fund is allocated to MLC students who have financial need, with preference given to students who are members of St. Paul-Wisconsin Rapids.
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Gerald Kastens Memorial Scholarship Gerald “Jerry” Kastens (1947-2006) served his Lord as an elementary school teacher in Weyauwega, Wisconsin; Winona, Minnesota; and Lake Mills, Wisconsin; as the administrator for the WELS Commission on Youth Discipleship; and as a staff minister at Trinity-Goodview, Minnesota, and Trinity-Watertown, Wisconsin. Jerry served his Lord with godly humility and evangelical love, giving himself fully to the work of the Lord, because he knew his work in the Lord was not in vain. A strong leader, he was instrumental in establishing the WELS Conference of Staff Ministers, where he served as president for two terms. He was also a kind and thoughtful mentor, quick to encourage new staff ministers in their callings. The WELS Conference of Staff Ministers established this scholarship in 2009 in Jerry’s honor to encourage and assist students who pursue staff ministry at Martin Luther College. Scholarship winners are juniors, seniors, or fulltime on-campus certification students enrolled in the staff ministry program. They are chosen by the staff ministry students themselves based on their love for Christ and others, enthusiasm for staff ministry, ability to encourage others, servant leadership, confident humility, willingness to pioneer new ministry methods, and dedication to the advancement of staff ministry.
E.C. Kiessling Memorial Fund Dr. Elmer C. Kiessling (1895-1981) taught English at Northwestern College-Watertown, Wisconsin, for 46 years (1927-1973). He married Esther Brockmann on Christmas Day, 1930. He was the author of The Early Sermons of Luther and Their Relation to the Pre-Reformation Sermons (1935, reprinted in 1971), Watertown Remembered, a history of Watertown (1976), and Centennial Memoir, the story of the NWC Alumni Society (1979). The proceeds from this fund assist young men in preseminary studies at Martin Luther College.
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Named Scholarships & Endowments
Barbara Klockziem Scholarship This scholarship was established by the Gilbert Sechrist Family Trust in 2000, in memory of Barbara Klockziem (1944-1989) and in honor of Dr. Roger Klockziem, who served as a professor at (D)MLC from 1979 to 2015, most recently in the math/ science division. The purpose of the scholarship is to recognize students who have demonstrated faithfulness in multiple areas while on the MLC campus. God blessed Barbara with a desire and ability for faithfulness in her roles as a student at DMLC (1966), as a teacher at two Lutheran schools, as a mother of five children, and as a supporting wife to Roger. Scholarship winners are secondary math or science education majors in their sophomore, junior, senior, or fifth year who have a GPA of 2.75 or better and who demonstrate potential for service in the teaching ministry and broad participation in the campus community. Financial need may be a factor.
William and Elfa Kochenderfer Fund In 1991, William and Elfa Kochenderfer established this fund to give tuition assistance to Martin Luther College students who are members at St. Michael-Fountain City, Wisconsin; Zion-Alma, Wisconsin; Christ-Cochrane, Wisconsin; Dr. Martin LutherCochrane, Wisconsin; and St. Matthew-Winona, Minnesota.
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Arnold J. Koelpin Christus LuxŽ Endowment Fund Professor Arnold Koelpin initiated this fund in 2007, purposing to pass on the heritage of Christian studies in the Reformation, Lutheran confessional writings, and New Testament epistles to Martin Luther College students preparing for ministerial service. Professor Koelpin served the church as instructor at Michigan Lutheran Seminary and Northwestern College; pastor at St. JamesCambridge, Wisconsin; and professor in the religion-history division of (Dr.) Martin Luther College (1962-2001). He represented his country as a Fulbright Scholar in Germany and, upon retirement at age 70, was appointed mayor of the city of New Ulm. He continued preaching, lecturing, and teaching in synod districts and abroad, and writing Christian books and articles for publication until the time of his death in 2017. He and his wife, Ruth, have three sons and a daughter who serve in the holy ministry. Recipients of the merit-based scholarship (full payment of one semester’s tuition) and the need-based grant-in-aid are preseminary students who have demonstrated 1) an affinity to historical studies, with particular interest in the heritage of the biblical and Lutheran confession; 2) honorable character and reputation; 3) participation in college and/or community activities; and, above all, 4) the temperament, aptitude, and willingness to serve in the Christian ministry to congregations at home and in new areas of the worldwide Christian mission.
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Named Scholarships & Endowments
President Erwin E. Kowalke Grant for Biblical Languages Erwin E. Kowalke (1887-1973) was called to Northwestern College in 1913 to teach English and serve as the college’s first athletic director. The next year Hebrew was added to his duties, and he continued to teach English and Hebrew for 53½ years. In 1919, he became the college’s fourth president, a role he filled until 1959. During these years, English replaced German as the primary medium of instruction. As the country suffered through the Depression and World War II, Kowalke kept the college on course. By the end of his tenure, this faithful servant, known to his students as EEK, was said to have trained more than 80% of WELS clergymen serving in the ministry. Kowalke is also well-known as the author of Centennial Story: Northwestern College, 1865-1965 (Northwestern Publishing House: 1965). This grant was established in 1996 by the Northwestern College Alumni Society. Northwestern was the WELS pastor-training college from 1865 to 1995, when it amalgamated with Dr. Martin Luther College to form Martin Luther College in New Ulm, Minnesota. Grant winners are preseminary students selected by the faculty based on their general academic achievement, campus citizenship and participation, potential for pastoral ministry, and excellence in biblical languages.
Bob and Helen Krueger Scholarship Fund Professor Bob Krueger and his wife, Helen Krueger, served (Dr.) Martin Luther College faithfully for more than three decades. Bob began his tenure in 1971, serving as professor of religion and social studies, financial aid administrator, and coach. Helen worked for 20 years in the (D)MLC Library. Realizing the great importance of financial aid for students training for the public ministry at MLC, the couple established this fund in 2007 to be used primarily for need-based grants and scholarships.
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Ladies' Auxiliary Scholarship The MLC Ladies’ Auxiliary exists to 1) promote greater interest in MLC; 2) promote Christian fellowship among women of WELS; and 3) give financial support to MLC by supplying funds for extra-budgetary projects. It is organized and operated by women in Minnesota, western Wisconsin, and northern Iowa and supported financially by individuals all over the country. The members gather at area meetings each spring and at a joint Auxiliary Day on MLC’s campus every October. This scholarship fund was established in 1963. Scholarship winners are first-year students with a GPA of 3.75 or better who have financial need. Renewable.
Herman and Antonia Lehmann Prize Herman and Antonia Lehmann were married in 1883 and had six children. Four of their sons—Albert, Philipp, Paul, and Lawrence— attended Dr. Martin Luther College in the high school and/or the college divisions. Dr. Winfred Lehmann, a grandchild of Herman (1858-1943) and Antonia (nee Schnabel, 1865-1947), established this scholarship in 1998, writing, “I consider his course of sending his sons to your institution for potential careers as teachers or ministers admirable and worthy of memorialization.”
Pictured: (front) Herman, Lawrence, Rosa, Antonia; (back) Philipp, Paul, Albert, Felix.
Scholarship winners are seniors who have a cumulative GPA of 3.75 or better.
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Named Scholarships & Endowments
Rev. Philipp L.H. & Elenore F.A. Lehmann Scholarship Rev. Philipp L. H. Lehmann & Elenore F. A. Lehmann married in 1913 and were blessed with four children: Arnold and Winfred Lehmann, Doris Lehmann Urban, and Ruth Lehmann Bentley. Philipp Lehmann served the Lord in the public ministry in the WELS. His wife, Elenore (nee Grosnick), was an excellent support to his ministry. The scholarship was established in their honor by their son, Dr. Winfred P. Lehmann. Originally established for Northwestern College in 1963, it resided at Luther Prep School after the amalgamation until 2003, when Winfred Lehmann moved it to MLC. Scholarship winners are first-year preseminary students who are active in the music program of Martin Luther College and who have financial need. Renewable.
Dr. Ruth Preston Lehmann Scholarship Dr. Ruth Preston Lehmann (1912-2000) was an internationally recognized scholar of Celtic and Old English. After earning her B.A. and M.A. from Cornell University and her Ph.D. from the University of Wisconsin, she edited language texts for the U.S. Armed Forces Institute in Washington during World War II. She then taught medieval literature and linguistics, with a focus on Old Irish, at George Washington University, Washington University in St. Louis, and finally the University of Texas. She and her husband, Dr. Winfred P. Lehmann (1916-2007), co-authored An Introduction to Old Irish, a text still used at universities across the country. Her husband established this scholarship in 2000 to honor outstanding female students at Martin Luther College. Scholarship winners are senior women with a cumulative GPA of 3.75 or better.
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Winfred P. Lehmann Language Award Winfred P. Lehmann (1916-2007) graduated from Northwestern College-Watertown, Wisconsin, and then the University of Wisconsin, where he earned a Ph.D. in Germanic linguistics. A Fulbright Scholar, winner of a Guggenheim Fellowship, president of both the Linguistic Society of America and the Modern Language Association, and the author of more than three dozen books, he spent most of his career as professor at the University of TexasAustin and founding director of the Linguistics Research Center. A strong advocate of Lutheran education, he served as chairman of his congregation’s Christian education board, and he established three scholarships at Martin Luther College. The Winfred P. Lehmann Language Award was established in his honor by his brother, Arnold O. Lehmann, Ph.D. Scholarship winners are professors and students who distinguish themselves in an exceptional way in foreign language study.
Luehrs Memorial Scholarship This fund was established in 1966 by Arnold (1915-1991) and Helen Luehrs (1923-2010) in memory of their only child, Deloris E. Luehrs (1940-1956). Deloris (pictured) had planned to attend Dr. Martin Luther College to be a teacher, but she died at the age of 16 in a car accident. “We felt, as she could not fulfill her goal, we would like to help others as much as we could,” said her mother, Helen. “May God’s blessing go with them as they carry on in Deloris’s memory.” Proceeds from the fund are distributed to students with financial need.
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Named Scholarships & Endowments President Adam Martin Grant for Living Languages Professor Adam Martin served as the first president of Northwestern College, which was established in 1865 in Watertown, Wisconsin. The institution, originally called “Wisconsin University” and then “Northwestern University,” had 11 students in two levels, college and seminary, and two professors, Martin and Pastor Eduard Moldehnke. Martin taught exclusively in English and envisioned Northwestern becoming a true American university offering courses in law, medicine, and the arts in addition to theology. A good speaker with a pleasing personality and a drive to raise money for the new school, Martin served until 1869. Although his vision for the Watertown campus was quite different from the ministerial education school it became, his early support of the college is appreciated. After his resignation in 1869, he served as a German professor at Gettysburg College in Pennsylvania. He died in 1921. This grant was established in 1996 by the Northwestern College Alumni Society. Northwestern was the WELS pastor-training college from 1865 to 1995, when it amalgamated with Dr. Martin Luther College to form Martin Luther College in New Ulm, Minnesota. Grant winners are preseminary students selected by the faculty based on their general academic achievement, campus citizenship and participation, potential for pastoral ministry, and excellence in a living language.
Alan and Muriel Meyer Endowment Fund This fund was established in 2004 by Alan and Muriel Meyer. The Meyers are members of Immanuel-Salem, Oregon, where Alan serves as chairman of the Endowment Committee and Muriel is the church administrative assistant. They have five grown children and 10 grandchildren. “We are confident,” they said, “knowing that our gifts to Martin Luther College help with their ministry in preparing our future leaders.” Income from the fund is distributed to students with financial need.
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Johannes P. Meyer Student Aid Endowment Fund Johannes Peter Carl Meyer (1873-1964) taught Latin and Greek at Dr. Martin Luther College from 1903 to 1915. After serving three years as pastor of St. Paul-Oconomowoc, Wisconsin, he was called back to DMLC as its president in 1918. He served only two years, but they were important years; the college and the city of New Ulm, both very German institutions, were reeling from the impact of World War I. He was then called to Wisconsin Lutheran Seminary, where he served as professor from 1920 to 1964, including a term as president from 1937 to 1953. In 1959, at the age of 86, Professor Meyer spoke at DMLC’s diamond jubilee, where he said: “Just as David was the center of Israel’s political life, so David’s Greater Son must be the center of all true learning in a school which serves Him and His Church.” Johannes P. Meyer married Lydia Reinke in 1903, and God blessed them with four children: John, Henry, Arnold, and Lydia. This fund was established in 2000 by his son, Pastor Henry G. Meyer (1907-2005, DMLC class of 1928). Income from the fund is distributed to students with financial need.
Micheel Scholarship John Micheel (b.1942) served God as a professor on this campus for 44 years. In 1964, he was called to Dr. Martin Luther High School, where he taught math and physics and coached track, basketball, and football. In 1970 he switched to the “college division,” teaching DMLC mathematics and computer courses, coaching basketball, and later doing computer support work. This scholarship was established in 2007. Scholarship winners are secondary math or science education majors who 1) have a cumulative grade point average of 2.75 or better, 2) display potential for service in the teaching ministry, and 3) participate in athletics at MLC.
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Minnesota District Scholarship Fund The Minnesota District established this fund in 2012 to assist students from congregations in the district. The goal of this fund is to encourage district students to pursue lifelong service to the Lord through public ministry and to help them enter ministry with less debt. All congregations in the district are encouraged to support this effort. Income from the fund is distributed to Minnesota District students with financial need.
Zachary D. Moyle Scholarship Endowment Zachary D. Moyle (1990-2009) was one of the 2008 valedictorians of Lakeside Lutheran High School-Lake Mills, Wisconsin, and a student in the preseminary program at Martin Luther College. He was a passionate Christian, beloved family member, and devoted friend. A member of the National Honor Society, he enjoyed football, soccer, music, and the great outdoors of northern Wisconsin. The Zachary D. Moyle Scholarship was established in his memory in 2009 to encourage and assist Lakeside Lutheran High School graduates who want to share the gospel of Jesus Christ through the preaching ministry. Scholarship winners are Lakeside Lutheran High School graduates who 1) enroll in the preseminary program at Martin Luther College, 2) exhibit traits necessary to successfully preach the saving gospel of Jesus Christ, and 3) demonstrate Christian characteristics as revealed in Scripture. Financial need should not be a deciding factor.
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Robert and Daniel Neitzel Charitable Trust Charles W. Neitzel, Sr. (1902-2003, pictured) established the “Robert and Daniel Neitzel Charitable Trust” in honor of his sons Robert and Daniel, who both died as young men. Charles was a member of Zion-Morton, Minnesota, where he served as president and council member several times. He also enjoyed being a delegate to WELS district and synod conventions. These need-based grants went into effect in 2003. Priority is given to members of Zion-Morton, Minnesota; then to members of the Minnesota District; and finally to all members of WELS.
Ruth Odegard Endowed Scholarship This scholarship fund was established by Ruth Odegard (1939-2017) of Maple Grove, Minnesota, as a legacy gift. Ms. Odegard’s estate plan articulated her desire to support ministerial training students at Martin Luther College. Income from this fund is distributed to MLC students who demonstrate financial need.
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Named Scholarships & Endowments Mark Ohr Memorial History Scholarship Mark Ohr (1962-1999) was a 1986 graduate of DMLC. He served one year on a travel-canvass-witness team and two years at St. AndrewSt. Paul Park, Minnesota, before deciding to pursue his master’s degree in history education. He became ill, however, with an inoperable brain tumor in 1989 and spent the last 10 years of his life battling the cancer. He did receive his master’s degree from Duquesne University and returned to ministry for one year as a principal and teacher at St. John-Goodhue, Minnesota, before his failing health precluded him from teaching anymore. “Mark’s time at Dr. Martin Luther College was the very best time of his life,” his mother, Elizabeth, writes. “He truly cherished all the friends he made, the professors who taught him so much, and later, all the warm memories of his time there. Mark was a wonderful son, a loving brother, a caring friend to so many, a joy, a man of deep Christian faith and so much more. The imprint Mark made in the hearts of those who knew him is indelible. We hope the scholarship will forever keep his memory alive at the college he loved so well and for years to come will help others as they begin their training and go forth and serve God.” Scholarship winners are senior education majors who have a special interest in and talent for teaching history.
Organ Students Scholarship Fund This scholarship fund was established in 2017 by Dr. Roy and Ruth Breiling. Dr. Roy Breiling was a band director and music teacher for 38 years, including two years at (Dr.) Martin Luther College (1990-1992). Ruth (nee Kitzerow) Breiling, a 1978 DMLC graduate, taught piano at Michigan Lutheran Seminary (1974-1975), organ at DMLC (1976), and piano at DMLC (1990-1992). Ruth has served as organist, pianist, and choir director at various WELS congregations for over 40 years, and Roy has performed on trumpet in numerous worship services. Roy and Ruth established the Organ Students Scholarship Fund to benefit and encourage MLC organ students as they prepare for music ministry in the congregations they will serve. Organ Student Scholarship winners are MLC students who have taken at least two semesters of organ, are continuing to take organ lessons, and are competent to play for chapel. Financial need is not a consideration in the awarding of this scholarship.
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Bill & Jerry Patterson Scholarship William Dorrance (1929-2001) and Jeraldyn Jane (1931-2004) Patterson married in 1953 and had six children: Chris Ann, William Dorrance, Jr., Douglas Wayne, David Warren, Donald Wesley, and Chanon Jane. After 13 years of marriage, Bill, who’d grown up Catholic, began taking instruction at Jerry’s Lutheran church. There he discovered the unconditional grace of God, and his favorite passage became Ephesians 2:8-9. He couldn’t say it without crying. An engineer by trade, Bill served as Sunday school teacher, elder, congregational chairman, and district mission board member. Jerry served on Ladies’ Aid and the LWMS circuit committee, and loved to help out in the church kitchen. “Mom and Dad loved the Word of God and highly regarded their pastors,” said their son, Rev. Donald Patterson. “They wanted to leave a legacy of more pastors to teach the Word and had a special interest in helping men who went through school with a family, as I did. They wanted to remove any financial obstacles that would keep good men from becoming pastors.” To honor their parents and sustain this legacy, the Patterson family has established this scholarship for Martin Luther College preseminary students who have families to support.
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LeDell & Fern Plath Leadership Scholarship The family of LeDell and Fern Plath established this scholarship in celebration of the Plaths’ 60th wedding anniversary. The scholarship recognizes the lifelong commitment of Lee and Fern to each other, to the WELS teaching ministry, and to their Lord LeDell Plath (b. 1934) and Fern Frank (b. 1933) graduated from Dr. Martin Luther College in 1955 and were married in 1957. God blessed them with four children, 12 grandchildren, and two great grandsons. Lee (MA-Concordia, River Forest IL; EdD-Marquette University) served 60 years in the public ministry, including 13½ as principal and teacher at St. Peter-Helenville WI, St. Paul-Algoma WI, and St. John-St. Paul MN. From 1969 to 2015, he served in the WELS education office, first as associate administrator (1969-1998) and then as a mentor to principal apprentices (1998-2015). Dr. Plath played key roles in establishing the Team Ministry Program, teacher/principal assessment, school accreditation, and leadership training for school leaders. For several years he taught curriculum courses in MLC’s graduate program. In her first year of teaching, Fern started a new school in Delano MN, where she taught K-8, carried out administrative duties, directed two choirs, and was head organist. After marriage Mrs. Plath served as primary grade teacher at St. Paul-Lake Mills WI, Mt. Lebanon-Milwaukee, and North Trinity-Milwaukee. Her ministry consisted of 30 years as a full-time teacher and 10 years as a substitute teacher and organist. Dr. and Mrs. Plath continue to demonstrate their firm commitment to Christian education in a variety of ways. Their four children graduated from DMLC and are actively involved in and continue to support full-time Christian education. This scholarship was established as another means of supporting MLC’s role in preparing WELS teachers. This role is critical to WELS Lutheran high schools, elementary schools, and early childhood ministries. MLC graduates serve WELS schools as leaders in classrooms and administrative offices. Through this endowment, a scholarship will be awarded each year to an MLC education major who exemplifies leadership in campus life, including but not limited to academics, music, the arts, or athletics. Multiple awards may be given each year.
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MLCAA Endowed Scholarship This scholarship fund was established in 2017 by the Martin Luther College Alumni Association (MLCAA). The MLCAA is made up of more than 10,000 graduates and attendees of Martin Luther College, Dr. Martin Luther College, Northwestern College, and Martin Luther Academy/Dr. Martin Luther High School. These alumni share a common bond. Well trained and prepared to share their Savior, they are committed to serving him however and wherever he chooses to use them. They continue to meet and encourage one another, and also to support and pray for the current students and ministry of MLC. The MLCAA board meets on campus annually during Homecoming weekend to provide direction, plan events, coordinate funding efforts, and devise communication plans. Income from this fund is distributed in $1,000 grants to juniors and seniors who demonstrate financial need
Precht Family Scholarship The Precht Family Scholarship was established in 1973 in memory of Theodore Precht (1876-1925) and Maria (Hulke) Precht (18761953) by several of their children. The Prechts were married in 1898 at Immanuel Lutheran in Courtland, Minnesota. They had eight children (Elmer, Arthur, Hilda, Selma, Theodore, Maria, Melvin, and Delford), and 23 grandchildren. Grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and friends of the Precht family continue to contribute to the fund. Scholarship winners are first-year students with a GPA of 3.75 or better who have written an essay on what the scholarship would mean to them. Winners are selected on the basis of scholarship and need, “that others might be trained for work in the church.� Renewable.
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St. Paul—Seaforth, Minnesota, Endowment Fund On August 9, 2009, St. Paul-Seaforth, Minnesota, closed its doors. For 109 years, faithful pastors served the congregation with the gospel in Word and sacrament. In appreciation, the 39 remaining members established an endowment fund at Martin Luther College for the training of pastors, teachers, and staff ministers to serve future generations with the means of grace. All monies from the sale of the church property and furnishings, as well as remaining undesignated funds, flowed into this endowment. The interest will be distributed in annual grants to MLC students on the basis of need, aptitude for ministry, and faithfulness in the use of their God-given gifts.
“RAS” Scholarship This scholarship was established by Gary Gray and Patrick Walker, friends and colleagues of “RAS.” Roger A. Sievert (“RAS”) graduated from DMLC on June 6, 1966. He was called to Northwestern Lutheran Academy in Mobridge, South Dakota, as a tutor for one year. He then received a call to Good Shepherd Lutheran Church and School in Phoenix, Arizona. He served as a principal-teacher-mentor-coordinator in the ArizonaCalifornia District for 40 years. The families, students, and co-workers he served remember RAS as an encouraging Christian teacher and coach who had a sense of humor and a quick wit. In 2007 RAS underwent a heart transplant. Even in this, he shared his faith, speaking to groups about this special blessing. Martin Luther College was always dear to RAS’s heart. He felt honored to serve on the Alumni Board until his death in 2013. The “RAS” Scholarship is for Martin Luther College students who a) are sophomores, juniors, or seniors; b) are education majors; c) are from the Arizona-California District; and d) have financial need.
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The Ellen Schmeling Early Childhood Education Scholarship This scholarship was established in 2012 by the family of Ellen Schmeling (1941-2007): her husband, Dan, and her children, Carrie, Mark, and Cathy. Ellen served her Lord as a wife, a mother, and for 31 years as an elementary school teacher and church musician. Her family established the scholarship because they are grateful for the Christian love and concern for children that she modeled in their home and in the classrooms in which she taught. They pray this scholarship will assist and encourage future teachers of young children to lovingly share the gospel of Jesus with their students. Winners of this scholarship are seniors majoring in early childhood education who demonstrate a special interest in and ability to nurture and evangelize young children whose parents are unchurched or non-WELS. Priority is given to graduates of area Lutheran high schools. Financial need is not a primary concern.
Schweppe Scholarship Fund Carl L. Schweppe (1892-1969) joined the faculty of Dr. Martin Luther College as an English professor in 1920 and served as president from 1936 to 1966. As president, Schweppe was committed to providing adequate women’s housing and up-todate music facilities. The construction of Centennial Hall and the Music Center accomplished those goals. When President Schweppe retired, having taken the college through the difficult depression and war years, as well as the optimistic post-war boom, he had been a part of the school for 46 of its 82 years. The late Professor Morton Schroeder wrote in his book A Time to Remember (1984), “Small wonder his name and that of the college are inextricably intertwined.” Income from the fund is distributed to students with financial need.
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Named Scholarships & Endowments Betty Schweppe-Gerlach Scholarship Fund The scholarship fund has been established by Dr. Vernon Gerlach and his children. Betty (nee Schweppe) Gerlach (1922-2012) graduated from Dr. Martin Luther College in 1942.She married Dr. Vernon Gerlach in 1946, and God blessed them with four children, Douglas, David, William, and Becky. During her five years in the teaching ministry, Betty taught different grades, ranging from 1 to 5, at St. John-St. Paul, Minnesota; AtonementMilwaukee; and Zion-Detroit. There was no such thing as early childhood education in those days. Kindergarten was relegated to half days—if it was offered at all. One summer, as Betty was teaching the little ones at vacation Bible school at Emmanuel Lutheran in Tempe, Arizona, she noted, “How their eyes brightened up when I told them of their Savior and heaven.” Thus began her love for the early childhood education program at Martin Luther College. May the recipients of her scholarship also be privileged to behold the joyfully bright eyes of little children, as they learn of their dear Savior and Friend, Jesus. This fund awards an annual grant to a Martin Luther College student who is majoring in early childhood education and who demonstrates financial need.
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Servant’s Heart Ministerial Education Fund This fund was established in 2011 by Victoria Schwab in memory of her husband, John Schwab (1957-2008), a member of Holy ScriptureFort Wayne, Indiana. “Being a lifelong WELS member had given him a deep and abiding faith that held him up, especially through difficult times of his life,” said Victoria. “He was so grateful for that, and he had an incredible attitude of service and humility.” Mr. Schwab was very supportive of young people who chose to attend Martin Luther College and excited about what they could do for the Lord with their lives. He especially appreciated those “who may not have been at the head of their class but had a heart for service,” said his wife. Proceeds from this fund will be given to those who have demonstrated within their congregations a servant’s heart and who wish to attend Martin Luther College in order to continue their service and glorify their Lord by sharing the gospel through the public ministry.
Sievert Scholarship Fund Professor Erich H. (1912-1994) and Adelia R. (1913-2001) Sievert established this fund in 1986, to the glory of God and in loving memory of the family of Louis (Ludwig) C. Sievert (1874-1942). Professor Erich Sievert taught in the DMLC education department for 39 years. His wife, Adelia Schumacher Sievert, served as a student teacher supervisor at St. Paul’s from 1959 to 1978. Erich and Adelia’s great respect for the public ministry mirrored what Erich had learned growing up in the home of Louis and Emily Sievert. Erich and six of his seven siblings entered the public ministry. In 1986, Erich wrote: “My father, Louis C. Sievert, who began his ministry in New Ulm in 1902, and his children served in the public ministry of the WELS for more than a total of 350 years. A host of grandchildren have and will in the future add to that total.”
Sievert family, mid-1920s. Sitting: Louis Sievert (father), Hertha, Richard, and Emily Gronke Sievert (mother); standing: Ada, Gertrude, Karl, Erich, Rudolph, and Alma.
Income from the fund is distributed to students with financial need.
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Named Scholarships & Endowments President Lewis O. Thompson Grant for Worship and Music Lewis O. Thompson served as the second president of Northwestern College, which was still called Northwestern University and still struggling to find its true purpose as well as its financial footing. Considered a very capable teacher, Thompson joined the faculty in 1866 and remained until 1871, with his short presidency running from 1869 to 1870. During his year as president, the board redirected the purpose of the college from an English-speaking university, the vision of the previous president, Adam Martin, toward a German-speaking ministerial education school, training Germanspeaking pastors for German-speaking congregations. Thompson also published the first college catalogs, 500 in English and 500 in German. After leaving in 1871, he went on to serve as pastor in Cottage Grove, Wisconsin, and Peoria, Illinois. This grant was established in 1996 by the Northwestern College Alumni Society. Northwestern was the WELS pastor-training college from 1865 to 1995, when it amalgamated with Dr. Martin Luther College to form Martin Luther College in New Ulm, Minnesota. Grant winners are preseminary students selected by the faculty based on their general academic achievement, campus citizenship and participation, potential for pastoral ministry, and excellence in worship and music.
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The Manfred E. & Olga A. Tiedemann Memorial Scholarship This scholarship fund was established in 2017 by Manfred Tiedemann in honor of his parents, Olga A. Tiedemann (1934-2016) and Manfred E. Tiedemann (1936-1991). Manfred’s father came from Germany and worked as a factory worker. His mother worked as an administrative assistant in lower Manhattan. They were faithful members of St. Jacobus and later Sure Foundation Lutheran Church in Queens for their entire lives. “They were amazing people who literally came from nothing and grew into something larger than life in every way,” said their son, Manfred. “They had contagious smiles and were passionate about enjoying life together. This came out of their deep faith.” Having been orphaned at birth, Manfred is especially grateful to them. “I could have wound up anywhere,” he said. “I am eternally grateful they adopted me and instilled a faith founded in Lutheran principles within me. I want them to be remembered in a way that enhances the faith, love, and charity their lives articulated so well. I would like as many as possible to experience their benevolence and for this to enhance the church’s ministry of spreading the good news.” Income from this fund is distributed to preseminary students who have financial need.
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Marjorie E. Toepel Scholarship This scholarship was established by Dr. Carl W. and Marilyn J. Toepel and family in memory of Marjorie E. Toepel (1945-2008). Marjorie taught 35 years at Our Savior-Wausau, Wisconsin, and Christ/St. Peter-Milwaukee. She loved to teach the Savior’s lambs, direct choir, and play the organ. God blessed Marjorie with a love for her teaching ministry and the opportunities it provided her to share the message of her Savior through word and song. The Marjorie E. Toepel Scholarship is intended to encourage and assist Martin Luther College students preparing to share the gospel of Jesus Christ through the preaching and teaching ministries. Scholarship winners are MLC sophomores, juniors, or seniors who demonstrate strong ability to preach or teach the gospel and an interest in church music, especially the organ. Financial need may be a factor. Special consideration will be given to students from St. Paul-Howards Grove, Wisconsin; Our Savior-Wausau, Wisconsin; and Christ/St. Peter-Milwaukee; as well as students from the Manitowoc Conference of the Northern Wisconsin District and students from WELS world missionary families.
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President Carleton Toppe Grant for GPA and Religion Carleton Toppe (1914-1998) began his ministry at Northwestern College in 1948 as professor of English. He became registrar in 1954 and then served as the college’s fifth president from 1959 to 1987. His presidency saw great changes at the school, all introduced with care and deliberation. Two dormitories, a gymnasium, and a remodeled auditorium were added to campus. The preparatory department was separated from the college department and renamed “Northwestern Preparatory School.” The college sought and was granted accreditation. And the curriculum was redrawn, with a reduction in required credits, a reduced emphasis on languages, and the addition of many electives. A gifted teacher and leader, Carleton Toppe served the college and the church well for four decades. In his retirement he wrote a history of Northwestern College, Holding the Course: Northwestern College 125 (Northwestern Publishing House: 1990). This grant was established in 1996 by the Northwestern College Alumni Society. Northwestern was the WELS pastor-training college from 1865 to 1995, when it amalgamated with Dr. Martin Luther College to form Martin Luther College in New Ulm, Minnesota. Grant winners are preseminary students selected by the faculty based on their campus citizenship and participation, potential for pastoral ministry, and excellence in academics, especially religion.
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Victor F. Voecks Scholarship Victor Albert Frederick Voecks (1904-1973) was assigned to Dr. Martin Luther College as an athletic coach and the college’s first tutor in 1930, following graduation from Wisconsin Lutheran Seminary. The following year he was called to a professorship, a position he held until his death. Teaching Latin and history, he also served at different periods as athletic director, registrar, and vice president, being instrumental in moving the college to a four-year status. “He was an excellent teacher, very strict, but always fair,” says his daughter, Naomi Voecks Plocher, “urging students and athletes to use their God-given talents to the best of their ability. He was a dedicated Christian who, with his wife, Olga, lived his faith quietly.” The scholarship was established in 1974 by his wife, Olga Voecks, and their children. Scholarship winners are education majors entering their graduation year who have maintained satisfactory grades while demonstrating active participation in cocurricular activities and in campus life.
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President Robert J. Voss Grants for Student Government and Student Life Robert J. Voss (1926-2012) served as pastor of Faith-Fond du Lac, Wisconsin, and Siloah-Milwaukee before becoming president of Wisconsin Lutheran College (WLC). Also known as Milwaukee Lutheran Teachers College, WLC was a two-year teacher-training college that shared facilities with Wisconsin Lutheran High School from 1960 to 1970 (not to be confused with the current WLC, a WELS-affiliated liberal arts college that opened in 1973). When the synod voted to move all teacher training to New Ulm, Minnesota, in 1969, he became the administrator of the WELS Board for Worker Training. He became the sixth president of Northwestern College in 1987 and served until his retirement in 1993. During his term, he brought his extensive administrative experience to Northwestern College and began planning for an expansion of the library and administrative offices. This grant was established in 1996 by the Northwestern College Alumni Society. Northwestern was the WELS pastor-training college from 1865 to 1995, when it amalgamated with Dr. Martin Luther College to form Martin Luther College in New Ulm, Minnesota. Grant winners are preseminary students selected by the faculty based on their general academic achievement, campus citizenship and participation, potential for pastoral ministry, and participation in student government and student life.
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Rev. Wilhelm H. & Mrs. Esther H.Wiedenmeyer Fund Wilhelm and Esther Wiedenmeyer were married in December 1941. Wilhelm (1914-2008) served as pastor in South Dakota, Arizona, Minnesota, and Wisconsin during his 43 years of public ministry. Esther (nee Heimann, 1912-2002) taught at Lutheran elementary schools in Jefferson and Kenosha, Wisconsin, before they were married, and also played organ, directed choir, and taught Sunday school in the many parishes they served. This fund was established in 2009 in appreciation for the many blessings the Lord gave them during their lifetime, including their education at DMLC. Proceeds from the fund are distributed to students with financial need.
Aaron Ronald Wintrone Grant The Aaron Ronald Wintrone Grant was established in 1998 and is funded by the Linnerud Family Foundation in memory of Aaron Ronald Wintrone, son of Ron and the late Julie Wintrone. Ron and Julie were 1989 and 1990 DMLC graduates. Their son Aaron was born in May 1993 and joined Jesus in heaven that same month. They were graciously blessed with four children after Aaron. Ron and Julie served at Grace Lutheran Church and School-Prairie du Chien, Wisconsin, from 1989 until 2000. Ron and the children are currently members at St. Paul-Onalaska, Wisconsin. Julie was taken to heaven in 2011 after a long bout with cancer. This grant is given annually to a student from their former or current congregation.
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Professor Meilahn P. Zahn Memorial Scholarship for the Advancement of Lutheran Worship in Christian Education The Zahn family established this scholarship in 2015 in memory of Professor Meilahn Paul Zahn (1905-1982), who served as a professor of music at Dr. Martin Luther College from 1962 to 1977. Professor Zahn grew up on small dairy farm near Pickett, Wisconsin. He worked on the farm after finishing elementary school, and years later was persuaded by his piano teacher to attend high school. He enrolled as a high school freshman on his 21st birthday. His pastor saw his musical abilities and arranged for him to continue his high school education at Dr. Martin Luther High School, which led to college at DMLC. He was involved in all things musical in New Ulm and started a choir of 12 men called the Marluts (from MARtin LUTher), which became a fixture at concerts for several decades. He also earned the nickname Smilin’ Meilahn. He served at St. Peter-Fond du Lac WI, Grace-Oshkosh WI, Trinity-Menasha WI, and Michigan Lutheran Seminary before he was called to DMLC, where he directed the traveling choir, taught conducting class, and served as music department chair 13 of his 15 years. Scholarship winners are undergraduate students who demonstrate God-given abilities in music through the creation of a work that promotes Lutheran worship and/or Lutheran music education. The work may be musical, textual, visual, pedagogical, or technological.
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Ryan J. Zweifel Scholarship Endowment Ryan J. Zweifel (1990-2009) was a 2008 Lakeside Lutheran High School graduate and an education major at Martin Luther College. He was a passionate Christian, beloved family member, and devoted friend who enjoyed wrestling, soccer, and music. The purpose of the Ryan J. Zweifel Scholarship, which was established in his memory in 2009, is to encourage and assist students graduating from Lakeside Lutheran High School to share the gospel of Jesus Christ through the teaching ministry. Scholarship winners are Lakeside Lutheran High School graduates who 1) enroll as education majors at Martin Luther College, 2) exhibit traits necessary to successfully teach the saving gospel of Jesus Christ, and 3) demonstrate Christian characteristics as revealed in Scripture. Financial need may be a deciding factor.
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President Mark Zarling zarlingmg@mlc-wels.edu 507-354-8221
Martin Luther College 1995 Luther Court New Ulm, MN 56074
V.P. Mike Otterstatter ottersmj@mlc-wels.edu 507-354-8221