Wisconsin Lutheran College Magazine by Wisconsin Lutheran College

Wisconsin Lutheran College m a g a z i n e

Celebrating God’s Goodness • Giving a name – Generac Hall • Creating the Center for Christian Leadership • Breaking ground on the Outdoor Athletic Center

Spring 2011

from the president

Dear Friends, Our God continues to bless this young college in an incredible fashion. Naming rights for our science building – a new Center for Christian Leadership – construction of our Outdoor Athletic Center – these are three examples of how God continues to shower his grace upon WLC. In November 2008, we established and articulated strategic priorities. These priorities continue to guide our every action. Consequently, one significant challenge that we placed before God was the need to secure naming rights for our science/academic building in order to reduce our debt burden. As I met with our faculty and staff as a campus family recently, I could barely get the words out: WLC has received gifts that surpass $5 million in order to honor Generac Hall. Bill Treffert, a member of our Board of Regents, led this amazing initiative with former and present leaders at Generac Power Systems. You will learn more about this God-blessed transformational gift on page seven. We have a million and one ways that we would love to spend this gift. However, we are choosing to use the funds in a very un-exciting fashion: to reduce debt in the name of long-term sustainability. It is the right thing to do. We continue to raise funds for our Vision to Lead comprehensive campaign – primarily focusing on scholarships, academic enhancements, and the endowment. May God continue to move his people to support this college. We yearn for nothing more than to use Christian leadership via higher education to change the world … one student and one person at a time. What an incredible God-blessed mission! Speaking of mission, we are serious about ours: to prepare students for lives of Christian leadership. In fact, you will read on pages eight and nine that our Board of Regents recently affirmed the creation of a Center for Christian Leadership – a historic development for WLC. For 38 years, WLC has been all about Christian leadership, and we have been setting the standard in servant leadership through our graduates for more than three decades. One of our 2008 strategic priorities was to create an integrated, campus-wide leadership program. The Center for Christian Leadership is the beginning of the process toward reaching this vision, as we incorporate leadership tenets throughout the campus and beyond. Finally, Christian leadership is fostered in the classroom and on the fields … and we are breaking ground for our Outdoor Athletic Center to better meet the needs of our student-athletes and better serve our community. Our Krauss-Miller-Lutz Outdoor Athletic Complex is outstanding. It is home to Raabe Stadium (football and track), Neumann Family Fields (baseball and softball), and our soccer fields. However, our current complex was just the beginning; significant needs remain – locker rooms, restrooms, and concession stands, to name a few. This $2 million project will be funded by leveraging land assets and fundraising, including opportunities for naming rights. Read more on page 19. Generac Hall … the Center for Christian Leadership … and the Outdoor Athletic Center project … how great is our God! Thank you for your partnership with us in this most grand endeavor – Wisconsin Lutheran College. In Christ’s Service with you,

Dr. Daniel W. Johnson President If you would like to receive regular e-news updates from the college, and also help us maintain accurate contact information, please share your email address at friends@wlc.edu. 2 | wlc.edu

table of contents

Psalm 106:1

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

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. Associate Vice President of Marketing and Communication Vicki Hartig

Features

7 Generac Hall

Generac leaders’ generous gift will forever honor the company’s name

8 Creation of the Center for Christian Leadership

Editor and photographer Melanie Gohde Buellesbach

photo contributors Dan Edlhuber Meghan Folkerts John-Paul Greco Network Photography Vincent Pelligrino Dan Schmal Katie Sloan

10 Focus on: academics

Designer Jennifer Rueth

Intentionalizing the college’s core mission, on campus and beyond

Departments

Updates from the college’s three divisions

14 The Vision to Lead: scholarships

Wisconsin Lutheran College Magazine is published for and distributed free of charge to students, faculty, staff, alumni, and friends of the college. All correspondence, letters, news, corrections, and comments are welcomed and should be directed to: Vicki Hartig Wisconsin Lutheran College Magazine 8800 West Bluemound Road Milwaukee WI 53226 vicki.hartig@wlc.edu 414.443.8800

ON THe cover

It’s all about our students

From the President

On Campus

Faculty and Staff

Students

Fine Arts

Alumni

19 Breaking ground to complete the Outdoor Athletic Center

Facility to be ready for 2011 fall season

PRESIDENT Dr. Daniel W. Johnson, Germantown, Wisconsin A springtime view of Wisconsin Lutheran College’s front door, which is entered by thousands of students, faculty, staff, and campus visitors each year.

Photo by Melanie Buellesbach

Vol. 23, No. 2

BOARD OF REGENTS 2010-2011 James Fischer (Chair), Waukesha, Wisconsin Ryan Barbieri, Sussex, Wisconsin Dr. Gerald Fischer, Bethesda, Maryland Rev. Kenneth Fisher, Milwaukee, Wisconsin Dr. Terry Gueldner, Manitowoc, Wisconsin Rev. Jeff Gunn, Phoenix, Arizona Paul Hartwig, Appleton, Wisconsin Rev. Mark Henrich, Milwaukee, Wisconsin Rev. Dennis Himm, Grand Blanc, Michigan Charles Kluenker, Roseville, California Philip Leyrer, Milwaukee, Wisconsin Dr. R. Bowen Loftin, College Station, Texas Scott Mayer, Franklin, Wisconsin

Tom Plath, Collierville, Tennessee Dr. William Raasch, Wauwatosa, Wisconsin C. Daniel Stefferud, Redondo Beach, California Rev. Paul Steinberg, Milwaukee, Wisconsin Gary Stimac, The Woodlands, Texas William Treffert, Pewaukee, Wisconsin Matt Trotter, Cudahy, Wisconsin W. Andrew Unkefer, Phoenix, Arizona Daryl Weber, Germantown, Wisconsin Dr. Ronald White, Fort Myers, Florida Kerry Woody, Muskego, Wisconsin George Zaferos, Watertown, Wisconsin

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on campus

NCAA trip caps record season

he Warriors women’s basketball team finished the 2010-2011 season with an all-time best record of 26-4 (16-2 NAC), earning its first trip to the NCAA tournament since the 2002-2003 season.

automatic berth to the 2011 NCAA Division III Women’s Basketball Championship.

On March 4 at Illinois Wesleyan University’s Shirk Center, Laete Led by seventh-year head coach Klay Knueppel scored a game-high 21 points and and the team’s only senior, Erika Laete, the junior Rachel Johnson added 20 to Warriors won a first-round NCAA tournament The Warriors women’s basketball team finds lead Wisconsin Lutheran to a 73-59 out its opponent and game location during game before falling in the second round. win over the University of the NCAA Tournament Selection Show, which was shown in Wisconsin Lutheran Wisconsin-La Crosse. It was the The postseason excitement began when the College’s Siebert Center on February 28. first-ever NCAA tournament victory team won the Northern Athletics Conference for the women’s team. Tournament Championship on its home court February 26 over Concordia University Wisconsin, 76-67, earning the conference’s

Coach Klay Knueppel (left) and the Warriors board the bus bound for their NCAA tournament game in Bloomington, Illinois.

The following day, the Warriors overcame a 16-point deficit in the first half but fell to seventh-ranked Illinois Wesleyan, 84-69, in the second round of the NCAA tournament, snapping a program-best 15-game winning streak. “This season, the depth of our team allowed for our players to challenge each other at every practice,” said Coach Knueppel. “After defeating defending WIAC (Wisconsin Intercollegiate Athletic Conference) champion UWWhitewater early in the season, we were confident, knowing we had the ability to beat any team we played. We entered every game focused and ready to play.”

Winterfest 2011

he Recreation Complex was full of activity February 5 as the campus celebrated Winterfest 2011. The Warriors split a doubleheader with MSOE on the basketball court. The women’s basketball team defeated the Raiders, 77-51, while the men fell to MSOE, 82-76. A dunk show by

Winterfest is a family affair. Each year kids look forward to getting autographs from their favorite Warriors players and coaches. 4 | wlc.edu

the Milwaukee Bucks Rim Rockers entertained the crowd during halftime of the men’s game. One of its members, Josh Schedler, is a 2006 Wisconsin Lutheran College graduate.

The Milwaukee Bucks Rim Rockers are perennial favorites at Winterfest. The high-flying dunk show brings the crowd to its feet.

on campus

Dr. Boehlke addresses graduates

ongratulations to the 20 Wisconsin Lutheran College graduates who received their diplomas at the mid-year commencement ceremony, held December 16 in the Schwan Concert Hall. Dr. Paul Boehlke (right), professor of biology, gave the commencement address, in which he talked about the distinctiveness of Wisconsin Lutheran – a small, personal, Christian college – and its graduates. To the graduates, he said: “People should be able to tell who you are and wonder what drives you. They should see you as different. You ought to be the mask of God, doing good and serving your neighbor.” He concluded with: “God has blessed this place, giving it fine facilities, a talented faculty, and you – students who will impact the future.” Boehlke, who has served at WLC for 14 years, has taught at every level from elementary through college during the past 50 years. He has announced his retirement from the full-time public ministry effective at the end of this academic year. The college will hold commencement exercises for the Class of 2011 on Saturday, May 14 at 2 p.m. in the Recreation Complex.

Choir broadcast

program featuring Wisconsin Lutheran College’s 2010 Christmas Festival Concert was broadcast on Milwaukee Public Television (MPTV Channels 10 and 36) in December. The Wisconsin Lutheran Choir and Chamber Choir, under the direction of Dr. James Nowack, blended holiday chestnuts, sacred classics, and contemporary arrangements of familiar Christmas texts and melodies at the concert, which MPTV recorded on campus in early December. As of mid-March, the concert was still available for online viewing at mptv.org/video.

Founders’ Day

Protect financial aid

ounders’ Day – the date on which Wisconsin Lutheran College was first incorporated – was January 31, 1973. This year, the campus community celebrated its 38th anniversary with a special chapel service, and by offering cake, historic photos, and a video presentation in the Warrior Underground.

arlier this year, the Wisconsin Association of Independent Colleges and Universities (WAICU) launched an initative aimed at protecting financial aid for college students in Wisconsin. Wisconsin Lutheran College, a WAICU member, is supporting this effort by encouraging students and families to learn more by visiting protectfinancialaid.com.

Board member Rev. Ken Fisher (right), recently pastor at Risen Savior in Brown Deer and now head of the Wisconsin Lutheran High School mission advancement team, delivered the Founders’ Day chapel message with the theme “Jesus is Our Alpha and Omega.”

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on campus

Campus lectures

Upcoming events

ugene Schulz, who served in the 20th Corps under General Patton’s Third Army in Europe during World War II, spoke to Wisconsin Lutheran College students on November 18. Schulz (left) witnessed the atrocities in the Ohrdruf, Germany, forced labor/concentration camp just days after it was liberated in April 1945. He showed photos he had taken and read a very moving letter that he had written to his brother at the time. WLC freshmen, as part of their college orientation, had been asked to read and discuss Night, Elie Wiesel’s account of his experience in Nazi concentration camps. Schulz is the father of Dr. David Schulz, associate professor of computer science. Two speakers came to campus through the Milwaukee Area Biblical Archaeology Society. Dr. John Brug, professor of systematic theology and Old Testament at Wisconsin Lutheran Seminary, Mequon, spoke February 15 about the Philistines. Dr. Jodi Magness, senior endowed chair in the department of religious studies at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, spoke about ancient synagogues on March 8.

As part of the annual Pathways to College summer program, students study plants and organisms in area bodies of water, as the 8th graders did during a 2010 visit to Pewaukee Lake.

Pathways to College

athways to College, a program at Wisconsin Lutheran designed to assist lower-income, first-generation college students who have the potential to succeed in college, continues its Buy-a-Brick Campaign in an effort to purchase the former Finney Library in Milwaukee. Pathways hopes to turn the building into its Center for College Success. Pathways to College currently has pre-college offerings, including a monthly Saturday program, an after-school program, leadership training, and a summer program. For more information, visit pathwaystocollege.info or call executive director Milton Cockroft at 414.443.8729. 6 | wlc.edu

Gary’s Gallop: Don’t miss the eighth annual Gary’s Gallop 5k run/2-mile walk Saturday, April 16 at the college’s Outdoor Athletic Complex, 10200 W. Watertown Plank Road. For information, visit wlc.edu/garysgallop. Palm Sunday concert:

Footsteps to the Cross, a musical narration, will be performed by Koiné on Palm Sunday, April 17. The 3 p.m. concert is free and open to the public. It will take place in the Recreation Complex at Wisconsin Lutheran College. For information, visit wlc.edu/koine. Visit opportunity: High

school students are invited to Wisconsin Lutheran College for a Warrior Weekend Preview on Saturday, April 30. Take a campus tour, meet professors, and enjoy brunch in the Courtyard Café. To register, visit wlc.edu/admissions or call 414.443.8811. Undergraduate Research Symposium:

Wisconsin Lutheran College celebrates student research by hosting the 11th annual Undergraduate Research Symposium, also on Saturday, April 30, with presentations beginning at 9 a.m. in the Science Hall. The public is welcome to attend. The 25th annual Roger Fleming Memorial Warrior Golf Invitational, benefiting WLC athletics, will take place May 16 at The Legend at Bristlecone. For details visit wlc.edu/golfinvitational.

GOLF OUTING:

Join Rev. Richard Krause, Prof. Sibylle Krause, and Mark and Sue Neumann for a Holy Land tour departing December 27, 2011. For an itinerary, visit tempotravelservice.com/israeltour2011.htm.

Tours abroad:

Join Dr. William Braun, professor of music, on an Amadeus travel tour in January 2012. Three credits are available. For details, contact Braun, william.braun@ wlc.edu, or visit acis.com/trips/itinerary/program/AMA.

isconsin Lutheran College’s academic/science building is getting an official name. The 80,000-square-foot facility, completed in 2004, will be called Generac Hall as of Saturday, May 14, 2011. A naming celebration event will occur that morning, forever commemorating a partnership between several of the former and present leaders of Generac Power Systems and Wisconsin Lutheran College. Bill Treffert, former CEO of Generac and a current WLC Board of Regents member, is the motivator and driver behind this transformational gift. He first mentioned his

collective gift concept to President Daniel Johnson more than a year ago. “Bill has spearheaded this entire program,” said President Johnson. “This was not an imaginable concept until Bill created it – gave it life. Thanks to Bill’s efforts, more than $5 million has been contributed so that we can eliminate the short-term debt on the building. “Bill reflected on the fact that the Generac company was sold in 2007 – that already one of their former plants was up for sale. Maybe someday even the company’s name would disappear. He began to think through the idea of financially assisting WLC, a college he loves and believes in, with contributions from himself and several of his workplace colleagues. He hoped that the effort could result in a way to forever honor the Generac name.” Treffert is matter-of-fact when asked to describe his idea. “We’ve been blessed by God,” he said, “and several of us have joined in this initiative. We wanted a way to pass on some of our financial blessings, help the college take care of some burdensome short-term debt, and honor the legacy of Generac, a company that has been very good to me and many others who worked there.”

Generac Hall’s namesake, Generac Power Systems, of Waukesha, Wisconsin, has been a leading, innovative manufacturer and marketer of portable and standby generators (and several other related products) since 1959. Generac recently was recognized as a top Milwaukee area workplace in the large employer category by The Business Journal of Milwaukee.

A celebration of this gift, and the official naming of the college’s academic/science building to become Generac Hall, will occur on Saturday morning, May 14. For more information, visit wlc.edu/news. Wisconsin Lutheran College | 7

generac hall

Generac leaders’ generous gift will forever honor company’s name

leadership

Creation of the

Center for Christian Leadership

ven as Wisconsin Lutheran College’s founders were formulating the documents and finding the funding necessary to create the fledgling college, the idea of educating Christian leaders served as their central inspiration and motivation. Today, 38 years later, President Daniel Johnson is ready to officially articulate and intentionalize that core mission of the college by creating the Center for Christian Leadership. “I am unabashedly passionate about this concept,” President Johnson said. “We have a dozen strategic priorities upon which we maintain a disciplined focus,

Center for Christian Leadership

On Campus & Beyond Undergraduate/Adult & Graduate Curriculum & Programming; Campus Ministry & Volunteerism Community Outreach; Internship & Career Programming; Non-profit & Business Network; Partnership & Collaborations; Conferences & Speaker Series

but the time is now for us to create a systematic leadership program.” The college’s Board of Regents affirmed the concept and creation of the Center for Christian Leadership at its February 2011 meeting. President Johnson has asked Rev. Paul Kelm, one of WLC’s two campus pastors, to lead the development of the center.

“The priority of the Center for Christian Leadership will always be the development of students as servant leaders,” Kelm said. “While WLC has provided Christian leadership teaching and experience since the college’s inception, the future will mean intentional and Rev. Paul Kelm will lead the center’s development. integrated leadership development for every student, undergraduate and graduate, and it will be an incremental process. “What won’t change is the servant heart of Christian leadership,” Kelm added. “That heart is demonstrated on this campus through countless projects and mission trips, and captured in the statuary of Jesus washing a disciple’s feet.”

WLC’s Christian Women’s Leadership Circle recently hosted its annual Butterfly Brunch — an event attended by 150 women. CWLC is focused on encouraging women to use their God-given talents to serve others as they lead. It will be working together with the new Center for Christian Leadership. 8 | wlc.edu

Provost John Kolander indicated that a faculty committee has been established to formulate specific recommendations as to how leadership can be intentionally promoted within the academic program of Wisconsin Lutheran College. Options

CEO perspective: Christian servant leadership

ark Wrightsman, president and CEO of PaR Systems, a technical procurement and research company in Minneapolis, Minnesota, will speak to Wisconsin Lutheran College students on April 19. The School of Business is promoting his presentation on campus, “CEO perspective: Christian servant leadership,” and all students will be invited and encouraged to attend.

WLC students have traveled internationally to participate in ministry outreach programs, study abroad or internship opportunities, and humanitarian projects. In the future, the Center for Christian Leadership will be involved in developing more settings to learn, serve, and lead — throughout the world.

the committee will investigate include internship and volunteer opportunities, additions of specific courses pertaining to leadership, capstone experiences within majors, and formally embedding leadership strands throughout the general degree requirements. In addition to a Christian leadership program being developed by the faculty for inclusion in all students’ curriculum, the Center for Christian Leadership also intends to offer conferences and training resources for church leaders as well as networking opportunities for Christian business leaders.

Prior to joining PaR in 1999, Wrightsman led five other very technical businesses, including two global businesses with more than $300 million in annual revenue. Three of the businesses he led were based outside of the United States. He lived in Singapore, Japan, and Italy, managing various engineering, account management, and business leadership assignments for General Electric in Asia, Japan, and Europe. Wrightsman, who received his bachelor of science degree in nuclear engineering from the University of Florida and a master’s in business administration from the University of Santa Clara, will synthesize his extensive education and career experiences into a single focused message when he visits WLC in April. “My primary goal – when I speak on the WLC campus – will be to share the concept and reality of how one’s Christian faith can influence or direct decisions, actions, and results. From my 16 years in leadership roles in foreign countries for major international corporations, I know from experience that you don’t have to leave your Christian faith out of the board room.” Wrightsman’s presence and interaction with WLC students exemplifies one facet that WLC’s new Center for Christian Leadership will be developing: offering a robust speaker series. Regional, national, and international Christian leaders – authors, statesmen, CEOs, and other professionals – will comprise an annual schedule of presenters. The speaker series’ purpose will be to teach and inspire students to serve others as they lead.

The topic of Christian leadership is discussed in classrooms as well as in casual conversations throughout campus. Wisconsin Lutheran College | 9

leadership

Christian executive to speak

Academics

FOCUS ON:

College of Arts & Sciences On pages 10-12, please enjoy a glimpse at the students and professors inside the classrooms and majors of Wisconsin Lutheran’s College of Arts & Sciences, College of Adult & Graduate Studies, and College of Professional Studies.

Biological anthropology

or four months this spring, students studying biological anthropology have the rare opportunity to help measure, photograph, and analyze a collection of crania on loan from the Milwaukee Public Museum. The crania are unique because they are pre-contact archaeological specimens from Peru and Canada, and they demonstrate a significant amount of cranial deformation. The skulls were intentionally deformed beginning at infancy as a physical marker of social position or status. According to Ned Farley, assistant Prof. Farley carefully measures a cranium from Peru that may date back to 900 A.D. professor of anthropology: “The Courtesy of the Milwaukee Public Museum. students and I are compiling a Prof. Ned Farley works with sophomore Jessica Howard as forensic mock-up on each specimen to assess how the intentional she analyzes a skull, while junior Jeremiah Cady looks on. deformation may or may not have affected the condition of the brain. Did they suffer from migraines? Did they have sensitivities to light or sound? Were there speech or vision impairments?” Biological anthropology major Chris Sanchez will be working with the museum crania for his capstone project. Sanchez and Farley will digitize the crania using CT scan equipment at the Medical College of Wisconsin, WLC’s neighboring institution. Software developed by researchers at the Medical College will be used to mathematically reconstruct the brain.

Sport & exercise science

s part of their Exercise Physiology class, students visited the Froedtert Sports Medicine Center, located just north of campus, in February. Under the guidance of WLC’s head athletic trainer Joe Hoff, who works for the center, students did VO2 max testing on a treadmill. The test results provided maximum levels of heart rate, oxygen uptake, and anaerobic threshold. Rachel Kuehl, head of the sport & exercise science department, teaches the course, which has a number of lab activities. Kuehl said, “We’ve done heart rate and blood pressure measurement – both pre- and post-exercise – plus isokinetic testing for measuring muscle power and the Margaria-Kalamen Anaerobic Power Test.” Athletic trainer Joe Hoff fits junior

She said the students report on their individual Rachel Johnson with a mask before she gets on the treadmill for VO2 lab findings, and she will save the data for max testing. comparison purposes in future classes. She also notes that the first sport & exercise science major is scheduled to graduate in May, with five more in the major planning to graduate next year. 10 | wlc.edu

Senior Jamie Matz runs on a treadmill during VO2 max testing at the Froedtert Sports Medicine Center.

ACADEMICS

FOCUS ON:

College of Adult & Graduate Studies New iPad in Education course in demand

he College of Adult & Graduate Studies began offering its first threecredit graduate-level course in February to more than 20 students. The eight-week iPad in Education class meets on campus five times and online three times and is being taught by Joe Du Fore, assistant professor of education. Students all receive an iPad, which is theirs to keep. Due to high demand, a second class began in April. This summer, additional sessions will be offered. The course is designed to provide educators with the tools and understanding they need to implement this new iPad technology into their classrooms.

Students use iPads and laptops to look at apps and websites being discussed by fellow students during class presentations.

Ed Price, who teaches seventh-grade math and algebra at Whitman Middle School in Wauwatosa, said: “The iPad in Education class has really helped me see the possible uses of the iPad with students in my classes. The class is taught by a dynamic professor who understands the subject he is teaching.”

Prof. Joe Du Fore teaches the iPad in Education

Price noted that his students want to use iPad technology, so it’s a way to draw course, which is a hybrid online/on campus class. students into the lesson. “We are dealing with a new type of student,” he said. “These ‘screenagers’ are not inspired by pencil and paper anymore. They live in a different world, a hands-on, instant, interactive, high-speed world that demands we reach them in their learning style and needs.” The iPad in Education course is part of the master of arts in education program that begins in June 2011 with both on campus and online offerings. More information is available at ags.wlc.edu or by calling 414.443.8858.

Online courses begin n January 2011, the College of Adult & Graduate Studies offered its first online course in the accelerated degree completion program. This enables Wisconsin Lutheran College to serve students from around the world.

January and Communication in the Business Setting (taught by Tracy Tulle, operations manager for AGS) in February. Their current course is Servant Leadership, taught by James Brandt, vice president of AGS.

The first cohort of online students consists of students from four different states: Arizona, Kentucky, Missouri, and Wisconsin. Four of the students had previously enrolled at WLC and are returning to finish their degrees.

The online program is just under way, but Tulle already has observed that there is a strong desire to learn in the online environment. “The overall experience of teaching online has truly been rewarding,” she said, “and the flexibility and convenience the schedule provides is critical to the success of the working adults enrolled in the program.”

Students in the online cohort already have taken Foundations of Academic Success (taught by Dr. Rhoda Wolle) in

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ACADEMICS

FOCUS ON:

College of Professional Studies Recalibrating the communication major

nce fully centered on the theory and scholarship that defines and explains the world of communication, WLC’s School of Communication has undergone a metamorphosis of sorts. “We believe this adjustment is well timed, allowing us to better serve students who want a liberal arts core for their college experience,” said Professor Deb Uecker, chair of the School of Professional Communication. “But these students also require the skills most in demand by today’s fast-paced, ever-evolving Prof. Deb Uecker, chair of the School world of communication. of Professional That’s what our program Communication is designed to deliver.” In fact, the school’s faculty has been selfevaluating for the past two years and has recalibrated its offerings and emphases. Communication professors at WLC are confident that their graduates are better prepared for today’s world of business, commerce, personnel, and communication than ever before. “Now that our major – and the School of Professional Communication – are organized within the College of Professional Studies,” Uecker said, “our focus has become clear: to prepare students with a high regard for professionalism for their chosen careers.” Uecker said the communication major becomes the perfect choice for many students, but they don’t always realize that as freshmen. “Every spring we have a healthy share of the graduating class who list communication as their major, or as one of their double majors. That’s because somewhere between their freshman and junior years they came to recognize that with an undergraduate degree in communication, they can go many places. It offers them a path to numerous career choices. Students can successfully enter fields such as public relations, human resources, sales, event planning, and graduate school. 12 | wlc.edu

Uecker and the rest of the communication faculty are intent on ensuring that their graduates have relational communication expertise that will exceed the expectations of the corporate world. Students will still study communication history and theory, but they will receive more emphasis on developing communication competencies and enhancing the practice of professional standards. They will learn, participate, and perform in courses such as interpersonal and professional communication, listening, small group dynamics, mass media, and intercultural contexts, for example.

Prof. Amanda Retberg, one of five full-time communication faculty, utilizes her law background in her courses teaching business and crisis communication.

Katie McCormack ’10 is a community relations partner at the American Cancer Society, Pewaukee, Wisconsin. She organizes five Relay for Life events each year and assists with other community events. McCormack says she uses information and insights received from her communication classes at WLC every day.

“We’re preparing our students so that they can succeed in the particular niche of the corporate, business, or nonprofit world which they are personally passionate about,” Uecker said. “They then will be well prepared and well positioned to emerge as leaders in these fields, because they will be able to relate to others, articulate and express themselves with competent professionalism, and serve their church and community.”

Matt Braun ’01 is currently a product marketing manager for Manpower Inc. , Milwaukee. He is responsible for supporting business development opportunities through integrated marketing communication activities, and traces his passion for the world of marketing and communication back to his courses and professors at WLC.

faculty and staff

FOCUS ON:

Faculty and Staff Wednesday’s Child book signing

ev. Dr. Gregory Schulz, professor of philosophy, recently had his book Wednesday’s Child: From Heidegger to Affective Neuroscience, A Field Theory of Angst published by Wipf and Stock in Eugene, Oregon. On February 24, the college’s Academic Co-Curricular Committee sponsored a book signing and reception in the Schlueter Art Gallery. Schulz (right) gave a brief introduction to the book and fielded questions from the audience.

Dr. Mary Jo Brown, assistant professor of Spanish, talks with a student during the book signing and reception for Wednesday’s Child.

He also is the author of The Problem of Suffering, due out in an expanded second edition later this year, and its companion guidebook written for Christian caregivers.

Lindemann Sans published

or more than three and half years, Chad Lindemann, associate professor of art, has been working on creating a professional typeface. His font, Lindemann Sans, recently was published through one of the most renowned foundries in Europe. The geometric sans serif font is available from Parachute in Athens, Greece. Twelve fonts – from ultra light italic to extra bold – make up the font family of Lindemann Sans. Lindemann also developed more than 800 glyphs for each font. He displayed the book of his font and related artwork at the recent art department biennial faculty exhibition in the Schlueter Art Gallery. Learn about the development of Lindemann Sans at upscaletypography.com/?p=2554.

On the air

Athletics director and men’s basketball coach Skip Noon (center) was on SportsRadio 1250 WSSP’s Varsity Blitz show with host Mike McGivern (left) January 8. Noon discussed the men’s basketball program and the college’s January admissions information day. He appeared in the studio with Kettle Moraine Lutheran High School boys’ basketball coach Todd Jahns (right).

Faculty and staff notes In January, Dr. Mark Braun, professor of theology, presented a paper at the Symposium on the Lutheran Confession at Concordia Theological Seminary, Fort Wayne, Indiana, titled “The Reception of the Theology of C.F.W. Walther in the Wisconsin Synod.” Rebekah Carey, assistant professor of nursing, and student Jonathan Fricke co-authored an article to be published in the Journal of Christian Nursing in spring 2011. It is titled “As we therefore have opportunity... A collaborative effort between a church and nursing program.” It describes the process of developing the Granville Neighborhood Health Center, a free clinic that provides services to the uninsured in the neighborhood of Risen Savior Lutheran Church on the northwest side of Milwaukee. Dr. Charles Cortright, associate professor of theology, presented a portion of his dissertation at the Sixteenth Century Society Conference in Montreal in October 2010. Dr. Angela Ebeling, assistant professor of biology, gave an invited presentation at the annual winter convention of the Wisconsin Liquid Waste Carriers Association (WLWCA). The talk was titled “Phosphorus in Septage: Study Update.” Ebeling received a grant from WLWCA and presented data that she and student Alexis Rwatambuga collected on phosphorus concentrations in septage and in soil amended with septage. This work is important because new DNR regulations restrict phosphorus runoff from farm fields and wastewater treatment plants where septage haulers usually dispose of the septage.

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It’s all about

our students

t the heart of Wisconsin Lutheran College, it’s all about the student: a young woman who’s a freshman 300 miles from home, the junior who’s the oldest of six children, the senior who has been working two part-time jobs since he was a sophomore in high school because he wants to become a doctor, and so many others.

“Scholarship support is key,” said President Johnson. “Those dollars enable us to give more students the opportunity to attend WLC. For that very reason, a significant component of our Vision to Lead campaign’s ultimate success rests on adequate student scholarship funding.”

A major portion of the college’s mission statement is to prepare men and women to lead lives of Christian service. “First things first, though,” said President Daniel Johnson. “We must make sure our deserving, determined students are able to afford their four-year college career here at WLC. Then we will continue to expand our ability to graduate powerful, effective Christian leaders, one graduate at a time.

“Having enough funding to help our students is absolutely essential,” said Linda Loeffel, director of financial aid. “We’re so grateful for those donors who help close that gap between what a family can afford to pay for a WLC education and what it actually costs. Those donors help create a bridge so that our students can pursue their education and future plans.”

or the fourth – and last – time, I have the privilege of writing about my gratitude for your generosity. As a senior, with graduation looming ahead, I sometimes forget about the blessings – my scholarship donors – who have allowed me to continue my education at WLC. The years I’ve spent here have been far more than gaining “book knowledge.” They have given me a myriad of adventures, and I’ve learned from professors and people who have made a difference. I have memories that will not age, and friendships that will not easily fade. And all of these would not have happened without you. Hannah Zhang, Beijing, China

am writing to thank you for the generous scholarship donation. My husband and I were overjoyed when we learned that I was chosen as a recipient! I am a part of the first degree completion cohort at WLC in its Adult & Graduate Studies program. As a single-income family, we felt so blessed to receive a scholarship. This program has changed our lives. I will finally graduate this December, seven years after beginning my college journey. Thank you so much for this opportunity. I praise God for the generosity of people like you! Susan Holdmann, West Allis, Wisconsin

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would like to sincerely thank you for your generous support of Christian education. Thanks to my scholarships, I have been able to spend a summer as a Volunteer in the Service to America (VISTA) teaching science in Milwaukee. I have also been blessed with opportunities to travel abroad, gaining tremendous insights into the lives of people around the globe. I am a biology major and in the process of applying to medical schools. WLC has given me the foundational science background that is essential for a doctor. But more than that, I have also enjoyed the chance to discuss ethical issues in medicine with my Christian professors, volunteer as a Spanish translator at a free clinic, and have lunch with a Harvard medical professor. WLC ensures that students have the chance to become well-rounded individuals. From leading a worship-and-praise band to being a smallgroup Bible study leader, I have had the chance to grow not only as a leader, but as a Christian servant-leader. In my mind, this sets WLC apart, and I want to thank you for supporting this mission. Jonathan Fricke, Baraboo, Wisconsin

For 98% of all students — financial assistance is vital

o continue attracting and retaining quality students – no matter what their financial capacity – Wisconsin Lutheran College must be able to offer competitive financial aid packages, including scholarships. “In addition to the generosity of many individuals who contribute annually to our scholarship fund, we appreciate those foundations and corporations that also are recognizing and responding to this vital need,” said Sharon Patterson, director of corporate and foundation relations. WLC approached the Theodore W. Batterman Family Foundation in 2009, asking it to help bridge a scholarship gap that had grown wider because so many students’ families, as well as the college’s endowment, had been hit hard by the economic downturn. “When we learned that 98% of WLC’s students receive financial

Make a gift to students’ scholarships n December 2010, legislation was signed by President Obama that extends the Charitable IRA Rollover through 2011. Individuals who are 70½ or older may make a tax-free gift to qualified charitable organizations such as Wisconsin Lutheran College using funds transferred directly from their IRA now through December 31, 2011.

Benefits? First, this gift from the IRA may count against one’s unsatisfied Required Minimum Distribution. Second, the transfer generates neither

assistance, the foundation was glad to help,” said Ann Flynn, executive director of the foundation. “Over the years, the foundation has supported a number of scholarships at other schools, and it is especially interested in helping students afford an excellent Christian education.” Other donors are moved to share their financial blessings, especially with motivated students who want to learn. “Making sure those who have a desire to learn are able to receive the education they need is something we feel strongly about,” said Paul Oswald. He and his wife, Linda, own Environmental Systems Inc., in Brookfield, Wisconsin. “We have been blessed in many ways,” he added, “and this is a very small way of giving back to help hard-working students achieve their goals.”

through your IRA taxable income nor a tax deduction, so the giver would receive the benefit even if he or she did not itemize tax deductions. Third, up to $100,000 may be transferred directly from one’s IRA; one’s spouse can do the same. And finally, a donor would have an immediate and positive impact on WLC! Consult a tax advisor to determine any tax implications of a gift to WLC of this kind, and contact Kris Metzger (414.443.8925 or kris.metzger@wlc.edu) with questions or to make a gift. Wisconsin Lutheran College | 15

STUDENTs

Campus ministry student retreat

Student-athlete recognized

record number of students – nearly 60 – attended the campus ministry office’s annual Winter Weekend Retreat February 18-20 at the Lions Camp near Stevens Point, Wisconsin. Students, along with the current vicars and campus pastor Rev. Nathan Strobel, gathered for a weekend of fun and fellowship as they discussed the topic “Citizens of an Amazing Kingdom.”

unior psychology and communication major Katie Schommer of Fort Atkinson, Wisconsin, earned 2010 NCAA Division III All-Academic Cross Country status. She was one of 170 student-athletes representing 82 institutions that comprised the United States Track & Field and Cross Country Coaches Association All-Academic Women’s Cross Country Team. To qualify, a studentathlete must have a cumulative grade point average of 3.30 or greater through the most recent semester and have placed in the top 35 at the NCAA Regional Championships.

Participant Rebekah Ungemach, a junior music major from Trevor, Wisconsin, said: “Winter Weekend Retreat is a welcome break from school. It is not only an opportunity to study God’s word and have our souls refreshed, but also a great opportunity to learn more about the other students who are there and to strengthen friendships.”

Schommer placed 12th overall out of 263 competitors at the 2010 NCAA Division III Midwest Regional. She became the first person in WLC women’s cross country history to qualify for the NCAA Championships, where she finished 47th out of 279 competitors.

Honored on and off the court Erika Laete, an Senior education major from

Spokane, Washington, earned two honors this semester. She was named Wisconsin Lutheran College’s Student Employee of the Year for her work in the student affairs office and also was named the 2011 Northern Athletics Conference (NAC) Women’s Basketball Player of the Year. Laete helped lead the Warriors women’s basketball team to the NAC North Division and NAC tournament titles this season. She had a 50-point performance February 19, when she broke the conference’s single-game scoring record. Laete also became the 13th player in WLC history to surpass 1,000 career points. For her efforts, she was named to the 2010-2011 D3hoops.com All-Central Region Second Team.

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Skylight Opera internship

usic major Meghan Folkerts of Scottsdale, Arizona, was a directing intern this spring for the Skylight Opera Theatre’s production of Cosi Fan Tutte by W.A. Mozart. The production ran at the Milwaukee theatre March 18 through April 3. Her duties included observing rehearsals, taking notes on stage blocking and acting, and writing a blog for the director to help attract a larger audience. (Visit the Skylight Opera blog at skylightopera. blogspot.com.) Folkerts (center), a member of the Wisconsin Lutheran Choir, also wrote about her internship on the choir’s blog (blogs.wlc.edu/choir): “For me personally, this has been a great learning experience. I have observed how to stage an aria, a fight scene, and an opening sequence where the singers have to move set pieces. I have been able to ask cast members about their background to gain insight for my own performance career. It has been a great experience to watch professional opera singers in the rehearsal process.”

n February, worldrenowned marimbist Naoko Takada spent three days in residency at Wisconsin Lutheran College, performing and working with students and faculty on mallet percussion.

chorale sections of Jesu, Joy of Man’s Desiring. Performing with the Concert Band, Takada used six mallets for a portion of the 15-minute marimba showcase work by Keiko Abe called Prism Rhapsody. “She was amazing to watch,” said Treuden. “This concert was truly a highlight of this school year for our instrumentalists. They all performed magnificently!”

On February 3, Takada led a master class in the Schwan Concert Hall, working with WLC music majors Quinten Petersen (above) and Arik McGathey on the college’s new Yamaha five-octave marimba. She also led a seminar on mallet percussion performance. Takada performed a Guest Artist Series concert on February 4, then on Saturday performed with the WLC Percussion Ensemble conducted by James A. Sewrey and the WLC Concert Band conducted by Prof. Terry S. Treuden. With the Percussion Ensemble, Takada used four mallets on the

Art department biennial faculty exhibition

On the road

“The older I get the more I am convinced that what an artist does in his work is to show or share a way of seeing,” said Burmeister about his artwork, shown below. “When I am working on a piece I find it unavoidable or inevitable that I am moved, as I finish, in a direction that is really about how I see art, with regard both to concept and technique.”

tudents in the Wisconsin Lutheran Choir and Chamber Choir shared their musical talents with audiences in Wisconsin, Minnesota, and Illinois during the 2011 Midwest Concert Tour, March 12-20. The choirs presented a diverse, mostly a capella program of sacred and secular choral works in original languages. The program concluded with favorite hymns and spirituals by the Wisconsin Lutheran Choir. Receptions hosted by Wisconsin Lutheran College gave audience members at each tour stop the chance to learn more about the college.

On display through May 20 is a series of ceramic pieces that James Matson, professor of art, created during his fall 2009 sabbatical. Visit wlc.edu/gallery for gallery hours.

Prof. Chad Lindemann’s Nebraska Sandhills painting was the artwork featured on the choir tour’s posters, programs, and postcards (shown above).

uring February and March, Wisconsin Lutheran College art department faculty displayed their current work in the Schlueter Art Gallery. Professors Paul Burmeister, Kristin Gjerdset, and Chad Lindemann participated, along with art adjunct Stephanie Barenz.

On May 16, the WLC Concert Band leaves for a ten-day tour through Iowa, Kansas, Texas, Louisiana, and Missouri. The program features a lineup of all American composers, concluding with John Philip Sousa’s Stars and Stripes Forever. The home concert, which precedes the tour, will take place May 6 at 8 p.m. in the Schwan Concert Hall. Free tickets are available from the box office at 414.443.8802. Wisconsin Lutheran College | 17

fine arts

Learning from a world-renowned musician

ALUMNI

Expanded capacity for alumni involvement

he WLC Alumni Board is only six years old, yet its 12 members are ready to expand and strengthen its effectiveness. In the process, they hope to motivate many of their former college classmates to join in and benefit their alma mater too.

will allow us to engage more alumni, make more connections that are effective, and integrate more of us with various groups on campus in the areas of admissions, careers, fundraising, and events.”

“I’m very grateful for this Alumni They have decided to create four new Board and its members’ willingness to subcommittees, focused on activities get involved as well as to actively Jeff Musa ’07 and Jon Maertz ’93 are two current related to admissions, careers, invite other alumni to join in their members of the WLC Alumni Board who have been fundraising, and events. efforts,” said Lisa Leffel, director of instrumental in creating several new subcommittees of their board. alumni relations. “This invitation is “We know there are significant gains to for all alumni, no matter where they be made by connecting alumni with student applicants, live, because these days we can connect with them and parents, current students, and other graduates,” said Jon involve them through teleconferencing or Skype, so Maertz ’93, current chair of the Alumni Board. “We’ve distance is no longer an obstacle. I believe the creation of found that we can serve as a huge testament to high school these subcommittees is the beginning of some very students who are making decisions about their choice of significant alumni activity on behalf of WLC.” college and to current students about their choice of careers. “We also recognize the need to focus our own talents and resources, as alumni,” Maertz added. “The subcommittees

To join one of the new subcommittees of the Alumni Board go to wlc.edu/alumni.

Alumni take over the Black Box

ee Rock City, the second play in a trilogy by Arlene Hutton produced in the Black Box Theatre this school year, had many alumni ties.

The February production was directed by alumna Rachel (Leverence) Williams ’02 and featured a cast of alumni John ’05 and Naomi ’05 (LaGrow) Tiefel (below right) and Sarah Tullberg ’09 (second from left), along with theatre major Deanna Strasse (below left). Vincent Pelligrino ’10 directed costume design, while Erica Ortenblad ’10 coordinated hair and makeup design. Bryan Quinn ’04 was lighting designer and Erin Eggers ’04 was the stage manager. For a backstage look at this and other WLC theatre productions, watch videos by Pelligrino on youtube.com/ghostofbanquotv.

Sorensen honored

isa (Adamski) Sorensen ’84 of Molt, Montana, received the 2011 Alumni Service Award from Lisa Leffel (left) and President Daniel Johnson at Winterfest on February 5. Sorensen graduated from Wisconsin Lutheran College in 1984 with an associate of science degree. She was a member of the college’s admissions team from 1986-1997 before becoming director of campus life. Sorensen served on the WLC Alumni Board from 2005-2007. In 2003, Lisa and her husband, John ’00, moved to Montana, where she is a retirement counselor at Mission Ridge and The Vista in Billings.

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Outdoor Athletic Center

Facility to be ready for 20

11 fall season

he Warriors will take the field next fall enjoying a completed Outdoor Athletic Center – finally! After several years of waiting, the dec ision to finish Phase One of the entire Krauss-Miller-Lutz Outdoor Ath letic Complex has been made, and implementation has begun. “The economic uncertainty we’ ve been dealing with in recent years has kept this project on the back burner ,” said President Daniel Johnso our growing enrollment, a des n. “H owever, with perately overcrowded locker roo m and student-athlete situatio our Recreation Complex, and n in the need to better serve our spo rts program, our outdoor venue renters, and all the fans who freq uent the facility, we decided the time to begin this project was now. We are funding this projec t by fundraising aggressively, sec uring naming rights, and leveraging land assets, while not incurring long-term debt. We are moving forward immediately .” Ground was broken in early Ap ril, and construction will procee d as quickly as weather permits. The new Outdoor Athletic Ce nter will include locker rooms , restrooms, training, laundry, equipment rooms, a coaches’ roo and m, and concession stands. The facility will be used by football players but also by student-athletes who compet e in track and field, soccer, baseball, and softball. “The completion of our Outdo or Athletic Center will provide the finishing touch to an outstandin g venue,” said Dr. Dennis Miller , head football coach and vice president of student affairs. “It will truly take Wisconsin Lutheran College and its athletic program to an entirel y new level, and the new facilities wil l have fans returning as often as possible. “In addition to fully serving our own student-athletes, this ath letic center will attract teams and fans fro m the entire southeastern Wisco nsin area. In fact, it may very well attract reg ional and state competition and attention. “Every now and then we all hav e the chance to be part of som ething special – something exciting,” Miller added. “I believe now – participating in this project – is that kind of opportunity. I wo uld encourage anyone interested in helping us fund the locker roo m that will serve all of our student-athletes to contact me at dennis.miller @wlc.edu or visit wlcsports.com.”

Box Office: 414.443.8802

Website: wlc.edu/arts

Wisconsin Lutheran College | 19

ATHLETICS

4Break ground to complete q

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iPad in Education page 11

Musician in Residence page 17

Outdoor Athletic Center page 19

Join the conversations about WLC! For a complete list of the collegeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s social media pages, including Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube, visit wlc.edu/pa.

Congratulations on a record 26-4 season!