2020-2021 Annual Report
Dear Friends,
God continues to out-dream us all at Wisconsin Lutheran College. Navigating successfully through a pandemic year was nothing short of a miracle, and God blessed us with near-record freshman enrollment! In fact, we’ve enrolled three of the largest classes ever in the history of WLC during the past four years.
We remained open the entire academic year and celebrated mightily with our seniors in May with an outdoor Commencement service.
While the college adapted throughout the year to meet the needs of students and changing circumstances, our eyes remained fixed on Jesus. Our mission of preparing Christian servant leaders remains the same and is needed today –more than ever – as we serve within a broken and hurting world.
We navigated the year with every academic class offering an in-person and virtual experience at times if necessary. Every fine arts group and sports team performed and competed, although sometimes it was a pre-recorded performance or a shortened season. Innovation was the name of the game for every faculty and staff member who stepped up to deliver on our promise of providing an exceptional Christian higher education experience for our students.
As you page through this report, you will see evidence of the resiliency of our students, faculty, and staff, who the Gospel emboldens to lead here at WLC and throughout the world. We could not accomplish our mission without our dedicated donors. Thank you for your ongoing prayers and support as WLC moves forward and continues to grow and impact the world, one Christian servant leader at a time.
In Christ’s service with you,
Dr. Daniel W. Johnson, President Wisconsin Lutheran College
BOARD OF REGENTS 2020-2021
C. Peter Aisbet (Chair) Slinger, Wisconsin
Steven Boettcher Hartland, Wisconsin
Matthew Burow Slinger, Wisconsin
Rev. James Buske Milwaukee, Wisconsin Jacob Curtis Grafton, Wisconsin
Gary Drska Muskego, Wisconsin
Bruce Eberle Vienna, Virginia
Rev. Jonathan Enter South St. Paul, Minnesota
Dr. Gerald Fischer Bethesda, Maryland
Patricia Freer Fremont, Wisconsin
Stephen Granberg Appleton, Wisconsin
Dr. Terry Gueldner Manitowoc, Wisconsin Charles Kluenker Roseville, California
Rev. Carlos Leyrer Doral, Florida
Dr. R. Bowen Loftin Bryan, Texas
Jamie Luehring Cedarburg, Wisconsin
Rev. Jeremy Mattek Greenville, Wisconsin
Mark Neumann Oconomowoc, Wisconsin
Rev. Jared Oldenburg Castle Rock, Colorado
Greg Patterson Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Tom Plath Germantown, Tennessee
Kent Raabe Pewaukee, Wisconsin
Dr. William Raasch Wauwatosa, Wisconsin
Jim Reinert Parkville, Missouri
Paul Scriver Kansasville, Wisconsin
Dr. Zach Shiels ’09 Waukesha, Wisconsin
Chellee Siewert Big Bend, Wisconsin
C. Daniel Stefferud Redondo Beach, California
Dr. Gary Stimac Houston, Texas
Lawrence Totsky Menomonee Falls, Wisconsin
Debra Waller Kenosha, Wisconsin
Dr. Ronald White Fort Myers, Florida
Mark Wrightsman Venice, Florida
WLC CABINET 2020-2021
Dr. Daniel W. Johnson President Dr. John D. Kolander Provost
Lucas Faust ’02 Vice President of Enrollment
Richard Mannisto ’94 Vice President of Advancement
Ryan Oertel Vice President of Student Life Gary Schmid ’82 Vice President of Finance
COLLEGE LEADERSHIP 2 | WISCONSIN LUTHERAN COLLEGE May 2021 Commencement at Franklin Field
Wisconsin Lutheran College is a nationally ranked, independent Christian college in Milwaukee that serves 1,091 traditional undergraduate, adult, and graduate students through its on-campus and online programming. The college, which prepares students for lives of Christian leadership, is recognized for its academic excellence and superior student experience.
2020-2021
UNDERGRADUATE FAST FACTS
Average class size: 17
Student/faculty ratio: 12:1
99% of full-time students receive financial assistance
97% of students are between the ages of 18 and 22
Percent of resident undergraduate students: 70%
Student demographics: 34 states and 2 foreign countries
Grade point average is 3.52 for incoming freshmen
Average ACT composite score is 23.5 for incoming freshmen Ministry, outreach, and service opportunities
Co-curricular activities: member of NCAA Division III and Northern Athletics Collegiate Conference with 19 varsity sports, intramural sports, concert band, instrumental ensembles, three choirs, 40+ clubs and organizations
ABOUT
THE COLLEGE
CAMPUS HIGHLIGHTS
JULY 2020
The Back-to-College Task Force, comprised of board members, campus leaders, and Wisconsin Lutheran College students, provided vital input as WLC developed plans for a safe return to campus. The college was blessed with a $200,000 gift, which was used to equip many classrooms with state-of-the-art audio and video equipment to support teaching face-to-face, online, or in a blended format.
Dozens of pianos and stringed instruments filled the Center for Arts and Performance for WLC’s seventh-annual Rockley Family Foundation sale. The college’s arrangement with the Rockley Foundation provides the music department with loaned digital pianos at no cost.
The Northern Athletics Collegiate Conference (NACC) announced the postponement of all conference regular season competition and championships during the fall and winter seasons through December 31. Six of the Warriors’ traditional fall sports competed in non-conference events.
AUGUST 2020
WLC held commencement exercises at Franklin Field at The Rock Sports Complex in Franklin, Wisconsin. The outdoor venue was chosen for its larger capacity, allowing for physically distanced seating. Stacy (Lorfeld) Becker ’05 received the Alumni Service Award at the ceremony.
WLC announced a new partnership with the Marshfield Clinic School of Radiography. This agreement reflects the fifth partnership between WLC and hospital-affiliated radiologic technology schools in Wisconsin.
WLC was blessed with the second-largest freshman class in its history. The Class of 2024 took part in a traditional orientation weekend with pandemic-related adjustments, including assigned move-in times and outdoor meetings and activities.
SEPTEMBER 2020
WLC implemented a HyFlex model of instruction for the fall semester, which allowed for teaching and learning to take place in a traditional face-to-face classroom setting as well as through an online format, should faculty or students be unable to attend class due to quarantine or isolation requirements.
The Mortell Family Golf Center, occupying the former fitness center space in the Recreation Complex, was completed thanks to generous contributions. The area includes an 800-square foot putting and chipping surface, a Full Swing simulator that includes more than 25 championship golf courses, a hitting net, and golf club lockers.
The WLC Theatre Department presented Shakespeare’s The Comedy of Errors in two outdoor performances on the Quad.
OCTOBER 2020
WLC and the Medical College of Wisconsin (MCW) announced a new 4+1 dual-degree partnership where WLC students can earn a B.S. in biology and their Master of Public Health degree from MCW in five years, one year earlier than typical.
NOVEMBER 2020
An early Christmas celebration took place before students headed home for Thanksgiving. Taking the place of the traditional WLC Christmas, the outdoor candlelight service included music and a message from Rev. Greg Lyon, campus pastor.
DECEMBER 2020
As scheduled, face-to-face instruction concluded for students at Thanksgiving break. The remainder of classes and final exams were conducted remotely due to the pandemic.
The Wisconsin Lutheran Choir and Chamber Choir released their newest album titled Shout the Glad Tidings, featuring a collection of sacred Christmas carols.
4 | WISCONSIN LUTHERAN COLLEGE 2020-2021
August – Commencement
November – WLC Christmas
JANUARY 2021
With the shifting of the Warriors’ nine traditional fall sports and an already busy spring season, all 19 WLC sports teams (including the new men’s volleyball team) trained during the same time frame. From the opening night of women’s basketball in January to the final baseball doubleheader in May, 223 athletics contests took place during a 101-day span.
FEBRUARY 2021
Students returned to in-person learning for the spring semester. Those studying the health sciences were able to begin using a new Anatomage Table in the anatomy lab. The college obtained this state-of-the-art resource thanks to a generous gift from alumna Sharon A. Schoeneck ’89.
WLC became the first school in NACC history to claim both the men’s and women’s basketball conference tournament titles in the same season. Head coaches Aaron Aanonsen and Klay Knueppel were each named NACC Coach of the Year.
A new partnership between WLC and Rush University in Chicago gives students an opportunity to obtain a B.S. from WLC and an M.S. in respiratory care in just five years.
The School of Business added new majors to provide more options for students to meet their career goals. Majors/minors in finance, management, and marketing will be offered, and the existing business administration program was revamped.
MARCH 2021
Students in WLC’s Christian Leadership Certificate Program formed teams and created Servant Leadership Impact Plans to influence their community in a positive way. Selected teams each gave a short presentation in the Schwan Concert Hall, pitching their plans in a “Shark Tank”-style format to a panel of judges in front of a live audience. Winning teams earned funds to put their plans into action.
APRIL 2021
After a one-year hiatus, the Undergraduate Research Symposium returned to campus. Those who were accepted to present at the canceled 2020 symposium were invited to present at the 2021 event, along with current students. Students gave 29 presentations, covering a variety of topics in the sciences and liberal arts.
MAY 2021
The Impact Award Celebration, which was held in the Schwan Concert Hall, celebrated student leadership. Senior John Sell received the 2021 Impact Award.
WLC’s winter 2020 and spring 2021 graduates were recognized during a commencement ceremony held at Franklin Field at The Rock Sports Complex. Jason Van Acker ’00 addressed graduates as the 2021 Alumni Service Award recipient.
WLC held its annual Honors Convocation in the Time of Grace Center, where scholarships and special awards were given to recognize students from nearly every academic program.
Senior Kendra Schumacher competed at the 2021 NCAA Division III Outdoor Track & Field Championships in Greensboro, North Carolina.
JUNE 2021
Tim Tebow was honored as the fourth recipient of the Divine Servant Award at WLC’s Outdoor Athletic Complex. He was the featured speaker at the Divine Servant Award Celebration, which had more than 600 guests in attendance. The event originally was scheduled for April 2020. This fundraising event raised more than $575,000 for student scholarships.
Rev. Dr. Mark Braun (theology professor), Jill Herbst (accounts payable), Nancy Meyer (bursar), and Cindy Sanders (nurse) retired at the end of the year.
WLC.EDU | 5
February – NACC Basketball Conference Champions
June – Divine Servant Award Celebration
WLC
June 30, 2021 June 30, 2020
ASSETS
Cash, investments, and charitable trust$ 52,907,000$ 39,648,000
Contributions receivable $ 2,147,000$ 399,000 Other assets $ 650,000$ 1,153,000 Land, building, and equipment, net $ 69,791,000$ 71,706,000
TOTAL ASSETS $ 125,495,000$ 112,906,000
LIABILITIES AND NET ASSETS
LIABILITIES
Accounts payable and other liabilities$ 1,039,000$ 1,751,000
Annuities payable $ 183,000$ 191,000
SBA Payroll Protection Loan $ 0$ 2,573,000 Long-term bonds and notes payable $ 49,583,000$ 50,177,000
TOTAL LIABILITIES $ 50,805,000$ 54,692,000
NET ASSETS
Unrestricted $ 36,290,000$ 30,056,000 Temporarily restricted $ 29,810,000$ 19,940,000 Permanently restricted $ 8,590,000$ 8,218,000
TOTAL NET ASSETS $ 74,690,000$ 58,214,000
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND NET ASSETS $ 125,495,000$ 112,906,000
The information presented in the Statement of Financial Position and the Revenue and Expenses charts is presented as if WLC is a standalone entity versus on a consolidated basis,
REVENUE AND EXPENSES
the 8800 Concord LLC of which WLC is a 100% owner. The LLC owns and operates a 211-bed residence hall.
OPERATING
PPA
State
$
$
Act)* $ 512,000 Contract services $ 5,196,000 Utilities $ 1,608,000 Depreciation $ 3,130,000 Interest $ 591,000
OPERATING EXPENSES $ 46,760,000
$ 51,438,000
expenses $ (46,760,000)
investment change $ 9,207,000
forgiveness/COVID relief * $ 2,591,000
IN
$ 16,476,000
2020-2021 STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL POSITION –
standalone (rounded to 000s)
– WLC standalone (rounded to 000s) OPERATING REVENUE for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2021 Gross tuition and fees $ 29,359,000 Room and board $ 7,213,000 Unrestricted contributions $ 4,299,000 Restricted contributions $ 6,668,000 Endowment earnings $ 1,512,000 Other income $ 690,000 CARES Act grant revenue* $ 1,697,000 OPERATING REVENUE $ 51,438,000
EXPENSES for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2021 Institutional scholarships
15,684,000 Salaries
11,100,000 Benefits $ 3,681,000 Supplies and expenses $ 5,258,000 Student grants (CARES
34% 24% 8% 11% 11% 3% 1%7% 3% 57% 14% 9% 1% 13% Operating revenue
Operating
Non-operating
SBA
loan
TOTAL CHANGE
NET ASSETS
1% 3% *Federal and
COVID relief dollars benefited students directly, reimbursed the College for direct expenses, and replaced lost revenue for the College.
which would include
2020-2021
Balance June 30, 2020
INVESTMENTS
Permanent endowment* $ 9,374,000 Interest in charitable trust $ 406,000 Quasi- (board designated-) endowment**$ 14,156,000
Legacy Fund endowment** $ 11,838,000 Split interest agreements/cash $ 900,000
MARKET VALUE $ 36,674,000
TRANSACTIONS
Contributions $ 1,205,000
Earned income and market price adjustments$ 10,507,000
Scholarships granted $ (1,400,000)
NET INCREASE $ 10,312,000
Balance June 30, 2021
INVESTMENTS
Permanent endowment* $ 9,786,000 Interest in charitable trust $ 358,000 Quasi- (board designated-) endowment**$ 21,092,000 Legacy Fund endowment** $ 14,690,000 Split interest agreements/cash $ 1,060,000
TOTAL MARKET VALUE $ 46,986,000
*includes
return on
unrealized
scholarship awards was an increase of 33.6%.
ENDOWMENT MARKET VALUE AND STUDENT ENROLLMENT
WLC.EDU | 7 ENDOWMENT – WLC standalone (rounded to 000s)
$0 $10,000,000 $20,000,000 $30,000,000 $40,000,000 $50,000,000 300 600 900 1200 1500 2012201320142015201620172018201920202021 0 MARKET VALUE ENROLLMENT Endowment Market Value Student Enrollment
realized gains and earned income only **includes
gains In
the overall
the market value of the endowment before
Our 2020-2021 Annual Report listing (print edition only) includes the names of all donors to Wisconsin Lutheran College from July 1, 2020, to June 30, 2021. If your name is missing, we deeply apologize. However, one of the following statements may be a reason for your name not appearing:
• Our records show you have indicated your wish to remain anonymous.
• Your gift was made before July 1, 2020, and was recognized in a previous report or was made after June 30, 2021, and will be recognized in a future Annual Report.
• You made a pledge instead of a gift and plan to fulfill your commitment after June 30, 2021.
• A gift was made using a corporate check or was made through a foundation or other giving organization. In this case, look for the name of your corporation or organization in the Annual Report.
• There may be an error. Despite our best efforts, omissions can occur. If so, please accept our sincere apologies and notify the Office of Development, 414.443.8823, or email donor.services@wlc.edu.
There are many ways for you to continue to support the important work of WLC. If you would like more information on how you can renew your commitment, please visit us online at wlc.edu/giving, contact the Office of Development at donor.services@wlc.edu, or call 414.443.8823.
If you have designated a legacy gift to support the mission of Wisconsin Lutheran College in your will or estate plan, please let us know by contacting Rich Mannisto ’94 at rich.mannisto@wlc.edu or 414.443.8788. Informing us of your intent to make a gift tomorrow will allow us to say “thank you” today.
There are no perfect words to express my gratitude for your generous giving. As a student at Wisconsin Lutheran College, I have been blessed beyond measure with a Christcentered education and spiritual care that will forever be cherished. Funding my education would be very difficult for my family without kind people like you who generously donate money to scholarships. Thank you for your gift, as it not only helps me fund my college education but keeps me in a faith-filled environment.
I’ll never forget how God blessed me with genuine and loving peers, professors, and staff. Most importantly, He has continued to provide for me when, semester after semester, I feared I wouldn’t be able to return for the next. It is because of such kind people like you that I can continue this journey. I thank you from the bottom of my heart.
I interned last summer through the Center for Urban Teaching, where I taught 5th-8th graders. My plan is to become a college professor. In addition to academics, I am a member of the Psychosocial Club and an avid participant in Campus Ministry events. I look forward to growing as a WLC Warrior. Thank you for making that possible with your generous gifts. I am grateful that I can still call this place a home.
8 | WISCONSIN LUTHERAN COLLEGE
Wisconsin Lutheran College students who are awarded donor-funded scholarships annually thank their scholarship donors. On these pages you’ll find information about four such students, including excerpts from their thank-you notes. Gifts to scholarships make a big impact in the lives of WLC students. We thank all those who generously donate to student scholarships each year.
THANK YOU!
Yazmin Rodriguez ’24 Milwaukee, Wisconsin Secondary Education and English Major
