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.

PRESIDENT

Dr. Daniel W. Johnson

VICE PRESIDENT OF ADVANCEMENT

Dr. Richard T. Mannisto ’94

EDITOR

Melanie Buellesbach

DESIGNER

Amy Kuether ’96

WRITERS & PHOTOGRAPHERS

Adam Heinzen ’06

Lisa Leffel ’98

Jonathan Lorenzen ’11

Jeff Wilson

Wisconsin Lutheran College Magazine is published for and distributed free of charge to students, faculty, staff, alumni, and friends of the college.

All letters, news, corrections, and comments should be directed to WLC’s Office of Marketing & Communication, 8800 West Bluemound Road, Milwaukee, WI 53226, or publicaffairs@wlc.edu.

If you prefer to receive WLC Magazine electronically or need to update your address, please email friends@wlc.edu. To receive regular enews updates from the college, please share your email address at friends@wlc.edu.

ON THE COVER: Gathered on the college’s front steps are graduates from each decade since Wisconsin Lutheran College was founded in 1973. Pictured from left to right are Tim Johnson ’75 (associate of arts), owner/retired, Heritage Funeral Homes; Edie (Siemers) Turnbull ’85 (associate of arts), vice president of mission advancement, Kingdom Workers; Matt Krug ’95 (psychology), owner and psychologist, Midwest Institute of Performance and owner, Eagle Springs Golf Resort; Mark Otto ’06 (education, broad field social studies, and political science), associate principal, Sussex Hamilton High School; Lachrisa Grandberry ’14 (communication and theatre), freelance performer, playwright, lyricist, and composer. On the top step is December graduate Grace Weide ’22 (anthropology and art).

Friends of WLC,

Five decades! Our campus family celebrated five decades of blessings as we ushered in 2023!

When I attend inaugurations of presidents at other colleges and universities across the state of Wisconsin, the presidents in attendance march in based on the age of their institutions – from oldest to newest. Needless to say, I am always at the end, as WLC is the youngest institution of higher education in the state. In such moments, I am reminded of our college’s youth – but we are just getting going!

As we celebrated the 50th anniversary of our founding on January 31, we paused to take stock of God’s goodness through the decades. I can confidently note that the heroes of faith who started WLC in 1973 would never have dreamed that WLC would become what we are in 50 short and quick years, and the blessings keep coming in waves.

As we concluded our fifth decade, God brought us the largest freshman class ever and our largest overall undergraduate enrollment! Our faculty heroically serves our students as we offer a first-class educational experience with Jesus in the middle of it all – God is so good!

As you page through our magazine, please pause and thank the Lord for God’s grace on this place. It’s an exceptional Christian college because of God’s amazing grace!

Thank you for your partnership and friendship. We need you all today more than ever!

Blessings in Christ,

Dr. Daniel W. Johnson President, Wisconsin Lutheran College

Pictured are WLC’s three full-time presidents presiding over commencement through the years – from left to right are Dr. Gary J. Greenfield (1975-2003), Dr. Timothy J. Kriewall (2003-2008), and Dr. Daniel W. Johnson (2008 to present).

Deuteronomy

“Know therefore that the LORD your God is God; he is the faithful God, keeping his covenant of love to a thousand generations of those who love him and keep his commandments.”

7:9 (NIV)

Celebrating 50 Years of God’s Grace

Founded in Prayer and Confidence in God

We recently spoke with Victor Manian, retired chief judge of the Milwaukee County Circuit Courts, who drew up the articles of incorporation for WLC and served on the first Board of Regents. Manian shared his memories of the college’s founding 50 years ago and thoughts about WLC today.

– Lisa Leffel ’98, director of alumni relations

50th Anniversary Celebrations

Victor Manian

“We started with prayer and put our confidence in God,” began Manian as he reflected on the founding of Wisconsin Lutheran College.

In 1969, a group of nine men met at the home of Carroll Dummann, a businessman and active layman who wanted to create a new college. “Although there were very good colleges for students to consider, they were either not Christian, or they were for students who wanted to become pastors or teachers. We wanted to establish a Wisconsin Synod Lutheran college for lay people,” shared Manian. These nine men were not alone. A survey showed 158 congregations supported starting such a college. After three years of discussion and establishing the curriculum, WLC was incorporated in July 1972.

OPEN HOUSE: A campuswide event in September saw hundreds of alumni, friends, students, parents, faculty, and staff gathered at WLC. The day began with a worship service in the Schwan Concert Hall with a sermon from Rev. Mark Jeske, who served on the Board of Regents during the fledgling years of the college – a time when students and faculty were few but faithful, and finances were tenuous at best. The ensuing decades of incredible growth and blossoming opportunities were undoubtedly the hand of God at work in the college’s mission.

Highlights of the Open House included a special Afternoon Tea hosted by retired faculty members (pictured), tours of classrooms and labs, meet-and-greets, historical displays, family activities, food, and fellowship. The celebration was capped off with a Warriors football game at Raabe Stadium.

Rev. Jonathan H. Mahnke installs the first Board of Regents on January 31, 1973.

50th Anniversary Celebrations

FOUNDERS’ DAY: On the occasion of the 50th anniversary of its founding, WLC held a special chapel service in the Schwan Concert Hall on January 31, 2023, led by Rev. Nathan Wordell, campus pastor, and WELS Southeastern Wisconsin District president Rev. Daniel Leyrer. Student musicians and alumnus Kevin Becker ’06 provided the accompaniment. On January 31, 1973, Rev. Arnold H. Schroeder addressed Wisconsin Lutheran College’s founders with a devotion based on Psalm 127. That same Psalm formed the basis for the anniversary chapel service.

After chapel, the college held a public proclamation ceremony. In addition to several guest speakers (pictured below), WLC’s provost, Dr. John D. Kolander, read proclamations from the Milwaukee Common Council and the State of Wisconsin.

We thank all of you for your support over the past half century. Without you, we couldn’t have fulfilled our mission of preparing thousands of students for lives of Christian leadership!

“Students were seeking a Christian liberal arts education,” noted Manian. WLC started as a two-year institution on September 4, 1973, with 23 full-time and 14 part-time students, as well as eight students enrolled in an income tax course. Without a teaching facility, classes were taught after 4 p.m. at Wisconsin Lutheran High School (WLHS), when its classes for the day had ended. There were no full-time faculty, and Rev. Robert Krause served as the provisional president of the college while maintaining his duties as the high school’s principal.

Funding for this infant college came from 28 congregations and individuals who wanted to see the college succeed. Soon it was time for the college’s first major purchase, a Tudor-style home across the street from WLHS to serve as a student life center and residence for students. With no collateral, four members of the Board of Regents signed personal guarantees so the college could receive an $85,000 loan

In May 1974, Kathleen Reece became the first graduate of Wisconsin Lutheran College. A year later, Dr. Gary J. Greenfield was called to become WLC’s first full-

time president and its first full-time employee. With classes still held at WLHS, the next step was to acquire a campus of its own. In 1977, the order of nuns that had established a girls’ home called the House of Good Shepherd, where the current campus sits, put its property up for sale. Manian said: “I think the location was very important. It was near the high school. It was in a popular area of the community. The freeway was nearby. There was room for expansion.” On July 31, 1977, Wisconsin Lutheran College purchased the property for $750,000.

WLC’s campus has expanded greatly over the years, from one main administration building (now named the Gary J. Greenfield Administration Building) to a sprawling property with the Marvin M. Schwan Library (1988), Recreation Complex (1992), Center for Arts and Performance (1996), Campus Center (1998), Stimac and Fischer Halls (2000), Aspire Hall (2014), and Parking Center (2016), in addition to the land purchase and development of the Outdoor Athletic Complex (2005) and construction of the Outdoor Athletic Center (2011). Manian said: “It turned out to be a very wonderful investment. We can all see how WLC has developed after all these years.”

Kathleen Reece ’74

1973 Student Life Center and Residence

1977 House of Good Shepherd

Much of the 1980s was spent working toward accreditation to become a baccalaureate degreegranting institution. In 1987, WLC graduated 12 students with its first four-year degrees. “When we started, we had hoped to develop into a fouryear college. Seeing WLC today, and how it has expanded, it was what we hoped it would become. Wisconsin Lutheran College has developed an excellent reputation,” added Manian.

WLC has always been lay-driven. From its foundation to today, WLC not only is led by Christian servant leaders, but is preparing the next generation. “God has guided the college over the years and he has accomplished what we prayed for all those years ago,” said Manian. Dr. Timothy J. Kriewall was inaugurated as the second president soon after Greenfield’s retirement in 2003 and served the college for five years. Dr. Daniel W. Johnson was called as the college’s third president in 2008 and continues to serve WLC today.

From its humble beginnings, WLC was focused on servant leadership.

“The founders felt it was important to prepare Christian servant leaders. It was about our graduates doing things that are pleasing to God, helping fellow human beings,” noted Manian. Installed on the Quad in 2003 as a retirement gift for President Greenfield, the Divine Servant sculpture by Max Greiner Jr. of Jesus washing the feet of Peter serves as a daily reminder of the college’s mission and purpose since its founding. WLC exists to prepare Christian servant leaders for the world.

Today, WLC is an independent, residential, nationally ranked Christian college that serves nearly 1,100 undergraduate and graduate students. The college is committed to providing quality teaching, scholarship, and service that are rooted in Holy Scripture and promoting the spiritual growth of students, faculty, and staff.

Manian concluded: “We started with prayer. We put our faith in the Lord that he would guide us in starting this college … and as it turned out, it turned out.”

“God sent every resource that we truly needed. He sent eager students, amazing faculty, great leadership, and donors whose hearts were awakened. That didn’t just happen. God sent those people. Only God could have the vision to see how big this little ‘mustard seed’ was going to grow, and how many lives it would change.”

1987 First Four-Year Degree Graduates 1992 Recreation Complex Construction

– Rev. Mark Jeske

NICOLE TESSMER (B.A., English and Communication) celebrated with faculty members after the commencement ceremony.

Warriors Men’s Soccer teammates JASON CANO (B.A., Marketing) and JOSEPH RAASCH (B.S., Neuroscience and Biology) graduated together in December.

EMERALD COLLIER M.A., Leadership and Innovation Milwaukee, Wisconsin

ALENA GOBA B.S., Psychology Mukwonago, Wisconsin

Faculty and Student News

In November, Joshua Johnson ’13 gave the keynote at the WELS Arizona/California Teachers’ Conference at Reformation Lutheran in San Diego. The presentation was titled “Education 4.0: The Rise of the Machines” and focused on intentionally learning with technology within education to develop 21stcentury skills and digital literacy for both students and teachers. Johnson is an assistant professor of education and director of academic technology at WLC.

In January, Dr. Marty Miller ’94, assistant professor of education, presented “A Catholicon for Teacher Preparation: A Year-Long Residency Program” at the Lilly Conference in San Diego. Findings from Miller’s research, when nestled with other scholarly research, suggest that undergraduate teacher residency programs hold promise. WLC offers education students this year-long teacher residency option.

Senior Molly Hilgendorf presented at the Illinois Mosquito and Vector Control Association 68th annual meeting in November. The only undergraduate speaker, Molly shared the research she has been doing with the Midwest Center of Excellence for Vector-Borne Disease, called the Urban Drip Project.

WLC’s Academic Co-Curricular Committee sponsored two off-campus trips for students this winter.

• In December, the English department invited retired professor Rev. Dr. Charles Cortright to give a talk on J.R.R. Tolkien. Students, faculty, and staff then visited an exhibition titled “J.R.R. Tolkien: The Art of the Manuscript” at Marquette University’s Haggerty Museum of Art.

• In February, a group of students (pictured below) traveled downtown to see Shakespeare’s Much Ado About Nothing at the Milwaukee Repertory Theater. Dr. Amy Hermanson, associate professor of English, and Jay Sierszyn, associate professor of theatre, accompanied the students.

LAUNCHING

a new major

WLC has launched a fermentation science major that leverages existing science programs such as biology, chemistry, and biochemistry. This program will offer experiential training in fermentation and microbiology to ensure food and beverage safety and quality, consistency in the outcomes of the fermentation process, and applied learning in multiple industries.

“Fermentation science is a growing field because of the potential benefits it can provide in diverse industries including bioenergy, biotechnology, food and beverage production, and pharmaceuticals,” said Dr. Jarrod Erbe, dean of the College of Arts and Sciences.

This multidisciplinary field of study will focus on the metabolic processes and methods involved in fermentation. The processes in food and beverage production have been studied for centuries but these same processes, under different conditions, are now being used in additional industries.

Dr. John Werner, associate professor of biology, said: “Courses examining fermented foods and beverages concentrate on the science of fermentation, but also relate to the storied history of these industries within our geographical region. Distilled products, biofuel, and bioprocessing courses look to the future of this technology and the increased application of fermentation science.”

The traditional WLC Christmas celebration took place before students left campus for semester break. The event included hors d’oeuvres and music ensemble performances in the Warrior Underground, a candlelight service in the chapel, and a special dinner for students.

CELEBRATING THE SEASON

The WLC Concert Band, under the direction of Prof. Daniel Hubert, performed a Christmas concert December 9 with seasonal pieces ranging from Stille Nacht to Sleigh Ride.

“The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us.”

– John 1:14a (NIV)

The Wisconsin Lutheran Choir and Chamber Choir, under the direction of Dr. James Nowack, performed its Christmas Festival Concert, titled “The Word was made Flesh,” December 2-4.

THE FRESHMAN EXPERIENCE

Wisconsin Lutheran College had a record-breaking fall term. For the 2022-2023 academic year, WLC enrolled 309 firstyear students, the college’s highest-ever freshman enrollment, which has resulted in a record number of students living on campus.

The college also set a record for undergraduate enrollment, with a total of 982 students. Seventy percent of WLC's undergrads live on campus, and 99.7% were awarded financial aid. For the first time at WLC, more men (54.4%) than women (45.6%) are enrolled.

Thirty-seven percent of first-year Warriors are first-generation college students, and nearly 27% are students of color. The average unweighted high school GPA for the class of 2026 was 3.52. Freshmen came to WLC from 24 states plus China, Spain, and the U.S. Virgin Islands; two-thirds are from Wisconsin.

WLC CLASS OF 2026

states they're from

TURN THE PAGE TO MEET EIGHT MEMBERS OF WLC’S CLASS OF 2026 AND LEARN MORE ABOUT THEIR FRESHMAN-YEAR EXPERIENCES.

HOLT (DAVID) CHAVEZ

Hometown: Dallas, TX

High School: Bishop Lynch High School

Intended Majors: Secondary Education and Communication

Career Aspirations: High School Math Teacher and Football Coach

HOW DID YOU HEAR ABOUT WLC? Coaches reached out through Twitter to recruit me for football. My admissions counselor, Alex Schumacher ’19, made the application process very easy.

WHY WLC? I chose WLC because of the authentic feel of the school. During my highly personalized visit, I could tell this was a place where I could grow my faith and education at the same time.

FAVORITE COLLEGE EXPERIENCE SO FAR?

During the Homecoming game our offense scored late in the fourth quarter and our defense made two huge stops to win the game. It was awesome celebrating with the team as fireworks went off in the background.

ACTIVITIES AT WLC? Apart from football, I’m also a member of the Ambassador Club. I really enjoy sharing my favorite spaces on campus with future students.

KATELYN FABER

Hometown: Delray Beach, FL

High School: Luther Preparatory School

Intended Major: Marketing, with a Minor in Theatre

Career Aspiration: Sales for a Theatre Company

WHY WLC? I wanted to have a Christian education for college and stay with my friends from high school. WLC has it all!

FAVORITE COLLEGE EXPERIENCE SO FAR?

I performed in our fall play, Ah, Wilderness! I met so many people and have a newfound family within the theatre community here. I love being a part of this college!

SARAH FREDERICK

Hometown: Lake Geneva, WI

High School: Big Foot High School

Intended Majors: Psychology and Theology

HOW DID YOU HEAR ABOUT WLC? I heard about WLC through a family friend, Laura Reinke, who has taught at WLC for many years.

FAVORITE COLLEGE EXPERIENCE SO FAR? I loved high school and was nervous about not having as good of an experience in college. I didn’t need to worry – WLC has been an amazing place, full of great people and opportunities. It has far exceeded my expectations.

ACTIVITIES AT WLC? I’ve met my best friends and I’m making life-long memories with them. Together we have participated in PHAT Tuesday, weekly yoga, intramural volleyball, going to sports events, and attending events like painting and bowling that are put on by Student Programming.

JOSE ARGUETA

Hometown: Waukegan, IL

High School: Shoreland Lutheran High School

Intended Major: Sport and Exercise Science

Career Aspiration: Physical Therapist

WHY WLC? I chose WLC because of the Christian atmosphere it is known to foster, as well as the sport and exercise science program.

FAVORITE COLLEGE EXPERIENCE SO FAR? I enjoyed decorating for Trick or Treat in the Halls. It was where my floormates got to know each other better by working together and having a good time.

ACTIVITIES AT WLC? I have enjoyed supporting the men’s soccer team at games and working in the REX. I also attend Bible studies.

ANDY (YUAN) LIU

Hometown: Beijing, China

High School: Michigan Lutheran Seminary

Intended Major: Sport and Exercise Science

Career Aspirations: Physical Therapist

HOW DID YOU HEAR ABOUT WLC? I heard about WLC from retired WLC president Dr. Timothy Kriewall, who I met during my freshman year of high school.

WHY WLC? I wanted to come to a Christian school where my professors would get to know me personally, and I would be more than just a number. I chose WLC for the great residence halls, and the sport and exercise science major is very good.

FAVORITE COLLEGE EXPERIENCE SO FAR? There are some wonderful people at this school, and it is a completely new experience hanging out with my new friends. It is very refreshing compared to high school where I had the same couple of friends.

ACTIVITIES AT WLC? I am a member of the Warriors track & field team.

ANA PURCELL

Hometown: U.S. Virgin Islands

High School: Cedar International School

Intended Major: Biochemistry Career Aspiration: Orthodontist

HOW DID YOU HEAR ABOUT WLC? My family and I often travel to different states. I became fond of the Midwest and decided to focus my college search there; WLC was recommended to me.

FAVORITE COLLEGE EXPERIENCE SO FAR?

Interacting with other students who share a different perspective from me has encouraged me to be more open-minded.

ACTIVITIES AT WLC? I participate in commuter-related events and the Diverse Student Union Club.

EMILY MAROHN

Hometown: Reedsville, WI

High School: Manitowoc Lutheran High School

Intended Major: Still Deciding

HOW DID YOU HEAR ABOUT WLC? I have always known WLC existed and knew people who chose to attend WLC. I love the friendly atmosphere, which has been evident since the first time I visited campus.

WHY WLC? It offers a Christian education, which has always been important to me and my family. WLC has a lot of good academic programs for me to explore.

FAVORITE COLLEGE EXPERIENCE SO FAR? My favorite college experience thus far has been being a part of the WLC women’s volleyball team. My teammates are so kind, fun, and hardworking.

ACTIVITIES AT WLC? I have attended Monday Madness, Bingo Night, and PHAT Tuesdays, which have all been very fun.

RAY WOLLER

Hometown: Mount Horeb, WI

High School: Mount Horeb High School

Intended Major: Sports Management

Career Aspiration: Recreation Director or Athletic Director

HOW DID YOU HEAR ABOUT WLC? My older brother is a senior at WLC.

WHY WLC? I chose WLC because of how strongly faith-based it is and to run cross country and track. I love how it is smaller in size, but located in an area with many opportunities.

FAVORITE COLLEGE EXPERIENCE SO FAR? I had a great time at the roller-skating event with my teammates.

S

J TERM TRIPS Studying,

Competing, and Witnessing

tudent travel opportunities returned to pre-pandemic levels as we kicked-off 2023. During the three weeks between New Year’s Day and the start of spring semester – aka January Term, or J Term – students could enroll in a course on campus or as part of a study tour. Campus Ministry and Athletics also led trips as the year began. Here’s a recap of the trips that were available to WLC students this year.

MEN’S VOLLEYBALL

The Warriors opened their 2023 season by securing the first two victories in program history during a trip to New York State: a 3-2 win over Bard College in Annandale-On-Hudson and a 3-0 sweep of Russell Sage College in Albany.

THEOLOGY 291 FOOTSTEPS OF PAUL IN TURKEY

Rev. Dr. Joel Pless, professor of theology, led a two-week study tour of biblical Turkey. WLC students John Pless and Laura Kvidt displayed their Warriors’ pride at the site of biblical Derbe, where the apostle Paul preached the gospel and established a Christian congregation, as described in Acts 14. Also pictured is Rev. Dr. Glen Thompson, former professor of history at WLC.

CAMPUS MINISTRY

Six WLC students – along with students from Wisconsin Lutheran Seminary and members of Heritage Lutheran Church – did 10 days of neighborhood evangelism in Gilbert, Arizona, with Truth in Love Ministries. They shared the message that Jesus is enough for our salvation.

MARINE BIOLOGY 283 MARINE ECOLOGY

Twenty WLC students and seven Martin Luther College students studied marine ecology in Jamaica. The trip was led by assistant professor of biology Dr. Ethan Degner, assistant lecturer of biology Courtney Moll ’09, and Martin Luther College professor of theology Rev. Dr. Lawrence Olson.

MEN’S SOCCER

The Warriors traveled to England and Scotland to play three matches and explore all things “football” – including tours of famous stadiums and a visit to the National Football Museum. They also visited local sites such as Buckingham Palace, Tower Bridge, and Edinburgh Castle.

NURSING 347 GLOBAL HEALTH IMMERSION

Fifteen nursing students and three chaperones (assistant professor of nursing Dr. Stephanie Armstrong ’13, School of Nursing chair Dr. Sheryl Scott, and nursing program coordinator Amy Morin) traveled to Zambia for the first time since January 2020 to study the implementation of health care programs across the globe. Students observed medical practices and procedures in local clinics and hospitals, learned about diverse cultures, and conducted health education programs.

THEOLOGY 312 THEOLOGY OF CHRISTIAN WORSHIP

Students studying on campus got to take a trip with Rev. Michael Berg, assistant professor of theology. They took a self-guided audio tour of the beautiful Basilica of St. Josaphat in Milwaukee. St. Josaphat, which opened in 1901, was named the third basilica in the United States in 1929.

GALVAN GARNERS THIRD TEAM ALL-AMERICAN HONORS

Wisconsin Lutheran College junior goalkeeper Puma

Galvan was named a Third Team AllAmerican by the United Soccer Coaches. He is the first student-athlete in program history to receive All-American recognition.

“Not only is it amazing that Puma is an All-American, but he did it a season after suffering a catastrophic injury,” said 23rd-year head coach Joe Luedke “He’s a great team leader and does so many intangible things that you don’t receive awards for. Puma is an amazing goalkeeper and makes saves at such a high level by putting himself in great position.”

THREE WARRIORS NAMED ACADEMIC ALL-DISTRICT

WLC’s Jenna Charron (women’s volleyball), Kyle Kubacki (football), and Carter Schneider (football) were named 2022 Academic All-District recipients by the College Sports Communicators (formerly CoSIDA).

Charron, a senior marketing and management major from Appleton, Wisconsin, was selected First Team All-NACC for the third straight season. Starting all 19 matches played, she led the Warriors in kills per set (3.37) and points per set (3.82), and was second in digs per set (2.49). Charron recorded eight double-doubles and had 14 double-digit kill performances.

Kubacki, a junior sports management major from St. Francis, Wisconsin, was named Second Team All-NACC for the second straight season. Playing all 10 games, he tied for third on the team with 50 total tackles, including 31 solo and 19 assisted. Kubacki tied for a team-high nine tackles for loss, including a team-best seven sacks, which was also good for second in the Northern Athletics Collegiate Conference (NACC).

Schneider, a junior accounting major from Jefferson, Wisconsin, earned NACC Honorable Mention for the second consecutive year. He led WLC with six touchdown receptions in 10 games. Schneider averaged a team-high 15.8 yards per catch while hauling in 24 passes for 381 yards.

To be an Academic All-District honoree, student-athletes must be at least a sophomore at their institution and have spent at least one full year at that school, have a cumulative grade point average of 3.5 or above, and have played at least 50 percent of their team’s contests as a starter or important reserve.

Congrats to Chase Robles ’16 (leaning on the “T” in the photo) and his running teammates on winning the prestigious Hood to Coast Relay in 2022. The 198-mile relay race begins at Mount Hood and continues to the Oregon coast.

ESPORTS COMPLETES

INAUGURAL FALL SEASON

WLC’s Esports team wrapped up its inaugural fall 2022 season by qualifying for the November LAN tournament hosted by Carthage College.

WLC picked up the program’s first win during week three of the season with a 3-0 victory over UW-Milwaukee. The win sparked a streak of five straight triumphs that included victories over UW-Whitewater (twice), top-ranked Lakeland, and Edgewood.

The Warriors began the season ranked 11th in their division of the Wisconsin Collegiate Rocket League, but climbed as high as fourth by season’s end. The team played a total of 10

series, including two at the LAN tournament, finishing with a 5-5 record. They resumed play in February.

“I am very proud of our players for working so hard this fall,” said first-year head coach Austen Eppen ’20. “We were the underdogs this season, but were able to show that hard work and dedication proves results. I am very excited for the growth of our program and where it will take us.”

WARRIORS PLACE SIX ON ALL-REGION TEAMS

Peyton Hartman of men’s cross country earned All-North Region recognition from the U.S. Track & Field and Cross Country Coaches Association. Jason Cano (First Team) and Puma Galvan (First Team) of men’s soccer received All-Region VIII honors from the United Soccer Coaches, and Ty Castillo (Second Team), Trevion Green (Third Team), and Arnulfo Ortega (Third Team) of football garnered AllRegion accolades from D3football.com.

Hartman (pictured at left), a junior from Montgomery, Illinois, became the fourth AllRegion performer in program history after finishing 30th out of 214 competitors with a personal-best 8K time of 25:26.4 at the NCAA Division III North Regional. He posted three top-10 finishes in 2022 and recorded the fifth-fastest time in program history.

Cano, a senior from Delavan, Wisconsin, led the Warriors in goals (17), assists (9), points (43), shots (72), shots on goal (36), and game-winning goals (4). Starting all 18 games, Cano had four multi-goal matches, including a pair of hat tricks. He concluded his career as the program’s all-time leader in goals (59) and points (140), and is second in assists (22), shots (286), and shots on goal (139).

Galvan, a junior from Racine, Wisconsin, started nine of 17 games he played in net for WLC. He led the NACC in goals against average (.640) and save percentage (.875), which also ranks seventh in NCAA Division III. Galvan posted a 5-1-4 record while recording three shutouts and making 56 saves.

Castillo, a senior from San Antonio, Texas, led the Warriors with 104 total tackles, including a NACC-best 61 solo stops. He added nine tackles for loss, including 2.5 sacks, two fumble recoveries, and a pass break-up. He finished his career with a school and conference record 369 total tackles.

Green, a junior from Miami, Florida, led the Warriors with 560 receiving yards on 38 catches. He hauled in five touchdowns and averaged 14.7 yards per reception with a long of 59 yards.

Ortega, a sophomore from Laredo, Texas, finished second on the team in scoring with 51 points. He connected on seven of 10 field goal attempts with a long of 46 yards, made 30 of 31 extra point tries, and averaged 48.0 yards per kickoff with seven touchbacks.

Storytelling Through Theatre

By Jonathan Lorenzen ’11

If you see Prof. Jay Sierszyn and ask him how he’s doing, he will be the first to warn you, “I’m going to answer with a story.” Sierszyn, associate professor and director of theatre at WLC, will retire this summer after 21 years of service. Being a storyteller seems to be at the heart of his winding path into the theatre vocation: “When I’m asked what I do, I say that I ‘tell stories.’ That encompasses what I do in theatre.”

Throughout high school and into college, Sierszyn thought he was going to be a band director. He credits his high school music instructor, Dave Krubsack, with opening his eyes to becoming an educator: “Still to this day, I think he had the most influence on my going into the vocation of teaching. It was just who he was and what he did.”

In college, Sierszyn joined a traveling Christian pop music-theatre group called Joy Incorporated. The troupe toured the country in a converted school bus, performing concerts and children’s shows. “That was a time of really solidifying my faith. We would

do a daily Bible study, and it was, in a sense, a very public ministry.” The experience also guided him further along his teaching journey: “It made much more clear the vocational callings I felt in both music and theatre, as well as to teach.”

After graduation, Sierszyn taught English at an all-boys Catholic high school in Chicago. In addition to his teaching duties, he coached wrestling, started a speech program, and ran the after-school drama club.

Realizing that he was most in his element while leading the drama club, Sierszyn began applying for college teaching positions after earning a Master of Arts in Theatre from Northern Illinois University.

The shift toward a career in theatre education, however, would come while pursuing a music education degree at Concordia Teachers College (now Concordia University Chicago). He encountered a formidable roadblock, otherwise known as Music Theory II. “The Lord made me realize how music should maybe just be a minor. He showed me that I just wasn’t gifted that way.”

Sierszyn received an offer to start the theatre program at Waldorf College in Forest City, Iowa, where he served on the faculty for 13 years. During this time, he got involved in professional groups such as the Association for Theatre in Higher Education (ATHE). Sierszyn had a serendipitous meeting with Prof. Jan Nelson from WLC at an ATHE convention in New York City, which proved to be an important moment in his theatre career.

Several years later, and at a career crossroad, Sierszyn reached out to Nelson, who happened to be

The Tempest 2018

Prof. Jay Sierszyn 2022

looking for a theatre faculty member. After a series of campus visits and meetings, Sierszyn accepted the call to serve at WLC.

His first years at WLC were dedicated to teaching set design and lighting. Over time, faculty and program changes led to Sierszyn’s role becoming more comprehensive. These expanded opportunities allowed him to dive deeper into his vocational calling: “I’ve never not been a teacher. My mission is the teaching aspect of getting students to see why they do theatre, and having them come to an understanding that it’s not just about them performing.”

Sierszyn understands theatre to be the art of telling the human story. “You can’t have theatre without the subject matter being human life.” He helps students recognize that, when engaging with scripts and shows, characters will reflect real people, warts and all. “In plays, we are exploring what it means to be human, and that includes our sinful nature.”

Whether serving as director, designer, or producer, Sierszyn was intricately involved in almost every Raabe Theatre production throughout his 21-year WLC career. To him, a good show is one that connects students and audiences to something known,

while also exposing them to the unknown: “If it’s too cliché, and there’s nothing new and nothing different, then it’s a snooze. On the other hand, a story shouldn’t be told in such a way that people have no idea what’s going on. We need enough of what we recognize, and yet be told something new.”

When pressed for the favorite play from his WLC tenure, Sierszyn answered: “My favorite show is the next one. I feel I am called to be in the moment.”

Of course, Sierszyn wasn’t without a handful of highlights as seen from the director’s chair. The seasoned theatre professor remembered fondly Dead Man Walking, which he produced with an “ensemble” approach. “It was this very loose kind of thing. Most of the characters weren’t cast until about eight to ten days before we opened, and it drove the students nuts. I had them bring much of their own ‘self’ to the characters and do research on the subject matter.”

The Tempest was another favorite: “The cast was wonderful and so willing to explore things. We brought back alumni to be in the show and to compose the music.” Sierszyn’s memories kept flowing: “How to Succeed in Business was my first

big show at WLC. The unrehearsed Shakespeares and The Bending of the Bow – the ones I’m thinking of all came out of the ‘ensemble’ experience and were not as scripted. These shows had creativity that came from being in the moment, which made them totally unique.”

A number of his WLC theatre students have gone on to do professional theatre as actors, writers, technicians, and managers. Many more have found themselves serving their neighbor off the stage. “The way we do theatre very much fits the mission of WLC. We want to just as much celebrate someone whose vocational calling doesn’t end up being in theatre as we do our alumni in the field.”

Sierszyn’s WLC

swan song, Quilters, will premier in April. “In Quilters, we hear many of these little stories, or ‘patches,’ and just like a quilt, they become part of a larger thing that is passed on from generation to generation.” The great storyteller could not have picked a more perfect show at which to take his final bow.

Visit wlc.edu/theatre-productions for information about Quilters and an expanded version of this story.

“All of the backstage and shop work, the laughter from students coming out of rehearsal – that’s why I like doing this.”

- Prof. Jay Sierszyn

She Loves

“The LORD has done great things for us, and we are filled with joy.” – Psalm 126:3 (NIV)

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