Wisconsin Lutheran College Magazine by Wisconsin Lutheran College

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Measuring Growth Benchmarks Established Milestones Reached n Goals Realized n n

Fall 2009

fro m t h e p r e s i d e n t

Dear Friends,

hese are exciting times in which to serve as president of this precious gift from God that is Wisconsin Lutheran College. As I work with my colleagues here on campus and meet with some amazing guests and visitors who are verbally and financially supportive of the college, I can assure you of this: We are committed to focusing on our strategic priorities and related growth initiatives, and we believe that God can and will bless these priorities and plans for growth. To that end, we are embarking on a bold undertaking of tremendous importance, a comprehensive campaign: The Vision to Lead – the Campaign for Wisconsin Lutheran College. This campaign’s focal point is on God, his words and directives for his people’s lives, and our commitment to follow his lead. We believe we are one of the best colleges in the world, but more specifically, the best college for the world. We’re producing well-educated and superbly prepared Christian leaders for the good of our churches, our communities, and our world. The time to produce more is now. The Vision to Lead campaign will allow us to advance critical imperatives from our college’s strategic plan to which we are committed: academic enhancements, student financial assistance, and endowment and annual funds.

“Truly, these are exciting times, and we embrace this incredible opportunity God has given us to advance our mission, to thrive and grow, and to broaden and extend our impact and our capacity to positively influence this world.”

In these upcoming months, and in the next issue of this magazine, we’ll share detailed descriptions of this campaign. Truly, these are exciting times, and we embrace this incredible opportunity God has given us to advance our mission, to thrive and grow, and to broaden and extend our impact and our capacity to positively influence this world. During Wisconsin Lutheran College’s 37-year history, there have been individuals who have stepped up at significant moments, and there have been individual moments that have served as significant crossroads in the life of this institution. This is one of those moments, and we encourage you to come forward and join us in this unprecedented undertaking. May the Lord move you to join The Vision to Lead – the Campaign for Wisconsin Lutheran College. I’m confident in its success, certain of its impact, and grateful for the generosity I know our friends and loyal supporters will show. In His Service,

President

If you would like to receive regular e-news updates from our institutional advancement office, and also help us maintain accurate contact information, please share your e-mail address at friendsofwlc@wlc.edu.

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table o f contents

Jeremiah 29:11

“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” MISSION STATEMENT

Wisconsin Lutheran College Magazine

Wisconsin Lutheran College, affiliated with the Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod (WELS), 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

Features

8 Recruiting students raised on social media How WLC is reaching out to future students By Melanie Buellesbach

10 Enrollment soars in business courses International business options added By Vicki Hartig

Vicki Hartig Editor and writer

Melanie Gohde Buellesbach

12 Uncovering strengths

Contributing writers

New program will develop servant leadership By Eva McGillivray

Vicki Hartig Eva McGillivray Photography

Melanie Gohde Buellesbach Eva McGillivray Design

Departments 2

From the President

4 On Campus

Jennifer Rueth 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 Wisconsin Lutheran College celebrated its 10th season of intercollegiate football this season. At the Homecoming game on October 3, the Warriors defeated Concordia University Chicago 27-16 at Raabe Stadium. Photo by Eva McGillivray

Vol. 22, No. 1

13 Student Achievements 14

Faculty and Staff

Fine Arts

18 Athletics 20 Alumni Relations 22 Institutional Advancement PRESIDENT Dr. Daniel W. Johnson Bethlehem, Menomonee Falls, Wisconsin BOARD OF REGENTS 2009-10 Gary Drska St. Paul, Muskego, Wisconsin Ryan Barbieri Christ, Pewaukee, Wisconsin Dr. Gerald Fischer Grace, Falls Church, Virginia James Fischer Christ, Pewaukee, Wisconsin Rev. Kenneth Fisher Risen Savior, Milwaukee, Wisconsin Ned Goede Atonement, Milwaukee, Wisconsin Rev. Jeff Gunn CrossWalk, Phoenix, Arizona Rev. Mark Henrich Atonement, Milwaukee, Wisconsin Rev. Dennis Himm Gloria Dei, Grand Blanc, Michigan Charles Kluenker St. Mark, Citrus Heights, California Philip Leyrer St. John, New Ulm, Minnesota

Scott Mayer Grace, Milwaukee, Wisconsin David McCulloch Prince of Peace, Traverse City, Michigan Kent Raabe Christ the Lord, Brookfield, Wisconsin Paul Rosenow Christ the Vine, Temecula, California C. Daniel Stefferud Gethsemane, Los Angeles, California Rev. Paul Steinberg St. Marcus, Milwaukee, Wisconsin Gary Stimac Abiding Word, Houston, Texas William Treffert Christ, Pewaukee, Wisconsin W. Andrew Unkefer CrossWalk, Phoenix, Arizona Daryl Weber Bethlehem, Menomonee Falls, Wisconsin Mark Wrightsman Christ, North St. Paul, Minnesota George Zaferos St. Luke’s Watertown, Wisconsin

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Ten seasons of

Warriors Football

Victorious at Homecoming

isconsin Lutheran College is celebrating its 10th season of intercollegiate football…time flies when you’re having fun! The Warriors’ first-ever game was a 14-0 victory at Rockford on September 2, 2000, and since then, the program has doubled its roster to 85 players. After playing its “home” games at various locations throughout the area during the first four seasons, WLC opened Raabe Stadium in the fall of 2004, one of the finest venues of its kind in the Midwest.

Five members of the first WLC football team joined the current captains on the field for the coin toss at this year’s Homecoming contest to celebrate 10 seasons of Warriors football. From left to right, they are Andy Rennicke ’04, Dave Hahm ’02, Jason Konopka ’01, Aaron Biebert ’04, and Ryan Randall ’03.

he Wisconsin Lutheran College football team marched on to a 27-16 Homecoming win over Concordia University Chicago on Saturday, October 3 at Raabe Stadium. Wide receiver Dominique Johnson (pictured) hauled in three touchdowns in the second quarter, and then he and other Warriors signed autographs for young Warriors fans following the game. The Wisconsin Lutheran defense forced six turnovers led by junior defensive end Kaylan Gaines, who recorded 3.5 of WLC’s eight sacks and forced two fumbles. The win was WLC’s third straight Homecoming victory.

Start of a new year

s WLC began its 37th school year, the college has been blessed with a record number of students: 784. Before freshmen moved in, the 40 student and staff members of Residence Life took a break from preparations to visit the Johnson home, as President Johnson and his wife, Jana, hosted a “welcome back” dinner. Freshmen moved in on August 28, a day

Move-in day for Wisconsin Lutheran College freshmen was August 28.

Students Jennifer Hammond, Katie Sloan, Kayli Giertych, and Jessica Riege enjoyed dinner at the home of President Johnson and his family in August.

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interrupted by a few rain showers. But plenty of faculty, staff, and students were eager to get the new students out of the rain and into their new homes. Read more about this year’s record enrollment beginning on page 8.

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Creating POIEMA

he new Academic Success Center provides services to enhance students’ learning and academic success. The Career Development Center organizes internship opportunities for students and helps them explore academic majors and graduate school options. Together these areas are now known as Poiema, which is defined as “workmanship; that which has been made.” Poiema is about helping students fully realize and understand how they are God’s workmanship and that they are being prepared to be Christian leaders.

Director of career and field services Thad Jahns (right) and professor Rhoda Wolle (left), who serves as director of the new Academic Success Center, now have offices in the Marvin M. Schwan Library.

Patient simulators arrive in new nursing lab

his fall, a cohort of 14 nursing students officially began its journey toward receiving WLC’s first Bachelor of Science in Nursing degrees in May 2012. With the donation of two hospital beds from local healthcare facilities and a grant from an anonymous donor, development of a nursing lab is under way. The lab, which will be housed in the lower level of the Science Hall, will give nursing students valuable hands-on experience. Five moderate-fidelity human patient simulators recently arrived. These computerized simulators allow students to take vital signs, hear heart and lung sounds, care for wounds, and set up IVs. Via remote control, instructors can change the “patient’s” condition to see how students respond.

Freshmen James Schmidt and Sarah Safranski help director of nursing Rebekah Carey unpack new human patient simulators. These will be a vital part of nursing education once the nursing lab is ready in January 2010.

“These simulators are generations beyond CPR mannequins,” said director of nursing Rebekah Carey. “They offer valuable experience in a state-of-the-art lab, and will help our students tremendously when they begin conducting their hands-on clinicals in the fall of 2010.”

Board, faculty & staff recognition

he college’s Board of Regents, chaired by Gary Drska (pictured), met in September, at which time four new members joined the board. They are Ryan Barbieri, Christ Lutheran Church, Pewaukee, Wisconsin; Rev. Jeff Gunn, CrossWalk Lutheran Church, Phoenix; Dan Stefferud, Gethsemane Lutheran Church, Los Angeles; and Andrew Unkefer, CrossWalk Lutheran Church, Phoenix. Board members who have recently retired after serving two terms also were thanked and recognized. They are Bill Felsing, Phil Hoyer, John Pahmeier, and Jim Reinert.

During the Board of Regents weekend, the following faculty and staff members were honored for their years of service. Five years: Dr. Erik Ankerberg, Dr. Robert Balza Jr., Prof. Paul

Burmeister, Dr. Stacy Hoehl, Klay Knueppel, Dr. John Kolander, Lisa Leffel, John Meyer, Dave Ross, Dr. David Schulz. Ten years: Dr. Jarrod Erbe, Mike Fossum, Joe Hennen, Diane

Hoehnke, Kris Metzger, Jeff Nagel, Prof. Terry Treuden. Fifteen years: Dr. James Nowack, Dr. Leanne Olson, Steve Travis. Twenty years: Prof. Deborrah Uecker. Twenty-five years: Dr. Mel Friske. Wisconsin Lutheran College | 5

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Mayoral visit

n July 29, President Daniel Johnson hosted a lunch meeting for Milwaukee Mayor Tom Barrett, Milwaukee Common Council President Willie Hines Jr. (left), and 10th District Alderman Michael Murphy. The group toured WLC’s campus and learned more about the college’s significant involvement in urban schools through the Center for Urban Teaching, Pathways to College, and other outreach programs.

Novelist Dr. Paul Maier speaks on campus

Financial Planner to address women

ark your calendar for the next Christian Women’s Leadership Circle Butterfly Brunch, to be held Saturday, March 6, 2010, at Wisconsin Lutheran College. Lori Watt, owner and president of Investors Advisory Group, will be the keynote speaker. Watt, a certified financial planner, also is a co-author of Larstan’s The Black Book on Personal Finance. Visit wlc.edu/cwlc for information and registration, or call (414) 443-8823. Proceeds from the Butterfly Brunch benefit the Sharon A. Schoeneck Christian Women’s Leadership Scholarship.

Yearning to travel?

n September 16, historical novelist Dr. Paul Maier spoke at Wisconsin Lutheran College about his book A Skeleton in God’s Closet, which was the college’s freshman “summer read” selection this year. Dr. Maier is the Russell H. Seibert Professor of Ancient History at Western Michigan University. Maier, a prolific author and recognized authority on early Christianity and archaeology, discussed the development of his writing career. An engaging speaker, he answered questions on such topics as Pontius Pilate, the Great Fire of Rome, and science and religion. Maier also addressed the Milwaukee Area Biblical Archaeology Society on the WLC campus on September 15. 6 | wlc.edu

ssistant professor of German Sibylle Krause and her husband, Pastor Richard Krause, invite you to join them for a tour of Spain March 5-14, 2010. Stops include Madrid, Granada, Gibralter, and Seville. For more information, visit tempotravelservice.com/ Spain2010.htm or call (414) 774-1080. n n n

r. Martin Moldenhauer and Dr. Erik Ankerberg, associate professors of English, are planning a trip to England May 31 through June 16, 2010. As part of the trip, students from WLC will receive three credits for ENG 325 British Romanticism. The cost is approximately $2,900 and covers all lodging, airfare, and credits. The professors previously have taught classes in England, taking student groups in 2006 and 2008. If you are interested, e-mail martin.moldenhauer@wlc.edu.

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A younger crowd experiences the campus Artist Reginald Baylor speaks with 6th graders

Concert for kids

t the second Pathways to College summer program, a two-week event full of art, science, robotics, and field trips, artist Reginald Baylor spoke to 6th-grade students about his paintings. He also discussed what inspires him, then did a slideshow of works by other artists he admires. Baylor’s works were on exhibit in the college’s Schlueter Art Gallery during the summer.

Middle-school students join Heroes for Health

uring the summer, the campus hosted a one-week Heroes for Health nursing camp. At the second-annual nursing camp, middle-school students from the area learned about the challenges and rewards of being a nurse while receiving hands-on training in first-aid and CPR and visiting area healthcare facilities.

ollege-age students aren’t the only ones who use the WLC facilities. Schooltime Theatre Productions regularly bring the younger set to campus, and on September 18, as part of an Early Childhood Conference, 500 younger-thancollege-age students invaded the Recreation Complex. Jim Gill performed an entertaining, foot-stomping concert that afternoon for the 4, 5, and 6-year-old crowd in the Recreation Complex. Wisconsin Lutheran College | 7

E nrol lm e n t

Recruiting students raised on social media

How Wisconsin Lutheran College is reaching out to future students By Melanie Buellesbach

uring a year that has been economically challenging for many institutions, Wisconsin Lutheran College has been blessed with a record number of students enrolled on campus. For the 2009-2010 school year, 784 students are enrolled at the college, up from 753 in 20082009 and 708 in 2007-2008. Many factors were involved, including the college becoming more transfer friendly, removing obstacles that formerly were difficult to overcome. Six new marketdriven majors were announced, in addition to the recently created nursing major. There also is an increased focus on recruiting international students via the Center for International Education. Memb

ers of the admissions tea m took a moment for a “All these positives add up to a record enrollment,” said photo during a busy Fall Day in October. Front row Visit (left to right): Naomi Tief el, Amy Balza, Meg Wieselm Jeff Weber, executive director of enrollment services. “As Back row: Elyse Ziesemer, ann. Paul Eggers, Craig Swiont ek, Joe Hennen, and Suz anne Otto. we string better-than-average classes together, they will enable us to They check colleges out on the approach 1,000 Internet and then decide which students. That Nationally ranked forums d an es sit ng iti ru schools they want to pursue, rec llege enrollment number will espite all the online co ge lle co al nu an to rather than waiting for they still look bring about a new level available to students, nsistent co a so , ge lle co information to arrive from a g en choosin of efficiencies and ll rankings as a factor wh ro en ge lle Co n era prospective colleges. challenges.” help Wisconsin Luth national ranking can s & World ew S.N U. ar, ye ive ut eighth consec With that in mind, most But one big factor is that top students. For the Colleges, listing it st Be s ca’ eri Am of e as on colleges, including WLC, WLC has changed the 10. Report ranked WLC ools nationally for 20 sch s art l era lib of understand the need to keep rs way it recruits and in the top three tie gs of America’s kin ran 09 20 its sed ea m rel fresh, exciting content on their markets its brand to high In addition, Forbes.co the Center for College d an es rb Fo by d ile Web sites and make sure they school students – raised Best Colleges, comp sin Lutheran on isc W . P) CA (C ity uctiv are well-represented on in the Facebook era – Affordability and Prod ls. Forbes.com released oo sch 0 60 of 8 12 er Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, over the past few years. College ranked numb st Value Be 0 20 s be or /F AP ar, the CC and college recruiting sites n a new ranking this ye st. Wisconsin Luthera co to ty ali qu l oo such as Zinch.com. sch Finding the secret Colleges, comparing lleges in the Co lue Va st Be g on shoppers er 18 am To that end, WLC launched a College ranked numb 4 nationally. 12 er mb Getting to 1,000 students nu d an est new, interactive admissions Midw poses a challenge for the Web site in July 2009, admissions staff in beawlcwarrior.com. The launch coincided with a particular, as the college admissions marketing landscape has redesign of printed admissions pieces, such as the viewbook. The changed a lot in recent years. With the social media explosion, look of the printed pieces was driven by the look of the Web site, today’s current college prospects have become secret shoppers. for a cohesive brand and identity.

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enrollment

Experience WLC online College news wlc.edu Admissions Athletics Blogs Twitter

beawlcwarrior.com wlcsports.com wlc.edu/blogs twitter.com/insidewlc twitter.com/wlcsports twitter.com/wlctheatre twitter.com/wlcweb

sconsinlutheran facebook.com/wlcsports wisconsinlutheran YouTube youtube.com/ youtube.com/wlcsports

/wi Facebook facebook.com

Admissions director Craig Swiontek said, “We’ve gotten fantastic feedback from our new ‘Be a WLC Warrior’ branding. Prospective students love the fun interaction on the admissions site, and we can’t keep the new viewbooks on the table at college fairs. They’re pretty popular with prospective students and other college reps.”

“As an admissions counselor I really strive to communicate with students how they prefer to be communicated with. For me this means chatting online, creating a Facebook page for admitted students, and even posting videos of what goes on around campus on YouTube,” said Naomi Tiefel, admissions counselor.

Moving away from print Printed literature is still a necessary complement to the college’s online presence, but it is no longer the primary driver for spreading the word about what WLC has to offer, therefore the number of pieces printed and mailed has been streamlined.

“We need to be seen by the students in as many online places as possible, whether it be Facebook, Twitter, or even new recruitment tools like Zinch.com,” Tiefel noted. “Our admissions staff members really make an effort to stay current and make sure students are getting the necessary information the way they prefer.” By keeping up with social media and technology, and continually adapting the recruiting process to match prospective students’ needs and wants, WLC is looking forward to having 1,000 Christian leaders enrolled at the college.

“Implementing an online tool called Informz has enabled the admissions office to send personalized, targeted e-mails to our prospective students,” said Amy Balza of the admissions team. “From sending event invitations to replacing entire pieces in our paper communication flow, Informz has allowed admissions to communicate more effectively and save on the costs of mailing printed pieces.”

Changing the mindset The admissions staff has had to adapt and move away from a “college fair and brochure mailing” mindset, to be able to reach today’s students. Blogs by students, videos of classes, and Tweets about upcoming events give a much more personal, real-time look at WLC for prospective students. Wisconsin Lutheran College | 9

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Enrollment soars in business courses by Vicki Hartig

here’s been rapid growth in both interest and enrollment in Wisconsin Lutheran College’s business administration major. The 242 students enrolled in business courses during the fall of 2008 transformed into 351 students during the fall of 2009. Why? One reason could be the economically challenging times and the tendency for students – with advice from their parents – to gravitate toward majors with a more practical bend than others. Another reason is likely the continuing depth and strength of the business faculty. A third cause for increasing interest in a business major at WLC is growing recognition that international connectedness and a genuine global platform upon which students can plan to incorporate internship and study abroad opportunities is a central component of the Wisconsin Lutheran program.

created, led, and sold companies with notable results. Currently he is mentoring several local start up businesses through the BizStarts Milwaukee program. Eppen, whose MBA from the University of Chicago is in International Marketing with an emphasis in business law, also has traveled and conducted business in more than 30 countries around the world including Asia, the Middle East, Europe, Latin America, and Canada. He has managed international operations for large United States corporations, including Johnson Diversey. Stelzer brings six years of solid corporate experience. She held a position with a major mutual fund company where she managed portfolios and was involved with foreign markets, profit analysis, and arbitrage. And Dr. Brian Jacobsen, an attorney and a financial planner with Wells Fargo, also serves as an associate professor for Wisconsin Lutheran’s business faculty, further complementing the core faculty. “Our business faculty all bring personal and professional experiences that provide a solid foundation for the program,” said Provost John Kolander, in explaining the rise in enrollment. “More importantly, these business majors will be Christian leaders in their communities.” “The international business emphasis has developed into a natural and real strength of this major,” added Professor Deborrah Uecker, communication/business department chair. “Dr. Reina started that emphasis nine years ago, and now Professors Eastman and Eppen have only added to that vision. These faculty members are preparing our students to be highly competitive in today’s global business world.”

Students majoring in business are the recipients of both corporate and international experience and personal anecdotes from business faculty (l to r) Dr. Michelle Reina, Prof. Peter Eppen, part-time instructor Heather Stelzer, and Prof. Dan Eastman.

Solid corporate and international connections Dr. Michelle Reina, Professor Daniel J. Eastman, Professor Peter Eppen, and part-time instructor Heather Stelzer make up the business faculty. Reina, in her 10th year at WLC, brings significant international and corporate finance, and management experience. She holds a Master’s of International Business Administration and a Ph.D. in Organization and Management. She has lived and worked in Mexico City, Mexico; Vicenza, Italy; Nairobi, Kenya; and Bogota, Colombia; and traveled to 28 different countries. Eastman, with an MA in Economics and a J.D., is an attorney and business executive. He has been active in entrepreneurship and business development for more than a decade, and has 10 | wlc.edu

Business program developing its own distinctiveness Business faculty are humble but matter-of-fact about the confidence they have in creating a distinctive program. They know that their Christian perspective, when coupled with diverse, real-world corporate and international experience, is a valuable collective offering for students, especially students comparing the WLC business major package with those from other colleges and universities. “We understand larger universities have a wealth of qualified and impressive professors,” Reina said. “But our focus is on our students. All of our courses are designed to prepare and equip students to compete in a global economy. We can augment the theoretical foundation of our curriculum with personal anecdotes, and we also are small enough to be able to give personal attention and focus to our students.”

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“We focus on the ‘whys’ behind business theory,” Eastman agreed. “We want our students to grasp the underlying concepts and pressures that drive modern commerce so they more fully understand the strengths and weaknesses of business theories. “Our business faculty is highly experienced in a variety of sectors of the global economy, and we’re all eager to share these experiences with our students,” Eastman added. “We also encourage our students to spend some time offshore developing an appreciation for other cultures and business customs. We want them involved in meaningful internships and programs that will help our students develop a deeper understanding of the cultural and traditional aspects of foreign business.” “It’s really exciting to be part of the significant commitment and focus to the business major at WLC,” said Eppen. “I believe we will continue to grow. In particular, our marketing, management, entrepreneurial, and international programs will become more robust. Our business major’s reputation and presence also will continue to grow in the local business arena.” “Working in corporate America taught me the responsibility factor,” added Stelzer. “We do our best to impart that fact to our students. They will be responsible for their actions and their performance. We also try to give our students a realistic glimpse of all the opportunities that are out there, and tell them what they need to do to be prepared. But in the end, it’s up to them. How hard do they want to work?” “Above all,” Eastman said, “we wrap our strong Christian ethics component around all that we teach.” Sooner rather than later, organizations and companies throughout the country and beyond will be the beneficiaries of WLC’s business major graduates – strong Christians with ethical moral compasses who serve and lead others as business professionals, owners, and entrepreneurs.

German professor Sibylle Krause (far right) stands with a group of 16 other professors of German from 13 countries who attended a recent seminar, “German in international business communication,” in Düsseldorf, Germany, sponsored by the Goethe Institute.

New interdisciplinary majors

German, Mandarin Chinese, or Spanish and international business

ow students majoring in business who are seriously interested in a career that involves international travel, business, and global significance have the opportunity to link one of three foreign language majors – German, Mandarin Chinese, or Spanish – into their international business program. “We are committed to preparing Christian business leaders interested in a global perspective of the business world,” said Sibylle Krause, assistant professor of German. “Whether in combination with German, Mandarin, or Spanish, Dr. Reina and the other business faculty and the foreign language professors have created an international business program that will benefit and prepare our students for global-based careers. It will require students to conduct a study abroad experience and/or an internship, preferably in another country, or in a bi-lingual setting.” “We want to set the standard in preparing business students for careers having a significant international component,” said Reina. “We think our program is very comprehensive and competitive.”

Financial Planning Education Program available o complement the WLC business administration major, a Financial Planning Education Program now is available, directed by associate professor Brian Jacobsen, Ph.D., J.D., GFA, CFP.

Courses focus on various aspects of the fiscal world such as personal financial planning, insurance, investment, income tax, employee benefit and retirement, and estate planning.

Designed primarily for those interested in sitting for the Certified Financial Planner (CFP) examination, the program’s curriculum also is appropriate for individuals who want to learn the best practices within the financial planning profession.

For more details on program timeline, applicant educational requirements, pricing, and differences between an accelerated versus a traditional program schedule, go to wlc.edu/cfp.

Dr. Brian Jacobsen

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Uncovering strengths

New program will develop servant leadership By Eva McGillivray

resident Daniel W. Johnson encouraged Wisconsin Lutheran College to continue its servant leadership mission during his inauguration speech in April: “WLC is setting the standard for servant leadership … and we’ve just begun.” It hasn’t taken long for the college to respond as it has established a new program called StrengthsQuest™ that began this fall. Wisconsin Lutheran took its first steps to building a strengthsbased campus by having all incoming students participate in StrengthsQuest, a strengths development program for college students, faculty, and staff. StrengthsQuest gives people the opportunity to develop strengths by building on their greatest talents – the way in which they most naturally think, feel, and behave as unique individuals. WLC is the only college in southeast Wisconsin incorporating StrengthsQuest in a campuswide initiative.

and internship coordinator. Jahns and Dr. Stacy Hoehl, assistant professor of communication, were instrumental in bringing the program to WLC. The student body began incorporating StrengthsQuest in classes by taking the Clifton StrengthsFinder® Web-based assessment this fall. Following an introduction to strengths by Dr. Hoehl and Jahns, College 101 instructors incorporated strengths into designated class periods. “As a professor on campus, I am very excited about the potential for StrengthsQuest to help me build relationships with students, improve my academic advising skills, and understand how my own strengths can help me fulfill my call to the glory of God,” said Hoehl. “I am also excited on behalf of our students, as StrengthsQuest will equip them to give voice to who they are in the classroom, in interview settings, in their future careers, and as servants of the Lord.”

Student leaders embrace programs The Student Senate also designated time to take the assessment and explore strengths as a group. “This is a great tool for Student Senate to learn and build on each other’s strengths,” said student body president Andrew J. Westphal ’10. “We found that as a group we were strong in the areas of Executing, Influencing, and Relationship Building. These are important strengths to have as leaders here at school, in the workplace, and carrying out Christ’s great commission. It was interesting to learn of strengths that I didn’t think of or had taken for granted in my life.” Tom Matson, from Gallup Company’s Education Practice, led a recent StrengthsQuest training session.

Integrating StrengthsQuest

Students aren’t the only ones charting their courses in the program. The college welcomed Tom Matson from Gallup Company’s Education Practice to lead an oncampus StrengthsQuest training session for more than 30 faculty and staff on August 30, 2009. In addition, President Johnson centered his leadership discussion to all College 101 students on maximizing their strengths, and his cabinet has embarked on exploring the strength implications within that group.

“Hopefully our faculty and staff will embrace the concept and integrate strengths-related perspectives and activities into their classroom discussions, advising sessions, and daily interactions with students,” said Thad Jahns, director of career development

“To hear students discuss their newly discovered gifts and how their strengths impact every facet of their lives – in the classroom, in relationships, their calling in life – is really exciting,” stated Jahns.

The college’s goal is to help each student discover their unique God-given gifts and develop and use their strengths in service to others. StrengthsQuest provides students, faculty, and staff with a common vocabulary to discuss the concept of strengths and its application in the classroom, advising, and career development.

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Student notes

Ambassador Club: Members of Wisconsin Lutheran College’s Ambassador Club welcome visitors to campus throughout the year. Campus ambassadors work in partnership with the admissions staff by giving tours, hosting students, and providing visitors with a student perspective of WLC. The ambassadors gave 110 tours of campus this summer, with sophomore Erin Mathiak leading 35 of those. Cover photo: Senior biology major Megan Eastman was pictured on the cover of the August 2009 Wisconsin Natural Resources magazine, a publication of Wisconsin’s Department of Natural Resources. The description of the cover photo read, “Students get caught up in a close look at crustaceans, fish, and aquatic insects trapped in a seine drawn through shallow waters.”

The Sword: WLC’s student newspaper, The Sword, has a new look this fall. Dr. Jerralyn Moudry, The Sword’s faculty advisor, was an avid supporter of the need for a redesign. She said: “I am thrilled to see The Sword take on a more sophisticated format. It raises the credibility and readability of the newspaper. We now can fit significantly more content into the same number of pages.” Senior Ana Stern (pictured), head layout editor for the paper, said she looked through the college’s student newspaper archives and reviewed other college newspapers before starting the redesign this summer. “By reviewing the archives, I gained a sense of the history involved with The Sword, which also has been known as The Source and The Courtyard Courier,” said Stern.

Eastman has worked during the summers for a nature center on the Iowa side of the Mississippi. The cover photo was part of an article on Adventure Day, a Mississippi River exploration experience for families, which Eastman helped run.

Professor Moudry concluded, “Ana has incredible talent and a heart of service. This project was a considerable undertaking, requiring not only redesigning, but also reformatting all of the computer templates and training the student editors.”

FTEA: The WLC chapter of Future Teachers’ Education Association (FTEA) has always been successful, but the student organization outdid itself during the 2008-09 school year. It received three of the 12 national awards presented at the National Education Association-Student Program’s national conference held in San Diego, California, including Outstanding Local Web Site, Outstanding Local Newsletter, and Outstanding Local Excellence. “These future teachers are amazingly focused on meeting the needs of children while providing the campus community with unique opportunities to transform the idea of servant leadership into true acts of service,” said FTEA advisor Prof. Ray Dusseau. “They continue to be a blessing to our campus community now even as they will soon be a blessing to students in their own classrooms.” FTEA also participated in the Student Wisconsin Education Association Outreach to Teach program. This year’s Outreach to Teach event was at Pardeeville Elementary School April 18-19 where the group helped with a variety of matters ranging from painting murals and walls, landscaping, moving playground equipment, sanding wood, and building shelves.

River monitoring: This fall students in Dr. Robert Anderson’s Principles of Biology 1 course sampled fish and macroinvertebrates to monitor the quality of the Menomonee River at Hart Park in Wauwatosa, Wisconsin. To see the students in action, visit youtube. com/wisconsinlutheran (look for Stream Sampling Fall 09). InternshipS: WLC junior Jolema Noel (right), interned with Milwaukee’s veteran radio and television personality Kathleen Dunn and Wisconsin Public Radio this fall. Noel helped organize Dunn’s Health Care Forum, held in September at Froedtert Hospital. The event was broadcast live on Wisconsin Public Radio. The forum included a panel of speakers from the health care industry, ranging from politicians to insurance companies to hospital administrators. WLC’s director of nursing Rebekah Carey also attended the event. Wisconsin Lutheran College | 13

facu lt y & s taff

New faculty members James Brandt, School of Adult and Graduate Studies, joins Wisconsin Lutheran College as vice president of adult and graduate studies. From 2002 to 2009 he served the Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod as administrator for parish schools. Brandt’s experience includes 17 years in parish education as a teacher, principal, and K-12 administrator for Lutheran schools in Wisconsin, Illinois, and California. Brandt is a 1985 graduate of Dr. Martin Luther College in New Ulm, Minnesota, and received his master of science in educational leadership from the University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh in 1995. The past four years he has served as an adjunct professor in the Martin Luther College Master of Education Leadership program. Brandt and his wife, Kathy, have three sons. Alexandra Chworowsky, China Studies, joins Wisconsin Lutheran College as an instructor of Mandarin Chinese, a grant-funded position. A native of Taipei, Taiwan, she moved to the United States in 2001. Chworowsky recently received her bachelor of science in education from Martin Luther College in New Ulm, Minnesota, where she taught Mandarin Chinese as an extracurricular. She is working toward a master of arts in education in world language instruction at Concordia College in Moorhead, Minnesota. Peter Eppen, Business Administration, brings more than two decades of business experience to his new role as assistant professor of business administration at Wisconsin Lutheran College. He has resided in more than 25 locations in the United States, Europe, and Asia but considers the Chicago suburbs to be his home. Eppen is a 1986 graduate of the University of Iowa, and he earned an MBA in international marketing from the University of Chicago. He has worked for large consumer and pharmaceutical companies, conducting business in more than 30 countries worldwide. Eppen and his wife, Diane, have three sons. Eppen fills the position vacated by the retirement of Dan Bilitz. Kerry (Kruegel) Maertz, Education, a native of Franklin, Wisconsin, graduated from Wisconsin Lutheran College in 1995 with a degree in education. She returns to her alma mater as an assistant professor of education. Maertz completed her M.A. in special education at Cardinal Stritch University in 1999; her thesis was on early intervention strategies in reading for at-risk first graders. She has been a teacher in the New Berlin Public School District since 1997. Maertz and husband Jonathan (a 1993 WLC graduate) have two young sons. Jonathan serves as chair of WLC’s alumni board. Maertz is replacing Rhoda Wolle, who now serves WLC as director of the Academic Success Center. Sheryl Scott, Nursing, a registered nurse and assistant professor of nursing, will be formally installed next fall, but will begin teaching in January 2010. She graduated from Marian College with a bachelor of science in nursing and received a master of science in nursing from the University of Phoenix. As a nurse, Scott has worked in a variety of settings, including hospitals, a clinic, and worksites. For 11 years of her nursing career, she worked as an occupational health nurse, providing care and promoting health and safety to employees in different work environments. Scott and husband Todd have two daughters and a son. 14 | wlc.edu

LEAD Program begins in January

he LEAD (Leadership Enhancing Accelerated Degree) Program, an adult learning degree completion component of WLC’s new School of Adult and Graduate Studies, begins in January 2010. The first degree being offered is a Bachelor of Arts in Business Leadership and Management. The 48-credit major program has 16 courses of study, including Foundations of Academic Success, Servant Leadership, Principles of Management, Strategic Marketing, Applied Economics, Human Resource Management, Business Law, Business Ethics, Culture and Diversity in Organizations, and Leading Organizational Change. For more detailed information on credit and degree requirements, fees, financial aid, or class schedules, visit wlc.edu/LEAD or call the School for Adult and Graduate Studies office at 414-443-8866.

facult y & staff notes Dr. Paul Boehlke, professor of biology, gave the keynote address, “Teaching Science in Lutheran Schools” at the Science Curriculum Conference sponsored by the Central Principals’ Conference of the Western Wisconsin District of the WELS, September 25. About 200 teachers attended the meeting at St. Andrew Lutheran Church in Middleton. Rebekah Carey, assistant professor of nursing, presented a poster on “Ethical Implications for American Nursing Students in Resource-Poor Countries” at the Wisconsin League for Nursing fall conference in October. Dr. Angela Ebeling, assistant professor of biology, and WLC student researcher Alexis Rwtambuga received funding from the Pewaukee Lake Sanitary District to analyze the total phosphorus content in plant samples taken from Pewaukee Lake. This research will help quantify the amount of phosphorus removed when plants are dredged from the lake. The goal of the plant removal is to lower phosphorus levels in the water, eventually leading to a clearer, cleaner lake. Dr. Daniel Ebeling, associate professor of chemistry, and Dr. Jarrod Erbe, professor of biology, had a presentation titled “Construction and Characterization of a Phosphate Biosensor,” accepted for the joint International Meetings of the Soil Science Society of America, Agronomy Society of America, and Crop Science Society of America. Ebeling will present the poster in November in Pittsburg. Co-authors on the presentation are WLC students Abby Kroken, Jeffrey Potratz, Angela Majeskie, and Joel Davis. Ned Farley, assistant professor of anthropology, and Dr. Paul Boehlke, professor of biology, studied the remains of “Unknown Man #17293.” Acquired from Marquette University in 1951, this cadaver was recorded by Milwaukee Public Museum curators as “an African-American male, age sixty-two.” Through their application of forensic science, WLC students verified that #17293 died in his early sixties from complications associated with a number of medical conditions. Today, this cadaver is housed within the museum’s anthropology

facult y & staff

New majors serving a need and growing interest

he six new majors added to the WLC curriculum last spring, China studies, environmental science, environmental studies, human social services, media

Assistant professor of art Chad Lindemann, a media design practitioner as well as educator, is one of the core faculty members for the new media design major.

design, and sport & exercise science, already have students who have declared them as majors in which they will be graduating. Brief descriptions explain why interest in these has been so strong.

As China opens up to the world, westerners who are familiar with the Chinese language and culture will be prepared to seize these 21st century cross-cultural opportunities. The China Studies program will prepare students to do just that. The environmental science major differs from the environmental studies major in that it requires greater depth in science courses. It allows students to choose a direction within the science disciplines in the elective options. The environmental studies major allows a student to combine this foundation with an emphasis in business administration, communication, history, or philosophy. The human social services program combines the strengths and perspectives of communication, psychology, and religious studies. This major offers content and experiences designed to develop innovative

collection. The study of these remains by WLC students will help historians to further reconstruct the nature of early 20th-century life for health sufferers in Milwaukee County. Kristin Gjerdset, associate professor of art, received third place for her painted Adirondack bench titled “Monarch Migration” in this summer’s Racine Public Art Project in Racine, Wisconsin.

practitioners able to integrate knowledge, theory, practice, research skills, servant leadership, and cultural sensitivity within community organizations. Most courses in media design are art courses and coursework in current software such as Adobe Creative Suite, Adobe Flash, and Adobe Dreamweaver. Additional classes in business and communication also are requirements. Graduates will be competitive designers, effective problem solvers, and valued employees. The sport & exercise science major combines an interdisciplinary education in the health sciences and liberal arts. It will prepare graduates for lives of servant leadership in a wide range of professions such as personal training and cardiac rehabilitation.

Milwaukee School of Engineering. The title of his presentation was “Reflection and Refraction of Vortex Rings.” Vortex rings are curious donut-like structures which travel through a fluid, a bit like a light beam travels through space. His research is being funded by a grant from the Wisconsin Space Grant Consortium. Judy Kuehl, education secretary, retired from the teacher education department after 17 years with the college. Dr. Joyce Natzke (pictured), professor of education, has been appointed as acting Dean of Graduate Studies to oversee the development of the academic program of the graduate school and facilitate the graduate degree accreditation process. She will continue in her role as Director of Certification Licensure for the Teacher Education Department. Terry Treuden, director of instrumental music, had an article published in WASBE World, the magazine of the World Association for Symphonic Bands and Ensembles, reviewing the 2009 WASBE Conference held in July in Cincinnati. Treuden attending the conference with James Sewrey, an adjunct percussion professor.

Dr. Kevin Glaeske, associate professor of chemistry, presented a poster titled “Sulfonamides: A Very Interdisciplinary class of Molecules” at the American Chemical Society national meeting in August. The other names on the poster were Dr. Jarrod Erbe, Dr. Andrew Mundt, Kim (Haley) Arnold ’07 and Jordan Liesener ’09. Matt Grulke, WLC database administrator, has been elected to serve a three-year term on the Jenzabar EX Advisory Board. Dr. Kerry Kuehn, associate professor of physics, gave an invited talk at the 19th-annual Wisconsin Space Conference, held in August at the

Dr. Lorna Wiedmann, associate professor of English, presented in October at the Rocky Mountain Modern Language Association Conference in Salt Lake City on the subject of Flannery O’Connor and conversion. Rhoda Wolle (pictured), director of the Academic Success Center and assistant professor of education, was a keynote at the WELS International Youth Rally in July. She spoke to the 1,400 in attendance on the topic of the adolescent brain in a session called “Follow the path…lead the way in love.”

Wisconsin Lutheran College | 15

fine a r ts

Concert Band director

receives national honor

group created the Edwin Franko Goldman Award as a symbol of high esteem and respect, and as a measure of appreciation and gratitude for outstanding personal contributions to the school band movement.

rofessor Terry Treuden, director of instrumental music, received the Edwin Franko Goldman Award on June 20, 2009. This honor is given annually by the American School Band Directors Association (ASBDA) to a director for outstanding personal contributions to the school band movement. The award was presented at the closing banquet of the 2009 ASBDA national convention in Nashville, Tennessee. Terry Treuden, who holds a master’s of music education degree from VanderCook College of Music, taught for 30 years at Wisconsin Lutheran High School in Milwaukee. He joined Wisconsin Lutheran College in 1999, where he directs the WLC Concert Band, Jazz Band, Clarinet Ensemble, and Chamber Ensemble. Professor Treuden teaches music classes, including conducting and arranging.

Terry Treuden, director of instrumental music

ASBDA, founded in 1953, focuses on a continuing and comprehensive program for the improvement of school bands. ASBDA began issuing the Edwin Franko Goldman Award beginning in 1964. Since then, there have been 77 recipients. The

“Working with these Christian students – bright and dedicated instrumentalists – has been more important and fulfilling to me personally than any award or honor.” Prof. Terry Trueden

The 2009-2010 Wisconsin Lutheran College Concert Band

16 | wlc.edu

Past recipients have included such noted music educators, composers, and conductors as Dr. William Revelli, Dr. Paul Yoder, Karl King, Glenn Cliff Bainum, Ernest Caneva, Dr. Harry Begian, Mark Hindsley, W. Francis McBeth, H. Robert Reynolds, Nilo Hovey, Earl Slocum, Clare Grundman, David Reul (of Oconomowoc), Timothy Broege. Dr. Tim Lautzenheiser, John Kinyon, Frank Battitsti, Dr. Frank Benscriscutto, John Whitwell, Ray Cramer, and James Sewrey (a WLC percussion adjunct professor).

Treuden said, “Within the community of instrumental music educators, these past honorees are some of the most successful, influential, and well-known people we have had in our field over the past 45 years. To be included with these music educators is both unexpected and most humbling.”

fine arts

perennial favorites

he 2009 Fine Arts Fair drew large crowds to the Wisconsin Lutheran College campus on July 11. In addition to fine art and craft booths, a silent auction, and great food, a variety of entertainment was provided on two stages. The Kids from Wisconsin (pictured), perennial favorites in the Summer Arts in the Park series, gave an energetic, two-hour performance to wrap up the day’s events. The troupe of young Wisconsin singers, dancers, and musicians delighted the crowds with a wide variety of music.

campus hosts baroque music festival

wo Wisconsin Lutheran College students took part in the Greater Milwaukee Baroque Music Festival, a local piano teacher festival held at Wisconsin Lutheran College. Festival attendees were allowed to try the college’s harpsichord in a monitored environment, and sophomore Randall Foat assisted with the monitoring. Freshman Paul Roever participated in the festival’s Baroque music master class with Dr. Christos Tsitsaros, associate professor of piano pedagogy at the University of Illinois. Dr. Juanita Becker, associate professor of music, was an adjudicator for the festival.

The 2009-2010 Wisconsin Lutheran Choir

touring america

he Wisconsin Lutheran College Concert Band is preparing for its Winter Band Concert on December 13, while the Wisconsin Lutheran Choir and Chamber Choir members are rehearsing for their Christmas Choral Concert on December 4-6. Looking ahead, the Wisconsin Lutheran Choir and Chamber Choir will complete its 17th performance tour in 2010, and will have visited more than 100 congregations and schools during its domestic touring history. The choir, having returned from a European tour

in May 2009, will travel March 5-14, 2010, to Ohio, Georgia, South Carolina, Virginia, and Pennsylvania. Visit wlc.edu/choir for itinerary details and to follow the choir’s blog. The concert band is planning its 2010 Spring Band Tour for May 17-24. Scheduled stops include Minnesota, South Dakota, Colorado, and Nebraska. Visit wlc.edu/ band for itinerary details as they are finalized. Both the band and the choir are releasing CD recordings of performances from their 2009 tours. Check their Web sites for CD release dates. Wisconsin Lutheran College | 17

athle t i c s

Sophomore leads Warriors to successful NAC finish

Volleyball concludes season with NAC Tournament appearance

he Wisconsin Lutheran volleyball team made its first-ever Northern Athletics Conference Tournament appearance and concluded the 2009 season with 17-17 overall record, including a 7-5 mark in the league, under first-year head coach Diana Balsiger. WLC’s mid-season seven-match winning streak was its longest since the 2004 season.

Sophomores Rachel Johnson and Leanna Miller were selected to the All-NAC Second Team, while junior Erika Laete and senior Megan Sankey were both NAC Honorable Mention selections. Sankey, the lone senior on the squad, was also named to the 13-member NAC All-Sportsmanship Team for exemplifying positive sportsmanship throughout the season.

he WLC women’s cross country team finished third among 10 teams at the 2009 Northern Athletics Conference Championship as sophomore Katie Schommer finished second overall in a field of 78.

Junior Erika Laete and senior Megan Sankey combined for 136 blocks in 2009.

Men’s soccer collects five postseason awards

ive student-athletes on the Warriors men’s soccer team received postseason awards from the Northern Athletics Conference, led by senior Matt Eisold, who was one of two goalkeepers selected to the 14-member All-NAC First Team. Senior defender Ryan Powalisz and sophomore midfielder Trevor Schwartz were NAC Honorable Mention selections, while sophomore midfielder Matt Birschbach was an honorable mention selection as well as a NAC All-Sportsmanship Team honoree for exemplifying positive sportsmanship throughout the season. Rounding out the list of WLC’s all-conference selections was freshman forward Florin Maduta, who was one of 14 members to comprise the NAC AllFreshman Team. Wisconsin Lutheran completed its 2009 season with an overall record of 4-11-3, including a 2-7-2 mark in conference play. Seven of the Warriors’ 11 defeats came by just one goal.

18 | wlc.edu

athle tics

Coaches’ kids

here is a unique connection between a coach and a player; it’s a bond much like family. At Wisconsin Lutheran College, for the Tullbergs and the Millers, it is family. WLC women’s tennis coach Pam Tullberg has coached her daughter, senior Hannah Tullberg, and the Warriors for the past three years. “It can be difficult to watch your own child in the middle of a hard-fought match and know that she is relying on you to give some great revelation,” said Pam. “The desire to make the struggle go away is strong as a mother. As a coach, I had to give my advice and step back to let her put it into action.” Even though Hannah grew up around the sport, she didn’t start playing tennis competitively until her sophomore year (2007) at WLC, when Pam was an assistant coach. Pam then took over as head coach in 2008.

senior Whitney Miller, even though they are involved in different sports. “I give Whitney encouragement from a coach’s perspective,” said Dennis. “I am very honest with her in terms of analyzing her game, and I don’t sugarcoat my comments. Yet she knows I am her biggest fan.” Dennis did coach Whitney’s 7th and 8th grade basketball teams. “It was a real treat to work with her and her teammates. My wife told me that rule number one was to make sure I didn’t make any of them cry!” Now that Whitney is in college, Dennis is a sounding board that a daughter and player needs, yet he isn’t afraid to show some tough love.

Whitney Miller

“It’s a really special opportunity that I have, being able to see him on campus every day,” said Whitney. “It makes the joys and frustrations that I go through as an athlete easier to handle because I always know that he understands where I’m coming from.”

“I think my mom did a fantastic job maintaining a sense of professionalism without neglecting her role as a mother,” Hannah said. Hannah Tullberg Coach Pam Tullberg “Her coaching is genuine and authentic, making it easier for me to go Warrior Golf Invitational from daughter to player.” he 23rd-annual Wisconsin Lutheran Pam gives credit to her daughter for College Roger Fleming Memorial making it work. “Hannah made it easy for Warrior Golf Invitational welcomed 96 me to stay in the coach mode,” said Pam. participants to Bristlecone Pines Golf Club “She called me ‘Coach’ during the serious in Hartland, Wisconsin, on July 27. times and when the match was over and

Coach Dennis Miller

the pressure was gone, I often became ‘Coach Mom’ – still respectful, but said with a bit of playfulness.” “I had no idea that my mom was so good at coaching,” added Hannah. “Although I am her daughter, I was there to learn tennis and she was there to teach me.” Even when the parent isn’t the child’s college coach, he can still make a difference, as is the case in the Miller family. Dennis Miller, head football coach and vice president of student affairs at Wisconsin Lutheran, has been influential in the basketball career of his daughter,

The team of Gary Drska, Mike Drska, Josh Fischer, and Chuck Wierschem combined to shoot a score of 58 to win the outing by one stroke. Dennis Miller, Ben Murphy, Scott Severson, and Adam Volbrecht were right behind them with a 59. This was the first year the outing was in The Class of 1997 was represented at the 2009 Roger Fleming Memorial Warrior Golf Invitational with memory of former WLC head men’s golf the following foursome: Scott Frey, Matt Krug, Seth coach Roger Fleming, the first full-time Borchardt, and Brett Valerio. faculty member called to Wisconsin Lutheran College in 1977. Proceeds from the event benefit WLC scholarships and athletics. The 24th annual outing, which again will be held at Bristlecone Pines, is scheduled for July 26, 2010. Wisconsin Lutheran College | 19

ALUM NI

Art Insider Club supports students in the fine arts

s a theatre major, Stacy (Lorfeld) Becker ’05 spent many hours in the Center for Arts and Performance rehearsing shows. She was involved in every theatre production in her four years at WLC. She said that this time spent bonding with friends and learning – both in the classroom and out – from professors Jan (Nelson) Gompper and Jay Sierszyn really helped make her who she is today. So when Stacy learned about the new Arts Insider Club at WLC, she made the decision to become a founding lifetime member of the group, along with husband Kevin Becker ’06. “Kevin and I have made it a habit to give back to the programs that gave us so much,” said Stacy. “We always appreciated the ability to direct our giving to the specific needs we care most about at WLC – the areas that had the biggest influence on our lives – in the hopes that those areas can have a profound effect on others as well.” The Arts Insider Club is designed to recognize and reward the 175-plus students who study and participate in music, theatre, and/or art each year at Wisconsin Lutheran College. Membership is available to anyone who wishes to directly support the fine arts departments at WLC.

band and choir performance tours, trips to theatre festivals, and artist immersion experiences. Dustin Hoot ’06, an art major, also is a founding lifetime member. He said, “There wasn’t any hesitation when we decided to give. My wife, Kristin, and I don’t just see this as a giving opportunity, but rather a long-term investment. If we invest in an art student’s education at WLC, then we are investing on the person they will become. We are investing in a creative mind

The Arts Insider Club was created to be a companion to the successful Friends of the Arts, which helps support visual art exhibitions, professional performing artist programs, schooltime theatre, and special needs in the Center for Arts and Performance. Through the Arts Insider Club, gifts will directly support students’ participation in the college’s academic fine arts program. Specific examples include supporting arts scholarships,

Alumni Dustin Hoot ’06, Stacy (Lorfeld) Becker ’05, Kevin Becker ’06, and Rich Mannisto ’94 support the new Arts Insider Club as founding lifetime members.

with Christ at the center, which is overwhelming when you think of the impact this individual will have on the world.” Dustin said he often stops in the Center for Arts and Performance art wing to see student work on display throughout the year. “The real exciting thing for me is to see the final growth and development presented at the Senior Art Thesis Exhibitions.” To offer your support for WLC students involved in the arts, visit wlc.edu/artsinsider. There you can see a complete list of membership advantages, a downloadable brochure, and student arts highlights. Contact Arts Insider Club director Lisa Leffel at (414) 443-8796 with questions. 20 | wlc.edu

alumni

on the links at the Warrior Open

Warrior Open 2009 co-ed team champions (back row, left to right): Stuart Swaziek, Shannon Swaziek, Ryan Barbieri ’00, Denise Barbieri. Overall winning foursome (front row, left to right): Andrew Kosloske ’04, Danny Behm ’09, Chuck Wierschem ’03, Andy Ehlke.

he Wisconsin Lutheran College Office of Alumni Relations hosted the 2009 Warrior Open on Saturday, August 15. A total of 116 golfers consisting of alumni, faculty, staff, parents, and friends of the college enjoyed a great day at The Bog in Saukville, Wisconsin. Hole contest winners included Corey Gerth for longest putt, Steve Mroczkowski for closest to the pin, Dave Manke for closet to the Warrior, Danny Behm for longest drive by a man, and Anne Ignatowski for longest drive by a woman. Mark your calendars now to participate in the 2010 Warrior Open on Saturday, August 14 at The Bog.

Winterfest 2010

warrior bowl-o-rama

eturn to campus on Saturday, January 30, 2010, for Winterfest. Activities begin at 9 a.m. with an alumni basketball game and continue throughout the day. Highlights include a Warriors basketball doubleheader versus Lakeland College and a Milwaukee Bucks Rim Rockers Dunk Show at halftime of the men’s game. The 2010 Alumni Service Award will be presented at halftime of the women’s game. Alumni are invited to stay after the games for an hors d’oeuvres reception. Complete details are posted at wlc.edu/winterfest.

Don’t miss these additional events!

e sure the Office of Alumni Relations has your current e-mail address on file. It’s the only way you’ll receive notification of important alumni news! Go to wlc.edu/ alumni to update your contact information and RSVP for upcoming events. • February 5 – A lumni Art Exhibition Opening Reception • March 27 – Easter Egg Hunt

here is a fun, new post-holiday event: Warrior Bowl-O-Rama at the Village Bowl in Menomonee Falls, Wisconsin. The 9-Pin Mixed Scotch Doubles Bowling Tournament will take place Saturday, January 9, 2010, from 2 to 5 p.m. The $45 entry fee per male/female couple includes shoe rental, four games, pizza, beer, soda, prizes, and a tax-deductible donation to WLC. For tournament rules and online registration, visit wlc.edu/bowl by January 4.

Trick-or-Treat in the Halls

he annual gathering of princesses, ghosts, and cowboys took place in WLC’s East and West Residence Halls on October 30. WLC students decorated their lounge areas around a theme of children’s books, games, movies, and television shows. Then children of alumni, friends, and neighbors of the college picked up treats, played games, and made crafts. Wisconsin Lutheran College | 21

on boa r d

For sports medicine doctor, working with student-athletes is as good as it gets

r. Bill Raasch accepted the invitation to join the Wisconsin Lutheran College Board of Regents three years ago, but he was on board in other ways well before that time. “I’ve watched and come to know this college somewhat from a distance for years,” he said. “But more recently, I’ve had some direct involvement. It’s been an interesting learning experience.” Even before his board tenure, Raasch had been serving as the college’s team physician for its athletics program. But as a practicing and highly respected orthopaedic surgeon in the Milwaukee area, a professor of orthopaedic surgery at the Medical College of Wisconsin, director of that institution’s Division of Sports Medicine, team physician for the Milwaukee Bucks, the Milwaukee Ballet Company, and other organizations, how and why has he taken the time to serve as the team physician for WLC’s athletics program for the past six years? “Are you kidding?” he said. “This is such a great demographic to work with. If you’re in the sports medicine field, working with students like this is – perfect. These are Division III college athletes – who play because they love the game – and who rehab from an injury not because of the money they will earn, but because of their passion to get back in the game. They have a great approach to athletics, and they’re a great population.” Raasch also has enjoyed WLC students from his perspective through the academic lens. When a coaching minor was added five years ago, he agreed to teach its anatomy course. He created the curriculum himself. Clearly, with his medical education and background (Residency in Orthopaedic Surgery, University of Chicago; Fellowship in Sports Medicine, Cleveland Clinic), and his scores of published articles, he brings impressive credentials to the coaching minor and its curriculum. Raasch has appreciated his work with WLC’s coaches too, knowing they care first about their players, and secondly about winning. The feeling is mutual.

Teaching basic anatomy within his Diagnosis and Treatment of Athletic Injuries course for the college’s coaching minor is just one way Dr. Bill Raasch interacts with and influences WLC’s students.

“Adding that major makes a lot of sense,” Raasch said. “Students can get that degree here at this great school and after four years, they’ll have a destination, a career they can immediately enter and enjoy.” Miller also has appreciated the doctor’s willingness to hold injury evaluation clinics on campus every Monday during the college’s athletics seasons. “I could go on and on,” Miller said. “Basically, Bill Raasch epitomizes what is meant by being a supportive friend of the college – both through his words and his actions.” Because Raasch and his wife, Margaret, also financially support WLC, what are their thoughts on the future growth plans of the college? “First of all,” Raasch said, “the new president is outstanding. I’ve really been impressed with Dan’s leadership. As a member of both the executive and the student affairs committees, I can tell you – and I probably shouldn’t say this – but he makes our jobs as board members easy.”

“I thoroughly enjoy working with Bill because he genuinely cares about our students and our college,” said Dr. Dennis Miller, vice president of student affairs and head football coach. “His interest and concern for our students comes through in all my interactions with him. He is a great resource for our school in such a variety of ways.”

As for the college’s future? “WLC’s focus always has been to deliver a Christ-centered education,” he said. “As we begin to compete – really compete and grow with broadened offerings and multiple degrees – we will need to open our doors. We will need to sincerely welcome and accept students who aren’t exactly like the people we’ve been sitting next to in our church pews. Some of them may never even have been in a church.

Miller is referring in part to Raasch’s relationship-building assistance with Froedtert Hospital and the Medical College of Wisconsin located on the neighboring Milwaukee Regional Medical Center. Miller also has appreciated Raasch’s guidance in the development of WLC’s new sport and exercise science major.

“What that really means is that we have huge chance for evangelism at its best – at a very high level,” Raasch said. “And some our students will be the college’s very best evangelists, because they’re enthusiastic about their faith, and not afraid to share it. That’s exciting.”

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NONPROFIT ORG U.S. POSTAGE PAID MILWAUKEE WI Permit No. 3335

8800 West Bluemound Road Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53226-9942

Nursing Lab page 5

Wisconsin Lutheran College hosts many exciting events throughout the year. For the most up-to-date information, please visit these Web sites, or call (414) 443-8800. Alumni: Athletics: Fine Arts: General:

wlc.edu/alumni wlcsports.com wlc.edu/arts wlc.edu/news

Coachesâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Kids page 19

The Arts Insider Club page 20

Dr. Bill Raasch page 22