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 AND PHOTOGRAPHERS
Adam Heinzen ’06
Lisa Leffel ’98
Jonathan Lorenzen ’11
Curtis Wech ’09, MA ’16
Jeff Wilson
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From the President
Dear Friends of WLC,
We celebrated our Winter Commencement just before Christmas, and every year I am amazed at the accomplishments of our graduates during their time at Wisconsin Lutheran College. Some students have traveled to foreign countries to volunteer and help some of the poorest people on the planet. Others have collaborated to provide solutions for local businesses through capstone projects. No matter what project or opportunity our students have participated in, the heart of Christian servant leadership and a love for their Savior, Jesus, was a driving force behind it all.
I am often asked how WLC has increased enrollment and attracted students when so many other colleges are declining or closing. Two themes emerge when you ask our students why they chose WLC and remain here. First, we take our faith in Christ seriously – the Scriptures provide our source of truth as we are a courageously Christian college. Second, you will be hard-pressed to find a college where students get to know their professors so well and vice versa. We have no teaching assistants, and every full-time professor is committed to the teachings of our church – providing a unified approach to God’s beautiful law and gospel.
As we move through 2025, the road looks challenging in higher education. There is a sharp decline in the number of 18-year-old prospective students in our region. Now is the time that we need you – our alumni, donors, parents, and friends – to share the amazing stories of WLC with more prospective students. Our enrollment blessings of the past 17 years are never taken for granted, and we ask you to help us cast a wide net for the next generation of WLC Warriors.
Thank you for your prayers and support. May God continue to bless our college for generations to come!
Blessings in Christ,
Dr. Daniel W. Johnson President, Wisconsin Lutheran College
Congratulations GRADUATES!
Wisconsin Lutheran College held its spring and winter commencement exercises in the Time of Grace Center. In 2024, WLC awarded diplomas to 241 traditional undergraduate students, adult accelerated degree program students, and graduate students. They came to WLC from 18 states and one foreign country; the grads represented 37 majors and five master’s degree programs.
At May commencement, Tom Plath, a member of WLC’s Board of Regents, was the keynote speaker, and Erika Bahr ’91 gave the alumni welcome. In December, Dr. David Brightsman, Dean of the College of Professional Studies, was the keynote speaker. Denise Terrell ’99 (left) welcomed alumni and received the Alumni Service Award.
December communication grads with DR. STACY JENSEN ’01, DR. JERRALYN MOUDRY, and DR. AIMEE LAU ’03
After commencement, faculty and staff members congratulated graduates on a beautiful day in May 2024.
The May commencement student speaker was HANS RUPNOW, who majored in secondary education, history, and broadfield social science.
ETHAN HOWE of Elroy, Wisconsin, graduated in December with degrees in finance and politics and law.
December psychology graduates with DR. LEANNE OLSON and DR. WENDY CLOSE
RACHEL DZIEKAN of New Berlin, Wisconsin, who graduated in May with a degree in biochemistry, plans to attend the University of Michigan to pursue a Ph.D. in biomedical science.
Eight students earned master’s degrees in December.
Football student-athlete and marketing major ALAN TAVAREZ of Brown Deer, Wisconsin, graduated in May. He is now enrolled in WLC’s sport and recreation management graduate program.
May grad JOEL PEREZ-MENDOZA plans to attend Palmer School of Chiropractic, with which WLC has an accelerated dual-degree partnership. The sport and exercise science major from Lake Geneva, Wisconsin, also earned a Christian Leadership Certificate.
Wisconsin Lutheran College
DESAREIH JUAREZ Experiences Gained Through Soccer
By Lisa Leffel ’98
Desareih Juarez, a sports management major who graduated in May 2024, learned about Wisconsin Lutheran College through her soccer club in Waukegan, Illinois. Heart of the City is not a traditional club; instead it uses soccer as a vehicle to teach life skills to youth, develop them as leaders and mentors, and connect them with post-secondary opportunities.
Desareih got involved with Heart of the City during her sophomore year of high school. She was new to the area; a career change for her father brought her family to Illinois. She had never played club soccer before because of the expense, but thankfully, she was able to participate in Heart of the City because the organization is committed to making its resources accessible to everyone.
Desareih was the first member of her family to graduate from high school. She wasn’t sure she could afford college, but began attending college tours organized by Heart of the City. Desareih decided to attend the College of Lake Country in Grayslake, Illinois, after high school. She stayed involved with Heart of the City during college by coaching and refereeing.
During her sophomore year, Desareih began exploring new schools. She attended one of Heart of the City’s College ID events and learned about WLC. After visiting campus, she was impressed with the facilities, and the people she met “were cool and the vibe was great.” Desareih transferred to WLC at the start of her junior year. She continued to play the sport she loves, and her favorite WLC experiences most often included her Warriors soccer teammates.
Always intrigued by the idea of a career in sports, she took a WLC sports management course. She shared: “I’m not much of a talker usually in class, but I really got into the course and was the student who did the most talking.” Her interest quickly moved to sports promotion – especially through social media. This interest led to an internship with none other than Heart of the City.
During the summer of 2023, Desareih became Heart of the City’s first-ever intern. She learned about event management, marketing, finance, and more. She helped with video production, created flyers, and took over the organization’s TikTok account. Desareih noted: “It was a lot of fun. The internship provided me with experiences that will prepare me for a career in sports management.” Since graduating, she has worked as a program coach with STRYV365, Inc. Her ultimate goal is to work for a professional soccer team.
Students Make an IMPACT
Center for Christian Leadership
HIGH SCHOOL LEADERSHIP ACADEMY DAY
WLC’s Serve2Lead Impact Challenge began in 2019 as a way to help students make a positive difference in the Milwaukee community. The January 2025 Challenge was held in the Schwan Concert Hall, where five teams – each led by students in the college’s Christian Leadership Certificate Program – pitched their projects to judges in front of a live audience. All five teams (pictured above) were awarded full funding to launch their projects; the grants totaled more than $20,000. Special thanks to Neumann Companies, the presenting sponsor, and to everyone who supported this event.
While we look forward to seeing the results of the 2025 teams’ efforts, below are outcomes from three of the teams that were awarded funding at the 2024 event:
TEAM “A FRESH START”
With a $2,000 grant and partnerships with area churches, students collected 3,285 clothing items and hygiene kits for The Bottomless Closet, which provides professional clothing for homeless women through the Milwaukee Women’s Center.
TEAM “KITS FOR KIDS”
Using their $1,500 grant, students assembled personal first-aid kits for first and second grade students at Atonement Lutheran School in Milwaukee, where they also conducted health and safety education presentations for the students.
TEAM “BALL FOR ALL”
With their $2,500 grant, students conducted a free basketball camp at WLC for 30 individuals with special needs by partnering with local organizations and using WLC students as volunteer coaches. The Milwaukee Bucks provided giveaways for the campers.
Nearly 250 students from nine area high schools visited Wisconsin Lutheran College in October. The event was presented by the Center for Christian Leadership and WLC’s Office of Admissions. Keynote speaker Chad Williams, a former U.S. Navy SEAL, author, and speaker, gave an inspirational talk on the topic “Forged by Adversity.” We hope that all the students and teachers who attended enjoyed their visit to campus while exploring topics in Christian leadership.
The 2025 event is scheduled for Tuesday, October 14.
COMING TO CAMPUS
Saturday, April 26
Chart-topping band We Are Messengers will bring its “Where The Joy Is” tour to Wisconsin Lutheran College on Saturday, April 26. Presented by Compassion International, the tour features special guests Austin French and Leanna Crawford. WLC and the Center for Christian Leadership will host the concert, which begins at 7:00 p.m. in the Time of Grace Center inside WLC's Recreation Complex.
VISIT WLC.NEWS/CONCERT FOR TICKET INFORMATION.
Celebrating Christian servant Leadership
Wisconsin Lutheran College presented Steven Curtis Chapman with the 2024 Divine Servant Award during a celebration on May 31 at Discovery World in downtown Milwaukee. More than 400 guests joined together to raise $860,000 in support of student scholarships at WLC.
With a career that has spanned more than three decades, Steven Curtis Chapman is the most awarded artist in Christian music history. With 59 Gospel Music Association Dove Awards, five GRAMMY® Awards, an American Music Award, and 50 No. 1 singles, he has sold more than 17 million albums. In 2017, Chapman also became a best-selling author with his memoir Between Heaven and the Real World: My Story. On November 1, 2024, Chapman was inducted into the Grand Ole Opry.
In 2003, as a vocal supporter of adoption, Chapman along with his wife, Mary Beth, founded Show Hope, a nonprofit organization that helps restore the hope of a family to orphans.
Following a three-course dinner by Bartolotta Catering and Events, attendees learned about Chapman’s extraordinary life and career through a moderated conversation with Dr. Daniel W. Johnson, WLC’s President. Chapman concluded the evening by performing a selection of songs from his extensive repertoire.
After the celebration, President Johnson shared: “We enjoyed a remarkable evening of Christian music and a conversation with Steven Curtis Chapman, a Christian leader who has made a profound impact on the music scene for decades. His life-story of joy and heartache that inspired his 50 #1 hits provided an amazing backdrop for an awesome night.”
WLC established the Divine Servant Award in 2017 as an opportunity to honor individuals who exemplify qualities of Christian servant leadership and have exhibited Christian values throughout their lives of service. This event also serves as an awareness and fundraising event for the college.
On Friday, May 30, you are invited to attend the 2025 Divine Servant Award Celebration at Discovery World in downtown Milwaukee, where WLC will honor actor and musician Dennis Quaid. Visit WLC.NEWS/2025-DSA to learn more or reserve your place.
Faculty Notes
REV. DR. MICHAEL BERG, associate professor of theology, gave an inspiring presentation in April 2024 at the first Christian Authors Live Event, co-presented by WLC and Northwestern Publishing House. Berg discussed his book The Baptismal Life in the college’s Schlueter Art Gallery.
DR. TOVA BROWN, associate professor of mathematics, along with her co-author, Brody Johnson of St. Louis University, had an article published in The College Mathematics Journal titled “Pull-Back Cars: Vehicles for the Instruction of Differential Equations.” Last fall, Brown had her Calculus 1 students work on their own pull-back car project in the classroom.
Last summer, professor of chemistry DR. JOEL DAVIS ’08 presented his ongoing chemical education research at The Grading Conference, a national online conference focused on grading practices. The oral presentation titled “Gains in self competence in classrooms using active learning and mastery-based grading,” was given
DR. JOHN D. KOLANDER has announced his retirement as Provost effective June 30, 2025; he has faithfully served at WLC since 2004 and at WELS schools since 1981.
with project collaborators
Dr. Melissa Reeves (Tuskegee University) and Dr. Heather Wilson-Ashworth (Utah Valley University).
PROF. WILLIE DELWICHE, a business administration instructor and Hi Mount Research founder and strategist, appeared on “Making Money with Charles Payne” on Fox Business last September to discuss market sentiment and bull market behavior.
Professor of biology and environmental science DR. ANGELA EBELING ’99 has had a manuscript accepted for publication in the Geological Society of America Bulletin. The co-authored article is titled “Relict Soil Evidence for Post-Miocene Aridification in the Atacama Desert of South America.”
PROF. DANIEL HUBERT, director of instrumental music, and Dale Witte from Winnebago Lutheran Academy co-presented at the National Conference on Worship and the Arts, held at Carthage College
DR. JARROD ERBE, Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences and professor of biology, has accepted a call to be WLC’s Provost beginning July 1, 2025. He has served at the college since 1999.
Erbe said: “I am so grateful to have witnessed Dr. Kolander model outstanding leadership for over 20 years now and plan to take full advantage of the opportunity to work closely with him in the coming months as I prepare to step into the role of Provost. I look forward to working with our campus community to keep WLC’s mission at the forefront as we navigate the ever-changing landscape of higher education in the months and years to come.”
last summer. Their session was titled “Professional Growth for Church and School Musicians.”
DR. DONALD KUDEK, associate professor of business administration, shared the results of a collaborative research project he completed with Dr. Jen Strong of Texas A&M University at the Global Followership Conference in Glasgow, Scotland, in April. Their findings suggested there is little difference between the two institutions – despite the size difference – when they looked at how students view the roles of leaders and followers.
Associate professor of education DR. MARTY MILLER ’94 (above) and Dr. Kelli Green from Martin Luther College provided professional development for teachers at Grace Lutheran School in Grenada, West Indies, last July. In October, Miller co-presented “What Makes Teacher Preparation Legitimate? An Examination of Two Undergraduate Teacher Residency Programs via the Professional Development School Concept” with Prof. Susan Myrick (LSU-Alexandria) at the Southeastern Association of School-University Partnerships Conference in South Carolina.
DR. MARK MURPHY, professor and director of the School of Education, presented a poster at the Lumivero International Conference titled “Platforms for collaboration, efficiency and to monitor compliance in the school of education at undergraduate and graduate settings.” The presentation highlighted an electronic platform used to collect quantitative and qualitative data for student evaluation and program assessment. The data collection/analysis is a critical component of program compliance as required by the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction.
In October, DR. LUKAS RYAN presented a poster at the Wisconsin Chapter of the American Physical Therapy Association. His poster was titled “Biomechanical Assessment and Non-Operative Treatment of Knee Arthrofibrosis.” Ryan is an assistant professor of sport and exercise science at WLC. Dr. Stephanie Ryan also was an author on the project.
In December, WLC’s longestserving staff member, LINDA LOEFFEL, retired from the college after 44 years of faithful service. As the director of financial aid, Loeffel positively impacted incoming students, helping them and their parents navigate paying for a Christian college education. Lucas Faust ’02, who was one of those students, now serves WLC as vice president of enrollment. He presented Loeffel with a Divine Servant sculpture at her retirement celebration, recognizing her as a mentor who had a work ethic second to none. Faust concluded: “Thank you, Linda, from the bottom of my heart for being a blessing to me, to your colleagues, and to the thousands of students who have gone through here. The legacy you’re leaving here at WLC will always be remembered and will have an impact on us for generations to come.”
Academic News
GRADUATE PROGRAM ADDITIONS
WLC has announced a new Master of Science in Professional Counseling degree program, which is designed to equip students with the core educational requirements for a licensed professional counselor (LPC) in the state of Wisconsin. It is set to launch its first cohort in the fall of 2025. This program offers an accelerated pathway to impact, allowing students to complete their studies on WLC’s campus in just 21 months.
Prof. Karen Fischer ’06, LPC, has returned to WLC to serve as an assistant professor and program director; she was the college’s director of student health from 2006-2017. Fischer emphasized the holistic approach of the program, which integrates clinical training with spiritual growth. “WLC’s professional counselors will be competent in the Christian culture, and able to provide compassionate and ethical care that is informed and motivated by God’s love for all people, no matter their future work endeavors,” she noted.
Prof. Chris Joch accepted a call to serve WLC as director of the master’s degree programs in the School of Education. He had been an adjunct professor in the master’s degree programs for many years. He has significant experience in both public and private education, including service as superintendent of the Waterford School District and most recently as principal at Trinity Lutheran Church and School in Waukesha.
Explore WLC’s graduate programs at wlc.edu/grad.
STUDENTS SUCCEED AT WLC AND AFTER GRADUATION
For 13 consecutive years, 100% of Wisconsin Lutheran College’s School of Education graduates have committed to teacher positions within three months of graduation, with most of our students committing to placements prior to concluding their student teaching.
WLC’s School of Nursing and Allied Health prepares compassionate, exceptional nurses who serve at the forefront of transformational healthcare delivery.
• 100% of WLC's May 2024 nursing graduates who took the state board exam (NCLEX-RN) passed on their first attempt.
• 100% of WLC's May 2024 nursing graduates were employed within four months of graduation in healthcare settings.
In November 2024, 12 senior psychology majors participated in the Psychology ETS Major Field Test. WLC students achieved an outstanding overall score in the 99th percentile among 235 institutions nationwide.
These accomplishments underscore the dedication of our students and faculty, and they exemplify the high-quality, rigorous education offered by WLC. We congratulate our students and alumni on their hard work and outstanding success!
MAJOR AND LICENSURE UPDATES IN THE SCHOOL OF EDUCATION
The School of Education, in response to statewide changes to Wisconsin teacher licensing requirements, has made updates to enhance education offerings at WLC. The college now offers the following programs: art education major, elementarymiddle education major (grade band options: K4-2, 3-5, or 6-9), middle and high school grades (4-12) departmentalized majors, music education major, Spanish education, crosscategorical special education major, adaptive education minor, and coaching education minor. Learn more at wlc.edu/edu
NEW MAJORS ANNOUNCED
WLC will offer four new undergraduate programs beginning this fall:
SPORTS MANAGEMENT Academic Spotlight
Wisconsin Lutheran College offers a bachelor’s degree in sports management as well as a master’s degree in sport and recreation management. A new addition to those programs is that incoming freshmen can apply for a 4+1 accelerated program, which will allow them to earn both degrees in just five years.
Students benefit from local connections in the sports industry through WLC’s professors and adjunct instructors. In November, students in WLC’s undergrad and graduate sports management programs were invited to tour athletics facilities in Wisconsin. They got behind-the-scenes tours at the following locations:
• Lambeau Field, home of the Green Bay Packers (below and above right)
• Fox Cities Stadium, home of the W isconsin Timber Rattlers (above left)
• Community First Champion Center, a sports complex for the Fox Cities region
• Erin Hills Golf Course, home of the 2025 U.S. Women's Open
• American Family Field, home of the Milwaukee Brewers (above middle)
• Recreation Complex, home of the WLC Warriors
Last fall, Dr. Kris Schoonover, assistant competition director at Erin Hills Golf Course (pictured with Prof. Jeremiah Hoffmann), shared her expertise with students in Hoffmann’s Legal Issues in Sports Management class. Schoonover discussed the tremendous amount of planning and logistics involved in hosting a national championship event like the 2025 U.S. Women’s Open. She also brought the U.S. Women's Open Championship trophy along for students to see.
MARISSA NELSON is an athletics communication specialist at the University of WisconsinStevens Point; she also is pursuing a master’s degree in sport and recreation management at WLC. Nelson took part in the facility tour, where she was able to meet some of her online classmates in person. She said she chose WLC because, “I was looking for a program that fit my schedule, and the online route was the most flexible for me. I work long hours but am able to do what I’ve wanted to do, which is work in sports while taking classes toward my master’s degree.”
CAMPUS MINISTRY
In May 2024, six students and Dr. Kristi Meyer ’01, professor of mathematics, headed to Alaska for a Campus Ministry trip; the destination was a surprise until departure day! Students volunteered at Faith Lutheran Church in Anchorage, assisting with a summer camp promo event and doing canvassing. The group also had time to explore the beauty of God’s creation in our 49th state.
WELS YOUTH NIGHT
The first WELS Youth Night at WLC was a huge success! Last October, about 140 high school students came together for worship and fellowship. Special thanks to WLC Campus Ministry; Pastors Nate Wordell, Clark Schultz, and Wayne Shevey; Ezra Blumer; and all our volunteers. WLC will host its next WELS Youth Night in April 2025.
Immersion Experiences Abroad
In January 2024, WLC nursing students took part in a global health immersion trip to the Dominican Republic. Throughout the week, the group worked sideby-side with local service organizations and participated in clinical experiences at area medical facilities. Students observed the differences – and similarities – between Dominican and American healthcare systems. The group (pictured at left) also took in the sights and culture of the diverse Caribbean nation. They strolled the well-worn paths of Santo Domingo’s history-rich colonial district and toured the magnificent water-filled caves at Tres Ojos National Park. The next cultural health immersion trip for nursing students is scheduled for May 2025 in Zambia.
In January 2025, five WLC students and Dr. Joel Pless, professor of theology, traveled to Greece and Italy for a study tour, conducted in conjunction with Wisconsin Lutheran Seminary. Students from Martin Luther College also took part in the tour, which followed in the footsteps of the apostle Paul.
In December, an open house and mock trial demonstration were held in WLC’s new courtroom classroom. Located in the lower level of Generac Hall, the space can be used for the college’s criminal justice and politics and law courses, as well as by the Mock Trial Team and Pre-Law Society. The project was funded by the 2024 WLC Greenfield Award for Faculty Excellence, which was awarded to Dr. Jason Badura, associate professor of politics and law.
Students in Dr. Marty Miller’s Teaching Science class explored the world of coding in spring of 2024 by testing and providing feedback on the Hoan Bridge CODEMKE project being developed by St. Francis High School students. WLC students were able to create different codes to alter the lighting of the bridge. Thanks to superintendent Dr. Deborah Kerr (pictured on the left) for her support of the project and to Peter Graven who oversees the project. This college/K-12 partnership is a result of the sySTEMnow Conference.
Kylie Tremaine, a senior criminal justice major with a minor in human social services, is a first-generation student attending Wisconsin Lutheran College through WLC’s new Hope Scholars program. Kylie is part of the first cohort of Hope Scholars and is experiencing all WLC has to offer from academic, spiritual, and student life perspectives.
The Hope Scholars initiative began in the fall of 2021 and focuses on providing an opportunity for firstgeneration students to realize a WLC education along with a host of resources to help the students succeed and graduate as Christian servant leaders who will impact the Milwaukee region. Kylie is well on her way toward a successful career in helping to meet people where
HOPEScholars Program
Offering Opportunities for First-Generation Students
By Dr. Richard Mannisto ’94
they are at and succeed in life. She credits her ability to navigate college life to Hope Scholars coach Lori Stankiewicz. Kylie also states that the small class sizes and opportunities to connect one-onone with professors allow her to engage in deeper conversations about academics and faith.
In 2023, Kylie had the opportunity to attend Voice of the Middle Ground’s annual Rev 7 Conference free of charge due to a grant that one of her professors had secured. Kylie heard from various speakers, including Pastor Aaron Robinson, a current WLC Board of Regents member, and Pastor Jeff Gunn, a former WLC Regent. Looking to expand her perspectives on diversity through the lens of the Bible, she explored
ways to broaden diversity within the Christian church, approach difficult situations like race relations with the voice of Jesus, and meet people where they are. Kylie shared some impactful moments from the conference, where she learned how to channel frustrations about tough topics and realized that God is in control and that we don’t control the situation – God does.
Kylie is just one example of Warriors who are exploring their vocation and how their faith informs their pathways in life. The college is grateful that Kylie could gain insights and tools to bring back to our campus and help us navigate tough subjects through a Scriptural approach. We look forward to seeing Kylie and the first cohort of Hope Scholars graduate in May.
A thriving career in research, grounded in the liberal arts
By Jonathan Lorenzen ’11
In August 2022, Dr. Abby Kroken, a 2007 Wisconsin Lutheran College alumna, was awarded a $1.9 million R01 project grant from the National Institutes of Health (NIH) to study how epithelial cells at the surface of the eye defend it from bacterial infection. Now an assistant professor of microbiology and immunology at Loyola University Chicago, Kroken, who earned a Ph.D. from the Medical College of Wisconsin, has accumulated a vast repository of research data as both a student and faculty member. But how did this once-undecided undergraduate forge a path to managing her own laboratory at one of the nation’s leading private research universities?
IT HAD SOMETHING TO DO WITH JAZZ
When Kroken was considering colleges, she participated in WLC’s annual High School Jazz Festival. “I really enjoyed it, and I was impressed by the performing arts aspect of the college. So it wasn’t even the science that drew me in,” she recalled.
While Kroken had an inkling she would study biology in college, she also wanted to cultivate her love
for art and music. She explained: “If I went to a larger school, I wasn’t sure I would be able to take art classes or be in concert band and jazz band.”
“Without actually knowing what a liberal arts education was, I knew I wanted to be able to learn about things that weren’t part of the major I was choosing.”
Not only was Kroken able to play her saxophone and spend time in the photography darkroom, but she could also explore several scientific disciplines. At first, Kroken took an interest in ecology, fueled by research experiences with now-retired WLC professor Dr. Robert Anderson. She spent a summer taking aquatic plant samplings from Wisconsin lakes to evaluate the presence of invasive species like Eurasian watermilfoil.
For Kroken, these adventures on the lakes were among the most unforgettable memories from her college career. With a smile, she reminisced: “It was me, Angie (Ortenblad) Richter ’05, and Allison
(Zappa) Endsley ’07, and we called ourselves the ‘Triple A Sampling Team.’ I think we all look back on that summer with incredible fondness, for just the silly situations that three girls with a boat in northern Wisconsin got into.”
EXITING ECOLOGY AND MOVING ON TO MICRO
As time went on, however, Kroken began to realize the challenges that came with field work and questioned her desire to continue with ecology. She remembered telling herself: “I don’t think I’m as outdoorsy as I thought I was.” So Kroken channeled her love for learning to determine where to go next. She would routinely max out her course load with classes that seemed interesting and decided to try microbiology.
The move proved to be a defining moment for Kroken’s future. “I absolutely loved microbiology. I started pipetting bacteria and looking at them under a microscope and thought, ‘I’m pretty sure I want to do this for the rest of my life.’” Still, she wanted to be sure. Kroken sought out additional opportunities to immerse herself in microbiology and bacteriology. With the help of WLC biology professor
Dr. Jarrod Erbe, Kroken applied for an undergraduate research fellowship with the American Society for Microbiology (ASM). She was accepted into the program and spent the next summer developing a fluorescent biosensor to measure environmental levels of phosphate in water and soil.
The fellowship exposed Kroken to new aspects of her field of study, and culminated in presenting her research at ASM’s national meeting the following summer. Throughout the process, Erbe and then-WLC biology professor Dr. Rob Balza ’98 presented Kroken with the idea of pursuing graduate school. The thought had never even been on her radar: “There was no plan, it was just that I was interested in something and wanted to do more of it. In retrospect, it can look like I tailored my graduate school application by having certain research experiences. But that was just me trying to figure out how I can do more of this thing that I like.”
CROSSING THE STREET
Kroken didn’t have to travel far to obtain her graduate degree; in fact, she only needed to cross the street from WLC to begin studying at the Medical College
of Wisconsin. There, she had the opportunity to explore different disciplines within her field before settling on microbiology and molecular genetics. Kroken joined the lab of Dr. Joseph Barbieri, whose method of instruction motivated her to stick to her true interests. “He was the right person to teach me. I felt like he made things understandable, and I always walked away from an interaction with him knowing something I didn’t know before.”
In Barbieri’s lab, Kroken uncovered a passion for microscopy and positioned herself as an expert in biochemistry with an interest in bacterial pathogenesis. She also recognized her desire to continue her work in a faculty position at a university. Kroken graduated from the Medical College of Wisconsin in 2013 with a Ph.D. in microbiology and molecular genetics.
A SHARPENED FOCUS
Kroken diligently searched for a postdoctoral fellowship by connecting with scientists who were focused on similar pursuits: “I wanted to work with pathogenic bacteria, gain experience with an animal model, and continue with microscopy.” She was invited to join the lab of University of California-
Berkeley School of Optometry professor Dr. Suzanne Fleiszig.
Throughout her postdoctoral fellowship, Kroken and her lab mates worked to understand how and why people wearing soft contact lenses were at a heightened risk for eye infections, the primary culprit being Pseudomonas aeruginosa, a particularly nasty multi-drugresistant species of bacteria. Not only does P. aeruginosa wreak havoc in the eye, it is also responsible for dangerous lung and hospital-acquired infections and is among the top-five most destructive bacterial strains in terms of morbidity and mortality.
In Fleiszig’s lab, Kroken found an environment that promoted discovery and collaboration. “The creativity came back into my scientific life, and I was encouraged to come up with unconventional experiments that would best address our questions.”
THE LEAP TO LOYOLA
When Kroken was ready to seek a faculty position at a research university, Loyola University Chicago proved to be the right fit. With an offer in hand, Kroken and her husband, Joel Rusch ’08,
departed the Bay Area for the Windy City in 2021.
Kroken began building up her laboratory at Loyola, albeit with several challenges due to the lingering effects of the coronavirus pandemic: “I did my best to get my lab set up at a time when things were very much backordered. I had to write a lot of I-O-Us to my neighboring labs, but luckily I was able to set up a microscope pretty quickly and recapitulate all the things I had learned at Berkeley.”
Key to her initial success at Loyola was securing grant funding to continue her research on the eye’s defenses against the Pseudomonas aeruginosa bacteria strain. After setting up her lab and having four months to collect preliminary data, Kroken submitted a proposal for funding from the National Institutes of Health (NIH). Her hard work paid off; the agency awarded Kroken a $1.9 million R01 project grant to conduct her research and provide for expenses related to running her lab.
Kroken’s project can be broken down into two parts:
• 1. Her lab will tackle the question of how Pseudomonas aeruginosa causes damage to the cor nea. Specifically, they will seek to understand how the bacteria attaches to tissue and manipulates the host’s ability to detect and fight against the invading pathogen.
• 2. They will dig into how epithelial cells (those forming a thin protective barrier at the ocular surface) detect and respond to pathogenic bacteria, and the mechanics of how they raise defenses against pathogens.
While much of Kroken’s research serves to answer “basic science” questions about bacterial pathogenesis, it also has potential for practical application in fighting disease beyond the eye and preserving life. In understanding how bacteria behave within epithelial cells, scientists can find more effective ways of killing these pathogens. “Some antibiotics can’t reach the spaces within epithelial cells, so we may need to think about how we
reach this population of bacteria therapeutically. Or, do we need something more clever than just trying a different antibiotic.”
WHEN WARRIORS WORLDS COLLIDE
Kroken works with a team of graduate students and postdoctoral fellows to assist with her research at Loyola. But one team member in particular shares a special connection with Kroken –one that neither was aware of until after he had joined her lab.
WLC alumnus Adam Thota ’21 is a third-year Ph.D. student in Loyola’s microbiology and immunology program. While still working on his master’s degree, Thota had rotated through several labs before finding a place where he truly felt at home.
Thota remembers: “I found my way into Abby’s lab by accident. I didn't quite fit in with the virology lab, so I literally went into the next lab over.” Thota and Kroken hit it off right away. Perhaps this was because they are both WLC grads.
Kroken shared her research with a class at WLC in 2023.
Kroken was named 2024 Junior Scientist of the Year at Loyola.
Kroken recalled, “I just really enjoyed working with him, and I didn’t realize until about a week in that we had both gone to WLC.”
Thota thinks highly of Kroken and feels their shared roots contribute to a well-matched partnership: “I really enjoyed my time rotating with her. It definitely helps that we come from similar backgrounds: We’re both Wisconsinites from small towns, interested in science, and have similar values. She gave me great ideas and guidance with my project, and also allowed me the freedom to choose where my project went.”
When Thota was nearing the end of his master’s studies, Kroken encouraged him to consider pursuing his Ph.D. at Loyola. Thota agreed and chose to remain a member of Kroken’s lab, allowing him to continue expanding on the research he had done in her lab during his master’s research.
The Warriors contingent grew by one this semester as Dr. James Henkel, associate professor of biology at WLC, headed 90 miles south to do sabbatical work in
Kroken’s lab. Henkel and Kroken met while serving together in Dr. Barbieri’s lab at the Medical College of Wisconsin.
LOOKING BACK ON THE LIBERAL ARTS
The motivation and guidance Kroken received from Drs. Erbe and Balza were instrumental in allowing her to overcome selfdoubt and believe she would thrive in graduate school. Erbe recently said: “Abby was an exceptional student, demonstrating a diverse range of interests and always ready to challenge me with insightful questions.”
Balza spoke to Kroken’s wellrounded method of learning: “Kroken was a student who truly made the most of her liberal arts education at WLC. While she thrived in the laboratory and quickly fell in love with the scientific method, she also went out of her way to take as many courses in the humanities as she could. We had as many thoughtful discussions about theology and philosophy as we did about microscopy and cell culture.”
Kroken, who was drawn to WLC because of the arts, understands how those experiences influence her work today. “I feel Prof. Jim Matson’s photography class prepared me to use a microscope far better than any of my biology classes. He taught almost in a scientific way, telling us that a camera is just a box with a hole in it, and that’s how I tell people how to think about the microscope.”
Although Kroken has undoubtedly earned a place of respect in the scientific community, she remains humble, always remembering those who helped her along the way. And while research is an important part of her story, it’s not the only chapter: “I like the word vocation versus career, because I think there’s a danger in the sciences where many feel like what they do is their whole identity.”
With an eye for research, an ear for jazz, and a heart for learning, Kroken is always eager to have others join her on her journey. “People deserve a chance to try this out. Who knows, they might just find their vocation.”
Adam Thota ’21 presented a poster at a 2023 conference.
Kroken is shown working in a WLC lab in 2006.
RECORD YEAR FOR FOOTBALL
WLC’s football team tied a program record for wins in a season. The Warriors, who finished 7-3 overall and 6-2 in the NACC, finished third place in the conference standings.
LIAM HEIGES (#29) of Appleton, Wisconsin, was named NACC Freshman of the Year.
Head Coach Eric Treske ’08 was named Private College Coach of the Year by the Wisconsin Football Coaches Association (WFCA). He was recognized during a banquet at Lambeau Field in February.
SCHOLAR-ATHLETES RECOGNIZED
A RECORD 238 STUDENT-ATHLETES
from Wisconsin Lutheran College’s 19 NCAA Division III sports teams were named Northern Athletics Collegiate Conference (NACC) ScholarAthletes for 2023-2024. In order to achieve NACC Scholar-Athlete status, student-athletes competing in the conference must maintain a grade point average of 3.25 or higher for the academic year.
THE MEN’S GOLF TEAM was named an AllAcademic Team by the Golf Coaches Association of America. The Warriors compiled a 3.29 GPA for the 2023-2024 academic year, marking the third straight year the team received the honor.
THE MEN’S AND WOMEN’S TRACK & FIELD TEAMS were honored as All-Academic Teams for the fifth straight year by the U.S. Track & Field and Cross Country Coaches Association. The men’s program compiled a conference-best team grade point average of 3.57. The women’s program posted a team grade point average of 3.54.
a NACC Scholar-Athlete and 2024 NACC Outdoor Track & Field Athlete of the Year, qualified for the NCAA Division III Outdoor Track & Field Championships in May 2024.
Photo: Zeke Micheel ’24,
WARRIORS BASKETBALL TEAMS
PUNCHED 2024 NCAA TOURNAMENT TICKETS
In 2024, for the first time in school history, Wisconsin Lutheran College’s men’s and women’s basketball teams won the Northern Athletics Collegiate Conference (NACC) regular season and conference tournament titles to earn automatic bids to the NCAA Division III Championship Tournament.
MEN’S BASKETBALL
Led by four-time NACC Coach of the Year Aaron Aanonsen, the 2023-2024 men’s team went 24-5 overall and 16-2 in league play. WLC captured the NACC title for the fourth time in five seasons and won the NACC Tournament for the second time. Ryan Broeckel ’24 of Chilton, Wisconsin, was named a First Team All-American by the National Association of Basketball Coaches (NABC). The 2024 NACC Tournament MVP and two-time NACC Player of the Year scored in double figures in 23 contests, averaging 17.2 points per game.
The 2024-2025 squad started the season 7-0 and has been ranked as high as 6th in the nation in the D3hoops.com poll.
WOMEN’S BASKETBALL
Under the direction of seven-time NACC Coach of the Year Klay Knueppel, the women’s team finished the 2023-2024 season 23-5 overall and 15-1 in league play to capture the NACC title for the 10th time and head to its 12th NCAA Division III Tournament. Sam Leisemann ’24 of Fall River, Wisconsin, was named First Team All-Region VIII by D3hoops.com and was the NACC Player of the Year.
Coach Knueppel collected his 400th career win in November as the Warriors defeated 17thranked Transylvania on the road. The 2024-2025 team was on a 13-game winning streak in February.
LEXI MARTIN ’24 of Westfield, Indiana, was named a Third Team All-American by the National Fastpitch Coaches Association in May 2024. This was the second consecutive NFCA All-American honor for Martin, who was named to the First Team a season ago.
Men’s soccer players
PUMA GALVAN ’24 of Racine, Wisconsin, and JACK LEFFEL of Germantown, Wisconsin, received All-Region recognition from the United Soccer Coaches in December. Galvan, a senior goalkeeper, was named Third Team AllRegion. Leffel, a junior defender, was named Fourth Team All-Region; he was also a First Team All-NACC selection.
WLC’s ALI SCHMIDT of Germantown and JOELLE SMITH of Milwaukee were named to the 2024 All-NACC Singles Team in November. This marks the fifth straight year that multiple Warriors have received All-NACC Singles honors.
In November, junior JESSE CUNEO of Oconomowoc, Wisconsin, became the Warriors’ first Esports team member to earn an award, bringing home First Team honors from the Wisconsin Esports Conference.
Stepping up
TO THE PODIUM
To conduct the Wisconsin Lutheran College Concert Band in concert is a privilege that undergraduate students earn by passing the Advanced Instrumental Conducting course (MUS 351). A distinguishing feature of WLC’s program is that music education majors who pass MUS 351 are invited to continue selecting, lesson planning, rehearsing, and performing their chosen piece with the Concert Band at every concert up until they leave for student teaching. They enter their student teaching experience having conducted six concert cycles, whereas most students at other colleges conduct just one.
conducted O Magnum
SABBATICAL EXHIBITION
In 2024, an exhibition by Chad Lindemann, professor of art, was presented in the Schlueter Art Gallery. During his sabbatical in the fall of 2023, Lindemann refined a typeface consisting of primary Latin letterforms, based on the handwriting of his late mother-in-law, Kate. He said that after her passing, “Many people commented to me how beautiful her writing was. So, as a gift to my wife, this font is in her mother’s memory.”
The project began more than a decade ago. Lindemann said: “In 2012, I shared some early drawings of the letter forms with experts, and they could recognize them as 1950s Midwestern handwriting. I knew I had something here; I had a who it was for, what motivated me to work on this project, and when and where to distinguish it from all other handwriting fonts. This is an excellent example of a creative project put in front of me without trying to make it happen, work that can give the glory to God for the blessing of rewarding vocational work.”
In April 2024, during the exhibition’s closing reception, Lindemann gave a talk in the Reichel Lecture Hall, which was filled with faculty, staff, family, and friends. “I can say that I, in a God-fearing, pride-filled way, made something organic, bright, familiar, and dynamic, and I am personally proud of that.”
His PF Lindemann Sans font was published in 2011 by the Parachute Type Foundry. He hopes to publish the Kate font as well.
COLLIN CERNY ’25, a music education major from Campbellsport, Wisconsin,
Mysterium by Morton Lauridsen during WLC’s 2024 Prelude to Christmas Band Concert.
CHOIR ON TOUR
In 2024, the Wisconsin Lutheran Choir and Chamber Choir toured Georgia and the Carolinas. Tourist stops included the Georgia Aquarium, Tybee Island, and Cypress Gardens. They explored Forsyth Park in Savannah, Georgia, and the Cathedral Basilica of St. John the Baptist.
After a performance at Beautiful Savior Lutheran in Summerville, South Carolina, the church commented on Facebook: “Thank you so much for stopping by our church! It was such a blessing to come together to listen to such beautiful voices and to meet the students. We can’t wait to have y’all back soon!”
A concert attendee in Georgia commented on Facebook: “It was like listening to angels singing. So beautiful, thank you so very much for including us in your tour. We were blessed to have you at our church!”
From April 9-13, the WLC Theatre Department will present The Tavern by Hilary Mackelden. Set in a rundown tavern on Good Friday through Easter Sunday, we see how five different people, based on Biblical figures, were affected by Jesus’ death and resurrection: a bar maid, the widow of the one of the accused, a Roman soldier, a guilty man set free, and a young teen. Prepare your hearts for Easter by attending this thought-provoking and emotionally driven play, which is the final production of the 2024-2025 theatre season. For tickets, visit wlc.edu/theatre-productions.
Spring 2025 CHOIR TOUR
WLC choir members and their director, Dr. James Nowack, are touring during Spring Break through the Midwest and MidAtlantic. See photos from the tour at facebook.com/ WisconsinLutheranChoir.
MARCH 7 Faith Lutheran Church Antioch, Illinois
MARCH 8 Resurrection Lutheran Church Maumee, Ohio
MARCH 9 Immanuel Lutheran Church Findlay, Ohio
MARCH 9 St Paul’s Lutheran Church Columbus, Ohio
MARCH 11
Lutheran Church Chesapeake, Virginia
MARCH 13 Washington National Cathedral Midday Music Series Washington, D.C.
MARCH 14
St. Paul’s Lutheran Church Falls Church, Virginia Presented by Grace Lutheran
MARCH 16
WLC Home Concert Milwaukee, Wisconsin
“May your unfailing love be with us, Lord, even as we put our hope in you.” – Psalm 33:22 NIV
