Summer 2017
M A G A Z I N E
From the President Dear Friends, Wisconsin Lutheran College celebrated the conclusion of its 44th academic year with a Commencement service on May 20 – what a joy to send out equipped Christian servant leaders into the world to influence and impact their workplaces, communities, families, and churches! As we look forward to welcoming the Class of 2021 this fall, we have been pondering the distinctiveness of the WLC experience, and we developed two videos (wlc.edu/enroll) that convey our unique mission. We highlight how our graduates are prepared to step into culture-shaping roles in society and how they are equipped for life’s critical moments. They are ready to embrace the unique purpose that God has designed for them. What a blessed cause, and we are so grateful for the heroic efforts of our friends, alumni, and partners who give of their financial gifts and prayers to make our WLC mission come to life. Perhaps at no other moment in the history of our young college has this been so evident as it was in April. That’s when we welcomed more than 600 guests to campus as we celebrated Christian servant leadership in financial support for the WLC mission. At our inaugural Divine Servant Award Celebration, God’s people blessed us with more than $1 million in net revenue, with all of the proceeds benefiting students through scholarships. How great is our God! At this celebration, which took place in our Time of Grace Center, we welcomed former President George W. Bush to campus. He and I enjoyed an hour-long conversation on the stage, during which time the audience was reminded of his courageous presidential leadership, while he unapologetically was overt about his faith in God. Throughout the evening, I was able to share stories about our graduates who were prepared for their critical moments of Christian leadership as well. Thank you for your ongoing support of Wisconsin Lutheran College. Today, more than ever, we need God’s people to rally around our Christian higher education mission. We live in a hurting and broken world, and our communities are in desperate need of bold Christian leaders. How thankful we are to prepare our women and men for lives of Christian leadership for such a time as this. In grateful service to Jesus,
Dr. Daniel W. Johnson President, Wisconsin Lutheran College
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24 Summer 2017 | Vol. 29, No. 1
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MISSION STATEMENT Wisconsin Lutheran College, affiliated with the Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod, is a Lutheran liberal arts college for Christian men and women. The college is committed to providing quality teaching, scholarship, and service that are rooted in Holy Scripture; promoting the spiritual growth of students, faculty, and staff; and preparing students for lives of Christian leadership. PRESIDENT Dr. Daniel W. Johnson
In This Issue
EDITOR AND WRITER Melanie Buellesbach
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From the President
4
Kapco Charitable Challenge
DESIGNER Amy Kuether ’96 PHOTOGRAPHERS Melanie Buellesbach Lindsay Carr ’07 Dr. Jarrod Erbe Curtis Wech ’09 Jeff Wilson/Varitay Studios
9 Commencement 13
Divine Servant Award Celebration
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Students Make an Impact at WLC
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Alumni Return to Campus
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New Higher-Education Partnerships
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Campus News
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Spotlight on Fine Arts
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New Coaches at the Helm
Wisconsin Lutheran College Magazine is published for and distributed free of charge to students, faculty, staff, alumni, and friends of the college. For more articles and photos, visit WLC Magazine Online at magazine.wlc.edu. All letters, news, corrections, and comments should be directed to WLC’s Office of Marketing & Communication, 8800 W. Bluemound Road, Milwaukee, WI 53226, publicaffairs@wlc.edu.
20 ON THE COVER: Wisconsin Lutheran College’s President, Dr. Daniel W. Johnson, presented the inaugural Divine Servant Award to former U.S. President George W. Bush at a celebration event in WLC’s Time of Grace Center on April 28, 2017. Photo by Lindsay Carr ’07.
If you prefer to receive WLC Magazine electronically or need to update your address, please email friends@wlc.edu. To receive regular enews updates from the college, please share your email address at friends@wlc.edu.
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KAP Charitable Challenge
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KAPCO Charitable Challenge
am THAN WE TeBETTER FOUND IT
Nonprofits helped: DreamBikes, Lighthouse Youth Center, Milwaukee Rescue Mission, Sherman Park Lutheran School Team members: Amber Bilitz, Andrea Bilitz, Esther Harbach, Samantha Huebner, Jessica Mooty, Adam Pagel, Samantha Paton, Curtis Piek, Emma Tollenaar, and Nathan Wolfrath Update: The team continued to work with Lighthouse Youth Center, organizing an educational hiking trip to a state park for the kids.
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uring the fall semester, Wisconsin Lutheran College was privileged to witness shining examples of its students’ Christian servant leadership in the local community as part of the Kapco Charitable Challenge. The Challenge, funded by Kapco Metal Stamping in Grafton, Wisconsin, and its President, Jim Kacmarcik, was created to help develop leadership and business skills in young people while aiding Milwaukee-area nonprofits and encouraging students to “pay it forward.” WLC took part in the 2010 edition of the Challenge and was honored to be invited back. The Challenge launched in September with multiple teams of students from four institutions: Wisconsin Lutheran College, Cardinal Stritch University, Concordia University Wisconsin, and UW-Milwaukee. Each team received $1,000 in seed money from Kapco. Four teams from WLC took part in the first round. The goals for the 2016 Challenge, as established by Kapco, included the following: develop leadership, marketing, event management, and business skills; instill the value of giving; mobilize thousands to get involved in nonprofit endeavors; impact lives; and demonstrate how seed investments can be leveraged to substantially impact others.
“The Challenge was meant to be fun, to bring people together, and to make an impact on our greater community,” said Barb Westness, WLC’s director of student programming. “It was an amazing opportunity for students to be directly involved with something larger than themselves and to be able to share the WLC mission.” In addition to serving the community, most teams helped people serve and give back within their own neighborhoods. WLC’s Teens for Transformation team recruited teens from the Don and Sallie Davis Boys and Girls Club to take part in a five-day service challenge. Projects included a neighborhood 6 | Summer 2017
m a e TTEENS FOR
TRANSFORMATION Nonprofits helped: House of Love Youth Homes, Hope House of Milwaukee, St. Vincent de Paul Society, Don & Sallie Davis Boys and Girls Club, Milwaukee County Veterans Services, Children’s Hospital of Wisconsin, Lutheran Home
cleanup, making care packages for a homeless shelter, and serving food for a free meal program. The main project of team Better Than We Found It was to organize bike drives at schools around Wisconsin. They picked up more than 260 donated bicycles, which they delivered to DreamBikes in Milwaukee’s Brewers Hill neighborhood. Young people in the community will gain work experience as they refurbish the bikes, which will then be sold to people in the area who need bikes for transportation.
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“I’ve learned so much from this experience about what I can give back. It was humbling to see how so many little things I take for granted can make such a big difference in people’s lives. Prior to this event, I didn’t recognize that I had the ability to personally affect change in my community this much!” - Adam Pagel
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Team Storm wanted to make a difference in the Sherman Park community, which was roiled by violence last summer. During a day filled with service projects and fun at Sherman Park Lutheran School, the team members sought to empower the students to serve, love, and give back. Sarah Weber, principal of Sherman Park Lutheran, said: “This Challenge is providing our students with an opportunity to live the service that we always talk about. It gives them an opportunity to not only serve people who are right next to them but also people they don’t even know. We’re really excited to be able to partner with WLC in encouraging our kids to serve others.” Team Dig Deep MKE donated Chromebooks to Cross Trainers Academy, a school located at the Milwaukee Rescue Mission. The team members continued their work after the Challenge, starting a WLC club called Warriors Helping Others.
Team members: Alexandra Bazile-Martinez, Gelila Gabayehu, Kenya Green, Jada Henderson, Helen Joyce, Martharoot Malungu, and Libby Schellpfeffer Update: The team met with the youth through the year at the Boys and Girls Club for conversations about leadership and service projects.
eam TSTORM
Nonprofit helped: Sherman Park Lutheran School Team members: Jeremy Fierros, Steve Griebenow, Katy Jahns, Emma Poetter, Greta Sievert, and Madeline Wunderle
eamDEEP MKE TDIG Nonprofit helped: Cross Trainers Academy
Team members: Veronica Anderson, Ayla Baewer, Bethany Beer, Hannah Gerbing, Marisah Hilger, Lauren Howard, Savannah Kubis, Brianna LeFebre, Angela Lendt, Matthew Plaski, and Kendra Schleg
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After judging was completed for the first round, four teams moved on to the next phase of the Challenge. Each team came up with a plan to help a nonprofit organization or project of their choice in southeastern Wisconsin. Students used their skills in event management, fundraising, marketing, public relations, public speaking, and social media to accomplish the Challenge’s goals. Having competed with groups from three larger universities in the area, WLC was honored to have two teams – Better Than We Found It and Teens for Transformation – among the four finalists. These two WLC teams reached a combined 265,000 people, raised nearly $30,000, and directly impacted 11 local organizations during the seven-week Challenge. “All of our students who participated in the event took time from their busy academic schedules to serve as Christian leaders, making an impact on thousands of lives right here in our own community,” said Dr. Daniel W. Johnson, President of WLC. “Praise God for this opportunity.” The final teams made their presentations in front of judges, their peers, and college representatives at Turner Hall in downtown Milwaukee on November 16. After deliberating, the judges named WLC’s team Better Than We Found It the overall winner of the Challenge. “The Kapco Charitable Challenge was a contest unlike any other, because ultimately everyone who was involved won!” said Westness. “The participants set goals, accomplished amazing tasks, made an impact in the greater Milwaukee community, found creative ways to meet the needs of others, and grew as teams and individuals.”
ORGANIZATIONS IMPACTED Children’s Hospital of Wisconsin Cross Trainers Academy Don & Sallie Davis Boys and Girls Club DreamBikes Hope House of Milwaukee House of Love Youth Homes Lighthouse Youth Center Lutheran Home Milwaukee County Veterans Services Milwaukee Rescue Mission Sherman Park Lutheran School St. Vincent de Paul Society
Class of 2017
On May 20, we recognized the Class of 2017 at Commencement. Our undergraduates came to us from 18 states and represented 28 majors. We were honored to have Rev. David Rutschow as our keynote speaker at the service, and we presented Rev. Rutschow with WLC’s Pro Gloria Dei Award for his life of distinguished service to God and His people.
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JEREMY FIERROS of Crystal Lake, Illinois, was one of five Christian Leadership Certificate recipients to graduate in May. He earned a degree in computer science. The certificate program provides an opportunity for students to develop and strengthen their leadership skills, offering them tangible evidence of their leadership experiences to use in the world after graduation.
Student speaker CHASE MAXWELL of Green Bay, Wisconsin, who gave countless tours to prospective students and their parents, took the audience on a final tour of campus, “walking” through the buildings and sharing the impact that the people inside those structures had on him. “In my tours, I always tried to emphasize the importance of relationships fostered with professors – the positivity, willingness, and overall love of the faculty and staff. They care.” Maxwell, who earned degrees in business administration and English, continued: “WLC is different because of you, my graduating classmates. You are the story. You aren’t servant leaders just because you’re here at WLC, you’re servant leaders because that is who you are, because of what you do. At WLC we have every opportunity to grow and succeed, and we take those opportunities and make them our own. You are the face of WLC to the rest of the world. You make WLC the place that it is.” 10 | Summer 2017
SAVANNAH REID dodges the raindrops after Commencement, using her diploma for cover. She is from Milwaukee and earned a degree in psychology.
The academic procession was led by the grand marshal, DR. PAUL BECK, professor of history. He has served at WLC since 1987.
ALLISON BROWN of Watertown, South Dakota, was awarded the Wisconsin Nurses Association Board of Directors’ Future Nursing Leader Award. It is given to the top five nursing students in the state.
JESSICA GAMEZ of Milwaukee showed off her diploma following Commencement. She earned a degree in business management and leadership.
Fourteen students who earned Master of Arts degrees took part in Commencement in May. Their degrees were in high performance instruction, transition to teaching, or leadership and innovation.
NATHANAEL KELLY of North Prairie, Wisconsin, was one of 11 graduates in the Honors Program. He earned a degree in biology.
TIMOTHY BARE of Owosso, Michigan, was excited for Commencement to begin.
THEO BELHOMME of Kissimmee, Florida, earned a degree in sport and exercise science. He plans to attend Texas Tech University to pursue his master’s degree in athletic training.
DEREK DEPREY ’02 welcomed the graduates to the ranks of WLC alumni.
ERICA ELLINGTON of Henderson, Nevada, greets faculty members after Commencement. A double-major in sport and exercise science as well as nursing, Ellington also was part of the Honors Program.
REV. DAVID RUTSCHOW, recipient of the Pro Gloria Dei Award, was the keynote speaker. He addressed the graduating students: “Graduation is a step from one place to another. It’s out onto the big playing field of life and career…ready or not, here it comes. But you’re ready for it. WLC has equipped and prepared you well.” He went on to say: “I could not have imagined where many of my steps were going to go. I’ll tell you without any reservation, the Lord God directed my steps all these years, all those places, and He did a very good job. He has directed my steps to places it wouldn’t have occurred to me I should even venture one step. The Lord God is going to be with you every step of the way, and even better than that, He’s going to be determining and directing your steps.”
In their hearts humans plan their course, but the Lord establishes their steps. – Proverbs 16:9
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Nursing graduates had fun following class photos, despite the rain.
A Record-Setting Event
The Divine Servant Award Celebration raised more than $1 million for student scholarships.
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ormer United States President George W. Bush was honored as the inaugural recipient of the Divine Servant Award in the Time of Grace Center on the Wisconsin Lutheran College campus on April 28. Mr. Bush was the featured speaker at the Divine Servant Award Celebration, appearing before a crowd of more than 600. The guests had gathered to honor the former President for exemplifying the qualities of Christian servant leadership and exhibiting Christian values through his service to the United States of America as the nation’s 43rd President. The evening included a VIP reception and photo opportunity, a gourmet dinner served by Bartolotta Catering, and an
enlightening and entertaining question and answer program with Mr. Bush and WLC’s President, Dr. Daniel W. Johnson. Notable audience members in attendance to honor the former President included Wisconsin Governor Scott Walker, Cleveland Browns guard Kevin Zeitler, former Green Bay Packers player Kabeer GbajaBiamila, Wisconsin State Assembly Speaker Robin Vos, Milwaukee Alderman Michael Murphy, and Wauwatosa Mayor Kathy Ehley.
“Faith changes lives. I know, because faith has changed mine.” - George W. Bush
WLC presented the event as a celebration of Christian servant leadership with the proceeds benefiting students through scholarships to attend the college. This was the first major fundraising event for WLC, and it raised a record $1 million in net revenue. Wisconsin Lutheran College | 13
Pictured above left to right are Wisconsin Governor Scott Walker; WLC Board Member Matt Burow; WLC Board Chairman The Honorable Mark Neumann; Steve and Kathy Waller with Sandra Brand and John Macy; Jason ’06 and Elizabeth ’06 Weinrich; and Tim and Azcena Murray with Karen and Thomas Murray.
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The Wisconsin Lutheran Choir, under the direction of Dr. James A. Nowack, had the honor of performing three songs for the audience. The choir sang “God Bless America� as Mr. Bush entered the Time of Grace Center.
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“I build my life on a foundation that will not shift. My faith frees me.” - George W. Bush
Following an introduction by The Honorable Mark Neumann, chairman of WLC’s Board of Regents, President Johnson welcomed the guests, many of whom were new to WLC and its campus. Through President Johnson’s comments during the course of the evening and videos that were shown, the audience learned about what makes WLC a unique place – a place where students are prepared to be Christian servant leaders. He told stories of alumni and students who are making an impact in all parts of the world. After dinner, in a dialogue on stage with President Johnson, the former President reflected on his experiences in the Oval Office during a tempestuous period in America’s history that included the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks and the subsequent war on terror. Mr. Bush shared his personal gratitude for the service men and women who protect American freedoms and 16 | Summer 2017
whose courage and valor were the impetus for the artwork in his recently released book, Portraits of Courage: A Commander in Chief’s Tribute to America’s Warriors. Weaving into his narrative personal reflections on the role of his faith as a Christian and a world leader, Mr. Bush’s commentary vividly underscored two quotes displayed in his presidential library: “I build my life on a foundation that will not shift. My faith frees me,” and “Faith changes lives. I know, because faith has changed mine.”
“What a historic moment for our young college as we celebrate the blessing and impact of Christian servant leadership at WLC and honor one of our nation’s greatest leaders for living his faith in such an impactful and meaningful way,” said President Johnson following the event. “Mr. Bush’s message was insightful, honest, and inspiring, and we left more committed than ever to lead boldly and serve passionately all while letting our faith shine.”
Thanks to the tireless efforts of WLC staff, volunteers, and vendors – as well as the support of the event’s sponsors – the evening’s guests experienced a first-class event on campus as the Time of Grace Center was transformed from gymnasium to ballroom.
Spotlight on STUDENTS
Students Make an IMPACT at WLC Many of WLC’s 2017 graduates took full advantage of all Wisconsin Lutheran College has to offer, often excelling across disciplines and through a variety of extracurricular offerings. Here are two such students, who received awards for their efforts.
AUSTIN WAGENKNECHT of Yorba Linda, California, majored in both music and mathematics and was part of WLC’s Honors Program. In March, Wagenknecht – a viola player and member of the Wisconsin Lutheran Choir – presented G.B. Pergolesi’s short opera The Perfect Wife in the Raabe Theatre as his Honors capstone project. The ambitious two-night production – which was open to the public – featured two singers, an actor (Thomas Sebald ’16), and the WLC Chamber Ensemble. Wagenknecht also used his skills to help lead WLC’s Office of Student Employment as a student worker. He was named Midwest Association of Student Employment Administrators Student Employee of the Year for Wisconsin. Donna Stollenwerk, assistant director of financial aid, nominated Wagenknecht. She said: “When Austin trains new student workers, he teaches them how to think through the process and determine if the information makes sense. He does this all through quiet leadership. He is patient and throws out ideas to discuss, helping the group brainstorm and determine the most feasible way to proceed.” The Perfect Wife
Victor E. Warrior
HANNAH BARTELS, a biology major from La Crosse, Wisconsin, earned the 2017 Impact Award from WLC, which is given annually to a student who has made a difference on campus. Bartels served as president of the Student Senate, sang in the Wisconsin Lutheran Choir, tutored sport and exercise science students, conducted genetic research with maize, and organized a volleyball tournament to benefit military veterans. Her efforts with Student Senate will live on, most notably in the form of Victor E. Warrior, WLC’s new mascot, which Bartels helped bring to fruition. Prof. Rachel Kuehl ’96, an instructor in sport and exercise science, introduced Bartels at the Impact Award ceremony in May. Prof. Kuehl said: “Hannah is a very special Warrior and someone whom I’ve gotten to both witness and mentor through some of her influential roles. She demonstrated the true qualities of impacting our WLC campus through her four years of dedication, discipline, teamwork, and service.” Wisconsin Lutheran College | 17
Spotlight on ALUMNI
Alumni Return to Campus During the 2016-2017 academic year, several Wisconsin Lutheran College alumni returned to campus to share their knowledge and their talents. We are grateful that these Warriors – and so many of their fellow alumni who aren’t listed here – have come back to their alma mater to support our students and our mission.
BAILEY BINTZ ’10 Communicative Arts and Spanish Senior Account Executive at CareerBuilder.com, Chicago, Illinois On Campus: Bailey Bintz was the alumni speaker at Commencement in December 2016. At CareerBuilder.com, her role is to help great people get hired by working with companies to assist them during their hiring process. Bintz delivered – in her words – “a message of hope” to grads as they enter a job market with low unemployment. She said companies are looking for honest, trustworthy, and enthusiastic Christian leaders who are passionate about making an impact – which she said accurately describes WLC grads.
DAN MULRAIN ’13 Nursing Registered Nurse at the Orthopaedic Hospital of Wisconsin, Glendale, Wisconsin On Campus: The Nursing Class of 2017 asked Dan Mulrain to speak at their Nursing Pinning Ceremony in May. He had accompanied this class on their global health trip to Zambia in 2016 after their junior year. Mulrain told them: “The pins you are receiving are reminders of your Christian education and foundation in faith. During your toughest days, I would ask you to reflect on Jesus, who turned to the thief on the cross and said, ‘Today you will be with me in Paradise.’ It is this kind of radical love and service to others that your vocation is built on.”
AARON WOCKENFUSS ’05 Communication Area Sales Manager, Staples Business Advantage, Milwaukee, Wisconsin On Campus: In January at Winterfest, the 2017 Alumni Service Award was given to Aaron Wockenfuss. He has served for more than four years on the WLC Alumni Board, during which time he helped plan the Warrior Open golf outing, served as chair of the admissions and events subcommittees, and served as the Alumni Board chairman. Aaron and his wife, Rebecca ’09, have established the Wockenfuss Urban Education Impact Scholarship for WLC students. 18 | Summer 2017
ANNIE (SWARM) GULDBERG ’05 Art Expressionist Oil Painter, Waukesha, Wisconsin On Campus: Annie Guldberg has taken part in several exhibitions in the Schlueter Art Gallery. This spring, her work was on display as part of the “Surfaces” art exhibition with two other artists. In describing her paintings for “Surfaces,” she said, “With expressionist leanings and dynamic paint structure, this series of work welcomes viewers to see the artist’s dreams as their own.”
DANTE GUTTER ’15 Secondary Education and Broad Field Social Studies Social Studies Teacher and Varsity Assistant Basketball Coach at Milwaukee Lutheran High School, Milwaukee, Wisconsin On Campus: In April, Dante Gutter received the Early Educator Award at WLC’s Teacher Advisory Board meeting. The award is given to an outstanding educator within the first three years of his or her career. Gutter serves in the Freshman Preparatory Academy at Milwaukee Lutheran, where much of his work focuses on developing positive relationships with his students so they can respectfully interact with teachers and peers, while targeting students’ academic weaknesses.
LINDSAY (PATT) CARR ’07 Art Owner and Photographer at Carr Studios Photography, Cedarburg, Wisconsin On Campus: Lindsay Carr was chosen to be the official photographer at the inaugural Divine Servant Award Celebration in April. She was the only photographer at the event who had clearance to take photos of guests with former President George W. Bush.
DR. ZACH SHIELS ’09 Biology Doctor of Chiropractic, Owner, and Clinical Director at Elite Sport & Spine, Brookfield, Wisconsin On Campus: Dr. Zach Shiels, through his company Elite Sport & Spine, was the presenting sponsor of the 14th annual Gary’s Gallop 5k run and 2-mile walk in April. Shiels also returned to campus this year to serve as an adjunct professor in sport and exercise science, teaching a course in anatomical kinesiology. He currently serves as chairman of the Alumni Board. Wisconsin Lutheran College | 19
Spotlight on ACADEMICS
New Higher-Education
ARTNERSHIPS INNOVATIVE AGREEMENTS with area partners in higher education are giving Wisconsin Lutheran College students access to EXPANDED ACADEMIC OFFERINGS and the opportunity to pursue ADVANCED DEGREES IN LESS TIME.
3+3 DUAL-DEGREE PHARMACY PROGRAM WLC and the Medical College of Wisconsin (MCW) Pharmacy School are partnering to offer an accelerated route for WLC students to gain direct admission into the Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) program at MCW. The program allows students to earn a Bachelor of Science degree in biology, biochemistry, or chemistry from WLC and a PharmD degree from MCW in just six years.
Students in a variety of academic programs, including biochemistry, physics, and communication, can benefit from new agreements between Wisconsin Lutheran College and area partners in higher education.
“This partnership between MCW and WLC will provide a direct pipeline to recruit well-rounded students from a rigorous academic program like those offered at Wisconsin Lutheran College,” said George E. MacKinnon III, PhD, MS, RPh, founding dean of MCW’s Pharmacy School. “The program gives the Pharmacy School a chance to connect with prospective students as soon as they begin their undergraduate coursework at WLC. This allows us to foster a strong relationship with them and understand their needs before they enroll in the PharmD program.” WLC students who express an interest in obtaining a PharmD degree through the program will be partnered with a faculty mentor from MCW. They also will have access to career discussions and shadowing opportunities with the MCW Pharmacy School’s clinical partners, and they’ll potentially have access to undergraduate research opportunities at MCW. “As an alumnus of both WLC (’98) and MCW (’05), I’ve witnessed firsthand the many ways our institutions have collaborated over the years and the positive results that our relationship has had on our students and community,” said Dr. Rob Balza, associate professor of biology at WLC. “This agreement is an extension of our partnership and our shared commitment to educating the next generation of health care professionals.”
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ACCELERATED 3+3 LAW SCHOOL PROGRAM WLC and Marquette University Law School announced an accelerated program that allows students to obtain a bachelor’s degree from WLC and a Juris Doctor degree from Marquette in only six years. Students enrolled in WLC’s pre-law program may take classes for three years at WLC, and, having satisfactorily met the requirements for admission to Marquette University Law School, take an additional three years of classes at Marquette. “WLC pre-law students who participate in this program will receive an excellent Christian, liberal arts-oriented education during their three years of undergraduate study,” said Dr. Jason Badura, assistant professor of humanities at WLC. “The academic and co-curricular opportunities these students experience at WLC will in turn provide them with a solid foundation to successfully complete their legal education at Marquette Law School.”
3+4 DUAL-DEGREE OPTOMETRY PROGRAM An early assurance direct admission agreement between WLC and Illinois College of Optometry gives students an opportunity to obtain both a Bachelor of Science degree in biology from WLC and a Doctor of Optometry degree from Illinois College of Optometry in just seven years, one year earlier than
usual. The Illinois College of Optometry is one of the nation’s largest and most popular optometry colleges.
PHYSICS-ENGINEERING DUAL-DEGREE PROGRAM WLC and the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee (UWM) announced a partnership that enables WLC students who successfully complete the prerequisites to gain direct admission to the UWM undergraduate engineering program. Students in the program will earn a B.S. in physics from WLC and a B.S. in engineering from UWM. They will spend two to three years at WLC and two years at UWM. Dr. Daniel Ebeling ’98, chair of WLC’s School of Mathematics and Physical Sciences, said of the agreement: “Students will benefit from a robust Christian liberal arts education at WLC, conducting undergraduate research alongside expert faculty prior to attending UWM’s prestigious College of Engineering & Applied Science. Students will graduate from both institutions carrying with them the momentum and preparedness for success in graduate school and in the ever-developing world of engineering.” Dr. Brett Peters, Dean of UWM’s College of Engineering & Applied Science, added: “This partnership will strengthen our community. Together, we will build a vibrant workforce and increase access for students seeking a distinctive academic program.” Wisconsin Lutheran College | 21
Spotlight on CAMPUS NEWS
INTERNATIONAL COMPETITION In October 2016, a team of 10 WLC students competed with more than 300 teams at the International Genetically Engineered Machine (iGEM) competition in Boston, where they earned a silver medal. Their project involved detecting and isolating new viruses against disease-causing bacteria. They also examined viruses against a bacterium that causes disease in endangered coral. As part of their community outreach, the team members once again conducted a summer bioengineering camp, which included lectures and labs, for high school students. The lab work focused on the current iGEM project (to be presented this November), where proteins found in specific viruses are isolated and attached to colorimetric enzymes. These protein-enzyme conjugates, when bound to bacteria and washed with a substrate, will cause fluorescence of the attached enzyme. This fluorescence then indicates the presence of potentially harmful bacteria in a body of water, serving as a novel method for testing municipal water purity.
SUCCESS ON AND OFF THE COURSE The men’s golf team made its third straight appearance in the NCAA Division III Championships, which were held in Florida in May. Led by four-time Northern Athletics Collegiate Conference Coach of the Year Adam Volbrecht ’04 (pictured far right), the Warriors also captured their third straight NACC championship. Golf team member GARRETT RALSTON (pictured third from left), who graduated in May with a degree in business administration, earned all-conference honors from the NACC in 2016 and 2017. Ralston talked about his WLC experience: “WLC was great at developing me as a student. I was able to get to know my professors and develop good relationships with them. I not only learned a lot but established lifelong connections.” He continued: “Being part of the men’s golf team was one of the best experiences of my life. I met some of my best friends and was able to play some of the best golf courses in the country.” 22 | Summer 2017
TEN YEARS LATER
In 2007, one of the Burlington, Wisconsin, area’s oldest cemeteries started to get a facelift when WLC faculty and students, in conjunction with members of the Burlington Historical Society, began the clean-up and mapping of graves in Mt. Hope Cemetery. The 77-square-yard cemetery, in which tombstones dating from 1846 to 1888 have been found, is the resting place of at least 38 people, including Palmer Gardner, considered to be the first settler in Walworth County. A decade later, on June 25, 2017, the cemetery was rededicated, and it has since been re-opened to the public. Dr. Ned Farley, assistant professor of anthropology at WLC, presented a historical overview of the cemetery at the rededication ceremony (pictured at right). In 2009, Dr. Farley and his students completed their archaeological survey of the cemetery. The group mapped in the remaining features of the historic cemetery and tested a glacial bluff 20 meters to the east. A planimetric survey of the cemetery by a WLC student helped the Town of Spring Prairie to create a sales map for new interments.
OUTREACH IN ZAMBIA
As part of their curriculum, WLC nursing students travel to Zambia at the end of their junior year to study the implementation of health care programs across the globe. Students Erika Koenig and Courtney Kaufman summarized their 2017 trip: “As our last day in Zambia comes to an end, we are filled with a variety of emotions. This experience has been truly eye-opening and life-changing. We have had the opportunity to share our faith with people on the other side of the world, and in return we have learned about the Zambian culture. We will forever hold in our hearts the smiles shared at each clinical site. We are beyond thankful for this opportunity. We now understand why WLC nursing alumni speak so highly of this trip – because we have learned so much about ourselves and each other. As sad as we are to see our experience come to an end, we’re excited to bring home what we’ve learned and to use this knowledge in our final year of nursing school and beyond.” Read more about this trip and the other study abroad trips that students embarked on this summer at magazine.wlc.edu.
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BAND
Spotlight on FINE ARTS
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At the conclusion of the 2016-2017 academic year, WLC bid farewell to Prof. Terry Treuden, director of instrumental music, who retired after 48 years of serving in the ministry. Treuden began his teaching career in 1969 at Wisconsin Lutheran High School (WLHS), where for 30 years he served as high school band director. He led the marching band and was a driving force behind the development of the popular Prism Concerts at WLHS. In May, Treuden was inducted into the WLHS Alumni Hall of Fame.
Treuden joined the WLC faculty in the fall of 1999. Through the years, he has directed the WLC Concert Band, Jazz Band, and numerous ensembles. He was a guest conductor of the 2004 and 2009 College All-Star Band for the Wisconsin Chapter of the National Band Association Convention. Treuden was awarded the Edwin Franko Goldman Award from the American School Band Director’s Association in 2009. A jazz enthusiast, Treuden is active as a clinician, adjudicator, and guest conductor in jazz and concert band performance.
CHOIR
The Wisconsin Lutheran Choir and Chamber Choir, under the direction of Dr. James A. Nowack, performed in Washington and Alaska May 23-31. The concert tour program featured sacred and secular choral works spanning several periods and genres. An homage to the Lutheran Reformation musical heritage included J.S. Bach’s motet Jesus My Great Pleasure, Heinrich Schütz’s Also Hat Gott die Welt Geliebt, and Martin Luther’s treasured hymn A Mighty Fortress is Our God. The tour featured six performances, lots of moose, a little snow, welcoming hosts, fun with friends, and of course, sharing God’s Word through their vocal talents. Highlights included performing during chapel at Evergreen Lutheran High School, visiting
Pike Place Market in Seattle, taking part in a moving Memorial Day ceremony at the Wasilla Aurora Cemetery in Alaska, stopping at the Iditarod race headquarters, and enjoying a snowy tour of Denali National Park. Prior to the tour to her home state, Danielle Willis, a 2017 WLC graduate in communicative arts from Kodiak, Alaska, reflected on her time with the Wisconsin Lutheran Choir: “No matter what has happened in my life, the ability to share God’s love through song has always been there. Singing every day with people I care about encourages me. What makes us a family is the sharing of wisdom, confidence, encouragement, and most importantly the shared love for God’s word.”
THEATRE
At WLC’s annual high school Jazz Festival, Treuden often had the privilege of introducing former students who went on to become successful band directors.
In February, Marah Nitz, a theatre major from West Allis, Wisconsin, tackled a tremendously challenging role for her senior capstone project. In Margaret Edson’s play W;t (Wit), Nitz played the complex character of Vivian Bearing, Ph.D., a brilliant English professor who agrees to be part of an experimental chemotherapy treatment. Nitz described her character as “uncompromising and unrelenting when it comes to hard work and achievement in herself and others.” Fully immersing herself in the role, Marah shaved her head to portray the cancer patient.
When selecting the play, Prof. Simon Provan, assistant professor of theatre and W;t director, said, “We needed a show that would complement the rest of the season, would be a worthwhile role for Marah’s senior capstone project, and would be relevant to our campus community. W;t fit the bill perfectly. The show deals with issues of faith, the afterlife, teaching and its mannerisms, research ethics, and other issues germane to a college like WLC.” At Honors Convocation in May, Nitz, now a WLC graduate, received the Jan Nelson Gompper Award for Excellence in Theatre Performance. Wisconsin Lutheran College | 25
New Coaches at the Helm AARON AANONSEN, who spent the past nine seasons as head coach at Lakeland University, takes over the coaching reigns from Skip Noon. After 19 years of holding dual roles in the Athletics Department, Noon will focus solely on his role as director of athletics. In 25 seasons as head men’s basketball coach, Noon collected 318 victories, more than any other coach in program history. Aanonsen also will serve as associate director of athletics, working closely with Noon off the court. The women’s volleyball program will move in a new direction with the hiring of a full-time coach. JENILEE VOSS, who played at Michigan State University and has coached several club teams, replaces part-time coach Bruce Meredith. In his seven seasons with the Warriors, Meredith guided his teams to four conference tournament appearances.
LET’S MEET THE NEW WARRIORS COACHES: WHAT DREW YOU TO WISCONSIN LUTHERAN COLLEGE? AANONSEN: It’s a blessing from God to have the chance to work at such a special institution, and I am truly thankful for the opportunity WLC has given me. VOSS: It would definitely be the close-knit family and Christian environment I felt from the moment I got on campus and started talking to people here. Since I can remember, I've been heavily immersed in the volleyball world and surrounded by people who are equally as passionate about the sport as I am. So now to be surrounded not only by fellow passionate coaches who love their job, but also likeminded Christians who love their Lord, made being at WLC a no-brainer for me.
WHAT EXCITES YOU ABOUT TAKING OVER THIS PROGRAM?
AANONSEN: I am looking forward to being a part of such a fantastic institution with a strong academic reputation. I am thrilled to work at a school grounded in biblical principles, and I’m excited about being a part of a thriving athletic department. WLC has grown tremendously in recent years, and I hope to make a positive impact on everyone I interact with. VOSS: I love coaching because I have the opportunity to impact the lives of others through the incredible platform of sports. I think of the many coaches throughout my playing days, especially in college, who served as mentors, leaders, and guides to me as I was growing and maturing as a player, leader, and Christian. I also have such incredibly fond memories of my experience as a collegiate
Two new faces will grace the sidelines of Catalyst Court in the Recreation Complex’s Time of Grace Center in 2017-2018. Aaron Aanonsen assumes the role of head men’s basketball coach, while Jenilee Voss will lead the women’s volleyball program.
student-athlete. To have the opportunity to continue sharing my love of the sport, experiences, and Christian faith with these young women in a full-time capacity is so exciting! IS THERE SOMEONE YOU MODEL YOUR COACHING PHILOSOPHY AFTER? AANONSEN: The four coaches I admire in the profession are my father (Jerry Aanonsen), John Wooden, Tony Dungy, and Brad Stevens. VOSS: I see a lot of my coaching philosophy and style modeling my own college coach, Cathy George, who was instrumental in my development as a volleyball player and leader. I also model a lot of my coaching after my dad (John Rathje), who was my first-ever coach (in basketball) but more importantly has always been my go-to “coach” for everything life throws my way. WHERE DID YOU START YOUR COACHING CAREER? AANONSEN: I started my college coaching career at Minnesota State University after graduating from UW-La Crosse. However, while in college, I coached various age groups for an AAU program. VOSS: I started coaching high school and club volleyball right after I finished my playing career at Michigan State and graduated. When I was with Notre Dame Preparatory High School, we won a state and conference title in 2013. I coached club volleyball at Michigan Elite Volleyball Academy, where I also worked full time as business director. TELL US ABOUT YOUR FAMILY. AANONSEN: I have been married to Brye for almost 12 years. We have three children: Ambryn, Avrie, and Eden. VOSS: My husband, Aaron, is a pastor who had been serving as a tutor at Luther Preparatory School in Watertown, so we had the unique “adventure” of our first year of marriage being in the school’s dorm apartment. He was recently re-assigned as the pastor at Living Water Lutheran Church in Wind Lake. We are excited to make southeast Wisconsin our home and praise God for blessing us with these wonderful opportunities!
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In their hearts humans plan their course, but the Lord establishes their steps. - Proverbs 16:9
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