Wisconsin Lutheran College Magazine by Wisconsin Lutheran College

Wisconsin Lutheran College m a g a z i n e

Milestones & Ministry • Gift of Generac Hall • Athletic Center Complete • Grads Ready for the World

Summer 2011

from the president

Dear Friends, Beyond grateful – it’s how I’ve felt since arriving on this campus three years ago. How great is our God as he continues to bless this ministry centered on Jesus. We continue to successfully maneuver through uncertain economic times and we are realizing the positive results of sustaining fiscal discipline and focusing on our core strategic priorities. For the third consecutive year we are on the verge of a record enrollment this fall. Our College of Adult Graduate Studies has successfully launched and is continuing to increase the number of students for both the degree completion and master’s level students. We’ve been able to dramatically reduce our debt thanks to an incredible $5.1 million collective gift from friends associated with Generac Power Systems, Inc. – a gift that has allowed us to name our science/academic building Generac Hall. We are putting the finishing touches on our new Outdoor Athletic Center, providing locker rooms, restrooms, concession stands, training rooms, and more for our Krauss-Miller-Lutz Outdoor Athletic Complex. And we are embarking on a comprehensive, campus-wide strategic planning process that will reinforce our commitment to prioritize our goals as we focus on the mission and vision of WLC. We’ve very recently brought on two new vice presidents to serve as leaders for two crucial areas of operation for WLC. Craig Russow is our new VP of Development. He comes to us from South Dakota State University in Brookings where he spent the past seven years as the major gifts officer. Craig is replacing Merlyn Kruse who retired from the full-time ministry and now assumes the role of Special Assistant to the President on International Relations on a part-time basis. And Duane Schlomer, our VP of Fiscal Affairs, will conclude his incredible 25 years of service to the college this fall. Duane has been a skilled and tireless Warrior for this college and its mission. Gary Schmid, Comptroller and Manager of Finance for the city of West Allis, Wisconsin for the past 20 years, will serve as our new VP of Fiscal Affairs. We are excited to welcome both of these men as new members of our WLC family. We continue to turn to our God asking for his continued guidance, wisdom, and courage as we boldly advance our mission of preparing students for lives of Christian leadership. Significant challenges and opportunities remain...and yet He continues to provide us with talented and dedicated faculty and staff, inspiring students, enthusiastic parents, passionate alumni, community partners and awesome board members ... along with new college supporters and friends. So yes, I am beyond grateful to serve Jesus at this special place at this most opportune time – I could not be more passionate about our future, our role in the community and world at large, and our students – graduates who are Christian leaders who understand the importance of serving others as they lead. Thank you for your partnership with Wisconsin Lutheran College. In Grateful Service,

Dr. Daniel W. Johnson President If you would like to receive regular e-news updates from the college, and also help us maintain accurate contact information, please share your email address at friends@wlc.edu. 2 | wlc.edu

We have different gifts, according to the grace given us. ... If it is serving, let him serve; if it is teaching, let him teach; if it is encouraging, let him encourage; if it is contributing to the needs of others, let him give generously; if it is leadership, let him govern diligently; if it is showing mercy, let him do it cheerfully. 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.

Wisconsin Lutheran College Magazine

Vol. 23, No. 3

Features

4 A passion to serve Departments

Associate Vice President of Marketing and Communication Vicki Hartig Editor and photographer Melanie Gohde Buellesbach photo contributors John-Paul Greco Ernie Mastroianni

6 Partnering for tomorrow’s leaders

8 Longtime WLC champion

Designer Jennifer Rueth

Wisconsin Lutheran College Magazine is published for and distributed free of charge to students, faculty, staff, alumni, and friends of the college. All correspondence, letters, news, corrections, and comments are welcomed and should be directed to: Vicki Hartig Wisconsin Lutheran College Magazine 8800 West Bluemound Road Milwaukee WI 53226 vicki.hartig@wlc.edu 414.443.8846

ON THe cover A joyful Bill Treffert (left), former president and CEO of Generac Power Systems, and Aaron Jagdfeld, current CEO of Generac, unveiled the WLC science building’s official name — Generac Hall — on May 14 during a special celebration event. See pages 6-7 for more. Photo by Ernie Mastroianni.

10 Teacher education receives perfect review

From the President

Campus News

Academics

Students

Faculty & Staff

Athletics

Fine Arts

Alumni

Development

14 Teaching – a privilege and a blessing

PRESIDENT Dr. Daniel W. Johnson, Germantown, Wisconsin BOARD OF REGENTS 2010-2011 James Fischer (Chair), Waukesha, Wisconsin Ryan Barbieri, Sussex, Wisconsin Dr. Gerald Fischer, Bethesda, Maryland Rev. Kenneth Fisher, Milwaukee, Wisconsin Dr. Terry Gueldner, Manitowoc, Wisconsin Rev. Jeff Gunn, Phoenix, Arizona Paul Hartwig, Appleton, Wisconsin Rev. Mark Henrich, Milwaukee, Wisconsin Rev. Dennis Himm, Grand Blanc, Michigan Charles Kluenker, Roseville, California Philip Leyrer, Milwaukee, Wisconsin Dr. R. Bowen Loftin, College Station, Texas Scott Mayer, Franklin, Wisconsin

Tom Plath, Collierville, Tennessee Dr. William Raasch, Wauwatosa, Wisconsin C. Daniel Stefferud, Redondo Beach, California Rev. Paul Steinberg, Milwaukee, Wisconsin Gary Stimac, The Woodlands, Texas William Treffert, Pewaukee, Wisconsin Matt Trotter, Cudahy, Wisconsin W. Andrew Unkefer, Phoenix, Arizona Daryl Weber, Germantown, Wisconsin Dr. Ronald White, Fort Myers, Florida Kerry Woody, Muskego, Wisconsin George Zaferos, Watertown, Wisconsin

Wisconsin Lutheran College | 3

table of contents

Romans 12:6-8

commencement

A passion to serve

n Saturday, May 14, the Class of 2011 participated in Commencement exercises in the Recreation Complex. President Daniel W. Johnson sent the college’s newest alumni into the world with the following message: “Graduates, I would like to thank you for your passion to serve and impact others … You are all richly blessed in so many unique ways. May your lives be a blessing to others…as you powerfully influence the world for Christ.”

Student speaker Jonathan Fricke of Baraboo, Wisconsin, graduated with a degree in biology. In addition to his campus roles as a chapel accompanist, resident assistant, and praise band leader, Fricke volunteered in several area health clinics. He plans to attend the University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health as an M.D. candidate in the Wisconsin Academy for Rural Medicine.

William Treffert, former President and CEO of Generac Power Systems and a WLC board member, received an Honorary Doctor of Humane Letters degree from President Johnson during Commencement exercises. Treffert was recognized for his support of the college and its mission to educate and prepare effective Christian leaders.

Dr. Paul Boehlke, professor of biology, presented the Commencement address and received the college’s Pro Gloria Dei Award. Boehlke, who retired in May, served at WLC for 15 years and a total of 50 years in the teaching ministry at Lutheran elementary through collegiate levels. The Pro Gloria Dei Award recognizes an individual for his life of distinguished service to God and his people. 4 | wlc.edu

commencement

Kristen Kraklow of Vancouver, Washington, showed off her hard-earned diploma after Commencement exercises. A theatre major and recipient of the Award for Excellence in Theatre, she directed the WLC Theatre Department production Gulf View Drive in March 2011. Kraklow also was a member of the Wisconsin Lutheran Choir.

Joseph Workman of McLean, Virginia, graduated with a doublemajor in computer science and music. He became the first computer science graduate at WLC and was principal trumpet chair in the college’s Concert Band.

Interdisciplinary major Chelsea Nillissen of Birnamwood, Wisconsin, sang with the Wisconsin Lutheran Choir for the final time. She had a lead role in the fall 2010 WLC Theatre Department production of Lady Windermere’s Fan. Nillissen, a 2010 Gary and Sandra Greenfield Christian Leadership Scholarship recipient, presented “Investigation and Structure of the Larynx” at the 2011 Undergraduate Research Symposium.

Hanzhu (Hannah) Zhang of Beijing, China, celebrated commencement with her parents. As a biology major, Zhang participated in an internship in the Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics in the Medical College of Wisconsin’s Center for Biopreparedness and Infectious Diseases. Zhang shared her musical gifts as a violinist and vocalist in the Wisconsin Lutheran Choir.

Kaylan Gaines, a communication graduate from Lake Worth, Florida, was congratulated by Campus Pastor Nathan Strobel following Commencement. A defensive lineman for the Warriors football team, Gaines was named Northern Athletics Conference Defensive Player of the Year in 2010.

Maria Flores, an elementary education graduate from Cudahy, Wisconsin, was elected to the Cudahy School Board in 2007. She served a three-year term while she was a student at WLC. Flores plans to student teach in fall. Wisconsin Lutheran College | 5

generac hall

Partnering for tomorrow’s leaders F

inally, WLC’s science/academic building has been graced with an official name – Generac Hall. That name was unveiled at a celebration event held on the morning of May 14, 2011, and was the result of a collective $5.1 million gift from several former and current leaders at Generac Power Systems, Inc., of Waukesha, Wisconsin. William Treffert, former president and CEO of Generac, is a Board of Regents member and major supporter of Wisconsin Lutheran College. His idea, in the spring of 2010, was to ask other leaders involved with the successful growth of Generac to join him in a significant gift to the college as well as a way to forever commemorate the Generac name.

Six of the eight Generac Hall donors listed on the plaque installed on the entrance wall of the facility were present for the celebration event. L to R: Aaron Jagdfeld, Generac President and CEO; Kathy Ruehlow, on behalf of her late husband, Jerry, Chief Technical Officer; Robert Kern, founder and owner (along with his wife, Patricia) of Generac Power Systems; Dawn Tabat, COO and Executive Vice President; Bill Treffert, former President and CEO; and Roger Schaus, former Vice President of Operations. Tom Kohl, former Chief Financial Officer, and Richard Van Deuren, legal counsel for Generac, were not able to attend the event.

“I’m thrilled to be able to help out a college I admire and support, but also to ensure that the name Generac, a great company that was very good to me and many others, will be displayed on this campus and in the community for generations,” said Treffert. “Both Generac and WLC believe in high standards and strong leadership, so I see this as a natural partnership.” The May 14 event was held to thank the donors who participated in this multimillion dollar gift to the college as well as to celebrate the WLC mission, future growth, and strong partnership with business and community leaders sharing mutual values and principles, according to President Daniel Johnson. “The WLC family is beyond grateful for this transformational gift,” he said. “We praise God for friends and champions like Bill Treffert and our other Generac Hall partners. This amazing initiative is an inspiration to us all, and allows us to pursue our mission and vision more passionately than ever before.” 6 | wlc.edu

Tours of Generac Hall offered that morning featured demonstrations by professors in biology and physics labs as well as in mathematics classrooms and the facility’s greenhouse.

generac hall

Generac COO Dawn Tabat invited Generac founder Bob Kern to come and join her at the podium during the morning’s program. “I love the strong partnership between business and higher education that this moment represents,” she said. “And I want everyone to know this man next to me is the reason any of this is possible. He is the heart and soul of the Generac legacy, and a very special person to me and many, many other people.”

Although it was a windy, cloudy Wisconsin spring day, the crowd ventured outside to witness the actual unveiling of the name, a feat perfectly performed by the former and current CEOs of Generac.

Guests were able to tour and observe a user friendly demonstration display provided by Generac. The company also donated a portable Generac generator that was used as the special door prize for the event.

An exuberant President Johnson points to the unveiled name, Generac Hall, and thanks the donors and the Lord for allowing this transformational moment to occur. Wisconsin Lutheran College | 7

friend remembered

Longtime WLC champion

Alfred Schwan 1925-2011

l Schwan, former Board of

When Marvin passed away in 1993, Al became more

Regents member, generous

involved with the college as a member of its Board of

financial supporter, and

Regents. He served in that role for 12 years and was

longtime advocate for Wisconsin

respected as a knowledgeable, enthusiastic member.

Lutheran College, passed away in

Al Schwan will be remembered as a generous supporter to

March, 2011.

Alfred Schwan passed away in March at the age of 85.

many Lutheran organizations as well as numerous

“I’m so grateful that I was able to

community projects and charities in Salina, Kansas, where

meet Al and get to know and

he and Doris lived for the past 39 years. In WLC’s circles,

appreciate him during these past few

he also will be remembered and credited for giving the

years, before he was called home to

college definite advice to “build the product.”

heaven,” said President Daniel Johnson. “He was such an incredible friend to this college – in many ways. The fact that he and Doris participated in our Board of Regents meetings and activities has had a great impact on WLC’s growth and development. They lived their Christian faith, and shared their material blessings in profound and significant ways.” Al Schwan enlisted in the U.S. Navy after high school, and became a naval aviator before he joined his family’s well known food company in 1964. Then, he was responsible

When asked, in a 1999 interview, why he believed that completing the physical college campus as soon as possible should be WLC’s top priority, he was clear. “What we have, at this moment, is need and opportunity,” he said. “Those we have – but we also have funding and support. Let’s put it toward building the product. It’s as simple as that.” Al Schwan is survived by his wife, Doris, and their five sons and families. – Vicki Hartig

primarily for establishing frozen pizza plants throughout the country, but also served as Schwan’s first corporate pilot. He became president, CEO, and chairman of the board of what’s known today as the Schwan Food Company when his younger brother, Marvin, died in 1993. Marvin started Schwan’s as a home-delivery business in 1952, selling ice cream from his family’s dairy in Marshall, Minnesota. Marvin Schwan, for whom the college’s library and concert hall are named, was the first family member to become involved with Wisconsin Lutheran College during the 1980s after developing a strong and special friendship with then WLC president Gary Greenfield. 8 | wlc.edu

At the college’s annual Board Recognition Banquet held in September, 1999, a one million dollar endowed chair, the Gary J. Greenfield Chair of Christian Leadership Studies, was presented to then President Greenfield (right) by Rev. Larry Burgdorf (left) and Alfred Schwan (center), trustees of the Marvin Schwan Charitable Foundation. The new endowed chair gift was given to honor Greenfield’s 25 years of servant leadership as WLC’s president.

campus news

Coming this year Brigadier General Whittington to speak

rigadier General Charles W. Whittington Jr. will visit the WLC campus on August 31 and speak to students, faculty, and staff on “Living Servant Leadership.” Invited by business professor Peter Eppen, Whittington will share experiences from his eventful career with the United States Army and National Guard, including leadership roles in Operations Desert Shield, Desert Storm, Provide Comfort, and most recently in Operation Freedom in Iraq in 2007. “Chuck is a brilliant and incredibly impressive leader,” Eppen said. “He’s also an unabashed Christian. I’m grateful our students will have the opportunity to hear him speak about some of his learning experiences during his illustrious career, to date.”

Golf pro Mark Wilson to address student-athletes

rofessional golfer Mark Wilson, personal friend of Brett Valerio, registrar, will hold a Q & A session on campus this fall especially for Wisconsin Lutheran College student-athletes, centered on the topic “Life as a Christian on the PGA Tour.” Wilson, who along with his wife, Amy, is known for several “Giving Back” programs of philanthropy, will answer questions and comment on how he has tried to live his faith during his nine years on the PGA Tour. Wilson’s Q & A session will be held October 6 in the Siebert Center of the Recreation Complex. Photo by Scott Halleran/Getty Images

Digitally Engaged series launches

igitally Engaged, a new talk and lecture series spearheaded by media design professor Chad Lindemann, will begin on November 17 with the appearance and lecture by Andy Ihantko, technology writer for the Chicago Sun-Times. “My objective in beginning this lecture series is to bring technological and creative speakers to WLC’s campus to share their experiences, enthusiasm, and love of technology with our students as well as our faculty and surrounding community,” Lindemann said. “I’m excited about launching this series this fall – it’s been in the planning stage for months, and I look forward to providing this connection between our students and those professional individuals who live, breathe, and influence the future of technology.”

Susan Marshall to be keynote speaker at Butterfly Brunch

usan Marshall, wellknown consultant, author of How to Grow a Backbone, and founder of Executive Advisor LLC in Oconomowoc, Wisconsin, will serve as the keynote speaker for the Butterfly Brunch on March 10, 2012. The event is sponsored by the college’s Christian Women’s Leadershhip Circle. For more information visit wlc.edu/cwlc.

Mark Wilson watches his tee shot on the third hole during the final round of the Memorial Tournament at the Muirfield Village Golf Club on June 7, 2009 in Dublin, Ohio.

Record enrollment

he 2011-2012 academic year will begin on a positive note. For the third year, a record number of students have enrolled for the fall semester. We’re excited about three consecutive years of record fall enrollment,” said Jeff Weber, executive director, enrollment. “Our freshmen, as well as our largest-ever transfer student class, are appreciative of our academic quality standards. In fact, even though we’re expanding enrollment, our freshman class’s academic profile is the highest it’s been in recent years. Expanding quantity and increasing quality are twin indicators of the enrollment blessings we are seeking to sustain. “These are Christian leaders in the making,” added Weber, “and our campus environment is the perfect place for their leadership potential to develop and mature.” Wisconsin Lutheran College | 9

Academics

Teacher education receives perfect review

rofessor Jim Holman, director of teacher education for WLC, received the college’s official teacher education program approval letter from the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction (DPI) in June. “I am pleased to grant Approval to the Wisconsin Lutheran College professional educator preparation program,” wrote Dr. Tony Evers, State Superintendent. “The Department of Public Instruction review, conducted on April 5-7, 2011, identified that all components of PI 34 were in place. You and your faculty are to be commended for all you have accomplished.” “Dr. Evers is referring to the comprehensive review WLC underwent this spring,” explained Holman. “The PI 34 is a very big deal, and we were examined for all six of their very thorough components during our review. To have received a totally approved review, without a single recommendation or requirement to correct or even improve any aspect … well, that just simply never happens!” In fact, the state’s DPI has not granted total approval in recent years. There are 33 institutions of higher learning in the state of Wisconsin with teacher education programs. All must be reviewed by the DPI once every five years. During the current cycle, Wisconsin Lutheran College was the 31st to be reviewed, yet the very first institution to receive a full, unblemished DPI approval. “Our last review was successfully conducted in 2005,” Holman said. “This time around, with all six components being included, we prepared to show and share how thoroughly and completely we prepare our students who are pursuing teaching careers.” WLC’s teacher education program received high praise and a “no requirements” notation for each of the six DPI review components (policies and practices, conceptual framework and standards, assessment system, clinical program, institutional evaluation of outcomes, and collaboration). Especially complimented were WLC’s “performance-based assessment system undergirded by a strong general education program steeped in the liberal arts tradition” and its “clear evidence that educator preparation is a campuswide commitment.” 10 | wlc.edu

Similarly, the conclusion of the DPI’s report for the “conceptual framework and standards” component read: The Wisconsin Lutheran College School of Teacher Education is particularly strong in defining, articulating, and communicating its conceptual framework both within and outside the institution. Its faculty and students are not only able to explain the components of the framework, but appear to embrace them in their professional roles. Administrators and cooperating teachers in partnering school districts remarked on this consistently. During the comprehensive review, more than 100 individuals, including WLC education professors, administrators, faculty members from other disciplines, the Provost, the President, as well as area high school and elementary principals and superintendents from both public and private school systems, and current teacher education students as well as graduates of the program, were interviewed. “Next year, 2012, will mark the 25th year of our teacher education program,” said Dr. Joyce Natzke, Dean of the College of Adult and Graduate Studies, director of teacher certification and licensure, and the first director of the college’s teacher education program. “We think this is a time to celebrate that milestone and to thank God for the blessings he has bestowed on WLC and its teacher education program’s growth and development.” – Vicki Hartig

Whatever the emphasis or interest – elementary, urban, secondary, early childhood, or special education – students who experience and complete WLC’s teacher education program are among the best prepared and most sought after teachers in southeastern Wisconsin and throughout the country. Michelle Behl, teacher education graduate, is shown student teaching fourth grade at Brookfield Elementary School, Brookfield, Wisconsin.

Applied Environmental Science and Ecology his summer, students enrolled in the Master of Arts in Education – Science Instruction had the opportunity to conduct field sampling in their neighborhood streams. Students within this online course then utilized their collected samples, along with Google Maps satellite view, Google Earth, and YouTube to accomplish various course objectives. Students were required to compile data, write scientific research papers, and prepare multimedia presentations.

“Over time, this course will make a significant contribution to resource managers by providing a broad base of data on the quality of streams in urban areas, as well as pristine wooded environments across the country,” said Dr. Robert Anderson, professor of biology. “This is truly learning-by-doing in an online environment.” Applied Environmental Science and Ecology was one of three new MA-Ed courses offered to students this summer. Education as a Change Agent in a Diverse Society and Advanced Educational Psychology were also offered. Master of Arts in Education ifteen students began online courses within Wisconsin Lutheran College’s Master of Arts in Education (MA-Ed) program in June, marking the commencement of graduate level offerings at WLC. Students represent a variety of states. MA-Ed students enrolled in one of five specialization areas: leadership and innovation, instructional technology, high performance instruction, urban education, and science instruction.

“When I look back to the beginning of teacher education at WLC 24 years ago and see where the Lord has led this institution and program, I am humbled and blessed to have been called to direct that undergraduate program and now to serve as the dean of the graduate program and its first master’s degree in education,” said Dr. Joyce S. Natzke, dean of adult and graduate studies. “These are exciting times for WLC and new learning experiences for me!” Students enrolled in the Master of Arts in Education program typically take one eight week class at a time, completing two courses each term. The 36-credit program can be completed in as few as 24 months. In addition to the online courses which are currently offered, on-campus courses will be added this fall, allowing students even greater flexibility. “Whether as a teacher, instructional technologist, administrator or community advocate, our program focuses on more than teaching and learning, administration, and leadership,” said Natzke. “It focuses on the goal of improved student achievement. Students in the program participate in rigorous academic thought, but the real accomplishment is extending what they have learned into their own school classrooms and communities. “Given the WLC commitment to servant leadership and quality academics,” Natzke continued, “we have intentionally designed this program to focus on those aspects through emphasis on best practices in each of the specialty areas as applied to any respective educational setting, from the traditional PK-12 classroom to the virtual learning environment and other educational contexts such as coaching, community programming, and advocacy training.” – Curtis Wech Wisconsin Lutheran College | 11

ACADEMICS

Online environmental science

student highlights

Gill interns in the Governor’s Office

LC junior Tierney Gill, a business administration and history major from Milwaukee, secured a summer internship opportunity of note. She worked in Wisconsin governor Scott Walker’s office in Madison, where she was responsible for several tasks within the Scheduling and Constituent Services department.

Impact Award Finalists

ive Wisconsin Lutheran College students were honored for their Christian leadership at the 2011 Impact Leadership Luncheon in May. Nathanael Rosenberg, a senior nursing major from Hortonville, Wisconsin, was the 19th recipient of the college’s Impact Award. Nate served the college as the Spiritual and Worship Life Representative on Student Senate, which involves organizing Sunday worship vans/buses, student involvement with campus vicars, and promoting spiritual growth and involvement among the student body. He was a four-year member of the Warriors football team.

The Impact Award finalists (pictured left to right) were Melissa Krug, Quinten Petersen, Nathanael Rosenberg, William Denzer, and Jonathan Fricke.

Kudos to Warriors

“My duties included creating certificates as well as drafting letters of recommendation,” Gill said. “The experience and atmosphere has been wonderful and informative, as have the people that I’ve had the privilege of working with,” she added. Gill must have performed her duties well. She recently was appointed by Governor Walker to serve on the Governor’s Juvenile Justice Commission, a government advisory board responsible for the dispersion of state grants and funding to various juvenile justice and corrections offices or agencies.

12 | wlc.edu

Congratulations to the Warriors athletes and coaches for the following accomplishments: • The baseball team’s 19-win season tied a school record, which was first achieved in 2002. The Warriors also tied a school record by winning ten conference games. • Forty-three Warriors student-athletes received postseason awards from the Northern Athletics Conference (NAC) in 2010-2011, including 12 who received first-team recognition. • Ninety-nine Warriors student-athletes were named NAC ScholarAthletes in 2010-2011, the most since joining the NAC in 2006-2007. • In a vote by the NAC’s directors of athletics, Wisconsin Lutheran College won the men’s Sportsmanship Award for the second time in three seasons.

Student Notes

Senior art exhibitions Julie Schwartz, an art major, and Andrew Sierszyn (left), an art and theatre major, had their Senior Art Exhibitions in the Center for Arts and Performance lobby in April and May. Sierszyn’s display, “A Burning Image,” featured colorful nature photos on canvas. All photos were taken in Red Rock Canyon in Nevada. The works by Schwartz, titled “Limitless Inceptions,” featured colorful abstract printmaking on layers of paper.

n May, the WLC nursing program took its first group of students abroad for the program’s three-credit Global Health course. Ten students traveled with nursing professors Rebekah Carey and Sheryl Scott to Africa for two weeks to learn about healthcare in Zambia and to meet patients and healthcare providers. At Our Lady’s Hospice in Lusaka, Zambia, students learned how the hospice cares for HIV and cancer patients, using its very limited resources, while witnessing the ravaging effects of HIV. At Beit CURE International Hospital of Zambia, the students worked with the pediatric population in orthopedics, ENT, and neurology; watched Zambian parents comforting their children; and observed surgical procedures. The group then traveled to Mwembezhi to see a rural health clinic that serves more than 2,000 people every month. To read more about the students’ experiences learning about healthcare abroad, see the Vital Signs blog at blogs. wlc.edu/vitalsigns/. Eight WLC students traveled to England and Scotland May 31-June 16 with Dr. Martin Moldenhauer to participate in his Best of Britain elective course. Moldenhauer, an associate professor of English, assigned students to research famous British and Scottish writers, then give their reports while abroad. The group visited homes where authors once lived, such as the former residences of William Wordsworth, Beatrix Potter, William Shakespeare, and John Keats. Read about the trip and see more photos by visiting the group’s blog at blogs.wlc.edu/bestofbritain/. As part of a WELS Christian Aid and Relief ministry opportunity in the Dominican Republic, WLC nursing students Kaili Eagan and Dan Mulrain helped provide medical relief. They were interviewed for a video produced by the WELS that can be seen at vimeo.com/25974518.

Undergraduate research To support undergraduate research in the social and behavioral sciences, WLC organizes a research night each year. On April 13, more than 330 students participated in 47 communication and psychology research studies. The studies ranged in design from simple descriptive studies to complicated twofactor experimental research designs. The student researchers reported their findings at the Spring Poster Showcase on May 6. The 11th annual Undergraduate Research Symposium took place April 30, with 18 presentations by students from several disciplines. The keynote speaker was Dr. Lorna Wiedmann, associate professor of English, who addressed the topic “Perspectives on the Humanities.” Future teachers The Future Teachers’ Education Association (FTEA) chapter at WLC won two awards at the state level: “Outstanding Local Website Award” and “Local Chapter Excellence Award.” The latter takes into account everything about the organization. Elise Henrich (left) is WLC’s chapter president. Disaster relief After the March earthquake and tsunami in Japan, two of WLC’s students from Japan, Izumi Sawada and Yuta Uchida, provided the campus with updates and taught the art of origami crane making, while collecting donations for relief efforts.

Wisconsin Lutheran College | 13

student highlights

Students study and serve abroad

faculty

Teaching – a privilege and a blessing E phesians 4:1 appears on the WLC biology department’s bulletin board. It reads:

Teaching students in WLC’s new science facility, Generac Hall, has fostered the department’s growth. “Students are able to learn anatomy and physiology of the human body working with models, preserved animals, and a cadaver in bright, well-ventilated labs,” Boehlke said. “This building encourages both learning and teaching.”

“ … for the Lord, then, I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received.” Though posted to share with students, Dr. Paul Boehlke, recently retired WLC professor of biology, has demonstrated living that life well. The calling he received was to teach – and he responded in full measure for 50 years. Stories and students Throughout his undergraduate (Martin Luther College), graduate (Winona State University and Union College), doctoral (University of Iowa), and post-doctoral education, he’s enjoyed learning. “Every good teacher is always a continuing student,” Boehlke said recently. “It has always been a joy to learn about creation and to think about the marvelous things God has done.”

Professor Boehlke loved to teach at WLC. In addition, he was awarded the Gary J. Greenfield Endowed Chair of Christian Studies in 2004, he taught a marine ecology course in Jamaica, he was a founder of Operation Science, and he was invited to speak at Wort und Wissen in Germany.

Boehlke has enjoyed teaching as well. His approach to teaching science, whether at the elementary, high school, or college level, was to encourage and inspire learning about the wonders of God’s creation.

Humility and respect “Paul is a scholar, yet he’s also a sincerely humble servant of the Lord,” said Provost John Kolander. “He has been a deeply loved and respected member of our faculty, and he also was a gifted and tireless public speaker giving dozens of keynote presentations, often on the subject of creation/evolution. He has had more than 100 Christian and/or sciencerelated articles published, has served on countless committees and boards, yet he’s an extremely modest man.” “I responded to the call from Drs. Greenfield and Bauer in 1996. Where could I best serve? I prayerfully believed the answer was WLC,” Boehlke recalled. “They asked me to help build the biology department and make it exciting. Dr. Anderson, for whom I have much respect, and I did our best to serve as a strong team, develop the department, and keep up with WLC’s opportunity to grow.

Often, Boehlke taught with Paul and Jeanette Boehlke unveiled his portrait at anecdotes. “I used stories to relate the Honors Convocation in May, a tradition for all how a discovery was made or how a retiring WLC faculty members. The framed portrait now hangs in the Marvin Schwan Library. wrong path was taken. I’ve always “There are essential tensions in a wanted students to understand the Christian college such as WLC,” he added, “and there nature of science and its truth claims,” he said, “to always will be. We strive to be Christian in an increasingly understand that there is much to learn about the wonder secular culture. We strive to respect the richness of the and complexity of Creation. We need to be humble but liberal arts in a world that values practical training.” faithful students of nature. “I have always enjoyed the students,” Boehlke continued. “It has been a constant joy to see them find positions after graduation or go on to graduate school. I set up a small ‘bio-board’ to record their successes … a board that now has grown to take up a wall.”

Those issues as well as the growth of the biology program and the substantive interaction between the college and its community, church, and other academic institutions are a few reasons why Dr. Paul Boehlke describes teaching at WLC as “a privilege and a blessing.”

WLC biology graduates have gone on to become physicians, dentists, physical therapists, physician assistants, veterinarians, clinical anatomists, flight surgeons, teachers, pharmacologists, and researchers. About 50% go on to graduate school.

“We echo that,” Kolander said. “It’s been an honor and blessing to have Paul Boehlke on our campus for the past 15 of his incredible 50 years in the Lutheran teaching ministry.”

14 | wlc.edu

– Vicki Hartig

Melanie Buellesbach, director of communication, was one of 16 people selected to attend the inaugural Tweetup (a gathering of Twitter users) at the U.S. Space & Rocket Center/ Space Camp in Huntsville, Alabama. Former space shuttle astronaut Hoot Gibson (left) also shared his experiences.

Sabbatical exhibition

Dr. Charles Cortright, associate professor of theology, earned his Ph.D. from Marquette University. His dissertation title was “‘Poor Maggot-sack that I Am’: the Human Body in the Theology of Martin Luther.” It’s a study in historical theology that examines the place and role of the human body in Luther’s writings, sermons, and letters. William Curtis joined Wisconsin Lutheran College in June as women’s softball coach. He also will serve as director of athletic development. Curtis was the varsity softball coach at Wisconsin Lutheran High School, Milwaukee. He replaces Rachel Kuehl, ’96, who stepped down as softball coach but will continue as an adjunct professor in sport and exercise science and coaching. Dr. Ray Dusseau, executive director of the Center for Urban Teaching (CfUT) at WLC, led two presentation teams at the annual international conference of the Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development in San Francisco. Co-presenting with Dr. Dusseau were CfUT director Edie Kastenschmidt and three WLC alumni and current urban teachers, Stef Herbert, Lindsay Maas, and Kayla Schraufnagel. Dr. Dan Ebeling, ’98, associate professor of chemistry, and WLC students Jonas Gertsch and A.J. Armstrong are working on “Novel Process Technologies for Disinfection of Potable Water.” The research project is funded by NASA and is in collaboration with KWJ Engineering (Newark, California). Dr. Ned Farley, assistant professor of anthropology, completed his Ph.D. in May. The subject of his research at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee was the mortuary development of a frontier cemetery in eastern Walworth County, Wisconsin. His dissertation title was “ReImagining the American Frontier: Mortuary Patterns at Mount Hope Cemetery, 1840-1889.” Carolyn Fons, director of WLC’s chapel choir and adjunct voice faculty member, conducted the conference choir for the Lutheran Women’s Missionary Society convention in June. One of the pieces the choir sang was written by WLC director of theatre Jan Gompper. Brian Jacobsen, associate professor of business administration, appeared on CNBC’s Market Alert (left) in spring to discuss the rising stock market. Dr. Kerry Kuehn, associate professor of physics, was awarded the Frank G. Brewer Civil Air Patrol Memorial Aerospace Award for outstanding contributions to the advancement of youth in aerospace activities.

n April and May, James Matson, professor of art, presented a series of more than 50 ceramic pieces created during his fall 2009 sabbatical. “Over the past several years, beginning with the death of my mother, I have experienced life as a series of transitions filled with joy and pain,” Matson wrote in his artist statement. “My current work attempts to consider the mysteries of the spirit, the struggles of daily life, and the unseen ramifications of choices.”

Hosting Guest Artists

Dr. Paul Lehninger, professor of theology, presented a paper titled “The Relationship between Biblical Illiteracy and Western Morality” at the Congress on the Lutheran Confessions in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Dr. Aaron Palmer, assistant professor of history, had an article accepted for publication in December 2011 issue of The Journal of Early American History. The article was titled “An Extension of Power: Criminal Justice, Law Enforcement, and Elite Rule in the South Carolina Lowcountry on the Eve of the American Revolution.” Gary Schmid, ’82, has accepted a call to serve as the college’s new vice president of finance beginning in August. For the past 20 years, he has been the comptroller, manager of finance, and deputy treasurer for the city of West Allis, Wisconsin. Duane Schlomer, current vice president of finance and administration, will be retiring in October. Deborrah Uecker, professor of communication and chair of the school of professional communication, was appointed to serve on the Board of Directors for the Christ in Media Institute at Bethany Lutheran College, Mankato, Minnesota. Dr. Rhoda Wolle, director of the Academic Success Center, earned her Ph.D. in psychology with an emphasis in educational psychology from Capella University. Her dissertation title was “College Professors’ Description of the Lived Experience of Working with First Year Learners: A Phenomenological Study.”

irector of arts programming Dan Schmal (left) and box office and events manager Loni Boyd pose with pianist Jeffrey Siegel during a reception following the final show of the 2010-2011 Guest Artist Series. Siegel returns to the Schwan Concert Hall four times this season for his popular Keyboard Conversations series. For a complete Guest Artist Series schedule and ticket information, call the box office at 414.443.8802 or visit wlc.edu/arts. Wisconsin Lutheran College | 15

faculty & staff

Faculty & staff notes

athletics

Outdoor Athletic Center nears completion

onstruction on the Outdoor Athletic Center at the Krauss-Miller-Lutz Athletic Complex began in April, and is on schedule for an August completion, in time for fall sports practices.

The facility includes public restrooms, varsity locker rooms and visiting team locker rooms, medical training room, coaches’ meeting room, referee/coaches’ locker room, laundry, and storage areas. Under the existing bleachers and press box, located along the west side of the football field, will be permanent restrooms and a concession stand. Visit wlcsports.com to view schedules for the Warriors’ fall sports and for updates on the Outdoor Athletic Center’s construction. Plan on attending Homecoming on Saturday, October 1 and enjoy our celebration event.

As Phase I of the construction project nears completion, landscaping around the Outdoor Athletic Center will be restored and temporary bleachers will be reinstalled. Eventually, a planned Phase II of the project will include 2,500 seats built onto the exterior of the structure, plus two suites, a press box, and two outdoor event decks.

In early May, vice president of finance and administration Duane Schlomer visited the Outdoor Athletic Center site. Schlomer is overseeing his final construction project with the college. He will retire in October after managing ten building and renovation projects throughout his 25 years of service to WLC.

The football team’s locker room neared completion with the delivery of wood lockers. The facility will help relieve the overcrowded Recreation Complex on campus by providing better training and game-day facilities for student-athletes near the fields where they compete. Last year WLC had 340 students (40% of the student body) participate for the Warriors in 16 NCAA Division III athletics, cheer, and/or dance teams.

Last year the Krauss-Miller-Lutz Outdoor Athletic Complex was used by 38 schools and groups from surrounding communities in addition to the college’s athletic teams. The new structure and upgraded amenities will help attract more teams and fans from the entire southeastern Wisconsin area. 16 | wlc.edu

Fans will be able to enjoy food from a permanent concession stand, built underneath the main bleachers at Raabe Stadium. Public restrooms, as well as team meeting space and storage, will be located under the bleachers as well.

fine arts

Concert Band takes “On, Wisconsin!” on the road

n May, the WLC Concert Band toured Iowa, Kansas, Texas, Louisiana, and Missouri, performing a program of all-American composers. “Our 2011 spring band tour was a huge success,” said Terry Treuden, director of instrumental music. The band performed magnificently for each of the concerts.” Highlights from the trip included the band touring the new Dallas Cowboys’ stadium (below) where band members were even permitted to kick footballs on the field. While in San Antonio, the group enjoyed a day off. Many visited the city’s famous Riverwalk as well as the Alamo. “This was especially meaningful since one of the selections the band performed on this tour was a new composition by Director Terry Treuden donned a cheesehead at the end of each tour concert for the performance of “On, Wisconsin!”

Frank Ticheli called ‘San Antonio Dances’,” Treuden said. “The first movement is a musical impression of the Alamo Gardens located directly behind the Alamo, and the second movement is a musical impression of the Riverwalk.”

“Philodendron leaves” by Nora Boedeker

Upcoming Schlueter Art Gallery exhibitions

Nature by Three: The art of Nora Boedeker, Jenie Gao, and Carol Schwartz, September 9 through October 18, 2011; opening reception: September 16, 2011

Community outreach

LC alumni Tim ‘06 and Maggie (Rodewald) Rebers ‘05 performed at WLC on July 9 as part of the Summer Arts in the Park series. Their concert took place during the annual Art & Craft Fair in the Quad. This summer’s series featured nine concert dates between June and August, beginning with a Koiné concert and concluding with the Doo-Wop Daddies. The series is an outreach opportunity for the college. “It brings many people from the Milwaukee area to the WLC campus for the first time,” said Dan Schmal, director of arts programming. “I hear frequent comments about our beautiful campus and what an asset WLC is to the community.”

Senior Thesis Art Exhibition November 4 through December 16, 2011; opening reception November 4, 2011 Annual Juried Student Art Exhibition February 10 through March 30, 2012; opening reception February 10, 2012 Senior Thesis Art Exhibition April 20 through May 19, 2012; opening reception: April 20, 2012 Wisconsin Lutheran College | 17

ALUMNI

From liberal arts to the manufacturing market

hen Nate Kogler, ’99, graduated from Wisconsin Lutheran College with a degree in business administration, he didn’t know what the Lord had in store. The economy was weak, few jobs were available, and he wasn’t sure what he wanted to do. “Honestly, I took the first job I was offered,” Kogler recalled. That job was assistant product manager for Bradley Corporation, a business-to-business plumbing manufacturing company in Menomonee Falls, Wisconsin. As a product manager, Kogler provides strategic marketing for individual product lines. In 2004, he led a team of designers and engineers in the development of ndite technology, which converts light to energy to power touchless sinks. In 2008, Small Business Times magazine in Milwaukee awarded Kogler’s team the IQ innovation award for ndite. Also in 2008, Kogler received his M.B.A. from The Pennsylvania State University. Kogler is now the divisional product manager for safety and industrial, in charge of emergency safety fixtures, which include drench showers and eye-wash stations used in schools and businesses that handle hazardous materials. “The products I’m responsible for can save a person’s sight and his or her life,” said Kogler. “I’m blessed to be able to say that about my job.” Kogler credits much of his success to the Christ-centered foundation in academics and leadership provided by WLC. “I viewed my professors as mentors, and they gave me countless opportunities to grow as a student, a professional, and a Christian,” he said. “WLC encouraged me to be a servant leader, and that has made all the difference in my career.”

Alumna helps lead Pathways students on inaugural journey

elly (Gilbertson) Ramirez, ’03, assistant director of Pathways to College, was one of five chaperones leading ten high school freshmen on Pathways’ first trip, “Passport to Learning Civil Rights Trip & College Tour” in June. The primary purpose of Pathways to College (which is located at Wisconsin Lutheran College) is to help lowincome, first generation students recognize, prepare for, and overcome the obstacles that stand in their paths to college success. Part of this process includes taking the program’s high school students on annual trips to explore colleges and experience historical sites. Students earned the ability to go on this trip by maintaining at least a cumulative 2.8 GPA throughout their freshman year.

worth it. We covered over 3,000 miles of roads, traveled through ten states, and saw nine colleges. We visited multiple museums and historical sites and were fortunate enough to interact with many individuals along the way who shared their personal knowledge of the southern states and/or the Civil Rights Movement. The end of the trip was bittersweet – students were happy to get home to their families but sad that a great trip was over. We are already looking forward to next year’s trip – American Government and the East Coast!”

Ramirez, who worked with the students on writing blog posts during the trip, recapped the tour: “We had a busy 11 days on the road, but the experience was well You can read more about the Pathways trip at blogs.wlc.edu/pathways. 18 | wlc.edu

“

e have the WLC Endowment Fund because it is imperative that we ensure a strong future for generations of Wisconsin Lutheran College Warriors,” said President Daniel Johnson in addressing the critical importance of continuing to grow the college’s endowment.

Russow to lead college’s development team

Supporters of the Endowment Fund recognize how essential their gifts are to position WLC for the future. For instance, Beth Kietzmann, long time donor, is centered on spreading God’s Word. “As Christians we are to be salt and light to the world,” she said. “God’s Word is the basis for education at WLC. Being the parent of an alum (Renee, ’96), it is a high priority for me to continue entrusting WLC to carry on that mission and to provide support.” Dr. Jarrod Erbe, Dean of the college of Arts and Sciences and professor of biology at WLC, agrees, but with an additional emphasis. “WLC is a small college, but it is not a static college. A strong endowment is critical to the growth and continued excellence of our academic programs.” Gifts to the endowment are carefully invested and held in perpetuity, with money earned from these investments providing support for many programs focused on academic excellence. This income also is a permanent source for funding that supports scholarship for deserving students. “Contributions to the WLC Endowment Fund truly make it possible for motivated students to become stronger Christians and often develop into truly inspirational role models of Christian leadership,” President Johnson said. “This is such a critical time for WLC. Recent and current signs of economic recession in our country remind us all of how important it is to save for the future. Tomorrow’s challenges are a great unknown. We must ensure a strong future for the next generation of Christian leaders – for Jesus.”

“I donate to WLC’s endowment because I believe it’s a gift that will have a much greater return,” said Ana Stern, ’10. “It’s fundamental for the college’s future financial health, especially because it’s a private institution. Many colleges and universities are sustained by their endowments, and I would like to see the same for WLC.”

Craig Russow

raig Russow has accepted a call to become WLC’s new vice president for development. He fills the position formerly held by Merlyn Kruse, who has semiretired and now serves the college as Special Assistant to the President for International Relations.

Russow has served as the major gifts officer for the South Dakota State University Foundation in Brookings for the past seven years. He also held two earlier positions for the university; as the recruiting coordinator and offensive line coach for the SDSU football team, and as the assistant director of admissions. Russow received his undergraduate degree from Northwestern College, Watertown, Wisconsin, and his teaching certification and master’s degree at South Dakota State University. “We’re thrilled that Craig has joined us and assumed the leadership role of this profoundly important function of our college – development,” said President Daniel Johnson. “I believe Craig’s professional experience in the world of higher education development will be an incredible blessing for us,” said President Johnson. “He has a great development team to work with, and is looking forward to meeting our friends and supporters in the coming weeks and months.” Russow explained why he is embracing his new role with enthusiasm. “The unique mission of Wisconsin Lutheran College attracted me to this position,” he said. “The ability to educate students in an environment grounded in the Scriptures truly makes WLC a special place. And our ability to enhance that type of environment through development makes this a very appealing professional challenge.”

Wisconsin Lutheran College | 19

development

Endowment Fund can transform lives

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Partnering for tomorrow’s leaders page 6

A beloved, bow-tie wearing professor retires page 14

Outdoor Athletic Center page 16

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