2021 WinterSpring Magazine_WEB

WINTER/SPRING 2021 | Vol. 33, No. 1 MAGAZINE

MISSION STATEMENT From the President Wisconsin Lutheran College, affiliated with the Wisconsin Dear Friends, Evangelical Lutheran Synod, is a Lutheran liberal arts college As we celebrated Founders’ Day just a few for Christian men and women. weeks ago, we recognized the incredible The college is committed to blessings God has given to Wisconsin Lutheran providing quality teaching, College over the past 48 years. From a humble scholarship, and service that beginning with barely two dozen students in 1973 to an enrollment of are rooted in Holy Scripture; 1,100 Christian servant leaders, we thank our Lord. However, we are not promoting the spiritual growth of done growing yet and believe that God has big plans for WLC now and in students, faculty, and staff; and the future. preparing students for lives of Christian leadership. This academic year, we witnessed a 32% increase in freshman enrollment, the largest growth among private colleges in the state of Wisconsin. Even PRESIDENT today, we have set records on the number of prospective students visiting Dr. Daniel W. Johnson the campus for fall 2021 enrollment. God continues to out-dream us all! VICE PRESIDENT OF While we celebrate the blessings of the past, we set our sights on how ADVANCEMENT WLC will continue to thrive in the future. A new strategic plan is underway Richard Mannisto ’94 that will leverage the college’s strengths of Christian servant leadership, academic excellence, and a vibrant campus community. As we embrace WRITERS & our mission, we also seek innovation and sustainable growth so that PHOTOGRAPHERS more students can fully embrace their roles as Christian servant leaders, Melanie Buellesbach bringing their whole selves to their work, their families, and the world. Adam Heinzen ’06 Everything we do is a steadfast reflection of our mission so that our Lisa Leffel ’98 students graduate from WLC equipped to embrace their vocational calling Jonathan Lorenzen ’11 with a sense of confidence. We want our students to live out their lives Curtis Wech ’09, MA ’16 with purpose and make a meaningful difference. Jeff Wilson Yes, uncertainty and challenges exist as they always have for the nearly DESIGNER five decades that WLC has flourished. We will not accomplish our goal for Amy Kuether ’96 growth without help from others. Please share this magazine and share the amazing stories of how Warriors continue to thrive in a pandemic. Wisconsin Lutheran College Thousands of young people and adults would also succeed at WLC, Magazine is published for and but many do not know we exist. Spread the news about WLC with your distributed free of charge to family, friends, co-workers, and your entire social media network. students, faculty, staff, alumni, and friends of the college. Together we can make a bright future for our world and WLC. Thank you For more articles and photos, for your prayers and support as we prepare Christian servant leaders for visit WLC Magazine Online at our communities, nation, and church. magazine.wlc.edu. Blessings, All letters, news, corrections, and comments should be Dr. Daniel W. Johnson directed to WLC’s Office of President, Wisconsin Lutheran College Marketing & Communication, 8800 W. Bluemound Road, Milwaukee, WI 53226, [email protected]. If you prefer to receive WLC Magazine electronically or need to update your address, please email [email protected]. To receive regular enews updates from the college, please share your email address at [email protected]. 2 | Winter/Spring 2021

IN THIS ISSUE 2 From the President 4 Campus News 8 Value of Christian Higher Education 10 In the Footsteps of St. Paul 15 Three Generations of WLC Volleyball 17 Athletics News 18 Fine Arts News 20 Changing Lives through Scholarships 22 Celebrating 5 Years of WLC Christmas 23 Believe in the Green Winter/Spring 2021 | Vol. 33, No. 1 On the cover: The new Warriors men's volleyball team began intercollegiate competition in February. WLC now offers 19 NCAA Division III sports. Photo by Jeff Wilson. Note that some photos in this publication were taken prior to the pandemic. Wisconsin Lutheran College | 3

CAMPUS NEWS NEW Honors Program Project Dual-Degree Ella Kramer, a December 2020 graduate, created three stunning, all-original Program dresses last semester for her Honors Program thesis project, titled “Textile Texts.” Each dress represented a female character found within a “Great A new partnership Book” studied in the program. Kramer chose to depict Penelope from between Wisconsin Homer’s Odyssey, Grete from Kafka’s The Metamorphosis, and Antigone Lutheran College and from the eponymous play by Sophocles. “Antigone stood out because of the Rush University in Chicago agency she displays, that is, how she creates the space in her story to make provides students with an her own decisions,” shared Kramer. opportunity to obtain both a Bachelor of Science Her project began with researching the three literary women in order to degree in Biology or analyze the level of character development attributed to them by their male Sport and Exercise authors. Kramer then interpreted her Science from WLC and findings by sketching out the basic a Master of Science design of each dress. “Then … I in Respiratory Care sewed a lot!” she said. “I wanted to degree in just five years. hone my skills of working without The program at Rush pre-made patterns, so all of the University offers advanced designs were completely original.” practice preparation in multiple areas, including In mid-November, Kramer presented critical care, neonatal a lecture in the Center for Arts and care, and cardiopulmonary Performance in which she explained diagnostics. Students her project and showcased the will obtain hands-on magnificent dresses. Kramer’s experience in this rapidly project was funded by a generous growing field at top-tier grant from the Christian Women’s academic medical centers Leadership Circle. in Chicago. 4 | Winter/Spring 2021

COMPUTER SCIENCE CLUB OUTREACH Christian Lee ’22 Mandy Abernathy ’21 When it comes to reaching Draeger ’07 – and their teacher, Solving the maze was my favorite the next generation Matthew Zahorec, to arrange part, and it also involved math, of programmers, the WLC the workshop. The event began which is my favorite class.” Computer Science Club has with members of the Computer cracked the “code” for success. Science Club asking the students The Computer Science Club Last November, the club hosted to list everything they could think members deemed the event a virtual programming workshop of that uses a computer, the goal to be a great success and feel with sixth and seventh graders being to illustrate the countless it is important to offer similar at Creation Village Preparatory ways in which programming opportunities in the future: School in Celebration, Florida. impacts the world. “I was glad to be involved The club, which is entirely student because teaching programming led, met earlier in the semester The students then broke off into is important, and getting kids to brainstorm ways they could groups and paired up with club started at a young age can help get kids excited about computer members to partake in a hands- develop skills like teamwork and science. “We decided to plan a on programming activity. “We problem solving,” reflected club virtual event with middle school wanted to introduce the kids to member Christian Lee ’22. students to introduce them to programming concepts in a fun programming and to demonstrate way,” explained Abernathy. The Abernathy stressed another the extensiveness of computer activity consisted of a computer reason to begin reaching out to science,” said club president game in which students utilized students early on: “I never had Mandy Abernathy ’21. “We the Python programming anything like this when I was wanted to show them that it’s language to move a cartoon turtle in middle school. Females are more than just ‘coding.’” through a maze. underrepresented in the computer science field, and I feel we’re Abernathy enlisted the help of Abernathy’s nephew Logan loved helping to change that with events her nephews Cayden and Logan the workshop experience: “I really like this workshop.” – sons of WLC alumni Jason liked learning about computer ’06 and Marissa (Abernathy) science and enjoyed the activity. Wisconsin Lutheran College | 5

Nursing major Samantha Stiemke ’22 and biology major Nicole Buiter ’22 work with the Anatomage Table for the first time under the direction of Prof. Courtney Moll ’09. ANATOMAGE TABLE Students got their first look at cut once’ strategy because the “It’s an instrument to show all our WLC’s new Anatomage Table table provides the opportunity to students how God designed us this semester in the anatomy lab. practice dissections, remove and and how we truly are ‘fearfully and The college obtained this state- replace organs, and review clinical wonderfully made,’” said Moll. of-the-art resource thanks to a applications.” Psalm 139:13-14 is the theme for generous gift from alumna Sharon all of the human anatomy courses A. Schoeneck ’89. The Anatomage Table offers a at WLC. virtual library of human cadavers, “Nothing compares to cadaver as well as CT scans and MRI \"I am very excited and thankful dissection, but the Anatomage examples for nuclear medicine for the opportunity to use the Table prepares students for technology majors to study, Anatomage Table, said junior dissection by allowing them to plus animal images for pre-vet Nicole Buiter. “The extensive tools see internal anatomy before students and those in WLC’s it provides will allow us to study cutting, plan better dissections, Vertebrate Zoology course. While cadaver dissection from a new and examine pathologies that are the Anatomage Table will never perspective. The Anatomage Table not present in all cadavers,” said replace human donors, it is will allow me to visualize what I Prof. Courtney Moll ’09, assistant certainly an amazing study tool am learning in class in a way that lecturer of biology. “We can that students and faculty will be wasn’t previously available.” now go beyond the ‘think twice, able to use for years to come. 6 | Winter/Spring 2021

ENGLISH Students living in WLC’s residence halls let their RES HALL CONTEST creativity run wild last semester. The college’s Class Lecture annual Trick or Treat in the Halls celebration was canceled due to the pandemic, so students On November 5, sought an alternative source of fun. What started WLC’s English as putting notes up on windows between the Department offered a floors in Fischer Hall erupted into an all-out virtual talk by Dr. Larry creativity war among the colleges’ three residence Watson (pictured) on halls. These conversations turned into a fun his novel Let Him Go, competition and provided artistic masterpieces for which was adapted the WLC community to enjoy. The ammunition of into a major motion choice? Sticky notes. picture starring Kevin Students were given a week to complete an image Costner and Diane Lane. The film was made entirely out of sticky notes. The submissions released November 6. were creative, featuring characters like Buddy the Elf from the popular movie Elf and Perry the Dr. Rebecca Parker Fedewa ’01, Platypus from the Disney Channel’s Phineas and associate professor of English, arranged Ferb cartoon series, and Baby Yoda from Disney’s the lecture for her creative writing The Mandalorian. The Resident Council hosted the course: “It was a privilege to have competition and gave prizes to the winning floors. Prof. Watson share his insights with students, colleagues, and alumni. His BABY YODA self-deprecating manner makes him Aspire Hall Winner approachable to writers of all levels of and Fan Favorite experience, and he was wonderfully receptive to questions about the writing STARRY NIGHT process, his novel Let Him Go, and the Fischer Hall Winner recent film adaptation.” SUNSET Student Patricia Waraczynski ’22 gave Stimac Hall Winner positive feedback after the event: \"I truly enjoyed our visit with Prof. Watson. It was Wisconsin Lutheran College | 7 certainly thrilling to be able to speak with the author of several well-known novels, but I was most touched by the humility and kindness Prof. Watson showed to our group of students. Not only did he give us valuable writing advice and allow us to dissect the nuts and bolts of his work, but he acted as if our opinions came from professional literary critics. It was an unforgettable evening.” Watson even followed up with Parker Fedewa to let her know he enjoyed visiting with the students. He added: “I miss teaching, so it was good to return to the classroom, even virtually and even for only an hour. The intelligence and insight of the students’ questions and comments really impressed me.”

the value of Christian Higher Education The research varies, but most the lack of worship and fellowship rate (30-40% have no religion approximate that 50-70% of opportunities at these institutions. today, as opposed to 5-10% Christian teenagers disengage a generation ago).” This isn’t with their faith as they progress In fact, according to the research a surprise as only one-third through college. Much of this of political scientists Robert P. of college faculty nationwide slow fade away from the Church Putnam and David E. Campbell, describe themselves as regular is due to college freshmen leaving “Young Americans are dropping churchgoers, and Christian home unprepared for campus life out of religion at an alarming rate viewpoints are openly mocked in at public or secular colleges, and of five to six times the historical many college classrooms. 8 | Winter/Spring 2021

At Wisconsin Lutheran College, as common. A Christian college with a rapidly changing world and we’re humbled to be an aberration like ours does more than prepare daily uncertainties. One constant among these colleges and within young people for a career. We amidst the unknown is Jesus. these statistics. We help our encourage deep introspection Students at WLC are grounded in students learn the skills they’ll need that helps them see themselves Christ’s wisdom and encouraged to build their career, and live their and their place in the world in to follow His example as a servant values while doing it. We believe new, powerful ways. Our hope for leader. With His example, the world that nurturing the whole person students is they have a meaningful begins to look different, their path – mind, body, and spirit – is what college experience that enables appears clearer, and changing education is truly about. Helping their growth academically and the world for the better feels more students connect with themselves, spiritually so they can confidently possible. their faith, and the world at large live their purpose. drives our work. Everything we do is a steadfast COMMUNITY reflection of our mission. And it’s There are many valuable A strong community depends why our students graduate from characteristics of WLC, to be sure. on the people within it trusting, WLC with a sense of confidence, Yet, we don’t hesitate to state respecting, and caring for each ready to live out their lives with that our greatest value-add is this: other in moments of agreement purpose and make a meaningful We were founded by Christian – and especially in moments of difference – as bold Christian men and women who desired to challenge. At WLC we strive to servant leaders. launch a college characterized cultivate just such an environment. by faithfulness to the Scriptures We welcome those with curious Interested in experiencing this and the Lutheran Confessions, minds who are willing to ask big for yourself? Private, in-person and we remain rooted in Jesus’ questions about their faith, life, campus tours can be arranged truths – providing an academic and work. Our faculty and staff are Monday-Friday during most weeks. and Christian faith experience accessible and involved, caring Upon visit confirmation, we’ll that prepares our students to see deeply for our students and serving provide further details about the their potential and purpose in their as Christian mentors. It’s one more steps we are taking to provide a everyday life and work. way we help our students become healthy visit experience for you and confident, compassionate leaders, your family. Or schedule an online WLC’s commitment to Christian and lifelong learners. visit to engage in a personalized higher education provides virtual tour of our campus with unique value to our students: JESUS an admissions counselor and get It’s normal for young people – answers to your questions. PURPOSE even those with loving, supportive Students can get an education families and friends – to feel alone, Visit wlc.edu/visit to learn more. virtually anywhere. But an or unsure about their path in life. education that also helps them Those feelings have only intensified discover their purpose? That isn’t in recent years as we all grapple Wisconsin Lutheran College | 9

IN THE FOOTSTEPS OF ST. PAUL Research Trips Lead To Changes in Biblical Maps By Lisa Leffel ’98 anatolianroads.org 10 | Winter/Spring 2021

\"One of the best moments was when I was standing on the remains of a Roman bridge in the middle of a field and realized that Paul likely walked on these very stones.” - Jacob Werre ‘15 2017 In 2008, Rev. Dr. Glen Thompson, then serving as lines from one city center to the next. These do not professor of history at Wisconsin Lutheran College, account for the topography of the land or take into had an idea: “I wanted to provide WLC humanities account what roads actually existed in the first century. students with the opportunity to experience overseas Thompson and Wilson’s plan was quite simple. They travel and learn about archeology.” At the same time, would go on site, use GPS to record the precise Thompson wanted to get back to his early study of the location of still-existing ancient road segments and missionary journeys of St. Paul. bridges from the Roman period, map these, and then connect the dots. In this way a much more accurate Together with New Testament scholar Dr. Mark Wilson, and realistic map of the ancient road system could be who Thompson had met at a professional conference, produced. That map could then be used to plot St. a project was developed at WLC to more accurately Paul’s travel options more accurately. Dr. Gerald (Jerry) determine and map the specific roads St. Paul had Fischer, a member of WLC Board of Regents, and his traveled. “The opportunity for WLC students to travel wife, Kay, were intrigued by the project and committed to the biblical world and experience its material culture to financially supporting it – and taking part in it! firsthand is a significant learning experience for them,” noted Wilson. 2010 Shannon (Turner) Li ’12, a member of the first research Wisconsin Lutheran College | 11 trip, went on to earn her doctorate in medieval history from The Ohio State University. She pointed to this trip as one of a number of transformative college experiences: “WLC provided me with a solid foundation for earning my degree at OSU. The professors were all very supportive, and they encouraged critical thinking and independent research, which are essential skills for pursuing secondary education.” While St. Paul’s journeys have been studied for almost 2000 years, the maps used to depict them are still not without problems. Bible atlases often just draw straight

The map as it appeared in the Lexham Geographic Commentary, based on the work of Eckhard Schnabel. The orange line shows Paul’s second journey and incorporates the work of the WLC research team. Students who were selected to participate were roads, bridges, milestones, funerary monuments, provided with background reading to familiarize cisterns, and other indications for the existence of themselves with the trip’s destinations. Each was also an ancient road. These have survived mostly in rural assigned a specific location to research in preparation areas. Starting with already known surviving traces, for sharing with the team when visiting that site. Tutku the team then seeks to find new traces in the area. Tours of Izmir, Turkey, provided a local guide and driver Local farmers are interviewed; local archaeologists are for each of the four two-week trips that have taken consulted. As traces are found, they are measured, place. At the conclusion of the tour, students could opt photographed, sketched, and GPS coordinates are to submit a research paper to obtain additional credit recorded by the students. Road width helps the group for the study experience. to determine if a road was a primary or secondary artery. Findings from all the trips are shared on the Thompson and Wilson plan each trip, based on the project website, anatolianroads.org. “I think one biblical accounts and on previous discoveries of unique aspect of these trips is that they are off the 12 | Winter/Spring 2021

The first trip was in June 2010 and followed Paul’s first journey in what is modern day Turkey. Li and fellow WLC students Jon Jossart ’11 and Paul Young accompanied the Thompsons, Wilsons, and Fischers. The goal for the first trip was to investigate the route of Paul in Galatia, especially his route from Perga to Antioch (Acts 13:13-14), the route between Antioch and Iconium (Acts 13:51), and the road system around Lystra and Derbe (Acts 14:6-7). The most exciting discoveries were of a road section northwest of the city of Perge, and, alongside it, an unpublished Greek and Latin inscription from the first-century. The second research trip was in June 2013. This time, Werre joined the Thompsons, Wilsons, Fischers, and one student each from the Asian Lutheran Seminary, Wisconsin Lutheran Seminary, and Martin Luther College. The team explored the disputed route of Paul’s second missionary journey from Galatia to Troas (Acts 16:6-8), especially the missing roads between Phrygia and the Aegean coast and Paul’s route in the Troad. This trip resulted in a groundbreaking article published in the Tyndale Bulletin in 2017. In May 2017, a third trip had two separate goals. First, the group re-created Paul’s 30-mile walk from Troas to Assos (Acts 20:13). Secondly, they revisited an area from the second trip that required further examination. Accompanying the Thompsons, Fischers, and Wilsons from WLC were assistant professor of history Sheena Finnigan ’06 and her husband, Ross ’06, along with Marta Stahlfeld ’16, Jenna Ehlinger ’20, and Sam Doebler ’20 from WLC. The team successfully gathered new evidence for Paul’s route to Assos and found further evidence of the ancient road system. beaten path. One of the best moments was when I 2017 was standing on the remains of a Roman bridge in the Wisconsin Lutheran College | 13 middle of a field and realized that Paul likely walked on these very stones,” said Jacob Werre ’15, who went on the second trip. Li added: “The Roman Roads Tour was an amazing experience. It was my first time traveling abroad, and it felt surreal to walk the roads and touch the artifacts used by ancient Romans and early Christians. Seeing historical sites in person and studying material culture enhances your understanding of the written sources, and this trip inspired future study trips I made to Ireland and Germany.”

2017 14 | Winter/Spring 2021 2017 A fourth trip in the summer of 2018 concentrated on Paul’s travels in Italy. It investigated the route taken when Paul was sent for trial to Rome 2017 – his arrival at Puteoli in Italy (Acts 28:14) and his route along the famous Appian Way to Rome (Acts 28:14-16). Thanks to the Fischers’ support, Thompson and Wilson have not only made the research findings available online, but they have shared the results in numerous journals and scholarly conferences. In this way the research has begun changing the maps of Paul’s journeys. For example, Prof. Eckhard Schnabel in the recently published Lexham Geographic Commentary on Acts Through Revelation illustrated the path of Paul’s second journey along the new roads documented by the WLC team (see illustration on page 12). It is likely that the maps in the back of our Bibles will eventually follow suit. “I knew that what we were doing was impactful 2013 scholarly research, but I wasn’t sure what impact it would have. I’m looking forward to seeing the changes in the historical maps,” Werre said. As soon as the pandemic subsides and it is safe to travel again, a fifth trip will explore the areas in Greece where Paul travelled in his second and third journeys – between Neapolis, Philippi, and Thessalonica (Acts 16:11, 17:1). “Paul’s route to and from Beroea are of special interest,” said Thompson, “as they have never been properly explored” (Acts 17:10,14). Thompson served at WLC from 2002 to 2011, when he moved to Hong Kong to join the faculty of Asia Lutheran Seminary. At that time, the Roman Roads project expanded to become a joint venture for WLC and 2017 Asia Lutheran Seminary. Thompson retired this past summer and has returned to Milwaukee. He looks forward to continuing the project with his former student and successor at WLC, Prof. Finnigan, and in working with WLC students on the website and on future trips. He is also working with Wilson on a book about Paul’s journey to Rome as a prisoner. Werre encourages the next generation of WLC students to participate: “I was blessed to go on multiple research trips, and they expand your horizons. Traveling opens you up to new people, ideas, cultures, and more that will benefit you for years to come.” 2010

CLARENCE LAURA ALLY JENKINS GOBA GOBA 3 GENERATIONSBy Adam Heinzen ’06 of Warriors Volleyball When Clarence Jenkins was named head coach That mantra certainly proved to be true during a of the Warriors women’s volleyball program in string of four straight Lake Michigan Conference 1988, little did he know that he was beginning an championships, including the college’s first-ever on-court family legacy that still exists more than three league title in 1989 and first district championship in decades later. 1992. With that success, the team’s reputation grew. In fact, it was Jenkins’ volleyball program that secured A 2019 inductee into the Wisconsin Lutheran College the first-ever national ranking for Wisconsin Lutheran Athletics Hall of Fame, Jenkins remains the winningest College athletics. coach in program history having led the Warriors to 95 victories, including a near perfect 40-2 conference Four years into his coaching tenure, Jenkins’ daughter mark during his five seasons (1988-1992) at the helm. Laura joined the Warriors as a freshman. “I always knew that I was going to WLC,” said Laura (Jenkins) “God immediately blessed me with some very talented Goba ’95. “The first year I played we didn’t even have players,” admitted Jenkins. “Good athletes always a gym. Our warm-up consisted of jogging down to want to be part of a winning program. I would tell Wisconsin Lutheran High School.” players I was recruiting that we simply didn’t lose.” Despite any facility challenges, Goba experienced unprecedented team success in her three seasons with the Warriors, winning a trio of conference championships as well as a district title. In 1991, she and her teammates put together a 26-win season, still the most victories in a season to date. Coach Clarence Jenkins | 1989 “I expected a lot from Laura, especially as a freshman, so that the other players wouldn’t think I was playing favorites,” Jenkins reflected. “I’d like to think that I Wisconsin Lutheran College | 15

Laura (Jenkins) Goba | #24 | 1991 Recreation Complex watching a third generation of the family compete. This time, it’s Ally Goba on the eased up a bit on her after that. She was a very good court wearing a Warriors uniform. The daughter of server and back row player. She, like most first-year Laura and granddaughter of Clarence said becoming players, had played all the way around in high school. a Warrior was always a possibility: “My family history Most incoming players had to learn more specific definitely had an impact on me choosing WLC. I was roles. Laura accepted that and was a real contributor always encouraged by my mom and grandpa to play to the team’s success.” volleyball here, and I loved how close WLC was to home [Mukwonago, Wisconsin] so that they would be So how difficult was it to be a collegiate coach and a able to watch me play in person.” father of one of the players at the same time? Well, for Jenkins it wasn’t as challenging as it may seem from When Ally took to the court in her rookie season, she the outside: “I never really felt I was a ‘dad’ coaching. most certainly didn’t let them down. She became just I always felt I was coaching a team, so it wasn’t hard the fourth freshman since 2000 to earn First Team coaching a daughter from that standpoint. I yelled a All-Northern Athletics Collegiate Conference honors. lot, but I distributed my tirades equally.” Ally led the Warriors in digs and service aces, both of which put her in the top 10 of league rankings in just As for being on the daughter/athlete end of the her first year on the floor. relationship, Goba admits it wasn’t always smooth. “Has anyone ever thought it was easy to be the The legacy that her mother and grandfather began coach’s kid? He was hard on me, and I’m sure that I now rests on Ally’s shoulders, but that doesn’t was hard on him.” But the former Warrior admitted: intimidate her one bit. She relishes the opportunity: “Challenges make us stronger and build character. “It means a lot that I get to continue in the footsteps He was a very good coach and well-liked by my that my mom and grandpa made when the program teammates…most of the time!” was so fresh and small. I am excited to leave my own footprints for future teams and possibly family Now, fast-forward to 2019 when the former coach members, too.” and former athlete found themselves seated in the And while Ally, now a sophomore, competes, her mother appreciates the work that goes into being a collegiate athlete. “I love going back onto the WLC campus and watching my daughter play. They have a really great program, and she also loves her teammates and has great coaches.” As for the Hall of Fame coach and patriarch of this volleyball family, Clarence Jenkins is more than happy to sit back and let his granddaughter set her own course. “It’s nice, but I wouldn’t want to put too much pressure on her to continue playing or to become a coach to live up to anyone else’s expectations.” Ally Goba | #2 | 2019 16 | Winter/Spring 2021

SENIOR SPOTLIGHTS WLC Athletics continues its Take 10 series by featuring senior student- athletes. Read more at WLCSports.com. MYKAEL IGNASZAK ’21 CHRISTINA BIFFERT ’21 Cudahy, WI Lomira, WI Football Women’s Cross Country/Track & Field Human Social Services Music Education Which WLC faculty or staff member What is one piece of advice you would has made the greatest impact on you? give to your freshman self? Don't look Suzanne Otto, a counselor in the Student Success Center, back on what could have happened or what you could have has always been there for me. She also prepared me to be done differently. Just put your trust in the Lord; that’s all that a successful student-athlete. matters. Which WLC class would you like to take again? I would Which WLC faculty or staff member has made the retake any theology class, because I was always interested greatest impact on you? Honestly, I would not be able to in learning about the Bible but was never exposed to it in pick just one. All of the faculty and staff members who I have my past. had the pleasure of working with have helped me grow in my faith, leadership, and education. ALYSSA CHARRON ’21 RANDY JOHNSON JR. ’21 Appleton, WI Women’s Volleyball Milwaukee, WI Secondary Education and Basketball Broadfield Social Sciences Psychology Which WLC faculty or staff member has What is one piece of advice you would made the greatest impact on you? Jenilee Voss, my head give to your freshman self? To be yourself coach, has taught me leadership and the importance of and not to try to be something you're not. Being authentic being on a team. She has modeled servant leadership and is the key to success and to put God before yourself and continues to be a positive Christian role model in my life. everything else. Which WLC class would you like to take again? I would Which WLC faculty or staff member has made the retake American Popular Music. Prof. Jeremy Zima ’07 greatest impact on you? If it weren’t for Prof. Laura Reinke [assistant professor of music] makes the history of music [adjunct instructor of psychology], I wouldn't be a psychology come to life, and there was never a dull class. major. She helped me find what I was passionate about and could apply to future job opportunities. I truly am appreciative of all she has done for me. WARRIORS RETURN TO ACTION Wisconsin Lutheran College | 17 The Northern Athletics Collegiate Conference (NACC) approved a plan in December for the conference to resume competition. In February, the Warriors saw the following teams compete in the NACC: men’s and women’s basketball, men’s and women’s tennis, men’s volleyball, and men’s and women’s track & field. Eventually, all 19 Division III sports fielded by WLC are scheduled see action during the spring semester. Visit WLCSports.com for updated schedules, digital gameday programs, and spectator policies.

The WLC Theatre Department had to get creative capture a perfect and polished scene and letting the last fall due to the pandemic. “We had a very camera roll for as long as possible. strong feeling that live, indoor theater was not going to be happening by then,” said Prof. Simon Provan, The cast and crew of 20 students masterfully carried assistant professor of theatre. “We wanted to make out 12 of the series’ 39 pieces, which portray the all- sure that we had something in place for our students too-familiar situations and emotions of life during the that wouldn’t get canceled, so we knew it had to be pandemic, such as mental health struggles, coping something that could be streamed online.” during uncertain times, and longing for a connection with other human beings. After much research, the department ended up discovering – and producing – selected works from The short plays were presented in styles ranging from a collection of new short plays and monologues comedic to very serious, with some falling in-between. titled Alone, Together. From November 12 to 15, Students took in stride the challenges of acting out nearly 350 viewers tuned in via YouTube to watch emotionally heavy concepts, along with the new the WLC Theatre Department’s production of the experience of having no live audience. “The students show – among the better-attended plays in recent had to deal with some deep emotional character history. The series was commissioned by the work, which they did with great gusto,” Provan – University of California, Santa Barbara’s LAUNCH director of the production – said of the actors. “The PAD theatre program and included works from 24 truthfulness these young performers brought to their distinguished playwrights – all written during the work was awe-inspiring and something which the COVID-19 pandemic. Alone, Together was designed entire WLC campus can be proud of.” to be presented in an entirely virtual format, with many of the scenes mimicking the now ubiquitous video High praise came not only from within WLC circles. conference environment. Playwright James Still, who penned two of the Alone, Together scenes presented by WLC, had this to say Capturing a play by means of recorded video, after watching their production: “There is such a while still maintaining the authenticity a live theatre range of emotion pulsing through those pieces, lots of experience, proved to be a delicate balancing sensibilities and voices from many wonderful writers, act for student Mandi DeVos ’21, who served as and I was especially moved to see young people take cinematographer for Alone, Together – her senior on those stories with courage and purpose.” He went capstone project. When recording and editing each on to compliment the show’s technical production: play and monologue, DeVos wondered, “How can we “The look and feeling of your digital presentation still preserve the theater elements and make this feel was professional, smart, and consistent throughout. like a theater event for our actors and the audience?” Enormous congratulations to you [Provan] and the In many instances, this meant resisting the urge to students, and everyone involved.” 18 | Winter/Spring 2021

Ensembles Perform New Choir CD In late November, three WLC instrumental ensembles took the In December, the Wisconsin Lutheran Schwan Concert Hall stage for a virtual concert featuring a Choir and Chamber Choir released diverse array of musical styles and genres. The first group to their newest album titled Shout the perform was the Chamber Ensemble (pictured below) consisting Glad Tidings, featuring a collection of of four violins, a cello, and a contrabass, directed sacred Christmas carols performed by Dr. Alexander Mandl. by the two ensembles. The selections were recorded live in the Schwan The stage was then reset with an impressive amalgam of drums Concert Hall during the 2018 and 2019 and idiophones for the Percussion Ensemble’s portion of the Christmas Festival Concerts. “The concert. The final group of the evening was the Flute Choir, album reflects the beauty, wonder, whose member Laura Sanford ’21 said: “While the live audience and joy of the Christmas season,” element of performance was lost in this virtual event, the said Dr. James Nowack, professor of performance was genuinely rewarding, and I was very proud to music and concert conductor. CDs are see the members of my section show off the product of the hard available for purchase for $10 online at work they put into practice and sectionals.” wlc.edu/cd or by calling the Box Office at 414.443.8802. A selection of other Also in November, the Flute Choir provided musical offerings WLC choir and concert band CDs is in worship at Emanuel Lutheran Church in New London, also available for purchase. Wisconsin. The flautists – directed by Prof. Dan Hubert, assistant professor of music – played pre- and post-service music and Wisconsin Lutheran College | 19 accompanied several of the hymns. Ensemble member Brittany LaCourt ’22 said: “I was honored to share my gifts with fellow Christians at Emanuel. This trip reminded me why I enjoy playing the flute and sharing music with others, especially during difficult times where joyful sounds are needed.”

Changing Lives through Scholarships How one donor’s generosity is paying dividends for WLC students, now and for years to come By Jonathan Lorenzen ’11 Dolores “Dee” Rudolph was a then volunteered a WLC development officer, she fascinating woman. From avid every week at a local decided to begin an endowed bowler and accomplished artist to nonprofit resale shop scholarship – a permanent fund tireless volunteer and exceptional upon retirement. invested so that the interest income golfer, she was never one to will generate an annual award for shy away from taking on a new Dee became one or more students in perpetuity. challenge. Even more remarkable, acquainted with WLC As one who had a keen interest in however, was her heart for Jesus through its Guest medicine – she consistently read and her selfless desire to help Artist Series in the medical books and journals – and others – qualities that brought Center for Arts and as a proficient golfer and softball about a passion to help Christian Performance; she was and tennis player, Dee wanted her servant leaders at Wisconsin a longtime season scholarship to support a student Lutheran College. ticket holder and with similar passions. subsequently became a faithful Dee was a Milwaukee native and donor to the college. She deeply Dee’s timing was perfect; WLC lifelong member of Atonement valued Christian higher education, had launched a sport and exercise Lutheran Church, where she could even though her own college science major just a few years always be found helping and education was put on hold for prior. The program prepares encouraging fellow Christians. She years due to family circumstances. students for careers in such areas was also a civil servant and active “Dee was a proponent of higher as athletic training, community community volunteer; she served education throughout her whole health and fitness instruction, the City of Milwaukee as a pension life, in spite of her own aspirations physical and occupational therapy, counselor for more than 40 years, being thwarted early on,” said and strength and conditioning. longtime friend Mary Gizewski. Dee found sport and exercise 20 | Winter/Spring 2021 “Not until later in life would she see science to be a perfect fit for her those aspirations come to fruition interests and decided to designate when she attended night school to the scholarship for students within attain her degree.” that major who have financial need. With a very generous initial As she grew older, Dee felt gift from Dee, the Dolores E. inspired to make a lasting impact Rudolph Endowed Scholarship for Christian servant leaders at was officially born. WLC. And as a faithful manager of the gifts God had given her, she Sport and exercise science was blessed to be in a position major Joshua Helton ’18 was the to make it happen. Working with inaugural recipient of the award.

Josh grew up in a struggling neighborhood of Josh Helton '18 | Second Lieutenant | Army National Guard Houston, Texas, in a home where his mother was Wisconsin Lutheran College | 21 the sole provider for the family. According to sport and exercise science program head Prof. Rachel Kuehl ’96, Josh was a natural choice for the award: “I think it is very fitting that Josh was the first recipient of the scholarship as he is the first member of his family to graduate from college. The award came at a critical point of financial need in his life when he otherwise might have had to leave WLC. Dee’s scholarship is a testimony to her dedication to the students within the sport and exercise science program.” Josh, a lifelong athlete, chose to attend WLC because it allowed him the opportunity to play football while pursuing a sport and exercise science degree. After graduating, he joined the Army National Guard, where he currently serves as a platoon leader in Temple, Texas. Now at a rank of second lieutenant, Josh knows his education and leadership experience gained from WLC helped him excel in his role with the Guard: “The coaches and professors did wonders for my leadership abilities.” Dee went home to Heaven in February 2019, leaving behind a permanent legacy of selflessly serving others. Her estate included an additional large gift to WLC, which will now allow her endowed scholarship to generate annual awards for at least three students. “Dee provided me with the help I needed to finish my degree. I do not take for granted that God allowed our paths to cross, and her assistance meant the world to me,” said Helton. “She truly changed my life.” You, too, can help change lives. Support for scholarships – whether on an annual basis, in a large gift to establish an endowment fund, or through a legacy planned gift – will make an incredible difference for our students. To learn more about how you can invest in Christian servant leaders, please contact Rich Mannisto ’94, Vice President of Advancement, at 414.443.8788 or [email protected].

5 CELEBRATING YEARS OF WL C Christmas An idea generated five years ago within a At the end of the five days, the alumni relations staff subcommittee of the Alumni Board, the 5 Days orders all the gifts based on the number of alums who of WLC Christmas has become a tradition that completed each assigned tasks. Boxes and boxes of alumni look forward to each year. “Christmas as a branded WLC items soon arrive on campus and the student was one of the best times of the year, but it’s staff gets to work assembling all the packages and absolutely incredible as an alum,” tweeted Andrew taking them to the USPS for shipping. Flegel ’17. Brian Hopkins ’16 added: “The most wonderful time of the year! @WLCAlumni Christmas!” “It’s a quick turnaround to get the gifts into alumni mailboxes around Christmas,” added Denise Terrell The purpose of the 5 Days of WLC Christmas is to ’99, alumni relations coordinator. “We’ve mailed some provide WLC branded gifts to alumni in exchange really fun items over the years – some of the most for the completion of important tasks to help further popular have been WLC Yetis, pizza cutters, and the mission of the college. Over the years, these T-shirts. It is great to see alums showing off their WLC alumni tasks have included confirming or updating pride in their homes, workplaces, and communities contact information, making donations to assist with the branded gifts they receive during the 5 Days WLC students, sharing testimonials about their WLC of WLC Christmas.” experience with prospective students, joining WLC career networking groups, registering for college WLC has seen tremendous growth in alumni giving as events, following the WLC alumni social media a result of the 5 Days of WLC Christmas, and 2020 accounts, and recommending future Warriors. was the biggest increase to date! This past year, 352 alumni made a donation during those five days; 229 “Each year the involvement has grown,” said Lisa were new donors this fiscal year and 36 made their Leffel ’98, director of alumni relations. “We were first ever gift to WLC. thrilled to have around 200 alums participate the first year. In 2020, there were nearly 800 participants!” Leffel shared: “God has truly blessed our alumni relations efforts with the 5 Days of WLC Christmas. It takes nearly year-round planning to make the 5 We have found a fun way to increase donations, Days of WLC Christmas become a reality in early maintain accurate contact information, assist with December. The first objective is to determine the tasks the college’s admissions and career networking to complete and the gifts to send. Next, it is on to the efforts, grow our social media following, and expand promotion that includes a postcard, daily emails, and attendance at events.” many social media posts throughout the five days. After each day is completed, participation is tallied. Planning is already underway for 2021! 22 | Winter/Spring 2021

SUPPORT OUR PARTNERS! CHAMPION PARTNER “We’re thrilled to partner SILVER PARTNER “Radisson Hotel Milwaukee with universities all across the country – like Wisconsin West has been a partner in WLC’s Believe in the Green Lutheran College – which share many of our same values program since its inception. We are honored to partner of harnessing creativity to drive best-in-class innovation. with a Christian college, which in turn gives so much Together, we’re bringing athletes and fans an incredible back to the community. From a business perspective, experience on campus that’s rooted in deep consumer WLC ‘gives back’ to its BIG partners as well. In our insights and reinvents how they engage with our brands.” case, being a hotel with Jimmy’s Island Grill restaurant attached, we see business from the college in guest Jeff Terek ’98, Key Account Manager - Workplace rooms, banquets, and diners at Jimmy’s. It truly is a PepsiCo, Inc. | Pepsi Beverages North America partnership with WLC. Through the program we’ve met other partners who have become clients and vendors. PLATINUM PARTNER “Chick-fil-A chooses to It is a wonderful opportunity for businesses to increase participate in the Believe in the Green program because their networking circle, while being part of a growing we believe in the platform of opportunity athletics provide Christian-based college in our area.” for students. We support what the experience of being on a team teaches the next generation of leaders as they Rose Murack, General Manager prepare for their future vocations and callings.” Radisson Hotel Milwaukee West | Wauwatosa, WI Jim Frasier, Owner Chick-fil-A | 124th & Capitol, Brookfield, WI Wisconsin Lutheran College’s athletics sponsorship initiative, called Believe in the Green (BIG), integrates WLC’s partners and sponsors into the Warriors’ game-day experience. We encourage you to support our partners who support WLC. If you or your business is interested in advertising with Wisconsin Lutheran College Athletics and becoming a partner, contact Aaron Sebald at 414.443.8532 or [email protected].

Non-Profit Org. U.S. Postage PAID Permit No. 3335 Milwaukee, WI “Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.” - Romans 12:12 (NIV) WLC.EDU | 414.443.8800