Congratulations, Class of 2023! |
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On Saturday, May 13, 142 students earned undergraduate degrees marking the completion of their ministerial training at Martin Luther College.
This included 102 in education, 37 in preseminary studies, and three in staff ministry.
Another 23 students graduated with an MLC master’s degree: 13 with a Master of Science in Education, seven with a Master of Science in Educational Administration, and three with a Master of Arts in Theological Studies.
Following the commencement service, graduates receiving assignments gathered with the campus family and visitors for the call service. Including those reassigned to their current places of service, 138 candidates were assigned to ministries across the country. Another five were assigned in the days immediately following. May God bless these workers as they enter his harvest field!
Check out photos from graduation weekend here!
Pictured: Graduates Grace Bain (St. Paul-Onalaska WI), Maya Aden (St. John/St. James-Reedsville WI), and Noah Arnold (St. Luke-Vassar MI).
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On Friday, May 12, students stepped back from exams, packing, and graduation preparations for some outstanding music.
The evening before graduation, MLC held an honors recital and a commencement concert, celebrating the musical gifts of the student body.
The honors recital featured nine student musicians performing vocal, piano, marimba, organ, and saxophone pieces. These students spent countless hours practicing their craft and were honored to share their work with the campus family.
Later in the evening, the MLC choirs and Wind Symphony presented the commencement concert, showcasing a variety of secular songs, including “America, the Beautiful" and Whitacre's Animal Crackers. Professor Jon Laabs (music) opened the concert with an introduction to the pieces’ range of moods, from goofy to sentimental to exciting. Both the performers and audience left the evening in high spirits.
Pictured: Members of the Chorale perform at the Commencement Concert.
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Women's Track: UMAC Champions |
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The women’s track and field team took first at the UMAC Outdoor Championships last week with a program record of 188 points at the two-day meet.
MLC had an incredible second day, scoring 117 points to overcome their deficit to UW-Superior. Maya Habben (Mt. Calvary-Flagstaff AZ) contributed to the success, racking up 14 total points while taking second in the 1500 Meter and third in the 5000 Meter.
Coach Breanna Olson (physical education) was pleased by her team’s work at the championships and throughout the season. “I’m really proud of how hard the women worked this season,” she says. “They had depth in multiple events, and many athletes were willing to try something new or compete in multiple events in order to snag as many points as they could for the team.”
Pictured: The MLC women's track team and coaches celebrate their conference championship.
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Wind Symphony Spring Tour |
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The MLC Wind Symphony toured Minnesota and Wisconsin May 14-19 , performing under the theme “The Road Well-Traveled.” They also hosted demo concerts for area schools and congregations, modeling how young musicians can use their gifts to serve others.
The first stop of the 2023 tour was St. Paul-North Mankato MN, where the symphony participated in worship and enjoyed the generous hospitality of the congregation. This was the first of many performances and worship services, but some time off is built into the itinerary too! Wind Symphony members visited a St. Paul escape room, Lake Harriet Park, Hartman Creek Park, and more.
Pictured: Jacob Schwark (First-Elkhorn WI) plays the timpani during the concert at St. Croix Lutheran Academy.
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Senior Achievement Awards |
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At the Graduate Banquet on May 10, MLC presented the Senior Achievement Awards to eight members of the 2023 graduating class.
These awards honor graduates for outstanding achievement and service in academics, athletics, fine arts, and student government.
May God bless these graduates!
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2023 Award Recipients:
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Lucas Martin (St. John-Jefferson WI)
- Jerome Kruse Knight Award for Athletic Achievement
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Ezra Blumer (NorthCross-Lakeville MN)
- UMAC Scholar-Athlete Leadership Award
- Service Award
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Calvin Arstein (Cross of Christ-Boise ID)
- Leading Scholar, Studies in Pastoral Ministry
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Kylie Wolf (Immanuel-Greenville WI)
- Jerome Kruse Knight Award for Athletic Achievement
- UMAC Scholar-Athlete Leadership Award
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Josiah Winkel (Redemption-Milwaukee)
- Fine Arts Award
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Juan David Escobar Amaya (Divine Savior-Doral FL)
- Student Body President Recognition
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Ben Hillmer (St. Matthew-Oconomowoc WI)
- Via Veritas Vita
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Alexandra Dabe (Beautiful Savior-Cincinnati)
- Leading Scholar, Studies in Educational Ministry
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NWC Alumni Society Presidents Fund Grants |
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This year, 12 preseminary students received Northwestern College Alumni Society Presidents Fund Grants for excellence in various academic and student life categories. Join us in thanking God for the gifts of these students! |
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2023 Grant Recipients:
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Ethan Cloute (St. Luke-Watertown WI)
- President E.E. Kowalke Grant for Excellence in Biblical Languages, Greek
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Carson Oestreich (Immanuel-Hadar NE)
- President John A. Braun Grant for Excellence in Leadership
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Owen Eubank (Salem-Ann Arbor MI)
- President August F. Ernst Grant for Excellence in Confessional Languages, Latin & German
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Josiah Koelpin (Calvary-Dallas TX)
- President Robert J. Voss Grant for Excellence in Student Government
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Nathan Pausma (St. Luke-Oakfield WI)
- President Robert J. Voss Grant for Excellence in Student Life
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Noah Cook (Christ-West Salem WI)
- President Lewis O. Thompson Grant for Excellence in Worship and Music
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Camden Sulzle (St. John-Redwood Falls MN)
- President August F. Ernst Grant for Excellence in Confessional Languages, German
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Aric Reim (St. John-New Ulm MN)
- President Carleton Toppe Grant for Excellence in GPA and Religion
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Isaias Santos (Grace-Fall Church VA)
- President Adam Martin Grant for Excellence in Living Languages, Spanish
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Liam Kopp (Immanuel-Greenville WI)
- President John A. Braun Grant for Excellence in English
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Caleb Arndt (Good Shepherd-Beaver Dam WI)
- President August F. Ernst Grant for Excellence in Confessional Languages, Latin
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Joel Sauer (St. Peter-Sturgeon Bay WI)
- President E.E. Kowalke Grant for Excellence in Biblical Languages, Hebrew
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MLC hosted the annual alumni dinner on Friday, May 12. The evening gave alumni the chance to visit with old friends, meet other alumni, and hear presentations on MLC programs and progress.
Three speakers presented at the 2023 event:
ECLC Director Melissa Berg presented “Feed My Lambs.” Ms. Berg oversees the operation of MLC’s Early Childhood Learning Center. She is passionate about teaching God’s littlest lambs about their Good Shepherd and training others to do the same.
Vice President for Admissions Ted Klug presented “The Harvest is Plentiful,” sharing some recruitment struggles, successes, and ways our alumni can be part of the recruitment process.
Vice President for Academics Jeff Wiechman presented “The 411 on MLC J-Term.” Dr. Wiechman shared the plans for the new J-term (January session) that starts in 2024 and how it can be a blessing to our students.
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Want to share MLC news with a high schooler who’s considering preparing for gospel ministry? Share our recruitment newsletter, the Knightwatch Weekly, found here!
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Contact us today:
507.354.8221
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