August 11, 2025

MLC was thankful to host over 400 representatives for the 2025 WELS’ 68th Biennial Convention from July 21 to 24.

Under the theme “Christ Through Us,” the convention celebrated the 175th anniversary of WELS and highlighted God’s blessings to the synod. The delegates also voted to adopt a new long-range strategic plan outlining how the synod will carry out its mission through 2035.

During the convention, MLC presented an important new video, capturing how our synod’s new theme for mission and ministry, "Christ Through Us," comes to life as we work together to raise up a new generation of gospel-filled public ministers.

We encourage you to share this video and to lead a conversation about how all of us can partner in identifying and encouraging more people—both young and not-so-young—to consider serving in the public ministry.

Through our efforts, may God delight to raise up a new generation of gospel messengers to serve his church.

This summer, multiple campus improvement projects were started or completed! Each of these projects is intended to better serve our students’ needs.

The preservation of the Old Main entrance began in July. The renovation of the Summit bathrooms is ongoing. The chapel basement is being transformed into classrooms and rehearsal space. And the high ropes course is completed!

We thank God for these blessings and for your support of MLC and our students.

Professor Matthew Doering MLC ’96 (social studies) spent most of his early life on farms just down the road from MLC in Gaylord MN.

He attended Minnesota Valley LHS and then DMLC/MLC, graduating with a Bachelor of Science degree in education. In 2022, he earned his Master of Arts degree in American history and government from Ashland University.

After six years at Our Savior LES-Bylas AZ and 23 years at Lakeside LHS, Professor Doering comes to MLC with experience teaching a wide range of students and serving as a teacher, coach, athletic director, director of curriculum and instruction, and student-teacher supervisor.

In his role at MLC, Professor Doering will continue doing two things he loves—teaching and coaching. “I have been accused of being addicted to them,” he says. “I don't think that will change.”

His enthusiasm for ministry is a gift—one that has enabled him to grow as a teacher and to share rewarding work with his students and colleagues. He says, “I hope that the MLC students and athletes I work with will be excited to enter ministry and start their own adventure."

MLC welcomed over 200 high school football players to campus in July. Players and coaches from St. Croix Lutheran Academy, Fox Valley LHS, and Manitowoc LHS stayed in the dorms and utilized campus practice spaces, including the Betty Kohn Fieldhouse.

Alongside the high school coaches, MLC football coaches organized strategy sessions, practices, and games for the players. The players developed their athletic skills, experienced the MLC campus, and worshiped together in the Chapel of the Christ.

Earlier in the month, the athletic department also hosted the annual Golf and Life Camp for high school golfers. In addition to practicing skills such as putting, chipping, and full swings, golfers applied the camp themes of goal setting and mental toughness to their sport and their lives at home, at school, and in the world.

Pictured: MLC Golf Head Coach Matthew Pearson assists a golfer out on the course.

Mark your calendars for October 11-12 as we reimagine Homecoming at MLC!

This year’s celebration keeps the best of what we’ve loved about Homecoming—like the Sprinter Fun Run, tailgate party, alumni mixer, and worship in the chapel—and adds new events for everyone to enjoy.

Join us for the new alumni breakfast, alumni chapel, and activities for MLC supporters of all ages!

View the Homecoming schedule and register for events on the MLC website.

Join us again this year for another series of lectures from our campus family. Lectures are free, open to the public, and take place at 10:30 am on home football game days.

Visit our website to read more and register.

• August 25 - Opening Service
• September 6 - Football Tailgate Event at Riverview-Appleton WI (Game: MLC @ Lawrence University)
• September 6 - Soccer tailgate at Luther Preparatory School (Game: MLC @ Maranatha)
• September 20 - Football Tailgate Event at Carson Park in Eau Claire WI (Game: MLC @ UW-Eau Claire)
• October 16-17 - Minnesota District Teachers’ Conference @ MLC
• October 24-26 - College Choir Fall Tour

Calls Received:

• Professor Ross Stelljes received a call to serve as pastor at St. Luke-Winona MN.