February 19, 2025

Even though they don’t know exactly what to expect in their first calls, Early Field Experiences at MLC give students a glimpse into what their futures might hold.

For first-years Natalie Baye (St. Mark-De Pere WI, pictured) and Emily Schulz (Risen Savior-Chula Vista CA), EFE I reminded them why they came to MLC: they want to share the gospel in their own classrooms one day.

The week was filled with fellowship, instruction, and practical experiences. “We were able to learn so many things that we could take with us into our future ministries,” said Emily.

For both Emily and Natalie, the best part of EFE I was teaching a lesson to students from St. Paul’s-New Ulm MN.

“The highlight for me,” said Natalie, “was teaching a group of third-graders how to say ‘I am a child of God!’ in Spanish. Standing in front of my first classroom and hearing the kids shout those words back to me with huge smiles on their faces was an awesome thing to witness. I’m thankful for the opportunity I had to remind those students of God’s love for them.”

Watch a recap or see pictures from EFE I.

On January 24, Jemimah Habben (Mt. Calvary-Flagstaff AZ, pictured) broke the MLC school 5K record at an indoor track meet hosted by St. Olaf College.

Jemimah surpassed the previous record set by Emilee Koltz (MLC ’15) in 2014. Competing against athletes from Division I and II schools, she finished 20th out of 35 runners.

This record-breaking performance follows another at last week’s season opener, where Jemimah set a new school record in the 1-mile run.

For her outstanding performance, Jemimah was officially named the UMAC Women’s Track Athlete of the Week for January 20-26.

Equipping MLC students for ministry includes building mental health skills with faith as the foundation.

At the start of each semester, first-year and transfer students attend special training as part of the Resilience Project. This training is led by a professional counselor and provided free of charge by MLC.

With the support of Resident Assistants (RAs), students learned how to overcome adversity and face setbacks. The RAs walked students through different scenarios, helping them select effective mental health strategies.

And it doesn’t end there! The RAs will continue to check in with students every month, listening and providing support.

Pictured: RA Matthew Nygaard (Redeemer-Fond du Lac WI) leads his group through a scenario.

At the February 15 basketball games, the theme was congratulations for Knights past and present.

The main event was the UMAC honors for Coach Jim Unke, who passed in 2022. In addition to naming Jim as the founding member of the new UMAC Hall of Fame and the only inductee for the first year, 2025, UMAC has established a scholarship in Jim’s name. The conference will also make regular contributions to the Jim Unke Memorial Scholarship at MLC.

During halftime of the men’s game, MLC recognized the 25th anniversary of the 2000 men’s basketball team going to the NAIA tournament under the leadership of Coach Unke.

And finally, it was Senior Day! The coaches and crowd honored the six seniors on the men’s and women’s teams.

Pictured: Members of the 2000 men’s basketball team with Coach Jim Unke’s wife, Lori Unke

This year’s Winter Carnival, “The Luther of Oz,” was a blast!

MLC students hunted through campus on a scavenger hunt worthy of the land of Oz, hoping to claim a prize for gathering the most yellow bricks.

And just like Dorothy and her friends, students had plenty of adventures on their Winter Carnival journey—Bob Ross night, pickleball, broomball, hockey, skating, and a talent show.

See pictures from all of the week’s activities!

The MLC College Choir’s spring tour is planned for March 15-23, 2025. Concerts are scheduled in Missouri, Tennessee, Indiana, Illinois, Wisconsin, and Minnesota.

Two special joint concerts with the Wisconsin Lutheran Seminary Chorus are planned as part of our efforts to thank the Lord for 175 years of blessings on the WELS and 160 years of WELS ministerial education. One of these joint concerts will be at St. John’s Hillside-Milwaukee on March 20, and the other at Martin Luther College on March 29.

A separate MLC Spring Tour homecoming concert will be at MLC on March 23. We pray you can join us for a concert near you.

Visit our website for more information.