December 9, 2024

Editor: Haley Wels

MLC Forums Fiddler on the Roof

Early in November, MLC Forum presented the musical Fiddler on the Roof. Forum shows are always a delight, and Director Christine Thompson calls Fiddler “a musical theatre masterpiece.”


New to the Forum advisor role this year, Mrs. Thompson was excited to work with so many talented people. “Theatre is naturally collaborative,” she said, “and musical theatre compounds that to create extraordinary results.”


Thompson enjoyed guiding all those who collaborated in Fiddler, including the music director, the orchestra director, student choreographers, set builders, costume and prop designers, light designers, and the emerging multimedia artist Faith Belt, who has created art for various WELS/ELS ministries and was commissioned to create the shadow puppets for this show.


One of Thompsons insights after her first production is that MLC Forum students are a joy to work with. “They are dedicated servant-leaders,” she said, “who seek to care for one another and grow as artists, musicians, and future called workers.”


A focus on growth, especially as future called workers, is essential to participating in MLC Forum. Students develop empathy, problem-solving skills, and reliance on Christ in all things. Through the months of marathon-like preparation for Fiddler, the staff, cast, and crew focused on Isaiah 40:29-31 and how they could carry its message forward into ministry.


“Remembering that Christ propels us,” said Thompson, “is essential to staying calm and collected under pressure and is the bedrock of ministry.”


Pictured: Zoe Scharf (St. Paul-New Ulm MN) as Golde and Ryan Boggs (St. Luke-Watertown WI) as Tevye in Fiddler on the Roof

And on Earth, Peace

On December 7 and 8, the combined choirs of Martin Luther College, the Wind Symphony, and the Hosanna Ringers celebrated the birth of Christ.


Under the theme “And on Earth, Peace,” the program featured Randol Alan Bass’s dynamic setting of the “Gloria” as well as settings of familiar carols and Christmas compositions centering on the grace and joy that entered the world through Christ: the Son was sent into the world that the world might be saved through him.


Watch the concert on the MLC YouTube channel.

New Face on Campus: JoElyn Krohn

Although Professor JoElyn Krohn (mathematics) has served MLC for nearly 10 years as our financial wellness coordinator, at the start of the 2024-25 school year, she transitioned into a new role as a full-time professor.


“What started as an internship during graduate school,” she said, “has blossomed into an established financial wellness program—MLC Direction—and teaching a course that I am really passionate about.”


In her work with students, Professor Krohn encourages students to view finances as a stewardship tool and worship opportunity. Along with teaching Organizational and Personal Finance, she provides campus-wide opportunities geared at developing healthy financial capabilities and works closely with the Financial Aid Office to help students navigate the financial aid application process.


Professor Krohn’s love of teaching goes back to her high school years at St. Croix Lutheran Academy. Hoping to become a teacher, she received her Associate of Arts from Bethany Lutheran College and her Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education from Concordia University, St. Paul.


After college, Professor Krohn tried many different career paths, but it was her work at Cornell University and St. Olaf College that helped her realize how much she loves helping college students navigate their finances. Now she has a Master of Arts in College Student Affairs and has become an Accredited Financial Counselor through AFCPE (Association for Financial Counseling and Planning Education).


As she helps prepare MLC students for public ministry, Professor Krohn is excited for those students to share their faith with others. “To be part of the ministry journey of our students,” she said, “is such a joy and privilege!”

Football All-Conference Awards

The Martin Luther College football team earned 12 All-UMAC selections, including Defensive Player of the Year for junior Andrew Esmay (Trinity-Temple TX).


MLC finished in a third-place tie in the UMAC standings in 2024. Their success was due in part to the breakout season from Andrew, who led the NCAA Divison III in multiple categories, including sacks, forced fumbles, and fumble recoveries.


Joining Andrew on First Team Defense was Joseph Ehlke (Good Shepherd-West Bend WI). The two MLC players named First Team Offense were Thomas Koelpin (Foundation-Folsom CA) and Jude Pederson (Cross of Christ-Coon Rapids MN). Micah Koschnitzke (Grace-Milwaukee) was picked for First Team Special Teams.


To top off all of the individual accolades, the Knights also won the Team Sportsmanship Award, which is selected by the UMAC coaches and awarded to the team that best represents sportsmanship throughout the entire season. Corey Tipton Jr. (St. Lucas-Milwaukee) was chosen as the individual recipient of the sportsmanship award, representing MLC as a senior wide receiver.


Pictured: Andrew Esmay, 2024 UMAC Defensive Player of the Year

International Education Week

In heaven, we’ll be part of a great multitude that includes “every nation, tribe, people, and language” (Rev. 7:9). At MLC, we’re so grateful for that holy diversity—and unity—in Christ! During International Education Week we celebrate it!


From November 11 to November 15, MLC’s Cultural Engagement Center (CEC) hosted several events connecting international students with the rest of the MLC campus family. One of those events was a panel discussion, in which international students shared their experiences growing up in their home countries, living in the U.S., and attending MLC.


Read more about these special events in Knightwatch Weekly, our newsletter for high school students.


Back: Director of Cultural Engagement Megan Kassuelke, Wei (Nadine) Li (St. John-New Ulm MN), Chau Bang (Lily) Dang (Siloah-Milwaukee), Maeva López-Vicente (Grace-Milwaukee), Yi Le (Mary) Wang (St. Paul-Saginaw MI), Wenda (Stoney) Liu (First German-Manitowoc WI): Front: Nelly Düll (Faith-Sharpsburg GA), Yijun (Paul) Wang (Trinity-Jenera OH), and Sera Sagong (Light and Hope-Philippines) at the panel discussion.

Wind Symphony: Suite Sounds

One of the earliest multi-movement works for instruments was the dance suite, dating back to the 14th century. The form has been tweaked many times over the years, but one characteristic has largely remained true: a musical suite is connected by a single idea tying all the movements together, be it melody, harmony, rhythmic motive, or theme.

On Sunday, November 24, the MLC Wind Symphony presented “Suite Sounds for Winds and Percussion.” The program featured works by Holst, Williams, and Stravinsky and highlighted a student conductor, Joseph Panning (St. Paul-Litchfield MN), for the performance of Dusk by Steven Bryant.


Watch the concert on the MLC YouTube channel.

Long Nights, Big Fun

How do MLC students brighten up those dark evenings after Daylight Savings ends? With some friendly competition!


The 2024 MLC Cup, hosted by the Student Senate, offered students a chance to relax, connect, and compete. Each day featured a different activity, from the excitement of ultimate frisbee, basketball, and pickleball, to the strategic fun of the chess tournament. The week also included an opportunity for students to make gratitude cards and ended with Minute to Win It, Family Feud, and root beer floats.


View pictures from the MLC Cup.


Pictured: Tutor Nathan Savage and first-year Trenton Heyn (Immanuel-Greenville WI) compete in balancing Oreos on their foreheads.

Bingo Night Donations

Bingo Night 2024 is Wednesday, February 26!


The MLC Ladies’ Auxiliary sponsors this highly anticipated event for all MLC students.


We need your donations! The Auxiliary is currently asking for baked goods, quilts/blankets, and cash for gift cards.


Please drop off donations at the MLC reception desk. Or mail them to 1995 Luther Court, New Ulm MN 56073.


Questions? Please email mlcauxiliary@mlc-wels.edu or call 507.354.8221.

MLC Forum Presents ...

Call Updates

Calls Extended:

  • Pastor Bart Brauer (Holy Trinity-Des Moines WA) received a call from MLC to serve as a professor of Hebrew.
  • Johanna Fischer (St. John-Baraboo WI) received a call from MLC to serve as lead teacher in the toddler room at the Early Childhood Learning Center.
  • Michelle Dressel (Risen Savior-Mankato MN) received a call from MLC to serve as lead teacher in one of the preprimary rooms at the Early Childhood Learning Center.


Calls Received:

  • Professor Jennifer Mehlberg (early childhood ed) returned a call to the WELS Commission on Lutheran Schools to serve as national coordinator of Early Childhood Ministries.
  • Dr. Kari Muente (social studies) accepted a call to serve as director of curriculum, instruction, and assessment for Fox Valley Lutheran Schools.
  • Ms. Catherine St. John (teacher at ECLC) accepted a call to serve as early childhood education director at Bethlehem-Carmel IN.
  • Professor Daniel Fenske (science) received a call to teach life sciences at Winnebago Lutheran Academy-Fond du Lac WI.
  • Admissions Counselor Martín Santos received a call to teach social studies at Arizona Lutheran Academy.

Contact us today:

507.354.8221



mlc-wels.edu

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