Our campus family loves welcoming students at the start of a new school year!
As new and returning students arrived on campus, they were greeted by the smiling faces of resident assistants (RAs), the Admissions team, faculty, and staff.
New students moved into their dorms, went on tours, and joined in activities to help them feel at home on campus. Ballroom Blast is always a highlight of the orientation weekend, and new students were also invited to lawn games with the RAs and a special chapel service with their families.
Pictured: Students enjoying lawn games with the RAs.
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MLC Ladies’ Auxiliary Day
Saturday, October 7
9:00 am - 12:30 pm
Learn about MLC’s newest programs and plans.
See a sneak peek of the musical Hello, Dolly!
Hear updates from MLC students and faculty.
Enjoy an afternoon of MLC sports or take in Oktoberfest!
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On August 21, the MLC campus family, supporters, and community members gathered for the Opening Service of the 2023-24 school year.
As the college continues Pursuing Excellence Under the Cross, this year sees many improvements to campus facilities and many initiatives to support students as they prepare for public ministry.
All of these are connected to the purpose of MLC: “Our campus has as its ‘heart purpose’ the same purpose Jesus had with his disciples,” said President Gurgel. “To fill people with the joy and confidence to proclaim the truth on which Christ’s church is built.”
The Opening Service also featured the installation of seven new faculty members (pictured):
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Aaron Dolan - Professor of Theology and Assistant Men’s Basketball Coach
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Sam Hunter - Professor of Physical Education and Strength & Conditioning Coach
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Duane Vance - Professor of Education and Student Teaching Supervisor
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Martin LaGrow - Professor of Education and Program Instructional Designer for Nontraditional Education
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Nicole LaGrow - Professor of Education and Director of Nontraditional Education
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Alyssa Heckendorf - Admissions Counselor
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Aaron Bush - Instructor and Tutor in Summit Hall
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Preserving the Trust: Senior Retreat
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At MLC, embracing our family’s identity as servants of Christ means giving our students resources to succeed in ministry.
On the first weekend of the school year, MLC was blessed to hold the first annual “Preserving the Trust” retreat for education and staff ministry seniors graduating this year.
The retreat included worship and workshops on spiritual, physical, and emotional resilience from presenters in several areas of ministry. Students left the retreat feeling more confident about receiving their first call and transitioning into full-time ministry.
Pictured: Seniors at the retreat discuss ideas during a workshop.
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New Face on Campus: Jacob Behnken
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Professor Jacob Behnken (MLC ’08, WLS ’12, music) joined the MLC faculty as dean of chapel in the fall of 2022 and began teaching courses in the spring of 2023.
Originally from Brookings SD, Professor Behnken served as pastor at Good Shepherd-Midland MI from 2012 to 2022. Now, he brings that experience to his role as dean of chapel, head of the Campus Worship Committee, and member of the Evangelism Day Committee. “Getting to organize and plan worship for a WELS congregation was wonderful preparation for the task of planning worship at MLC,” he says.
Not only does Professor Behnken plan worship for the campus family, but he also teaches the course Lutheran Worship. Through this course, he instructs students on the structure of worship, its purpose, and how to integrate elements of worship and the liturgy into their future classrooms.
Professor Behnken also teaches Introduction to Psychology—a subject he’s passionate about. He’s currently working toward an MA in psychology from Liberty University.
While the two courses are quite different, Professor Behnken sees his work in both as a blessing. “I get to teach every student on campus at some point during their degree program,” he says, “which I think is wonderful.”
For Professor Behnken, an even greater blessing is being part of the larger purpose of MLC. “Getting to know personally those who will serve our congregations and schools is a real joy,” he says. “Being able to help shape them through their education is a high and undeserved privilege.”
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Reunited: MLA Class of ’78
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On August 4-6, the Martin Luther Academy Class of 1978 (pictured) hosted their 45th class reunion! Activities included a campus tour on Saturday morning and a gathering to reconnect with old friends.
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Wind Symphony: Strike up the Band!
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Let the drums roll out, let the trumpet call, while the people shout, “Strike up the Band!”
Please join the Martin Luther College Wind Symphony for their opening concert of the year on Sunday, October 1.
As part of our Homecoming weekend activities, this concert has a special start time of 1:00 pm and will be held in the WCC Auditorium. Works by Grainger, Vaughan-Williams, and Fillmore will be featured in a program highlighting some of the classics in wind band repertoire.
We look forward to seeing you there!
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We can’t wait to welcome our alumni during this year’s Homecoming festivities!
While the students will celebrate all week, the weekend is packed with events for students and alumni alike. Join us for worship, the Sprinter Fun Run, athletic events, and an alumni mixer! A full schedule of events is available on the MLC website.
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Calls Received by MLC Faculty:
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Admissions Counselor Joel Thomford returned a call to serve as pastor at Zion-Valentine NE.
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Contact us today:
507.354.8221
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