133
MLC Total Confirmed Positive Cases
133
MLC Total Recovered
3
ECLC Total Confirmed Positive Cases
3
ECLC Total Recovered
MLC opens its campus to the public
Friday, May 28, 2021
As the social distancing and occupancy limits for the state of Minnesota ended on May 27 at 11:59 pm, Martin Luther College is currently open to the community. Following are some details regarding services you might be interested in during our summer months. The MLC Planning Committee continues to discuss plans for a normal opening to our 2021-2022 academic year! More details will be published as we confirm state and local protocols.
FITNESS CENTER: MLC students, faculty, staff, and their families, as well as other WELS members, are welcome to use the MLC Fitness Center. For more details regarding hours and access, visit mlc-wels.edu/fitness-center/.
MLC BOOKSTORE: The MLC Bookstore is open to the public this summer on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays from 9:00 am to 3:00 pm. We carry Christian greeting cards, books, piano and organ music, MLC apparel, and much more! We are located on the upper level of the Luther Student Center. Please stop by!
MLC LIBRARY: We once again welcome our community and visitors to the library. The library is open from 8:00 am to 4:30 pm, Monday through Friday. Our library staff look forward to welcoming you back and assisting you with your library needs.
MLC PRINT SERVICES: MLC Print Services, located in the lower level of the Old Main building, welcomes the community back to our shop Monday through Friday, from 8:00 am to 4:30 pm. We provide a diverse selection of printing options, from basic copying to large-format printing and bindery. Call 507-233-9140 for more information, or visit mlc-wels.edu/print-services/.
MLC CAFETERIA: As is our normal procedure, the MLC Cafeteria is not serving the public over the summer months since regular classes are not in session. We are looking forward to providing excellent breakfast, lunch, and dinner options when MLC classes start in the fall! Watch for dates and times.
MLC OFFICES: We are open to the public but are temporarily relocated to accommodate a summer rewiring project. Please call 507-354-8221 to make arrangements for your visit.
Governor’s Mask Order Lifted
Friday, May 14, 2021
Dear MLC Family,
Today, Friday May 14, Minnesota Governor Walz issued an executive order which lifted the mask mandate for the state of Minnesota.
The statement from the office of Governor Walz and Lt. Governor Flanagan reads, “Governor Tim Walz today announced the end of Minnesota’s statewide mask requirement, aligning Minnesota with new Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidance on face coverings. Minnesotans who are not fully vaccinated are strongly recommended to wear face coverings indoors. Minnesota’s Safe Learning Plan, along with the existing face covering guidance for schools and child care settings, remain in effect.” [“schools” refer to K-12]
Since distancing protocols and capacity limits are still in place, tonight’s concerts and tomorrow’s commencement service are open only to invited guests. However, starting today the MLC campus will follow these new mask guidelines. We are thankful for these positive developments and pray that the Lord bless our efforts to keep our campus family and community safe.
A Message from MLC President Rich Gurgel
Friday, April 23, 2021
Dear MLC Family,
Rejoice with us! Our MLC campus is beginning to reopen!
In many ways, this semester has felt like the beginning of a spring thaw after a long winter! For the first time in three challenging semesters, God has permitted us to be only three weeks away from completing an entire semester together on campus!
During this semester, our campus family’s patience with admittedly annoying COVID protocols has enabled us to be one of the only schools in our athletic conference that did not cancel a single game or match because of our responses to the virus. God has seen fit to bless us as we have studied and worshiped, worked and played together here on the hill.
All of that leads to that eagerly anticipated reopening of campus to those beyond our current students, faculty, and staff.
That first step of reopening MLC’s campus will occur during graduation week. Our graduates have already been given the opportunity to reserve places for their invited guests. Those guests will be welcome at our Commencement concerts on Friday, May 14, at 4:00 pm and 7:30 pm, and at our combined Graduation/Call Day service on Saturday, May 15, at 10:00 am. These events will also be livestreamed.
Please also allow us to thank the faculty members who agreed to give up their seats at graduation to create maximum space for our graduates’ guests.
Some have wondered whether we considered the possibility of having our Graduation/Call Day service outside in our football bowl. According to current Minnesota guidelines for large gatherings, however, our socially distanced seating capacity is actually greater in our gymnasium than in our football bowl.
In addition, our streaming capabilities in the gym will provide a far higher quality livestream for our invited guests who will be watching the stream in our chapel and auditorium, as well as for those who will be watching at home all around the synod.
And all this is only a prelude to a fuller reopening of our campus. This summer, God willing, we plan to host several class reunions and sports camps, which will provide us practice runs for this fall!
While only God knows the details of the future, we are expecting a return to regular campus life for the 2021-2022 school year! That will include welcoming back to campus our students’ families, our emeriti, our alumni, and the rest of our extended MLC family. It will be good to see and greet many of you in person—not just virtually!
Please pray for God’s blessings on our graduates! Pray for many students to join us on the hill again this fall! The harvest is still plentiful, and the workers are still few. So keep asking for the Lord of that harvest to bless us with young women and men willing to consider the public gospel ministry!
In Him,
Rich Gurgel
President
An Easter Message from MLC President Rich Gurgel
Sunday, April 4, 2021
Dear Sisters and Brothers in Christ,
On this Holy Saturday, we send to our extended MLC family throughout the WELS (and in our sister synods around the world) the prayer that God gives your hearts a rich measure of Easter peace and joy in our risen Savior!
This Easter video brings a brief encouragement from President Rich Gurgel and requests your specific prayers on behalf of the MLC campus family.
He is risen! He is risen indeed!
Morning Chapel Announcement from MLC President Rich Gurgel – Monday, March 22, 2020
MLC President Rich Gurgel presented this information to the MLC campus family after increases in positive COVID tests over the weekend.
A Spring Planning Announcement from MLC President Rich Gurgel – Tuesday, March 9, 2021
MLC joins many in our country in being thankful for the progress God has allowed in available and effective vaccines for COVID-19. This gives us hope for a return to a more normal campus life for summer activities and especially for our fall semester.
Until then, our MLC administration has been balancing a myriad of issues as we write guidelines and protocols that would honor state and federal guidance and protect our campus family and the New Ulm community.
Click here to read full update.
A Message from MLC President Rich Gurgel – Monday, December 14, 2020
MLC President Rich Gurgel shares details about the spring 2021 semester and the updated Knights Return plan along with his message from MLC’s final morning chapel of the fall 2020 semester. In addition, the December 2020 graduates are announced with prayers for their future ministries.
Distance Learning FAQ’s Answered by MLC Student Body President – Friday, November 13, 2020
Dear Friends of MLC,
MLC Student Senate President Phil Balge responds to some frequently asked questions regarding the recent shift to distance learning at MLC. He also reflects on our fall semester as we enter the final weeks. Thank you, Phil!
Chapel Announcement by MLC President Rich Gurgel –
Tuesday, October 27, 2020
“The LORD will watch over your coming and going both now and forevermore” (Psalm 121:8). For many of us, do you know when the first time our ears heard those words? In the baptismal liturgy commonly in use among us, those were the final words of blessing spoken over us as the water of baptism was still wet on our foreheads. In the water and the Word, we had just been sealed by the Holy Spirit as God’s dear child, washed from the guilt of our sins, and clothed in the holy life of Jesus. And as God’s dearly loved in Jesus, every promise of God is “yes” to us in Jesus. Including this one: “The LORD will watch over your coming and going both now and forever more.”
So, my brothers and sisters, as we had planned it the coming to campus was the third week of August, and the going we prayed to achieve was November 25. But we have tried to always emphasize that these plans were made “as God wills.” And while the coming to campus happened as scheduled, the “going” for many of you is going to happen earlier than we hoped.
Click here to read full update and watch video.
>> Click here to download official Distance Learning Pivot Announcement (PDF)
COVID Update for Monday, October 26, 2020
Our MLC dorm staff and administration have been working hard to achieve what has been our goal from the very outset: on-campus, face-to-face instruction through November 25.
Last week that goal led to the painful decision to quarantine all the men in Concord dormitory.
Click here to read full update.
Fall semester 9 week update (10/23/2020)
We’ve made a lot of adjustments on campus recently, and we’re finalizing plans for our second semester. Yesterday, MLC President Rich Gurgel shared some important updates as we look forward to Thanksgiving. Click here to watch video.
Fall semester 6 week update (10/2/2020)
For this weeks update we look to a video recorded on Saturday evening, September 26, at the close of our campus worship. Click here to watch video and read MLC President Rich Gurgel’s message.
Fall semester 5 week update (9/25/2020)
Derek Gulrud, MLC senior and a member of the Knights football team, gives us his views on life at MLC this semester. Thanks for your perspective, Derek!
Fall semester 4 week update (9/18/2020)
Ruth Buchholz, one of our dorm supervisors in Augustana Hall, provides our update this week. Thank you, Ruth, for this student’s perspective on the fall semester at week 4! Click here to watch video.
CARES Act Funds – Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund (HEERF) Reporting Update (9/18/2020)
Section 18004€ of the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES Act), Pub. L. No. 116-136, 134 Stat.281 (March 27, 2020), directs institutions receiving funds under Section 18004 of the Act to submit (in a time and manner required by the secretary) a report to the Secretary describing the use of funds distributed from the Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund (HEERF).
Fall Semester Opening Message from MLC President Rich Gurgel (8/25/20)
Students have moved in, orientation for new students is completed, and classes for the fall semester 2020 at MLC have begun! As predicted, our safety protocols have brought about valuable discussions with our community and among campus family members. MLC President Rich Gurgel shares some of the joys, challenges, and prayers from your WELS College of Ministry. Please click here to watch the video.
We welcome your thoughts and concerns because they help us serve you better. You may submit them through this form.
As we start this unique fall semester, consider sending a message of encouragement to our students, faculty, or staff online. Thank you, and please keep our ministry in your prayers.
Encouragement from MLC Student Body President (8/21/20)
As Orientation/Move-in Weekend is underway, MLC Student Body President Phil Balge sends this message of encouragement to all new and returning students.
Please click here to watch the video.
The MLC faculty and staff are excited to welcome our students back to campus! We are also excited to see such great student leadership from our Resident Assistants, Student Ambassadors, and from Phil!
As we start this unique fall semester, consider sending a message of encouragement to our students, faculty, or staff through this online form. Thank you, and please keep our ministry in your prayers.
MLC Cafeteria Update (08/20/2020)
Faculty, students and staff, please view the video below for a walk through of the current dine-in rules and operation plan. The MLC Cafeteria is not open to the public at this time.
Please click here to watch the video.
Martin Luther College COVID-19 Summer Update (08/10/2020)
In this final summer update from MLC President Rich Gurgel, he reflects on upcoming installations and the beginning of the fall semester.
Please click here to watch the video.
Martin Luther College COVID-19 Summer Update (07/24/2020)
MLC President Rich Gurgel provides this message from Scripture to help MLC students understand the purpose of our Knights Return policies. We pray this update will encourage our whole campus family toward a spirit of Christian love and understanding as we near the start of our 2020 fall semester.
Please click here to watch the video.
Knights Return – 2020 Planning Document (07/17/2020)
We offer this Knight’s Return plan trusting in God’s gracious care for us in our Lord Jesus. At the same time, we also recognize that such trust does not diminish the responsibility God himself entrusts to us to be wise stewards of our health for the sake of our whole campus family as well as for the entire community of New Ulm.
Martin Luther College COVID-19 Summer Update (07/10/2020)
MLC President Rich Gurgel and his wife, Sue, have moved to New Ulm! We are thankful for their safe arrival and for the leadership President Gurgel is providing for our campus. As the planning progresses for our fall semester, he wanted our students to know the guiding principles MLC will follow for a successful school year. Take a few minutes to hear his perspectives – click here to watch video.
CARES Act Funds – Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund (HEERF) Reporting Update (07/1/2020)
Section 18004€ of the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES Act), Pub. L. No. 116-136, 134 Stat.281 (March 27, 2020), directs institutions receiving funds under Section 18004 of the Act to submit (in a time and manner required by the secretary) a report to the Secretary describing the use of funds distributed from the Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund (HEERF).
Martin Luther College COVID-19 Summer Update (06/19/2020)
MLC’s future president, Rich Gurgel, provides this update to all MLC students, and we thought everyone would like to hear about our preparations for the 2020-21 school year! One of our strongest strategies right now is listening – to changing regulations, to insights from experts, and to you! While we are still working through many changing government health directives to develop a responsible plan for the fall, we also welcome your thoughts. If you have comments you feel would be helpful, you may enter them through our website form.
Please click here to watch the video.
Martin Luther College COVID-19 Summer Update (06/05/2020)
MLC’s future president, Rev. Richard Gurgel, introduces himself and introduces this series of updates from MLC that will detail our work to prepare for the 2020-21 school year. While we are still working through many changing government health directives to develop a responsible plan for the fall, if you have questions you feel we can answer now, email them to mlcinfo@mlc-wels.edu.
Please click here to watch the video.
MLC Early Childhood Learning Center COVID-19 Update (06/02/2020)
Beginning June 8, and through August 14, the MLC Administrative Council and the MLC ECLC Committee have determined to provide childcare to only those who have enrolled in the summer childcare session.
For those families, the hours of operation will remain as 7:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. If you are one of these families who are enrolled in the summer childcare session, you can expect an individual message from us with what we are asking of you to do before and during drop off, and during and after pick up.
Please note, the Center was already scheduled to be closed between August 17 and August 21 for the purpose of curriculum planning, professional development, and cleaning.
Martin Luther College COVID-19 Update (06/01/2020)
Rev. Mark Zarling, MLC President, shares a message with the Faculty and Staff. Please click here to watch the video.
MLC’s Spring 2020 Update (05/20/2020)
Rev. Mark Zarling, MLC President, shares a spring campus video update. Please click here to watch the video.
Martin Luther College COVID-19 Update (05/15/2020)
Dr. Jeff Wiechman, MLC Vice President for Academics, shares a final update with the Faculty and Staff. Please click here to watch the video.
Martin Luther College COVID-19 Update (05/01/2020)
Dr. Jeff Wiechman, MLC Vice President for Academics, shares an update with the Faculty and Staff. Please click here to watch the video.
Martin Luther College COVID-19 Update (04/24/2020)
Dr. Jeff Wiechman, MLC Vice President for Academics, shares an update with the Faculty and Staff. Please click here to watch the video.
Martin Luther College COVID-19 Update (04/22/2020)
The Brown County Board of Health reports 8 confirmed cases of COVID 19 and one related death in the county. Among the MLC faculty and staff, there have been two confirmed cases of COVID 19 infection. Both individuals have recovered and have been classified as non-contagious. The campus of Martin Luther College continues to be a safe place to work. We thank our gracious Lord for his love and protection, and pray for these blessings to cover all our friends and families.
Martin Luther College COVID-19 Update (04/17/2020)
Dr. Jeff Wiechman, MLC Vice President for Academics, shares an update with the Faculty and Staff. Please click here to watch the video.
Martin Luther College COVID-19 Update (04/08/2020)
Dr. Jeff Wiechman, MLC Vice President for Academics, shares the most recent decisions regarding MLC’s year-end activities. Please click here to watch the video.
Martin Luther College COVID-19 Update (04/06/2020)
A second employee of Martin Luther College has been diagnosed with the COVID-19 virus. After being admitted and tested at the New Ulm Medical Center, the individual was released and is recuperating at home. All precautionary measures are being taken with suspected contacts being investigated and quarantined as necessary. The campus environment remains safe.
Martin Luther College COVID-19 Update (04/01/2020)
MLC President Mark Zarling was released today, Wednesday, April 1, from the Mayo Clinic in Mankato to his home in New Ulm. He will continue to self-quarantine as he follows an interactive care plan set by the COVID-19 care team of nurses and doctors who will monitor his progress and follow up as needed. We are thankful for the care he has received from local and regional medical teams and pray that the Lord will bring him continued strength and healing. President Zarling extends his thankfulness for the outpouring of prayers and encouragement he has received. May our Father in heaven bless us all through our Savior Jesus Christ.
Martin Luther College COVID-19 Update (03/26/2020)
On Wednesday, March 25, Governor Tim Walz and Education Commissioner Mary Cathryn Ricker announced that all Minnesota public school districts and charter schools will implement a Distance Learning Period beginning on March 30, 2020, until at least April 30, 2020. On Thursday, March 26, the Martin Luther College Administrative Council (AC) evaluated their instructional plans in light of this announcement and the state of Minnesota’s “stay at home” executive order. Taking into consideration this directive, the COVID 19 ordinances of other states, and the safety of MLC students, faculty, and staff, the AC extended MLC’s alternative/distance learning plans to the end of the Spring 2020 semester.
The MLC Administrative Council will continue to monitor these changing initiatives across our country. By April 8, at the latest, the AC will communicate additional directives related to year-end events and procedures. Thank you to all for continuing prayers and patience as we work together for the benefit of our students and for the good of God’s kingdom.
Martin Luther College COVID-19 Update (03/12/2020)
All Classes will be conducted via Alternative/Distance Learning Methods starting March 23.
More information and instruction are included in the red buttons above.
The World Health Organization has declared the COVID-19 emergency a worldwide pandemic. President Trump has issued significant travel restrictions. Large and small colleges and universities are taking strong action to slow down the spread of infection. No one wants health care facilities to be overrun. MLC has been monitoring and discussing, planning, and communicating, as all of you know. Our MLC Campus and MLC Early Childhood Learning Center (ECLC) are safe places to work. In this effort, meetings were held in which important and serious decisions have been made, all in the interest of reducing risk to our faculty, staff, students, and the communities in which we live and serve.
Please click here for a complete list of cancelled events.
Looking for more information?
Continue to monitor this website and frequently asked questions, or you may email mlcinfo@mlc-wels.edu.
