Established by a Faculty Initiative Grant requested by Professor Steve Thiesfeldt in 2006, Luther Interpretive Trail & Environmental Site (LITES) is a seven-acre plot adjacent to Flandrau State Park that has been patiently developed to serve as an outdoor classroom for environmental science students.

Ongoing improvement of the site includes removing invasive species, reestablishing native prairie flora, creating an interpretive trail with markers noting points of natural interest, building a pavilion/shelter with benches for classes, and beginning the collection of data: vegetation, animal life, soil conditions, temperature and moisture, and so on. MLC Grounds Supervisor Tim Rambow oversees all physical improvements to the property. Professor Thiesfeldt envisions that every MLC student will visit LITES at least once during a required science course. Science education majors might use the site in many different ways. Visitors from elementary and high schools could also participate in outdoor activities on the site.

“Ultimately,” he says, “the project will emphasize the wise stewardship of resources entrusted to us by our gracious God. Students will enhance their knowledge of the natural world and learn to appreciate the delicate balance required to sustain life on this planet.”

Professor Dan Fenske has already utilized LITES with his biology students to do tree, bird call, and animal-track
identification. He also plans to do a study of the invertebrates in the pond. “And no,” he adds, “there have been no Bigfoot sightings so far.”

This feature was originally published in the MLC InFocus, Fall 2018 issue.

At his retirement dinner April 15, 1999, MLC Professor of Music Ames Anderson closed his remarks to the faculty with these words: “As I leave the college, I would like to share one dream that I have for this place. Could we find monies for a college artist series with perhaps three offerings per year? Our students deserve to hear string quartets, lieder programs, woodwind quartets, chamber orchestras, and the like every year. How can we develop acquaintance and understanding with the classics without the opportunity to hear great music live?”

Because of his foresight and initiative, this dream is now a reality. The Summit Avenue Music Series (SAMS) is presenting programs of the highest professional and artistic caliber and has earned a loyal and responsive following among students and the community. We thank Mrs. Ruth Anderson for a gift of $15,000 toward future seasons in honor of her husband. She pledges her continued support of SAMS.

For information on upcoming SAMS concerts, please visit summitavenuemusic.com

Performers from the September 16, 2018 concert entitled “Brahmsfest” with Peter McGuire (violin), Richard Belcher (cello) and Bethel Balge (piano).

We’re fairly certain Dr. Seuss wasn’t thinking of MLC students when he wrote his 1990 children’s book, but with students like fifth-year senior Zack Scharlemann (St. Paul-New Ulm MN), the sentiment fits.

As a member of the College Choir and the Wind Symphony, Zack has gone on nine full tours and about a dozen weekend tours. He estimates he’s traveled to 25 states plus Canada, played or sang at 111 schools and congregations, and stayed overnight with 60 host families. The tours have put 25,000 miles on his voice and his percussion equipment. It’s been hard work and great fun—and amazing preparation for his future service as a musician and teacher at your congregation or school one day.

This feature was originally published in the MLC InFocus, Fall 2018 issue.

Martin Luther College has now begun accepting submissions for the 13th annual Thalassa Prize. This
$1000 prize is awarded to the best photo-and-essay submission from an MLC student or graduate who has served in an international ministry.

PAST WINNERS: mlc-wels.edu/thalassa

SUBMISSION GUIDELINES: mlc-wels.edu/thalassa

DEADLINE: April 30, 2019