This scholarship was established in 2022 by the family of James Martin Unke (1958-2022).
Jim Unke faithfully served his Lord in various roles within the public ministry and in the community. He served as a teacher, coach, administrator, and mentor. He served on many committees, boards, and councils. He was also a faithful husband, a grateful and proud father of three children, and a loving “Bumpa” to 10 grandchildren.
Jim was a 1983 graduate of Dr. Martin Luther College. He spent a year as an emergency instructor at East Fork LHS-Whiteriver AZ while an undergrad. Upon his graduation, he served faithfully at St. Paul-New Ulm MN (1983-1987) and Lakeside LHS-Lake Mills WI (1987-1997). In 1997, just two years after Martin Luther College was established, he accepted a call to serve as their athletic director, physical education professor, and men’s basketball coach.
For the next 25 years, Jim worked tirelessly to provide MLC students opportunities to develop and use their athletic gifts to God’s glory. He was instrumental in the planning of the Betty Kohn Fieldhouse. He oversaw all aspects of MLC sports, helped maintain and improve facilities, coached, taught, mentored, and modeled ministry to a generation of future pastors, teachers, and staff ministers.
Jim was a selfless servant who served with humble leadership and always had the mission of MLC—and the other gospel ministries he served—first and foremost in his heart. He cared deeply for every student he worked with.
His family noted, “Realizing the length and breadth of Jim’s impact on synod workers, we are confident he would have wanted this scholarship to continue the support of future called workers as they study for public ministry.
“Jim often said that he looked forward to the day when he could travel to see and hear his former students preach, teach, and coach. He wasn’t able to do that, but we rejoice that he is hearing the Word of God at the feet of the Savior himself in heaven!”
Scholarship recipients are MLC juniors and seniors who exhibit a servant’s heart, are involved in campus activities, have a strong work ethic, and demonstrate leadership potential. The students will be determined by faculty nomination.
