This scholarship was established in 2025 by Mary (Brick) Spain and MG(R) Edwin E. Spain, III.
As enthusiastic supporters of education, Mary and Edwin wish to financially help nontraditional students pursuing early childhood ministry certification through distance learning. This scholarship provides support for students who wish to serve our preschools but are unable to attend courses on campus in New Ulm due to family obligations or distance.
Mary’s mother, Ione Huebner Brick, is their inspiration. Ione was a 1944 DMLC graduate with a 3-year normal (teaching) degree who returned for several summers until she finally obtained her full bachelor’s degree in 1964. She did this while serving as a student teacher supervisor at St. Paul-New Ulm, rearing three daughters, keeping a household, and doing it all well and efficiently.
Mary’s father, Delmar Brick, is also their inspiration. While serving as a professor at DMLC, Delmar pursued a master’s degree in the Classics from the University of Wisconsin over four consecutive summers; he also won a Fulbright scholarship to study for a summer in Rome.
Neither continuing education funding nor sabbatical time away from teaching duties existed at that time. Ione and Delmar shouldered the cost of additional education themselves. Their daughter Mary says, “It is to their credit that my parents felt so strongly about furthering their education and enhancing the services they rendered to the church in their separate positions.”
The Spains are thankful that MLC has provided the path for early childhood ministry certification without the need for travel to New Ulm.
Mary and Edwin are grateful that God has blessed them financially and provided them this opportunity to give generously. They welcome and encourage others to contribute to this scholarship.
Income from this fund is distributed to those who demonstrate financial need and are pursuing online early childhood ministry certification.
