This scholarship was established in 2024 by Pastor Thomas and Mrs. Debra Kutz to bless students into the future. “It is our prayer,” they said, “that God will use this fund to ease the financial strain for those preparing to serve him.”
Tom graduated from Northwestern College in 1973 and Wisconsin Lutheran Seminary in 1977. He spent his entire active ministry in the Minnesota District, serving congregations in rural Glencoe, North Mankato, Tyler, and Island Lake Township, Minnesota; and in Hudson and rural Osceola, Wisconsin. Retiring in 2006, Tom served as chaplain at The Lutheran Home in River Falls, Wisconsin, and as visitation pastor at St. Luke Lutheran Church in Watertown, Wisconsin. Deb grew up in Milwaukee, being confirmed at Redemption Lutheran Church, where the couple was also married.
Pastor Kutz commented, “As the years have gone by, it has been amazing to see how many different ways God has to bless those who serve him. His promises never fail. Seek him first and everything else will fall into place.”
Because God has blessed them beyond what they need, the Kutzes wanted to use those blessings to level the financial playing field for those who will be gospel proclaimers for generations to come. They understand that MLC graduates will not receive large salaries as they serve in the public ministry. Keeping student debt to a minimum is important.
Pastor Kutz and his wife hope to be remembered as servants who brought God’s Word to people. “Nothing could be better than that,” he states. “I hope that the young men now being trained for ministry at MLC will someday feel the same way.”
Recipients of this scholarship are preseminary students who demonstrate financial need.
Deb and Tom Kutz
