This scholarship was established in 2025 by a group of DMLC graduates whose bonds stretch back to the early 1970s.

The women of the “Waldheim Gang” attended DMLC from 1970 to 1974. At the end of their junior year on campus, they applied to live in Waldheim, a house that once stood at the Summit entrance.

Susan (Rauch) Musgrave DMLC ’74 shared, “Ten women and one bathroom; oh yes, it was challenging! The common bond of love for Jesus and children started there and has solidified our friendship over the years.”

Determined not to let the friendship fade after graduation, several of them launched a round-robin letter—a traveling bundle of news, photos, and encouragement that has kept the women close through marriages, the births of children and grandchildren, teaching calls, and other important life events for 50 years and counting.

In the spring of 2025, some of the group attended a concert at St. John on the Hillside celebrating the 175th anniversary of the WELS. The combined MLC and seminary choirs gave the women a taste of heaven that night, they said, and after MLC President Rich Gurgel’s presentation about financial assistance for students, the seed of this scholarship was planted.

Rita (Castillo) Bartsch DMLC ’74 said, “It was a reminder to us about our financial struggles when we attended DMLC. And it got us wondering what we could do to assist the MLC students in reaching their goal to become teachers.”

The women pray that this scholarship will encourage students to continue their studies, receive their calls to teach, and share the amazing gospel with all they meet.

Scholarship recipients are MLC education majors who demonstrate financial need.