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LCMS Convention Workbook St. Louis, Missouri — 1969, Page 285

Scan: The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod
Transcription machine transcription, uncorrected

HIGHER EDUCATION 285

greater in our day, when every social and commercial
mass pressure in America implies the folly of choosing
a life of humble, sacrificial Christian service in prefer-
ence to the riches and the leisure which can reward a
young man who is competent enough to acquire a higher
education, than it was in the recent past. Certainly the
means to that end must be adapted to changing condi-
tions of life in the church and in the world as time
marches on, but we are sure that under the blessing of
God, churchmen of courage and competence and com-
mitment will continue to meet that challenge success-
fully.

With the prayer that God may continue to bless
every effort to train ministers and teachers for and by
the church and with the pledge to continue to do our
best in loyal service toward achieving the objectives
which the Synod has set before us, this report is re-
spectfully submitted by

Boarp oF CONTROL

ALLEN H. Fepper, Chairman

W. Leroy BIESENTHAL, Secretary
Martin J. Nees, Executive Officer

(6-10)

Concordia Lutheran Junior College
Ann Arbor, Mich.

On May 31 of this year Concordia Lutheran Junior
College, Ann Arbor, Mich., completed its sixth academic
year. The Synod’s youngest college has been blessed
from its opening year with generous support from the
members of the Synod in the area it serves and with
a continuing supply of able and consecrated students.
Once again we joyfully acknowledge the loving hand
of God, who alone has made possible the progress
achieved since the college last reported to the Synod.

The Synod’s college in Ann Arbor is a 2-year col-
lege for men and women who are preparing for full-
time work in the church. Concordia offers programs
designed for future pastors, teachers, deaconesses, and
social workers. The curricula are closely articulated
with those of the senior colleges of the Synod. Ninety-
five percent of the college’s student body plan on enter-
ing the service of the church.

Personnel
The Board of Control

The present membership of the Board of Control
includes Rev. Earl E. Weis, chairman, Mr. Ernest C.
Laetz, secretary; Rev. John C. Streit; Rev. Edwin C.
Weber; and Messrs. William C. Gast, Martin F. Rum-
mel, and Edward P. Staubitz. Teacher Walter F. Bleke
resigned in February 1969 to accept an appointment to
fill a vacant seat on Synod’s Board of Parish Education.
The college acknowledges a debt of gratitude to these
men who compose the governing body of the school.
Their wisdom and unselfish service contributed greatly
to the success of Concordia’s operation during the bien-
nium.

Faculty
The college’s academic staff consists of 37 full-time
and 3 part-time faculty members. During the period
1967—69, promotions were granted to 10 staff members
with the following distribution: to assistant professor-
ship, 2; to tenure and associate professorship, 7; and
to full professorship, 1. Those men to whom permanent
tenure was granted are Rudolph C. Block, Herbert E.
Garske, William J. Hassold, Erich H. Kiehl, Howard W.
Kramer, Norman J. Schmaltz, and Norman C. Utech.
Thirty members of the present faculty pursued ad-
vanced study at nearby University of Michigan and
Eastern Michigan University, as well as other graduate
schools. Assistant Professor Irene Biberdorf was
granted a year’s sabbatical leave to study organ in
Switzerland in 1967—68. Associate Professor Rudolph
C. Block was granted a half-time study leave in 1968
to 69 in order to complete work on a doctorate in higher
educational administration at the University of Michi-
gan.
In addition, members of the faculty served the
Synod as members of boards and commissions. The
following staff members served during the biennium:
Richard G. Korthals, Commission on Theology and
Church Relations

Wilbert H. Rusch Sr., Rock Symposium

Erich A. von Fange, Commission on Research and
Planning (BHE); Committee for Research; Com-
mission on Mission and Ministry in the Church

Paul A. Zimmerman, Curriculum Commission; Rock

Symposium

The faculty includes in its roster 10 ministers, 19
Lutheran teachers, and 1 deaconess. It has shown itself
to be able and dedicated. Under the Spirit's guidance
these men and women continue to provide Concordia
with a sound academic program and a thoroughly Scrip-
tural and Lutheran approach to Christian theology.

Accreditation

The college achieved full accreditation in the short-
est time possible for a new institution. Concordia was
accepted as a candidate for membership in the North
Central Association of Colleges and Secondary Schools
in 1965. Full accreditation was granted by North Cen-
tral on March 27, 1968. The examining committee in-
cluded the following among the strengths of the col-
lege: full commitment of the faculty to Concordia’s
objectives, well-qualified faculty, well-designed and
well-equipped buildings, adequate land for future ex-
pansion, good library, stable financial support by the
Synod, very satisfactory curriculum, complete academic
freedom within the framework of the Holy Scriptures
and the Lutheran Confessions, high faculty morale, and
good performance of graduates in the senior colleges
to which they transferred.

Plant and Property

The college has experienced a dormitory shortage
from the beginning. The original construction provided