Annual Report

Mission Statement

Under God, the MLS Foundation nurtures relationships and encourages support to advance the mission of MLS of preparing young people for a lifetime of service to the Lord Jesus Christ.

The MLS Foundation was established in 2001 and the affairs of the foundation are managed by a volunteer board of directors.

To carry out its mission, the MLS Foundation:

• Gives knowledgeable planned giving support to donors
• Provides various giving opportunities for student assistance, special projects, scholarships, and long-term endowment funds
• Works to build, maintain, and value the Seminary Family spirit

More About Us

 

 

A Message from the Foundation President

We praise the Lord that he has continued to bless the efforts of the Michigan Lutheran Seminary Foundation, and we thank Him for the continued blessing of being able to work with all of you!

The Lord blesses MLS with alumni, family, and friends who are passionate about the mission of MLS. With your continued support, we were able to provide many opportunities to bring us together such as the Homecoming Tailgate Party, class reunions, the Cardinal Classic Golf Outing, and the Dinner & Auction.

During this past fiscal year, the MLS Foundation supported students of MLS with over $100,000 in financial assistance and over $22,000 for MLS graduates continuing their ministerial education at Martin Luther College.

We are continuing our efforts to retire the debt from the Big Backyard project and look forward to the next project.

The foundation also provided grants for classroom equipment, athletic uniforms and equipment, strategic planning support, and on-campus events such as Arbor Day.

So many blessings!

As we look forward, I am personally very thankful and excited for the opportunity to continue to partner with you all in our support of MLS. Please continue to keep MLS, its students, faculty, and staff in your prayers. It is an awesome place!

Mike Scharrer

 

A Message from the Donor Relations Director

As I reflect on this past year, I am filled with gratitude for the unwavering support and commitment to our mission. It is through your generous contributions of time, talent, and treasure that we continue to provide much-needed support to Michigan Lutheran Seminary.

This year has been one of significant progress and achievement. Our foundation has been able to support numerous initiatives that directly impact the educational experiences and spiritual growth of the students at MLS.

Highlights of this year include:

1. Scholarship Fund Expansion: We have grown our endowed scholarships. These scholarships provide current students with financial aid to help reduce the cost of their education and give graduating students funding to attend Martin Luther College.
2. Campus Footprint Expansion: The foundation now owns six properties. Holding these properties will allow for flexibility or expansion if and when the time comes. In the meantime we are renting the homes to provide an additional revenue stream for the foundation. 
3. Student Assistance: By the grace of God, we were again able to provide MLS families with over $100,000 in financial assistance. These funds are crucial in helping families keep their children enrolled at MLS. 
4. Event Growth and Expansion: This past year we saw continued growth in attendance and funds raised at our annual events. We are always looking to improve or add events that bring the Seminary Family together. Please visit mls-foundation/events to find out more about events coming up next year.

None of these accomplishments would be possible without your steadfast support. We pray that you continue to partner with us as we continue to expand our reach. Thank you again for your generous support! May God bless MLS!

 

Josh Wakefield

 

Board of Directors

President
Mike Scharrer (MLS ’98)

Outgoing Vice President and Board of Control Liaison
Mark Eubank (MLS ’71)

Treasurer
Lee Miller (MLS ’88)

Secretary
Mike Wiltse (MLS ’86)

Finance Committee
Co-Chairs
Ron Schreiner
Barb Schreiner (MLS ’77)

Events Committee
Co-Chairs
David Eddy (MLS ’90)
Kelly Eddy (MLS ’93)

Relations Committee
Co-Chairs
George Barrett
Julie Barrett

Communications Committee
Co-Chairs
Rev. Jason Baldwin (MLS ’91)
Jodie Baldwin

MLS Foundation Staff

Donor Relations Director
Joshua Wakefield (MLS ’96)

Administrative Assistant
Erin Smith (MLS ’98)

Administrative Assistant
Kim Korthals (MLS ’95)

Click Here for an Update on the Backyard Project