Graduate Recognition Sunday, Spring 2010: Take One

Back Row (L-R): Aaron Wenzloff, Diaan van der Westhuizen, Tim Krohn

Center Row: Josh van der Ploeg, Spencer Walters
Front Row: Ashley Schneider, Jackie Hibbard, Kelly Ritter

Jacqueline (Jackie) Hibbard (who earned her BSE in Aerospace Engineering from U of M in 2009) will be receiving a Master of Engineering (M.Eng.) in Space Systems from the University of Michigan College of Engineering. The team project she worked on this past year will be submitted as an NSF proposal for a University of Michigan CubeSat mission. In addition, Jackie worked on the systems engineering for an instrument going on the Solar Orbiter mission of the European Space Agency (ESA). (There are a lot of acronyms in engineering!) Pending receipt of her security clearance, Jackie will be monitoring satellites as a systems engineer on the communications team at a Ground Station with Boeing in Springfield, VA, just outside Washington D.C. Jackie has been an integral part of this community for five years. She has shared her musical talents in choir and as an instrumentalist, currently serves as the student representative to the LCM Board, is an active member of Eli’s Running Club and shepherded the campus pastor through her first U of M Hockey Game – in the student section! In addition, she was the preacher for graduate recognition Sunday. With her permission, Jackie’s sermon will be posted on our blog at: www.lollcm.blogspot.com ~ ps

Tim Krohn will be receiving a Master of Music in Conducting with Teacher Certification through the University of Michigan School of Music, Theatre and Dance. Tim is seeking a job in Instrumental Music Education. Sometimes referred to as a “one man band,” for the past five years, Tim has served as Director of Music Ministries at LOL/LCM but that doesn’t begin to elucidate the depth and breadth of talent Tim has brought to our common worship. He is a true pastoral musician. Mention his name to folks in the Michigan Synods or to a member of the ELCA Worship staff and you’re likely to hear, “Oh, I LOVE Tim Krohn.” Prior to becoming Director of Music Ministries, Tim served as Interim Choir Director, Campus Ministry Coordinator and a Peer Minister. To say that Tim lives at the heart of the community’s life would surely be an understatement. Tim will be preaching on Music Recognition Sunday, May 2nd.~ ps

Kelly Ritter will be receiving her Bachelor’s degree in Vocal Performance with Music Education Certification from the University of Michigan School of Music, Theatre and Dance. She has earned University Honors and been named a James B. Angell Scholar. She notes: I am currently teaching 5th and 6th grade choir and kindergarten general music in Dexter part-time. I hope one day to get a full-time elementary music teaching position! We are grateful that Kelly has so generously shared her vocal and instrumental gifts with LOL/LCM this past year. To give you a glimpse of her amazing skill, when she decided to learn to play banjo, she went on line…and did it! ~ ps

Ashley Schneider will be receiving her Bachelor of Arts in Classical Archaeology from the University of Michigan. She writes: I'm excited to graduate and will be sticking around Ann Arbor for the summer working for the University's Museum of Zoology as a Museum Technician in the Bird Division. I plan to continue my career in the museum industry and hope to move somewhere WARM eventually, just as soon as I can bear to part with Ann Arbor and my beloved U of M!

Josh Van der Ploeg will be graduating with his J.D. degree from the University of Michigan Law School. This fall, Josh will join the San Francisco office of Latham & Watkins, where he will specialize in energy finance/regulatory law or in environmental litigation. Josh would like to express sincerest thanks to Pastor Sue and to the entire LOL/LCM family for providing him with such a loving, nurturing church home throughout his three years at U of M. The welcoming sense of community at LOL/LCM greatly enriches the lives of everyone it touches - both inside and outside the parish walls - by spreading the Good News of Christ's love through the Gospel, and by continuing the fight for peace and justice for all God's creation. Josh is a natural evangelist who exudes warmth, openness and good humor when inviting others to explore this faith community. He has brought those skills to bear in his service as a Peer Minister and as a lector. He had special interest in Pr. Cherlyne Beck’s visit as she married his parents! ~ ps

Diaan van der Westhuizen will be receiving a Ph. D. in Architecture from the U of M’s Alfred Taubman College of Architecture and Urban Planning. In July, Diaan will defend his dissertation, "Finding Place in Urban Space. The Role of Place Accessibility in Physical Activity and Urban Movement: Implications for Urban Design and Research.” He hopes to secure a faculty position at a South African university, probably starting in September. Possibilities include: University of Johannesburg, University of Pretoria, and University of the Free State. Diaan has sung in the choir and supported the music ministry at LOL in many ways. We’re excited to see how the future unfolds for Diaan and partner Jason Cloen but we will miss them both. ~ ps

Spencer Walters will be receiving a J.D. from the University of Michigan Law School. He will be taking the Pennsylvania Bar exam in July before returning to Washington, DC, where he will join the law firm of Covington & Burling. Spencer is another great invitational evangelist who has shared his gifts as an Interim/Backup Peer Minister, lector, baker (and he cleans up, too!) and willing presence, always ready to lend a hand when needed. ~ ps

Aaron Wenzloff will be receiving a J.D. from the University of Michigan Law School. He recently received a Skadden Fellowship which is designed to provide funding to work for 2 years on a project that provides legal services to the poor and those who are disadvantaged. Aaron’s project will be with Connecticut Legal Services in Bridgeport and Waterbury, representing low-income tenants facing eviction from foreclosed buildings. Aaron was also one of a few students to receive the inaugural award for completing Michigan Law's "Pro Bono Pledge" by providing at least 50 hours of pro bono legal services before graduation. Joining Aaron on this next adventure will be his wonderful spouse, Allison Gorsuch, who will be completing her PhD at Yale. ~ ps