Texas Lutheran University

Texas Lutheran University
Motto	Veritas Christi Liberat Homines
Motto in English	The truth of Christ sets people free
Established	1891
Type	Private
Religious affiliation	Evangelical Lutheran Church in America
Endowment	$57.6 million
President	Dr. Stuart Dorsey
Undergraduates	1,400
Location	Seguin, Texas, U.S.
Campus	Suburban
Athletics	American Southwest Conference Division III
Colors	Gold & Black
Mascot	Bulldogs
Website	www.tlu.edu

History

Texas Lutheran University is an undergraduate, private, coeducational university affiliated with the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. The University currently serves approximately 1,400 students each semester. Founded in 1891 in Brenham, Texas as an academy of the First German Evangelical Lutheran Synod in Texas, the school moved to Seguin, Texas in 1912. After merging with Trinity College of Round Rock, Texas and Clifton College, the school was renamed Texas Lutheran College in 1930. The institution was once again renamed to its present title of Texas Lutheran University in 1996.

Fields of Study

Students at TLU can major in 28 different fields of study. Thirty minors are also available, as well as nine pre-professional programs.

Arts at TLU provide opportunities in Visual Arts, Dramatic Media, Music and Music Education.

Education degrees and the Post-Baccalaureate Teacher Certification Program include several teaching fields in both Elementary and Secondary Education.

Natural Sciences provide research opportunities and field experience in Applied Science, Biology, Chemistry, Environmental Science, Physics and Pre-Engineering, Computer Science, Information Systems, and Mathematics.

Business Accounting and Economics and Business Administration professional specialties in Finance, International Business, Management and Marketing with minors in Business of the Arts, History, Science or Aviation.

Health Sciences prepare you professionally with Athletic Training, Biology and Kinesiology majors, Medical Health Communications and Health-Related Pre-Professional Programs in dentistry, medicine, nursing, occupational therapy, optometry, pharmacy, physician assistant, physical therapy and veterinary science.

Social Science Learn about people areund the world with African-American Studies, Criminal Justice, Geography, International Studies, Mexican American Studies, Political Science, Pre-Law, Psychology, Sociology, Study Abroad and Women's Studies.

Communication learn about Journalism, Literature, Writing, Modern Languages (Spanish & French), Public Relations, Marketing and Communication and English Studies.

Humanitieslearn about people and our world with offerings in History, Geography, Greek and Hebrew Studies, Philosophy, Pre-Ministry, Professional Lay Ministry and Theology.

List of Majors

• Accounting
• Applied Science
• Art
• Athletic Training
• Biology
• Business Administration
• Chemistry
• Communication Studies
• Computer Science
• Dramatic Media
• Economics
• English Studies
• History
• Information System
• International Studies
• Kinesiology
• Mathematics
• Multidisciplinary Studies
• Music
• Philosophy
• Physics
• Political Sciences
• Psychology
• Sociology
• Spanish Studies
• Theology

Major Buildings on Campus

• Alumni Student Center-Bookstore, Post Office, Student publications offices and lab, Dean of Students office, Lucky's Kennel-Snack Bar
• O.G. Beck Center-Administrative Offices, Financial Aid, Registration and Records,Classrooms, Alumni Relations Office
• Blumberg Library
• Chapel of the Abiding Presence
• President's House
• Emma Frey Hall-Computer Science Department, Mathematics Department, TLU Honors Program
• Fritz Homestead
• Hein Dining Hall-Dining Hall, Timmerman Room, Suehs Room, Katie Conference Room
• Jackson Auditorium
• Jones P.E. Complex-Basketball and Volleyball Gyms, Facultyand Coaches Offices, Locker Rooms, Pool, Racquetball Courts
• Grossman Fitness Center
• Krost Center-Laboratories for Physiology abd Fitness and Evaluation, Faculty Offices
• Langner Hall-Humanities Department, Social Sciences Department, Classrooms, Language Department, International Affairs Office
• Lutheran Ministry Center
• Moody Science Building-Biology Department, Chemistry Department, Physics Department, Classrooms and Labs, Faculty Offices
• Schuech Fine Arts Center-Studios for Music and Art, Wupperman Little Theatre, Band Hall, Ayres Recital Hall
• Tschoepe Hall-Classrooms, Kinesiology Department, Education Department, Business and Accounting Department, Dramatic Media Department, Faculty Offices
• AT&T Science Building

Greek Life

There are currently three social fraternities on campus: Omega Tau, Sigma Phi Theta, and Zeta Chi. There are also five social sororities: Kappa Pi Gamma, Beta Alpha Sigma, Delta Alpha Delta, Xi Tau, and Sigma Delta Lambda. In addition, many service groups also exist on campus.

Athletics

Texas Lutheran believes that athletics play an important role in the education of the students, both in intercollegiate and intramural sports. The athletics department include baseball, softball, men's and women's basketball, men's and women's soccer, men's and women's golf, men's and women's tennis, volleyball, women's cross country, women's track and field, and football. All sports teams compete at the NCAA Division III level and in the American Southwest Conference under their mascot, the Bulldogs.

TLU also has a state of the art Fitness Center located in between in the tennis courts and the Jones Physical Education Complex. The Grossman Fitness Center has been open since 1988, and provides a wide variety of well-equipped machine weights and free weights open to use by all students and faculty, and even the Seguin community with the purchase of a membership. This facility also provides you with a chance to enhance your cardio vascular wellness with the use of the treadmills, elliptical machines, biking machines, and stair step machines. Come enhance your health and enjoy this nice selection of equipment.

The TLU Cheerleaders and Mascot (Lucky) are part of the Texas Lutheran University Athletics Department. The Cheerleaders are dedicated to encouraging school spirit and promoting school pride. The squad participates at all home football and basketball games as well as a few selected away games.

Lone Star Lutheran

The Lone Star Lutheran (LSL) has been a student-run newspaper on the TLU campus for many years. However, in the fall 2011 the LSL made the switch from a newspaper to a magazine and online issue. The LSL contains four different sections such as Arts and Humanities, Sports, Career Development,and Student life. The writers include the editors of each section and the students enrolled in the Journalism Practicum class. The online edition can be viewed at www.lslmag.com

The School of Music

The School of Music offers training on a professional level for those interested in pursuing careers in music and music education. It also offers various opportunities to students from all majors to enhance and develop their musical education by choosing to study music, either from the offerings (music history, literature or theory) or performance (piano, organ, instrumental, voice, and vocal or instrumental ensembles). Student interested in music have several performance options, including the annual Choir Tour and popular Christmas Vespers.

During the holiday season, Texas Lutheran holds its annual Christmas Vespers service. This is a celebration of the musical arts and spoken work and exhibits the large role music plays in the cultural history and Texas Lutheran Curriculum. Many people come from the local community of Seguin and surrounding cities to be moved and entertained by the TLU voices and instrumentation of this event.

The addition of music in the liberal arts curriculum makes sure that all students at Texas Lutheran University will have an opportunity to experience the important role that music can play in their cultural, aesthetic, and religious lives. The School of Music strives to bring to the forefront the appreciation of music among all members of the student body, and it offers professional training for those interested in a career in music.

Degree options include Bachelor of Arts in Music, Bachelor of Music in All-Level Music Education: Instrumental Emphasis, Bachelor of Music in All-Level Music Education: Vocal Emphasis, Bachelor of Music in Instrumental Performance, Bachelor of Music in Vocal Performance, and Minor in Music.

Numerous scholarship award opportunities are available both for music majors and non-majors.

Da capo Award in Music - up to full tuition per year (By Invitation Only) The Da cap Award is the most distinguished award available. Students who have excelled in high school, who are admitted by Feb. 5 and who have indicated that they plan to major in music are invited to participate in PACE Day at TLU. On PACE Day, you compete through interviews and auditions for TLU's top scholarship award of up to full tuition. This scholarship is renewed for up to three additional years provided you maintain a cumulative grade point average of 3.0 or higher.

Performance Awards Performance awards may not be combined with Academic Distinction awards but may be awarded in addition to other scholarships and are determined by the level of your participation. When participating in more than one ensemble or performance area, you may receive up to $2,000 from the combined Performance awards. Auditions are required and must be scheduled in advance.

Jones Fine Arts for Music Majors - $2,000 to $4,000 per year Jones Fine Arts for Dramatic Media Majors - $2,000 to $4,000 per year Jones Fine Arts Awards provide artistic and cultural recognition for outstanding musical and dramatic media performance to those students majoring in music or dramatic media who demonstrate a meaningful contribution to the life of the university through participation in performance ensembles while they are pursuing a baccalaureate degree.

Performance Awards for Non-majors - Up to $2,000 per year Performance awards provide support for outstanding musical and dramatic media performance to those students in any major field of study who demonstrate a meaningful addition to the university through participation in performance ensembles while they are pursuing a bachelor degree. Performance awards are given in the areas of band, choir, strings, piano, solo vocal performance, organ and dramatic media.

Performance Opportunities

Texas Lutheran University Symphonic Winds Membership in the TLU Symphonic Winds is earned by audition at the start of each semester. Members are the top woodwind, brass and percussion performers enrolled at TLU. The ensemble rehearses four hours per week and performs regularly both on and off campus.

Texas Lutheran Concert Band Open by audition to all students of the university, the band performs in concert on campus and on tour. Band members participate in three hours of rehearsal each week, plus special appearances. Members are encouraged to enroll for private lessons.

Texas Lutheran Choir Open by audition to all students of the university, the choir performs a wide range of both sacred and secular genres on campus and on tour. The choir participates in five hours of rehearsal each week, plus special rehearsals, sectionals, and appearances.

TLU String Ensemble Open to all TLU students, the orchestra rehearses three hours per week and performs each semester.

Other Performance Opportunities Include: • Texas Lutheran Jazz Band • TLU Women’s Chorus • Chapel Choir • Bulldog Pep Band • Mid-Texas Symphony • Numerous wind and percussion ensembles • Opera • Musical theatre workshops • Annual Christmas Vespers • Solo recital opportunities

TLU Symphonic Winds and TLU Concert Band This band performs musical pieces from the traditional to the historical to contemporary art literature. Membership is open to all university students who wish to continue performing instrumental music either as a music major or non-major. Beth Bronk, Director of Bands

TLU String Ensemble The TLU String Ensemble consists of TLU students who choose to study string instruments. Work is done on chamber music as well as larger ensembles. Membership is open to all university students who wish to continue performing instrumental music either as a music major or non-major. Eliza Thomason, Director of Strings

Texas Lutheran University Choir Open by audition to all students of the university, the choir performs a wide range of both sacred and secular genres on campus and on tour. The TLU choir participates in five hours of rehearsal each week, plus special rehearsals, sectionals and appearances. Douglas Boyer, Director, Director of School of Music

Texas Lutheran University Women’s Choir Open by audition to all female students of the university, the choir performs a variety of both sacred and secular genres on campus and on tour. The TLU Women’s choir participates in two and a half hours of rehearsal each week, special rehearsals, sectionals and appearances. Dr. Douglas Boyer, Director, Director of School of Music

Kantorei Chamber Choir Open by audition to all members of the TLU Choir, the chamber choir focuses on the performance of the music of our time. The chamber choir participates in two hours of rehearsal each week, plus special rehearsals, sectionals and appearances. Dr. Douglas Boyer, Director, Director of School of Music

Additional Opportunities The Jazz Ensemble performs in concert at least once a semester to present a wide variety of big band jazz representing many historical styles. Membership is open by audition.

The Bulldog Pep Band, under the direction of Professor Beth Bronk, performs school spirit music at all university home football games and select home basketball games. Enrollment is open to all interested TLU students and serves as an opportunity for students to continue musical ensemble participation without the time commitment of Concert Band.

The Mid-Texas Symphony provides an opportunity for students to audition for membership in this professional orchestra, which is based on the TLU campus. Mr. David Mairs is conductor of this regional organization. The Mid-Texas Symphony performs at least seven concerts per year.

Performance opportunities are available at Texas Lutheran University in weekly recitals, chapel services and ensembles. In addition, the Seguin community offers the student pianist the opportunity to teach private piano lessons, work as a church pianist at a local church and serve as an accompanist for UIL competitions in the Texas area.

Faculty Clinics and Master Classes All TLU wind and percussion faculty are available for instructional aid. Arrangements for clinics and/or master classes can be made by contacting Beth Bronk or any individual instructor.

Music. (2011). Texas Lutheran University. Retreieved December 1, 2011, from http://www.tlu.edu/music?rc=0

Vespers

In preparation for the Christmas holidays, the TLU choirs collaborate with the TLU band to host the annual Christmas Vespers service. According to the TLU Vespers page,this celebration of music and word honors the integral role music has played in Texas Lutheran curriculum and cultural history. In this service, Sam Carter Gilliam assist the choir and musicians by presenting the nativity story in her unique way.The service is presented four days in Seguin, as well as one to two days in Austin to allow TLU families,Seguin community, as well as the Austin community the opportunity to attend the service.

Information about Christmas Vespers can be found at www.tlu.edu/vespers

Freshman Experience

TLU prides itself on the way it welcomes freshman to the campus. The First Year and Campus Program's main goal is to not end orientation after the first week but extend it through the whole year. TLU does this by having freshman or tranfer students take a Freshman Experience course in the fall semester. These classes are designed to

Special Events

Texas Lutheran University provides many opportunites for its students and faculty to here from fundamental and motivational people around the world. The most recent visitor was Aron Ralston, a man with an inspirational story and author of the best-selling book of his journey entitled "Between a Rock and a Hard Place." Ralston's story was also documened through the Academy Award-nominated movie "127 Hours"

Ralston, an experienced climber, shared with the TLU community his journey of descending a Utah canyon when his right arm was crushed by an 800 pound boulder, leaving him pinned for nearly five days. He made the decision to sever his arm to escape the canyon. " I stepped out of my grave and into my life again," Ralston said.

Students found the lecture to be very intriguing and motivational. The TLU twitter account tweeted a line from Ralston's lecture in which he stated "Sometimes our boulders are our blessings." It was seen that a number of students retweeted this. Nothing but good could be said about Ralston and his story.

Such a remarkable event that TLU provides for its community, and this is only one of many.

Krost Symposium

Every year, Texas Lutheran hosts a symposium on a particular topic, of which a new one is chosen and focused on every year the event is hosted. This multi-day event, entitled "Krost Symposium," brings in guest speakers with a wide range of view points and experience on the chosen topic. The first Krost Symposium at TLU was held in 1981, and has continued annually without interruption ever since.

This Year's Symposium

• 32nd - 'Living Privately in Public: Social Media, Boundaries, Freedom & Responsibility' November 2–4, 2011 Additional details

From TLU's Krost page:

"This year the Symposium examines the topic of privacy and modern social media from the disciplines of psychology, communications, law, and information technology/security issues:

• Issues in Privacy-including such ideas as: Is privacy as we know it "dead"? What form should newer laws take?
• Policies and issues in administration of social networks and information access by marketing agencies. Social interactions and psychological harm/benefit in social networks-beyond the usual cyber bullying to include the nature of perceived privacy, the self and personal need, and responsibilities in social media.
• Government and national security issues with privacy, leaks of information and the impact on national safety (including IT issues with safeguarding data)."

Past Krost Symposium

• 31st - What's for Dinner? Global, Regional and Local November 3–4, 2010
• 30th - Two Americas: Income Inequality November 18–19, 2009
• 29th - Between Two Worlds - October 15–17, 2008
• 28th - The Creative Journey and the Art of Activism - October 25–28, 2007
• 27th - The Creative Journey of the Heart: Hate,Tolerance, Forgiveness, Hope. - September 28, 2006
• 26th - The Creative Journey: Creativity at the Intersection of Art and Science - September 29 - October 2, 2005
• 25th - The Creative Journey - September 23, 2004
• 24th - The Creative Journey - September 18–19, 2003
• 23rd - Drought Punctuated by Flood: Water in South Central Texas - November 21, 2002
• 22nd - Women's Place: Transitional Roles for Women in the 21st Century - February 21–22, 2002
• 21st - The Evolution of Intelligence: Brain, Behavioral and Computational Approaches - March 22–23, 2001
• 20th - The Persecution and Martyrdom of Christians Since 1950 - February 7–8, 2000
• 19th - The Role of Sports in Society - February 11–12, 1999
• 18th - This is our story . . . this is our song. - February 12–14, 1998
• 17th - Energy Metabolism: Form Cellular Mechanic to Public Health Challenges - February 6–7, 1997
• 16th - Molecular Biology: Opportunities & Implications - February 12–13, 1996
• 15th - Education: A culture in search of a renewed vision. - February 6–7, 1995
• 14th - Health Care in America: Who Shall Pay - February 7–8, 1994
• 13th - Salvation: Hindu, Christen, Jewish, Muslin, and Buddhist attempts to define it and to attain it. - February 1–2, 1993
• 12th - 500 Years of Interaction - February 13–14, 1992
• 11th - Towards 2000: Issues in our Global Future - February 21–22, 1991
• 10th - Suffering: Interfaith and Intercultural Interpretation of Job - January 31-February 1, 1990
• 9th - Centuries of Familiarity: The Family and Social Change - February 1–2, 1989
• 8th - Examining the Chemical Culture - February 3–4, 1988
• 7th - Journey: Central American Migration - February 5–6, 1987
• 6th - The Disabled: Toward Quality of Life - March 7–8, 1986
• 5th - Waterworks: Planning a Texas Future - February 28-March 1, 1985
• 4th - Liberation: Common Hope in a Complex Hemisphere - February 22–24, 1984
• 3rd - Nuclear Weapons: The Human Impact - February 10–12, 1983
• 2nd - Texas Oil Frontiers: Past, Present, Future - April 29–30, 1982
• 1st - Walter Prescot Webb and the Crisis of a Frontierless Society. In Celebration of Our Best Hope for a New Frontier: Space - April 23–24, 1981

Past presidents

Presidents at Seguin, TX

• 2011–present Dr. Stuart Dorsey
• 2010-2011 Dr. Robert Vogel (interim)
• 2007-2010 Rev. Ann M. Svennungsen
• 1994-2007 Dr. Jon N. Moline
• 1976-1994 Dr. Charles H. Oestreich
• 1969-1976 Dr. Joseph Karl Poch Menn
• 1963-1969 Dr. Martin L. Cole
• 1962-1963 Dr. A.G. Gustafson Second interim presidency.
• 1959-1962 Rev. Dr. Marcus Rieke
• 1958-1959 Dr. A.G. Gustafson Acting president.
• 1954-1958 Dr. Edward A. Sagebiel
• 1929-1954 Rev. Dr. William F. Kraushaar
• 1906-1912 at Brenham, TX 1912-1929 at Seguin, TX Rev. Dr. Carl Weeber

In 1928: "Gaining of accreditation of sufficient high school units with The University of Texas, and changing of the title of director to president."

Director at Brenham, TX

• 1903-1906 Rev. F. Zimmermann
• 1902-1903 Rev. E. Gerfen
• 1897-1902 Rev. H. J. Romberg
• 1895-1897 Rev. O. Hartmann
• 1891-1895 Rev. G. Langner

Notable alumni

• Cameron Beckman - PGA Tour golfer
• Alton Chung Ming Chan - Concert pianist
• Jeff Hiller - Actor
• Edmund Kuempel - State representative from Seguin, 1983–2010
• Steven Long - Author, journalist, and magazine publisher
• Verne Lundquist - Sportscaster
• Don Mischer - Television producer and director
• Faton Bislimi - Activist and scholar from Kosovo

Notable faculty

• Paul H. Carlson - historian of the American West, taught at Texas Lutheran during the 1970s
• Norman Beck - Currently a professor of Theology and Philosophy

External links

• Texas Lutheran University home page
• Texas Lutheran University Athletics page