 Marilyn
Stalheim …
First Recipient of the
Donald A. Vetter Educational Service Award
The Evangelical Lutheran Education Association has long
wanted a way to honor individuals who have provided extraordinary
achievements and contributions distinguished by long-standing
commitment to the values of ELEA. The Executive Director and
National Board fulfilled their desire to establish such an award
in 2004, and began the search for a recipient deemed a worthy
model for those committed to exemplary service in Lutheran
education. The award is intended to draw attention to the value
of Lutheran schools, to identify high standards of excellence, and
to inspire others to ministry in such a setting. As a
namesake for the award was sought, it was agreed that it could be
none other than Donald A. Vetter, known to many as “Mr. Lutheran
Schools”. Words from the citation for his L.L.D. degree provide a
benchmark for the award: “He has been the one person most
responsible for the quality, promotion, and development of the
Christian Day Schools and Preschools within the [ELCA] church.”
He displays “ . . . a great love for his Lord, and his family; and
a personal warmth and spirit easily overlooked in his humble
supportiveness of others.”
Donald A. Vetter (1919-2002) devoted his adult life to the
ministry of Lutheran schools. His own education began in a
Lutheran elementary school. He later received a bachelor's degree
from Capital University (an ELCA institution) and an honorary
Doctor of Laws degree from California Lutheran University. Don
was instrumental in establishing the American Lutheran Education
Association, the predecessor of ELEA and served as founding
Executive Director of the organization.
Who
would the first recipient be? A process was developed whereby
each ELEA Network is entitled to nominate one candidate,
submitting a biographical summary about the nominee, a statement
of why the nominee should be awarded the Vetter Educational
Service Award, and any letters of support.
These nominations were carefully reviewed by the ELEA
National Board, and although there were several worthy candidates,
the person who rose to the top was the nominee of Network 4 –
Minnesota Early Childhood Centers - Marilyn Stalheim, Director of
Westwood Early Childhood Center in St. Louis Park, Minnesota.
Marilyn’s long-standing commitment to children and their families
is evidenced by her many years of ministry to the youngest in our
midst. In addition to her duties as Westwood’s director, she also
administers the Birth to 3 Program at Westwood Lutheran, and
participates in many other church and civic activities –
particularly those related to children. From the day I met her, I
have considered her a role model, as I know she has been for
many. Her energy, passion, grace, and flair are an inspiration
and I am not alone in saying, “When I grow up, I want to be like
Marilyn.” Congratulations, Marilyn, and thank you for your
leadership and love.
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