On a historic day for Luther Classical College (LCC), students received their first hours of instruction for Latin 131: Introductory Latin. Although LCC is still eight weeks away from the start of the academic year, the summer intensive Latin began on June 23. “I think it fitting that LCC begin with Latin,” notes Rev. Joshua Hayes, assistant professor of theology and classical languages. “The sacred languages mature minds and connect students to a living heritage that stretches back through the Reformation into the time of the prophets and apostles. LCC’s Lutheran and classical curriculum stands firmly in that sacred tradition, preparing students’ minds for godly vocations within the family, church, and society.”
“What was once a goal at LCC’s founding is now a reality,” says Dr. Ryan MacPherson, academic dean. “Students have arrived, and Professor Hayes is teaching. Soli Deo Gloria!”
Summer Latin is one of the many ways LCC helps students prepare for its BA curriculum. “Latin is meant to be a blessing, not a hindrance. We don’t want students to be deterred from attending LCC because of Latin,” says Rev. Jacob Benson, director of admissions. “We stand ready to offer students advice and coursework to prepare them for admission.”
Recognizing that not all students will have had the opportunity to study Latin before applying, LCC offers both an Early Latin Pathway and a Late Latin Pathway. The Late Latin Pathway is designed for students who have had little opportunity to study Latin before entering LCC. These students have several options. Ideally, they will complete Latin 131: Introductory Latin I and Latin 132: Introductory Latin II in residence at LCC during the summer preceding their first year of college. If they successfully complete both courses by mid August, they may join the Early Latin Pathway students in Latin 233: Intermediate Latin Prose during the fall semester. Alternatively, students may complete the equivalent of Latin 131 (e.g. Wheelock’s Latin chapters 1–20) before the fall semester and then enroll in Latin 132 (progressing through Wheelock, chapter 40) during their first year at LCC. Finally, even students with no prior Latin experience may begin studies in the AA Trade Partnership Track during the fall semester. This track includes the same core courses as other tracks, minus Latin. Trade students may change to a BA track (such as Pre-Seminary, Teacher Certification, or Parish Music) if they finish Latin 131 and Latin 132 during the summer between their first and second year of college.
“I was a little apprehensive about starting Latin,” says one of the new Latin students under Professor Hayes. “Now that I know exactly what to do, I feel a lot more confident.” That growing confidence is shared by faculty and staff as well. After placing students in summer housing, Dr. Caleb Karges, dean of students, reflected, “It is great to see our college come alive with students on site as they make Casper their home and get to know each other the hallway by my office.”
This activity has been made possible by a recent gift from an anonymous donor through which LCC acquired an academic facility in downtown Casper. “We thank God that we have been able to put our academic facilities to immediate use. By His bountiful goodness, LCC continues to march toward an on-schedule opening, through the outpouring of support for Lutheran education that is classical and conservative,” added LCC’s president, Rev. Dr. Harold Ristau.
None of this would have come to fruition without the generous support of our donors, supporting congregations, patrons, and through the prayers of those who have diligently lifted up LCC and its workers. Their support is helping to raise men and women who can contend for the faith through their knowledge of the Church’s literary treasures.