Manchester College names Walt Wiltschek as campus pastor

Manchester College looks to its roots in faith, service with a new campus pastor dedicated to mentoring students.

Manchester College is looking to Walt Wiltschek, editor of the denominational Messenger magazine of the Church of the Brethren, to lead its campus ministry. Wiltschek, well-regarded for his inter-faith mentoring of youth and young adults, will join the Student Development team on Feb. 2.

As campus pastor for the 1,223-student Manchester College, Wiltschek will lead a religious life program that serves students of more than 30 denominations. The diversity of faith on the residential campus includes students who are Catholics, Methodists, Baptists, and followers of other Christian and non-Christian faiths as well as many not affiliated with a specific denomination.

“Walt Wiltschek brings extensive experience with young adult ministry, and we are looking forward to his arrival on campus,” said President Jo Young Switzer. “He will help students on their spiritual journeys, and he will strengthen our connections with the Church of the Brethren, our founding denomination.”

Wiltschek was an associate pastor at the Westminster Church of the Brethren in Maryland, camp program director, adviser to district youth programs, coordinator for youth adult conferences, and adviser to the National Young Conference of the Church of the Brethren. He also has journalistic experience at the Daily Record in York, Pa., and the Daily Herald in suburban Chicago.

He has served at the helm of the Messenger for more than six years, and also as director of news services for the General Board leadership of the Church of the Brethren and as director of Brethren identity.

German-born and Pennsylvania-raised, Wiltschek received a bachelor’s degree in secondary education and mathematics from York College of Pennsylvania, a certificate in biblical studies from Eastern Mennonite University, a master of arts in religion from Lancaster Theological Seminary and a master of arts in communication studies/journalism from Northern Illinois University.

Jeri S. Kornegay, Director, Media and Public Relations