Master of Music (MM), Bowling Green State University, 2016, Music Ethnomusicology

There are cultural differences between Native American and non-Native people in regards to education methods, history, folklore and ceremonies. The Native American flute, with its modern adaptations, has helped bridge some of these differences. In this thesis, I describe the modern musical aspects of the Native American flute, and why these characteristics were a key reason Bemidji State University chose this flute as a gift to the Leech Lake Tribal College as a symbol of their strong, continuing, and mutually beneficial relationship. I research the history of Ojibwe education, the gifting discourse, and Ojibwe cultural gifting to set the foundation of my thesis. I then proceed to express the thoughts of key individuals involved in the particular gifting event. Last, I discuss music books/packets to further demonstrate how the Native American flute fits into both Native American and Western culture. The research obtained expresses how Ojibwe traditions are still alive and important to the culture, but also shows that teachings of music are linked to Western methods including pitches, Western notation, and repertoire. The flute is also tied to Western culture through its ability to be played alongside Western instruments. These examples validate how the flute was the perfect gift to express healing, acceptance, and a bonding of Native and non-Native people in education. My findings indicate that the gifting ceremony that took place between BSU and the LLTC was a rectifying moment between Native American and Western cultures. Gifting is a way to build social bonds, and therefore the gift of the flute was an expression of support for both cultures working together rather than one culture oppressing the other. This thesis illustrates that in the gifting discourse, interdisciplinary research is needed in the disciplines of ethnomusicology, anthropology, sociology, psychology, and education.

Committee: Katherine Meizel Dr. (Advisor); Megan Rancier Dr. (Committee Member) Subjects: Cultural Anthropology; Education; Education History; Educational Psychology; Educational Sociology; Folklore; Music; Music Education; Native Americans; Social Psychology

Master of Sacred Theology (S.T.M.), Trinity Lutheran Seminary, 2013, Ministry Division

"The Future of Milestones Ministry at Broad Street Presbyterian Church" describes how one congregation, in Columbus, Ohio, connects church and home by using the Milestones Ministry approach in faith formation. Five milestones: the Baptism Milestone, the Baptismal Anniversary Milestone, the Bible Milestone, the Confirmation Milestone and the High School Graduation Milestone, engage parents and children in spiritual practices. A sixth, the 90+ Milestone, celebrates the legacy of older adults. The author, an associate pastor, interviews twelve intergenerational families about the meaning of these milestones in their lives, and categorizes their responses in ways revealing God's presence in daily life. Materials from Vibrant Faith Ministries, including the Milestones Ministry template of naming, equipping, gifting and blessing, plus biblical resources and current discussions in the fields of Christian Education and faith development, provide the context for this exploration. The appendix contains a liturgy for each milestone as well as a thorough bibliography.

Committee: Mary Hughes PhD (Advisor); Diane Hymans PhD (Other) Subjects: Adult Education; Aging; Bible; Clergy; Families and Family Life; Individual and Family Studies; Religious Congregations; Religious Education; Spirituality; Teaching; Theology