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BISMARCK, N.D. (AP) — The oldest staff member at Bismarck State College is stepping down from his full-time faculty position not long before he turns 81, but Rev. Marv Mutzenberger isn't ready to leave the classroom yet.
Mutzenberger will still stay on at the Bismarck institution as an adjunct, teaching two days per week even though he retires this month, the Bismarck Tribune (http://bit.ly/25feboY ) reported.
Mutzenberger would like to follow one of his seminary instructors who kept teaching after he went blind and until he had a heart attack.
"He died in the classroom. I'd like to do that," Mutzenberger said with a smile. "I tell my students to be ready."
Mutzenberger's career at the school spans more than three decades. He started as a minister before becoming a coach and a professor.
He's instructed students about different religions and will continue teaching a popular course about world religions, among others.
Mutzenberger is the type of colleague who makes people think and reflect, said Drake Carter, retiring provost and vice president for academic and student affairs.
"He's brought a great deal of common sense and continuity," Carter said. "He's always been very dependable and a solid teacher, well-liked by students."
Mutzenberger also plans to serve as interim pastor at a Lutheran church while the congregation searches for someone to fill the position. He's also served at churches in South Dakota, including Pierre.
After his wife died five years ago, people asked Mutzenberger if he would retire. "That's crazy," he told them. "My work is all I have left now."
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Information from: Bismarck Tribune, http://www.bismarcktribune.com
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