2016-17 ALUMNI
EVENTS & PROGRAMS
The purpose of Concordia College is to influence the affairs of the world by sending into society thoughtful and informed men and women dedicated to the Christian life.
Alumni Relations ConcordiaCollege.edu/alumni
Greetings from Concordia The Class of 2016 has been sent forth to influence the affairs of the world and, with summer underway, Cobbers are getting ready to celebrate the college’s quasquicentennial anniversary. It has been 125 years this October since Concordia was founded and the mission continues! Whether you love Corn Feeds, make annual pilgrimages to Homecoming, enjoy global travel opportunities, want to serve as a mentor or support a scholarship and everything in between, there is a place for you. Concordia College is turning 125 and you are a key part of this community. Are you connected? Don’t forget to follow us on Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn and to visit our website at ConcordiaCollege.edu/alumni to make sure you don’t miss anything. Be sure to watch for your class letter and nominate those outstanding Cobbers who you feel deserve to be recognized with the Alumni Achievement Award, Sent Forth Award or Called to Serve Award. We hope you enjoy reconnecting with your fellow Cobbers, wherever this note finds you. Best wishes for a fantastic summer and we look forward to seeing you soon!
Katie (Corwin) Hasbargen ’95 President, Alumni Board
National Alumni Board The Concordia College Alumni Association sustains and advances Concordia’s mission by strengthening the relationship between the college and its alumni, and alumni and students, thus exemplifying the Christian life and mindfully engaging the broader world. The National Alumni Board consists of a president, past president, vice president, secretary and four subcommittees focused on engagement, enrollment, giving and career. Board members serve a four-year term, with the exception of officers, and are recommended by peers at ConcordiaCollege.edu/nabnomination. Officers President: Katie (Corwin) Hasbargen ’95 Vice President: Ted Horan ’96
Past President: Matthew Dimich ’06 Secretary: Megan Mydral ’09
Alumni Board Members Levi Andrist ’07 Kayla Axtman ’09 Casey Bartz ’04 Jan Bilden ’73 Julie (Bjerke) Blehm ’74 Doug Brekke ’80 Deborah (Root) Buchholz ’71 Sharon (Muir) Buhr ’68
Jeff Cadwell ’89 Linda (Hoag) Dorn ’90 Michelle (Lee) Haaland ’86 Rodney Hanson ’82 Christine Holland-Mehlhaff ’90 Kristi (Ehlers) Huber ’98 Max Kringen ’11 Brian Kroll ’97
Ryan McAdam ’12 Karen (Pfaff) Paul ’84 Paul Peterson ’76 Lee Skavanger ’67 Ronald Struxness ’63 Shellie Simonson Ulven ’93 David Uselman ’06
Members Elect Ann (Larsen) Beck ’80 Elizabeth (Maiers) Cheney ’03 Alexandre Cyusa ’15
Dan Leingang ’92 Emily (Ortloff) McGarvey ’02 Rolf Pederson ’93
Eric Warren ’74
Our alumni are our best recruiters. What can you do? Share your Concordia experience with future Cobber students and refer them at ConordiaCollege.edu/refer.
Why Concordia?
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We guarantee that students who start and finish at Concordia will graduate within four years.
93%
More than 93 percent of Cobbers continue their education or have jobs within nine months of graduation.
99%
More than 99 percent of Concordia students are awarded financial aid, with an average of $25,000 assistance.
2.4%
The Fargo-Moorhead metro area has a booming economy with an emphasis on entrepreneurship. Its unemployment rate is 2.4 percent compared to the national rate of 4.7 percent.
ConcordiaCollege.edu/refer
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Worldwide Cobber Network With 32,000 alumni across the nation and globe, the Cobber community extends well beyond the borders of our campus. Cobbers worldwide connect to network, socialize, learn and support each other and the college.
Local Alumni Events Host an event in your area for Cobbers and Alumni Relations will help promote it and reimburse you up to $200 per year for expenses. The event can be social, networking, service-oriented or anything else you're interested in. Currently, we have Twin Cities and Fargo-Moorhead committees focused on connecting alumni. To find out more about hosting an event or joining a local committee, contact Alumni Relations at alumni@cord.edu or 218.299.3734.
Alumni World Map Put yourself on the virtual atlas at ConcordiaCollege.edu/alumnimap
U.S. Alumni: Atlanta: 102 Billings: 252 Chicago: 374 Dallas-Fort Worth: 153 Denver: 478 Fargo-Moorhead: 3,813
Kansas City: 104 Los Angeles: 325 New York City: 128 Omaha: 117 Phoenix: 437 Portland: 229
San Diego: 139 San Francisco: 183 Seattle: 540 St. Louis: 59 Twin Cities: 7,774 Washington, D.C.: 300
India: 8 Japan: 32 Mexico: 14 Nepal: 11 Nigeria: 23 Norway: 138
Saudi Arabia: 22 Sri Lanka: 8 Sweden: 13 Tanzania: 19 United Kingdom: 21
International Alumni: Australia: 13 Canada: 160 China: 34 France: 19 Germany: 66 Ghana: 31
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WHAT DOES A LIFELONG COBBER LOOK LIKE? Being a part of the Cobber Alumni Network is about staying involved and giving back to future students, feeling connected and proudly sharing it with those around you.
Connect
Update your information to stay informed on what’s happening among alumni and with the college.
Engage
Provide meaningful experiences for students and participate in alumni events, programs and teams.
Support
Give to student scholarships and campus projects to ensure educational enrichment for current and future Cobbers.
Share
Interact on social media using #cordmn, show off your alma mater swag and tell future Cobbers about your Concordia experience.
When you do something in all four of these categories, let us know and we’ll send you an exclusive Loyal Cobber gift.
ConcordiaCollege.edu/loyalcobber A program of the National Alumni Board Alumni Relations | 218.299.3734 | alumni@cord.edu | ConcordiaCollege.edu/alumni
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Connect Whether it’s been a few years or a few decades since you’ve been on campus, you’re still a huge part of the Concordia community. Stay connected by updating your contact info at ConcordiaCollege.edu/classnotes.
With the core focus of connecting alumni and students, SALT emphasizes lifelong Cobber participation in the vitality of the college by developing class affinity, facilitating career networking, teaching students a lifestyle of philanthropy, enhancing existing Concordia traditions, and providing opportunities for students to learn and grow as leaders. Learn more about this new student group, dedicated to building relationships between alumni and students, at ConcordiaCollege.edu/salt.
Electronic Class Letters
Receive an annual electronic letter from your Class Agent with stories of classmates and a campus update. Letters will no longer be mailed but are available online at ConcordiaCollege.edu/classletters. Highlight your marriage, new job, children/ grandchildren, travel or any life events for your class letter at ConcordiaCollege.edu/ classnotes. Many notes are also printed in the Concordia Magazine.
Career Services
We’ve still got your back in job hunting and career transition! Discover your ideal vocation with the help of the Concordia Career Center: 218.299.3020 or career@cord. edu. Schedule an appointment with a career advisor, view job openings or mentor and provide career opportunities for students at ConcordiaCollege.edu/myhandshake, the online Concordia networking platform.
On-Campus Access & Worship
Use the Concordia pool, track, library and other spaces open to students, staff and alumni. Remain part of the Cobber faith community by attending chapel at 9:50 a.m. Monday-Thursday during the academic year.
News & Media News & Notes
Know what’s happening by subscribing to the electronic Concordia newsletter at ConcordiaCollege.edu/news (weekly emails September-May; monthly June-August).
Concordia Magazine
Read campus highlights, class notes and Concordia stories by mail or online at ConcordiaCollege.edu/magazine
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Engage By sharing your ideas, time or resources, you make immense contributions to past, current and future Cobbers. If you’d like to participate or have your own ideas on how to engage, contact Alumni Relations at 218.299.3734 or visit ConcordiaCollege.edu/engage.
Mentor
Get to know a Concordia student who's interested in your occupation or area of study, answer questions about your career path and/or invite a student to visit your workplace.
National Alumni Board (NAB)
Provide valuable ideas and assistance to increase general awareness among alumni, recruit new students and faculty, encourage giving, and recognize outstanding alumni contributions and services.
Alumni Sustainability Network
Encourage a lifestyle of sustainability among students and build a foundation of sustainability in your community.
Class Agent
Write the annual summer class letter, forward stories and updates of classmates to the alumni office, and work with the reunion planning committee during your reunion years.
Corn Feed Host
Gather alumni in your area to strengthen relationships between alumni, parents, students, prospective students and friends of Concordia. The college will promote your event and reimburse costs up to $200.
Reunion Team
Assist your Class Agent in bringing your class together for memorable celebrations and raising awareness of the class goal. Reconnect with classmates prior to the reunion and invite them back, share college news and encourage them to give back to the college in honor of the important milestone. Post-reunion, follow up and thank them for their participations and share giving updates.
Twin Cities or Fargo-Moorhead Cord Committee
Plan social, educational, networking and service activities for 9,000+ alumni in the Minneapolis/St. Paul metro area or 4,000+ alumni in Fargo/West Fargo/Moorhead.
Concordia Women Connect Committee
Organize speaker events (often with brunch) twice a year. Designed for Concordia alumnae and friends of all ages to connect, network and engage in interesting world topics. (Moorhead or Minneapolis)
Regional Alumni Volunteer
Engage alumni in your local community through social, mentoring, educational or volunteer activities.
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Support “I feel the best way to say thanks is to find ways to support the college with my time and financial contributions.” – Paul Peterson ’76
“Giving is about relationships and the more I give, of my time and treasure, the better and more meaningful my relationships become.” – Megan Myrdal ’09
The Concordia Annual Fund allows the college to meet emerging needs, explore new opportunities and respond to unexpected challenges. The gift you give today supports work of the college immediately, funding areas of scholarships and financial aid, academic programs, institutional operations and student resources and services. You can choose to make your gift in a multitude of ways, in whatever way best fits your ability and passion.
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This pioneering annual fund program began more than 60 years ago as a way to raise money for major projects. Today, members uphold the mission of the college through annual giving at more than $1,250 annually.
Monthly Recurring
A simple way to support Concordia is to set up the amount you want to give each month for easy budgeting and peace of mind. We encourage you to honor the college's anniversary with a recurring gift of $12.50 per month.
Scholarships
Scholarship gifts have a direct impact on today’s students and their ability to afford a Concordia education. Scholarships may be endowed or given as a one-time Legacy Scholarship. ConcordiaCollege.edu/give | 800.699.9896 or 218.299.3442
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Share Refer a Future Cobber
Help build the next generation of Cobbers! Tell the young people in your life about your Concordia experience and refer potential students to the Admission Office at ConcordiaCollege.edu/refer.
Social Media
Join Concordia conversations and help spread the word on college news through Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn and other social media channels. Be sure to use #cordmn. See all the social communities available at ConcordiaCollege.edu/social.
Concordia Class Ring
The official Cobber ring is the recognized symbol of Concordia College, signifying its tradition and creating bonds between alumni worldwide. Repair and purchase info is provided online.
Little Niblet T-shirt
Concordia celebrates the birth of future Cobbers! If you have a new addition (ages 0-2) to your alumni family, the Office of Alumni Relations will send you a free Lil Niblet 18-month T-shirt. To request one, fill out the form at ConcordiaCollege.edu/classnotes.
License Plate
Want to show your Cobber pride around town? Purchase a vanity plate that displays the Cobber “C” throughout the State of Minnesota. Search for “collegiate license plates” at DPS.mn.gov.
Cobber Bookstore
Update your Kernel swag at CobberBookstore.com.
Science Facility Renovation This past fall, work began on updating Jones and Ivers, the Concordia science facilities, to ensure continued success among Concordia graduates and the college’s ability to attract top-notch faculty. The project will be completed prior to classes in fall 2017. This $45 million remodel includes: • Redesigned classrooms and labs that promote discovery-based learning • Flexible lab spaces that will enhance faculty-student research • Informal learning spaces that foster the sharing of ideas between peers and mentors • Remodeled faculty offices more conducive to student recruitment and mentoring • Improved mechanical and electrical systems • Targeting LEED Silver certification (sustainability) Learn more at ConcordiaCollege.edu/science.
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Dates to Remember For details, registration and additional events, visit Concordia College.edu/alumninews.
Alumni Golf Tournaments 9:30 a.m. July 25 Cobber Baseball Golf Scramble Greystone Golf Club Sauk Centre, Minn.
8 a.m. Aug. 5 Concordia Football Golf Tournament Moorhead Country Club
11 a.m. Aug. 19 Clay Nagel Wrestling Golf Tournament Meadows Golf Course, Moorhead
More Alumni Events Cobbers After Hours Monthly (Fargo-Moorhead) Facebook.com/CobberAlumni
1 p.m. Sept. 17 Cobber Football Game Bethel University, St. Paul, Minn.
Noon-5 p.m. July 23 Mission of Mercy Service Project Memorial Auditorium, Concordia
Sept. 23-25 Nov. 17 Family Weekend F-M Great Plains Food Bank ConcordiaCollege.edu/familyweekend Service Project
Aug. 12 Concordia Language Villages International Days Waldsee, German Language Village, Bemidji, Minn.
Oct. 7-9 Homecoming ConcordiaCollege.edu/homecoming
6 p.m. Aug. 14 Twin Cities Corn Feed Wabun Shelter C, Minnehaha Park, Minneapolis 5:30 p.m. Aug. 24 Moorhead Corn Feed/ 125th Celebration Near Prexy’s Pond, Concordia Aug. 25-Sept. 5 (Aug. 27*) Concordia at MN State Fair (*Young Alumni Day at the Fair: Stop by this day, in particular, for a special gift!) 7 a.m.-1 p.m. Aug. 28 Move-in Day Welcome students and help them move in. Gather after for brunch and fellowship. 7 p.m. Sept. 1 MN Twins Game Attend with alumni; $30 tickets; vs. Chicago White Sox Target Field, Minneapolis
Noon-3 p.m. Oct. 22 Concordia’s 125th Birthday Party Urban Growler, St. Paul, Minn. Oct. 31 125th Anniversary of Concordia College On-campus Celebration Oct. 31-Nov. 3 Concordia Challenge Support student scholarships Nov. 3 Offutt School Presents Breakfast Featuring Phil Soran, executive chairman at Vidku Windows on Minnesota Minneapolis ConcordiaCollege.edu/offuttpresents Nov. 4 (morning) Cobber Ring Day Come to campus for the celebration! 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Nov. 5 Twin Cities Concordia Women Connect Featuring the Rev. Sarah Ciavarri Location TBD, Minneapolis
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Nov. 1-6 (home Nov. 6) Concordia Orchestra Tour North Dakota and Minnesota
7 p.m. Dec. 2 2 & 7 p.m. Dec. 3 2 p.m. Dec. 4 Concordia Christmas Concerts (with President’s Dinner Dec. 3) Moorhead 6 & 8:30 p.m. Dec. 8 Concordia Christmas Concerts with President’s Reception prior to both concerts Minneapolis Dec. 10 Plymouth Christian Youth Center service project PCYC, Minneapolis Noon Jan. 28 Careers Connecting Cobbers On-campus alumni/student networking Feb. 5-12 (home Feb. 12) Concordia Band Tour Minnesota 1 p.m./3 p.m. Feb. 11 Buck Day Attend Women's/Men's Basketball for $1. Memorial Auditorium
Feb. 25-March 12 Concordia Choir Tour Minneapolis, Colorado, New Mexico, Arizona, California, Moorhead ConcordiaCollege.edu/choir March 22 Offutt School Presents Breakfast Featuring Douglas M. Baker Jr., chairman of the board and chief executive officer of Ecolab Minneapolis March 23-24 National Book Awards at Concordia ConcordiaCollege.edu/nationalbook April 5 Celebration of Student Scholarship See student scholarly work on campus with poster presentations, music and theatre performances, and an alumni panel. ConcordiaCollege.edu/celebration
April 8-9 Choir and Orchestral Premiere of “The Passion of Jesus Christ,” Dr. Rene Clausen’s 500th Anniversary of the Reformation composition Orchestra Hall, Minneapolis, and Memorial Auditorium, Moorhead
Lorentzsen Luncheons Sept. 9, Oct. 14, Nov. 11, Feb. 10, March 10 and April 7 Various locations ConcordiaCollege.edu/businessevents
April (date TBD) Cobbers for Cobbers Day Recognize and celebrate the support of donors and alumni. May 5-7 Commencement Weekend (11:30 a.m. May 7 Legacy Luncheon) May 8-23 Concordia Choir International Tour Germany Fall 2015-August 2017 Jones and Ivers Science Renovations ConcordiaCollege.edu/science
Corn Feeds The Corn Feed tradition began in 1974 with events in the Twin Cities and Moorhead. Do-It-Yourself Corn Feeds continue to be a hit among Concordia family and friends, as alumni host them in their local areas. This year, we have Corn Feeds planned across the country and warmly invite current and potential students to gather with alumni at the one nearest to their home. Each event is personalized by the event hosts, but rest assured that there will always be corn and Cobber community! Want to plan your own Corn Feed or similar event? Check out the Corn Feed Guidebook online. Concordia reimburses up to $200 of your expenses! Plans are in progress for Corn Feeds in the following cities, with more areas to follow. Details and additional locations will be posted online, as they are confirmed, at ConcordiaCollege.edu/cornfeeds.
Area Corn Feeds Phoenix, Ariz. Washington, D.C. Thousand Oaks, Calif. Denver, Colo. Boise, Idaho Alexandria, Minn. Brainerd/Baxter, Minn. Grand Rapids, Minn.
Litchfield, Minn. Minneapolis, Minn. Moorhead, Minn. Pelican Rapids, Minn. Omaha, Neb. Portland, Ore. Dallas/Fort Worth, Texas Milwaukee, Wis.
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*Requires pre-registration, an RSVP and/or a fee. See insert for reunion details and a registration form.
Thursday, Oct. 6 9:50 A.M. Chapel – Centrum, Knutson Campus Center 7 P.M. Frosh Frolics – Olson Forum 1964 National Championship Football Team Reunion Time and Location TBD Contact Dave Heide ’66 and Paul Hoseth ’66 with questions at ltheide@hotmail.com and hosethpe@plu.edu. 8:45 P.M. Bonfire and Fireworks – Jake Christiansen Stadium
Friday, Oct. 7 9:50 A.M. Homecoming Chapel – Centrum, Knutson Campus Center Hear a message from the 2016 Homecoming Committee Chair. NOON-1 P.M. Offutt School of Business Luncheon* Barry Auditorium, Grant Center Registration required. Cost is $10. The Offutt School of Business welcomes you to a casual luncheon with students and faculty. Following the luncheon, you are invited to attend a class. Please indicate on your registration form if you’d like to attend a class and we will send you a list of classes to choose from. 50th Anniversary of the Concordia Healthcare Program Stay tuned for more details about this celebration!
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NOON-7:30 P.M. Registration – Atrium, Knutson Campus Center Registration for only the Homecoming Banquet will move to the Courtyard by Marriott at 5:15. Pick up your nametag, weekend program, T-shirt, etc., in the atrium alcove area above the Korn Krib, outside of the Centrum. If your reunion breakfast is the first event of your weekend, you may go directly to the breakfast to receive your registration materials. Parking is reserved for alumni in the KC lot to the west of the Knutson Campus Center (off of Fifth Street). 6:30 P.M. Homecoming Banquet* – Courtyard by Marriott, Moorhead Registration required; seating reserved. Cost is $35. The Homecoming Banquet recognizes four distinguished grads with the presentation of the Alumni Achievement Award. Join us as we honor Dr. James Buhr ’67, Jean Bye ’79, Dr. Karen Feste ’66 and David Horazdovsky ’78. 7 P.M.-MIDNIGHT All-Reunion Gathering (for all class years) Courtyard by Marriott, Moorhead
Saturday, Oct. 8 7:30-8:30 A.M. registration; 9 a.m. Niblet Kids’ 1 Mile* (12 and under); 9:20 A.M. Cobber 5K* (all ages welcome) Register at ConcordiaCollege.edu/cobberfunrun. ($20 before Sept. 29; $25 after Sept. 29) Lace up your shoes for this annual 5K race. Kids 12 and under may race in the Kids’ 1 Mile. Registration is required separately from overall Homecoming registration and includes a T-shirt. Contact Garrick Larson with questions at gzlarson@cord.edu or 218.790.2306. Reunion Breakfasts* Spend time with your classmates during these special class breakfasts. If your breakfast is your first event of the weekend, go directly there to check in and receive your registration materials. See insert for times, locations and prices for all reunion-year breakfasts. 9-11 A.M. Breakfast for Classes 2014-2015 – Mick’s Office, Moorhead Registration not required. Pancakes and beverages available for purchase. 10 A.M. Academic Open House – Atrium, Knutson Campus Center Meet with current professors and students to find out what’s going on in your former department. 11
Homecoming Cont.
*Requires pre-registration, an RSVP and/or a fee. See insert for reunion details and a registration form.
10 A.M. Education Department Alumni Reception – Second Floor, Old Main The Education Club invites current and former education majors to gather for refreshments and conversation. 10-11 A.M. Library Reunion* First Floor Reference Room, Carl B. Ylvisaker Library All former library employees and alumni who work in libraries or archives are invited to gather and catch up on what’s happening at the Carl B. Light refreshments provided. RSVP by contacting Dawn Swenson at dswenso6@ cord.edu or 218.299.4640, indicating your class year and what years you worked in the library (if applicable). 11 A.M. Homecoming Parade – Eighth Street, Moorhead Route starts from Townsite Center near McDonald’s and ends at the Jake Christiansen Stadium. NOON Cobber Wrestling Tailgate – Behind third baseline dugout All wrestling alumni, family and friends are invited for hot dogs, snacks and beverages before the football game. No RSVP required. NOON General Tailgating – Jake Christiansen Stadium 1 P.M. Football vs. St. Thomas* – Jake Christiansen Stadium Tickets are available at the gate. During halftime, the 2016 Athletic Hall of Fame inductees will be recognized. 1 P.M. Men’s Soccer vs. Carleton Soccer Field 3 P.M. Women’s Soccer vs. Carleton Soccer Field 4 P.M. Lambda Delta Sigma Alumni Tea* Birkeland Alumni Lounge, Offutt Concourse The ladies of LDS invite all LDS alumnae to stop by to enjoy treats and share their experiences and memories of Lambda Delta Sigma. RSVP to Samantha Wiese at lds.alum.cc@gmail.com or 218.255.3327.
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5 P.M. Athletic Hall of Fame Reception* Centrum, Knutson Campus Center Registration is required. Hors d'oeuvres will be served. Cost is $15. The following 2016 Athletic Hall of Fame inductees will be honored: Erica (Hanson) Reid ’94 (Women's Basketball), Todd Hashbarger ’98 (Men's Soccer and Hockey), Marc Terris ’94 (Men's Hockey), Jason Trichler ’93 (Men's Cross Country and Track & Field). 6:30 P.M. Homecoming Concert – Memorial Auditorium Free. Arrive early to get a good seat. 7 P.M. Track & Field and Cross Country Social 3126 Rivershore Drive, Moorhead Track & field and cross country alumni and their families/ significant others are invited to the home of Garrick and Mary Larson for finger foods and beverages. No need to know anyone else coming; stop by! Freewill donations accepted for the track and field and/or cross country programs. 8 P.M. Men’s Soccer Alumni Gathering* – Usher’s House, Moorhead This is an opportunity for alumni of all ages to come together and talk about Cobber soccer. Food and drinks can be purchased on your own. Contact Coach Benjamin Schneweis at bschnewe@cord. edu or 218.299.4162 with questions and to let him know if you plan to attend. Reunion Gatherings* See insert for locations and prices.
Sunday, Oct. 9 10 A.M. Men’s Soccer Alumni Game* – Jake Christiansen Stadium Turf Step back on the field and compete in a friendly game against each other. Contact Coach Benjamin Schneweis at bschnewe@cord.edu or 218.299.4162 to let him know if you plan to attend. 10 A.M. Women’s Soccer Alumnae Game* – Soccer Field Contact Kevin Roos at kroos@cord.edu if you’re interested. 10:30 A.M. All-Campus Worship – Memorial Auditorium
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Concordia Language Villages International Day July 8 and Aug. 12 Everyone is welcome at International Day! International Day is a gathering of roughly 2,000 villagers, staff, parents and guests. It is also a day that we welcome back former villagers and staff and invite them to “renew their passports” by reliving some of their favorite memories. International Day will be held from 1-5 p.m. at Waldsee, the German Language Village (8659 Thorsonveien NE, Bemidji, Minn.), and is open to the public. For more information, visit ConcordiaLanguageVillages.org/internationalday. Celebrating 50 Years in Bemidji Concordia Language Villages is celebrating 50 years of building a global community on the shores of Turtle River Lake. The Concordia Language Villages’ permanent site is just north of Bemidji, Minn., nestled on over 800 acres of wooded land around Turtle River Lake. The Language Villages brings approximately 10,000 people to the Bemidji area annually. This summer, the Language Villages will recognize the acquisition of the property and share details of the economic impact the organization has had on the Bemidji community. Adult, Educator and Customized Training Programs Learning comes naturally when you are free from the distractions of everyday life. Build your confidence in speaking through international and spontaneous activities that easily translate to real-life situations. Learn more about our immersive learning approach. Upcoming programs include: Finnish: Sept. 3-9 French: Aug. 28-Sept. 3 and Sept. 18-24 German: Sept. 25-Oct. 1 Italian: Aug. 22-27 Norwegian: Sept. 25-Oct. 1 Spanish: Sept. 4-10, Oct. 2-7 (for professionals), Oct. 2-5 (for healthcare professionals) and Oct. 9-15 Swedish: Oct. 16-22 14
Global Travel ConcordiaCollege.edu/alumnitravel Greece and Turkey Sept. 17-Oct. 2, 2016 Travel along the rugged and beautiful coastline of southwest Turkey and the Corinth Canal with Dr. Jim Aageson, professor emeritus of religion. During these two weeks, you will explore and witness the holy epicenters of ancient Greek, early Christian, Byzantine and Muslim communities. China March 15-29, 2017 Go with Dr. Tao Ming, associate professor of Chinese, to several cities including Beijing, Chengdu, Chonquing and Shanghai. You will explore two UNESCO World Heritage sites, temples and artifacts. You will walk on bamboo paths with pandas and experience the thrill of a high-speed train. Germany Cycling June 7-16, 2017 Join President William and Anne Craft for a bicycle trip through Thuringia, where Luther, Goethe and Bach worked and lived. Excellent biking trails lead to historical towns along rivers and lovely countryside. Bicycles are lightweight 24-speed hybrids with upright handle bars and saddle bags; most days involve a 30-35 mile ride on moderate paths. Opera in Italy July 2017 David Hamilton, professor of voice, takes you to Venice, Verona, Milan, Florence, Rome and more. You will be awed by beautiful art and shop in the global capital of fashion and design. You’ll get a backstage look at opera houses and experience evening performances. There will even be time to explore historic sites.
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Honoring our Alumni The National Alumni Board recognizes alumni who are notably carrying out the mission of the college and who have distinguished themselves in their careers and service to others by conferring upon them the Alumni Achievement Award (alumni of more than 20 years) and the Sent Forth Award (alumni of less than 20 years). We also honor alumni of any age who are devoted to local community service with the Called to Serve Award. Nominate an outstanding alumnus/a for and learn more about these awards at ConcordiaCollege.edu/alumniawards. Sent Forth Award Recipients Amy (Schroeder) Kircher ’97 is director of the Food Protection and Defense Institute, a Homeland Security Center of Excellence, where she coordinates a research consortium of experts dedicated to protecting the food system. She is also an assistant professor in the College of Veterinary Medicine at the University of Minnesota. Kircher received graduate degrees in public health from the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse and the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Miquette (Denie) McMahon ’06 worked at a nursing home and a hospital in Detroit Lakes, Minn., for a year after graduation before returning to Haiti to work as a school nurse and teacher. She founded TeacHaiti, a nonprofit organization that raises funds to send children to school in Haiti. Currently, TeacHaiti educates more than 350 students through student scholarships. Called to Serve Award Recipients Jean (Pederson) Johnson ’76 recently retired from 35 years of service to Windom Public Schools. She was awarded both the MCEA Region 2 Community Educator of Excellence Award and Windom Mayor Medal of Honor for Schools/Education in 2014. She co-founded the Child’s Eye View Day Care Center and has participated in many community organizations. She is a member of American Lutheran Church of Windom and has served as a lay assistant minister. Barbara (Peterson) Prather ’87 has served as the executive director of the Northeast Iowa Food Bank since 1999. She is the current chair of Iowa Food Bank Association and serves on the Met Transit Board. She currently serves in a variety of roles at St. Timothy Lutheran Church in Hudson, Iowa. She is married to Jim Prather and they have a daughter, Stephanie, who will be a sophomore. 16
Alumni Achievement Award Recipients Dr. James B. Buhr ’67 has devoted his life to global influence as a family practice physician for more than 40 years. He has served in Chicago, Minnesota, North Dakota, South Africa, Liberia and Cameroon. In 2006, he represented Global Health Ministries in assessing the need to build a hospital in Central African Republic. Once it was built, he returned to evaluate the services provided by it. In Valley City, N.D., he serves as county health officer/medical director, coroner, and is the primary physician for more than 100 individuals at the Open Door Center, which serves adults and children with disabilities and mental health needs. Jean E. Bye ’79 has been focused throughout her career at Dotson Iron Castings on building a company that outperforms the competition while creating a culture that values and inspires employees. Today, she is president and CEO of the iron foundry in Mankato, Minn. In 2014, she initiated a special interest group within the American Foundry Society that mentors and coaches women in the industry. She is the first woman to serve on the society’s executive committee and will be the president of the association in 2018. Additionally, she has been invited to participate in the invitation-only International Foundry Forum twice. Dr. Karen A. Feste ’66 has contributed to the field of international relations through her work in conflict resolution, terrorism and U.S. military intervention. A professor at the Josef Korbel School of International Studies, University of Denver, some of her students became prominent policymakers. She founded and directs the university graduate program in conflict resolution, securing a $1.4 million grant from the Henry Luce Foundation for its development. She’s published six books including "Plans for Peace," "Expanding the Frontiers" and "Terminate Terrorism." Feste was twice a Fulbright Scholar to Vienna, Austria, and held visiting professorships in China, Germany and Turkey. She’s on the advisory board for the Oslo Center for Peace and Human Rights and active in Forward Global Women. David J. Horazdovsky ’78, president and CEO of the Evangelical Lutheran Good Samaritan Society, has key passions for innovative care and consumer-focused service. As leader of the nation’s largest nonprofit provider of long-term care, housing and senior services, he emphasizes well-being and improved environments. He joined the society in 1978 and was tapped to lead the organization in 2003. In addition to his work with the society, he serves as a board member of a healthcare technology company and a national affordable housing trust company. He continues to be involved in public policy and advocacy for seniors. 17
Update your information, particularly email address, at ConcordiaCollege.edu/classnotes.
To be more sustainable, we are reducing the publications we mail. Please consider this your invitation to the events in this booklet. Look for reminders and registration via email and online at ConcordiaCollege.edu/alumni or on social media (view channels at ConcordiaCollege.edu/social).
218.299.3734 • alumni@cord.edu
Alumni Relations
Whether it’s your reunion year or not, there’s an activity for you Oct. 7-9! Find all the details you need for a spirited weekend on pages 10-13.
information inside!
HOMECOMING
2016
919650/27.9M/0616
Concordia College Office of Alumni Relations 901 8th St. S. Moorhead MN 56562
CONCORDIA COLLEGE
PAID
NONPROFIT U.S. POSTAGE