SERVING FAMILIES IN NEED

Concordia alumni Pete and Jill Christopher have dedicated their careers to helping others.

BY KELLY HEYER

Vocation is often used in reference to a person’s occupation or career. However, theologian Frederick Buechner defines vocation as “the place where our deep gladness meets the world’s deep need.” The Concordia learning experience aims to transform students’ global understanding and compassion – inspiring them to serve the world’s greatest needs.

Living a life of service is certainly true for Pete Christopher ’99, resource development and marketing manager at Lake Agassiz Habitat for Humanity, and Jill (Anderson) Christopher ’01, CEO of Ronald McDonald House Charities of the Red River Valley.

However, finding their vocation likely wasn’t on their radar during their college search. Instead, they were looking for a college experience that met their personal and career goals. After one visit, Jill knew Concordia was the place for her. But Pete wasn’t so sure.

“My parents and my grandma went to Concordia, so I was adamant that I was not going to go to Concordia,” Pete says. “However, when I started to look more seriously at schools, I knew that would be a good fit.”

Although their time at Concordia overlapped and they both majored in business, Pete and Jill never met while in college.

“We actually met after college through a mutual Cobber friend,” Jill says. “We discovered we had many friends in common, so it was a little hard to believe that we didn’t meet until later. It was just the right timing.”

Jill has worked for nonprofit organizations her entire career. She was at Thrivent Financial for nine years before joining Ronald McDonald House Charities (RMHC) in 2010. Having served as a board member prior to working for RMHC, Jill felt a personal connection with the mission of the organization to help families of sick children.

“Pete’s nephew had been in the hospital and we got to see firsthand what a difference RMHC can make for families,” she says.

While the position doesn’t come without its challenges, serving families in their time of need brings a sense of meaning and purpose to Jill’s work.

“Seeing families having ‘normal’ moments during an abnormal time – eating dinner together, playing games, kids playing together in our playroom or outside – makes my day,” Jill says. “Helping families worry less about where to stay and what to eat allows them to focus on what matters more –getting their child well. Knowing we have helped them in that way is so rewarding.”

Jill’s passion and drive have helped countless families over the last decade. In her work as CEO, she oversaw the opening of the new Ronald McDonald House at Agassiz Xing and the Ronald McDonald Family Room at Essentia Health, both in Fargo. Jill has not only impacted the lives of the families RMHC serves, but she has made a difference in the lives of those she works with and her community.

“I worked alongside Jill for over 10 years and saw the profound difference she made, and continues to make, for the families that are being served at RMHC. Jill puts the families at the center of each decision and thoughtfully creates a meaningful experience for families, volunteers, donors, and staff,” Erica Johnsrud ’10 says. “Jill’s passion is inspiring. She’s a strong advocate for what she believes in, a savvy leader, devoted mother, and caring friend. Jill firmly believes in the power of people helping people. She has a knack for seeing the best in those around her and helping them to achieve things they didn’t even know were possible.”

Pete’s career began on a different path. His first job out of college was as a retail sales representative in the cellphone industry. He then combined his love of home improvement projects with his business marketing background to work in retail and property management before joining Lake Agassiz Habitat for Humanity.

“I hadn’t really thought about nonprofit work until this position opened up. I enjoy home improvement and building projects, so I was drawn to the work of Habitat. I’d also been involved with Habitat for years as a volunteer and board member,” Pete says. “I appreciate that this position allows me to use my sales and marketing background to do something to help others.”

Habitat for Humanity works to empower families through shelter. While the historic rise in building material costs the past few years has created challenges, Pete and the staff at Lake Agassiz work tirelessly to provide stability to families that need it most.

“Our program is built on the idea of empowering people. One of our tag lines is ‘Through Shelter, We Empower.’ As people work on their home, they build so much confidence. It is really amazing,” Pete says. “It’s also rewarding to see how much fun our volunteers have building homes.”

In 2018, Pete traveled to Vietnam as a volunteer with Habitat for Humanity to help build more than 21 homes for families who needed protection from the constant threat of floods.

“As members of the congregation I serve, I’ve had the opportunity to see the many ways in which Jill and Pete are called to love their neighbors,” the Rev. Kris Gorden ’89 says. “Pete has been a champion for Habitat families, spending countless hours working to provide shelter to those in need. He and Jill also serve in many volunteer roles in our church.”

Both Jill and Pete say their time at Concordia prepared them well for their current roles.

“The liberal arts education I received at Concordia brings a wide range of experience and knowledge that has proved invaluable in my role as CEO,” Jill says. “I have often drawn on classes outside my major and things I learned through clubs and activities.”

Concordia is committed to educating the whole person for a greater mission. Cobbers are given opportunities to discover more about themselves and the world around them in a nurturing yet challenging community.

“Concordia does a great job of preparing young people for the realities of the world and the people struggling in our community and around the world,” Pete says. “Whether grads go into nonprofit or not, most Cobbers want to help those in need.”