Alumni Events & Programs (2019)

2019-20

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ConcordiaCollege.edu/alumni

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.

Greetings from Concordia Greetings from Concordia! Join us in welcoming the Class of 2019 into the Alumni Association, as we send them forth to influence the affairs of the world. And know that you, too, are a key part of this Cobber community that spans the globe. Whether you love Corn Feeds, want to spend time with students, make annual pilgrimages to Homecoming, enjoy global travel opportunities, or support a scholarship, there is a place for you to connect, engage, support and share as a Cobber.

Are you connected? Don’t forget to follow us on Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn and watch for alumni events at ConcordiaCollege.edu/alumni. Stay tuned for your class letter in the next few months and nominate exceptional Cobbers that you feel deserve to be recognized by our alumni awards.

We hope that you enjoy reuniting with fellow Cobbers, wherever this message finds you.

Have a wonderful summer. We look forward to seeing you soon!

Ted Horan ’96 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, through active engagement, supporting enrollment, giving and career initiatives. Board members serve a four-year term, with the exception of officers, and are recommended by peers at ConcordiaCollege.edu/nabnomination.

OFFICERS President: Ted Horan ’96 Vice President: Karen (Pfaff) Paul ’84

Secretary: Rodney Hanson ’82

ALUMNI BOARD MEMBERS Ann Beck ’80 Kathryn (Kathy) Benson ’64 Sharon (Muir) Buhr ’68 Tim Bye ’79 Jeff Cadwell ’89 Karl Carlson ’93 Elizabeth (Maiers) Cheney ’03

Alexandre Cyusa ’15 Sarah (Cobb) Guzman ’07 Michelle (Lee) Haaland ’86 Anna Haugo ’14 Mary (Moe) Johnson ’73 Daniel Leingang ’92 Ryan McAdam ’12 Emily (Ortloff) McGarvey ’02

Rolf Pederson ’93 Treavor Peterson ’03 Karen (Lattu) Polzin ’77 Steve Rohr ’92 Cynthia Sillers ’70 Kristine (Lomis) Simon ’79 Ron Struxness ’63 Eric Warren ’74

MEMBERS ELECT Eric Beenken ’88 Jon Evert ’68

Rosemary “Rosie” (Sauvageau) Nestingen ’10 Pete Seljevold ’84

Aaron Siegle ’05 Ashley Thompson ’16

ARE OUR BEST RECRUITERS What can you do? Share your Concordia experience with future Cobber students and refer them at ConcordiaCollege.edu/refer.

WHY CONCORDIA?

93%

More than 93% of Cobbers continue their education or have jobs within nine months of graduation.

99%

More than 99% of Concordia students are awarded financial aid, with an average of $29,000 assistance.

2.4%

The Fargo-Moorhead metro area has a booming economy with an emphasis on entrepreneurship. Its unemployment rate is 3.0 percent compared to the national rate of 3.6 percent.

TH E CONCORD IA

COMMITMENT ConcordiaCollege.edu/commitment CAREER Working toward long-term career goals begins the moment you step on campus.

AFFORDABILITY Generous financial aid awards bring the average cost of attendance to just $22,379 FOUR-YEAR GUARANTEE Current Cobbers are ready for what’s next in four years. Guaranteed.

LEARNING + DOING Signature integrative learning opportunities (PEAKs) give an edge in future academic and occupational endeavors.

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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.

Cobber Salt – Student And Alumni Linked Together 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 dynamic 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 at ConcordiaCollege.edu/classnotes.

Career Services We’ve still got your back whether you are job hunting or in 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 on the Concordia networking platform Concordia.JoinHandshake.com/login.

On-Campus Access and 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 during the academic year.

News & Media News & Notes Know what’s happening by subscribing to the electronic Concordia newsletter at ConcordiaCollege.edu/newsnotes (weekly emails September-May; monthly June-August).

Concordia Magazine Read campus highlights, class notes and Concordia stories by mail or online in the winter at ConcordiaCollege.edu/magazine 2

Engage

By sharing your ideas, time or resources, you make immense contributions to past, current and future Cobbers. If you’d like to participate, contact Alumni Relations at 218.299.3734 or visit ConcordiaCollege.edu/engage.

Mentor/Professional Guide 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.

Post job opportunities for young Cobbers at Concordia.JoinHandshake.com.

Book Club Join a private online forum where alumni discuss a variety of literature at pbc.guru/cord.

Class Agent Write the annual summer class letter with updates on your classmates, and work with the reunion planning committee during your reunion years.

Reunion Team Assist your class agent with class celebrations and fundraising goals. Invite classmates to your reunion and to give back in honor of the important milestone.

Twin Cities or Fargo-Moorhead Cord Committee Plan social, educational, networking and service activities for alumni in the Minneapolis/St. Paul metro area and the many alumni in Fargo/West Fargo/Moorhead.

Corn Feed Host Gather area alumni to strengthen relationships between alumni, parents and students.

Costs up to $200 are reimbursed.

Minneapolis Concordia Women Connect Committee Organize speaker events twice a year, designed for alumnae to network and engage with world topics.

National Alumni Board (NAB) Provide valuable feedback, recruit new students, encourage giving, support career readiness and recognize outstanding alumni contributions.

Alumni Sustainability Network Encourage a lifestyle of sustainability among students and in your community.

Regional Alumni Volunteer Engage local alumni through social, mentoring, educational or volunteer activities.

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thecampaignforconcordia

THANK YOU

TO G E T H E R W E H AV E R A I S E D

$157.3 MILLION

We concluded the Rise Campaign on April 30 – eight months earlier than planned. Thanks to the generosity of our alumni and friends, we exceeded our goal to reach $150 million by Dec. 31, 2019.

WE RI SE IN MISSION TO CHAMPIO N:

NTEGRATIVE L E A R N I N G

so Concordia students can apply their classroom discoveries to the grand challenges of work and citizenship.

NCLUSIVE L E A R N I N G

so Concordia students can flourish in the abundant diversity of peoples and cultures that we are called to serve.

NNOVATIVE L E A R N I N G

so students of every age and stage of life can grow through the virtue and value of a Concordia education.

Thank you to all who made this campaign a success!

RISE CAMPAIGN ACHIEVEMENTS: Constructed the Integrated Science Center Opened the Offutt School of Business' Innovation Lab and James Parke Technology Center

Hired Concordia’s first Chief Diversity Officer

Renovated the wrestling facility

Educated students from 33 countries and 32 states

Reached an all-time endowment high of $130 million

Awarded $60+ million annually in financial assistance for students to access a Concordia education

Created the Center for Student Success in the rennovated Normandy

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Dedicated the Martin Luther King Center in the Knutson Campus Center

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 happenings through Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn and other social media channels. Be sure to use #cordmn.

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 at CobberBookstore.com Give Your financial gifts make a difference in the lives of our students. Learn more at ConcordiaCollege.edu/giving.

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 “Little Niblet” 18-month T-shirt. To request one, fill out the class notes 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.

Being a Cobber doesn’t stop when you walk across the graduation stage – stay connected with us as you move into the next stage of your life.

With young alumni events in the Twin Cities and Fargo-Moorhead, a special Facebook group with updates and invites, and the chance to create events in your own community, we hope you’ll keep living the Cobber dream. Reach out to Matt Dymoke, assistant director of Alumni Relations, at mdymoke@cord.edu to get involved.

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Dates to Remember

For details, registration and additional events, visit Concordia College.edu/alumninews.

Alumni Golf Tournaments Finn/Carol Grinaker Golf Tournament 11:30 a.m. July 8 Meadows Golf Course Moorhead

Concordia Baseball Golf Scramble 9:30 a.m. July 29 Greystone Golf Club Sauk Centre, Minn.

More Alumni Events

Concordia Language Villages International Days July 5 and Aug. 9

Concordia Football Golf Tournament 10:30 a.m. Aug. 2 Moorhead Country Club Cobber Golf Tournament Noon Aug. 26 Meadows Golf Course Moorhead

Lorentzsen Luncheons Sept. 13, Oct. 18, Nov. 8, Feb. 14, March 13, April 17 Barry Auditorium, Moorhead

Concordia Night at MN United 7 p.m. July 13 Family Weekend Allianz Field, St. Paul, Minn.

Sept. 20-22 ConcordiaCollege.edu/familyweekend Twin Cities Corn Feeds July 28 | Central Park Pavilion, Eagan Conversation with Paul Dovre Aug. 4 | Purgatory Creek Park Pavilion 4 p.m. Sept. 26 Eden Prairie Hear Concordia President Emeritus Aug. 11 | Lions Park Pavilion Dr. Paul Dovre’s perspectives on Maple Grove decisions and events that have helped shape Concordia.

Cobber Night at the Location TBD RedHawks 14th National Book Awards 7:02 p.m. July 30 at Concordia Newman Outdoor Field Oct. 3-4 Cobber Night at MN Twins Homecoming 7 p.m. Aug. 8 Oct. 11-13 Target Field, Minneapolis ConcordiaCollege.edu/homecoming Moorhead Corn Feed The Concordia 5:30 p.m. Aug. 21 Near Prexy’s Pond, Concordia College Orchestra Tour Oct. 27-Nov. 3 (Home Concert) Concordia at Minnesota ConcordiaCollege.edu/orchestratour State Fair Twin Cities Offutt Aug. 22-Sept. 2 School Presents (Aug 24: Young Alumni Day) Oct. 31 Millennium Hotel, Minneapolis Move-In Day 7 a.m.-1 p.m. Aug. 25 Every Cobber Counts Welcome students and help them Challenge move in. Gather after for lunch and Nov. 12-14 fellowship.

Support student scholarships

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Clay Nagel Wrestling Golf Tournament 11 a.m. Sept. 14 Meadows Golf Course Moorhead

Concordia Christmas Concerts 7 p.m. Dec. 6, 2 and 7 p.m. Dec. 7 2 p.m. Dec. 8 (President's Dinner Dec. 7) Moorhead Concordia Christmas Concerts 6 and 8:30 p.m. Dec. 12 (President's Reception prior to both concerts) Minneapolis The Concordia Band Tour 2020 Feb. 2-9 (Home Concert) ConcordiaCollege.edu/bandtour The Concordia Choir Tour 2020 Feb. 29-March 15 (Home Concert) ConcordiaCollege.edu/choirtour Fargo/Moorhead Offutt School Presents April 8, 2020 Courtyard by Marriott, Moorhead Celebration of Student Scholarship April 15, 2020 Commencement Weekend 2020 May 1-3 May 3, Legacy Luncheon

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

Alexandria, Minn., Aug. 13 Bismarck, N.D., Aug. 4 Boise, Idaho, Sept. 7 Boston, Mass., June 29 Brainerd, Minn., Aug. 12 Des Moines, Iowa, Sept. 8 Duluth, Minn., Aug. 1 Eagan, Minn., July 28 Eden Prairie, Minn., Aug. 4 Kalispell, Mont., Aug. 29 Litchfield, Minn., Aug. 14 Maple Grove, Minn., Aug. 11

Menomonie, Wis., July 27 Milwaukee, Wis. Aug. 3 Moorhead, Minn., Aug. 21 Omaha, Neb., Aug. 3 Phoenix, Ariz., Nov. 3 Portland, Ore., Aug. 14 Rochester, Minn., Aug. 15 Sioux Falls, S.D., Aug. 5 Thousand Oaks, Calif., Aug. 17 Washington D.C., Sept. 8 Willmar, Minn., July 29

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*Requires preregistration, an RSVP and/or a fee.

See insert for reunion details and a registration form.

Thursday, Oct. 10 9:50 A.M. Chapel – Centrum, Knutson Campus Center 5-9 P.M. 50th Reunion Opening Reception and Registration* Heritage Hjemkomst Center, 202 1st Ave. N., Moorhead

8 P.M. “Crimes of the Heart” – Frances Frazier Comstock Lab Theatre

Concordia Theatre presents Beth Henley's Pulitzer Prize-winning play at 8 p.m. Oct. 10-11/2 p.m. Oct. 12-13. Free alumni tickets available starting Oct. 1 at ConcordiaCollege.edu/theatretix

7 P.M. Frosh Frolics – Olson Forum 8:45 P.M. Bonfire and Fireworks – Jake Christiansen Stadium

Friday, Oct. 11 9:50 A.M. Homecoming Chapel – Centrum, Knutson Campus Center

Hear a message from the 2019 Homecoming Committee chair, Laurel Redmond '20.

10 A.M.-7 P.M. Homecoming Registration – Atrium, Knutson Campus Center Pick up nametags, tickets and your weekend program.

12:30 P.M. 50th Reunion Luncheon with President William Craft Centrum, Knutson Campus Center Enjoy lunch with classmates and professors emeritus and hear from President Craft.

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2019 HOMECOMING TSHIRTS

3:30-5:30 P.M. Class of 1954 Reception – Hoff Lounge, Knutson Campus Center 5:30-6:30 P.M. Pre-Banquet Social Hour – Atrium, Knutson Campus Center

Cash bar available

6:30 P.M. Homecoming Banquet* – Centrum, Knutson Campus Center

Registration required; seating reserved – Cost is $45 per person Honoring Alumni Achievement Awardees Dr. Paul Brandvik ’59, Dr. Kristi Ferguson ’71, the Rev. Ann Svennungsen ’77 and Dr. Thomas Samuelson ’81

7 P.M.-12 A.M. All-Reunion Gathering (all class years) – Courtyard by Mariott, Moorhead 8 P.M.-12 A.M. Band/Orchestra/Choir All-Reunion Gathering (for all class years) Courtyard by Mariott, Moorhead

Saturday, Oct. 12 7-8 A.M. Registration for Cobber 5K Fun Run & Kids' Niblet 1 Mile* 8:30 A.M. Homecoming Cobber 5K* (all ages welcome) 9:30 A.M. Kids’ Niblet Mile* (12 and under) Memorial Auditorium, south side of basketball arena Register at runsignup.com/Race/MN/Moorhead/Cobber5k $20 early registration before Oct. 6 (includes t-shirt) $25 after Oct. 6 (includes t-shirt based on availability)

8, 8:30 OR 9 A.M. Reunion Breakfasts*

Receive your registration materials at your breakfast.

See insert for times, locations and prices for all reunion-year breakfasts.

9:30-11 A.M. Young Alumni Breakfast (classes 2015-19) – Mick’s Office, Moorhead Registration not required; pancakes and beverages available for purchase

10 A.M. Academic Open House – Atrium, Integrated Science Center

Meet current professors and students in your former department.

10-10:45 A.M. Education Department Alumni Reception – 2nd Fl., Old Main

The Education Club invites past and present education majors for refreshments.

10-11 A.M. Library Reunion* – First Floor Reference Room, Carl B. Ylvisaker Library

RSVP Dawn Swenson: dswenson6@cord.edu or 218.299.4640, indicating grad and libary employment years

11 A.M. Homecoming Parade – Eighth Street, Moorhead

Route: Townsite Center near McDonald's to the Jake Christiansen Stadium

The Viola “Vi” Thompson ’57 Collection – Barry Auditorium Lounge Purchased through the generosity of Lowell Thompson ’57 in memory of his wife, Viola “Vi” Thompson ’57, these eight print and sculpture pieces feature midwestern artists who have made their mark in the art community and education field.

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11:30 A.M.-12:30 P.M. Offuttt School of Business Tours – Grant Center

Meet up with tour guides outside of The BREW coffee shop. Contact Carol Hedberg with questions: chedber3@cord.edu, 218.299.3305.

NOON General Tailgating – Jake Christiansen Stadium

Student Alumni Event: Enjoy food-truck-style food before the game and visit with current students.

NOON Cobber Wrestling Tailgate

Jake Christiansen Stadium (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

1 P.M. Football vs. Gustavus – Jake Christiansen Stadium

Tickets are available at the gate. During halftime, the 2019 Athletic Hall of Fame inductees will be recognized.

1 P.M. The Concordia Choir Reunion* René Clausen's Retirement Year

Hvidsten Hall; Cost is $10 Current and past choir members bid farewell to Dr. René Clausen, thanking him for his years of service. Choir alumni close out the Homecoming Concert with three scores by Clausen, Paul J. Christiansen and F. Melius Christiansen ("Beautiful Savior").

3-5 P.M. Lambda Delta Sigma Alumni Tea – Lower Commons, Grant Center Past and present LDS alumni will enjoy treats and share memories.

RSVP to Kat Nicholson: lds.alum.cc@gmail.com, 952.456.1761.

4-6 P.M. Golden Cobber Gathering (1968 and before) – Birkeland Alumni Lounge Cost is $5; Light refreshments will be served.

4 P.M. Class of 1959 Social and Buffet Dinner

Sons of Norway, 722 2nd Ave. N., Fargo Pay $15 at the door; 4 p.m. social, 5p.m. Buffet Dinner

5 P.M. Athletic Hall of Fame Reception* – Barry Auditorium, Grant Center Registration is required. Hors d' oeuvres will be served. Cost is $17 The 2019 Athletic Hall of Fame inductees will be honored.

6:30 P.M. Homecoming Concert – Memorial Auditorium Free; arrive early to get a good seat.

8:30 P.M. Reunion Gatherings*

See insert for times, locations and prices for all reunion-year gatherings.

Sunday, Oct. 13 10:30 A.M. All-Campus Worship – Memorial Auditorium All are welcome!

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GLOBAL TRAVEL ConcordiaCollege.edu/alumnitravel

Vietnam and Cambodia // May 5-17, 2020 Experience Southeast Asia's ancient and fascinating culture on this journey. Join Dr. Polly Kloster, associate professor of nursing, and Dr. Gay Rawson, professor of French, on their fifth adventure combining vocation and vacation. Our tour includes working with longtime partner Giving it Back to Kids, visits to the Angkor Temples and Ha Long Bay, UNESCO World Heritage sites, Wat Thmey (the killing field in Siem Reap), floating villages, cooking classes, artisans, markets, temples, dance performances, and much more.

Lutherland and the Passion Play // May 17-30, 2020 Join faculty leaders Dr. Roy Hammerling, chair/professor of religion, and Dr. Larry Papenfuss, director of the Dovre Center for Faith and Learning, on this 12-day trip that will take you to the landmarks and countryside that influenced Martin Luther. Enjoy an opportunity to see the highly anticipated Oberammergau Passion Play, the 42nd decennial productions since the 1600s.

Alumni Volunteer Opportunity in Tanzania and Haiti Experience alumni travel as global service learning with a team of volunteers from Concordia College and Concordia Language Villages. Join a team teaching English or French in Tanzania or Haiti in summer 2020 (exact dates TBD).

Mind, Majesty and Meaning // Fall 2020 This extraordinary journey will take you from Lucerne to Salzburg and then on to Prague with Dr. Susan Cordes Green, associate professor of psychology. This trip incorporates traditional travel activities, sightseeing, events, exploration and group companionship with a focus on individual renewal and personal growth via a focus on nature, the arts and mindfulness practices.

Outlander Trip to Scotland // May 2021 Follow the footsteps of Jamie and Claire with an Outlander tour through the Lowlands and Highlands of Scotland with faculty leaders Dr. Amy Watkin, associate professor of English, and Dr. Darcie Sell, associate professor of psychology. Visit the areas in Scotland that inspired Diana Gabaldon’s “Outlander” books and filming locations for the “Outlander” TV series.

Spirituality of Wine Tour to Champagne, Alsace and Germany Mosel Regions May 4-15, 2021 The Spirituality of Wine Tour offers its participants an immersion into French and German culture, history and wine with co-leaders Dr. Roy Hammerling, chair/professor of religion, and Josh Hammerling, MFA, owner, and winemaker at Blue Ox Wine Co. in Berkeley, Calif. You’ll be introduced to rich religious history including medieval knights, chivalry, castles, Joan of Arc, and the history of French and German wine making. Enjoy the beautiful scenery, villages, churches and monasteries.

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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 for one of these awards and learn more about the awards at ConcordiaCollege.edu/alumniawards.

Sent Forth Award Recipients Matthew Culloton ’98, founding artistic director and conductor of The Singers – Minnesota Choral Artists, earned a master’s and a doctorate from the University of Minnesota. He is choirmaster at House of Hope Presbyterian Church in St. Paul, Minn., and an adjunct faculty member at the University of Saint Thomas. Culloton received the VocalEssence/ ACDA of Minnesota Creative Programming Award (2003) and MN ACDA Outstanding Young Choral Conductor of the Year Award (2004).

Betsy Grams ’98, is co-founder and executive director of CycleHealth which was founded in 2014 to equip kids to power their own wellness.

CycleHealth’s programs, based on adventure and self-directed goal attainment, are prescribed by pediatricians in more than 50 Twin Cities clinics through an innovative platform called Sweat Rx. Prior to cofounding CycleHealth, Grams was a high school English teacher, and director of an alternative school for students at risk for graduation.

Called to Serve Award Recipients Gayle Denny ’76 has served as executive director of the Evangelical Lutheran Education Association since 1999. She previously worked in congregationally based early childhood center management and taught pre-K through college in both public and private schools. She is a current board member of the Council for American Private Education. She has devoted her life to being a member of the ELCA, serving both the church and her community.

LaVern ’54 and Lois Nornes ’56 spent their lives dedicated to the Lutheran faith. LaVern was a high school biology teacher, a driver’s education instructor and a high school hockey coach. Lois, a retired public school music teacher, was also director of music and senior choir director at their church. They’ve been active in Meals on Wheels, and as members of C400 and the National Alumni Board, among others. They received several awards from the college for their generous gifts and sponsor, in part, the Nornes Lectureship.

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Alumni Achievement Award Recipients Dr. Paul Brandvik ’59, professor emeritus of music at Bemidji State University, served as director of choral activities for 31 years. Brandvik earned his Master of Music in voice from the University of Wisconsin and Doctor of Musical Arts in choral music from the University of Illinois.

Brandvik received several awards, guest conducted more than 100 festivals and workshops in 16 states and abroad, and composed, edited or arranged more than 50 works.

Dr. Kristi Ferguson ’71, is professor emeritus of General Internal Medicine and served as director, Office of Consultation and Research in Medical Education at the University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine from 1995-2018. Ferguson earned a master’s and doctorate at the University of Michigan and spent her career at Carver College where she greatly influenced the development, implementation, and evaluation of the curriculum. She’s served on committees for several national organizations and recently was elected as vice chair of the Lutheran School of Theology in Chicago Board of Directors.

Rev. Ann Svennungsen ’77, bishop of the ELCA Minneapolis Area Synod, is the first female bishop to serve in any of the ELCA’s six Minnesota synods. Svennungsen previously served churches in Iowa City, Edina and Moorhead, and as president and CEO of The Fund for Theological Education and president of Texas Lutheran University. A well-respected theologian and speaker, she is published in numerous journals, and is invited to lecture, preach, and provide keynote and commencement addresses.

Dr. Thomas Samuelson ’81, a board-certified ophthalmologist, is a founding partner and attending surgeon at Minnesota Eye Consultants, P.A., Minneapolis, adjunct professor at the University of Minnesota and on the faculty of Hennepin County Medical Center. He earned his medical degree at the University of Minnesota. Samuelson has received several awards, has been named to America’s Top Doctors each year since 2002, written numerous articles and given more than 600 presentations around the world.

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Update your contact information, particularly email address, at ConcordiaCollege.edu/classnotes or by calling 218.299.3743.

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/alumninews or on social media.

218.299.3734 • alumni@cord.edu

Alumni Relations

Whether it’s your reunion year or not, there’s an activity for you Oct. 10-13! Find all the details you need for a spirited weekend on pages 8-10.

– INFORMATION INSIDE –

HOMECOMING

2019

Concordia College Office of Alumni Relations 901 8th St. S. Moorhead MN 56562

CONCORDIA COLLEGE

PAID

NONPROFIT U.S. POSTAGE