Concordia St. Paul Magazine | Spring 2018

Concordia St. Paul magazine SPRING 2018

C SP SPOTLIGHT Pages 10 –12

CSP Graduates Prepared for Meaningful Lives

CL ASS NOTES

Pages 2–9

Pages 22–26

C SP NEWS Pages 14 –17

Concordia University, St. Paul

1282 Concordia Ave St. Paul, MN 55104

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651-641-8810 1-866-GROW-CSP ave.csp.edu facebook.com/concordiastpaul

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Publisher

Office of University Advancement

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Editor and Writer

Tad Dunham Additional Editing and Writing

Tom Brandes Danielle Bredy (‘12) Amy Foster Amanda (Och, ’14, MBA ‘17) Padula Rhonda (Behm, ’88) Palmersheim Shelly Schwalm ('10)

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Design and Layout

IN THIS ISSUE:

Makayla King ('17)

2 Cover Story: Life of Purpose

Photography

Brian Evans ('07, MA '09) Reid Ridpath (MBA ‘17)

10 Q & A with Gretchen Walther

Printing

14 Serving up Faith and Food for Thought

13 CSP Ministry

Ideal Printers Inc. St. Paul, MN

16 Professor's Can-Do Approach to Training Service Dogs

About Us

20 Volleyball Alumna Honored by NCAA

Concordia University, St. Paul is a member of the Concordia University System, a national network of 10 colleges and universities of The Lutheran Church–Missouri Synod.

18 Faculty/Staff Highlights 29 Advancement Update

From the Archives

Mission

The mission of Concordia University, St. Paul, a university of The Lutheran Church–Missouri Synod, is to prepare students for thoughtful and informed living, for dedicated service to God and humanity and for the enlightened care of God’s creation, all within the context of the Christian Gospel. © 2018 Concordia University St. Paul

More than 3,000 people attended the dedication of the Luther Statue on October 30,1921.

Thoughts

from the President

One of the most enjoyable parts of my work as president of Concordia University St. Paul is visiting with alumnae and alumni all around the country. I am getting to an age where our more recent grads seem like my children, and I am as proud of them as if they were my own sons and daughters.

It is wonderful to see our graduates blossoming into capable professionals as they pursue their vocations, establish themselves in careers, start families, and find ways to be of service to their fellow human beings.

Last month I visited with a dozen or more alums at a national ministry conference in Phoenix, Arizona. Their passion for the work of the Gospel was palpable. Moreover, they were well-equipped with the knowledge, skills and attitudes to be effective in ministry. To a person they spoke about the rich, robust preparation they received at Concordia for service in the church, especially noting their exposure to people of different races, ethnicities, religions, and nationalities in CSP’s dynamic multicultural and urban environment.

A few weeks later, I made a swing through California, and met with a number of other impressive CSP grads. I spent time with Tyler Trost (BA ’12) in his offices on the twenty-third floor of a highrise building in downtown Los Angeles, where he is forging a successful career in business and garnering well-deserved recognition as an account executive with a multinational corporation. He credits the Concordia faculty who were part of his academic program, and even keeps in touch with a few of them today. In San Jose, I visited with Louansee “Lu” Moua (MBA, ’05), who has chosen a career in public service. She currently serves as Chief of Staff for a city council member and is highly regarded for her work in the community. A first-generation Hmong American, Lu became a Christian as a teenager and believes she is following a call from God as she works for stronger communities for all of San Jose’s citizens. I had dinner in Newport Beach with Michael Larsen (MBA ’09), whose entrepreneurial spirit led him to invent Cocokefir, an organic probiotic that is soon-to-be sold in stores throughout the United States. He and his family are literally changing lives with a living and vital natural food that helps restore and maintain intestinal health.

There are thousands of others like Tyler, Lu, and Michael. In this issue of CSP Magazine, you will read the success stories of other graduates, and celebrates the dedicated faculty and staff, who have helped them realize their aspirations and achieve their goals. At Concordia St. Paul we are fanatical about student success and continually hone our capacity as a university to prepare students for the next chapters in their lives. Recently the university adopted a new marketing campaign Creating Successful Professionals. Threaded throughout the technical preparation students receive for their chosen careers is a deep foundation in the liberal arts, a sense of divine purpose in life, and a broad vision to make a difference in the world. It is all part of our notion of delivering a personal and professional return on investment for both our undergraduate and graduate students. I can tell you this . . . it is work worth doing!

Rev. Dr. Tom Ries, President Concordia University, St. Paul CONCO RDIA ST. PAUL MAGAZINE • SPRING 2018

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THROUGHOUT THE DECADES, CONCORDIA ST.PAUL’S AIM HAS BEEN CLEAR:

To empower students to discover and engage their purpose for life, career, and service.

Anyone familiar with Concordia knows about its alumni’s track record of successes.

Yet, perhaps because CSP is steeped in Midwestern and Lutheran cultures that value humility, it hasn’t always “shouted out” far and wide the role it plays in those positive outcomes.

But now there are even more reasons why it should, as career preparation has become more central to the American college experience. Everyone from prospective students and their families to the employers who hire CSP alumni must hear loud and clear what a Concordia degree signifies.

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OFFERING WHAT STUDENTS SEEK Nearly every year since 1976, a survey from UCLA’s Higher Education Research Institute has been asking new college students why they decided to go to college. Only two answers have consistently come out on top over the years.

Since 1995, “to learn more about things that interest me” had been topping “to be able to get a better job” as the most frequently cited “very important” reason for going to college. But when the Great Recession took hold in 2008, the order of those two answers flipped, and “to be able to get a better job” has remained most important even as the economy has rebounded. In fact, the percentage of students who attend college for that reason has increased from 68 percent in 1976 to 85 percent now.

A new Gallup poll of Americans age 18 to 65 has made this motivation even more obvious, asking them for only one reason they pursued higher education. In that case, getting a good job was a far more prevalent answer at 58 percent, compared to the 23 percent who wanted to learn more and gain knowledge without linking it to work or career aspirations A Concordia education delivers it all—skills and knowledge; career-based learning and broad exploration; practical application and personal enrichment.

Still, prospective students and potential employers of Concordia alumni want to know: “To what result?”

This is certainly a fair question given the cost of a college education in America today. Concordia University, St. Paul has been a national leader in finding innovative ways to contain price increases. But the financial investment that every college student is expected to make is so significant that it’s sensible to question their return on investment.

Kimberly Craig is Concordia’s vice president for cohort enrollment management, and as she has observed, “We

are definitely seeing more students asking up front what will happen when they earn a Concordia degree. They want to see evidence that assures them their money will be well spent.”

Indeed, as prospective students and their families calculate a college’s value, they factor in not only cost, but also quality and outcomes.

“That means it is essential for a college to show students where it stands on all three of these things—cost, quality, and outcomes,” says Brian Evans, Concordia’s director of marketing and communications. “Value is about getting your money’s worth in terms of what happens while you’re a student and what happens after you graduate.”

According to national statistics, students want to see that their college experiences will result in a good job. Therefore, Craig, Evans, and the entire enrollment and marketing teams at Concordia want to show students (and their future employers) they will indeed get that—plus much more.

PROMISING A LIFE OF PURPOSE Since CSP announced its tuition reset in 2012, expanding awareness of its more affordable cost has been a priority. Thanks to efforts in that regard, now more students know Concordia’s tuition is almost half the average tuition of Minnesota’s other private colleges.

While CSP continues to spread the word about affordability, it is also highlighting successful student outcomes as a result of a Concordia education. Graduates are well equipped for a lifetime of career success and service in a variety of field and communities, but not in just an ordinary way. Concordia prepares students for career success in an educational framework that also promises a life of purpose.

THE CONCORDIA PROMISE Concordia University, St. Paul empowers you to discover and engage your purpose for life, career and service in a dynamic, multicultural, urban environment where Christ is honored, all are welcome, and Lutheran convictions inform intellectual inquiry and academic pursuits.

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Cover Story

Jayne Jones (’98), who teaches government courses at CSP, has her own personal way of thinking of it: “God created me for a life of purpose. And Concordia prepared me for it.” (Read her story on page 9).

The results of earning a Concordia degree are career success and preparation for a life of purpose because core values are embedded in the educational experience. They include Christian principles, a commitment to diversity, an exceptional student experience, and a servant leader mindset.

Danielle Tietjen (’03), who travels the country as an inspirational speaker and is active in urban renewal on Minneapolis’ North side, believes that Concordia’s grounding in Lutheran teachings was a meaningful differentiator in her education. “It gave words to understanding my heart and faith,” she says, which for her was instrumental in forging her career path.

(Danielle’s story is on page 7).

Importantly, these grounding principles transcend any one religious denomination to benefit students from all backgrounds, cultures, and beliefs. A key component of the educational experience at CSP is support systems for students who have traditionally been underserved by higher education.

For example, Kaolee Vang (’12, MA ’15), whose story is on page 6, specifically commends Cheryl Chatman, executive vice president and dean of diversity affairs, for “helping to keep me moving forward and learning.”

Delivering exceptional experiences to every student is Concordia’s commitment, and a substantial part of it involves connecting knowledge with its practical application beyond the classroom. Tim Sailer (’09), who has a successful career as a Shakespearean actor (see page 8), recalls how a combination of specific coursework, guest speakers, campus productions, and off-campus excursions pointed the way toward his career path.

Even beyond their career CSP alumni graduate with a servant leader mindset that leads to even broader fulfillment. For example, Dalton Outlaw (’09) not only went on to start a business by opening a boxing gym, but also made sure it focused on building community and included a nonprofit foundation to support local youth (see page 5).

Together, the distinctive elements of a Concordia education deliver quality to our students and add up to help ensure their success beyond graduation. Sonia Klukas (’03), who works for the U.S. Department of Justice (see page 5), says her CSP education gave her “skills I use personally and professionally to build confidence” and “empowered me to move in the direction I wanted to go.”

SONIA KLUKA (M.A. ‘03)

DEA Program Manager

Sonia Klukas planned to attend graduate school after obtaining her B.A. in International Relations from the University of Minnesota. She was working at the U of M and could have received a tuition-free degree there but chose to attend Concordia St. Paul.

In earning her master’s degree in education from Concordia, Klukas appreciated how her instructors and other leaders created a supportive environment for the students. After graduating, she continued her work with nonprofits in Minnesota and Washington, D.C. Klukas went on to work for the U.S. Justice Department as a Partnership Officer and then served a two-year term appointment with the U.S. Treasury Department as a Community Consultant under the U.S. President’s Financial Literacy Council.

“EVERY CLASS I TOOK INSPIRED ME. I AM PROUD OF MY EDUCATION FROM CONCORDIA” “I’m forever grateful to Concordia for the leadership courses and the systems thinking courses which helped me realize how I think,” adds Klukas. “These courses gave me specialized knowledge and taught me that I’m a strategic thinker and planner.

Today, as a Senior Program Manager with the Drug Enforcement Administration’s (DEA) Office of Congressional and Public Affairs, Klukas uses her community development background—and CSP education—to develop and implement national programs to support DEA’s outreach and educational efforts.

Giving back is very important to Klukas, who has been volunteering since she was 13 years old. Klukas has also made financial contributions to help Concordia build infrastructure and she is proud of her plans to include CSP in her estate planning.

“Concordia provided a great faith-based educational foundation.

Every class I took inspired me,” says Klukas. “I am proud of my education from Concordia”

DALTON OUTLAW (’09)

Community Builder and Entrepreneur Dalton Outlaw grew up near Concordia, but after high school he left St. Paul with a football scholarship and played for a community college in North Dakota. He believes going away and getting out of the city helped him become a man and learn more about himself—and that transferring to Concordia was a blessing.

Outlaw graduated with a degree in business management and worked odd jobs while he considered starting his own business. Having started boxing at the age of 8, he continued it after graduating from CSP. When he heard that the gym where he learned to box was closing, he decided to open his own small gym.

“IT’S IMPORTANT TO FIND YOUR PURPOSE IN LIFE. OTHERS ARE IMPACTED BY OUR PURPOSE, AND FINDING IT GIVES YOU A LIFE WORTH LIVING “I became certified as a boxing instructor and personal trainer, and in 2011, I opened Element Gym about a mile and a half from Concordia,” says Outlaw. “I had to sell my vehicle to raise money because I didn’t have enough capital or credit, and I used some sweat equity to open and later expand the business.”

Because he feels it’s important to give back to the community, Outlaw also formed the nonprofit Element Foundation, which provides scholarships and programs for under-served youth in the community. He believes he CONCO RDIA ST. PAUL MAGAZINE • SPRING 2018

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Cover Story

wouldn’t be the person he is today if not for the boxing gym where he could escape to as a youth. Today he uses his gym to similarly push and challenge kids to be successful.

Vang is currently taking classes at St. Mary’s University of Minnesota to obtain her license to do family and marriage counseling and to help teach skills to children.

“Concordia prepared me for a life of purpose by giving me the confidence I needed to succeed, and my classes helped me understand what business was like and what to expect,” says Outlaw. “The professors were great, and the small class sizes allowed me to have great relationships and friendships.

The school’s diversity also made me feel like I was home.”

Meanwhile, she is working full time as a production manager at Twin Cities PBS—where she has ascended despite lacking a media background. She was initially hired as an outreach coordinator, she then became a project manager and now a production manager. Her job is to facilitate work that leads to film, including coordinating schedules, communicating internally within Twin Cities Public Television (TPT) and externally, managing crews, and booking equipment used to shoot video.

Outlaw is married and has “two beautiful boys” and a baby due in July. He knows boxing might not be for them, but he wants them to be active in sports or theatre, and at least be able to defend themselves. Running the gym and foundation keeps him busy, particularly as he’s now working on The Art of Boxing - The Sport of Ballet, a unique performing and fundraising partnership with the St. Paul Ballet at the Ordway Center.

“MY CLASSES HELPED SHAPE WHO I AM AND CHALLENGED ME TO IMPROVE THE SKILLS I ALREADY HAD.”

“It’s important to find your purpose in life. Others are impacted by our purpose, and finding it gives you a life worth living—which is more valuable than climbing the corporate ladder,” adds Outlaw.

“Concordia helped my career achievement by giving me an outlet to develop my skill sets, such as public speaking, time management, and networking,” says Vang. “My classes helped shape who I am and challenged me to improve the skills I already had.”

KAOLEE VANG (‘12, M.A. ‘15)

She credits experiential learning and group work for boosting her communication skills, which have been particularly important in how she functions on her own team and interacts with the entire station staff.

Television Production Manager

Kaolee Vang started early at Concordia, taking classes as a high school junior as a part-time Postsecondary Enrollment Options (PSEO) student. During her senior year of high school, she took classes at CSP full time. So it was only natural that she’d choose Concordia for her bachelor’s degree.

Vang had planned to attend dental school after college, but an internship her junior year helped her realize dentistry wasn’t for her. Instead, after graduating with a major in biology and a minor in Hmong Studies, Vang enrolled in CSP’s master’s degree program in human services with an emphasis in forensic behavioral health.

“I worked at Concordia in the Office of Diversity Affairs, where I learned strong project management skills and my own personal development and networking skills. That’s also where I heard about Forensic Behavioral Health,” explains Vang. “I really like learning about mental health. There’s a big stigma about mental health issues in the community, and especially in the Hmong community. The forensics part was due to my interest in kids. I want to help kids understand and better care for their mental health.”

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“Everything happens for a reason, so I don’t think I’d do anything differently if I could go back in time,” says Vang as she reflects on her experiences at Concordia. “When you take things day by day, amazing opportunities come your way.”

DANIELLE TIETJEN (’03)

Inspirational Speaker

Attending Concordia was a transformative experience for Danielle Tietjen. As the first member of her family to move away from her home in Detroit and graduate from a university, she feels the students and faculty at CSP positively impacted her life. Concordia broadened Tietjen’s horizons, bringing knowledge about the world, religious context, life skills, and lifelong friendships.

“Initially I studied theatre, before one of my professors suggested moving to Christian Outreach,” says Tietjen. “I was skeptical, but it turned out to be the education I needed— not for a specific job or financial success, but to learn the framework that would hold my passion later.”

That passion has indeed held and grown. While Tietjen grew up in a “strong faith based environment” she needed her life to be part of a larger narrative and to support a wider, diverse community. She also wanted to learn what it meant to serve and be a light to people.

Tietjen got her opportunity while working as a National Event Director for Christian youth events. As she saw students disengage, Tietjen wanted a larger platform to interrupt kids’ status quo and help them see God in a new way. She wanted to be an inspirational, thought-provoking speaker. Her early education in theatre was instrumental in helping her confidence on a larger platform.

“While at a conference, a promoter told me she needed a speaker, and without hesitation I said I could do it. She took a chance, and a short time later I was speaking to 900 middle schoolers. I said ‘yes’ probably before I was ready,” laughs Tietjen. “But in learning while doing I was able to let go of all the expectations I had. Being a female speaker crossing religious and denominational lines is difficult at best, but also fascinating and educational.”

While Tietjen continues her work as an Inspriational speaker on a national level, her focus is closer to home, where she is raising three kids with her husband in North Minneapolis.

She is also a local community activist, writer, manages community gardens, and advocates for racial healing and justice. Her community is a complicated mix of underserved, low income, and misunderstood people in a high crime area, at what Tietjen calls, “the intersection of racism, classism, and privilege steeped in trauma and pain.”

“Advocating for my community involves listening to neighbors and hearing their struggles, only then can I give

“I REMEMBER SITTING IN AN OUTREACH CLASS AT CONCORDIA AND BEING TOLD, ‘SEE THE HEART OF GOD IN THIS." my privilege, my heart, and my time to fight for them,” says Tietjen. “Here, many are untrusting of the American Christian church, so I live my faith rather than speak it. I listen to those who are suffering and work to fight systems that have grown abusive and destructive.”

Tietjen understands how it feels to deal with outsiders’ perspectives and judgements to some degree. On a mission trip to Haiti, she saw residents sitting dejectedly amid refuse, and a member of her group questioned why they lived amidst garbage. Years later, after a tornado wreaked havoc on her Northside neighborhood and blew out all the windows in her home, she held her baby close while sitting on the stoop surrounded by broken glass. A church group came by handing out much appreciated bottled water, and she saw the same disapproving looks she had seen in Haiti— but now Tietjen was on the receiving end. This experience reinforced the tension between the church and community in the “us vs. them” mentality that Tietjen has dedicated her life and word to dismantle.

“I remember sitting in an outreach class at Concordia and being told, ‘See the heart of God in this.’ CSP broadened my understanding of scripture and humanity, and how to engage with scripture,” says Tietjen. “My training in Christian outreach built a framework of seeing who God is and His design for the unseen, unheard, and vulnerable. It gave words to understanding what my knew heart and what my faith looked like. It taught me that I can show up to my life every day as a forgiven and redeemed beloved.”

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Cover Story

TIM SAILER (‘09)

Shakespearean Actor After learning from great high school teachers in South Dakota, Tim Sailer’s plan was to become a high school English teacher and direct plays. He received theatre and music scholarship offers from Concordia, and since it seemed to him a great fit, he enrolled. Sailer ultimately decided to double major in English and theatre after taking several teaching classes and being cast in multiple plays.

“Concordia’s theatre faculty brought in guest artists who were making a living in theatre jobs and carving their own paths,” explains Sailer, “so I was shown these great models of people making a living in the arts.”

“IT WAS A SMALL, SAFE PLACE IN A BIG CITY, AND I FOUND REALLY WONDERFUL, CLOSE- KNIT GROUPS OF FRIENDS AND PEERS WHO LEARNED TO WORK TOGETHER. ALL THE STUFF I LOVE DOING HAPPENED AT CONCORDIA.” Now Sailer is doing the same, having worked as an actor for almost nine years. Along the way he completed the University of Houston’s MFA Professional Actor Training Program, where he worked 15 hours a day, five days a week for months honing his skills through stage combat, dialect and acting classes, and play rehearsals.

Since 2013, Sailer has lived in Stanton, Va. where he works at the American Shakespeare Center (ASC) with 11 fellow actors putting on plays in a rotating repertory. During his five years at ASC, Sailer has appeared in 35 productions.

“Being at ASC has been marvelous. They house me, and it’s in a great town in the Blue Ridge Mountains, two hours south of D.C. It’s been a lot of fun,” says Sailer. “My favorite roles have been playing Cassius in Julius Caesar and Horatio in Hamlet.”

Sailer greatly appreciates the hands-on, experiential learning opportunities he received at CSP. “That guided, practical experience and insight … I wouldn’t trade that for the world,” he says. He finds it amazing that he could be sitting in a class with 20 other students in the morning, and then in the afternoon they’d be working on plays—all in the same building.

He also appreciates the experiences he had and the connections he made through his instructors. These things helped him realize there isn’t just one way to be successful and that success is how you define it.

“Mark Rosenwinkel (’77), Chair of the Department of Theatre and Dance was just starting when I was at Concordia, and he’d say, ‘My friend is playing the lead at the Guthrie, and the opening is tonight. Would you like to attend?’ We’d go to the opening performance as well as the party afterward for the cast and crew,” Sailer recalls.

“Another thing I love about Concordia is how it’s very good about letting students explore other areas and try lots of things,” says Sailer. “It was a small, safe place in a big city, and I found really wonderful, close-knit groups of friends and peers who learned to work together. All the stuff I love doing happened at Concordia.”

Cover Story

JAYNE JONES (‘98)

Adjunct Professor and Author Jayne Jones, who has taught political science classes at Concordia for the past eight years, has come a long way since falling in love with public policy as a teenager during dinner table discussions about current events.

Since graduating from Concordia with a political science degree, Jones received her Juris Doctorate from William Mitchell College of Law; worked as a legislative policy aide in the U.S. Senate; worked for the Minnesota Speaker of the House and the Minnesota Commissioner of the Department of Labor and Industry; started Jones Beehler Group, which drafts federal and state legislation; founded Margaret’s Missions, a chaperone travel company for individuals with disabilities; and authored a novel about political shenanigans and a children’s books series.

“BEYOND WHAT CAN BE LEARNED FROM READING A TEXTBOOK, CSP ENRICHES CHRISTIAN BELIEFS, STEADFAST VALUES, AND LIFESTYLE CHOICES AND ACTIONS. I HAVE NO DOUBT GOD CREATED MY LIFE FOR A PURPOSE.”

school. It was a whim decision, and she calls it “the best darn whim decision of all time.” The decision shocked her parents because law school had never been discussed. In addition, she didn’t study for the LSAT and only applied to one school.

“Clearly, God had a plan even if I didn’t,” Jones observes.

Jones believes you don’t need to be a preacher or a Lutheran school teacher to have a life of purpose. Rather, she explains, God created our lives with purpose and we need to fulfill that purpose—whatever it is. It simply requires opening those doors of opportunity, seeking decisions through prayer, and doing, leading, and spreading good.

“Beyond what can be learned from reading a textbook, Concordia enriches Christian beliefs, steadfast values, and lifestyle choices and actions. I have no doubt God created my life for a purpose,” says Jones. “However, I was led by God to CSP, and my daily classroom guidance and the overall Christian atmosphere strengthened my beliefs, decisions, and actions. Today, I’m a proud Believer. I also understand and appreciate the purpose and role CSP has played—and continues to play—in my life.”

Jones’ personal belief is that God created her life for a purpose, direction, and reason, and that CSP prepared her for that life of purpose. Jones knows her life is working according to God’s plan.

“Concordia wasn’t high on my radar when I was in high school,” Jones recalls. “In fact, it wasn’t on my radar at all.

Thankfully, my dad found a CSP enrollment form tucked away in my high school guidance office and told me to fill it out.

The Admissions staff did a bang-up job by calling me weekly, and that helped influence my decision to enroll.”

After her sophomore year, Jones knew she wanted to major in political science. There was only one problem: CSP didn’t offer a political science major (although today’s students can minor in it). When Jones told the vice president of academic affairs that she would need to transfer, within minutes they began designing a personalized political science major.

Today, Jones proudly tells her students that her CSP claim to fame is being the “first” poli-sci major.

Working as a full-time live-in nanny after graduating from CSP, her employer family encouraged Jones to go to law

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CSP Spotlight

Q&A WITH GRETCHEN (TRAFTON, ’89) WALTHER Gretchen Walther has spent almost her entire career at Concordia, spanning the departments from admissions to academic advising to student success.

What launched your career at Concordia?

What are some highlights of your job?

After graduating with a bachelor’s degree with a social science (sociology) major, I was working selling furniture.

When a position opened in the Admissions Office in August 1989, I jumped at the opportunity of being able to work at my alma mater. I’ve been employed by CSP ever since.

Graduation is the most rewarding part. It’s an exciting time, and Concordia does a great job of making the ceremony really special. Most students have challenges— often they’re working in addition to school and have other things going on in their lives; It’s a privilege to help students navigate the process and see them complete their goal and receive their degree.

Why are you passionate about Concordia?

I came to Concordia following in the steps of my mom.

I loved my time on campus as a student and I met my husband here. My oldest daughter is now working on her master’s degree at CSP. I love what this university can do for people, and it’s an honor to see how CSP helps students and changes their lives. It’s an absolute privilege to work at a Christian college, and I treasure the opportunity.

What happens in the Academic Advising department you now direct?

We work to ensure students have an academic plan to complete their degree, understand policies and procedures and are connected with on-campus resources to ensure academic success.

What do you enjoy doing outside of your work?

I love to run in the morning to release stress and clear my head. My husband and I enjoy road trips to watch our younger daughter play basketball and we also love to travel, particularly to national parks.

What are some changes you’ve seen over the years?

Concordia has expanded to offer more courses, majors, online classes, and off-campus study options that meet the needs of today’s marketplace.

How has Concordia’s growth been a benefit?

It allows for more connections. I strongly believe in the value of the learning environment where students have opportunities to meet, and learn from, other students from different backgrounds and different areas of the world.

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CSP Spotlight

TRAVEL AND WRITING ARE TWIN PASSIONS English professor and English Department Chair, Eric Dregni combines his love of travel and writing as he guides students on study abroad trips.

Living in Europe for several years while growing up sparked a lifelong love of travel in English professor and Department Chair, Eric Dregni. He shares his unique travel experiences and cultural observations as an author and journalist. At Concordia, he helps students explore the history, art, and literature of other lands in the classroom and on study abroad trips.

A World Traveler Spending most of his childhood in Minnetonka, Minn., Dregni first traveled at a young age during early stints living in London and near Brussels.

His love of travel only continued as he grew up, inspiring him to spend a year as an exchange student in Italy as a high school senior.

Then as a student at Macalester College, he traveled in Central America for a semester as a “foreign correspondent” for the Mac Weekly during the Contra War in Nicaragua and the civil war in Guatemala. Later that same year, Dregni also went to Albania, Bulgaria, Turkey, and Greece, making him a true world traveler before finishing college.

Dregni went on to earn an MA in Italian and an MFA in Creative Writing from the University of Minnesota. Over the years, he’s worked in Italy as a travel journalist for a weekly paper and has been a Fulbright fellow in Norway. He taught in the Twin Cities as an adjunct professor for many years before coming to Concordia in 2008, where he is associate professor of English and journalism.

A Born Writer Since second grade, Dregni had been interested in writing—though he didn’t realize until his twenties that he would make writing his life’s work.

“My parents and brother also write, and my parents have always been supportive of my writing,” says Dregni. “My mom likes to point out that my middle name, James, is from her great, great uncle (or something) Henry James, the novelist—though my goal is not to write like him,” Dregni adds with a smile.

In addition to teaching, Dregni has written 16 books and continues to submit articles to newspapers such as the Star Tribune. Much of his work focuses on the observations he has made through extensive travel experiences.

Although he could write every day, with three active young children now he primarily jots down thoughts in his handy notebook for later use.

AMONG THE BOOKS DREGNI HAS AUTHORED:

Combining Two Passions During the summers, Dregni runs the Italian Concordia Language Village, Lago del Bosco, and as a Concordia professor he oversees the student newspaper, The Sword, and leads study abroad trips. While traveling, he takes notes to capture details he might otherwise forget.

Vikings in the

Attic " " in search of

Nordic America " "

Eric Dregni

author of In Cod We Trust

Vikings in the Attic: In Search of Nordic America

“Because I lived in Italy for five years, I generally lead study abroad trips there. I know the language, culture—and most importantly, the food,” adds Dregni. “It’s an incredible place for students because it’s relatively safe, yet the history, art, and literature make for endless academic inquiries.”

Dregni hopes to keep teaching students how to write and potentially get published, if that’s their goal. His advice to aspiring writes is simple and heartfelt: “Write because you want to write, not to please someone else. I started writing for newsletters and small newspapers for no pay, so I recommend getting in touch with editors at those weekly newspapers,” Dregni says. “Book editors are searching for the next great books, and publishers of books, magazines, and newspapers are sticking up for free speech, so support your local bookstore and newspaper. Oh, and read, read, read!”

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In Cod We Trust: Living the Norwegian Dream

Let’s Go Fishing: Fish Tales from the North Woods

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CSP Spotlight

ALUMNI PROFILE: KEVIN BRINKMANN You could say that Kevin Brinkmann’s ('05) career path is untraditional but a culmination of his strengths and his purpose. Brinkmann grew up in Iowa playing baseball and fishing on the Mississippi River. He transferred to Concordia, St. Paul for his junior year in 2002.

Brinkmann soon began to cycle through the first of a number of experiences that would open his eyes, expand his horizons, shape his purpose and lead him to training leaders in the United Nations and Fortune 500 companies.

“In some ways, it’s like a journey of figuring out who you are.

Concordia took me one step closer,” says Brinkmann.

Brinkmann grew up in a middle-class family away from poverty or the inner city. During his time at CSP, he was able to do field work at an urban Lutheran school, Trinity First.

“It was formative. All of a sudden, I encountered people who were coming from very different backgrounds. I learned a lot by jumping into that,” he added.

In addition to his work at Trinity First, he and his classmates focused on Concordia’s neighbors in the Somali refugee community. Working with those on the margins led him further into the margin, and after several years of teaching himself Hindi, he moved to India in 2010.

Once in India, Brinkmann began working with an organization whose goal was to help the homeless population within the city of Delhi.

“While I believed in helping the homeless in terms of values, in terms of strengths, I wasn’t using mine.” Brinkmann said. All of it brought him back to one simple question: “How do I best serve?”

After several years in corporate leadership training, Brinkmann created his own website, kevinbrinkmann.com, despite an aversion to the idea of promoting himself.

“I loved reading. I read 100+ books per year. I loved simplifying complex ideas" says Brinkmann. I had already started training leaders in the United Nations. I thought if I can help these leaders make better decisions, they can improve the lives of a 1000 people with one decision. That was motivating.”

“I didn’t want to create more noise in the world. If I put something out there, it better be signal. Otherwise, I’m not serving humanity” said Brinkmann.

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“In some ways, it’s like a journey of figuring out who you are. Concordia took me one step closer.”

- Kevin Brinkmann His goal evolved into working with a handful of groups and organizations to build courses based on their demand. For example, the leader of a foundation in Iowa that works with teen mothers and orphans expressed the desire for a storytelling course after finishing a webinar with Brinkmann on the same topic. Solid storytelling skills would help the organization share information about their mission in more effective ways.

Brinkmann was on-board.

Still, for Brinkmann, there was tension in the fact that at least at surface-level, his courses were helping the rich instead of the poor. So, he had another idea. He likened the business model to that of the shoe brand TOMS that donates a pair of shoes for every pair you buy. Except in this case, for every course purchased, one course goes to help a non-profit in India.

“I had no idea if it was going to work, but it seemed like it was worth failing at,” said Brinkmann.

Today, when he looks back on his untraditional path from Concordia to India, Brinkmann was reminded of a story of a man at the end of his life who was asked how he had gotten to where he was.

“The man responded, ‘God opened doors, and I walked through them.’ That’s how it feels in India,” Brinkmann added.

CSP Ministry

Supporting Students as They Seek Their Purpose If this is not who I am, who am I? The one-time and ongoing conversations are just as unique as the number of people who come seeking them, but God’s truth for them is the same.

Each time, it’s an honor to look into the eyes of one who bears the image of God and reassure them, “You were created on purpose for a purpose.”

Shelly Schwalm, ('10) DCE CSP University Ministry Associate A text buzzes the phone in my pocket. “Hey, are you on campus this afternoon? Can I meet with you?”

It was two days after a group of 27 of us returned from the Beautiful Feet Mission Conference held at Concordia University, Portland. I had received at least a half dozen texts or emails to this effect by that Wednesday. God was stirring several of our students and nearly all of them in conversations of purpose and vocation.

In that week alone, one student processed feeling called to seminary to be a pastor, another clarifying a calling to serve people with special needs, and a third confirmed in a calling to life and ministry in public schools.

On average, one to two students per day drop by the chapel or send an email to say, “hey, can I meet with you this week?” At least one of those conversations per week has to do with the big life questions of life that feel especially significant in the college years.

Who am I? What is my role in the world? For all the people God put on the earth, why me and what for?

These moments and conversations can come from large, powerful events like Beautiful Feet, where students hear about opportunities for ministry or stories of how others are serving and become compelled. Sometimes the catalyst isn’t quite so desired.

A field work experience reveals the chosen field is not a fit after all.

A realization that their major was chosen because of an outside influence and they don’t know what they want to do. Grades in their field of study just aren’t working out.

These are the happenings that draw students to our office and the offices of so many faculty and staff across campus. Students desperately seeking answers to the question: “If not this, then what?”

Ephesians 2:10 says, “For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.”

This is good news for seeking and searching college students (and students of life at all ages)! God made each of us very good and on purpose, secure and restored in Christ before we could attempt anything worthy enough to earn salvation. Even our best efforts would come way short of living purposefully enough to achieve the right relationship with God. I would suggest that looking for our purpose without starting with the love found in Christ’s Passion will always leave us looking to advance our own position and value.

We are both created and secure in Jesus—a relationship unaffected by any success or failure, setting us free from the striving and need to advance our own kingdoms. Now completely free from achieving the salvation and love bought for us, we can consider this: “How can my gifts fill a need in the world to bless my neighbor?”

Often for us in CSP Ministry, this discovery of purpose is found in turning pages during Bible study, discipleship conversations, relationships with other Christians or those of other faiths, service trip experiences, chapel services, and much more. We can’t help but discuss how God is calling us to serve our neighbor through career, family, and community. Even if we don’t have a strong grasp on the larger picture of our life, in our daily walk with Jesus, our purpose shows up.

When a wide-eyed college student is daunted with choosing a direction for their whole life at the age of 20, I encourage them to think smaller. “How is God calling you to love him and love your neighbor today, right where you are, as you are?”

For us in CSP Ministry, living our purpose is answering the “hey, can I meet with you this week” texts with a “yes,” and reminding each one God is present and has important Kingdom stuff for them to do today and every day.

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CSP News

Serving Up Faith and Food for Thought When you enter Concordia’s dining hall in the Winget Student Life Center, you will find plentiful options to fill up and fuel your day. If you select the deli line, it is safe to say that you will find more than sandwiches, wraps, and salads. Amidst the hustle and bustle of a typical weekday on campus, Barb Tritch is filling orders and sending students off with something that she hopes is even more fulfilling.

With a schedule defined by peak busy-hours, interaction with students keeps her going. CSP staff member Barb Tritch prepares meals for students, faculty, and staff.

“It’s a race against time from the moment I’m through the door.

But, I get to interact with people and try to put a smile on their face. That’s the difference maker,” Tritch said with a smile.

Tritch has been with Sodexo since 1990. She worked with a large corporate account until her move to CSP in November of 2012. She began at Comet’s Cafe and then transitioned to the deli inside the WSLC to prepare salads and sandwiches and that is where she’s made her mark for the past three years.

“I let them know that, yes, you are away from home, but I can be a ‘second mom’,” Tritch said. “So, if you have questions [about food], let’s get healthy. I don’t feel like I have a lot to offer, but I’m willing to offer that to students.”

Students take her up on it and it and the impact is visible.

“Today, I had a student come through the line and he told me, ‘I’m going to turn my back. I want you to make a wrap how you would do it!’ He came back right as I was closing and said that it was the best wrap he ever had,” said Tritch.

“Let’s realize the blessings we have. Right now, I’m where I need to be and doing His work – putting a smile on and being the hands and feet of Jesus.”

- Barb Tritch

Outside of her work, Tritch attends as many Golden Bear sporting events as possible, especially basketball games.

While she enjoyed the time with the corporate account, she admits there is something unique about working on a college campus.

“They are all extremely talented athletes and I love getting to interact with them and then watch what they do,” she added.

“It’s like a big family. I genuinely care about the students, faculty, and staff,” says Tritch.

Influenced by her faith and a call to service, Tritch says the best part of all is sharing a moment with CSP’s students, faculty, and staff in a world where everyone is always busy.

That care is evident in each meal she puts together and her words on the side. Her goal is to offer those who visit her line an ear, a bright spot, and most importantly, to let them know that they are significant. Tritch knows that, for many students, this might be the first time that they are away from home for an extended period of time.

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“Let’s realize the blessings we have. Right now, I’m where I need to be and doing His work – putting a smile on and being the hands and feet of Jesus,” she concluded.

CSP News

Comet’s Cupboard Eases Insecurities You might not know it, but CSP has made a food shelf available for its students and staff for the past 40 years, making it one of the oldest campus food shelves in the nation. This year, the location changed from Marshall Avenue to being directly on campus (third floor of the Winget Student Life Center) to help it become more accessible to CSP’s students, staff, and faculty. But it didn’t end there.

Concordia's campus in the 1920s.

To help increase its usage, awareness, and reduce negative stigmas, a team of students worked with Concordia's CALL Center to research the problem and develop a new branding and marketing program.

Across the U.S., the cost of education continuously rises, which leads to many college students struggling financially to obtain enough nutritious food. Many people areThe notFall aware plenty of college 2018that edition of the Concordia students face food insecurity. Food insecurity is the limited or uncertain St. Paul magazine will focus on this availability of nutritionally adequate and safe foods. landmark event.

According to a recent national study, 20 percent of college students who attend a four-year university experience food insecurity. There indicates the need for colleges to supply food and other necessary resources on their campuses, including CSP. To further understand the barriers that prevent students from using the on-campus food shelf, two forms of primary marketing research were conducted including a campus-wide survey and an on-campus focus group. From the responses, the team determined that only 55 percent were aware that CSP provides a food shelf available to all students.

A focus group was also undertaken to further understand students’ emotions and perceptions in relation to the food shelf. Analysis of the research helped identify marketing tactics and branding to increase awareness and usage for CSP’s students.

By changing the name to Comet’s Cupboard, the hope is that the negative stigma surrounding the words “food shelf” and “food pantry” will cease to exist. Rather than remaining hidden and unknown, the name Comet’s Cupboard will help it become a more welcoming place.

EST. 1893

Leading in Legacy

CSP Celebrates 125 Years During 2018-19 Academic Year Concordia University, St. Paul will reflect on its rich history and bright future as it celebrates its 125th anniversary during the 2018-19 academic year. The theme for this significant milestone is “Leading in Legacy”, which was selected as it captures the continuing dynamic that characterizes the past 125 years of the school, as we remember the “Legacy” of past accomplishments and innovations, but continue “Leading” toward the future by developing creative solutions to current and future challenges.

“Graduates of Concordia University, St. Paul, will use the 125th anniversary year to remember the significant impact their time at Concordia had on their lives,” said 125th committee chair and former CSP faculty Dr.Carl Schoenbeck.

A number of special events are planned to commemorate this significant milestone, which officially kicks off on Founder’s Day, (Sept. 13, 2018), marking 125 years to the day the school opened in 1893. The Fall 2018 edition of the Concordia St. Paul magazine will focus on this landmark event.

Visit csp.edu/125 for full details.

CSP News

CSP Professor’s Can-Do Approach to Training Service Dogs If you happen to meet Taylor Mach, an assistant science professor at Concordia University, St. Paul, you will also likely meet Crush, a nearly two year old yellow lab. Crush won’t pay you much mind, but for good reason. Crush, like Mach, has a specific job to do during the day.

Mach is a volunteer with Can Do Canines, an organization that provides assistance dogs to people with disabilities. The organization focuses on five different avenues of service dog training: autism, hearing-assist, mobility, seizure, and diabetesspecific training.

The organization has around 750 total volunteers who participate in puppy training and more. Mach and his wife have been volunteer trainers with the organization for several years now; Crush is the sixth service dog that they have trained.

“People would think that I have some sort of dog training, but in reality, I had never had a pet experience,” Mach admitted. “They teach you what to do when the dog is with you.”

The skills the puppies will need to polish through each type of training varies. All dogs receive mobility commands – things like pushing handicap buttons, walk buttons, and elevator buttons as well as the ability to tug items. They also learn how to pick up items with their mouths to place in their client’s hands. A diabetes service dog, however, would need to know the smell of low blood sugar on their client.

Overall training begins while they are still puppies. Wearing onesies helps prepare the pups for wearing a service vest.

Socializing, handling, and a routine of position exercises follow so the future service dogs are comfortable and trusting of maneuvering that will be asked of them. Generally, puppy raising includes a volunteer getting a puppy from when it is six to eight weeks old until they are 18-24 months old.

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Some puppies, including Crush, complete their early training in a prison setting. Inmates complete training duties until the puppies are eight weeks old. Following that, the pups acclimate to a more typical family setting for six weeks. Afterward, they return to train with inmates until they are around 12 months old. The ability to expose the puppy to a variety of settings leads to better training outcomes. Either way, the pup will get the one-on-one attention necessary to hone and develop their skills.

“They’re part of your family and part of your routine. He literally goes everywhere with me,” Mach explained, which includes coming to the office, teaching classes, and attending meetings at Concordia St. Paul where Crush has been welcomed. “Concordia’s support has been great, especially in the Science Department.

Everybody is interested in the training and nobody has ever questioned the presence of the dogs in class or at campus events.”

"They're part of your family and part of your routine. He literally goes everywhere with me."

- Taylor Mach In addition to attending school and class each day with Mach, the organization holds socialization sessions at public places like Target where the dogs are able to train and zero in on their ability to focus on the task at-hand while there is external stimuli around, including other dogs, competing for their attention.

“At first, the biggest challenge for me was to overcome being noticed with a dog and to not be super nervous in public. Now I smile and go for it because what else are you going to do?”

Mach said. “The most rewarding part of the training process is the achievement and knowing where they are going. Just knowing is enough.”

CSP News

Marketing Students Compete in National Grocers Association Competition Concordia St. Paul marketing seniors recently competed in the National Grocers Association (NGA) student marketing competition at the NGA national conference held in Las Vegas, Nev. The NGA Student Case Study competition strives to further the professional development of collegiate students and provides students with the opportunity to creatively address a real-world issue currently impacting the industry. The competition is now in its seventh year and nearly 80 students from 13 universities participated.

This year’s case study was for Coborn’s Grocery with the objective of creating a marketing strategy to help Coborn’s create a successful and financially beneficial health and wellness program for its customers, employees, and communities. Teams had 15 minutes to present their strategy to a panel of judges and conference attendees.

The student team included seniors Holly Werning, Ross Hickey, Cody Wood, Cody Retzer, and Grady Wieczorek. Students worked under the guidance of faculty advisor Dr. Nancy Harrower, chair of the marketing program.

Although this was the first year that CSP students participated, they placed among the top four finalists, besting experienced teams from around the nation.

“Concordia was the smallest school competing and the only school that had never previously been at this conference. Despite that, our team produced an inventive presentation that solved the case study problem,” Wieczorek explained.

NGA also provided a mentoring program for the students to partner with industry veterans who helped educate students about the

food and retail industry. An exhibition with more than 200 vendors was included, as were industry information sessions on technology, merchandising, e-commerce, and more.

“The show was insightful. We learned a lot of valuable information about the grocery business, and applied our knowledge from inside the classroom to the real world,” Hickey said.

The event proved to be not only an opportunity to represent CSP’s marketing students, but to pave the way for their future endeavors.

“It was a prime networking event. I received twenty or more business cards. It was an experience that a student could never learn about in a classroom setting, so I recommend it,” said Werning.

Retzer noted it was more than just a competition for him. "As a future marketer, this served as a valuable experience into the workings of actual businesses, a way to meet their representatives, and discuss our experiences with them."

Reformation Bell Tower Dedicated Officially dedicated Oct. 6, 2017, the Reformation Bell Tower commemorates the 500th Anniversary of Martin Luther’s posting of his 95 Theses, a seminal event in Reformation history. The 22-foot tower houses the Lutheran Reformation Bell, a limited-edition, 24-inch bronze bell cast by the Verdin Company of Cincinnati, Ohio. Inscribed on the face of the bell are the Reformation mantra SOLA GRATIA, SOLA FIDE, SOLA SCRIPTURA (Grace alone, Faith alone, Scripture alone), Luther’s seal, and the years 1517- 2017. The bell and tower will serve as a visual reminder for generations to come of the Lutheran convictions which inform intellectual inquiry and academic pursuits at this University.

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Faculty & Staff Highlights Dr. Sally Baas has been appointed to the role of Ambassador to Romania by the National Association of School Psychologists. Dr. Bass will assist Romanian school psychologists and school counselors in working through some difficult caseload issues which have arisen through some recent Romanian governmental legislation.

Dr. Bruce Corrie was appointed by new St. Paul mayor Melvin Carter to oversee the city’s Department of Planning and Economic Development. Dr. Corrie, who has served as Concordia’s associate vice president of university relations and international programs since 2013, is well known for his work studying the economic impact of minorities and immigrants in the Twin Cities.

Kim Craig was promoted to vice president of enrollment management in December 2017.

Her new role is in alignment with CSP’s strategic plan goal of growing enrollment and increasing persistence to graduation. Craig, who has been at Concordia for 13 years, is also a member of Concordia’s Executive Leadership Management team.

John DuFresne contributed course content from two of his CSP graphic design courses to the second edition of Teaching Graphic Design: Course Offerings and Class Projects from the Leading Graduate and Undergraduate Programs

by Steven Heller (2017 Allworth Press). The book includes teaching guidance from a wide range of teaching professionals who address the most current concerns of the graphic design industry. CSP student work examples by recent graduates Bert Lee, Nicholas Neary, and Leslie Olson were included.

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Dr. Basma Ibrahim DeVries conducted an all-day Communication Styles and Intercultural CompetenceBuilding workshop for 200 clinic administrators and doctors from across the state in Allina’s Health Group Leadership Circle on November 29, 2017. Additionally, as part of CSP’s Intercultural Effectiveness initiatives, over 115 staff members took the IES - Intercultural Effectiveness Survey and Basma facilitated three follow-up sessions to assist CSP staff in more effective communication across similarities and differences.

Dr. Mark Schuler gave a lecture as part of the opening festivities for the exhibition “Before the Earth Shook: The Ancient City of Hippos Emerges” on Thursday, Dec. 7, 2017 at the Hecht Museum, University of Haifa, Israel. His lecture was titled, “The Late Antique Period at Hippos Palaistinēs.” He also presented a second lecture to Issues in Early Liturgy group of the North American Academy of Liturgy at its annual meeting in Vancouver on Jan 8-9. That lecture was titled, “The Northeast Insulae and Late Antique Christianity at Hippos Palaistinēs.”

Vice President for Advancement Mark Hill received the prestigious Virgil Anderson Award for excellence in leadership in the advancement profession at The Association of Lutheran Development Executives (ALDE) Ignite conference March 2 in Minneapolis. The Virgil Anderson Award is presented to an ALDE member who has demonstrated exemplary leadership and service to an organization in the development field.

Dr. Cheng Thao was recently accepted into Google’s Faculty in Residence (FIR) 2018 Program. FIR is an immersive professional development program that engages computer science faculty serving underrepresented populations in tech. The four-week summer program will take place June 4-29 in Mountain View, Calif.

Athletics Update

CSP Wins Unprecedented Ninth NCAA Title Concordia St. Paul won its ninth NCAA Division II volleyball title in 11 years by posting a three-game sweep over Florida Southern on Dec. 9, 2017. The win pushed the Golden Bears all-time NCAA tournament record to a staggering 67-6. Concordia finished its 2017 campaign with an overall record of 34-3.

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Athletics Update

Riley Hanson and CSP volleyball head coach Brady Starkey

Riley Hanson Receives NCAA Today's Top 10 Award Former Concordia St. Paul volleyball standout Riley Hanson (‘17), who helped lead the Golden Bears to a pair of NCAA titles (2013 and 2016), was recognized by the NCAA Honors Committee as a 2018 Today’s Top 10 Award winner.

Hanson had a stellar career at CSP, earning three American Volleyball Coaches Association All-America honors and four Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference All-Conference accolades. A two-time CSP Female Athlete of the Year, Hanson was a two-time recipient of the College Sports Information Directors of America Academic All-America honor, being named 2016 CoSIDA Academic All-American of the Year. In 2017, she was named Concordia’s Scholar Student-Athlete of the Year, and received an NCAA Postgraduate Scholarship.

On the court, Hanson was the program’s all-time leader in hitting percentage at .402 while she ranks sixth in program history with 1,500 career kills and third with 444 career blocks.

She capped off her senior season as the national leader in hitting percentage at .433 while helping her team to the title.

During her career the Nevis, Minn., native helped Concordia to an incredible 126-16 overall record.

Off the court, Hanson was a three-year member of the Concordia St. Paul Student-Athlete Advisory Committee, including serving as vice president during her senior year.

She volunteered with the Tetra Delta Science Club, which organized educational seminars to prepare students for graduate school and promote social networking through extracurriculars. She also coached youth volleyball allfour years. Hanson now is studying to become a dentist at the University of Minnesota.

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Hanson is the second Golden Bear to receive this award, joining fellow volleyball alum Ellie Duffy (2013).

This award recognizes former student-athletes for their successes on the field, in the classroom and in the community. Recipients completed their athletics eligibility during the 2016-17 academic year and were recognized at the 2018 Convention in Indianapolis.

The NCAA Honors Committee, which selects the honorees, is composed of representatives from member schools and conferences, as well as nationally distinguished former college athletes.

The distinguished list of student-athletes includes competitors in eight different sports with all three NCAA divisions recognized among the 10.

Athletics Update

Athletic Performance Center

Josh Gaworski

The newest feature on Concordia’s campus, the Athletic Performance Center officially opened for use by Golden Bear student-athletes in the fall of 2017. The facility features a 5,320-square foot weight room and 7,800-square foot turfed training area.

Baseball Records Programs Second No-Hitter Junior pitcher Josh Gaworski threw the second no-hitter in the DII era of Golden Bear baseball March 18 in CSP’s 15-0 victory over Minnesota Crookston. Gaworski fanned 14 of the 24 batters he faced. The no-hitter occurred exactly one year to the day of the program’s first DII era no-hitter recorded by Gus Varland.

Rubbelke Weight Room

Kalle Burney

Wakpor Ighovojah

Track & Field All-Americans Kalle Burney (’18) became the first women’s track and field athlete to earn First Team All-American honors by finishing fourth in the pentathlon at the 2017 NCAA Division II Indoor Track and Field Championships.

In another first for the women's program, Wakpor Ighovojah ('18) earned Second Team All-American accolades by placing 12th in the pentathlon at NCAAs. She is the first female track athlete to earn multiple All-American honors.

Getzlaff Training Field

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Class Notes News 1950’s Eugene Kolander (JC ‘54) served as Security Supervisor for the NFL during Super Bowl 52. This will be his 10th Super Bowl. He has just finished his 12th year with the Arizona Cardinals as Security Supervisor.

Dr. James Pagels (Acad. ‘59) authored two books on apologetics available to download from the Michigan District website, including “Resources in Apologetics,” “Lesson Plans and Touching Lives through Apologetic and A Counseling Perspective," which were written for those in ministry. His inspiration was biology professor Paul Stor at the former Concordia St. Paul Academy.

Rev Dr. Scott Fiege (‘78) recently retired from 35 years of active ministry last serving Bethany Lutheran Church, Lake City and St. Peter’s Lutheran Church of Belvidere, rural Goodhue, Minn. Scott and his wife Karen are making their retirement home in Lake City, Minn.

1990’s Dave Wiegert (‘94) decorated his classroom door for his high school’s college appreciation day.” He also wore his “vintage” Comets sweatshirt.

1960’s Harold Scheer (A.A. ‘64) has been a retired staff chaplain since Jan. 30, 2017. He’s enjoying his 11 year old granddaughter, volunteering at his church with the properties committee, good physical exercise and great fellowship with others.

1970’s Bill Pieper (‘73) retired on Nov. 19, 2017 from St. John Lutheran Church and School, in Elk River, Minn.

Forty-five Stuehrenberg cousins gathered for a family reunion, in connection with Rev. Darrell Stuehrenberg’s (‘73) 40th anniversary of his Ordination at Bethlehem Lutheran in Ft. Myers, Fla. The 22 Stuehrenberg cousins all grew up, within a three mile area, on farms near Breckenridge, Minn. The six shown in the photo, all attended Concordia College, St. Paul. (From the left) Rev. Paul Stuehrenberg (Acad. ‘64, JC ‘66, Maryanne (Drewlow, ‘68) Levery, Sonja (Stuehrenberg, ‘76) Wuerffel and Mark Wuerffel (‘73), Rev. Lyle Stuehrenberg (Acad. 62, JC ‘64), and Rev. Darrell Stuehrenberg (‘73).

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Living in southern Texas, Georgia Reay (‘95) does not often get snow. She woke up on her birthday (Dec. 8), and low and behold, there was half an inch of snow on the ground. “It was beautiful! I cannot think of a nicer birthday gift. Thank you God.”

2000’s Joe Austin (‘01, M.A. ‘04) was named SCAC (Southern Collegiate Athletic Conference) Coach of the Year after leading his Southwestern Pirates to the SCAC Football Championship in 2016.

Along with the Coach of the Year honors, four players received top honors from the conference, including defensive, offensive, special teams and newcomer of the year awards.

Gina (Hokkanen, ‘01) Zurn is in her sixth year in Prior Lake Savage Area Schools at Hidden Oaks and Twin Oaks Middle Schools as a Media Specialist. Gina helps students find a love for reading based on their interests and hobbies as well as support students, staff and families with technology. It is a busy job, but she loves serving others and helping with their needs.

Class Notes

Laura (Kelley, ‘02) Groppoli was recently named one of the Top Women in Finance by Finance & Commerce newspaper (Oct. 13, 2017). The award recognizes and celebrates Minnesota women who have made significant contributions to the finance and accounting functions of their organization by positively influencing their business and community. She is the firm director in the manufacturing and distribution practice at Baker Tilly, a nationally recognized accounting and advisory firm.

In May 2017, Adam Bulava (‘05) accepted a call to work at the Lutheran High School in Springfield, Ill. He will be teaching social studies and religion, and will be starting their AP program for history classes.

CSP alumni, Peter Gueldner (‘06) and Mark Smith (‘77), with friend Pastor Todd Shouse at the Columbia Restaurant in Tampa, Fla., in Feb. 2018.

Jasmin Ziegler (‘07) received a Loft Mentor Series fellowship. The Mentor Series offers 12 emerging Minnesota writers the opportunity to work intensively with six nationally acclaimed writers of prose and poetry.

Dalton Outlaw (‘09), Founder and CEO of Element Gym in St. Paul, was named the 2017 Young Entrepreneur of the Year by the U.S. Small Business Administration Minnesota District Office. All of the winners were honored during Small Business Week (April 30 - May 6, 2017) held annually to highlight the impact of outstanding entrepreneurs, small business owners, and small business supporters across the nation. Read more about Dalton on page 5 of this magazine (cover story).

2000’s Katie Johnson (‘10), former CSP track and soccer athlete, competed in the U.S. Nationals for Triathlon in Olympic Long Distance in Nebraska in Aug. 2017.

Her finish qualified her for the World Championships in the 30-34 age group taking place in Australia in September 2018.

Learn more about Katie’s recent accomplishment at https:// www.gofundme.com/itu-age-group-world-championship.

Career 2010’s Tera (Rolph M.A. ‘13) Sistad has been announced

by West Fargo Public Schools as the assistant principal at West Fargo High School. She will begin her role on July 1, 2018.

Greg Truso (M.A. ’16) is a second and third-grade teacher at Wilshire Park Elementary School, St. Anthony, Minn. He is a semi-finalist for the 2018 Minnesota Teacher of the Year.

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Sally (Pritzl, ‘05) and Zach Schuster (M.A. ‘12) welcomed Matthias Aaron Schuster on Sept.

23, 2017.

Recently named a semifinalist in this year’s Minnesota Teacher of the Year award presented by Education Minnesota, Shaylee McComb (M.A. ‘15), a music teacher at Weaver Elementary School, is one of 43 teachers selected by a panel of community leaders from a pool of 167 candidates. The 2018 Minnesota Teacher of the Year will be announced May 6.

David (‘09), and Kayleigh (Klein, ‘09) McCarthy and big brother Oliver, welcomed Jeremiah James on Aug 31, 2017.

Jessica Wark (‘18) is the owner and chiropractor of Performance Sports Chiropractic Center which opened April 2 in Ramsey, Minn.

Birth/Adoption 1970’s Rev. Dr. Scott Fiege (‘78) and Karen recently welcomed their fourth grandchild, Victoria Louise Rhode, daughter of Jared and Joann (Fiege) Rhode into the family on Aug. 27, 2017 in St. Luke’s Hospital in Sioux City, Iowa.

2000’s Tyler Forslund, the oldest son of Tiffini Flynn Forslund (‘08), welcomed home Kennedy and August Forslund on April 1, 2016.

Charles (‘04, M.A. ‘12) and Leah (Ferber, ‘07, M.A. ‘14) Martin welcomed home Nyles Martin on Aug. 5, 2017. He weighed 8 pounds and 4 ounces.

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2010’s John (‘10) and Sara (Sather, ‘11) Pimental welcomed their second son, Percy, on Aug. 6, 2017. He weighed 10 pounds. 6 ounces and was 21 inches long. His brother, Isaac, noted that “he can’t play with me because he can’t walk yet.”

Otherwise, all are thrilled with his arrival (Isaac too)!

Ryan (‘10) and Maddie (‘11) Marshall along with their children Kate, Solomon, Teddy, and Reuben welcomed Frederick (Freddy) Anton to the family. Born Oct. 5, 2017. He weighed 8 pounds, 5 ounces and was 21 inches long.

Class Notes

Amanda (Och, ‘14, MBA ‘17) and Jordan Padula welcomed Liam Paul Padula on Feb. 22, 2018. He weighed 8 pounds 4 ounces and was 21 inches long.

Muriel (Kloehn J.C. ‘55) Meichsner, age 82 of Sauk Rapids, MN returned to her heavenly home on Monday, March 5, 2018 at the Good Shepherd Lutheran Home in Sauk Rapids.

Robert Barz (JC ‘58), of La Porte City, died May 25, 2017, at La Porte City Specialty Care.

1960’s

In Memoriam 1940’s

Thomas Kortsch (Acad. ‘60), passed away peacefully on April 24, 2017, at All Saints Senior Living, Shakopee, Minn.

Edward Lebeau (Acad. ‘60), of Fort Wayne, Ind., passed away on Mar. 28, 2017.

Reese Abbe (Acad. ‘49) of Carroll, Iowa, passed away on May 24, 2014, at the Carroll Health Center in Carroll.

1970’s

1950’s

Rev. Peter Holm (‘72) passed away after a brief battle with cancer on April 25, 2017.

David Dittberner (JC ‘53) of Leaf Valley, Minn., arrived in his heavenly home on July 22, 2017 after courageously enduring a 5 1/2 year challenge with Alzheimer’s.

Fiechtner Chair of Christian Outreach Emeritus Dr. Eugene Bunkowske (Acad. ‘53, JC ‘55) was called to be with the Lord on March 27, 2018. A theology faculty member at Concordia St. Paul from 2002-2013, Dr. Bunkowske served the Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod for more than 50 years as the church body’s vice president, a faculty member, Bible translator, author, volunteer and overseas missionary. Dr. Bunkowske was awarded honorary doctorate degrees by St. John’s College, Winfield, Kan.; Concordia University, Irvine, Calif.; and Concordia University, St. Paul. He is survived by his wife Bernice, four children and ten grandchildren.

Ralph Reidell (Acad. ‘54), of Wallace, W.V., passed away Sept. 19, 2011 following an extended illness.

Faye Erickson (‘70) passed away on March 16, 2017.

Lois Lukasiewicz (‘74), of River Falls, Wis., went home peacefully to Jesus on Monday, April 10, 2017 at her home in River Falls.

Randy Rose (‘79), passed away at his home on Nov. 7, 2017. He is survived by his children Melissa, Blake (Chasity), Taryn (Eric), Clark (Megan) and Kayla Rose (Mitch) and grandchildren Beau, Arabella, Axel, Everly, Calvin, Addison, Charlie and Graham.

1980’s Mark Wuebben (‘80), of Newport Coast, Calif., went home to be with Jesus on July 18, 2017, after a brief but courageous battle with cancer.

1990’s Deanna Garbers (‘93) was called to her eternal rest on Dec. 18, 2017 at the Trimont Health Care Center in Trimont, Minn.

Linda (Oehlke, ‘97, M.A. ‘11) Landaverde died suddenly from a heart attack on Aug. 17, 2017.

Gerry Fiechtner (Acad. ‘55) went to his Heavenly home on Nov. 15, 2017.

Rev. James Lauer (JC ‘55), died Oct. 24, 2017, in North Mankato, Minn. From 1960-65, Rev. and Mrs. Lauer served as missionaries in Seoul, South Korea. He then served congregations in rural Blue Earth, Glencoe, Rochester, and Hutchinson, Minn., with one academic year as Assistant to the President of Concordia College in St. Paul.

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Engagements, Marriages, and Anniversaries 1950’s

2010’s

Melvin Weseloh (Acad. ‘50, JC ‘52) and his wife Karen (Miller) observe a double anniversary on Sunday, June 6. They were married in St. Louis, Mo. on June 9, 1957, and Melvin was ordained into the ministry by his father in New York on Sept.

15, 1957. Good Shepherd Lutheran Church of Minier, Ill., where they attend, marked the anniversary with a special service and open house. President Mark Miller of the Central Illinois District delivered the sermon. The couple have four children, six grandchildren and one great grandson.

Anna Schwartz (’14) is getting married in July of 2019.

Meta (Grulke, ‘52) Schempf turned 84 on April 23, 2017. She was in the first class of girls at Concordia. Meta and her husband, Richard Schempf (‘52), have been happily married for 62 years.

They met during their time at Concordia. Meta and Richard both were Lutheran teachers and have served the Lord in four congregations all in Michigan. They have a son, Rev Michael and a daughter Joanne married to Rev. Jeff Walsh.

On their 50th Wedding Anniversary, Ted (Acad. ‘55, JC ‘57) and Elaine Strelow worshiped at Elaine’s church in Claremont, N.C., Bethel Lutheran, the church in which Ted’s dad married them.

1990’s Sabrina McCall (‘91) was engaged to Shunion Shine on July 27, 2017.

The wedding took place on Mar. 10, 2018.

Tracey Fredrick (M.A. ‘15) and Aaron Troost were married on April 28, 2017 in Stillwater, Minn.

Ordination/Installation 2000’s Rev. Michael Grannis (‘06) has accepted a call to serve Calvary Lutheran Church in Lincoln Park, Mich. He and wife Kathy (Abel, ‘06) Grannis currently reside in Michigan with their six children.

Education 2000’s Jordan Potvin (‘16) has been accepted into the Masters Program of Coaching and Sports Education at West Virginia for Fall 2018.

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Planned Giving

THE POWER OF MAKING CONCORDIA CONNECTIONS For alumna Valerie Anderson ('86), Concordia has always been about connections. Growing up, her father was a minister and she liked the idea of being with other students oriented to God. She also knew she wanted to attend a college where she would not be lost in the crowd. She wanted to be part of a community, to belong. Concordia was her clear choice for those connections that count.

During college and now a few years beyond, those connections endure, and recently Valerie made a new Concordia connection that will last forever. A few months ago, Valerie wanted to see what she could do to add to Concordia’s endowment. She needed to pass on the passionate feelings she had for her alma mater to future generations. However, she was not sure what to do, or if she was capable of doing anything at all. Valerie did not consider herself wealthy, and never thought she would be capable of making a gift that would change Concordia, especially since her first priority was her children. Yet, she was convinced she wanted to do something.

Valerie never thought she could help Concordia, especially since her four children were a clear priority.

However, she found a way of making a big difference while also supporting her family.

Valerie began asking questions to her Thrivent advisor and to Matt Steiner, planned giving counselor at Concordia. She was not sure what to ask, or even where to begin, but as she shared her wishes with her advisor and Matt Steiner, she learned about something called a testamentary charitable remainder unitrust. Although the name sounded complicated, what it did was simple – and turned out to be just what she wanted..

To complete it, she just told her attorney her priorities and he added a provision in her will creating it. When she dies, her assets go into the trust. She told the attorney how many years she wanted the trust to last. During that time, the trust will pay a percentage

of its assets to her children. Even as it does, it will be invested and hopefully grow. After the trust has served its purpose for her children, all money left in it will be distributed to Concordia as well as few other charities of her choosing, including one establishing an endowment at a seminary in her father’s memory.

The will her attorney drafted will have many advantages for Valerie and her family. It will:

• • • •

Provide income for her children Support the causes she loves Be easy to adjust as she grows older and if priorities change Be part of a strategic estate plan that follows her passions and aids her family.

If you ask Valerie why she established this trust in her will, she will tell you it is because she has always felt connected to Concordia.

She wanted others to have the same experience. Valerie created the gift because she wants students to “follow the urgings God has placed on their hearts,” at Concordia.

As Valerie reflects on her decision, she feels passionately that she “made the right choices.” Matt Steiner was patient, answered all her questions and gave her information so she could make informed decisions. If you want to learn more about how you can provide for your loved ones and cherished causes, call Matt Steiner at 651-641-8243 or email him at steiner@csp.edu or visit ave.csp.edu/plannedgiving. You don’t have to have all the right answers or even the right questions, just a desire to do something for yourself and others.

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Upcoming Events Alumni

Athletics (cont.)

Theatre & Dance

New Alumni Receptions

Women’s Lacrosse vs. Indianapolis

Spring Student Showcase

Friday, May 4 | 5:30 p.m.

Saturday, May 5 | 11:30 a.m.

Concordia University, St. Paul

Sunday, April 29 | 12 p.m.

Sea Foam Stadium

Monday, April 30 | 5 p.m.

E.M. Pearson Theatre

Academy ‘52 65th Reunion

May 4-5 Concordia University, St. Paul Bears at the Zoo

Saturday, June 2 Minnesota Zoo Class of ‘68 Golden Reunion

July 10-12 Concordia University, St. Paul Minnesota State Fair

Aug. 23 - Sept. 3 Education Building

Athletics Women’s Lacrosee vs. Mckendree (III.)

Friday, April 27 | 6 p.m.

Sea Foam Stadium

Art CSP Student Juried Exhibition

Baccalaureate Service

April 12-27 Concordia Gallery

Friday, May 4 | 4 p.m.

Buetow Music Center Auditorium

Music

Traditional Undergraduate Programs

Friday, April 27 | 7:30 p.m.

Buetow Music Center Auditorium

Friday, May 4 | 7:30 p.m.

Gangelhoff Center

Jazz Concert Vox 9 Vocal Jazz Ensemble & Blue Rondo Jazz Band

Adult Undergraduate Programs

Saturday, April 28 | 7 p.m.

E.M. Pearson Theatre Percussion Ensemble

Sunday, April 29 | 7 p.m.

E.M. Pearson Theatre

Softball vs. U-Mary (N.D.)

Saturday, April 28 | 1/3 p.m.

Carlander Field

Thursday, May 3 | 7:30 p.m.

Buetow Music Center Auditorium

Saturday, April 28 | 1:30/3:30 p.m.

Barnes Field Softball vs. Minot State

Sunday, April 29 | 12/2p.m.

Carlander Field Baseball vs. Winona State

Sunday, April 29 | 12/2 p.m.

Barnes Field

Commencement:

Opera Workshop Scenes

Spring Fine Arts Concert Concert Band, Chamber Ensemble

Baseball vs. Winona State

University

Saturday, May 5 | 10 a.m.

Gangelhoff Center Graduate Programs

Saturday, May 5 | 2 p.m.

Gangelhoff Center

Donor Support: Creating Opportunities DOUBLE THE IMPACT OF YOUR GIFT We continue to be blessed by our generous donors. This past fall, we received two gift match challenges, totaling $200,000. By Dec. 31, we had exceeded the match by more than $10,000. We wholeheartedly thank all of you who contributed towards this recordsetting gift match that further empowers Concordia students!

RESPONSIVE PARTNER Join our Responsive Partners by establishing a recurring gift that is convenient and easy for you and cost effective for Concordia. Go to www.ave.csp.edu/responsive to set up your recurring gift with your credit card, or download the electronic funds transfer (EFT) form to have your gift sent directly from your checking or savings account. Your recurring gift provides dependable funding for scholarships and degree programs while minimizing administrative costs, resulting in more of each gift directly supporting the needs of Concordia students.

The need to help our students does not stop here. As a matter of fact, we just received an additional $50,000 gift from match long-time supporters Ken and Alix Behm. As grandparents of a CSP student, Ken and Alix understand the value of a Concordia education, which is why they’ve promised to match $50,000 in Opportunity Fund gifts!

This challenge grant will round out the CSP fiscal year that ends June 30, empowering students such as those shown below to achieve their dream of a Concordia education.

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Many employers have a matching gift program to match their employee’s charitable giving

YOU CAN FIND OUT IF YOUR EMPLOYER MATCHES YOUR GIVING AT WWW.AVE.CSP.EDU/EMPLOYERMATCHING

BECAUSE OF YOUR GENEROSITY...

A Concordia education is possible for students from any background. When you give to the Opportunity Fund, you empower students to discover their purpose for life, career and serv sice in an environment where Christ is honored and all are welcome.

“I am 100% positive I couldn’t have finished my program without my scholarships. I simply wasn’t able to ask my family for financial support.”

Hinda Abdi ’13 Education Major Teacher of the Year Semi-finalist

“This scholarship has helped me move a step closer to my dream of being a physician. I have always wanted to help others, and this is a gateway for me to do that.

Thank you!”

Teresa Yang ’18 Biology Major

CONCO RDIA ST. PAUL MAGAZINE • SPRING 2018

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