Concordia St. Paul magazine Fall/Winter 2019
LEGAC Y FAM ILY: TH E WOLFG R AMS Page 10
CSP LIBR ARY E M BR ACING CHANG E Page 12
CL ASS NOTES Page 20
Welcome Home:
Rev. Dr. Brian Friedrich Returns to his Alma Mater as President Pages 2-9
CSP BY THE NUMBERS
5,139 Fall 2019 enrollment number is the highest in CSP’s 126-year history. The total includes 3,127 undergraduate and 2,012 graduate students.
Concordia University, St. Paul 1282 Concordia Ave St. Paul, MN 55104 651-641-8810 1-866-GROW-CSP ave.csp.edu facebook.com/concordiastpaul Publisher Office of University Advancement Editor and Writer Tad Dunham Additional Editing and Writing Casey Fuerst (cover story) Amanda (Och) Padula, BA '14, MBA '17 Rhonda (Behm) Palmersheim, BA '88 Danielle (Bredy) Sarim, BA '12 Billy Schultz, BA '08, MA '11
8 Fall semester enrollment has increased for eight consecutive years
3,962 Total number of enrolled students from the state of Minnesota
49 U.S. states represented by CSP’s student population
191 International students enrolled from 36 different countries
In this Issue: 2 Welcome Home President Friedrich 10 Celebrating Legacy: The Wolfgrams
Design and Layout Tia Wagar Photography Genesis Carreon, '20 Samantha Cole, '21 Brian Evans, BA '07, MA '09 Nick Schroepfer, BA '18 Noah Wolf Photography Printing Ideal Printers Inc. St. Paul, MN About Us Concordia University, St. Paul is a member of the Concordia University System, a national network of nine colleges and universities of The Lutheran Church–Missouri Synod.
12 CSP Library Embracing Change 14 Solus Christus: Connecting Christian Faith with Academics 15 Esports Explained 16 2019 Homecoming Memories 18 CSP News 20 Class Notes 25 Donor Support
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.
Concordia’s Building & Grounds Committee – 1953
© 2019 Concordia University, St. Paul
Pictured are students Thomas Ryan, HS '53; Frederick Schuster, HS '53, JC '55; Roger Fischer, HS '51, JC '53; Paul Dorn, HS '54, JC '56; Ewald Neisch, HS '54
2019 LCMS Youth Gathering—Minneapolis The 2019 LCMS Youth Gathering was held in Minneapolis July 10-15, marking the first time in event history the host city was in the same location as a Concordia University System institution. CSP welcomed 8,600 participants for district events hosted on campus, 21,000 watched CSP on stage for a mass event at U.S. Bank Stadium, while neary 12,000 youth and adults visited Concordia's booth at the Minneapolis Convention Center. Over 300 Concordia employees and volunteers served at various events.
CONCO RDIA ST. PAUL MAGAZINE • FALL/WINTER 2019
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Welcome Home: Concordia St. Paul's New President Rev. Dr. Brian Friedrich Looks Forward While Reflecting Back
Rev. Dr. Brian Friedrich, a 1979 graduate of Concordia St. Paul, will officially assume the presidency of CSP on January 1, 2020, becoming the 10th president in Concordia's 126-year history. Friedrich is the third CSP alumnus to return to his alma mater as president, joining Rev. Dr. Robert Holst, HS '54, JC '56 and Dr. Rev. William Poehler, JC '24. 2
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oncordia University, St. Paul may have found their number one fans in the Rev. Dr. Brian, BA '79, and Dr. Laurie (Wogsland) Friedrich, BA '80. As the incoming tenth president and first lady of Concordia St. Paul, Rev. Dr. Friedrich is already diving deep into the life and ministry of CSP. “I think that the biggest challenge that Concordia University, St. Paul has isn’t one of being broken and needing to be fixed. In fact, it’s the opposite. It’s one of supporting the growth that is and will continue to happen,” said Friedrich. “CSP has so much to offer. There is no other single Concordia institution that is doing what this institution is doing in an urban area."
there are great things happening here…outstanding students, outstanding programs, outstanding teams, outstanding faculty, staff and board members, outstanding donors and alumni and the list just goes on and on.” With this level of joy and excitement for the ministry of Concordia University, St. Paul, both Friedrichs are ready to launch into their new roles, beginning January 1, 2020.
The enthusiasm that the Friedrichs have for CSP doesn’t stop there. In September, the Friedrichs spent several days on campus, meeting and connecting with students, faculty, staff and donors. “What Laurie and I have seen during our time on campus is a community of people and places that is more than what is advertised. It is truly a collaborative community, institution and group of people that are living and breathing what Concordia says it is–responsive, relevant and real,” Friedrich said. “The reality that we have seen here is that this really is a place where ALL are welcome, and Christ is honored.” Laurie shared, “The diversity that we have seen on campus is remarkable. There are students from more than 30 countries and nearly every single state in the mix. We met five student officers, each from a different country – United States, Mexico, Cambodia, Nigeria and Sudan – and all are providing extraordinary leadership on this campus.”
INTRODUCING THE FRIEDRICHS: BRIAN AND LAURIE
In the summer of 2019, Concordia University, St. Paul announced that it had extended a call to Rev. Dr. Brian Friedrich to become Dr. Eric LaMott has served as CSP's interim CEO since last spring its tenth president. Friedrich has spent the last 15 years serving as and has high praise for the Friedrichs and president of Concordia University, Nebraska their time spent on campus. (CUNE). He and Laurie will relocate to St. CSP has so much to offer. Paul and begin their work here in January. “Brian is a kind and engaging soul. His There is no single Concordia genuine personal interest in everyone with institution that is doing While the role will be new for Rev. Dr. whom he speaks emanates warmth and what this institution is Friedrich, the place isn’t. Both he and Laurie compassion. Given the challenges in the doing in an urban area. are alumni. As Friedrich shares, they met and higher education sector, the campus is started dating when they were both in a –Rev. Dr. Brian Friedrich highly enthusiastic about having Brian’s skill, class taught by the Rev. Dr. Herbert Treichel. tact and leadership moving the campus to the next level,” said LaMott. “Laurie was in the class to learn about philosophy. I was in the class to learn about Laurie, and the rest is history,” Friedrich Student Senate President, Mumina Mohamud, a biology major chuckled. and chemistry minor, agreed. Now, more than 40 years later, they are returning to CSP and “I was very excited to meet them both! I thought they were both are thrilled to see how the institution and neighborhood have very genuine and wanted to get to know the school’s staff and evolved, grown and improved. faculty, and especially its students. We spoke about a variety of subjects—from ways to better CSP to what career fields myself “The changes in the neighborhood and campus are wonderful. and the rest of the Student Senate Executive Board were looking Yet, it is also great to see some of the same faces and the same into pursuing.” spirit as was here when we were students,” Laurie said. Rev. Dr. Friedrich shares Mohamud’s passion for CSP. “It's such a great school. And no matter what corner we’re looking at, CONCO RDIA ST. PAUL MAGAZINE • FALL/WINTER 2019
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Welcome Home
LEAVING CONCORDIA NEBRASKA AND COMING TO CSP In addition to his role as president of Concordia Nebraska, Friedrich held several positions in development and administration at CUNE after arriving at the school in 1991. He served as dean of development and college relations in 1993 before being named assistant to the president in 1994. He was appointed as vice president for institutional advancement in 1997 and was named president of Concordia Foundation, Inc. in 2003 before being named University president in 2004. When asked what made him open to this new call, Rev. Dr. Friedrich explained, “I've often said, as I visited with folks who are considering other opportunities, you should always think about going TO something rather than AWAY from something. That certainly is the case with our decision to answer this call.” He continued, “Concordia Nebraska is an incredible place. We have been phenomenally blessed to be part of that institution for many years. It’s inspiring to see what God has done and will continue to do there.” As the Friedrichs shared their love for CUNE and their time there, they also reflected on how this new call wasn’t something they were seeking out.
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"It may sound cliche, but at the end of the day - this is the best way we can describe this - it's God's call." That call came in the form of a voicemail left while the Friedrichs were vacationing and met with a reserved sense of “Huh? Really God?,” said Friedrich. Laurie continued, “We had a lot of road time this summer and I think that was a gift so that we could really come together and process all that was happening in the best way possible.” They took it one step at a time as they processed. Friedrich said that they kept coming back to knowing that there were amazing things happening at Concordia and in St. Paul. “And for some reason, we are supposed to be a part of it,” he said.
THE VISION FOR CONCORDIA ST. PAUL During his first 90 days, Friedrich has a clear plan for what he needs to accomplish. First, he will be a “raving fan” of the faculty, students, staff, donors and alumni of Concordia University, St. Paul. Second, he will actively seek opportunities to listen and learn from those that are also passionate about CSP. Finally, he will make himself available to meet as many constituents, friends, alumni and stakeholders as possible.
Welcome Home
“What happens at Concordia University, St. Paul isn’t going to be based on my vision. It will be OUR collective vision and the only way we can figure that out is to be in conversation with one another and for me to really listen to those who love and support CSP.” Beyond the first 90 days, Friedrich is committed to the strategic direction set by the Board of Regents. That direction calls for four core initiatives (see Vision 2024 Strategic Plan at bottom of pages 6-7). Each of these areas of focus requires intentional and strategic efforts and Friedrich is committed to supporting and encouraging them.
With each of these ambitious goals, both Friedrich and Mark Hill, Vice President of Advancement, know how critical donor support is.
What happens at Concordia University, St. Paul isn't going to be based on my vision. It will be OUR collective vision and the only way we can figure that out.is to be in conversation with one another and for me to really listen to those who love and support CSP.
Student Senate President Mohamud is excited about the goals that the strategic plan has laid out. “I think we will be able to accomplish these goals by continuing to do what we do best, and that is listening to students and being adaptable to any changes needed,” she shared. “I think we also need to follow-through with building our support services to follow students through their whole academic career at our institution.”
–Rev. Dr. Brian Friedrich
“Our students know and crave the value of a Christian education, but the cost can be prohibitive,” Hill explained. “In the case of each of these strategic goals, we need donor support so that our students can have maximum success.” He further explained that CSP has been fortunate to have donors that step up and make it possible for nearly every student to receive financial support that helps CSP keep its tuition at a reasonably affordable rate.
“While so much has already been done, anticipated growth in enrollment and support throughout every student’s education will require more scholarship funds,” Hill continued. “As Dr. Friedrich starts his role here, we hope that donors will feel the excitement of the potential this brings and give generously to support our students.”
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Welcome Home
OPPORTUNITIES Friedrich has a history of leading institutions toward growth. During his tenure in Nebraska, he led the campus in significant growth in intercollegiate athletics, which in turn led to enrollment and retention growth. In both cases, it isn’t the growth Friedrich is most proud of, it’s the students.
saying that to us – ‘Join us. Join us.’ And, we are saying it right back to them, ‘Join us. Join us.’ They're ready. We’re ready. We are ALL ready for what's next.” LaMott believes that Friedrich’s unique perspective and leadership approach are an ideal fit for CSP.
“President Friedrich is a perfect complement to the university. Concordia Dr. Friedrich's years of is on a historic growth path with the experience in advancement “When students have an opportunity to unique opportunity to serve even more participate in things that are meaningful and as president allows CSP learners in the future. With growth comes and important to them, whether it is a club to continue its pace and even financial needs and institutional partners. organization, an intercollegiate athletic accelerate better serving more Dr. Friedrich’s years of experience in program, music or drama, it's very, very learners at all levels. advancement and as president allows CSP important to their overall college success,” –Dr. Eric LaMott to continue its pace and even accelerate, CSP Provost and COO he said. “Seeing students’ success, first as better serving more learners at all levels. scholars and then as athletes and artists, Dr. Friedrich’s insights will help move the is a highlight of my career.” university forward in telling the story to our current and future Because of his experience in leading growth, Friedrich knows friends. The university could not be a better pairing for Brian and first-hand what it takes to accomplish this. Laurie.” “When I was here years ago, as a student, I was involved in theater productions. At the beginning of each theater season, the theater department gathered some students, and they did a little highlight song of the different pieces or shows that they were going to do throughout the year. In the song, there was a refrain that said, ‘Join us. Join us.’ As Laurie and I have been on campus the past few days, we feel like the community of Concordia is
WHAT DOES CSP NEED
TO ACCOMPLISH THESE BIG GOALS AND WORK THROUGH THE CHALLENGES? “First and foremost, we ask for your prayers,” said Friedrich. “Then, we ask for openness. We ask for folks to be open to getting to know us and giving us the privilege to get to know them.”
VISION 2024
STRATEGIC PLAN GOAL 1: GROW ENROLLMENT •
Grow enrollment to 7,000 students: 4,000 undergraduate level and 3,000 graduate level
GOAL 2: INCREASE PERSISTENCE TO GRADUATION •
New Freshman - 65% Five-year completion rate
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Transfer Students - 65% Three-year completion rate
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Graduate Students - 80% Three-year degree completion rate
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Engage external marketing expertise to market program outcomes under a unified brand
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Increase affordability through pricing strategies and endowment growth
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Add new relevant academic programs (two undergraduate level and two graduate level, annually)
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Enhance and expand community, alumni and professional connections for students
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Create additional transfer-friendly practices and policies
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Increase affordability through pricing strategies and endowment growth
Create opportunities for meaningful interactions between students and faculty over professional and career connections
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Purposefully engage in professional development for faculty and staff focusing on deeper understanding of technology and cultural competency
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Develop majors and learning experiences that prepare students for meaningful work in their vocation
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Utilize the Student Achievement Measure to assess effectiveness of support student graduation outcomes for transfer students
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Build a standardized internship/research/practical experience
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Engage the use of hiring best practices to secure employees who have mission fit, are highly talented and generate a diverse workforce
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“The donors of CSP have been incredibly generous with their time in connecting with the Friedrichs,” Hill added. “They are so excited for the future of CSP and want to be a part of what God is up to here. It’s an incredible time to be a member of the Concordia community.”
IMAGINING THE FUTURE OF CONCORDIA ST. PAUL Imagining the future of Concordia University, St. Paul starts by looking at what is currently happening. The Concordia of today is rich with activity, diversity and excitement. It is a place where, as the mission states, students are prepared for thoughtful and informed living, for dedicated service to God and humanity, for enlightened care of God’s creation, all within the context of the Christian Gospel. Friedrich is thinking about Concordia’s future, too. “I imagine a campus that is teeming with activity and students and excitement, in a way that is accelerated, even from the pace we’re at today,” he shared. “I imagine a campus that is innovative, agile and nimble. It is an institution that stands out because of what its students are doing in God’s world. It is a place that is fulfilling its calling as a place that warmly welcomes all with the forgiving love and gentle embrace of Jesus Christ, the Savior of the world.”
GOAL 3: MAINTAIN QUALITY, RELEVANT CURRICULUM TO ENSURE TRANSITION TO JOB OR GRADUATE SCHOOL •
Employment or continued education within nine months of graduation: 90% undergraduate and graduate, 65% knowledge rate of graduates’ post-graduation career activities
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100% of students engage in meaningful career experience as part of their degree program
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Ensure all majors are connected to career outcomes with embedded liberal arts concepts in the context
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Increase number of undergraduate students engaged in internships, research and credit for life experience
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Enhance career services engagement with students entering the workforce
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Enhance partnerships with corporations for the purpose of hiring the University’s graduates or engaging students in internships
GOAL 4: STRENGTHEN FINANCIAL POSITION •
Grow total net assets by $5.0 million per year
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Reduce long-term debt by $900,000 per year
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Achieve annual operating net income of $1.1 million
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Increase support from alumni and friends and focus on estate planning, growing the endowment and gifts to the Opportunity Fund
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THE FRIEDRICH FILE •
Officially begins CSP presidency Jan. 1, 2020
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10th president of Concordia University, St. Paul
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1979 graduate of Concordia St. Paul
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Served 28 years in a number of roles at Concordia University, Nebraska (CUNE)
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University president at CUNE (2004-2019)
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Vice president for institutional advancement at CUNE (1997-2004)
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Assistant to the president (CUNE, 1994-97)
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Dean of development and college relations (CUNE, 1993-94)
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Director of centennial campaign (CUNE, 1991-93)
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Vice President of the Concordia University System
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Member of the Colloquy Committee of The Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod
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Director of the National Association of the Council of Independent College and Universities
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Trustee of Mill Neck Foundation and Lutheran Friends of the Deaf boards
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Prior to tenure at CUNE, served as Pastor at Peace Lutheran Church (Park Falls, Wis.) 1988-90, as religion teacher and dean of chapel at Martin Luther High School (Maspeth, N.Y.), and assistant pastor at Lutheran Church of St. John (Flushing, N.Y.)
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Earned master of divinity degree from Concordia Seminary (St. Louis) 1986
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Brian and his wife Laurie are blessed with three adult children, Micah (Alina), Leah (Philip Vogel and grandson, Camden) and Philip
FUN FACT Dr. Friedrich's first job after graduating from Concordia was as an admissions counselor in CSP's office of admissions. Pictured at the left is an article from the Feb. 7, 1979 edition of The Concordia Comet announcing his hiring.
CONCORDIA ST. PAUL'S PAST PRESIDENTS The nine men who have led Concordia since its founding in 1893. Rev. Dr. Brian Friedrich officially takes the reins as CSP's 10th president on Jan. 1, 2020.
Rev. Dr. Theodore Buenger 1893-1927
Rev. Dr. Martin Graebner 1927-46
Rev. Dr. William Poehler 1946-70
Rev. Dr. Harvey Stoegemoeller 1971-76
Rev. Dr. Gerhardt Hyatt 1976-84
Rev. Dr. Alan Harre 1984-89
Rev. Dr. John Johnson 1989-91
Rev. Dr. Robert Holst 1991-2011
Rev. Dr. Tom Ries 2011-19
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Celebrating Legacy
Legacy Family—The Wolfgrams From the fall of 1972 until the spring of 2001, with the exception of one academic year, at least one of the 11 Wolfgram first cousins (and one second cousin) attended Concordia St. Paul. A number of them also met spouses while attending CSP, further adding members to this long-lasting family legacy.
Another cousin, Lester Wolfgram, BA ‘88, pointed out how his cousin, James Kroonblawd, BA ‘82, was studying at the seminary, which influenced him to attend CSP and follow that path into ordained ministry. Additionally, seeing his cousins come to the “big city” and thrive made an impact on him as well.
COMING TO CONCORDIA
Laurie (Wolfgram) Mosshammer, BA ‘95, also felt a sense of comfort in the city thanks to her cousins Lester, Carol (Wolfgram) Niemann, BA ‘87 and Heidi (Wolfgram) Crowley, BA ‘91. She loved when they would bring friends home on breaks and when she was able to visit them on campus. “This is so cool,” she exclaimed, remembering how she enjoyed visiting Concordia.
Barb (Wolfgram) Scott, BA ‘73, the first of the cousins to attend CSP, went to high school at Concordia Academy, and says she chose to attend because of familiarity with CSP and interest in church work. For some of her younger siblings and cousins, having family members that attended Concordia and lived close by helped pave the way for them. Dan Wolfgram, BA ‘95, served in the Navy for four years, and had an interest in DCE ministry. He also chose CSP due to the comfort of being around the familiar surroundings and community to pursue this church vocation. Like Barb and Dan, other cousins chose CSP because of their interest in church work and exploring their faith. Miriam (Wolfgram) Phillips, BA ‘01, the youngest of these cousins, chose CSP after first spending time at Minnesota State University Moorhead. She participated in a mission trip that influenced her to explore her faith more, and because she knew she could do that more deeply at CSP, she transferred.
Bev (Wolfgram) Esala (Barb’s sister), BA ‘77, explained that her parents served as surrogate parents for the younger cousins that came from North Dakota. Lester described it this way: “Having that connection to home was a really big deal.” Laurie echoed Lester’s observation, having experienced the support of her aunt and uncle. “Lawrence and Dorothy* were at every band concert,” she recalled. The Wolfgrams’ second cousin, Sharon (Krueger) Schewe, BA ‘77, enjoyed the opportunity to become closer to her family and be a familiar face as these relatives came to CSP. At one point, Sharon’s dad told her, “Sometimes I think you know my cousins better than I do.”
Herman Wolfgram married Ella Wolfgram
Lawrence Wolfgram
Corinne (Wolfgram) Kroonblawd
Barb (Wolfgram) Scott, ‘73
Tim Wolfgram, ‘81
Lynn (Kroonblawd) Williams, BA ‘77 married John Williams, BA ‘76
Bev (Wolfgram) Esala, BA ‘77 married Keith Esala, BA ‘76
Dan Wolfgram, ‘95 married Hollie (Oscarson) Wolfgram, BA ‘01
Jim Kroonblawd, BA‘82 married Lynn (Karolus) Kroonblawd, BA ‘84
Leonard Wolfgram
Harold Wolfgram
Wesley Wolfgram
Carol (Wolfgram) Niemann, BA ‘87 married Dan Niemann, BA ‘88
Lester Wolfgram, BA ‘88 married Denise (Hintz) Wolfgram, BA ‘87
Laurie (Wolfgram) Mosshammer, BA ‘95
Heidi (Wolfgram) Crowley, BA ‘91
Miriam (Wolfgram) Phillips, BA ‘01
Extended Family: Sharon (Krueger) Schewe, BA ‘77 (grandniece of Herman)
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Photo by Austin Running '19
FOND MEMORIES A self-described musical family, 10 of the 11 cousins participated in band and/or choir at CSP. Many of them talked about how much they cherished their memories in the music programs, in groups like Band, Chapel Choir, Jubilate Choir, Christus Chorus. James recalled how Band Director, Prof. Richard Norris, “was a strong mentor and support in college and through his encouragement challenged me to perform a senior recital on the tuba.” Laurie remembered him as an “amazing band professor.” Bev told the story of how she was on a band tour around 1975, and one of their stops was in Niagara, North Dakota, where her cousins lived. Lester confirmed his memories of this tour stop, while others were too young to remember this early interaction with Concordia St. Paul. Another special memory shared by some of the cousins was meeting their spouses at Concordia. James met his wife Lynn (Karolus) Kroonblawd, BA ‘84, while in band. James’ sister, Lynn (Kroonblawd) Williams, BA ‘77, shared her memory of first seeing her future husband, John Williams, BA ‘76, at a transfer student meet and greet in the Student Union. Lester also met his wife, Denise (Hintz) Wolfgram, BA ‘87, who was on campus finishing her Lutheran teaching colloquy program. As residence life staff from 1981-2017, Sharon was in charge of making housing assignments, and revealed that her cousins may have been the first ones paired with their roommates. In addition, she kept a campus connection for her second cousins beyond their years as students. James noted that they “always checked in with Sharon when we came to visit.”
The Wolfgram Family
However, the infamous Halloween blizzard hit at the same time. “People were saying it was going to get better. It did not,” quipped Carol. After many extra hours of driving, they thankfully made it safely back to North Dakota.
A LASTING IMPACT One of the strongest themes echoed by many of the family members is the legacy of faith. Pointing back to their grandparents, Herman and Ella Wolfgram, who instilled faith in their parents, the cousins celebrated that all 26 cousins in their generation are still active Christians. This faith foundation is what influenced the cousins’ desire to explore church vocations at Concordia. All 11 of the cousins went into church work for at least a time, and that experience has been passed on to the next generation, some of whom are now themselves serving in the church. James observed how not only he and his cousins were impacted by CSP, but also his children, who attended Concordia Academy, which has its roots in Concordia St. Paul’s history. “Concordia has become a school that not only prepares students from church vocations [but] is impacting lives for Christ from many backgrounds,” he observed. While they recognize the growth and changes at CSP over the years, the memories and bonds these cousins have with each other and the university remain the same. “[Concordia] gives us something in common; we’ve all been here... we can share stories and have similar reflections,” Laurie remarked. *Lawrence and Dorothy Wolfgram, parents of Barb, Bev, Dan and Tim, lived in Maplewood
Laurie shared a humorous memory from her freshman year in the Fall of 1991. She hadn’t been home all semester, and her cousin Carol volunteered to drive Laurie and some of her friends home. CONCO RDIA ST. PAUL MAGAZINE • FALL/WINTER 2019
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CSP Feature
Embracing Change: Checking Out CSP’s Library Updates If you’ve paid a visit to the CSP Library in the past several months, you’ve likely noticed a few changes to its space. These changes include minimal things like new blue paint on the library’s interior columns and more noticeable changes like empty bookshelves and the return of certain student services to the library including the Help Desk, Writing Center and Multilingual Language Lab. Every change plays a role in the library’s ultimate goal: to become the main student hub on campus and provide relevant, accessible information for students as they study and navigate an ever-evolving world. CSP Library Director Jon Neilson offered a glimpse into the library’s updates to help the campus community understand not only the magnitude of the changes but how and why Concordia is embracing them so wholeheartedly.
A COLLECTION REVISITED
A FANTASTIC PROBLEM TO HAVE
One stark change that visible even without entering the library is the numerous shelves coming down along with the books that once called them home. “We took a hard look at the bulk of our collection of print books,” Neilson explained. “We have data going back about 17 years and 64% of that collection had not been used once in that 17 years.”
What inspired and motivated such a huge consolidation? CSP’s students. “We had some times last fall semester where at peak times of the day we were absolutely full on the first floor,” Neilson recalled. “You could not find a seat, an open table - that’s a fantastic problem to have!”
It was clear that the library’s collection was in desperate need of upkeep. The project was a huge, data-driven undertaking: from the library’s main collection, just over 20,000 books were removed. The library staff consolidated the collection into 75 percent of the space they once took up and moved downstairs to the library’s lower level. The first floor’s collection, which included more specific literary collections and student scholarship work (theses, etc.), were also consolidated and moved downstairs. The library’s staff spent time evaluating each of the library’s titles with data that they have including how many times the book has or has not been used. They used that data to build a foundation of making decisions about individual titles and built on top of that. For example, one library staff member is the liaison to academic programs including health sciences. She used her skill and those connections to evaluate health science titles. The critical thing remaining is that each of the 20,000 books moved out of the collection had a conscious decision-making process to support it. According to Neilson, while it was a successful “first go,” all indications show that they aren’t done yet.
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CSP’s library is unique in terms of its location and position on campus in comparison to other colleges with it being connected to the tunnel system, close to classrooms and off of the “main drag.” Because of that, it has become a multi-purpose space. The library features academic services like the Writing Center and Multilingual Language Lab and tutoring as well as campus support services like the Help Desk. This presents an obvious benefit of becoming a hub for student support. What the library formerly called the circulation desk has now been renamed the information desk to better guide students in the right direction based on their needs. “It’s a work in progress, but the vision is there,” Neilson explained. He emphasized that while it’s still a library, it’s good to challenge the notion of what people think libraries are supposed to be. “We should be open to campus for career fairs, faculty spotlights– even Residence Life did an event in the library after closing.” So Neilson asked the question, “We’re a big space - why don’t we use it for that?”
THE SHIFT TO DIGITAL RESOURCES The culmination of the physical book consolidation and revamped space highlights CSP’s focus on the importance of information and resource accessibility in a world where information literacy is more vital than ever. Concordia’s library staff have targeted the accessibility factor for their resources. Along with getting rid of outdated materials, the library is changing their acquisitions process. In the past, the library acquired materials based on best guesses, course requirements, and good intentions and the hope that students would use it or professors would craft an assignment around those materials. It often didn’t pan out.
Because students can find more online, it is increasingly important to be able to determine the source as well as evaluate it. Wightman wants to give students the tools to do just that. “The way you search with library tools is different than Google. I always try to add in the context, the ‘why,’ as well as teach students about nuances when they’re researching. We want to continually supplement and reinforce that,” Wightman confirmed. Neilson agrees. “We know we’re biased in the library to the lifelong learning concept, but we would love to instill that interest among our students,” he noted.
“We pivoted toward electronic items first like eBooks,” Neilson described. “But now it’s around 'just in time' or 'demand-driven' and we put thousands of titles into the library’s website and catalog and any student can access them and we [the library] only buys them once it’s been used by a student.” This means the material access is instantaneous for the student. For the library, it means acquiring materials shifts from a “best guess” process to a data-driven one. In the future, the library is aiming to work closely with faculty members to utilize these electronic resources as much as possible and in some cases, basing entire course syllabi on electronic resources versus textbooks which are often viewed as a hidden cost to students paying for college.
THE EMPHASIS ON INFORMATION LITERACY Shifting CSP’s collection to digital adds to the already important need for information literacy in a world where evaluating, digesting and sharing information responsibly has become more critical than ever. In the age of misinformation, the library wants to provide a compass that students can use during their academic pursuits and beyond. CSP sees its role in that and wants students to be successful not only in their academic endeavors but in creating, using and evaluating information effectively and ethically in their professional and personal lives as well. That’s where library staff like Rachel Wightman come in. Rachel is associate director of instruction and outreach for CSP’s library. She plays an instrumental role in the library’s instruction, information literacy, technology assistance and also helps students find the best available resources. She spends time interfacing with students in the library and on occasion is invited into classrooms. “Libraries are still asking: ‘how do we help our patrons use information and evaluate it?’ More and more is available online, so those questions have shifted to ‘how are we going to make a plan to navigate those resources and the internet? Are the students really finding the best sources?’” she commented.
THE ULTIMATE GOAL On his hopes for the future direction of CSP library, Neilson described students finding a welcoming space that isn’t just the physical library, but online as well. In addition, he hopes that they find a space that’s comfortable and encourages collaboration with other students, faculty, and more. He wants faculty to embrace the library as a classroom space and for office hours. It’s that eagerness to evolve and change to keep up with student needs and an ever-changing environment that has been the biggest surprise for Neilson since he arrived at CSP. He noted that faculty members and deans have approached him, thrilled to engage with the library about what the definition of a library is and ask, “what should a library do today?” He also stated that CSP isn’t afraid to push those boundaries and while other places put up their walls and end up pigeon-holed, CSP hasn’t done that. “We’re so lucky to have our library that is on display on the main drag of campus,” Neilson added. “The reality is that people might walk by on campus and wonder where all of the books are. I suspect for most prospective students that seeing other students working together and filling up those tables—that has to be way more powerful.” Updates to the library’s physical space are nearly complete and feature new furniture, new wall graphics behind the Information Desk and along the library’s south wall and new shelves just in time for the beginning of the new academic year.
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Christian Outreach
Students Connect Christian Faith with Academics as Solus Christus Fellows The Solus Christus Fellows Program at Concordia University, St. Paul provides students with an opportunity to explore why their faith matters for their studies and their future careers.
Lutheran identity as a university and serves as an excellent starting point for conversations on how Lutheran convictions inform intellectual inquiry and academic pursuits.
Solus Christus Fellows meet weekly and engage in thoughtful discussions of readings that deepen their faith, build community, and help them to live well in their various Godgiven callings in life. The program is a result of the Hoffmann Mentoring Initiative to foster a strong Christian intellectual environment and a supportive Christian community for students on campus. The curriculum brings the Christian scriptures, theological resources and Christian community together to inform and shape students’ lives for dedicated service to God and humanity.
The group’s current students are already benefiting from the community.
Dr. Mark Koschmann, assistant professor of theology and ministry and Fiechtner Chair in Christian Outreach, described the growth of the program that began three years ago with a group of six students meeting with him in a coffee shop every other week. “This academic year, we’ve launched two cohorts of Solus Christus Fellows with about twelve undergraduate students in each cohort,” Koschmann explained. Koschmann is also experimenting with a third cohort for students who are taking classes online or who are studying abroad. In addition, this is the first year that the Solus Christus Fellows program has a graduate student intern, Alexandra Cleary, BA ’19, who is assisting with the planning and implementation of the expanding Fellows program. “As I begin my fifth year as Director of the Hoffmann Mentoring Initiatives, it’s exciting to see more and more students engage with deep questions about their faith and life,” Koschmann said. The undergraduate students in Solus Christus Fellows are student leaders eager to thoughtfully reflect on their Christian faith and explore how it connects with their academic learning and career goals. Upon completion of four semesters of the program, students receive a Solus Christus Fellow designation on their university transcript.
“Solus Christus has given me the opportunities to wrestle with the realities of our broken world through the lens of Christian law and gospel,” student Elissa Boll, ‘20 shared. “The lessons in theology I’ve learned from this program have already extended beyond my life in college and will certainly stick with me far past my graduation date.” Alrhik Schommer, '21 explained how it has helped his faith walk. “The group has helped me grow and mature as an individual and helped me realize that it’s not only okay to disagree, it’s okay to ask why something is the way that it is and question and doubt it down to the core." Eden Garman, BA '19 enjoys the supportive community Solus Christus provides. "The majority of us are not studying theology or pursing a vocation in the church. We are students connecting with others and learning how to meet people in everyday circumstances to share Christ's love." Through CSPs annual lectures such as the Hoffmann Lecture and Poehler Lecture, Solus Christus Fellows are equipped to show Christ’s love in their vocation, service, and care for others. Solus Christus Fellows are also invited to attend events at a number of universities in Minneapolis and St. Paul on religion, ethics, culture and social justice. Through a partnership with the Anselm House—a Christian center for faith and scholarship at The University of Minnesota —students have opportunities to hear prominent Christian scholars and speakers like Mark Noll, Jean Bethke Elshtain, James K.A. Smith, Karen Swallow Prior and Emmanuel Katongole. Koschmann plans to continue to build on the success of this mentoring program to continue CSP’s legacy of connecting faith, learning and life together in Christ.
The Solus Christus Fellows Program began in the 2017-2018 academic year as part of CSP’s celebration of the 500th Anniversary of the Reformation. The “Reformation solas” captured the heart and essence of the Reformation: by grace alone, through faith alone, in Scripture alone. To these is added one more sola – Christ alone. Solus Christus is essential to our
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Elissa Boll
Alrhik Schommer
Eden Garman
CSP Athletics
With its rise in popularity, universities across the nation have been adding esports programs, offering official support, funding and dedicated facilities. CSP is among one of the first schools in Minnesota to offer esports, adding the program as its 17th intercollegiate sport for the 2019-20 academic year.
Hearthstone: This is a turn-based card game between two opponents, using constructed decks of 30 cards along with a selected hero with a unique power. Players use their limited mana crystals to play abilities or summon minions to attack the opponent, with the goal of destroying the opponent's hero.
WHAT IS ESPORTS?
WHEN IS THE SEASON?
Esports is a form of competition using video games. It often takes the form of organized, multiplayer competitions. Varsity esports teams compete against similar teams at peer educational institutions.
Esports as a whole spans the entire school year with different games taking place at different points of the school year. Rocket League is in the fall, League of Legends and Overwatch are in the spring. Hearthstone is not set yet.
IS ESPORTS SANCTIONED BY THE NCAA?
HOW BIG IS THE ROSTER?
The NCAA has not yet decided whether or not to include esports as an official sport under their regulation as of yet, however, collegiate esports is overseen by the National Association of Collegiate Esports (NACE). There are currently 157 schools registered with NACE.
CSP’s roster currently sits at 21 gamers and is coed. It is anticipated the full roster will grow to 40.
WHAT ESPORTS GAMES WILL CSP COMPETE IN? Rocket League: Described as "soccer, but with rocket-powered cars," Rocket League has two teams of three players, using rocket-powered vehicles to hit a ball into their opponent's goal and score points over the course of a match. League of Legends: Players assume the role of an unseen "summoner" that controls a "champion" with unique abilities and work as a team to battle against a team of players from other schools. The goal is usually to destroy the opposing team's "Nexus", a structure that lies at the heart of a base protected by defensive structures, although other distinct game modes exist as well. Overwatch: Played in two teams of six, with each player selecting from a roster of 31 characters, known as "heroes", each with a unique style of play whose roles are divided into three general categories that fit their role. Players on a team work together to secure and defend control points on a map or escort a payload across the map in a limited amount of time.
WHERE DOES CSP’S TEAM COMPETE? The esports arena is housed in the Marshall Building on CSP’s campus across from the Gangelhoff Center.
WHO COACHES THE TEAM? Logan Hermes was hired as CSP’s first head esports coach in the spring of 2019. Prior to the CSP esports announcement, Hermes had already been investigating the feasibility of a college varsity team in the Upper Midwest, researching scholarship models, locating student interest and concern and evaluating the financial needs and benefits of a student program. Hermes has been active in League of Legends since 2012, Hearthstone since 2015 and Overwatch since 2016.
HOW TO FOLLOW CSP’S ESPORTS TEAM? Live video of all CSP esports matches is available online CSP's Twitch page at twitch.tv/cspbears.
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Alumni Awards/Athletic Hall of Fame Images: Noah Wolf Photography
ALUMNI DISTINGUISHED SERVICE HONOREES Dr. Michael A. Brooks, Jr., BA ’08 Rev. Kelly Chatman, AA ’73 Rev. William Otte, HS ’64, AA ’66 Rev. Dr. Daniel Mattson, JC ’62
EDUCATOR OF THE YEAR HONOREES Koryn Saunders, BA ’01 Joy (Blasingame) Mueller, BA ’77, MAEd '98 Lee Vang, BA ’02 Janet Pesch, BA ’91
2019 ATHLETIC HALL OF FAME INDUCTEES George Altendorfer Jr., BA ’79 Joe Mapson, BA ’05 Joseph Mapson, BA ’05 Emily (Shoop) Bredeson, BA ’04 Kyle Warren, BA ’07 Maria (Steinhagen) Sperl, BA ’09 Jacob Schmidt, BA ’09 Amanda Yurek, BA ’07 Mark Marxhausen, BA ’81 Kelsey Kyro Peel, BA ’06* *not pictured
CSP News DR. CHERYL CHATMAN HONORED Dr. Cheryl Chatman was awarded the Association of Black Women in Higher Education (ABWHE)’s Lifetime Achievement Award at the 2019 ABWHE Conference in St. Paul on October 17, 2019.
Fulbright Scholarship Brings CSP Professor to Cambodia Dr. Steve Manderscheid, associate professor of organizational management and chair of Concordia’s leadership management department, was offered the Fulbright Scholarship in November of 2018. The Fulbright Scholarship allows faculty and professionals to help engage in short-term collaborative two- to six-week projects at eligible institutions in over 140 countries worldwide. Manderscheid’s project is six weeks total and arranged to be completed on two separate occasions during 2019. He completed the first half of his project last February in Phnom Penh, Cambodia where he spent three weeks working at The National University of Management. “My primary responsibility was to teach a graduate course titled, Leadership, Innovation, and Change, as part of the institution’s new Global Innovation in Management program,” Manderscheid explained. His class was the program’s first course. He and the cohort’s 19 students met face-to-face on Monday, Wednesday and Friday nights. The class was comprised of mid-level managers in a variety of corporate organizations including banking, telecommunication, agriculture and more. In addition, he provided guest presentations on innovation to the university’s undergraduate management courses and functioned as a guest faculty member with direct contact with the program director and three program coordinators. “I advised them on program structure, introduced the potential of using video-conferencing for courses with remote international faculty members, participated in conversations with potential faculty members and international program partners and helped them plan for their Southeast Innovation competition,” he continued. In addition, he met with the university’s president and staff and other faculty members in the graduate school. The Fulbright Scholarship has given Manderscheid the opportunity to further develop his global mindset and better understand the business dynamics in Southeast Asia. “I hope to share our current U.S. business practices with the graduate students in Cambodia and develop lasting relationships with new colleagues at the university,” he noted.
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The award celebrates Dr. Chatman’s work at CSP where she provides vision and leadership for the university’s diversity efforts through creative programming, consultation, and partnership with students, faculty, staff, and administrators, as well as by creating and sustaining supportive relationships with students, colleagues, and community constituencies. Dr. Chatman is active in the community and serves as a member of the Minnesota Chapter of the ABWHE, on the Board of NAACP, ARTS US, and in the “EveryBody’s In” organization. She has served on numerous planning committees for various diversity, intercultural, and leadership training events and conferences for faculty, staff, students, and the community. The Dr. Cheryl Troutman Chatman Diversity Center on CSP’s campus was dedicated in her honor.
CONCORDIA SETS FIRST–YEAR ENROLLMENT RECORD CSP enrolled the largest freshman class in its 126-year history, as it welcomed 351 first-time students for the fall 2019 semester. That trend follows CSP’s unprecedented run of overall enrollment growth as a record 5,139 undergraduate and graduate students are enrolled for the fall 2019 semester. CSP has set a new enrollment record for eight straight years dating back to 2012. A significant milestone was reached for the graduate population as it eclipsed 2,000 students for the first time with a total headcount of 2,012. Undergraduate program enrollment stands at 3,127 learners.
CSP ADDS DIAGNOSTIC MEDICAL SONOGRAPHY PROGRAM Concordia St. Paul expanded its healthcare offerings with the addition of an associate of applied science (AAS) degree in diagnostic medical sonography (DMS). The program offers two concentrations, general sonography and cardiac (echocardiography) sonography. Concordia’s diagnostic medical sonography program will focus on building high-quality technical skills through oncampus labs and extensive clinical training in addition to emphasizing professionalism and quality patient care. The program will be housed on the eighth floor of Ries Tower.
Alumni Success
Alumni Success Stories CSP alumni are well equipped for a lifetime of career success in a variety of fields and communities. Here is a glimpse into how a pair of recent graduates have used their degrees to find meaningful careers while also making positive contributions in their communities.
BERT LEE, BFA '17, GRAPHIC DESIGN A second generation Hmong-American, Bert Lee, BFA ‘17, pursues his various passions with vigor and enthusiasm. By day, Lee works at Periscope directing photo shoots, designing packages, and creating digital banners, emails, and websites. Outside of this work, you’ll find him volunteering in the graphic design field, sharing his love for public speaking, and helping lead a breakdancing group. Lee credits Concordia with helping him become successful in all these areas. "CSP provided me with the right resources and opportunities that allowed me to pursue my career and interests,” he explained. When he chose CSP, however, he wasn’t sure what he wanted to study. For Lee, graphic design was “was just a checkbox on a college application asking for my field of interest,” he recalled. However, his perception of the field changed his sophomore year. Lee shared how “the graphic design classes I took caught my interest and I realized the endless opportunities that came along with design.” Lee found numerous ways to explore graphic design on campus beyond the classroom. He was a part of CHUSA (Concordia Hmong Unity Student Association) and designed marketing materials for that group, while also serving as the art director for The Sword (CSP’s student newspaper) and as vice president for the student American Institute of Graphic Arts (AIGA) club. To this day, he still volunteers with AIGA as their director of education working with college students and recent graduates. “I know the hardships design students go through to land a job in this industry…[and] I want to be able to share my experiences with those who are struggling,” Lee explained. His experience with CSP’s Ignite Leadership Program led him to discover a gift and passion for public speaking. “Aside from being a graphic designer, I also want to coach individuals how to become effective communicators and storytellers,” Lee said. “I participate in speech competitions and host my own workshops talking about the art of body language, stage presence and storytelling.” Lee concedes that his busy professional life and personal interests can be overwhelming. That’s where dance comes in. He serves as chair of the Hmong Breakers Leadership Council, which works to “bridge the Hmong Community with different modern and traditional talents by initiating opportunities with Hip Hop and the arts as the platform.” Read more alumni success stores online at csp.edu/wearecsp.
BRITTANY LARSON, MAEd ‘17, DIFFERENTIATED INSTRUCTION Winning a $25,000 prize for her excellence as an educator certainly was not what alumna Brittany Larson, MAEd ‘17 had in mind when she attended an early March assembly at Century Elementary School in Grafton, N.D. However, this unexpected surprise was much deserved for this first-grade teacher. Larson was one of 33 recipients of the 201819 Milken Educator Awards, established and funded by the Milken Family Foundation. These awards recognize the accomplishment and potential of early to mid-career educators, and highlight and promote efforts to enhance the quality of education and student outcomes. Choosing to continue her education at Concordia was an easy decision for Larson because she was able to take all her classes online. The Master of Arts in Education with an emphasis in Differentiated Instruction program was exactly what she was looking for to enhance her professional skills. “As a first-grade teacher in a rural school district, my primary focus was on ways professional educators can effectively teach young gifted/advanced students in general education classrooms for academic, social and emotional success,” she remarked. Larson appreciated learning about differentiated instruction from both professors and fellow students and found the class structure supportive of learning. “They allowed us space and time for whole group, small group and individualized instruction,” she observed. “The professors balanced the needs of individual learners with time, patience and understanding,” Larson recalled fondly, naming Theresa Starkman, Phyllis Burger, and Ann Kern as some of the most influential professors in her program. The impact of her degree has been quickly realized by Larson. “I differentiate for my advanced/gifted readers 1.5 hours a day. Through the differentiated master’s program, I learned how to effectively use cluster grouping, interest grouping, incorporate problem-based learning units, curriculum compacting and independent projects for effective teaching practices for young gifted students,” she explained. Larson noted that her MAEd degree provided her the tools that enabled her to win this award. “It has changed my life and career. I cannot thank CSP enough,” she said.
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Class Notes
1
4
2
CAREER/EDUCATION 1960s In August 2019, Rev. Steven Delzer, BA ’67, retired as the Bishop of Southeastern Minnesota Synod, ELCA after 44 years of ministry. Linda Benson, BA ’69, has retired. 1 Rev. David Hill, BA ’71, is the CEO of Serving Servants, Inc. a 501(c)(3) Ministry.
1970s Rev. Russ Sommerfeld, AA '72, was appointed interim president of Concordia University, Nebraska beginning January 1, 2020. James Charleston, BA ’78, has released a podcast, Frijoles y Arroz, on all platforms.
1980s Paula Hoffman, BA '82, has been placed on permanent disability and will be honorably retired in fall 2019, suffering from the effects of dysautonomia and its effect on the autonomic nervous system.
1990s 2 Tanya (Laabs) Johnson, BA '96, was the author of devotions for August in the July-September 2019 Portals of Prayer from Concordia Publishing House.
2000s After teaching on the Red Lake Indian Reservation for 10 years, Angela (Birr) Andreen, BA ’05, has taken a job in the Owatonna Public School District. She is teaching Elementary and Middle School General Music. Nicole Frethem, MAEd '09, has announced her campaign for Ramsey County Commissioner in District 1.
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2010s Chris Kelley, MA ‘12, has announced his candidacy seeking the Independence Party’s nomination for Minnesota’s 5th Congressional District in the 2020 election. He is a 20-year veteran of the Minneapolis Police Department and has served in the Army and Army Reserves for 27 years. Domonique Gilmer, BA '12, has been appointed to the boards of the Minnesota Middle School Association and St. Paul Youth Services. Domonique was also accepted into the Minnesota Principals Academy, which enables cohorts of practicing principals to put leadership best practices from education, business, military, and other fields to work on behalf of their students and schools. 3
Brandon Servantez, BA '13, has been hired to serve as a veteran services officer in Freeborn County, Minn. Previously, he worked as a probation officer in Freeborn and Waseca counties. Greg May, MAEd '14, was named the Director of Operations for the University of Minnesota men's hockey program in August 2019. Beverly Tipton Hammond, MBA '18, had her art featured at the Unitarian Universalist Church of Minnetonka's North Wall Art Space in June 2019. Jordan Carda, BS '17, MSOP '19, has been hired as a resident prosthetist and orthotist for Prosthetic and Orthotic Care, Inc. (P&O Care) for their three clinics in the St. Louis, Mo. area. He will complete an 18-month residency with P&O Care, then will be eligible to apply to become a Certified Prosthetist Orthotist (CPO) through the American Board for Certification in Orthotics, Prosthetics & Pedorthics (ABC). 4
Luis Victoria, MA '19, is working for the Kansas City Royals Dominican Academy team as a Baseball Operations and Cultural Development Intern. This internship is scheduled through the end of November 2019.
Class Notes
5
9
7
6
8
10
HONORS/AWARDS
BIRTHS/ADOPTIONS
1970s
2000s
Tina (Hoyt) Lenz, BA '79, received the 2018 Annual Tribute to Women Celebration EmBe Award in Souix Falls, S.D. in the Humanities and Education category.
7 Carrie (Schierschmidt), BA '04, and Greg Boche, along with big brother Hunter, welcomed Agnes Ann on September 24, 2018.
1990s
2010s
Steve Zamzo, BA '93, won the 2018 Greatmats National Gymnastics Coach of the Year award for his work as coach at Detroit Lakes High School. This spring, his team won their fifth consecutive Class A state championship.
Grant David Johnson was born to Peter, BA '11, and Stephanie Johnson on July 29, 2019. Grant is the grandson of Rev. David, BA '82, and Jill (Uecker), BA '83, Johnson, and great-grandson of Joyce, JC '59, and Ronald Uecker. 8
Amanda (Och) BA '14, MBA '17, and Jordan Padula and older brother Liam (15 months) welcomed Nora Mae Padula on May 27, 2019. 9
ANNIVERSARIES/ ENGAGEMENTS/WEDDINGS 1980s Jill and Todd Piechowski, ’81, met in the financial aid office in the fall of 1978 and have been in love ever since. Somewhere along that path their two Concordia cafeteria trays have gone missing. 5
2000s Rochelle (Rocco), BA ’08, and Tom Ballou, celebrated their 25th wedding anniversary.
2010s Matthew, BA '16, married Lauren (Chorowicz) Kinne, BA '18, on June 22 in Hawthorn Woods, Ill. Matthew wrote a cantata for the wedding (led by Dr. David Mennicke) that was performed by a choir of 30+ singers and a dozen instrumentalists, the majority of whom were CSP students and alumni. 6
GENERAL NEWS 1950s In July 2019, Rev. Dr. Bernhard Lutz, HS '52, JC '54, and Rev. Alvin Borchardt, HS '52, JC '54, reconnected and celebrated 71 years of knowing each other at Christ Lutheran Church, Neepawa, Manitoba, where Lutz was preaching. 10
1960s Kathy (Day) Freudenburg, BA '68, and her husband, Ernie, were the directors for the 2019 ALOA Lutherhostel held at Ironwood Springs Christian Ranch near Stewartville, Minn. This four-day senior retreat was held September 23-27. Tom Kuseske, BA '68, presented a couple of history topics on famous storytellers.
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Class Notes
11 12
INSTALLATIONS/ ORDINATIONS 2000s 11 The Rev. Kenneth Davidson, BA '83, was installed May 19 as pastor of Emanuel Evangelical Lutheran Church in Dudleytown, Ind. Davidson, who has served at Zion Lutheran Church in Atlantic, Iowa, for the past 14 years, completed college at Concordia, St. Paul. He vicared at Zion Lutheran in Clark, N. J., and holds a master of divinity from Concordia Seminary, St. Louis. Davidson and his wife, Alice, have three children.
Aaron Zimmerman, BA ’11, was ordained into the office of holy ministry and installed as pastor of the newly formed multipoint parish of Holy Trinity Lutheran Church, Farnhamville, and Immanuel Lutheran Church, Pomeroy, Iowa. 12
Rev. David Edwards, BA ‘13, was ordained into the ministerium of The Lutheran Church— Missouri Synod on May 26, 2019 at Our Savior Lutheran Church, McKinney, Texas. Pr. Edwards will serve as senior pastor of Word of Life Lutheran Church in Lincoln, Neb. Present at the event was David’s classmate, Kyle Sorkness, BA '13, who graduated this spring from Princeton Seminary and will be entering an MAR program at Yale University this fall. We give thanks to God for these fine graduates and servants of Christ’s Church. 13
IN MEMORIAM 1950s Chaplain Eugene L. Reddel, JC ’57, passed away on November 15, 2018. Joan A. (Hecht) Hendricks, ’58 passed away on June 12, 2019.
1960s Erena Friedrich ’61, passed away on May 19, 2006. David Quiel, HS ’65, passed away on August 30, 2019. Rev. William Buschbom, AA ’68, passed away June 28, 2019. Roger Dramstad, AA '68, passed away on June 17, 2019.
1970s Kathryn Ehlers, BA ’69, passed away on October 20th, 2016. Janice (Tellinghuisen) Kroesche, BA ’70, passed away on July 24, 2019. Wayne Durband, BA ’73, passed away on May 6, 2016. Daryl Johnson, BA ’73, passed away on August 22, 2018. Eugene Heuton, BA '79, passed away on June 10, 2019.
1980s Edward "Leroy" McBrayer, BA '81, passed away on May 4, 2019. Leroy was a member of the inaugural Athletic Hall of Fame class of 1992. Paul Thurston, ’86, passed away on June 1, 2019.
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CALENDAR OF EVENTS FINE & PERFORMING ARTS Visual Arts Caravan Nov 21–Dec 13 • Concordia Gallery Annual High School Honors Jan 13–24 • Concordia Gallery
Christmas Vespers Concert Dec 12 • 9 pm • Graebner Chapel Vox 9 & Blue Rondo Jazz Ensemble Concert Dec 13 • 7:30 pm • E.M. Pearson Theatre
Exploring Abstraction Feb 6–28 • Concordia Gallery
High School Invitational with Christus Chorus Feb 21 • 7:30 pm • Graebner Memorial Chapel
CSP Student Juried Show April 16–30 • Concordia Gallery
Instrumental Ensembles Concert April 2 • 8 pm • Buetow Auditorium
John-Mark Schlink Between the Lines March 12–April 2 • Concordia Gallery
Jubilate Lenten Vespers April 2 • 8 pm • Graebner Chapel
Music
Christus Chorus Concert April 5 • 3:30 pm • Graebner Chapel
Instrument Ensembles Fall Concert Nov 12 • 8 pm • Buetow Auditorium
Handbell Ensemble Concert April 18 • 7:30 pm • Graebner Chapel
Worship Christ, the Newborn King! 2019 Fine & Performing Arts Christmas Concert Dec 6 • 7:30 pm Dec 7 • 4:30 pm Dec 8 • 3 pm Buetow Auditorium
Concert Band/Percussion Ensemble April 19 • 7 pm • Buetow Auditorium
Percussion Ensemble Concert Dec 10 • 8 pm • E.M. Pearson Theatre
ALUMNI Virtual Book Club—Ongoing visit: ave.csp.edu/bookclub Leading in Legacy Podcast—Ongoing visit: anchor.fm/leadinginlegacy New Alumni Receptions Dec. 14 • 11 am & 2 pm Buenger Education Center Best Practices for Ministry Conference Feb. 20-22 • Phoenix, Ariz.
Theatre & Dance Fall Student Showcase Dec 9 • 8 pm • E.M. Pearson Theatre Student Directed One Acts Dec 14 • 7 pm • Westlund Theatre Rumors Feb 13–15 • 7:30 pm Feb 16 • 2 pm Westlund Theatre Student Directed Show March 19-21 • 7:30 pm March 22 • 2 pm Westlund Theatre Spring Into Dance April 23–25 • 7:30 pm April 26 • 2 pm E.M. Pearson Theatre Spring Student Showcase April 29 • 8 pm • E.M. Pearson Theatre
Gospel Choir Concert April 23 • 7:30 pm • Graebner Chapel Vocal Jazz/Jazz Ensemble April 26 • 7:30 pm • Buetow Auditorium Opera Workshop April 28 • 8 pm • Buetow Auditorium
Bears at the Brewhouse April 23 • Minneapolis New Alumni Receptions May 1 • 5:30–6:30 pm May 2 • 11:30 am–1 pm The Knoll
UNIVERSITY Fall Commencement Dec. 14 • Buetow Auditorium Undergraduate Programs • 10 pm Graduate Programs • 1 pm
ATHLETICS Visit cspbears.com to view all athletic schedules
Presidential Installation Jan 24 • 10:30 am Buetow Auditorium Presidential Inauguration April 30 • 7:30 pm Gangelhoff Center Spring Commencement May 1 • Gangelhoff Center Undergraduate Programs • 7:30 pm May 2 • Gangelhoff Center Adult Undergraduate Programs • 10 pm Graduate Programs • 2 pm
Gift Planning
A GIFT TO CONCORDIA THAT PROVIDES FOR FAMILY FIRST Concordia recently received a gift from the estate of some faithfully supportive donors who went to be with the Lord in 2007. The gift represented half of the balance of a charitable trust the donors had set up during their lifetime. When establishing their plan in 1991, their concern was that they “didn’t have much.” Their goal was to provide for their disabled son and contribute to their favorite ministries. The gift planning counselor from the LCMS Foundation, working with CSP at the time, showed the couple a way to do just that. They set up a charitable remainder unitrust to be funded after both of them went to heaven. The charitable trust provided income for their son during his lifetime, and when he was called to the Lord, the remainder would be split between Concordia and their church. After twelve years of support from the estate, their son has joined them in glory. Their gift to Concordia will help support future students at CSP for many years to come.
SUPPORT WHAT MATTERS MOST TO YOU Your gifts empower our students with the financial aid they need to receive a life-changing Concordia education. By donating, you provide students the opportunity to discover and engage in their purpose for life and career in a dynamic, multicultural, urban community where Christ is honored and all are welcome. An estate gift is a simple way to extend your connection to Concordia University, St. Paul. To learn more about your giving options, contact Matt Steiner at 651-641-8243 or steiner@csp.edu, or visit csp.planmygift.org Gift Planning Counselor Matt Steiner presents a check to CSP Vice President for Finance Rev. Michael Dorner.
SCHOLARSHIPS AT WORK
90% CSP awards nearly $656,270 ANNUALLY in donor funded scholarships
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of FAFSA applications demonstrated financial need
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127 STUDENTS
received scholarships from generous donors through
185 SCHOLARSHIPS
Donor Support
$150,000 GIFT MATCH THROUGH JAN. 15, 2020 Your generosity opens the door to opportunity, creating a Concordia University, St. Paul where students can achieve their dreams and begin to change our world.
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hen selecting a higher education institution, the key determining factor for potential students is affordability, and a close second is academic quality. CSP continues to outperform in these areas thanks to our community of supporters. Investments in the Opportunity Fund enable Concordia to offer scholarship assistance and equip our students with the programs, learning facilities and resources to discover their purpose in career and service. Even more, generosity from alumni and friends strengthens our ability to develop high-caliber, marketable graduates rooted in faith who are prepared for today’s ever-changing workforce.
Together we are building a Concordia for today’s learners to become tomorrow’s changemakers, where all can experience God’s love. Thank you for helping us fulfill this mission with your gift today. To welcome Rev. Dr. Friedrich and celebrate this new beginning, a longtime friend of Concordia will match your gift to the Opportunity Fund dollar-for-dollar up to $150,000 between now and January 15, 2020. Please take advantage of this match and join us in our year of “In Christ, a New Creation”. Together we will empower students to discover and engage their purpose for life, career and service.
MAKE YOUR GIFT, WHICH WILL BE MATCHED, AT WWW.AVE.CSP.EDU/GIVE
I want to personally thank you for your generous support that allows me to continue my education here at CSP. I have learned so much in my classes about who God is, about what my vocation is, and about how to serve those around me. It is because of you that I am able to partake in these incredible opportunities. I am beyond grateful. – Kalynn Fuller, ‘22
WHAT CAN I SUPPORT? • Opportunity Fund • Student Scholarships • Lutheran Ministry
HOW CAN I GIVE? • • • •
Become a Responsive Partner by giving a regularly recurring gift Join the President’s Circle through giving of at least $1,000 per fiscal year Direct your Thrivent Choice Dollars to Concordia Discover if your employer matches your charitable giving
GIVING HIGHLIGHTS FOR FISCAL YEAR 2019 Our generous benefactors provided funding in 2019 to help our students realize a quality education in a dynamic, multicultural environment where Christ is honored and all are welcome.
$3,115,848
TOTAL GIVING FROM 1,877 DONORS
$1,248,310
OPPORTUNITY FUND GIVING FROM 1,025 DONORS
$87,433
PROVIDED BY 521 NEW DONORS TO SUPPORT CSP STUDENTS
For these, and more giving opportunities at CSP go to www.ave.csp.edu/givingopportunities. Questions? 1-866-476-9277 or advancement@csp.edu.
CONCO RDIA ST. PAUL MAGAZINE • FALL/WINTER 2019
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1282 Concordia Avenue St. Paul, MN 55104-5494
Concordia St. Paul 2019 Fine & Performing Arts Christmas Concert Friday, December 7 • 7:30 pm Saturday, December 8 • 4:30 pm Sunday, December 9 • 3:00 pm Buetow Music Center Auditorium 300 Hamline Avenue North, St. Paul, MN 55104 Adults $15, Students/Seniors $12 • ticketworks.com • 612.343.3390