Concordia St. Paul magazine Fall/Winter 2020
LUTH E R AN PE RSPEC TIVES Pages 8-9
LEGAC Y FAM ILY: TH E KLE M PS & KRUEG E RS Page 10
CL ASS NOTES Page 18
CSP is Resilient and Stronger than Ever. Pages 2-7
CSP BY THE NUMBERS
Concordia University, St. Paul 1282 Concordia Ave St. Paul, MN 55104 651.641.8810 1.866.GROW.CSP one.csp.edu @concordiastpaul
1,509
18
Traditional undergraduate students from the state of Minnesota
Division ll sports at CSP with the addition of women's swimming & diving in 2020–21
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295
Countries represented by students attending CSP
Veterans, military students, and dependents of military personnel attending CSP
Publisher Office of University Advancement
9 Consecutive fall semesters CSP has set a new enrollment record
Editor and Writer Tad Dunham Additional Editing and Writing Josh Deer, BA' 04, MA '07 Casey Fuerst (cover story) Sarah Glad Halle Martin, BA '20 (pg. 10-11, pg. 14) Amanda (Och) Padula, BA '14, MBA '17 Rhonda (Behm) Palmersheim, BA '88 Danielle (Bredy) Sarim, BA '12 Billy Schultz, BA '08, MA '11 Design and Layout Tia Wagar Photography Rene Elias, '21 Brian Evans, BA '07, MA '09 Nick Schroepfer, BA '18 Printing Ideal Printers Inc. St. Paul, MN
IN THIS ISSUE: 2 8 10 13 14 15 16 17 18 23
CSP is Resilient Lutheran Perspectives Celebrating Legacy: The Klemps & Kruegers Enrollment Surges at CSP Teaching with Compassion and Empathy CSP Athletics Alumni Success Stories Alumni & Athletic Awards Class Notes Donor Impact
FROM THE ARCHIVES
About Us Concordia University, St. Paul is a member of the Concordia University System, a national network of eight colleges and universities of The Lutheran Church–Missouri Synod. 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. © 2020 Concordia University, St. Paul
A group of students pose for the camera during Concordia's 1993 homecoming game.
In Memoriam
CSP Mourns the Passing of former President Rev. Dr. Alan Harre (1940–2020)
Rev. Dr. Alan Harre participated in the Leaders in Legacy: Presidential Perspective from Across the Years keynote event during Concordia St. Paul’s 125th anniversary celebration in the fall of 2018.
Rev. Dr. Alan Harre, CSP’s sixth president (1984-88), passed away Aug. 20 in Seward, Neb., where he had retired following his retirement as the President of Valparaiso University from 1988-2008. His wife, Diane, is the daughter of former CSP campus pastor, Al Mack. Harre celebrated his 80th birthday in June. He was an amazing saint of God and a blessing to CSP during his brief tenure. Among the accomplishments during Harre’s service at CSP was the establishment of the Concordia School of Adult Learning (CSAL), which was the first accelerated degree completion program for adults in the state of Minnesota. After his retirement from Valparaiso, Harre served in a variety of positions relating to his faith. He served as the interim pastor of Our Redeemer Lutheran Church in Staplehurst, Neb., from 2010–2011 and as the vacancy pastor of St. John Lutheran Church in Waco, Neb., from 2012–2013. He also served as a volunteer advisor, primarily in the area of fundraising, to a number of institutions and agencies affiliated with the Lutheran Church Missouri Synod. Harre began his professional career in 1967 as assistant pastor of St. James Lutheran Church of Grosse Pointe in Grosse Pointe Farms, Mich., where he also served his seminary internship. In 1973, he joined the theology faculty of Concordia University in Seward, Neb., and served as assistant to the president, dean of student affairs, and, for a brief period, acting president before moving to Minnesota to serve as CSP’s president. Harre is survived by his wife and three children.
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CSP is Resilient and Stronger than Ever 2
FALL/WINTE R 2020 • CONCO RDIA ST. PAUL MAGAZINE
CSP is Resilient
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mid the coronavirus and many other challenges that have hit us all in 2020, Concordia University, St. Paul has found a way forward. The effort has been herculean but more than worth it. From athletics to student life to academics to cleaning and maintenance on campus, nearly every procedure and protocol has been under a microscope and changed. Students have never before experienced such dramatic changes to the way they live, learn, and connect. "When coronavirus hit last spring, we were able to shift to fully online delivery of classes very quickly,” says Dr. Eric LaMott, Provost and Chief Operating Officer at CSP “We've been a technologically rich school for the last 20 years, so shifting was nearly seamless. Because of the smoothness of this massive move, CSP administration was able to start planning for fall immediately." As knowledge of the virus and how it works continued to evolve, LaMott says CSP asked many questions to find out what students wanted and what they were comfortable with for the fall semester.
These new tools include personal protective equipment (PPE) for all custodians. "We are the only school in the state that has invested heavily in air circulation and disinfecting equipment," LaMott shares. Kirsch says this new equipment includes UV light technology wands to disinfect smaller spaces like keyboards, phones, and desktops. "Additionally, we have purchased large mobile UV light systems that rotate throughout campus every night, taking the disinfection process one step further," Kirsch notes. Other physical additions installed for protection against the virus include toe door openers, plexiglass where the public comes in contact with people regularly, and disinfectant kits for each department and classroom.
We found out that traditional students wanted to be in person. So, that's what we planned for. We are here to serve our learners.
“We found out that traditional students wanted to be in person. So, that's what we planned for. We are here to serve our learners.” The administration set the vision and direction then charged all faculty and staff departments and individuals with figuring out how to live within this vision. "Our entire CSP community has been proactive, innovative, and proud of their work. We are truly all in this together," says LaMott. "At that point, we started to see the resilience of our leaders. I am so proud of how this community came together to solve problems and care for one another. They are so hard-working and strong.” All of this hard work has led to leaders who are proactively working on getting systems in place so that they can be quick to respond when problems arise. Once the administrative team set the direction and empowered the community to find their way forward, leaders stepped up and embraced the challenge.
CAMPUS PREPARATIONS There is so much that is still unknown about COVID-19 and thus the University had to prepare and implement protocols that offered the very best protection against the virus. CSP contracts with Sodexo for food service and maintenance on campus. The Sodexo team, led by Barry Kirsch, went to work, creating every possible system to keep the CSP community safe. "With information from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Minnesota Department of Health (MDH), and the resources Sodexo offered, we created new systems,” Kirsch says. “We augmented our current cleaning schedules and protocols with COVID-directed additions."
–Dr. Eric LaMott
As we all know, change is hard, and when routines and the tools we have always trusted to help us do our jobs are no longer enough, it can be tough to get individuals and teams on board with a new way of operating. Kirsch says this has been an excellent experience for their teams.
"Most of the team members have been integral in helping develop and test new systems and protocols,” Kirsch explains. “The focus has been making sure that all team members are committed to the campus and community population's safety. Whether they are fixing a toilet in a dorm, cleaning a classroom, or cutting grass, they know that their job matters in keeping our community safe.” This teamwork has been essential not only in campus sanitation, but in food service and delivery for the campus community as well. Each area has benefited from the combined expertise of the Sodexo and CSP teams. “At the beginning of the pandemic, we quickly understood that our team members in dining would have to shut down or scale-down services,” says Kirsch. “At that point, our whole team came together to leverage the various talents we had to serve our campus. We have done all this while still operating the other three (custodial, maintenance, and grounds) areas without disrupting services. Every member of our team is fully engaged in this process of getting and keeping our campus safe."
CSP is Resilient Sophomore criminal justice major Maiyan Tapia is appreciative for the proactive approach CSP took to open campus this fall.
ACADEMICS In total, CSP serves more than 5,500 students. Around two-thirds of those students are online or nursing students on the Portland, Ore. campus. The remaining third are traditional undergraduate students attending class and/or living on campus in St. Paul. Most of the coronavirus response initiatives were developed for the traditional on-campus students and as students responded to surveys over the summer, it was clear that these traditional students wanted to be in-person and on campus as much as possible.
“I'm so thankful to be able to go to school in-person where all safety precautions are taken heavily into consideration,” Tapia says. “I'm glad that all of my professors are incredibly understanding and encourage students to use resources to make not only my education easier but my personal life as well. Concordia has provided a safe place for me to be actively involved on campus." Donovan Eidem, a sophomore music major, is in the camp that feels attending class during COVID-19 has not felt much different.
"After managing the shift to online last spring, we learned the “I definitely feel safe attending class still. Nothing, to me, has importance of collaboration, time, and resilience,” says Kevin Hall, changed too much other than the masks and the distancing,” Associate Vice President of Academic Affairs and Dean of the Eidem says. “I’ve appreciated that we’re still able to learn in a College of Business & Technology. “Initially, we all needed time to classroom environment as opposed to being completely online.” learn from health experts about the virus For online students, many are also working and how we might best respond and adapt full time. These students have reported moving forward. Through the following We've had a team of a significant increase in stress and months, we worked collaboratively with the administrators, faculty, and responsibilities. Hall says, "Our professors Minnesota Health Department (MDH) and staff working together to are working hard to be more flexible and colleagues across the university to take the shape a learning environment empathetic to ease the stress of students." steps necessary for a safe return to campus." While the administrative teams worked to set a direction for fall 2020, the focus was to create a safe environment for living and learning.
that reduces risk and maximizes learning.
"We've had a team of administrators, faculty, and staff working together to shape a learning environment that reduces risk and maximizes learning,” Hall says. “Our facilities team has done excellent work to implement new cleaning protocols and installing new equipment to provide a clean environment. The team also worked to provide realistic guidance for all of the different parts of the campus' operation – athletics, academics, and residential life." Coming into the fall semester CSP faculty, working to meet student needs, balanced course offerings between both online and on-campus delivery. Additionally, using their extensive online teaching experience, faculty incorporated online learning components within many of their regular online classes. “To keep students engaged safely, we have modified some courses to include a portion of their class meetings to be online, while others have gone entirely online,” Hall says. Along with creating a mixture of engaging on-campus and online learning experiences, faculty are working to increase student connections with each other through a variety of interactive solutions. “Our faculty are also doing a great job offering virtual office hours, assigning interactive group assignments, and conducting focused synchronous class meetings. Finding ways to connect personally with each student continues to be a high priority,” adds Hall.
–Dr. Kevin Hall
For all CSP students, it has required patience and willingness to adapt to succeed.
"While it's not a new insight, we continue to learn the importance of flexibility and resilience,” Hall says. “We've had a few courses move from smaller classrooms into some of our campus' larger meeting spaces. As a result, there has been less of a need to modify these courses with online instruction. We've also learned that because our students want to be on campus, they have done a great job following the COVID-19 precautions. Through it all, our students and faculty want to learn together. “There is no playbook to follow on how to teach and learn within these disruptions. It can get a bit messy as we work with each other to navigate all of these changes,” says Hall. “As a result, we've learned the value of caring for each other, trusting our processes, and being patient. We are an adaptive learning community."
CSP is Resilient
ATHLETICS Sports have been hit hard by the pandemic. From little league teams to professional sports, no team has gone untouched by the virus. At CSP, fall sports competitions are canceled, hoping to resume for the winter sports season in 2021. Director of Athletics Regan McAthie and the entire athletic department has been working hard to get student-athletes back to competing. "We are fully aware of the challenges and concerns around COVID-19. We know that how we behave can contribute to how it does or does not spread,” McAthie says. “We also know that the positive value athletics have on our student-athletes is big, and we are working hard to maintain this. When these students can participate in their sport and build communities amongst their teams, they increase focus, physical wellness, and connections to life-long friends." Knowing the value of sports for the Golden Bear student-athletes has been a cornerstone of creating the necessary protocols to keep everyone safe. "Our goal this fall is to get our students back to training and competition safely. The protocols for doing this have come from the NCAA, the Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference, and Concordia St. Paul," says McAthie. "Throughout the summer and fall, we have been collecting data and creating standards for each of the sports we have at CSP. Each sport has a different risk level and requires different measures. We are still paying close attention to the data and new information that may affect this so that we can adapt if needed." In addition to practice plans, venues, cleaning standards, faculty use, and competitions, coaches have intentionally found ways to build teams. "For our athletes, their team becomes their family unit in college," McAthie says. "We know that when a student-athlete
has the strength of these relationships, the likelihood of success in all areas of their college experience increase." McAthie explained coaches have gotten creative in finding ways to build connections through online interactions. “They’re good at virtual workouts and have had fun team building events, from book studies to game nights,” McAthie says. “Coaches are so good about connecting with athletes to make sure they are managing stress well and making good decisions that help them reach their goals." Amid all the new and different circumstances coaches and athletes have had this fall, McAthie sees some positive things happening. "Our student-athletes have become have become even more resilient than before,” McAthie says. “It's a life skill taught in sport anyway, but our coaches are more committed than ever to helping our students turn their disappointment into something good. Student-athletes will be amongst the first to tell you how this has disrupted their livelihood. They are also steering the way for our community in responding with solutions, strong communication, positivity, and leadership." The student-athletes and coaches at CSP have a strong understanding that their actions don't just affect their ability to compete now, but their fellow team's ability to compete in 2021. "They are very committed to protecting one another," says McAthie. “That means that these students are not only following protocols themselves but encouraging other students on campus to do the same so that their fellow athletes can compete.” FALL/WINTER 2020 • CONCO RDIA ST. PAUL MAGAZINE
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CSP is Resilient
Senior baseball player Patrick Bordewick says despite the challenges COVID-19 has presented to all of the Golden Bears athletic programs, he is grateful for the opportunity to continue his collegiate career.
For example, most of the same Welcome Weekend activities were held to help Our suffering isn't unique. students kick off the school year. From What sets us apart is how we cookouts to other fun events, organizers respond as a community. worked hard to keep students safe by –Regan McAthie offering the same things multiple times to decrease attendance at each event and "This obviously wasn't what I had in mind allow students to interact while maintaining their distance. when I decided to come back for a 5th year but I am lucky we still get to practice and be together as a team," Bordewick says. “I Rahn says that a big reason student events and the whole feel like the baseball team has been able to make the most out of student experience have been successful in the midst of all of the these uncertain times.”." adjustments is because of Comet's Commitment. As students, faculty, staff, and visitors step onto the CSP campus, they agree STUDENT LIFE to honor this commitment. It includes caring for the whole community by following protocols, staying home if you feel College is a time for transformation, building independence, ill, encouraging others to stay safe, and treating everyone with and new experiences. Many of the things that make up a typical respect. With unique branding, fun initiatives, and consistent student life for traditional students have now changed. Jason communication, Comet's Commitment has been adopted by our Rahn is the Associate Vice President for Student Life and Dean on-campus community as a way of living in community with one of Students. For Rahn, his goal has been to continue to deliver another. a significant campus life experience while adapting to new COVID-19 protocols for the entire community. In addition to keeping traditions alive by delivering them a bit differently, Rahn says, "In the first six weeks of classes, we had "To create a positive experience where students can still build seven new clubs and organizations proposed by students. community, learn, and experience all that on-campus living has Our student leaders are so creative about how they build the to offer, we have tried to have the same types of events that communities that mean so much to them." we had in the previous year,” Rahn says. “We have been able to offer these opportunities for engagement by delivering them in Learning options have also expanded to ensure that students different ways." can connect.
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CSP is Resilient "This fall, we added a business-based living-learning community In addition to their virtual experiences, the admission team on campus. These students live, take classes, go on field trips, has used Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) and CDC and meet with business leaders together. This is the first year compliant 1-on-1 campus tours, so that campus visits are as safe for this program, and it's full," says Rahn. "We also have The as possible. Ignite Leadership Program—a face-to-face leadership program, Because of these efforts and communicating early in the summer and The Charlie Academy—an online program for those that that CSP intended to be on-campus, CSP has higher-than-ever aren't comfortable with the in-person undergraduate enrollment. connections. Both of these programs have strong participation this year, which tells "We saw a 3% increase in our traditional The students are just so happy us that students are being proactive about undergraduate enrollment numbers from to be on campus and grateful finding ways to engage with their peers." our fall 2020 census report. We never take that we had done all the our enrollment growth for granted, and thoughtful planning to make As Rahn reflects on fall 2020 student we're always looking for ways to stand their experience welcoming life, he says, "There is a tendency for out and improve everything that we do,” and safe. people, especially when there are Martin says. “The pandemic has helped –Jason Rahn a lot of unknowns, to go negative. speed up some virtual tactics, which has I have been most impressed with our been a blessing in disguise." ability to stay positive. The data around student involvement in activities doesn't reflect that we have Martin says, "I feel blessed to work at an institution where we a pandemic going on. We are doing just as much, with just as work well together across departments, in a fast-paced, evermuch participation and engagement, as in the past. I am so changing environment. We are here to serve our students, impressed with how everyone has embraced the new protocols. and we always try to keep that in the front of our minds with The students are just so happy to be able to be on campus and everything we do at CSP." grateful that we had done all the thoughtful planning to make their experience welcoming while following COVID-19 guidance." MOVING FORWARD Besides the adjustments that CSP has made to help students succeed in finding their campus community, ensuring students are getting the mental health service they need has remained a priority. "In addition to our on-campus healthcare center, we have expanded services this year that allows students to schedule and receive healthcare virtually," Rahn says.
ADMISSIONS Like all other CSP departments, the admissions teams have had to change how they work and connect with potential students and families during this process. Leah Martin, Director of Undergraduate Admissions, says that they have shifted most of their on-campus admissions experiences to a virtual format. The new online experiences have included: • Creating a "Welcome Wednesday" weekly video series that features current CSP students, faculty, and staff. • Completing a virtual walking tour, so students can see what our campus looks like from the comfort of their own home. • Offering virtual information sessions, both in a group format and 1-on-1 meetings. • Streaming on Instagram Live with current CSP students to share their own experiences. • Offering major-specific information sessions with some of our faculty members, focusing on their majors of expertise. • Launching a "CSP Parent & Community Portal" to specifically engage with our student's leading influencers.
The world's understanding of COVID-19 will continue to evolve. Regardless of its timeline moving forward, CSP has been changed forever. It has forced some previously-dreamed-of initiatives to be sped up. It has reframed how communities and teams function. It has taught the campus community much about adapting and shifting to CSP’s strong online experience and infrastructure. Ultimately, it has shown the resilience and strength of the Concordia St. Paul community. "Resilience and flexibility, part of CSP's culture, have helped us learn, adapt, and position ourselves for quality learning within this pandemic,” Hall says. “We've also learned the importance of having patience with each other. At its core, this has been all about fulfilling our mission here at CSP – helping students to learn, grow, and graduate for service to God and humanity."
Lutheran Perspectives
A Lutheran Response to Political and Racial Divides Rev. Dr. John Nunes, President of Concordia College New York, along with his wife Monique, who serves as a Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Coach at Concordia University Irvine, joined the Concordia St. Paul community for two virtual events on November 4. The morning event was a virtual convocation titled Meant for More: Conversations on Purpose in Times of Racial Injustice. John’s latest book, Meant for More: In, With and Under the Ordinary, was recently released by Concordia Publishing House. Moved by the news of a 16 year old girl’s suicide on the south side of Chicago, John came up with the title of this book on the spot. “God had put a divine design in her life so that she could see more, do more, and achieve more,” he recalls. The idea of being “meant for more,” John proposes, applies especially well to racial and political divides. “We are incredibly divided as a nation; this nation has issues,” John observes. “What I try to do through the book is show that we as people of faith are meant for more and meant to do more to speak into the divide and bring reconciliation to the divide.” John explained that it’s in ordinary relationships and places that people can live out their calling (or vocation) to serve others and bridge these divides. “When you have a burning passion for something, it’s not called work; it’s called vocation,” Monique shares. Because they grew up in a post 9/11 world, were children during the 2008 financial crisis, have seen and experienced inflamed racial tensions, and are dealing presently with COVID-19, John believes today’s college students are uniquely equipped for a vocation of reconciliation. “Because of how much they have suffered, they have an insight into life and about the world around them and what we can do differently,” John remarks.
Within a short time, Christianity’s physical presence has shifted from Europe to Africa, Asia and Latin America. John explains that, because of these shifts, the average Lutheran is an east African. “[Western Lutherans] have a choice to listen to the faith as is it expressed, interpreted and understood in various places around the world,” he observes. He focused on the ministry and growth of the Ethiopian Evangelical Church Mekane Yesus as an example. Founded in 1959 as a conglomeration of different church bodies, EECMY membership numbered 65,000 people. Now, more than 60 years later, their membership nears 10 million people. “The EECMY is an amazing church body, and I believe it bears us listening to their experience,” John contends.
This explosive growth, some believe, was driven in part by the Marxist regime in Ethiopia that threatened, persecuted, and killed many Christians, including theologian Gudina Tumsa, the “Dietrich Bonhoeffer of Africa.” Nunes explains Tumsa’s belief that the Gospel Everyone is created in the is “too powerful to be compromised by any social or political system.” image of God and is meant
for more... you can still have conservations and common ground and a passion for seeking justice."
Monique reminded the audience that everyone, whether a person of faith or not, has dignity and deserves respect in challenging conversations. “Everyone is created in the image of God and is meant for more... you can still have conservations and common ground and a passion for seeking justice,” she shares. That evening, John spoke at the annual Vern Gundermann Reformation Lecture, the theme of which was based off another of John’s books, Wittenberg Meets the World: Reimagining the Reformation at the Margins. In this lecture, John shared that the global impact of the Reformation helps address the challenging issues in our world today.
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Monique and Rev. Dr. John Nunes
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–Monique Nunes
American Christians can learn from this experience, Nunes argues, observing that they typically “tend to divide predictably along political party lines in their positions on diversity, race, and justice.”
Nunes contends that Lutheran theology helps reimagine these divides. Because Lutherans understand sin and its effects, hold to a robust understanding of civic righteousness, and are Christ-centered, reconciliation is possible. “Despite sin, despite the situation we find ourselves in, despite pluralism...God’s mercy has the last word,” he exclaims. Nunes referred to this reconciliation between divided people as a “reimagined koinonia” that comes from the cross. He concludes: “[It is a] theologically determined inclusion, motivated by a deep commitment to scripture, the confessions, the gospel, and church history and grounded in an expansive, eschatological global approach to ecclesial identity.” To view these presentations, visit meantformore.csptheology.org and reformationlecture.csptheology.org.
Lutheran Perspectives
Alumnus Reflects on Serving the Church During COVID-19 and Racial Unrest CSP alumnus Louis Johnson, BA ’86 sat down with us to share his journey from CSP, what he does today with Concordia Plans, and thoughts on addressing racism and injustice. He serves as Director of Ministry Engagement at Concordia Plans and lives in Wildwood, Mo. with his wife, Jennifer. They have a grown son, Evan, who is married and lives in Plymouth, Minn. Louis and Jennifer are members of St. Mark’s Lutheran Church in Eureka, Mo., and are both active in the music ministry there.
1. Tell us about your path from CSP to Concordia Plans. How did CSP help prepare you for that journey? In February 2011, while serving on the CSP Board of Regents, I was approached by fellow regent Eustolio Gomez about a position at Concordia Plans that he thought I would be perfect for, which I then began in October of that year. Had I not been serving on the Board, I doubt that I would be at Concordia Plans today. Looking back, I didn’t fully appreciate the spiritual growth opportunities available to me as a college student. Despite my parents instilling faith in me, growing up in the church, and attending LCMS schools, I didn’t intensely focus on my faith at that time. Unlike many of my friends at CSP studying to be a pastor or teacher, I was studying accounting. As I look back 34 years later, I clearly see God displayed through the actions of my professors like Tom Hanson and Wilbur Thomas. I see God displayed through my coaches who coached to win, implored us to use the physical and mental gifts that God had blessed us with, and reminded us that God was most important. These were all things that I didn’t recognize or fully appreciate at the time. 2. What does Concordia Plans do? Created over 50 years ago by the LCMS, the mission of Concordia Plans is to serve ministries and care for workers, so that the Word of God continues to spread! As the non-profit benefits administrator of the LCMS, we pool the contributions of our churches, schools, colleges/universities, seminaries and social service ministries into various trusts, using those dollars to provide health, retirement, and disability and survivor benefits for workers and their families. Only ministries affiliated with the LCMS can participate in the plans, so Concordia Plans is where the church comes together to care for one another! 3. How has Concordia Plans changed or adapted due to COVID-19? What’s been the biggest challenge for your work? The biggest change is working remotely, which we’ve been doing since March 17. Thank God for Zoom and Microsoft Teams! The biggest challenge for my team and me is staying connected with our ministries. We’re used to visiting ministries in person to see and hear what’s going on. Utilizing technology though, has in many ways allowed us to connect with more ministries because it’s freed up time normally spent in planes or cars.
4. How is Concordia Plans responding to mental health challenges caused by COVID-19? Worker wellness, both physical and emotional, has been a hallmark of our health benefits. We have a great partner in Cigna that manages our Employee Assistance Program and helped create our Pastoral Support Network. We’ve recently held virtual sessions for LCMS education executives and high school administrators, with the goal or providing tools and support for their engagement with their teachers and staff, along with resources to help them personally. Additionally, we communicate our resources regularly to our workers and ministries. 5. You’re passionate about facilitating conversations about race and racism. What was the catalyst for starting them? The murder of George Floyd was the tipping point, but it had been building since the 2016 election. 6. What can individuals do to have these conversations in their families and circles of influence? We need to be comfortable with having uncomfortable conversations, and they need to be conversations, not debates. When someone makes a racially insensitive comment, ask “what do you mean by that?”, or “why do you feel that way?”, or “help me understand… ” 7. How can the church effectively foster such conversations more broadly? We need to start by having these conversations throughout the LCMS itself. For example, suburban ministries rarely have any interaction with our urban ministries outside of servant events. We can’t engage our communities if we can’t have these conversations within our denomination. 8. As a dynamic, urban, multicultural Lutheran university, how can Concordia, faculty, staff, students, and alumni be a part of addressing issues of race and racism? CSP is perfectly positioned because the composition of the campus community reflects the world in which we live. Every day you get to develop relationships with people of different backgrounds, ethnicities, and beliefs. There has been an intentionality about being a community that welcomes everyone and fosters conversations. I witnessed that during my time on the board under President Holst, and it has been furthered under the leadership of Presidents Ries and Friedrich.
Celebrating Legacy
The Legacy Family: Klemp & Krueger Klemp and Krueger have become household names at Concordia, with multiple generations of students attending the university. Recently, these legacy families have merged into one through a uniquely heartwarming union.
They say their children were accepting, but understandably curious, having not met their step-parent-to-be. Phil Klemp, BA ‘91 told Bob, “I’m so happy to meet you because we thought she might marry a biker guy.”
In May 2019, the Krueger family patriarch, Rev. Robert Krueger, HS ‘63, AA ‘65, married the Klemp’s matriarch, Katherine Klemp, and two legacy families became one. Both widowed, Bob and Katherine had crossed paths throughout their lives without ever realizing.
Sarah (Klemp) Berwald, BA ‘01, MA ‘07 remembers getting the call from her mother. She says, “I immediately suggested that she look at having the wedding at CSP since it is and has been a home to both our families.”
They officially met at a district convention that Bob attended with a mutual friend, Paul Graff. Months later, Katherine ran into Paul and his wife, Marilyn, and they asked what her plans were for the winter. Paul suggested she come with them to Florida. Bob would also be going for the season and Katherine was excited to hear that he hosted a Bible study. Katherine followed Bob and his son down to Florida and Bob eventually hopped cars so Katherine wouldn’t have to drive down alone. Through this road trip, their relationship began. Upon arrival, they found themselves united once again in the same complex. “He was in 204 and I was in 404,” Katherine shares, “so, we’d be up and down the staircase and it ended up that we spent a lot of time together those two months.” She reminisces fondly, saying, “I mean, how would you ever have that kind of time to get to know somebody? By the time we were heading home, we knew we wanted to get married.”
Come May, Katherine and Bob shared vows at Concordia’s Graebner Memorial Chapel. Along their journey, they have realized just how much they have in common and how many mutual connections they share, from Concordia to conferences. They came to the conclusion that their sons, Rob and Matthew, had likely battled in a high school wrestling match decades prior, while Katherine's daughter, Anna, BA ‘98 and Bob’s son, Jon, BA ‘98 had been classmates at Concordia. Between Bob and Katherine, they have eleven children, thirty-five grandchildren, and one great grandchild. The couple jokes about adding a big porch to their house just to fit the extensive family they now share, many of whom are CSP alumni or currently attend the university. When asked why they think so many of their kids decided to attend Concordia, Katherine shares, “It just felt like home and their dad loved it.”
Eugene Klemp, ALJC ‘27, HS ’25 (deceased)
Rev. Robert “Bob” Krueger, HS ‘63, AA ’65 married Linda Krueger (deceased) remarried Katherine (Klemp) Krueger
Dr. Robert Krueger, CSP Faculty married Rachel Krueger, CSP Faculty
Rev. Paul Klemp, HS ‘57, AA ’59 (deceased) married Katherine (Klemp) Krueger
Philip Klemp, BA ‘91 married Alyssa (Chase) Cloeter, BA ‘92
Peter Klemp, BA ‘92 married Gail (Newman) Klemp, BA ‘90
Emily Klemp, ‘23
Noah Klemp, ‘21
Jonathan “Jack” Krueger, ‘22
Anna Krueger, ‘24
Jonathan Krueger, BA ‘98 married Michelle Krueger
Philip Klemp, BA ‘91 remarried Jeannie Miller
Stephen Klemp, ‘93
Alyssa (Chase) Cloeter, BA ‘92 remarried Robert Cloeter, BA ‘77
Matthew Klemp married Jenny (Westling) Klemp, PSEO ‘95
*If you’re a part of the Klemp or Krueger family legacy and not listed here, let us know and we’ll add you! If you’re a member of a different legacy family, visit one.csp.edu/legacyform to give us your legacy information.
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Anna (Klemp) Martin, BA ‘98 married Jeff Martin Sarah (Klemp) Berwald, BA ‘01, MA ’07 married Brian Berwald, BBA ‘03
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From left to right: Sarah (Klemp) Berwald, Anna (Klemp) Martin, Scott Krueger, Rev. Stephen Klemp, Matthew Klemp, Philip Klemp, Katherine Klemp Krueger, Rev. Robert Krueger, Peter Klemp, Rob Krueger, Paula (Klemp) Wilson, Marcus Klemp, John Krueger
Following in their father’s footsteps has been a legacy in itself for the Klemp children. Their father, Rev. Paul Klemp, HS ‘57, JC ‘59, followed his Current Concordia students Anna Krueger (Freshman), own father, Eugene Emily Klemp (Sophomore), Jack Krueger (Junior) Klemp’s, HS ‘25, JC ‘27, and Noah Klemp (Senior) legacy in attending both Concordia High School and Junior College. “CSP is all about family,” Rev. Stephen Klemp, ‘93 says, “I attended there with two older brothers (Phil and Peter, BA ‘92) as well as walking in the footsteps of my dad. Much of who I am today was formed and solidified while attending CSP.” The feeling of home is something Katherine’s children have reiterated and can trace back when looking at the start of their own families. Sarah and Peter both met their spouses while attending CSP, and consider campus as a second home. “Every time Gail [(Newman), BA ‘90] and I return to the campus it feels like home,” Peter shares. He adds that it has been exciting to see all of the new renovations on campus, from the health and wellness center, to the Hyatt dorms, and the remodeling of the music building, noting that these are spaces his son, Noah, BA ‘21, has been able to utilize as a current student. Katherine tells a humorous anecdote, explaining her children’s desire to follow in their family’s footsteps. She and her late husband, Paul, had brought the family to visit Phil, the first child to attend CSP. “I remember we were sitting out on a picnic table over by Central. Phil talked us into going to get ice cream and we had bubble gum ice cream. We’re sitting at the table and he says ‘I can’t believe you guys haven’t had bubble gum ice cream before,’ and Marcus says, ‘Phil, here you sit in the lap of luxury and you’re criticizing us because we haven’t had bubble gum ice cream’.”
Katherine laughs, noting that to her children CSP was the lap of luxury. Currently, there are four Krueger/Klemp students continuing the legacy at CSP, with the youngest, Anna Krueger, ‘24, noting how unique it is to have one legacy student in each class (Noah Klemp, ‘21, Jack Krueger, ‘22, Emily Klemp, ‘23, and Anna). CSP has always felt like home to Anna and her brother, Jack, as both of their parents, Rob and Rachel are math professors. She says, “I have run around here since I was a child.” Jack also highlights these childhood memories, reminiscing over time spent hanging out in the math offices with his parents, “I would always play around in the phone booth and throw stress balls down the hallways and look at the stuffed goose that now takes my place in the phone booth.” Their father, Rob Krueger, is the current head of the math department. While he is not a CSP alumnus, he shares this is only because they hadn’t offered a complete math program at the time. Instead, he went to Concordia University Nebraska, and earned his Ph.D. at University of Nebraska, where he met his wife, Rachel. Together, they came back to CSP to help start the math program that Rob had been seeking many years prior. “I was called to Concordia University, St. Paul and accepted the position in 2001,” he shares. “Together with Rachel and Dr. Sarah Jahn, we built a math program we are very proud of. The cherry on top is that our son, Jack, is now a student in our program.” Anna (Klemp) Martin, BA ‘98 notes the excitement of seeing their legacy live on saying, “I am so happy to see my nephews and nieces who are able to go to CSP and hear the stories of the great experiences they are having there!” “My prayer is that Concordia University, St. Paul will flourish for another 30 years so we can add another generation to our legacy!” Rob adds. With the abundance of grandchildren between the Kruegers and Klemps, their legacy is bound to live on at Concordia, St. Paul.
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CSP News CSP Introduces The Center for Biblical Studies Concordia University, St. Paul has launched the Center for Biblical Studies, offering another significant resource for The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod and beyond. CSP Professor of Theology and Ministry Rev. Dr. Reed Lessing will lead the Center. His focus will be on providing Christ-centered biblical resources that align with the Lutheran confession of the Christian faith. “Regrettably, there is often a divide between the academic world and the church, between biblical scholarship and people in our churches,” Lessing says. “Rightly understood, however, biblical scholarship exists for the sake of the church.” “One of our strategic goals is to accent our Christ-centered purpose as a Lutheran university,” says Concordia President Brian Friedrich. “That means we are serious about serving the LCMS— the Center is now an additional way for us to do just that.”
Lessing added that one of the most exciting facets of the new Center is that it’s more than a series of annual seminars and workshops. Rather, the Center will be grounded in the work of Concordia and actively engage students, faculty, alumni, local-area pastors, and others both locally and globally. “We want to be responsive to any gaps in available resources and needs among those whom we hope to serve,” he shares.
Vice President of Academic Affairs Transition Dr. Kevin Hall, BA ‘83, will transition into the position of Vice President of Academic Affairs this upcoming spring 2021 semester as current VP of Academic Affairs, Dr. Marilyn Reineck, transitions into a new role as Assistant to the Provost for Special Projects. Dr. Reineck’s primary responsibility will be focusing on preparing the University for its Higher Learning Commission four-year review submission. She intends to retire from CSP at the conclusion of the Spring 2021 Semester. Dr. Reineck has been instrumental in the oversight of faculty to update the faculty handbook, revise and solidify faculty tenure and advancement in rank, implement program review, and has helped assure continued accreditation in all of CSP’s accrediting agencies including a full 10-year approval by the HLC. She has also helped expand degree offerings at Concordia, from Associate of Science to the Educational Doctorate terminal degree. Under her leadership, the University has expanded its college structure to five colleges, the graduate school and school for continuing studies. Dr. Reineck has served in her current role since June 2015 after spending nearly four years as the Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs at Concordia University, Chicago. Prior to her time at Chicago, she served a number of administrative roles at Concordia St. Paul as Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences (2009-11) and as the department chair of Communications Studies (1995-2009). She began teaching at CSP in 1980.
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Dr. Marilyn Reineck
Dr. Kevin Hall
Appointed to the role of Associate Vice President of Academic Affairs in 2019, Dr. Hall has been responsible for providing leadership in increasing student success by focusing on effective pedagogy and curricular innovation. Dr. Hall has been instrumental in preparing the campus to engage with the Curriculum and Instruction Center, which helped faculty prepare and adapt to instructional changes due to COVID-19. Dean of the College of Business & Technology since 2014, Dr. Hall centers his work on helping students and faculty engage in exceptional learning experiences – both inside and outside of the classroom. He originally joined CSP’s faculty in 2006 to teach and serve as the coordinator of the Director of Christian Education program where he designed and taught undergraduate and graduate courses for face-to-face, online, and blended delivery in a wide variety of subjects related to business, family life science, Christian education, and leadership.
CSP News
CALL Center Rebrands as Center for Student Engagement
After a decade, the Student Life Office, formerly known as the Community Action, Leadership and Learning Center Office, will transition its name to the Center for Student Engagement (CSE). The new title more clearly reflects the overall goal and mission of the center, which is to engage students during their time at CSP and provide meaningful learning outside of the classroom. “We have always been centered on finding unique ways to encourage student engagement and we are excited for our office title to reflect this goal as well,” notes Kelly Matthias, Director of the Center for Student Engagement. “It also allows us to adapt with changing student demographics and it reflects our desire to support all of our students in getting involved at CSP.” The CALL Center began as an office that supported servicelearning and leadership programs. While those programs remain, several other engagement opportunities have been added over the last decade. In 2012, study abroad programs were moved into the office. In 2015, clubs and organizations, the Concordia Activities Board (CAB), and Student Senate were also added to the office. Other programs under the Center for Student Engagement include Welcome Weekend, Comet’s Cupboard food shelf, and commuter student engagement. This year, the Center for Student Engagement will also be launching CSP’s first Co-Curricular Transcript. Students will view a record of their leadership, accomplishments, involvement, experiences, and skills earned in Comet’s Connection.
CSP Enters Partnership with Charlie Academy
CSP has entered a new three-year partnership with Charlie Academy, an innovative company providing online modules for learning, leadership, and life skills. The grant provides CSP students, faculty, and staff full access to online modules and content. Jake Wakem will oversee the Charlie Academy project and implementation in his role as director of student life education and leadership. “The possibilities with Charlie Academy are endless,” explains Wakem. “We have an opportunity to engage students both in-person and online with innovative and engaging content. This will be the start of something special on campus.” Charlie Academy presents a rich possibility for multi-modality learning within Academic Affairs, Student Affairs, and many of our campus departments. “CSP students have a new and unique opportunity to participate in Charlie Academy — a visionary, leading-edge leadership development initiative that seeks to build the entire student, body, heart, mind, and spirit,” President Friedrich shares. “We are thrilled and delighted to watch our student participants, traditional students, online students and graduate students, grow and flourish through this program.” Charlie Academy is tailored for student development in any demographic and modality of learning presenting a unique opportunity for CSP.
Enrollment Surges at Concordia St. Paul for Ninth Consecutive Fall Semester Despite unique challenges and unprecedented circumstances brought on by a global pandemic, Concordia St. Paul set a new enrollment record for the ninth consecutive fall semester with 5,567 students. CSP enrolled 428 more students compared to its previous high of 5,139 set only one year ago, including increases in all three student learning areas.
Traditional Adult UG
Graduate Doctorate
Traditional undergraduate programs are up 56 students, adult undergraduate programs saw an increase of 361 students, while graduate programs gained 11 students. Enrollment for students learning on-campus (traditional) now stands at an all-time high of 1,756, while graduate programs saw their total enrollment surpass 2,000 students for the second consecutive year. Adult undergraduate program enrollment, which includes the bulk of online students, stands at 1,788.
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CSP Feature
Teaching With Compassion & Empathy: How CSP’s Tony Ervin Supports His Students From Afar With a background in math and physics, CSP professor Tony Ervin worked as a 3M engineer for nearly 30 years. He has always had a passion for teaching and knew it was something he wanted to pursue post-retirement. In 2014, he joined CSP’s faculty of practice and has been teaching Math 101 to online students ever since. “When I was in graduate school I taught part-time to pay my bills and I loved teaching. So, when I retired from 3M I knew I wanted to go back to this,” Ervin says.
semester students. Shortly after COVID-19 began to rapidly spread throughout the country, Colbert’s grandmother contracted the virus. She shared her concerns with Ervin and he offered her his prayers and support. Days later, Colbert’s grandmother had passed. As a mother, wife, student, and kindergarten teacher/after-school program director, Colbert already had a lot on her plate. Now, she had to factor in time to grieve. Ervin whole-heartedly expressed his sympathies and offered her extensions as she processed the grief.
While Ervin has a knack for mathematics, he understands that it is a subject where many students struggle. Over the last six years, he has developed a teaching method that relies heavily on compassion and empathy. This has been effective in creating an environment where his students can comfortably reach out, whether they are struggling to understand coursework, or trying to find a balance The basis of how I teach 101 between their education and their day-tois using compassion and day lives. His method is one that students empathy,” he shares. “If you have responded positively to and is proving teach with compassion and to be crucial as we adjust to a COVID-19 empathy, if the students are world. “My students have a lot of math anxiety,” he says, “It’s a seven-week class and so their anxiety is very understandable because it's a lot of work in a short time,, but,” he emphasizes, “it’s a lot of fun.”
going through difficult times they may share them with you.
That anxiety has only increased as already busy students have now had to factor in a whole new set of obstacles related to the ongoing pandemic. “I have students that are working in hospitals and they’re taking care of COVID-19 patients, and they are very, very concerned that they might get sick and not be able to finish the class,” Ervin explains. “So, I let them work ahead as far as they want to work ahead. They’re very bright, very talented because they’re working full time and they can do it.” During the spring semester, one of his students was living in New York City in a neighborhood with a high rate of COVID-19 cases. She shared with Ervin that she just wanted to get through the course, so if she did get sick, she wouldn’t have to worry about keeping up on assignments. “If they want to move ahead and get through the class quickly because they’re worried, by all means, I’ll let them work as fast as they get through it,” Ervin says. Ervin has also made sure to be accommodating for students who may need extra time. Juanita Colbert was one of Ervin’s spring
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–Prof. Tony Ervin
“She caught up,” Ervin proudly declares. “She got an A in the class. To be able to do all that, to grieve the loss, and work full time, I so admire that young lady, I really do.” Ervin prioritizes creating relationships with his online learners to help them feel comfortable throughout the course and ensure that they succeed.
“The basis of how I teach 101 is using compassion and empathy,” he shares. “If you teach with compassion and empathy, if the students are going through difficult times they may share them with you.” He recognizes this as an important part of his role as an educator, now more than ever before. Many of his students are enrolled in online programs, meaning they are often juggling a handful of commitments in addition to their schooling. This can include working full-time, raising children, and serving in the military. They also lack the daily in-person interactions found in the traditional classroom, so open communication can be more challenging to establish. Ervin has found a way to break down that digital barrier and create an approachable environment through the power of sharing stories. He explains that, generally, if he opens up to students, they will open up to him. He humbly describes his method saying, “It’s not very profound at all.” For Ervin, teaching during the pandemic is not much different than what he had been doing before. It has merely been an extension of his simple philosophy to teach with compassion and empathy.
CSP Athletics
Coach Fletcher Proving Leadership Skills Transcend Basketball New CSP men’s basketball coach and North Branch, Minn., native Matt Fletcher was hired as the program’s 10th head coach amidst a global pandemic. Despite the challenges presented in front of him, Fletcher hasn’t missed a beat as he’s fully embraced and expanded his leadership role beyond the basketball court. Interviewed and hired during a statewide shutdown with campus closed not only to the public, but to its own students, staff and faculty, Fletcher was tasked with recruiting to his first roster for the 2020-21 academic year, hiring a staff and finding his way around campus virtually (literally). “It was a very unique and challenging situation. The hardest part was that we couldn’t meet the players face-to-face for around four months, which made it difficult to build those relationships,” says Fletcher. Hired on April 6, 2020, Fletcher wasted no time getting his name out there as he was featured on the Twin Cities’ strongest radio signal, WCCO 830 AM on Sports to the Max with Mike Max the following day. A little over a month later, his first hire was made with the addition of his former assistant coach at Bethany Lutheran College, Nick Perrin, added to the staff.
injustice, I had to attack that head on and let the guys know we are here for them and that these topics can be talked about as a team. They (the players) have a coaching staff they can come to with their concerns.” Before he could fully rearrange their office space in the Gangelhoff Center and make it their own, Fletcher teamed up with Macalaster head coach Abe Woldeslassie and the Scots program and CSP alumni Kenny Olafeso, BA '04, MA '07 and Peter Olafeso , BA '03 of Rip City Basketball to host the “Athletes Helping Families” community event. “There is talking about change, and there is being change—and we wanted to establish action right away. We wanted to help our community, it was in need,” Fletcher says. “We also had the buzz of being a new coaching staff and we used that as an opportunity to galvanize more support.” The goal of the community drive was to collect a mass quantity of supplies such as clothing, toiletries and food, among other things, and cash donations to help the local community rebuild from the civil unrest that resulted from the aftermath of George Floyd’s death.
At the end of May, the program announced its first recruiting class under Fletcher that included two Division I transfers and three prep players with one from within the local community at Harding High School.
With school now in session, Fletcher, Woldeslassie and the Olafeso twins once again teamed up for another community drive, “Athletes Helping Students,” aimed at collecting school supplies and funds for local students in need.
It was during this same time that the death of George Floyd rocked the Minneapolis-St. Paul community and put the Twin Cities in the national spotlight.
Individual workouts shifted to small group training sessions on the court with masks, social distancing and coaches wearing gloves to limit as much spread potential as possible. As fall has progressed and students fell into a routine with their course load, the team was able to pick up its intensity and training on the court.
The basketball program was not isolated from the social unrest, with Fletcher displaying his leadership style by increasing the frequency and duration of team Zoom chat sessions. A basketball coach by trade, Fletcher knew during this crisis that basketball could take a back seat with the focus shifting to supporting his student-athletes who are diverse in many respects, including backgrounds and viewpoints. “I think the biggest thing with social unrest and other topics that come up, you have to make sure the student-athletes are heard because you don’t know how it impacts each guy differently,” says Fletcher. “If you preach a family as a team, you have to have those conversations regardless of how hard they are. In regards to racial
All the program needs now is a schedule for what is expected to be a shortened 2021 NSIC basketball season while the NCAA decides when and if it will hold its winter championships. Fletcher has also secured verbal commitments in advance of National Signing Day, showing his ability to evaluate talent and build the relationships necessary to build a fall recruiting class on short notice.
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Student 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. Read more alumni success stories online at csp.edu/why-csp/we-are-csp/
DOMONIQUE GILMER, BA '11 Secondary Education—Social Studies
ONIRIA GILLENWATERS, BA ‘19 Bachelor of Science Nursing
Domonique Gilmer is a 2011 secondary education (social studies) graduate who now serves as an assistant principal for Minnetonka High School.
As the daughter of two elementary school teachers, 2019 CSP nursing graduate Oniria Gillenwaters understands the value of education and lifelong learning. After beginning her nursing career in Mexico, Oniria switched gears and worked in human resources before ultimately returning to nursing school and a career she was passionate about.
“CSP’s location was prime for being an effective urban educator. I was able to get an authentic experience with different populations. One of the many advantages of small class sizes is the ability to get to know your professors, and I was able to keep many of those connections. I was able to come back and reflect on those experiences.'
CSP’s location was prime for being an effective urban educator. I was able to get an authentic experience with different populations. –Domonique Gilmer
Some of Gilmer’s favorite CSP memories include being a two-time Academic All-American and being a three-time NCAA National Provisional Qualifier. In addition, he earned the Brick-Building Service-Learning Award which is awarded to a single student who made service an integral part of their college experience through significant contribution to the community as well as demonstrated both breadth and depth of commitment to a community organization and social issues. Gilmer’s future goals include working to close the nation’s largest achievement gap and to eliminate inequalities in education and housing in his role as an educator. In addition to his work in the Minneapolis community, he continues to shape the Concordia experience for students and alumni through his involvement in the Alumni Advisory Council.
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“In 2017, I officially became a registered nurse and am currently practicing nursing at St. Cloud Hospital [in] the inpatient rehabilitation unit,” Gillenwaters says. “It has been a challenging but wonderful journey full of achievements and stories of success at personal and professional levels. All I can say is that I’m very happy to be back in the profession that I always wanted to practice.” Oniria knows that her CSP nursing degree has prepared her to take her career to the next level.
I feel confident, and I have built up strong communication and leadership skills that have helped me in my current practice. –Oniria Gillenwaters
“I feel confident, and I have built up strong communication and leadership skills that have helped me in my current practice. The RN to BSN program has helped me to define my next professional goals and achieve national certification as a rehab nurse, as well as to reach a clinical ladder Level 3. It has motivated me to sign up as a volunteer in a community health program through CentraCare. It has given me the skills to be selected to be part of the charge nurses team at my home unit in St. Cloud Hospital.”
Alumni Awards
October 9, 2020 • Virtual Awards Presentation Alumni Distinguished Service
Educator of the Year
Service to the Church
Michael Flynn BA ‘75
Ryan Austin MA ‘02
Kathryn (Day) Freudenburg BA ‘68
Joseph Fountain BA ‘68
Dean Dunavan BA ‘91
Rev. Robert Gehrke BA ‘78
Rev. Timothy Runtsch BA ‘86
Linnette Fehr BA ‘82
Rev. James Kroonblawd BA ‘82
Rodney Lenz BA ‘79
Sandy (Hilbert) Wendelin BA ‘82 | MA ‘04
Abdul Wright BA ‘12
October 10, 2020 • Virtual Induction Ceremony Kawaskii Bacon BA ’09 Men’s Track & Field
Whitney Meierotto-Simon BBA ’09 Volleyball
Tyrone Ruffin BBA ’09 | MA ’12 Football
Anna (Bjorlin) Graves BA ’10 Softball
Sadie (Kessler) Murphy BBA ’10 Volleyball
Tia (Lindberg) Schlundt BA ’05 | MBA ’14 Volleyball
Mary (Slinger) Heiken BA ’10 Volleyball
Adrian Perryman BA ’07 | MBA ’18 Football, Men’s Track & Field
Russ Schwichtenberg BA ’83 Baseball, Football
Maggie McNamara BA ’10 Volleyball
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Class Notes
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3 1
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BIRTH/ADOPTION 1960s Donna (Helm), BA '65 and Roger Kuhn were blessed with their first great-grandbaby, Roger Santiago Meinholz. 1
Darrell, BA '69 and Terri Kobs have three grandchildren.
1980s 2 Valerie (Anderson) Sellmeyer, BA '86, welcomed a grandson into the family in September 2019 and will welcome a second grandbaby into the family in December 2020.
2000s Reed, BA '03 and Joy (Wubben), BA '05 Tietz welcomed Jade Maven Tietz, born January 14, 2019. 3
Phyleasha (Blooflat) Grauman, AA '12 is expecting her 11th child. 4 Eliza Faith was born April 7, 2020 to Aaron, BA '07 and Amanda (Mraz), BA '07 Cawthorn. She joins siblings Jonah, Kira and Jocelyn.
Amanda (Kuechenbecker), BA '08 and Derek Arens were blessed with a baby girl, Evelyn Marie Arens, on September 11, 2019. 5
Billy, BA ‘08, MA ’11 and Erica Schultz celebrated the birth of their son, Emerson, on May 9, 2020. 6
2010s Craig, BA '10 and Natalie (Cochrane), BA '10 Heiman have welcomed their first baby, Hadley Alma Heiman, born October 9, 2019. 7
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Vue Lee, BA '12 now has four grandchildren
Marketia Thomas, MA '18 gave birth to her fourth son, Marshawn Thomas. He is a miracle baby born at 2lb 4oz.
ENGAGEMENTS, MARRIAGES & ANNIVERSARIES 1950s Bob, HS '50, JC '52 and Lois (Brakenhoff), BA '66 Holtz celebrate 65 years of marriage on July 3, 2020. Sharon (Biel), AA '56 and Raymond Schlichtmann celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary on June 15, 2020.
1960s Robert Krueger, HS '63, JC '65 married Katherine Klemp on May 18, 2019. They reside in Jordan, Minn. Virginia (Krinke), BA '67 and Ken Buehring celebrate 50 years of marriage in 2020. Jennie (Arnold) Shreve, BA '69 celebrated her 50th anniversary in 2019. She has six great-grandchildren.
1970s David, BA '70 and Louella (Boomgaarden), BA '69 Green celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary on July 25, 2020. 9 Jim, BA '70 and Marjean (Haack), BA '70 Hahler celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary on August 8, 2020.
Class Notes
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1980s
HONOR/AWARD
10 Ben, BA '86 and Jeanne (Tolzmann), BA '86 Holten celebrated their 34th wedding anniversary on June 7, 2020.
1960s
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Alice (Kratt) Smith, AA '62, MA '00 has received in her career: 1996 LEA Distinguished Elementary Teacher of the Year, 2006 LEA Distinguished International Educator of the Year, and 2017 CSP Alumni Distinguished Service Award. 16
2000s 11 Christine Borscheid, BA '00 married Scott Habeck of Jordan, Minn. on October 19, 2019. Their wedding took place in Stillwater, Minn. on the St. Croix River.
Anne Tiberg, BA '07 got engaged to Pastor Timothy Anderson (CU Bronxville NY, ‘09) in January 2020. The wedding will be in January 2021 in Arizona. 12
Tara (McMiller), BA '09 and Ryan Darling were married in January 2020. Ryan adopted Tara's daughter, Maggie, in June, and they are anxiously awaiting the birth of another child in November. 13
1970s Rev. James McDaniels, BA '72 was honored with the Christus in Mundo (Christ in the World) award in November 2019 by the LCMS. This award recognizes his contributions to LCMS Specialized Pastoral Ministry as both chaplain and pastor. Pastor McDaniels will also be receiving a Doctor of Letters from Concordia St. Paul at its spring commencement ceremony.
Matt Hewitt, BA '09, MA '11, MBA '13 married Jillian Klopke on May 9, 2020. Their original wedding plans were affected by COVID-19 but instead of postponing the wedding, Matt and Jill moved the ceremony to Matt's backyard and invited just their immediate families to be present.
Dr. LeRoy Wilke, '72 received the Christus Vivit Award from Concordia Seminary in St. Louis during virtual Commencement on May 15, 2020. LeRoy was awarded the honorary Doctor of Letter degree from CSP in 1999 and retired from professional church work in 2005. LeRoy also served as Director of CSP's DCE Program from 1976-1985.
2010s
1990s
15 Brittany (Arlow), BA '15 was married to Greg Nagel on May 2, 2020 in Pine River, Minn. Jessica (Borchardt) Blocker, BA '16 and Anna (Shaw) VanVleet, BA '14 helped to celebrate the occasion by serving as Matron of Honor and Bridesmaid!
Chad Gieseke, '92 is celebrating six years working as the Director of Visual Merchandising for the Mud Pie family of brands. He was recently honored as one of the top ten influencers in the gift industry by Gifts and Decorative Accessories Magazine.
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Class Notes
EDUCATION 2000s Wilda Pomales, BBA '04, MBA '10 graduated from FAMU College of Law in December 2019. She took the February 2020 Florida Bar, passed, and was sworn in on April 16, 2020. Pauline Bradford, MA '06 is currently completing a terminal degree from Saint Mary's University of Minnesota and will graduate in 2020.
2010s Shelly Schwalm, BA '10, MFA '19 completed her MFA (Masters of Fine Arts) in Creative Writing at Concordia St. Paul in August 2019.
1970s Carol (Krenz) Lauterbach, BA '71 was recognized for 43 years of commissioned service to the church by the Greater Milwaukee Synod of the ELCA during their celebration of women's achievement in the church. Mary Yerks, '76 retired from Heritage Christian Academy at the end of the 2020 school year. After 35 years of service at Concordia-Portland, Dr. Joel Schuldheisz, BA '78 is entering the Specialized Ministry Program (SMP) through Concordia Seminary-St. Louis and was called as a Vicar to Good Shepherd Lutheran Church and Preschool in Tacoma, Wash.
Wendy (Nosbush) Schroeder, BA '12 earned a Masters in Early Childhood Special Education.
Mary (Hertwig) Schuldheisz, BA '77 is the School Administrator at St. Luke’s Lutheran Church and School in Federal Way, Wash. and Development Director at Concordia Christian Academy in Tacoma, Wash.
Leonard Cain, MA '13 is completing a Doctorate in Educational Leadership at Bethel University in St. Paul, Minn.
Annamary Seltz, BA '77 finished her 40th year of teaching at St. Martin's Lutheran School in Winona, Minn.
Maria Markman, BA '16 graduated with her Master of Divinity on May 31, 2020 from Luther Seminary in St. Paul, Minn.
Kim (Lees) Pfaff, BA '79 retired from the teaching ministry on May 31, 2020.
CAREER
1980s
1950s Robert Rahn, HS '54, JC '56 has three books coming out in the next year including History of Lutheran Heritage Foundation Volume II, an autobiography and a book of devotions. David Preuss, HS '57, JC '59 celebrated his 55th anniversary of ordination, marriage, and pastoral ministry in grace-full gratitude to God.
1960s Robert "Bob" Hathaway, HS '62, AA '64 retired from Century College in White Bear Lake, Minn. in spring 2020, after 51 years of teaching. Robert Tasler, '65 has published several daily devotionals, novels and Bible studies, all on Amazon under Robert L. Tasler. Barrie Henke, BA '69 ended his Senior Pastorate position in July 2019 at Holy Trinity Lutheran Church in Edmond, Okla., and now serves as Visitation Pastor. He also continues as President of the Oklahoma District until April 2021. Ted Werfelmann, BA '69 is retired, serving as Intentional Interim Pastorate. He also serves as the Puget Sound VP for the Northwest District of LCMS.
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Rev. Charles Adams, BA '81 retired after 34 years in parish ministry. During those years he served on many district committees, as a circuit visitor, hospital chaplain and a reserve chaplain in the Iowa National Guard. His wife, Laura (Vogt) Adams, BA '77 has served as a church organist for 42 years. 19
Paul Hickey, BA '84 works in computer programming for Zurich Insurance. His wife, Tricia, does accounting for a healthcare company. They are both involved at their congregation. Their daughter, Rebekah, BA '20 was recently married and their son Christopher is working for YWAM in Wisconsin and around the globe. 20 Joel Quinnell, '84 has spent 30 years singing with the Apollo Male Chorus of Minneapolis, Minn. and serves on the Board of Directors. Joel is also a co-chair for the Senate District 49 Republicans, serving Edina, Bloomington, Eden Prairie, Minnetonka and South Minneapolis, Minn.
Jim Nunn, BA '85 retired from competitive coaching after 35 years. He coached four seasons each year in football, wrestling, and baseball. Todd Jenks, BA '87 received a promotion to Teaching Professor in the Communication Studies program at Iowa State University, where he teaches leadership communication theories.
Class Notes
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1990s Jim Scriven, BA '90 celebrated his 30th year serving in Lutheran school ministry, including 12 years as a teacher, 13 as a principal, and now five years serving as the Education Executive for the Northwest District-LCMS. Stewart Mednick, BA '97 is Senior Business System Analyst at US Bank and served as President and Vice President for the Minnesota Chapter of International Institute of Business Analysis. Stewart has published numerous articles in nationallycirculated magazines. Allan Hansen, BA '99 is an Adjunct Professor at Grand Canyon University.
2000s Michael Meyer, BA '01 is currently serving as Assistant Principal at Silver Valley High School, Yermo, Calif. Michael and his wife, Katherine (Kohls) Meyer, '02 have three kids, Elizabeth, 14, Emily, 12, and Andrew, 8. They live in Victorville, Calif. Jackie (Gronbach) Ohmann, BA '03 started a coffee and ice cream shop in Cannon Falls, Minn. in 2019 while also continuing her cheese business with two great business partners. Dena Mayne, BA '05 is the new chief marketing officer for Ergotron, a global company focused on improving how people work, learn, play and care for others. 21
Orval Peters, BA '05 was ordained and installed as pastor for St. John’s Lutheran Church in Hinton, Okla. and Mount Calvary Lutheran Church in Watonga, Okla. on June 28, 2020. In March 2020, Philip Zastrow, BA '09 became a fully-licensed mental health professional in the state of Minnesota.
2010s Sara (Sather) Pimental, BA '10 launched a new business, We Adventure Well LLC, which provides an iconic travel trailer rental service in the Twin Cities metro area.
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Kenneth Garnier, MA '12 celebrated the release of his 16song, fourth studio album, 'Churchman' by Akouo in June 2019. 22
Jason Manz, MBA '13 was named National Accounts Manager at PBI-Gordon in February 2020. Miguel Torneire, MA '13 is serving as the vacancy Pastor at Trinity Lutheran Church in Centralia, Ill. He is also working as an executive director at his non-profit organization, Developing Our World. 23 Aric Bieganek, MA '14 started a new role at Concordia St. Paul as Retention Data Manager in Academic Advising in May 2020.
Elliot Powell, BA '14 works as Assistant Athletic Director for Development at South Dakota State University. Reed Johnson, BA '15, MA '18 couldn't be more proud than to have the opportunity to work as an alum coaching for the CSP football program. 24
Haya Haj Ahmad, MBA '16 is currently the Director of Alumni Affairs at the ivy league medical college, the Weill Cornell Medicine-Qatar, the first and only branch outside the US. Timi Ogundipe, BA '17, MBA '19 started a podcast titled “Shed Some Light,” where people of color share experiences of profiling and discrimination. Megan Bergman, MA '19 was named the new Isanti County Court Administrator, effective June 17, 2020. 25
Drew Sannes, MA '19 was hired as the head baseball coach at North Iowa Area Community College (NIACC) in Mason City, Iowa. Alberto Tineo, MA '19 has been working in HR in a nursing home since August 2019.
2020s Courtni Holloway, BA '20 is a seventh grade English teacher at Hiawatha Academy-Northrop in Minneapolis, Minn.
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In Memoriam
IN MEMORIAM 1940s
1970s
Rev. Victor Schultz, HS '45 passed away on March 7, 2020. Wilfred Nieting, HS '46 passed away January 3, 2020.
Alan Winn, HS '70 passed away on February 28, 2019.
1950s
Gregory Tyler, BA '83 passed away on February 28, 2020.
Rev. James "Jim" Johnson, HS '52, JC '54 passed away on April 4, 2020.
Jeff Wegner, BA '83 passed away on June 20, 2020.
Rev. Lloyd Hackbarth, HS '54, JC '56 passed away on September 11, 2020. Rev. William Robinson, JC '57 passed away on August 14, 2020.
1980s
Cindy (Frietag) Denman, BA '83 passed away on July 21, 2020.
1990s Jerry Person, BA '96, MA '99 passed away April 14, 2020. Stephen Lammers, BA '97 passed away on May 3, 2020.
Byron Stolzenburg, JC '58 passed away on January 26, 2020. Yvonne (Thom) Petersen, JC '58 passed away on June 20, 2020. Robert Holland, HS '59 passed away on July 25, 2020.
Larry Schlichting, BA '01 passed away on September 13, 2020. Rachel (Rossin) Vrudny, BA '02 passed away on June 8, 2020. Thomas Sendecky, BA '04 has passed away.
1960s Gunard Heikkila, '61 passed away on August 23, 2020. Rev. James Mueller, HS '61, JC '63 passed away on November 8, 2019. Joseph Fountain, BA '68 passed away on August 10, 2020. Joe is a 2020 Concordia St. Paul Alumni Distinguished Service Award recipient. Lana (Becker) Schaefer, BA '68 passed away on August 14, 2020. Nancy (Anderson) Ruff, BA '69 passed away on June 3, 2020.
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2000s
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Eric Cannedy, BA '05 passed away on July 22, 2020.
2010s Darla Lidke, MA '10 passed away on October 16, 2019.
Faculty
Longtime music faculty Robert Leininger passed away Oct. 9, 2020. Leininger, known as "Chief" to his students, taught at Concordia St. Paul from 1965 until his retirement in 1996.
Advancement
GIFTS TO CSP ENABLE STUDENT SUCCESS Our generous benefactors provided funding during the 2019–20 academic year to help our students access and afford a quality education in a dynamic, multicultural environment where Christ is honored and all are welcome. Through the continued philanthropic support of generous alumni and friends of the university, CSP continues to create opportunities for students from all backgrounds and receive recognition from across the nation.
GIVING HIGHLIGHTS FOR FISCAL YEAR 2019
$3,628,820 TOTAL GIVING FROM 1,714 DONORS
$1,715,327 OPPORTUNITY FUND GIVING FROM 1,237 DONORS
$109,296 PROVIDED BY 527 NEW DONORS TO SUPPORT CSP STUDENTS
Concordia continues to thrive thanks to the support of our dedicated family of alumni and friends. This fall, enrollment surged to 5,567 students, marking nine straight fall semesters of record enrollment. In order to keep growing so that we can serve more students, Concordia needs additional support to enhance programming, increase staffing and build scholarship resources. Your gift today to the Opportunity Fund will help CSP fulfill its mission and achieve its vision, empowering more students to discover and engage their purpose for life, career and service.
My family moved from Bosnia in '98. I was the first generation born here, first to graduate high school, and now first to attend college. I was unfortunate growing up and did not have the best or active partners in my life. Your support assists me in achieving my life-long goal of becoming a police officer. Thank you from the bottom of my heart! – Lana Boskovic, ‘23
Make your gift today at one.csp.edu/give Questions? Contact us at advancement@csp.edu or 651-641-8810
Advancement
SUPPORT CSP’S FUTURE WITH AN ENDOWED GIFT You can help ensure CSP’s mission touches generations to come with a gift to one of 200+ existing endowments or to establish your own named endowment. With a standard 4% annual payout, CSP currently awards more than $700,000 from endowed funds each year. Endowment gifts are invested and grow over time, meaning your gift will have increasingly more impact for years to come. For example, when you make a $50,000 endowed gift for scholarships, the impact goes well beyond the original value:
We know how important Concordia is to you. We also understand that the gift planning process can be overwhelming. At CSP, we partner with the LCMS Foundation to have a person on staff to guide you through each step of the gift planning process. Schedule a meeting today by calling 1-866-476-9277 or emailing plannedgiving@csp.edu.
$50,000 Gift Match
YOUR GIFT
x2 =
DOUBLE THE IMPACT!
Generous first-time donors, Herman and LaDonna Meinders, are so inspired by CSP’s mission, they’ve offered to match all Opportunity Fund gifts up to $50,000. Make your Opportunity Fund gift by Jan. 15, 2021 to double your impact on CSP students! one.csp.edu/giving
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FALL/WINTE R 2020 • CONCO RDIA ST. PAUL MAGAZINE
Advancement
JOIN THE CONCORDIA COOPERATIVE The Concordia Cooperative is made up of CSP community members who want to make a difference in the lives of students on an ongoing basis. Like a subscription to your favorite streaming service, giving regularly (biweekly, monthly, quarterly or semi-annually) as a Concordia Cooperative member, you provide dependable funding for scholarships and degree programs while minimizing administrative costs, resulting in more of each gift directly supporting the needs of Concordia students.
GIFTS OF EVERY SIZE MAKE A DIFFERENCE Your Concordia Cooperative gift to the Opportunity Fund will have a meaningful impact at any amount. The following levels provide an idea of the difference various gift sizes have on CSP students:
$10/MONTH
$25/MONTH
$42/MONTH
($120 annually)
($300 annually)
($500 annually)
Give 7 students new Bibles
Purchase a book for the Diversity Center's textbook loan Library
Plant a tree on campus
Provide a uniform to a student athlete
Fund a student club or organization
Cover annual hymnal licenses for the daily Chapel
Provide a week's worth of food to Comet's Cupboard, CSP's on-campus foodshelf
Send a group of students to the Diversity Equity Conference
$84/MONTH
$209/MONTH
$418/MONTH
($1,000 annually*)
($2,500 annually*)
($5,000 annually*)
Provide a student scholarship
Fund a student's travel seminar abroad
Modernize a classroom
Cover the cost of bringing a guest speaker to lead a convocation
Install a water fountain with water bottle filler
Supply half of the diplomas for each graduating class
Give Comet a year's wortth of spa days
Send 250 students to the annual MN Private College Job Fair
Cover the complete net tuition cost of an average church work student
Cover the lab fees for an undergraduate student
These are just a few of the ways your gifts can impact students. In addition to the Opportunity Fund, you can also designate your recurring contributions to the area of your choice. Becoming a member of the Concordia Cooperative is one of the most cost-effective and environmentally friendly ways to give to support Concordia. You will receive less mail and fewer phone calls, your bank account won’t feel the weight of a lump sum gift, and you will have complete control over your giving. *Annual giving of this amount qualifies you as a member of the President's Circle
Join the Concordia Cooperative today: one.csp.edu/cooperative
NON-PROFIT ORG. U.S. POSTAGE
PAID PERMIT NO. 1341 T WIN CITIES, MN
1282 Concordia Avenue St. Paul, MN 55104-5494 CHANGE SERVICE REQUESTED
