Concordia St. Paul Magazine Spring/Summer 2020

Concordia St. Paul

HC A LLENGES

President

First 100 Days at CSP:

Connections, Challenges, Opportunities

Concordia University, St. Paul 1282 Concordia Ave St. Paul, MN 55104

651.641.8810

1.866.GROW.CSP ave.csp.edu

@concordiastpaul

CSP BY THE NUMBERS

1,140 Students recognized during the 2020 Virtual Commencement Celebration

14

Consecutive spring semesters of enrollment growth

56

2 CSP’s footprint now spans two states with the addition of the nursing program in Portland, Ore.

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

Design and Layout

Tia Wagar

Photography

Brian Evans, BA '07, MA '09

Nick Schroepfer, BA '18

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 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

CSP Student-Athletes named to NSIC Spring All-Academic Team

3,583

Total students enrolled during the Summer 2020 semester (New summer term record)

IN THIS ISSUE:

First 100 Days: President Friedrich

Celebrating Dr. Chatman

Staying Strong Through Faith

Celebrating Legacy: The Johnsons

Alumni Success Stories

Spotlighting Senior Student-Athletes

CSP News

Donor Support

Concordia's campus (looking south) from the 1955 yearbook. The building on the lower right is the Dining Hall (now named the Winget Student Life Center), with Meyer Hall beyond it. The building on left is Old West, which housed the music department (among other purposes over its existence).

GOD IS WITHIN THE CITY

PSALM 46

1 God is our refuge and strength, a very present[b] help in trouble.

2 Therefore we will not fear though the earth gives way, though the mountains be moved into the heart of the sea,

3 though its waters roar and foam, though the mountains tremble at its swelling. Selah

4 There is a river whose streams make glad the city of God, the holy habitation of the Most High.

5 God is in the midst of her; she shall not be moved; God will help her when morning dawns.

6 The nations rage, the kingdoms totter; he utters his voice, the earth melts.

7 The Lord of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress. Selah

8 Come, behold the works of the Lord, how he has brought desolations on the earth.

9 He makes wars cease to the end of the earth; he breaks the bow and shatters the spear; he burns the chariots with fire.

10 “Be still, and know that I am God. I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth!”

11 The Lord of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress.

At Concordia University, St. Paul, we find ourselves in the midst of the dearly loved Twin Cities. It is in this dynamic and diverse community we live out our mission of preparing students 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. Thus, this week, the death of George Floyd has brought the painful realities of racism to the surface right here at home and calls us to respond as a community of faith in service to our neighbor.

The words of Psalm 46 speak reassurance. God is in the midst of the city. Of course, the city referenced here is the biblical city of Jerusalem, but we know His promised presence there is the same for these Twin Cities. We can hear three promises and a calling for us in Psalm 46:5.

God has always been in the city. Long before Concordia was in St. Paul, the spirit of Christ was at work here. It is because of the love of God for each person that Jesus was sent to the city of Jerusalem to die for the sins of all and reconcile us to God and each other. We will never see a face Jesus does not love enough to die for.

God has not left the city. Verse 1 of Psalm 46 says, “God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble.” Even when our city has not been a place of refuge for so many, that is what God offers us – refuge. We lament the devastation. We see and feel the pain of deeply rooted racism and repent of our role in it individually and as a community. We can be assured our God is not deterred by our sin, chaos or pain. Jesus came to earth not only to experience the depth of humanity’s pain and brokenness, but to take it on Himself in swallowing up death in every form by way of the cross and empty tomb. God is not afraid of the city. He is within her and is her remedy.

God will heal the city. As the psalm says in verse 10, there will be a day when all will “be still and know that [God] is God.” As Revelation 21 offers, not only will all be as it ought in this new, restored city, but God will be among us in fullness there. It says, “He will wipe away every tear from their eyes.” In tumultuous days, we take heart that Christ will bring shalom wholeness to the city — no more death, mourning, or pain. We look longingly for that day.

Our calling is to be evidence of God’s presence in the city. The rich culture and diversity of the Twin Cities has always been a blessing to CSP. We have not always taken the stewardship of this blessing as seriously as we ought. In CSP’s commitment of dedicated service to God and humanity, our calling is that of Micah 6:8: “Do justice, love mercy, and walk humbly with your God.” We are called to do justice on behalf of those in need of it, to show great compassion and mercy, and to take a posture of incredible humility as we seek to be the best evidence possible for the loving presence of Christ is in St. Paul. CSP’s “all within the context of the Christian Gospel,” points us to follow in the footsteps of Jesus as He walked the earth, seeking to wash feet and right wrongs by giving of Himself.

At the resurrection of Lazarus, Jesus wept with those who wept, compassionately listened to those in pain, and ushered in healing. While our efforts will never be as His, we walk humbly in the work of compassion in our Cities, as we try to be faithful to this calling. This is the work of our mission. Hearing the aches of our community, especially our African American sisters and brothers, is the work of thoughtful and informed living and dedicated service to God and humanity.

We celebrate the outpouring of the Holy Spirit upon Christ’s Church, God’s people rejoice that the crucified and risen Jesus is present with us today to bring healing, reconciliation, and peace. As the psalmist (vs. 1011) says, “Be still, and know that I am God…The Lord of hosts is with us.”

We pray we are faithful in the Spirit-guided work of doing justice, loving mercy, and walking humbly for the sake of our neighbor. As God dwells among us at CSP and has called CSP to dwell in St. Paul, may we be evidence that the loving Christ is within us as we serve and prepare students in these Twin Cities.

Shelly Schwalm, Ministry Associate, author

Tom Gundermann, Campus Pastor, contributor

Mark Koschmann, Chairperson, Department of Theology and Ministry, contributor

Brian Friedrich, President, editor

President Friedrich’s First 100 Days at CSP: Connections, Challenges, Opportunities

The first 100 days for anyone in a new leadership role are critical for setting the tone. The last time we talked to President Brian Friedrich, BA '79, he and his wife Laurie (Wogsland), BA '80, were planning for their move to Concordia St. Paul (CSP) in early 2020. President Friedrich had ideas on how he would spend his first 100 days. He laid out his plan to connect with many people, wanting to learn about CSP and shape a vision of the future, not just from his own ideas, but from the collective wisdom of those who have varying experiences throughout the University. Of course, when Friedrich laid out this plan, he didn’t yet know of the events that would shape his first few months and the future of CSP.

On February 10, just six weeks into his presidency, Concordia University–Portland (CUP), a fellow member of the Concordia University System, announced it was closing closing at the end of the 2019–20 academic year. CUP had struggled with declining enrollment and mounting debt and made the decision to close its doors after faithfully exploring all options.

Then, on March 12, because of COVID-19, CSP announced it would be shutting down on-campus classes and moving 100% to virtual learning for the remainder of the spring 2020 semester.

After diligently documenting these interviews, Friedrich put all of the responses into four main categories: 1. Mission; 2. Strategic Plan; 3. Lutheran Christian Identity; and 4. Marketing/Awareness. He has documented 38 primary takeaways that have driven his conversations and connections over his short time at CSP.

“One of the things that surprised me is how well understood the institution's strategic plan is. That's unusual and shows a deep commitment to the big picture. It also speaks to the great job the leadership has done in clearly articulating the plan.”

Friedrich also shared his awe at how the faculty and administration understand their role in the big picture.

“The mission of CSP revolves around its students,” he continued, “I would say 90 percent of the inspiring stories people told were of a time that they were able to connect with a student and saw that student succeed. It was phenomenal.”

Friedrich said that what illustrated this success most often were commencement stories.

–Rev. Dr. Brian Friedrich

“The faculty and staff are resilient people and when confronted with this once-in-a-lifetime, unprecedented challenge, they have continued to focus on the success of students in their education," Friedrich shared. "They have demonstrated, day-after-day, weekafter-week, how to help students succeed through extraordinary relationships, high-quality education, and loving support.”

President Friedrich’s reflections are more than just answers to questions or summaries of CSP’s responses to very unusual circumstances, they are examples of how he approaches most topics – putting others first.

CONNECTIONS

Over the course of his first 100 days, Friedrich set out to talk to every single faculty and administrative department, every single member of the Board of Regents and President's Advisory Council, and presidents from the seven surrounding LCMS districts. While there have been a handful that he has not been able to connect with yet, nearly all of these goals have been met. During these visits, Friedrich has asked three primary questions. First, what is the most inspiring moment you've experienced related to Concordia St. Paul? Second, what do you believe are some of the root causes of those inspiring moments? Finally, looking ahead ten years, what does CSP look like?

“When they shared story after story of commencement, I started to understand what they were talking about was not just as the event itself, but all that it took to work with and support students to help them achieve what many of them thought was absolutely impossible. It is really profound,” Friedrich noted. “Some of the students who have accomplished this monumental success come from really difficult circumstances and getting their degree was a dream they dared to have when the way forward wasn’t clear or even possible.”

As the faculty, staff, donors, and alumni of CSP reflected on these stories with Friedrich, it became clear that they hold a deep conviction that we're here to serve these students. "We're here to recruit them and once we recruit them, we're going to do everything we can to retain and help them graduate with a Christian education.”

The faculty, the staff, and the students are resilient people and the face of this once-in-a-lifetime, unprecedented challenge, they have continued to focus on the success of students in their education.

CHALLENGES

A global pandemic wasn’t in the plan for Friedrich’s first 100 days, but as with most things, he has responded with an active concern for those Concordia St. Paul serves.

“COVID-19 and the economic downturn are impacting many of our students. They and their family members have lost jobs and simply don’t have the funds they were counting on to pay their tuition.”

“As soon as we realized the impact that this would have on our students, our entire community leapt in to help,” Friedrich said. The Barnabas Fund was established a number of years ago by the Presidential Advisory Council to help students who had great need. Now, the fund has been reactivated and is providing support to students with need in the form of $500 increments.

“Donors, faculty, staff and even other students have contributed to this fund so generously,” said Friedrich. “I am so moved and inspired by this community’s support of one another.”

To date, these donors have given more than $26,000, providing grants to 50 students.

In addition to action taken to support students as well as moving to a virtual learning model for the Spring semester, Friedrich sees this crisis as an opportunity to come together in stronger ways.

“It's kind of like when you work out,” Friedrich began. “The more you work out, the stronger your endurance is and the more your muscles grow; Concordia St. Paul is a very agile, nimble, innovative institution, and it really has given us yet one more opportunity to exercise those muscles.”

2020 Virtual Commencement Celebration

The more you work out, the stronger your endurance is and the more your muscles grow; Concordia St. Paul is a very agile, nimble, innovative institution, and it really has given us yet one more opportunity to exercise those muscles.

–Rev. Dr. Brian Friedrich

Concordia St. Paul was fortunate to only have lost a single day of instruction for traditional face-to-face students. Many institutions were off for a week or longer.

“It’s just remarkable. One of the blessings of all of this is that our faculty and staff demonstrated what they do best in making this happen. I think the other blessing is that because our board, faculty, and staff so deeply understand the mission and strategic plan of CSP, they very quickly saw the new opportunities before us and responded with ease. They jumped in to support students; and the many, many members of our community that we employ.”

President Friedrich wrapped up his first semester at CSP with a first for the institution – a virtual commencement event. During this incredible service, the names of 1,140 graduates from traditional undergraduate, adult undergraduate, masters and doctoral programs were read.

Friedrich also shared how grateful CSP is to be in a position where not a single employee has been furloughed or laid off. “We have made it possible for them to do their work remotely so that they can maintain their employment. Again, the agile, nimble, and innovative muscles have grown.” Friedrich continued, “What we see in these successes speaks to the strong leadership this institution has had for a long time. President Emeritus Ries, the board, Provost Dr. Eric LaMott – all have done incredible work in laying a foundation of trust and faithfulness for this community.”

Like all institutes of higher education, CSP is working hard to adapt to the changing needs of students and trying to anticipate future trends. “The challenge is that we just don’t know what this will mean in the months and years moving forward,” says Friedrich. “We anticipate that, for a while at least, students will be more likely to stay close to home and affordability will become even more important,” said Friedrich.“We also know that online instruction has to be very high quality.”

In addition to the challenges and opportunities that have arisen as a result of COVID-19, Friedrich was eager to highlight the work of CSP’s Ministry team.

“Through the remainder of the spring semester our campus ministry team led a virtual devotion time. It was very cool, and we averaged nearly 1,300 viewers a day! Pastor Tom Gundermann and Ministry Associate Shelly Schwalm really knocked it out of the park.”

OPPORTUNITIES

“One of the things that surprises me here is how advanced this institution is on using analytics as it makes decisions,” Friedrich shared. “We are measuring and testing all the time on almost every area of the institution, so we get a lot of quantifiable data that is helping us determine the direction we need to go at this point in time. It has been a really fun surprise and so very helpful."

When the opportunity to help a group of students in an area of need presented itself, CSP stepped in. The closure of Concordia University-Portland prompted CSP to seek the transfer of ownership of Portland's accelerated bachelor of science in nursing (ABSN) program.

“Taking over this program in an area that we were already working in is a natural fit for us, especially since they are coming from an institution that so closely aligns with ours.” Friedich said.

Once the transfer was approved by the Oregon State Board of Nursing, 518 former Portland students were able to continue their education through Concordia St. Paul. While these students and this program will now be a part of CSP, this specific program will maintain two sites in Portland, where the clinical portion of the nursing program will be delivered. In addition to the students that will join CSP, more than a dozen nursing faculty and administrative staff will also join the CSP family. This new partnership will allow CSP to provide education to nursing students in both St. Paul and Portland.

“When we looked at our demographic of students from this program in Portland and the demographic of students being served through Concordia St. Paul, and looked at our goals, it all lined up,” Friedrich explained. “This is an incredible opportunity to help even more students succeed and we are thrilled to be in a place where we could act quickly to respond to a big need.”

The impact of the closure of a fellow Concordia University System school was not lost on President Friedrich though as he expressed his support and concern with everyone at the CUPortland campus.

“Our prayers are with all of the students, faculty, and staff affected by the closure,” Friedrich wrote. “I know that there are many, many people who are continuing to work to make sure they are all cared for and hopefully all will be able to transition to other institutions.”

Additionally, numerous other developments have advanced CSP forward. Some have been in the works for a while, and some have been new opportunities in Friedrich’s first 100 days.

On the academic side, after lots of work by many faculty and staff, CSP announced the addition of a new program for a doctorate in education (Ed.D.) in Kinesiology, further expanding the University’s growing health care offerings. The program will be offered fully online, making it the first of its kind in the state of Minnesota, allowing greater reach to students all across the country.

CSP’s athletic department continues to offer opportunities for students in growing and emerging sports, as the newly launched esports program experienced a successful inaugural season in 2019-20, and will welcome an entirely new program for the second consecutive year with the addition of women’s swimming and diving in 2020-21.

The Service of Installation for Concordia St. Paul’s 10th president, the Rev. Dr. Brian L. Friedrich, was held in the Buetow Auditorium on Jan. 24, 2020.

“Golden Bear athletics is on an upward curve, and the positives and successes around that are just starting to show up. In addition to some great wins, we have incredible student-athlete success in the classroom, and through service in our community,” Friedrich added.

Another observation Friedrich shared he’s proud to have witnessed during his first few months relates to how new employees fit Concordia’s mission.

“These people are amazing. While they may be attracted to CSP because of our diverse student population and use of online technology, we are thrilled to welcome them because of their deep commitment to education and serving students.” He continued, “In their first eight weeks with CSP, each new faculty member is asked to participate in a weekly seminar where a different member of faculty or staff comes and talks about some piece of what it means to be Concordia St. Paul, as a Lutheran University. These are really, really rich conversations. Plus, our deans are just terrific in how they mentor and equip faculty. All of this adds up to an extraordinary faculty and staff that I’m proud to be a part of.”

All of these advancements, whether planned or a surprise, add to the depth and breadth of quality education that Concordia St. Paul delivers. While Friedrich now holds the position of President, he is quick to give the credit first to God, then to all those who came before him and the team of leaders that remain.

LOOKING FORWARD

The first 100 days of Friedrich's tenure at CSP couldn't have been predicted, and neither can the next 100. “God has done such a good job with filling the bucket during these first few months, I think I'm just going to let him keep going and I’ll just go along for the ride,” Friedrich jokes.

Friedrich is already deep into planning what’s next. Based on what he has learned and the incredible work of his fellow leaders, the next big task is navigating the 2020–21 academic year.

–Rev. Dr. Brian Friedrich

“With the addition of our Concordia Portland students and continuing need to work through our response to COVID-19, this next academic year is going to be one of excitement, newness, and fresh energy.”

As CSP looks forward, Friedrich is reminded of the renewal promised in scripture.

“It is amazing to me how powerful God's Word is. Over these last few months, I have been reminded consistently of the verse from 2 Corinthians 5:17, ‘ THEREFORE, IF ANYONE IS IN CHRIST, THE NEW CREATION HAS COME: THE OLD HAS GONE, THE NEW IS HERE.' I am so proud to be a part of this incredible institution and look forward to what God has in store for all of us.”

I am so proud to be a part of this incredible institution and look forward to what God has in store for all of us.

Dr. Cheryl Troutman Chatman Retires from 20-Year-Career at CSP

“Let me just say that God has blessed me so much that all of my work experiences, from my first job after college to this very day, have been in the field of education,” Dr. Cheryl Troutman Chatman said with a warm and uplifting tone that the students, faculty, and staff of CSP have come to know over the past two decades. Through her work as Executive Vice President and Dean of Diversity at Concordia University, St. Paul, her biggest mission has been made clear: to be there for her students. This spring, Dr. Chatman’s enthusiasm and zest for students, education, and life will join her as she embarks on her next adventure: retirement. As she does, CSP will reflect on the impact she has made that has transformed CSP and made an impression on not only CSP’s campus, but countless students’ career paths and lives.

DR. CHATMAN ARRIVES AT CSP

“This is one of my favorite stories to tell and I’ve told it several times over the years,” Dr. Chatman shared as she recalled her arrival at CSP. “God drew me here and used President Bob Holst as the messenger.”

When Chatman worked for the headquarters of the Evangelical Lutheran Church of America, she attended the annual meeting of Lutheran Colleges and Universities Presidents that was sponsored by the Lutheran Educational Conference of North America (LECNA). She already knew President Holst because her husband, Kelly, was one of only three African American males at Concordia Senior College in Fort Wayne, Ind. and had found comfort in the Holsts’ home during that time. Chatman met Holst herself when her husband worked at Concordia University as the multicultural director in the early nineties.

When Holst saw Chatman at the LECNA meeting, he asked how things were going for her and Kelly.

“I said I was trying to move further south for a warmer climate,” Chatman joked. “He responded, ‘This conversation isn’t getting off to a great start!’”

President Holst arrived at the LECNA meeting prepared to ask Dr. Chatman to apply for the Dean of Diversity position at CSP. While CSP wasn’t in the geographical direction that Chatman desired, she considered it.

She spent weeks fasting and praying about the position after her interview with the search committee. Eventually, she accepted the position and her career with CSP was officially underway.

“Accepting the role as the Executive Vice President and Dean of Diversity at Concordia University, St. Paul was the first time I had ever begun a position with the strong sense of responding to a call,” Chatman admitted.

In the months leading up to her arrival at CSP, Chatman spoke a simple prayer that included the words “Use me, Lord!” She did not know the breadth and depth of God’s response to her prayer. Chatman feels deeply that God took her prayer to levels she couldn’t have fathomed and to challenges and opportunities that went far beyond her vision or imagination. She also knows that it was part of God’s plan all along.

“From this experience, I learned that if God calls you and you respond, He’ll take you places that go beyond your imagination and enable you to do things beyond your own expectations.”

WORKING WITH GOD’S CHILDREN AT CSP

“Working with students was like immersing myself fully in a pool rather than just dipping my toes in,” Dr. Chatman noted.

For Chatman, working with students went beyond the perimeters of campus. She prioritized her role in her students' lives and, over the years, has taken them to conferences, made hospital visits, attended baby showers, weddings, funerals, family gatherings and celebrations, graduation parties, family sports events, community events, business ventures, and more. Building strong relationships from the foundation has been integral and investing in the hopes, dreams, and contributions of those students became an equally important way to do that.

Her approach resonated with CSP alumnus and former CSP advising staff member Adrian Perryman who met Dr. Chatman during his freshman year and whose relationship with Chatman grew over his years at CSP as a student in student leadership positions and, eventually, in service as a CSP staff member and community leader with Dr. Chatman’s mentorship.

“Dr. Chatman works hard and plays hard,” Perryman shared. “She loves to have fun and that is another thing I admire about her. I run a haunted house at my home each Halloween. She came by one year and had a blast; she probably came from a meeting and then went to a meeting after, but I just remember her walking through the dark maze with kids and teenagers and she had the same if not more energy than they did.”

Sometimes supporting those relationships meant acting as the communication bridge between the student body she supported and the administration she served.

“I’ve served as an advocate for students whose voices weren’t heard by staff, faculty, administrators or board members,” Chatman explained. “I’ve helped students try to find other options to achieve what they needed when someone may have said, ‘we’ve never done it that way.’”

That effort has mattered to her students. While what Dr. Chatman hopes she has imparted on her students is hope, it’s abundantly clear that her students have imparted plenty upon her in return.

“I’ve become a mother, grandmother, godmother, and aunt without the birth pains or a request for the titles. I’ve laughed with students and cried with them, taught them and learned from them as well. Being there for students in whatever way God allowed me to be was the way I experienced relationships.”

The impact of those relationships is clear and remains with students, alumni, and colleagues like Perryman.

“She has an open door and rarely an empty office. Over time, students learned that if they needed help, Dr. Chatman was the person to go to. It could have been for advice, academic

guidance, family emergencies, financial support or anything in between,” he explained. “Countless students would not be where they are today without Dr. Chatman and her going above and beyond has changed the world for the better.”

Dr. Chatman’s work was solidified with a permanent home on CSP’s campus to commemorate, encourage, and support the diversity and inclusion of all students at CSP, the Cheryl Troutman Chatman Diversity Center. The space was dedicated and opened officially in September 2018.

“The Diversity Center is designed to encourage students and employees to learn about, engage in, and celebrate the backgrounds and cultures of diverse people and to provide opportunities for greater understanding, advocacy, and relationship building,” Chatman expressed. “I hope for it to be a representation of Concordia’s commitment to the presence, uniqueness, gifts, and contribution of every individual who enrolls, serves, interacts with and supports Concordia -- that the Center reminds, demonstrates, and spreads LOVE, openness, acceptance, unity, and harmony among the CSP family and community.”

HOPES FOR CSP’S FUTURE

Since beginning her work at Concordia in 2000, Dr. Chatman has had a front row seat to plenty of changes that have impacted the world at-large and the world of CSP.

“Concordia has expanded dramatically in size, programs, services, facilities, and financial stability; there has been a dramatic increase in enrollment and students of color have been the highest growing population over the past 19 years,” Chatman expanded. “While there has been a 107 percent increase in enrollment in undergraduate students and a 698 percent increase in graduate students over the past 19 years, there has been a 478 percent increase in undergraduate students of color and a 1,392 percent increase in graduate students of color during the same time frame.”

Of the total enrollment of students of color over the years, Chatman cited a 182 percent increase in undergraduate students of color and a 93 percent increase in graduate students of color and emphasized Concordia’s diligence in working to retain their retention and graduation rates and strongly emphasized the importance and significance of continuing to do so in the future.

In addition, she observed technology advances, new academic offerings, innovative and engaging activities for students, increased student involvement in those activities and student leadership, improved campus spaces through renovation, remodeling, and more, as well as the Promise Statement established to complement the mission and vision of CSP. continued on page 10

I’ve laughed with students and cried with them, taught them and learned from them as well. Being there for students in whatever way God allowed me to be was the way I experienced relationships.”

–Dr. Cheryl Chatman

“There has been so much progress and I feel fortunate to have been around to observe it, contribute to it, and experience it,” said Chatman.

As for CSP’s future, Chatman sees one that is bright, but still requires the diligence, dedication, support and love of CSP’s students, staff, and faculty alike.

“Preparing, supporting, and leading students toward their success is the reason we’re all here,” she began. “I thank God for having the honor of being able to assist and support students in hopefully one of the most beneficial and rewarding experiences possible and hope that each [CSP] employee continues to take the opportunity to be used by God to reach out, model, accept, and equip students for life, career, and an unimaginable future.”

Chatman expressed that the CSP community will need to continue to examine its own biases and behaviors toward any individual, class, group, or belief system. In addition, it will need to continue to strive for acceptance, equity, and inclusion for all who matriculate, work, and serve within CSP and the community beyond.

While it can be difficult work, Chatman is sure to emphasize the silver lining and bigger purpose of it all.

“Sometimes the most uncomfortable, inconvenient, and unconventional ways and situations can lead to God’s greatest opportunities for growth and positive changes.”

THE NEXT ADVENTURE

When asked to sum up her career at CSP in one sentence, Chatman replied, “When you ask God to use you, be prepared for an unexpected, unpredictable, and unimaginable journey, but one that will be the most faithful and trustworthy journey you can ever experience.”

Dr. Chatman’s retirement plans can be summarized with what she calls the “3 Ps”: Purge, Persist and Propose. Her first priority will be to purge her house so that she and her husband have less to move when they relocate to a warmer climate -- their destination is still yet to be determined. To give herself a break from that, she plans to persist on the boards and community organizations of which she currently serves as an officer or member. Finally, true to her essence, she will propose to offer her time to her God-given children, godchild, grandchildren, grandnieces, grandnephews, and any elder that needs her to fill in, help out, or take them where they need to go.

On what she will miss about her professional life and work the most, Chatman shares that she will miss the opportunities to help students navigate through their life challenges and learning curves. She’ll also miss seeing and supporting their skills, talents, achievements and seeing their growth, maturation and success from their freshman year to graduation. In addition to that, she will miss the gifts and support of her friends and allies, and the relationships and collaboration of her CSP colleagues, donors, alumni and families.

Dr. Chatman also expressed her appreciation to her community, constituents and supporters. She values their joint work, partnerships and commitment to serving others. These organizations and institutions have acknowledged their mutual appreciation of Dr. Chatman through Lifetime Achievement Awards from the Association of Black Women in Higher Education and the Council of Black Minnesotans, an Alumni Achievement Award from Iowa State University, the Spirit of Gandhi Award from the Indian Association of Minnesota, the Hindu Society of Minnesota and the Dr. Dash Foundation, and most recently the Iowa and Minnesota Campus Contact’s Presidents’ Engaged Campus Award.

While Dr. Chatman will no doubt miss CSP—the campus, the students, the colleagues, the community experiences and more—CSP will always be with her.

“I want to acknowledge the honor and pleasure I’ve had serving at this dynamic, compelling, and pioneering institution with three genuine, competent, and compassionate presidents, Rev. Drs. Robert Holst, Thomas Ries, and Brian Friedrich, and to thank them for their belief in me and for their support and trust. I will truly miss serving at Concordia University, St. Paul, but CSP will always be in my heart,” said Chatman.

Chatman knows that God had a plan in mind when He called her to CSP and, in response, she embraced her role and calling wholeheartedly.

“There is no brief way to capture the ways that God has used me internally and externally during the 20 years I’ve been at CSP. It would be impossible for me to count the ways that I’ve been blessed to be an instrument of God.”

For that, Chatman is grateful and the CSP community is thankful in return for her tireless work, enthusiasm, encouragement, kindness, and leadership.

Sometimes the most uncomfortable, inconvenient, and unconventional ways and situations can lead to God’s greatest opportunities for growth and positive changes.

–Dr. Cheryl Chatman

Staying Strong Through Faith

By DCE Shelly Schwalm BA ‘10

It’s been a rough few months. We all know this. We’re reminded moment by moment in the world, in the news, in our own homes and lives of the bitter pills of sadness and disappointment we’ve faced in this time of pandemic.

While it’s not helpful to ignore or invalidate the hardships of our students, our community, and our world at this time, we would be tragically remiss not to take account of the sweet moments amidst the bitter that we would not have known, had the word “COVID-19” never been uttered. We don’t pray for the bitterness, nor credit God with its coming, but we do take note of the sweetness, knowing his grace and love are present for us in the midst of it.

Thursday, March 12, the CSP community was notified that inperson classes and activities would be online for the remainder of the semester. Within an hour or so of this news, I arrived back to campus, leaving a concert that had not yet started. Finding emotional seniors planning one last Thursday night chapel service, I sat down with them to help plan. Just then a couple of senior students who were part of Spring into Dance, the annual dance recital at CSP that has become quite the production, burst into the door of the Fellowship Center. “We’re doing Spring into Dance in an hour! All the routines as is!” An hour later, through teary eyes, a gathering of students cheered on their fellow students through mostly choreographed dances, without seamless sound or light cues. There were lots of “sorry this isn’t done” or “we know it’s not perfect, but here we go.” It was fitting for the night. Nothing was as it ought to be that day or this semester. This joyful commitment to dance anyway was quite the send off as students left campus in the days following. Even in the early hours, there was no lack of resilience.

That same evening, a group of students migrated to the chapel for one last Holden Evening Prayer service. Lots of seniors grappling with no last 908 in the chapel, no last singing of “E’en So” with Christus, joined to sing and pray one last evening service, speaking the Blessing of Celtic Daily Prayer to one another, a CSP favorite. When one of the graduating seniors couldn’t quite make it through cantoring the closing blessing, she was quickly met with a few friends to sing along and strengthen the song.

On Saturday morning of that week, a student sent Pastor Tom and me a message, wondering if we could have some kind of worship since most churches had already decided not to and maybe we could spread out outside somewhere on campus, since people were grieving the loss of community and the semester and could use some prayer and Scripture. We acted quickly with some song sheets and chairs spread on the patio and Sunday morning, just before many many departed campus campus for home, we worshiped in the midst of the storm, naming God’s kindness in a world that seemed anything but.

Strong connections with students—even some we'd not met before—continued as we checked in on them and learned how they were checking in on and caring for each other, too. People who may not have otherwise were able to “attend” chapel and hear about Jesus. We know the Holy Spirit is still moving. What a sweet spot.

We started doing Fight Song Fridays in chapel, and many students told us that was the best part of their week. Pastor Tom and I clowned around with upbeat singing and dancing with pompoms, singing, “On Concordia, On Concordia, let your colors fly.”

With no in-person commencement, several teams and departments made the best of fun arrangements to celebrate grads in their sphere. I, too, missed commencing for my Masters in Fine Arts in Creative Writing this spring, but was surprised by three friends with a backyard party and a Facebook event full of videos and messages from students, former students, classmates, and friends from all over. Class of 2020, we are among the few who can say we graduated in backyards, living rooms, and driveways. While not what we imagined or expected, these were deeply memorable moments not without love or joy.

While we don’t know what’s next or how all of this will unfold, we do know a couple of things. First, God is with us—an ever-present help in times of trouble (Psalm 46:1). Even if separated, we are not alone. Second, God’s grace is sufficient for whatever comes (2 Corinthians 12:9), to provide, bring peace, and waste nothing from all we experience. Even in bitter trials, grace promises sweet spots. May we keep looking for them as we keep going. On Concordia!

Legacy Family—The Johnsons

Every legacy family at Concordia St. Paul starts at the same place, with that first student of the family attending the University. Sometimes, a legacy consists of two or three members of a given family. In other cases, a legacy family stretches to several members across multiple generations, and due to marriages, intersects with a number of other Concordia legacies. The legacy that started when Darlene (Osladil) Johnson, AA ‘55 began as a student at Concordia in the early 1950s falls into the latter category.

However, this legacy isn’t just about the number of Concordia graduates; it’s a legacy of Christian faith passed down to Darlene, and from her to her children and grandchildren. “She was a matriarch in every sense of the word...the reason it became such a strong legacy was grandma,” recalled grandson Luke Johnson, BA ‘06. “She was Concordia, through and through,” echoed granddaughter Karina Schlecht, BA ‘16.

COMING TO CONCORDIA

As part of one of the first classes of female students admitted to Concordia, Darlene had designs on being a Lutheran school teacher. She “loved her Lutheran faith,” according to her daughter, Kathy (Johnson) Schlecht, BA ‘84.

The faith that held such a prominent place in Darlene’s life continued and multiplied in the generations that followed. So too did the deep connection between the Johnson family and Concordia St. Paul.

When it came time for Darlene and her husband Ernest’s children to continue their education, all four eventually attended and graduated from Concordia, as well as a number of their grandchildren.

Rev. Jeff Johnson, BA ‘88

Their oldest son, Jeff, took a circuitous route to Concordia. After serving in the Navy and working in Colorado, he moved back to Minnesota with his wife Terri (Sievers) Johnson, ‘88 and their two children (one of which was son Luke) to enroll in the pre-seminary program at CSP. His sister Kim loved having Jeff at CSP at the same time she was there. “He was on his second career path at CSP while I was starting my years there, so we actually went to school together even though he is 10 years older,” she shared.

Dr. Phillip Johnson, BA ‘82

The second oldest child, Phillip, originally wanted to go to seminary, but later chose to pursue ministry in the Director of Christian Outreach (DCO) program. He recalled his mother being “genuinely surprised” about him wanting to attend CSP. At Concordia, he met his wife Sandy (Schlobohm) Johnson, BA ‘80 (member of another legacy family), who chose CSP to pursue Lutheran teacher education closer to home than Concordia Nebraska.

Sarah (Johnson) Mueller, BA ‘04, daughter of Philip and Sandy, chose to attend Concordia because she wanted to attend school farther from her home in Colorado, the urban location and close

*If you’re a part of the Johnson 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 ave.csp.edu/legacyform to give us your legacy information.

Extended Family:

Rev.

Ronell

Darlene (Osladil) Johnson, JC ‘55 married Ernest Johnson

Brian Osladil, BA ‘84 (nephew of Darlene) married Julie (Pechous) Osladil, BA ‘88

(Osladil) Uran, BA ‘86 (niece of Darlene) married Michael Uran, BA ‘83

Kimberly (Johnson) Pieper, BA ‘90

Natalie Pieper, BA ‘15

Noah Pieper, ‘21

Kathy (Johnson) Schlecht, BA ‘84 married Rev. Dr. Glen Schlecht, BA ‘85

Rev. Jeffrey Johnson, BA ‘88 married Terri (Sievers) Johnson, ‘88

Karina Schlecht, BA ‘16

Luke Johnson, BA ‘06

Dr. Phillip Johnson, BA ‘82 married Sandy (Schlobohm) Johnson, BA ‘80

Sarah (Johnson) Mueller, BA ‘02 married Daniel Mueller, BA ‘03

Andrew Johnson, BA ‘05 married Jennifer (Mills) Johnson, BA ‘04

Rev. Ben Johnson, BA ‘08

proximity to her grandparents. While at Concordia, she met her husband, Dan Mueller, BA ‘03, who is also part of his own extensive family legacy. While she was still a student, her father received a call to join the faculty at Concordia St. Paul as director of the DCO program. As he was deliberating the call, Sarah asked him, “You’re not gonna be one of those dorky profs, are you dad?”

God led Phillip to accept that call, and he remained on the faculty until 2013. Meanwhile, like his daughter Sarah, son Andy Johnson, BA ‘05 was also a student when Phillip joined the faculty, wanting to be far from home yet near family. He recalled enjoying his visits to campus when Sarah was a student and staying with Dan and his roommate, Seth. Andy also met his wife Jennifer (Mills) Johnson, BA ‘04 at Concordia, another member of a legacy family. Phillip’s son Rev. Ben Johnson, BA ‘08, also attended CSP.

Kathy (Johnson) Schlecht, BA ‘84

Passionate about music, oldest daughter Kathy’s goal was to attend Bemidji State, and planned on transferring there midway through her time in college. However, she desired a Christian education. She ended up staying at Concordia, and joined the fledgling Director of Parish Music program, meeting her husband, Rev. Dr. Glen Schlecht, BA ‘85.

For Karina, Kathy and Glen’s daughter, there was a pull to attend where her parents did, and she had a desire to grow in her faith and teach in a Lutheran school. “The faith formation [in Lutheran schools] is priceless,” she shared.

Kimberly (Johnson) Pieper, BA ‘90

The youngest sibling, Kimberly, recalled visiting her sister Kathy on Concordia’s campus while she was in seventh grade, and loved it, choosing to study education. “Concordia was always a common connection in our family,” she reflected.

The familiarity with CSP held true for Natalie Pieper, BA ‘15. “So many of my cousins attended, and I felt comfortable with Concordia,” remarked. “I could be in choir and theatre and intramurals like they were.”

Her brother, Noah Pieper ‘21, who began his college career at Concordia-Chicago, shared why CSP is meaningful to him. “Where else can I have professors that know me and talk about my faith? It’s very special,” he said.

A LASTING IMPACT

Later in life, Darlene’s connection to Concordia wasn’t limited to her grandchildren who attended. As a member of Concordia’s Board of Regents for three terms, she had a role in many crucial decisions that strengthened the university.

“Mom felt that being on the board was an honor, because she saw the value of what Concordia offered,” Phillip recalled. “It was a calling for her.”

As part of the legacy of faith in the Johnson family, CSP helped it grow and be nurtured in the lives of the family members. In fact, Karina credited Concordia for helping keep her in the faith. “If I went to a public university, I don’t know if I would be involved in the church like I am,” she explained.

“Going to CSP, I got to choose to go to chapel every day,” Natalie remarked. “My best friends were the ones who I met because we chose to do that together.”

For others, classroom experiences served to provide that growth. “Robert Kolb and Tom Trapp opened my eyes, ears and heart to new ways of looking at scripture and helped to strengthen my faith more than they could ever know,” added Kim. “My faith in Christ was like a tiny little seed when I arrived and it grew into a huge tree by the time I left the campus.”

“I think every one of us could talk about how our faith grew during that time,” Kim intimated. “It’s been brought to our kids, and prayerfully to their kids; it’s such a unique gift that I’m grateful for.”

Darlene (pictured center) celebrated her reception of the Alumni Distinguished Service Award with her family in 2007. Photo courtesy of Kim Pieper.

Graduating During a Pandemic

Mara Grau is a 2020 graduate of Concordia University, St. Paul, and graduated with her Bachelor of Arts in English with an emphasis in creative writing. She served as editor of The Sword, CSP’s student newspaper as well as completed an internship with CSP’s marketing and communications office. Mara reflected on the last weeks of her senior year affected by COVID-19.

By Mara Grau, BA '20

During the week after spring break, I couldn’t stop checking the news. Italy shut down, students studying abroad got sent home, people were stocking up on essential supplies, and some US universities were transitioning to online instruction. I was annoying my coworker with speculations about what would happen when the virus started to spread through the US. On the morning of Thursday, March 12, I was sitting in class chatting with my peers before our exam; some of us thought we would continue meeting in person for a while, and others thought we would move online very soon. Six hours later, we got an email explaining that CSP would be moving to online instruction.

At first, I felt a little indifferent about having my classes move to an online format. On a positive note, I wouldn’t have to worry about commuting to school each day. However, I never wanted to take online classes. I don’t learn well with technology; I do much better when I am in the same room with my peers and professors. I knew this about myself before this pandemic came around, which is why I avoided signing up for them. I know that many other students feel the same way, so this transition has been hard on us all.

I was lucky because, as a commuter student, I didn’t suddenly have to move out of my dorm and make arrangements to travel home. I did, however, lose my on-campus job as a tutor for the writing center. I know it was only a part-time job making minimum wage, but I relied on that income to help me buy groceries and pay bills. When this happened, it started becoming clear that I wasn’t going to get the kind of job I had been looking forward to.

You see, I am an English major with a creative writing emphasis and a minor in writing/communications. I knew that I would have to work a little harder at my job search than people with more sought-after degrees, but this pandemic has made my search ten times harder. Companies aren’t really looking to expand their teams right now, which is understandable but still disheartening. Nobody goes to college and expects to have fewer job opportunities after getting their degree, and they certainly don’t expect to be applying for unemployment.

This past month and a half has been incredibly difficult for me and all other students across the country, especially those who have graduated. We are all facing so much uncertainty, and no one really knows how to help because nobody has experienced this kind of situation before.

Companies want to hire people with experience, the main barrier making it difficult for new graduates to get started in their respective fields. Some have realized the benefits of hiring new graduates as, more often than not, they are dedicated and eager to work.

I hope that, as a result of this turmoil, companies will realize that it’s time for some traditional business practices to change: hire new graduates, allow employees to work remotely, hold virtual meetings, and treat employees with more compassion. Yes, everything is pretty bad right now, but if people make an effort to learn from this situation, I think that all parts of society will improve as a result.

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/wearecsp

JOSEPH THOMPSON, BS '18 Biology

Joseph Thompson transferred to Concordia in 2016 after receiving his associate’s degree from Inver Hills Community College. With the goal of becoming a Physician’s Assistant (PA), Joseph knew that he wanted to gain experience serving a diverse population. Concordia served as the perfect backdrop for him to hone those skills.

Despite the challenge of not knowing many others when he transferred, his professors in the science department approached him right away about being a part of research opportunities on campus.

“The research experience enabled me to develop a deep connection with my professors and build a community of supporters for my education,” Joseph said.

In addition to research, Joseph became involved with Concordia’s student-led science club, Tetra Delta and was voted as the organization’s vice president As a member of Tetra Delta, he was able to coordinate events for the science department and lead tutor service events every Monday night on campus.

He was awarded the 2017-2018 Concordia University Science Service Award. The award is given to students who, through leadership roles, showed the most devotion to helping others.

During the summer of 2017, he completed a medical internship in Lisbon, Portugal. The internship allowed him to perform allergy tests, help a chemotherapy patient, and scrub up to be a part of surgical procedures. This experience helped him discover that he wanted to specialize in surgical specialties in PA school.

All in all, Joseph knows the experiences he collected at Concordia will benefit his career path in a multitude of ways including his path to applying to PA schools after graduation.

“My Concordia experience has benefited my career as a PA by not only giving me a better understanding of different cultures and working with a diverse population.”

Today, Joseph is a nursing assistant at Regions Hospital in the Labor and Delivery unit and was accepted into Des Moines University’s PA program during the summer of 2018.

MAINHIA MOUA, BA ‘17, English, Emphasis in Creative Writing

CSP alumna Mainhia Moua graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in English with an emphasis in creative writing in 2017. Today, she is a professional writing tutor at Metropolitan State University and an assistant information specialist at South St. Paul Public Library.

Earlier this spring, one of her pieces was published in a book of short stories brought together by the organization, Hnub Tsiab: Hmong Women Achieving Together. Moua became involved in her third year of college when Hnub Tsiab (pronounced as nhoo-chia) hosted a writing retreat which helped Moua determine if she really wanted to pursue a path in creative writing.

Their novel, Standing Down the Tiger: Stories of Hmong American Women, shares the stories of various Hmong-American women as they navigate through their lives in a bi-cultural world. Written during her undergraduate years at CSP, Mainhia’s short-story, “My Name is Hmong,” reveals the story of her name and how it affected her as she grew up in America.

“Even if I’m not the best writer, I hope my small imprint will help open conversations, help people my age be reminded that we have a lot of work to do,” Moua explained. “I want to help the older generation know that we don’t despise them; we appreciate their presence, stories and experiences, but we can also bring new insight as well.”

During her years at CSP, Moua was involved with Sigma Tau Delta and the English Honors Society, as Vice-President. She occasionally wrote for CSP’s Newspaper, The Sword, and did work-study for the CSP Writing Center. One of her favorite professors would be Dr. Debra Beilke. “Dr. Beilke took an interest in me right away, saw my potential, and wanted me to strive and grow. She opened up opportunities for me, advised and coached me when I felt down, and also helped me a lot academically.”

As her publishing date grew closer, Mainhia felt nervous and anxious. However, she is more than ready to see people learn more about the Hmong culture and witness the conversations that will sprout from it.

SENIOR SPOTLIGHTS

During the spring semester, senior student-athletes who had their career cut short due to the Coronavirus pandemic were featured on cspbears.com. Some CSP seniors have expressed interest in returning for the 2020-21 academic year with the goal of competing for their full senior year as the NCAA ruled those student-athletes can retain a year of eligibility due to the lost season.

Here are a few of those spotlighted student-athletes, providing a glimpse into their past, present and future to fans and supporters who were unable to see them compete in 2020. Read more answers from these and more student-athletes online at: cspbears.com/spotlights2020

BENJAMIN ALLEN

Men's Track & Field • North St. Paul, Minn.

What life lessons did you learn as an athlete on your CSP team?

Being confident in myself. Coming into the cross country and track program freshman year I was timid and would always think I couldn't compete with the top runners. My coaches and teammates encouraged me and made me realize that I can compete with those guys and whether I win or lose they will be happy.

What is your favorite memory as a Golden Bear?

There are many memories that I have made through my years at Concordia. My favorite memory is becoming an All-American in the 1500m last year in Kingsville, Texas. A close second is winning my first conference title in the mile last year at the indoor championships. And this year at the indoor championships the 4x4 was such a fun race where I was able to make a comeback and win the heat. It was an amazing experience after the race when my team all rushed at me giving me a big group hug. There are many more to choose from but those are just a couple.

Do you have a final personalized message you'd like to share with cspbears.com readers?

I would like to say that I'm thankful for all the memories and experiences that I have gained over the years at Concordia. I have met lifelong friends and professors who want me to succeed in the classroom. I am very glad I chose this school and wouldn't have chosen any other.

PATRICK BORDEWICK

Baseball • St. Louis Park, Minn.

What will you miss most about CSP?

Something I will miss the most is being on campus and close to all my friends. I will miss this year's team and the brotherhood we had.

What advice would you give to an incoming freshman about their time at CSP?

To enjoy every second of it because it will be the best time of your life. Focus more on being a great teammate and friend than being worried about playing. If you take care of yourself off the field and in the classroom, the results will show on the field.

Who is a staff or faculty member at Concordia that left an imprint on your experience?

My baseball coaches Lunch McKenzie and Neil Lerner have left such a positive impact on my life. I have learned so much more than just baseball from these two people. They teach you how to be a great person and they really help set you up for the next 40 years of your life. I am very grateful to have learned so much from both of them.

Patrick Bordewick

Photo by Abraham Schwartz

Kali Kaestner

Photo by Joseph Scanlan

HANNAH GUSTAFSON

Women's Track & Field • West St. Paul, Minn.

What are your plans after graduation?

After finding out my senior season was canceled, I decided to return to Concordia to pursue a master's in leadership and management while I finish out my eligibility. After this, I plan to attend a dual master’s and Ph.D. program in behavioral, statistical and psychiatric genetics.

What advice would you give to an incoming freshman about their time at CSP?

Make friends across sports teams – you will find so much family within this community and sometimes it is nice to be outside of your team. Also, give it your all – you only have four seasons. That is it. Don't become a senior and wish freshman year you had worked harder.

Who is a staff member or faculty member at Concordia that left an imprint on your experience?

Kristin Bransford has pushed me to be more than I ever thought I could be and has encouraged me as I stepped into various leadership positions. She has always cared about me as a person first and as a student second, which has led to many impactful conversations that I think about often.

KALI KAESTNER

Softball • Mukwongao, Wis.

What will you miss most about CSP?

CSP is such a family in every aspect, whether it be the friends you make in athletics or in academics. Everyone is so close and at Concordia you have the opportunity to get to know your professors and everyone in the athletic department. I don't know of many schools like CSP where there is such a strong sense of family.

Who is a staff or faculty member at Concordia that left an imprint on your experience?

Barb from the dining hall. I have never met a person who is so positive and genuinely cares about the students that come to see her every day. She makes you feel like the most special person every time you see her, and that is an incredibly special thing.

What life lessons did you learn as an athlete on your CSP team?

Playing softball at CSP reminded me that the game is supposed to be fun. There are times in our athletic career where we get so stressed about playing well, and we want to win so bad and forget to have fun with the game. Being a Golden Bear reminded me of my love for the game and I am forever grateful for all of the great memories and for all of the fun.

SARA STICKLER

Lacrosse • Stillwater, Minn.

Why did you choose to attend Concordia?

I chose to attend Concordia for a few different reasons. I wanted to play lacrosse, but also have the support of friends and family at home. The science department was another reason! It is a tightknit community full of support. You get to experience each of the teachers as a biology major, sometimes more than once. They have gone above and beyond to make sure I'm doing well in class, on the field, and with mental health.

What life lessons did you learn as an athlete on your CSP team?

As a college student-athlete, I have learned how to rely on my teammates and coaches, who are another family to me. I've learned to always give my best, be grateful in all circumstances and be a positive light for others in the midst of darkness.

What will you miss most about CSP?

I will miss my teammates, research group, my bible study group and the other great teams on campus the most! It has been so fun getting to know other students and student-athletes on campus over the years!

Sara Stickler

Hannah Gustafson

Campus Compact Honors CSP Senior Hannah Gustafson, Dr. Cheryl Chatman

CSP senior Hannah Gustafson, Executive Vice President and Dean of Diversity Dr. Cheryl Chatman, and the Union Park District Council were among 100 honorees selected at the Iowa & Minnesota Campus Compact 2020 Presidents’ Engaged Campus Awards. This year’s awards were selected by the 38 member college and university presidents. Awardees were selected for their role as student leaders, civic leaders, and for community-campus partnerships.

“Concordia University, St. Paul is a leader in the Twin Cities higher education community. Its success stems, in large part, from its outstanding faculty and staff, dynamic student body and strong civic partnerships throughout the metropolitan area. We are delighted that Hannah, Dr. Chatman and Union Park are being honored as recipients of the 2020 Presidents’ Engaged Campus Awards. Each is most deserving,” stated CSP President, Brian Friedrich.

A standout student leader, Gustafson has been involved in service throughout her college career. Most recently, she has been instrumental in educating the student body about mental health issues and led a campaign called the Green Bandana. It included a pledge for taking care of yourself and listening to others, information about mental health services on campus and in the community and tying a green bandana on your backpack to signal that you took the pledge to understand mental health issues.

Dr. Chatman is often described as the “heart” of Concordia—reflected in the many students and faculty who visit her office frequently to receive a welcoming smile or word of encouragement. She serves a similar role in the community spending long hours supporting community efforts such as Arts Us, EveryBody In and the NAACP.

The Union Park District Council creates a welcoming space for diverse residents from new immigrants to renters, property owners, and students and has helped create a fund to build community capacity. UPDC works to ensure college students are welcome in the community and higher educational institutions and students are represented on its board and activities.

C. Charles Jackson Foundation Grant Partnership

Concordia St. Paul has signed an agreement with the C. Charles Jackson Foundation for a three year, $165,000 partnership to expand leadership programming at CSP. The grant will launch CSP's first living learning community (business emphasis) this fall in Hyatt Village and expand its ability to reach online students with a leadership academy. It will also allow for the expansion of the Ignite Leadership Program and create new avenues for leadership development for all of student leaders through additional training and development opportunities.

The new Jackson Business Leadership Community is for first-year students who are interested in developing leadership skills while networking with peers and faculty around similar areas of interest. Students are enrolled in the business fundamentals and entrepreneurship course and CSP Seminar with their pod-mates who all live in Hyatt. Students do not need to be a business major to participate in this free program.

Scholars at the Capitol

Six CSP science students (Katrina Vang, Hannah Gustafson, Tim Vogt, Sara Stickler, Skye Martin and Jeenue Vang) presented their research projects as part of the Minnesota Private College Council’s Scholars at the Capitol event March 11 in the State Capitol Rotunda. The event highlighted the impressive work by CSP’s science students and faculty in their partnership with the Mayo Clinic.

Photo by Stephen Geffre

L to R: Katrina Vang, Sara Stickler, Tim Vogt

Record Summer Enrollment

Concordia St. Paul observed significant enrollment growth for the 2020 summer semester. Total enrollment for the summer term jumped to a record 3,583 students from summer 2019’s enrollment of 3,293 students. The totals include 225 traditional undergraduates, 1,606 adult undergraduate/online students and 1,752 graduate students.

Most notably, the accelerated bachelor of science in nursing (ABSN) grew by over 500 students as CSP provided transfer solutions following the announcement of CU-Portland’s closure in the spring of 2020.

This growth pattern continues CSP’s unprecedented run of overall enrollment growth as a record 5,139 undergraduate and graduate students enrolled for the fall 2019 semester, compared to 5,038 a year ago.

CSP Adds College of Human Services & Behavioral Sciences

Concordia University, St. Paul has announced the addition of its fifth academic college, the College of Human Services and Behavioral Sciences. The new college, which supports the strategic goals and priorities of CSP, will be led by interim Dean Dr. Michael Walcheski.

The College of Human Services and Behavioral Sciences will consist of two departments, the Department of Criminal Justice (criminal justice, sociology, forensic behavioral health) and the Department of Psychology and Family Science. This new college structure will promote educational program growth in areas identified as having positive employment growth.

HLC Approves Ed.D. in Kinesiology Program

The Higher Learning Commission (HLC) has approved Concordia University, St. Paul to add a doctorate in education (Ed.D.) in Kinesiology, further expanding the University’s growing health care offerings.

There is a growing need for faculty to build and evolve kinesiology programs at the university level as recent data shows occupations for kinesiology and exercise science graduates are projected to grow at an average of 15 percent over the next 10 years. Concordia St. Paul’s Ed.D. in Kinesiology program will be offered fully online, making it the first of its kind in the state of Minnesota.

An enhanced Fellowship Plaza on the south side of the LTC includes expanded seating options for the CSP Community as well as a water fountain feature.

CAREER

1960s

Gerry Thomas, BA '68, retired from the teaching ministry in May 2019. He taught two years at Lincoln (Neb.) Lutheran Jr. High School and 36 years at Mayer (Minn.) Lutheran High School. He also owned and operated Gerry Thomas Photography.

1990s

Brad Gates, BA '98, MA '03, has been named President & CEO of Structural Concepts, headquartered in Muskegon, Mich.

2000s

Jason DeBoer-Moran, BA '02, MBA '10, was promoted to Director of Congregational Marketing at 1517 Media in Minneapolis where he manages the marketing for Augsburg Fortress and Sparkhouse.

Annette (Frank) Duncan, BA '06, was named president of The United Way of Steele County (Minn.) beginning June 1, 2020.

Tim Finley, BA '05, has joined Consolidated Glass Holdings Inc. as an independent sales representative. He is the principal and founder of T. Fin Building Solutions and has spent the past 16 years in the glass industry.

Tootie Martin, BA '04, MBA '13, joined the staff at the University of St. Thomas as Director of Development, Morrison Family College of Health in January 2020.

Martha (Felde) Paschke, BA '01, is running for the House of Representatives seat representing Illinois' 65th District.

2010s

Rico Bohren, MA '11, was announced as new Assistant Principal at Northfield (Minn.) High School beginning in Fall 2020. Previously he was Dean of Students at Sibley High School.

Susan Bowler, BA '19, has been promoted to the Communications Services Manager at the Carver County's Sheriff's Office.

1 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.

Kelly (Anderson) Rioux, BA '17, has been hired as an HR Assistant for the USDA in Minneapolis as part of their Recent Graduates Pathways Program.

EDUCATION 1990s

2 Ella Gates-Mahmoud, BA '97, MA '98, MA '99, is enrolled in the EdD in Educational Leadership at Concordia University, St. Paul.

3 Allan Hansen, BA '99, is pursuing a PhD in Performance Psychology at Grand Canyon University, Phoenix, Ariz.

2000s

Tosca Grimm, MA '05, earned her Doctor of Education (EdD) from Concordia University - Portland Ore, in Transformational Leadership, completing the degree in December 2019. She is currently the Early Childhood Education Center Director at St. Peter's Lutheran Church in Edina, Minn. as well as contracted faculty of practice at Concordia University, St. Paul.

2010s

Kyle Sorkness, BA '13, graduated from Princeton Theological Seminary on May 18, 2019, with an MDiv and an MACEF in teaching. He is now working on a Concentrated MAR in Philosophical Theology and Philosophy of Religion at Yale Divinity School.

HONORS/AWARDS

1960s

4 Chris Linn, BA '68, received the 2019 Thomas G. Scullen Leadership Award from the Appleton Education Foundation on Oct. 17, 2019.

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 a chaplain and pastor.

5 John Schultz, BA '76, was selected as a Herb Kohl Leadership award winner. He is the principal at Pilgrim Lutheran School in Green Bay, Wis. This is his 43rd year in Lutheran education.

1990s

DeWayne Combs, BA '99, LIC '10, was named a Minnesota Teacher of the Year semifinalist in February 2020. He teaches grades 6-8 physical education at Murray Middle School in Saint Paul, Minn.

2000s

Lambert Brown, BA '05, was named runner-up for the Don Shula NFL High School Coach of the Year Award at the 2020 NFL Pro Bowl. In November 2019, he was also named Coach of the Year by WCCO-TV in Minneapolis. Brown is the head football coach at Wayzata High School in Plymouth, Minn.

Jasmin Ziegler, BA '07, was awarded a Minnesota State Arts Board Grant for her poetry.

2010s

Amber Delliger, MAEd '17, was named a Minnesota Teacher of the Year semifinalist in February 2020. She teaches mathematics and adult basic education at Metro North Adult Education (Anoka-Hennepin School District).

Emma (Dahl) Bica, BA '11, was named one of 40 under 40 by Exhibit City News for her work as Event Marketing Manager with Trimble Transportation.

Ashley Farrington, MAEd '15, EdS '17, has been named Minnesota’s 2020 National Outstanding Assistant Principal by the Minnesota Elementary School Principals' Association. Farrington currently serves as the assistant principal at Wayzata Central Middle School in Plymouth, Minn.

Katrina Van Ruyven, LIC '15, MAEd '16, was named a Minnesota Teacher of the Year semifinalist in February 2020. She teaches 7th grade English Learners at Valley View Middle School in Bloomington, Minn.

OTHER 1970s

6 John Lindner, BA '72, celebrated his 71st birthday on April 16,2020. He writes: "During this Covid-19 national shut down, the most important event I'm looking forward to is worshipping in a sanctuary and singing the roof off and receiving Holy Communion!"

ENGAGEMENTS/ ANNIVERSARIES 1950s

Jane (Behrens), AA '59 and Philip Beck, ‘59, celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary on December 30, 2019.

2010s

7 Katrina Bell, BA '17 and Jordan Stewart, BA '17, were engaged on August 12, 2019. They met in the dining hall at Concordia their freshman year and look forward to their wedding on October 2, 2021.

BIRTHS/ADOPTIONS 2000s

8 Brittany (Ewald), BA '08 and Mike Anderson rejoiced in the birth of their daughter, Mila Elizabeth, on March 31, 2020. She joins big brother, Cameron (2).

9 Billy, BA ‘08, MA ‘11 and Erica Schultz celebrated the birth of their son, Emerson, on May 9, 2020.

IN MEMORIAM

1940s

Rev. Robert "Bob" Raabe, HS ’44, JC ’45

Rev. Dr. Walter Rosin, JC '48

Paul Schmidt, HS '49

1950s

Loretta Berg, JC '57

Rev. Dr. Carl Borchardt, HS '57, JC '59

Rev. Charles Brehmer, HS '55, JC '57

Paul Brockmann, HS '52

Marcella Kramer, JC '58

Bill Lemke, HS '53

Donna Mielke, JC '57

Donald Wuertz, HS '52, JC '54

1960s

Georgia Cleaveland, JC ‘60

Richard Dreger, HS '60

Duane Geary, JC '61

Herbert Lohse, JC '64

Esther Mueller, BA '64

Martin Paul, HS '64, JC '66

Donald Tanner, JC '61

1970s

Walter J. Wegner, BA ’70

Rev. Marvin Soulek, BA '71

1980s

Richard Davis, BA '88

Jeffrey Stolz, AA '84

Rev. Ron Tibbetts, BA '86

1990s

Daniel Boe, BA ’92

Esther Barg, BA '97

Lorraine Minier, BA ’98

2000s

Christine Harris, MA ’07

Dennis Jensen, BA '04

Christopher King, MA '09

2010s

Erin Steele, BA ’12

Alissa Vandendriessche, BA '14, MBA '19

Dr. Thomas Saylor Receives Prestigious NCAA Research Committee Appointment

The NCAA has appointed Concordia St. Paul history professor and Faculty Athletics Representative Dr. Thomas Saylor to the NCAA Research Committee. Saylor will serve a term of four full academic years beginning September 1, 2020 through August 31, 2024. The national committee consists of 10 seats, with two allocated to the NCAA Division II membership along with four from Division I, two from Division III and two additional unallocated seats. Saylor has been serving as CSP's Faculty Athletics Representative since 2012 and has been an official scorer at men's and women's basketball games on campus since the early 2000s.

“Luther’s Works in Ethiopian Languages”: A New Essay from Dr. Deressa

Dr. Samuel Deressa of the Concordia University, St. Paul, Department of Theology & Ministry, recently had an article published in the Lutheran Quarterly journal entitled “Luther’s Works in Ethiopian Languages”. In this essay, Dr. Deressa reviewed and analyzed all of Luther’s works that were translated to Ethiopian languages in the past one hundred years.

FACULTY/STAFF RETIREMENTS

Kristin Bransford

Professor, Psychology

Cheryl Chatman

Executive Vice President and Dean of Diversity

Lesley Erickson

Director of Donor Relations

Suzanne Hequet

Associate Professor of Practice, Religion

Starkey Inducted into USA Volleyball Hall of Fame

Concordia St. Paul head coach Brady Starkey was honored as among a group of 20 volleyball legends and stars of the sport as he was inducted into the USA Volleyball Hall of Fame. Starkey, who has led CSP to nine NCAA Division II national titles, enters the USA Volleyball Hall of Fame as the Donald S. Shondell All-Time Great Coach (contemporary division) for 2020, becoming the 32nd recipient of the award overall and the first NCAA DII head coach to earn the honor.

Inge Johnson

Custodial Services

Carol Klempka

Associate Professor of Practice, Business

Christine Kudelka Professor of Practice, Business

Marla Nielsen Cashier

CALENDAR OF EVENTS

ALUMNI

Legacy Welcome Lunch

September 3, 2020 • 11:30 a.m. – 1 p.m.

Buenger Education Center

Founders Day Celebration

September 13, 2020 • 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.

E.M. Pearson Commons

Class of 1970 Golden Reunion

September 25-27, 2020

Homecoming 2020

October 9-11, 2020

Alumni Awards Banquet

October 9, 2020 • 5:30 p.m.

Buenger Education Center

Education Faculty Co-Authors Study on Teaching During the COVID-19 Pandemic

CSP assistant professor of education Dr. Laura Wangsness

Willemsen co-authored a study on U.S. elementary school teachers’ experiences of and perspectives on teaching during the COVID-19 pandemic. The article was published locally by MinnPost. More information about their findings may be found at: https://research.impact.iu.edu/coronavirus/teaching-online

UNIVERSITY

Athletic Hall of Fame Brunch

October 10, 2020 • 9:00 a.m

Buenger Education Center

Virtual Book Club

Ongoing visit: ave.csp.edu/bookclub

Leading in Legacy Podcast

Ongoing visit: anchor.fm/leadinginlegacy

Digital Learning Hub

Ongoing visit: alumlc.org/csp

President Friedrich Inaguration

Oct. 10, 2020 • Time: TBA

Sea Foam Stadium

Fall Commencement Ceremony

Dec. 12, 2020 • Time: TBA

Gangelhoff Center

*All events tentative and subject to change

ATHLETICS

Golden Bear Golf Classic

Friday, July 24 • 11 a.m.

River Oaks Golf Course

Visit cspbears.com to view all athletic schedules

Rev. Jim Vehling, HS '58, JC '60, and his wife, Jane, found a unique way to fund an endowed scholarship at CSP. See how their gift enables them to receive income today and support future students in need.

LIFE-LONG CONNECTION LEADS TO COUPLE’S LEGACY

Jim Vehling, HS '58, JC '60, remembers standing in front of the Martin Luther statue on the Concordia University, St. Paul campus as a boy of 5 or 6. “I’m going to this school,” he told his family. “Even then I was determined to be a pastor like my dad.”

Today, Jim, 80, is a retired pastor living in St. Paul with his wife, Jane, 78.

During their pastoral career, the couple served as missionaries in Japan, among other notable roles. Now, they’ve chosen another mission: giving back to CSP. Jim attended CSP from 1954 to 1960. Jane’s brother, also a retired pastor, and his wife attended CSP, too.

“Going away to school at 14, you grow up quickly,” Jim says. “I look back and the teachers were people who cared for us and our education. You could model your life after them.”

The experience also formed in him a strong foundation to be able to venture into the world. “Concordia gave me the ability to make decisions, have confidence and accept challenges,” he says.

In gratitude for their family’s CSP connection, the couple created two charitable gift annuities that, after their lifetimes, will be used to fund the James J. and Jane E. Vehling Endowed Scholarship.

The gift annuities are multiple blessings for the couple, Jim says, in that they provide monthly income to supplement the Vehlings’ retirement income and enable them to create their legacy—and support future students—at CSP.

Giving to the Vehlings’ scholarship has become a family affair. Not only does a granddaughter attend CSP on scholarship and play volleyball, but the couple’s two children were totally supportive of the charitable gift. Jim and Jane believe that sharing a charitable giving plan with family—and making them part of the decision—is crucial for family buy-in and blessing, and in their case led to a good feeling about their gift. “Our children may even one day give to the scholarship, too,” Jim says.

SUPPORT STUDENTS AND YOUR FAMILY

When you establish a gift that pays, you build a Concordia legacy and receive income in return. Learn about the benefits of creating a charitable gift annuity by contacting Matt Steiner at (651)641-8243 or steiner@csp.edu or visit https://csp.planmygift.org/.

CSPDAY 2020 SETS NEW RECORD

CSPday is an annual event in which our entire community rallies to celebrate Concordia St. Paul and raise money for the institution we love. With this spring’s COVID-19 situation, we decided to cancel this year’s event, originally scheduled for March 20, 2020.

Though the event was called off, our generous supporters still showed their love for CSP: More than $80,000 was raised towards our original $100,000 goal. This sets a new high for CSPday, with a $30,000 increase over last-year’s record-breaking total. A huge thank you to all who supported CSPday 2020. We cannot wait to see how big of an impact we can make together on CSPday 2021!

RESPONSIVE PARTNER

Become a Responsive Partner by establishing a recurring gift. It’s easy and convenient for you and provides funding stability for CSP! Find out more at www.ave.csp.edu/responsive

PRESIDENT’S CIRCLE

The President’s Circle is made up of generous alumni and friends who support CSP students by contributing $1000 or more in a fiscal year. You can become a President’s Circle member by being a Responsive Partner with a gift of $84 per month! Find out more at ave.csp.edu/presidentscircle

BARNABAS FUND RESURRECTED FOR EMERGENCY AID

In an effort to provide additional support to students amidst the COVID-19 pandemic, Concordia St. Paul reinstated the Barnabas Fund to help students persist to graduation without interruption.

From the funds received, grants of $500 were awarded to students at risk of suspending their education due to increased financial concerns. With more than $26,000 raised, we were able to help many students through this challenging time, including Sarah and Barbara, who shared the following statements of gratitude to the gracious donors who supported the fund:

I want to thank you from the bottom of my heart. COVID-19 been very difficult for me and I know for others in the world. I live in a rural area in Mississippi not only COVID-19 has affected our state but we also had a bad storm to come through this spring. We had major damages across the state along with the city I live in. Some were without power, trees are down and houses are destroyed. But I am yet grateful for life and I know God is still in control. Again, thank you so much for the additional grant it definitely means a lot.

– Barbara McNutt, BA‘20

Thank you so much for your support. This grant was a huge relief to me. I only have a couple classes left and I am running out of aid. I am not working because of the COVID-19 currently. I have a 5-year-old little boy who I care for alone. This grant took a ton of pressure off me and I am very grateful. You are truly changing lives. God Bless You!

– Sarah Irwin, BA‘20