CONCORDIA ST. PAUL MAGAZINE SUMMER 2022
JOY In All Things
JOY IN CONNECTING THE WORLD PAGE 8 JOY IN LIVING OUT VOCATION PAGE 16
IN THIS ISSUE CONCORDIA UNIVERSITY, ST. PAUL
4
6
FROM THE PRESIDENT: JOY IN ALL THINGS
JOY IN FINISHING WELL
1282 Concordia Ave St. Paul, MN 55104 (651) 641-8810 1(866) GROW-CSP one.csp.edu
@concordiastpaul @concordiastpaulalumni
8
10
JOY IN CONNECTING THE WORLD
JOY IN THE MIDST OF TRAUMA
12
publisher
Office of University Advancement editor
Billy Schultz, BA ‘08, MA ‘11 editorial board
Dr. Colleen Arendt Chris Eilitz, MA ‘03 Dr. Oluwatoyin Akinde Fakuajo Tom Halligan, BA ‘14 Loc Luong, BA ‘17 Rhonda (Behm) Palmersheim, BA ‘88 d e s i g n a n d l ay o u t
14
Upswing Creative St. Paul, Minn. printing
Ideal Printers Inc. St. Paul, Minn.
JOY IN PARTNERING WITH THE COMMUNIT Y
JOY IN INTEGRATING FAITH & SCIENCE About Us
16
Founded in 1893, Concordia University, St. Paul is a comprehensive liberal arts university that honors Christ and welcomes all to discover and engage their purpose for life, career and service.
18
Mission
JOY IN LIVING OUT VOCATION
20
JOY IN PHIL ANTHROPY
CSP NEWS
24
ALUMNI NOTES
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. © 2022 Concordia University, St. Paul
Celebrating the class of
2022
Concordia conferred degrees upon more than 600 graduates at our spring 2022 commencement ceremonies in St. Paul and Portland. Congratulations to these newest members of the Concordia St. Paul Alumni Association!
Photos by Concordia University Marketing
FROM THE PRESIDENT
Joy In All Things 04
CSP MAGAZINE
Dear CSP alumni and friends,
S
ummer greetings from Concordia University, St. Paul, where we experience joy as Jesus Christ restores us in mind, body, and spirit (Psalm 23:3). The concept of joy brings about a wide variety of images, experiences, and emotions, depending on who you ask. For many, joy is synonymous with happiness, a sense of good feelings. For others, joy is a deep, abiding contentment that persists despite circumstances both good and bad. At Concordia, we experience joy in many ways and for many reasons. And that has been true for nearly 130 academic years. We share joy when we help students from around the world acce s s an excellent, innovative, Christ-centered, Lutheran education that gives them the knowledge and wisdom to pursue their unique callings for life. We find joy as we bless generations of students through a transformative academic experience that empowers them to lead and serve in the Church, their workplaces, communities, congregations, and across the world. Much joy,
Brian L. Friedrich | President
We experience joy as we live, learn, and serve together in community, dedicated to loving one another as Christ loves us. We live in joy that we get to be a university, even as we strain to serve a growing number of students in an increasingly challenging marketplace with emerging social, political, and demographic challenges. In short, joy is part and parcel of the CSP experience. God’s Word reveals that joy comes in knowing Jesus, because He loves the world (John 3:16) and is the one who holds all things together (Colossians 1:17), even in the midst of institutional and cultural challenges, even during a pandemic, or even in the midst of war. CSP is a university that embodies joy because Jesus Christ is here and the Holy Spirit is at work in our midst. May the stories in this issue give you joy as you celebrate with us the many ways our faculty, staff, students, and alumni share and experience joy. Thank you for being a part of our joyful community.
JOY IN ALL THINGS
Joy In Finishing Well For five dedicated faculty members, the 2021-22 academic year marked the end of their time on the CSP faculty and the beginning of their retirements. We reached out to them to find out more about their years at CSP and what their post-retirement plans include.
06
CSP MAGAZINE
Dr. Sally Baas
Professor of Teacher Education, Director of SEAT Program Years at CSP: 20 Greatest Joy: “My greatest joy at CSP has been my opportunity to work cross-culturally with students from around the world: directing the Southeast Asian Teacher Program, designing and directing the Hmong Culture and Language Program and representing Concordia at Hauhua University with a focus on creating an exchange partnership for students, in addition to sharing my expertise in children's mental health with teacher education students…” Post-retirement Plans: “As the founder and president of the Tapestry Intergenerational Education Foundation, my focus will continue on enabling students from around the world to be successful in their mental health; globally empowering youth and adults’ wellbeing by weaving together creativity, inspiration, and belonging.”
Dr. Phyllis Burger
Assistant Professor of Education Years at CSP: 14 Greatest Joy: “...[O]ur graduate students! As their instructor it was an honor for me to see them thrive, grow in their educator leadership roles, and celebrate academic success.” Post-retirement Plans: "Providing mentoring, professional development, and organizational training for missionaries focusing on trauma-informed support; partnering with a global organization to write a devotional book for incarcerated women; spending extended time with my family, church family, and friends!"
Dr. Thomas Hanson
Professor of Management and Law Years at CSP: 37
Post-retirement Plans: “My short-term plans are to spend more time with family and friends. I have been blessed with five sons and their families including five granddaughters and two grandsons so far…I'm also enjoying more time with my four siblings' families.”
Prof. Craig Lien
Professor of Graduate Business Administration Years at CSP: 31 Greatest Joy: “The satisfaction and humility of creating a student engaged learning environment that transformed the professional lives of so many.” Post-retirement Plans: “Lake living, jet skiing, pontooning, beautifying my yard, and tons of exploration day trips in my Jeep.”
Rev. Dr. Mark Schuler
Professor of Theology, Greek, and Archaeology Years at CSP: 28 Greatest Joy: “My students; the University Honors Program (twelve classes); the Northeast Insulae Project at the Hippos Excavations (a twenty-year project); working with colleagues in the Dept. of Theology and Ministry of which I was chairperson from 2008-2019 (I truly believe that I worked with the finest department of theology at a CUS school in the LCMS: Lumpp, Hequet, Koschmann, Deressa, Lewis, and R.Schuler).” Post-retirement Plans: “I am confident that the Lord of the Church will guide my discernment process as I seek to serve Christ and the Church.” Photos: Concordia University Marketing
Greatest Joy: “Teaching, advising, and mentoring thousands of students over the years has been rewarding for me, especially how much I have learned from those students. I have stayed in touch with many of them after their graduation and have seen them grow their families as well as their careers.” 07
JOY IN ALL THINGS
Joy In Connecting the World Each year, Concordia University, St. Paul welcomes students from all over the world as part of the growing university community at our physical campuses and online. Through intentional recruitment efforts and desirable academic programs, CSP’s international student population rose to a record 284 students from 32 countries this spring. Three of CSP’s international students share their stories about coming to CSP and the impact that studying internationally has on their educational experience. With a significant cohort of international students at all degree levels, Concordia truly connects the world.
Story: Dr. Colleen Arendt, Associate Professor of Communication Studies at Concordia St. Paul Photos: Concordia University Marketing and Dheeraj Kolla
08
CSP MAGAZINE
Dheeraj Kolla, a student in the information technology management (ITM) master’s program and an artist from India, praises CSP’s welcoming community. “Being an international student, I never felt homesick and alone because Concordia welcomed me as a member of its family,” he shares. “The immense encouragement and support I’m receiving from Concordia makes me more enthusiastic about my artwork and career.”
This pencil art with the CSP monogram is one example of the intricate artwork Dheeraj Kolla creates.
Laura Vekony, a sophomore business major from Hungary, also finds the CSP community welcoming, specifically because the small size makes it easier to meet people and make friends. She chose CSP so she could earn a degree in finance while competing on CSP’s swimming and diving team. Boyapati Rameshchandra, a master’s student in the ITM program and President of the Indian Students Association, chose CSP for “its vibrant nature and proximity to the rich life” she had heard so much about in the Twin Cities. However, once here, Rameshchandra realized that she did not have to leave campus in order to experience rich cultural diversity. “I’ve been able to see so many different cultures here at Concordia, which wasn’t what I imagined,” she says. “It truly is a melting pot of various backgrounds and opportunities.” For her part, Director of International Student Services Tiffanie Loeb Schneider finds great joy in many aspects of working with international students, including “seeing how international students enrich our classrooms and campus community.” She continued, “It is such a joy to meet students at Admitted Student Day and then see them throughout their time at CSP befriending classmates, joining clubs, and even going on study abroad trips.”
International students experience living and learning, not only with Americans, but with fellow international students from other countries. Rameshchandra views cultures coming together as a highlight of her experience, “because we are more alike than different. And I like celebrating different cultures and their traditions.” Vekony agrees, especially as she observes differences between American culture and her Eastern European culture. “I love working with international students because everybody has their own culture and values. It is interesting for me to learn about new cultures and get to know international students' backgrounds and interests,” she reflects. Kolla expresses gratitude that people of different cultures can be themselves at Concordia. “I appreciate people’s kindness and the opportunity provided for everyone to express themselves, regardless of their culture, customs, ethnicity, or origin,” he says. In addition to learning about and celebrating diverse cultures, the three students shared that they would take other lessons home with them. Kolla sees this experience as developing him into a “stronger human being.” Rameshchandra appreciated having to step out of her comfort zone as an international student: “One thing I will take from this experience is to keep trying new things. The style of learning, mingling, and way of life as a student here at Concordia has made me step out of my comfort zone and try new things. I’m not used to doing that. Now I’m comfortable trying new things and [I am] more open to new opportunities.” Vekony likewise will take lessons home with her, including “working hard and making sure to get the best possible outcome as a student-athlete…I will definitely have the same mindset later in my career.” Loeb Schneider celebrates the opportunities a CSP education provides to these students as they launch into their next chapter. “It's a joy to watch as they gain skills in their program, build confidence, and eventually graduate and find a wonderful job in their field.”
09
JOY IN ALL THINGS
Joy in the Midst of Trauma Did you know that trauma can rob someone of their joy, energy, imagination, creativity, and overall wellbeing and contribute to feelings of confusion, shame, helplessness, hopelessness, and frustration? Trauma can be directly or indirectly experienced and result from a one-time event or from chronic traumatic exposure over time.
10
CSP MAGAZINE
Because trauma is widespread, the likelihood of being impacted by it is almost certain for each one of us. Regardless of the type of trauma (e.g., abuse, violence, traumatic shock, or grief), these experiences can cause a host of emotional, social, behavioral, and physical health challenges.
Key take-away points pertaining to the topic of joy:
The COVID-19 pandemic is one example of a type of traumatic exposure. Times of crisis and uncertainty, like the pandemic, present people with a multitude of challenges and obstacles.
• The ability to unburden oneself from thoughts based in anxiety and rumination is critical in harvesting joyfulness.
For instance, there is no doubt that the pandemic has inflicted direct and indirect trauma on millions of individuals across the globe. Within the workplace, the consequences associated with trauma exposure can result in increases in conflict, turnover, and a general sense of workplace dissatisfaction, which can hamstring an organization if unaddressed. A promising way for leaders to address trauma in workplace settings is adopting a Trauma-Informed Care (TIC) approach, which places leaders in a better position to understand the complexities of trauma and respond appropriately to the needs of the staff they supervise and manage, both through interpersonal and policy-based efforts. The adoption of TIC approaches can help provide employees with increased clarity, positive workplace connection, team cohesion, and opportunities to engage in effective forms of communication during this stressful pandemic and beyond. As part of promoting an environment rooted in TIC practices, encouraging and enhancing hopeful thinking, empathy, self-compassion, optimism, gratitude, resilience, and joy are strongly suggested. Joy is the experience of delight that is derived from a person’s sense of well-being and contentment with their life. Joyfulness confers cognitive, affective, social, and physiological benefits. However, traumatic experiences can undermine joyfulness and its diverse benefits. As such, interventions that enhance joyfulness are critical because they hold the potential to improve short- and long-term health outcomes for employers and employees alike.
• Happiness is an emotion dictated by immediate circumstances while joy is an innate, longer-lasting attitude that a person can choose.
• Knowing who you are and what you truly enjoy are critical in achieving joyfulness. • Joy is linked to positive outcome measures for both the body (e.g., cardiovascular and immune systems) and the mind (e.g., mental health). • In workplace settings, joy predicts increased productivity and lower rates of employee burnout. • Joyful people are better able to manage and resolve the challenges of life and can promote resilience and optimism. • The practice of empathy for others and selfcompassion are both predictors of joyfulness. • Healthy habits like maintaining a normal sleep pattern, balanced diet, regular exercise, and not smoking are predictors of joyfulness. • Joyfulness can be improved by regularly taking time to practice self-reflection (e.g., journaling) and gratitude.
If you are interested in learning more about the topics discussed in this article, Concordia now offers a Master of Arts degree in Human Services with an emphasis in trauma, resilience, and self-care strategies program. For more information about this program, please contact Dr. Jerrod Brown at jbrown3@csp.edu.
Story: Jerrod Brown, Ph.D., M.A., M.S., M.S., M.S., Assistant Professor, Program Director, Master of Arts degree in Human Services with an emphasis in forensic behavioral health and a second emphasis area in trauma, resilience, and self-care strategies at Concordia University, St. Paul
Photo: Guillaume de Germain on Unsplash
11
JOY IN ALL THINGS
Joy In Partnering with the Community Many businesses are still reeling from the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, including businesses close to Concordia’s St. Paul campus. Professor Renata Mayrhofer, Instructor of Business Management and Chair of the Business Administration and Management Program at Concordia, realized her students could help.
With a long history of partnering with local organizations, Concordia is well positioned to engage in mutually beneficial projects in the community. For the past few years, Professor Mayrhofer has had business students partner with businesses during their capstone course, Business Strategy and Ethics. Dr. Bruce Corrie, Professor of Economics and Associate Vice President of Government and Community Relations, has helped Mayrhofer identify businesses in the “Little Africa” area of St. Paul who would be willing to work with her students. In fall 2021, students partnered with business owners at the AJ International Mall on Snelling Avenue to enhance their business plans. “This strategic planning project, dubbed our ‘live case study,’ gives students an opportunity to learn strategy and consulting with a client. They spend 8-10 weeks listening to the client's history, dreams, and challenges,” explains Professor Mayrhofer. “The students learn a lot from the business owners, and they learn about the industry through extensive research.”
12
CSP MAGAZINE
For the project, Mayrhofer divided the class into teams based on their specific major: marketing majors worked on the branding, website, and social media marketing; finance majors put together financial statements, created budgets, and researched grant funding; and management majors developed policies that reflected the cultural values of the tenants. Leading the teams, Mayrhofer shares, were “two class leaders [who] set the main strategy and guided the class through the project.” Students’ research and hard work culminated in a professionally written, bound strategic plan, plus a formal presentation to the business owners. This project provided real-world experience consulting with small businesses, and students saw first-hand how hard entrepreneurs work to keep their businesses afloat. Additionally, Mayrhofer says students gained “new insight into the struggles and obstacles new immigrants to our country face as they strive to make a living in the U.S.” Ben Wadsworth, BA ’21 worked as one of the two class leaders on the project. He explains the magnitude of the project: “Having something local gave the project a different tone. It made all of us feel like what we were doing was that much more special. It also was nice being able to see the impact we had afterwards.”
Indeed, in addition to producing strategic plans, according to Dr. Corrie, “The research the students conducted played a role in the tenants being awarded grants by Midway United.” Gene Gegelu is President and CEO of African Economic Development Solutions, which aims to build businesses and wealth within the African immigrant community. He sees how this project mutually benefits CSP and the African community and highlights the tremendous impact “when universities serve as anchor institutions in their communities.” Gegelu shares that he finds joy in “the openness of Concordia’s leadership to engage in the community.”
Moreover, Dr. Corrie notes that “the active engagement of faculty and students with the community helps fulfill [Concordia’s] mission to prepare students for thoughtful and informed living and the enlightened care of God's creation.” What a joyful sight to see when the talents of Concordia student s and facult y combine with those of our surrounding community in partnership.
Story: Dr. Colleen Arendt Photos: Jonathan Niebergall, BA '92, MBA '18
10
JOY IN ALL THINGS
Joy in Integrating Faith & Science While some view the relationship between science and faith as adversarial, for Dr. Mary Ann Yang, Professor of Biology, the study of science isn’t at odds with faith, but an opportunity to explore God’s creative power. “It’s too perfect and too complex to be something that just happens.”
At Concordia, Yang delights each day in her vocation as a scientist at a Christian university. Her journey to CSP wasn’t exactly what she planned, however. A native of Taiwan, Yang is the daughter of college professors. She originally wanted to follow in their footsteps and work at an R1 (research-intensive) university. Following her graduate studies, however, she decided to enter the private sector. After spending the first two years of her career outside of academia, she realized that her calling was indeed to become a professor. Having served the past 10 years at CSP, this calling has been confirmed time and time again. “God really allowed me the opportunity to serve him, by not only being able to share knowledge, but also establish relationships and introduce God to students,” reflects Yang.
As the speaker for this year’s Poehler Lecture, Yang shared her journey in the academic world and how she integrates faith and science in her work at CSP. Titled “From GENESis to REveLATION,” her lecture focused on epigenetics, the latest development in human genetics, which concerns itself with the impact of behavior and lifestyle on genetic expression. Dr. Yang explains epigenetics using the analogy of a computer. The genes, she says, are the computer’s hardware, while epigenes are the software that utilize the hardware in different ways. For Yang, the study of epigenetics reflects God’s design. She explains that God didn’t simply program humans with genes, but put us in relationship with Him, other people, and the world around us. These relationships, through epigenetics, can influence individual outcomes and expressions of genes. “So God, at the beginning, gave us perfect genes, perfect epigenomes, and a perfect environment,” she says. “But when Adam and Eve decided to cut off that relationship, you no longer know what your software should do.” Yang traces the Biblical narrative, using that framework to illustrate God’s work through epigenetics. “God’s heart in creating everything is in relationships.”
14
CSP MAGAZINE
Dr. Yang explains that, when human relationships with God, each other, and all of creation were severed at the Fall, God restores all things in Jesus. As Jesus makes these relationships right, Yang says epigenetics are actually changed, emphasizing the transformative nature of the gospel. Then, at the end of time, genetics and epigenetics will be fully restored to God’s original design.
Despite human efforts to hack genetics and epigenetics through various medicines, lifestyle changes, and even gene editing, the original problem of a fallen world still exists on this side of eternity. Yang notes that this all points back to a need for a right relationship with God through Jesus to set everything right.
This joy is evidenced in her work directing student research. As Yang and her students work through the challenges of trying to answer big questions, she certainly wants the research teams to find the right answers, but also to grow in their relationships with each other and in their abilities as scientists.
Reflecting on her calling as a professor, Dr. Yang explains the important role relationships play in her day-to-day work. She explains that biology focuses on how genes are transmitted in various organisms through different mechanisms, and as a professor, she similarly transmits information to students. However, she sees her calling going much deeper than simple transfers of information.
Ultimately, Yang says these relationships confirm her calling. “What I can do most meaningfully is actually establish relationships with students to transform lives,” she observes.
As a professor, she desires to build relationships with students. To Yang, giving A’s on assignments is a good thing, but mentoring her students and helping them make connections and discover more about themselves and what they’re studying brings true joy.
Story: Billy Schultz, BA ‘08, MA ‘11 Photos: Concordia University Marketing
The Poehler Lecture Series is an annual event designed to explore how Concordia University faculty have connected their Christian faith with their academic discipline. Speakers are selected based on excellence in their academic discipline and maturity in their Christian faith.
15
JOY IN ALL THINGS
Joy in Living Out Vocation If you ask Concordia alumnus Greg Holz, BA ‘07 about his plans heading into college, he’ll tell you that he wanted to study architecture. He has learned that God had another plan for him–instead of brick and mortar, he’s called to build up people.
If you ask Concordia alumnus Greg Holz, BA ‘07 about his plans heading into college, he’ll tell you that he wanted to study architecture. He has learned that God had another plan for him; instead of brick and mortar, he’s called to build up people. With encouragement from his parents, Holz chose to attend Concordia to pursue a church work career as a Director of Christian Education (DCE). Through his coursework, he gained a joyful new perspective and deeper understanding of scripture through theology courses. During his sophomore year, Holz joined the Concordia Mission Society in order to embark on what he considered at the time to be a “free trip” to Thailand. His positive experience on the mission trip led him to conclude that overseas mission work was his calling. Once back on CSP’s campus, Holz fully embraced this calling and began seeking opportunities that would lead him towards fulfilling it, including switching to the Director of Christian Outreach (DCO) program. He notes that perhaps his biggest influence did not come directly from theology or ministry classes, but rather from one of his mentors, Dr. Sally Baas, who instilled in him the importance of stepping outside of one’s own culture in order to attract diverse groups of people to ideas that would solve real problems. After graduation, Holz traveled to Battambang, Cambodia to help serve a local church, and was the first Lutheran missionary sent to the city. Holz’s efforts to help the struggling poor in Battambang included assisting local churches, establishing a soccer program, and forming a youth group. There were trials and tribulations, but his impact on the community was increasingly positive. He was able to joyfully apply his mentor’s advice to draw people together to create solutions while respecting their culture. He felt a strong connection to the new city and its citizens. In fact, he met his future wife on this trip, and decided to put down roots in Battambang.
But getting the citizens of Battambang to buy in was no easy feat; his efforts were met by a significant cultural bias against the homeless in Cambodia. Nevertheless, Holz knew that these children needed his help. To fight this bias, Holz worked to provide schooling, shelter, and food to help these children thrive. One story Holz shared follows the life of a severely underdeveloped, illness-riddled child. Thanks to the tremendous work of the organization, the boy, once touted as a lost cause, made a miraculous recovery. According to Holz, what brings him the most joy is “knowing [that] the kid is alive and living well with Christ.” Personally knowing each of the people Crossing Cambodia serves and their stories of transformation adds to this abiding joy. More recently, and in large part due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Holz now advises Crossing Cambodia stateside. Although he describes the relocation as challenging, he knows that the important work of his organization will continue even as his vocation shifts. He asks that the CSP community keep him and his staff in prayer as they continue their impactful work in Battambang and beyond.
During Holy Week in 2010, a fellow missionary approached Holz with a group of homeless children. Holz realized God was calling him to help, and guided by the Holy Spirit, he started the organization Crossing Cambodia to serve underprivileged children. Story: Frank Lien, ‘23
Photos: Greg Holz, BA ‘07
17
CSP SUMMER 2022
University News Spring Enrollment Sets Records
With it s second-highest spring enrollment in history, Concordia University, St. Paul has solidified itself as the second-largest private universit y in Minnesota. CSP enrollment continues to reach new heights with all-time spring semester h i g h s i n g r a d u a te, t r a d i t i o n a l undergraduate, and international student enrollment. Graduate programs (master’s level and doc torate) saw an increase from 1,950 students in spring 2021 to 2,091 students in spring 2022. Traditional undergraduate programs leapt from 1,513 students to 1,538 students in that same time period. International student enrollment also surpassed projec tions this spring, with 204 total international s tudent s c alling C SP home, including 119 new enrollees. Increased enrollment is the continued fulfillment of the university’s commitment to being a Christ-centered, nationally prominent Lutheran university known for excellence and innovation that fosters success
18
CSP MAGAZINE
for all students. A key factor in the higher enrollment numbers was CSP’s expansion to its Por tland campus which helped diversify and strengthen the nursing program. “We are so grateful to continue to be in a position of growth,” Vice President of Enrollment Management Dr. Kim Craig said. “It has been a challenging time for many, especially in higher education. Like we’ve said time and time again, Concordia’s growth is a testament to the flexibility, focus, and adaptability of our faculty, staff, and especially our students.”
Fine Arts
Photo by Matt Kiminski
Christus Chorus Pivots Spring Performances As a group, Concordia’s Christus Chorus decided to cancel their planned tour to Italy, Slovenia, and Austria in May in view of pandemic restrictions and the war in Ukraine. This shift opened up the possibility of a mini-tour in Minnesota. As one of the choir students said, "It doesn't matter where we are going, just who we are going with!"
Christus Chorus performed across Minnesota in Lutheran churches and schools as well as public schools. The choir also participated in the opening service of the Minnesota North District Convention, held in Brainerd, Minn.
Theatre Productions Highlight Student, Alumni, and Faculty Talent This past season brought numerous high quality student productions this past season, most notably Eurydice, direc ted by Sabrina Wiekeraad, with all technical elements (scenery, costumes, lighting, sound) designed by students, under the guidance and mentorship of Technical Director Justin Hooper and Costume Director Anna Hill. S p r i n g I n to D a n c e, p r o d u c e d and directed by Prof. Jan Puffer, celebrated its 10th anniversar y, featuring choreography from s tudent s and alumni. T his ha s become a much-anticipated part of CSP’s theatre season. Three original plays by Prof. Mark Rosenwinkel were premiered in workshops: Dobchinsky Goes to Town, music by Raymond Berg; A Short Play About Golf, featuring noted Guthrie actor Nat Fuller; and Some Gifts, featuring Ryan Skille, BA ‘22 in fulfillment of his Senior Capstone Project.
Athletics
Field Athlete of the Year honors following her performances as NSIC Champion in both the high jump and the pentathlon.
Men's Golf Makes History
Zack headed to Dearborn, Michigan for the NCAA Division II Championships May 16-18. He finished in 86th place.
Arika Robinson Becomes CSP Track & Field's First Ever National Champion Concordia-St. Paul senior Arika Robinson became the program's first ever National Champion as she took home the top spot in the high jump NCAA Indoor Track & Field Championships on the campus of Pittsburg State on March 11. After entering the meet ranked third in the nation in the event, Robinson outlasted her competition as she cleared a school record height of 5'11.5” —a full 1.5” further than her previous record—in her third and final attempt to claim the crown. Robinson was one of three to reach the 5'11.5" mark as Asuza Pacific's Chinenye Agina and Queens' Lucy Walliker both fell short at that mark, sealing the title for the St. Paul native. The three-time NCAA Indoor qualifier earned her second consecutive AllAmerica honors as she was also named Fir s t Team All - A meric a for her efforts after being named Second Team All-America last season. Robinson earned NSIC Women's
At the regional tournament, the Golden Bears tied for 18th in the 20team field. Zack made history with an invitation to the 2022 NCAA Division II Championships as the program's firstever individual qualifier.
Louis Varland Named Twins Minor League Pitcher of the Year For the first time in program history, Concordia St. Paul’s men's golf team captured the NSIC Championship, led by individual medalist Thomas Huettl. Huettl became the program's second NSIC Individual Medalist, joining Noah Rasinski who captured the title in 2018. The win clinched the NSIC automatic bid to the NCAA Central/Midwest Regional Tournament, which was hosted by the University of Indianapolis May 5-7. It was the program's third NCAA Tournament appearance. Huettl was joined on the NSIC AllTou r na m e nt Tea m by B r a n d o n Sperling and Taylor Zack, giving the program three All-Tournament golfers for the first time in school history. It's also the first team the club has had three top-10 finishers at the NSIC Championships.
After a stellar 2021 season with the Fort Myers Mighty Mussels and Cedar Rapids Kernels—Single A affiliates of the Minnesota Twins—Louie Varland, BA ‘20, was named the Minnesota Twins Minor League Pitcher of the Year. Varland led all pitchers in the Twins’ farm system in strikeouts, wins, and earned run average. Louie began the 2022 season with the Double-A Wichita Wind Surge, competing in the Texas League against his brother Gus, BA ‘19, who pitches for the Tulsa Drillers. The brothers faced each other for the first time as starting pitchers on May 6, with Louie securing the win in a 7-2 contest. 19
day
#
ONE DAY. BIG IMPACT. TOGETHER WE MADE A BIG DIFFERENCE
To view all results from #CSPday visit: www.cspday.com/results
TOTAL AMOUNT RAISED:
TOTAL DONOR COUNT:
$215,667
431
LIVE STREAM IMPRESSIONS
EVENT ATTENDEES
GIFT MATCHES FULFILLED
CHAMPIONS
NEW DONORS
WORD CLOUD SUBMISSIONS
1,311 57
103
DONOR AFFILIATIONS • Alumni • Parents/Grandparents • Students • Friends • Employees 13% 35% 30% 19%
211
3%
9
2,574
DONATION TOTALS BY CATEGORY: OPPORTUNITY FUND
LAPTOP LENDING PROGRAM
ATHLETICS
BEAUTIFUL FEET CONFERENCE
$87,510
$5,815
$73,989
$11,440
COMET’S CUPBOARD
WOMEN’S ENDOWED SCHOLARSHIP
$5,865
$31,047
“Thank you! Thank you! Thank you! We are deeply grateful for the inspiring gifts and spirited support from hundreds of CSP alumni and friends! Your #CSPday investments in Concordia enable us to benefit and bless our students in ways that help them grow, graduate, and go out to serve in God’s world. I praise and thank God for you!” DR. BRIAN FRIEDRICH, President
20
CSP MAGAZINE
Influential CSP community members lifted up by current students, alumni and friends.
Concordia's Endowment Provides Lasting Impact With a growing student population, Concordia’s endowment provides a sustainable source of funds that increase access and affordability for generations to come. With more than 220 active endowments designated across the span of CSP’s academic programs, our students are supported regardless of their callings.
Nhadi, ‘24 is extremely grateful for scholarships she has received through Concordia’s endowment: “I am so thankful to have received a scholarship to help my financial needs. As a first generation student, my family has always wanted the best for me. As the oldest in my family, I have always been the leader and hope to pave the way for my siblings and younger cousins. The scholarship I received has provided me greater opportunities to continue my education, and to one day become a teacher that guides children to success."
CSP is excited to unveil a brand new website dedicated to showing the impact of the many endowments that members of our community graciously support. To view this new site, and to learn more about the impact of Concordia’s endowment, visit one.csp.edu/endowment.
The generosity of our alumni and friends makes a tangible difference in the lives of our students. Your gift to the Opportunity Fund - Concordia’s unrestricted fund - or scholarships will support CSP students on their journeys.
Give today at www.one.csp.edu/give. 21
Faithful Benefactors Support CSP Through Annual Scholarships
Brianna Abramowski, ‘22, a current Frauenshuh scholarship recipient, is preparing to graduate with a degree in kinesiology and begin a master’s degree in nursing. The scholarships she has received move her closer to her goals of completing a medical mission trip and serving at a children’s hospital. “I am very thankful to have been given this opportunity to be granted a scholarship from Sandra and David Frauenshuh,” she says. “[It] has enabled me to continue my education without the financial burden so that I can achieve my goal of helping others.”
As longtime faithful supporters, vocal advocates, and dedicated volunteers, David and Sandra Frauenshuh are heavily invested in ensuring CSP and its students continue to thrive. David, who serves on the President’s Advisory Council, and Sandra, who serves on the Board of Regents, have graciously provided many students incredible opportunities by funding annual scholarships. “We are joy-filled with excitement when we enter the CSP campus. We can clearly see what the Lord is doing and how He is working in people’s lives to do amazing things,” the Frauenshuhs shared. “We are proud and honored to be part of a Christ-centered excellent university, where Christ is honored, and all are welcome. We wholeheartedly support the mission of CSP and it makes us want to be part of it.” With scholarships that benefit students in multiple degree fields, the Frauenshuhs have found great joy in seeing the ways their support has empowered student recipients. “We believe God directs people and situations into our lives for a purpose. He gives us opportunities to love and serve others,” they explain. “We believe we are managers of God’s money and feel a calling to support CSP and its students through scholarships. It gives us great joy to meet the students, hear their stories, and give them encouragement.”
David and Sandra are thrilled to support missiondriven students like Brianna. “We can’t wait to see what these special students, who will be the next generation of leadership, will accomplish in their lifetimes and how the Lord will use them.”
Annual scholarships have a profound impact on CSP students and can be directed to the area you are most passionate about supporting. To explore ways to support a current or establish a new annual scholarship, please contact the Office of Advancement at 651-641-8810 or advancement@csp.edu. 22
CSP MAGAZINE
David and Sandra Frauenshuh
JOY IN GIVING
Concordia alumnus Jim Laatsch, AA ‘61 admits that he’s not the happiest person in the world. That hasn’t stopped him from trying to understand what brings happiness to people, though. After Jim retired from pastoral ministry, he wanted to research what scholars and researchers were learning and publishing about happiness. His original goal was to write a book based on this research, but as he shares, “My writing may show that I am a preacher, not a scientist.” In reading hundreds of books and journal articles by secular researchers, Jim found that many of their findings aligned well with a biblical view of happiness. “An important corollary for most of these writers is that things that money can buy, do not significantly increase our degree of happiness,” he says.
For Jim and his wife, Karen, doing good is an outgrowth of their faith in Jesus. It’s this faith, they say, that brings joy, which is more significant than happiness. “Joy is a response to God and God’s gifts to me at a very deep level,” Karen remarks. As longtime supporters of Concordia, being generous brings joy to the Laatsches. “Giving to CSP may not make me laugh more but laughter does not indicate that one has more happiness. I think it is doing more good for the Kingdom,” Jim indicates. Karen agrees: “Sharing my financial gifts with CSP brings me joy because I believe I am helping share God’s message of salvation with everyone that CSP touches. It is a way to share my joy with [students].”
Jim explains that happiness also goes beyond simple good feelings. He observes that, “for almost all of history, happiness was doing good, not feeling good.” 23
ADOPTIONS/BIRTHS 1960s Carol (Bode) Langevin, BA '68 welcomed her first great-great granddaughter, Adeline Kathrine Frye, this year. 2000s Megan (Corson), BA '06 and Jared Rohwer welcomed a second son in January 2022. 2010s Gerald Miller, BA ‘10, MA ‘12 and his wife Nicole welcomed new baby Leo. He joins siblings Luke (5), Lucy (3) and Leah (1).
ALUMNI NOTES SUBMITTED BETWEEN OCTOBER 15, 2021 AND APRIL 13, 2022
Danielle (Stewart) Zimmer, BA '10 and her family welcomed William Lee on October 17, 2021 (6 weeks early)
Bradley Bartz, BA '13 and Sonya Massengale welcomed son, Casey Samuel, on December 14, 2021. Kayla, BA '15 and Marcus Lueders celebrated the birth of their daughter, Rebecca Florence Lueders, on January 4, 2022.
Sarah (Pieper), BBA '15 and Peter May welcomed their first child, Eliza, on April 3, 2021.
24
25
CSP MAGAZINE CSP MAGA ZINE
To submit your own alumni note for publication, visit one.csp.edu/classnote.
CAREER 1950s David Meyer, JC '58 served as missionary to the Philippines, and in congregations in Minnesota, North Carolina, and Florida. 1960s Loren Weatherly, AA '66 is a Vestry Chaplain at Trinity Episcopal Cathedral in Sacramento, Calif. Dean Hanson, BA '68 celebrates 30 years in ministry at Grace and Faith Lutheran Churches in Iowa. 1970s Paul Wickre, BA '76 retired after 40 years of Lutheran teaching ministry. Bill Johnson, BA '79 retired from DCE ministry on May 31, 2021. He continues to work with KINDLE training secondchair leaders in the church. He and his wife, Pam, reside in Maple Grove, Minn.
Peter Keyes, AA '79, BA '03, MA '10 retired from his Director of Christian Outreach position in December 2021. He was then installed at Immanuel Lutheran Church, Tigerton, Wisc. on January 9, 2022 to serve part-time. 1980s Sandy Wendelin, BA '82, MA '04 was honored at the National Association of Directors of Christian Education conference with the Master DCE Award. This award, given to an individual nominated and selected by their peers and partners in ministry, highlights the work Christ is doing through the service and mission of the award recipient, specifically through the individual's passion, vision, creativity, leadership, and commitment to the DCE ministry, the local congregation, and the LCMS. Steve Moberg, BA '83 retired after serving Peever Lutheran Church for 22 years and Zion Lutheran for 11 years.
John Wathum-Ocama, BA '87 serves as President of Education Africa supporting education in Sub-Saharan Africa. 1990s Sharon Mancuso, BA '98 is a motorcoach operator at Village Travel in Oklahoma City. 2000s Michael Ellingson, BA '03 was hired as the Albany High School football coach and middle school math teacher in the Albany Area Schools. Jamie (Boline) Petermann, BA '03 began a new job in August 2021 as Community Engagement Coordinator with Scottsdale Police Department, Scottsdale, Ariz. Julie (Butler) Lange, BA '04, MA '08 was promoted to Enterprise Training & Development Supervisor for the Office of Inspector General, Background Studies Division. She is excited to build their first training team serving internal state employees and over 33,000 external entities across Minnesota. In 2022, she will celebrate eighteen years of state service. Melissa (Carlson) Barr, BA '08, MA '13 works at Mayo Clinic Health Systems and has served as adjunct faculty with Riverland Community College for eight years teaching in the Supervisory Management Program. She has been married for over 20 years, and has three children. Her oldest is studying physical therapy at Concordia. Tiffani Flynn-Forslund, BA '08 is the Director of Engagement at Minnesota Parent Union, an education reform non-profit in Saint Paul and a Page Amendment partner. The organization enrolls BIPOC students in schools that guide them for success. Amanda (Behnke) Johnson, BBA '08, MA '14 reached her 100th career win as head women's basketball coach. She is Concordia's third head coach to reach 100 career wins, joining her predecessor, Paul Fessler (326-148), along with Jack Surridge (199-124). With the completion of the 2021-22 season, Johnson is now 10773 after seven seasons at the helm, and has a winning record in the past four seasons.
MaryLynn Mennicke, BA '08 has been named Dean and Director of Admissions for Lutheran Summer Music (LSM). LSM is the nation's premier faith-based music academy for high school students.
EDUCATION
2010s
2020s
Lisa Andrews, MA '10 married Mark Beaulieu on October 30, 2021 in St. Paul, Minn.
Basimo Mohamed, MA '20 finished her first doctoral semester in neuroeducation at Johns Hopkins University.
2010s Polly Friendshuh, MBA '13 was promoted to the position of Dean of Construction Sciences & Business at Dunwoody College of Technology. Ren Clayton Souvannasoth, BA '14 has joined the sports team at WCCO-TV in Minneapolis.
Seth, BA '10 and Rebecca Winter were married on September 4, 2021. Kristina Westerberg, MBA '21 is pursuing a Doctorate of Business Administration.
ENGAGEMENTS/ MARRIAGES/ ANNIVERSARIES
Katie Doroff, BA '16 got engaged on November 22, 2020.
1960s Thomas Obarski, BA '15 joined First State Bank of Rosemount in March 2022 as a Commercial Lender.
Judith (Wuggazer), '66 and Paul Sundholm celebrated their 55th wedding anniversary in August 2021. 1970s Donnie, BA '73 and Amy Hofman celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary in July 2022 at Camp Linn Haven in Linville, NC. 1980s
Christine Fietek, MA '15 retired on January 14 after 22 years with the Eden Prairie Police Department.
Diane (Johnson), BA '82 and Mike Meyer will celebrate their 40th wedding anniversary this summer.
2020s
Jean Vogel, BA '83 married Allan Lishkowitz on June 25, 2021.
Meghan McQuillan, BA '21 became an Assistant Director at La Petite Academy in Las Vegas. She had previously worked in the preschool classroom with the Air Force Child and Youth programs. Chelly Ramon-Martinez, BA '21 was offered her dream position before she even graduated. She teaches life skills in a high school with students with intellectual and physical disabilities.
Katrina (Bell), BA '17 and Jordan Stewart, BA '17 were married on October 2, 2021 in Pine River, Minn. They recently bought a house and live with their Corgi-mix Charlie.
Kallie (Ascheman), BA '19 and Isaiah, BA '21 Hollman were married on September 18, 2021.
1990s James, BA '93 and Paula (Vrieze), BA '94 Aman celebrated their 25th wedding anniversary in Kauai, Hawaii in August 2021.
2020s Daphney Sleightam, ABSN '21 is getting married in August 2022.
25
ALUMNI NOTES
HONORS/AWARDS
2010s
1960s
2000s
1990s
Colette Campbell, BA '10 was honored by the Minneapolis/St. Paul Business Journal with a Women in Business Award which recognizes industry-leading executives, entrepreneurs, and business owners.
Kenneth Greene, AA '62 passed away on February 24, 2022.
Cheryl McLees, MA '01 passed away on March 11, 2021.
Rev. Robert Krueger, HS '63, AA '65 passed away on November 13, 2021.
Richard Williams, MA '03 passed away on February 15, 2022.
Berwyn Schmidt, JC '65 passed away on February 9, 2022.
OTHER
Scott Arntson, BA '94 was named MN Vikings High School Football Coach of the Week in November 2021. He led the Esko football team to an undefeated 2021 regular season.
Darlene Lambert, BA '68 passed away on March 26, 2021. 1970s Kathleen (Degenhardt) Cantley, BA '97, MBA '20 was honored by the Minneapolis/St. Paul Business Journal with a Women in Business Award which recognizes industry-leading executives, entrepreneurs, and business owners.
Haidee (Kuehne) Selle, BA '10 was awarded the Leadership in Educational Excellence Award (LEEA) which recognizes outstanding educational leaders in participating Minnesota school districts. Haidee currently works at Talahi Community School as a teacher for English Language Learners. Lauren Hoof, BA '12, MA '19 is a semifinalist for Minnesota's Teacher of the Year. Andrea Welvaert, MA '16 is a semifinalist for Minnesota's Teacher of the Year.
2000s Nate Bostrom, BA '01 was appointed to the Board of Directors of the Community Foundation for Carver County in May 2021 and received the President's Award for Service Above Self from the Chaska Rotary Club in June 2021. Melanie Appelquist, BA '05 was named the MNS District Outstanding Parish Educator for 2021. She has served Good Shepherd Lutheran Church in Circle Pines, Minn. since 2018.
IN MEMORIAM 1940s Luther Koehler, HS, '47, JC '49 passed away on October 2, 2021. 1950s James Schwandt, HS '50, JC '52 passed away on August 24, 2021. A. Bernard Kluge, JC '52 passed away on December 7, 2021. Theodore Braun, HS '54, JC '56 passed away on March 20, 2022. David Hinck, HS '59, AA '61 passed away on September 30, 2021. Terry Koebernick, AA '59 passed away on November 7, 2021.
26
CSP MAGAZINE
Delton Ziesch, BA '70 passed away on November 27, 2021. Julius Clausen, BA '71 passed away on December 8, 2021. Gary Marxhausen, BA '71 passed away on October 18, 2021.
1960s Renelda (Gennrich) Lord, JC '60 still teaches Sunday School. This is her 60th year of teaching Sunday School, VBS, and/or Lutheran Day School. 1970s Carol Windmier, BA '72 enjoys her goats, making cheese, and gardening.
Susan (Mathews) Schutte, BA '71 passed away on November 14, 2021. Thomas Rappe, BA '72 passed away on January 24, 2022. Antoinette Kennedy, BA '73 passed away on March 30, 2022. Alice Welsh, BA '73 passed away on January 7, 2022. 1980s Rev. Charles Horkey, BA '80 passed away on January 14, 2022. Jarvis Keys, BA '80 passed away on January 13, 2022. Jonathan Fry, '84 passed away on February 11, 2022. Brent Raben, BA '87 passed away on January 3, 2022. Roger Schwagmeyer, BA '89 passed away on September 11, 2021. 1990s Jason Walker, BA '94 passed away on October 16, 2021.
Mary Beth (Batterman) Terhaar, BA '79 enjoyed a reunion of CSP friends and roommates this summer in Pierz, Minn. Pictured from left to right: Jan (Leonard) Wright, BA '80; Mary Beth (Batterman) Terhaar, BA '79; Carolyn Frodl, BA '80; Sue (Smelser) Lanum, BA '80; Cindy (Smelser) Eleson, '82; and Nancy (Kuenzel) O'Dell, '79.
1980s Lee Balmas, BA '85 is writing a book on the different ways a person can share their faith with others, especially family, friends, and strangers. 1990s
Tina (Hoyt) Lenz, BA '79 just completed her second round of chemo and the cancer blood markers are back in the normal range.
Naomi Stohlmann, BA '97 moved to Hawaii. 2020s Yuko Kawasaki, MS '21 was selected as Team Manager for the USA Badminton team which competed at the Pan Am Cup in Acapulco, Mexico in February 2022.
NON-PROFIT ORG. U.S. POSTAGE
PAID
PERMIT NO. 1341 TWIN CITIES, MN
1282 Concordia Ave St. Paul, MN 55104
SEPTEMBER 30 – OCTOBER 2
REGISTRATION OPENS JUNE 15
one.csp.edu/homecoming2022
