University News

Spring Enrollment Sets Records

With its second-highest spring enrollment in history, Concordia University, St. Paul has solidified itself as the second-largest private university in Minnesota. CSP enrollment continues to reach new heights with all-time spring semester highs in graduate, traditional undergraduate, and international student enrollment.

Graduate programs (master’s level and doctorate) 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 projections this spring, with 204 total international students calling CSP 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

for all students. A key factor in the higher enrollment numbers was CSP’s expansion to its Portland 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.”

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, directed 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.

Spring Into Dance, produced and directed by Prof. Jan Puffer, celebrated its 10th anniversary, featuring choreography from students and alumni. This has 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.

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 All- America honors as she was also named First Team All-America for her efforts after being named Second Team All-America last season. Robinson earned NSIC Women's

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

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 All- Tournament Team by Brandon 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.

At the regional tournament, the Golden Bears tied for 18th in the 20- team field. Zack made history with an invitation to the 2022 NCAA Division II Championships as the program's firstever individual qualifier.

Zack headed to Dearborn, Michigan for the NCAA Division II Championships May 16-18. He finished in 86th place.

Louis Varland Named Twins Minor League Pitcher of the Year

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.