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.
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.
CONFLUENCE
Coming Together at CSP
Merriam-Webster defines confluence as “a coming or flowing together, meeting, or gathering at one point.” This word comes from the Latin confluentia, meaning “to flow together.”
Like me, you might be most familiar with this word in the context of rivers or streams flowing together. Such confluences are important because they can impact ecosystems, create new rivers, provide locations for cities to take root, and become places of cultural and spiritual significance.
Just as waters converge at a confluence, so too do people from various backgrounds, ethnicities, cultures, gifts, and callings at Concordia University, St. Paul. As we mark 130 years of education and life together at CSP, we celebrate the confluence of our growing university community, a record 5,819 students this fall semester.
When we come together at Concordia St. Paul, powerful things happen: students gain knowledge and wisdom in pursuit of their personal and professional goals and passions; faculty and staff bring their expertise and deep desire to serve students in their pursuits; alumni give back to pave the way for generations of alumni; and donors invest their resources to ensure that students can thrive now and for the future.
Our CSP confluence is not confined to a single point in space and time, but it happens in physical places on our campuses in Portland and St. Paul, stretches across the world wherever our CSP Global students reside, and spans generations of CSP students and alumni. Just as we experience a powerful confluence at CSP as we come together, we also witness it as we send our alumni out to create and experience their own confluences in their own callings.
In that way—if you permit a bit of wordplay—confluence is also Concordia influence. Our mission as a university isn’t just to bring students in and be content with that. Our mission is to “prepare students” for what comes after Concordia so that in their lives and careers, wherever they are, these diverse individuals engage in thoughtful and informed living, serve God and humanity in their callings, care for God’s creation, and be inspired and transformed by the Christian gospel.
This issue of the Concordia St. Paul Magazine explores who our students are and gives an overview of the countless ways our community comes together to form this vibrant and thriving university we love and the positive impact we collectively make on the world.
Thank you for reading!
Billy Schultz, B.A. '08, M.A. '11 Editor, Concordia St. Paul Magazine Assistant to the President for Communications
HOMECOMING 2023
Homecoming 2023 was a marvelous celebration of CSP, including alumni awards and Athletic Hall of Fame banquets, an open house for the science department, football and volleyball games, and Comet’s Carnival.
ALUMNI AWARDS RECIPIENTS
Alumni Distinguished Service
Rev. Dan Galchutt, B.A. '00
Jim Schlie, COL (Ret) USA, H.S. '60, A.A. '62
Chanda Smith Baker, M.A. '09
Dr. Lori (Luckwaldt) Utech, B.A. '79
Educator of the Year
Wendy (Wedo) FitzHenry, B.A. '95
Service to the Church
Gary Bach, B.A. '82
Brian Betts, B.A. '92
Karen (Pesch) Inwards, B.A. '91
ATHLETIC HALL OF FAME INDUCTEES
Ellie (Duffy) Richards, B.A. ‘12 (Volleyball)
Charles Gilbert, B.A. ‘12 (Football/Track & Field)
Cassie (Haag) Lindblom, B.A. ‘13 (Volleyball)
Amanda (Olsen) Peterson, B.S. ‘13 (Soccer)
Eric Power, B.A. ‘07 (Football)
Tom Rubbelke (Coach & Administrator)
Tre Sayles, B.A. ‘09 (Track & Field)
Joe Shallenberger, Jr., B.A. ‘04 (Baseball)
Hillary (Johnson) Williams, B.A. ‘08 (Soccer)
Celebrating
DECEMBER GRADUATES
Concordia conferred degrees to more than 450 graduating students at our December 2023 commencement ceremonies in St. Paul and Portland. Congratulations to these newest members of the Concordia St. Paul Alumni Association!
Photos: Mark Fierst
Who Are Our Students?
The fall 2023 student census reveals the remarkable diversity of our student population and the breadth of our educational offerings through CSP and CSP Global.
5,819 46%
CONFLUENCE: COMING
New Freshmen and New Transfer Students
29% 540 350 507 82 854 49 3 2 of Traditional Undergraduates are First Generation College Students
International Students from 42 countries (India is highest at 790) and the District of Columbia represented States Provinces US Territories
ABSN Students in Portland, Oregon Students live in Residence Halls Church Work Students
Top 5 Programs by Enrollment
M.S. in Information Technology Management: 672
Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing: 470
M.A. in Education, emphasis in Trauma and Resiliency: 214
M.S. in Data Analytics: 153
Education Specialist: 147
Average Age of Students
CSP
Traditional Undergraduates: 19.7 (includes PSEO)
CSP Global Undergraduates: 28.9
Master’s Degree: 30.3
Doctoral: 35.3
Together in Portland
“I love people from all walks of life because I believe you can learn a little bit of something from everybody,” says Jessica Ybarra, BSN ‘23. “I love helping others.”
Because of this desire to serve others, Ybarra first entered the healthcare field as a medical assistant and later earned her associate’s degree in nursing. When looking for a baccalaureate nursing program near her home in Portland, Ore., Ybarra was drawn to Concordia St. Paul’s Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing (ABSN) program because of its accelerated process. “I feel that at my age I have no time to waste, so I wanted to do it, and I didn't want it to drag on,” she explains.
She acknowledges the challenges that come with balancing academics (especially in an accelerated format), being a single parent, and working a full-time job. “It was hard to juggle, but it's a matter of determination, perseverance, and wanting it, wanting better [for my family].”
Ybarra shares how important it was that her young son understood the importance of what she was doing for their family. She remarks how he loudly cheered for her as she walked across the stage this past August in Portland. “That made it all worth it,” she celebrates.
Ybarra also expresses how much her professors inspired her to continue pursuing her degree through their caring, passionate way of teaching and relating to students. Knowing the shortage of nursing educators that exists, she hopes to eventually follow in their footsteps and inspire the next generation of students. “I'm only one person, but maybe I can help turn that [shortage] around.”
The friendship and support Ybarra found in her classmates also helped her persevere and thrive through the rigorous ABSN program. “[T]he relationships that I've formed in school…make it totally worth it.”
Ybarra formed a friendship with classmate Haylee Morita, BSN ‘23, who experienced the same support and encouragement throughout her time in CSP’s ABSN program. Morita, who has a background as a nursing assistant, began her pursuit of a nursing degree at another institution but had to step back due to family circumstances. When it came time to resume her studies, some of her former classmates recommended CSP, and the accelerated program that offered a wide range of clinical experiences made it the right choice.
Morita shares how impressed she was with the experience her professors brought into the classroom. “They have their masters, they have their doctorate, they've practiced for 15-20 years,” she marvels.
Additionally, the personal attention from professors made a significant impression on Morita, who explains how meaningful it was “seeing the instructors really get to know us… it just was cool to see how they would individualize [to] our strengths and our weaknesses and simulations in labs and at clinical.”
As a wife, mother, and caregiver for her younger sister and parents, Morita explains that balancing all of her family responsibilities while pursuing her studies came down to time management. She shares that it was essential to know “how to use my time wisely, knowing where I did my best and where I could let go, and also just prioritizing what's important right now and then in the future.”
Morita enjoyed that her classmates came from diverse backgrounds and how this close-knit group committed to the work and helped one another thrive. “We all had each other's backs,” she emphasizes.
Looking back at her journey, Morita recalls her inner monologue while persisting through the challenges. “I will get through the next day…the next term…the next class. This is temporary. It's hard right now, but it won't be later.”
Having started a job in a rural emergency department in a community southwest of Portland, Morita hopes to eventually expand her nursing career by educating future nurses and working in community health.
Story: Kaylee Clauson, ‘25
Photos: Concordia University Marketing & Communications, Haylee Morita, and Jessica Ybarra 7
Jessica Ybarra celebrates graduation with her son.
Haylee Morita's husband and son joined her at commencement.
Together on Campus
In earlier times at Concordia St. Paul, students who lived off campus were called “city students,” since only those who lived locally were allowed to commute to campus. At times throughout CSP history, there was a divide between “city students” and those who lived on campus, especially when it came to inclusion in various activities and events.
While data is difficult to come by regarding the number of “city students” throughout CSP’s history, some indications are available in various publications. In 1968, The Sword, Concordia St. Paul’s student newspaper, reported that approximately 100 students lived off-campus. In 1993, Prof. Ken Kaden wrote in A Century
of Service that approximately half of the traditional student population commuted to campus, which numbered perhaps around 400 total students.
Today, these students are more suitably labeled commuter students. As of fall 2023, more than 1,200 students, about 70% of traditional students, commute to the St. Paul campus. Even today, barriers exist for commuter students to make connections with their peers and participate in the fullness of university life. However, CSP makes resources available to commuter students, alongside a variety of clubs and activities, that enrich their academic and social experiences.
Three current commuter students share how they come together in community with their peers thanks to the many opportunities CSP offers them:
Kyle Baker, ‘24
Kyle is pursuing a double major in 5-12 Education Communication Arts and Literature and Business Management. He plans on teaching at a middle school after graduation, with the hopes of becoming a superintendent one day.
“I heard Concordia had a terrific education program and thought I would check it out,” he shares. “Once I found out about the class sizes and all the other amazing things Concordia offered, it was a no brainer for me.”
As a nontraditional student, Baker appreciates all of the resources that CSP offers. “Concordia truly makes commuting a breeze. From the snack bars to luncheons, there are so many ways to connect with other commuter students. The free parking pass does not hurt either!”
Even though Baker does not live on campus, he still finds ways to be involved. He is the Copy Editor of The Sword (student newspaper) and is the current president of the Teachers of Tomorrow club. Staying involved allows Baker the opportunity to meet new peers and try new things.
Baker boasts about how incredible his professors are, particularly the English faculty. “Their commitment to their students is second to none.”
Dinah Melchor, ‘23
Dinah will graduate with her B.S. degree in Marketing in December 2023. After graduation, she hopes to fill the role of marketing manager or director and lead a team of people in projects within the marketing field.
Before attending Concordia St. Paul, Melchor earned her associates degree in business from a local community college. She knew she wanted to transfer to a four-year university, and had her eye on CSP because of the affordability and ease of transferring.
Melchor commutes to campus for classes and events, but has found that even as a commuter student, CSP provides ways to keep her and other commuters involved and a part of the community.
“I was always so timid as a commuter, as I felt like I wouldn't connect as well with other students since they lived in the dorms and mainly hung out there,” she explains. “But CSP has hosted so many luncheons and activities to connect and hang out with fellow commuter students to where I feel like I have a home here.”
Through clubs and activities, Melchor has been able to meet and connect with people with whom she wouldn’t have otherwise crossed paths. “The CSP community is special in that everyone comes from vastly different backgrounds, yet we all are able to relate and connect on different levels. Everyone has a place here.”
Aaliyah Ratliff, ‘24
Aaliyah is working toward her degree in Marketing. Set to graduate in 2024, Ratliff hopes to work with a variety of companies and clients throughout her career and is especially excited to pursue roles in social media management, product development, and advertising promotions.
Ratliff chose Concordia St. Paul after researching schools with a marketing program and was drawn to CSP by the excellent faculty and quality education experience that the university offers. “I ended up choosing to enroll at CSP because it was the only school that I personally felt offered an in-depth and well rounded marketing program.”
As a commuter, Ratliff enjoys the resources and support that CSP provides for commuter students. She is able to stay connected and involved through clubs, events, and activities on campus.
“CSP supports me as a commuter by helping me understand that I still have resources that I can still reach out to, even though I am not an on-campus student.”
Story: Concordia University Marketing & Communications and Billy Schultz
Photos: Concordia University Marketing & Communications
Together across Generations
Concordia University, St. Paul has a proud tradition of legacy families, many who span multiple generations. Katy (Herbst) Gifford, B.A. '94 and her husband, Rev. Daniel Gifford, B.A. ‘92 are especially proud of their deep family legacy at CSP.
Katy’s great uncle, Rev. Norman Schramm, H.S. ‘43, J.C. ‘45 was the first member of the family to attend CSP. Later, her parents, David, ‘64 and Sharon (Kietzer) Herbst, B.A. '64, met at Concordia St. Paul. More than 75 years later, the legacy continues as Daniel and Katy’s daughters, Anne (Gifford) Boerboom, B.A. '19, and Sara Gifford, '26, chose CSP. Despite all the changes that have occurred at the university, the Gifford family emphasizes the connective thread of their shared experiences as they’ve come together at Concordia St. Paul throughout the generations.
CONCORDIA
Katy, Sara, and Daniel glow after the Christus Chorus home concert in spring 2023.
Choosing
Even with their rich family history, all the Giffords took different paths to CSP. Although she applied to other schools during high school, “it was always Concordia” for Katy, who grew up in Brooklyn Center.
In contrast, Daniel took a more winding path to CSP from his home in White Bear Lake. Initially a student at the University of WisconsinStevens Point, Daniel decided to transfer when he realized that serving in ministry was his calling. For their daughter Anne, the decision came during her official campus tour, where she remembers having an aha moment, remarking, “when I walked into the chapel and looked around… that overwhelming feeling of home really, really smacked me in the face.”
Learning from Faculty
Despite the gap in years, the Gifford family has shared many favorite professors and mentors. At the top of that list is beloved choir director, Dr. David Mennicke. All three Gifford women had the opportunity to have Dr. Mennicke in some capacity and lauded his spirit and unyielding energy. “He is an incredible man of God who did so many great things for students at CSP and helped me through a lot of uncertainty,” shares Anne.
During her time on campus, Anne participated in every single musical ensemble except for the percussion ensemble, and Sara currently sings in the Christus Chorus and is a leader in evening chapel services.
The long tenure of a number of CSP faculty members allows legacy families like the Giffords to share favorite memories. “I think a really cool thing about Concordia and the staff there is the longevity that they are there for,” Anne comments. Beyond music and theology faculty, Anne and Daniel mentioned former biology professor Dr. Robert Holtz’s impact on their CSP experience.
In addition to the course material, Dr. Holtz brought unparalleled energy to the classroom. “His personality and teaching style brought excitement into even a bird singing,” Daniel fondly recalls. Anne echoes the enthusiasm evident in the teaching of Dr. Holtz, sharing that he took her honors program cohort on a 5:00 a.m. field trip to go birding at a local lake.
Finding Home
Most of all, the Gifford family highlighted the special familial atmosphere that CSP cultivated for them. As most parents do, Daniel and Katy felt bittersweet when they dropped each of their daughters off at CSP. Yet at the same time, Daniel felt content knowing they were going to a second family. “You’re not going off to college, you’re going to family, you’re going home,” he says.
Anne agrees. “Concordia went from being my parents’ university to my home very fast.”
Story: Evan Galchutt, ‘24
Photos: Courtesy of the Gifford Family
Katy and Daniel pose in front of the Luther Statue, which is where they first met.
Katy and Sharon rejoice with Sara after the 2023 Christus Chorus home concert.
Sharon and Katy celebrate Anne's graduation in 2019.
Together in Scholarship
Dr. Laura Wangsness Willemsen, Associate Professor in the Department of Doctoral Studies in Education at Concordia University, St. Paul, has received a Fulbright U.S. Scholar Program award for the 2023-2024 academic year. She has been selected for the Africa Regional Research Program to conduct educational research in Tanzania regarding the impact of climate change on education.
Dr. Wangsness Willemsen’s connection to Tanzania began in 1995 when she spent a semester abroad studying anthropology and Swahili at the University of Dar es Salaam. Following her graduation from Luther College, she returned to rural northern Tanzania for two years to teach English at a Lutheran school. Later, her connection to Tanzania continued as she conducted her doctoral research within that nation.
During her two years teaching in Tanzania, the northern region experienced one year of drought and a year of flooding. When Dr. Wangness Willemsen returned again to that same region in March 2023, it hadn’t rained in two years. “At the time we really thought that it was sort of a blip,” she shares. “But what we know now is that that was sort of the beginning of extremely disruptive patterns of climate, and it hasn't been the same since.”
In the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic, Wangsness Willemsen spent time researching the effects of emergencies on education. This topic, combined with her love for Tanzania and observation of climate change effects, led her to this research project that earned her the Fulbright. “What we don't see in the current research yet, or very much, is people making connections between these climate shocks…and how families, how educators, how communities are thinking about the role of schooling in young people's lives and families and communities.”
Dr. Wangsness Willemsen is partnering with experts in ecology, conservation, agriculture, and community development from Sokoine University of Agriculture to examine the impacts of climate change in communities experiencing severe drought. “I work really closely with phenomenal Tanzanian colleagues with whom I've been connected for years,” she shares. “One of those is Dr. Eli Legate…He and I did work back during my doctorate.”
As an anthropologist of education, Dr. Wangsness Willemsen will focus on understanding how students, teachers, and families pursue education in the face of the accelerating climate crisis. “One thing that I know is happening, for example, is that teachers are teaching students about conservation, agriculture, and how you continue to provide food for yourself and your families when there's such little rain,” she shares.
She hopes this work will reveal innovations that may be adapted by other educational communities seeking to respond to the complex challenges of climate change. Such research by Dr. Wangsness Willemsen benefits students at CSP in a number of ways.
“I see that some of these concepts [around education in times of emergencies] are really applicable for educators wherever they are because, you know, this is a time of great upheaval,” she explains. “It asks pretty fundamental questions about what is education, what is the role of schooling in our lives, what is the role of schooling in a society and for families, [and] for individuals and for citizens.”
Being able to bring back such insights to students in CSP’s Ed.D program will enable these students to ask these vital questions of themselves and the schools and organizations they serve, including as they think about their own research. “I'm really proud again of the great work that our students are doing around research,” she celebrates. “I think that the more that the faculty and students alike can sharpen our skills, the better we'll all be.”
Story: Concordia University Marketing & Communications and Billy Schultz
Photos: Dr. Laura Wangsness Willemsen
Together as GOLDEN BEARS
The 2023-24 academic year marks Concordia St. Paul’s 25th season competing as an NCAA Division II (D-II) athletic institution. Throughout CSP’s history, the confluence of academics and athletics has been essential to our students, and this move a quarter century ago further bolstered the opportunities CSP has long offered student-athletes.
Dr. Thomas Saylor details the transition to D-II in his 2018 book Leading in Legacy, written in celebration of CSP's 125th birthday.
On 20 August 1998, President Bob Holst announced that Concordia was leaving the Upper Midwest Athletic Conference (UMAC), CSP’s long-time athletic home. Concordia had been accepted into NCAA Division II, and would begin to play in the Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference (NSIC) in Fall 1999. The decision to leave the UMAC was controversial and led to differences of opinion across campus; some students as well as faculty and staff saw the move as risky or even misguided.
Speaking at the time, President Holst said the switch would be a “means to enhance the value of a Concordia St. Paul education. We will be able to recruit more and better students because the level of competition will be higher.” And enrollment mattered. As we’ve seen previously, low student numbers during those years caused ongoing concern. This, Holst believed, could help to address that. [Athletic Director Dan] O’Brien argued that the move to Division II could add 100 students by 2001-02, thus boosting the student body by more than 20%. Athletics represented an innovative way to address enrollment.
Feverish activity marked Spring and Summer 1999, as Concordia prepared for its inaugural season in NCAA Division II. Excitement was high, but expectations were modest. “We wanted to be able to compete for championships,” recalls [Provost & Chief Operating Officer] Eric LaMott, “but we wanted to be at least in the mid-level. We didn’t want to be the floor mat in anything. So we tried to resource effectively to the boundaries that we could afford to, to do that, and grow from there.”
Accordingly, scholarship numbers slowly increased from season to season, and assistant coaches were added as resources permitted. Yes, there now would be a new conference and new opponents—and a new team name and mascot. In keeping with the theme of change, no longer would CSP teams be known as the Comets.
More than one hundred suggestions poured in. Would it be Kangaroos, or maybe Gorillas? “Round after round the [mascot] committee voted,” The Sword [student newspaper] reported, as its members narrowed down the list and finally identified the winner: Golden Bears.
The jump to D-II has been a resounding success for Concordia St. Paul and its students, both athletically and academically. With nine national championships in volleyball (including seven straight from 20072013), four individual national champions in track and field, and a number of individual and team NCAA tournament appearances, the Golden Bears have sustained success in competition.
In the classroom, CSP student-athletes excel. Between 2016 and 2022, our talented students posted an academic success rate greater than 90 percent, earning CSP the NCAA Presidents' Award for Academic Excellence. Each year, hundreds of studentathletes receive academic all-conference honors, and the university has also seen a number of studentathletes receive academic all-American honors.
As of fall semester 2023, more than 360 studentathletes are enrolled at CSP across 15 teams. The vision for CSP’s success laid out by Holst, O’Brien, and others has been fulfilled beyond imagination. The victories of the past 25 years now lay the foundation for further success on the courts and fields, in the classroom, and in workplaces and communities around the world.
Here’s what current student-athletes say about their CSP experience:
“CSP has such a good support system. Each and every person cares about who you are as an individual and it makes goal setting easy.”
Leo Bustos, ‘25 Baseball
“I am an aspiring doctor, and CSP faculty have been very awesome in helping me achieve my goals.”
Makenna Berger, ‘24 Volleyball
“[CSP] is building me into a better player, but more importantly a better person.”
Sydney Potter, ‘27 Soccer
Story: Billy Schultz
Photos: CSP Golden Bears Athletic Department
Together under Lutheran Identity
Concordia University, St. Paul (CSP) is pleased to announce a $10 million gift from Rev. Jim, J.C. '61 and Karen Laatsch to sustain the University’s Christ-centered Lutheran identity. Representing the largest single philanthropic gift in CSP’s history, this gift establishes The Rev. James F. “Jim" (JC '61) and Karen R. Laatsch Endowment for the Department of Theology and Ministry and funds two faculty chairs: The Edwin F. and Esther L. Laatsch Endowed Chair in Old Testament Theology and The Robert L. and Ruth F. Eckerman Endowed Chair in New Testament Theology.
“This transformational gift demonstrates Jim and Karen’s tremendous love and deep gratitude for Jesus and His church, ensures a sustainable source of funds for Concordia St. Paul to accent its Christ-centered Lutheran identity, and underscores the critical nature of philanthropy for CSP,” says the Rev. Dr. Brian Friedrich, president of CSP.
Along with funding two vital faculty positions, the Laatsch’s gift will benefit the ongoing operations of CSP’s Department of Theology & Ministry. “We are incredibly grateful for Jim’s and Karen’s gift,” says Associate Vice President of Faith & Ministry Rev. Dr. Mark Koschmann. “Our students will benefit greatly from an ongoing immersion into theology and how it connects with each of their individual lives and callings.”
The Laatsch’s gift is the result of their faithful, lifelong Christian stewardship and desire to use their resources to benefit the church and its proclamation of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. In fact, the seeds of their gift may be traced all the way back to Jim’s childhood experiences.
Enduring Stewardship
Jim grew up on a farm in the unincorporated community of Caroline, Wis., about 45 miles northwest of Green Bay. One of eight children, he described his family as “poor,” sharing that they had no telephone, refrigerator, bicycle, baseball glove, or TV when he was growing up.
When it came time to attend college, Jim first attended Concordia Teachers College (now Concordia University Chicago) in River Forest, Ill. before transferring to Concordia St. Paul to complete his associate of arts degree. It was during that first year Jim decided that, at some point in his life, he would donate $1,000,000 to the church in thankfulness for his Christian education. “I wanted to do something extraordinary for the cause of Jesus Christ in addition to being a teacher or a pastor,” he says. "We completed the $1,000,000 goal in 2002."
Karen grew up in a middle class family in Queens Village, New York, a dynamic and diverse urban community. She left the city to attend Carleton College in Northfield, Minn., but it was back in New York where she met Jim, who was a summer intern at her congregation. They were married on September 2, 1966, just before Jim started his fourth year at Concordia Seminary, St. Louis.
After graduating from seminary, Jim’s first two pastoral calls were to congregations in Wray and Johnstown, Colo. Early in their marriage, Jim and Karen dedicated themselves to tithing from their income and focusing on faithful stewardship, including living off one income while saving and investing from the other.
While serving in Colorado, they built a home and did some of the labor themselves to save money. They also invested in two rental properties, taking advantage of zero-down Federal Housing Administration home loans.
When they moved to Wisconsin, they sold all three properties and used the proceeds from their real estate sales to begin investing in the stock market, staying with it despite the inevitable ups and downs. “We did get into the market at an ideal time by God’s grace,” Jim says. “The Dow was at 770 in August of 1982.”
To ensure they stewarded their investments wisely, Jim earned his securities sales licenses and educated himself on how to effectively invest. “The stock market does not guarantee any rate of return but for the past 100 years investments have doubled every seven years on average if one invests wisely," Jim explains. "I recommend every investor read the little book The Elements of Investing by Malkiel and Ellis. Investing requires about one hour of your time per month.”
Jim and Karen continue their careful tithing, investing, and saving to this day. Since retirement, the Laatsches have given at least 50% of their annual taxable income for the work of the church. “I would encourage everyone to take that first small step [of stewardship] and see where God will lead them,” Karen says. “It's an exciting journey.”
Rev. Jim and Karen Laatsch
Giving with Joy
It might strike some as counterintuitive that giving to the church and living frugal lives leads to personal satisfaction. “My bias is that there is no evidence—scientific or otherwise—that having more things makes you happier,” says Jim. “Having more things makes lots of people less happy.”
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 and joy. “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.
Jim notes a shift in societal views toward happiness after the Industrial Revolution. "Until 200 years ago happiness was doing good as the Bible teaches," he observes. "Most people today believe happiness is feeling good."
By focusing on stewardship and generosity and not simply trying to buy more things, Jim and Karen have found more life satisfaction and, with it, abiding joy. “Giving to CSP may not make me laugh more but laughter does not indicate that one has more happiness,” Jim observes. “I think [happiness] is doing more good for [God’s] Kingdom.”
“It's the way that I use the things God has blessed me with that brings joy, not the ‘saving’ of those things,” Karen remarks. “Joy is a response to God and God’s gifts to me at a very deep level.”
Investing in CSP
Through their philanthropic support, Jim and Karen are committed to ensuring that Concordia St. Paul remains a Christ-centered Lutheran university that serves students for generations to come. “I had a great experience at CSP,” Jim says. “My feeling is if CSP can do that for a poor, shy kid in the pre-pastoral program, they have education figured out pretty well.”
Karen has been passionate about urban ministry since her childhood in New York City, and remarks that as she’s learned more about CSP, she sees a number of appealing qualities, including “CSP’s determination to live and teach from a Lutheran faith perspective, [a] very desirable location close to a metropolitan area, [and the University’s] efforts to reach out to and attract students from diverse cultures and backgrounds.”
This transformative gift from Jim and Karen is a blended gift. They have already begun funding their endowment with qualified charitable distributions from their IRAs and will complete their gift through a combination of continued cash gifts and estate gifts.
Blended gifts are a tremendous option for donors looking to make a transformative impact. "For many donors, their most significant gift will be made through their estate,” explains Vice President of University Advancement Mark Hill. “However, by giving a portion during our lifetime from assets such as stocks, mutual funds, gifts from IRA accounts, and grants from donor-advised funds, we can experience the joy of giving and witness the immediate impact of our gift while celebrating the creation of a lasting legacy."
Donors may choose to designate their blended gift however they wish. For Jim and Karen, establishing this new endowment ensures they can make an impact far beyond their lifetime. “I tend to think in the long term when making a significant gift,” Karen shares. “I like the idea of a gift that keeps on giving.”
Encouraging Others
Jim thinks many average wage earners like him and Karen aspire to make similar financial contributions to the church and to society. He believes that, with the “proper attitude and proper knowledge,” some may be able to achieve this goal. “[B]ut you won’t know if you can do it unless you try it.”
With disciplined tithing, saving, and investing, Jim and Karen encourage others to follow in their footsteps. “It requires handling money differently than most people do,” Jim explains. “We did it because our God is a loving God. You have this loving God also.”
Wisely stewarding the financial resources with which God has blessed them has allowed the Laatsches to bless Concordia St. Paul, other Concordias, their congregations, and other ministries and nonprofits. They’ve also had the opportunity to travel extensively throughout the world, enjoying God’s creation and people, including five weeks on a dig in Israel with the Rev. Dr. Mark Schuler, Emeritus Professor of Theology at CSP. In addition, they have hiked the Grand Canyon three times, been to 44 of the 50 state highpoints, traveled extensively throughout Europe and Asia, and have season tickets to the Madison Symphony Orchestra. Since 2015, Jim has completed a full marathon and Karen has completed a half marathon in all 50 states.
Throughout their life together, Jim and Karen have enjoyed God’s rich blessings, including their family. "Our three children, their spouses and six grandchildren have been a great source of joy to us," Jim says. As they live with gratitude, Jim and Karen seek to bless others. This transformative gift to Concordia St. Paul continues their lifelong pursuit of using God’s gifts wisely. “While many think we are generous, God always was most generous to us,” Jim concludes.
Jim's Key Takeaways About Giving
• St. Paul writes that all Christians should prioritize their income, giving generously to the causes of Jesus Christ. The luxuries which we enjoy would not have been in his personal budget.
• Up until about 200 years ago, people generally believed that happiness is doing good, not feeling good. If you feel good while doing good, you are doubly blessed.
• We genetically inherit much of what we believe and value, such as level of happiness, interest in religion, or political leanings.
• In every society in the world, there are nearly the same percentages of people who are very happy, average happy, and very unhappy, regardless of living conditions.
• A significant percentage of people in the developed world believe that every dollar given to charity deprives them of a dollar worth of happiness. A smaller percentage have minds which genetically know that more wealth and material possessions do not raise their level of happiness.
• Some people who want to give generously to charity cannot because they earn low wages or have unusual expenses.
• Who you marry is the most important factor in determining whether you will give much to charity.
• Our goal is to show how and why many more young people earning average incomes can work hard at becoming major givers to the church and to charity.
• In total, probably 5% of households can do what we are doing, but you won’t know if you can do it unless you try it.
CONFLUENCE of Donors and Students
The connection between donors and students is at the heart of creating an impactful experience at Concordia St. Paul. Donors help foster an environment of opportunity and empowerment as their philanthropic contributions enable students to access quality education and essential resources. The strong foundation set by donors allows the next generation of leaders and innovators to excel to new heights.
Donors Make a CSP Degree Accessible and Affordable
Concordia University, St. Paul (CSP) is committed to preparing our students for lifelong success by offering valuable degrees at an affordable cost. In alignment with this goal, we are proud to announce our new CSP Pell Commitment.
Beginning in fall 2023, the CSP Pell Commitment will cover the full tuition balance remaining for recipients after the Federal Pell Grant and Minnesota State Grant have been applied.
Whether pursuing their degree on campus or online, the CSP Pell Commitment will help students minimize their debt and boost their career opportunities.
The Pell Commitment is made possible, in large part, to Opportunity Fund donors. This fund also supports other important student scholarship initiatives, including the Church Work Tuition Guarantee and need-based scholarships.
About CSP’s Opportunity Fund
Thanks to the incredible generosity of our donors, the invaluable support directed towards the Opportunity Fund enables CSP to address the most critical areas of need for our students. With unrestricted funds, the Opportunity Fund focuses on providing vital scholarships to deserving students. It also provides funding for a diverse range of projects that elevate and enrich the overall student experience.
CSP was named the top Pell-eligible private university in Minnesota.
2K+ 38%
More than 2,000 Concordia undergraduate students have unmet financial needs (fall 2023)
38% of all undergraduate CSP students receive federal grant funding - however, this funding doesn’t always meet financial need which is where CSP’s Pell Commitment creates access
“Every year, I eagerly await news on the new classes that start at CSP; it reminds me of the excitement and happiness I felt being a student there. It also gives me a feeling of connection with the University, long after I graduated. That connection is important to me, and I want to be able to see that connection continue with current and future students. That is why I donate to Concordia, to provide the ability for students to attend and succeed at a university that will support them, educate them and prepare them for a life after graduation, where they, too, can continue to connect with their lives and the lives of others in a meaningful way.”
Jeri Bates, B.A. '91
“I cannot thank donors enough. I can finally attend my dream university to study to become a pastor due to their generosity. I can become a pastor without having to fear being $100,000+ in debt. I thank God that he has given me such amazing opportunities. Thank you for all that you have done for me! I have been able to go far beyond what my typical classes would take me, which means that I will be more thoroughly equipped by God to join the ministry. Thank you so much for everything you do!”
Robert Finch, ‘26
“I would like to express my most incredible gratitude to our donors. Your support in my education further pushes me to work hard and achieve my goal. From the bottom of my heart, I can say that this means a lot to me. Your gifts have further provided a helpful guiding hand.”
Destiny Lum, ‘27
“Thank you very much for your contribution to my education. I am beyond grateful, as it will help me chase my goals and dreams. With your help, I am ecstatic to learn more here at CSP as I start my journey through college and the business world.”
Hudson Vaith, ‘27
“I would like to say thank you to the donors who were so incredibly generous. Thanks to your donations, I can further my education to follow my dreams and aspirations at CSP. I am so blessed and thankful to have received these donations.”
Marissa Boris
, ‘26
More Information: https://www.csp.edu/tuition-and-financial-aid/csp-pell-commitment/ https://www.csp.edu/churchworktuitionguarantee/
Photo by Laura Sandretti
Birth/Adoption
2000s
Alumni Notes
Submitted between 3/28/2023 - 10/23/2023
Alumni Notes are submitted by alumni and friends of Concordia University, St. Paul and are not guaranteed to represent the views, beliefs, or endorsement of the University. Notes may be edited for content or clarity.
Kathryn (Wareham), B.A. '03 and Jeremy Rolf welcomed Mathias Christopher to their family on May 13, 2023.
Eric, B.A. '04 and Haidee (Kuehne), B.A. '10 Selle and their daughter Elena (7) welcomed Maheshwari (4) into their family through adoption in June 2023.
Billy, B.A. '08, M.A. '11 and Erica Schultz , along with big brother Emerson, welcomed August Theo to their family on Sept. 1, 2023.
Katie Peterson, LIC '19, M.A. '20 got married in April 2021 and gave birth to a baby boy in October 2022.
Career
1950s
Eugene Kolander, J.C. '54 retired from working as Security Supervisor at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Ariz., after 17 years with the NFL.
Arthur Spomer, H.S. '56, J.C. '58 retired at age 84 from active pastorate on January 1, 2023. He officiated at the wedding of his granddaughter on August 29, 2023.
David Preuss, H.S. '57, J.C. '59 still serves as guest pastor about once a month and participates in SAGES older adult ministry bi-monthly.
Joel Schuldheisz, B.A. '78 was ordained and installed into the LCMS Ministry on December 11, 2022, at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church in Tacoma, Wash.
1980s
James Silke, B.A. '80 has retired and is living in Boone, Iowa. He has great memories of Concordia and Walther 2-S!
Michael Trench, B.A. '80 joined DuPage Foundation on June 19 as its Vice President for Advancement.
Cheryl (Larson) Norman, B.A. '87 is the new vice president of academic and student affairs at Central Lakes College, Brainerd, Minn.
2010s
John, B.A. ‘10 and Sara (Sather), B.A. ‘10 Pimental are pleased to announce the adoption of John’s nephew, Liam (3), on May 25, 2023. They had the pleasure of fostering Liam for two years and are grateful for the
Sara Stuckey, B.A. '19 welcomed daughter, Viana Sofia Joerger, born June 24, 2020.
Laurence Louis Meyer, H.S. '58, J.C. '60 is serving a twopoint parish in Washington State’s Columbia Basin.
1960s
Dean Smith, A.A. '68 retired from ten years as a cabinet maker and remodeling contractor and 31 years as a clerk with USPS. He is now working full-time as a farmer making hay.
1970s
Bonnie (Wendt) Barker, B.A. '78 retired as Director of Special Education/School Psychologist in 2022. Due to a shortage of school psychologists, she returned to work part-time in Boyceville and Prescott, Wisc. This coming school year she'll be working in Boyceville and Glenwood City.
1990s
Dennis Bergquist, B.A. '93 has a humanitarian role in the Mwongeti village of Kisii, Kenya as the Director of Program Development. CSP alumni, visit www. bergquistfoundation.org for ways you can share your skills or expertise.
2000s
Adero Riser Cobb, B.A. '02, M.A. '07, MBA '12 is the new CEO/President of Keystone Community Services.
Allison (Huber) Smits, B.A. '03 began a role in the Allina Health Customer Service Call Center in Coon Rapids, Minn. in September 2023.
Adejoke Adedeji, B.A. '05 owns Nexus of Hope, a Lakeville-based mental health clinic offering a range of services, including talk therapy, transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS), medication management, medication-assisted treatment for substance use disorder, and meditation and lifestyle change guidance.
Dr. Sharod Tomlinson, '05 serves at St. John's University in Queens, N.Y. as Associate Dean of Student Success and Engagement. He facilitates R.I.S.E. Network, a scholar's empowerment network that
2010s
Shelly Schwalm, B.A. '10, M.F.A. '19 is now serving in a faculty role as Assistant Professor of Christian Ministry and Director of the DCE program at CSP after nearly nine years serving with CSP Ministry.
opened Tipton Hammond Arts Gallery in the Northrup King Building in NE Minneapolis, Minn. She serves as minister of music and often brings the Sunday message to Gethsemane Lutheran Church in North Minneapolis.
Connor Kern, M.S. '23 has been hired as the Associate Athletics Director of Internal Operations at St. Cloud State University.
Engagements, Marriages & Anniversaries
1950s
Amanda (Brueggemeier)
Davenport, B.A. '11 manages The Traveling Art Pub studio in Bemidji, Minn. and its outreach programs with the goal of bringing together artists, crafters and do-ityourselfers for classes and events.
Sidney Laurvick, B.A. '19 accepted a role as an Account Executive with Saia on May 1, 2023.
2020s
Madeleine Hermans, D.P.T., '23 accepted a position as Physical Therapist at St. Luke's Hospital in Duluth, Minn.
Education
1990s
Raymond Paul Wiegert, H.S. '53, J.C. '55 and Dolores Heuer celebrated their 65th wedding anniversary, August 19, 2023.
1970s
Terry, '70 and Lynette (Wilkening), B.A. '72 Finnern gathered with their entire family at Pincushion Mountain Haus in Grand Marais, Minn. to celebrate their "50 minus one" wedding anniversary.
opportunities to enhance their
Tiffini Flynn Forslund, B.A. '08 accepted a science teacher position at Kipp Middle School. She is also forming a new DFL Caucus named Groundbreakers.
Andy Wyss, B.A. '09 recently accepted the position of Senior Marketing Designer at Lutheran Family Service (LFS). Andy will be leading the LFS marketing department through graphic design and multimedia communication.
Dustin Holman, B.A. '12 begins his 14th year as defensive coordinator for the White Bear Lake High School football team. His enthusiasm for the sport and coaching approach is featured in the White Bear Press, Aug. 18, 2023.
Casey (Stage) Stusynski, B.A. '15
Statistician at Medtronic in August 2023.
Beverly Tipton Hammond, MBA '18 continues to serve as an administrator for the Ramsey County Board of Commissioners. In 2020, she and her husband Drew
Diana Brown, Ed.D., '21 has been named Principal of Como Park Senior High School.
Nicole Henry, B.A. '20, MBA '22 is a Special Education Teacher at Little Falls Middle School.
Vijaya Krishna Bandaru, M.S. '22 works as a Software Engineer for Walmart.
Ryan Skille, B.A. '22 plays gigs around Minneapolis and St. Paul as part of a band with Ethan Langemo, B.A. '22, Donovan Eidem, '23, and Scott Ockwig, '23.
Kelly Hanlon-Hunt, B.A. '23 was installed as the new 5th and 6th grade teacher at Trinity Lutheran School in St. Francis, Minn.
David Langemo, B.A. '94, M.A. '07 completed his Doctor of Business Administration degree with a specialization in Leadership from Capella University. His capstone topic was "Perspectives of Nonprofit Board Members on Destructive Leaders and Intervention".
2010s
Katrina (Bell) Stewart, B.A. '17 graduated with her Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Capella University in September of 2023.
2020s
Shannon Beach, B.A. '20 graduated with a second degree in special education in June 2023. She also had her second child in August.
Jolene A. (Engelmann), B.A. '72 and Rev. Jim, A.A. '72 Heining celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary last year with their three children and five grandchildren. Both are retired, and they enjoy travel in the United States and overseas.
1980s
Todd Glaeser, '84 married Joni Davis in July 2023. They are living in Salt Lake City, Utah where Joni is a teacher and administrator of a Lutheran grade school.
Linda (Sommers), B.A. '86 and
Jennifer (Franz), '87 and Glynn, B.A. '87 Walker celebrated 37 years of marriage on June 21, 2023.
2000s
In celebration of their 26th wedding anniversary, Debora (Willing), Cert. '08 and Mike Stark will travel to Alaska via cruise ship, train, and car. It will be Deb's 50th state visited.
2010s
Helena (Crick), B.A. '10, M.A. '12 Leone, Esq. were married on Oct. 23, 2021, in Lovingston, Va., surrounded by family and friends.
Paul, B.A. '77 and Joy (Blasingame), B.A. '77, M.A. '98, M.A. '99 Mueller were honored with the Aeterna Moliri Award at Concordia St. Paul’s
today's women leaders in almost all industries. Beth is currently an adjunct professor at CSP and the VP and Client Partner for North America at Applaudo, a software development company that serves brands like Walmart, the Miami Heat, and Fox Now.
Richard Gottschalk, B.A. '67 passed away on January 16, 2023.
Dennis Retzlaff, A.A. '67 passed away on June 13, 2023.
Stanley Lilleberg, B.A. '69 passed away on Aug. 29, 2023.
Frederick Brauer, Jr., B.A. '78 has five children and four grandchildren. He is a cancer survivor and served 45 years in the LCMS as an administrator and teacher. He lives in northern Minnesota.
1970s
David Petrick, B.A. '71 has earned the Photographic Craftsman degree from Professional Photographers of America (PPA) in recognition of his service to the photographic profession as an orator, author, and mentor.
2000s
Christopher Dennis, B.A. '05, M.A. '08 has been awarded the prestigious Reveta Bowers Legacy Award by Private School Axis. This award recognizes his exceptional dedication to fostering diversity, equity, inclusion, and accountability (DEIA) within education. He serves as the Associate Head of School for Community Engagement at Campbell Hall School in Studio City, Calif. Currently, he is pursuing a Ph.D. at the University of San Diego School of Leadership Education Sciences, conducting groundbreaking research on the experiences of independent school board members of color, a vital area that demands attention and reform within the educational landscape.
2020s
Louis Garcia, A.A. '16, B.A. '20 is CEO and founder of Media Garcia, a Hispanic-owned marketing-tech consultant. He was featured in Minneapolis/St. Paul Business Journal recently in an article noting that the company has tripled its staff in the past year and expects double-digit growth in 2023 sales thanks to a refocused business strategy.
In Memoriam
1950s
Ernie Johnson, H.S. '52, J.C. '54 passed away on April 26, 2023.
Joan Schuler, J.C. '53 passed away on August 19, 2023.
Lowell Beck, H.S. '54, J.C. '56 passed away on April 12, 2023.
Robert Dickhudt, J.C. '55 passed away on June 25, 2023.
1970s
Darlene (Larson) Matz, B.A. '71 passed away on April 25, 2023.
1980s
Eric Taylor, A.A. '83 passed away on July 3, 2023.
1990s
Kent Brun, B.A. '94 passed away on July 8, 2023.
2000s
Jeremy Marthaler, B.A. '05 passed away on April 29, 2023.
Brian Schipper, B.A. '05 passed away on Sept. 18, 2023.
Gregory Knapp, B.A. '08 passed away on May 2, 2023.
Other
1950s
Duane Klepel, J.C. '57 enjoys life with his loving wife and 27 grandkids.
1960s
1980s
Brenda (Schramm) Pedersen, B.A. '81 has lived in Michigan for 26 years. She and Fred will celebrate their 42nd wedding anniversary in November. Their son, Micah, works as a valet for a Lincoln car dealership. Their daughter, Rachel, is in her 10th year of teaching middle school choir and band.
2000s
2010s
Mary (Slinger) Heiken, B.A. '10 will be inducted into the NSIC Hall of Fame for her pivotal role in Concordia University, St. Paul's first three NCAA Division II Volleyball National Championships.
Andrea (Beaver) Hinz, B.B.A. ‘16 , a senior associate real estate and business attorney for Goosmann Law Firm, has been selected to the 2022 Great Plains Rising Stars list.
Beth Picha, MBA '16 was honored as one of the Top 50 Women Leaders of Minnesota for 2023 by Women We Admire, a news outlet dedicated to
Robert Friedrich, J.C. '56 passed away on July 8, 2023.
Elizabeth (Luehmann) Hoppe, J.C. '56 passed away on April 2, 2023.
Margaret (Eggers) Alexander, J.C. '58 passed away on May 23, 2023.
1960s
Marlys (Burdorf) Gaucher, J.C., '60 passed away on January 25, 2023.
Donna (Galster) Meyer, J.C. '61 passed away on Oct. 10, 2023.
James Sollie, H.S. '61 passed away on January 31, 2023.
Kenneth Koch, J.C. '64, H.S. '62 passed away on June 19, 2023.
Gene Ladendorf, J.C. '64, B.A. '66 passed away on February 7, 2023.
Janice (Friedrich) Ladendorf, B.A. '66 passed away on January 29, 2023.
Rev. Richard, A.A. '66, B.A. '68 and Sylvia (Wilken), B.A. '68 Pape will welcome their first great-grandchild in August. They have four grandsons and one granddaughter.
1970s
Gayle Degler, B.A. '73 has 22 years of elected service in the public sector and many years of congregational office holdings. He and his wife, Lois, have four children and 13.
Kristina (Clark) Gaalaas, '02 wrote a paper on the benefits of service sabbaticals - for both employers, employees, and the communities which would be served when she was a student. This summer she completed her first volunteer mission to Fiji.
2010s
Ryan Adams, M.A. '13 is celebrating five years of operating Gray Ducks Soccer, one of the nation's largest adult soccer clubs. In 2023, they won the IGLFA World Championship in Australia.
Rick Pfaff, B.A. '78 stays busy in retirement serving as a Circuit Visitor, Food For The Poor Clergy Speaker, and President of the Boerne Performing Arts Board of Directors.
Cathy Schumacher, '07 moved to north central Texas in April 2023.
Alumni Making a Difference recognizes alumni who live out Concordia’s mission and vision through acts of service, innovation, or outstanding leadership by using their talents and vocations in ways that positively impact the lives of others. Alumni can be recognized for contributions made over time or for individual projects.
Recent recipients include:
Megan Church, M.A. '20
Michael Houston, B.A. '04
Layton Lemke, J.C. '57
Rose Osterbauer, M.A. ‘20
To view recipient bios and to submit a nomination, please visit one.cps.edu/makingadifference or scan the QR code.
