Concordia St. Paul magazine Spring/Summer 2019
LEGAC Y FAMILY: THE MAR XHAUSENS Page 10
ALUM DEVELOPS DIGITAL STR ATEGY FOR VIKINGS Page 14
CL ASS NOTES Page 19
The Ries Years:
A Strategic Vision Fulfilled Pages 2-9
CE LE B R AT I N G A L E A D E R IN L E GA C Y
R e v. D r. Th o ma s K . R i es | N int h Presid ent of Concord ia Univer sit y, St . Pa u l
10 2 Concordia University, St. Paul
1282 Concordia Ave St. Paul, MN 55104
651-641-8810 1-866-GROW-CSP ave.csp.edu facebook.com/concordiastpaul
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Publisher
Office of University Advancement Editor and Writer
Tad Dunham Additional Editing and Writing
IN THIS ISSUE:
Amy Foster Rhonda (Behm) Palmersheim, BA '88 Danielle (Bredy) Sarim, BA '12 Billy Schultz, BA '08, MA '11
10 Legacy Family: The Marxhausens
Design and Layout
12 Youth Gathering Comes to Twin Cities
Tia Wagar
14 CSP Alum Develops Digital Strategy for Vikings
Photography
15 McAthie Promoted to Director of Athletics
Genesis Carreon, '20 Brian Evans, BA '07, MA '09 Nick Schroepfer, BA '18
17 2019 Commencement Memories
2 The Ries Years
18 CSP News 19 Class Notes
Printing
25 Donor Support
Ideal Printers Inc. St. Paul, MN About Us
Concordia University, St. Paul is a member of the Concordia University System, a national network of nine colleges and universities of The Lutheran Church–Missouri Synod.
From the Archives
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. © 2019 Concordia University, St. Paul
Concordia’s Student Body and Faculty - 1923 Photo taken in front of present-day Meyer Hall.
Thoughts
from the President
As we are closing out the 125th anniversary year of Concordia University, St. Paul, I am also closing out my tenure as president. I am proud of this institution as if it were one of my own children. I leave with a deep sense of satisfaction that during the past eight years the university has grown and developed by every possible measure, as well as in many ways that are difficult to measure. The measurables are clear and easy to identify: record enrollments for seven years in a row, leading to 5,000 students in the fall of 2018; strong improvements in persistence to graduation leading to the largest-ever graduating classes; stellar results among students entering the workforce or matriculating to first-choice graduate schools; the largest number and most highly credentialed faculty in school history; unprecedented growth in net assets; and $24 million in capital improvements and facility additions are all ways by which we measure our success. Those things that are harder to measure may be even more impressive. They begin with a robust commitment to Christ and genuine love for his people. Today CSP is a missiological model in how to bring the Gospel to an increasingly diverse and religiously pluralistic world. This is not easy to do, and I have had many critics in how I have approached spiritual leadership during my tenure as president. But I am convinced that we have done well. The patterns we see in Jesus – engaging with others who are different from ourselves, healing, caring for the suffering, reaching out to the marginalized, dying to self and rising to newness of life – are all alive and active at CSP, and are in my opinion, the good, right and salutary ways to do ministry. Moreover, these qualities make CSP an ideal place for pre-seminary, pre-deaconess, and Christian ministry students to prepare for their callings as pastors, teachers, directors of Christian education, directors of Christian outreach, and directors of parish music. Also difficult to measure, but no less substantive is the degree to which CSP has become a national leader in higher education. The university is extraordinarily adept at adopting alternative delivery systems for academic programs, meeting the needs of a diverse student body, advancing innovative pricing structures, designing and acquiring new academic programs and shepherding them through challenging accreditation channels, evaluating and strengthening existing programs, and budgeting for and managing scarce resources. Along the way, CSP leaders are oft-quoted and consulted as other institutions strive to mimic what has happened at this institution which is truly “leading in legacy.” Many of these impressive developments came together during the past eight years, but my forerunners in this office – particularly my immediate predecessor, Dr. Holst – set the stage for them. Bob Holst helped turn the institution from an inward to an outward-looking university and taught us how to think crossculturally and globally. He was an extraordinary innovator with an instinctive capacity to serve all of God’s people through education. I see my contribution during the past eight years as simply providing “the mechanics” needed to fulfill this vision on a sound operational and financial basis. Now, not only do we have a powerful vision, but we also have the resource capacity and leadership skill sets to pursue it. I wish to publicly thank my colleagues on the faculty and staff at CSP, the members of the Board of Regents, and all the alumni and donors who have helped make my tenure as president productive for the university and very satisfying for me. I also wish to thank my family, especially my wife Susie, for their unflagging support and enthusiasm. Above all, thanks are to God who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. In litteris proficere volo malo deligere Jesum!
Rev. Dr. Tom Ries, President Concordia University, St. Paul
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The Ries Years: A Strategic Vision Fulfilled When President Tom Ries took the helm of the university in 2011, he hoped that one day people would look back at his presidential era and say that Concordia “dreamed big about making a difference in the lives of people while having the fiscal and operational discipline to achieve those dreams.” It was a hope that indeed came true.
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The Ries Years
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ev. Dr. Tom Ries’ retirement as Concordia’s ninth president this May was celebrated with widespread acclaim for his visionary and skillful leadership.
necessary to navigate the changing technological landscape in the workplace.
In teacher education, Concordia began offering a Doctorate in “All leaders hope to be able to leave their organization in a better Education (Ed.D.) program in Fall 2015 to facilitate advanced position than when they came,” Mark Moksnes, retired executive career opportunities in educational leadership. vice president at DeCare Dental/Delta Dental Plan We've been very fortunate With more and more students preparing for of Minnesota who currently chairs Concordia’s a career in health care, in 2016 Concordia to have a strong leader Board of Regents, noted. “It is one thing to talk realigned its academic departments to create about making that happen, but it is another like Tom who in his own a College of Health and Science as home to thing to actually deliver. So we’ve been very its nursing, kinesiology, and physical therapy quiet sort of way, has fortunate to have a strong leader like Tom who, departments. And in Fall 2017, Concordia in his own quiet sort of way, has positioned positioned Concordia for expanded its nursing degree offerings from an Concordia for growth and success.” growth and success. online RN to BS degree completion program Eight years ago, President Ries set out with a to add a pre-licensure Bachelor of Science in –Mark Moksnes fundamental aspiration: “I hoped to help the Nursing. Chair CSP Board of Regents university improve its record in student success,” “The growth in our program offerings during the past decade he recalled. has been strategically aligned to improve student success with In his view, that meant dealing with a collection of interrelated a focus on delivering career-relevant degree programs,” Dr. Eric challenges. “We must ensure we are preparing students with LaMott, provost and chief operating officer, noted. a constructive balance of a broad-based liberal arts education and the technical preparation necessary for their chosen career fields. We need to be attracting and retaining highly qualified Renovating, acquiring, and constructing academic, performance, faculty and staff who are comfortable within the culture of the athletic, and gathering spaces was another strategy for improving university. Also, we should be making the university affordable student success. Looking back on what he described as a and accessible to deserving students of every socio-economic “carefully managed” series of campus improvement projects, background,” Ries noted. Moksnes recalled that President Ries never lost sight of the And so with a strategic vision of delivering relevance, quality, underlying purpose. and affordability to improve student outcomes, Ries focused on “What always struck me was our many conversations would building the resources to carry out this mission. normally start with strategic issues happening on campus, but would quickly transition to discussions about students, faculty, staff, and alumni,” Moksnes said. “Without exception Tom was A key part of improving student outcomes is making sure the always wrestling about how to ‘be better’ for those important transition from college to career is a smooth one. This requires stakeholders.” not only incorporating hands-on career preparation into the Major renovations during Dr. Ries’ presidency commenced in academic experience, but also offering degree programs that 2013 with the transformation of the Dining Hall into the Winget deliver specific knowledge and skills that are in high demand Student Life Center. In addition to creating a greater variety of within the regional job market. food offerings and delivery options and expanding hours of For example, a market needs analysis identified a growing availability, the renovations enhanced a sense of community by demand for health care professionals and high-quality health including gathering areas with ample electrical outlets, flat-panel sciences education for those workers. To help meet that demand, TVs, more natural light, and a variety of seating styles. in Fall 2014 Concordia launched a Doctor of Physical Therapy To accommodate Concordia’s growing health sciences programs, (DPT) program shaped by the faculty’s vision: Follow in the the university converted its unused residential Moenkemoeller footsteps of the greatest healer the world has ever known. Hall into an academic facility renamed Thompson Hall in 2014. In response to increased demand for computer-related jobs The former three-story apartment building was renovated to such as software programming, web design, mobile application include classrooms, laboratories, and faculty offices that provide development, and database design, Concordia began offering an more opportunities for student engagement and research, online Bachelor of Science in Computer Science degree program enhanced programming, and faculty scholarship. in Spring 2015. The program lets students gain the practical skills
QUALITY FACILITIES
RELEVANT PROGRAMS
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The Ries Years
Then in 2016, the Buetow Music Center Auditorium was renovated as a state-of-the-art performance venue to enhance the student experience. Along with upgrades to the facility’s Schlicker organ, the aesthetics and sound capabilities were modernized to include a seating reconfiguration, an expanded stage, acoustic panels, lighting and sound system controls, and an assisted listening device. The Athletics Performance Center was newly constructed in 2017 to provide student-athletes with a multipurpose training facility. Along with a large turfed training field, the center includes a weight room, batting cages, a large video monitor, and offices for the strength and conditioning staff. It infuses the latest technology such as PlayerTek, a GPS tracking system, to make the training center a comprehensive resource in achieving team and individual performance goals. In March 2019, the university purchased the entire nine-story Central Midway Building, where it had been leasing space since 2015, officially expanding the campus footprint north across I-94. The facility was officially renamed Ries Tower, becoming the sixth campus building to be named after a former CSP president. “This acquisition allows Concordia the strategic opportunity to continue serving the needs of our students by providing muchneeded space to grow and expand our academic offerings,” President Ries explained.
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The university had been utilizing three full floors and a portion of a fourth in the Central Midway Building to house its Doctor of Physical Therapy and Nursing programs, as well as the Office of Advancement, Office of Alumni Relations, and a number of graduate program faculty offices. Going forward, the building is envisioned as an incubation center where innovative partnerships of private medical and business companies can integrate with the rich academic medical and business fields to prepare future employees and leaders. Most remarkably, the Central Midway Building purchase, the Athletics Performance Center construction, and the major renovation projects were all completed without the university incurring any additional debt. They were financed by a combination of donor funds and cash on hand that was freed up through wise fiscal stewardship. “Since we are not a highly endowed university by any means, we have developed a knack for effective management of operations, which leads to strengthening the financial bottom line,” Ries explained. “There is a broad understanding among faculty and staff of how important is the relationship between operational efficiency and financial strength.”
The Ries Years
AFFORDABLE PRICING A position of financial strength also enabled what was arguably the most visionary of initiatives during the Ries era: Concordia’s industry-leading tuition reset for the 2013-14 academic year, which dropped the traditional undergraduate published tuition price by $10,000.
At the time Concordia’s tuition reset was announced in Fall 2012, no other college or university had undertaken such a dramatic affordability initiative. That made Concordia a pioneer in moving from a high-price/high-discount tuition revenue model to instead have a lower price with a lower average discount. Students with high financial need still received the aid they required, while other families were able to reduce their out-of-pocket cost and their student loan debt. The fact that the tuition reset worked as intended—attracting more students by increasing awareness and positive perceptions of Concordia’s affordability and worth—paved the way for other colleges and universities across the nation to follow suit.
This price reset was a response to a frustrating set of economic conditions that college students and their families were facing. Even though incomes had stagnated during and after the national recession, college tuition figures continued to rise nationwide. Although private colleges like Brad Hewitt, former CEO of Thrivent, Concordia were also increasing the amount We wanted to send a clear signal served as chair of Concordia’s Board of financial aid they offered in order to to students and their families that of Regents during the tuition reset compensate, many families were being initiative. “One of President Ries’ greatest prevented from even considering a private Concordia really is affordable. legacies was to take on the cost of college education due to the sticker shock of –Tom Ries higher education and be courageous the published price before financial aid. enough to do the tuition reset,” said Hewitt. “In retrospect, it was “We wanted to send a clear signal to students and their families executed flawlessly—no easy task. The even more important part that Concordia really is affordable,” Ries explained. “That way of the reset was the openness, insight, and willingness to strike more students would be able to benefit from our commitment out on your own and do something radical. Tom and his team to providing an educational experience that is responsive to will always be remembered for that act.” their needs, relevant to the demands of the job market, and real preparation for thoughtful living and dedicated service, all geared toward their achievement of personal and career success.” CONCO RDIA ST. PAUL MAGAZINE • SPRING/SUMMER 2019
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The Ries Years
OUTSTANDING GAINS The decision of President Ries and his leadership team to focus strategically on relevance, quality, and affordability to improve student success has paid off—notably, in ways that have bucked the trends experienced by Concordia’s peer colleges and universities. Across America, colleges and universities that lack national name brand recognition are struggling to thrive. Only 46 percent of chief financial officers at private nonprofit colleges and universities are confident their institution will be financially stable over the next decade, according to an annual survey by the higher education industry publication Inside Higher Ed. The National Student Clearinghouse Research Center, which tracks how many students attend college in the United States, found that enrollment of first-time students aged 18 to 24 at private nonprofit colleges and universities has actually decreased by two percent over the past three years.
“We are focused on not only being more accessible to students from a variety of cultures, but also being intentional about their retention and graduation,” Dr. Cheryl Chatman, executive vice president and dean of diversity, said. “It’s about access, opportunity, support, and affirmation. We make sure students are aware of ways to be involved in academic and co-curricular life. We provide advising and support financially, socially, emotionally, and academically. And we acknowledge and recognize students who achieve success in academics and campus leadership.”
STUDENT ACHIEVEMENT Measures of success among the student body are also trending upward. Retention rates, which indicate students who continue their studies the following year, stand at 76 percent for freshmen (nearly 12 percent higher than a year ago) and 81 percent for transfers. The graduation rate within five years for traditional undergraduates increased from 42 percent in 2014 to 58 percent in 2017.
In terms of post-graduation outcomes, 95 percent of recent graduates reported together a strategic vision and receiving job offers within one year then the drive to execute the of graduating (First Destinations survey administered by CSP). Concordia graduates plan masterfull. have the highest average salary among –Brad Hewitt, Minnesota’s private college bachelor’s Former Board of Regents Chair degree holders four years after graduation The university’s ability to adjust rapidly has been (mnedtrends.org), and Concordia graduates earn 44 percent more a crucial factor in its growth. “Our faculty and staff have a healthy than the national average (collegescorecard.ed.gov). view of change and are willing to participate in and embrace By contrast, last fall Concordia welcomed its largest undergraduate incoming class in the university’s history. And for the first time ever, total enrollment of traditional, graduate, and online students topped 5,000—an 80 percent increase since Dr. Ries’ first year as president.
Tom had a passion for putting
the types of transformational changes we have enacted here over the last decade,” Ries noted. He also credits his predecessor, President Robert Holst, for cultivating a vision for a diverse and relevant university. “Diversity was defined in many senses—as the scope and variety of academic programming, as an array of academic program delivery systems, and as a range of faculty expertise, experience, and racial and gender makeup. It also applied to the composition of the student body in terms of age, gender, race, ethnicity, life experience, military experience, participation in athletics, arts, and leadership, and a number of other dimensions,” Ries explained. “I embraced that vision, affirming the Christocentric character of the institution while giving a genuine welcome to students of many faith traditions and personal perspectives.” Indeed, the composition of the student body has become more varied as Concordia opens its doors to students from a wide span of backgrounds. Students now come from all 50 states. Within the traditional undergraduate population, approximately one-third are students of color, and another seven percent are international students. While 23 percent self-identify their religious affiliation as LCMS or other Lutheran, five percent are Muslim and an additional five percent represent other non-Christian faiths.
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Large employers of recent Concordia graduates include Mayo Clinic, Verizon, Wells Fargo, Medtronic, Best Buy, US Bank, Comcast, State of Minnesota, Ecolab, UnitedHealth Group, 3M, Schwan’s, Fairview, Minnesota Vikings, City of Minneapolis, and Target.
FACULTY & STAFF TALENT Student success also relies upon the guidance of faculty and staff mentors. To keep pace with the growing enrollment demands, Concordia has hired a number of new full-time faculty, particularly in the areas of business and technology, education, and the health sciences. Overall, the number of faculty and staff employees increased by 25 percent during Dr. Ries’ presidency. “We’re attracting talent from top-tier institutions who are seeking to develop their vocation at Concordia,” LaMott noted. Institutional momentum has also fostered great employee morale, thanks in part to the university’s ability to deliver increasing financial compensation. “Concordia enjoys a unique position in the Midwest for having provided our employees three percent annual raises continuously through the national
The Ries Years
economy’s dark times, which is a trendline not seen at any other institution, public or private,” LaMott said.
A HEALTHY BOTTOM LINE It takes real skill to actualize a strategic vision. When Ries became president, he wished to dream big and guide the university toward the fiscal and operational discipline to achieve those dreams. Coming from a background as both a pastor and a businessperson, he was ideally situated to both dream and do. “Tom had a passion for putting together a strategic vision and then the drive to execute the plan masterfully,” Hewitt noted. The strategic investment in relevant programs, quality facilities, and affordable price was a success not only in terms of enrollment growth and expanded faculty/staff talent, but also along financial metrics. During Ries’ presidency, the overall net assets of the university almost doubled, from $56.5 million to $108 million. Aided by the tuition reset, total revenues began increasing as more students were able to pay for a larger portion of their tuition cost. While the growth in revenue was about eight percent during the four years before the tuition reset, revenue increased by 46 percent during the four years after the tuition reset.
Even as investments in labor costs and operating expenditures increased along with Concordia’s enrollment growth, the university began to realize larger budget surpluses—from an annual average of about $1 million during the four years before the tuition reset to almost $5 million per year during the four years after the tuition reset. The university was also able to reduce its debt by more than a third during the Ries presidency, while the value of the endowment grew 63 percent. “To his great credit, Tom has successfully led Concordia through visionary initiatives while maintaining a very disciplined and successful financial system,” Moksnes said.
EXTENDING THE VISION Today Concordia University, St. Paul occupies an enviable position in the marketplace in relation to its competitors. Concordia’s enrollment, program offerings, campus space, workforce, and financial assets are all growing. It is the most affordable institution among all Minnesota Private College Council schools and has the most affordable tuition among the
WHATS NEXT? DR. RIES' PLANS AFTER CSP I will help my wife Susie with some businesses which we own together, but in which right now she is the primary operator. I’ve been accepted into membership with The Registry, one of the leading organizations providing interim leaders to colleges and universities, so I will make myself available for short-term leadership within the academy. I am going to spend more time with our five beautiful grandchildren. I will read more of the world’s great literature that I have missed along the way. I hope to travel to a few more sites on my bucket list, including a trip to Oberammergau for the Passion Play in 2020.
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The Ries Years
Concordia University System. And it is more widely known than ever for empowering students to discover and engage their purpose for life, career, and service. It is a testament to Ries’ skillful leadership that the strategic vision for his tenure has been realized.
The first is to continue to grow enrollment in order to reach 4,000 undergraduates and 3,000 graduates. Tactics for reaching the goal include continuing to increase affordability through pricing strategy, adding new relevant academic programs, and hiring employees who have mission fit.
“You need a firm hand on the wheel with a clear focus on the The second goal is to increase persistence to graduation within direction you’re trying to go in order to keep the university from five years to 65 percent for traditional undergraduates and 70 being swayed by different environmental percent for non-traditional undergraduates Through it all, Tom has been conditions. Tom has provided the stern (along with a three-year graduation rate absolutely committed to leadership that’s required to turn a small target of 80 percent for graduate students). college into a thriving metropolitan Achieving these numbers will involve providing the best educational university,” LaMott said. enhancing and expanding community, experience possible for students. connecting alumni and professionals with “Through it all, Tom has been absolutely students, and creating opportunities for –Dr. Cheryl Chatman, committed to providing the best educational career exploration interactions between CSP Executive Vice President experience possible for students,” Chatman students and faculty. and Dean of Diversity added. “That commitment must start at the head of the university, and Tom had it from the beginning Third, the university will maintain a quality, relevant curriculum to and always rose to the occasion to find ways for Concordia to ensure the smooth transition to a job or graduate school, with a improve our loving care of students.” targeted career outcome rate of 90 percent within nine months of graduation. Facilitating that will involve increasing the number Before taking his retirement, Dr. Ries led an effort to plan of students who engage in internships, research, and credit Concordia’s strategic goals for the coming years, as well, with the for life experiences, as well as ensuring that a career context is creation of a Vision 2024 plan. embedded in liberal arts concepts. Informing all of the Vision 2024 goals is Concordia’s promise to maintain its core values in a dynamic, multicultural, urban environment where Christ is honored, all are welcome, and Lutheran convictions inform intellectual inquiry and academic pursuits.
The fourth goal is to grow total net assets by $5 million per year, achievable through an annual operating net of $1.1 million, annual endowment growth of $3.1 million, and annual reduction of long-term debt by $800,000 per year.
The Vision 2024 strategic plan rallies around four goals.
“Our past results have been impressive in all four goal areas,” Ries noted. “And Concordia carries within its DNA a genuine
CSP Presidents (L to R): Rev. Dr. Alan Harre (1984-88), Rev. Dr. John Johnson (1989-91), Rev. Dr. Robert Holst (1991-2011), and Rev. Dr. Tom Ries (2011-19).
President Ries in Jerusalem with CSP students and Theology and Ministry Department Chair Dr. Mark Schuler.
commitment to student success, so building upon that as a fundamental aspiration is perhaps a more focused effort here than at some other institutions.” LaMott believes the Ries presidency has placed Concordia in its strongest position ever to manage for future growth and service: “As Tom leaves his tenure at the 125th anniversary of the university, Concordia is poised for exponential growth opportunity to serve a larger population of students, regionally and nationally, with highly relevant and Concordia carries within its dynamic degree programs to meet the needs of a changing educational space.” DNA a genuine commitment So the Concordia community bids a very fond farewell to President Tom Ries. Having served as board chair during the majority of the Ries presidency, Hewitt summed up his admiration for Ries’ steady style and huge impact: “Tom did this work without much fanfare, but it made a difference for the students, the university, the community, and our church body.”
to student success, so building upon that as a fundamental aspiration is perhaps a more focused effort here than at some other institutions. –Tom Ries
A TRIBUTE TO PRESIDENT RIES By Alicia Winget | Former member of the Board of Regents and the President’s Advisory Council.
As I reflect upon President Ries’ administration, the first word that springs to mind is integrity. I think of this not only due to his exercise of that character trait, but also due to the root of the word. Integrity stems from the Latin word integer, meaning whole or complete, a term used in mathematics to mean non-fractionalized. I think this is a good representation of what Dr. Ries has brought to Concordia. Responsive. Relevant. Real. As Dr. Ries introduced this line to the university, it was never just a tagline, but the underpinning of the whole – the integer. Whether it was the tuition reset, enrollment increases, new degree program offerings, new or improved facilities (as just some examples), the question to be answered was: Is it responsive, relevant, and real? And a big part of that discussion would be about the financial impact, thus making each decision whole – an integer. As Dr. Ries formulated his administration, he also actively worked at maintaining and enhancing the culture of the university. Today, Concordia is still committed to diversity in an urban setting, welcoming all in the name of Christ and celebrating the university’s Lutheran heritage. Whole. CONCO RDIA ST. PAUL MAGAZINE • SPRING/SUMMER 2019
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Legacy Family
Legacy Family—The Marxhausens From the mid-1960s to the present, the Marxhausen family has had a place in CSP history. Ben Marxhausen joined the faculty as an art professor in 1965. Two years later, his brother Paul joined the staff on the building and grounds crew. In the years following, many of Ben’s and Paul’s children, nieces, nephews and cousins made the decision to attend school at CSP. One of them, Mark Marxhausen, BA ‘81, quipped that, while he attended, life on campus “was like having a family outing every day.” Besides spending time on campus with his brother and cousins, Mark met his wife Julie (Okerstrom) Marxhausen, ‘82 at Concordia. Then in 2004, their family legacy grew as their son Kyle Marxhausen, BA ‘07 transferred to CSP. Kyle met his wife Janine (Kuklis) Marxhausen, BA ‘06 at Concordia. Their daughter Meghan met her husband Seborn Yancy, BA ‘07, MA ‘12 on campus. Another daughter, Kaleena (Marxhausen) Morgan, ‘08, did PSEO classes at CSP.
COMING TO CONCORDIA Despite the deep family connections at Concordia, as Mark wrapped up high school, there were other schools he was considering. He held baseball scholarships to other schools,
and his high school football coach had just joined the staff at Concordia Nebraska. However, in the end, he found that CSP was the best fit for him as a pre-seminary student. “All of those years [before attending], I knew all of the professors...I was part of this huge family,” he recalled. On the other hand, Julie was the first member of her family to attend college, with no prior connection to Concordia. However, her high school basketball coach contacted (former women’s basketball coach) Jack Surridge, who worked with her through the application and financial aid processes so that she could continue pursuing her love of learning at CSP. After spending a year playing basketball at Minnesota State Mankato, Kyle was searching for a new opportunity, and was limited in the number of schools he could transfer to. Despite Concordia not recruiting him during his high school career, he found an opportunity to join the Golden Bears, finding the campus to be a place he felt at home. Growing up near Duluth, Janine stayed close to home and began her academic and basketball career at University of Minnesota Duluth. After desiring a change, she decided to attend CSP, transferring mid-year in early 2005.
Marxhausens Concordia Legacy Paul Marxhausen (former staff member), married Alice Marxhausen
Rev. Dr. Mark Marxhausen, BA '81 married Dr. Julie (Okerstrom) Marxhausen, ‘82
Alan Marxhausen, ‘81 married Kris (David) Marxhausen, BA ‘78
Gary Marxhausen, BA ‘71
Kyle Marxhausen, BA ‘07 married Janine (Kuklis) Marxhausen, BA '06
Erin (Marxhausen) Rathke, BA ‘99 married Eric Rathke, BA ‘01
Extended Family:
Kaleena (Marxhausen) Morgan, ‘08 Meghan (Marxhausen) married Seborn Yancy (2007, M.A. 2012)
If you’re a part of the Marxhausen family legacy and not listed here, let us know and we’ll add you! If you’re a member of a different legacy family, visit ave.csp.edu/legacyform to give us your legacy information.
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Jonathan Marxhausen, BA ‘87 (cousin to Mark) married Dawn (Velzke) Marxhausen, BA ‘86
Joan (Kiecker) Gilmore, BA ‘77 (cousin to Mark)
Sarah (Kiecker) Schwarz, '71 (cousin to Mark)
Kim (Marxhausen) Bestian, BA ‘81 (cousin to Mark) married Rev. Brian Bestian, BA ‘83
Barb (Kiecker) Kaminski, BA ‘78 (cousin to Mark)
Mary (Marxhausen) Erickson, BA ‘79 (cousin to Mark) married Randy Schultz, BA ‘79 (deceased)
Martha (Marxhausen) Kaufenberg, 81 (cousin to Mark)
Sarah (Schultz) Warren, BA ‘01 married Zakery Warren, BA ‘01
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The Marxhausen Family
Seborn and Kyle were friends dating back to their high school basketball days, and when Seborn was transferring to a four-year school after his time at Anoka-Ramsey Community College, he found CSP to be the right school for him. “I thought it was a good fit…[and] felt comfortable there,” he recalled.
Some of the Marxhausens’ other significant memories revolve around athletics. As student-athletes, Mark and Julie spent a significant amount of time in the Lutheran Memorial Center, which served as the gymnasium from 1951-2003. “[H]e asked me out on our first date there,” reminisced Julie.
For Kaleena, her short amount of time as a PSEO student was marked by a feeling of comfort, thanks in part to her professors. “It was a place that didn’t feel so overwhelming as a 16 year old high school student,” she remembered.
For the younger Marxhausens, the Gangelhoff Center is filled with many family memories. Kyle, Janine, and Seborn all played their home basketball games for the Golden Bears there. Kaleena fondly recalled watching basketball and volleyball games in that space.
FOND MEMORIES The close relationships built with fellow students and faculty members stand out to many of the family members as some of their fondest CSP memories. Mark described how his football teammates helped shape his Concordia experience. “It was such an interesting group of guys because we did everything together, and everybody on that team was concerned about each other and their well- being,” he explained. One of his favorite memories of that team is his freshman year (1977), when the team went 9-1 despite having only 30-35 players on the roster. Julie echoed that feeling of closeness when reflecting on her time as a student. Because she and many of her teammates were two- and three-sport athletes, “it was like extended family, you literally did everything together,” she recalled. “Being at a school where people prayed together, our athletic teams had devotions together, and we were expected to attend chapel every day was a dream come true for me.” Janine felt especially supported by her advisor, Dr. Alan Winegarden, noting how “kind and helpful” he was to her during her transfer process. Kyle also remarked how much Drs. Marilyn Reineck and Basma Ibrahim DeVries made his academic experience memorable: “[They] cared so deeply about us as people.”
A LASTING IMPACT Choosing to attend CSP meant meeting future spouses and the growth of the Marxhausen family. “Seborn and Janine are a core part of our family, and if we had not been at Concordia, it just wouldn’t have happened,” observed Kyle. “It was always a coming back together place for us...There were just always these connections that would keep drawing us back there,”Julie added. She shared that the next generation has now set foot on the CSP campus, as one of her and Mark’s grandchildren recently had a basketball tournament at Gangelhoff Center, continuing the family memories on campus. Most importantly, Concordia had a significant spiritual impact on the family. “The one solid place I knew was always a good place for me was chapel every day,” Mark explained. “No matter who was speaking up front, it was a safe place, a rejuvenating place.” Julie recalled attending chapel with Mark every day after they started dating, and how that drove their collective spiritual growth. “We built on that foundation as we were later married and started our family. Jesus is everything to us,” she affirmed. “Concordia was integral as our lives joined together in faith.” CONCO RDIA ST. PAUL MAGAZINE • SPRING/SUMMER 2019
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CSP Ministry
Shelly Schwalm
Opportunity Awaits as LCMS Youth Gathering Comes to Twin Cities By DCE Shelly Schwalm BA ‘10 I remember sitting in the Louisiana Superdome in 2001 as a freshman in high school, thinking I’d never seen so many high schoolers in one place before. “Higher Ground” was the LCMS Youth Gathering theme that year, as thousands of students collected in New Orleans. At that Gathering, I received a cup from a Hoffmann School of Outreach booth (a booth that was being worked by my now ministry teammate, CSP Pastor Tom Gundermann) and learned about so many opportunities to grow in my faith beyond high school. I can still hear the theme song and the sounds of the rainstorm the crowd created with snaps and claps. In just a matter of weeks, the Twin Cities will be crawling with backpack-wearing, high school age Lutherans from across the country and around the world. The 2019 LCMS Youth Gathering—“Real. Present. God.”—is coming to our neighborhood! Are we excited here at CSP? You betcha! We are thrilled to be part of the first ever Gathering to come to a Concordia city, introducing LCMS youth to nine colleges and universities that are directly tied to their own church body. Each of the Concordias will have a booth in the convention center and many will have alumni receptions during the Gathering. Concordia St. Paul gets the special opportunity to invite about 10,000 of these Gathering participants to campus! Nearly half of our districts are hosting their district events during the Gathering at CSP with our Minnesota Lumberjack Experience. Youth leaders who attended the National Youth Workers Conference last summer got to experience it first hand—log rolling, ax throwing, and delicious food, all right
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on our lovely campus. This summer, we will have thousands join us for fun and fellowship, and the opportunity to envision themselves at CSP. Hundreds of volunteers—faculty, staff, alumni, and friends—will be chipping in to serve food and make our new friends feel right at home. But our CSP community is doing a lot more than log rolling for this Gathering! Please contact Kristin Vogel at vogel@csp.edu to learn more about volunteering and this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to be part of the NYG in Minnesota. For the past three years, numerous faculty and staff have worked steadily to plan for the Gathering in various ways. From Dr. David Mennicke directing the choir, to Prof. Mark Rosenwinkel working with dramas, to set building, resources, faculty and staff session leaders and speakers, and planning team leaders in many areas, CSP has fingerprints all over the Gathering. Numerous faculty, staff, students, and alumni are serving as Community Life Builders and Young Adult Volunteers. Look out for those Golden Bears in action! If you are one of them serving at the Gathering in some way, please let us know at NYG@csp.edu ! We are both honored and excited to put our best foot forward, getting to contribute to hosting a very special event in a place we call home. It is our hope that one day, years down the road, these youth will recall memories like I have—growing in love and knowledge of Jesus, being encouraged by other believers, and considering how God is at work in and through us. It’s our hope that those memories will include a warm welcome at CSP—a Lutheran university right in the Twin Cities where they rolled on a log like a lumberjack. And perhaps it could be the first visit to a place they end up calling “home.”
Book of Concord Inspires CSP Humanities Project The discovery of a 1581 edition of the Book of Concord in Concordia's special collections last fall inspired a full-fledged inter-departmental humanities project involving CSP’s department of theology, department of art and graphic design, and the library. The project aims to catalog the nearly 8,000 subscriber names, create a searchable database, and ultimately, to better understand the book's significance and role in CSP's Lutheran heritage and identify. “The Book of Concord has been studied for content for centuries now - there’s been much work done on that and we are not trying to re-do that,” theolgy faculty Dr. Suzanne Hequet, explained. “The piece that hasn’t had any work done are the names of the subscribers in the back,” Hequet confirmed this with fellow Reformation scholars at a recent North America Luther Forum, held at Concordia Seminary in St. Louis in early April. The subscribers are pastors, teachers, and civic leaders who attested their support for Lutheranism - important in a time where religious divide across empires could mean big trouble or even death for the subscriber.
The Art and Graphic Design departments have consulted on things like typeface, ink and printing processes, and photography. To aid in the transcription of the names, Art and Design Contracted Faculty of Practice Brad Daniels contributed to the project by photographing the pages and providing high quality, standardized images of the names that allowed for fine detail work. The images will allow continuous research to be done on the book’s content without having to open the book itself which will help protect its sensitive binding and pages. Concordia theology students, Susie Danner ‘19, Bradley Asmus ‘19, Sam White ‘20, and Danielle Critchley ‘21, have all contributed time transcribing and working to add names to a Google Sheet which serves as the first draft for a searchable database - the first of its kind for The Book of Concord. Hequet and JohnsonSaylor will continue to consult with CSP’s Computer Science and IT departments on the best way to create a user interface for searching the names. The project has been a fulfilling one for all involved.
Watching all of the “The CSP 1581 Book of Concord is interesting different departments because, at the end of 47 pages of names as on campus get excited printed in 1580 editions, there are two additional about thtis book is what pages of names.” Hequet offered. “The title on these pages states that these names were added after the the library stands for printing of the 1580 edition. This lends support that and why we are here.
“Work like this opens the door to a deeper understanding of the fundamental importance of The Book of Concord to Lutherans across generations, and that is so exciting,” Hequet said.
Johnson-Saylor agreed. “This project is the embodiment of scholarship as a digital –Megan Johnson-Saylor humanities project,” she explained. "Watching our 1581 Book of Concord is a 1580 edition with additional names.” all of the different departments on campus get excited about this book is what the library stands for and why we As work began on the project, Hequet and University Archivist are here." Megan Johnson-Saylor soon realized that other CSP departments could provide insight and expertise to the growing humanities She added that the project is a prime example of how an artifact project. or document can be brought into the 21st Century. “How can we take this old book and use it in a new way?” Dr. Hequet views the Book of Concord with students in CSP's library.
An undated piece of paper glued into the book appears to document the book’s arrival at Concordia. The book was given by a man named Joseph Schmidt. On the inserted piece of paper, Schmidt wrote that the books were brought by his relatives as part of the group that came to the United States with Pastor Martin Stephan. Schmidt decided to give the books to CSP’s library, probably near the beginning of the institution. Other books that were given as gifts around the same time also have the same “Jos. Schmidt” initials on the inside. While Hequet and Johnson-Saylor acknowledge the appeal of seeing the physical copy of the book, they agreed that the best way to create access is to support the digital version and push people there for research. The digitized version of the book will be available online at: https://digitalcommons.csp.edu/.
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CSP ALUM GETS IT RIGHT: Developing Digital Strategy for the Minnesota Vikings Concordia alumnus Paul Nelson is a 2012 graduate of the information technology (IT) management program and works with a group that many Minnesotans are familiar with. In fact, his work plays a role in a game that many of us weave into our weekend routines. Does “Skol” mean anything to you? It does for Nelson as director of football information systems for the Minnesota Vikings. A typical day for Nelson includes computer programming and software development for an organization that aims for the endzone. His department has two computer programmers and a database administrator. Nelson’s department supports the activities of the football team by developing software applications for scouts, coaches, and salary cap staff. Nelson interacts with these departments to gather requirements for new applications, to troubleshoot existing applications, and to discuss future plans. Nelson is also credited with several innovations. The first is a video draft board that the Vikings utilized for the first time during 2018’s draft day. “The draft board is a video wall that replaces magnetic cards that we have used for years,” Nelson explained. “The wall is 10’ high and 40’ wide and contains 40 55” HD displays. As far as I am aware, this is the largest video wall used by any NFL team.” Nelson developed the software used to manage the draft process. By going to an electronic version, the team was able to eliminate a significant number of hours that are considered “busy work” with all of the printing needs involved. The time savings has allowed scouts, coaches, and the Vikings’ general manager to focus on the evaluation process. Paul Nelson
In addition, Nelson developed and led a shift to video-based applications. In conjunction with Microsoft, Nelson’s team developed a video application that scouts can use to watch National Football League (NFL) and college game film. The application stores video and data in the cloud and allows users to access three years of college film and four years of NFL film from anywhere. The application replaced the old system that required users to be in the office or have the film files saved on a hard drive to view them. Nelson is also overseeing the development of a new salary cap management system. Salary caps put a maximum limit on how much teams are able to spend on players’ salaries; the NFL’s official salary cap for 2019 is $188.2 million. In the NFL, managing the salary cap is a critical function that involves a significant number of rules and a large amount of data. Nelson hopes to streamline the process. “The system that we are building is automating a lot of the daily data processing and will allow our salary cap team to focus on future planning rather than importing and exporting data,” he noted. That mindset falls in line with how the Vikings keep innovation at the forefront of what they do. Applications that can automate certain processes allow individuals to spend more time adding value to the organization; coaches can spend more time coaching and scouts can spend more time scouting. His favorite part of working with the Vikings is getting to work on challenging and exciting projects. The video wall and draft board systems are cutting-edge, and prior to Nelson and his team’s work, hadn’t been built to this scale. The projects are also rewarding - especially the cloud-based video system that had its share of skepticism about whether or not it could be done. “As my department has grown, project management has become a larger part of my role within the Vikings,” Nelson described. “We are building bigger and more complex systems, so managing those projects has become a more difficult task.” Nelson’s time at Concordia prepared him for the victories and challenges of his position and his degree has made him more well-rounded. Not only have his CSP classes influenced his day-to-day, but so have his professors. In fact, he has kept in touch with several, including Dr. Joel Schuessler, who is helping him look into the possibility of teaching college courses. Nelson plans to begin his master’s program this fall and would love to teach classes to help new students discover the IT industry as their career path.
CSP Athletics
New turf was installed at Sea Foam Stadium this spring, replacing the surface that had been in place since the facility opened in 2009.
REGAN MCATHIE NAMED DIRECTOR OF ATHLETICS
CSP’S ESPORTS PROGRAM FIRST TO LAUNCH IN MINNESOTA
Regan McAthie was promoted to serve as Concordia St. Paul’s Director of Athletics, effective January 1, 2019. McAthie had served as Concordia's Associate Athletic Director for the previous four years, three of them alongside former AD Mark “Lunch” McKenzie, who announced his retirement from the position.
Concordia St. Paul will endorse a varsity eSports team, beginning with the 2019-2020 academic year, becoming the first in Minnesota to officially launch a varsity eSports team.
Originally hired in 2012 as assistant athletic director for compliance and senior woman administrator, McAthie was promoted to the associate athletic director position in 2015 under former A.D. Tom Rubbelke. Her career has spanned all areas of athletic administration: fundraising, sport oversight and budgeting, internal management, compliance, Title IX, sports information, public relations, championships, game management, marketing and officiating development. She's also been a key member of various committees ranging from the Concordia campus level, to the Northern Sun (NSIC) and NCAA.
Ben Allen ’20, placed fourth in the 1500-meter run at the 2019 NCAA DII Outdoor Track and Field Championships, earning First Team All-America honors, equaling the best NCAA result by a CSP track and field athlete in program history.
"We've been tracking on the growth and popularity of collegiate eSports for some time now, and consider the program a chance to provide competitive and educational opportunities to an entirely new and unique population of students," Director of Athletics Regan McAthie said. CSP intends to be a member of the National Association of Collegiate eSports (NACE) while holding its varsity eSports student-athletes to the same standards as its other official athletics programs in regards to NCAA and CSP academic eligibility. The program already has a head coach in place with the hiring of Logan Hermes in March 2019.
CONCORDIA ADDING WOMEN’S SWIMMING & DIVING Women’s swimming and diving will become CSP’s 18th intercollegiate sport when it begins competition in the 2020-21 academic year. The program will immediately be a member of the Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference and be eligible for postseason competition at the league and NCAA Division II level. "The swimming and diving community in the metro area and within our region is thriving, and this addition allows us to serve more student-athletes than ever before." CSP Director of Athletics Regan McAthie said. CSP has entered into a 22-year facility use agreement with Henry Sibley High School at its new facility, located on Sibley's campus in the St. Paul suburb of Mendota Heights.
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RIES TOWER Concordia University, St. Paul renamed the recently purchased Central Midway Building as Ries Tower at a dedication ceremony April 26, honoring the retiring President Rev. Dr. Tom Ries. Rev. Dr. Ries is the sixth Concordia St. Paul president to have a building named after him.
BEHM CROSS ROADS Concordia held a dedication ceremony May 9 for the new Behm Cross Roads addition and enhancements to Meyer Hall. The new facility includes elevator access to all three floors of Meyer Hall, restrooms on each level and additional student study space.
2019 COMMENCEMENT A total of 654 students received diplomas at CSP’s three 2019 Commencement Ceremonies May 10–11 at the Gangelhoff Center, including 212 at the traditional undergraduate programs ceremony, 152 at the adult undergraduate programs ceremony and 290 at the graduate programs ceremony.
CSP News
DR. KEVIN HALL, BA '83, APPOINTED ASSOCIATE VP FOR ACADEMIC AFFAIRS Dr. Kevin Hall, Dean of the College of Business and Technology, was appointed as the Associate Vice President for Academic Affairs. Dr. Hall will be responsible for providing leadership in increasing student success by focusing on effective pedagogy and curricular innovation. “I am honored and excited about this opportunity to work with our faculty and staff,” Dr. Hall said. “We are at our best when we work together to help our students learn and grow and our mission calls us forward.” Dr. Hall will oversee faculty work with the Curriculum and Instruction Center as well as curricular integration with the Learning Management System. The AVPAA works in close partnership with deans and academic units to develop effective pedagogy and use of technology and learning resources. Dr. Hall will continue his duties as Dean of the College of Business and Technology.
SPRING ENROLLMENT GROWTH CONTINUES TO CLIMB Concordia University, St. Paul’s spring enrollment grew nearly 4 percent compared to the same time last year, marking the 13th consecutive spring semester CSP has posted enrollment growth. The Office of Institutional Reporting officially listed the spring semester headcount at 4,857 students, a gain of 183 from a year ago. Traditional undergraduate enrollment increased 5.5 percent from a year ago, while graduate-level programs (which includes master's and doctoral degrees) increased by 4.4 percent. CSP’s adult undergraduate and online programs posted a 1.8 percent increase in enrollment over the prior year. Concordia’s spring enrollment has nearly doubled in 10 years, gaining 2,402 students compared to its 2009 spring figure of 2,455, while growing by 1,205 students in just five years (2014).
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STUDENTS OPEN UP AT HUMAN LIBRARY A CSP intercultural communication class organized a “Human Library” event as their service learning project at the end of the spring semester. The “Human Library” featured several CSP students, faculty, and staff who posed as “books,” and presented their personal stories. Event attendees had the opportunity to “check out” the “books” and listen in to their presentations. The Human Library Organization was developed in Copenhagen, Denmark as a way to facilitate open conversations about difficult discussion topics with people you might not otherwise interact within a safe space. "I have seen that the most effective way to make a difference is through interpersonal communication, one-on-one," Communication studies faculty Dr. Basma Ibrahim DeVries said, "It was gratifying to see my students see that they have the power to influence other people through an event like this." The students’ project was overseen by Ibrahim DeVries along with collaborative efforts of CSP Library staff members Jeanine Gatzke, Rachel Wightman, and Joel Bisser.
New equipment was installed in the Gangelhoff Center’s student weight room during the spring semester thanks to a partnership between Student Senate and CSP athletics.
Class Notes
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CAREER/EDUCATION 1980s Cindy Wulf-McGrath, BA '80, MA '84, is a special education teacher at Sergeant Bluff-Luton High School where she was chosen with a group of representatives to accept a National Blue Ribbon School Award on behalf of the high school in the category of Exemplary High Performing Schools. Elizabeth Myers, BA '81, will be retiring officially as of October 5, 2019 from ADP payroll Processing Services after 10 years of service.
1990s Suzanne Hilgert, BA '92, has won re-election and will begin serving her fifth term as Mayor of Minnesota's Corn Capital, Olivia, Minn. 1 Wade Kowalchyk, BA '92, accepted a teaching position at Hudson Middle School in Hudson, Wis. as a sixth grade science teacher.
2000’s Drew D. Gerdes, BA '00, is currently serving as Early Childhood Principal at Concordia International School (LCMS) in Shanghai, China. He is completing dissertation work for an EdD. in Early Childhood Leadership from Concordia - Chicago. Drew is married to Valerie, and they have one son, Oliver. When they are in the USA, they continue to make Missouri their stateside home. Mona Lisa, BA '01, has been selected as the next principal of Park Terrace Elementary School in Spring Lake Park, Minn. Jay Schutte, BA '03, will start a new position in July of 2019 as principal at King of Kings in Roseville, Minn., a Pre-K through 8th grade school where 3 of his children attend.
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Nicholas Weiler, BA '07, has accepted a position at Hudson Middle School in Hudson, Wis. as a sixth through eighth grade physical education and health teacher. Nicholas is also a seventh grade football coach. 2
Jason Kamerud, MA '08, was elected Carver County Sheriff in recent elections. More information can be found here: https://bit.ly/2DywQDv Calvin Simon, BBA '09, has accepted a position as the head coach of the Shakopee Sabres boy’s hockey team. 3
2010s Melissa (Musich) Chiodo, MA '10, former Minneapolis police commander, has been named the police chief of the Inver Grove Heights, Minn. Police Department. 4
5 Nick Falde, MA '10, has accepted a position as the next principal of Washington Alternative High School in Cottage Grove, Minn.
Ragan Balzer, MA '12, was hired by the City of Duluth Attorney's Office as the Victim Services Coordinator. She will be working with the criminal division helping victims navigate the legal process, access community resources and seeking reinstitution. Justin Gort, BA '13, completed pilot training on the CRJ 200/700/900 aircrafts in summer 2018. 6
Cordell Smith, BA '15, served as the Reading Initiatives Project Manner for the 2019 Minneapolis Local Organizing Committee (LOC), a partner with the NCAA Final Four. As part of the NCAA's community outreach, the LOC created a reading challenge for third-graders across Minnesota. Rachel Gray, BA '16, has been hired as the new Head Coach for the St. Scholastica Men's and Women's Golf Team in Duluth, Minn. She will begin this role in June 2019
Travis Johansen, BA '07, was hired as Defensive Coordinator for the University of South Dakota football team in January 2019.
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Class Notes
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HONORS/AWARDS 1970s Dr. Laurie (Wogsland) Friedrich, BA '80, and her husband, Rev. Dr. Brian Friedrich, BA '79, have been named the Nebraskan’s Friend Awardees and as Grand Marshals by the 2019 Seward Fourth of July Celebration Committee. Laurie is an instructor at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, and Brian serves as president of Concordia University, Nebraska. 7
1970’s Jim Charleston's, BA '78, screenplay, "Plastic Dad," was nominated for best screenplay at the 2018 Hoboken International Film Festival. 8 Tina (Hoyt) Lenz, BA '79, received the 2018 Annual Tribute to Women Celebration EmBe Award in Souix Falls, S.D. in the Humanities and Education category.
2000’s The Minnesota science selection committee for the Presidential Awards for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching (PAEMST) program has chosen Dr. Bonnie Laabs, BA '02, science specialist at Hamline Elementary School, as a 2018 Minnesota finalist for this award. 9 Rebecca Thomley, MA '02, of Headwaters Relief Organization, was named a 2018 APA Citizen Psychologist by the American Psychological Association for her promotion of volunteerism. 10 Matthew Werder, BA '03, is a finalist for the Healthcare Orbie Award. This award recognizes metro area chief officers for their outstanding leadership.
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11 Carol Kaszynski, BA '02, MA '07, was recently recognized for her tireless volunteer efforts and outstanding service to the Minnesota Section American Water Works Association (MN AWWA) for her work with STEM initiatives.
2010s Vernon Capelle, MA '13, EdS '15, the superintendent of Upsala Area Schools, received the 2019 Administrator of Excellence Award for Region 5 in recognition of his leadership, concern for students and active involvement in profession and community affairs. 12
ANNIVERSARIES/ ENGAGEMENTS/WEDDINGS 1990s 13 Dr. Glenn W. Offermann and his wife Marilyn, parents of Brenda (Offermann) Trunkhill, BA '98, celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary in July 2018. Glenn is retired from Concordia St. Paul where he was director of library services. He was also recently recognized for his 60 years of service to the church. Brenda is married to Rev. Chad Trunkhill, BA '99, of Fremont, Calif. Brenda and Chad have two children, Payton, 17, and Ainsley, 14.
2000s Billy Schultz, BA '08, MA '11, married Erica Davis in Minneapolis on September 16, 2018. Billy currently works at CSP as Assistant Director of Alumni Relations and Erica is a licensed therapist at a Christian counseling center. They make their home in south Minneapolis. Photo credit: Forth & Able Photography. 14
Class Notes
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2010s 15 Danielle (Bredy), BA '12, married Seraj Sarim in Frazee, Minn., surrounded by family and friends who traveled from all over the globe.
Jenna Gehl, BA '13, was engaged to Leighton Spaulding in July 2018. They look forward to their wedding on July 27, 2019. 16
Justin Gort, BA '13, married Diana Owens August 2017 in Stillwater, Minn. 17
Robert, BA '15 and Casey (Stage), BA '15, Stusynski were married at Graebner Memorial Chapel on September 29, 2018. They met while attending Concordia and wanted to celebrate their marriage where they first met. 17
BIRTHS/ADOPTIONS 1990s Amy, BA '95 and Scott, BA '94, Arntson, recently adopted a son via foster care. Their adoption story was featured in a human interest video for AdoptUSkids. View video through link: https://youtu.be/4aYFlYmZ550. Amy and Scott's son, Devan, is currently a sophomore at CSP.
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20 Kevin, BBA ‘03 and Anna (Janke), BA '03 Steinke, welcomed their first daughter, Opal Esther Steinke on December 21, 2018. She brings many smiles to her parents and brothers, Eli and Drew.
Rev. Timothy, BA '05 and Amanda Fitzner, along with big brother Luke and big sister Charlotte, are pleased to announce the birth of Benjamin Mark Fitzner, born October 5, 2018 in Normal, Ill. Benjamin was baptized at Christ Lutheran Church in Normal on October 21, 2018. 21
Abby Sultvedt, BA '08, welcomed Matthew Jacob Sultvedt on August 6, 2018. 22
2010s Penelope Jean Jahnke was born January 23, 2019 to Philip, BA '12 and Amanda (Cone), BA '12 Jahnke, and baptized February 27, 2019 at St. Paul's, Ft. Worth, Texas. Rev. Clark, BA '85 and Susan, BA '86 Jahnke are the grandparents. 23
24 Malerie (Riewer), BA '12 and Christopher Klabo's son, Calvin Christopher Klabo, was born on October 1, 2018.
2000s Lisa (Jensen), BA '02 and William Krause announce the birth of their baby boy, Terry William. Terry was born two weeks early on November 20, 2018. Terry is named after his maternal great-grandfather. 19
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GENERAL NEWS 1950s Bernie Lutz, HS '52, JC '54, Elly Lutz, Paul Pfotenhauer HS '52, JC '54, James Johnson, HS '52, JC '54 (wife Peggy Spomer not shown) and Rhoda Pfotenhauer celebrated God's abundant blessings of Word and Sacrament. All classmates were ordained and helped make disciples of "all nations". Bernie and Elly remain active as they continue to serve with the LHF in East Africa as professors for Concordia Seminary, Yambio. 25
1960s Rev. James F. Laatsch, JC ‘61, finished a full marathon in each of the fifty states. Jim began the effort at age 75 after completing a year-long vacancy. He did 50 full marathons during the next three and one half years. To keep trim during middle age Jim hiked or climbed nearly all of the more than 70 highest mountains in 49 states. Another favorite for Jim was hiking from the north rim to south rim (R2R) in the Grand Canyon (24 miles plus) in one day. A disappointment, Jim failed in his attempt to summit Mt. Kilimanjaro in Tanzania, Africa. 26
2000s Laurice Anderson, BA '00, is in the process of applying to seminary, preferably Luther Seminary in St. Paul, Minn., but also looking at Episcopal seminaries around the country. Please keep her in your prayers.
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27 Rev. Dr. Lowell S. Sorenson, BA ’00, completed the Doctor of Ministry degree at the University of Dubuque Theological Seminary in the spring of 2018. His dissertation is entitled, "Luther's Deutsche Messe as Resource and Stimulus for Lutheran Liturgical Worship in the Twenty-First Century." Pastor Sorenson graduated with the M.Div. degree from Concordia Theological Seminary in Fort Wayne, Ind. in 2004. His primary emphasis was Systematic Theology. He resides in Red Wing, Minn. with his wife Sara, BA ’99, and their two children, Chloe and Leah. He has served the historic Immanuel Lutheran Church of Hay Creek for the last fourteen years
Elizabeth Caulkins, BA '08, will be graduating in August 2019 from The University of Texas at Tyler in Tyler, Texas with her Masters in Neuropsychology.
INSTALLATIONS/ ORDINATIONS
2000s
Rev. Christopher Martin, BA ‘02, was installed as Pastor of St. John's Evangelical Lutheran Church-Vilmar, rural Greene, Iowa on August 26, 2018. Pastor Martin had previously served congregations in Audubon, Iowa (2007-10), McConnellsburg, Penn. (2010-12), and Emmons, Minn. (2013-18).Pastor Martin and his wife Lindsay, have three children, Bradon, Zachary, and Cassie. 28
Mark Schwarz, BA '03, recently received a call to serve as a Pastor at Trinity in Carlos, Minn. Rev. Timothy Fitzner, BA '05, was installed as Associate Pastor at Christ Lutheran Church, Normal, Ill. on July 2, 2017. 29
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Class Notes
IN MEMORIAM 1940s
1970s
Dr. David Beyer Sr., HS '40, passed away on April 12, 2018.
Scott Walter, HS '73, passed away on March 29, 2013.
Rev. Dr. Wilbert Rosin, HS '40, JC '42, passed away on October 29, 2018. Wilbert was a recipient of the Concordia St. Paul Aeterna Moliri award in 1997.
Dennis Mavis, BA '76, passed away March 27, 2018.
1950s Dr. Daniel Janssen, JC '52, passed away on August 24, 2018. Norbert Seebach, HS '53, passed away on February 6, 2019. Eunice (Naumann) Nissen, AA '53, passed away on August 19, 2015. Mary Brehmer, AA '55, passed away on March 2, 2019. Sylvia Franzmeier, AA '56, passed away on November 27, 2018. Verle Paul, AA '57, passed away on January 1, 2019. Rev. Dr. William Meyer, HS '58, AA '60, passed away on February 1, 2019. Donald Ahlman AA '59, passed away on March 8, 2019.
1960s Sandra (Buffington) Foreman, JC '60, passed away on August 17, 2018. Rev. Harvey Kath, BA '60, passed away on October 30, 2018.
Rev. David Maki, BA '77, passed away on January 17, 2019. Rev. Chris Ongstad, BA '77, passed away on March 27, 2018.
1980s Rev. Carl Weis, BA '81, passed away on May 30, 2018. Louis B. Carter, BA '82, passed away on September 19, 2016. Lisa Krengel, BA '84, passed away on April 21, 2019.
1990s Dennis Bosma, BA '92, passed away on October 26, 2018. Susan (Fossum) Sands, BA '98, passed away on September 9, 2018.
2000s Alberta Chang, BA '06, passed away on June 2, 2010.
2010s Christopher Pfeifer, BA '12, passed away on February 25, 2019. Desiree Y. Jackson, BA '14, passed away on April 2, 2017.
Dennis Haack, HS '61, passed away on April 18, 2019. Joyce Meyer, BA '65, passed away on August 15, 2018. Daryl F. Behnke, BA '69, passed away September 24, 2019.
Upcoming Alumni Events Golden Bear Summer Golf Classic
Class of '69 Golden Reunion
June 21 | River Oaks Golf Course | Cottage Grove, Minn.
August 13–14 | Concordia St. Paul campus
NYG Alumni Reception
CSP Homecoming 2019
July 14 | 4-6pm | Brit's Pub
October 10-12
LCMS Convention | Joint CUS Reception July 23 | Tampa, Fla. | Tampa Marriott Water Street
Gift Planning
Longtime Alumni Supporters Find New Way to Give Back What happens when a Minnesota farm boy and the daughter of a Minnesota pastor meet in the Registrar’s Office at Concordia St. Paul. In the case of Wayne, AA '64 and Lois (Spomer), BA '64 Lehrer, it’s 52 years of marriage and counting. Wayne studied ministry at CSP, while Lois was in the first cohort of teachers to obtain a four-year degree. CSP has always been meaningful for Lois; her parents and four siblings also graduated from the university.
We have a great love for the school. The leadership is excellent, and programs and majors keep growing. –Wayne Lehrer
Over the decades, the Lehrers have given regularly to CSP. More recently, they decided to leave an estate gift to the university. “We had an annuity set aside that we called the college fund,” Wayne explains. But thanks to a steady paycheck from the military, for which Wayne worked as a chaplain, the Lehrers didn’t need those funds to send their three children to college. Now, CSP will be one of the beneficiaries of the annuity. “It’s a tax benefit for our estate, so our children won’t have to pay taxes on it,” Wayne notes. Beyond the financial benefits, the Lehrers are excited to be able to continue their support of Concordia University, St. Paul. “We’ve always loved the school,” Lois says. “There are a lot of good memories there.”
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SPRING/SUMMER 2019 • CONCO RDIA ST. PAUL MAGAZINE
SUPPORT WHAT MATTERS MOST TO YOU Your gifts empower our students with the financial aid they need to receive a life-changing Concordia education. By donating, you provide students the opportunity to discover and engage in their purpose for life and career in a dynamic, multicultural, urban community where Christ is honored and all are welcome. An estate gift is a simple way to extend your connection to Concordia University, St. Paul. Contact Matt Steiner at 651-641-8243 or steiner@csp.edu to learn more about your giving options.
Donor Support: Creating Opportunities
CONCORDIA'S COMMUNITY UNITES FOR #CSPDAY SUCCESS $50,000+
277 DONORS
GIVEN ON CSP DAY
THANK YOU!
Wednesday, March 20, 2019 marked Concordia’s sixth annual #CSPday - a 24 hour online challenge for the Concordia community to showcase school spirit and empower current students with a gift to one of this year’s designations: CSP Athletics, CSP Ministry or the Opportunity Fund. This year, we were able to set a whole new standard for #CSPday, with 277 alumni and friends empowering Concordia students with their generosity, raising more than $50,000. Thank you to all of the alumni and friends who were a part of this success!
Become a Responsive Partner by establishing a recurring gift that is convenient and easy for you and and cost effective for Concordia. Go to www.ave.csp.edu/responsive for more information. Many employers have a matching gift program to match their employee's charitable giving. YOU CAN FIND OUT IF YOUR EMPLOYER MATCHES YOUR GIVING AT: WWW.AVE.CSP.EDU/EMPLOYERMATCHING
STUDENTS ARE GRATEFUL! "I am from Chicago and have been at Concordia for four years. I'm on the men’s basketball team and in the communication club. Honestly, my life has been a roller coaster and without your help I wouldn't be here so I just want to say—thank you so much." Brandon McRoy, BA ’19 Communication Studies major, Marketing minor
"Your generous donations allow me to continue my education here at CSP. Without generous donors like yourself, I would not have the financial resources to attend CSP. Thank you so much for making my education possible!" Allyssa Guynes, BA ‘19 Christian Ministry major, Lutheran Theology minor
CONCO RDIA ST. PAUL MAGAZINE • SPRING/SUMMER 2019
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