Concordia St. Paul magazine FALL 2017
C SP SPOTLIGHT Pages 10 –12
A Modern Church Planting Movement Pages 2–9
C SP NEWS Pages 14 –17
CL ASS NOTES Pages 22–26
Concordia University, St. Paul
1282 Concordia Ave St. Paul, MN 55104
651-641-8810 1-866-GROW-CSP ave.csp.edu facebook.com/concordiastpaul Publisher
Office of University Advancement Editor and Writer
Tad Dunham
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Additional Editing and Writing
Tom Brandes Danielle Bredy (‘12) Josh Deer (‘04, M.A. ‘09) Amy Foster Rev. Tom Gunderman Amanda (Och, ’14, MBA ‘17) Padula Rhonda (Behm, ’88) Palmersheim
IN THIS ISSUE:
Design and Layout
Isaac Morrell
2 Cover Story: Church Planting
Photography
11 Adrian Perryman Impacts Local Community
Justin Oakman, Anna Rajdl, Reid Ridpath (MBA ‘17)
13 CSP Ministry
Printing
16 Concordia Receives NetVUE Award
14 Initial Class of DPT Students Graduate
Ideal Printers Inc. St. Paul, MN
19 Athletic Alums Continue Impact at CSP 27 Advancement Update
About Us
Concordia University, St. Paul is a member of the Concordia University System, a national network of 10 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. Discovery Club canoe trip, early ‘80s © 2017 Concordia University St. Paul
Ham Radio Club, 1965
Thoughts
from the President
As a young pastor, I was called to help plant a congregation in a suburb of the Twin Cities. It was some of the most exciting and exhausting work I have ever done. For three years, a core group of Christians met on Sunday mornings in a public school gymnasium for worship, fellowship, and education. Ministry the rest of the week happened in the homes of members and friends of the church. Bible studies, youth and children’s programs, choir rehearsals, planning meetings, Sunday school teacher training, personal and family counselling, and every other aspect of ministry were dispersed throughout the community. Each week, new residents moving into the community and visitors to our worship services were contacted by members of the congregation with a friendly invitation to join us in our walk with Christ. As in the Book of Acts, “the Word of the Lord grew” (Acts 19:20). Eventually, the congregation purchased property and constructed its first permanent home. The gifts and talents of hundreds of individuals established the church, “but God made it grow” (1 Corinthians 3:6). This issue of Concordia St. Paul Magazine features graduates who have gone on from Concordia to plant ministries throughout the world. Among our mission-planting graduates is our own President Emeritus Robert Holst (’56). After graduating from CSP and Concordia Seminary, he planted congregations throughout Papua New Guinea. Bob himself pays tribute to CSP graduate Dr. Willard Burce (’43) as one of the fathers of mission-planting in New Guinea. Yet another mission planter-alumnus in the Pacific Rim is Fred Voightmann (’60), a practicing attorney living in Taipei who has helped found Christian schools in China and Vietnam. His wife, Paula, founded Christian Salvation Service in Taiwan, bringing the Gospel to untold numbers of children and young mothers. Fred and Paula were given the Aeterna Moliri Award (Builders for Eternity) at commencement last spring in recognition of their inspiring mission-planting work in Asia. CSP graduates have historically been involved in mission planting activities throughout the world, and recent graduates continue that tradition today. In the pages of this issue you will read a number of their stories. We invite you to send us similar stories, of which we may not be aware, through email, social media, or even a good-old fashioned letter. During this academic year we are, of course, recognizing the 500th Anniversary of Luther’s posting of his 95 Theses in Wittenberg, using Saved by Grace as the theme for our 124th academic year. The year will be marked by special worship services, lectures, art displays, theatrical performances and musical concerts. But there can be no greater tribute to our Reformation heritage than our graduates who, through word and deed in both church and society, live out the astonishing good news that we are saved by grace through faith in Jesus Christ. Amen to that!
Rev. Dr. Tom Ries, President Concordia University, St. Paul CONCO RDIA ST. PAUL MAGAZINE • FALL 2017
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NEARLY 125 years ago, Concordia was founded to prepare students to enter the professional ministries of The Lutheran Church–Missouri Synod. Since then, the University has grown to meet the evolving needs of students, the community, and the Church, all the while holding our historical mission steadfast. Today, our church work programs continue to invigorate those who are called to serve Christ in our changing world, and we proudly salute our alumni who are doing so by planting new LCMS churches.
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Cover Story
If
you happened to see Rev. Andy Audette (’10) walking various Twin Cities suburban streets as he contemplated where to plant a new church, you wouldn’t necessarily have noticed he was praying for guidance and help in determining the most fertile ground upon which to plant. Instead, you might have assumed he was a small businessman deciding where to locate a new business—and you wouldn’t have been that far off the mark. Like a businessman, Andy had many things to consider in order to meet the needs of his future congregation: Would people be
receptive to his message? Could he attract volunteers or hire employees to help him reach others in the community? Could he find and afford to rent space in a school, theater, or warehouse? Where would he get all the things he and his wife, Katy (Davis, ’10), needed to temporarily transform a public space into a house of worship? Fortunately, Andy and Katy found the answers to these and other questions as they successfully planted a church. But their journey illustrates the difficulties facing today’s church planters—and how Concordia helped equip them to meet the challenge.
RETURNING TO THE ROOTS Two years ago, a comprehensive study of America’s changing religious landscape conducted by the Pew Research Center found that the Christian share of the U.S. population, particularly among young adults, is declining. Although Evangelical Protestant denominations are faring better than Mainline Protestants and Catholics, The Lutheran Church–Missouri Synod has seen a decline in membership. This past summer, the Minneapolis StarTribune cited a 25 percent drop in LCMS membership nationally since 1988. Reasons for these declines include aging membership, fewer children per family, competition for Sunday family time, and an increasingly secular world. In fact, people who do not identify with any organized religion make up a growing share of the U.S. population.
A Pew study revealed the following about LCMS membership:
30% are age 65 or older, and 28% are ages 50 to 64
47% attend religious services once a week, and 38% twice a month or a few times a year
22% are parents of children under age 18
53% seldom or never attend prayer, scripture study, or religious education groups
In some ways, LCMS members mirror the rest of our nation’s citizens. They’re getting older and busier, have less free time, and they are spending less time in church. But the LCMS also differs in one important way. Rather than becoming more diverse in terms of race, ethnicity, and country of origin, 95 percent of LCMS members in the U.S. are white, and only three percent are immigrants. Though these numbers seem to tell a bleak story, keep in mind that historically, the LCMS has been known as a church-planting denomination. In the early days, “circuit rider” ministers would often travel from place to place in areas that lacked congregations, serving as missionaries to populations such as German immigrants in the Midwest. In the South during the early 1900s, Rosa Young (who came to be known as the “Mother of Black Lutheranism in Central Alabama”) served as a teacher, missionary, and fundraiser. She helped establish five schools in Alabama and travelled the state to tell other Lutherans about the African-American mission. Churches were later established where she founded these schools. Yet times changed, notes the Rev. Dr. William Utech (‘81), who serves in the LCMS’s Minnesota South District as assistant to the district president for missions. “In a churched culture during the period following World War II, evangelism meant simply opening the church doors on Sunday morning,” says Utech. “The LCMS seemingly forgot the importance of planting churches, then forgot how to do it. Only recently has the LCMS rediscovered that this is what a healthy church does.”
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A NATIONAL PUSH Over the past several years, the LCMS has worked to return to its roots as a church planting denomination. The Office of National Mission has helped reinvigorate church plantings by recruiting mother congregations to support church planting, engaging districts to find areas with the best fit for planting, creating funding models, and establishing seminary programs to provide missionaries.
The National Office is helping by creating a step-by-step approach to church planting in order to equip planters with the right tools. At the same time, Schave recognizes that a one-size-fits-all approach doesn’t work, as attempts to replicate successful plantings haven’t always been as promising. He believes the results are solely up to God, but he’ll continue to help planters be fruitful.
The Rev. Dr. Steven D. Schave is director of LCMS Urban & Inner-City Mission (UICM) and director of LCMS Church Planting for the Office of National Mission.
Just as children grow and beget more children, Schave would love to see exponential growth as mother congregations calve daughter congregations, who in turn become mother congregations. He believes church planting is the best way to do this.
“Increasing urbanization in recent decades hasn’t worked in the LCMS’s favor, and inner cities have not been a primary strength of recruiting efforts,” says Schave. “So with church planting, we’ve been very intentional to find the best opportunities to reach those who are least like us. We need to engage and show God’s love through acts of mercy.”
“We’re helping districts by creating awareness about the need for planting and by providing resources and tools to be successful, including mentoring, tutoring, grants, and funding,” explains Schave. “We can walk together with the districts, and put the pieces together to make successful plantings a reality.”
According to Schave, research indicates that the number of new churches the LCMS needs to plant each year is two percent of its number of existing churches—or roughly 125 churches a year—or else its populations will shrink.
THE ROLE OF THE PLANTER
Despite the challenges, Schave believes church planting is the future of the LCMS: “We want to be faithful to God, reach out to newcomers, and go where God affords.”
MODERN CHURCH PLANTS Most of the churches planted today aren’t holding services in an actual church building, but rather in rented space at schools or theaters. A guiding principle is that the facilities don’t matter as much as the relationships created in them and how community members view the Church’s authenticity.
William Utech (‘81) didn’t see the passage “Go forth and plant churches” in the Book of Acts. Rather, he says, disciples brought their faith with them. Disciples made disciples. “A successful planting requires someone from an existing congregation to lead others into an under-served area. When reaching out to the unchurched, a lot depends on the planter himself,” says Utech. “Planting a church is hard on the planter’s family. It’s expensive and lonely, and it’s definitely not for the faint of heart,” Utech points out. “To plant a church requires a certain set of abilities and skills. That person has to have a strong faith in Christ and the ability to lead others and garner a following.”
“We have a reputation for taking the Bible seriously, and we’re making an impact.” — Rev. Dr. Steven D. Schave
A planter typically hives off an existing church group and plants a new church. Yet Utech notes that existing churches can often view a planted church as a threat, rather than as a partner: “Most pastors don’t plant churches or understand how to do it, so they may view planting with suspicion rather than joy.”
“We have our Lutheran identity—serving others who haven’t been served, bringing a fresh and very powerful message, and putting it into practice in our communities—and we’re respected for taking our Lutheran faith seriously,” says Schave. “We have a reputation for taking the Bible seriously, and we’re making an impact.”
He notes that more than 80 percent of LCMS congregations are in decline and therefore have a scarcity mindset. “Only 16 percent of congregations are growing,” says Utech. “New churches win new people faster than established churches, so the best way to win new people is to plant new churches.”
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Cover Story
Utech says district support through coaching, mentoring, and financial resources is critical. When a planting is done “by guess and by gosh,” he estimates it has a 40 percent chance of success. When done intentionally, it has a 60 percent chance of success. And with coaching and proactive efforts from the district, that number increases to 65 percent.
“New churches win new people faster than established churches, so the best way to win new people is to plant new churches.” — Rev. Dr. William Utech In the Minnesota South District, the preferred method of church planting is to use the New Church Incubator process. The four-year cost to plant a church with a full-time planter is $450,000. Generally speaking, about $200,000 is provided by the mother congregation; $100,000 comes from the district’s general mission fund; and the remaining $150,000 is crowdfunded through donations from individuals and congregations to the New Church Incubator.
CSP ALUMNI CHURCH PLANTERS Among the most essential traits of a church planter is a commitment to outreach, so it is no coincidence that Concordia alumni are among the LCMS’s successful church planters. Concordia has a long tradition emphasizing Christian outreach, which has been foundational to the University’s mission ever since its inception. Mark Koschmann is a theology and ministry instructor at Concordia, as well as the Fiechtner Chair in Christian Outreach and director of the Hoffmann Mentoring Initiative. “Currently, our theology department prepares students for a variety of full-time church ministry positions including Director of Christian Outreach,” Koschmann says. “Several graduates have gone on to seminary, where they more specifically prepare for pastoral ministry and church planting. For instance, Concordia Seminary, St. Louis offers a concentration in Mission Formation as preparation for church planting, urban ministry, and cross-cultural ministries.” This was indeed the path of some of our church planting alums.
“You want to give each church the best possible chance of success,” says Utech. “I hope people will support the incubator process and remember that they’re in a congregation because people of God sacrificed to make their church a reality.”
THE IDEAL AGE MIX In the so-called “post-church culture” when there are fewer Christian churches per capita than ever before, most Christian churches are in decline. David Olson, author of The American Church in Crisis, took a look at what’s going on and determined what makes a healthy church. Age brings wisdom, yet a church that is out of balance when it comes to the age of its members can lack the energy and exuberance of young, excited, and passionate people who keep it alive and healthy. Here is a good youth/wisdom mix of congregants according to Olson, in comparison to the current LCMS membership situation in Minnesota.
Older than 40
Ages 11 to 40
Younger than 11
Ideal
48%
36%
16%
Minnesota LCMS
83%
13%
4%
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REV. TOM BRAUN (’78) Tom Braun grew up in a pastor’s family and says it was the last thing he wanted to do himself. Yet, not only has he been a pastor (a teacher at his Lutheran high school kept encouraging him to become one), he has also planted three churches. He credits Concordia for providing excellent theological training and great friends who loved the Lord. At seminary, where he scored high on people skills, he studied planting and being a missionary. Within three years, he planted Family of Christ Church in Andover, Minn., a growing community where he stayed for more than 12 years. “At Family of Christ Church, I enjoyed talking to people who were struggling in their faith, and bringing traditional Lutheran values into a non-traditional setting,” says Braun. “My wife Colleen (Meyer, ‘78 and a member of CSP’s Board of Regents) is a trained church worker, and she served alongside me in women’s ministry. I couldn’t have done it without her work and assistance behind the scenes.” The first year, Braun led Bible studies and worked to build trust and calm the waters after the previous pastor left abruptly. He began making cold calls, asking residents if they’d like to talk about Christ. For every 100 calls he made, five wanted to talk— eventually, he took many of those through adult instruction in the Lutheran faith. Christ Victorious Church in Chaska, Minn. was his second plant. He tried the same techniques that had proven successful in Andover, calling on people and adding staff as the church grew. Again, he stayed for 12 years. “I’d call it ‘building caring relationships through Christ,’ ” says Braun. “Talk about your faith — live it, share it. The setting was very small (five or six families) and more unified than in Andover. It involved lots more fundraising, calling on people, and teaching.”
He spent time getting to know the community and discovered only about 18 percent were going to church regularly. Braun was negotiating to buy an old nursing home in the community when the owner unexpectedly gifted it to his church. His congregation is currently meeting in the dining hall but plans to build a more traditional-looking worship space this fall. They are also remodeling the building’s north wing to provide transitional housing for families with children, in order to give them a hand up and touch people’s lives. “I believe the town of St. Peter is living in a post-church context. Church significance is waning. They don’t look to the Church; it’s not seen as relevant or important. They look to other means,” says Braun. “At the same time, people with a church background often have a hard time understanding those struggling without a church home.” Our Savior Lutheran Church in Mankato, Minn., served as a mother congregation, supporting Braun’s church financially and with prayers.
His third plant, River of Life Lutheran in St. Peter, Minn., was different. The church started with only five or six families. The town itself wasn’t growing. There were lots of churches, but people weren’t attending services.
“I’d call it ‘building caring relationships through Christ.’ Talk about your faith — live it, share it.” — Rev. Tom Braun (’78)
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REV. KEN HARSTE (’80) In the early 1980’s, Ken Harste was sent as a vicar to plant a church in Rogue River, Ore., and soon discovered he had a heart for those who were far from God. After years of ministry in established churches, Rev. Harste felt led to close out his ministry the same way he began, by planting a new church. In 2011, the Minnesota South District called Rev. Harste to plant a church near Otsego, Minn., and provided initial funding (along with the Minnesota North District) for Samaritans Hill Lutheran Church. The church meets at Hassan Elementary School in Rogers and has 70 worshippers on Sundays. Lacking a permanent facility for worship requires significantly more time and energy due to set up, tear down, and the hauling of equipment. The greater challenges have been the reality that a school setting doesn’t provide space for weekday ministry needs, such as Bible study or counseling. “Logistics complicate every part of ministry, including writing sermons and teaching confirmation classes,” says Rev. Harste. “I use Skype for confirmation classes and for most meetings. In instances where people used to come to my office, I now meet with them in coffee shops.” Finding resources also takes time and energy. It costs $16,000 a year to rent a community room or school space on Sunday mornings. While that may seem high, it’s one-third the cost of renting warehouse or retail space in the area. He believes CSP helped in many ways beyond a four-year degree to prepare him for church planting. What can’t be underestimated are the relationships he formed with his professors and peers, some of which have been maintained throughout his ministry. They’ve often answered questions, provided encouragement or helped him make other connections that have aided his ministry. Looking back over his 35+ years in ministry, Rev. Harste has seen profound cultural changes in society, particularly how society views Christianity and the church today. “God isn’t on people’s radar anymore. People are caught up in everything the world has to offer with no vision of life beyond this world.” Harste says. Perhaps that more than anything else is what has created the sense of urgency for Pastor Harste to reach out to those far from God.
REV. ANDY (’10) AND KATY (DAVIS, ’10) AUDETTE Andy Audette planted Remedy Church in Oakdale, Minn., in the fall of 2016, working as a team with his wife, Katy, who “is right there with me,” he says. The process began with the Minnesota South District’s New Church Incubator, which used crowdsourcing to provide funds to bring someone out to plant a church. The District wanted the right person, at the right time, with the right plan. That person was Andy. “We had a blank slate as far as where we wanted to plant a church. We prayed a lot and went all over the Minneapolis-St. Paul metro area, walking around and praying,” recalls Andy. “When I prayer walked around Oakdale, I had spontaneous conversations with people and found chalk messages on the sidewalk that really seemed like signs. I felt this community is where we belonged.” After deeper conversations with police, school principals, and other community leaders, Andy was sure Oakdale was the right place. In the fall of 2015, to get to know the city better, Andy used an app called Map My Route to map one- to two-mile routes where he again walked, prayed, and talked to residents. Later when he met people, he could picture their neighborhood and honestly say, “We prayed for you in front of your house.” Then the process combined theology with essentially a small business start-up. While still in his previous post at The Alley in Cottage Grove, Minn., Andy built a team to move with him. He shared his vision for Remedy Church, which highlighted asking disconnected people to come and know Jesus. Four or five nights a week, he recruited people who shared his vision to take up the new challenge. “This was the most difficult aspect of church planting, getting people to say ‘yes.’ We got 30 people out of 300 we asked,” says Andy. “Lots of people could give money or pray, but giving up their current life was difficult. I wasn’t promising them comfort.”
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“People who said ‘yes’ had a God-sending story about how God was working in their life,” adds Katy. “We also had people physically move their household into the community.” Remedy Church was planted in the fall of 2016, with the 30 people Andy and Katy recruited. Andy challenged each recruit to double him/herself by summer of 2017, and the congregation has grown to 50-60 in regular worship. Andy has also performed four baptisms, including for three adults. According to Andy, the name of the church came about through a “weird process.” The word “remedy” came to him at odd times in songs on the radio and in coffee shops. Then it hit him. “All the bad stuff in our world—war, disease, politics. The world is broken, and the remedy is Jesus,” adds Andy. “We want to see genuinely disconnected people come to faith and see Jesus as the remedy to our community ills.” The church meets at Sky View Community School, and the set-up crew uses a rented trailer to bring equipment from a storage unit, beginning set up at 7 a.m. for the 10 a.m. service. It takes a lot of work, but Andy says the crew has really pulled together. Katy provides informal support and helps with anything Andy needs, including coordinating the women’s ministry and Sunday school.
“We’re not in this to be a mega church. Even if we reach just one person and introduce them to Jesus, it’s all worth it.” — Katy (Davis, ’10) Audette Katy and Andy each received their Director of Christian Education degree from CSP. “Concordia has great faculty who gave me practical, hands-on experiences. I wasn’t sitting behind books. I learned what’s really important. I’m passionate about people and making a difference in their lives,” says Andy. “Concordia faculty encouraged us to hone our skills, and they put church planting on our minds. I want to be all in, not sit on my butt. If I believe, I believe everything He said. If this (Jesus) is real, people have to know.” Andy feels his church’s success comes down to three words: experience, connect, and impact. He wants church members to experience Jesus on Sunday mornings; connect with others via the connection groups; and impact the Oakdale community. “This is what we do. If you have a role in all three, then you’re on track,” Andy says. “We’re not in this to be a mega church,” adds Katy. “Even if we reach just one person and introduce them to Jesus, it’s all worth it.”
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REV. JON KUEHNE (’11) Woodbury Lutheran Church in Woodbury, Minn., a multisite church, planted a church in a growing, rural section of the city. When Rev. Jon Kuehne joined his church’s staff, the congregation had already decided to start a new campus but was unsure about which site was optimal. Pastor Jon Kuehne (’11) publicly planted the Liberty Ridge Campus in February 2017, following a soft launch in January that allowed the congregation to get their bearings and understand their new space in Liberty Ridge Elementary School. The Liberty Ridge site was ultimately selected because some congregation members already lived nearby and the area has strong population growth. “Once we selected the site, we worked with Portable Church Industries (PCI) to build a package that contains everything a church needs—from a diaper changing station to the Communion rail,” says Kuehne. “We wanted to transform the space so it wouldn’t look like a school gym, and one week before the public planting PCI provided everything in a trailer that has our church logos on it.” In the fall of 2016, Kuehne ramped up conversations within the larger congregation, asking specific people to come with him to plant the new campus. The most difficult task he faced was getting certain people to join him. Some people were connected to the existing space, and some who seemed like a perfect fit with the new campus ultimately said no. “It’s a lot of work using a portable church, and it’s exciting. I feel those who said ‘no’ missed a great opportunity to be a part of something new and help make new disciples,” says Kuehne. “Ultimately 75 adults and 25 kids, including high school students, joined us in planting the new Liberty Ridge Campus. In fact, some of the kids asked their parents to join the effort.” Average worship attendance was 80 people at the soft launch; now it’s 100 people, so there’s been some growth, including a couple baptisms. Liberty Ridge Campus is
Cover Story
connected to the other Woodbury Lutheran Church campuses through their programs, including Kids Ministry. Kuehne credits the staff in the Concordia theology department for preparing him to be a church planter. As a student, he pushed back against the “We’ve always done it this way” notion and in return, the staff provided him with their perspectives. He also preached three times at Wednesday night Fish Service. “It was cool for me to preach a sermon and present the gospel,” adds Kuehne. On the importance of planting churches, Kuehne notes that if everyone in Woodbury went to a church, thousands would be turned away, because there are not enough churches in the growing suburb to handle all of the city’s residents. The son of a pastor, Kuehne watched as LCMS churches went from healthy and growing to dying. He saw friends with broken lives. However, knowing Jesus and going to church was the last thing they wanted to do. He became convinced Jesus wanted him to be a pastor and began thinking about church revitalization. His advice to other church planters is to realize they don’t need to know everything. It’s also important to meet the community, spend time listening, and figure out who they are and how to meet their needs. “I have a heart for people who are disconnected from Jesus, people who don’t know God cares about them. It makes me sad,” says Kuehne. “We’re here to connect with church people and unchurched people.”
HOW YOU CAN HELP Andy Audette, Jon Kuehne, Steve Schave, Tom Braun, and others offered the following suggestions on ways to assist the LCMS in successfully planting churches. • Pray. It’s the most important thing. Pray for the newly planted churches; pray for all missionaries and church planters. Pray, earnestly pray, for church planting. • Talk to a church planter if one visits your church. Be ready and willing to jump on board if asked. • Prayerfully consider saying yes to a church plant. It will stretch and grow you in unbelievable ways. • Consider how you can support missionaries and participate in the work of planting. • Pray the Lord of Harvest will send laborers. • Pray for those who are not connected to Jesus and share Christ with them. • Provide names of people moving into areas near newly planted churches so planters can reach out and invite them via calls or texts to join their church. • Provide financial support for local mission work. The constant battle to find resources can’t be underestimated. • Consider volunteering to help set up and take down a church in a school or community center. Visit the Minnesota South District Website (www.mnsdistrict.org/new-churchincubator) to learn other specific ways you can help.
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CSP Spotlight
WHEN A CAREER PATH CURVES
Business professor Christine Kudelka (M.A. ’05) helps students navigate career changes, having made a couple of them herself.
It’s been a winding career path for Christine Kudelka, a faculty member in Concordia’s MBA and adult undergraduate business administration programs. That’s partly why she’s the ideal person for students to turn to as they explore where to best leverage their own skills and interests.
Thomas and embarked on a master’s degree in organizational leadership from Concordia St. Paul. Then she became a full-time CSP faculty member in 2006 and began drawing upon her relationship-building skills to connect her business students with area employers.
From Elementary Education to Corporate Business
Matching Skills with Opportunities
After receiving her undergraduate degree in teaching, Kudelka entered the education profession as a permanent elementary school substitute teacher. She didn’t really like the job, however. “So I carefully examined my skill set, and I realized that corporate sales would be a better fit for me,” explains Kudelka. Her career switch to a corporate sales job with National Car Rental worked out well for her. Within 10 years, Kudelka was a national vice president of sales with 90 people reporting to her, working in New York City and traveling extensively nationwide. Kudelka never felt she was selling a product; rather, she was building relationships. With strong interpersonal skills, she went on to become a vice president for marketing at Great Clips and then a vice president at Minnesota-based boat builder Jacobs Management Corporation.
From Corporate Business to Business Education Kudelka felt everything was good in her corporate career until 9/11. On that fateful day, she was on a plane that landed in Kansas City when U.S. airspace was closed. She rented a car and, driving back to Minnesota, listened to the news as the Twin Towers fell. “Driving home, I asked myself, ‘Why are you doing this?’ I realized the classroom was where I belonged. I needed to do what I was passionate about,” she recalls. So Kudelka forged a way to combine her business expertise with her passion for teaching and mentoring. She taught courses as an adjunct professor at the University of St.
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Kudelka’s discussions with a SuperValu executive about how to find and train employees for jobs and promotions resulted in the creation of the Food Industry Management program at Concordia. Within five years, 90 participants had gone through the program; 50 received bachelor’s degrees, and nine went on to receive their MBA.
“Strong outside partnerships bring Concordia’s tagline alive: They’re responsive to business needs and provide relevant and real skills that our students can use in their next job.” Christine Kudelka “All of them ended up with wonderful careers because they learned critical skills they could use on the job,” adds Kudelka. She also made connections that ultimately resulted in a partnership with the Network of Executive Women. Each year, approximately 140 CSP students participate in on-campus panel discussions with these executives, giving the students exposure to networking and mentoring opportunities. “Partnerships such as these also help us understand what businesses want in job candidates, and we build that into our coursework so students gain necessary skills and bring value to their employers,” notes Kudelka. Kudelka finds it especially rewarding to teach her students what she’s always been good at: analyzing her skills to see where they can be best utilized. “In business, I saw that if you could help people understand their skills, you could help them apply those skills to a job where they can contribute and succeed. Now, I enjoy helping students find what opportunities exist to match their skills.”
CSP Spotlight
OFF CAMPUS WITH ADRIAN PERRYMAN
Active in the local community and beyond, Concordia faculty and staff are role models for how to build relationships, make connections, and give back. There’s no better example than what Assistant Director for Academic Advising Adrian Perryman (’07) does during his spare time. Although he still lives and works close to where he grew up, Adrian Perryman is active in the much broader community, helping to make the Twin Cities a better place to live, work, and play. As a student at Concordia, Perryman majored in communications studies, played football, and ran track. After graduation, he joined College Possible, a nonprofit AmeriCorps organization that makes college admission and success possible for lowincome students. His one-year term with College Possible was almost finished when he heard about a job opening in CSP’s admissions office. “A former teammate was working in Admissions when I was a senior and that was the first time I saw someone who looked like me working there,” recalls Perryman. “I hadn’t thought about working at Concordia until then.” Perryman sailed through his interview process, was hired as an admissions counselor, and now serves as assistant director for academic advising as he begins his tenth year as a Concordia staff member. “I enjoy working with students,” says Perryman. “I feel like I’m making a difference and helping change lives.” And he also feels strongly about giving back to his community. Perryman helps to coordinate Conordia’s participation in the Rondo Days parade. Rondo Days is an annual community celebration commemorating the vibrant, predominantly black Rondo neighborhood that was destroyed by construction of I-94 in the 1960s. “I have a long association with the Rondo Days parade— going to the parade as a child, being in the parade as a Concordia football player, and now representing the University as a staff member,” says Perryman, since each year CSP participates by entering a car or float in the parade. Perryman was appointed by St. Paul Mayor Chris Coleman to serve on the St. Paul Planning Commission. The mayor wanted diverse input from community members so the city continues to grow in all ways. Perryman also served on the Snelling Midway Advisory
Committee, is a member of the Union Park District Council, and a member of the board at the Hallie Q. Brown Community Center where he provides guidance and participates in community events. Perryman, along with a group of his high school classmates, started the Philando Castile Memorial Scholarship. Castile was shot and killed by a police officer during a July 2016 traffic stop. Perryman knew Castile. They both attended Central High School and Castile was a classmate of Perryman’s brother. He appreciated the opportunity to help out and do something positive in Castile’s memory. “Central Honors Philando is a community event that brings people together to celebrate his life, raise money for the scholarship in his names, and connect with community involvement opportunities”. “I’m very fortunate to have a good life, being able to go to college, get married, have a good job, and give back to my community,” explains Perryman. “My siblings and I grew up in a household where volunteering was important, and both my parents worked for non-profit organizations. We were taught to show up lend a hand so we can all do better.”
A Man of Music In addition to his Concordia job, Adrian Perryman also operates a DJ business called Events by MV (EventsbyMV.com). He was exposed to a variety of music from an early age, and starting in high school Perryman played music in the locker room before football games using his brother’s hand-me-down equipment. He found he enjoyed DJing, so he began practicing and trying new things. As word spread, Perryman started working house parties and moved on to working larger parties, nightclubs, and corporate events. After 15 years, Events by MV has thrived. Perryman has performed at more than 1,000 events, and now most of his work is playing wedding receptions. “I have eclectic musical tastes— from country to pop to rap. I know music, and I’ve learned how to present it to audiences,” says Perryman. “From starting with hand-me-down equipment, now I have a state-of-the-art sound system and 90,000 songs in my collection.”
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CSP Spotlight
ALUMNUS RICK BELL SECURES BOEING’S INTEREST OVERSEAS
An international security advisor for Boeing, Rick Bell (‘16) ensures the safety of the company’s people, property, and information. After 26 years working in security for Boeing, Rick Bell (’16) has moved to Sydney, Australia to serve as an international security advisor overseeing all of Boeing Australia, New Zealand and Oceania. In his words, the company’s ultimate goal is “to connect the world physically through each of its business units.” In an effort to support this mission, Bell is responsible for enhancing business resilience and protecting Boeing assets in the South Pacific including its people, property and information.
His path to Concordia St. Paul began in 2014 when his unit at Boeing was going to be outsourced. “I never needed a bachelor’s degree before then. I was making enough money to support my family and enjoyed my work. When it came time to look, I turned to Google to find the best possible program for me at this stage of my life, working 60 hour weeks with three daughters transitioning from high school to college.” Upon seeing Concordia’s online program for human resource management, Bell knew he found the right fit.
On a daily basis, Bell handles anything from counterespionage to security assessments of individual sites.
In late 2014, Bell interviewed for the position in Sydney, which was the first of its kind in the South Pacific. After transferring internationally about six months later, Bell continued his Concordia courses online. “This was a huge change for me. I had a few international assignments prior to this in the Air Force, but living internationally was a new experience. I even sold a five acre farm. But my daughters had all moved out and it seemed like the right time and the right opportunity.”
“This is the largest region outside the U.S. with 400 employees in 25 sites. I support each of these sites in ensuring their security measures are top-notch,” says Bell. During a security assessment, Bell ensures that systems are protected and Boeing’s standards are met. “It’s a high-stress job,” Bell says. “We don’t want company information released and this region faces a huge threat from the hacking attempts coming out of Asia.” Bell works alongside computer specialists that test each layer of security (i.e. badging, card readers, email, online databases, etc.) to keep hackers out of the system. Security is not a new responsibility for Bell. After high school, he earned an associate’s degree in criminal justice before joining the Air Force. An airman at age 20 in Vandenberg, Calif., Rick was an airport police for space command. Following his discharge in 1989, he has worked for Boeing in various security positions.
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In spite of this dramatic life style change, Bell is happy he made the move. “Though it’s an intense job, I got to come out here and create the security and execution plan from scratch. In many ways, it is my baby.” He enjoys the unique dynamics that the region brings to his work. “There are many exciting things coming out of Asia and we do a lot of business there. At the same time, this area deals with terrorism and many high risk locations.” In the next decade, Bell plans to return home to the U.S. “Though I love living in Australia, especially right on the beach, I would like to retire in a few years from Boeing and move onto something else,” he says. Ideally, he would like to serve as a human resources consultant for Boeing or another major aerospace company assisting with corporate investigations. “I look at this experience as my adventure between raising my kids and having grandchildren. I’m enjoying my time here and am looking forward to what life will bring me in the future.”
CSP Ministry
Luther’s Legacy Lives On at Concordia St. Paul A message from CSP Pastor Tom Gundermann Saved By Grace! As the celebration approaches for “Luther 500” across God’s globe, Concordia University, St. Paul is ready to observe, celebrate, and continue Luther’s legacy of grace, faith, Scripture and Christ alone. Already this year the words “Saved by Grace,” CSP’s theme for this academic year, echo through campus in anticipation of this upcoming Reformation season. Victory is ours in Christ alone! Is there any news that could be better? Every day of class at Concordia students, faculty, and staff gather for chapel. Chapel is a daily reminder of God’s grace in our lives. It also is Concordia’s “Family Devotion” moment each day to remember God’s underserved love. All are welcome, Christ is honored! Day one of each week will be dedicated to highlighting many aspects of the Reformation. We are calling Mondays in Chapel for this fall, “What Does This Mean? Mondays”. By dedicating a day each week in chapel to the topic of Reformation, in addition to the many other celebrations, observances and events on campus, we pray students are moved by the truth that is found in God’s Word alone. Again, there is no greater news! You are invited. If you live in the Twin Cities or in the region please feel invited and welcome to come to campus and celebrate with us. God has blessed Concordia with deeply faithful and talented staff and faculty. Those who will contribute to CSP’s Monday family devotions dedicated as “What Does This Mean?” Mondays will come from several corners of campus, including but not limited to the theology and ministry, music, and art departments. Righteousness at Christ’s expense is God’s gift to God’s children, all God’s children, of every skin color, language and background.
Visit CSP Ministry Online csp.edu/CSPMinistry
Although Concordia, along with the rest of fallen creation, ministers in a state of sin, what could be more important than continuing to articulate Biblical truths? God created us and we have fallen into sin. But God redeemed us through grace alone even as we were His enemies with no hope of salvation. And now he prepares a place for us in eternity. Come celebrate with us for the main event on campus on October 29 at 4 p.m., as the Minnesota North and South Districts combine with CSP to host our Synodical President as preacher for a Reformation Worship service. Each day in preparation of Christ’s return is a gift of God. God’s blessings to you we as prepare for a special Reformation season. God’s blessings to you as we prepare for the return of the King!
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Concordia Graduates Initial Class of Doctor of Physical Therapy Students Twenty-six students walked across the stage during Commencement this May as the first graduating class of the Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) program. Dr. Peter Rundquist, Director of the DPT program, describes commencement as a special moment not only for the graduates, but also for the DPT faculty. “Seeing them in their regalia at graduation reminded us why we do what we do. This was augmented when Dr. Michael Walcheski asked if he could announce each student as Doctor. Of course, the answer was yes,” says Rundquist. Beginning fall 2014, this initial class put a lot of faith in Concordia as they started their coursework in a not-yetaccredited program. Rundquist was impressed and grateful for these students, stating “The first cohort of students were trailblazers and quite comfortable with change. As the program was not accredited while they attended CSP, they may not have been able to take the board exam when all was said and done. Accepting the challenge of being the first cohort was a big risk.” These students embraced the chance to be a part of something new. Recent graduate Dr. Alyssa Boben (DPT ’17), currently working at Active PT and Sports in Rochester, Minn., said, “I liked that it was a new program. We had updated syllabi, and focused on recent research and current practice guidelines.” Similarly, Dr. Blake Doane (DPT ’17), currently at the Homestead in Rochester, Minn., found that “being a part of this class was an exciting opportunity. We got to provide a lot of input for what worked and didn’t work. In the end, we contributed to making the program better, and it also made me a better physical therapist.” Dr. Thomas Warfield (DPT ’17), currently at Summit Orthopedics, chose Concordia’s program over another, in large part because of Concordia’s commitment to practical
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learning. He states, “After meeting with Dr. Rundquist for my interview during the application process, I knew the CSP program was exactly what I was looking for. The staggered clinical internship schedule allowed for earlier clinic time, which was extremely important to me. I knew that in the CSP program, compared to other programs that do not put students in the clinic for the first two years, I would be able to get a head start on developing my clinical skills and reasoning.” Luckily, their risk paid off when the program received accreditation on April 26, 2017. One aspect of the program that Boben, Doane and Warfield appreciated was the emphasis on manual therapy skills. “I received a job offer for my current position while I was still a student, namely due to my manual therapy skills. One of the managers told me that the biggest complaint in hiring new graduates is that they have poor and/ or underdeveloped manual skills. Due to the heavy manual therapy focus at Concordia, I was able to hit the job market with skill sets that might be more akin to a therapist that had been practicing for one to two years rather than a typical new graduate,” says Warfield. Over the course of the summer, these graduates took the National Physical Therapy Exam (NPTE), which is a requirement for them to receive their physical therapy license. Of the 26 graduates, 24 passed the exam on their first attempt. This 92.3% passage rate is well above the 2016 national average of 86% of all first-time candidates, according to the Federation of State Boards of Physical Therapy.
CSP News
CSP Initiates December Commencement CSP traditionally celebrates its graduates with a commencement ceremony every May, and starting in 2017 will also hold a December ceremony in the Buetow Music Center Auditorium.
CSP Expands Nursing Program Concordia University, St. Paul is expanding its nursing offerings with the addition of a pre-licensure Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program. The coursework is designed to prepare graduates to take the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX-RN) and to enter the nursing profession as a generalist in a variety of care settings, serving culturally diverse clients of all ages in an ever-changing, dynamic health care context. The program is approved by the Minnesota Board of Nursing. Students will be placed in a cohort-based program that facilitates a network of colleagues throughout the duration of the program. Coursework spans six to eight semesters (depending on previous college work) and includes 65 nursing major credits in addition to other pre-requisite and general education courses. The pre-licensure BSN will be offered year round. The program has full approval from the Higher Learning Commission (HLC) and is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE), and the Minnesota Office of Higher Education. The first cohort is scheduled to start in Fall 2017. “The pre-licensure BSN track is unique as it is offered yearround in a traditional academic setting, enabling students to complete their degree in three years or less, therefore reducing the time required to enter the nursing profession,” said Nursing Department Chair Dr. Josie Christian. “This track, like our existing RN to BSN track, provides a curriculum that is relevant to the current healthcare arena.” The program is housed on the sixth floor of the Central Midway Building across from CSP’s campus. The-11,000 square-foot facility features state-of-the-art simulations labs and classrooms.
In Fall 2016, over 400 students who were eligible to complete their degrees in either the 2017 summer or fall terms completed a survey gathering their interest in participating in a December commencement ceremony. Nearly 70% of fall completers said “yes” or “maybe” to participating, and nearly 50% of that same number would elect NOT to walk the following spring if CSP didn’t offer a December ceremony. As an institution that places students first, it is important to respond to the needs of the growing student population. Survey results support CSP’s need to provide students an opportunity to celebrate their hard work and achievements after completing their degree. The initial December commencement ceremony is scheduled for Saturday, Dec. 16, 2017.
Celebrate the 500th Anniversary of the Reformation The 500th anniversary of the Reformation, commemorating the year Martin Luther made his 95 Theses known to the world, will be celebrated on Concordia’s campus Oct. 28-29, 2017. The focal event for the celebration is a festival worship service in the Gangelhoff Center on Sunday, Oct. 29, featuring LCMS President Rev. Dr. Matthew Harrison. Other weekend events include the Tony-award winning play Luther, featuring a cast of CSP students directed by Mark Rosenwinkel (‘77), a juried art show titled Reformation Reformed with works by Lutheran artists and artists teaching at Lutheran institutions, and a display of Reformation archives from Concordia’s library. The Reformation 500 event is co-sponsored by Concordia University, St. Paul and the Minnesota North and South Districts of the Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod. Full details can be found online at csp.edu/reformation 500.
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Concordia Receives NetVUE Professional Development Award Concordia St. Paul is one of 27 colleges and universities nationwide to receive a Network for Vocation in Undergraduate Education (NetVUE) Professional Development Award for 2017-18. The award is funded by the Council of Independent Colleges (CIC) and Lilly Endowment Inc. Each institution received $5,000–$10,000 for the 2017–2018 academic year to equip campus leaders for the intellectual and theological exploration of vocation among their undergraduate students. “A commitment to vocation is in our DNA as a university affiliated with the Lutheran Church,” CSP Vice President of Academic Affairs Dr. Marilyn Reineck said. “Luther’s view of vocation is that we are called by God to be part of His work in the world. We are called through needs of others and learn so that we can serve and make positive change in our various communities. At Concordia St. Paul, we are privileged to help and influence students who are in varied stages of their
vocation journey discover and affirm their call to be what God has created uniquely for them. That commitment is reflected in our mission and in our promise statement.” The colleges and universities receiving the awards proposed professional development initiatives to help faculty and staff members strengthen institutional practices for vocational exploration and ground the intellectual and theological foundations of these efforts. The grant will be used to fund a seminar, integration of curriculum across CSP, vocation and co-curricular programming and mentoring opportunities. The one-year initiative’s goal is to enhance the vocational knowledge, skills and abilities of Concordia faculty and staff in their shared work to develop and support student-centered undergraduate vocational initiatives. The CIC includes more than 700 colleges, universities and organizations.
SERVICE Alumni Distinguished
RECIPIENTS
The Alumni Distinguished Service Award (ADSA) allows Concordia University, St. Paul to recognize its alumni who are exceptionally accomplished in their fields of endeavor. They have also upheld CSP’s ideals in their profession and in service to the community and church.
Alice Evangeline (Kratt ’62, MA ‘00) Smith was honored as the Distinguished Elementary Teacher of the Year by the Lutheran Education Association in 1996. In 2006, she was honored as the LEA International Teacher of the Year.
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Rev. Dr. David Pruess’ (Acad. ’57, JC ‘59) career of serving the LCMS and the community spans several decades. Having been nominated, appointed, and elected numerous positions over the course of his career, he currently serves as Pastoral Advisor for the MN South District Lutheran Laymen’s League.
Rev. Dr. Robert Rahn (’56) founded the Lutheran Heritage Foundation (LHF), an organization dedicated to translating, publishing and distributing confessional Lutheran materials worldwide.
Thomas Kuseske (Acad. ’64, ‘68) spent his entire career educating students from elementary through college,including an education methods and history course at CSP. Additionally, he taught numerous Bible classes, and served various congregations.
SERVICE Alumni Distinguished
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CSP News
International Students Achieving Success at CSP
Mikayla Smith (’18) Named 2017 Newman Civic Fellows
Concordia St. Paul will welcome nearly 150 international students from 17 different countries during the 2017– 2018 academic year. Retention is an important factor to consider when discussing students, and the fact that CSP’s international students are finding academic and social success is a key indicator of their satisfaction — and why they choose to stay.
Mikayla Smith (community leadership major) is one of 273 students nationwide to be named a 2017 Newman Civic Fellows by Campus Compact, a Boston-based non-profit organization working to advance the public purposes of higher education.
According to FAFSA, retention rates are measured by the number of students who continue their education at the same institution after their first year of studies. CSP’s retention rate has averaged 95% for the past four years. Tiffanie Loeb Schneider, Director of International Student Services at Concordia, said the type of continued support CSP provides is a huge part of why these students are achieving academic success. “International students tend to attribute the importance of affordability, on-campus jobs, career development support, academic advising, and social support to retention,” Loeb Schneider said. Not only do international students benefit from their time at Concordia, but their U.S. classmates do as well. “Studies have shown that students from the U.S. who engage with international students are more likely to appreciate art, literature, languages, and consider problems from a variety of viewpoints,” added Loeb Schneider. “These benefits are extremely valuable as we prepare all Concordia students to be global citizens with a positive impact in their communities.” A total of 51 international students graduated from Concordia last academic year.
The Newman Civic Fellowship is a one-year fellowship for community-committed college students from Campus Compact member institutions. The fellowship honors the late Frank Newman, one of Campus Compact’s founders and a tireless advocate for civic engagement in higher education. In the spirit of Dr. Newman’s leadership, Campus Compact member presidents and chancellors are annually invited to nominate one community-committed student from their institution for the fellowship. These nominees are individuals who have demonstrated an investment in finding solutions for challenges facing communities throughout the country and abroad. “Mikayla is known for her outreach in recruiting and motivating others to be involved in initiatives that address social issues and human needs,” said Concordia President Dr. Tom Ries in the nomination statement. “Her peers, professors and staff observe and identify the genuine care, concern and consistency she exhibits in all that she envisions or undertakes. Mikayla will continue to make significant contributions to Concordia University, the city of St. Paul, the State of Minnesota and beyond.” The Newman Civic Fellowship is supported by the KPMG Foundation and Newman’s Own Foundation.
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Faculty & Staff Highlights CSP art faculty member Cate Vermeland was honored at the annual Minnesota Campus Compact Presidents’ Awards luncheon last spring for her leadership efforts in the development of a campus-community partnership. Vermeland, who has been at CSP since 1994, was honored with the 2017 Presidents’ Civic Engagement Steward Award for her involvement with the Lex-Ham’s Community @ Work event in Fall 2016. This award is given to a faculty or staff member who has significantly advanced their campus’ civic mission by forming strong partnerships and working to institutionalize a culture of practice of engagement.
Dr. John Eggert (Emeritus Professor of Music) has been invited to place his music manuscripts in the archives of the Center for Church Music, located on the campus of Concordia University Chicago. Founded in 2010, the Center for Church Music serves as a repository for special collections and works by influential Christian church musicians, including significant contributions by American Lutherans. Still active as a composer, Dr. Eggert gave 33 years of service to CSP before retiring in 2011.
Keith Williams (Art) presented his Dr. Lynn Gehrke (Education) has been elected to a two-year term as a member of the Minnesota Association of College Teacher Educator's (MACTE) Executive Committee. MACTE is the Minnesota chapter of the American Association of Colleges for Teacher Education (AACTE).
Head women's lacrosse coach Mo Dunnigan represented Team Colombia at the FIL Rathbones Women's Lacrosse World Cup in England this past July, joining the squad as a player for the first time on the world stage. Team Colombia featured an 18-player roster comprised of all Colombian citizens with Dunnigan owning dual citizenship with the U.S. and Colombia. While this is Dunnigan's first tour as a player, she has prior experience on the world stage as a coach for the 2015 U19 Colombian National Team during the World Cup in Scotland.
Dr. Matthew Buns (Kinesiology) co-authored a research study titled, “Using the MAP-IT Framework for Implementing a Homeschool Physical Education Program at a University Campus,” which was recently published in the International Journal of Sports and Physical Education.
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paper "Spiraling Connections: The Art and Life of Gary Erickson" at the 51st annual National Council on Education for the Ceramic Arts convention in Portland, Ore.
In Memory of Jed “Kos” Kosmoski
Concordia baseball assistant and athletics weight room manager Jed “Kos” Kosmoski passed away following an unexpected illness in August. In addition to his duties at CSP, Kos was also a team manager for the Hamline University hockey team. A friend of CSP athletic director and head baseball coach Mark “Lunch” McKenzie since the 1990’s, Kos was hired in a part-time role by former Concordia athletic director Tom Rubbelke. “Kos had a heart as large as Mount Everest. He was dedicated, reliable and honest, and he always put others first,” McKenzie said. “While his daily work was focused on athletics, his impact on the CSP community was wide and deep.” Two batting cages inside the new CSP Athletic Performance Center will be named in honor of Kosmoski and the late Jim Weisner.
CSP Athletics
Three All-Conference CSP Alums Take Three Different Paths To Coaching Careers Jonathan Breitbarth (‘97), Amanda (Behnke, ‘08) Johnson, and Taylor (Auman, ‘13, MBA ‘15) Ramirez have more in common than the fact that all three are Concordia, St. Paul alumni. In addition to their academic ties to Concordia, all three are united by a common theme: each is a head coach for the very team that they were a part of during their time as a CSP student-athlete. Through that lens, each have seen what makes Concordia so unique and are thrilled to be in positions to continue to pass those experiences on to current and future Golden Bears.
The Recruitment and Decision Process Jonathan Breitbarth (‘97) came from Minnesota’s Iron Range in Chisolm and had dreams of seeking an educational path in pre-engineering as he explored his options to run at the next level. Feeling called to pursue his education in a Lutheran setting, coupled with his desire to be in a more diverse area, Breitbarth was drawn to Concordia midway through his college career and transferred from Saint John’s University.
Taylor (Auman, ‘13, MBA ‘15) Ramirez liked the allure of the larger state school campuses in the Northern Sun (NSIC) conference and distance from her hometown in Coon Rapids, Minn. Ramirez ultimately gave Concordia St. Paul a second look during her recruitment later in the 2000’s instead of committing to an NSIC rival women’s golf program because “they were a family (at CSP).”
Amanda (Behnke, ‘08) Johnson was recruited by Concordia in the mid-2000’s out of St. Croix Lutheran High School, but the Eagan, Minn. native had dreams of playing NCAA Division I basketball, opting for Winthrop University in sunny South Carolina before ultimately returning to the Twin Cities and transferring to CSP.
The trio’s experiences came at different stages of Concordia’s growth as an institution, but they each reflect important pieces of what it means to be a Concordia student: a small campus with a family feel located in a thriving metropolitan area allowing students a chance to apply their learning in real world opportunities. continued >
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“ It Just Felt Right ”
– Jonathan Breitbarth
“ Concordia Is A Special Place” – Amanda Johnson
Breitbarth’s campus experience spans two decades. He’s the longest tenured coach on campus and is the second-longest tenured cross country coach in the Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference. He has a strong connection to the campus community, serving in a dual role as Director of Computer Services – a position he has earned from his dedicated service and expertise starting with a position as a help desk worker in 1998 when he was hired to lead the cross country program.
As a basketball player, Johnson was a dominant force who could compile double-doubles (10-plus points and 10-plus rebounds in a game) as frequently as the Golden Bears would register victories as a team.
“Concordia is a special place to those who have been connected either as a student, parent or employee.”
“I’m not only looking for great basketball players in recruiting, but great people. I really pay attention to how they carry themselves on the basketball court when sitting in a gym evaluating. I want players with great work ethic and positive attitude,” says Johnson.
“I was hired to lead the cross country program on a stipend,” recalls Breitbarth who was also deciding on a job offer as an athletic director and social studies teacher at a Lutheran middle school in California. “It was a difficult time and decision, but when Dr. Eric LaMott was able to piece together a dual position working the help desk, it just felt right.”
She also has recent experiences that can help her relate to her student-athletes directly, coming from a Division I program where she spent two years before putting in three years at CSP.
Widely known on campus as simply ‘JB,’ Breitbarth has been part of a lot of dynamic and exciting change throughout his tenure. In his first year, Concordia rolled out a plan to become a ‘laptop university’ – providing all enrolled full-time students with laptops, and announced the move to NCAA Division II athletics to become the only private school in the Twin Cities to offer athletic scholarships. “Concordia is a special place to those who have been connected either as a student, parent or employee. It’s the sense of purpose we share.”
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But as ruthless as she could be on the court powering the team to victories, she’s as down-to-earth and professional off the court. She is seeking the same types of qualities in student-athletes as she builds a program for the first time.
“I learned so much about what it means to be a student-athlete at CSP, and now as a head coach, I know many of the professors from my own experience, I know how the student class schedule works and how to be a successful athlete under that structure and familiar with the campus community as a whole.” Above all, she cares about people. It’s a big part of the allure to Concordia for her, and she lives it every day as a head coach.
“I’m not only looking for great basketball players in recruiting, but great people.” “I find it truly important to build relationships with recruits and maintain those relationships once they get to campus,” she says. “I want them to know coming to CSP that I’ll continue to really care about them and continue to strengthen that bond. I want them to be happy with their decision to be a student-athlete at Concordia.”
CSP Athletics
Athletic/Coaching Highlights Amanda (Behnke, '08) Johnson • 28-20 overall coaching record • 23-16 NSIC coaching record • Two-time NSIC Champion player
“” This Was My Dream ” – Taylor Ramirez
One aspect of athletics that many in the general public aren’t generally aware of is just how difficult it can be to get a head coaching position, and how rare that opportunity is at an alma mater or a dream job. This is something that isn’t being taken for granted by Ramirez, who was working hard to get her first crack at a head coaching position following her two-year stint as CSP men’s and women’s golf graduate assistant coach. “This was my dream. When I found out that the CSP head coaching position opened, my jaw dropped. I was excited and scared at the same time. I had applied for 25 coaching jobs after my GA position ended. I had a couple interviews, but none of them were ‘CSP.’ I felt very hesitant to even want to go anywhere else, I did not think God had this planned for me quite yet, and when I got the job offer just a couple days after my interview I felt unbelievably blessed and am so thankful for this opportunity at CSP.” While Ramirez was being recruited and considering larger state schools, it was through Concordia where she would come into her own. “The professors are so understanding and helpful. They get to know you on a more personal level and push you out of your comfort zone, bringing real life experiences to the classroom which makes the learning experience more relevant to the real world,” says Ramirez.
• Played in three NCAA Tournaments • Two-time WBCA All-America honorable mention • Two-time NSIC Player of the Year • Ranks 8th in career scoring (1,423 points) and 4th in rebounds (726) in just 3 seasons
Jonathan Breitbarth ('97) • Longest tenured CSP athletics head coach (20th year) • Second-longest tenured coach in the Northern Sun • 2001 NSIC Men's Cross Country Coach of the Year • Small School Championships individual winner as an athlete • NAIA Great Plains All-Region performer & UMAC Runner-Up • UMAC Champion in the 800m, 4x800m & 4x400m in track & field • Set seven school records in track & field as a runner for the Comets
Taylor (Auman, '13, MBA '15) Ramirez • Led the women's team to NCAA Central Regional in her first year (6th) • Coached an individual to the NCAA DII Championships in first season • Coached an individual to the NCAA Central Regional in her second year
She’s aiming to keep many of the cultural elements of the golf program in place that made her experience as a student-athlete so memorable.
• Competed at NCAA Central Regional all four years as a student-athlete
“We take pride in being a family at CSP, and this is true on both the men’s and women’s golf teams and something I want to hold onto. We are one of the smaller schools in the NSIC, and in the golf program that’s something we use to our advantage as we can tailor the program to fit the needs of our student-athletes and be more involved to help provide them with a great experience here.”
• Two-time All-NSIC selection and named NSIC AllTournament Team once
• Helped Bears reach the NCAA DII Championships as a sophomore
• Currently ranks 10th in program history with an 84.57 career average
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Class Notes News
Career
1980’s
1950’s Jim Nunn (‘85) was inducted to the Dave Bartlema Minnesota Wrestling Coaches Hall of Fame in April 29, 2017.
2000’s Joy (Spitzack, ‘02) Anderson was elected as the Chairman of the Nominating Committee for Minnesota South District Lutheran Women’s Missionary League.
Rev. Russell Howen (Acad. ‘50, JC ‘52) observed his 60th year in ministry leading worship and preaching at Trinity Lutheran Church in Gardnerville, Neva. He was ordained and installed at Trinity Lutheran Church in Morrill, Nebr. on July 21, 1957. Pastor Howen used the same text of 1 Corinthians 2:2 and theme “Nothing, But Christ” as he used in his initial sermon at Morrill.
1960’s
2010’s Michael Ott (MBA ‘12) was honored by CommScope during the company’s first Innovators in Action Conference celebrating the imaginative solutions, ideas and processes that are moving CommScope to the next level. Michael, a principle engineer, was one of 80 global employees recognized for their creative work and ideas that bring innovation to the wired and wireless industries the company serves. The Innovators in Action program provides the mechanism to identify ideas that are making a difference, and for those who created these ideas to be recognized.
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Philip Fandrei (Acad. ‘51) retired from Sea Foam at the end of 2014.
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Roger Dramstad (A.A. ‘68) retired on June 30, 2017 after 41 years in the pastoral ministry. He served his last congregation at Eternal Hope Lutheran in Brooklyn Park, Minn., for 22 years. Rev. Darrell Kobs (‘69) retired in 2014. He is now serving as Circuit Visitor of the Ft. Smith Circuit, Mid-South District, LCMS.
1970’s Naomi (Cronin, ‘73) Hulver has recently retired and is enjoying her time with her new husband (5 years) and grandson August (3). Donna (Felbinger, ‘75) Hauter retired after serving in the teaching ministry for 40 years of which 39 were at Trinity Lutheran in Amarillo, Texas. Timothy Frusti (‘77) is serving as executive director of MOST Ministries, which leads short term mission teams around the world.
Class Notes
Sherry (Eggert, ‘79) Dopp retired in March 2017 from Jackson Northwest Kidder Middle School in Jackson, Mich. as director of bands. Previously, she spent twenty four years at Trinity Lutheran Church in Jackson as classroom teacher and music/band director. Following that she spent the next eleven years as the director of bands at East Jackson Middle School, before her move to Northwest. She and her husband, Dale, have recently moved to Scottsdale, Ariz. Susan (Gades, ‘78) and Jim Kaiser are currently missionaries in Ethiopia serving as Lutheran Bible translators.
1980’s Pamela (Haltom, ‘85) Draayer celebrated 10 years of working at Mayo Clinic — Rochester in January 2017. She was recently promoted to Assistant Supervisor/Certified Clinical Research Coordinator in Orthopedic Surgery. David Eggen (‘86) was a keynote speaker in Beirut, Lebanon at a conference dealing with how the church can better use technology to spread the Gospel. He attended with a missions organization called Club 1040. In addition to the speaking at the conference, he’ll be working with some local churches to help them understand sound, lighting and video.
2000’s Ronald Allen (‘06, M.A. ‘11) was promoted to Head Men’s Basketball Coach at Newman University (NCAA Division II) in Wichita, Kan. Lisa (Engen, ‘08) Chapek began working for Mayo Clinic – Rochester Dan Abraham Healthy Living Center as a Health and Wellness Coach in January 2017.
Rochelle (Gilard, M.A. ‘09) Pleasant is one of 19 specialists involved in the state grant renewal of the Virginia Infant Toddler Specialist Network that recently received funding to expand services for family and center based programs in Virginia. This network offers on site technical assistance, mentoring, coaching, and training. Rochelle has worked with this network since receiving her Master’s through Concordia St. Paul in 2009.
2010’s After spending the several years in education, John Pimental (‘10) has transitioned into the aviation industry as a pilot. He was recently hired as a First Officer by Skywest Airlines and is based out of Minneapolis. He enjoys writing about his experiences on his blog: GymTeacherGonePilot.com, feel free to follow. Domonique Gilmer (‘12) has accepted a position as an assistant principal at Olson Middle School with Minneapolis Public Schools. He was also voted in as a board member of the Nokomis East Neighborhood Association, representing Morris Park, Minneapolis.
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Joanna Johnson (‘15) has been called by the LCMS Office of International Mission to serve as GEO missionary. She will be teaching at Concordia Middle School in Chiayi, Taiwan.
Brittany (Ewald, ‘08) and Mike Anderson welcomed a baby boy, Cameron Duane, on July 7, 2017.
Breiann Thomas (M.S. ‘16) was offered the Kinesiology 1 Lecturer position at University of Texas at San Antonio. She will be teaching exercise physiology lab, graded exercise testing, and musculoskeletal assessment instruction.
Births/Adoptions
Laura (Schrupp, ‘08) and Joel Stender are happy to announce that their second daughter, Joselyn,was born May 8. She was 8 lbs. 12 oz. and 20.5 inches long. She was welcomed home by her big sister Evelyn.
2000’s David (‘01) and Keri (Shepherd, ‘00) Galchutt thank the Lord for the birth of their second daughter, Addison Dawn, born on Dec. 2, 2016. Addison was baptized on Jan. 1, 2017 at Living Christ Lutheran Church in Chanhassen, Minn. Dr. Lyndsey (Gagas, ‘04) and Justin (‘05) Vandenberg welcomed their second little girl, Brynlee, on Mar. 3, 2017.
Lisa (Hartfield, ‘03) and Brent Borowitz welcomed Emersyn Marie and Emmitt Paul on June 6, 2017.
Rev. Timothy (‘05) and Amanda Fitzner and big brother Luke are proud to announce the birth of Charlotte Renee, born Sept. 19, 2016. Charlotte was baptized by her father at Immanuel Lutheran Church in in Adair, Iowa on Oct. 9, 2016.
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Rowyn Stanley Wyss was born Mar. 10, 2017 to Andy (‘09) and Jayme (Anderson, ‘10) Wyss. Rowyn was delivered at Saint Mary’s Hospital in Rhinelander, Wis. He was baptized on Easter Sunday at Saint Mark’s Lutheran Church, also in Rhinelander.
2010’s Peter (‘11) and Stephanie Johnson welcomed their son, Lucas, into the world April 25, 2017.
Malerie (Riewer, ‘12) and Christopher Klabo’s daughter, Juliette Faith, was born Mar. 7, 2017.
Class Notes
Hoa Nguyen (M.A. ‘12) and Justin White announce the birth of their daughter, Morgan Kathryn Tam White, born Jan. 11, 2017. Morgan joins big sister Emily in the family.
Engagements, Marriages, and Anniversaries 2000’s Jason (‘07) and Luma Simmons were married Dec. 10, 2016 in Puerto Rico.
Deaths 1940’s Frederic Nitschke (Acad. ‘43), of Rochester, Minn., passed away peacefully on May 31, 2017.
1950’s Rachel Amling (JC ‘52), of Valparaiso, Iowa, passed away May 4, 2015. Rev. Arnold Fischer (Acad. ‘50, JC ‘52), of Great Falls, Mont., was called home to heaven to be with his Lord on Jan. 31, 2017 at Peace Hospice with his family at his side.
2010’s Natasha Brumm (‘10) is engaged to Nicholas Johnson. They are expected to be married in Nov. 2017 in Minneapolis.
Sarah Jensen (‘11) and Logan Anderson were engaged in July 2016 and were married on Aug. 12, 2017 at Grace Lutheran Church in Luverne, Minn.
Robert A. Kirschbaum (Acad. ‘52) of Elk River, Minn., passed away on Nov. 11, 2016. Oriel Wolff (JC ‘56), of Readlyn, Iowa, died at home on July 3, 2017. Rev. Lloyd Weiland (JC ‘56), passed away peacefully on July 26, 2017. His ministry served many mid-western parishes and chaplaincies.
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1960’s Corinne (Mott, ‘68) Thompson, of Sheboygan, Wis., went home to be with her Lord on Mar. 13, 2016 at Aurora Sheboygan Memorial Hospital, surrounded by her pastor, husband and family. Laura (Meyer, ‘64) Dinda’s husband Rich, 89, was translated to heaven on Feb. 28, 2017. He translated Christian writing from the 16th and 17th centuries and had taught mainly Latin at Concordia University in Austin for 40 years. Mary Ann Wienandt (A.A ‘68) died Aug. 5, 2016 at Easthaven Villa in Yelm, Wash. She had been battling colorectal cancer since August 2012.
1970’s Rev. Bob Gehrke (‘78) graduated from Concordia Seminary, St. Louis on May 22, 2015 with a Doctor of Ministry degree with an emphasis on Missional Leadership. His Major Applied Project is called “Qualities, Characteristics and Resources that Foster Sustainability in Private Schools.”
1990’s Sara (Hoff, ‘99) Sorenson is pursuing her Master’s in Church Music at Concordia University Wisconsin and has received a scholarship of $8,000 from In Faith Foundation of Minneapolis.
2010’s Jaymes Longstrom (‘16) has been accepted into the M.S. in Exercise Science at the University of South Florida.
1970’s Marsha Durst (‘72) died peacefully at her home on Feb. 13, 2017. Through her life, she gave the world as much color and beauty as the flower gardens that she adored.
1980’s Rev. Rodney Nygren (‘83) passed away May 18, 2017 at the age of 65.
Melanie (Wohlfeil, ‘85) Dressel passed away May 15 at her home in Watertown, Minn. In Dec. 2010, Melanie had surgery for a tumor on her spinal cord, which left her with limited mobility. Then in Oct. 2016, Melanie was diagnosed with acute myeloid leukemia. Her strength throughout these illnesses was extraordinary, as she relied on God and forever remained a loving and caring wife and mother. She will always be remembered for her gentle, compassionate nature and ability to brighten anyone’s day. Raymond King (‘88) passed away on Dec. 29, 2016.
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Education
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Other 1950’s Meta (Grulke, ‘52) Schempf turned 84 on Apr. 23 2017. She was in the first class of girls at Concordia. Meta and her husband, Richard Schempf (‘52), have been happily married for 62 years. They met during their time at Concordia. Meta and Richard both were Lutheran teachers and have served the Lord in four congregations all in Michigan. They have a son, Rev Michael and a daughter Joanne married to Rev. Jeff Walsh. Of the 20 adults in their family 16 have attended Concordias and they now have 4 pastors, directors of family life, Lutheran teachers and music directors serving the Lord on Sunday mornings in various LCMS congregations.
2010’s Neil Lerner (Ed.S. ‘15), current CSP baseball assistant coach, led a group of 25 8th graders in Shanghai as a part of the Chinese immersion program in the Hopkins Public School District. They start learning Chinese in kindergarten and in 8th grade travel to their sister school in Shanghai to learn for a week there. Neil is the Dean of Students at Hopkins West Junior High.
Planned Giving
Closeness that Counts Concordia has always been close to Lynne and Eugene (Acad. ‘67, ‘79) Heuton. Eugene moved to Concordia Academy when he was only 13, and he started and finished his college education at the University. Eugene’s father went to Concordia Academy, and Eugene cannot recall a time when he and his wife were not close to Concordia, its people or its ministries. While the Heutons cherish many magnificent memories of Concordia’s past, it is the future where Concordia will probably play its most significant role in their lives. Recently, Matt Steiner of Concordia’s advancement staff was reminiscing with the Heutons when thoughts and conversation turned to the future. Eugene and Lynne expressed their desire to provide for their two children in a meaningful and thoughtful way. At the same time, they wanted to support the church, other institutions and Concordia that have been so important to them for years. The first thing they realized was their plans were outdated. They would not pass their hard-earned investments to their children as they wanted. They credit Matt Steiner with motivating them to update their plans to protect their children. He showed how a little planning could have a big impact. As they completed the process they found themselves beaming with joy and proud they finally got it done. The Heutons would be able to save and protect the investments they had worked so hard to produce.
Eugene reflects with gratitude on his job as a teacher where he mentored more than 875 elementary and middle-schoolers in the last 35 years. Yet as a parochial school teacher, he never earned a large salary. Even so, the Heutons lived frugally and planned well for retirement. Working with their attorney, they created a charitable remainder unitrust. The instrument has a long name, but simple purpose. When Eugene and Lynne pass away, all their investments will go into this trust. Then it begins to work according to their plans. • Each year for 20 years it pays a percentage of trust funds to both their children. • After that, all remaining funds go to the charitable causes chosen by Eugene and Lynne You don’t have to know how a charitable remainder unitrust works to find out how it can benefit you, your family and your favorite causes. All you have to do is want to provide for those people and institutions important to you. While you may not live across the street from Concordia, it is probably not far from your heart. You can keep Concordia and those important to you close forever, just as the Heutons have. Call or email Matt Steiner at 651-641-8243 or steiner@csp.edu or visit ave.csp.edu/ plannedgiving to find out how you can find the joy and satisfaction the Heutons have found.
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Upcoming Events Alumni TOMtalks: State of the University
Sept. 28 | 12 p.m. Online Alumni Distinguished Service Award Banquet
Sept. 29 | 5:30 p.m. Buenger Education Center Homecoming 2017: Be Golden
Art (cont.) John Martin Bell Gnarled Heritage
Feb. 1–23, 2018 Concordia Gallery
Oct. 28 Science Museum of Minnesota Alumni College: Emerging Issues in Business
Nov. 8 | 12 p.m. Central Time Online TOMtalks: Today and Tomorrow in CSP Ministry
Dec. 7 | 12 p.m. Online
Athletics Visit CSPBEARS.COM to view all athletics schedules.
Art CVA Action: Rise
Sept. 7–Oct. 11 Concordia Gallery Reformation Reformed
Oct. 19–Nov. 15 Concordia Gallery Nascent Site: Sight
Nov. 27–Dec. 14 Concordia Gallery High School Honors Exhibition
Jan. 11–24, 2018 Concordia Gallery
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Shakespeare Under The Stars
Sept. 21 | 10 p.m. Frauenshuh Amphitheatre Luther
Concordia University Ceramics Biennial
Oct. 26–29 | 7:30 p.m. E.M. Pearson Theatre
Mar. 8 – Apr. 4, 2018 Concordia Gallery
Agnes of God
Sept. 30 Sea Foam Stadium CSP at the SMM
Theatre & Dance
Music Instrumental Ensembles Fall Concert
Nov. 7 | 8 p.m. Buetow Music Center Auditorium Glad Tidings of Great Joy 2017 Fine & Performing Arts Christmas Concert
Dec. 1 | 7:30 p.m. Dec. 2 | 4:30 p.m. Dec. 3 | 3 p.m. Buetow Music Center Auditorium Tickets: $15 adult, $12 Student/Senior Ticketworks.com 612-343-3390
Nov. 16–18 | 7:30 p.m. Nov. 19 | 2 p.m. Westlund Theatre Student Directed One Acts
Dec. 7–8 | 7:30 p.m. Westlund Theatre Fall Student Showcase
Dec. 11 | 5 p.m. E.M. Pearson Theatre Kingdom Come
Feb.15–17 | 7:30 p.m. Feb. 18 | 2 p.m. Westlund Theatre Tickets: Ticketworks.com 612-343-3390
Percussion Ensemble
Dec. 5 | 8 p.m. E.M. Pearson Theatre Jazz Concert
Vox 9 Vocal Jazz Ensemble & Blue Rondo Jazz Band Dec. 9 | 7 p.m. E.M. Pearson Theatre
University Commencement
Dec. 16 Buetow Music Center Auditorium
Christmas Vespers Service
Chamber Ensemble, Concert Band, Shades of Harmony Gospel Choir, Vox 9 Dec. 10 | 7 p.m. High School Choir Invitational with Christus Chorus
Feb. 2, 2018 | 7:30 p.m. Instrumental Ensembles Home Concert
Mar. 6, 2018 | 8 p.m.
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Celebrate the 500th Anniversary of the Reformation! OCTOBER 29, 2017
For more information: CSP.EDU/REFORMATION500
Highlights For Fiscal Year 2017 Thank you! CSP alumni, parents, faculty, staff, and friends continue to support our students through their amazing generosity! Thank you for making a difference in the lives of CSP students. Because of your contributions, you have helped create a brighter future for many!
UNIQUE GIFTING OPPORTUNITIES • Become a Responsive Partner by giving a regularly recurring gift • Join the President’s Circle through giving of at least $1,000 in a fiscal year • Direct your Thrivent Choice Dollars to Concordia • Discover if your employer matches your charitable giving
$3,771,130 TOTA L G I V I N G
$2,017,186
THE OPPORTUNIT Y FUND
624 $96,963
NEW DONORS PROVIDING
For these, and more giving opportunities at CSP, go to www.ave.csp.edu/givingopportunities or call 651-641-8222.
QUESTIONS? 1-866-476-9277 | ADVANCEMENT@CSP.EDU
View the 2017 Benefactor Report online at www.ave.csp.edu/benefactorreport
My Path To Concordia Was Far From Traditional Each of us has our own unique path to Concordia. Through God’s grace and generous alumni and friends of Concordia, I’ll be graduating this May with a degree in theology. When I learned of my acceptance to Concordia, I was thrilled, but unsure of how to finance my endeavor. I was about to delay my dream for another semester just before the admissions counselor informed me I was selected for a full scholarship, which was made possible by gifts from Concordia’s generous donors. This is what makes Concordia special – our giving family. Your involvement establishes more than financial assistance and academic programs; you empower students to lead meaningful lives in service to God and our neighbors. With much appreciation,
“I have a prayer that after I graduate, I can honor those people, supporters like you, who made my education possible, that I do right by them and do right by my faith.” – Read more at www.ave.csp.edu/Thomas
Thomas Gustafson | Theology ’2018 P.S. You can empower students like me at www.ave.csp.edu/giving CONCO RDIA ST. PAUL MAGAZINE • FALL 2017
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CONCORDIA HOMECOMING
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